MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
On October 19, a family digital literacy day will be held in the Smart City pavilion at VDNKh. The capital’s Department of Information Technology.
“Residents of the capital are among the most advanced users of online services and services. Our
survey showed that 95 percent of Muscovites use digital solutions daily. Therefore, it is especially important for us that city residents receive up-to-date and reliable information about digital opportunities. This is what the Family Day of Digital Literacy is dedicated to,” the Moscow Department of Information Technology said.
The event will include a public session where experts from the capital’s Department of Information Technology, representatives of public organizations and the IT industry will talk about the role of technology in everyday life and raise important issues in the field of cybersecurity. In addition, visitors will enjoy fascinating lectures and master classes. Guests will learn how to become a blogger and whether it is possible to turn an old smartphone into a microscope. They will also be able to take part in a quiz on digital literacy.
Throughout the day, anyone who wishes will be able to take part in tours of the multimedia exhibition of the Smart City pavilion, including a special exhibition “Digital Technologies of Moscow: for the 30th Anniversary of Runet”Thematic interactive zones will allow guests to get to know the key areas of development of the capital’s digital ecosystem better.
In addition, guests will be able to test their digital skills at the Digital Dictation event. The test will be available in a specially equipped area. The organizers will award unique prizes for the best results.
You can attend the Family Digital Literacy Day events from 11:00 to 18:00 for free, by prior registration.
Family Digital Literacy Day is held as part of the all-Russian campaign “Digital Dictation – 2024” with the support of the Department of Information Technology of the City of Moscow.
The Smart City pavilion at VDNKh was opened in 2016. Here you can take part in master classes, quests, programming workshops, 3D modeling courses, robotics and other events. On the pavilion website You can find out details about each of the spaces, see the dates of upcoming in-person and online events, and register for them.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
In September, Muscovites completed documents for housing in 75 new buildings under the renovation program. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.
“In September, more than 2.6 thousand city residents from 127 old houses located in 46 districts of the capital received keys to new apartments in 75 modern residential complexes built under the renovation program. The largest number of contracts for new housing in the first month of autumn were signed by residents of the Golyanovo and Izmailovo districts – 727 and 354 people, respectively. In Marfino, 258 city residents became owners of apartments,” said Maxim Gaman.
For participants in the renovation program, the mos.ru portal has created apartment viewing appointment service. It allows you to choose a convenient date and time for this. The documents required for concluding contracts are prepared by the employees of the population information centers.
The apartments that Muscovites receive under the renovation program are equipped with electric stoves, plumbing, and lighting fixtures. The area around the new buildings has been landscaped, and playgrounds and sports grounds have been installed. The necessary social infrastructure is located near the buildings.
“In September 2024, 11 residential complexes in six districts of the capital were handed over for settlement. Most of them were in the Eastern Administrative District – four new buildings, two each in the southeast and west, one each in the north, south and in the city center,” clarified the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy
Earlier Sergei Sobyanin reported, that resettlement under the renovation program has already affected more than 176 thousand city residents.
The program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. In 2023 alone, 59 new buildings in the capital were handed over for settlement and the resettlement of over 47 thousand people was ensured. Moscow Mayor ordered to increasethe pace of implementation of the renovation program has doubled.
Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. In recent years, within the framework of the federal project “Housing” of the national project “Housing and Urban Environment” the volume of construction and commissioning of residential properties in the capital has doubled – from three to five to seven million square meters per year. More information about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow can be found Here.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
On October 16, a ceremonial signing of the agreement on the establishment of the basic department of “Agrophysical Engineering” in the Civil Engineering Institute on the basis of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Agrophysical Research Institute” (AFI) took place. The event was attended by the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy and the director of the Civil Engineering Institute Marina Petrochenko. AFI was represented by the director Yury Chesnokov and the leading researcher Tatyana Danilova.
The purpose of creating the basic department is the integration of educational and research activities in priority areas of science and technology: “Rational Nature Management”, “Technologies for Monitoring and Forecasting the State of the Environment, Prevention and Elimination of Pollution”, “Technologies for the Prevention and Elimination of Natural and Man-Made Emergencies”. Including in-depth training of students in the following areas of training: “Construction”, “Technosphere Safety”, “Urban Planning”, “Geoecology”. The development of the main research areas of activity are defined by the “Doctrine of Food Security of the Russian Federation”, “Climate Doctrine of the Russian Federation”, “Ecological Doctrine of the Russian Federation”, as well as the provisions of the “Doctrine of the Development of Russian Science”.
In the near future, the main areas of activity of the basic department of “Agrophysical Engineering” will be the following scientific and educational projects:
development and launch of an open online course “Engineering Land Reclamation” within the framework of the “National Open Education Platform” project; implementation of additional professional education programs in the field of agrophysical engineering and hydromelioration; development of methods for cleaning, restoration and restoration of the functionality of tubular subsurface drainage; use of unmanned aerial vehicles to restore drainage systems; assessment of the quality of drainage systems using remote methods; use of digital technologies in mathematical modeling and computer calculations in land reclamation in hydromelioration; improvement of the quality and fertility of agricultural lands through hydromelioration measures.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Order dated October 14, 2024 No. 2835-r
Document
Order dated October 14, 2024 No. 2835-r
About 270 million rubles will be allocated to a number of regions for the repair and maintenance of hydraulic structures and the improvement of the ecological state of rivers. The order on the redistribution of funding for these purposes was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Almost 240 million rubles are intended for work on 177 hydraulic structures in a number of regions. After the spring floods of 2024, in particular, it is necessary to restore damaged soil slopes of dams and canals, clean water drainage channels from silt deposits, eliminate cracks on the surface of concrete structures and restore anti-corrosion protection.
Federal funding will help improve hydraulic structures that protect 223 cities and towns with a total population of more than 1.1 million people.
In addition, 30 million rubles will be spent on clearing a 9-kilometer section of the Kalmius River in the Donetsk People’s Republic. This will improve the ecological state of the river within the boundaries of the settlements of Larino, Pavlogradskoye, Pridorozhnoye and others.
The work is being carried out within the framework of the federal project “Preservation of Unique Water Bodies”.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The annual meeting of the BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Business Forum will be held in Moscow on October 17-18.
Dear friends!
I am pleased to welcome the participants of the annual meeting of the BRICS Business Council.
Since its establishment, the Business Council has become a popular and effective mechanism for strengthening economic cooperation among BRICS countries. It plays an important role in building a dialogue among the business community.
In the context of ongoing geopolitical transformations, our association faces large-scale tasks. Given the growing sanctions pressure, the disregard of international law and WTO rules by a number of countries, as well as the restructuring of trade and logistics chains, it is necessary to strengthen the global economic system, ensure access to new markets, and create additional opportunities for business. All this is reflected in the priorities of the Russian presidency of BRICS.
We consider it important to increase the volume of e-commerce and unlock the potential of artificial intelligence. It is important to develop digital entrepreneurship, improve the conditions for the active implementation of modern technologies by large companies, small and medium-sized enterprises. To solve this problem, it is necessary to ensure joint research and development, the adoption of common ethical standards, the exchange of experience and best regulatory practices. All this will help simplify business contacts and give impetus to the economic growth of our countries.
We expect that the business community will make a significant contribution to the overall work in all areas of financial and economic cooperation and, in general, will contribute to increasing the role of BRICS in global governance mechanisms, promoting a more equitable system of international relations, and strengthening the association in its status as an organizing principle for the countries of the global South.
I wish the meeting participants fruitful discussions and all the best!
M. Mishustin
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Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the artistic director of the State Academic Russian Folk Choir named after M.E. Pyatnitsky on his anniversary.
The telegram states, in particular:
“Thanks to your talent and constant creative search, you were able, while preserving all the best from your predecessors, to combine singing, music and dance traditions from different parts of Russia with modern trends in the performing arts. The concert programs you created reveal the beauty and versatility of Russian folklore and are very popular with viewers not only in our country, but also far beyond its borders.
I wish you good health and all the best.”
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev took part in the grand opening of the Fencing Palace named after Honored Trainer of the RSFSR and USSR Ramil Ayupov and launched the international competition “Saber of Salavat” among juniors.
Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a fencing center in Ufa as part of the Russia – Sports Power forum
October 17, 2024
International competition “Saber of Salavat” among juniors
October 17, 2024
International competition “Saber of Salavat” among juniors
October 17, 2024
International competition “Saber of Salavat” among juniors
October 17, 2024
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Dmitry Chernyshenko opened a fencing center in Ufa as part of the Russia – Sports Power forum
The event took place as part of the XII International Sports Forum “Russia – Sports Power”, which is taking place in Ufa from October 17 to 19. The ceremony was also attended by the President of the Russian Fencing Federation Ilgar Mamedov and the Acting Prime Minister of the Government of Bashkortostan Andrey Nazarov.
“I am glad to welcome you to the opening of the arena, where competitions in this romantic, but incredibly useful and very important for our country sport will be held. A huge number of boys and girls, inspired by the victories of our great athletes, will definitely come here to train, and new stars will appear on the sports horizon of our country. It is symbolic that the opening is taking place in the year of the 450th anniversary of Ufa and just at the time when the forum “Russia – a Sports Power” is taking place in the capital of Bashkortostan,” the Deputy Prime Minister addressed the participants.
Dmitry Chernyshenko recalled that our country has given the world a huge number of talents.
“All this is happening thanks to the policy and attitude towards sports of President Vladimir Putin, who is an athlete himself and sets a very high bar for us. Here I would also like to note and thank the leadership of the republic – Radiy Faritovich Khabirov, who pays great attention to the development of this sphere in the region. There are more than 13 thousand sports facilities in the region, and their number continues to increase. The level of sports equipment in the republic is one of the highest in the country – 74.5%,” he noted.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the rate of population involvement in regular sports activities exceeds the national average. More than 2 million residents of Bashkortostan regularly engage in sports due to the fact that the republic has the infrastructure.
“I want everyone to think once again about a healthy lifestyle on this festive day and help the leadership of the republic and the entire country fulfill the order given by the President: so that 70% of our residents regularly engage in sports,” urged Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The new fencing palace includes 28 fencing lanes, a multi-purpose hall with stands for 373 spectators, specialized and training halls, warm-up and recovery areas, as well as coaching and refereeing rooms. The palace is equipped with the latest refereeing systems and electronics for recording results, which will allow competitions of the highest level to be held.
At the opening ceremony of the center, Andrei Nazarov emphasized that the region had been preparing for several years for an important sporting event for the entire country – the international forum “Russia – a Sports Power”.
“Our athletes show excellent results, achieving high achievements in the international arenas. The entire international and Russian arena knows the Bashkir Olympic fencers. I am sure that the modern Fencing Center will become a real springboard for new sporting achievements that will glorify Russia and Bashkortostan in the world arena,” the acting Prime Minister of the Government of Bashkortostan greeted the guests and athletes at the ceremonial event.
The first international fencing competition “Sabre of Salavat” has started in the new palace. About 120 athletes from Russia, Belarus and Uzbekistan will take part in individual competitions among juniors under 21, individual competitions among juniors under 24 and team competitions under 24.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
In October, the final of the international financial security Olympiad was held for the fourth time on the federal territory of Sirius. 550 participants from 36 countries, including students of the Polytechnic University, competed for the title of the best. Every year, the competition brings together more and more participants who are ready to cope with new challenges in the field of financial security. This year, 22,000 people from all over the world took part in the selection stage alone.
Polytechnic University was represented in the final by three students from the Higher School of Engineering and Economics of IPMEIT and a student from the Higher School of Cybersecurity of IKNK. The students were able not only to test their knowledge, but also to communicate with the professional community and employers, participate in master classes and panel discussions. The participants asked their questions to experts, competed in the ability to conduct financial investigations using the Grafus program, and went on excursions and sports competitions.
The winners and prize winners of the Olympiad were 38 schoolchildren and 138 students. Among them were students of the Polytechnic University’s Economic Security program: Olga Maklakova, Anna Malets and Egor Reshetin.
It should be added that the Polytechnic University is an active member of the international network institute in the field of combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The University supports not only the Olympiad, but also the international movement for financial security.
In addition to students and schoolchildren, IPMEiT teachers participated in the final stage of the Olympiad: Director of the Higher School of Engineering and Economics Dmitry Rodionov, Head of the Economic Security Program Olga Nadezhina, Associate Professor Tatyana Mokeeva. The SPbPU Humanitarian Institute was represented by Associate Professor of the Higher School of International Relations Anna Mokhorova, Associate Professor Alexandra Kobicheva and Assistant of the Higher School of Law and Forensic Science Bella Nyrova. The delegation of schoolchildren from the Northwestern Federal District was accompanied by the manager of the Polytechnic University Applicant Center Evgenia Lyzlova. Evgenia became an expert at the meeting of participants “Class Hour: How to Enter the University of Your Dreams” and spoke about the opportunities of the Polytechnic University.
