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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Global: A hot and troubled world of work: how South Africa’s bold new climate act and labour law can align to drive a just transition

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Debbie Collier, Professor of Law and Director of the Centre for Transformative Regulation of Work, University of the Western Cape

    Increased average temperatures, climate variability, and extreme weather events are taking a toll on the environment and disproportionately affecting the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities. This is intensifying challenges in the world of work.

    Working on a warmer planet increases health and safety risks and affects workers’ well-being and productivity. These risks are a challenge for employment, labour standards, and the creation of decent work.

    Temperatures in South Africa are rising faster than the global average. And finding ways to adapt to climate change and navigate its challenges is becoming increasingly urgent. These challenges are compounded by the disruptions of an energy transition. South Africa also has high levels of inequality and unemployment.

    South Africa, one of the largest (CO₂) emitters in Africa, has committed to reducing its emissions with the aim of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. But how does the country balance the need to cut carbon emissions while protecting an already vulnerable working population during the energy transition?

    Enabling a just transition is a focus for the constituencies of the National Economic Development and Labour Council. The council is South Africa’s national social dialogue institution. It consists of representatives from the state, organised labour, organised business, and community organisations. The council’s Labour Market Chamber has been working on how best to integrate principles of labour and environmental justice. And how labour laws can be used to support a just energy transition.

    The University of the Western Cape’s Centre for Transformative Regulation of Work, of which I am the director, has supported the council and its social partners in labour law reform processes. The aim is to ensure that labour laws and policy are responsive to the changing world of work, and are “fit for purpose” in the just transition era.

    Two priorities are to implement the Climate Change Act as envisaged. And to use and develop labour law to support a just transition.

    The Climate Change Act

    The Climate Change Act 22 of 2024 incorporates the goal of decent work within a commitment to a just transition. The act, which will take effect on a date yet to be determined, defines a just transition as

    a shift towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy and society and ecologically sustainable economies and societies which contribute toward the creation of decent work for all, social inclusion, and the eradication of poverty.

    The act is ambitious in its scope and leaves no part of society untouched. It aims to restructure the economy from one dependent on fossil fuels to a low carbon economy, at the same time contributing to decent work and an inclusive society.

    New institutional arrangements are envisaged and existing institutions are expected to adapt. Relevant state actors must “review and if necessary revise, amend, coordinate and harmonise their policies, laws, measures, programmes and decisions” to “give effect to the principles and objects” of the act.

    The act provides impetus for change and an opportunity to revisit the country’s labour law and industrial relations landscape.

    Labour law in a just transition era

    South Africa’s labour law promotes both collective bargaining and employee consultation processes — the “dual channels” for engagement. However, industrial relations are typically characterised by adversarial bargaining over wages and economic distribution. This approach falls short of the nuanced and collaborative processes needed to navigate a just transition. The first step requires a shift from familiar, adversarial patterns of engagement.

    The energy transition and adaptation to climate change may have significant implications for job security and employment. These include

    • the adoption of new technologies, resulting in workplace restructuring

    • changes in the organisation of work or work methods

    • the discontinuation of operations, either wholly or in part.

    The framework for constructive engagement on such developments includes institutions and mechanisms at workplace, sector and national levels. At the workplace, workplace forums were intended for this purpose.

    Workplace forums are voluntary institutions introduced in the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1994 to ensure that workers are consulted and have a voice in decisions that affect them. Unfortunately, the uptake of workplace forums has been limited.

    Industry and sector institutions include bargaining councils and the Sector Education and Training Authorities. These should be developed into spaces for consultation on measures to support a just transition and coordination of skills development and industrial policy.

    Nationally, Nedlac is the apex social dialogue institution. There’s also the Presidential Climate Commission which was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to oversee and facilitate a just transition. The commission is regulated by the Climate Change Act. It plays a critical role in steering just transition policy processes and building consensus on regulatory developments.

    What are the gaps?

    Labour law has limited scope to address environmental degradation or the concerns of communities. To plug this gap, programmes that integrate rights, policies and services for workers and communities affected by the energy transition should be considered. For example the framework for Social and Labour Plans in the mining sector could be augmented to support a just transition.

    Labour law functions and mechanisms that support a just transition may need to be strengthened. Key areas for improvement include:

    • the framework and ecosystem for skills development to prepare workers for job transitions

    • occupational health and safety and labour standards for the protection of workers in conditions of increased heat and extreme weather events

    • the scope, application and objectives of social security schemes and social protection for workers affected by the transition to a low-carbon economy.

    Other steps towards a just transition include:

    Environmentally sustainable practices must be a priority in all workplaces. Consultation and coordinated responses should not be limited to workplaces, sectors and industries that are directly affected, such as the coal mining sector.

    Adaptation to climate change should be at the forefront of the collective efforts of all South Africans. Perhaps even more so in higher education institutions, where the responsibility to educate, innovate, and lead by example is paramount.

    South Africa’s climate change law envisages a pathway to social inclusion and decent work. Its labour laws provide critical tools for the transition.

    Debbie Collier, Shane Godfrey, Vincent Oniga and Abigail Osiki co-authored the Nedlac report, Optimising labour law for a just transition (2024).

    Debbie Collier receives funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and is the director of the Centre for Transformative Regulation of Work (CENTROW). CENTROW has received funding to assist the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) and social partners in labour law reform processes.

    – ref. A hot and troubled world of work: how South Africa’s bold new climate act and labour law can align to drive a just transition – https://theconversation.com/a-hot-and-troubled-world-of-work-how-south-africas-bold-new-climate-act-and-labour-law-can-align-to-drive-a-just-transition-243406

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Press Conference “Risks in BaFin’s Focus”, 28 January 2025

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    Check against delivery.

    A warm welcome from me too!

    The environment facing the German financial sector in 2025 will be challenging.

    At the moment, there is no single key risk. The situation is multifaceted and complex. Companies are having to deal with a diverse range of risks. Risks that are sometimes closely interconnected. Many of these risks can have immediate impacts, while some will only materialise in the long term. This situation is described in the fourth edition of our “Risks in BaFin’s Focus”, which we are publishing today. The picture is also very dynamic. While some risks remain consistently high – for example the strained situation on the commercial real estate markets – the risk situation in market-driven areas can change rapidly. Since going to press, we have seen a kind of party mood develop in certain parts of the financial markets. And as we all know: the bigger the party, the bigger the hangover.

    Over the next few minutes, I would like to discuss three topics. These three topics are very different, but they all make one thing clear: some of the challenges we are facing today are the result of new risk drivers. In other words, they are the result of developments that cannot be precisely gauged – in part because we lack relevant historical experience. This makes risk management more difficult. For the supervised entities, but also for us. The trend arrows for the risks I will address today are pointing in the wrong direction, symbolising a growing risk.

    The first topic I would like to address today is sustainability. Or, to be more precise: the physical risks of climate change. Still fresh in all our minds are the images of the devastating fires around Los Angeles. A tragic disaster with thousands of destroyed buildings, tens of thousands of people evacuated and more than two dozen fatalities. It is estimated that the potential property damage and economic losses could be as high as 150 billion US dollars. This will of course have an impact on the financial sector, especially on insurers’ loss amounts. Rating agencies estimate that in Europe, too, more than 30 percent of reinsurers annual loss budget for natural disasters could already be used up – and that within the first few days of the year.

    For disasters of this kind to occur, many factors have to come together. While regional weather patterns undoubtedly play a role, experts tell us that climate change is increasingly creating the conditions for these kinds of catastrophic fires. Conditions such as long periods of drought.

    Companies in the financial sector must therefore continue to address the physical risks of climate change – and they need to address these risks more intensively. That is to say, the specific effects of global warming, such as extreme weather events like droughts and flooding. Of course, the transition risks posed by the journey to a sustainable, low-carbon economy will also remain relevant.

    But I would say that in comparison, regulation and supervision have not paid sufficient attention to physical risks up to now. At BaFin, we will be putting a particular focus on these risks in 2025 – climate change is forging ahead. According to Copernicus, the EU’s Earth observation programme, the global average temperature in 2024 was more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels for the first time. Physical risks, which will have an impact on banks’ loan portfolios or insurers’ loss amounts, are continuing to rise. Think of the Spanish region of Valencia, where severe flooding last autumn caused extensive damage. According to estimates, the ratios of non-performing loans in Spanish banks’ portfolios will rise in the coming quarters.

    We are therefore taking a close look at how physical risks are addressed at the companies we supervise – such as banks and insurers that are particularly at risk due to extreme weather, supply chain dependency or concentrated credit and market risks. We have found that the companies have generally made progress in managing their sustainability risks, but there is still room for improvement.

    For example, when it comes to integrating and processing data on physical climate risks. This is important for banks and insurers to be able to assess individual natural hazards. And that means they need to draw on several sources of information. We have found that many companies lack important data. In the case of banks, this is often customer-related location data – combined with an allocation of the physical risks to an exact address, such as possible flooding due to heavy rain. Insurers have gaps in their data, for example, in terms of public flood protection measures or the building regulations of the respective cities and municipalities. It is our impression that banks, in particular, are still in the early stages in this regard. They are currently focusing on building up their data basis.

    This is very important work. Supervised companies need to manage the increasing physical risks of climate change. Take regional banks, for example. If an extreme weather event were to occur in their home region, many of their customers could be affected at the same time. Not to mention numerous employees. This geographical concentration can be problematic. It can also particularly affect insurers and banks with specialised business models, for example in agriculture and forestry. The situation is made even more difficult by the sometimes very close links between banks and insurers through risk transfers. Just think of real estate loans and the protection of properties against natural disasters. These risks in particular are becoming increasingly difficult to assess: how likely are they to occur? How severe could potential damage be? And: will the property even be insurable for a reasonable price in future? In several areas of some US states, such as Florida or California, this is no longer a possibility . Climate change is one reason for this. Such insurance gaps not only raise political and social questions, but also questions about the financial viability and recoverability of real estate loans.

    It is important to realise that historical data is only of limited value – the risk situation is changing rapidly. Depending on the scenario one takes , one neighbouring country might be almost completely under water by the end of the century. It also seems plausible to me that climate change could become a driver of another highly charged geopolitical issue: migration.

    For BaFin, one thing is certain: supervised companies must continue to address in detail the physical risks of climate change and, especially, integrate these risks into all areas of their risk management. We should not wait for the next disaster. A forward-looking approach will not only protect the solvency of insurers and banks, but also be able to drive prevention measures forward. If risks are properly priced, it is more likely that they will be mitigated. The more trouble we have getting climate change under control, the more we will have to accept that physical risks are increasing and that prevention and risk avoidance are becoming more and more essential.

    The second topic I would like to address today is the risk arising from the profound technological change taking place in the financial industry. Here, too, historical experience is not particularly helpful. New technologies – such as generative artificial intelligence or, in future, quantum computing – are driving the transformation of the industry forward. These technologies have tremendous potential. For companies. And for customers. But they also entail very significant risks.

