Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Maritime Union condemns threatened job losses on Aratere ferry

    Source: Update – homicide investigation, Hamilton

    The Maritime Union of New Zealand has strongly condemned KiwiRail’s proposal for drastic job cuts on its Cook Strait ferry operations.

    KiwiRail this week announced it would remove the rail-enabled Aratere ferry from service in August 2025.

    KiwiRail has advised today it is seeking to cut 70 jobs for MUNZ members in the deck and catering departments on the Aratere.

    Further job losses are anticipated for officers and engineers who are members of other unions.

    Maritime Union of New Zealand Wellington Branch Secretary Fiona Mansell says crew are angry at the announcement.

    The Maritime Union would resist any job losses and would only accept voluntary redundancies.

    She says the proposal is a massive letdown for crew who had worked hard and delivered on the ageing KiwiRail ferry fleet, and who were paying for the failures of management and politicians.

    “This decision rips the heart out of our maritime workforce, leaving dedicated workers and their families facing an uncertain future. It’s a betrayal of the people who keep our country connected.”

    She says such a major loss of jobs would have a devastating impact on New Zealand’s maritime resilience and would be a significant blow to our seafaring workforce.

    Ms Mansell says no thought has been given to what KiwiRail will do when it requires more crew for its new vessels in the future.

    “New Zealand deserves a resilient, capable maritime sector, not one that is dismantled at the whim of short term thinking and cost-cutting. Our jobs, our skills, and our national supply chain depend on it.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Residents urged to keep batteries out of household bins

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Residents across Sunderland are being urged to act responsibly and never place batteries or battery-operated devices in their household waste or recycling bins, following a recent fire suspected to have been caused by a damaged battery.

    At the end of April, a blaze broke out at Campground Waste Transfer Station in Wrekenton (a facility operated by the South Tyne and Wear Waste Management Partnership), believed to have been started by a battery discarded incorrectly. The fire smouldered before igniting but was fortunately spotted early and extinguished before it spread. However, this incident highlights the very real danger these items can pose.

    Batteries and electrical items containing batteries pose a significant fire risk when placed in general waste or mixed recycling. When damaged, crushed or punctured, as can easily happen during collection or processing, batteries can ignite fires that spread rapidly, putting lives, vehicles, and infrastructure at risk.

    It’s not just loose batteries that are a danger. Many small domestic appliances and everyday electronics have batteries that are difficult to remove, such as:

    • Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices
    • Mobile phones
    • Laptops and tablets
    • Power tools
    • Electronic toys and solar powered items such as garden lights and decorations

    Councillor Maria Hall, Chair of the South Tyne and Wear Waste Management Partnership, said:

    “Batteries can ignite at any stage of the waste process, including on our refuse vehicles, or at waste or recycling facilities. Once alight, they burn incredibly fiercely and are difficult and dangerous to extinguish. Fires put lives at risk, including those of our hard-working waste collection teams, and can cause devastating damage to vital infrastructure.

    The solution is simple: never put batteries or battery-powered items in your household bins. Recycle them responsibly at designated points in places that sell new batteries, including supermarkets, DIY stores, local retailers, or your local Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC).

    It doesn’t matter whether it’s a single-use AA battery or a sealed lithium-ion battery in a vape – all can cause fires.”

    What you can do

    For a full list of local drop-off sites, visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/battery-recycling

    Why it matters

    • Over half of all batteries still end up in the bin – increasing fire risk
    • Batteries are hazardous and contain toxic substances that harm the environment if they leak
    • Batteries also contain valuable materials that can be recovered and reused when recycled correctly

    Let’s protect our people, our facilities, and our planet – one battery at a time.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Free and low-cost things to do over May half term

    Source: City of Leeds

    From gnomes galore at Abbey House Museum to Woolfest at Leeds Industrial Museum – check out our highlighted free and low-cost things to do in Leeds with your family over the May half term break.

    Gnomes Galore at Abbey House Museum
    Help! The museum’s cheeky gnomes have escaped and are hiding all over the Victorian Streets, grab a trail sheet and see who you can find! Be sure to come and join the mischief and also take part in craft activities inspired by our cheeky friends.
    Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Gnomes Galore at Abbey House Museum

    Kirkstall Abbey Scarecrow Festival
    Explore the historic ruins of Kirkstall Abbey whilst looking for fun scarecrows during the Scarecrow Festival! You might find a Hungry Caterpillar in the Kitchen, a ladybird in the library or a horse in the hospital! Wander through the park and woodlands and take a leisurely stroll beside the River Aire whilst learning about the historic Abbey.
    Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Kirkstall Abbey Scarecrow Festival

    Love Your Zoo Week at Lotherton
    Take part in Love Your Zoo Week at Lotherton and celebrate all the animals in Wildlife World. Follow the ‘amazing animals’ trail, hop on board their famous tractor trailer for a deer park tour, get crafty in the House and find out more about the wildlife in the zoo.
    Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission (crafts and tractor tour are additional costs)
    Find out more: Love Your Zoo Week at Lotherton

    Find Your Happy at Temple Newsam House
    In the big house you will find crafts and activities all inspired by the theme of happiness. Families will be able to enjoy joyful crafts, dreamy dressing up, not so tricky trails and more! There is also a brand new exhibition by Leeds Fine Artists which is on display in different rooms throughout the house. See if you can spot the newest paintings and objects on display and how the artists have been inspired by the country house.
    Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Find Your Happy at Temple Newsam House

    Love Your Zoo Week at Tropical World
    Celebrate Love Your Zoo Week by visiting Tropical World and meeting their new sulcata tortoises. Take part in Tank’s Tortoise Trail, experience keeper talks, take part in craft activities, and treat yourself to a tasty snack in the café.
    Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, cost: included in admission
    Find out more: Love Your Zoo Week at Tropical World

    Half term at Kirkgate Market
    Visit Kirkgate Market over half term to experience pop-up events and free family activities including giant games, colouring, Lego crafts, and Duplo building.
    Saturday 24 May to Friday 30 May, cost: free
    Find out more: Half term at Kirkgate Market

    Half term at the Royal Armouries Museum
    Over half term, the Royal Armouries Museum will be shining a light on the Second World War – with live presentations, battle stories and weapon talks. And experience their new display, Objects in Focus, which marks the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory in Japan (VJ) Day.
    Saturday 24 May to Sunday 1 June, 10am to 5pm, cost: free
    Find out more: Half term at the Royal Armouries

    Miffy Crafts at Leeds City Museum
    Delve into the world of Miffy books and create your own bold, colourful Miffy artwork. Come to the museum for Miffy-themed arts and crafts during the half term. There’ll also be finger puppets and Miffy ears for little bunnies to decorate. Activities are suitable for all ages, designed for families to have a go together.
    Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, and Thursday 29 May, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, cost: free
    Find out more: Miffy Crafts at Leeds City Museum

    These Are My Rocks with Bethan Woollvin at Leeds Libraries
    Do you collect anything? Everyone collects something! Join award-winning author/illustrator Bethan Woollvin at one of our libraries for an exciting workshop based on her brand-new picture book These Are My Rocks, which is all about the joy of collecting things.
    Tuesday 27 May to Friday 30 May (locations and times vary), cost: pay what you decide
    Find out more: These Are My Rocks with Bethan Woollvin

    Turn Back the Clock at Leeds Discovery Centre
    In this family workshop, come and take a closer look at some of the amazing clocks in the discovery centre’s collection and have a go at making your own wall clock to take home.
    Wednesday 28 May, 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm, cost: give what you can – bookings required via the website
    Find out more: Turn Back the Clock at Leeds Discovery Centre

    Woolfest at Leeds Industrial Museum
    Celebrate the wonder of wool with craft stalls, workshops, live demonstrations, a pop-up tea room and loads more – the city’s original festival of wool is back with a bang in 2025! We have it all from packed out crafting markets to expert demonstrations, talks, performances, tea room pop-ups and loads more. Whether you’re a natty knitter or crackers about crochet, it’s a great day out for all ages.
    Saturday 31 May, 10am to 5pm, cost: £5 for adults, £2.90 for children
    Find out more: Woolfest at Leeds Industrial Museum

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI China: China hosts ISO’s first port, terminal standardization body

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The first port and terminal standardization subcommittee under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was officially established in China on Tuesday, with its secretariat hosted by the country, the Ministry of Transport has announced.

    The subcommittee, approved by the ISO, is established under the ISO Technical Committee for Ships and Marine Technology. It is the first ISO technical body in the port sector initiated by the ministry.

    The newly established subcommittee will promote global “hard connectivity” of port infrastructure and “soft connectivity” of rules and standards, said Xu Wenqiang, director of the ministry’s science and technology department, at a press conference.

    The subcommittee will focus on leading global green and intelligent development in port operations, system construction, and technology applications, with 23 participating members and 27 observing members.

    Ports and terminals serve as crucial logistics nodes for maintaining stable global supply chains. Standardization plays a vital role in enhancing their competitiveness and modernizing governance systems.

    Since last year, the ISO has visited Shanghai, Tianjin, Qingdao and other locations in China, highly commending the country’s achievements in port and terminal standardization.

    In terms of port infrastructure, China’s coastal ports lead the world in overall scale. Chinese ports hold eight and six positions respectively among the global top ten ports by cargo throughput and container throughput. In port intelligence development, China ranks first worldwide in both completed and under-construction automated terminals. The world record for container handling efficiency at automated terminals has also been set and maintained by Chinese ports.

    Through continuous innovation, China has developed advanced technical achievements in port construction and operation, particularly in terminal guidelines, operational requirements and green development, creating a standard system characterized by safety, sustainability, intelligence and efficiency, said Xu.

    The establishment of this subcommittee marks a solid step forward in global port standardization, injecting strong momentum into building an efficient, safe and sustainable global shipping network, said Li Ying, spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pedestrian in critical condition after Devonport crash

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Pedestrian in critical condition after Devonport crash

    Wednesday, 21 May 2025 – 4:56 pm.

    A 75-year-old woman seriously injured when hit by a car in Devonport on Wednesday morning remains in a critical condition in Royal Hobart Hospital.
    The crash happened about 8.55am at the intersection of William and Best streets, Devonport, with initial investigations indicating the female pedestrian was attempting to cross the intersection at the lights when she was struck by a black Lexus.
    The crash was witnessed by a several people, who provided assistance at the scene.
    The woman was initially transported to Launceston General Hospital for treatment however, her condition deteriorated and she was then transported by helicopter to RHH.
    Any witnesses who saw the incident or drove past the area and may have dash-cam footage are asked to call police on 131 444 or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at crimestopperstas.com.au. Information to Crime Stoppers can be provided anonymously.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU citizens give recommendations for a stronger EU budget

    Source: European Union 2

    The recommendations are out from the final European Citizens’ Panel on the new EU long-term budget. After debate, 150 EU citizens concluded that the new European budget should focus on the environment, economic success, equal access to healthcare, renewable energy and AI, among other issues.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: ZeroBiometrics Unveils Breakthrough in AI Agent Security with Human-Bound Cryptographic Authentication

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a major leap forward for digital trust and AI governance, ZeroBiometrics has announced a groundbreaking innovation that securely links AI agents to real human identities using its proprietary, template-less biometric cryptographic technology. This advancement addresses one of the most urgent challenges in the AI age: ensuring that autonomous agents act with verifiable, human-authorized intent.

    The new system allows AI agents—ranging from trading bots to autonomous customer support systems—to carry out transactions within strict, pre-defined limits, as enumerated in certificates issued by a biometrically-backed Certificate Authority. Humans are issued root or intermediate certificates via ZeroBiometrics’ privacy-preserving biometric authentication platform, which cryptographically verifies individuals in real time without storing or transmitting biometric templates. That person can issue end-entity certificates to AI Agents to allow them to act within a scoped set of capabilities and participate in a cryptographically verifiable digital identity framework. Certificates can extend an individual’s own identity, or can extend an organization’s identity.

    “AI agents are becoming more powerful, but without trust anchors, they can be hijacked or abused,” said Alfred Chan, CEO of ZeroBiometrics. “Our technology ensures that every AI action can be traced to a real, authenticated person—who approved it, scoped it, and can revoke it.”