Dmitry Rodionov, Olga Nadezhina and Tatyana Mokeeva held an interactive workshop “Digital tools for analyzing public procurement to ensure financial security.” They shared their experience of how digital tools can be used to identify potentially suspicious public procurement, increase the effectiveness of control over them in order to ensure the country’s financial security, and presented a unique methodology for using digital tools to identify unfair practices in public procurement. At a meeting of the council of the international network institute in the field of combating money laundering and terrorist financing, the main issue of which was the development of the international movement for financial security, Olga Nadezhina was awarded an honorary diploma for her personal contribution to the development of the international network institute in the field of AML/CFT.
Also, within the framework of the Olympiad, an international dictation on financial security was held for the first time. Its co-organizer, along with Rosfinmonitoring, MSI, the Center for Inter-Olympiad Training (FIAN), ARFG, was also Polytechnic. Everyone could test their level of knowledge. Over 17,000 people wrote the dictation in two weeks. The Northwestern Federal District became the most active in terms of the number of participants.
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Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
On 17–18 October, Sweden’s Minister for Defence Pål Jonson will meet with his colleagues from other NATO member countries in Brussels. Part of the meeting will also be attended for the first time by the defence ministers of Australia, Japan, South Korea and New Zealand – NATO’s partners known as the Indo-Pacific Four (IP4).
The agenda includes discussions on continuing and deepening NATO’s cooperation with the IP4.
At the meeting in Brussels, the NATO defence ministers will also discuss deeper cooperation between NATO and the EU, and reinforcements of NATO’s deterrence and defence capabilities.
They will also discuss continued support to Ukraine and the support being provided to Russia by Iran, China and North Korea.
This is the first NATO ministerial meeting led by new Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Press contact
More about the Meeting of NATO Defence Ministers on 17–18 October
More information about the Meeting of Defence Ministers on 17–18 October is available on the NATO website. Images and video material from the meeting will also be published on the website as they become available.
About the North Atlantic Council (NAC)
The North Atlantic Council (NAC) is the principal political decision-making body within NATO. For the NAC’s day-to-day work, member countries are represented by their NATO Ambassadors.
The NAC meets a number of times a year at the levels of defence ministers, foreign ministers and heads of state and government. Normally, one NATO summit, two meetings of NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs and three meetings of NATO Defence Ministers are held each year. The NATO Secretary General chairs the NAC.
Source: Switzerland – Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport
Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports
Bern, 17.10.2024 – Opening address by President Viola Amherd, head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), at the Ukraine Mine Action Conference UMAC2024, Lausanne, Thursday, 17 October 2024.
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Prime Minister, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honour to welcome you, Mr Prime Minister, to Lausanne today, and to open this conference with you.
The next two days will be dedicated to one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time: humanitarian demining.
Mines, cluster munitions and explosive remnants of war have a devastating impact: they claim thousands of lives every year, make land impassable, resources inaccessible and hamper economic development.
Every improvised explosive device that we defuse is a step towards security, progress and a better life – this is the conviction that lies at the heart of our efforts.
Today, humanitarian mine action is faced with major challenges.
The Ottawa Convention bans anti-personnel mines, because they kill and maim indiscriminately. While the initial success of the Convention inspired optimism, in recent years this has given way to a certain disillusionment.
Since 2014, the number of victims has started to rise again. Ongoing armed conflicts, such as Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine, bring new contamination from mines and other weapons. The effects of urban warfare and the use of improvised explosive devices are particularly severe.
These developments reflect the global situation, which is marked by growing geopolitical tensions.
This makes it all the more important, especially in view of the rising number of victims, to continue our efforts to improve the protection of the civilian population from the dangers of mines and other remnants of war.
Humanitarian demining is not only a matter of safety, but also a precondition for recovery, in particular for the resumption of agricultural production and the education of children.
I call on all states to join the Ottawa Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and to support them to the best of their abilities.
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Four months ago, the international community met on the Bürgenstock for the Summit on Peace in Ukraine. At the opening, I spoke of our goal to set in motion a process that will lead to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The current conference follows on from this, because living in peace also means being free from the fear of mines and remnants of war. Switzerland has been committed to humanitarian demining for over 30 years. We support projects in affected countries and deploy specialist military personnel.
We are also committed to the diplomatic, legal and practical implementation of the relevant conventions around the world.
We are determined to continue to do our part in Ukraine as well.
Almost a quarter of Ukraine’s territory is contaminated with explosive ordnance. Last year we decided to make one hundred million francs available for humanitarian mine action in Ukraine (from 2024 to 2027).
The Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) and the Fondation suisse de déminage (FSD) are primarily responsible for implementing this programme.
Projects will be developed in close cooperation with Ukraine’s civilian authorities. They will include mine and explosive ordnance clearance, the promotion of standards and quality in mine clearance, training, and operational and material support.
Last year, provided the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU) with a remote-controlled demining machine from the Digger Foundation.
This year, we will deliver three more machines from Global Clearance Solutions and provide local training and support.
This will enable Ukraine to carry out effective and safe demining operations independently in the future.
Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
For today’s Ukraine Mine Action Conference here in Lausanne, we have set ourselves the following goals:
– We aim to raise awareness of the importance of humanitarian mine action in Ukraine and worldwide. – Stimulate further support going forward, based on the Ukrainian Mine Action Strategy, which provides guidance for current and future partnerships. – And showcase innovative solutions that will make mine clearance safer and more effective worldwide.
Three thematic areas were defined in the run-up to the Ukraine Mine Action Conference: people, partners and progress.
First, the people: In the face of the immense suffering and lasting damage caused by mines, cluster munitions and explosive remnants of war, we must act decisively.
Contamination in conflict areas also affects many countries not involved in the conflict. For example, food prices are rising in many countries because Ukrainian land cannot be used safely and productively.
Then, the partners: Our aim is for other countries that are also affected by mines or that are providing aid to share their experiences with Ukraine and its partners.
For mine action to be effective, governments, international organisations, NGOs, the private sector and the scientific community must work closely together – and they are all gathered here in Lausanne today.
And finally, progress: We must work continuously to make humanitarian mine action safer and more effective.
We need to find innovative solutions, for example by combining the use of artificial intelligence, powerful drones and robots.
The resources we use to clear mines in Ukraine today are also an investment to improve humanitarian demining globally in the future.
Excellences, Ladies and gentlemen,
Humanitarian demining is part of Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition. We want to help alleviate suffering and enable sustainable development.
That is also the aim of this conference, which we have organised together with Ukraine.
In closing, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of you for your dedication and commitment.
Your presence here underscores the crucial support that is so urgently needed and that the people living in mine-affected countries deserve.
Thank you very much.
Address for enquiries
DDPS Communication Federal Palace East CH-3003 Bern
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Five playgrounds were repaired in the Strogino district as part of the improvement and rehabilitation of part of the Moskvoretsky natural and historical park. The work was carried out in the Strogino floodplain and in the courtyards of residential buildings near it. Modern play equipment, made mainly of wood, was installed on the playgrounds. Young archaeologists will be able to discover a “dinosaur skeleton” on one of them.
“The surfaces on the playgrounds had become unusable over time, and in some places they were completely absent. The equipment did not meet modern standards and needed to be replaced: it was outdated, there was no stylistic uniformity, and there was significant wear and tear on the moving elements of the structures. The functionality of the playgrounds no longer met the needs of children aged three to seven, and elements that would be interesting to older children were missing,” said the deputy head of the capital’s Department of Capital Repairs.
In Stroginskaya Poima, a children’s playground near property 33 on Marshal Katukov Street has been renovated. It was equipped with landscape geoplastics — artificial bumps were made, and play elements were mounted on and in them. A hill with tunnels for climbing, slides, and an obstacle course appeared here. Various climbing elements were placed on the slopes, clinging to which you can climb to the tops of these bumps, and slides will help you go down. A sandbox with tables, chairs, a children’s excavator, and a hidden panel in the form of a dinosaur skeleton was equipped for the little ones. While digging it, children can imagine themselves as archaeologists.
At the playground near building 32, building 3 on Tallinskaya Street, swings, spring swings, a sandbox and a play complex with a climbing board, a slide and a suspended rope crossing were installed.
On Tvardovskogo Street, in addition to the usual swings, carousels and trampolines, a children’s town called “Monkeys” was installed with various climbing frames and a slide. A sandbox with play equipment was also provided for the little ones, and comfortable benches were installed for the parents. At the request of residents, the playground surface was made of natural material – rounded gravel.
Two playgrounds have been renovated near the houses between Tvardovskogo Street and Turkmensky Proezd. On one of them, a slide and climbing elements have been placed on a natural slope, by clinging to which you can climb to the upper level of the playground. Benches for parents and a hammock have been installed on the lower one. Across the path, there is a larger playground where you can find talking tubes, balance beams, a sports complex, interactive play panels, trampolines, a sandbox and swings, including ones with seats for the little ones.
The playgrounds were designed in a single style. Given the peculiarity of the territory, the play equipment was made mainly of wood. This material is environmentally friendly, harmonizes well with the environment and allows children to get acquainted with different textures.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –
Despite the widespread use of smartphones, they have not been used enough by teachers in the teaching process of schoolchildren, including for developing their digital skills. Irina Dvoretskaya, a researcher from Institute of Education, National Research University Higher School of Economics,studiedpatterns of use of mobile devices by students in grades 9–11 for learning.
On September 1, 2024, a law came into force that prohibits schoolchildren from using mobile phones during school hours, even for educational purposes. According to media reports, in 2023, more than 80% of parents supported the proposal to ban smartphones during school lessons. Irina Dvoretskaya, a research fellow at the HSE Institute of Education, analyzed how Russian high school students had used smartphones up to this point and whether teachers were involved in students’ work with digital tools.
The study involved an online survey in urban and rural Russian schools among students in grades 9–11 (more than 20,000 boys and girls) who had smartphones. The study showed that most high school students did not use smartphones for their studies. Almost 60% of respondents either did not use gadgets at all or used them to work with applications such as an electronic diary. At the same time, teachers did not use teaching practices that promote the development of digital competencies in the classroom. Most often, a smartphone was used as a calculator or as a tool for searching for information. According to the study, only 7.34% of high school students are advanced users of gadgets.
Irina Dvoretskaya notes that in the existing frontal model of educational work, a smartphone really distracts a student from his studies. However, it would be wrong to completely exclude gadgets from the educational process, given their widespread use and the increasing digitalization of all spheres of life. Otherwise, there is a risk that personal mobile devices will remain a means of entertainment and communication for a child, but not education.
“Every year, more and more new user technologies appear (for example, chatbots with AI), and banning smartphones in the educational process will not help a child learn to use them responsibly and productively,” notes Irina Dvoretskaya.
The fruitful use of a mobile device for active learning in project-based or research-based learning allows schoolchildren not only to successfully master subject content, but also to develop meta-subject skills, that is, what students should be able to do in addition to knowledge of school subjects: to realize their educational interests and needs, to solve various life problems.
The conducted research can help the management of Russian schools to assess the possibilities of integrating personal digital infrastructure into educational organizations. The obtained data can also be used to monitor the progress and academic performance of various groups of students, develop flexible learning paths and individual educational materials in the context of the development of artificial intelligence.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The UK has today unleashed the largest package of sanctions to date against Putin’s shadow fleet of oil tankers.
Fresh sanctions unleashed against 18 Russian oil tankers and 4 liquified natural gas tankers – the largest sanctions action to date against Putin’s shadow fleet.
The Foreign Secretary continues his personal mission to crack down on the full spectrum of Russian malign activity.
The US and Canada sign up to the shadow fleet ‘Call to Action’ launched by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July, bringing the total number of signatories to 47.
The UK has today unleashed the largest package of sanctions to date against Putin’s shadow fleet of oil tankers.18 more shadow fleet ships will be barred from UK ports and unable to access world-leading British maritime services, bringing the total number of oil tankers sanctioned to 43.
The shadow fleet seeks to undermine sanctions and poses a clear and present danger. Environmental risks, such as oil spills, on our coastlines as a result of its flagrant violation of basic safety standards, but also risks to the security of global trade – the lifeblood of economic growth.
At the European Political Community Summit in July, the Prime Minister announced the shadow fleet call to action. Today the US and Canada have joined 44 European countries plus the EU in working together to tackle the risks posed by the shadow fleet.
