NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: GAZA: Starvation or gunfire — not a humanitarian response

    Source: Oxfam –

    JOINT STATEMENT

    Oxfam and over 170 other NGOs operating in Gaza call for immediate action to end the deadly Israeli distribution scheme (including the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation) in Gaza, revert to the existing UN-led coordination mechanisms, and lift the Israeli government’s blockade on aid and commercial supplies. The 400 aid distribution points operating during the temporary ceasefire across Gaza have now been replaced by just four military-controlled distribution sites, forcing two million people into overcrowded, militarized zones where they face daily gunfire and mass casualties while trying to access food and are denied other life-saving supplies.

    Today, Palestinians in Gaza face an impossible choice: starve or risk being shot while trying desperately to reach food to feed their families. The weeks following the launch of the Israeli distribution scheme have been some of the deadliest and most violent since October 2023. 

    In less than four weeks, more than 500 Palestinians have been killed and almost 4,000 injured just trying to access or distribute food. Israeli forces and armed groups – some reportedly operating with backing from Israeli authorities – now routinely open fire on desperate civilians risking everything just to survive.

    The humanitarian system is being deliberately and systematically dismantled by the Government of Israel’s blockade and restrictions, a blockade now being used to justify shutting down nearly all other aid operations in favour of a deadly, military-controlled alternative that neither protects civilians nor meets basic needs. These measures are designed to sustain a cycle of desperation, danger, and death. Experienced humanitarian actors remain ready to deliver life-saving assistance at scale. Yet more than 100 days since Israeli authorities reimposed a near-total blockade on aid and commercial goods, Gaza’s humanitarian conditions are collapsing faster than at any point in the past 20 months.

    Under the Israeli government’s new scheme, starved and weakened civilians are being forced to trek for hours through dangerous terrain and active conflict zones, only to face a violent, chaotic race to reach fenced, militarized distribution sites with a single entry point. There, thousands are released into chaotic enclosures to fight for limited food supplies. These areas have become sites of repeated massacres in blatant disregard for international humanitarian law. Orphaned children and caregivers are among the dead, with children harmed in over half of the attacks on civilians at these sites. With Gaza’s healthcare system in ruins, many of those shot are left to bleed out alone, beyond the reach of ambulances and denied lifesaving medical care. 

    Amidst severe hunger and famine-like conditions, many families tell us they are now too weak to compete for food rations. Those who do manage to obtain food often return with only a few basic items – nearly impossible to prepare without clean water or fuel to cook with. Fuel is nearly depleted, bringing critical lifesaving services – including bakeries, water systems, ambulances, and hospitals – to a standstill. Families are sheltering under plastic sheets, operating makeshift kitchens amid the rubble, without fuel, clean water, sanitation, or electricity. 

    This is not a humanitarian response.

    Concentrating more than two million people into further confined areas for a chance to feed their families is not a plan to save lives. For 20 months, more than two million people have been subjected to relentless bombardment, the weaponization of food, water and other aid, repeated forced displacement, and systematic dehumanization – all under the watch of the international community. The Sphere Association, which sets minimum standards for quality humanitarian aid, has warned that the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s approach does not adhere to core humanitarian standards and principles.

    This normalization of suffering must not be allowed to stand. States must reject the false choice between deadly, military-controlled food distributions and total denial of aid. States must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, including prohibitions on forced displacement, indiscriminate attacks, and obstruction of humanitarian aid. States must ensure accountability for grave violations of international law. 

    We, the undersigned organizations, once again call on all third states to:

    • Take concrete measures to end the suffocating siege and uphold the right of civilians in Gaza to safely access aid and receive protection. 

    • Urge donors not to fund militarized aid schemes that violate international law, do not adhere to humanitarian principles, deepen harm, and risk complicity in atrocities. 

    • Support the restoration of a unified, UN-led coordination mechanism—grounded in international humanitarian law and inclusive of UNRWA, Palestinian civil society, and the wider humanitarian community—to meet people’s needs.

    We reiterate our urgent calls for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, the release of all hostages and arbitrarily detained prisoners, full humanitarian access at scale, and an end to the pervasive impunity that enables these atrocities and denies Palestinians their basic dignity. 

    The signatories include:

    1.     American Friends Service Committee

    2.     Amnesty International

    3.     Anera 

    4.     Bisan Center for Research and Development 

    5.     Fund for Global Human Rights

    6.     Islamic Relief Worldwide

    7.     Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation

    8.     Médecins du Monde

    9.     Médecins Sans Frontières

    10. MedGlobal 

    11. Medical Aid for Palestinians 

    12. Mennonite Central Committee 

    13. Middle East Children’s Alliance

    14. Norwegian People’s Aid

    15. Norwegian Refugee Council 

    16. Oxfam International 

    17. Pax Christi International 

    18. Saferworld  

    19. Save the Children

    20. Terres des Hommes Italia

    21. War Child 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Oxfam reaction to Spain, Brazil and South Africa launching a new coalition to tax the super-rich

    Source: Oxfam –

    In response to Spain, Brazil and South Africa’s new global coalition to tax the super-rich, launched today at the Fourth Financing for Development Conference in Seville, Oxfam Tax Justice Policy Lead Susana Ruiz said: 

    “We welcome the leadership of Brazil, Spain and South Africa in calling for taxes on the super-rich. People around the world are pushing for more countries to reject the corrupting political influence of oligarchies. Taxation of the super-rich is a vital tool to secure sustainable development and fight inequalities. The wealth of the richest 1% has surged $33.9 trillion since 2015, enough to end annual poverty 22 times, yet billionaires only pay around 0.3% in real taxes.  

    “This extreme inequality is being driven by a financial system that puts the interests of a wealthy few above everyone else. This concentration of wealth is blocking progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals and keeping over three billion people living in poverty: over half of poor countries are spending more on debt repayments than on healthcare or education. 

    “In a tense geopolitical environment, Spain, Brazil and South Africa have taken an important step in forging an alliance here at the UN conference in Seville to show political will for taxation of the super-rich. Now other countries must follow their lead and join forces. This year, the FFD in Seville, COP30 in Brazil and G20 in South Africa are key opportunities for international cooperation to tax the super-rich and invest in a sustainable future that puts human rights and equality at its core.”

    Download the Oxfam report “From Private Profit to Public Power: Financing Development, Not Oligarchy“ which was launched ahead of the Fourth Financing for Development Conference with new analysis on economic inequality.

    Greenpeace and Oxfam International commissioned a study this month on public opinion on taxing the super-rich. The research was conducted by first party data company Dynata in May-June 2025, in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Kenya, Italy, India, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the US. The survey had approximately 1200 respondents per country, with a margin of error of +-2.83%. Together, these countries represent close to half the world’s population. See the results here.

    Oxfam will be hosting a major high-level event together with Club de Madrid, at 7pm on July 1, 2025, in Seville, joined by high-level government representatives on the media briefing note. Journalists are invited to attend and will be prioritized for questions. Please register here.

    Moreover, an official side event on inequality and tax reform will take place at 2.30pm on July 1, 2025, at the FIBES Exhibition Centre room 20 joined by high-level government representatives from Brazil, Spain and South Africa, international organizations and global experts. See note here.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Development Bank approves $47.5 million loan to spur Eswatini’s economic growth


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    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $47.5 million loan to the Kingdom of Eswatini. The loan will support the government’s efforts to transform the economy, achieve sustainable growth, create jobs, improve service delivery, and enhance the livelihoods of its people. 

    The Enhancing Economic Resilience and Competitiveness Program (EERCP) represents a strategic intervention to support Eswatini’s National Development Plan (2023-2028).

    This marks the first phase of a two-year program designed to strengthen the economic foundation of the southern African nation and foster sustainable growth, economic recovery, and sustainable livelihoods for Eswatini people, while addressing mounting fiscal pressures from declining Southern African Customs Union (SACU) revenues and economic headwinds.

    “This operation comes at a critical juncture for Eswatini as the country navigates challenging economic conditions while implementing ambitious reforms,” said Moono Mupotola, African Development Bank Deputy Director General for Southern Africa “Our support will help the Kingdom build fiscal resilience while creating an enabling environment for private sector-led growth that can generate jobs for young people and women.”

    Eswatini’s economy faces significant headwinds, with GDP growth declining from 5% in 2023 to an estimated 3.6% in 2024, primarily due to the impact of extreme droughts on agricultural output. The fiscal deficit has widened from 1.5% in 2023 to an estimated 1.7% in 2024, driven by underperformance in customs revenues and increased public spending pressures.

    With youth unemployment reaching 48.7% and overall unemployment at 35.4%, Eswatini urgently needs structural reforms to unleash the potential of its private sector and create opportunities for its predominantly young population.

    The program focuses on two complementary pillars: deepening fiscal and public financial management reforms, and enhancing competitiveness to promote private sector-led, inclusive, and green growth.

    The program builds on the African Development Bank’s successful track record in Eswatini, including the Support for Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth operation and ongoing technical assistance in state-owned enterprise reforms, procurement, and the implementation of gender policy.

    The Enhancing Economic Resilience and Competitiveness Program places special emphasis on promoting inclusive growth and gender equality. Environmental sustainability is integrated throughout the program.

    The program is expected to deliver measurable improvements by reducing domestic arrears, increasing private sector growth in GDP, boosting renewable energy share, and improving Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (https://apo-opa.co/44KEUgw) scores on fiscal policy and social inclusion. The Country Policy and Institutional Assessment of the African Development Bank is a diagnostic tool that assesses, every two years, the quality of policies and the performance of institutional frameworks in the 54 African countries.

    The EERCP has been developed in close coordination with the World Bank, which provides complementary financing.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media contact:
    Emeka Anuforo
    Communication and External Relations Department
    media@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Iranian President Pezeshkian Signs into Law Suspending Cooperation with UN Nuclear Monitor

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has signed into law a bill suspending cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear monitor, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iranian state media reported on Wednesday. This is one of the most drastic steps Iran has made in its standoff with international powers on its nuclear activities.