    At the top of the list are potential cyber incidents or major IT failures. Large banks, insurers and clearing houses play an extremely important role and have highly sensitive and therefore valuable data. This makes them particularly susceptible to cyber incidents. Data presented by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also confirms this. According to the IMF report, almost a fifth of all global cyber incidents over the past 20 years affected companies in the financial sector. The damage amounts to almost 12 billion US dollars.

    The threat of cyber incidents is globally very high. And it is continuing to rise. This is also due to the tense geopolitical situation. Many companies in the financial sector and their key service providers form part of the critical infrastructure. They are thus an attractive target for state-initiated attacks. But the threat is also rising due to the many new technological possibilities.

    For example, through generative AI. More and more companies in the financial sector are using generative AI or testing its use. And of course, criminals are also using such technologies – to develop new attack methods or malicious code, for example. High quality phishing messages can be created quickly using AI, which makes it much more difficult to identify fraudulent messages.

    Many companies are aware of all these risks and have invested in their IT security. That’s good news. But we cannot become complacent. It is important to us that companies continuously monitor current developments and threats. That they adapt their security measures. And that they prepare for crisis situations. They are currently well positioned to do so: the financial institutions reported strong earnings in 2024. They should use these earnings to invest further in their IT security. This is what we expect of them. It is also what their customers expect of them.

    It goes without saying that our work as a supervisory authority is increasingly being defined by the risks arising from technological change. Just to give one example: in the first three quarters of 2024, we received 258 reports of IT incidents in payment services. This is a significant increase compared to previous years. In two out of three incidents, the cause was not at a supervised financial institution, but at one of its service providers.

    We are also continuing to identify numerous serious IT shortcomings in our IT inspections at supervised companies.

    This is why the topics of IT security, cybersecurity and outsourcing remain high on our agenda. This year, we are planning more than 30 IT inspections, including follow-up inspections and inspections focusing on IT security.

    We will also be more closely monitoring multi-client service providers that offer services to a significant extent in the European financial market, service providers that this market also relies on. In addition, we are preparing to participate in joint examination teams led by the European Supervisory Authorities; these teams monitor critical IT service providers. Among others, the focus here will be on cloud hyperscalers.

    We need strong and effective supervision in the IT sector. At the same time, we need to keep an eye on emerging technologies. Technologies that are not yet available today, but which we know could have a very significant impact on the future of the financial sector. One such technology is quantum computing.

    Some people might argue that there aren’t yet any mass-produced quantum computers. Maybe so. There are still a few technological hurdles to overcome. But research and development are making rapid progress. You may remember that a few weeks ago, in December, Google presented a new quantum chip. In less than five minutes, this chip performed a calculation that would take one of today’s fastest supercomputers 10 quadrillion years. That is a one with 25 zeros. An unimaginable number that far exceeds the age of the universe.

    We don’t yet know when powerful quantum computers will be widely available. But there is much to suggest that we will see a breakthrough happen.

    Companies in the financial sector need to get ready for this development. They need to get ready today.

    Why do I emphasise this so strongly? Because quantum computers will be able to overcome conventional encryption technologies. Current cryptography methods such as RSA1 , which form the basis of IT security in the financial sector today, will no longer be an obstacle for quantum computers. This will pose a massive threat to data security in the financial industry. The cryptography currently used for the largest cryptoassets is probably not quantum-resistant either. Now, please be aware that this is not only some future scenario we are talking about. This risk is already relevant today. Data can already be stolen and stored today, to be decrypted later.

    Companies must not underestimate the risks that this poses. They must take protective measures – now. Especially for security-relevant data designed to have long-term validity. This is the only way they can protect this data in the long term.

    This may remind some of you, at least the older ones among us, of the millennium bug. That was a major issue at the end of the 90s. And the situation is similar today. Only this time we don’t have a target date we can work towards.

    So what exactly needs to be done? Companies must identify the data that could be jeopardised by quantum computing. And then develop a protection plan that takes existing technical possibilities and standards for post-quantum cryptography into account. A protection plan must of course be flexible by design. To ensure that IT risk management can react to future developments. And to ensure that it is in a position to implement future safety recommendations and standards.

    The fact that quantum computing is jeopardising data security is nothing new. The BSI pointed this out a good five years ago. The German government has also addressed the topic in its cybersecurity strategy. So today, I would like to emphasise once again: the time to act is now. When the first powerful quantum computers are for sale, it will be too late.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    In addition to the physical risks associated with climate change and the risks arising from technological changes in the financial sector, we also need to talk about the current economic situation – and the risks that this situation is giving rise to.

    As you all know, the German economy is stagnating. Last year, GDP fell by 0.2%. For 2025, the German Council of Economic Experts (Sachverständigenrat) is expecting slight economic growth of 0.4%. This shows that the economic situation remains difficult.

    Geopolitical risks are currently a key factor clouding the growth prospects of the German economy. This is because the German financial system is highly susceptible to geopolitical shocks. And the risk of such shocks is currently high. For example in the area of trade policy. We are seeing a global trend towards more protectionism. In particular, an intensification of the trade dispute between the US and China would have considerable consequences for the global economy, but especially for Europe. US import tariffs on German and European goods would also have direct impacts on the German economy.

    The number of corporate insolvencies in Germany rose significantly in 2024 – by 16.8% compared to the previous year. As a consequence, the risk that companies will partially or completely default on their loans also rose. The ratio of non-performing loans at German banks rose sharply in the third quarter of 2023 and has continued to increase since then. The aggregate NPL ratio increased from 1.38% to 1.76% in the third quarter of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023. We have seen this trend in both large and less significant institutions. And we expect the proportion of problematic loans to continue rising – in part due to the weak economy. In all probability, the impact of higher value adjustments will also become evident in institutions’ earnings in the foreseeable future. Banks’ loan books are a reflection of the health of the economy.

    Loan loss provisions at German banks likewise continued to rise, but have remained at a low level. In the third quarter of 2024, the loan loss provision ratio, i.e. the ratio of cumulative loan loss provisions to the loan portfolio, was 1.41%.

    The increased credit default risks are not only relevant for banks. Insurers also have to deal with these risks. After all, insurers also grant loans to companies. And they invest in private debt funds.

    BaFin will be taking a particularly close look at the risks arising from corporate loan defaults in 2025 – at banks and at insurance companies. In particular, we will be keeping a close eye on institutions that are heavily involved in sectors that could be significantly affected by an economic downturn or by geopolitical tensions. We will also be monitoring the investment behaviour of insurers, with a particular focus on the risk management of alternative investments such as private debt.

    Macroprudential measures also remain important for the resilience of the German financial sector. These measures include instruments such as the countercyclical capital buffer, which currently stands at 0.75% of domestic risk exposure. In December 2024, the Financial Stability Committee assessed this level and once again deemed it appropriate.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    As you can see, the financial sector is operating in a very challenging environment. This is in part because, for many risk drivers, we cannot draw on past experience. Physical climate risks, quantum computing, deglobalisation, geopolitical upheavals – the proverbial look in the rear-view mirror doesn’t help much when it comes to such developments. This makes it all the more important for companies in the financial sector to manage their risks wisely and to think in terms of scenarios. They must ask themselves: What can the risk situation mean for us? Where are we vulnerable? And how can we prepare for this? And, of course, they need to be highly resilient to potential shocks. More than anything else, this means keeping well-stocked capital and liquidity buffers. That is what we expect of them – and we will be paying particularly close attention to this over the course of the year.

    Now I look forward to your questions!

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement of the International Contact Group (ICG) on the situation in eastern DRC

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Statement of the International Contact Group (ICG) on the situation in eastern DRC – Government.se

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    Statement by Ministry for Foreign Affairs

    Published

    The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes (ICG), chaired by Germany, gave a statement on the situation in eastern DRC.

    The International Contact Group for the Great Lakes, including representatives from Denmark, Belgium, the European Union, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, strongly condemns M23 and Rwandan Defense Forces’ (RDF) capture of the town of Sake on 23 January and the current push to capture the city of Goma on 27 January. We call for urgent de-escalation, respect for the cease-fire, and operationalization of the verification mission. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be respected.

    We urge M23 and RDF to cease its offensive in all directions, allow humanitarian access to the city of Goma and withdraw. The M23 capture of Goma will have grave humanitarian and security consequences on the ground. Hundreds of thousands of people are currently fleeing their homes, adding to the millions already internally displaced in eastern DRC due to conflict. The renewed offensive of the M23 and the RDF undermines efforts to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict, in particular the Luanda Peace Process led by Angolan President João Lourenço. We call on all regional leaders to push for a renewed diplomatic effort at this critical time. We urge the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda to return to the negotiating table, respect the August ceasefire and implement their commitments under the Luanda Process CONOPS.

    We reaffirm our unwavering support for MONUSCO and are deeply alarmed by the findings and support the recommendations of the recent report of the UN Group of Experts established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1533. Any threat or attack against Peacekeepers or humanitarian personnel is unacceptable. Jamming and spoofing operations which are endangering the security of civilians, United Nations and humanitarian flights must stop. We deplore the deaths of the military personnel of the MONUSCO and the SAMIDRC and we express our deepest condolences to their families, the United Nations and their countries of origin.

    The members of the ICG will continue to coordinate their efforts to constantly reassess the situation while urging all parties to live up to their commitments and responsibilities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin: A new coworking center for NGOs has opened at VDNKh

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On VDNKh a new one has opened coworking center for non-profit organizations (NGO). Sergei Sobyanin spoke about this in his telegram channel.

    “It is located in pavilion No. 44 “Rabbit Breeding” – a cultural heritage site of federal significance. We carried out restoration and adapted the pavilion for modern use,” the Mayor of Moscow noted.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin 

    The area of the new coworking center is more than 750 square meters. It can organize and hold events of any format – from negotiations and conferences to creative evenings and concerts with live music. The center has a stage with a multimedia LED screen, a sound amplification system and vocal microphones.

    Several rooms are available to visitors. Among them is a presentation hall for 75 people for lectures, trainings and seminars, a closed meeting room where you can organize meetings, hold a master class or work independently. There is also a coworking room for working alone or with colleagues.

    In addition, you can visit the lounge area and organize a coffee break. The new center is equipped in accordance with the requirements of an accessible environment: convenient descents and ramps are provided for people with limited mobility.

    The coworking center can be used by employees of Moscow NGOs who have entered into agreements agreement with the Moscow House of Public Organizations.

    Now the quantity spaces with free services for NGOs in Moscow has reached 12. All of them operate on the principle of a service department and provide organizations with free services: venues for events and meetings, printing of printed materials, information support and training for employees.

    Pavilion No. 44 “Rabbit Breeding”

    Pavilion No. 44 “Rabbit Breeding” is located in the north-eastern part of VDNKh, behind the Fourth Kamensky Pond at the address: Prospekt Mira, Building 119, Building 44.

    In 1939, the building was located on the site of today’s building 41. Various breeds of rabbits bred in the Soviet Union were demonstrated here, and information was provided on how to increase the number of livestock and care for these animals.