    The solution leverages open standards and technology that underpins the internet today. It supports transactional controls such as time limits, financial caps, functional scopes, and revocable keys, and integrates easily into decentralized ledgers or enterprise PKI infrastructures. This positions ZeroBiometrics as a key enabler of safe AI deployment in finance, healthcare, logistics, and government applications.

    By binding digital autonomy to real-world accountability, ZeroBiometrics isn’t just securing AI—it’s redefining digital authority for the post-password and Agentic AI driven world.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Prosafe SE: Operational update – April 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    21 May – Fleet utilisation for April 2025 was 58 per cent.   

    Safe Zephyrus and Safe Eurus operated at full capacity during April, achieving 100 per cent commercial uptime.  

    Safe Notos had 92 per cent commercial uptime due to required repairs. 

    Safe Caledonia has been re-activated for UK contract with start 01 June. Safe Boreas is in process of being transported to Singapore ahead of contract in Australia. 

    Safe Scandinavia has been sold for recycling and been delivered to the buyer.  

    Prosafe is a leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation vessels. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker code PRS. For more information, please refer to https://www.prosafe.com  

    For further information, please contact:  

    Terje Askvig, CEO 

    Phone: +47 952 03 886 

    Reese McNeel, CFO 

    Phone: +47 415 08 186 

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. 

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia sole company recognized as a Champion, Market Momentum Leader in Omdia’s 2025 Private 5G Market Radar report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia sole company recognized as a Champion, Market Momentum Leader in Omdia’s 2025 Private 5G Market Radar report

    • Nokia private wireless portfolio, edge AI capabilities, segment blueprints, and global partner ecosystem recognized for accelerating Industry 4.0 transformation.

    21 May 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced that it is the sole company recognized as a Champion and a Market Momentum Leader in Omdia’s Market Radar: E2E Private 5G Networks Vendors – 2025. The report highlights Nokia’s 5G Private Wireless vision, strong product portfolio, and continued investment in mission-critical connectivity solutions tailored for industrial enterprises in multiple verticals, including manufacturing, mining, ports, airports, utilities, public safety, and railways.

    Omdia’s Private 5G Market Radar report provides comprehensive analyses of the private 5G vendor landscape, while discussing partnerships, market trends, and strategic insights. According to Omdia, the Market Leader category represents leading vendors that provide advanced capabilities across six areas explored and which Omdia believes is worthy of a place on most technology selection shortlists. Nokia was the only vendor cited as a Champion in the report for “jump starting the market to exploring opportunities in the mission-critical edge where the connectivity at OT world are merging.”

    At a time when private wireless networks have become essential for industries seeking secure, reliable, and high-performance connectivity to support their digital transformation, Nokia’s leadership in the sector is recognized for being the first company to identify the private networks opportunity and engage with the ecosystem to drive market adoption, having already deployed 890 private 4G and 5G networks worldwide as of Q1 2025.

    Omdia highlights Nokia’s evolving its private wireless solutions beyond connectivity to an edge compute and AI platform for industries, verticalized solutions built on years of research, testing, and validation through segment blueprints, as well as a rich ecosystem of applications and partners such as Kyndryl, Telefonica Tech and Verizon.

    “Nokia’s continued leadership in the private 5G market is underpinned by its comprehensive and forward-looking approach to industrial connectivity. By offering an integrated platform that benefits an array of industries, Nokia is setting the pace for Industry 4.0 transformation,” said Pablo Tomasi, Principal Analyst, Private Networks and Enterprise 5G at Omdia.

    “Omdia’s recognition reflects our commitment to delivering robust, scalable, and intelligent networks that meet the demanding needs of industrial environments. From our MX Industrial Edge platform to our vertical blueprints, Nokia is helping enterprises accelerate their digital transformation journeys,” said Raghav Sahgal, President of Cloud and Network Services at Nokia.

    Nokia’s portfolio supports both campus and wide-area networks, including private wireless solutions such as Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC), Modular Private Wireless (MPW), and Core Enterprise Solutions. It also features patented innovations like MX Industrial Edge (MXIE), Nokia MX Boost, and AI-powered solutions including Nokia MX Grid, MX Workmate, Visual Position and Object Detection (VPOD), and MX Context.

    Some of Nokia’s most notable private network customer references include Southern California Edison, British Sugar, Husky Terminals, Sociedad Portuaria Puerto Bahia, Butachimie, Lufthansa Technik, Dow Chemical, Chevron Phillips Chemical, Hola Oulu Hospital, and Carrix.

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

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

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

    About Omdia
    Omdia, part of Informa TechTarget, Inc. (Nasdaq: TTGT), is a global analyst and advisory leader that helps you connect the dots across the technology ecosystem. Now joined by Canalys, Enterprise Strategy Group and Wards Intelligence, our deep knowledge of tech markets combined with our actionable insights empower organizations to make smart growth decisions.

    Multimedia, technical information and related news
    Product Page: DAC private wireless
    Web Page: Industries
    Web Page: Omdia

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

    Follow Nokia on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A residential complex was built on Yerevanskaya Street under the renovation program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In Tsaritsyno, the construction of another residential complex under the renovation program has been completed. Its total area is more than 28 thousand square meters. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, the head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    The residential complex of five sections is located at the address: Yerevanskaya Street, Building 4, Block 2.

    “The new building includes 253 apartments with finished, improved finishing. Their total area exceeds 14 thousand square meters. The residential complex was built with a barrier-free environment in mind. The entrances have wide passages, vestibules and elevator halls are located on the same level, without high steps. In the courtyard, pedestrian paths are designed so that both parents with strollers and citizens with disabilities can move comfortably. In addition, the new building has two apartments for people with disabilities: the width of the corridors and doorways has been increased, and special handrails are provided in the bathrooms,” said Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    For the convenience of residents, elevators have been installed in the entrances, rooms for concierges and storage rooms for strollers and bicycles have been provided. Trees and bushes have been planted near the house, lawns and flower beds have been laid out, lanterns have been installed and video surveillance cameras have been installed. The courtyard has also been equipped with areas for active recreation and sports.

    “Mosgosstroynadzor supervised the construction of the building on Yerevanskaya Street at all stages – the Committee’s inspectors conducted 11 on-site inspections. Based on the results of the final event, a conclusion was issued on the building’s compliance with the approved project,” the Chairman of Mosgosstroynadzor noted.

    Anton Slobodchikov.

    The new building was erected in an area with developed urban and transport infrastructure. Nearby are the Tsaritsyno and Kantemirovskaya metro stations, the Tsaritsyno station of the second Moscow Central Diameter, as well as shops, educational institutions and healthcare facilities.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin examined new house under the renovation program in Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increasethe pace of implementation of the renovation program has doubled.

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

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

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154125073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese border town Hunchun has become a popular shopping destination among Russians

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    CHANGCHUN, May 21 (Xinhua) — Early in the morning, Maria Zaitseva, a tourist from Vladivostok, arrived in China through the Hunchun border crossing, once again setting off on her familiar and favorite journey.

    Arriving in Hunchun City, Jilin Province, she headed straight to the mall, took out her shopping list from her bag, and started shopping. Electronics, seasonal clothing, daily necessities… the wide range of products to choose from and the friendly service of the salespeople delighted her.

    The city of Hunchun /Jilin Province, Northeast China/ is located at the junction of the state borders of China, Russia and the DPRK. In recent years, Hunchun has attracted more and more Russian tourists due to its convenient location, simplified entry rules and a variety of services.

    “As far as I know, the hashtag ChinaTravel /travel to China/ is very popular now and I noticed that such a trend as ChinaShopping /shopping in China/ has begun to attract the attention of our compatriots. Hunchun is our very first and convenient stop for a shopping tour in China,” said Maria.

    In Hunchun, many road signs and signboards are duplicated in Russian, and some stores accept payments in rubles, making shopping easier for Russian tourists.

    “Good quality and good price!” Maria commented on a pair of Chinese-made sunglasses she bought in Hunchun. “After the discount, the glasses cost less than 300 yuan,” she added.

    At the request of her friends, Maria is also ready to buy several Chinese-made power banks. “I heard that a new, smaller and more fashionable battery has appeared, and my friend asked me to buy one,” she said.

    Like Maria, many Russian tourists plan to buy Chinese-made goods, especially those essentials that combine fashionable design and affordable prices.

    Li Wenlong, the owner of an eyeglass shop in Hunchun, communicates fluently in Russian with Russian customers.

    “Myopia glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses – we can receive hundreds of Russian tourists a day,” Li Wenlong said, noting that “we often put frames on the shelves that are suitable for European-type appearance, particularly for Russians, as well as popular frame shapes that they like.”

    “My feeling about shopping in China is that there is a lot of choice and it is very convenient,” said Svetlana Kapitsyna, a Russian who has lived in Hunchun for a long time. She has become accustomed to paying for purchases using her mobile phone.

    “You can pay by scanning or touching, and it’s very safe and secure,” Svetlana said.

    In recent years, the cross-border e-commerce sector in Hunchun has developed rapidly, and many Russian tourists can buy Chinese goods through e-commerce platforms.

    Song Xueyan, manager of Yutong International Travel Agency in Hunchun, said many Russian tourists place orders on Chinese e-commerce platforms in advance and arrange for the purchased goods to be delivered by mail to the hotels in Hunchun where they will be staying, or ask Chinese friends to help them pick them up.

    According to customs data, by the end of 2024, 667 thousand people crossed the state border through the Hunchun checkpoint.

    “With China’s continuous optimization of visa-free entry, transportation, payment and VAT refund policies when leaving the country, the popularity of ChinaShopping is rapidly growing, especially in border cities such as Hunchun,” Li Wenlong said.

    “As tour operators, we will continue to improve the quality of our services, closely monitor market demand and constantly improve our business models to provide Russian tourists with a more convenient, diverse and safe shopping experience,” he added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Accelerating the implementation of railway projects

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​Following is a question by the Hon Michael Tien and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 21):

    Question: 

    There are views that as the Government is currently making vigorous efforts to develop the Northern Metropolis, it should expedite the implementation of various railway projects, such as the “Hung Kong Railway” linking Hung Shui Kiu to Hong Kong Island and the new cross-harbour railway between the coastal areas of Tuen Mun and Hong Kong Island. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) as the Government has indicated earlier on that the co-ordination of railway projects by one single entity is conducive to maintaining cost-efficiency, and that splitting part of the railway project works into a public works project may not be able to help enhance the efficiency of such a project, but there are views that adopting the public-private-partnership (PPP) approach in taking forward the railway projects (e.g. handing over to the Government the infrastructure portion, which accounts for about 70 per cent of the overall works, while the MTR Corporation Limited will take charge of the remaining portion of the electrical and mechanical works, which accounts for about 30 per cent) may expedite the progress of such works, and the Government may also raise funds through bond issuance, and even if the debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (debt-to-GDP) ratio rises to 16 per cent in the future, Hong Kong’s debt-to-GDP ratio will still rank around 160 among some 170 economies, whether the Government will proactively explore and implement the PPP option in this regard; and

    (2) whether it will consider formulating a labour importation scheme specifically for the railway projects, under which Mainland workers who travel on a same-day-return basis and are not entitled to any local benefits will be imported and exempted from the restriction that their wages should not be less than the median monthly wages of local workers in comparable positions, so as to reduce the cost of such projects; if so, of the timetable; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

    Following the principles of “infrastructure-led” and “capacity-creating”, the Government is pressing ahead with a series of major transport infrastructure projects in the Northern Metropolis (NM) to strengthen the connectivity among the various new development areas and with other districts, as well as to facilitate Hong Kong’s better integration into the national development through the construction of cross-boundary infrastructure.

    The Government is carrying out preliminary planning and study for the development of the Kau Yi Chau Artificial Islands (KYCAI) and related strategic railway. The proposed strategic railway is primarily intended to enhance the connectivity of the artificial islands with the NM and the western part of Shenzhen, and its alignment and programme will have to tie in with the planning of the artificial islands. After reviewing the priorities and overall strategy of the various land creation and infrastructure projects, the Government considers that the development pace of the KYCAI could be eased. Separately, relevant departments are conducting a planning and engineering study on the near-shore reclamation in Lung Kwu Tan and the re-planning of Tuen Mun West area, and the transport connectivity of the said area with other districts will be examined in the process.