The UK’s relentless action against the shadow fleet is putting grit into the system and starving Putin’s war machine of crucial revenues. The oil tankers targeted today have transported an estimated $4.9 billion in the last year alone. A significant number of the ships targeted by the UK to date have been forced to sit idling uselessly outside ports across the world, unable to continue pouring money into Putin’s war chest.
Sovcomflot, Russia’s largest shipping company, has been left desperately scrambling to rename and offload its vessels to dodge UK sanctions. Today we have targeted even more of its ships, further turning the screw on the mechanisms the Kremlin uses to fund its illegal war.
Alongside action against the shadow fleet, the UK is sanctioning 4 more LNG tankers and Russian gas company Rusgazdobycha JSC. We are continuing to ratchet up pressure on the beleaguered Russian gas industry, with flagship company Gazprom posting a significant net loss of $6.9 billion in 2023 – its first annual loss in more than 20 years.
Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:
We must combat malign Russian activity at every turn, whether illicit tactics to bolster Putin’s war chest, their use of cyber-attacks or barbarism on the front line in Ukraine.
The UK is leading the charge against Putin’s desperate and dangerous attempts to cling on to his energy revenues, with his shadow fleet placing coastlines across Europe and the world in jeopardy.
I have made it my personal mission to constrain the Kremlin, closing the net around Putin and his mafia state using every tool at my disposal.
This new shadow fleet package comes in the weeks following recent UK actions to sanction both Russian cyber-crime gang Evil Corp, and Russian troops found to be using chemical weapons on the front lines in Ukraine. It represents the latest in a drumbeat of activity, with each package designed to target a distinct aspect of Russia’s malign behavior and reinforce the UK’s commitment to global security and the rule of law.
Background
Sanctioned today are:
NS BORA (IMO 9412335)
ATLAS (IMO 9413573)
MOSKOVSKY PROSPECT (IMO 9511521)
NS ARCTIC (IMO 9413547)
CALLISTO (IMO 9299692)
SCF BAIKAL (IMO 9422457)
SCF SAMOTLOR (IMO 9421972)
SUVOROVSKY PROSPECT (IMO 9522324)
EASTERN PEARL (IMO 9285859)
KUDOS STARS (IMO 9288710)
SEA FIDELITY (IMO 9285835)
STRATOS AURORA (IMO 9288708)
TURBO VOYAGER (IMO 9299898)
AZURE CELESTE (IMO 9288722)
VARUNA (IMO 9332810)
SAI BABA (IMO 9321691)
ARTEMIS (IMO 9317949)
ANTAEUS (IMO 9299733)
MARSHAL VASILEVSKIY (IMO 9778313)
VELIKIY NOVGOROD (IMO 9630004)
MULAN (IMO 9864837)
EVEREST ENERGY (IMO 9243148)
RUSGAZDOBYCHA JSC
Today’s announcement comes as the United States and Canada have united in support of the European Political Community (EPC) Call to Action , demonstrating their shared determination to address the risks that the shadow fleet poses to the environment, maritime safety and security in Europe and beyond, the integrity of international seaborne trade, and respect for international maritime law.
Separately, the UK is taking steps to combat malign, Russian-backed maritime activity near the UK:
The Department for Transport is working alongside the Joint Maritime Security Centre (JMSC) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to challenge shadow fleet vessels with suspected dubious insurance to provide details of their insurance status as they pass through the English Channel.
Any actor that facilitates and supports Russia’s malign activities could be exposing themselves to sanctions
Ships specified under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 are prohibited from entering a port in the UK, may be given a movement or a port entry direction, can be detained, and will be refused permission to register on the UK Ship Register or have its existing registration terminated. In addition, the Oil Price Cap exception is not applicable to services in relation to specified ships, or to the supply or delivery of Russian oil or oil products in specified ships
The Office for Financial Sanctions Implementation has published guidance on the Russian Oil Services ban. Limited exceptions apply and licences may be granted for specified ships, as set out in Part 7 of the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin held a meeting of the presidium (headquarters) of the Government Commission on Regional Development, where they discussed the results of work over nine months, as well as the main approaches to the implementation of the new national project “Infrastructure for Life” and key tasks for further work.
Marat Khusnullin held a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Commission on Regional Development
October 17, 2024
Marat Khusnullin held a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Commission on Regional Development
October 17, 2024
Dmitry Chernyshenko at a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Commission on Regional Development
October 17, 2024
Dmitry Chernyshenko at a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Commission on Regional Development
October 17, 2024
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Marat Khusnullin held a meeting of the Presidium of the Government Commission on Regional Development
“Based on the preliminary results of the work, we see positive dynamics. In total, since 2020, the volume of work in construction has grown by more than 30%, including almost 3% this year. More than 118 million square meters of housing are currently under construction. About 81 million square meters were commissioned in nine months. Urban development potential has grown by 12% since the beginning of the year – to 472 million square meters. We are also moving at a good pace in road construction. Thus, this year, more than 80 km of regional and local roads have already been built and reconstructed, about 3.6 thousand km have been repaired, including major repairs. Within the framework of the national project “BKD”, 95 million out of 108 million square meters of the top layer of the pavement were laid. I would like to note that this year we are completing the implementation of the national projects “Housing and Urban Environment” and “Safe High-Quality Roads”, so I would like to draw attention to the need to achieve the set goals in full. Their continuation will be the national project “Infrastructure for Life”. We are completing its preparation. We are also working to clarify the rules of the resettlement program from dilapidated housing. We have less than three months left until the end of the year. As a rule, it is during these months that the bulk of the commissioning of facilities occurs, so I ask the regional teams to speed up the pace of work and successfully complete all planned projects and tasks,” said Marat Khusnullin.
The participants also discussed the implementation of national projects and federal programs. The Deputy Prime Minister noted the regions that are leaders in meeting the indicators. Among them are the Chechen Republic, Penza Region, the Republic of Adygea, Nizhny Novgorod, Moscow, Kursk Regions, the Republics of North Ossetia-Alania, Bashkortostan, Tatarstan, Voronezh Region, Kabardino-Balkarian, Chuvash Republics, Orenburg, Kostroma Regions.
The meeting also discussed in detail the implementation of road activities. Marat Khusnullin congratulated the participants on the upcoming Road Workers’ Day and thanked them for their productive work.
In addition, they raised pressing issues regarding the implementation of the large-scale project “Five Seas and Lake Baikal”, which is being implemented on the instructions of the President in nine regions of the country.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko focused on the development of regions where year-round seaside resorts are being created within the framework of the national project “Tourism and Hospitality Industry”.
“On the instructions of the President, we are implementing the Five Seas and Lake Baikal project, which promotes the growth of tourist flow and the socio-economic development of the regions as a whole. It is expected that the creation of new year-round resorts will give us 86 thousand new jobs, and also increase the tourist flow by 10 million people per year. Obviously, the project is large-scale, the maximum orchestration of resources and existing tools is needed. Regions should use not only federal budget funds within the framework of the national project (128 billion), but also use attracted investments and their own funds to create infrastructure facilities, and ensure control over the accuracy of calculations and budgets,” the Deputy Prime Minister explained.
During the headquarters meeting, he initiated instructions regarding the prioritization of projects by year, including in areas of supporting infrastructure: energy, roads, etc.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will represent the European Parliament at the summit, where she will address the heads of state or government at 10.00 and hold a press conference after her speech.
When: Press conference at around 11.00 on 17 October
At their meeting in Brussels, heads of state or government will discuss how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russian aggression, and the EU’s response to the latest events in the Middle East, where Israeli forces continue their attacks on Gaza and in Lebanon, while Iran has launched missiles against Israel. EU leaders will also focus on making the European economy more competitive, following the publication of Mario Draghi’s report, which calls for a boost in public investment and wide-ranging economic reforms. They will also discuss ways to manage migration flows and ensure border protection, climate change and biodiversity, and the situation in Georgia, Moldova, Venezuela and Sudan.
Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel / Escalating violence in the Middle East
President Metsola marked the one-year anniversary of terrorist attacks in Israel at the opening of the 7-10 October plenary session in Strasbourg. Recalling the horror of that day “that will live in infamy”, President Metsola said nothing could ever justify the indiscriminate mass murder, rape, kidnapping and torture that occurred one year ago. Since then, too few have been able to make it back to their loved ones – “this house will continue to do what we can to help bring them all home”, she said.
The 7 October attacks triggered a cycle of war, death and devastation that has seen thousands killed in Gaza, and instability across the region, President Metsola stated. In remembering all those lost and taken, the President added that “Parliament’s calls for the immediate release of the remaining hostages will remain steadfast, our calls for ceasefire will remain resolute, and our efforts towards de-escalation will remain strong.” The work for real, dignified, long-term and sustainable peace will remain unwavering, she concluded. MEPs held a minute of silence in memory of all the innocent lives lost.
In a resolution adopted on 25 April, MEPs strongly condemn the Iranian drone and missile attack on Israel and call for further sanctions against Iran. Parliament voices serious concern over the escalation and threat to regional security. MEPs reiterate their full support for the security of the State of Israel and its citizens and condemn the simultaneous rocket launches carried out by Iran’s proxies Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen against the Golan Heights and Israeli territory before and during the Iranian attack.
At the same time, they deplore the attack on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus on 1 April, which is widely attributed to Israel. The resolution recalls the importance of the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises, which must be respected in all cases under international law.
On 14 October, MEPs on the Trade Committee endorsed the Commission’s proposal to support Ukraine with an exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan of up to €35 billion. This is the EU’s contribution under the G7’s initiative to support Ukraine with up to $50 billion (approximately €45 billion) to address Ukraine’s urgent financing needs in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression. The repayment of this exceptional MFA loan and of the loans from other G7 countries will come from the extraordinary revenues made from immobilised Russian Central Bank assets, and enabled by the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, newly established under the Commission’s proposal. The plenary vote is scheduled during next week’s session in Strasbourg.
In a resolution adopted on 19 September, MEPs want EU countries to lift current restrictions hindering Ukraine from using Western weapons systems against legitimate military targets in Russia. The text states that if current restrictions are not lifted, Ukraine cannot fully exercise its right to self-defence and remains exposed to attacks on its population and infrastructure. Parliament underlines that insufficient deliveries of ammunition and restrictions on their use risks offsetting the impact of efforts made to date, and deplores that EU countries are offering less bilateral military aid to Ukraine. MEPs reiterate their call for member states to fulfil their March 2023 commitment to deliver one million rounds of ammunition to Ukraine, and to accelerate the delivery of weapons, air defence systems and ammunition, including TAURUS missiles. They also restate their position that all EU countries and NATO allies should collectively and individually commit to annual military support for Ukraine of no less than 0.25% of their GDP.
While calling on the EU and its member states to actively work towards achieving the broadest possible international support for Ukraine and identifying a peaceful solution to the war, MEPs say that any resolution must be based on full respect for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also view holding Russia accountable for war crimes and reparations, and other payments by Moscow, as essential aspects of any solution. To this end, MEPs want the EU and like-minded partners to establish a sound legal regime to confiscate Russian state-owned assets frozen by the EU as part of efforts to compensate Ukraine for the massive damage it has suffered.
With Russia’s war against Ukraine raging on, Parliament reconfirmed on 17 July its view that the EU must continue to support Kyiv for as long as it takes until victory. The resolution, which sets out the newly-elected European Parliament’s first official position on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, restates MEPs’ continued support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It calls on the EU to maintain and extend its sanctions policy against Russia and Belarus, monitor and review its effectiveness and impact, and systematically tackle the issue of EU-based companies, third parties, and third countries that circumvent sanctions.
Karin KARLSBRO (Renew, SE), rapporteur on macro-financial assistance to Ukraine
Competitiveness
On 17 September, Mario Draghi outlined his blueprint for making Europe more competitive through closer cooperation in core areas and massive investment in shared objectives.
Mr Draghi said that the EU needed to focus on three crucial issues: closing the innovation gap with the US and China; developing a joint plan to link the goal of decarbonisation with increased competitiveness; and boosting Europe’s security and reducing its dependence on foreign economic powers. A fit-for-purpose competitiveness agenda would require annual funding of between EUR 750 – EUR 800 billion for projects whose objectives were already agreed upon by the EU. Some of this money could come from private sources, but some would also need to be secured through public investment, including by new common debt issued specifically to fund key joint projects, Mr Draghi said.
In a debate following Mr Draghi’s address, many MEPs agreed with his analysis that the EU economy must urgently change course. The EU should focus, they argued, on competition and innovation in key industries, along with more public and private investments in social, green and digital transformations. Some MEPs called for greater sovereignty and freer markets, and stressed that fighting climate change sabotages the EU economy. Others observed that growth is compatible with clean innovative technologies and social investment, to help citizens to learn new skills.