    The modern building was built for the opening of the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition in 1954. It is raised on a small stylobate with a central staircase, on the parapets of which decorative concrete vases are installed. The concave façade of the pavilion is divided by high niches. The two central ones are decorated with semicircular shell-shaped tops – a motif borrowed from the Renaissance. In these niches are installed two concrete sculptures of rabbit-breeding girls with rabbits in their arms, created according to the design of sculptors Nikolai Rozov and Zinaida Snigir. Of interest is the sculptural frieze at the top of the façade with images of rabbits and baby rabbits.

    The pavilion was very popular with both rabbit breeders and young naturalists. In 1973, the space was expanded by adding an extension, which housed the “Fur Farming” exhibition. Until 1999, the pavilion operated for its intended purpose, but was later abandoned and fell into disrepair.

    During the restoration of the facades, the figures of rabbits were recreated, and the statues of girls were put in order. Work on the return of two paired sculptures of rabbits standing on the corner parapets of the roof was carried out for six months.

    The interior features restored columns and pilasters made of ossicle marble, stucco decoration of ceilings and capitals, and chandeliers made of artistic metal. The historical parquet was also recreated, using the surviving planks. The coffered ceiling of the exhibition hall was cleared of numerous paint layers, then specialists removed traces of leaks and completed the losses. In addition, the display windows on the side facades and the front door block were partially restored. In addition, during the work in pavilion No. 44, all engineering systems were updated, adapting the premises for modern use.

    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/12321050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Workers must be protected from extreme weather

    Source: Scottish Greens

    28 Jan 2025 Climate Economy

    Scottish Greens echo calls from the Scottish Trade Union Council to stop endangering the lives of workers.

    More in Climate

    Storm Éowyn caused mass chaos across Scotland on Friday, with schools, public transport, and football all being cancelled due to high winds.

    However, many hospitality and retail businesses remained open despite a red weather warning from the Met Office. Now, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Lorna Slater MSP is calling on the UK Government to protect workers from extreme weather events.

    Extreme weather events such as Storm Éowyn will only become more frequent with the looming climate breakdown. The Met Office’s red weather warning is a rare precaution but one that many Scots could become more used to in coming years.

    Despite advice to remain at home, many businesses forced their employees to travel to work during the storm. Many bartenders, shop workers, and waiters all had to brave 100mph winds to attend work.

    We need your support to put people and planet before profit. Take action today to help.

    Scottish Greens Co-Leader Lorna Slater said:

    “Red weather warnings are rare, but the damage that they do is severe. It’s appalling that any business forced workers to ignore government advice and come into work during one of the worst storms for a long time.

    “We’ve seen the devastating impact of Storm Eowyn on communities across Scotland, with hundreds of thousands of homes losing power, railways brought to a standstill, and, tragically, the loss of life.

    “As the climate crisis worsens, we will face increasing climate chaos, so we must be prepared to protect communities and workers against these extreme weather events.

    “The best thing the UK government can do is take real action to tackle the climate crisis and reduce emissions, but they must also adapt to the damage already done.

    “Governments must face the reality of climate breakdown and adapt legislation to protect workers; we need to see robust rights in place for workers to stay safe during red weather warnings by rejecting shifts or avoiding unnecessary travel.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Additional £1.18M investment for parking improvements

    Source: City of Winchester

    As part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support a vibrant local economy, Cabinet agreed the investment, which will see improvements delivered at pace this year.

    Winchester Park and Ride service

    £305,000 will be spent to improve CCTV provision, tackle anti-social behaviour at the Park and Ride sites and upgrade payment machines. A further £40,000 will be invested to improve and upgrade the multi-storey phone signal.

    As part of the improvements programme budget, further resurfacing works will take place at St Catherine’s Park and Ride facility, alongside improved signage, enhanced cycle storage and new digital signs, supporting the council’s commitment to become a carbon neutral district by 2030.

    Cllr Kelsie Learney, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, said: “Tackling the climate emergency and improving air quality across the Winchester district, whilst ensuring our town centres thrive, underpins the significant investment we are making.

    “Our ambitious programme of works over the coming year will improve the visitor experience by ensuring our Park & Ride, Park and Walk and cycle parking facilities are well maintained, safe and accessible, which supports the Winchester Movement Strategy.”

    Winchester City Council’s Park and Ride and Park and Walk facilities have both seen an increase in user numbers over the last 12 months, which is supported by positive city centre footfall data which also shows an increase over the same time period.

    Later this year, Middle Brook Street car park will be upgraded to become a Pay and Display facility. This enables the council to provide disabled parking spaces closer to the shops, make entry and exit easier, and improve traffic flow along Friarsgate. This will require some phased closure periods, but the council is committed to minimising disruption and ensuring users are kept well informed throughout the process.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Athletics test event on Feb 23

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The 2025 Shenzhen-Hong Kong marathon and the 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event will be held in Shenzhen and Hong Kong on February 23.

    The Shenzhen Bay Bridge will serve as a link connecting Shenzhen and Hong Kong, with a closed-loop arrangement to be adopted throughout the event.

    To ensure it runs smoothly, the Shenzhen Bay Port’s operating hours will be adjusted as appropriate on the day. Details of the bridge’s closure time and related arrangements for vehicles and traffic will be announced in due course.

    The public and visitors are advised to monitor the relevant announcements and duly arrange their itineraries. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Tosyalı Launches one of the World’s Largest Self-Consumption Solar Power Plant Projects

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As one of the leading global green steel producers, with 15 million tons/year crude steel capacity, Tosyalı continues to expand its efforts to produce its energy. Tosyalı invests in cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable and clean energy sources, adhering to the principle of eco-efficiency.

    Tosyalı is making significant strides toward becoming a fully integrated green steel producer. Tosyalı achieved a global milestone by reaching 235 MW of installed capacity with its SPP project, which covered all its facilities, making it the holder of the world’s largest rooftop solar power installation.

    Tosyalı is embarking on an even larger project, and the company has signed an agreement with GE Vernova and its regional provider Inogen for the first 120 MWp of the 1,2 GW self-consumption SPP project. The first project is scheduled to become operational in 2025, while the 1,2 GW capacity project is targeted for completion in 2027.

    Fuat Tosyalı, Chairman of Tosyalı Holding, announced at Davos 2025: “With this investment, Tosyalı will generate approximately 50% of its self-consumption from solar energy.”

    During his interview at the World Economic Forum, Fuat Tosyalı highlighted, “We continue to invest in advanced clean energy technologies under our vision of ‘Tosyalı for a sustainable life.’ We have taken the first step toward one of the world’s largest self-consumption SPP projects with a capacity of 1,2 GW by initiating the first project in Osmaniye. We are happy to collaborate with GE Vernova, one of the world’s leading companies in this field, and Inogen, Turkey’s leading EPC contractor. These panels will be deployed across SPP sites in eight provinces. By doing so, we aim to meet approximately 50% of our energy needs from solar energy, making us stronger and more independent in energy usage and strengthening our position among the world’s leading green steel producers.”

    Tosyalı’s 1,2 GW project stands out as one of the largest self-consumption-focused projects carried out under a single umbrella in Turkey and worldwide.

    Contact:

    Emre Ersezer

    eersezer@medyaevi.com.tr

    Photo accompanying the announcement: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/17372b3b-1aff-43c0-ab66-2bc8b0b2a007

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Proposals to Annual General Meeting 2025 concerning the Number of the Board Members, Their Remuneration and Reimbursement of Their Costs, and Nomination of the Board Members

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    eQ Plc Stock Exchange Release
    28 January 2025, at 11:00 am

    Shareholders of eQ Plc, who control over 60 per cent of the outstanding shares and votes, have proposed to the Annual General Meeting to be held at 25 March 2025 concerning the number of members of the Board of Directors, their remuneration and reimbursement of their costs, and the nomination of members of the Board of Directors.

    Proposal relating to number of persons on the Board of Directors

    The shareholders propose no changes to the number of the Board members, i.e. that six persons be elected to the Board of Directors, or five persons, if a person proposed by the shareholders is prevented from being a Board member of the company.

    Decision relating to the compensation of the members of the Board of Directors

    The shareholders propose no changes to the compensation of the Board members, i.e. that the Chair of the Board of Directors receives 5,000 euros per month, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors receives 4,000 euros per month and the members of the Board of Directors receive 3,000 euros per month. In addition, a compensation of 750 euros per meeting is proposed to be paid for all the Board members for each attended Board meeting and travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed according to the effectual guidelines of eQ Plc.

    Nomination of the Board of Directors

    The shareholders propose that Päivi Arminen, Nicolas Berner, Georg Ehrnrooth, Janne Larma and Tomas von Rettig are re-elected to the Board of Directors and Caroline Bertlin will be elected as a new member to the Board. If one of the persons proposed by the shareholders is prevented from being a Board member of the company, such persons will be elected who are not prevented from being Board members. The term of office of the Board members ends at the close of the next Annual General Meeting.

    Caroline Bertlin (born 1978) is an experienced business leader with vast experience in the Nordics and internationally. Bertlin is based and has spent most of her career in Sweden. Currently she is engaged in strategy and funding of energy infrastructure for Nordion Energi. Prior to that she was the CEO of Nordisk Renting and Managing Director in NatWest Structured Finance (2016-2023). Previously she worked as Head of Restructuring, Turnaround CEO and Project Lead for Strategic projects in the NatWest Group (2009-2015). Earlier experience includes portfolio management and analyst positions within banking and alternative investments. In addition, she is a member of the Board of Nordisk Renting AB (2016-). Caroline Bertlin holds a Master of Science (Economics) degree from Hanken School of Economics.

    All nominees have given their consent to the proposal. In addition, the nominees have indicated that on selection, they will select Georg Ehrnrooth as Chair of the Board of Directors.

    Helsinki, 28 January 2025

    Additional information: Juha Surve, Group General Counsel, tel. +358 9 6817 8733

    Distribution: Nasdaq Helsinki, www.eQ.fi

    eQ Group is a Finnish group of companies specialising in asset management and corporate finance business. eQ Asset Management offers a wide range of asset management services (including private equity funds and real estate asset management) for institutions and individuals. The assets managed by the Group total approximately EUR 13.3 billion. Advium Corporate Finance, which is part of the Group, offers services related to mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions and equity capital markets.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Arbitration decision in favour of IDEX Biometrics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    In the Prospectus published by IDEX Biometrics ASA (“IDEX” or the “Company”) on 13 November 2024, IDEX informed that the Company had requested arbitration at the Oslo Chamber of Commerce concerning a receivable from a customer who had not yet paid. Zwipe AS (“Zwipe”), the customer in question, disclosed in its prospectus dated 4 December 2024 that it was in arbitration regarding a warranty dispute with IDEX related to the delivery of parts communicated in its annual report 2023 and that the total dispute amount was around NOK 7.1 million.

    The Oslo Chamber of Commerce has on 27 January 2025, rendered its decision on the matter, which is a final resolution of the dispute. Zwipe has been ordered to pay USD 702,000 excl. VAT to lDEX plus late payment interest. The warranty counterclaim from Zwipe was dismissed in its entirety. Zwipe was further ordered to compensate IDEX for its legal costs, and pay for the full arbitration costs.