    State broadcaster of Iran reported that “Masoud Pezeshkian ratified the bill suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency,” Press TV, Mehr news agency, and semi-official Tasnim news agency stated. The legislation, which occurred after the recent military clashes with Israel and the United States, came into effect officially.

    The suspension comes on the heels of Iran’s Parliament approving the legislation overwhelmingly, gaining 221 votes in support, one abstention, and no opposition from among those present in the 290-seat house. The parliamentary vote then got approval from Iran’s constitutional monitor before it could hit the president’s desk.

    The action follows a build-up of tensions that started on June 13 when Israel bombed Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets, and the US retaliated with attacks on key Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22. Iran condemned the US attacks as a ‘savage assault’ and vowed not to abandon its nuclear program. The 12-day war finally came to an end under a US-facilitated ceasefire that took effect on June 24.

    Iranian officials accused the IAEA of remaining silent throughout the military campaign, stoking Iran’s tensions with the UN nuclear agency over access and transparency. The implications for the IAEA’s ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear program are uncertain, but it is a stark escalation of Iran’s nuclear posture amid rising regional tensions.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A new chapter in how we finance development: Baroness Chapman statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    A new chapter in how we finance development: Baroness Chapman statement

    Minister for Development Baroness Chapman delivers UK national statement at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Seville.

    Good afternoon, everyone.

    Seville must be the start of a new chapter in how we finance development and sustainable growth over the next decade.

    FFD4 sets out three critical shifts; and the UK will respond.

    Firstly, helping countries to raise more of their own revenues.

    The UK will support countries to raise more finance domestically, and manage it better, by sharing expertise from our own revenue authority and finance ministry.

    And we will work with all partners to take urgent action to tackle unsustainable debt. We cannot do this alone.

    We will work through the G20 to strengthen, expand and reform the Common Framework, ensuring timely and predictable relief for debt distressed countries.

    We will work with partners to maintain momentum on reforms to the existing debt architecture including to make restructurings quicker and more efficient.

    We must also ensure future debt sustainability by pressing for more responsible and transparent lending and borrowing and scaling UK-championed clauses that pause debt repayments when a crisis hits.

    The second is on mobilising international finance at scale.

    Increasing access to finance from all sources, beyond ODA.

    Leveraging and multiplying wherever we can.

    We need private capital at a much greater scale in developing countries. We are proud to launch a coalition of governments, finance institutions, and investors at FFD4.

    With the aim of mobilising high-quality finance for emerging and developing economies through stock exchanges.

    We will work with the UK industry experts to unlock and scale up global institutional capital, develop local currency markets and help to tackle exchange rate risks in developing countries.

    I will look at the evidence on the barriers to investment, and if there need to be changes to our regulatory approach, I will need to work with international partners and groups to build a coalition to call for those changes.

    And we welcome the ambition to triple the size of MDB financing. This will require stretching balance sheets and using guarantees, but that can only get us so far. 

    We will also need to inject more capital into some MDBs, which is why the UK supports a capital increase for the World Bank’s IBRD, conditional on reforms.

    If agreed, this could unlock billions of dollars annually.  

    We have heard the call to explore new sources of climate finance. That is why we have committed to and are pushing for agreement on the International Maritime Organisation’s Net Zero Framework.

    The third is making the system work better for developing countries.

    This means getting behind countries own priorities and plans.

    It means putting women and girls at the heart of everything we do. 

    It also means simplifying and streamlining the aid architecture, so it is easier for countries to engage and access finance.

    We must do more through multilateral organisations that pool and multiply resources, and drive reform across the multilateral system to make it faster, more effective and more sustainable.

    That is why we are proud to be GAVI’s largest investor, as announced last week at the GAVI replenishment.

    It also means creating a fairer system where developing countries have greater voice and participation to shape the outcomes they need.

    That is why the UK is calling for more voice and representation for low-income and vulnerable countries in the World Bank and IMF.

    And ensuring countries can better handle shocks and build resilience to climate change.

    It is unacceptable that only 2% of crisis finance is pre-arranged when 35% of shocks are modellable. 

    That is why we are launching a global coalition to scale up the use of pre-arranged finance. And we will work with the insurance industry to help deliver this.

    I am proud that the UK will be the first country to report and publish our annual pre -arranged finance figures.

    This work is urgent and cannot wait.

    So let us make Seville a springboard for what can and must come next.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Further consultation on future of council-run care centres

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Wednesday, 2nd July 2025

    The city council is running a phase 3 consultation on the future of its three council-run care centres: Kenrick, Perry Tree and Ann Marie Howes.

    Perry Tree care centre

    This follows feedback from the previous two consultations and takes into account the government commitment to integrated health and social care and an analysis of the current and future demand for social care support in Birmingham.

    The revised proposed option would mean Birmingham City Council keeping the three Care Centres open, providing residential and respite care at Kenrick centre and integrated and intermediate care across Ann Marie Howes and Perry Tree centres.

    The latter would support improved hospital discharge and enable people to regain their independence before going home.

    The proposal would deliver a minimum of £2.8m of savings with the remainder of the original savings delivered through several schemes which support more efficient hospital discharge through the better care fund.

    Cllr Khan said: “This revised option demonstrates that we have listened to local people on the future of the care centres and that the commitment we have with health partners on the integration of health and social care will improve outcomes for local people.

    “I would urge people to take part in this latest consultation to provide us with feedback on the revised option.”

    The consultation can be found here on the Birmingham Be Heard website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosmolodezh.Grants: Polytechnic University received over 15 million rubles for the development of student communities and mentoring

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Polytechnic University was among 89 winners of the large-scale Rosmolodezh. Grants competition among universities. This time, the traditional competition was transformed with a focus on supporting youth policy development programs at the university. The grant is designed for two years and is aimed at systemic work and comprehensive development of leaders of student initiatives and communities.

    This year, 293 educational institutions submitted 2803 project solutions, and SPbPU was among the best. The decision to support the initiatives of the Polytechnic University confirms the high level of implementation of the youth policy strategy at the university and the involvement of student community leaders in the development of the institution.

    The Community Trajectory project includes eight solutions (six in the first year of implementation, two in the second) with a total coverage of more than 7,000 students, integrated into the life cycle of work with youth as part of the implementation of the target model of youth policy at SPbPU until 2030.

    Let’s talk about the projects in more detail.

    The historical program “Light Up Knowledge” involves the creation of a corporate-level monitoring system for students during the adaptation process at SPbPU.

    In order to implement the project for the leaders of student communities “Activation”, a vector of development of associations in SPbPU will be formed within the framework of the implementation of the youth policy strategy. It is planned to develop a unified system of support and mentoring, which will help transform the directions of development of communities at the university.

    The student media space “Medialab” will be created to support systemically important communities in the media environment. The goal is to popularize the development trajectories of leaders and the implementation of youth policy at the Polytechnic within the framework of national goals.

    The new model of student self-government “Academic Leader” will be aimed at interaction with the academic group. Its main task is to promote the development of the student self-government system at SPbPU, as well as to identify and train leaders among students for various associations. The emphasis will be on the implementation of the goals and objectives of youth policy and the transmission of values.

    During the implementation of the mentoring program of the Public Institute “Adapters”, a basis will be created for the formation of future mentors, members of the Association of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Graduates.

    The AI in PolyCapital system is designed to model the trajectories of student community leaders. It is a single digital ecosystem that allows for effective tracking of talented representatives by modeling their career trajectories through youth policy implementation programs at SPbPU and in the country.

    The ProActive media project is aimed at developing an information support system that will help form a new image of a polytechnic leader within the framework of a new model of interaction between communities and the university. The key feature is the active involvement of prominent representatives of various associations.

    In the process of implementing the project for leaders of student communities “Activation of the Community Model”, it is planned to develop and test a new model of interaction with the Polytechnic associations. A key role will be played by graduate mentors who will become part of the system of support for the development trajectories of communities. The designed model will become a methodological basis for scaling practices and exchanging experience between universities of St. Petersburg and the country.

    All project decisions will be implemented through five modules aimed at involving students who are part of university student communities in the youth policy implementation program. The main focus will be on achieving national goals and indicators.

    The project is integrated into the general system of implementing the regional state youth policy, as well as the Working Program for the Education of Students and the Implementation of the SPbPU Youth Policy for 2025–2030. It meets the key areas of youth policy that are developing in our country. The project is a good example of the implementation of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of 07.05.2024 No. 309 “On the National Development Goals of the Russian Federation for the Period up to 2030 and for the Perspective Up to 2036”, as well as the initiatives “Russia — the Country of Opportunities”, “Universities for the Generation of Leaders” of the National Project “Youth and Children”.

    The result will be the development of a new model of a university student community (a system-forming community) with elements of mentoring. It will be focused on the partnership of universities in solving problems in the field of youth policy. The model will become the foundation for the formation of communities of graduate mentors in the university environment.

    Methodological and expert support will be provided by partners – the Mashuk knowledge center, ANO Russia – Country of Opportunities, the Committee on Youth Policy and Interaction with Public Organizations of St. Petersburg, the Standing Commission on Youth Policy, Public Associations and Digitalization, Youth Spaces PROSTO, as well as employees of St. Petersburg universities.

    #Rosmolodzh. Graints

    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 Russia: Photo exhibition about charity and good deeds opened in the N.E. Bauman Garden

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A free photo exhibition has opened in the N.E. Bauman Garden “A place for good deeds”It reminds us that charity is simple and that anyone can make it a habit if they want to.

    “In order to support someone, you don’t need to wait for a special occasion, because the best time to help is right now. This idea is the basis of our exhibition, reminding that good deeds are within the power of every person. They do not require large investments, only a little desire to make the world a little better,” said

    Ekaterina Dragunova, Chairman of the Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of Moscow.