    In consultation with the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Development Bureau and the Labour and Welfare Bureau, our reply to the various parts of the question raised by the Hon Michael Tien is as follows: 

    (1) To ensure that the NM and other strategic infrastructure projects can proceed on schedule and benefit the economy and people’s livelihood at an early juncture, the Government will leverage market resources in a more flexible manner and adopt more diverse development models. All along, the Government would formulate the most suitable implementation and financing arrangements of individual new railway project taking into account the distinct characteristics and specific circumstances of each project. Currently, railway projects are mainly implemented under the “Rail-plus-Property” model which has proven to be effective. The Government grants property development rights having regard to the funding gap of the project, while the railway company bears the commercial risks associated with the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the railway. Under this arrangement, the railway company would co-ordinate the works for the property development as well as those for the railway, which could enable synergy among the stations, depots and the property development, and also create incentive for the railway company to complete the railway project and thus enhance the value of the property development as early as possible. Where circumstances warrant, the Government does not preclude the possibility to provide financial support for new railway projects through or in combination with other means. In fact, there were railway projects being taken forward using other approaches.

    The current practice of having a single entity to implement a railway project ensures seamless co-ordination across all aspects of the project, from design to construction. This also helps ensure that the design of the works fully takes into consideration cost-effectiveness, meeting operational needs while keeping cost under control. Splitting part of the works of a railway project into public works of the Government might not be able to help enhance the efficiency of the works due to interfaces between the works, and would also increase the Government’s fiscal burden. With projects related to the NM being rolled out progressively, as well as other infrastructure projects with socio-economic benefits, the Government will expand the scale of bond issuance correspondingly. Over the five years covered by the current Medium Range Forecast, the ratio of government debt to Gross Domestic Product is expected to rise from the current 9.5 per cent to 16.5 per cent, which remains to be a prudent and manageable level. The actual amount of bonds to be issued by the Government will take into consideration the prevailing fiscal position, market response and works progress. We will continue to adhere strictly to fiscal discipline and ensure the fiscal prudence of our overall bond issuance programmes and sustainability of our public finances.

    The MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) has been playing a pivotal role in driving Hong Kong’s development. We are aware of public concerns about the possible pressure on the MTRCL’s manpower and resource when taking forward multiple new railway projects simultaneously. The Government has reminded the MTRCL’s management of the need to strategically plan its treasury management, and make financing arrangements through appropriate means such as bond issuance having regard to its liquidity needs, so as to support the corporation’s operation and continuous development. At the same time, the MTRCL must strictly control the costs and compress the programmes of its railway projects in order to enhance the financial viability of the projects.

    To enhance speed and efficiency in implementing railway projects, the Government will continue to optimise and streamline procedures through “dual innovation” in policy and technology, so as to save construction time and manpower. Subject to local circumstances and existing legal framework, the Government is also actively exploring ways to facilitate the use of Mainland’s construction methods and capabilities in constructing cross-boundary railway projects. In addition, when taking forward independent new railways or transport infrastructure projects, the Government will consider introducing new entities in their implementation. This would not only help relieve the pressure on the MTRCL, but also enable new entities to introduce innovative technologies and bring in more diverse financing sources.

    (2) The existing Labour Importation Scheme for Construction Sector (Construction Sector Scheme) allows principal contractors of eligible works contracts to apply for importation of labour. The requirements for importing labour under the Construction Sector Scheme are formulated by the Government in accordance with Hong Kong’s labour policy. Principal contractors of railway projects may also apply for importation of labour under this scheme as needed.

    In the case of cross-boundary railway projects, the adoption of Mainland construction teams would work better with the above-mentioned idea of leveraging the Mainland’s construction methods and capabilities and achieve maximum effectiveness. Taking the subsea railway tunnel of the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Rail Link at the Deep Bay as an example, it would be more efficient and cost-effective for the Shenzhen side to construct the tunnel by unidirectional tunneling method. The Government will seriously study the implementation of specific arrangements for employment of Mainland labour in cross-boundary railway projects in light of the projects’ unique nature.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ6: Supporting freight and logistics sector

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Frankie Yick and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 21): 

    Question:

    There are views pointing out that although the United States (“US”) has seen its ranking as Hong Kong’s major important trading partner decline in recent years, the imposition of high tariffs on Hong Kong goods and the elimination of the duty-free de minimis treatment for small parcels continue to have a significant impact on Hong Kong’s freight and logistics sector. Members of the sector have predicted that the US tariff trade war against China will lead to a sustained decline in Hong Kong’s freight volumes and could trigger an immediate supply chain disruption crisis, and the measures taken under the five major strategies as indicated earlier on by the Secretary of Transport and Logistics will be difficult to see results in the short term. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it has assessed the specific impact of the tariff trade wars launched by US to date on Hong Kong’s freight and logistics sector (including sea, land, and air transport);

    (2) in order to make up for the shortfall resulting from the loss of the US market and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a regional logistics hub, of the short-term measures taken by the authorities to assist the logistics sector in accelerating the development of new markets; and

    (3) in response to cash flow problems faced by logistics companies due to shipment delays or cancellations caused by the tariff trade wars, of the support measures put in place by the Government, such as the consideration of providing low-interest loans to these companies to address their immediate needs?

    Reply:

    President,

    Hong Kong has long supported and upheld the multilateral trading system. The imposition of tariffs and other trade protectionist measures by certain countries not only disregards Hong Kong’s status as a free port with zero tariffs, but also damages the global multilateral trading system. Such measures disrupt global supply chains, harming all parties involved including the implementing countries themselves.

    As previously announced by the Chief Executive, in response to the relevant developments, the Government will strengthen its strategy in seven areas, including to fully seize the opportunities in our country, China’s development, and actively integrate into the national development; to strengthen international exchanges and deepen regional ties and co-operation; to accelerate industrial transformation; to intensify efforts to develop technological innovation; to vigorously advance international financial co-operation; to proactively attract foreign companies and capital to establish in Hong Kong; and to provide various support to help Hong Kong enterprises. 

    Having consulted the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), our reply to the Hon Frankie Yick’s question is as follows:

    (1) Hong Kong recorded a 3.2 per cent year-on-year increase in air cargo volume in thefirst quarter of 2024, reaching 1.16 million tonnes. Container throughput of our port also grew by 2.7 per cent year-on-year to approximately 3.4 million twenty-foot equivalent units. The observed growth in cargo volumes is believed to be attributable to shippers’ urgency to ship goods ahead of the anticipated implementation of reciprocal tariffs. Recently, our country and the United States (US) have reached a provisional agreement to reduce bilateral tariffs for 90 days. It is expected that shippers will maximise shipments during this window. However, it is expected such volume growth is unlikely to be sustained. In fact, the negative impact of the reckless imposition of tariffs by the US on global trade will be far-reaching. The overall global trade volume is expected to fall, and the logistics industry will inevitably be affected.

    (2) In light of the new international trade environment, we must make preparations to avoid and mitigate risks while seizing new opportunities arising from the changing landscape. To this end, the Transport and Logistics Bureau will closely monitor developments, maintain proactive engagement with the trade, and lead Hong Kong’s logistics sector to cope with challenges by adopting five major strategies.

    Firstly, we will explore emerging markets including the Middle East and the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), while continuing our collaboration with the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council (LOGSCOUNCIL) to promote Hong Kong’s logistics advantages by conducting promotional visits to and exploring other markets along the “Belt and Road”. Secondly, we will strengthen collaboration with ports located in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and establish a comprehensive “rail-sea-land-river” intermodal transport system, thereby developing new cargo sources. Thirdly, we are actively studying the exemption of the import and export licence requirements for certain products to attract more transhipment cargoes. Fourthly, we will deepen international port and shipping co-operation by pursuing digitalisation and green and smart transformation of our port to enhance Hong Kong’s port competitiveness. Fifthly, we will further expand Hong Kong’s maritime and aviation networks to diversify our markets and reduce reliance on the US market.

    (3) The HKSAR Government has been assisting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in addressing challenges and maintaining competiveness amid a complicated and ever-changing economic environment through various funding schemes and support measures. As regards alleviating cash flow pressure, the Government has kept on enhancing the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS) so as to meet the financing needs of SMEs during the economic downturn. Borrowing enterprises under the SFGS (including enterprises in the logistics sector) are now allowed to apply for principal moratorium arrangement for up to 12 months (the application period will last until November 17, 2025), and the maximum loan guarantee periods of the 80% and 90% Guarantee Products be extended to ten years and eight years respectively. At the same time, the partial principal repayment options will be offered to new loans so as to provide more repayment flexibility.

    The HKMA, together with the banking sector, introduced in April 2025 additional support measures to further assist SMEs in obtaining bank financing and in their upgrade and transformation. In addition, all the 18 participating banks in the Taskforce on SME Lending have reaffirmed their commitment to actively implementing the “9+5” SME support measures launched by the HKMA and the banking sector in 2024. Referencing the principles under the Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme, the banking sector will continue offering flexible repayment arrangements and deferment of repayment period. The total amount of dedicated funds for SMEs set aside by these banks in their loan portfolio has increased from $370 billion in October 2024 to more than $390 billion at present.

    As regards export credit insurance, further to the 2024 Policy Address initiative on increasing the maximum indemnity percentage of the Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation (ECIC) to 95 per cent, ECIC already launched three more support measures on April 10, 2025, including extending the free pre-shipment cover for holders of the Small Business Policy (SBP); offering a 50 per cent discount on pre-shipment risks to cover premiums for non-SBP holders; and aligning the premium rates for new markets with those for traditional markets to assist exporters in tapping into the new markets. ECIC will also provide 20 additional free credit assessment service on the buyers in the Mainland, ASEAN and Middle East, collaborate with various financial institutions to provide financing support for e-commerce, and providing credit insurance for export services relating to multinational supply chain to support Hong Kong export trade.

    Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Third man charged as part of investigation into north London fires

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A third man has been charged as part of an investigation into a series of fires in north London.

    Petro Pochynok 34 (25.07.90) of north London, a Ukrainian national [C] has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, namely:

    • conspiring together with Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc and others unknown to damage by fire property belonging to another,
    • intending to damage the property,
    • intending to endanger the life or another or being reckless as to whether the life of another would thereby be endangered.

    Pochynok is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 21 May at 10:00hrs.

    The charge, which was authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, relates to a period from Thursday, 17 April to Tuesday, 13 May this year, in which three incidents took place – a vehicle fire in NW5 on Thursday, 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on Sunday, 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of Monday, 12 May.

    All have connections with a high-profile public figure, and therefore officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command led the investigation into the fires.

    Pochynok was arrested on Monday, 19 May, in the Chelsea area, SW3, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

    As part of the same investigation, Roman Lavrynovych 21 (06.02.04), of Sydenham, a Ukrainian national [A] was charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.

    He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 May and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 6 June.

    Stanislav Carpiuc, 26 (15.07.98) of Romford, a Romanian national, [B] has also been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

    He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 20 May and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 6 June.

    Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: IDEX Biometrics ASA: Approved prospectus – 21 May 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Reference is made to the stock exchange announcements issued by IDEX Biometrics ASA (the “Company”) on 11 March and 11 April 2025 regarding the successful loan financing of NOK 30 million and the subsequent conversion of such debt to shares in the Company at a subscription price of NOK 0.01 per share, resulting in the issuance of 3,000,000,000 new shares (“Debt Conversion” and “Debt Conversion Shares”), the subsequent offering of up to 600,000,000 new shares at a subscription price equal to the subscription price in the Debt Conversion (“Subsequent Offering” and the “Offer Shares”), and the amendment of a certain senior convertible bond (the “Convertible Bond”) issued by an affiliate of Heights Capital Management (“Heights”) to the Company, whereby, among other things, the principal amount of the Convertible Bond was reduced to an aggregate principal amount of NOK 49,980,000.

    The listing of the Debt Conversion Shares, the Subsequent Offering and the listing of the Offer Shares remain subject to approval of a prospectus (“Prospectus”) by the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (“FSA”), and the subsequent publication of such Prospectus by the Company. Further, the future listing of shares that may be issued by the Company upon conversion of the Convertible Bond (the conversion price currently being NOK 0.065, but which conversion price is subject to customary adjustment provisions) also remains subject to approval and publication of a Prospectus.