    Zwipe shall pay IDEX the receivable and the award of legal fees within 14 days from the date of the decision.

    This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to MAR article 17 and section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange release was published by Marianne Bøe, Head of Investor Relations on 28 January 2025 at 10:05 (CET).

    For further information contact:
    Marianne Bøe, Head of Investor Relations, +47 91800186
    Kristian Flaten, CFO, +47 95092322
    E-mail:ir@idexbiometrics.com

    About IDEX Biometrics

    IDEX Biometrics ASA (OSE: IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market.

    For more information, visit www.idexbiometrics.com

    Trademark Statement
    IDEX, IDEX Biometrics and the IDEX logo are trademarks owned by IDEX Biometrics ASA. All other brands or product names are the property of their respective holders.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Final permit consultation for Lower Hare Farm landfill, Devon

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Environment Agency has launched its final consultation today on a permit application to open a landfill site at Lower Hare Farm in Whitestone near Exeter.

    The Environment Agency is ‘minded to’ issue a permit to operate a landfill based on information from previous consultations

    GRS Stone Supplies Ltd needs an environmental permit from the Environment Agency to operate the proposed site. The company has provided all the information needed, and the Environment Agency is now likely to grant the permit, unless new information gives a reason not to.

    Two previous consultations by the Environment Agency received a good deal of interest, resulting in the site being declared as one of “High Public Interest”. 

    An environmental permit sets the conditions which GRS Stone Supplies Ltd must meet when operating the landfill site.  It covers the management and operation of the site and the control and monitoring of emissions.   

    When the Environment Agency considers a permit application, it reviews the design of the proposed site, how it will be operated, the emissions it will generate (to air, water and land) and whether it will meet the required standards. Partner organisations, including the UK Health Security Agency, are consulted as part of the process. 

    Issues such as suitability of the site, operating hours and traffic management to and from it, are matters for the planning authority, not the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency can only consider issues covered by the environmental permit and can only refuse a permit application based on technical information.  

    Once the consultation closes, all the comments received will be reviewed before a final decision is made. GRS Stone Supplies Ltd has the right to appeal if the permit is refused. The company will need to have both an environmental permit and planning permission in order to operate a landfill site.

    Anyone wishing to comment on the application, can do so by using the online consultation portal, Citizen Space: https://consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/ex4-2hw-grs-stone-supplies-limited-epr-lb3502ht-a

    or by:

    Email: pscpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk  

    Post:

    Environment Agency Permitting and Support Centre,
    Land Team,
    Quadrant 2,
    99 Parkway Avenue,
    Sheffield,
    S9 4WF.  

    If you need help accessing this consultation in another format, please contact us by: 

    We may charge for copying costs. 

    Please use the application reference number, EPR/LB3502HT/A001. The consultation closes at 11.59pm on 10 March, 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Councillor Louise Upton set to become Lord Mayor of Oxford

    Source: City of Oxford

    Councillor Louise Upton is set to become the new Lord Mayor of Oxford.

    The ceremonial role will see Councillor Upton carry out a wide range of civic engagements during 2025/26, from leading Oxford’s Remembrance service to school visits and charity events.

    Councillor Susan Brown, the Leader of Oxford City Council, made the announcement at the Council meeting last night (27 January).

    She also announced that Councillor Mike Rowley will be the Deputy Lord Mayor of Oxford, and Councillor Andrew Gant will be the Sheriff of Oxford for 2024/25.

    Mayor making

    The Lord Mayor, Deputy and Sheriff will be sworn in at the traditional mayor making ceremony in Oxford Town Hall in May.

    The ceremony will see the outgoing Lord Mayor, Councillor Mike Rowley, officially step down and hand over their chains of office to Councillor Upton.

    The bells of Carfax Tower will then be rung by the Oxford Society of Change Ringers to commemorate the ceremony.

    Councillor Louise Upton

    Councillor Louise Upton was born in Shropshire and first came to Oxford to study for a degree in Biochemistry at New College, Oxford, where she also captained the university’s Women’s Football Team. After that came a PhD in Cell Physiology from University College London. Since then she has worked as a research scientist, first in Paris for several years and then for 25 years at the University of Oxford, where she continues to teach neuroscience.

    Councillor Upton was elected to Oxford City Council in 2013 and represents Walton Manor ward. She is currently Cabinet Member for Planning, and for many years held the role of Cycling Champion.

    Lord Mayor of Oxford

    The Lord Mayor generally carries out more than 300 engagements each year. These cover a wide range, from Royal visits and leading Oxford’s annual Remembrance Sunday service to small community group meetings and charity events.

    The Lord Mayor also raises money for charity during their year-long term of office. Councillor Upton has chosen The Gatehouse, OXSRAD and TRAX to be her Lord Mayor’s charities for 2024/25.

    The first recorded Mayor of Oxford is Laurence Kepeharme, 1205-1209. Mayors’ names stretch in an unbroken line until 1962, when the dignity of the Lord Mayor was granted to Oxford by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

    Comment

    “I am so looking forward to being the Lord Mayor. We live in one of the most vibrant, most historic, most diverse cities in the UK, and I will be incredibly proud to represent every single one of our citizens.

    “The number of engagements is daunting, but it will be an amazing opportunity to meet many of the wonderful people who make Oxford tick.”

    Councillor Louise Upton

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Shape of local government across Kent set to change

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Shape of local government across Kent set to change

    At the end of last year, the government published a white paper which outlined its desire to devolve decision making and spending power from Whitehall to the regions.

    To do this, the government wants to create region-wide strategic authorities led by elected mayors.

    To complement its devolution agenda, the government also wants to see local government reorganisation.

    The latter will see the abolition of Kent County Council (KCC), Medway Council and the 12 district councils, of which Canterbury City Council is one.

    They will be replaced by unitary authorities serving populations of roughly a minimum of 500,000 people, carrying out most of the tasks currently undertaken by KCC and Canterbury.

    At the start of January, KCC and Medway Council asked to be part of the government’s Devolution Priority Programme.

    This is effectively a fast-track to reform that allows the historic county of Kent to shape the process and benefit from any extra money available.

    The government will let KCC know its decision soon.

    If it is a yes, the government will pass a law to postpone KCC’s elections which were due to take place in May this year.

    In that instance, elections for a mayor and strategic authority will take place in May 2026.

    Then, in the coming weeks, the government will write to councils to ask them to submit their proposals for unitary councils – including how many and what areas should be covered by each new council – by March of this year.

    There are still a lot of unknowns about the future shape of local government in the district and lots of decisions to be made.

    Despite the uncertainty, Leader of the Council, Cllr Alan Baldock, welcomes the government’s proposals but says the city council and its staff must maintain a laser-like focus on delivering the top-quality services that Canterbury is known for, and its residents rely on.

    He said: “While we all think strategically about the historic county of Kent’s future and how council services should be shaped, Canterbury City Council will still be here for a number of years and we are all determined, councillors and officers, to deliver the council’s priorities and the best possible services for our residents.”

    On devolution and local government reorganisation itself, he said: “There is a huge number of factors to consider when thinking about the best way of delivering services.

    “And there will be huge amounts of day-to-day detail that will need to be thrashed out.

    “We do know that there are likely to be three or four unitary councils delivering services on the ground in the county while working with the mayor and the strategic authority.

    “While no decisions have been made, our district is likely to be covered by an east Kent unitary which brings together our neighbouring councils – Ashford, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe and Thanet – as well as some of the services currently delivered by KCC.

    “Such a grouping would serve around 660,000 people which is close to the optimal size for a unitary authority.

    “Everyone needs to remember that arrangements to create such an authority are some way off and would be no earlier than 2027, more likely 2028.

    “Elections for councillors to be part of that new unitary authority would need to be held.

    “As Leader, I am not afraid to admit the change is daunting, for our staff especially, and at all levels of the organisation.

    “But I am sure that, far from being the end, it will be the beginning of new and exciting times.

    “We will need the very best team possible, officers and councillors alike.

    “I have been here long enough to know we have the commitment to punch above our weight and create a better future alongside those neighbouring councils we have served alongside for years and years.”

    There is lots of information about devolution and local government reorganisation online.

    KCC has its devolution web pages and the Local Government Association also has an online devolution hub.

    Published: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Shenzhou-19 astronauts send Spring Festival greetings from space station

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    This video snapshot shows Shenzhou-19 astronauts Cai Xuzhe (C), Song Lingdong (R) and Wang Haoze sending their Spring Festival greetings from China’s Tiangong space station on New Year’s Eve. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Shenzhou-19 astronauts Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze sent their Spring Festival greetings from China’s Tiangong space station in a video released by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) on New Year’s Eve.
    The trio, dressed in blue jumpsuits adorned with red traditional auspicious cloud patterns, held two pieces of Chinese paper-cutting featuring the character “fu,” symbolizing good luck.
    “At this moment, I miss my family and friends even more. I wish you all a prosperous Year of the Snake, filled with good fortune and happiness,” said Cai, the crew commander.
    This is Cai’s second time working and living in China’s space station, but his first time celebrating the Spring Festival there. In 2022, he spent six months in the space during the Shenzhou-14 mission.
    “I am fortunate to have lived in a great era and fulfilled my space dream,” said Song, as he wished young people a bright and promising future.
    Wang, with her hands forming a heart shape above her head, said, “In the new year, may all your dreams come true.”
    Song and Wang are China’s first post-90s astronauts to enter the space station. Wang is also the first female space engineer to work in the space station.
    The astronauts have decorated the space station, orbiting about 400 km above Earth, with red couplets and the character “fu.” Their New Year’s Eve dinner includes dumplings, symbolizing reunion and prosperity, alongside a variety of dishes such as roast chicken, smoked fish, beef and lettuce. They will also enjoy staple foods and soups like eight-treasure rice pudding, snow fungus soup, and tomato egg soup, complemented by orange juice and a candy gift pack.
    The three astronauts entered the space station on Oct. 30, 2024. In nearly three months, they conducted a series of scientific experiments and technical tests, and completed tasks such as the installation of space debris protection devices on the space station during two spacewalks.
    According to the CMSA, they will carry out 86 space science research and technology experiments during the six-month stay, covering various fields including space life science, microgravity fundamental physics, space material science, space medicine and new space technologies. They will also engage in science education, public interest activities, and other payload tests.
    This is the third Spring Festival since the full completion of the Chinese space station. Nine crew members from Shenzhou-15, Shenzhou-17 and Shenzhou-19 have welcomed the New Year and the Spring Festival in space. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: OMV Discusses Exploration Efforts in Libya’s Sirte Basin, Eyes Strategic Growth

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    TRIPOLI, Libya, January 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

    In an exclusive interview with Energy Capital & Power (www.EnergyCapitalPower.com), Berislav Gašo, Member of the Executive Board and Executive Vice President of Energy at OMV, discusses the company’s exploration efforts in the Sirte Basin and shares an optimistic perspective on Libya’s oil and gas sector.