    The exhibition is open until the end of July. It introduces Muscovites to simple ways to help. Among them, for example, are animal adoption exhibitions, which are regularly held in the capital. Dozens of dogs and cats from shelters find new loving families and go home.

    Whiskers, tails and paws: VDNKh to host 10th summer adoption exhibition for animals from city shelters

    Another example is charity festivals, where you can learn more about city non-profit associations, meet their representatives in person, and buy goods made by the wards of non-profit organizations (NPOs). The next charity festival “City of the Caring” will be held on July 5 and 6 in the N.E. Bauman Garden. Guests can enjoy free master classes, meetings with celebrities, film and cartoon screenings, recreation areas, and meaningful entertainment. You can find out more atevent website.

    The exhibition also tells about charity service on mos.ru. It already features 101 non-profit organizations. They help children, adults and the elderly, large families, combat veterans, as well as homeless animals, environmental, educational and scientific programs. You can support any organization or an entire category in a few clicks.

    Sergei Sobyanin: More than 30 thousand NGOs are registered in Moscow

    In addition, the exhibition will inform about the day of charity subscription, suggest where to find free excursions about the history of Moscow andMoscow patrons of the arts, will tell you what questions the “Atlas of the Philanthropist” podcast answers.

    Here you can also get acquainted with the special project “ABCs of NPO” and sign up your child for a free visit to the children’s eco-center in the KidZania Profession Park. The exhibition will inspire participation in mass sports events that are regularly held in Moscow and where you can get acquainted with the capital’s charity system, and, if desired, combine healthy habits with good deeds.

    You can find out more about how charity is organized in the capital on the project’s website and social networks “City of the caring”. It was presented in 2022 with the support of the Moscow Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Quickly find out the main news of the capital inofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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/156137073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 3D panoramas of Vorobyovy Gory have been published in the mobile application “Discover Moscow”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The mobile application “Discover Moscow” has appeared 3D panoramas of Vorobyovy Gory. Users will see how this area changed over several historical eras, learn what the Vorobyovsky Palace of the Russian tsars of the 18th century looked like, where the restaurant of the enterprising peasant Stepan Krynkin, popular in the city at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, was located, and how the main building of the Moscow State University (MSU) named after M.V. Lomonosov was erected in the mid-20th century. All this will help to imagine the various stages of the territory’s development.

    “The 3D panoramas of Vorobyovy Gory allow you to imagine how this favorite vacation spot for Muscovites and visitors to the capital looked in different eras. For example, one of the panoramas recreates the construction process of the main building of Moscow State University – users can literally witness a historical moment. To enhance the immersion effect, specialists have worked out in detail not only architectural objects, but also elements of nature: birds in flight, grass swaying in the wind. You can see all this both on site and from home, but the most vivid impressions await those who go to the observation deck of Vorobyovy Gory – breathtaking views open up here and you can feel the connection of times,” the press service said.

    Department of Information Technology of the City of Moscow.

    An information stele has been installed on the observation deck of Vorobyovy Gory, which will help you to see the 3D panorama right there. To see it, you need to scan the QR code and download the “Discover Moscow” application. After installing the application, you need to scan the QR code again, click the “View 3D panorama” button and select the period of time you are interested in. Then you can look around through your smartphone camera — historical views will come to life right on the screen.

    The panorama and key historical moments can be studied remotely – at any time and from anywhere in the country. To do this, in the “Discover Moscow” application, find the “Vorobyovy Gory: observation deck” object card, click the “View 3D panorama” button, select the era and explore the area through the screen of your device.

    Sparrow Hills: from the Middle Ages to the present day

    The picturesque Vorobyovy Gory with its panoramic views of Moscow has attracted Russian rulers for centuries. The village of Vorobyevo was mentioned in the 15th century, and in the 16th century, Prince Vasily III built a wooden palace here. Ivan the Terrible took refuge within its walls during the uprising of 1547, and later Boris Godunov and Mikhail Romanov used the residence. In 1684, Princess Sophia ordered a new palace to be built in the Moscow Baroque style.

    It was here that young Peter I became interested in artillery, which largely determined his future interests. After the capital was moved to St. Petersburg, the palace gradually fell into disrepair, and after a fire in 1812, it finally disappeared. Its foundation was discovered in 1901 during the installation of a water pipe. Today, only archival documents and old engravings remind us of the building. But you can see it in the first 3D panorama – just click the button “Vorobyevsky Palace. 18th century”.

    The second 3D panorama will introduce you to a virtual image of another Vorobyovy Gory structure — the Krynkin restaurant of the 19th–20th centuries. It was opened in 1891 by Stepan Krynkin, a native of the village of Vorobyevo. By 1904, the establishment had become a real entertainment center: gypsy choirs were heard here, illusionists performed, reindeer sleigh rides were offered in the winter, roller coasters were offered in the summer, and fireworks were displayed on New Year’s Eve. Krynkin thought through every detail: a narrow-gauge railway with a small locomotive known as the “cuckoo” was even laid for guests, and a boat service was organized. During the revolution, a reading room was built instead of the restaurant, but the building soon burned down, leaving behind only memories and quotes in classical literature.

    The third 3D panorama in the Discover Moscow app visualizes the construction of the legendary Stalinist skyscraper — the main building of Lomonosov Moscow State University. Construction began in 1947. The project was developed by leading architects, including Boris Iofan and Lev Rudnev, and the sculptural design was entrusted to Vera Mukhina’s studio. Construction proceeded at a record pace: by 1949, the frame had already reached 10 floors. Chief engineer Nikolai Nikitin created a unique 15-meter-deep floating foundation and special columns that prevented the building from subsiding in unstable soils. From its construction in 1953 until 1990, the building remained the tallest in Europe. Learn more about the history of the university and the key figures associated with its creation, development, and transformation. Thematic quiz, dedicated to the 270th anniversary of the legendary university. The new stele on Vorobyovy Gory is also part of a special project prepared by the portal “Learn Moscow” and Lomonosov Moscow State University and dedicated to the university’s anniversary.

    Today, Vorobyovy Gory is a unique historical area and a nature reserve in the very center of the capital, as well as one of the four territories of Gorky Park. More than 150 species of animals and birds, as well as about 400 species of plants, including those listed in the Red Book of Moscow, are found here. There are two ecological trails on the territory, each over one and a half kilometers long. This is one of the most picturesque places in the center of the capital, which is perfect for sports and leisurely walks in the forest.

    “Moscow Parks” is a large-scale city initiative aimed at creating comfortable, modern and multifunctional places for recreation. It unites over 50 park areas where you can learn more about culture, play sports, take a walk with the whole family and find solitude in nature. Thanks to the project, unique landscapes and ecosystems are preserved, and bike paths, workout and sports grounds, art objects, children’s playgrounds and summer cafes appear.

    “Get to Know Moscow” — a joint project of the departments of information technology, culture, cultural heritage, education and science. The interactive guide contains, for example, photographs and descriptions of more than 3.5 thousand buildings, monuments, historical sites, over 290 walking routes and information about more than 330 historical figures. Users also have access to mobile application “Get to know Moscow.”

    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”.

    Get the latest news quickly official telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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/156158073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Country and regional analyses underscore urgency of WTO reform

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: Country and regional analyses underscore urgency of WTO reform

    Building on the 2024 regional study, a new 2025 follow-up report commissioned by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and conducted by Oxford Economics provides a country-level look at the consequences of WTO dissolution for ten developing economies: Brazil, Cameroon, China, Egypt, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, South Africa, Türkiye and Vietnam.

    The 2024 regional study (available in English and Spanish) showed that WTO dissolution would have devastating consequences for developing economies across the world, including:

    • A 33% drop in developing countries’ non-fuel goods trade relative to a baseline scenario with the multilateral system still in place;
    • A permanent GDP loss to developing countries of over 5% – driven in part by a 5% decline in foreign direct investment flows;
    • Acute export losses of 43% in low-income economies and 32% in middle-income countries;
    • At a regional level, trade flows in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are most affected, reflective of the large number of LDCs within these groupings. 

    This new country-level analysis confirms those findings and shows the impact on ten examined developing economies:

    • Non-fuel goods exports would fall by up to 45%, with Brazil, India and China among the hardest hit. Even the least affected countries in the sample — Egypt and Guatemala — would face declines of around 20%;
    • Foreign direct investment is projected to fall between 3–6% in the ten countries studied, as rising uncertainty and trade costs undermine investor confidence;
    • Long-run GDP losses are estimated to range from 3% to 6%, with the sharpest contractions in economies highly dependent on export-led growth, such as Vietnam, China and India.

    These figures underscore what is at stake. For developing countries, the breakdown of the multilateral trading system would not just slow progress, it could reverse hard-won development gains.

    The message is clear: the multilateral trading system remains an essential foundation not only for economic growth and poverty reduction, but to also safeguard wider global interests, including supply chain resilience. Preserving and strengthening the WTO is not a theoretical exercise — it is an urgent priority for sustainable development and shared prosperity.

    Why are some countries more exposed than others?

    The research shows that countries with shallow integration into global value chains and limited trade agreements —such as Brazil and India — would face the sharpest export declines. Others, like China and Vietnam, are more integrated into global markets but remain highly dependent on a predictable, rules-based system. In all cases, a WTO dissolution would have far-reaching consequences for growth and development.

    Can FTAs replace the WTO’s rule-based system?

    While regional and bilateral trade agreements offer some protection, they do not offer the global legal certainty and broad-based commitments provided by WTO rules. Even with countries with more extensive FTA networks, such as Guatemala and Egypt, would still face major disruptions. In addition, many FTAs are built on WTO rules. If the global trading system broke down, parts of those agreements could stop working properly, and some deals might need to be rewritten.

    What needs to happen now?

    The findings reinforce the urgency of revitalising and strengthening the multilateral trading system. ICC urges governments to work together to ensure the multilateral trading system is modernised and made fit-for-purpose to meet the demands of today’s global economy.