Borys Budka (EPP, PL), Chair Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
Migration
During a press point with the Estonian Prime Minister on 16 October, EP President Roberta Metsola stressed that it is “important that we implement the migration pact. We need to be fair with those eligible for protection, firm with those who are not, and harsh with smugglers and malign states like Belarus or Russia who seek to exploit those most vulnerable. Only a coordinated European approach can ensure the integrity of our borderless Schengen area.”
On 9 October, Parliament debated how to strengthen the security of Europe’s external borders and the need for a comprehensive approach and enhanced Frontex support. You can watch the debate here. On 7 October, MEPs discussed the reintroduction of internal border controls in a number of member states and its impact on the Schengen Area. Watch the debate here.
On 10 April, MEPs approved the new Migration and Asylum Pact. The package consists of ten legislative texts to reform the European migration and asylum policy and was agreed with EU member states. You can find the adopted texts here and watch the plenary debate here.
Javier ZARZALEJOS (EPP, ES), Chair of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
Foreign affairs: Georgia, Moldova, Venezuela, Sudan
In a resolution adopted on 9 October, MEPs say current democratic backsliding in Georgia effectively puts the country’s integration with the EU on hold. The text highlights how the ruling Georgian Dream party has pushed an increasingly authoritarian agenda, including on media freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. Coupled with changes to the country’s electoral legislation and growing anti-EU rhetoric, MEPs say these laws violate the freedom of expression, censor media, impose restrictions on critical voices in civil society and the NGO sector and discriminate against vulnerable people. They also make clear that unless the legislation is rescinded, progress cannot be made in Georgia’s relations with the EU.
Against the backdrop of the continuing decline of Georgia’s democracy, Parliament demands that all EU funding provided to the Georgian government be frozen until the undemocratic laws are repealed. Any future funding of the Georgian government can only be disbursed under strict conditions, MEPs argue.
On 9 October, MEPs adopted a resolution issuing a strong warning against continued Russian attempts to derail Moldova’s pro-European trajectory. The text vehemently condemns Russia’s escalating malicious activities, interference and hybrid operations ahead of Moldovans going to the polls to vote in the country’s presidential election and constitutional referendum on EU integration on 20 October. MEPs highlight the role played by a plethora of malicious actors, including pro-Russian Moldovan oligarchs and Russia’s state-funded RT network, in carrying out voter fraud schemes as well as cyber operations and information warfare. They also call on the EU and its member states to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided to Moldova to strengthen its institutional mechanisms and ability to respond to hybrid threats.
The European Parliament reaffirms its support for Moldova’s path towards EU accession, calling on the European Commission to include the country in the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III) and to prioritise funding for EU candidate countries in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. With EU accession talks with Moldova already having begun, MEPs call for a faster screening process and the timely organisation of the subsequent intergovernmental conferences.
In a resolution adopted on 19 September, Parliament says the EU should do its utmost to ensure that Edmundo González Urrutia, the legitimate and democratically elected President of Venezuela, can take office on 10 January 2025. MEPs “strongly condemn and fully reject the electoral fraud orchestrated by the regime-controlled National Electoral Council, which refused to make public the official result.” They recognise Edmundo González Urrutia as the country’s legitimate and democratically elected president, and María Corina Machado as the leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela. They also strongly condemn the Venezuelan Government’s issuance of an arrest warrant for Mr González.
On 8 October, MEPs held a plenary debate on the situation in Sudan. You can watch the debate here.
David McALLISTER, (EPP, DE) Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs
Nils UŠAKOVS (S&D, LV), Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Partnership Committee, the EU-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee
Climate change and biodiversity
A Parliament delegation will attend the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan between 18 and 22 November 2024. MEPs will also adopt a resolution during the 13-14 November plenary session, which will constitute the delegation’s mandate for talks with international partners.
Parliament will also send a delegation to the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16) in Cali, Colombia, between 28 and 31 October 2024.
MEPs to contact
Lídia PEREIRA (EPP, PT), Chair of the delegation to the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference, Baku, Azerbaijan
Antonio DECARO (S&D, IT), Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
The Moscow Department of Transport reported on the main projects related to Artificial Intelligence. From biometric payments to autonomous trams and advanced video analytics, AI-driven innovations are setting new standards in public transportation and traffic management.
Artificial Intelligence Transforms Moscow’s Transport and Road Safety.
Biometric Payment Revolution
For the past three years, biometric payment technology has been transforming the way people travel in Moscow. Available across all metro stations, Moscow Central Circle (MCC), Aeroexpress, regular river transport, and four Moscow Central Diameters (MCD) stations, this cutting-edge system allows passengers to pass through turnstiles with just a glance—no card or smartphone required.
With bank-level security, this seamless service has already facilitated over 125 million biometric entries, making it one of the most convenient and secure transit payment systems globally.
Russia’s First Autonomous Tram
Moscow is home to Russia’s first autonomous tram, a breakthrough in public transport innovation. This tram, equipped with a world-first set of technologies, operates without the need for external control systems. Its software, entirely developed by Metro’s in-house team, belongs to the Moscow Government and is unique across Europe.
Since its introduction, the autonomous tram has covered over 1,800 kilometers without a single traffic violation, proving both its reliability and safety on the roads.
Sphere: The Video Analytics System Safeguarding Moscow
The Sphere video analytics system has been instrumental in enhancing public safety across Moscow. Operational at all metro stations since September 1, 2020, Sphere helps law enforcement detain individuals on wanted lists and locate missing persons, including the elderly and children.
Since its implementation, over 11,000 criminals have been apprehended, and more than 1,500 missing persons, including 300 children, have been located thanks to Sphere.
Real-Time Monitoring of Metro Carriage Load
To further improve passenger comfort, Moscow’s metro now uses machine learning algorithms to monitor carriage load in real time. The system updates every 10 seconds, factoring in the type and capacity of carriages, major transfer points, and time-specific data. This unique service is available through the Moscow Metro app, offering unparalleled accuracy in carriage load assessments.
AI-Powered Moscow Transport Contact Center
Since 2019, AI has been assisting passengers via Moscow’s transport contact center (dial 3210). A voice assistant automatically handles calls related to car evacuation, helping streamline operations. The contact center, operational for over 11 years, fields around 6,000 inquiries daily, providing crucial information on public transport, including fare rates, free parking availability, and more.
Advanced Video Analytics on MKAD and Major Highways
Moscow has installed over 1,500 high-resolution cameras on the MKAD, MCD, and key roads, covering 100% of major routes without blind spots. These cameras detect 13 different types of incidents and send real-time video to the Traffic Management Center within seconds, allowing for rapid response. Thanks to this intelligent system, traffic accidents involving injuries on the MKAD have decreased by 20% over the last three years.
Leading the World in Photo and Video Traffic Monitoring
With 3,800 cameras monitoring traffic across the city, Moscow’s photo and video recording system is one of the most advanced globally. The system, powered by AI, now detects drivers using phones or not wearing seatbelts, and as of 2023, it can accurately determine whether motorcyclists are wearing helmets and whether passengers are buckled up. AI also enables the detection of more complex violations, such as blocking intersections and failing to yield to pedestrians.
Smart Intersections Speed Up Traffic
Moscow has introduced over 600 smart intersections equipped with AI-driven traffic lights. These lights adjust in real-time based on road conditions, using data from sensors embedded in the asphalt. As a result, both city and private transport pass through these intersections 25-30% faster, while pedestrians wait 20-25% less for the green signal.
Moscow continues to lead the way in using AI to revolutionize transport and road safety, setting a global standard for innovation in urban mobility. With AI-enhanced systems in place, residents and visitors alike can expect safer, faster, and more convenient journeys across the city.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
On October 17, the State University of Management and the Russian Federation of Sports Programming signed a cooperation agreement.
The document was signed by the Vice-Rector of the State University of Management Vitaly Lapshenkov and the Executive Director of the Federation of Sports Programming of Russia Andrey Arbuzov.
The meeting took place at the largest industry event in Russian sports – the Russia – Sports Power forum, which serves as a platform for discussing ways to develop the sports industry in the country.
The forum pays special attention to innovative sports that are becoming increasingly popular. One of them is sports programming, which combines technology, creativity and sports skills.
The signed agreement opens new horizons for joint work and development of innovative sports at our university.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/17/2024
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –
10/17/2024
14:24
In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 17.10.2024, 14-24 (Moscow time), the values of the lower limit of the price corridor (up to 90.16) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 868.61 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 8.75%) of the security RU000A102986 (SUEK-F1P6R) were changed.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.
The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.
Washington, DC – October 17, 2024:
An International Monetary Fund mission visited Warsaw during October 8-17 in the context of the 2024 Article IV consultation.
Poland’s near-term outlook is positive and has improved relative to last year despite ongoing sluggish growth across Europe and Russia’s war in Ukraine. A consumption-led recovery is underway, and the outlook is further supported by recently unlocked NextGen EU Funds (NGEU). Inflation has declined helped by a tight monetary stance, and its descent to the target range by close to end-2025 is on track, provided prudent policies are maintained. Policy priorities for the near- and medium-term include balancing the mix of monetary and fiscal policy , preserving debt sustainability, while strengthening the economy to face longer-term challenges. Specifically:
• Monetary policy is appropriately tight and interest rate cuts should commence only when there is clear evidence that wage growth is decelerating, and inflation is firmly on track towards the target.
• The medium-term Fiscal Structural Plan is welcome and it targets sufficient cumulative fiscal consolidation by 2028, meeting the EU’s new fiscal rules. The full set of measures to achieve this is yet to be identified.
• Bringing more of the authorities’ medium-term deficit reduction plans up front in 2025 would build more resilience against future shocks, reduce debt, and support more rapid interest rate reductions, which would foster private sector investment and growth while still bringing inflation to target.
• Population ageing, diminishing cost-competitiveness, and climate transition present significant challenges to Poland’s export-driven growth model. Thus, medium-term growthis expected to decline, unless structural reforms are deepened and progress on the energy transition accelerates.
Economic growth is accelerating in 2024 led by recovering domestic demand. Private consumption has picked up as strong nominal wage growth coupled with lower inflation led to a sharp rebound in real wages. Fixed investment also continued its gradual recovery though remaining as a share of GDP below pre-pandemic levels. Net exports, however, are imposing some drag as imports recovered on the back of higher consumption while exports are held back by weak demand from the Euro Area. As a result, growth is expected at 3 percent in 2024 up from around 0 in 2023.
The near-term outlook is positive due to the ongoing cyclical recovery in consumption and investment, and the absorption of EU funds. Growth is expected to accelerate to 3.5 percent in 2025 and 3.4 percent in 2026. Real and nominal wage growth are expected to gradually decelerate, while profits are expected to continue declining as firms have limited capacity to pass-through increases in wage costs into prices given that the output gap remains negative. Stronger consumption, normalization of inventories, lagged impact of the appreciation of the real exchange rate, and release of EU funds are expected to support imports and with it a narrowing in the current account surplus.
Over the medium term, growth is expected to moderate and converge to potential as the support from rebounding consumption and NGEU funds subside. Growth will decelerate to slightly below 3 percent by 2029 as EU-financed investments decline and the population ages. Productivity is expected to modestly recover from the impact of recent labor hoarding. However, productivity growth is not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels given that much of the productivity gap with advanced economies has already been closed.
Amidst high uncertainty, risks remain elevated and tilted towards lower growth and higher inflation. A slower-than-expected recovery in the Euro Area, delayed absorption of EU funds, and heightened geopolitical tensions could dampen the recovery. At the same time, risks to inflation remain elevated from the tight labor market against the backdrop of accelerating domestic demand and potential supply-side shocks. There are also upside risks to growth including a stronger-than-expected catalytic role from EU funds on private investment and productivity, a larger-than-expected workforce from higher immigration, and potential nearshoring as a result of geoeconomic fragmentation. Risks are well mitigated by ample foreign exchange reserves, a flexible exchange rate, modest debt levels, and robust financial sector buffers.
Monetary policy is appropriately tight.While the policy rate was kept on hold at 5.75 percent since November 2023, the monetary stance has tightened as inflation expectations declined. This is appropriate because inflation is well above the central bank inflation target. The momentum of core inflation is elevated in the context of strong wages growth amid still-tight labor market and substantial wage increases in the public sector.