    OMV has resumed exploration activities in Libya’s Sirte Basin after a 13-year hiatus, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s oil and gas sector. What key factors led to the decision to resume exploration activities, and what role do you see Libya playing in OMV’s overall upstream strategy moving forward?

    Indeed, OMV was among the first international companies to resume exploration activities in the region. Libya plays an important role in OMV’s Energy portfolio with successful exploration efforts being crucial for adding value and bringing in new volumes. A testament to these strong bonds with the country is the spudding of the Essar well in the C103 license within the Sirte Basin, which was the first OMV-operated exploration well drilled in Libya since the 1990s. OMV’s ongoing exploration efforts will be pivotal in generating growth and solidifying our energy business in Libya.

    The ESSAR Prospect is a key focus of OMV’s exploration efforts in Libya. What are the main objectives of this campaign, and how do you assess the potential for additional discoveries in the Sirte Basin?

    Today, our exploration activities in Libya are mainly focused on the Sirte Basin, where we are an operator, and the Murzuq Basin, where we are a partner. We are currently drilling the Essar well, which will be followed by the Alhilal well within the same license. This infrastructure-led approach leverages the proximity of these wells to existing producing fields, enabling efficient tie-ins to nearby production facilities for rapid additional output. Beside our drilling activities in C103, OMV is also working diligently on maturing leads in our other exploration licenses within the Sirte Basin.

    OMV is collaborating with Zueitina Oil Company (ZOC) on the drilling of the B1-106/4 well. Can you discuss the importance of this partnership and how OMV plans to integrate local expertise and resources in the execution of its exploration projects in Libya?

    Synergies between ZOC and OMV are a crucial backbone of our drilling activities. OMV’s exploration is carried out by ZOC, as our integrated service provider. By working with a local operator, we can efficiently share drilling rigs between OMV-operated exploration and ZOC-operated development projects in our licenses, resulting in more effective use of the rig utilization. Through this collaboration, OMV benefits from local expertise and fosters a culture of open communication and knowledge transfer. Furthermore, we transmit drilling data to our headquarters in Vienna via real-time data streaming services, where it is processed to ensure safe and efficient operations.

    What are your expectations for the broader outlook of Libya’s oil and gas sector over the next few years?

    The outlook for the Libyan oil and gas sector in the coming years is promising, driven by the National Oil Corporation’s strategy to increase production. An upcoming bidding round is expected to attract interest and open up new opportunities for exploration and production. Libya’s vast untapped reserves and strategic location make it a major player in the global energy market, but sustained progress will depend on ensuring security, regulatory reforms and investment in infrastructure. Tackling these challenges could spur growth in the sector and increase its contributions to the national economy.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Traditional lanterns and panda figurines: how the capital was decorated in honor of the Chinese New Year

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Specialists from the city services complex decorated the central streets and alleys of the capital in honor of the Chinese New Year, which will begin on January 29. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “On Manezhnaya and Tverskaya squares, in Kamergersky Lane, Kuznetsky Most Street and Tverskoy Boulevard, festive arches were additionally decorated with traditional red Chinese lanterns. The all-season “starry sky” in Kamergersky Lane will be painted in red shades, decorative consoles in the form of scrolls with congratulations appeared on the street lamps,” said Pyotr Biryukov.

    The central entrance to the Moscow Zoo was decorated with light boxes, flags and glowing light discs. Chinese red lanterns and light panda figures were placed on the territory.

    In recent years, Moscow has formed a sufficient stock of festive elements, allowing to decorate the metropolis. All light and decorative structures are multifunctional. They can be used repeatedly, changing their appearance.

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

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

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149412073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In the Eastern Administrative District, 10 non-residential real estate objects were built in a year using extra-budgetary funds

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the Eastern Administrative District of the capital, 10 non-residential real estate objects were built using extra-budgetary funds in 2024. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “In 2024, 10 non-residential real estate objects with a total area of about 40 thousand square meters were built in the east of Moscow using extra-budgetary funds. Among them are four kindergartens, retail, household and utility facilities, a church, and an industrial building. New buildings were built in the districts of Golyanovo, Sokolniki, Preobrazhenskoye, Metrogorodok, Kosino-Ukhtomsky, Bogorodskoye, Severnoye Izmailovo. As a result, more than 465 jobs appeared in the east of the capital,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The buildings house educational, sports and entertainment facilities, and additional workspaces have appeared.

    “Four new kindergartens with a total area of over 10.4 thousand square meters are designed for 555 pupils. The largest of them was built in the Bogorodskoye district and transferred to the capital’s education system. This kindergarten with an area of over 4.3 thousand square meters is designed for 275 places,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy of the capital

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    This three-story building was equipped with 11 group cells, a full-cycle food service unit, a medical office, a gym and a music room. The area around the kindergarten was adapted for walks and sports.

    Mosgosstroynadzor experts checked all stages of construction of non-residential buildings in the Eastern Administrative District, the agency chairman added Anton Slobodchikov. The inspectors carried out a total of 169 control and supervision activities, which allows us to guarantee the high quality and safety of buildings after they are put into operation.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin told, that in 2024 more than 80 social infrastructure facilities were built in the capital.

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149391073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The third season of the school theatre festival has begun in Moscow

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The third season of the Moscow Theatre Festival-Competition of School Theatres “Live Stage” has begun in the capital. More than 20 thousand students from schools and colleges of the city will take part in it. This was reported by Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.

    “Moscow education is not only fundamental sciences, but also comprehensive creative development. Theater workshops operate on the basis of the capital’s schools, colleges and centers of additional education, where children, under the mentorship of famous directors and actors, participate in acting master classes and master stage professions. Theater is not just art, but first and foremost a space for intellectual experimentation. It trains the flexibility of thinking, imagination, concentration. Therefore, we are pleased to open a new season of the large-scale theater project of the capital’s schools “Live Stage”. This is a serious festival, where children not only act, but can also declare themselves on the stage of Moscow theaters, create colorful scenery, and get advice from professionals. The competition is very popular among young Muscovites; over 20 thousand schoolchildren are taking part in it in the new season – 30 percent more than last year,” noted Anastasia Rakova.

    The festival is being held for the third time. As part of the project, outstanding Russian actors and directors become mentors to young Muscovites throughout the year. They help them select a repertoire, participate in rehearsals, promote the development of a creative association and prepare the children for the big stage.

    Future artists will present their productions in two traditional categories: “Dramatic Performance”, “Musical Performance” and this year’s new categories: “Theatrical Olympus” and “Historical Memory”.

    For several years, “Theatre Olympus” was a separate competition, but last year it became one of the nominations of the “Live Stage” project. Groups that organize small-scale performances – short productions with a small number of actors – can take part in it. The best will receive grant support.

    The nomination “Historical Memory” is dedicated to significant events and outstanding personalities of different eras. Participants will prepare performances based on reliable facts. The children will have to conduct research and use archival documents in organizing the production.

    Last year, 30 best productions reached the finals, which were watched by more than seven thousand spectators in April. There are several categories in the Dramatic Performance nomination. In one of them, School Melpomene, the winner was the pedagogical theater of teenagers of Academic School No. 1534 with the production Romeo and Juliet, and the Country of Buffoonery studio of School No. 1353 named after General D. F. Alekseev with the fairy tale The Little Humpbacked Horse. The first place in the Musical Performance nomination was won by the Sounds of Music musical studio of the Sinegoriya extracurricular activities center.

    In the category “Blessed Thalia”, the victory went to the children’s theater “Gallagrant” of the children’s creativity center “Sviblovo”. In second place was the theater “Ostrov trekuri” of school No. 45 named after L.I. Milgram, in third place was the puppet theater studio “Prevrashchenie” of school No. 1249. Separately, the jury awarded special prizes for the achievements of the participants, including a careful attitude to family values, a bright debut, the power of artistic words, the most daring idea and an original adaptation of a work. The productions were presented on the stages of the Boris Shchukin Theater Institute, the Children’s Musical Theater of the Young Actor, the Moscow New Drama Theater, the Palace on the Yauza and the Shchukino Culture and Art Center.

    The organizer of the competition-festival is the Moscow Center for Educational Practices of the capital Department of Education and ScienceLast academic year, over 15,000 schoolchildren and college students from more than 500 children’s and youth theaters took part in the festival.

    You can find out more about additional education in the capital in Telegram channels “Moscow education” And “Moscow Center for Educational Practices”.

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    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149401073/

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: In Moscow, over 12,000 online transactions with city property have been concluded in five years following auctions

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Five years ago, Moscow began concluding transactions based on the results of auctions in electronic format. During this time, more than 12.1 thousand contracts have been drawn up with buyers and tenants of city property. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.

    “At the beginning of 2020, the Moscow investment portal began to conclude electronic contracts for the sale and purchase of non-residential real estate based on the results of auctions. In 2021, tenants of premises and plots received a similar opportunity, and in 2023 – buyers of land for the construction of private residential buildings. Thus, the entire process of selling capital property was transferred to a digital format. This made it possible to increase the circle of potential auction participants who no longer need to waste time visiting various authorities to complete documents. Since 2020, based on the results of competitive procedures, the city has conducted over 12.1 thousand online transactions, of which about 2.8 thousand were in 2024,” said Maxim Gaman.

    The electronic auction format has been in operation for 11 years, but until 2020, the execution of documents, registration of property rights and signing of contracts were carried out exclusively on paper. The process consisted of 11 stages, and buyers had to personally visit various authorities to submit, sign and receive documents.

    Now you can draw up a purchase and sale or lease agreement, as well as an act of acceptance and transfer of an object in a few minutes through your personal account on the Moscow investment portal. The capital’s office is responsible for registering rights in Rosreestr. Department of City Property.

    In the capital Department of Information Technology they said that the section “Property from the city” on the investment portal contains full information about available lots. Online tools help find suitable movable and immovable property – from parking spaces to business premises or land plots for the construction of residential buildings. A detailed description of each lot includes information about connected utilities, transport and social infrastructure, as well as photographs and a 3D tour. Here you can also sign up for an inspection and find out about the deadlines for submitting applications, the format of the auction and the venue.

    To participate in the auction, you will need to register on the electronic trading platform “RoselTorg” and enhanced qualified electronic signature.

    Development of electronic services for business corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Triage system, digital X-ray and 11 operating rooms: how the flagship center of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov is organized

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The triage system, modern equipment, the principle of a digital clinic and 11 multidisciplinary operating rooms – doctors flagship center of the City Clinical Hospital (CCH) No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov provide emergency and planned care to patients with a wide range of illnesses. During the first month of operation, the medical facility received almost six thousand people, its specialists performed hundreds of high-tech operations and thousands of diagnostic studies.

    How the new flagship is designed and equipped, what are the advantages of the “doctor to patient” principle, how advanced equipment helps save lives, and how much the Moscow healthcare system has improved thanks to the opening of the fifth emergency care center – in a report by mos.ru.

    Diagnostics and treatment in one place

    Flagship center of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov opened December 20, 2024 on Leninsky Prospekt (building 10, block 7). The seven-story building is located on the territory of the First City Hospital, one of the oldest and largest clinics in the capital.