    Without action, the cost of the erosion of the WTO will fall heaviest on those with the least ability to absorb it and the greatest need for a stable, rules-based global economy. The alternative, as this paper shows, is not just economic disruption for developing countries, but a devastating setback for global development and, ultimately, for the lives and livelihoods of billions.  

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ICC expands Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance to include social impact and supply-chain solutions

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: ICC expands Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance to include social impact and supply-chain solutions

    Launched during the Financing for Future Development conference taking place in Seville, Spain, the updated Principles feature new Principles for Social Trade Finance (PSoTF) that enable lenders to classify facilities whose proceeds directly benefit vulnerable or underserved populations and align with the Social Loan Principles and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, the update introduces the ICC Principles for Sustainability-Linked Supply-Chain Finance (PSL-SCF), providing detailed guidance on KPI selection, target calibration, monitoring and de-classification across all parties involved. This gives buyers and their suppliers a consistent, incentive-based pathway to embed decarbonisation and social metrics in payables-finance programmes.

    Provide your feedback: Industry consultation now open until 5 September 2025

    ICC has launched a public consultation inviting feedback from stakeholders across the trade finance ecosystem on the new components (the PSoTF and PSL-SCF) of the Principles. The survey, available here, is open until 5 September 2025, and is essential to ensure the final framework balances technical rigor with practicality for users operating across diverse geographies and product sets. ICC expects to formally ratify the document in Q3/4 of 2025.

    Contact us: For more information on the Principles for Sustainable Trade Finance or to submit detailed comments, please reach out to:

    More insights

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Tariffs, geopolitical tensions and a turning tide on inflation: here’s what CommBank’s economists are looking out for in FY26 – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    While global risks remain elevated, Australia’s economy is showing signs of resilience.

    “If anyone was still in any doubt that we had entered a new global economic era, the last few months have put those doubts to rest,” according to CBA’s Chief Economist Luke Yeaman and his team, today publishing ‘The CommBank View’, an in-depth analysis of economic issues in the year ahead.

    The report presents a cautiously optimistic outlook for FY26. Despite persistent global headwinds—including trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty—the domestic economy is expected to remain resilient, buoyed by falling interest rates, stabilising inflation, and a rebound in household spending.

    Global Landscape: A New Economic Era

    CBA economists describe the current global environment as a departure from the stability of the “Great Moderation,” likening it instead to the economic volatility seen in the 1970s. The report notes:

    “Conflict, volatility, and economic nationalism will remain defining features of the global economy in FY26.”

    US trade policy is a major source of uncertainty. Tariff rates have tripled since 2024, and further hikes could again disrupt markets. Despite these tensions, the report highlights a willingness among global powers to avoid a full-scale breakdown of economic ties between major economies:

    “The US and China chose to step back from the brink and avoid full economic decoupling — for now the costs are simply too high.”

    Domestic Outlook: On the Path to a Cautious Recovery

    Australia’s economic growth is expected to step up from 1.3% to 2.3% by June 2026, with inflation settling in the RBA’s target band. In light of this, CBA economists expect the RBA to deliver 25 basis point rate cuts in both July and August, bringing the cash rate to 3.35% and then hold at those neutral levels.

    However, consumer behaviour remains a wildcard. While discretionary spending is beginning to recover, the report warns:

    “Consumers may be experiencing some scarring from the sustained cost-of-living crunch. This could see the recovery in household consumption disappoint in FY26.”

    https://youtu.be/bJt4917N5ts

    Key Tr

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: There will be no benefits – the expansion of mortgages with state support for families with children under 14 has been postponed

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Mainfin Bank –

    Why haven’t the authorities agreed to expand the “Family Mortgage”?

    The government, together with the Ministry of Finance, does not approve the expansion of preferential mortgagesThe authorities had to abandon the initiative for a number of reasons:

    high key rate – state support will require significant expenditures from the budget; the Russian budget has been formed – it is difficult to provide for additional expenses; the budget remains tense – only 2 trillion rubles are required for the implementation of preferential mortgage programs in 2025, a revision of the terms will lead to an increase in this amount.

    “The proposal may be considered when the rate drops – we plan to return to the issue and develop new conditions for preferential mortgages,” the government noted.

    It is interesting that outside the framework of lending with state support, mortgages on market terms are not available to most families in 98% of the country’s regions. High rates have led to a decrease in demand for real estate and a cooling of the market.

    What home loan terms are available to families?

    Russian families still have access to preferential mortgages launched in 2018 – the program has been extended until 2030. Since 2024, the conditions have been tightened – you can get a loan:

    families raising a child under 6 years old, as well as children with disabilities at any age; for the purchase of an apartment only in new buildings, and in small cities where the construction of apartment buildings is not actively underway – also on the secondary market; at a rate of up to 6% per annum; with a maximum amount limited to 12 million rubles in Moscow and the region, St. Petersburg and the region, 6 million rubles in other regions.

    The authorities have repeatedly stated the need to revise the parameters of preferential mortgages – loans with state support should become as targeted as possible and accessible only to those borrowers who really need to improve their housing conditions.

    10:00 01.07.2025

    Source:

    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

    хттпс://маинфин.ру/новости/льгот-не-будет-рассирение-ипотеки-с-господдержкой-на-семьи-с-детьми-до-14-лет-отложено

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: 1 July 2025 Sakhalin Region to appear at EEF Far East Street as Asia-Pacific energy and logistics hub Sakhalin Region will again participate in the Far East Street exhibition, scheduled to take place on 3–9 September as part of the 2025 Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. The exhibition is being organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Office of the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District. The country’s only island region will present major investment and social projects, share its unique history and culture, and touch on the development of unmanned aviation.

    Source: Eastern Economic Forum

    1 July 2025

    Sakhalin Region to appear at EEF Far East Street as Asia-Pacific energy and logistics hub

    Sakhalin Region will again participate in the Far East Street exhibition, scheduled to take place on 3–9 September as part of the 2025 Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. The exhibition is being organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Office of the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District. The country’s only island region will present major investment and social projects, share its unique history and culture, and touch on the development of unmanned aviation.

    “Sakhalin Region is one of the Far East’s investment leaders. It ranks fourth on the National Investment Climate Rating and first out of the constituent entities of the Far Eastern Federal District. The manufacturing, coal, and construction industries are all growing. Awaiting entrepreneurs are TAD and free port benefits and preferential treatment in the Kurils. Science and technology are booming in the region. The President has ordered that an international campus be created. An engineering school and electrical engineering laboratory are currently in operation, the first phase of the Oil and Gas Industrial Park has been launched, and a scientific and production centre for the development of unmanned systems established, all contributing to new production facilities, new talent, and train for a new generation of specialists. The local master plan is reinventing Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. There’s no denying there is much to showcase and be proud of in the region,” Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yury Trutnev said.

    The Sakhalin Region’s main pavilion on Far East Street, located next to the investor pavilion in the shape of a scallop shell, will take the form of waves and be decorated with installations related to logistics: a hydrogen train, a UAV, an aircraft, and the port of Korsakov.

    “The EEF has long played an important role in Sakhalin Region’s economic development. We have signed more than 60 agreements here in the past five years, good for some 5,700 jobs, and launched important projects in energy, transport, and education, modernizing the power grid, developing hydrogen energy, spreading gas throughout the region, modernizing port infrastructure, building medical clinics, and developing science as part of the construction of the SakhalinTech campus. It is important to us that Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands become more comfortable and that people want to visit and live here, a goal we will continue to pursue in the future,” Governor of the Sakhalin Region Valery Limarenko said.

    Inside the pavilion, there will be an installation dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, with the exhibition ‘Roads to Victory’ telling the story of the Battle of Sakhalin and the Landing on Shumshu and a film about the expedition to the island and videos reconstructing battles in the Kholmsky and Smirnykhovsky.

    “The President of the Russian Federation has tasked us with creating a memorial complex on Shumshu, one the islands of the Kuril chain, dedicated to the Kuril landing operation, which essentially marked the end of World War II and the defeat of the Kwantung Army. Our soldiers defeated superior forces, demonstrated outstanding heroism, parachuted into the water fully equipped, and attacked tanks and firing points located on high ground. It is one of the most significant pages in our history,” Trutnev said.

    The Tourism zone will feature new historical tours like ‘The Battle of Shumshu’ and ‘The Liberation of Southern Sakhalin’, winter and summer holidays, culinary tours, and the ‘Far East – Land of Adventure’ project.

    The Sakhalin – Russian Showcase zone will feature important projects like the agglomeration master plan and regional development in medicine, science and education, logistics, culture, and the urban environment.

    Another zone has been dedicated to the results of the Sakhalin Region Development Corporation’s work over the last decade and will use multimedia technologies, among others, to report on initiatives by the Mersi Agro Sakhalin livestock complex, the Horizon residential complex, the Uyun territory development project, the agro-park, and the oil service park.

    The UAV and USV zone will showcase the island’s efforts to lead the development of unmanned systems in Russia, with a separate exhibition promoting Sakhalin’s achievements in the field.

    There are plans to host three international forums in Sakhalin Region in 2025: ‘Wings of Sakhalin’, ‘Energy of Sakhalin’, and ‘Islands of Sustainable Development: Climate’ at the new Pushisty Drone Port. The Sakhalin Expo exhibition will be dedicated to the development of congress and exhibition activities in the region.

    The main pavilion will be located next to the ‘Made in Sakhalin’ stand, which will showcase regional clothing, jewellery, souvenir, food, and health brands as well as achievements in the film industry and computer graphics. The pavilion will incorporate works by Sakhalin photographers and musicians into its design and feature a variety of murals, including an image of the Aniva lighthouse, the unofficial symbol of the region.

    The art installation ‘Happy Motherhood’ will symbolize family values in honour of 2025 as the Year of Happy Motherhood on the islands and the focus of the regional government’s social policy on demographic issues and the conditions necessary for women to be mothers without having to sacrifice their careers or their families.