Monetary policy should remain tight at least through 2025 with rate cuts commencing only when data and forecasts confirm that inflation is on a clear downward path towards the target. Absent surprises, both core and headline inflation should peak in year-on-year terms before mid-2025, significantly above the target, before moderating around the upper end of the target range of 2.5±1 percent by end-2025. However, uncertainty on the inflation trajectory is substantial, including due to uncertainty regarding energy prices, developments in the labor market, and the pace of economic recovery. While, monetary policy should remain both data-dependent and forward-looking, the current context warrants placing significant weight on realized inflation declining towards the target over several months on the back of decelerating wages. On this basis, there may be scope for limited and gradual policy rate cuts to start around mid-2025.
Near-term growth acceleration presents an opportunity to rebuild buffers and help complete the disinflation process by tightening fiscal policies. The general government (GG) deficit is projected to widen from 5.1 percent of GDP in 2023 to 5.7 percent of GDP in
2024, due to expansionary policies resulting in a fiscal impulse of 0.4 percent of GDP. The 2025 budget targets a slightly lower GG deficit of 5.5 percent of GDP largely owing to higher growth. Staff recommends a tighter fiscal stance by around 0.5 percent of GDP. This can be still achievable within the 2025 budget by saving possible revenue overperformance and limiting non-priority spending. Such a shift would lower debt, thereby rebuilding fiscal space to mitigate against future shocks. It would also lift some of the burden from tight monetary policies to rein in inflation, potentially freeing space for additional policy rate cuts.
Fiscal consolidation should be anchored in a clear medium-term plan to stabilize debt. The recently published Fiscal Structural Plan is an important and welcome step in this regard as it targets appropriate fiscal balances by 2028 – entailing an adjustment of about 2½ percent of GDP from 2024 in terms of the structural fiscal balance – that would allow exiting the EU’s Excessive Deficit Procedure while stabilizing debt at levels close to 60 percent of GDP notwithstanding large increases in spending on defense. Fully identifying the necessary fiscal measures now and bringing more of the planned fiscal consolidation upfront into 2025 would help strengthen its credibility.
Potential measures that would support consolidation while also further reducing inequality include: i) raising Personal Income Tax revenues by increasing progressivity to bring them more in line with EU peers , ii) addressing the preferential and regressive treatment of the self-employed, iii) better targeting of social benefits to more effectively support the vulnerable, iv) raising property tax revenues closer to EU comparators, and v) taxing more non-essential items at the standard VAT rate. In this context, raising the PIT tax-exempt threshold, which is under consideration, would require even stronger consolidation measures to offset the fiscal cost. Finally, aligning the retirement age for men and women and then adjusting it over time in line with longevity would help limit the expected shortfall in pensions’ adequacy over the longer-term.
The authorities have made commendable progress in strengthening the fiscal framework. They have expanded the coverage of the stabilizing expenditure rule and improved oversight over extrabudgetary funds. Establishing a fiscal council as planned would further strengthen accountability and governance.
Financial sector policies should safeguard the nascent credit recovery, building on a robust banking system. Systemic risks to the financial sector have moderated, with the banking sector being well-capitalized and liquid. Past prudential policies have focused on buttressing stability through regulatory tightening. At the same time banks had to face large costs of legal risks and regulatory burdens such as mortgage credit holidays. Together with weak credit demand and serious legal and regulatory uncertainties, this has created further headwinds for new credit resulting in one of the steepest declines in private sector credit-to-GDP in the EU. Moving forward, policy makers should: (i) take into account the impact of possible further tightening of regulations on the nascent credit recovery, while enhancing regulatory stability; (ii) proactively reduce legal risks to financial sector stability, including by exploring legislative solutions; (iii) even the playing field for private sector credit by replacing the bank asset tax in a manner that eliminates the preferential treatment of public debt` and (iv) allow the mortgage credit holiday to expire.
After two decades of impressive income convergence, Poland’s growth model needs to adjust to new economic conditions. Exports, especially to the EU, have played a significant role in Poland’s success. However, sizable real appreciation over the past two years weighs on cost-competitiveness. Meanwhile, the regional growth outlook remains subdued, and geopolitical conflicts and geoeconomic fragmentation present headwinds to penetrating new markets. In addition, shallow domestic capital markets and low savings weigh on investment, with population ageing posing a substantial drag on the future size of the workforce. To sustain growth, policies should focus on: i) deepening capital markets (including steps towards a capital market union within the EU), ii) lowering barriers to resource reallocation (for example by strengthening re-skilling programs for adults), iii) fostering innovation capacity (including by promoting private equity and venture capital), and iv) supporting higher labor participation especially for women (by ensuring adequate child and elderly care). The new program supporting young parents’ return to the labor market aims to address this gap. Building on the successful absorption of refugees from Ukraine into the Polish labor market, ongoing efforts to enhance the integration of immigrants can further help contain labor shortages.
The government’s new decarbonization targets are appropriate; meeting these while safeguarding competitiveness and social cohesion will require strong measures.
Significant progress has been made on climate mitigation, but more is needed given Poland’s costly dependence on coal, which also undercuts competitiveness. The recent draft energy strategy update outlines additional policy targets and measures for bringing emissions in line with EU climate goals. Its success will be supported by EU funds, and depends on removing barriers to private investment in renewable energy, including by adopting EU legislation on faster permitting for green projects, liberalizing regulations for onshore windfarms, and prioritizing NextGen EU funds for expanding electricity grids. Extending carbon pricing to transportation and heating would also be important for reducing emissions; an early and gradual introduction would help limit adjustment costs. The authorities must address social challenges from the climate transition by cushioning the social impact on coal mining regions and reducing energy poverty.
The mission thanks the authorities and other counterparts for the fruitful discussions.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
The Director of the Business Incubator of the State University of Management took part in the All-Russian Conference “Technological Entrepreneurship, Science and Financial Development of Universities”, which was held from October 14 to 16 at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.
The conference discussed current issues related to the development of technological entrepreneurship, commercialization of scientific developments and startup projects, financial support for innovative and technological business processes in higher education. The speakers shared best practices and their personal experience with the participants, talked about current support measures and mechanisms for increasing the effectiveness of interaction between science, business and the state in the field of technological entrepreneurship.
The event was opened by Oleg Churilov, Director of the Department for Development of Technological Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. He presented the results of the implementation of the federal project “University Technological Entrepreneurship Platform” and emphasized that technological entrepreneurship today is a driver of economic development, because it is thanks to entrepreneurship that technological startups and new jobs are created.
MIPT Rector Dmitry Livanov told conference participants about the role of universities in technological development and shared his experience in creating innovative products, noting the importance of applied science, which facilitates the implementation of new technologies and solutions.
The State University of Management was represented at the meeting by the Director of the State University of Management Business Incubator, Dmitry Rogov.
A separate section of the conference was devoted to the implementation of the Startup as a Diploma program in universities. Olga Serebryannikova, Director of the Project Office for the Development of Youth Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Institutions of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia, presented key indicators for the program’s implementation in the 2023/24 academic year to the event participants.
The speakers also included representatives of the Skolkovo Foundation, Sberbank PJSC, Gazprom Neft PJSC, NTI Platform ANO and other organizations.
It should be noted that the State University of Management has been successfully integrated into the projects of the Platform of University Technological Entrepreneurship of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. Our students took part in the All-Russian Forum of Technological Entrepreneurship, thematic day “Science and Universities”, the festival “Technocode” and other events of the Platform.
In addition, the university is implementing acceleration programs for NTI markets, and this academic year, GUU has become a partner university for entrepreneurial competencies training, which will be held at the First Management University on October 24 and November 28.
Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 10/17/2024
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Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –
10/17/2024
10:58
In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC), on 17.10.2024, 10-58 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 81.52) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 349.22 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 33.75%) of the RU000A102L87 security (IADOM B1P5) were changed.
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Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –
10/17/2024
13:43
In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 17.10.2024, 13-43 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 79.05) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 874.87 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 13.75%) of the RU000A1031U3 (VEB1P-26) security were changed.
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Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –
The date of the deposit auction is 10/17/2024. The placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 845,000,000.00. The placement period, days is 54. The date of depositing funds is 10/18/2024. The date of return of funds is 12/11/2024. The minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 19.00. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 845,000,000.00. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open). The basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Applications in preliminary mode from 11:30 to 11:40. Applications in competition mode from 11:40 to 11:45. Setting the cut-off percentage or declaring the auction invalid before 11:55.
Additional conditions With the right of early withdrawal of the deposit at a rate of 0.01% per annum.
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MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Resolution of October 4, 2024 No. 1337
The government continues to support investors implementing large projects in priority sectors of the economy. On the instructions of the President, a decision was made to increase the amount of state support for the “Project Financing Factory” program.
Document
Resolution of October 4, 2024 No. 1337
The resolution signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin increases the size of the state corporation VEB.RF’s participation in syndicated loans from 500 billion to 600 billion rubles, which will help increase the total lending for investment projects in priority sectors of the economy to 6 trillion rubles.
As Mikhail Mishustin noted atGovernment meeting, in general, the program is designed to solve the problem of insufficient capital. Within its framework, large facilities are being built in the gas chemical industry, trunk infrastructure, metallurgy and other areas. They contribute to the achievement of national goals approved by the head of state, the development of Russian regions and the country as a whole.
The Project Financing Factory was launched in 2018, becoming a new mechanism for attracting investment. The program involves issuing loans for the implementation of investment projects in priority sectors of the economy. Such loans can be obtained for projects worth from 3 billion rubles. The operator of the program, coordinating its work, selecting and examining projects, is VEB.RF.
The resolution was prepared to implement the instructions of the President following the XXVII St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, held in June 2024, and the meeting with members of the board of directors of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, held in April 2024.
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MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Department of Transport
The Moscow Department of Transport has outlined its key projects involving artificial intelligence. From biometric payments to autonomous trams and advanced video analytics, AI-powered innovations are setting new standards in public transport and traffic management.
Artificial intelligence is transforming transport and road safety in Moscow.
The Biometric Payment Revolution
Over the past three years, biometric payment technology has changed the way people move around Moscow. Available at all metro stations, the Moscow Central Circle (MCC), Aeroexpress trains, regular river services and four Moscow Central Diameters (MCD) stations, this cutting-edge system allows passengers to pass through turnstiles with a single glance – no card or smartphone required.
This seamless service, which provides banking-level security, has already served over 125 million biometric records, making it one of the most convenient and secure payment transit systems worldwide.
The first autonomous tram in Russia
The first autonomous tram in Russia has appeared in Moscow – a breakthrough in the field of innovation in public transport. This tram, equipped with the world’s first set of technologies, operates without the use of external control systems. Its software, developed entirely by the metro itself, belongs to the Moscow government and has no analogues in Europe.
Since its introduction, the autonomous tram has traveled more than 1,800 kilometers without a single traffic violation, proving its reliability and safety on the roads.
Sphere: Video analytics system ensuring Moscow’s security
The Sphere video analytics system has played a major role in improving public safety in Moscow. Since September 1, 2020, Sphere has been operating at all metro stations, helping law enforcement agencies detain wanted people and find missing persons, including the elderly and children.
Since the introduction of Sphere, more than 11,000 criminals have been detained and more than 1,500 missing people have been found, including 300 children.
Monitoring metro car loading in real time
To improve passenger comfort, the Moscow Metro uses machine learning algorithms to monitor carriage loads in real time. The system is updated every 10 seconds, taking into account the type and capacity of carriages, main transfer hubs and time data. This unique service is available through the Moscow Metro app and provides unprecedented accuracy in assessing carriage loads.
Moscow Transport Contact Center Based on Artificial Intelligence
Since 2019, artificial intelligence has been helping passengers through the Moscow transport contact center (number 3210). The voice assistant automatically processes calls related to vehicle evacuation, helping to optimize work. The contact center, which has been operating for more than 11 years, processes about 6,000 requests daily, providing important information about public transport, including fares, availability of free parking, and much more.
Advanced video analytics on the Moscow Ring Road and major highways
In Moscow, there are more than 1,500 high-resolution cameras installed on the Moscow Ring Road, the Moscow Ring Road and major highways, covering 100% of the main routes without “blind spots”. These cameras record 13 different types of incidents and transmit video in real time to the Traffic Management Center within a few seconds, which allows for a prompt response to them. Thanks to this intelligent system, the number of traffic accidents with victims on the Moscow Ring Road has decreased by 20% over the past three years.
World leadership in photo and video monitoring of road traffic
Moscow’s 3,800-camera photo and video traffic recording system is one of the most advanced in the world. Equipped with artificial intelligence, the system now identifies drivers talking on the phone or not wearing seat belts, and by 2023 it will be able to accurately determine whether motorcyclists are wearing helmets and passengers are wearing seat belts. AI can also detect more complex violations, such as blocking intersections and failing to yield to pedestrians.
