NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI China: Over 9,000 children to benefit from Red Cross heart screening program in Xinjiang

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Chinese Red Cross Foundation (CRCF) is set to complete its 2025 “Angels Tour,” a large-scale congenital heart disease screening campaign in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China, by May, with more than 9,000 children expected to be examined, the organization said Wednesday.
    Scheduled from March through May, the initiative has seen several volunteer medical teams tour various parts of Xinjiang, conducting free screenings for children with suspected congenital heart conditions.
    In the latest leg of the project, the foundation is working in regions including Altay and Tacheng, in collaboration with a volunteer medical team from a hospital in Shandong Province, east China.
    The team will carry out screenings at eight locations and conduct follow-up checkups for children who received surgery in previous years. This round of screening is expected to continue through mid-April.
    According to Yang Zhuozi, director of the CRCF’s medical assistance department, the Angels Tour has occurred annually in Xinjiang since 2017, with support from the central authority’s special lottery public welfare fund and charitable donations from the public.
    To date, the program has screened more than 21,000 children across the region and provided free corrective surgeries for over 2,300 children diagnosed with operable heart defects. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mexican president rejects US drone strikes on drug cartels

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday rejected U.S. “intervention” in Mexican territory, including deploying attack drones along the U.S.-Mexico border against drug cartels.

    During her daily press conference, Sheinbaum reiterated her long-standing opposition to such measures, emphasizing coordination and cooperation without subordination.

    “That wouldn’t solve anything. The solution is to be permanently addressing the causes and making arrests, which have to do with intelligence and investigation, coordination, and zero impunity,” she said, adding that Mexico does not accept such measures.

    U.S. media reported that the White House is still weighing its options and has not yet finalized a plan for its fight against drugs.

    In January, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a national emergency along the U.S. southern border, and in February, the U.S. government designated Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.

    The Mexican president has repeatedly made it clear that U.S. authorities have no jurisdiction over Mexican territory. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Washington is waging a trade war against itself

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Washington has once again reverted to its coercive playbook of issuing ultimatums, escalating trade tensions on Monday by demanding that China abandon its legitimate countermeasures or face a new round of tariff hikes.

    The timing of this latest threat — just days ahead of a new wave of country-specific “reciprocal” tariffs on dozens of its trading partners on Wednesday — reeks of desperation.

    If Washington believes that ramping up pressure can compel Beijing to give in, it is engaging in wishful thinking. China has been firm in its stance, refusing to bow down to Washington’s ultimatum, vowing to respond in kind, and fighting to the end.

    As the U.S. administration under Donald Trump is scrambling to remodel global free trade into a zero-sum game, it would do well to recall a consistent truth: trade wars produce no winners. The United States is far from immune to the economic wounds of the trade war it has ignited. American markets are already feeling the strain, businesses face growing uncertainties, and the risk of recession is ballooning.

    During Trump’s first term, his trade war inflicted significant damage on the U.S. economy — leading to higher consumer prices, financial strains on American farmers, and manufacturing slowdowns as companies struggled with the rising costs of imported materials.

    “The trade war has not to date provided economic help to the U.S. heartland: import tariffs on foreign goods neither raised nor lowered U.S. employment in newly-protected sectors; retaliatory tariffs had clear negative employment impacts, primarily in agriculture,” said a recent research from the U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research.

    Given the broader scale of Washington’s latest trade war, the consequences are likely to be much worse. Tariffs will not protect U.S. industries; instead, they will inflate costs for manufacturers, disrupt global supply chains and burden consumers already grappling with inflation.

    Washington’s decision to escalate tariffs on China and other trading partners is a grave mistake that needs to be corrected.

    In an interconnected global economy, resorting to protectionism is not a sign of strength — but shortsightedness and arrogance. If Washington is truly committed to building a better future, it must move away from the illusion of unilateral control and return to the principles of respect, equality and cooperation. Anything less risks accelerating the United States’ economic decline. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Why are the US and Iran talking in Oman and what’s at stake?

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The long-standing tensions between the United States and Iran are once again in the spotlight, as both sides prepare for indirect high-level talks scheduled for Saturday in Oman’s capital of Muscat.

    While U.S. President Donald Trump describes the engagement as a “direct” dialogue, Iran insists it will be an “indirect” negotiation, mediated through third parties. Here’s what we know and what remains uncertain.

    What happened?

    On Monday, Trump announced that the United States and Iran are engaged in “direct” negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. On Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed that indirect high-level talks would be held in Oman. According to Iranian media, Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff will lead their respective delegations.

    This follows Trump’s public call last month for direct nuclear talks, paired with a warning that military options remain on the table should diplomacy fail, a statement that heightened tensions in the region. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on March 30 that Tehran had rejected direct talks, via a message conveyed through Oman, but remained open to indirect negotiations, dependent on Washington’s behavior.

    Why Oman? 

    Oman maintains longstanding friendly relations with both Washington and Tehran, and has repeatedly played the role of a neutral broker in times of crisis.

    In early 2020, after the U.S. assassination of Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, the two countries were on the brink of open conflict. At that moment, Oman stepped in quietly to de-escalate tensions by facilitating secret communication between the sides.

    Beyond Iran-U.S. relations, Oman has mediated multiple regional conflicts. It has hosted Houthi delegations in efforts to resolve the war in Yemen and helped broker a de facto ceasefire since 2022. In April 2023, Omani and Saudi delegations visited Sanaa for talks with Houthi leaders. Oman has also served as a bridge in the Syrian crisis, the Gulf diplomatic rift, and normalization efforts between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

    What are the prospects? 

    The negotiations, though a positive step, face daunting challenges.

    First, the regional environment is increasingly volatile. Conflicts in Gaza, unrest in Lebanon and disrupted shipping in the Red Sea all contribute to an unpredictable security landscape. Any flashpoint could derail diplomatic efforts or lead to unintended escalations.

    Second, Iran remains skeptical of U.S. intentions. The Trump administration’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal and the imposition of sweeping sanctions have eroded trust. Even as Washington seeks renewed engagement, Tehran is wary of committing to a process it fears may be reversed again.

    Lastly, the two sides disagree on the format even before talks begin. Trump is pushing for direct dialogue, while Iran insists on mediation through intermediaries, an indication of how deep the mistrust has gone.

    What’s next? 

    All eyes now turn to Muscat, where the upcoming discussions could either help reduce tensions or merely expose the limits of current diplomacy.

    While Iran has kept the door open, it demands clarity and commitment. For now, the process remains fragile, with the outcome hinging on how both sides manage their mutual differences, but also on how they adapt to the turbulent currents of Middle Eastern geopolitics. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Chief Scientific Adviser appointed

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New Chief Scientific Adviser appointed

    Professor Anjali Goswami becomes Defra’s new Chief Scientist

    Professor Anjali Goswami has been appointed as the new Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 

    Professor Goswami, who is currently a Research Leader in Evolutionary Biology at the Natural History Museum, will join the department from 1 July 2025. She will succeed Professor Gideon Henderson, who is leaving Defra after six years in the role. 

    Professor Goswami is a celebrated scientist who has served as President of the Linnean Society of London and is a Fellow of the Royal Society. In addition to her academic achievements, she has authored a children’s book on palaeontology and received numerous prestigious awards, including the Zoological Society of London Scientific Medal, the Palaeontological Association President’s Medal, and the Humanists UK Darwin Day Medal. 

    Defra Permanent Secretary, Tamara Finkelstein said: 

    “World-leading science is fundamental to the research and development which underpins this department’s diverse responsibilities. I offer my sincere thanks to Gideon for his dedication and drive throughout his time at Defra for his scientific leadership and his wider leadership of the department.  He has been an inspiring colleague bringing his values and commitment to innovation to bear to the benefit of citizens.

    “Professor Goswami brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from her career in academia and at the Natural History Museum. I am delighted to have her as part of the Defra leadership team, providing her science expertise both in Defra and the wider government scientific community.” 

    Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said: 

    “I would like to thank Professor Henderson for his exceptional leadership and expert insight as Chief Scientific Adviser. 

    “Supporting nature’s recovery, protecting people and animals from disease outbreaks, strengthening food security – all our key areas of focus rely on the world-class advice of our scientists. I welcome Professor Goswami and look forward to working with her as this government secures Britain’s future under the Plan for Change.” 

    Professor Anjali Goswami said: 

    “I am delighted to be joining Defra at this critical time for the UK and the planet. 

    “The UK public is rightly concerned about the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change, which are increasingly evident in our everyday lives.  Fortunately, there is immense scientific innovation that can support Defra’s mission, from cleaning our waterways and restoring nature to improving the resilience of our rural communities and our food supply to global change.   

    “I look forward to joining the Defra team and ensuring that the most cutting-edge scientific understanding is being harnessed to meet the complex challenges we face and deliver for the UK public.”  

    Current Defra Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Gideon Henderson said: 

    “It’s been a challenging but hugely enjoyable privilege to be the Chief Scientific Advisor at Defra for the last six years. 

    “The department can be proud of the way it values science and scientists as it cares for the air, water, food and natural environment that we all rely on.  I will miss working with passionate colleagues who make sure Defra’s wide range work is always informed by up-to-date and accurate science and analysis.   

    “I am pleased to hand over to Anjali who will be a great leader of Defra’s scientific community.  She will bring a wealth of knowledge and insight and I’m confident will continue to put science and analysis at the heart of Defra’s work.” 

    Professor Anjali Goswami Biography 

    • Professor Anjali Goswami is a Research Leader in Evolutionary Biology at the Natural History Museum and President of the Linnean Society of London. Her previous roles include Dean of Postgraduate Education at the Natural History Museum and Professor of Palaeobiology at UCL. 

    • Her research focuses on vertebrate evolution and development, with a focus on using mathematical approaches to understand the impact of life history and environmental change on biodiversity. 

    • Professor Goswami was elected to the fellowship of the Royal Society of London in 2024 and has been awarded the Linnean Society Bicentenary Medal, the Zoological Society of London Scientific Medal, the Hind Rattan Award, the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology Robert L. Carroll award, the Palaeontological Association President’s Medal, and the Humanists UK Darwin Day Medal. 

    Notes to editors 

    • The Defra Chief Scientific Adviser is responsible for overseeing the quality of evidence that the Department relies on for policy decisions, providing ministers with scientific advice and setting the priorities for scientific research and evidence-gathering.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bus passengers encouraged to make the most of new services and discounted fares in Stoke-on-Trent

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Wednesday, 9th April 2025

    Three more bus services are being rolled out in Stoke-on-Trent as part of a city council commitment to make public transport more accessible for everyone.

    Last month, 14 new services were introduced in the city, making it easier for passengers to get to work, school, see friends and relatives and get to the shops and hospitals during the evenings and weekends.

    Now even more bus services will begin this month. They are:

    • Service 500 – serving Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station and Festival Park during peak hours (launched on Monday 7 April).
    • Service 27 – serving Dividy Road, Beverley Drive, Meir Hay and Longton, providing the first direct link to Longton in a number of years for parts of the Bentilee estate (starting on Monday 14 April)
    • Service 96 – serving Newchapel, Packmoor, Tunstall and Middleport (starting on Monday 14 April). It’s been over 10 years since buses last served the centre of Middleport.