    One of the 27 buildings of the medical facility was completely reconstructed over the course of three years to become the new flagship; it is easy to find by the signs and the blue sign with the logo of the capital city. Department of Health— the letter M enclosed in a heart. Heated overground walkways connect the building with neighboring buildings.

    The center’s patients undergo a full diagnosis and, if necessary, undergo surgery, followed by recovery in intensive care and hospital treatment, as indicated.

    “Our flagship center represents almost all medical specialties: surgery, traumatology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, gynecology, urology and others. The staff consists of 350 people, including academicians and doctors of science. To equip the center, we purchased about 2.8 thousand units of medical equipment and furniture, including an angiographic system, a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, a whole-body X-ray computed tomography system and a mobile C-arm X-ray machine. After providing the necessary assistance, patients are either discharged for outpatient observation or sent to inpatient departments for further treatment,” says Daria Tuul, head of the emergency medical care center of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov.

    Red Stream for Emergency Patients

    The flagship center of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov meets modern medical standards. In the lobby and emergency department there are soft chairs and sofas, boxes for patients’ personal belongings, water coolers and coffee machines, snow-white calla lilies bloom in wooden tubs. Navigation stripes are applied to the floor – red, yellow and green, showing the directions of the corresponding flows, on the walls – illuminated signs and large screens for educational videos. The doors open at the touch of a button.

    To the right of the main entrance is the emergency medical care department, where patients are brought by ambulances. In a spacious heated vestibule, patients are transferred to gurneys. Red category patients who require urgent care are taken to the anti-shock room, where a team of resuscitators is already waiting for them, or to the operating room.

    Such patients are immediately connected to monitors that track temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, lung saturation and other vital signs. Among the modern equipment that the anti-shock room is equipped with are artificial lung ventilation and ultrasound devices, an indirect heart massage system, an anesthesia and respiratory apparatus and an electric cardiac pacemaker.

    “While the ambulance is transporting the patient, the doctors collect the anamnesis and transmit the information to us online, that is, we already understand with what preliminary diagnosis and in what condition the person will be admitted, whether he has chronic diseases, where he was taken from and how long it took. All this information is displayed on the screens in the anti-shock room and the admissions department. According to the regulations, red stream patients should receive assistance in the first minutes after admission,” explains Roman Emelin, an anesthesiologist-resuscitator at the flagship center of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov.

    Sobyanin spoke about the new standard of emergency medical care in flagship centersSobyanin: Healthcare system undergoing its largest modernizationMoscow approves algorithm for treating female infertility

    Operating rooms with telemedicine

    The “heart” of the flagship center is a multidisciplinary operating block located on two floors. For the first time, City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov has an integrated digital operating room with automated data transfer, visualization and intelligent control. Sensors and high-resolution video cameras allow you to observe the surgical process in great detail on large screens and broadcast it to anywhere in the world, consulting with experts and training colleagues from Moscow and other regions.

    The hybrid operating room allows for simultaneous surgical interventions for various pathologies. Thanks to sophisticated angiographic equipment, doctors can penetrate the finest vessels and simultaneously perform operations on the head, chest, abdomen or limbs without moving patients.

    “In addition to the digital operating room with telemedicine and hybrid, we have nine multi-profile operating rooms equipped with the most modern equipment. Anesthesia and respiratory devices, defibrillators, endoscopic video stands, surgical microscopes, portable scanners, artificial blood circulation devices, X-ray arc and other advanced equipment allow us to perform any surgical interventions,” explains Vadim Konstantinov, a resuscitation specialist and anesthesiologist at the flagship center of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov.

    After the operation, patients are transferred to the intensive care unit on the second floor. There are 11 beds, including two single boxes. Patients are under constant medical supervision for 24 hours. Each bed, which is separated by thick screens, has a syringe dispenser, an artificial lung ventilation device, a vital signs monitor, and for greater comfort, heated blankets powered by the electrical network are provided. The department is equipped with defibrillators, electrocardiographs, portable ultrasound machines, and pneumatic mail. Radiologists and endoscopists visit patients, so they leave the ward only to have a CT or MRI scan. After stabilization, patients are transferred to other hospital departments, where they stay until discharge.

    New clinics, artificial intelligence and digitalization: how Moscow healthcare developed in 2024Scientific projects of Moscow medical organizations will receive grant support — SobyaninFirst flagship: how the center of the V.V. Veresaev hospital accepts its first patients

    Bracelets with clips

    The distribution of incoming patients is done using a digital triage system. At two medical stations, their temperature, blood pressure, and pulse are measured, and after a brief anamnesis, they are distributed into yellow and green streams. Each patient receives a bracelet of the corresponding color, and if necessary, clips. Red indicates a risk of falling, yellow indicates the presence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, and turquoise indicates an allergy to medications or food.

    “The red line takes patients to the anti-shock ward, and the yellow and green lines take them to the examination rooms, which are located on the first floor. There are seven of them, each with a surgeon, traumatologist, neurosurgeon, ophthalmologist, neurologist, otolaryngologist, maxillofacial surgeon, urologist and gynecologist. The center has all the latest diagnostic equipment: a CT scanner, digital X-ray, expert-class ultrasound machines, vital function monitors,” says Marat Magomedov, deputy chief physician for emergency care at the flagship center of City Clinical Hospital No. 1 named after N.I. Pirogov.

    In addition to the six-bed examination and shock wards, the first floor houses a diagnostic ward, an isolation ward for infectious patients, and five multi-profile operating rooms for emergency interventions, including hybrid and digital ones. The second floor is occupied by six operating rooms for scheduled patients, as well as an intensive care unit with 11 beds. The hospital’s inpatient departments are located from the third to the sixth floors: neurosurgery, two traumatology departments, and cardiovascular surgery. The seventh floor houses a diagnostic complex. The minus first and minus second floors are allocated for technical premises.

    The center provides care on a doctor-to-patient basis. After a quick check-in at the emergency department, further examinations and procedures, except for CT and MRI, are performed at the patient’s bedside. And digitalization provides specialists with online access to patients’ medical records using tablets.

    The doctors are assisted in their work by employees of the capital’s government service centers. They perform administrative functions and also create a comfortable environment for patients and their accompanying relatives.

    Construction of a new clinic in Kommunarka is planned to be completed in 2025Sobyanin spoke about the first year of work of the new centers of the Botkin HospitalTesting, examination stations and interview. How to get the status of “Moscow doctor”From the triage system to the “space” operating room: how the flagship center of the O.M. Filatov Hospital No. 15 is organized

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Renovation program: more than 5.5 thousand residents of the South-East Administrative District received new apartments last year

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In 2024, more than 5.5 thousand city residents living in 102 old houses in the south-east of the capital completed documents for comfortable housing under the renovation program. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property Maxim Gaman.

    “Over 5.5 thousand Muscovites from 102 old houses received keys to apartments in new buildings in the south-east of the capital in 2024. Of these, in Lublin, over 1.4 thousand city residents signed contracts with the Department for comfortable housing under the renovation program, in Kuzminki – over 1.2 thousand people, almost 900 – in the Nizhegorodsky district. The rest live in Vykhino-Zhulebino, Kapotnya, Lefortovo, Ryazansky, Yuzhnoportovy districts and in Tekstilshchiki,” he said.

    In total, last year in the South-Eastern Administrative District, the paperwork for apartments was completed and residents of 73 old houses completely moved into new buildings.

    “In 2024, about 1.9 thousand families who moved to the South-East Administrative District used the city’s help in moving. Thanks to the “Moving Assistance” service, residents can order movers and a truck for free. Specialists will help to disassemble and pack things, and then move them from the old apartment to the new one. You can use the service online by leaving a request on the mos.ru portal, or at resettlement information centers, which are located on the first floors of new buildings,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    As noted in Department of Information Technology of the City of Moscow, will help you prepare for your planned move general instructions, available in the super service “Moving under the renovation program” on the mos.ru portal. With its help, you can find out how the move is organized and get information on the documents required to draw up a contract, as well as use links to useful services. If you configure the parameters of the move, the super service will provide the opportunity to read the instructions taking into account a specific life situation.

    In total, since the start of the program, more than 31.1 thousand Muscovites from 173 old buildings in the southeast have received modern housing.

    In the South-Eastern Administrative District of the capital, 818 buildings, in which more than 164 thousand city residents live, are included in the renovation program.

    Renovation program approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin instructeddouble the pace of program implementation.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction rates and volumes. Over the past five years, within the framework of the national project “Infrastructure for life” The volume of construction and commissioning of residential buildings in the capital has doubled – from three million to five to seven million square meters per year.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vintage Trams and Soviet Taxis: Moscow Transport Museum Turns Five

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Moscow Transport Museum is celebrating five years since its opening. On January 28, 2020, it received its name and became a subordinate organization of the capital’s Department of Transport and Development of Road Transport Infrastructure.

    “In five years of work, the Moscow Transport Museum has become one of the key transport and technical museums of the capital. On behalf of Sergei Sobyanin, we are engaged in preserving the transport heritage and strive to increase interest in it through various projects. The museum is very popular – more than one million people have already visited our exhibitions, festivals, lectures, master classes and excursions,” said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry

    Maxim Liksutov.

    The museum is engaged in the restoration and storage of exhibits, exhibition, publishing, research and educational activities. Its collection contains 1,515 artifacts and 237 units of equipment. There are also exhibits that are unique in world history: for example, the only horse-drawn tram from 1872 recreated on the original chassis, one of the two surviving BF tram cars in the world, a KIM-10-50 passenger car, a SVARZ crane platform, a ZIS-154 bus, as well as the only surviving B.

    Since 2020, the institution’s employees have restored 20 exhibits and 76 artifacts, and performed local repairs on 16 items. Most of them can be seen in the permanent exhibition. This year, the museum continues a large-scale program to restore unique equipment, including buses, trams, metro cars, and cars.

    Over five years, 32 exhibitions were held here, 59 special projects were implemented, 626 educational events, 1845 excursions were organized, and eight books were published. The museum collection was replenished with 17.5 thousand archival files and more than six thousand publications.

    “From the very beginning, we created the Moscow Transport Museum as a living public space that answers an important question: what moves the city? We consider transport as part of urban culture and study it as a system, the main aspect of which is the relationship with a person. This is a museum about people and for people – all our projects, from children’s master classes to festivals for thousands, are designed to unite a variety of visitors and show them the amazing world that the topic of transport opens up. Over the past five years, the museum team has done a huge amount of work, which can be expressed in numbers, but the most significant thing is the growing love and interest in our projects and the urban culture of movement,” added Oksana Bondarenko, Director of the Moscow Transport Museum.

    Exhibitions and excursions

    Many major projects were implemented in the USSR Transport Pavilion at VDNKh. In 2021, the exhibition “Muscovite’s Dream” opened there (it was visited by 140 thousand people), a year later – the exhibition “You are here. Always. Today. The day after tomorrow” (it attracted 85 thousand visitors). In November last year, the exhibition opened “You look 100%!”, over 25 thousand people visited it during 2.5 months of work. In addition, the museum regularly holds thematic exhibitions at the Northern and Southern river terminals.