    This year’s cultural programme from the Sakhalin Region will seek to promote local authors and musicians, with songs by Sakhalin composer and poet Georgy Zobov to be performed by artists from the Stage Academy and accompanied by the Aritmia dance studio and Dreambox band. Guests can look forward to performances by the duo Vishnya, who will present a combination of electronic music, songs, and ethnic music, the Larisa Dolina Academy of Pop Music ensemble, which will perform cover versions of well-known Russian hits, and stilt walkers from the 2233 theatre studio.

    A regional delegation will present a series of unique performances entitled ‘Sea Meditation’. Over the course of three days, Sakhalin artist Konstantin Kolupaev will employ his own unique technique to create paintings dedicated to the beauty and power of nature on a huge canvas as viewers observe the master at work.

    The Sakhalin Region sports programme will feature an interactive VR platform, where visitors can try their hand at downhill skiing, ski jumping, or parachuting, and the Beat the Champion chess platform.

    The Eastern Economic Forum will be held on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok from 3–6 September, during which time the Far East Street exhibition will be open to Forum participants, before opening to the general public on 7, 8, and 9 September. The Eastern Economic Forum is being organized by the Roscongress Foundation.

    Read more

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa issues first permit to vaccinate against Avian Influenza

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, July 2, 2025

    South Africa is set to launch its first-ever poultry vaccination campaign in the coming days, marking a significant step in the country’s effort to minimise the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks.

    This follows the Department of Agriculture’s approval of a vaccination permit issued to Astral Foods Limited on 30 June 2025, authorising the company to begin vaccinations against the HPAI virus at one of its broiler breeder farms.

    Making the announcement on Tuesday, Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen confirmed that the initial phase of the campaign will begin with 200 000 broiler breeders, representing approximately five percent of Astral’s total breeding stock, valued at approximately R35 million.

    Steenhuisen hailed this milestone as a testament to the strong partnership between government and the poultry industry in safeguarding national food security and protecting the livelihoods of thousands of South Africans.

    He emphasised that the vaccination campaign is a vital step to strengthen flock immunity and prevent the devastating economic losses witnessed during previous outbreaks.

    “The 2023 outbreak resulted in millions of birds being culled, which led to severe supply disruptions that affected both producers and consumers. The vaccine being used – targeting the H5 strain of the virus – is already approved for use in other countries implementing vaccination strategies against HPAI.

    In May, South Africa suspended imports of live poultry, eggs and fresh (including frozen) poultry meat from Brazil following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza.

    The decision followed a report from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, confirming an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 – clade 2.3.4.4b) on 15 May 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Hlabisa to present CoGTA Budget Vote to NCOP

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, will officially present Budget Vote 3 for the department before the National Council of Provinces (NCOP). 

    The budget will be delivered on Wednesday at 2 pm, under the theme “Every Municipality Must Work.”

    The Minister will be joined by Deputy Minister of CoGTA, Dr Namane Dickson Masemola.

    The budget presentation and engagement forms part of Parliament’s oversight function, providing a platform to transparently present the department’s financial allocations and strategic direction for the 2025/26 financial year.

    According to the department, the budget vote presentation will provide detail key areas of expenditure, offering a comprehensive breakdown of how the department’s resources will be allocated to drive impactful governance. 

    Central to the presentation will be CoGTA’s commitment to addressing critical challenges within local government, including capacity building, governance improvement, and enhanced service delivery mechanisms.

    Hlabisa is also expected to highlight strategic priorities aimed at strengthening the functionality of municipalities nationwide. 

    These include strengthening financial management practices, addressing infrastructure backlogs, and improving intergovernmental relations to create a cohesive framework for sustainable development. 

    “The Minister will also outline the department’s targeted interventions to promote accountability, innovation, and ensure municipalities are well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of communities.” 

    In line with the theme, the presentation will emphasise the importance of collaborative efforts between all spheres of government to achieve integrated development.

    Members of the public may follow proceedings live on Parliament TV (DStv channel 408), or via live stream on the department and Parliament’s YouTube channels, Facebook, and Twitter pages. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Iran enacts law suspending cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian put into effect on Wednesday a law passed by parliament last week to suspend cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, Iranian state media reported.

    Iran has threatened to halt cooperation with the IAEA, accusing it of siding with Western countries and providing a justification for Israel’s air strikes, which began a day after the IAEA board voted to declare Iran in violation of obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    The law stipulates that any future inspection of Iran’s nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency needs approval by Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council.

    Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in an interview with CBS News that the U.S. bombing of Iran’s key Fordow nuclear site has “seriously and heavily damaged” the facility.

    (Reuters)

  • Youth turning entrepreneurs with government-backed training & startup support

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    n a fast evolving economic landscape, youth entrepreneurship is fast gaining momentum, driven by government-backed initiatives focused on skill development and startup support. With various schemes in place and partnerships between local administrations and organizations like SkillingYou, young Indians are being equipped with practical training, business mentorship, and financial guidance.

    These efforts aim to foster self-reliance, reduce unemployment and encourage innovation at the grassroots level. By providing structured support- from aptitude testing to startup launch assistance, the government is enabling a new generation of entrepreneurs who can contribute meaningfully to country’s growth story.

    At district level also, such efforts are being made by the state administrations. To encourage entrepreneurship among the youth of the district, the District Industries Center (DIC) Ghaziabad and SkillingYou, an organization known for its quality technical and educational training, have signed an agreement.

    Through this partnership, young people will get practical business knowledge, structured training, mentorship, and continuous support to help them start and grow their own ventures. Under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udhyami Loan Yojana, eligible youth will also be guided in securing financial assistance for their businesses.

    The agreement was formalized in the presence of Abhinav Gopal (IAS), Chief Development Officer (CDO), Ghaziabad, who played a key role in shaping this initiative. Also present were Nath Paswan, General Manager, DIC Ghaziabad, and Praveen Kumar Rajbhar, Founder and CEO, SkillingYou.

    CDO Abhinav Gopal said, “We want our youth to have the right training and mentorship so they can confidently set up their businesses. Real change happens when timely information and support reach the right people.”

    The program begins with the selection of youth who wish to start their own businesses, for which they will fill out an application form. After applying, they will take a free Yuva Udhyami Aptitude Test through the SkillingYou mobile app to assess their skills in areas such as market understanding, business knowledge, learning mindset, risk-taking ability and financial awareness. Based on the test results, selected participants will be provided with a one-month business training program covering everything from launching a startup to marketing, sales, finance, legal requirements, social media, and the use of AI in business.

    After completing the training, they will receive certificates. Further support will be provided to help them access government loan schemes and set up their businesses with step-by-step guidance and handholding. This initiative is expected to boost new enterprises, create employment opportunities, and strengthen economic growth across the district.

  • Youth turning entrepreneurs with government-backed training & startup support

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    n a fast evolving economic landscape, youth entrepreneurship is fast gaining momentum, driven by government-backed initiatives focused on skill development and startup support. With various schemes in place and partnerships between local administrations and organizations like SkillingYou, young Indians are being equipped with practical training, business mentorship, and financial guidance.

    These efforts aim to foster self-reliance, reduce unemployment and encourage innovation at the grassroots level. By providing structured support- from aptitude testing to startup launch assistance, the government is enabling a new generation of entrepreneurs who can contribute meaningfully to country’s growth story.

    At district level also, such efforts are being made by the state administrations. To encourage entrepreneurship among the youth of the district, the District Industries Center (DIC) Ghaziabad and SkillingYou, an organization known for its quality technical and educational training, have signed an agreement.

    Through this partnership, young people will get practical business knowledge, structured training, mentorship, and continuous support to help them start and grow their own ventures. Under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udhyami Loan Yojana, eligible youth will also be guided in securing financial assistance for their businesses.

    The agreement was formalized in the presence of Abhinav Gopal (IAS), Chief Development Officer (CDO), Ghaziabad, who played a key role in shaping this initiative. Also present were Nath Paswan, General Manager, DIC Ghaziabad, and Praveen Kumar Rajbhar, Founder and CEO, SkillingYou.

    CDO Abhinav Gopal said, “We want our youth to have the right training and mentorship so they can confidently set up their businesses. Real change happens when timely information and support reach the right people.”

    The program begins with the selection of youth who wish to start their own businesses, for which they will fill out an application form. After applying, they will take a free Yuva Udhyami Aptitude Test through the SkillingYou mobile app to assess their skills in areas such as market understanding, business knowledge, learning mindset, risk-taking ability and financial awareness. Based on the test results, selected participants will be provided with a one-month business training program covering everything from launching a startup to marketing, sales, finance, legal requirements, social media, and the use of AI in business.

    After completing the training, they will receive certificates. Further support will be provided to help them access government loan schemes and set up their businesses with step-by-step guidance and handholding. This initiative is expected to boost new enterprises, create employment opportunities, and strengthen economic growth across the district.

  • Youth turning entrepreneurs with government-backed training & startup support

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    n a fast evolving economic landscape, youth entrepreneurship is fast gaining momentum, driven by government-backed initiatives focused on skill development and startup support. With various schemes in place and partnerships between local administrations and organizations like SkillingYou, young Indians are being equipped with practical training, business mentorship, and financial guidance.

    These efforts aim to foster self-reliance, reduce unemployment and encourage innovation at the grassroots level. By providing structured support- from aptitude testing to startup launch assistance, the government is enabling a new generation of entrepreneurs who can contribute meaningfully to country’s growth story.

    At district level also, such efforts are being made by the state administrations. To encourage entrepreneurship among the youth of the district, the District Industries Center (DIC) Ghaziabad and SkillingYou, an organization known for its quality technical and educational training, have signed an agreement.

    Through this partnership, young people will get practical business knowledge, structured training, mentorship, and continuous support to help them start and grow their own ventures. Under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udhyami Loan Yojana, eligible youth will also be guided in securing financial assistance for their businesses.