    In addition, the number 40 bus – which had previously been operated by D&G – will now be operated by First Potteries from Monday 14 April. The bus will operate an hourly weekday daytime service between Newstead, Longton and Mount Pleasant.

    First Potteries also runs a new Saturday service on the number 40A bus – introduced last month (March) – which serves Mount Pleasant and World of Wedgwood in Barlaston.

    The latest routes all form part of the city council’s government-funded Bus Service Improvement Plan, which has seen more than 30 new services introduced over the past 12 months.

    Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Last month, we launched 14 new services to help residents get to their jobs, schools, universities and shops. Now we’re launching even more.

    “We have listened to residents and we know that these new services are vitally needed, so we are delighted that, as part of our Bus Service Improvement Plan, we have recently secured an extra £9.9 million to continue improving our bus network.

    “As I always say, the more people who use the buses then the more sustainable they become and the longer these services can continue. So, whether you’re travelling between Packmoor and Tunstall, Bentilee and Longton or Stoke and Festival Park, there’s never been a better time to take the bus in Stoke-on-Trent. I encourage as many people as possible to use these services or you will lose them.”

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council recently announced that the additional funding, secured from the Department for Transport, will be used to improve four problem junctions in the city where bus passengers are currently experiencing frustrating delays.

    It will also be used to install new lighting and additional security measures at Hanley and Longton bus stations and continue to improve links between Etruria Valley, neighbouring retail parks, the city centre and Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station.

    In addition, the city’s discounted travel scheme will be extended, meaning adults and young people can continue to make the most of lower bus fares.

    Adults can secure day, weekly, monthly and three-monthly tickets for £4.80, £12, £42 and £115 respectively while young people, under the age of 19, will pay just £3.50 (day ticket), £9 (weekly ticket), £31.50 (monthly ticket) and £85 (three-month ticket). 

    For more information about the city council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan visit: Bus Service Improvement Plan | Bus Service Improvement Plan | Stoke-on-Trent

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Northern Thai communities put nature before profit

    Source: United Nations 2

    The Indigenous Karen people and the Thai Lanna community of Thailand are concerned about plans to divert and dam the Yuam river and its branches, which could undo years of careful stewardship.

    Members of both communities spoke to a team from UN University ahead of the release of the 2025 Interconnected Disaster Risks report which tracks how disasters are linked to each other as well as human behaviours.

    Community members shared how they are protecting their way of life, which values the land and waterways far beyond just their economic potential.

    Singkarn Ruenhom

    Thai Lanna fisherman

    © UNU-EHS/Molly Ferrill

    “I rely mainly on the river for my occupation, and I go fishing in the river area. Whether it can be done or not, we will try to protect nature. Protecting shellfish, crabs, fish, this is my conscience.

    When I get in the water it is a happy thing. It’s the feeling that I have arrived home. I feel proud that I sleep in a house near the water. I hear the sound of flowing water and I feel that I am lucky, lucky to have nature that gives me a lullaby and nourishes me.

    The local villagers value nature more than money. Money is acquired quickly and then it is gone, but nature will be with us for the rest of our lives.

    Now, the villagers are recording the species of fish in the Ngao River. From what they have found, about 70 to 80 per cent of the species found in the Ngao River are not found anywhere else. This, to me, has a value that cannot be measured. Our culture is to respect it. It is like the crabs and fish that used to be our friends, our food, and the trees that we used to look at are about to disappear.”

    Dao Phrasuk Moepoy

    Indigenous Karen activist

    © UNU-EHS/Molly Ferrill

    Dao Phrasuk Moepoy

    We rely on the forest and the river to sustain us and make a living. If there was no river, we would not be able to survive. Our memories since birth are connected to the river and the forest.

    Today, what we have is sufficient and abundant. We don’t want anyone to divert the water or change its direction. Our lives have always existed like this. We live with the river. We want the river to be a river that can run freely.

    The forests and rivers that we live with give us abundance. They give us food and life for almost the whole year, so we have to take care of and feed the spirits and ghosts of the forest and rivers.

    My voice is the voice of the villagers and the voice of nature, because the villagers and nature live together, they are both parts. If anyone wants to do something to nature, they should think carefully, and evaluate carefully, whether it is right to destroy nature. If nature is lost, it will be lost forever.

    We don’t know how many years or generations it will take to bring it back to life. We can’t calculate how many years each tree will take.”

    The Disaster Risks Report

    • This year’s Interconnected Disaster Risks report by the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) finds that redefining what we value is one of five fundamental changes that humanity needs to make to shift towards a more sustainable and resilient world.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lufthansa City Airlines takes delivery of its first all-new Airbus A320neo

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    Yesterday (Tuesday), Lufthansa City Airlines took delivery of its first brand-new Airbus A320neo at the Airbus factory in Hamburg-Finkenwerder. The aircraft, registration D-AIJP, was named “Ingelheim am Rhein”. This first brand-new Airbus symbolizes the key role that Lufthansa City Airlines plays within the Lufthansa Group in redefining continental traffic to and from Munich and, from 2026, Frankfurt hubs. The airline is thus making an important contribution to strengthening the competitiveness of the short-haul network, consolidating the market position of the Lufthansa Group and supporting the planned growth on long-haul routes.

    “Our new aircraft is a further motivation and incentive for the commitment and excellent work of all our employees, who contribute to the success and growth of our airline every day,” said Peter Albers, Managing Director of Lufthansa City Airlines, after the official handover.

    From May onwards, the “Juliett Papa” will offer space for 180 passengers. Like all Lufthansa City Airlines aircraft, the new Airbus A320neo is equipped with the new Airspace cabin and offers passengers significantly larger overhead bins, a modern lighting system and improved seating comfort in proven Lufthansa quality.

    With this new addition, the Lufthansa City Airlines fleet now comprises eight aircraft (four Airbus A319s and four Airbus A320neos). In the course of 2025, five more brand-new Airbus A320neos and two additional Airbus A320neos will be added, expanding the fleet to 15 aircraft by the end of 2025. From the end of 2026, Lufthansa City Airlines expects to take delivery of the first of 40 Airbus A220-300s on order.

    Route network 

    In line with the significant growth of its fleet, the youngest airline in the Lufthansa Group is also expanding its route network in Europe. Lufthansa City Airlines is adding seven new destinations to its route network for the summer flight schedule 2025: Barcelona, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Düsseldorf, Rome, Edinburgh, Seville and Bordeaux. The Lufthansa City Airlines network now comprises 17 destinations that can be booked directly at www.lufthansa.com. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The ‘morning shed’: a brief history of the sometimes dangerous lengths women have gone to look beautiful

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Louise N Hanson, PhD in Social and Developmental psychology, Durham University

    An advert for the tape worm pills.

    In TikTok’s latest viral beauty trend “the morning shed,” beauty influencers “shed” hair and skin products that have been worn overnight. These include hair styling items, skin masks and creams, and physical products such as chin straps and mouth tape, which are intended to help with breathing through the night and keep away the drooping of the jaw that happens with age.

    While this trend has come under fire for alleged unsustainability and over-consumerism, it is only the latest beauty fad in a long line of time and money consuming “hacks” that women have been undertaking for centuries. From tapeworms to tuberculosis, women have taken part in a laundry list of beauty hacks in order to meet appearance ideals, many of which have been dangerous, painful and even deadly.

    As far back as the ancient Egyptians, women ground up toxic substances to make eyeliner and eye shadow. These were dangerous when inhaled as a powder (such as during the grinding process) and could cause irritation of the skin when applied. And yet somehow, heavy metal poisoning is among the least dangerous of these historic beauty trends.

    Ready to make a change? The Quarter Life Glow-up is a new, six-week newsletter course from The Conversation’s UK and Canada editions. Every week, we’ll bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health – no supplements or skincare required. Sign up here to start your glow-up at any time.

    In China, foot binding is an example of a painful and life altering treatment first recorded around the 10th century. The feet were usually bound before the arch of the foot had developed (aged four to nine).

    The process involved forcefully curling the toes towards the sole of the foot until the arch broke then the foot would be tightly bandaged to keep it in this position. Small feel were coveted at the time. Thankfully, this practice was banned in the early 1900s after almost 200 years of opposition from both Chinese and western sources.

    A Chinese woman with bound feet.
    Wikimedia, CC BY-SA

    In Europe, the Renaissance period saw a new wave of beauty hacks, from arsenic baths (which bleach the skin to a near translucent white) to Belladonna drops (literal poison) used on the eyes to induce an aroused or watery-eyed look. Many women who used these tactics ended up poisoned or blind.

    During the reign of Elizabeth I, the “English rose” look was all the rage. Women would blood let for a perfectly pale pallor, or paint their faces with “Venetian ceruse” or “Venetian white” – otherwise known as lead paint. The use of Venetian ceruse is one of the suspected causes of death of Elizabeth I.

    In the Victorian era and early 1900s, women often engaged in dangerous practices to achieve the coveted pale skin, red lip and small waist that was the height of fashion. This aesthetic could be achieved by contracting tuberculosis (a lung infection that was often fatal), taking tapeworm pills, consuming mercury to look forever young, or chewing arsenic wafers to make skin pale.

    My own research has shown that sociocultural pressures to look a certain way are experienced differently across the world. I found that white western women experience some of the highest appearance pressures, followed by east Asian women. Although these decline a little with age for white western women, they persist in Asian women and never reach the lower levels seen elsewhere. I found the lowest levels of sociocultural pressure and the highest levels of body appreciation in Nigeria.

    As the “morning shed” proves, women still go to great lengths to meet culturally shaped standards, particularly under conditions of higher economic inequality – something that is getting worse in many countries. For example, in the United States, cities which have higher economic inequality see higher spend on beauty products and services, such as beauty salons or women’s clothing.

    With the advent of social media, especially short-form content like TikTok, Reels and YouTube Shorts, the speed at which beauty trends rise and fall has been expedited and globalised. These trends range from the painful lip suction women undertook to get big lips like the celebrity Kylie Jenner, to the normalisation of botox and fillers, to laser hair removal of every unwanted follicle.

    The “morning shed” is just the latest evolution in skin care trends, which started as health-focused, with an emphasis on sun protection and moisturisation. It has since morphed into a study in over-consumption and over-commitment of time and money in the pursuit of staying ever youthful.

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

    – ref. The ‘morning shed’: a brief history of the sometimes dangerous lengths women have gone to look beautiful – https://theconversation.com/the-morning-shed-a-brief-history-of-the-sometimes-dangerous-lengths-women-have-gone-to-look-beautiful-253921

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A spy detective film about the 1960s was filmed at the Moskino cinema park

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Filming of the four-part series “Dear Willy” about the secret friendship of Leonid Brezhnev and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) Willy Brandt has been completed at the Moskino cinema park. The plot of the series is based on real archival interviews. The director of the project is Vladimir Shchegolkov. The main roles are played by Sergey Makovetsky and Kirill Kyaro.

    The action of the spy detective takes place in the 1960s against the backdrop of the threat of nuclear war. Soviet intelligence intercepts information about an impending US attack from bases in West Germany. To prevent a catastrophe, the leader of the Soviet state Leonid Brezhnev secretly makes a deal with Chancellor Willy Brandt, risking his career and even his life.