    Since 2021, the museum has had its own tour desk. In addition to tours of the exhibition and the storage facility, employees organize walks on the metro, as well as around the Northern and Southern river terminals.

    “New Era of the Moscow Metro” is the most popular year-round tour of the stations of the Big Circle Line (BCL). During the walk, guides talk about the innovative technologies used in the design of the stations, reveal the meaning of hidden messages and symbols left by the architects. Participants will learn how the design of the platforms reflects the features of the areas where the stations are located, how new lines are built, and how the metro works in general.

    In summer, visitors show great interest in exploring the museum’s collections. Here you can see over 100 exhibits of passenger cars, trucks and city vehicles from the USSR – taxis, police cars, rare Moskvichs, buses and legendary cars from the 1980s. Guests are also shown how museum employees restore equipment.

    The Moscow Transport Museum has introduced virtual tours of its exhibitionsSimulators, installations and virtual reality: how the Moscow Transport Museum will introduce its permanent exhibition

    Festivals and conferences

    In 2022, the first Retroreis festival took place — since then, it has annually brought together tens of thousands of people interested in transport culture. Since 2023, as part of the city’s Night at the Museum event, the Tour of Cultures museum rally has been held, in which the capital’s largest institutions participate.

    That same year, the Moscow Transport Museum organized the first scientific and practical conference, “Museums of Movement — Museums in Motion.” Its goal was to unite museum and transport communities to discuss similar tasks, as well as expand professional interaction. After the conference, an annual experience exchange program was launched.

    This year, the museum team continues to work on creating a permanent exhibition, which will be located in the garage of the architect Konstantin Melnikov on Novorizhanskaya Street (building 27). The building, which is a monument of avant-garde architecture, is currently undergoing restoration. It will be returned to its historical appearance.

    Moscow Transport Museum — is an open urban space and research center. Its collections include more than 250 examples of passenger cars, trucks, buses, trolleybuses, taxis, city service vehicles, bicycles and motorcycles. The exhibits can be seen at exhibitions and transport infrastructure facilities.

    Simulators, installations and virtual reality: how the Moscow Transport Museum will introduce its permanent exhibitionUnique roof trusses restored in Konstantin Melnikov’s garage

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Winter in Moscow”: “Chinese New Year” venues collected in one app

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The capital will host the Chinese New Year festival for the second time from January 28 to February 9. Residents and tourists will enjoy master classes, festive processions, drum shows, performances by artists, traditional Chinese dishes and themed souvenirs.

    You can see all the festival sites in the Moscow Transport app. Thanks to this, guests will be able to easily plan a route to any of them and find out a description of each.

    “For the second year in a row, we have added the Chinese New Year festival to the Moscow Transport app. We have posted a poster for each of its points and added the ability to build a route to the selected site – this will allow residents and guests of the capital to plan their time. At the request of Sergei Sobyanin, we are creating more convenient and useful functions in our mobile applications for the comfort of users,” said Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry

    Maxim Liksutov.

    Finding festival sites in the app is easy. To do this, you need to move the bottom menu up, go to the “Interesting” section and click on the festival logo. After all the sites open, you should select the one you need and plot a route. You can download the app by link.

    The Moscow Transport app was launched in 2017. During this time, it has been downloaded more than eight million times. It combines all city routes in one service. A single platform allows users to get the best solution based on their personal needs, budget, and preferences. The app is convenient for both drivers and passengers of public transport. It makes it easy to manage the Troika card, make biometric payments for travel, order trips, buy tickets (including for river cruises), activate charging for electric vehicles at city stations, and use many other services.

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

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

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road blocked, Te Poi

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    State Highway 29 at Te Poi is blocked following a serious crash.

    It involved one vehicle and was reported about 8:10pm.

    One person is believed to be in serious condition.

    The Serious Crash Unit is attending and the road is currently blocked at the intersections of State Highway 29 and State Highway 24.

    Motorists are asked to take alternate routes.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stricter age-verification checks for all knife retailers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Stricter age verification checks and a ban on doorstep drops will be introduced to greater protect young people from knife crime.

    Image: Getty Images

    These new measures will also prevent weapons getting into the wrong hands.

    A stringent 2-step system will be mandated for all retailers selling knives online requiring customers to submit photo ID at point of sale and again on delivery. In addition, delivery companies will only be able to deliver a bladed article to the same person who purchased it.

    The government has an ambitious mission to halve knife crime within a decade as part of the Plan for Change and a core element of this will be addressing problems in the online sales space. 

    Under the new measures a person may need to submit a copy of a photo ID such as driving licence or passport, as well as proof of address such as a utility bill, before showing ID again when the package is delivered. This could also include a person submitting a current photo or video of themselves to an online retailer alongside their ID.

    It will also be illegal to leave a package containing a bladed weapon on a doorstep when no one is in to receive it.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    It’s a total disgrace how easy it still is for children to get dangerous weapons online.

    More than two years after Ronan Kanda was killed with a ninja sword bought by a teenager online, too many retailers still don’t have proper checks in place.

    It’s too easy to put in false birth dates, parcels are too often being dropped off at a doorstop with no questions asked.

    We cannot go on like this. We need much stronger checks – before you buy, before it’s delivered.

    The measures I am setting out today will be crucial in addressing this problem and are part of our Plan for Change and mission to make streets safer.

    Last year the Home Secretary commissioned Commander Stephen Clayman, the national police lead on knife crime, to carry out a full review into the online sale and delivery of knives. 

    The full report is expected at the end of the month and stronger ID checks are one of the recommendations.

    We have also already announced that we will hold social media executives to account for knife crime related content which glorifies and incites violence amongst young people. Senior execs of social media companies will face significant fines in the region of £10,000 for failing to swiftly remove knife crime related content from their platforms.

    The measures announced today are set to be included as part of the Crime and Policing Bill which is expected to be introduced to Parliament by spring, with more proposals still to come in the coming weeks.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The main works on the renovation of the park in the Teply Stan district have been completed

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Specialists from the Moscow City Services Complex have completed the main renovation work on the park located at the intersection of Teply Stan and Akademika Vinogradova streets. They were carried out as part of improving the transport and pedestrian accessibility of the Generala Tyuleneva station on the Troitskaya metro line.

    “The park’s special feature is its unusual small architectural forms – these are structures that resemble the crown of a palm tree, the “Oasis” swing, the canopy of which also resembles palm branches, as well as round benches and a pergola-arbor. In the spring, seasonal elements will be added to them, such as chess tables. In total, there will be more than 100 small architectural forms in the park,” said the deputy head of the capital’s Department of Capital Repairs

    Anton Akulov.

    The park, with an area of 15.1 thousand square meters, is located next to a residential area.

    In addition to the arrangement of convenient approaches and entrances to metro stations, an important task was to create a comfortable urban environment for local residents.

    Nearby is the Sergei Andriaka Academy of Watercolor and Fine Arts. To play on the theme of the institution, the benches in the park were made in the form of multi-colored drops of paint.

    Old worn-out tiles were replaced with new ones on areas with a total area of over four thousand square meters. For comfortable and safe evening walks, 95 modern street lamps of bright yellow color were installed.

    A children’s science playground was created in the play area intended for children aged seven to 12 years. This new development appeared recently. It combines an educational approach with a game format. Children on such playgrounds not only have fun, but also learn something new and become familiar with physical phenomena.

    The park has five themed elements of the scientific playground. By mastering the “Electric Maze” and “Electric Circuit” modules, children learn the principles of electrical engineering. The “Cinema” element fascinates even adults: by rotating the disks and looking into the window, a person immerses himself in the world of illusions created by the movement of the picture. With the help of the “Shadow Theater” element, children can create their own performances, choosing the silhouettes of animals and other images that they want to show. Another element is “Morse Code”, during the game, children can encrypt and transmit a message, and then ask their friends on the intercom whether they understood them correctly.

    In 1941, the main line of the Moscow defense zone passed through the Teply Stan area, workers left for the front from here, and in 2022, a memorial sign dedicated to four divisions of the people’s militia was installed in the park. Patriotic events are now often held here. As part of the improvement, the area around the monument was tidied up.

    In addition, specialists expanded the area around the dry fountain to use this place for various district events. Now there is a decorated New Year tree here.

    In the spring, it is planned to lay a lawn in the park. The soil for it has already been prepared.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University student joins leadership of St. Petersburg Youth Parliament

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Varvara Bucherova, a Master’s student at the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade, a resident of the student association “Laboratory of Public Administration”, a member of the youth council of the Kalininsky district and an ambassador of Smolny in SPbPU, was elected Deputy Chairperson of the Youth Parliament of St. Petersburg.

    The Youth Parliament is an advisory and consultative body under the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg. The selection of candidates took place in three stages. 570 people submitted applications. A special commission, based on a number of criteria, determined 150 participants in the next stage – a business game, which helped to evaluate the skills and abilities of the candidates. Based on its results, a pool of 64 participants was formed for the third stage – voting for candidates. At this stage, the candidates were supported by more than 71 thousand people. 32 candidates entered the parliament.

    Varvara told us in an interview how she achieved such heights.

    — How did you prepare for the competition for this position? Did you have any doubts about whether you were ready to take on such responsibility?

    — I was worried until the very end about whether I would be able to become deputy chairman or not. For the most part, everything depended on who would be the chairman, because I hoped that I would work with Filipp Chufistov, whom I already knew. In terms of preparation, I was required to do one thing — a speech for nomination, which was not difficult for me.

    — Why did you choose the “State and Municipal Administration” program when you applied?

    — In the eleventh grade, I attended preparatory courses at SPbPU, I think that gave me a push. There were many people there who recommended the direction “State and Municipal Administration”.

    — How did the knowledge you gained at university help you adapt to your new responsibilities?

    — At the university, I gained my first management experience, which will undoubtedly be useful to me. Thanks to the Polytechnic, my colleagues and I were able to create a student association, the Public Administration Laboratory.

    — Have you had any moments of doubt or failure on your way to this position?

    — Of course, I had my doubts, since the election of deputy chairmen is conducted by secret ballot, where a candidate must gain a majority of votes from the total number of members. In other words, if there was a quorum, it was necessary to gain at least 26 votes, regardless of the number of members of parliament present. I managed to gain 37 votes.

    — What do you think is the most important quality of a successful leader?

    — I believe that the most important quality of a successful leader is the ability to listen and hear his team. Of course, there is a whole set of qualities that are necessary for a leader, for example, the ability to speak correctly, organize the work process and delegate tasks, but it is the skill of building high-quality communication with the team that allows you to lead it and be 100% confident in it.

    — What role do mentors play in your professional development?

    — A huge role in most of my achievements and projects is played by mentors, to whom I can always turn. First of all, these are IPMEiT teachers, associate professors of HSAU Maxim Ivanov and Tamara Selentyeva. They are always ready to help, answer any questions, support in difficult times. In addition, another mentor of mine is Nikita Golubov, Chairman of the Youth Council of the Kalininsky District of St. Petersburg. He has his own, no less effective, mentoring methods. He always provides an opportunity to reach a completely new level, even if you are not ready for it. This gives the skill to find a way out of any situation.