Smart intersections speed up traffic
Moscow has installed over 600 “smart” intersections equipped with traffic lights controlled by artificial intelligence. These traffic lights are adjusted in real time depending on road conditions, using data from sensors embedded in the asphalt. As a result, city and private transport passes intersections 25-30% faster, and pedestrians wait 20-25% less for the green light.
Moscow continues to lead the way in using artificial intelligence to revolutionize transportation and road safety, setting global standards for urban mobility innovation. Thanks to AI-powered systems, residents and visitors to the capital can expect safer, faster, and more convenient travel around the city.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Elizabeth Chappell, Researcher Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The Open University
The 2024 Nobel peace prize has been awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a Japanese grassroots organisation created by survivors of the US atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. Nihon Hidankyo has provided thousands of witness accounts and public appeals by survivors, who are known as hibakusha, and has sent annual delegations to the UN.
Their work was commended by the Nobel committee, who decided to award the prize to Nihon Hidankyo “for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating that nuclear weapons must never be used again”.
Nihon Hidankyo’s co-chair, Toshiyuki Mimaki, said: “I never expected we would win the Nobel peace prize. Now we want to go further and appeal to the world to achieve lasting peace. We are old, but we never give up.”
There are an estimated 106,000hibakusha still living in Japan, with many more alive around the world. There are also survivors – and their descendants – of the more than 2,000 nuclear tests that have taken place worldwide since 1945. Some of these people use the term hibakusha to describe themselves.
This was not the first time the prize had been awarded to a nominee for their efforts towards nuclear disarmament. And it probably won’t be the last.
In 1985, the prize was awarded to an organisation called the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War. And then, in 1995, the prize was won by Joseph Rotblat, the only scientist to have left the Manhattan Project – the US government’s research project to produce the first atomic bomb – on moral grounds.
Barack Obama was next in 2009, for his “vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons”. His administration made efforts to renew the strategic arms reduction treaty with Russia, and Obama became the first US president to visit one of the atomic bombed cities when he made a special trip to Hiroshima in 2016.
The following year, the prize was won by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) for its “groundbreaking efforts to achieve a treaty-based prohibition of nuclear weapons”. This was a reference to the UN treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons, which from 2017 has outlawed states from participating in any nuclear weapon activities.
Nihon Hidankyo may not be a household name, but two of its former co-chairs are quite well known internationally. Hiroshima-born Sunao Tsuboi was photographed in one of the few known images to be taken on the day of the bombing.
Tsuboi and fellow survivor Shigeaki Mori also spoke with Obama on his visit to the city. It is said that Obama’s visit was, in part, triggered by Mori’s research. He had spent 40 years searching for the identities of 12 US prisoners of war who had been killed in the bombing of Hiroshima.
Another of Nihon Hidankyo’s former co-chairs, Nagasaki-born Sumiteru Taniguchi, spent three-and-a-half years in hospital after the bombing of his city and never fully recovered from his wounds.
Taniguchi’s story became famous after the publication of his 1984 memoir, The Postman of Nagasaki. The book’s author, Peter Townsend, was a Royal Air Force pilot in the second world war and is known in the UK for his affair with Princess Margaret, sister of the late Queen. The memoir was made into a film in 2022.
The logic of nuclear deterrence
We are currently at a time where the threat of nuclear weapons is growing. This was reflected by the committee who, when awarding Nihon Hidankyo with the prize, noted that the “taboo” against their use was “under pressure”.
Nuclear deterrence relies on the logic of the threat to inflict “unacceptable damage” on the enemy. But nuclear deterrence is not foolproof. What is unacceptable to one adversary may be acceptable to another, depending on the circumstances.
It’s worth remembering that the 1945 atomic bombings were not, as is commonly believed, the only reason the Japanese surrendered the following week and brought the war to an end. Various factions in the war council had been attempting to find ways to surrender for over a year, and the bombs offered Japan’s Emperor Hirohito a way to save face.
The bombs didn’t force the Japanese to surrender, they gave Hirohito the opportunity to surrender … News of the Nagasaki bomb came as they were having a meeting of the imperial war council about what to do about the Soviets coming into the war. It should be known that there was never any special imperial war council meeting after the Hiroshima bomb. That wasn’t considered weighty enough to make everyone drop what they were doing and head to the Imperial Palace.
The effects of radiation on the human body were little known in 1945, due to censorship both by the Japanese military and the US occupation that followed. As I was told in an interview with a hibakusha called Keiko Ogura, who was eight when the first bomb was dropped: “No one understood why people were still dying days, weeks, months and years after the attacks – they thought the atomic bomb was poison gas.”
We now know much more about the devastating consequences of radiation for humans, animals and the environment across generations. However, research is still not widely publicised, with ICAN taking the lead as an international forum for important new findings to be shared and known.
Let’s hope this year’s award will help inform the world once and for all of the nature of these weapons. As former US president, John F. Kennedy, said in a speech to the UN in 1961: “A nuclear disaster, spread by wind and water and fear, could well engulf the great and the small, the rich and the poor, the committed and the uncommitted alike.”
Next year will mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings. This prize should help ban what Kennedy described as the “sword of Damocles” that still threatens life on earth.
Elizabeth Chappell does not work for or receive funding from any external organisation.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard Massey, Professor of extragalactic astrophysics (dark matter and cosmology), Durham University
Illustration of the Extremely Large Telescope, currently under construction in Chile’s Atacama desert.ESO, CC BY
In recent decades, we’ve learnt huge amounts about the universe and its history. The rapidly developing technology of telescopes – both on Earth and in space – has been a key part of this process, and those that are due to start operating over the next two decades should push the boundaries of our understanding of cosmology much further.
All observatories have a list of science objectives before they switch on, but it is their unexpected discoveries that can have the biggest impact. Many surprise advances in cosmology were driven by new technology, and the next telescopes have powerful capabilities.
Still, there are gaps, such as a lack of upcoming space telescopes for ultraviolet and visible light astronomy. Politics and national interests have slowed scientific progress. Financial belts are tightening at even the most famous observatories.
This is article is part of our series Cosmology in crisis? which uncovers the greatest problems facing cosmologists today – and discusses the implications of solving them.
The biggest new telescopes are being built in the mountains of Chile. The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) will house a mirror the size of four tennis courts, under a huge dome in the Atacama desert.
Reflecting telescopes like ELT work by using a primary mirror to collect light from the night sky, then reflecting it off other mirrors to a camera. Larger mirrors collect more light and see fainter objects.
The Extremely Large Telescope under construction atop the Cerro Amazones peak in northern Chile.
Another ground-based telescope under construction in Chile is the Vera C. Rubin telescope. Rubin’s camera is the largest ever built: the size of a small car and weighing about three tonnes. Its 3,200 megapixels will photograph the whole sky every three days to spot moving objects. Over the course of 10 years, these photographs will be combined to form a massive time-lapse video of the universe.
Astronomy used to be a physically demanding job, requiring travel to remote telescopes in dark sites –- but many astronomers began working from home long before COVID. In the late 20th century, major ground observatories started to put in place technology to allow astronomers to control telescopes for observations at night, even when they were not there in person. Remote observing is now commonplace, carried out via the internet.
Expect the unexpected
The view of any telescope on the ground is limited, though, even if it’s on top of a mountain. Launching telescopes into space can get around these limitations.
The Hubble Space Telescope’s operational history began when the space shuttle lifted it above the atmosphere on April 25 1990. Hubble got the full 1960s sci-fi treatment: a rocket to launch it, gyroscopes to point it, and electronic cameras instead of photographic film. But one plan fell through: for Hubble to host a commuting astronaut-astronomer, working decidedly away from home.
Webb, launched on December 25 2021, now spends a third of its time looking at planets around other stars that weren’t even known about when it was designed.
The stated goal of an expensive telescope is usually just a sales pitch to space agencies, governments and (shhh…) taxpayers. The Webb telescope should achieve its original science goals, but astronomers have always known that seeing further, finer or in more colours can achieve so much more. The unexpected discoveries by telescopes are often more significant than the science objectives stated at the outset.
Taking the long view
For scientists, it’s a relief that telescopes go beyond their brief, because Hubble and Webb both took more than 25 years from napkin to launch. In that time, new scientific questions arise.
Building a large space telescope typically takes about two decades. The Chandra and XMM-Newton space telescopes took 23 years and 15 years to build, respectively. They were designed to observe X-rays coming from hot gas around black holes and galaxy clusters, and were launched very close together in 1999.
Similar timescales apply to the European Space Agency’s Hipparcos and Gaia space telescopes, which have mapped all the stars in the Milky Way. The Cobe and Planck missions to study the microwave-light afterglow of the Big Bang also took two decades. Precise dates depend how you count, and a few exceptions have been “faster, better, cheaper”, but national space agencies are generally risk averse and slow when developing these projects.
The latest space telescopes are therefore millennials. They were designed at a time when astronomers had measured the universe’s newborn expansion following the Big Bang, and also its old-age, accelerating expansion. Their main goal now is to fill the gap –- because, surprisingly, interpolations from early times to late times don’t meet in the middle.
The measured rates for the expansion of the universe are inconsistent, as are results for the clumpiness of matter in the cosmos. Both measurements create challenges for our theories of how the universe evolved.
Observing the middle age of the universe requires telescopes operating at long wavelengths, because light from distant galaxies is stretched by the time it reaches us. So, Webb has infrared zoom cameras, while the European Space Agency’s Euclid space telescope, launched in 2023, and Nasa’s Nancy Grace Roman telescope, which is set to launch in 2026, both have infrared wide-angle views.
Three buses come along at once
Most stars shine in ultraviolet and infrared colours that are blocked by the Earth’s atmosphere, as well as the colours our eyes evolved to see.
Extra colours are useful. For example, we can weigh stars on the other side of our galaxy because massive stars are bright in infrared, while smaller ones are faint – and they stay that way throughout their lifetimes. However, we know where stars are being born because only young stars emit ultraviolet light.
In addition, independent measurements of the same thing are vital for rigorous science. Infrared telescopes, for example, can work together and have already made surprising discoveries. But it’s not great for diversity that the Webb, Euclid and Roman space telescopes all see infrared colours.
Earthly politics gets in the way, too. Data from China’s Hubble-class space telescope, Xuntian, is unlikely to be shared internationally. And in protest at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in February 2022 Germany switched off its eRosita X-ray instrument that had been operating perfectly, in collaboration with Russia, a million miles from Earth.
Cheap commercial launches may save the day. Euclid was to have lifted off on a Russian Soyuz rocket from a European Space Agency spaceport in French Guiana. When Russia ended operations there in tit-for-tat reprisals, Euclid’s launch was successfully switched at the last minute to a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
If large telescopes can also be folded inside shoebox-size “cubesat” satellites, the lower cost would make it viable for them to fail. Tolerating risk creates a virtuous circle that makes missions even cheaper.
But perhaps the most unusual telescope technology, which may bring the most unexpected discoveries, is gravitational wave detectors. Gravitational waves are not part of the electromagnetic spectrum, so we can’t see them. They are distortions, or “ripples”, in spacetime caused by some of the most violent and energetic processes in the universe. These might include a collision between two neutron stars (dense objects formed when massive stars run out of fuel), or a neutron star merging with a black hole.
Asked what the next generation of observatories will discover, I have no idea. And that’s a good thing. The best science experiments shouldn’t just tell us about the things we expect to find, but also about the unknown unknowns.
Richard Massey receives funding from the UK Space Agency to support Euclid, and leads UK involvement in the SuperBIT balloon-born telescope.
Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kieran Maguire, Senior Teacher in Accountancy and member of Football Industries Group, University of Liverpool
When the Premier League broke away from the rest of English football in 1992, its 22 clubs generated £205 million in its debut season, and the average player earned £2,050 a week. Thirty years later, despite having two fewer clubs, the league’s revenue had increased by 2,850% to £6.1 billion and the average player earned £93,000 a week.
At the heart of this extraordinary growth is an American revolution. In the Premier League’s inaugural season, football was still in recovery from the horrors of the stadium disasters at Hillsborough and Heysel. Owners tended to be from the local area and with a business background. The only foreign owner was Sam Hamman at Wimbledon, a Lebanese millionaire who bought the club on a whim having reportedly been much more interested in tennis. The season ended with Manchester United (under Alex Ferguson) winning the English game’s top league for the first time in 26 years.
Now, if the bid for Everton by the Friedkin Group (TFG) is ratified, 11 of the 20 Premier League clubs will be controlled or part-owned by American investors. The US – long seen as football’s final frontier when it comes to the men’s game – suddenly can’t get enough of English “soccer”.