    “Opening a cinema park in Moscow is a great idea, it should have been done a long time ago. Several interesting objects for filmmakers are conveniently located here in one location. We filmed in the sets of “Tu-154 Airplane”, “Berlin Border Checkpoint”, “County Town”, “Center of Moscow”. This is very convenient because we do not need to close roads in the city center and cause inconvenience to residents. In the Moskino cinema park, you can fully control the filming process and decorate as needed, for example, decorate and fill the streets in accordance with the era that is needed. We are looking forward to the emergence of new interesting sites,” said Nadezhda Guselnikova, producer of the project “Dear Willie”.

    The development of natural, decorative parks within the city, where modern and historical projects can be filmed, is a huge help in film production and a mutually beneficial mechanism, noted Natalia Bernyakova, executive producer of the Format TV company. According to her, due to administrative difficulties, it is very difficult to work with railway stations and airports, and the film park has such decorations.

    The Moskino cinema park is part of Sergei Sobyanin’s “Moscow – City of Cinema” project and an object of the Moscow cinema cluster, which is being developed capital’s Department of Culture. The first stage has already been completed here: 24 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been built. Among them are the sets “Center of Moscow”, “Moscow in the 1940s”, “Vitebsk Station”, “Yurovo Airport”, “Cathedral Square of Moscow”, “Deaf Village”, “Partisan Village”, “County Town”, “Cowboy Town”, “St. Petersburg Bar” and other sites.

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

    The director spoke about the filming of the series “Natalie and Alexander” in the Moskino cinema parkActors of the historical series talked about filming in the Moskino cinema park

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152337073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Race, master classes and tree planting: what awaits participants of the project “Time of Kindness”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    From April 12 to 20, the capital will host the spring stage of the volunteer project “Time of Goodness”. The program will include patriotic events, creative master classes, sports events, clean-up days and much more. This was reported by Natalia Sergunina, Deputy Mayor of Moscow.

    “In the spring season of the project, Muscovites will see more than 60 events. For example, volunteers together with professional artists will paint portraits of participants in the Great Patriotic War. Then the works will be presented at an exhibition, and on the eve of Victory Day they will be presented to veterans,” said Natalia Sergunina.

    On April 12, volunteers will joinorganizing the race in Catherine Park. On the same day and on April 13, creative activities at the festival “City of the Caring”, which will take place on the territory of the “Bread Factory No. 9” space.

    On April 17, the Russian State Children’s Library invites you make postcards for the heroes of the special military operation. On April 19, those who wish are invited to participate intree planting campaigns “Alley of the 80th Anniversary of Victory”.

    On April 12, and from April 14 to 18, the “Good Place” volunteer centers in different districts of the capital will collect toys for patients of children’s hospitals, personal hygiene products for the wards of a non-profit organization, and food for animals from shelters. There are also recycling collection points for waste paper, plastic, and cardboard.

    The project participants will also answer questions from a history quiz, and will be given first aid training and a master class on making bird feeders.

    Citizens over the age of six are invited to try themselves in various areas of volunteering. To do this, pre-registration is required aton the website of the resource center “Mosvolonter”.

    For participating in the events, Muscovites will receive points that can be exchanged for a smart speaker, a T-shirt, an umbrella, and other useful items.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152354073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How the BCL was built: a new photo exhibition has opened in the metro

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A new photo exhibition dedicated to the history of the construction of the longest metro ring line in the world, the Big Circle Line (BCL), has opened in the capital. The exhibition features 30 photographs depicting different stages of the work and the modern architectural appearance of the stations. The photos can be seen in the passage from the Prospekt Vernadskogo station of the BCL to the platform of the same name on the Sokolnicheskaya Line.

    “Two years ago, Sergei Sobyanin launched the Big Circle Line. The opening of the new metro ring was one of the most significant events in the history of Moscow transport. The BCL made city residents’ trips more convenient and faster, the metro came to areas where it had not been before. The photo exhibition demonstrates not only the scale and complexity of the project, but also the beauty and functionality of the new stations,” said Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry

    Maxim Liksutov.

    The main focus is on the before and after photographs, which show how the appearance of different metro stations integrated into the BCL has changed. For example, the photos of Varshavskaya, which opened after reconstruction on March 1, 2023, show what the station was like during the renovation and how it was transformed afterwards. Now it is decorated with black and white marble slabs and illuminated ceiling vaults, visually expanding the space.

    Some of the photographs are dedicated to the history of the construction of Novatorskaya, which opened on December 7, 2021. The pictures show all stages of the work: from concrete walls to the final result – a modern, bright station.

    Another exhibition, dedicated to the Big Circle Line, opened as part of the project “Art in the Metro” in the passage between the Savelovskaya stations of the Serpukhovsko-Timiryazevskaya and Big Circle Lines. It will last until April 18.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152356073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin: Moscow to introduce new digital solutions in healthcare

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Moscow invites developers to join the innovative development of the capital’s medicine. They can offer their digital solutions in healthcare. About this in his telegram channel written by Sergei Sobyanin.

    “Today it is difficult to imagine our life without digital technologies. It is important that the Moscow healthcare system keeps up with the times, so we

    let’s continue “implement the most advanced solutions,” the Mayor of Moscow wrote.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin

    Priority areas include services for patients that will allow them to receive online consultations, choose a doctor, create a treatment plan and a medication schedule, and keep a health diary under the supervision of a specialist. In addition, these are technologies for remote health monitoring, automated systems for supporting the activities of medical organizations, innovations for operating rooms, and other areas.

    Developers can apply on the platform. The selected projects will be tested at city clinics and will receive support at all stages of testing. The best developments will be included in the Moscow healthcare system.

    Sergei Sobyanin told how digitalization has changed the capital’s healthcare

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12599050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Professional retraining program launched at Polytechnic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The Polytechnic University hosted the grand opening of the joint program of the Civil Engineering Institute and the engineering company NanoSoft, Digital Drawing Teacher, as part of the XV St. Petersburg International Educational Forum. It was developed by ISI teachers based on nanoCAD platform solutions for designing and modeling objects.

    Currently, the first group of teachers is undergoing online training at the Civil Engineering Institute. Representatives of schools in St. Petersburg, the Leningrad Region, Salekhard, Chelyabinsk and other cities are mastering drawing teaching skills based on modern NanoCAD platform solutions.

    At the opening at SPbPU, teachers from schools in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region who became students of the Center for Additional Professional Programs of the ISI were greeted by the Vice-Rector for Additional and Pre-University Education Dmitry Tikhonov, the Director of Programs for the Development of Interaction with Educational and Scientific Organizations “NanoSoft Development” Oleg Egorychev, the Director of the Center for Additional Professional Programs of the ISI Ksenia Strelets, the Head of the Directorate of Pre-University Education and Talent Attraction Nikolai Snegiryov, as well as the authors and teachers of the course.

    Dmitry Tikhonov noted the importance of the qualifications of school teachers, especially those who specialize in engineering, and expressed gratitude to NanoSoft for supporting the implementation of the program. Oleg Egorychev emphasized the importance of introducing domestic software, which replaces imported analogs in the field of engineering. This software helps to carry out digital modeling, calculations and design of building structures, as well as engineering and technological equipment for industrial and civil facilities. Oleg Olegovich presented letters of gratitude for assistance in the implementation of Russian software in education to the Director of ISI Marina Petrochenko, Dmitry Tikhonov, Ksenia Strelets and the author of the course, Associate Professor of ISI Elena Knyazeva. Nikolay Snegiryov spoke about the career guidance projects of SPbPU, implemented for schools of St. Petersburg, which will help improve and strengthen the partnership between schools and the university.

    High-quality training of students in drawing using digital tools is very important. Having become students of the Civil Engineering Institute, they already in their first year learn parametric modeling within the framework of the discipline “Engineering Graphics”, – noted Ksenia Strelets.

    Becoming a digital drawing teacher is a step into the future that we are taking together with the Polytechnic University. Despite the complexity of the material, I think I will be able to master the basics of digital drawing, surrounded by a close-knit team of teachers. Thank you for the new horizons that have opened up in education, – shared drawing teacher of school No. 252 Svetlana Vavilova.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Competition “Archer of the Future”. Polytechnic University has two victories!

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The fifth season of the All-Russian competition of student works for the best solution of business problems “Archer of the Future” was held in Moscow. Two teams of the Higher School of Media Communications and Public Relations of the Humanitarian Institute of SPbPU won confident victories.

    Students from 35 universities in the country’s specialized fields of study presented 134 solutions for such large companies as the State Hermitage Museum, SR Space, T-Bank, TMK, the Festival of Geobrands “Land of Discoveries”, the “Water of Russia” Museum, and Sakhalin Energy. Two student teams of the Higher School of Management and Social Sciences of the Russian Federation, “Special Agents of the Russian Federation” and “Echo”, were shortlisted for the competition and invited to participate in open defenses. The mentors of the polytechnics were Marina Arkannikova, Director of the Higher School of Management and Social Sciences of the Russian Federation, and Elina Avakova and Dmitry Popov, Associate Professors of the Higher School of Management and Social Sciences of the Russian Federation.

    The first winners were the team “Special Agents of the RSO”, represented by Adelina Borozdina, Aya Klimacheva, Vladislava Smelova, Yana Lipatnikova, Anastasia Sidorova and Ekaterina Yarovaya. The girls developed the PR campaign “Beacons of the Hermitage” for the Restoration and Storage Center “Staraya Derevnya” of the legendary museum.

    A third-year student of the Advertising and Public Relations program, Aya Klimacheva, spoke about how the team tried to take into account all the customer’s wishes, conducted several types of analytics and created a unique selling proposition, including the visual design of the concept.

    This year I took part in the competition for the first time and this debut was an absolute success. We won both the professional jury and the student jury! On stage we appeared as special agents who brought an artifact (case) from St. Petersburg. Our mysterious suitcase became the real Chekhov’s gun. After the performance, many teams who had not seen us on stage asked what was inside. And the case contained real light, which the Hermitage restorers carry within themselves, this was our main message, – noted Aya.

    Team captain Adelina Borozdina added: And for me, Luchnik is already the third. In 2022, the PR.com team and I took first place in the development of an HR brand for TMK. Then we collaborated with this company under an employment contract. For me, as a second-year master’s student of “Strategic Communications in Industries 4.0”, this is such a beautiful end point of an active student life. Now the dream is to take a big Archer as a specialist.

    The second winners were the Echo team, represented by Taisiya Temirova, Polina Pozhidaeva, and Alexandra Leleko. The students proposed a PR campaign to promote TMK’s activities in industrial tourism, which they called “6 Warm Acquaintances.” According to the team, this was their best collective work in the current academic year.

    Traditionally, this year, along with the expert council, a student jury also worked, which included representatives of five universities in the country after competitive procedures. The Polytechnic University was represented by first- and second-year students of the Advertising and Public Relations program at the Higher School of Management and Social Sciences, Darya Shevchenko and Ekaterina Karpova.

    I am very glad that I was able to pass the competition tests and join the jury. The first work experience was interesting and difficult at the same time, since each participant presented their developments with such dedication that it was difficult to choose the best. But I would like to separately mention two of our teams. They stood out brightly and were simply at their best. The originality of their solutions amazed everyone, both the student jury and the experts. The Polytechnicians deservedly became the winners. Thank you for such an invaluable experience, – shared Daria Shevchenko.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leisure travel tops charts for reasons people choose rail

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Leisure travel tops charts for reasons people choose rail

    The railway network connects people across the country, fuelling business, growth and opportunity.