    The FSA has today approved the Prospectus. As a result of the above, the subscription period for the Subsequent Offering starts on 22 May 2025 and expires on 5 June 2025 at 16:30 CET. For further information on the Subsequent Offering, please refer to the Prospectus.

    Further, by reason of the approval and publication of the Prospectus, the Debt Conversion Shares will be transferred to the Company’s ordinary ISIN and be admitted to trading on Oslo Børs.

    The Prospectus is enclosed with this announcement. It will also be available in electronic format at www.idexbiometrics.com/investors/share-information/prospectuses .

    Printed copies of the Prospectus may be obtained free of charge at the office of IDEX Biometrics ASA, Dronning Eufemias gate 16, NO-0191 Oslo, Norway, telephone +47 6783 9119 or by e-mail: companysecretary@idexbiometrics.com.

    Arctic Securities AS acts as financial advisor and bookrunner in connection with the Subsequent Offering (the “Manager”). Ræder Bing advokatfirma AS acts as the Company’s legal advisor.

    For further information, please contact:

    Kristian Flaten, CFO, Tel: +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

    About this notice:

    This notice was issued by Kristian Flaten, CFO, on 21 May 2025 at 08:45 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-12.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: IDEX Biometrics ASA: First quarter 2025 report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IDEX Biometrics ASA’s first quarter 2025 report is attached to this notice.

    Recent highlights:

    On 11 March 2025 IDEX Biometrics announced a new strategy with a fundamental shift in how the company would take its unique technology and products to market

    New CEO appointed – Anders Storbråten

    Securing a new debt facility of NOK 30 million, converted to shares

    Heights convertible bond renegotiated and amended

    Range of operational improvement initiatives under way – target quarterly run rate OPEX from end Q3 2025 in the range of $1.5-1.7 million.

    Production order in Japan from the manufacturing partner Beautiful Card Corporation (BCC). The order has a value of approx. USD 50,000

    Order received from DigAware to deliver biometric sensor solution for access cards with sensor systems from IDEX

    IDEX Biometrics receives IDEX Pay order for VISA biometric cards in the Middle East & Africa region of 10,000 units

    KONA I granted Mastercard Letter of Approval for IDEX Pay biometric cards

    Completed debt conversion, launching subsequent offering allowing investors to participate at the same terms as shareholders participating in the debt conversion

    Financial results Q1 2025:

    Revenues of $0.1 million in the quarter.

    Ordinary operating expenses amounting to $2.4 million.

    Net loss was $4.1 million.

    Cash balance per 31 March 2025 at $1.1 million

    IDEX Biometrics CEO Anders Storbråten will host a presentation at Arctic Securities at 12:00 CET today. The presentation will be published to the stock exchange.

    IDEX Biometrics’ reports and presentations are available on our website: www.idexbiometrics.com/investors

    For further information, please contact:

    Kristian Flaten, CFO, Tel: +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

    About this notice:

    This notice was issued by Kristian Flaten, CFO, on 21 May 2025 at 08:52 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to the Norwegian Securities Trading Act section 5-12.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: Civil affairs representatives speak on improving people’s wellbeing

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The State Council Information Office hosted a group interview Tuesday, inviting five representatives from the civil affairs system to share their stories. From aid workers to eldercare professionals, these stories celebrate people who have worked tirelessly to assist those in need.

    1   2   3   4   5   >  

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI China: China offers global consumers fresh shopping experiences

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Mok Jin Jin, a Malaysian student at Nankai University in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, has observed a shift in his family’s lifestyle since they received a Chinese-made blender.

    His mother now frequently tries new healthy breakfast beverages like soy milk, milkshakes and freshly made juices. She particularly appreciates the one-button self-cleaning function, which saves her time and effort.

    Not long ago, Mok purchased the blender through a Chinese e-commerce platform as a gift for his family. “Chinese-made products excel in performance and design. They not only improve the living quality but also fulfill consumers’ expectations of modern consumption,” Mok said.

    The notion that Chinese products were “cheap and low-quality” was for long a common stereotype. However, in recent years, China has made significant strides in technological innovation and industrial upgrades, resulting in a remarkable improvement in the competitiveness of Chinese products.

    At the same time, China’s increasingly diverse consumer market has provided foreign consumers with a more international, fashionable and multifaceted shopping experience.

    “International brands are ubiquitous in China’s major cities, and global products are easily accessible through online shopping platforms. This has made shopping in China extremely convenient,” Mok said. He was also pleasantly surprised to find several Malaysian food brands available in Chinese supermarkets and on e-commerce platforms. “It’s wonderful to be able to enjoy familiar tastes while abroad,” he said.

    Phan Dinh Thang, a Vietnamese student studying Chinese at Nankai University, echoed this sentiment. “Shopping in China feels like ‘global shopping’ with an incredibly wide range of options,” he said. As more Vietnamese people learn Chinese, they find it easier to purchase quality products on Chinese e-commerce platforms.

    Thanks to China’s robust supply chain system and efficient logistics network, goods shipped from China to Vietnam not only arrive quickly but are also cost-effective and often more affordable than local options in Vietnam. “This has made ‘Chinese shopping’ a new trend in Vietnam and highlights the increasingly close consumer ties between China and Vietnam,” Phan explained.

    With China continuously optimizing its international consumption environment, such as offering visa exemptions for some countries, enhancing departure tax refund policies and expanding international credit card payment channels — making shopping trips to China a new trend in cross-border tourism.

    Maltseva Varvara, a Russian visitor, shared her experience: “The best thing about shopping in China is how fast, convenient and hassle-free it is.” After linking her international credit card to Alipay, Varvara found it easy to pay as she simply needed to scan via her phone by using a quick tap on its screen. “The recent improvements in the departure tax refund policy have made shopping and traveling in China even more convenient and welcoming.”

    Some overseas consumers have formed “shopping groups” and flown long distances to China to purchase popular products. According to data from China’s Ministry of Commerce, the number of foreign visitors to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and southwest China’s Chongqing in 2024 was nearly double the figure of the previous year. These five cities are home to almost 70 percent of China’s tax refund stores, while their imports of consumer goods accounted for over half of China’s total last year.

    Foreign consumption in China has seen a noticeable increase. The National Immigration Administration reported that, since the implementation of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy, the number of foreign visitors has grown by 40.2 percent year on year, with 71.3 percent of them entering visa-free.

    The recent signing of a visa exemption agreement between China and Malaysia has made travel for Malaysian tourists more convenient. “It’s much easier for my friends and family to visit China now, and they get to experience firsthand the increasingly convenient living environment and vibrant consumer market here,” Mok said.

    China’s Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping recently stated that China will continue to improve its international consumption environment, increase the supply of high-quality products, and create more diversified consumption scenarios to boost inbound consumption.

    Li Wei, dean of the Honor College of Tianjin Foreign Studies University, said that China is fostering an open, inclusive and diverse consumption environment that appeals to foreign visitors. “This offers more opportunities for global consumers and businesses.”

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: BAYC#7537 AI computing satellite was successfully launched! Web3 interstellar computing era officially started

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On May 14, 2025, 12:12 p.m. (Beijing Time), Adaspace successfully launched 12 satellites of the Space Computing Constellation 021 Mission from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center through the Long March 2D launch vehicle. The successful entry of the satellites into the intended orbit marks the successful launch of the world’s first space computing constellation, which will open a new chapter of the global “space computing era”. Space Computing Constellation 021 Mission is not only the first constellation of “Star-Compute” program initiated by Adaspace, but also the first constellation of “Three-Body Computing Constellation” of Zhejiang Lab. The constellation consists of 12 computing satellites in one orbit invested by different entities and developed by Adaspace. The launch and orbiting of BAYC#7537 computing satellite marks Web3’s transformation from the virtual economy to the space computing network.

    According to the introduction, the “protagonist” of this launch consists of 12 computing satellites in one orbit invested by different entities and developed by Adaspace, including Neijiang (Star Era-27), Neijiang High-Tech (Star Era-28), Taizhou (Star Era-29), Haikou (Star Era-30), Ma’anshan Intelligent Computing-1 (Star Era-31), Chongzhou (Star Era-32), Tiantie Technology (Star Era-33), BAYC #7573 (Star Era-34), Yukongzhe (Star Era-35), “Grand Neobay”(Star Era-36), Zhejiang-1 (Star Era-37) and Zhejiang-2 (Star Era-38). After the assembly of 12 satellites in one orbit, the on-orbit verification and application of the basic functions of space-based computing, such as chain building, networking and cloud formation, will be finished through interstellar laser high-speed interconnection, stable constellation networking and distributed computing management.

    What is a computing constellation? In the past, satellites were only used for communication, navigation and remote sensing. Computing satellites are defined as the fourth type of satellites, which will become the basis of the first three satellites, and then form a new network system called computing constellation through the interconnection of satellites.

    According to Wang Jian, academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering and director of Zhejiang Lab, the constellation can raise the computing power of a single satellite from level T to level P and realize interconnection between satellites like the Internet connects different computers together. “The construction of space computing constellation enables the single satellite to be of greater value and has far-reaching implications for the transformation of the aerospace industry.”

    “The primary mission of this launch is to realize the transformation from ‘computing on Earth’ to ‘computing in space’ for specific scenarios to meet the growing demand for space-based instant computing and to help China take the lead in building a space computing infrastructure in the world.” The relevant official of Adaspace said. In short, support computing power with space power.

    As a representative sign in the series, the holder of BAYC #7573 has repeatedly promoted the innovative application of AI. Naming the satellite after BAYC #7573 AI not only recognizes its cultural value, but also symbolizes the Web3 community’s deep involvement in cutting-edge technology. Both AI computing and Web3 have empowered the future.

    Media Contact:

    Organization: BAYC

    Contact Person: David

    Website: bayc.io

    Email: bd@bayc.io

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a3dabf0-7692-42c8-b37f-13134f2f0cda

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5fc50272-48c8-4c99-b2d1-e6d527a23044

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/90af1890-a355-49c4-b802-e354defca0a8

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb9bb469-89e7-4853-a89a-6095c17f8c0c

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why do I procrastinate? And can I do anything about it?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Catherine Houlihan, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology, University of the Sunshine Coast

    Dima Berlin/Shutterstock

    Can you only start a boring admin task once your house is clean? Do you leave the trickiest emails to the end of the day?

    Delaying a goal or task – usually to do something less important instead – is known as procrastination and it affects many of us. Most people report procrastinating some of the time, but for others it can be chronic.

    While procrastination is common, it can be frustrating and lead to feelings of shame, guilt and anxiety.

    Here’s why you might be avoiding that task – and five steps to get on top of it.

    Am I procrastinating?

    You might find yourself putting off starting something, abandoning it before it’s finished or leaving it to the very last minute.

    Thoughts such as “I can catch up later” or “I’ll turn it in late” can be telltale signs of procrastination. Maybe you’ve Googled “Why do I procrastinate?” while procrastinating and have come across this article.

    Other times, you might not even be aware you’re doing it. Perhaps you look up and realise you’ve been scrolling online shopping and kitten videos for the past hour, instead of doing your assignment.

    Procrastination is not a character flaw, and it doesn’t mean you’re lazy or even bad at managing time. Framing it this way can make you feel even worse about the behaviour, and stops you learning the real reasons behind it.

    If you want to stop procrastinating, it’s important to understand why you do it in the first place.

    You may find yourself doing another, less urgent task, without even realising you’re procrastinating.
    Daenin/Shutterstock

    Why do I procrastinate?

    Procrastination can be a way of dealing with tricky emotions. Research shows we put off tasks we find boring or frustrating, as well as those we resent or that lack personal meaning.

    We may avoid tasks that create stress or painful emotions, such as completing a tax return where you owe a lot of money, or packing up a parent’s house after their death.

    There a few deeper reasons, too.

    Procrastination can be a sign of perfectionism. This is when an intense fear of failure – of getting something wrong – creates so much pressure to be perfect that it stops us from even getting started.