    The agreement was formalized in the presence of Abhinav Gopal (IAS), Chief Development Officer (CDO), Ghaziabad, who played a key role in shaping this initiative. Also present were Nath Paswan, General Manager, DIC Ghaziabad, and Praveen Kumar Rajbhar, Founder and CEO, SkillingYou.

    CDO Abhinav Gopal said, “We want our youth to have the right training and mentorship so they can confidently set up their businesses. Real change happens when timely information and support reach the right people.”

    The program begins with the selection of youth who wish to start their own businesses, for which they will fill out an application form. After applying, they will take a free Yuva Udhyami Aptitude Test through the SkillingYou mobile app to assess their skills in areas such as market understanding, business knowledge, learning mindset, risk-taking ability and financial awareness. Based on the test results, selected participants will be provided with a one-month business training program covering everything from launching a startup to marketing, sales, finance, legal requirements, social media, and the use of AI in business.

    After completing the training, they will receive certificates. Further support will be provided to help them access government loan schemes and set up their businesses with step-by-step guidance and handholding. This initiative is expected to boost new enterprises, create employment opportunities, and strengthen economic growth across the district.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government to boost legal aid funding to support those at risk of eviction

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government to boost legal aid funding to support those at risk of eviction

    Vulnerable individuals at risk of eviction and homelessness will find it easier to access legal services, thanks to a historic boost in civil legal aid funding confirmed today (2 July) by Minister Sarah Sackman. 

    • Response to consultation sees first major funding rise for housing and immigration legal aid fees in 30 years 

    • Funding uplift aimed at helping those facing homelessness and speeding up asylum processing 

    • An additional £20 million a year investment marks next step in government’s Plan for Change to rebuild legal aid sector 

    Following feedback from a consultation into civil legal aid, the Government will uplift the rates paid for all housing and immigration legal aid work. Providers will see significant increases in all fees, with the overall spending in these categories increasing by 24% for housing work and 30% for immigration work. This represents a significant investment – the first since 1996 – resulting in an increase of £20 million a year once fully implemented.   

    This extra funding means more people will get the support they need, when they need it – reducing stress and preventing delays in housing cases. At the same time, it will help speed up decision-making in immigration cases, ensuring a fairer, faster process for everyone involved. This is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to make the justice system more efficient, fair and accessible. 

    Justice Minister, Sarah Sackman KC MP, said:   

    This vital investment marks a turning point for civil legal aid by boosting funding to build capacity in the sector, helping to enable individuals, regardless of background or income, to uphold their legal rights.

    As part of our Plan for Change we are ensuring that our legal aid providers can deliver vital support where it’s needed most.

    This investment will help to ensure effective access to justice for some of the most vulnerable in our society, supporting a more stable and sustainable legal aid sector – one that is fit for the future and attracts and retains the brightest and the best practitioners.   

    Later this week a separate consultation on uplifting fees for criminal legal aid for solicitors by up to £92 million will conclude. It’s part of the Government’s wider work to invest in the legal aid system and deliver swifter justice for victims alongside Sir Brian Leveson’s independent review of criminal courts. 

    Notes to editors:   

    On Civil Legal Aid Consultation    

    • The Government ran a consultation on increasing legal aid fees for those working in the housing (housing and debt) and immigration (immigration and asylum) sectors, proposing to increase fees to a rate in the region of £65/£69 per hour (non-London/London), or provide a 10% uplift, whichever is higher. Fixed fees will be uplifted by the same percentage as the increase in the underlying hourly rate for that work. This will be implemented as soon as operationally possible with costs scaling up to £20m at steady state. This will increase overall spend by 24% for housing and 30% for immigration.  

    • The changes would mean for example that the fixed fee for Housing work will increase by 42% from £157 to £223 and the fixed fee for asylum legal help will increase by 35% from £413 to £559.  

    • Evidence from the Review of Civil Legal Aid (RoCLA) Call for Evidence included responses from providers that aspects of the current Civil Legal Aid contractual requirements can be unnecessarily restrictive. The consultation sought to gather further evidence for improvements to arrangements for remote advice and face-to-face advice based on client needs.    

    • We plan to implement these fee uplifts as soon as operationally possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ofsted publishes research on vulnerability commissioned from the National Children’s Bureau

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Ofsted publishes research on vulnerability commissioned from the National Children’s Bureau

    The report looks at how Ofsted might consider vulnerability in the context of its inspection and regulation work.

    Ofsted has today published a research report it commissioned from Research in Practice at the National Children’s Bureau (NCB). Research in Practice undertook an evidence review to explore key messages from policy and research before holding 2 phases of stakeholder focus groups. Over 400 participants took part, including professionals from all the sectors Ofsted inspects, young people, parents and carers, and Ofsted staff.

    Read the full report: From trait to state: how Ofsted might consider conceptualising vulnerability for inspection and regulation.

    Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, said:

    I am grateful to Research in Practice at the National Children’s Bureau for carrying out this research for us. It provides useful insight as we continue to develop our work related to vulnerability in children and learners.

    I am committed to putting disadvantaged and vulnerable children at the heart of everything we do.

    Dez Holmes, Director of Research in Practice, said:

    We are hugely grateful to over 500 colleagues across the country for contributing to this fascinating project. The rich expertise of early years, education, further education and social care professionals has been invaluable in helping us at Research in Practice to think through what vulnerability means for children, young people and families. 

    We appreciate the opportunity Ofsted provided. It is rewarding to do work that is explicitly conceptual, whilst potentially being able to influence practice and policy.  

    The work colleagues do across the education and social care sector is as vital as it is complex. Vulnerabilities are varied and affect everyone in different ways. We are delighted to have been able to support critical thinking and reflection.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: China: Authorities must end interference in Tibetan religious practices as Dalai Lama announces succession plan – Amnesty International

    Source: Amnesty International

    Responding to the Dalai Lama outlining the process for his spiritual succession ahead of his 90th birthday, amid longstanding efforts by Chinese authorities to control the reincarnation of Tibetan Buddhist leaders, Amnesty International’s China Director Sarah Brooks said:

    “The Chinese authorities’ ongoing efforts to control the selection of the next Dalai Lama are a direct assault on the right to freedom of religion or belief. Tibetan Buddhists, like all faith communities, must be able to choose their spiritual leaders without coercion or interference by the authorities.

    “The Chinese authorities have a long history of systematically suppressing religious freedom and tightening control over Tibetan Buddhism. For example, in 1995 the authorities forcibly disappeared Gedhun Choekyi Nyima, the boy recognized by the Dalai Lama as the Panchen Lama; Beijing has yet to properly explain his fate and whereabouts.

    “This climate of secrecy, coupled with the imposition of numerous state-appointed religious figures within Tibetan Buddhism, highlights a concerning pattern of state control over religion in China.

    “The Chinese authorities must immediately end political interference in Tibetan religious practices and cease using religious succession as a tool for control and coercion. Authorities must uphold the right of everyone to freedom of religion or belief. They must also immediately allow independent access to Gedhun Choekyi Nyima and take steps to end 30 years of impunity for his disappearance.”

    Background

    His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, announced on Wednesday (2 July) in Dharamshala, India that he will have a successor after his death. He said only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, which he founded, had the authority to recognize his future reincarnation.

    Chinese government policy asserts that all reincarnations of Tibetan Buddhist “Living Buddhas” must be approved by state authorities. This position is detailed in legal instruments such as the 2007 Measures on the Management of Reincarnation of Living Buddhas, which require official vetting and approval by multiple levels of government depending on the religious figure’s influence.

    In its March 2025 white paper, “Human Rights in Xizang in the New Era,” the Chinese government reaffirmed this position, stating that the reincarnation system operates “under the guidance of Buddhist associations and the administration of the government.” The paper boasts that 93 reincarnated Living Buddhas had been confirmed following government approval by the end of 2024, highlighting state control as a key achievement.

    Gedhun Choekyi Nyima was six years old when he was recognized by the Dalai Lama as the 11th Panchen Lama in May 1995. Three days later, he and his family were forcibly disappeared by Chinese authorities. He has not been seen in public since. The Chinese government has since made vague claims that he is “living a normal life”.

    Under international human rights law, including Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), all individuals and communities have the right to adopt and manifest a religion or belief of their choice without coercion. Although China has signed but not ratified the ICCPR, it remains obliged not to defeat the treaty’s object and purpose. Enforced disappearance is a continuous violation under international law until the fate of the individual is clarified.

    The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child and the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances have repeatedly requested information on the whereabouts of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima. The Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief has emphasized that religious communities must be free to determine their leadership without state interference.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Supervision gaps can lead to child abuse – what can be done?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marg Rogers, Senior Lecturer, Early Childhood Education; Post Doctoral Fellow, Manna Institute, University of New England

    Suwatchai Pluemruetai/Shutterstock

    The horrific allegations of child abuse by an early childhood educator in Victoria came to light at a time when the early learning sector was already under fire for previous abuse revelations and safety breaches.

    Parents of young children in early learning services have good reason to be concerned, and it’s important to understand the way learning environments and grooming behaviours interfere with supervision.

    Recent worrying developments

    In March this year, an ABC Four Corners investigation revealed a rising number of breaches and safety concerns in Australian early childhood services.

    Recently, in Queensland, a paedophile was allowed to keep abusing children in services for years because agencies didn’t share complaints about an educator’s sexually abusive behaviour.

    In Australia, 50.4% of children aged five and under, and 35.3% of children aged 12 and under use approved care services such as daycare or after-school care. That’s more than 1.4 million children from more than a million families.

    The vast majority of services and educators are doing an excellent job of educating and caring for our children.

    But due to the recent spate of incidents, many parents have raised important questions about the level of supervision of children, and how acts of abuse can occur in busy services where there are a large number of people.

    Supervision policies and ratios

    There are national standards, laws and regulations about ratios applicable to services in all states and territories, with some very minor variations.