    • new research from the Department for Transport shows that leisure is the most common reason for travelling by train
    • post-pandemic trends continue as results show the most common days to commute by train are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
    • whether its visiting friends and family, going on holiday or the usual commute, our railway provides vital connections across the country, boosting growth and fuelling our economy as part of the Plan for Change

    Passengers are more likely to take the train for leisure travel while commuters would rather take the train midweek are the key takeaways from a new research report published today (9 April 2025) by the Department for Transport (DfT).

    The railway connects communities across the country, moving people to get to work, education, healthcare and leisure. It provides vital infrastructure essential for delivering growth, providing opportunity and raising living standards as part of the Plan for Change.

    The government is undertaking a once in a generation overhaul of the rail network, bringing train operating companies into public ownership and setting up Great British Railways (GBR), bringing track and train together to put passengers first.

    In order to better understand how passengers use the railway and deliver a network that works for their needs, DfT did an investigation into the reasons passengers take the train. The report found that:

    • 54% respondents said they were travelling for leisure
    • 30% were commuting for work or education
    • 15% were travelling for business
    • 61% said they travelled by rail for leisure at least once a month
    • 41% said they used the railway for commuting at least once a week, with Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday being the most popular days

    This shows a return to midweek office working, demonstrating how essential the railway is for connecting people to get to work, providing a path for opportunity and catalysing economic growth.

    Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:

    Our railway is the backbone of our economy, connecting people across the country and fuelling business, growth and opportunity, supporting the Plan for Change.

    This research shows thousands of passengers choose the train for their leisure travel. To go and see family and friends, go on holiday or go to big events whether its concerts, festivals or a football match, the train is the best way to get there.

    Resetting industrial relations has meant there have been no national strikes since 9 May 2024, which has protected passengers from significant disruption and delays, avoiding further impacts to the hospitality industry and wider economy. This has meant the network has been able to start getting its financial footing back, with green shoots appearing in rail revenue with an increase of 8% from the latest quarter (October to December 2024) compared to the same quarter in 2023. Public ownership will turn the page on fragmentation and mean every penny can be spent for the benefit of passengers rather than private shareholders.

    A key barrier to more people taking the train is still a lack of consistency in reliable services as delays and cancellations mean people miss days of work, hospital appointments or social events. The latest passenger data shows cancellations in the latest quarter (October to December 2024) was 5.1%, with 70,000 fully cancelled trains across the network.

    The government is determined to drive up performance, and the Rail Minister is meeting with all train operators to address concerns and demand immediate action. On top of this, last month the Transport Secretary announced a new era of rail accountability, making performance information available at over 1,700 stations showing the punctuality and reliability of trains visiting those stations.

    This year’s rail sale was the biggest one yet, encouraging more people to take the train with over one million tickets sold and top destinations including Manchester, York and London Bridge. Great British Railways will have a relentless focus on putting passengers at the centre of every journey, encouraging more people to take the train by improving standards and driving up performance.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: From import to innovation: how Grown in Britain and ercol are transforming UK furniture manufacturing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    From import to innovation: how Grown in Britain and ercol are transforming UK furniture manufacturing

    A woodland management case study demonstrating how traditional craftsmanship and sustainable forestry practices work hand in hand to bring ash trees to market.

    In the heart of Buckinghamshire, a remarkable transformation is taking place. The century-old furniture maker, ercol, has partnered with Grown in Britain and Tyler Hardwoods in a pioneering project supported by the Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Fund.

    The UK is currently the second largest importer of wood, importing 73% of timber. 85% of locally sourced hardwood is being burned as fuel while manufacturers import wood for furniture making. In a market worth hundreds of millions of pounds and growing, this is a challenge for the industry to address.

    It also presents a great opportunity for a shift towards home-grown timber for the furniture industry, particularly as customers are becoming more invested in products with local provenance.

    A corridor inside the ercol factory showing pallets of wood. Copyright ercol

    For ercol, this challenge and subsequent opportunity resonated deeply. After closing their sawmill at the end of the 90s, ercol stopped buying locally sourced timber, and with time much of the knowledge and understanding about converting trees into usable timber components was lost.

    This pattern, repeated across UK manufacturing, has led to a significant loss of sawmilling expertise in the sector. At the same time, the ecological condition of our woodlands was being impacted from years of undermanagement.

    An early vision for environmental change

    Ian Peers, Operations Director, ercol said:

    We were already having discussions internally about our environmental journey. We knew we had to do something, but we weren’t quite sure where to begin. The opportunity to work with Grown in Britain came at exactly the right time.

    The winds of change began blowing when ercol started examining their environmental impact. Through discussions with the Sylva Foundation and subsequently Grown in Britain, a vision emerged for what furniture manufacturing could become.

    The project’s ambitions were clear: create a sustainable UK market for ash timber, bring as much of ercol’s manufacturing back to its roots, create skilled local jobs and demonstrate a model others could follow.

    Investing in process to create space to innovate

    Ercol’s vision was clear from the outset as they selected their most iconic pieces to be made in Grown in Britain certified ash. Recognising the impact of ash dieback, ercol wanted to make the most of the timber, finding a high value use. A decision that sent a clear message about ercol’s commitment to the future of home-grown timber while making the most out of a fantastic species. The choice of their most recognised designs – the chair, sofa, and pebble nest tables – demonstrated real conviction in the project’s viability.

    ercol’s Marino chair: a version of the chair in nature within a forest and a version of the chair in a living room. Copyright ercol

    The funding secured by Grown in Britain proved transformative, enabling a complete rethink of the supply chain. At Tyler Hardwoods, this meant substantial investment in new equipment and facilities. A Weinig automatic rip saw improved the efficiency of width processing, while a new Houfek sander with an extraction unit enhanced finish quality. Tyler Hardwoods also installed a biomass heating system powered by processing co-products to create a more efficient manufacturing process.

    Innovation went beyond equipment. The team developed British alternatives to traditionally imported materials, such as using local poplar instead of imported plywood for seat bases. The project team even tackled small but crucial components like dowels and biscuits for furniture jointing, traditionally imported but now made from home-grown timber.

    Production expanded systematically. Following the success of the initial ranges, ercol introduced the Fairmile table and chairs, along with the Lugo chair. Each new product presented new challenges but also gave the opportunity to explore new processes to increase efficiency.

    ercol’s Fairmile dining table and chairs flanked by 2 Lugo armchairs. Copyright ercol

    Overcoming challenges through innovative thinking

    The journey wasn’t without its hurdles, cost was the biggest initial challenge. Grown in Britain timber initially commanded a premium over imports – getting started is challenging and can be expensive in the beginning. Both ercol and Tyler Hardwoods accepted reduced margins while scaling up, resting on their shared vision of the future.

    Technical challenges required innovative solutions. The Lugo chair’s distinctive curved back initially resulted in significant waste during machining. However, the funding gave the team space to innovate, allowing them to redesign manufacturing methods while maintaining design integrity. Teething problems with the cross-cutting system meant the team at Tyler Hardwoods adapted and found alternative solutions while continuing to improve efficiency in other areas.

    Remarkable results

    Autumn marked a significant milestone with the opening of ercol’s first branded store on London’s King’s Road in Chelsea. The 3,500 square foot flagship store showcases their Grown in Britain certified pieces, creating closer relationships with customers and the design community.

    The numbers tell a compelling success story. While the wider furniture market experiences a downturn, ercol’s Grown in Britain ranges are showing remarkable growth and the cost premium continues to fall. 

    Ian Peers, Operations Director, ercol said:

    The design and quality of our products ensures they are long lasting, and the wood will store carbon across their lifetime.

    Future growth and industry impact

    The momentum shows no signs of slowing. After starting with chairs and tables, the 2025 product pipeline may extend, presenting new opportunities for innovation when working with home-grown timber.

    Ian Peers, Operations Director, ercol said:

    As the business has grown, we’ve achieved improvements in economies of scale, closing the gap of competitiveness with imports. Home-grown timber will get more competitive as demand and investment in the supply chain grows.

    Their success demonstrates how UK manufacturers can rebuild lost capabilities while creating new, sustainable business models and the project’s impact is extending beyond ercol as others see what is possible.

    The Grown in Britain logo stamped on ercol furniture. Copyright ercol

    Jack Clough, Grant Manager, Forestry Commission said:

    This stood out as a new and impactful collaboration, bringing together Grown in Britain’s knowledge of domestic timber supply chains with ercol, a family run furniture brand renowned for producing long-lasting and iconic pieces.

    From importing timber to championing home-grown wood, from lost expertise to innovation leadership, ercol’s journey shows what’s possible when vision meets support. They’ve helped create a blueprint for UK manufacturing at scale with a sustainable future.

    With the right partnerships and funding, traditional craftsmanship and timeless design can not only survive, but thrive in the modern marketplace. All while contributing to the health of our woodlands and local economies.

    Find out how the Forestry Commission’s Woods into Management Forestry Innovation Funds helps to support the future health and resilience of UK woodlands.

    References

    Forest Research details more on the UK being the second largest importer of wood, importing 73% of timber.

    The National Wood Strategy expands on how locally sourced hardwood is being burned as fuel while manufacturers import wood for furniture making.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University’s postgraduate program attracts talented young people from all over the world

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Another year of the Open Doors Olympiad has ended. 29 talented young scientists were selected for postgraduate studies at the Polytechnic University.

    The Open Doors Olympiad has been held for five years now, and foreign citizens from any country can participate in it. Winners of the bachelor’s, master’s or postgraduate tracks receive the right to free education at one of the leading Russian universities.

    The selection is carried out in two stages: a portfolio competition and an Olympiad in the online testing format. The tasks are divided into 14 topics, each participant must pass the selection in the selected profile. Universities offer educational programs and postgraduate academic supervisors linked to the profiles.

    The Polytechnic University participates in 11 profiles, in two of them – “Urban Studies and Civil Engineering”, “Economics and Econometrics” – it acts as a coordinator: it proposes selection criteria, carries out methodological and expert work on drawing up assignments and forms a jury to evaluate the work.

    The 2024 Olympiad is distinguished by a sharp increase in interest in engineering and natural sciences. 22 future postgraduate students (three quarters of this year’s winners) chose engineering and technical fields and scientific supervisors from leading Polytechnic institutes – ISI, IE, IBSiB, IKNK, PhysMech, and IET.

    The leader in attracting postgraduate students through the Open Doors mechanism this time was the Civil Engineering Institute: ten applicants will study in postgraduate studies and build a career in the field of construction, design and geoecology.

    Thanks to the development of the Urban Studies and Civil Engineering profile, which is supervised by the Civil Engineering Institute, this year the number of foreign students in the English-language Civil Engineering Master’s program has increased significantly. The geography of foreign applicants is expanding, their main request is to receive a world-class Russian engineering education. Our postgraduate program in geoecology also attracts increased attention from foreigners. This gives confidence in the long-term development of the institute, the expansion of its international positioning, and the influx of new young scientists, – says Marina Petrochenko, Director of the ISI.