Four of the Premier League’s “big six” are American-owned – Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea – while a fifth, Manchester City, has a significant US minority shareholding. Aston Villa, Fulham, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Ipswich Town also have varying degrees of American ownership.
And it’s not even just the glamour clubs at the top of the tree. American investment has also been significant lower down the football pyramid, led by the high-profile acquisition of then non-league Wrexham by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny, and Birmingham City’s purchase by US investors including seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady. American investment in football has reached places as geographically diverse as Carlisle and Crawley in England, and Aberdeen and Edinburgh in Scotland.
Manchester United was the first Premier League club to come under American ownership – after a row about a horse.
In 2005, United was owned by a variety of investors including Irish businessmen and racehorse owners John Magnier and J.P. McManus. Their erstwhile friend Ferguson, the United manager, thought he co-owned the champion racehorse Rock of Gibraltar with them – a stallion worth millions in stud rights. They disagreed – and their bitter dispute was such that Magnier and McManus decided to sell their shares in the football club.
The Miami-based Glazer family – already involved in sport as owners of NFL franchise the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – had already been buying up small tranches of shares in United, but the sudden availability of the Irish shares allowed Malcolm Glazer to acquire a controlling stake for £790 million (around £1.5 billion at today’s prices).
The fact Glazer did not actually have sufficient funds to pay for these shares was a solvable problem. In the some-might-say commercially naive world of top-flight English football before the Premier League, Manchester United was a club without debt, paying its way without leveraging its position as one of the world’s most famous football clubs. Glazer saw the opportunity this presented and arranged a leveraged buy-out (LBO), whereby the football club borrowed more than £600 million secured on its own assets to, in effect, “buy itself” in 2005.
Despite the need to meet the high interest costs to fund the LBO, United continued winning trophies under Ferguson – including three Premier League titles in a row in 2007, 2008 and 2009, as well as a Champions League victory in 2008. Amid this success, the club felt that ticket prices were too low and set about increasing them, with matchday revenue increasing from £66 million in 2004/05 to over £101 million by 2007/08.
Commercial income was another area the Glazers were keen to increase. United set up offices in London and adopted a global approach to finding new official branding deals ranging from snacks to tractor and tyre suppliers – doubling revenues from this income source too.
But in this new, more aggressive world of “sweating the asset”, the debts lingered – and most United fans remained deeply suspicious of their American owners. (Following their father’s death in 2014, the club was co-owned by his six children, with brothers Avram and Joel Glazer becoming co-chairmen.)
Today, despite its partial listing on the New York Stock Exchange and the February 2024 sale of 27.7% of the club to British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe for a reputed £1.25 billion, United still has borrowings of more than £546 million, having paid cumulative interest costs of £969 million since the takeover in 2005. But with the club now valued at US$6.55 billion (around £5bn), it represents a very smart investment for the Glazer family.
Indeed, while the prices being paid for football clubs across Europe have reached record levels, they are still seen as cheap investments compared with US sports’ leading franchises. Forbes’s annual list of the world’s most valuable sports teams has American football (NFL), baseball (MLB) and basketball (NBA) teams occupying the top ten positions, with only three Premier League clubs – Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City – in the top 50.
With NFL teams having an average franchise value of US$5.1 billion and NBA $3.9 billion, many English football clubs still look like a bargain from the other side of the pond.
The risk of relegation
The latest to join this US bandwagon, TFG – a Texas-based portfolio of companies run by American businessman and film producer Dan Friedkin – is reported to have offered £400m to buy Everton, despite the club’s poor financial state.
“The Toffees” have been hit by loss of sponsorships as well as two sets of points deductions for breaching the Premier League’s financial rules, leading to revenue losses from lower league positions. While the new stadium being built at Liverpool’s Bramley-Moore dock has been yet another financial constraint, it will at least increase matchday income from the start of next season.
Everton’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore dock will open in time for the start of the 2025-26 season. Phil Silverman / Shutterstock
A wider reason for the relative bargain in valuations of European football clubs is the risk of relegation – something that is not part of the closed leagues of most US sports. While the threat of relegation (and promise of promotion) has always been an integral part of English and European football, the jeopardy this brings for supporters – and a club’s finances – does not exist in the NFL, NBA, Major League Soccer and similar competitions.
The Premier League, with its three relegation spots at the end of each season, has featured 51 different clubs since it launched in 1992. Only six clubs – Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton – have been ever present, with Arsenal now approaching 100 years of consecutive top-flight football.
Other Premier League clubs have experienced the dramatic cost-benefit of relegation and promotion. Oldham Athletic, who were in the Premier League for its first two seasons, now languish in the fifth tier of the game, outside the English Football League (EFL). In contrast, Luton Town, who were in the fifth tier as recently as 2014, were promoted to the Premier League in 2023 – only to be relegated at the end of last season.
While it is difficult to compare football clubs with basketball and American football teams, the financial difference between having an open league, with relegation, and a closed league becomes apparent when you look at women’s football on both sides of the Atlantic.
Angel City, a women’s soccer team based in Los Angeles, only entered the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2022 and is yet to win an NWSL trophy. But last month, the club was sold for US$250 million (£188m) to Disney’s CEO Bob Iger and TV journalist Willow Bay – the most expensive takeover in the history of women’s professional sport.
In comparison, Chelsea – seven-time winners of the English Women’s Super League and one of the most successful sides in Europe – valued its women’s team at £150 million ($US196m) earlier this summer. While there are a number of factors to this price differential, the confidence that Angel City will always be a member of the big league of US soccer clubs – and share very equally in its revenue – will have made its new owners very confident in the long-term soundness of their deal.
The story of Angel City FC, the most expensive team in women’s sport.
A further attraction for American investors is the potential to enter two markets – one mature (men’s football) and one effectively a start-up (the women’s game) – in a single purchase. In the US, the top men’s and women’s clubs are completely separate. But in Europe, most top-flight women’s teams are affiliated to men’s clubs – with the exception of eight-time Women’s Champions League winners Olympique Lyonnais Feminin, which split from the French men’s club when Korean-American businesswoman Michele Kang bought a majority stake in the women’s team in February 2024).
While interest in, and hence value of, the WSL is now growing fast, the women’s game in England is dwarfed by viewer ratings for the Premier League – the most watched sporting league in the world, viewed by an estimated 1.87 billion people every week across 189 countries.
These figures dwarf even the NFL which, while currently still the most valuable of all sporting leagues in terms of its broadcasting deals, must be looking at the growth of the Premier League with some jealousy. This may explain why some US franchise owners, such as Stan Kroenke, the Glazer family, Fenway Sports Group and Billy Foley, have subsequently purchased Premier League football clubs.
Ironically, for many spectators around the world, it is the intensity and competitiveness of most Premier League matches – brought on in part by the threat of relegation and prize of European qualification – that makes it so captivating. However, billionaire investors like guaranteed numbers and dislike risk – especially the degree of financial risk that exists in the Premier League and English Football League.
European not-so-Super League
In April 2021, 12 leading European clubs (six from England plus three each from Spain and Italy) announced the creation of the European Super League (ESL). This new mid-week competition was to be a high-revenue generating, closed competition with (eventually) 15 permanent teams and five annual additions qualifying from Europe. According to one of the driving forces behind the plan, Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer:
By bringing together the world’s greatest clubs and players to play each other throughout the season, the Super League will open a new chapter for European football, ensuring world-class competition and facilities, and increased financial support for the wider football pyramid.
The problem facing the Premier League’s “big six” clubs – and their ambitious owners – is there are currently only four slots available to play in the Champions League. So, their thinking went, why not take away the risk of not qualifying? However, the proposal was swiftly condemned by fans around Europe, together with football’s governing bodies and leagues – all of whom saw the ESL proposal as a threat to the quality and integrity of their domestic leagues. Following some large fan protests, including at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, Manchester City was the first club to withdraw – followed, within a couple of days, by the rest of the English clubs.
Under the terms of the ESL proposals, founding member clubs would have been guaranteed participation in the competition forever. Guaranteed participation means guaranteed revenues. The current financial gap between the “big six” and the other members of the Premier League, which in 2022/23 averaged £396 million, would have widened rapidly.
For example, these clubs would have been able to sell the broadcast rights for some of their ESL home fixtures direct to fans, instead of via a broadcaster. All of a sudden, that database of fans who have downloaded the official club app, or are on a mailing list, becomes far more valuable. These are the people most willing to watch their favourite team on a pay-per-view basis, further increasing revenues.
At the same time, a planned ESL wage cap would have stopped players taking all these increased revenues in the form of higher wages, allowing these clubs to become more profitable and their ownership even more lucrative.
American-owned Manchester United and Liverpool had previously tried to enhance the value of their investments during the COVID lockdowns era via ProjectBig Picture – proposals to reduce the size of the Premier League and scrap one of the two domestic cup competitions, thus freeing up time for the bigger clubs to arrange more lucrative tours and European matches against high-profile opposition.
Most importantly, Project Big Picture would have resulted in changing the governance of the domestic game. Under its proposals, the “big six” clubs would have enjoyed enhanced voting rights, and therefore been able to significantly influence how the domestic game was governed.
Any attempt to increase the concentration of power raises concerns of lower competitive balance, whereby fewer teams are in the running to win the title and fewer games are meaningful. This is a problem facing some other major European football leagues including France’s Ligue 1, where interest among broadcasters has dwindled amid the perceived dominance of Paris St-Germain.
So while to date, American-led attempts to change the structure of the Premier League have been foiled, it’s unlikely such ideas have gone away for good. The near-universal fear of fans – even those who welcome an injection of extra cash from a new billionaire owner – is that the spectacle of the league will only be diminished if such plans ever succeed.
And there is evidence from the women’s game that the US closed league format is coming under more pressure from football’s global forces. The NWSL recently announced it is removing the draft system that is designed (as with the NFL and NBA) to build in jeopardy and competitive balance when there is no risk of relegation.
Top US women’s football clubs are losing some of their leading players to other leagues, in part because European clubs are not bound by the same artificial rules of employment. In a truly global professional sport such as football, international competition will always tend to destabilise closed leagues.
Why do they keep buying these clubs?
Does this mean that American and other wealthy owners of Premier League clubs seeking to reduce their risks are ultimately fighting a losing battle? And if so, given the potential risks involved in owning a football club – both financial and even personal – why do they keep buying them?
The motivations are part-financial, part technological and, as has always been the case with sports ownership, part-vanity.
The American economy has grown far faster than that of the EU or UK in recent years. Consequently, there are many beneficiaries of this growth who have surplus cash, and here football becomes an attractive proposition. In fact, football clubs are more resilient to recessions than other industries, holding their value better as they are effectively monopoly suppliers for their fans who have brand loyalty that exists in few other industries.
From 1993 to 2018, a period during which the UK economy more than doubled, the total value of Premier League clubs grew 30 times larger. And many fans are tied to supporting one club, helping to make the biggest clubs more resilient to economic changes than other industries. While football, like many parts of the entertainment industry, was hit by lockdown during Covid, no clubs went out of business, despite the challenges of matches being played in empty stadiums.
Added to this, the exchange rates for US dollars have been very favourable until recently, making US investments in the UK and Europe cheaper for American investors.
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So, while Manchester United fans would argue that the Glazer family have not been good for the club, United has been good for the Glazers. And Fenway Sports Group (FSG), who bought Liverpool for £300 million in 2010, have recouped almost all of that money in smaller share sales while remaining majority owners of Liverpool.
Despite this, the £2.5 billion price paid for Chelsea by the US Clearlake-Todd Boehly consortium in May 2022 took markets by surprise.
The sale – which came after the UK government froze the assets of the club’s Russian oligarch owner, Roman Abramovich, following the invasion of Ukraine – went through less than a year after Newcastle United had been sold by Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley to the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund for £305 million – approximately twice that club’s annual revenues. Yet Clearlake-Boehly were willing to pay over five times Chelsea’s annual revenues to acquire the club, even though it was in a precarious financial position.
Clearlake is a private equity group whose main aim is to make profits for their investors. But unlike most such investors, who tend to focus on cost-cutting, the Chelsea ownership came in with a high-spending strategy using new financial structuring ideas, such as offering longer player contracts to avoid falling foul of football’s profitability and sustainability rules (although this loophole has since been closed with Uefa, European football’s governing body, limiting contract lengths for financial regulation purposes to five years).
Chelsea’s location in the one of the most expensive areas of London, combined with its on-field success under Abramovich, all added to the attraction, of course. But there are other reasons why Clearlake, along with billionaire businessman Boehly, were willing to stump up so much for the club.