    The ratios between educators and children depend on the type of service and the age of the children. Babies up to 24 months need one educator for every four children. For 24-36 months, this generally increases to one educator for every five children.

    Preschoolers (3-5 years) require one educator for up to 11 children.

    According to government regulations, children should not be alone with educators.

    But challenges to active supervision include:

    • educator leave

    • a lack of casual educators

    • attrition

    • educator burnout and busyness

    • times of stress (including assessment and rating) when vast amounts of paperwork need to be done, reducing active supervision

    • loopholes such as “under the roof” ratios where every adult in the building (such as cleaners, administration staff and cooks) are illegally counted as educators

    • one-to-one times between children and educators, such as nappy changing and toileting

    • quiet and secluded spaces for children which can be very difficult to supervise, like tents and cubby houses.

    Grooming and supervision

    Grooming interferes with effective supervision in early childhood services.

    Abusers of children make the child feel special by giving them special presents, treats and sharing secrets with them. The child then feels cherished, seeking out the abuser.

    Using a variety of tactics, they usually isolate the child from those they are closest to, meaning they are less likely to disclose abuse.

    Abusers groom not only children but also parents, other educators and management. During this process, they are building trust and dependence.

    Children who are being groomed seek out the abuser, which means the child looks happy spending time with the adult, which seems innocent to those supervising.

    What changes are needed?

    While some improvements have been made, much more needs to happen to fix the long-neglected issues that allow abuse in early learning settings.

    Attracting more staff is a starting point, with more than 20,000 educators needed in Australia. This may require equal pay to school teachers with the same qualifications, and an overall improvement in wages.

    And the status of early childhood educators needs to be lifted within the community.

    Effective child protection training is also needed for educators that covers grooming behaviours.

    Additionally, parents need training on these behaviours and how to recognise signs their child might be being abused.

    Children need to learn ways to protect themselves from harm. They need to know what to do if someone asks them to keep secrets (different to surprises), pressures them to do something they don’t want to do, or uses threats.

    Overall, we need agencies responsible for child protection within and between states and territories to talk to each other and systems that work together to keep our children safe.

    If this story has raised any issues for you, please contact one of the services below:

    • 1800 Respect, National counselling helpline: 1800 737 732
    • Bravehearts, counselling and support for survivors of child sexual abuse: 1800 272 831
    • Child Wise, counselling provider: 1800 991 099
    • Lifeline, 24-hour crisis support and suicide preventio: 13 11 14
    • Care Leavers Australia Network: 1800 008 774
    • PartnerSPEAK, peer support for non-offending partners: (03) 9018 7872

    Marg Rogers received Commonwealth funding for her postdoctoral fellowship with the Manna Institute.

    – ref. Supervision gaps can lead to child abuse – what can be done? – https://theconversation.com/supervision-gaps-can-lead-to-child-abuse-what-can-be-done-260284

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: Kerrynne Liddle on seizing more opportunities with Indigenous Australians

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

    From this Sunday, Australians will be celebrating NAIDOC Week, which marks its 50th anniversary this year.

    The week highlights the achievements, history and culture of Australia’s First Peoples. It’s also a time to reflect on the huge effort needed to materially improve the lives of Indigenous communities and individuals.

    On this podcast, we’re joined by Senator Kerrynne Liddle, an Arrernte woman and the first Aboriginal federal parliamentarian from South Australia. Senator Liddle is shadow minister for Indigenous Australians and shadow minister for social services on Opposition Leader Sussan Ley’s frontbench.

    On the Closing the Gap targets, which shows progress being made on only four of the 19 targets, Liddle says a stronger focus is required on early intervention.

    Across all of these areas we know that a very small amount of money goes into prevention and early intervention. And if I take incarceration specifically, in the prison system, we know that 60% of people that are in there actually are often return people. So recidivism is a major issue.

    When you look at the reason why many people are in custody, it is because of violence. So addressing the key issue of violence – hopefully before it begins – is going to be really, really important here.

    But also responding quick enough to support those victim-survivors, who need to be able to remove themselves from that situation, or remove the perpetrator from that situation. That’s going to be crucial for people to able to improve outcomes for themselves. Because if there is much disruption and dysfunction in a family, everyone is affected.

    Liddle says the problems are known, but money isn’t getting to the right places fast enough.

    Only two weeks ago, I was in Mutitjulu in Central Australia, at Uluru. People there were talking about how infrastructure is failing to keep up with demand. They were talking about how people struggle to navigate the service system. They talk about how children don’t have enough activities out of school and they didn’t have enough sports and recreation people.

    This is not new, these are things we hear over and over again. The frustration is money flowing, in a timely manner, and actually ensuring that there is accountability that the money has flowed effectively and for the purpose that it was intended.

    Liddle says her focus will remain on having those “unpleasant conversations” focused on real outcomes, rather than on symbolic causes.

    I just want to say that conversations about acknowledgement of country, welcome to country, and the flags frustrate me when I know that there are children who are deaf before they actually get to school. There are children who aren’t attending school. There are children who are hungry and are finding themselves wandering the streets at night, because it’s not safe to go home.

    They’re the kinds of things I want to continue to talk about, because those are the issues that affect children every single night.

    Drawing on her experience before entering politics, Liddle says helping Indigenous workers integrate into the broader economy can improve personal outcomes.

    These are not intractable [problems]. We can find solutions. I saw that myself, when I was working at [Indigenous tourism company] Voyages. I saw it when I was working in Santos. There were so many good stories about people that just wanted an opportunity. And when it was given to them in sufficient measure, with the right supports that they needed to be successful, they took it up every single time.

    And what was really valuable for them was they were part of the general economy. They were part of the general society. They were a part of the workplace.

    They weren’t relegated to a special Aboriginal employment programme that they could sit on for the rest of their life. It was about saying, ‘you know what? You belong in the economy with all of us and here’s a place for you and we’re going to help you to take that up’. As a person who’s worked in this area, it is extremely satisfying when you identify that opportunity, create that opportunity, and people do respond to that opportunity.

    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. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Kerrynne Liddle on seizing more opportunities with Indigenous Australians – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-kerrynne-liddle-on-seizing-more-opportunities-with-indigenous-australians-260288

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Customers to receive up to £2000 for water service failures

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Customers to receive up to £2000 for water service failures

    Uplifts to Guaranteed Service Standard Scheme will result in up to tenfold increase for customer compensation when they’ve been failed by water companies

    • Increase to water company reimbursements put more money back into customers’ pockets when their services are hit
    • Triggers for compensation to be expanded to include company failure to conduct meter readings and installations
    • One of Environment Secretary’s first promises in office delivered as government rolls out plan to reform the water sector

    Water companies will increase compensation payments to customers up to tenfold from today (2 July), ensuring that the public are more fairly reimbursed for supply issues and low standards of service.  

    Customers will automatically receive more money for issues such as continued low water pressure and cancelled appointments. 

    A key step in the government’s mission to reform the water sector, the move marks the first uplift in compensation rates in 25 years, with the government recognising the urgent need to bring payments in line with inflation and properly compensate households for poor service. 

    Severe issues such as flooding will see customer compensation double from £1,000 to up to £2,000, while households suffering consistent low water pressure will be automatically eligible to receive up to £250 – a huge uplift from the previous compensation rate of just £25.  

    From today, no action will be needed from eligible customers as payments will automatically be credited back to their accounts. 

    Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:  

    Too many water companies are letting down their customers – with leaking pipes, poor water supply and low water pressure.  

    The Government is holding water companies to account by making them put money back into people’s pockets when they fail their customers.

    The government is also working with water companies to expand the list of circumstances that will trigger compensation payments. Compensation for when customers are asked to boil their water due to contaminated supply will come into force later this year. 

    The standards, outlined in the Guaranteed Standards Scheme, set out a baseline for customer service in the water sector. They include providing timely restoration of water supply following an interruption, responding to written complaints and managing the risk of sewer flooding.  

    This comes as part of the government’s action to cut sewage spills and attract investment in the sector, including:  

    • Strengthening regulation to ensure polluting water bosses who cover up their crimes now face two-year prison sentences.
    • Banning unfair bonuses for bosses of six polluting water companies.
    • Launching a record 81 criminal investigations into sewage pollution.
    • Securing £104bn in private sector investment to upgrade crumbling sewage pipes and cut sewage by nearly half by 2030.
    • Launching the Independent Water Commission led by Sir John Cunliffe to modernise the water industry and work with companies and their investors to make the industry one of growth and opportunity.

    Mike Keil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), said:  

    Customers expect to be treated fairly when their water company lets them down, so we’re delighted the Government has moved at pace to strengthen service standards.”  

    This should give people peace of mind they now have far stronger protection from a much broader range of water company service failures – from the slow installation of water meters to the mishandling of debt recovery. As well as bolstering payments for thousands of customers, these changes mark an important step towards restoring trust in the water sector which is at an all-time low.

    David Black, Chief Executive of Ofwat said: 

    We welcome these improvements to guaranteed standards and payments for customers. 

    When customers suffer from problems like low pressure, disruptions to supply or sewer flooding they can experience major stress and inconvenience, and payment amounts must recognise the disruption to their lives when standards are not met.  

    These new changes are another way to make sure customers are protected when companies get it wrong.