    Traditionally, there is high interest in the postgraduate programs of the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology: more than 35 candidates signed up for interviews with the scientific directors of this institute. Of these, four people were chosen, the most motivated, suitable in terms of topics and level of knowledge for the current scientific groups and laboratories. In addition, for the first time, two postgraduate students in the profile “Physical and Technical Sciences” will be admitted to SPbPU; scientific groups of the PhysMech and the Institute of Economics and Technology are waiting for them.

    I was surprised by the interest of foreign applicants in fundamental research into the optical properties of semiconductor micro- and nanostructures, which I supervise in the laboratory of “Spectroscopy of Semiconductors and Nanostructures”. Based on the interview results, our capabilities coincided with the desire of an applicant from Pakistan under my supervision in the specialty “Physics of Semiconductors”. This candidate already had two scientific articles from first and second quartile journals, – shared associate professor of the Higher Engineering Physics School of the Institute of Economics and Technology Maksim Vinnichenko.

    The Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade actively participates in the Olympiad and shows excellent results, which are highly appreciated by the organizing committee. A year ago, at the suggestion of the organizers, Polytechnic became the coordinator of the profile “Economics and Econometrics”, and the specialists of IMPET demonstrated a good level of expert and methodological work. Therefore, from next year, another profile of the Olympiad – “Business and Management” – will be supervised by Polytechnic.

    In the spring, SPbPU international services, together with the institute directorates, begin to form a pool of scientific supervisors willing to take part in the Olympiad. By the fall, an extensive information package on postgraduate programs, laboratories, as well as information about scientists, including a video and portfolio, will be prepared. Based on the information posted on the website, future participants will be able to choose places for postgraduate study. In 2025, out of 36,000 registered people, only 474 were admitted to the third stage.

    The third stage takes place in January-February. Scientific supervisors get access to the portfolios of absolutely all winners of the second stage in their profile and can invite the most experienced and those who have shown high scores to an interview. This is truly a selection of talents. Every year we try to expand the range of scientists, attract new scientific groups, laboratories with interesting research tasks and topics. All so that participants can find a suitable supervisor and the place that will become the launching pad for their scientific career, – said the manager of the postgraduate track, head of the department of international interuniversity cooperation Ekaterina Belyaevskaya.

    Every year, 35-40 professors and associate professors of SPbPU participate in the Olympiad as scientific supervisors. In 2025, they conducted 179 interviews with applicants and selected 29 future postgraduate students from eight countries. After completing all the necessary documents, these students will come to SPbPU in the fall. Some of them will immediately begin their postgraduate studies in Russian- or English-language programs, while others will spend another year mastering Russian in the preparatory faculty programs.

    The Polytechnic University pays the closest attention to the quality of foreign students and postgraduates. The path to the university through the Open Doors Olympiad selection mechanism is the path for real talents, future scientists. The leadership of our country sets the universities the task of improving the quality of applicants, searching for and attracting scientific talents from all over the world. Therefore, we will treat the winners of the Olympiad with the utmost attention, supporting and developing their scientific career, adapting them to the university community, instilling love and respect for our university and country, – emphasized Vice-Rector for International Affairs Dmitry Arsenyev.

    I participated in this event as a scientific supervisor. I was surprised by the level of preparation of the candidates. Among the interlocutors were top-level IT developers, the results of whose work have been implemented in the infrastructure of their home countries. Participation in Open Doors is an important tool for international communication and development, which allows strong applicants from other countries to find their way in Russian science, and scientific supervisors to strengthen their positions in international science, – shared Konstantin Semenov, Associate Professor of the Higher School of Computer Technologies and Information Systems of the IKNK.

    To become a scientific supervisor for the Olympiad in 2025, you can contact Ekaterina Belyaevskaya, email: Belyaevskaya@spbsty.ru.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Large Crocodile captured near Proserpine boat ramp

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 7 Apr 2025

    A 4.5m estuarine crocodile has been captured in a baited trap near the Proserpine River boat ramp at Conway on the Proserpine River in north Queensland.

    The large male crocodile had been sighted in very close proximity to the boat ramp and pontoon, and given its size, concerning behaviour and increased risk to public safety, it was declared for removal from the wild under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan (QCMP).

    Rangers set a baited trap on Friday 4 April 2025, and it was captured during the early hours of Saturday 5 April 2025. It will be rehomed at a crocodile farm or zoo.

    During assessments of the location prior to the animal being declared for removal, Wildlife Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) found discarded fish frames that had been left at the boat ramp.

    Members of the public have also reported entire pig carcasses being tied at the boat ramp.

    Acting Manager Northern Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Jane Burns said it is likely the pig carcasses had been left at the boat ramp in a deliberate attempt to lure the animal.

    “Deliberate or inadvertent feeding of crocodiles at boat ramps or fishing locations can change their behaviour, and they will hang around an area expecting food,” Ms Burns said.

    “Crocodiles do not need to be fed, and tourists and people living in crocodile habitat should make sensible choices around the water to prioritise their safety and to help prevent crocodiles being removed from the wild.

    “Under the Nature Conservation (Estuarine Crocodile) Conservation Plan 2018, it is an offence to deliberately discard fish frames or pig carcasses that may attract crocodiles,

    “This type of behaviour is very disappointing and concerning. It creates an increased risk to public safety.

    “Crocodiles can become habituated to an easy meal, and associate that with a particular location or people. This unfortunately has created a higher risk of a crocodile attack at this location.”

    Anyone with information about the deliberate feeding of this crocodile, or any crocodile in Queensland is encouraged to call 1300 130 372. Information can be provided anonymously.

    All crocodile sightings should be reported to DETSI in a timely manner.

    Crocodile sightings can be reported by using the QWildlife app, completing a crocodile sighting report on the DETSI website, or by calling 1300 130 372. The department investigates every crocodile sighting report received.

    View further information about croc safety at Be Crocwise in Croc Country.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Anywhere at any time—Be Dingo-Safe!

    Source: Tasmania Police

    Issued: 9 Apr 2025

    Visitors to K’gari during the Easter school holidays are urged to prioritise safety and have an incident-free trip by following the Be dingo-safe! advice.

    People are reminded to always carry a dingo safety stick, avoid walking alone, refrain from running and ensure that children are always close.

    Ranger in Charge Dr Linda Behrendorff said dingoes could be anywhere at any time and people can’t be complacent.

    “Holiday periods are always busy on K’gari, and residents and visitors should be thinking about our safety messages at all times, Dr Behrendorff said.

    “There have been 28 high risk incidents on the island this year, and we want to get through this holiday period without any further interactions.

    “Dingoes should never be fed or approached for photos, and if they’re lingering around camping areas they should be deterred through making assertive and loud noises.

    “Fishers should never let dingoes get access to discarded bait, and fish frames should be buried at half a metre deep.

    “Throwing one piece of bait or unwanted sausage can instantly change the behaviour of a dingo, and that can lead to changes in behaviour of a dingo pack.

    “Human intervention through deliberate or inadvertent feeding of dingoes or by approaching them for selfies is unlawful and can lead to negative interactions.

    “To stay safe and protect the unique wildlife, we’re asking all visitors to remain vigilant, secure food and rubbish properly, and Be dingo-safe!”

    Visitors to K’gari are reminded to be dingo safe at all times:

    • Always stay close (within arm’s reach) of children and young teenagers
    • Always walk in groups
    • Always carry a stick when walking
    • Camp in fenced areas where possible
    • Do not run. Running or jogging can trigger a negative dingo interaction
    • Never feed dingoes
    • Lock up food stores and iceboxes (even on a boat)
    • Never store food or food containers in tents, and
    • Secure all rubbish, fish and bait.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: $731 Billion In Home Equity Expected To Be Locked-In Due To “Negative Credit Shocks” Homeowners Will Face This Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Palo Alto, California, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new economic analysis from Point highlights a growing challenge for American homeowners: accessing their home equity in times of financial need. According to the report, approximately 4.6 million homeowners with a mortgage experience a labor market shift each year that potentially negatively impacts their credit scores—potentially locking them out of traditional home equity lending options. In total, this represents an estimated $731 billion in “trapped” home equity.

    For decades, home equity has served as a financial safety net, helping homeowners manage life’s major expenses, from home renovations to medical bills. However, the report identifies two fundamental shifts in the post-pandemic economy that are reshaping access to home equity: persistently high interest rates and the normalization of non-traditional career paths.

    Key Findings:

    • Point estimates that roughly 9% of homeowners with a mortgage experience a job loss, pay reduction, or transition to self-employment in a typical year. These events can lower credit scores and restrict access to home equity loans and lines of credit.
    • Homeowners facing a negative credit shock collectively hold an estimated $731 billion in home equity that they may be unable to access due to credit constraints.
    • High interest rates significantly increase the cost of borrowing against home equity, making traditional options like cash-out refinancing less viable.
    • The rise of “jungle gym” careers—characterized by frequent job transitions, gig work, and self-employment—has increased financial volatility, further exacerbating credit-related barriers to home equity access.

    Regional Impact:
    The report finds that homeowners across all regions of the U.S. are affected at similar rates:

    • Northeast: $149 billion in “locked-in” home equity
    • South: $247 billion
    • Midwest: $121 billion
    • West: $284 billion

    “Millions of homeowners are facing a financial paradox: they’ve built up significant home equity but are unable to access it precisely when they need it most,” said Aaron Terrazas, economist for Point. “With traditional home equity lending increasingly out of reach for many Americans, the industry is just starting to adapt to these new economic realities and develop innovative ways to provide homeowners with the financial flexibility they need precisely when they need it.”

    Recent labor market trends further highlight the financial pressures homeowners face. In 2025 alone, U.S. employers and the federal government have announced over 275,000 job cuts, with significant reductions in the federal workforce due to restructuring efforts. Economic conditions have evolved rapidly in recent weeks, and ensuring flexible and accessible lending solutions will be increasingly critical for maintaining financial stability among homeowners.

    Read the entire report on negative credit shocks here. 

    About Point

    Point is the leading home equity platform making homeownership more valuable and accessible. Point’s flagship product, the Home Equity Investment (HEI), empowers homeowners to unlock their equity to eliminate debt, get through periods of financial hardship, and diversify their wealth – without adding to their monthly expenses. Point has worked with more than 10,000 homeowners, unlocking $1 billion in home equity. Point’s HEI enables investors to access a previously untapped asset class – owner-occupied residential real estate. Founded in 2015 by Eddie Lim, Eoin Matthews, and Alex Rampell, Point is backed by top investors, including Westcap, Andreessen Horowitz, Ribbit Capital, Greylock Partners, Bloomberg Beta, Atalaya Capital Management, Alpaca VC, and Prudential. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA. For more information, please visit www.point.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Aiden Labs Launches $ADN Token, Revolutionizing AI-Powered Web3 Experiences

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Aiden Labs, a visionary platform at the intersection of artificial intelligence and blockchain, has officially launched its $ADN token—marking a major leap forward in its mission to transform how users interact with Web3 through AI-driven solutions. At the core of this innovation is Aiden’s decentralized ecosystem, built to empower investors, creators, and communities with intelligent tools and transparent infrastructure.

