Category: Vehicles

MIL-OSI New Zealand: State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill summer maintenance work to be wrapped up before Christmas
Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Night and day-time closures are planned for State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill next month, as the state highway summer maintenance season continues in the top of the South Island.

Rob Service, System Manager, Top of the South, says the work is deliberately timed for November to ensure the route is clear for all drivers over the summer holidays.

“Golden Bay is a popular holiday spot and summer sees busy roads. So, we want to get this work done before the summer holiday season.”

Between Sunday, 3 November, and Sunday, 24 November, the road will be closed every Sunday to Thursday between 8 pm and 5:30 am with a short opening around 1 am for queued traffic.

Then from Monday, 25 November, until Friday, 29 November the highway will be closed between 9 am and 3 pm. During this time, the road will be reopened every 90 minutes to let traffic through.

Mr Service says it’ s a good idea to have water and snacks in your vehicle if you’re travelling over the hill during this time.

Because of the road’s narrowness and to keep contractors safe, the road must be closed while the work is done. It will also allow the maintenance to be completed much faster.

Mr Service says there is a lot of work to be done.

“Contractors will spend the first two weeks of night-time closures asphalting parts of the road surface on both sides of the hill, carrying out other maintenance work, such as clearing water channels, fixing slips and guard rails, and attending to general maintenance.”

“Some of this work, such as asphalting, must be done during the day when conditions are warm and dry to ensure it’s effective. This is why some daytime road closures are needed,” Mr Service says.

He acknowledges travel over the Tākaka Hill is vital for residents and local businesses, and their needs are important.

“This is why there will be day-time access on the route. We are timing the day closures to avoid the school bus run and peak commuting times. We realise the work is disruptive, but we are working our hardest to meet community needs and ensure the highway is kept resilient and reliable.”

“Regular road maintenance like this is essential in preventing more disruptive ones later on.”

Contractors will make the most of the closure to speed up repair work at the underslip site on the Riwaka side of the hill.

“We know this route is critical to the residents and businesses in Golden Bay and we aim is to have this section of road repaired and reopened to two lanes before Christmas,” Mr Service says.

Once contractors have completed asphalting work on Tākaka Hill they will move onto SH60 Commercial Street in Takāka. More information on this work will be shared soon.

Works Schedule:
- Work is from Sunday, 3 November, to Friday, 29 November 2024.
Night closures:
- The closure will be in place between Riwaka Valley Road, Riwaka and Aaron Creek Road, Upper Tākaka and will run from Sunday, 3 November to Sunday, 24 November (no work on Friday or Saturday nights).
- The closures will be between 8 pm and 5:30 am.
- The road will open once each night around 1 am for traffic at two road closure points.
- Vehicles travelling over the hill need to be at the Aaron Creek Road closure point by 12:30 am or at the Riwaka Valley Road closure point by 1 am.
- Access will be available for residents, businesses, and emergency services.
Day closures:
- The closure will be in place between Riwaka Valley Road, Riwaka and Aaron Creek Road, Upper Tākaka and will run from Monday, 25 November to Friday, 29 November.
- The closures will be between 9 am and 3 pm.
- During this time there will be openings every 90 minutes at 10:30 am, 12 noon and 1:30 pm.
- It will take some time to clear queued traffic so plan ahead for delays.
- Traffic management will be set up between 6 am and 9 am and will be removed between 3 pm and 6 pm.
- Access will be available for residents, businesses, and emergency services.
Works Location:

View larger map [PDF, 2.4 MB]

Summer Maintenance Season – Tips and Advice:
- Drivers need to be aware other summer maintenance and resilience works are happening around the region.
- Due to the number of worksites on each corridor we recommend allowing an extra 30 minutes travel time on State Highway 6 between Nelson and West Coast and State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim.
- We recommend allowing an extra 60 minutes travel time on State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.
- Drivers should check road conditions before they travel as knowing when and where roadworks are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.
- Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions.
More Information:

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MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Supporting the development of the logistics industry