    — How do you plan to use this experience for further professional growth? Are there any specific goals you want to achieve in the near future?

    — In the near future, I plan to organize work in the Youth Parliament, defend my master’s thesis, and try to enroll in graduate school. The experience I will gain will definitely help me in building my future career.

    — What advice would you give to a young professional starting out in their career?

    — My advice is to participate everywhere, always and in everything: olympiads, competitions, case championships. Sooner or later you will succeed. The main thing to remember is that you are gaining experience, which gives you an impetus for further development.

    Vladimir Shchepinin, Director of IPMEiT, joined in the congratulations: I am proud that the students of our institute achieve such heights during their student years. Varvara Bucherova was elected to such a responsible position in the Youth Parliament under the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg. This achievement demonstrates her leadership qualities, active civic position and desire to contribute to the development of our society. I am confident that she will successfully cope with her new responsibilities and will continue to benefit the city and the country.

    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: “Winter in Moscow”: VDNKh became the venue for the “Moscow Tea Party” festival

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    VDNKh has become one of the venues for the Moscow Tea Party festival, which is being organized as part of the project “Winter in Moscow”Ice shows, folk festivals and traditional Russian games will take place here.

    On February 1 at 11:00 and 13:00 and on February 2 at 11:00, 13:00, 17:30 and 19:30, the largest skating rink in the capital will host a performance with the participation of professional figure skaters. Spectators will enjoy a festive atmosphere, bright costumes, dancing and familiar melodies. Entrance by tickets to the skating rink.

    Throughout the winter season, the skating rink hosts master classes, competitions, costume parties, themed performances, morning exercises, night skating and other events.

    On weekends until February 22, from 12:00 to 15:30, open-air folk festivities are held behind pavilion No. 58 “Agriculture”. The program includes musical and theatrical performances by artists, as well as Russian traditional games. Admission is free. On January 24, the program was opened by the folklore ensemble “Slavyane” of the Moscow State Academic Theater “Russian Song” under the direction of People’s Artist of Russia Nadezhda Babkina.

    This year, the VDNKh skating rink is located in its traditional location — between pavilions No. 1 “Central” and No. 58 “Agriculture”. The ice rink goes around the fountains “Friendship of Peoples” and “Stone Flower”. The area of the artificial surface is more than 20 thousand square meters. About five thousand people can be here at the same time.

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

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

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149279073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Humor of the highest level. Polytechnicians performed brilliantly at the KiViN festival

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    From January 12 to 25, the 36th International KVN Team Festival “KiViN-2025” was held in sunny Sochi. The Polytechnicians returned from there with triumph – a ticket to the Central KVN League! The festival became a real arena, where 450 teams from Russia and neighboring countries competed for a place in one of the KVN leagues: Official, Central or Television.

    The competition was incredible, and among the editors were KVN stars such as Dmitry Bushuev (First League), Mikhail Marfin (Major League) and Leonid Kuprido (International League). This added tension and excitement.

    The Polytechnic University was represented by two teams at once: the daring and ambitious Cherchez la Femme and the already well-known in the vastness of St. Petersburg Velikim Byt. The Cherchez la Femme team debuted at the festival, but the girls already have two years of productive play in KVN on their native Polytechnic stage and successful seasons in the Malaya Neva and Fontanka leagues behind them. On the first day of the festival, the ladies in blue delighted the jury and spectators with a tightly assembled program and relevant jokes, becoming a real discovery!

    We collected the best jokes of the season and tried to fit them into one performance. Our Masha even sawed a garbage can! It was cool! – shared 2nd year student of IPMET Daria Mukhtedinova.

    On the fifth day of the festival, the legendary team “Velikim Byt’” (Great Will Be) took to the stage, known for its performances in the Murmansk, Samara and Moscow student leagues. Thanks to careful preparation and boundless love for creating large-scale props, the team in green uniform was remembered by the jury for its polished roles and jokes and received an “increased rating” – the coveted ticket to the Central League!

    Preparations for KiViN began before the New Year. We sent our performance to the editors, and they helped collect the best. Coming up with the props was not as difficult as finding or making them. We had to travel around the resort town and meet the locals. The Sochi festival is the main event for every KVN player. We are glad that we were able to show our best material, – said 4th year student of IPMET Erika Patrusheva.

    The student club is actively developing the KVN movement at the Polytechnic University, annually attracting many teams that from the first year begin to participate in the city leagues of St. Petersburg and win their first awards, – noted the deputy director of the SPbPU Student Club Angelina Kulanova.

    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 China: Chinese celebrate Spring Festival with traditions, travels and shopping spree

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    With traditional fairs and shopping and travel booms over this year’s extended holiday, China is about to ring in the Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake, the first since its inclusion into the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list.
    For Chinese across the world, the Spring Festival is a time for family reunions, festive traditions, holiday shopping and diverse cultural and tourism activities. This year, it falls on Jan. 29 with hundreds of millions of people traveling to reunite with families in the world’s largest annual human migration.
    Celebrations today highlight both traditional and modern elements, from temple fairs, lantern displays, lion dances and intangible cultural heritage bazaars to village galas, light and drone shows, museum exhibitions, and travels at home and abroad.
    This year, festive glee and activities are further boosted by the UNESCO recognition, pro-consumption policies and the extension of the traditional seven-day holiday by an extra day.

    A performance is staged at the Hetou ancient street scenic area in Tangshan, north China’s Hebei Province, Jan. 26, 2025. China is alive with vibrant celebrations with the Spring Festival just around the corner. (Photo by Liu Mancang/Xinhua)
    FAMILY REUNIONS AND TRADITIONAL FESTIVITIES
    For migrant workers like Zhang Changfu, a native of Baise in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, south China, the Spring Festival offers a rare opportunity for a family reunion.
    “I’ve been working away from home for 20 years, but I return home every Spring Festival,” said Zhang, 41, who works as a machinist in the southwestern metropolis of Chengdu, adding that he is looking forward to taking his family to the local temple fair.
    The temple fair, a panoply of folk performances, local delicacies and traditional handicrafts, is a familiar sight at this time of year. While such activities contain more traditional elements in the countryside, large cities like Beijing and Shanghai have a tradition of holding large-scale fairs.
    For others, like Lin Jia who works in Nanjing, capital of east China’s Jiangsu Province, Spring Festival is the perfect time for a family tour. Lin’s parents and grandmother have traveled from Hunan Province to join her for the holiday.
    Lin plans to take them sightseeing around the city after a New Year’s Eve dinner at a hotpot restaurant. “It’s both a reunion and a mini vacation,” she said.
    This year, many cities are holding more traditional festive activities, motivated by the inscription of the Spring Festival on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December. The southwestern megacity of Chongqing has planned more than 100 intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, bazaars and performances during the holiday.
    “We hope visitors can feel the strong festive ambiance and the special charm of our cultural heritage,” said Tang Mao, the organizer of a cultural heritage bazaar in Chongqing’s bustling Jiefangbei commercial area, where over 40 artisans display traditional crafts like paper-cutting, New Year picture drawing and sugar-figure making.
    HOLIDAY SHOPPING
    For centuries, shopping has been a crucial part of Spring Festival preparations: from nice food to new clothes and carefully chosen gifts.
    Liu Fengmei, a woman in her 70s in Shanghai, traveled over an hour by subway to First Foodhall, a time-honored food store on the iconic Nanjing Road, to stock up on traditional holiday snacks.
    A long queue is seen outside the store, which, like many across the country at this time of the year, is filled with festive decorations and a dazzling array of traditional foods.
    Following the UNESCO recognition, Chinese consumers also appear to be particularly interested in goods with a cultural festival flair.
    Li Gang with the Ministry of Commerce said sales of neo-Chinese-style jewelry and goods featuring intangible cultural heritages have grown by 52.6 percent and 26.6 percent in the month-long online shopping event for the festival initiated by the ministry.
    In recent years, the Spring Festival shopping lists have included more imported goods, reflecting Chinese people’s rising purchasing power and growing appetite for imported quality goods.
    Earlier this month, a cargo ship loaded with 20,000 tonnes of Chilean cherries arrived at the Nansha Port in south China’s Guangzhou, perfectly timed to offer a festive treat for millions ahead of the Spring Festival.
    “Chilean cherries, Australian lobsters and Russian snow crabs … the prices of imported products are quite attractive, so I plan to prepare a New Year’s Eve dinner that blends both Chinese and foreign flavors,” said a customer surnamed Guo at a store of fresh-food chain Freshippo in Beijing.
    Driven by government-subsidized trade-in programs, mobile phones, wearable devices, and green and smart home appliances are also highly sought-after items ahead of the festival, according to the ministry.
    “Spending on New Year’s goods can offer a glimpse into the resilience and vitality of consumption throughout the year,” said Hong Tao, director of the Institute of Business Economics at Beijing Technology and Business University, who expects a new wave of holiday consumption growth.
    Tourists take a selfie at Jiangjunshan Ski Resort in Altay, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Jan. 21, 2025. As the Spring Festival approaches, Altay in Xinjiang has ushered in peak tourist season. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)
    HOLIDAY TRAVEL
    In addition to local festivities, many are venturing farther afield to make the most of the eight-day Spring Festival holiday.
    Fang Xue, a resident of Shanghai, plans to take her parents on a holiday trip to Shantou, a coastal city in Guangdong Province. “Traveling during the Spring Festival has become quite fashionable,” Fang said. “My parents in their 80s are very eager to travel.”
    The extended holiday has given a boost to the travel industry. While tourist cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Chengdu are attracting large numbers of holidaymakers, smaller cities are also getting more travelers who wish to savor celebrations with local flavors, according to Fliggy, a leading online travel agency.
    “Expectations for intangible cultural heritage activities are especially high during the first Spring Festival after the UNESCO recognition,” said Wang Liyang, operations manager at Fliggy.
    Thanks to China’s further easing of visa policies, many Chinese cities are also witnessing an influx of international visitors, with many eager to experience the festival traditions.
    “The UNESCO heritage status gives Spring Festival worldwide recognition and increases its appeal to international tourists,” said Zhou Huijie, an analyst at Trip.com research institute.
    Trip.com Group has estimated that inbound bookings would jump by 203 percent during the Spring Festival, with tourists from the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, the United States, Australia, Thailand and Britain topping the list.
    Lukas Muller from Germany is traveling in northeast China’s Jilin Province for skiing and to experience the Spring Festival.
    “My friends and I will experience Chinese New Year up close, including eating dumplings, putting up spring couplets, setting off fireworks, and many other customs I’m not familiar with yet,” he said, also praising China’s visa-free policy that facilitated his trip.
    Spring Festival serves as the most direct cultural window to understand the Chinese people and it is also a traditional festival with the most Chinese cultural characteristics, said Feng Jicai, a renowned Chinese writer who has long championed intangible cultural heritage protection. 

    MIL OSI China News –