    CHARLESTOWN, Nevis West Indies, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Following its highly anticipated Initial DEX Offering (IDO) across leading launchpads, such as Kommunitas, Kingdom Starter, Spores Network, Poolz Finance, and Huostarter Aiden Labs has solidified its position as a trailblazer in the rapidly evolving AI and blockchain landscape. The IDO attracted significant attention from both crypto-native investors and AI tech enthusiasts, all eager to be part of a platform redefining digital interaction and content creation.

    As artificial intelligence continues to gain traction across industries, Aiden Labs is seizing the opportunity to embed powerful AI agents within the decentralized Web3 fabric. Its flagship product, Lunar, is an AI-powered DeFAI agent that acts as a personal investment advisor—delivering real-time insights, risk assessments, and security analytics, thanks to its integration with CertiK.

    But Aiden’s ecosystem goes far beyond investment tools. It includes an AI content creation platform, enabling users to generate high-quality images, videos, and research outputs; and a NFT-powered Launchpad, where community engagement and token holding translate to enhanced allocation and launch access. With these innovations, Aiden Labs is creating a scalable and intelligent ecosystem built for the next wave of Web3 adoption.

    Aiden Labs combines key technologies and unique differentiators to deliver a cutting-edge Web3 experience. Built on EVM-compatible smart contracts and powered by IPFS distributed storage, the platform ensures decentralization, data privacy, and fast, transparent access. Leveraging advanced large language models like GPT, Claude, and Gemini, Aiden offers conversational AI and natural language processing for intelligent, human-like interactions, enhancing both search and investment analysis. Its blockchain-integrated content creation tools empower creators with full ownership and monetization rights, while the native $ADN token powers access to premium AI features, Launchpad participation, DeFAI consultations, and more—making it the backbone of Aiden’s dynamic ecosystem.

    The $ADN token serves as the core utility within the Aiden Labs ecosystem, unlocking a wide range of benefits for holders. It provides access to Lite and Plus packages on the AI platform, supports pay-per-use features like image and video generation, research queries, and DeFAI investment consultations, and grants priority allocations on the NFT-powered Launchpad based on token tier. Additionally, $ADN holders gain voting rights for governance decisions, enjoy enhanced staking rewards when paired with NFTs, and can access exclusive AI tools and gated communities. As the ecosystem expands, the demand and value of $ADN continue to grow, solidifying its role as a foundational element of Aiden’s long-term vision.

    During its IDO on Kommunitas and other platforms, Aiden Labs achieved over 60% of its funding target within the first six hours and was fully subscribed in under 48 hours. This enthusiastic response reflects the growing demand for intelligent, user-focused blockchain applications. Aiden’s post-IDO strategy includes expanding its AI and blockchain capabilities, onboarding new strategic partners, and initiating token buybacks funded through platform revenue—all designed to enhance the long-term value and utility of the $ADN token.

    Looking ahead, Aiden Labs is set to expand across multiple chains, integrate new generative AI models, and scale its suite of user-centric products. With its unique blend of AI precision, blockchain security, and decentralized design, Aiden aims to become a cornerstone of the intelligent Web3 economy. By offering users and developers a transparent, efficient, and powerful toolkit, Aiden Labs is setting the standard for the future of decentralized, AI-enhanced digital ecosystems.

    About Aiden Labs
    Aiden Labs is an AI-powered Web3 platform dedicated to building secure, intelligent, and decentralized tools for the next generation of digital users. Its native token, $ADN, fuels a vibrant ecosystem spanning investment analysis, content creation, and token launches. With strategic alliances, cutting-edge technology, and a user-first philosophy, Aiden Labs is redefining what’s possible in Web3.

    Contact:
    Hyojin Jang
    info@aidenlabs.ai

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Aiden Labs. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b887c255-9f23-4d40-ba6c-9dff50a95f62

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rollout begins on new Employment Support programme with £40 million boost to West London.

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Rollout begins on new Employment Support programme with £40 million boost to West London.

    West London will today become the first of 47 areas across England and Wales set to receive dedicated five-year funding aimed at helping disabled people and those with health conditions and additional support needs into work. 

    • West London becomes first area granted funding as part of DWP’s ‘Connect to Work’ programme, which will ultimately support 100,000 people per year. 

    • The £42.8 million cash injection will fund five years of support for local disabled people and those with health conditions, and complex barriers to employment to find a suitable pathway into a job. 

    • Follows record £1 billion employment support package, announced by Work and Pensions Secretary last month, to unlock work for sick and disabled people, encourage financial independence, and boost living standards as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    West London will today become the first of 47 areas across England and Wales set to receive dedicated five-year funding aimed at helping disabled people and those with health conditions and additional support needs into work.  

    As many as 100,000 people a year are set to receive tailored support nationally – including one-to-one employment advice and skills development – as rollout begins of Connect to Work, a new programme dedicated to help those facing some of the greatest barriers to work.

    Over the next five years, a partnership of Local Authorities in West London will receive a total of £42.8 million to provide targeted help to up to 3,500 people by:

    • matching people with job opportunities that suit their needs and circumstances,
    • providing essential skills training to help people get into and on at work,
    • working with employers to recruit and retain disabled workers. 

    West London will receive almost £9 million of the £115 million already committed to run the programme in its first year – a downpayment on their full five-year deal, allowing local leaders to hit the ground running on tackling inactivity in their area.   

    Work and Pensions Secretary Rt. Hon Liz Kendall MP, said: 

    As part of our Plan for Change we are fixing the broken welfare system – getting more people into work, putting more money in people’s pockets, and putting the benefits bill on a sustainable footing.

    The welfare system we inherited has shut too many talented people out of the workplace – with no support, no prospects, and no opportunities.

    We are changing this. That’s why I’m delighted to see our Connect to Work programme kick off, with over £40 million of funding so local leaders in West London can give people in their area the tools they need to get in and on at work in a way that’s right for them.

    The Work and Pensions Secretary is set to visit a community hub in Shepherd’s Bush to meet people already helped into work by West London’s existing support offer, including: 

    • Arman who had to step away from his job as a bookmaker due to his mental health. With support from West London Alliance Programme, he attended mental health workshops, got help to boost his CV, and found volunteering opportunities, before ultimately landing a new job. 
    • Midula who has learning and speech difficulties. West London Alliance Programme is improving her prospect of getting into work through tailored interview prep and giving her the confidence boost she needs to succeed. 
    • Bill who has been able to keep working at Harrow Council for 40 years, despite his physical heath deteriorating, thanks to adjustments made so he could stay in his job. 

    David Francis, Director of West London Alliance, said: 

    The West London Alliance Boroughs are proud to be at the forefront of the ‘Connect to Work’ initiative, demonstrating the strength of our partnerships and our dedication to improving employment outcomes for West London residents. 

    This programme provides vital and tailored support to those facing challenges in the labour market, helping them to secure sustainable employment and build better lives.

    The Connect to Work Programme is one of a number of initiatives being launched to help towards the government’s aim for an 80% employment rate.

    Work has already begun on the plan to Get Britain Working, with South Yorkshire becoming the first of nine ‘inactivity trailblazers’ across the country to launch their community-led effort to help people into a job.

    This comes as the government unveiled sweeping welfare reforms – backed by a record £1 billion to deliver tailored job support for sick and disabled people – opening doors to opportunity, giving people a chance at financial independence, and boosting living standards, as part of the government’s Plan for Change. 

    With 2.8 million people out of work due to ill-health – one of the highest rates in the G7 – the government is also combating health-related inactivity at its root by investing £26 billion in the NHS and delivering 2 million extra appointments to reduce medical waiting lists, giving people and the economy a chance to get back on track.

    Additional Information: 

    • The West London Alliance Partnership covers Ealing, Barnet, Harrow, Hillingdon, Brent, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Hounslow Local Authorities. Their Connect to Work service will be delivered under contract by Shaw Trust. 
    • The West Midlands and Greater Manchester Combined Authorities received a year’s funding for employment support as part of their Integrated Settlements – giving Mayors the power to make funding decisions in their area.
    • Guidance issued on 26 November 2024 invited areas covering all of England and Wales to develop their plans to deliver Connect to Work over the next 5 years. Last autumn’s Spending Review confirmed £115 million for year 1 (25/26), subsequent funding for the programme will be confirmed through Spending Review 2025.
    • Biggest shake up to welfare system in a generation to get Britain working – GOV.UK
    • Integrated Settlements for Mayoral Combined Authorities – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Muscovites to choose name for Papuan hornbill chick in new Active Citizen poll

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Active Citizen project has begun its next phase voteParticipants are asked to choose a name for the new representative of the Moscow Zoo – a Papuan hornbill chick.

    The baby was born three months ago, but it became possible to observe him only recently. All this time, his caring parents – the male Ra and the female Nun – hid him in a closed nest, where the father brought food. During the period of growing up, the bird grew stronger, got feathers and now greets visitors to the Moscow Zoo. In honor of this, city residents are invited to choose a name for the young male.

    A Papuan hornbill chick can now be seen at the Moscow Zoo

    Ornithologists have decided to name the young hornbill following the example of its parents – in honor of one of the ancient Egyptian deities. Voters will be able to choose from five options, each of which conveys the features of the bird’s appearance or temperament.

    One of them is Bennu, a name that refers to a mythical bird from ancient Egyptian legend that represents rebirth and radiance. This is especially appropriate for the hornbill, with its bright, iridescent plumage.

    Another possible name is Nemti, in honor of the god who patronizes travel: its meaning “one who is on the road” perfectly reflects the mobility and restless nature of the chick, constantly jumping from branch to branch.

    Other possible choices include Thoth, associated with wisdom and the moon, Ptah, representing harmony and truth, and Shu, associated with the element of air and the sun’s rays. Each of these names can highlight the uniqueness of the young hornbill.

    The voting was prepared by the capital Department of Culture and the project “Active Citizen”Its users have already chosen names for many animals, including the Malayan bears Masha, Luchik and Zvezdochka, the alpaca Zephyr, the hyena Akela, the panda Katyusha and the tiger Amur.

    Project “Active Citizen” has been operating since 2014. During this time, more than seven million people have joined it, and more than seven thousand votes have been held. Every month, 30–40 decisions made by Muscovites are implemented in the city. The project is being developed by the capital Department of Information Technology and the State Institution “New Management Technologies”.

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

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152329073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation: update

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation: update

    Minister Phillips today delivered a speech on the government’s plan to tackle child sexual abuse and exploitation.

    With permission, Mr Speaker, I will make a statement updating the House on government action to tackle child sexual abuse and exploitation and on progress on the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry.

    Child sexual abuse and exploitation are the most horrific and disturbing crimes – an abuse of power against those who are most vulnerable, leaving lifelong trauma and scars.

    Best estimates suggest that 500,000 children are sexually abused every year. Analysis by the police found that there were 115,000 recorded cases of child sexual abuse in 2023, 4228 group-based offences identified by the CSE Taskforce, of which 1125 were family abuse, and 717 were sexual exploitation cases. In a growing number of recorded cases the perpetrators themselves are under 18.

    The House will be aware that, in its first year of operation up to March 2024, the Grooming Gangs Taskforce contributed to 550 arrests across the country. I can tell the House that – in the last nine months of 2024 – the Taskforce contributed to 597 arrests, in other words it surpassed in that nine month period what it has achieved in its first full year of its operation. Data for the first three months of this year is currently being collected from forces and will available early next month, but all round, we are making progress at every level to increase the number of investigations, increase the number of arrests, and most importantly, increase the number of victims who are seeing their attackers brought to justice.