From Hollywood to the metaverse
While some British football fans may have viewed the Ted Lasso TV show as an enjoyable if slightly twee fictional account of American involvement in English soccer, it has enhanced the attraction of the sport in the US. So too Welcome To Wrexham – the fly-on-the-wall series covering the (to date) two promotions of Wales’s oldest football club under the unlikely Hollywood stewardship of Reynolds and McElhenney.
Welcome To Wrexham, season one trailer.
The growth in US interest in English football is reflected in the record-breaking Premier League media rights deal in 2022, with NBC Sports reportedly paying $2.7 billion (£2.06bn) for its latest six-year deal.
But as well as football offering one of increasingly few “live shared TV experiences” that carry lucrative advertising slots, there may also be more opportunity for more behind-the-scenes coverage of the Premier League – as has long been seen in US coverage of NBA games, for example, where players are interviewed in the locker room straight after games.
According to Manchester United’s latest annual report, the club now has a “global community of 1.1 billion fans and followers”. Such numbers mean its owners, and many others, are bullish about the potential of the metaverse in terms of offering a matchday experience that could be similar to attending a match, without physically travelling to Manchester.
Their neighbours Manchester City, part-owned by American private equity company Silverlake, broke new (virtual) ground by signing a metaverse deal with Sony in 2022. Virtual reality could give fans around the world the feeling of attending a live match, sitting next to their friends and singing along with the rest of the crowd (for a pay-per-view fee).
Some investors are even confident that advancements in Abba-style avatar technology could one day allow fans to watch live 3D simulations of Premier League matches in stadiums all over the world. Having first-mover advantage by being in the elite club of owners who can make use of such technology could prove ever more rewarding.
More immediately, there are some indications that competitive matches involving England’s top men’s football teams could soon take place in US or other venues. Boehly, Chelsea’s co-owner, has already suggested adopting some US sports staples such as an All-Star match to further boost revenues. Indeed, back in 2008, the Premier League tentatively discussed a “39th game” taking place overseas, but that idea was quickly shelved.
The American owners of Birmingham City were keen to play this season’s EFL League One match against Wrexham in the US, but again this proposal did not get far. Liverpool’s chairman Tom Werner says he is determined to see matches take place overseas, and recent changes to world governing body Fifa’s rulebook could make it easier for this proposal to succeed.
The potential benefits of hosting games overseas include higher matchday revenues, increased brand awareness, and enhanced broadcast rights. While there is likely to be significant opposition from local fans, at least American owners know they would not face the same hostility about rising matchday prices in the US as they have encountered in England.
When the Argentinian legend Lionel Messi signed for new MLS franchise Inter Miami in 2023, season ticket prices nearly doubled on his account. And while there is vocal opposition to higher ticket prices in England, this is not borne out in terms of lower attendances for matches against high-calibre opposition – as evidenced by Aston Villa charging up to £97 for last week’s Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich.
Villa’s director of operations, Chris Heck, defended the prices by saying that difficult decisions had to be made if the club was to be competitive.
Manchester United’s matchday revenue per EPL season (£m)
For much of the 2010s, with broadcast revenues increasing rapidly, many Premier League owners made little effort to stoke hostilities with their loyal fan bases by putting up ticket prices. Indeed, Manchester United generated little more from matchday income in the 2021-22 season, as football emerged from the pandemic, than the club had in 2010-11 (see chart above).
However, this uneasy truce between fans and owners has ceased. The relative flatlining of broadcast revenues since 2017, along with cost control rules that are starting to affect clubs’ ability to spend money on player signings and wages, has changed club appetites for dampened ticket prices. This has resulted in noticeable rises in individual ticket and season ticket prices by some clubs.
However, season ticket and other local “legacy” fans generate little money compared with the more lucrative overseas and tourist fans. They may only watch their favourite team live once a season, but when they visit, they are far more likely not only to pay higher matchday prices, but to spend more on merchandise, catering and other offerings from the club.
Today’s breed of commercially aware, profit-seeking US Premier League owners – pioneered by the Glazer family, who saw that “sweating the asset” meant more than watching football players sprinting hard – understand there is a lot more value to come from English football teams. The clubs’ loyal local supporters may not like it, but English football’s American-led revolution is not done yet.
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Kieran Maguire has taught courses and presented on football finance for the Professional Footballers Association, League Managers Association, FIFA and national football associations in Europe.
Christina Philippou is affiliated with the RAF FA, and Premier League education programs.
Under the auspice of the Northern Defence Dialogue meeting held on the margins of the NATO Defence Ministers’ Meeting on 17 October 2024…
October 17, 2024 – Brussels, Belgium – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Under the auspice of the Northern Defence Dialogue meeting held on the margins of the NATO Defence Ministers’ Meeting on 17 October 2024, the defence ministers of Canada, Denmark together with the Foreign Minister of the Faroe Islands and a representative from Greenland, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, and representatives from Iceland and the United States reaffirm their shared commitment to enhanced collaboration on security and defence in the Arctic.
In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape marked by new challenges, the region has become a growing global point of focus. Climate change is having profound effects on the strategic and operational environment and growing access to the Arctic’s resource potential is enticing new non-Arctic actors to the region. Potential adversaries are rapidly developing their militaries’ ability to operate both in the High North and the circumpolar Arctic region. Among its many negative consequences, Russia’s illegal and unprovoked further invasion of Ukraine has caused grave impediments to international cooperation and degraded the Euro-Atlantic security environment.
These unprecedented challenges underline the need to foster deepened collaboration among the like-minded Arctic states. The accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO significantly strengthens NATO’s collective defence posture and capabilities in the region. As all like-minded Arctic states now belong to the Alliance, we affirm our leading role in NATO’s work relating to the region and stress the importance of maintaining a credible deterrence and defence in the entire Euro-Atlantic area—including our northern regions—as well as cooperation with our other NATO Allies to this end.
At this Northern Defence Dialogue meeting, building on the work of and aiming to also strengthen NATO, we discussed:
Our situational awareness of the threat environment in the Arctic, and opportunities to enhance information and intelligence sharing in order to establish a common operating picture;
Emerging threats, risks, and geopolitical challenges from potential adversaries at both the national and international level;
Our capabilities to deter and, if necessary, defend against threats posed by our potential adversaries in the region, and our commitment to mutual participation in joint operations and exercises to enhance interoperability; and,
Ways to increase collaboration to address common threats and challenges posed to the region.
Our countries’ common ambition to maintain low tension in the region has served as the foundation of our multilateral Arctic relations and will continue to guide our cooperation in the future. Guided by the core principles of multilateral cooperation, territorial integrity, and maintaining the rules-based international order, we are committed to strengthening our collaboration to address complex global challenges and maintain the Arctic as a stable, peaceful, and prosperous region.
MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Chernyshenko: Bashkortostan has passed the baton of the International Sports Forum “Russia – a Sports Power” to the Samara Region
October 17, 2024
The launch of the sports project “The Path of the Future Games 2.0 Trophy”. In the center are Dmitry Chernyshenko, Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyarev and bloggers Mahyoub Haitham from Yemen and Han Xueying from China
October 17, 2024
Dmitry Chernyshenko and Mikhail Degtyarev inspected the stand of the State Sports Museum
October 17, 2024
Acting Prime Minister of Bashkortostan Andrey Nazarov solemnly handed over to the Governor of the Samara Region Vyacheslav Fedorishchev a symbolic baton – the right to host the forum “Russia – a Sports Power” in 2025
October 17, 2024
Launch of the sports project “The Path of the Future Games Trophy 2.0”
October 17, 2024
Dmitry Chernyshenko and Mikhail Degtyarev at the exhibition of the forum “Russia – a Sports Power”
October 17, 2024
Dmitry Chernyshenko and Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev inspected the exposition of the international forum “Russia – a Sports Power” and launched the sports project “The Path of the Future Games Trophy 2.0”. Ceremony of handing over the symbol of the forum and the right to host the event in 2025 to Samara
October 17, 2024
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Dmitry Chernyshenko: Bashkortostan has passed the baton of the International Sports Forum “Russia – a Sports Power” to the Samara Region
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev inspected the exposition of the international forum “Russia – a Sports Power” and launched the sports project “The Path of the Future Games Trophy 2.0”. During the inspection, a ceremony was held to transfer the forum symbol and the right to host the event in 2025 to Samara.
“It is extremely important that the forum “Russia – a Sports Power” will host panel discussions on issues that are relevant to everyone, related to the development and future of international sports. Such sports that are not subject to political circumstances and are not used as a weapon against other countries. The attempts of the unfriendly West to ban everything Russian, including our culture, language and sports, have truly failed. This year we held the largest international, open competitions – the Games of the Future, “Children of Asia”, the BRICS Games. And their number will only increase. Russia is open to the whole world, and this is being stated today from the rostrum of the forum “Russia – a Sports Power”, – the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
Dmitry Chernyshenko drew attention to the symbolism of holding the forum in the year of the 450th anniversary of Ufa and spoke about the region’s achievements in the field of sports development: Bashkortostan has one of the highest levels of provision of sports infrastructure and involvement of residents in regular sports.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that in the conditions in which our country finds itself, its unification around President Vladimir Putin is especially noticeable, including in the field of sports. The head of state set the task of increasing the number of people systematically involved in sports to 70% by 2030. According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Republic of Bashkortostan is an excellent platform and example.
“We plan that the goal of 70% of citizens regularly involved in sports will be achieved by 2030. Today, about 60% of Russians are actively involved in sports. The components of success here are our coaches, athletes, infrastructure, which, by decision of the President, has been developing at a very rapid pace in recent years. The head of state instructed us to additionally introduce 350 sports facilities per year. Money has been allocated for these purposes,” said Mikhail Degtyarev.
The Minister of Sports also noted the joint work with the Government: “We take into account all the instructions of the President, federal programs, process events and work with the regions. Plus the comprehensive state program, which President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin supported at the suggestion of Dmitry Nikolaevich Chernyshenko. We are currently working on it. It will take into account the federal budget, and regional funds that go to sports, and extra-budgetary sources. Large companies spend a lot on sports, we thank them for this. Now these funds will be taken into account when planning expenses.”
Dmitry Chernyshenko, together with Mikhail Degtyarev and Acting Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan Andrey Nazarov, visited the stands of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, the State Sports Museum, SMP Racing, the Republic of Belarus, the Samara, Sakhalin and Tula regions, and Bashkortostan.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia presented developments of domestic manufacturers and showed their products. A unique collection of Olympic torches from different years was presented at the stand of the State Sports Museum.
At the Samara Region stand, Acting Prime Minister of Bashkortostan Andrey Nazarov solemnly handed over a symbolic baton to the Governor of the Samara Region Vyacheslav Fedorishchev – the right to host the Russia – Sports Power forum in 2025.
“We are grateful to President Vladimir Putin for the trust he has shown in holding the international forum in the capital of our republic. We approached this issue with special responsibility. We have done truly large-scale work. We are handing over the symbol of the country’s main sporting event to our esteemed neighbors – the Samara Region,” Andrey Nazarov emphasized.
Also, Dmitry Chernyshenko, together with Mikhail Degtyarev, the President of the Russian Phygital Sports Federation Nikita Nagorny and the head of the Future Games project Igor Stolyarov, launched the sports project “The Path of the Future Games Trophy 2.0” – an international motor rally with the main trophy of the Games.
The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that in February of this year, at the initiative of President Vladimir Putin, the Games of the Future were held for the first time in human history. They were a huge success: 116 countries, 2,000 athletes, more than 3.5 billion views.
The International Phygital Sports Federation has already been organized. The next Games will be held in 2025 in the United Arab Emirates, and the third in Kazakhstan.
“The trophy’s route will pass through eight countries, including the countries that will host the Games of the future. The importance of this journey is difficult to overestimate, as it will popularize the phygital movement – a sports movement that unites science, technology and sports, creating new stars who are equally developed in both the virtual and physical worlds. It is they who are the effective future of our world. We are very pleased that our partners continue to support this format,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
Mikhail Degtyarev noted that the Games trophy even went to space, and spoke about the creation of phygital centers: “Also, on the instructions of Dmitry Nikolaevich Chernyshenko, with the support of our President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, we will build at least 300 phygital centers across the country by 2030. The funds are included in our budget, and are currently being approved. We have done this work, and this is the future – physical activity plus eSports give a healthy modern person of the future.”
The international Future Games Trophy Route 2.0 rally aims to take phygital to an even bigger scale. It will run from October 17 to November 22, 2024, through Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Qatar.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