    People with low self-esteem also tend to procrastinate, whether or not they experience perfectionism. Here, it’s a negative self-view (“I’m not good at most things”) coupled with low confidence (“I probably won’t get it right”) that gets in the way of beginning a task.

    Distraction can be a factor, too. Most of us battle constant interruptions, with pings and alerts designed to redirect our attention. But being very easily distracted can also be a sign you’re avoiding the task.

    For some people, difficulty completing tasks could be a sign of an underlying issue such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. If you’re worried procrastination is affecting your day-to-day life, you can speak to your doctor to seek help.

    Distraction can be a factor.
    F8 Studio/Shutterstock

    Is procrastination ever helpful?

    It depends.

    Some people enjoy the pressure of a deadline. Leaving a task to the last minute can be a strategy to improve motivation or get it done in a limited time.

    Procrastination can also be a coping mechanism.

    Delaying unpleasant tasks may make us feel better in the moment. Avoiding the task may mean we don’t have to face the possibility of getting it wrong, or the negative emotions or consequences it involves.

    But this usually only works in the short term, and in the long term it’s more likely to cause problems.

    Procrastination can trigger self-criticism as well as negative emotions such as guilt and shame.

    In the long term it can also lead to mental health problems including anxiety and depression. Procrastinating has even been linked to poor outcomes in education – such as being caught copying in exams – and at work, including lower salaries and higher likelihood of unemployment.

    So what can we do about it?

    5 steps to tackling procrastination

    1. Face it – you’re procrastinating. Being able to identify and name these patterns is the first step to overcoming procrastination.

    2. Explore why. Understanding the underlying causes is key. Are you afraid of getting it wrong? Is your to-do list unrealistic? Or do you just love a tight deadline? If your procrastination results from perfectionism or low self-esteem you may wish to explore evidence-based treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, with a therapist or through self-guided activities.

    3. Start prioritising. Take a good look at your to-do list. Are the most urgent or important things at the top? Have you given yourself enough time to complete the tasks? Breaking a task into smaller chunks and taking regular breaks will help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. If you’re not sure what’s the most important, try talking it through with someone. If you tend to leave the most boring things to the last minute and then never get around to them, set some time aside at the start of each day to get these tasks done.

    4. Avoid distractions. Set your phone to “do not disturb”, hang a sign on the door, tell those around you you’ll be “offline” for a little while. Setting a clear start and end time can help you stick to this rule.

    5. Build in rewards. Life is hard work – be kind to yourself. Whenever you complete a difficult task or cross something off your to-do list, balance this by doing something more enjoyable. Building in rewards can make facing the to-do list a little bit easier.

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

    ref. Why do I procrastinate? And can I do anything about it? – https://theconversation.com/why-do-i-procrastinate-and-can-i-do-anything-about-it-255770

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-Evening Report: Counts in Bradfield and Calwell become clearer, while Jacqui Lambie faces a possible problem in the Tasmanian Senate

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    Counting in several extremely close seats continues, but some results have become clearer. In Liberal-held Bradfield, Teal candidate Nicolette Boele has taken the lead, while the Calwell distribution of preferences indicates an independent is on track to pass the Liberals and benefit from their preferences against Labor. Meanwhile, Jacqui Lambie may have a problem in the Tasmanian Senate contest.

    Labor has won 93 of the 150 House of Representatives seats, the Coalition 43, all Others 12 and two remain undecided (Bradfield and Calwell). After Tuesday’s split between the Liberals and Nationals, the ABC has the Liberals on 28 seats and the Nationals on 15, with the Liberals to form the official opposition.

    The Australian Electoral Commission has 18 Liberals, nine Nationals and 16 seats won by Queensland’s Liberal National Party. LNP members can caucus with either the Liberals or Nationals, so they are splitting 10–6 to the Liberals.

    I will continue to use Coalition in my coverage of this election, as the Liberal and National parties contested the election as the Coalition. It would be difficult to split the LNP vote into its Liberal and National components.

    In the close seats, Boele leads the Liberals by 43 votes in Bradfield. She had trailed by 43 votes before the final votes were counted on Monday. The Poll Bludger said the last 181 formal postals counted favoured Boele by 125–56, giving her 69% of that batch.

    Of the just over 14,000 total formal postal votes counted in Bradfield, the Liberals have won by 56.4–43.6. But late postals are often much better for the left than early ones.

    What’s happening now in Bradfield is a full distribution of preferences, in which candidates are excluded from the bottom up on primary votes. If the margin after this distribution is complete is under 100 votes, there will be an automatic recount.

    In Goldstein, Teal incumbent Zoe Daniel’s late surge has fallen short, as she trails Liberal Tim Wilson by 135 votes with everything counted, in from a 292-vote deficit last Thursday.

    As with Bradfield, there will now be a full distribution of preferences in Goldstein. If the margin after this distribution is under 100 votes, there will be a recount. Daniel could also request a recount, but even if there is a recount, Wilson is very likely to win.

    In Labor-held Calwell, which has 13 candidates, final primary votes were 30.5% Labor, 15.7% Liberals, 11.9% for independent Carly Moore, 10.7% for independent Joseph Youhana, 8.3% for the Greens and 6.9% for independent Samim Moslih.

    The danger for Labor is that either Moore or Youhana overtake the Liberals on the distribution of preferences, then beat Labor at the final count on Liberal preferences. The AEC has a page that is updated with each exclusion in the preference distribution.

    After six exclusions, the totals are 32.8% Labor, 17.1% Liberals, 14.7% Moore, 12.1% Youhana, 9.9% Greens, 7.9% Moslih and 5.6% One Nation (to be excluded next). Analyst Kevin Bonham says Moore needs 7.5% more than the Liberals to make the final two, and 67% of overall preferences to beat Labor. For Youhana, these figures are 13.4% and 69%.

    Lambie may have a problem in the Tasmanian Senate contest

    I have previously covered the Senate count. There have only been minor changes to the primary votes since that May 9 article. The Poll Bludger has modelled the state Senate contests using 2022 election preference flows.

    According to this model, Labor will win the last seat in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, but only narrowly in WA. In Tasmania, Jacqui Lambie and the Liberals would edge out Labor. As I wrote previously, this result would give Labor 30 of the 76 total senators, the Coalition 27, the Greens 11, One Nation two and others six.

    For a state a quota is one-seventh of the vote or 14.3%. In Tasmania Labor has 2.48 quotas, the Liberals 1.65, the Greens 1.13, Jacqui Lambie 0.51, One Nation 0.35 and Legalise Cannabis 0.24. One Nation will be the last exclusion, and whichever of Labor, the Liberals or Lambie is last after One Nation’s preferences are distributed loses.

    There’s evidence that One Nation’s preferences have become better for the Coalition at this election than in 2022. In Capricornia, which had a One Nation primary vote of 15.5%, the LNP share of overall preferences increased nine points since 2022 to 62%.

    Lambie wants the salmon farming industry to stop farming in Macquarie Harbour and says they should move offshore. This stance could cost her preferences from One Nation and other right-aligned parties.

    I expect One Nation and other right-wing preferences in Tasmania to go strongly enough to the Liberals to give the Liberals one of the last two undecided seats, with the final seat between Labor and Lambie.

    Labor is pro-salmon farming, so perhaps Lambie could benefit from Greens and Animal Justice preferences (the Greens have a small surplus over one quota and Animal Justice has 0.09 quotas).

    Tasmanian poll and upper house elections

    A Tasmanian state EMRS poll, conducted May 13–17 from a sample of 1,000, gave Labor 31% of the vote (up one since February), the Liberals 29% (down five), the Greens 14% (up one), the Jacqui Lambie Network 6% (down two), independents 17% (up five) and others 4% (up one).

    Tasmania uses a proportional system for its lower house elections, so a two-party estimate is not applicable. Incumbent Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s net favourability was down four points to +6, while Labor leader Dean Winter’s was down one to +5. Rockliff led Winter by 44–32 as preferred premier (44–34 previously).

    Every May two or three of Tasmania’s 15 upper house seats are up for election for six-year terms. The Poll Bludger said Tuesday that current upper house standings are four Liberals, three Labor, one Green and seven independents. On Saturday there will be elections in Liberal-held Montgomery, Labor-held Pembroke and independent-held Nelson.

    European elections wrap

    I covered Sunday’s European elections in Romania, Portugal and Poland for The Poll Bludger. In Romania the centrist defeated the far-right candidate by 53.6–46.4, but the left had a dismal result in Portugal. I also covered recounts in the April 28 Canadian election and polls ahead of the June 3 South Korean presidential election.

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

    ref. Counts in Bradfield and Calwell become clearer, while Jacqui Lambie faces a possible problem in the Tasmanian Senate – https://theconversation.com/counts-in-bradfield-and-calwell-become-clearer-while-jacqui-lambie-faces-a-possible-problem-in-the-tasmanian-senate-257122

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Concerts, trainings and performances: how the large-scale project “Summer in Moscow” will take place

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A large-scale urban project will begin on June 1 “Summer in Moscow”, which will last three months. It will once again unite all the bright charity, cultural and sports events of the next season, which will take place in all districts of the capital. Most of them will be held outdoors.

    From tastings to dancing and plein air

    The festival “Gardens and Flowers” runs until September 7. City sites will be transformed into blooming gardens, and rare plants will be seen on the capital’s streets. Muscovites and tourists will be immersed in the atmosphere of summer, will be able to take bright photo sessions and walk along picturesque routes.

    One of the main gastronomic events of the year will be the festival “Moscow is on the wave. Fish week”, which will take place from May 30 to June 8. There will be fish corners on Shkolnaya Street, and open-air shopping chalets will offer various types of fresh, dried and chilled fish and seafood. Chefs will prepare unusual and classic dishes especially for guests at the festival venues.

    As part of the historical festival “Times and Epochs” From June 11 to 15, visitors will see historical periods from Antiquity to the Great Patriotic War. Children and adults will learn to hold swords in their hands or sit at a loom, and professional reenactors will help them with this.

    The Tastes of Russia festival will take place from July 4 to 13. On the streets of the capital, you can try the cuisine of the peoples of Russia and get acquainted with dishes that have become the calling card of different cities – from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. Tastings and culinary experiments will give you new recipes and help you choose combinations of products for your home table.

    The Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve will host vintage market — an exhibition and sale of items from the Soviet and pre-revolutionary eras. Guests will enjoy a varied program with the participation of collectors and historians. Muscovites and tourists will be able to get acquainted with the photography craft of the film camera era, hear the sound of gramophone records from the 1920s, dance a square dance and polka to the sounds of a gramophone, remember Viktor Tsoi and the rock era of the 1980s, learn the history of the Olympic bear and purchase figurines of the mascot of the 1980 Olympics, as well as admire antique items and add badges, postcards, dishes and other things with history to their collections.

    From June 1 to September 7, there will be a summer clubThis is a sports and creative art space that will house beauty trucks, fashion pop-ups, greenhouses, a lecture hall, a climbing wall and many play areas.

    On the same dates, a festival will be held on Chistoprudny Boulevard “Street. Dancing” — a bright event for experienced dancers and those who want to learn breakdance, hip-hop, funk, shuffle and Latin. Within its framework, professional dancers will conduct master classes, organize flash mobs and battles.

    On the same days, a plein air painting will take place on Strastnoy Boulevard “Street. Art”. Art master classes, exhibitions of art objects, painting lessons in an art studio and performances by artists are organized here. Everyone is invited to participate. In addition, the participants of the competition “Moscow life in the summer” will paint unusual art objects: arches, balls and floor lamps – applications are being accepted until the end of May.

    Sergei Sobyanin: Large-scale project “Summer in Moscow” will begin on June 1

    Festival “Moscow Estates” will allow Muscovites and guests of the capital to immerse themselves in past eras in an original interactive format. The previous summer season was a record-breaking one: the event took place on the territory of 40 estates, which were visited by more than 700 thousand people. The festival was also held in winter.

    The capital will also host the Ice Moscow Tea festival, which will bring together more than 500 gastronomic establishments. Throughout the summer, they will offer visitors ice Moscow tea. The drink is prepared according to original recipes. As part of the project “Moscow Tea Party” Restaurants, cafes and hotels will continue to serve special tea sets in a signature service and with signature treats. Tea “Moscow” can be found in popular retail chains, souvenir shops and other places in the capital.