    Yet despite the seriousness and severity of these crimes, there has been a shameful failure by institutions and those in power over many years to protect children from abuse or exploitation. So we are today setting out a progress update on action the government is taking to tackle Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation to get support and justice for victims to ensure perpetrators are caught and put behind bars.

    CSA Measures

     Action on CSA since the election means we are introducing:

    • A new child sexual abuse police performance framework, including new standards on public protection, child abuse and exploitation;
    • Legislating targeting online offending, including abuse and grooming enabled by AI (Artificial Intelligence);
    • New powers for Border Force to detect digitally held child sex abuse at the UK border
    • New restrictions preventing registered sex offenders from changing their names to hide the threat they pose
    • Increased investment in law enforcement capability, through the Police Undercover Online Network and the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme.

    In the Home Secretary’s statements to the House in January, she also set out what we are doing to crack down on grooming gangs. And today I can provide an update:

    • Baroness Casey’s 3-month National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse is ongoing. It is building a comprehensive national picture of what is known about child sexual exploitation, identifying local and national trends, assessing the quality of the data, looking at the ethnicity issues faced for example by cases involving Pakistani heritage gangs, and reviewing police and wider agency understanding.
    • We are developing a new best practice framework to support local authorities which want to undertake victim-centred local inquiries, or related work, drawing on the lessons from local independent inquiries like Telford, Rotherham and Greater Manchester. We will publish the details next month.
    • Alongside this we will set out the process through which local authorities can access the £5m national fund to support locally-led work on grooming gangs. Following feedback from local authorities, the fund will adopt a flexible approach to support both full independent local inquiries and more bespoke work, including local victims’ panels or locally led audits into the handling of historic cases.
    • The Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Gavin Stephens, has – at the Home Secretary’s request – urged the Chief Constables of all 43 police forces in England and Wales, to reexamine their investigations into group-based child sexual exploitation which resulted in No Further Action decisions.
    • And, as of 1 April, the Child Sexual Abuse Review Panel can review child sexual abuse cases which took place after 2013. Victims and survivors can now ask the Panel to independently review their case if they have not already exercised their Victims Right to Review.
    • I can also announce that we intend to expand the Independent Child Trafficking guardians’ scheme across all of England and Wales, providing direct support to many more child victims of sexual exploitation and grooming, which to date has only been available in selected areas.

    These measures will enable more victims and survivors to receive the truth, justice, improvements and accountability that they deserve – and put more vile perpetrators of this crime behind bars.

    IICSA Inquiry

    Much of this crucial activity builds on the vital work of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse undertaken between 2015 and 2022. Let me – on behalf of this whole House –thank again Professor Alexis Jay for chairing that seven-year National Inquiry with such expertise, diligence and compassion.

    IICSA revealed the terrible suffering caused by child sexual abuse and the shameful failure of institutions to put the protection of children before the protection of their own reputations.

    The Inquiry drew on the testimony of over 7,000 victims and survivors and considered over 2 million pages of evidence.

    Its findings, culminating in the final report published in October 2022, were designed to better protect children from sexual abuse and address the shortcomings which left them exposed to harm.

    The publication of that final report two and a half years ago should have been a landmark moment. But instead, the victims and survivors were failed again.

    None of the Inquiry’s recommendations were implemented or properly taken forward by the previous government in the twenty months they had to do so.

    Progress update

    As part of today’s Progress Update, the Government is setting out a detailed update and timetable on the work that is underway on the IICSA recommendations as part of our action on child sexual abuse. I can announce to the House that;

    • To prioritise the protection of children and improve national oversight and consistency of child protection practice, this Government will establish a new Child Protection Authority.

    • Building on the national Child Safeguarding Review Panel, the Child Protection Authority will address one of IICSA’s central recommendations by providing national leadership and learning on child protection and safeguarding. Work to expand the role of the Panel will begin immediately and we will consult on developing the new Authority this year

    • We have also asked Ofsted, HMICFRS and the CQC to conduct a joint thematic review of child abuse in family settings starting this Autumn.

    Mr Speaker, the IICSA report recommended the introduction of a new mandatory duty to report – something the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and I have all supported for more than a decade

    • In the Crime and Policing Bill we will now be taking forward the new mandatory duty to report child sexual abuse for individuals in England undertaking activity with children – and crucially, a new criminal offence of obstructing an individual from making a report under that duty.

    • Mandatory reporting – will create a culture of openness and honesty rather than cover-ups and secrecy. It will empower professionals and volunteers to take prompt, decisive action to report sexual abuse. It will demonstrate to children and young people that if they come forward, they will be heard. And anyone who seeks deliberately to prevent someone fulfilling their mandatory duty to report child sexual abuse will face the full force of the law.

    Today’s update also sets out how the government is supporting victims and survivors in accessing support and seeking justice:

    • We are tasking the Criminal Justice Joint Inspectorates to carry out a targeted inspection on the experiences of victims of child sexual abuse in the criminal justice system
    • We are instructing the Information Commissioner’s Office to produce a code of practice on the retention of personal data relating to child sexual abuse.

    In some cases where there have been serious institutional failings which contributed to the abuse, those institutions have provided financial redress schemes or compensation to victims and survivors who are affected. We continue to support those schemes as recognition by those institutions that they badly failed children in their care.

    On the IICSA proposal for a wider national redress scheme for all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in institutional settings, the scale of that proposal demands that it is considered in the context of the Spending Review later this year, and we will make further updates at that stage.

    But one crucial area where we want to make immediate progress is on the provision of therapeutic services for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse. We will therefore bring forward proposals in the coming weeks to improve access to those services, with further details to be set out following the upcoming the Spending Review.

    Also ahead of the Spending Review, I can announce that – in this financial year – the Home Office will double the funding it provides for national services supporting adult survivors of child sexual abuse, providing more help to those adults who are living with the trauma of the horrific abuse they suffered as children.

    Finally, we want to speed up progress to make it easier for victims and survivors to get recompense directly from institutions that failed them. We are therefore removing the three-year limitation period on victims and survivors bringing personal injury claims in the civil courts and shifting the burden of proof from survivors to defendants, thereby protecting victims from having to relive their trauma to get compensation they are owed.

    Next steps/conclusion

    Mr Speaker, today’s update   – building on the measures the Home Secretary announced in January – demonstrates this Government’s steadfast commitment to tackling child sex abuse.

    The measures we are implementing will protect more children, find more criminals, and deliver support and justice to more victims and survivors.

    But this is not the end point; it is just the beginning. We will continue to drive forward reforms to protect more children from abhorrent abuse and support more adult survivors of these traumatic crimes.

    And as we pursue our Safer Streets Mission, we will use every available lever to drive progress on these issues across government and beyond.

    I want to finish with a word for the victims and survivors.

    No one should go through what you did.

    And while the failings of the past cannot be undone, we can, we must and we will strain every sinew to prevent them being repeated.

    I commend this statement to the House.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Good rating for school with ‘high aspirations’ for pupils and staff

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Inspectors visited in February and, in their report published recently, found that the school ‘has high aspirations for all pupils and staff’.

    They say pupils enjoy coming to Wood End Primary and that its environment is ‘calm, welcoming and showcases children’s work’. Pupils express a sense of belonging and view their school as ‘one big community’.

    Wood End has ‘high expectations of how pupils should behave’ – and pupils rise to these both in and outside of the classroom. Pupils are ‘caring and friendly’, and ‘polite and respectful’, showing ‘positive attitudes towards their learning’.

    Pupils’ personal development is a ‘strength’, and they are given ‘many opportunities to take responsibility’ – from leading lunchtime clubs and taking on librarian roles to activities such as Shakespeare and poetry workshops and recorder recitals. These experiences help pupils ‘develop into confident and responsible young people’.

    The school continues to make improvements in the quality of education for pupils, recognises the value of reading and ensures that children in the early years get off to a good start.

    The needs of children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) are also ‘quickly identified and well supported’, with staff helping ensure pupils with SEND make ‘good progress towards their targets’.

    Pupils also benefit from a ‘well structured’ personal, social and health education curriculum that teaches them about the importance of healthy relationships and online safety. They talk ‘knowledgeably about diversity and demonstrate inclusivity’ and are ‘increasingly prepared for later life’.

    Governors ‘understand their duties well’ and provide a good level of support and challenge to the school.

    Inspectors concluded that the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision at Wood End Primary are all Good.

    Chair of Governors John Withers said: “We are delighted with this very positive report which accurately reflects the ethos of the school, and the ambitions it has for all the pupils. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the staff, and the way the whole school community works together.”

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “This is a lovely inspection report which shows a warm, welcoming and caring school which has high aspirations for its pupils and staff alike, and I would like to congratulate everyone at Wood End Primary School on their continuing success.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: City services continue to eliminate the consequences of the snowfall

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Bad weather does not leave the Moscow region. According to weather forecasters, today, April 9, the capital is expected to see air temperature fluctuations between positive and negative values, wind gusts can reach 14 meters per second, and ice may form.

    City services continuously monitor the condition of the street and road network and carry out the necessary work. Thus, early in the morning, continuous mechanized sweeping and anti-icing treatment of the roadway and pedestrian areas was carried out.

    Snow removal work is underway everywhere on the street and road network, pedestrian areas, approaches to public transport stops and metro stations, as well as courtyard areas.

    Citizens are asked to be careful on the street: do not take shelter under trees and do not park cars near them. Motorists should strictly observe the speed limit and keep a safe distance.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/152374073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chris Sun to visit Kuala Lumpur

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun will depart tomorrow for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to participate in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Talent Development Showcase organised by the Labour & Welfare Bureau and Hong Kong Talent Engage.

     

    The bureau explained that the event aims to promote Hong Kong’s opportunities and advantages under the “one country, two systems” principle, as well as its diverse career prospects, with a view to attracting local talent to pursue careers in Hong Kong.

     

    While in Kuala Lumpur, Mr Sun will also visit Universiti Malaya, and call on officials from the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources and representatives of local chambers.

     

    Under Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Clement Woo and Hong Kong Talent Engage Director Anthony Lau will join the trip. Other delegates include speakers of the showcase from various companies and industry associations, and representatives of nearly 40 top Greater Bay Area companies.

     

    Mr Sun will return to Hong Kong on April 12. In his absence, Under Secretary for Labour & Welfare Ho Kai-ming will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia, Telia and Finnish Defense Forces achieve world’s first 5G standalone slice handover across borders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia, Telia and Finnish Defense Forces achieve world’s first 5G standalone slice handover across borders

    • Companies showcase the potential of 5G technology in enhancing critical communications for defense units operating within coalition environments.
    • Leverage Telia’s network infrastructure powered by Nokia’s 5G Standalone Core and, AirScale radio equipment, to ensure seamless experience, even when crossing country borders.

    9 April 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia, Telia and the Finnish Defense Forces have successfully conducted the world’s first seamless 5G standalone slice handover between multiple countries in a live network. This groundbreaking trial, carried out in Finland in March, represents a significant milestone in advancing critical 5G capabilities for defense and other mission critical industries.