    Annex A

    Summary of updates to payment levels for existing standards:

    Existing Standards Coming into force date Old GSS payment New GSS payments Uplift
    Household Non-Household Household Non-Household Household Non-Household
    Appointments not made properly 2 July £20 £40 100%
    Appointments not kept Uprated payments to existing standard – 2 July
    Amended standard 1 Oct    		 £20 £50 150%
    Account queries not actioned on time Uprated payments to existing standard – 2 July
    Amended standard 1 Oct    		 £20 £40 100%
    Requests to change payment arrangements not actioned on time Uprated payments to existing standard – 2 July
    Amended standard 1 Oct    		 £20 £40 100%
    Complaints not actioned on time Uprated payments to existing standard – 2 July
    Amended standard 1 Oct    		 £20 £40 100%
    Less than 48 hours’ notice of planned supply interruption of more than 4 hours 2 July £20 £50 £50 £100 150% 100%
    Supply not restored on time 2 July £20, and £10 for each subsequent 24 hours £50, and £25 for each subsequent 24 hours £50, and £50 for each subsequent 12 hours £100, and £100 for each subsequent 12 hours 150% for initial payment,
    400% for subsequent payment and halved subsequent payment period    		 100% (for both initial and subsequent payment)
    and halved subsequent payment period
    Low pressure 2 July £25
    (once per financial year)    		 £50, up to five payments per financial year – equivalent to just over the average water bill.
    Automatic £250pa for customers with ongoing low pressure    		 100% and increased annual maximum by 10x
    Internal flooding from sewers 2 July Payment equal to annual sewerage charges
    (Minimum payment of £150. Maximum of £1000)    		 Payment equal to annual sewerage charges, at minimum of £300 and maximum of £2000 Min and Max increased by 100%, with provision for repeated incidents in a year to warrant further increases to the maximum (see fig 1)
    External flooding from sewers 2 July Payment equal to 50% of annual sewerage charges
    (Minimum payment of £75. Maximum of £500)    		 Payment equal to 50% of annual sewerage charges, at minimum of £150 and maximum of £1000 Min and Max increased by 100%, with provision for repeated incidents in a year to warrant further increases to the maximum (see fig 1)
    Failure to make automatic GSS payment 2 July £10-20 depending on standard £10-50 depending on standard £40 £100 100-200% depending on standard, consolidating all payments to one value for households and one value for non-households

    Figure 1 –Repeat Sewer Flooding payment bands

    Max Min
    Internal Sewer Flooding £2000 + £500 per repeat occurrence within 12 months £300 + £100 per repeat occurrence within 12 months
    External Sewer Flooding £1000 + £250 per repeat occurrence within 12 months £150 + £50 per repeat occurrence within 12 months

    Summary of new standards

    New Standard Coming into force Information GSS payments
    Household Non-Household
    Core Priority Services 1 Oct The company must keep a list of customers whose circumstances (such as medical or disability) are such that they require additional services to be provided in certain circumstances.

    The company must provide the relevant service to the customer in response to an incident and must inform the customer if they are added to the Core Priority Services Register.

    		 £100 N/A
    Domestic Customer in Arrears 1 Oct Giving information relating to the customer’s non-payment to a Credit Reference Agency or beginning legal proceedings to recover the debt without giving the customer an ‘outstanding charges notice’ and an opportunity to make payment arrangements or make representations in connection with them. £150 N/A
    Reading of Meters 1 Oct The water company must read a customer’s water meter (excluding smart meters) at least once every 13 months £40 (£80 for each subsequent 13-month period) £40 (£80 for each subsequent 13-month period)
    Moving to Measured Charging Supply of Water 1 Oct The water company must (subject to some exceptions) install a water meter upon request and then begin to charge the customer on the basis of the volume of water used.

    If the company fails to do this within the relevant time, the water company must pay the customer.

    		 Payment equivalent to charges payable in the period from the date that charging by volume should have started until meter fitted and charging by volume begins. N/A
    Water Quality Notices 1 Oct Payment is to be made to a customer if a water quality notice is served and supply is not restored by the end of a 48-hour period.

    		 If a notice is in place for longer than 48 hours, £40 plus £20 per additional 24 hours that the notice is in place, up to a maximum of the customer’s annual water supply (not including sewerage services) bill If a notice is in place for longer than 48 hours, £60 plus £40 per additional 24 hours that the notice is in place, up to a maximum of the customer’s annual water supply (not including sewerage services) bill
    Indexation 2 July The payment amounts will increase in line with the consumer price index when this increases by 10% (using September 2025 as the baseline) and rounded to the nearest £5

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Users of the “My ID” application will receive a discount on goods in the stores of the “Made in Moscow” project

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    City residents are offered to buy products of capital brands in the stores of the project “Made in Moscow” at a reduced price. A promo code for a 10 percent discount was posted in the application “My id”.

    The promotion runs from July 1 to August 31. You can buy ceramics, children’s toys, sports and casual clothing, accessories and jewelry, office supplies, books, bags and backpacks, sweets and other products from Moscow manufacturers at a discount. Thanks to the promotion, Moscow businesses have received an additional tool for promoting their products, and city residents have the opportunity to get acquainted with goods that are produced in Moscow. The full list of brands participating in the promotion is published on the project’s website “Made in Moscow”.

    “As part of the promotion, residents will be able to purchase handmade ceramics, children’s toys made from natural materials, sports and casual clothing, accessories and jewelry, stationery, books, bags and backpacks, sweets and other products from Moscow manufacturers at a discount. In total, more than 50 brands are participating in the promotion. The discount promo code is available in the My ID app. To find it, you need to log in to the app, then click on the button with the logo located at the bottom on the main screen. The section will display “Stories”, where the promo code will be indicated, which must be stated at the checkout when making a purchase,” the press service of the capital said.

    Department of Information Technology.

    The My ID mobile app was launched in July 2023. With its help, Muscovites can use digital versions of documents to receive various city services. For example, passport data, taxpayer identification number, insurance number, and compulsory medical insurance policy are stored here. Information can be viewed at any time or shared with trusted persons. Some documents, including a single library card and a Muscovite card, are presented as QR codes and barcodes to make receiving city services even easier.

    You can download the application in app stores or on the special project page atmos.ru portalTo use all services, simply log in using Mos ID (mos.ru account).

    “Made in Moscow” — a project to promote local brands, of which there are currently over seven thousand. The site features over 34 thousand products created in the capital. Entrepreneurs receive free support measures, including information, and participate in major city events. Products made in the capital are presented in five permanent brand stores.

    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, corresponds 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”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/156111073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SEZ Technopolis Moscow leads the ranking of Russian industrial parks and special economic zones

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    For the fifth year in a row, the special economic zone (SEZ) Technopolis Moscow has been a leader in the rating of Russian industrial parks and special economic zones according to the analytical center (AC) Expert. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.

    The rating is formed annually. The main feature of the new, ninth study was the analysis of the level of customer focus of industrial sites as one of the key business requests during the period of global economic transformation.

    “The Technopolis Moscow SEZ is one of the most effective and sought-after tools for supporting the capital’s high-tech business. The companies of the special economic zone regularly create cutting-edge developments that work for the benefit of the entire country. Thus, based on the results of 2024, the rating analysts highly appreciated the contribution of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ to the economy of the Russian Federation, placing it in first place for this indicator. In addition, the Moscow SEZ confirmed its high level of customer focus, receiving the maximum rating score in the Services block,” said Maxim Liksutov.

    In addition, the study assessed the economic efficiency of the activities of management companies of industrial parks and special economic zones. SEZ “Technopolis Moscow” showed one of the best values of average profitability.

    “The Technopolis Moscow SEZ is not only a high-tech industrial infrastructure, but also a space for the development of human and personnel potential. The rating experts noted that in terms of the number of jobs created, the capital’s SEZ is comparable to the employment of a small city. At the moment, more than 22 thousand highly paid jobs have been created in the Moscow SEZ. Educational, sports and leisure events are regularly held for employees and visitors of the special economic zone,” emphasized the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy

    Anatoly Garbuzov.

    As Gennady Degtyarev, General Director of the Technopolis Moscow special economic zone, noted, the capital’s SEZ pays special attention to creating a favorable business environment. For this purpose, new infrastructure is being built, transport accessibility is being improved, and a wide range of services is being provided – from a resident’s personal account to consulting and marketing services. According to him, these measures contribute to the comprehensive socio-economic development of the capital’s special economic zone.

    Sobyanin: Technopolis Moscow will become one of the largest industrial centers in Europe

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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    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/156135073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A block with public and business infrastructure will be built in Teply Stan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The right to implement a project for the integrated development of undeveloped land (IDU) with an area of 4.74 hectares in the Teply Stan district will be put up for auction. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “The city will put up for auction the right to comprehensive development of an undeveloped area in the Teply Stan district in the southwest of the capital. The area of the site is 4.74 hectares. It is located next to the Moscow Ring Road, not far from the Tyutchevskaya metro station. The investor who will be determined based on the results of the auction will be able to build a multifunctional city block there with residential buildings, including for the implementation of the renovation program, and public and business infrastructure. Investments in the project are estimated at 26.62 billion rubles, and the annual budget effect is 419.19 million rubles. The implementation of the project will create about 900 jobs,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    Integrated development projects for undeveloped areas are implemented on sites owned by the city or in cases where state ownership of them is not delimited. Such sites must be free from the rights of third parties.

    “Within the framework of this project, it is planned to build housing with a total area of more than 105 thousand square meters, including for the implementation of the renovation program. In addition, the investor will build a multifunctional complex with an area of about 46 thousand square meters with a multi-level parking for 600 cars and retail space,” noted the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Earlier, the Mayor of Moscow signed a decree on reorganization of undeveloped territory in the Tyoply Stan area.

    According to the program of integrated development of territories, multifunctional city blocks are being created, where roads, comfortable housing and all necessary infrastructure are being designed on the site of former industrial zones and inefficiently used areas. Currently, 302 KRT projects with a total area of about 4.2 thousand hectares are at various stages of development and implementation in Moscow. This work is being carried out on on behalf of Sergei Sobyanin.

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  • MIL-OSI China: Xi urges youth, students’ federations to deepen reform, innovation for new achievements 2025-07-02 15:31:16 Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on youth and students’ federations to adhere to the right political orientation, deepen reform and innovation, and under the Party’s leadership, score new achievements on the new journey.

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

      BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on youth and students’ federations to adhere to the right political orientation, deepen reform and innovation, and under the Party’s leadership, score new achievements on the new journey.

      Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to a session of the All-China Youth Federation and a congress of the All-China Students’ Federation, which opened in Beijing Wednesday morning. 

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