    For participants Russpass gamesusing augmented reality technologies, will offer 100 new sites where you need to look for cartoons as part of the Summer in Moscow project. For each meeting with them, virtual points are given in the form of experience. Using them, you can buy tickets to museums and other places in the capital with a discount of up to 99 percent as part of the Russpass bonus program. The game is available in the Russpass mobile application.

    An augmented reality game has been launched for guests of the Winter in Moscow venues

    Circus, theater and patriotic quests

    From June 1 to August 31, the capital will host an international open festival “Teatralny Boulevard – 2025”. Moscow will be transformed into a single large theater stage, where Muscovites and guests of the capital will be able to immerse themselves in the world of theater, try themselves in the role of an actor, decorator and director, as well as take part in a production or visit a creative workshop, learn more about the history of the theater and take a photo with their favorite artist. And of course, guests will see the best productions of Russia and foreign participants.

    Over the course of three months, more than 600 productions will be presented at 14 venues in the capital, including the amphitheater on Pokrovsky Boulevard and the amphitheater in the Polytech Museum Park. More than three thousand artists from all over the world will take part in them.

    June 1st Museum-Reserve “Kolomenskoye” a large-scale celebration of International Children’s Day will take place. Previously, it was held for many years on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, but this year the beloved event will take place at a new site that will be able to accommodate even more guests.

    Every year, the main theme of the festival is a dedication to beloved children’s poets, artists, writers, legendary films and cartoon characters. In previous years, festivals were dedicated to the legacy of Sergei Mikhalkov, Nikolai Nosov and Korney Chukovsky. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the film “The Adventures of Buratino”, which millions of children in our country have watched and continue to watch. Therefore, the festival will be held in honor of the cult character of Alexei Tolstoy.

    World Festival of Circus Arts “Idol 2025”will be held in Moscow for the ninth time. Its venue will be the arena of the Great Moscow Circus on Vernadsky Avenue, the largest circus in Europe. Guests will be able to attend performances for a whole month. The main events are scheduled from July 17 to 20, and then, until August 17, viewers will be able to enjoy the gala show of the winners.

    Since 2013, the festival has established itself as one of the most significant events in the world of circus arts. It has brought together more than 1,700 artists from 50 countries, including participants and spectators from China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, Austria, the USA, Mongolia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Cuba and many other countries. The main awards – “Golden Idol”, “Silver Idol” and “Bronze Idol” are awarded by a professional jury for the most spectacular, unusual, flawlessly performed number. The prizes “Golden Manege”, “Silver Manege” and “Bronze Manege” are presented by representatives of the media. The audience sympathy prizes “Golden Audience Hall”, “Silver Audience Hall” and “Bronze Audience Hall” are awarded based on the results of audience voting.

    The Summer in Moscow project will also feature a tent circus. The structures will be located in several picturesque corners of the city. Guests will be able to immerse themselves in an atmosphere of real magic and fun. Some of the best Russian artists will present their productions and numbers. Spectators will see a show with aerial gymnasts on canvases, acrobats on a swing trapeze, clown duets, equilibrists, and jugglers. There will also be numbers with animals.

    Victory Park will be transformed into an open-air museum. In the year of the 80th anniversary of Victory, a large-scale patriotic project has been prepared for visitors. They will be offered walking and bus tours with professional guides, as well as tours in retro cars. In total, four walking routes run through the park, on which 25 monuments of Poklonnaya Gora are located.

    For young visitors, interactive quests along tangled military roads and secret partisan paths will be organized. All comers will be able to receive a stylized Red Army book, in which they can collect star stamps for completing tasks. The most active participants will receive memorable souvenirs and prizes.

    On the territory of Victory Park you can play skittles, chess and laser tag, as well as assemble a soldier’s kit bag, write a letter to the front and much more.

    Moscow Children’s Arts Festival “Sky”will be held for the third time in the capital from May 31 to June 1 in the Muzeon Arts Park. It will unite various types of art (theater, circus, music, dance), as well as science, literature and architecture. Guests will enjoy premieres, children’s operas and tours of leading regional theaters, an architectural workshop, master classes of musicians and choreographers, literary and scientific programs. Theaters and creative groups from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Voronezh, Krasnoyarsk, Tobolsk, Almetyevsk and Kaliningrad will present their performances and numbers. About 90 different productions will be held at 12 venues. Guests will be able to see them from 11:00 to 20:00, admission to all events is free. Last year, the festival was visited by more than 180 thousand people.

    In early July, the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve will celebrate Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. This summer, the festival will be held in a multi-genre festival format for the 11th time. Last year, it was visited by 57 thousand people, for whom more than 250 artists from famous Moscow theaters and groups performed. The venue hosted lectures, over 200 master classes and other events.

    An extensive educational program has been prepared for guests of Zaryadye Park. It will begin on International Children’s Day, June 1. Each participant will be able to try themselves in the role of a physicist, chemist, biologist or engineer. Guests will also be treated to a large quest created jointly with scientists from the Lomonosov Moscow State University.

    On June 21 and 22, the Zaryadye Park will host the Theatre Weekend festival. This year, the program is dedicated to the 165th anniversary of Anton Chekhov’s birth and the 80th anniversary of the Victory. Spectators will see performances by leading Moscow theaters: the A.P. Chekhov Moscow Art Theater, the Russian Academic Youth Theater, the Moscow Sovremennik Theater, the Central Academic Theater of the Russian Army, the Praktika Theater, and others. The festival’s motto this year will be “Make way for the young!” Therefore, groups from the Moscow Art Theater School, the Moscow State Institute of Culture, the Russian Institute of Theater Arts – GITIS, as well as special guests – actors from the Donetsk Republican Academic Youth Theater will perform on stage.

    From classical music to photo exhibitions

    On June 28 and 29, the Zaryadye Park will host the New Classics festival. This year, the program is dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the birth of the avant-garde pianist and composer Alexander Mosolov. Spectators will hear his composition “Factory. Music of Machines” for the first time. Part of the work was lost, and composer Nikolai Popov and director Yuri Kvyatkovsky will supplement it, creating a large festival form. “Moscow. Music of Machines” will connect two musical eras – the avant-garde Moscow of the early 20th century and today’s Moscow. The main theme of the festival will be a dialogue between man and technology, and Zaryadye Park will once again become a space where modern classics meet the future, and traditions intertwine with innovations.

    From June 1 to September 7, film screenings will be held in the atmospheric space of the park under a glass crust as part of the “Cinema Summer in Zaryadye” festival. Viewers will see masterpieces of Russian cinema created by Vladimir Menshov, Tatyana Lioznova, Karen Shakhnazarov, Grigory Alexandrov, Mikhail Kalatozov, Alla Surikova and others. The films of these directors have already become classics. They are still watched with interest by viewers of different ages.

    Guests will be treated to 30 films, ranging from romantic comedies set against the backdrop of summer landscapes to poignant war dramas, exciting space adventures and profound social studies.

    As part of the Summer in Moscow project, two photo exhibitions will be held on Tsvetnoy Boulevard. They are dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the birth of People’s Artist of the USSR Yuri Solomin and the 110th anniversary of the birth of People’s Artist of the USSR Vladimir Zeldin.

    The exhibition in memory of Yuri Solomin will be prepared by the Moscow Directorate of Mass Events under the supervision of the State Academic Maly Theatre and his granddaughter Alexandra Solomina.

    The exhibition dedicated to Vladimir Zeldin will be organized by the Moscow Directorate of Mass Events together with the Central Academic Theater of the Russian Army. Muscovites and guests of the city will be able to get acquainted with the creative legacy of the legendary actors and see photographs from their family archives.

    Events in honor of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War

    On June 21 and 22, Moscow will host two significant events dedicated to preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War: “Memory Line” on the Krymskaya Embankment of the Muzeon Arts Park and “Memory Watch. Eternal Flame” in the Alexander Garden. Every year, Muscovites and guests of the capital come to support them with their entire families.

    For 11 years, on June 21, the day before the start of the Great Patriotic War, the Crimean embankment of the Muzeon Art Park is illuminated by the light of 1,418 candles. Each candle is a symbol of one of the days of the war. The burning “memory line” runs from June 22, 1941 to May 9, 1945.

    The first candle in the campaign is symbolically lit from a piece of the Eternal Flame on Poklonnaya Hill. Anyone can join the event and light a candle, thereby reminding themselves and their loved ones of the importance of preserving the memory of the terrible years of the war. Every year, the line lights up in a matter of hours and continues to burn throughout June 22.

    During the event “Memory Watch. Eternal Flame” all those wishing to can remember the events of June 1941 and honor the memory of those who died for their Motherland by laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every year young men and women from youth associations, public organizations and patriotic clubs, as well as Muscovites and guests of the capital, join in. At 04:00 a documentary recording of Yuri Levitan’s message about the beginning of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 will be played. After that, there will be a minute of silence and the laying of flowers.

    On April 26, the Victory Park project began on the territory of the Victory Park. The Main Patriotic Park, implemented by the Victory Museum with the support of the Moscow Government. Until October, on weekends, visitors will be able to take the quest “Forward to Victory!” for free, which is held at more than 80 interactive sites, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the 1940s.

    From carnival processions to jazz concerts

    From August 28 to 31, the Gorky Festival will be held in Gorky Park. The theme of this year’s event is “Gorky Chekhov”. The theatrical program will be held at the Moscow Youth Theater, the main events, as always, will be presented in Gorky Park and Neskuchny Garden.

    Guests can expect theatrical performances, exhibitions and installations, a theatrical laboratory, a music program and a circus show. Last year, the festival covered 18 venues, which were visited by more than 330 thousand spectators.

    In June, the capital will host the IV Moscow Jazz Festival, one of the largest jazz festivals in the world and the largest jazz festival in Russia. On June 9 and 15, the opening and closing ceremonies will be held in the P.I. Tchaikovsky Concert Hall. From June 10 to 14, festival events will be held in the Hermitage Garden, Zaryadye Park, Muzeon Arts Park, VDNKh, and the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve. Guests will enjoy over 400 hours of live music performed by over 1,000 musicians.

    The III Moscow Summer Music Festival “Zaryadye” will be held from June 2 to July 6. World-class stars and invited artists will present concerts, special and children’s projects on the stage of the Zaryadye Hall. The closing of the festival will take place in the open air in the park’s amphitheater.

    Sports and entertainment in parks

    With the arrival of the long-awaited summer, more than 55 million guests are expected in over 50 capital parks, for whom a multi-format festival program has been prepared.

    Muscovites and tourists can expect large-scale events, including the park festival “Gardens and Vegetable Gardens”, City Day and many others.

    The parks will host over 10,000 local events. Sports enthusiasts will be able to attend daily morning exercises, outdoor training, and much more. Participation in the classes will help improve health, improve physical fitness, and develop teamwork skills.

    The cultural program includes parties in summer cinemas, immersive performances and dances. Professional artists and creative groups will present their numbers and theatrical performances. Every weekend, park visitors will be treated to music, dance flash mobs and open-air karaoke, and the Park Symphony festival will combine musical rhythms of different genres.

    Residents and guests of the capital will be able to attend gastronomic events: open master classes by famous chefs and lectures on culinary trends. Special places will be equipped for picnics.

    Summer Program for Youth: Development and Creative Growth

    Young Muscovites will enjoy an extensive entertainment and educational program. From June 9 to July 19, the Moskino Cinema Park will host the first creative camp, “Youth of Moscow.” Participants will be able to demonstrate their skills in choreography, vocals, humor, and other creative areas. The shifts will be dedicated to different areas of art: KVN, vocals and music, cinema, producing, original genre, and event organization. The “KVN School” shift is aimed at developing skills in humor and teamwork, while the “Original Genre School” will help aspiring circus performers, cheerleaders, gymnasts, and acrobats improve their skills in the performing arts, and learn how to work with props in interactive productions. As part of the “Dance School,” children will develop their abilities and try themselves in various choreography styles, learn to express emotions in dance, and create their own unique productions. In the “School of Vocals and Music” young Muscovites will be able to improve their vocals, work on their voices with professionals and unite into youth musical groups. The shift “School of Cinema, Producers and Event Organizers” will be aimed at developing organizational skills, producing and acting skills.