    The test, conducted as part of a Nordic exercise with the Finnish Defense Forces, demonstrated a continuous and secure data connection over a 5G standalone slice while moving across three separate networks in three different countries. This capability is crucial for modern defense forces, as military personnel increasingly operate in coalitions beyond their national territories while requiring uninterrupted access to mission-critical applications and services.

    “This trial marks a significant milestone in showcasing the dual-use possibilities of 5G for defense while also enhancing communication capabilities within the NATO domain. We are delighted to have partnered with Nokia and Telia on this project and are eager to explore further opportunities for integrating 5G into our operations,” said Jarmo Vähätiitto, Major General, Finnish Defense Command, Chief of C5.

    “5G and network slicing enable secure, mission-critical communications. In collaboration with the Finnish Defense Forces and Nokia, we are pioneering in using commercial technology for critical defense communications. This trial meets the Defense Forces’ needs and proves that commercial 5G networks can be utilized also in this domain,” commented Jari Collin, CTO at Telia Finland.

    “Seamless 5G slice continuity over country borders is a breakthrough for defense operations, enabling secure and reliable communications for collaborative missions that extend beyond national territories. Our trial with Telia and the Finnish Defense Forces reflects our commitment to delivering robust 5G solutions for defense customers, helping them achieve mission-critical objectives,” said Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia.

    The trial was achieved through Nokia’s industry-leading 5G Core Software as a Service (SaaS) and AirScale 5G base stations powered by ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, connected to Telia’s commercial network. Additionally, Nokia’s intelligent network management system, MantaRay NM, provided a consolidated network view, optimizing monitoring and management.

    Multimedia, technical information, and related news
    Web Page: Nokia communication technology for defense
    Web Page: Nokia 5G
    Web Page: Nokia Core SaaS
    Web Page: 4G/5G slicing
    Product Page: Manta Ray NM
    Product Page: AirScale Radio Access

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Valeura Energy Inc.: Q1 2025 Operations and Financial Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE, OTCQX:VLERF) (“Valeura” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide an update on Q1 2025 operations.

    Highlights

    • Operations continuing smoothly, with oil production averaging 23.9 mbbls/d(1);
      • Continual programme of development and appraisal drilling throughout the quarter;
      • Strong ongoing safety performance, with no lost time injuries;
    • Strong cash position at March 31, 2025 of US$238.3 million, and no debt;
      • Taxes paid of US$39.2 million in Q1;
      • Repurchased 963,401 shares in Q1;
    • Resilient ongoing business based on strong balance sheet and cash flow, creating growth optionality in the current volatile climate.

    (1) Working interest share oil production, before royalties.

    Dr. Sean Guest, President and CEO commented:

    “Our strong operational and financial performance continued throughout Q1 2025, and our business is more resilient than ever. With our corporate restructuring completed in November 2024, and the final tax payment under the previous structure now behind us, we see an energised ability to generate cash flow as we look at the remainder of 2025. 

    We are carefully monitoring the current volatile market conditions while simultaneously reviewing and optimising our expenditures. However, our strong financial position with cash of US$238 million and no debt makes Valeura not only resilient, but also well positioned for attractive inorganic opportunities that may emerge during such a turbulent market environment.

    Notwithstanding the recent market volatility, we are maintaining all of our previously disclosed guidance assumptions for the year.” 

    Q1 2025 Update

    Valeura’s working interest share production before royalties averaged 23.9 mbbls/d during Q1 2025, a decrease of 8.4% from Q4 2024. Rates were affected by a planned seven-day annual maintenance shutdown of the Nong Yao field near the end of the quarter. All planned work on the Nong Yao facilities was conducted safely and under time and budget with production resuming on April 1, 2025. Valeura re-iterates its full year 2025 production guidance outlook of 23.0 – 25.5 mbbls/d.

    Oil sales totalled 1.88 million bbls during Q1 2025, less than the 2.15 million bbls produced. Sales were lower than in Q4 2024 and reflect the fact that at the beginning of the quarter, the Company had record low crude oil in inventory. At the end of the quarter Valeura had 0.89 million bbls in inventory, which is expected to be sold in Q2 2025 (including a lifting of approximately 0.25 million bbls which was sold on April 1, 2025).

    Price realisations averaged US$78.7/bbl during Q1 2025, reflecting a US$2.9/bbl premium over the Brent crude oil benchmark. Oil revenue during Q1 2025 was US$148.1 million, 35% lower than Q4 2024. The quarter-on-quarter difference is due to less oil volumes sold, and also one sale occurring very late in the quarter, for which revenue is expected to be received in April 2025. Accordingly, the Company recorded a receivable associated with that lifting of approximately US$30 million as at March 31, 2025.

    In addition to routine operating costs and planned capital spending, the Company has made a final tax payment of US$39.2 million in connection with its corporate restructuring that was completed in November 2024. This payment effectively completes the tax obligations for its Thai III licences under their previous organisation structure, and became due in Q1 2025, earlier than usual tax payments for Thai III licences which are payable in May and August of each year. Following the restructuring, petroleum income tax loss carry-forwards that were previously associated with only the Wassana asset are now being applied to all of the Company’s Thai III petroleum concessions, being Wassana, Nong Yao, and Manora, thereby resulting in a more efficient tax structure for the business.

    While the Company acknowledges the global market and oil price volatility experienced in early April 2025, at this time, Valeura re-affirms all of its guidance outlook expectations for 2025. The Company maintains a scenario-based approach to planning its investments, driven largely by forecast oil prices. Recent market conditions underscore the importance of such an approach, but more importantly highlight the value of maintaining a strong balance sheet so as to capitalise on emerging inorganic growth opportunities. As of March 31, 2025, Valeura had US$238.3 million in cash, with no debt.

    During the quarter, the Company acquired 963,401 shares as part of its NCIB programme.

    Operations Update

    Valeura provided an operations update on March 25, 2025, along with its announcement of results for Q4 and the full year 2024. Since that time, the Company has been conducting a drilling campaign on the Jasmine / Ban Yen field, and will provide an update in due course. 

    On March 28, 2025, an earthquake struck central Myanmar, which borders Thailand to the north-west. All Valeura’s personnel were confirmed safe, and all facilities continue to operate safely.

    Results Timing and AGM

    Valeura intends to release its full unaudited financial and operating results for Q1 2025 on May 14, 2025, and will discuss the results in more detail through a management webcast hosted in conjunction with its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “meeting”) later that day. The notice of meeting and related Management’s Information Circular have been mailed to shareholders and are available on the Company’s website at www.valeuraenergy.com/governance and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For further information, please contact:

    Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries)
    +65 6373 6940
    Sean Guest, President and CEO
    Yacine Ben-Meriem, CFO
    Contact@valeuraenergy.com

    Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor and Media Enquiries)
    +1 403 975 6752 / +44 7392 940495
    Robin James Martin, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations
    IR@valeuraenergy.com

    About the Company

    Valeura Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and in Türkiye. The Company is pursuing a growth-oriented strategy and intends to re-invest into its producing asset portfolio and to deploy resources toward further organic and inorganic growth in Southeast Asia. Valeura aspires toward value accretive growth for stakeholders while adhering to high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility.

    Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Advisory and Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    Certain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is for the purpose of explaining management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “target” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

    Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s anticipated full year 2025 guidance assumptions, being full year working interest share oil production before royalties of 23.0 – 25.5 mbbls/d, capex of US$125 – 150 million, exploration expense of approximately US$11 million, and adjusted opex of US$125 – 245 million, all as more fully described in the January 9, 2025 press release; the anticipated receivable of approximately US$30 million as at March 31, 2025; and Valeura’s expectation that it will benefit from a more efficient tax structure as a result of the corporate restructuring. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

    Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding, among other things: political stability of the areas in which the Company is operating; continued safety of operations and ability to proceed in a timely manner; continued operations of and approvals forthcoming from governments and regulators in a manner consistent with past conduct; ability to achieve extensions to licences in Thailand and Türkiye to support attractive development and resource recovery; future drilling activity on the required/expected timelines; the prospectivity of the Company’s lands; the continued favourable pricing and operating netbacks across its business; future production rates and associated operating netbacks and cash flow; decline rates; future sources of funding; future economic conditions; the impact of inflation of future costs; future currency exchange rates; interest rates; the ability to meet drilling deadlines and fulfil commitments under licences and leases; future commodity prices; the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the impact of conflicts in the Middle East; royalty rates and taxes; management’s estimate of cumulative tax losses being correct; future capital and other expenditures; the success obtained in drilling new wells and working over existing wellbores; the performance of wells and facilities; the availability of the required capital to funds its exploration, development and other operations, and the ability of the Company to meet its commitments and financial obligations; the ability of the Company to secure adequate processing, transportation, fractionation and storage capacity on acceptable terms; the capacity and reliability of facilities; the application of regulatory requirements respecting abandonment and reclamation; the recoverability of the Company’s reserves and contingent resources; future growth; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the impact of increasing competition; the availability and identification of mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to successfully negotiate and complete any mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to efficiently integrate assets and employees acquired through acquisitions; global energy policies going forward; international trade policies; future debt levels; and the Company’s continued ability to obtain and retain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner. In addition, the Company’s work programmes and budgets are in part based upon expected agreement among joint venture partners and associated exploration, development and marketing plans and anticipated costs and sales prices, which are subject to change based on, among other things, the actual results of drilling and related activity, availability of drilling, offshore storage and offloading facilities and other specialised oilfield equipment and service providers, changes in partners’ plans and unexpected delays and changes in market conditions. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

    Forward-looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Exploration, appraisal, and development of oil and natural gas reserves and resources are speculative activities and involve a degree of risk. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company including, but not limited to: the ability of management to execute its business plan or realise anticipated benefits from acquisitions; the risk of disruptions from public health emergencies and/or pandemics; competition for specialised equipment and human resources; the Company’s ability to manage growth; the Company’s ability to manage the costs related to inflation; disruption in supply chains; the risk of currency fluctuations; changes in interest rates, oil and gas prices and netbacks; the risk that the Company’s tax advisors’ and/or auditors’ assessment of the Company’s cumulative tax losses varies significantly from management’s expectations of the same; potential changes in joint venture partner strategies and participation in work programmes; uncertainty regarding the contemplated timelines and costs for work programme execution; the risks of disruption to operations and access to worksites; potential changes in laws and regulations, including international treaties and trade policies; the uncertainty regarding government and other approvals; counterparty risk; the risk that financing may not be available; risks associated with weather delays and natural disasters; and the risk associated with international activity. See the most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis of the Company for a detailed discussion of the risk factors.

    Certain forward-looking information in this news release may also constitute “financial outlook” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Financial outlook involves statements about Valeura’s prospective financial performance or position and is based on and subject to the assumptions and risk factors described above in respect of forward-looking information generally as well as any other specific assumptions and risk factors in relation to such financial outlook noted in this news release. Such assumptions are based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and any financial outlook included in this news release is made as of the date hereof and provided for the purpose of helping readers understand Valeura’s current expectations and plans for the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on any financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes or in other circumstances and that the risk factors described above or other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from any financial outlook.

    The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including where such offer would be unlawful. This news release is not for distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its publication or distribution would be unlawful. 

    Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

    The MIL Network –