    The final race will be held in the format of the Art Quarter festival, where an open large-scale gala concert will take place, uniting all directions. It will be prepared by young people from different shifts of the camp.

    From June 28 to August 4, the patriotic camp “Youth of Moscow. Capital. Summer” will operate for the fourth time. The site will be the territory of the recreation center “Red Carnation”. Participants will have six thematic shifts.

    The “Achieve” shift will bring together athletes, “Manage” — representatives of student government, “Improve” — young professionals, and the “Help” shift will bring together Moscow volunteers. Young Muscovites will be able not only to develop their skills in various fields, but also to find friends, realize their creative potential, and gain new emotional experience. Songs with a guitar and meetings around a large fire will become a tradition of the camp. Meetings and master classes with participants of a special military operation are planned. All shifts will also teach how to provide first aid, resist fire, and ensure safety for yourself and your loved ones in emergency situations.

    City residents aged 18 to 35 can apply for participation. Registration is open on the portal “Youth of Moscow”.

    In honor of Youth Day, the capital will host a large number of events — from master classes and intellectual games to creative concerts and events. The flagship event will be held in Khodynka Pole Park on June 28 and 29. This year, the festival concept provides for the synergy of key areas for the comprehensive development of the city’s youth. Eight key zones dedicated to various topics will be prepared for guests: patriotism, career guidance, creativity, personal development, friendship, sports, volunteering and trends. Visitors will enjoy educational lectures, trainings and master classes, a job fair, competitions in various sports and much more.

    Traditionally, on Youth Day, the KVN League Summer Cup “Youth of Moscow” and the “Space Basketball” tournament will be held, in which youth teams will take part. Young performers who want to make a name for themselves throughout the city will be able to perform on an open stage.

    From May 25 to September 7, the Youth Point festival will be held on Bolotnaya Square. The site will host hubs — interactive modern spaces dedicated to art, sports, development, and future competencies. The festival program will include large open discos, master classes in sketching, water painting, sports activities, and much more.

    Charity initiatives

    On July 5 and 6, the Bauman Garden will host the charity festival “City of the Caring”, dedicated to the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity. The entertainment program will include activities for the whole family. Guests will enjoy creative master classes, a charity quest, a no-lose lottery and photo zones for summer photos. A play area will be set up for children. At the “Fluffy Friend” site, guests will be able to meet animals from shelters and choose pets for themselves. A charity fair will also open, where goods from Moscow non-profit organizations (NPOs) will be presented. All proceeds from sales will be directed to helping their wards.

    Visitors will be able to get to know the city’s social projects better and take part in them.

    Checkers, table tennis and fitrock

    From May 29 to September 7, Moscow will host a festival of urban sports. Throughout the summer, sports training and entertainment events aimed at popularizing an active lifestyle among residents of the capital will be held in the capital’s parks. The most active participants will receive prizes.

    The project “Summer. Beach. Moscow Sport” will be held from May 31 to August 31. It is organized for those who spend the summer in Moscow. Zumba, stretching, functional training, beach volleyball, yoga and fiery fitrock training will be held in beach recreation areas on weekends. In addition, there will be an opportunity to play tetherball, frisbee and beach tennis.

    From May 31 to September 7, training sessions for the new season of the Sports Weekend project will take place, thanks to which city residents can do sports for free under the guidance of professional trainers on Saturdays and Sundays at more than 50 unique venues in the city, as well as online.

    From June 1 to September 7, the “Chess Square” space will be available near the Metropol Hotel. On weekdays, anyone can take chess sets and play easy games. On weekends, there will be family, open and children’s tournaments, as well as master classes by famous grandmasters.

    From June 1 to September 30, a new season of free training will be held as part of the My Sports District project. Participation in them will be interesting for city residents who love sports and want to do them regularly. Classes are held all year round and change depending on the season.

    On July 5, large-scale sports events “Moscow Sports Day” and “Moscow Sports Night” will take place. Guests will enjoy more than 20 themed sports grounds, master classes, tournaments and a concert with popular artists at “Moscow Sports Day”, as well as more than 15 zones with sports activities and autograph sessions with famous athletes at “Moscow Sports Night”.

    “Green Market” and art pavilions

    From May 25 to September 7, art pavilions of the Made in Moscow project will operate in tourist areas of the capital. Here you can buy more than 70 thousand products from local manufacturers – from clothes and cosmetics to children’s toys and food products.

    The flagship venue will be the Green Market on Bolotnaya Square, where a rollerdrome with a summer cinema will be available for the first time. Guests will be treated to a rollerdrome show, discos and events organized with the participation of the capital’s Committee on Public Relations and Youth Policy, which became a partner of the flagship venue for the first time this summer season.

    Reservation of venues

    The mos.ru portal is resuming its work on the city space booking service “Everyone on the street!”. From May 20, you can submit applications for holding events.

    Representatives of small and medium-sized businesses, individual entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals and individuals can book a site free of charge.

    More than 100 venues will be available for booking, including chalets for master classes, stages, gazebos, sports and dance floors, located in every district of the city.

    Results of the booking service last year

    Last year, the city hosted the festival “Summer in Moscow. Everyone out on the street!” for the first time – a new format of interaction between the city, business and Muscovites within the framework of the event program. Its key feature was that the agenda of summer recreation in the capital was created by Muscovites themselves. About 25 thousand events (every fourth) were organized by residents, businesses or NGOs. About 1.1 thousand entrepreneurs organized about 8.5 thousand events and presented their projects to a wide audience.

    Special project “Time of Opportunities”

    For the capital’s entrepreneurs, a special project called “Time of Opportunities” is starting, previously called “Come on in!” This is an excellent opportunity to vividly tell about your business, making it memorable for a wide audience. Shops, restaurants and cafes, service enterprises, fitness centers and sports studios, educational centers and creative studios can take part in the project.

    Participants will receive a summer business box, which includes a set of free services from market leaders for business promotion, the opportunity to post information about their events on the mos.ru poster, in the Yandex Maps and 2GIS applications, as well as media support in the media: on television, in online publications, print media and Telegram channels.

    The Russpass website will organize a collection of feedback from visitors. Entrepreneurs who have collected the largest number of positive reviews will receive a package for promoting their business, “The Most Active”.

    To become part of the project, you need to prepare a unique special offer. These can be thematic master classes, seminars, shows, performances and much more. You also need to fill out a participant’s questionnaire.

    Results of the special project for the last season

    As part of the special project “Come on in!”, more than 700 organizations from various fields made over 900 offers to city residents and tourists. These were discounts and bonuses, free master classes, gastronomic tastings, tickets to performances and sports classes. More than six thousand people took advantage of them.

    Art pavilions of the Made in Moscow project

    On April 15, a selection began among the capital’s entrepreneurs who will present their products in the art pavilions of the Made in Moscow project market, which is part of the city’s summer program Summer in Moscow.

    The selection will be held for participants of the Made in Moscow project – these are self-employed people, individual entrepreneurs, representatives of small, medium and large businesses that produce children’s goods, clothing and footwear, accessories, household and animal goods and much more in the capital.

    To do this, you need to register in the project on the website business.madeinmoscow.rf, having previously familiarized yourself with the conditions (availability of a capital tax identification number, as well as a full or partial production cycle on the territory of Moscow).

    A large-scale market of local goods will cover the main tourist sites, including Bolotnaya Square. More than 700 Moscow brands will be able to get space on the shelves for selling goods. Entrepreneurs will not only present their products, but will also hold thematic lectures and master classes, organize prize draws and tastings.

    Participation in the summer market “Made in Moscow” is a free measure of support provided to businesses by the capital Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development.

    This allows local brands to increase their recognition among city residents, as well as sales of goods that they produce in the city. Thus, last year from August 1 to September 9, as part of the forum-festival “Territory of the Future. Moscow 2030” on Bolotnaya Square, the market of the future “Made in Moscow” was open. It was visited by more than 150 thousand people, and the revenue of the market participants reached 50 million rubles.

    It is also worth noting the successful experience of the Made in Moscow magic market as part of the city’s winter program “Winter in Moscow”. It was held from December 20 to February 28 at seven popular sites – from Arbat to Kuznetsky Most. It was visited by more than 570 thousand people. Moscow entrepreneurs sold over 50 thousand goods.

    The market became one of the key measures of city support, which was used by more than 500 Moscow brands. A rich entertainment program was organized for guests, including more than 3.5 thousand thematic events, including master classes and fashion shows.

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

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154057073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pay bills and register an ATV: DIT reminds about useful services and services of the mos.ru portal for summer residents

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Moscow’s digital ecosystem allows city residents to solve most everyday issues from anywhere in Russia. You can transmit readings of water, heat and electricity meters, pay utility bills, make an appointment for your pets to see a veterinarian and do other everyday things even while at your dacha.

    “The mos.ru portal offers more than 450 online services, many of which will be useful during the summer season, and they can be used using a mobile device, which is very convenient when staying outside the city. Everyday services are also available in the Moscow State Services and My Moscow applications,” the capital’s

    Department of Information Technology.

    Submit meter readings

    It is recommended to transmit data on water consumption from the 15th of the current month to the third of the following month inclusive. This can be done using the service “Transmission of water and heat readings”, telegram bot or through specialists of the unified service department by phone: 7 495 539-25-25. Those who leave the city for a long time can indicate the minimum water meter readings for one or two months in advance. This data will be included in the unified payment document (UPD).

    The portal also offers the following service: “Receiving readings and paying for electricity”. It allows you to transmit readings of electricity meters, view the verification status of electricity meters, pay for electricity consumption, receive information on the current balance and debt. It is necessary to send meter data from the 15th to the 26th inclusive. If the device is equipped with an automated information and measuring system for commercial electricity metering, the information will be loaded into the system automatically.

    Pay the bills

    Summer residents can pay for housing and communal services, home telephone bills and other receipts remotely in the My Payments service on the mos.ru portal, as well as in the city mobile applications Moscow State Services and My Moscow. All unpaid bills are automatically loaded here if the user has a standard or full account and the necessary information is specified in the personal account, including the payer code, apartment address, personal account of JSC Mosenergosbyt and other data. If there is not enough information, quick search widgets will help. In addition, here you can connect autopayment or create a template, as well as top up the personal account of the transponder for travel on toll sections of roads. More information about the My Payments service – in the instructions.

    Those who pay for utilities online, may refuse from receiving paper unified payment documents. In this case, after returning to the city, you will not need to empty your mailbox. Receipts will stop coming from the next billing month after submitting the application. Instead, an electronic EPD will be loaded into your personal account.

    Take care of your pets’ health

    To prepare your pet for a trip and make its vacation enjoyable and safe, super service “My pet”. It contains tips on caring for pets, as well as information on all city veterinary services. An early visit to specialists at state veterinary clinics it is possible to planto vaccinate or chip your pet, complete accompanying documents and receive other services.

    Register self-propelled equipment

    Summer residents who have a tractor, ATV or other self-propelled equipment can use the state online service on the mos.ru portal “Registration of self-propelled vehicles and trailers for them”. Detailed information — in the instructions.

    Take part in the general meeting of owners

    To communicate with neighbors and management organizations during a trip out of town, Muscovites can use the “Electronic House” platform. It helps to receive up-to-date information about your home and area, publish messages on the electronic bulletin board, participate in general meetings of owners online and much more. The platform’s capabilities will become available after confirming the specified address. Its full functionality is also available in the mobile application “Electronic House Moscow”.

    Take an interesting book

    It will be useful for book lovers at their dacha service “Moscow Libraries”. With its help, you can not only find and reserve the necessary publications in city libraries, but also extend the return period for 30 days. This can be done in the reader’s account. To use the service, you will need a standard account on mos.ru andsingle library card. It can be obtained at any of the city’s 440 libraries or online. The electronic version of the ticket is easy to use. in the mobile application “My id”.

    On mos.ru you can set up notifications about new invoices from the Unified Payment Document for non-residential premisesThe core of the digital ecosystem: how to quickly register with the required department or government services center on the mos.ru portal

    You can learn about how the mos.ru portal turned from a news feed with a book of reviews into a resource where today more than 450 electronic services are presented from a popular science film “Moscow in Digital”.

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

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

    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/154097073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Since the beginning of the year, more than 1.7 thousand families have moved into new apartments under the renovation program in the east of the capital

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Since the beginning of 2025, over 1.7 thousand families in the east of the capital have moved to new buildings as part of the renovation program. Almost 75 percent of them took advantage of the city’s assistance in moving. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “Since the beginning of 2025, about 4.8 thousand families have moved into new apartments under the renovation program. Of these, more than 1.7 thousand are in the Eastern Administrative District of the capital. In particular, in Severnoye Izmailovo, more than 500 families celebrated housewarming, and in Perovo – over 400. In the Sokolinaya Gora and Golyanovo districts, more than 300 and 200 families, respectively, moved into new apartments,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    In order to make the move under the renovation program more comfortable, the city provides residents with movers and a truck free of charge. This service can be ordered on the mos.ru portal – to do this, go tosuper service “Moving under the renovation program”, then select “Assistance with moving” or contact the resettlement information centers.

    “Of the 1.7 thousand families who moved in the east, almost 75 percent — over 1.3 thousand — used the “Moving Assistance” service. Of these, about 400 left requests for movers and a car in the Severnoye Izmailovo district, and another 350 in Perovo. In the Sokolinaya Gora and Golyanovo districts, about 200 and more than 160 families, respectively, used this service,” added the Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of Urban Development Policy

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    As noted inthe capital’s Department of Information Technology, will help you prepare for the 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 this process is organized and what documents are required. If you configure the parameters of the move, then the resident will be able to familiarize themselves with the scenario of the future resettlement depending on the specific life situation. And Muscovites who are already moving will be helped by detailed personalized instructions that are automatically customized for each resident. This will speed up the move and make it more comfortable.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin examined new house under the renovation program in Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin instructed to double the pace of implementation of the renovation program.

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

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

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154106073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pavilions and piers will appear on Pushkinskaya Embankment in Gorky Park

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In the Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure, work continues on the construction of two multifunctional pavilions on Pushkinskaya Embankment. The construction of two berths is also planned there.

    Multifunctional pavilions in the form of a liner

    The pavilions are being built on a metal frame with reinforced concrete floors. Four of them are already ready, and two more are under construction. They will resemble a cruise liner.

    Floor-to-ceiling stained glass will be used for the facades of one of the pavilions under construction. Heated ceramic granite slabs will be laid on the roof that is used for construction, where an observation deck will be equipped. The area of the building will be 3.1 thousand square meters. Work is currently underway to construct a pit with soil replacement and a foundation; specialists have also begun installing the metal frame.

    Another multifunctional pavilion with an area of 3.5 thousand square meters and a height of 17.3 meters will be erected next to the Crimean Bridge. Its appearance will show features of constructivism. The construction of the foundation pit has already been completed, workers are starting to construct the foundation and install the monolithic slab and metal structures.

    The pavilion will have several entrances: from the Crimean Bridge, the service alley, and from the embankment. In front of each of them, a small cozy area will be arranged, and from the embankment side, an amphitheater and a green hill will be made in front of the entrance.

    On the first floor, a summer terrace will be equipped with a view of the lilac garden. On the second floor, a multi-purpose hall with a panoramic window overlooking the park will appear. It will be possible to hold a variety of events here.

    The existing passage to the embankment along the Crimean Bridge will be significantly expanded. Opposite the pavilion, a decorative panel will be created based on an unrealized sketch by Alexander Deineka.

    Piers-trestles

    This year, it is also planned to build two berths with a total area of 1.6 thousand square meters. They will be located on both sides of the ramp-stand on Pushkinskaya Embankment. Three barges will be used in the construction, two of which will deliver and store cargo, and another one will house a construction camp. They will also use two pusher tugs, a floating crane and a special pontoon for installing a crane and assembling berth structures.

    The berth structures will be trestle-type structures 110 meters long. Metal frames will be mounted on a pile foundation, and reinforced concrete slabs will be laid on them. The top coating will be made of heat-treated non-slip granite in light gray tones.

    Stainless steel railings will be installed on each of the berths. The first of them will have six staircases, including four with ramps for people with limited mobility, and the second will have three with ramps. Benches and trash bins will be installed nearby.

    Capital heated pavilions will be erected on the berths, where checkpoints with inspection equipment and turnstiles for paying for the trip will be placed. The pavilion frames will be metal, and stained glass structures made of double-chamber glass units with tempered triplex will be used for the facades.

    The buildings are equipped with good lighting, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Cable lines will be laid to organize the power supply. In order not to pollute the river with surface runoff from the piers, two water purification systems will be installed in the form of filter cartridges, which are cylindrical structures.

    The berths will be illuminated by modern LED lamps, and the pavilions will be equipped with architectural and artistic lighting.

    To ensure safe navigation on the Moscow River, the bottom will be deepened. To avoid erosion, it will be reinforced with gabion mesh structures placed on a layer of crushed stone in front of the berths.

    After the completion of the work, Pushkinskaya Embankment will become an even more popular place for city residents and tourists of all ages.

    Sergei Sobyanin: We are implementing six improvement projects in the Eastern Administrative District this year

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channelthe city of Moscow.

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154127073/

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN chief hopes PM appointment will help bring peace to Sudan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    UNITED NATIONS, May 21 (Xinhua) — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday expressed hope that the appointment of a new prime minister in Sudan would help bring peace, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

    The head of the world organization took note of the appointment of Kamil Idris as Prime Minister of Sudan, noted S. Dujarric.

    “The Secretary-General hopes that this appointment will serve as a first step towards inclusive consultations aimed at forming a broad-based technocratic government and establishing peace,” the statement said.

    A. Guterres stressed that efforts to achieve consensus must be a priority and lead to tangible progress for the benefit of all Sudanese people, including through a ceasefire, the provision of basic services to the entire population and the establishment of a basis for a common vision for the future of Sudan.

    The Chairman of the Transitional Sovereign Council and Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, signed a constitutional decree on Monday appointing K. Idris as Prime Minister.

    The post has been vacant since civilian leader Abdallah Hamdok resigned in January 2022 following the military coup carried out by A.F. Al-Burhan in October 2021. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Syria, Jordan to create coordination council to strengthen cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    DAMASCUS, May 21 (Xinhua) — Syria and Jordan on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a coordination council aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

    The agreement was signed in Damascus by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi. It outlines plans to strengthen cooperation in key sectors such as energy, water, health and transport.

    The creation of the council, agreed upon during A. al-Safadi’s visit to Damascus on April 17, came amid reports that the EU intends to lift economic sanctions on Syria.

    A. al-Shibani noted that the easing of European sanctions will contribute to the expansion of regional cooperation.

    A. al-Safadi said that the establishment of the coordination council is aimed at resuming joint initiatives in the critical infrastructure and humanitarian sectors. “Syria’s stability is crucial for the stability of the region,” he added.

    The parties condemned the repeated Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory. A. al-Shibani stressed that Damascus “maintains contact with the US and Europe” to put pressure on Israel.

    A. al-Safadi said that Israel’s attacks on southern Syria also threaten Jordan’s security. “External interference in Syria must stop,” he said, adding that “Jordan sees Syria as its gateway to Europe, and Syria sees Jordan as a bridge to the Persian Gulf.”

    A. al-Shibani reiterated Syria’s commitment to open diplomacy and national reconstruction, saying the country’s priority is stabilizing the economy, rebuilding energy infrastructure and facilitating the return of refugees. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Direct freight railway route Tianjin-Tashkent opened

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TIANJIN, May 21 (Xinhua) — A direct freight train route has opened between the north Chinese port city of Tianjin and the Uzbek capital Tashkent. The first train departed on Tuesday at about 4 p.m. Beijing time, carrying 50 containers of cargo brought by sea from the Republic of Korea to Tashkent within two weeks.

    For Uzbekistan, China is the largest trading partner and the largest source of exports of goods, among which electromechanical products are one of the leading items. As the operator of the new railway route reported, the above-mentioned train mainly transports auto parts, as well as some types of mechanical equipment, engineering construction materials and consumer electronics.

    The representative office of JSC Uzbekistan Railways in China indicated the importance of opening a new cargo route for Uzbekistan, as well as for the entire transport system of Central Asia, noting that the direct route has reduced the cargo transportation route from Tianjin to Uzbekistan by more than 800 km compared to previous routes passing through the cities of Xi’an, Hami or Urumqi.

    The Uzbek side expects that this route will be able to serve as an alternative corridor for multimodal cargo transportation for import-export enterprises, combining rail and sea transport, the representative office stated.

    Industry analysts are also convinced that the opening of the direct Tianjin-Tashkent railway route will further strengthen international freight logistics between Tianjin and other member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which will bring new energy to trade and economic cooperation within the SCO. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Launches Commercial Launch Vehicle Lijian-1 Y7

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    JIUQUAN, May 21 (Xinhua) — China on Wednesday launched a Lijian-1 Y7 carrier rocket carrying six satellites.

    The carrier rocket lifted off at 12:05 p.m. Beijing time from the Commercial Aerospace Innovation Pilot Zone in northwest China and placed a group of satellites into their designated orbits.

    This launch is the seventh flight mission for the Lijian-1 series of launch vehicles. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • Amazon fires drive unprecedented global forest loss in 2024, report says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Massive fires fueled by climate change led global forest loss to smash records in 2024, according to a report issued on Wednesday.

    Loss of tropical pristine forests alone reached 6.7 million hectares (16.6 million acres), an 80% spike compared to 2023 and an area roughly the size of Panama, mainly because Brazil, the host of the next global climate summit in November, struggled to contain fires in the Amazon amid the worst drought ever recorded in the rainforest. A myriad of other countries, including Bolivia and Canada, were also ravaged by wildfires.

    It was the first time the annual report, issued by the World Resources Institute and the University of Maryland, showed fires as the leading cause of tropical forest loss, a grim milestone for a naturally humid ecosystem that is not supposed to burn.

    “The signals in these data are particularly frightening,” said Matthew Hansen, the co-director of a lab at the University of Maryland that compiled and analyzed the data. “The fear is that the climate signal is going to overtake our ability to respond effectively.”

    Latin America was hit particularly hard, the report said, with the Amazon biome hitting its highest level of primary forest loss since 2016.

    Brazil, which holds the largest share of the world’s tropical forests, lost 2.8 million hectares (6.9 million acres), the most of any country. It was a reversal of the progress made in 2023 when President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva took office promising to protect the world’s largest rainforest.

    “This was unprecedented, which means we have to adapt all our policy to a new reality,” said Andre Lima, who oversees deforestation control policies for Brazil’s Ministry of Environment, adding that fire, which was never among the leading causes of forest loss, is now a top priority for the government.

    Bolivia overtook the Democratic Republic of Congo as the second country with the most tropical forest loss despite having less than half the amount of forest as the African nation, which also saw a spike in forest loss last year.

    Bolivia’s forest loss surged by 200% in 2024, with a drought, wildfires and a government-incentivized agricultural expansion as the leading causes. Across Latin America, the report noted similar trends in Mexico, Peru, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.

    Conflicts in Colombia and the Democratic Republic of Congo also boosted deforestation rates, as armed groups used up natural resources.

    Outside the tropics, boreal forests, which evolved with seasonal fires, also posted record-high tree loss in 2024, with Canada and Russia each losing 5.2 million hectares (12.8 million acres) in 2024 as wildfires got out of control.

    Southeast Asia bucked the global trend with Malaysia, Laos, and Indonesia all posting double-digit decreases in primary forest loss, as domestic conservation policy, combined with efforts by communities and the private sector, continued to effectively contain fires and agricultural expansion.

    Another outlier was the Charagua Iyambae Indigenous territory in southern Bolivia, which was able to keep the country’s record fires at bay through land-use policies and early warning systems.

    Rod Taylor, the global director for forests at the WRI, said that as leaders descend on the Amazonian city of Belem for the next climate summit, he would like to see countries make progress in introducing better funding mechanisms for conservation.

    “At the moment,” he said, “there’s more money to be paid by chopping forests down than keeping them standing.”

    (Reuters)