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is a question by the Hon Frankie Yick and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, in the Legislative Council today (October 23):Question: According to the Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy promulgated by the Government in December last year, the maritime and port industry, with economic contribution accounting for 4.1 per cent of gross domestic product, facilitates the growth of trade and logistics industry as one of the four major economic pillars in Hong Kong. However, it has been reported that with the rapid development of neighbouring ports, the container throughput of Hong Kong has been on a downtrend, and some major ocean-‍going cargo shipping companies have even removed Hong Kong from their voyage itineraries, thus further affecting Hong Kong’s container throughput. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:(1) of the follow-up actions taken by the Government in response to the removal of Hong Kong from the voyage itineraries of some major ocean-going cargo shipping companies; whether it will introduce measures to attract these cargo shipping companies to put Hong Kong back on their voyage itineraries, including making reference to the practices of Singapore and the Mainland to exempt controlled goods for transhipment from licensing requirements, or streamlining the relevant procedures; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;(2) given that Hong Kong is an important entrepot for the Mainland, but cross-boundary land freight has been affected by the drop in container throughput of the Hong Kong port, and quite a number of cross-boundary goods vehicles have been forced to lie idle, of the progress of the Government’s work in developing new cargo sources for the cross-boundary land freight sector; and(3) as it is learnt that in the face of insufficient cargo volume, some small and medium enterprises in the logistics industry are on the verge of closing down, whether the authorities will introduce support measures to relieve the financial pressure of the industry; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?Reply: President, Hong Kong is an international maritime centre, with its port being one of the world’s busiest and most efficient ports and its comprehensive strengths in terms of port conditions, professional maritime service and overall business environment among the world’s best. Hong Kong also ranked fourth in the 2024 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index. To further consolidate our status as an international maritime centre, further to the promulgation of the Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy in December 2023, the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) will take forward various measures as announced in the 2024 Policy Address in full steam, including reconstituting the existing Hong Kong Maritime and Port Board (HKMPB) into the “Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board”, actively fostering the development of smart port, stepping up the promotion of green transformation of registered ships, developing a green maritime fuel bunkering centre, as well as promoting the development of high value-added maritime and professional services, such as the enhancement of tax concessions relating to ship lessors and shipping commercial principals, encouragement of leading or high-potential marine insurance operators to establish presence in Hong Kong and exploration of tax concessions relating to commodity trading, thereby strengthening the local maritime ecosystem. We will materialise the aforesaid measures in a proactive manner in order to boost the competitiveness of the maritime industry. Our reply to Hon Frankie Yick’s question is as follows:(1) Enhancing port competitiveness is one of the four major directions of development mentioned in the Action Plan on Maritime and Port Development Strategy. As a major transshipment port in the region, enhancing Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a cargo transshipment hub, promoting the strengths of Hong Kong Port (HKP) and strengthening co-operation with the Mainland are important means to boost port cargo transshipment throughput. In terms of enhancing Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a cargo transshipment hub, as announced by the Chief Executive in his 2024 Policy Address, the Government is exploring the feasibility of extending the arrangements under the Air Transhipment Cargo Exemption Scheme, that is, exempting the import and export licence requirements on specified controlled commodities, to other intermodal cargo transshipment modes, including sea-to-sea transshipment. In addition, in view of the international maritime industry’s increasing concern about decarbonisation, we will develop Hong Kong into a green maritime fuel bunkering centre, so as to attract ocean-going vessels using green maritime fuels to call at Hong Kong, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of HKP. As regards promoting the strengths of HKP, the Government has been working with the industry to strengthen external promotion and liaison. For example, HKMPB visited Tokyo, Japan and Hamburg, Germany as well as Athens, Greece in Europe, in July and September this year respectively to visit various ports and companies in the maritime industry. It will also visit the Middle East at the end of this year, with a view to allowing the relevant stakeholders there to learn about the strengths and latest development of Hong Kong’s maritime and port industry, and explore new cooperation opportunities. Regarding enhancing cooperation with the Mainland, the container terminal operators of Hong Kong, with the support of the Government, have signed multiple cooperation agreements with different regions of the Mainland. Amongst others, Hong Kong container terminal operators signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with Guangxi Beibu Gulf International Port Group in May 2024 to strengthen Hong Kong-Guangxi cooperation on the port and logistics fronts. In August 2024, under the cooperation between a Hong Kong container terminal operator and Shenzhen Yantian Port, the Chongqing-Shenzhen-Hong Kong scheduled rail-sea service commenced, which allows export cargoes from Chongqing to be exported via Shenzhen Yantian Port and Kwai Tsing Container Terminals in Hong Kong through the sea-rail intermodal transshipment mode, thereby bringing more cargo to Hong Kong. In addition, Hong Kong’s port industry is also cooperating with Shenzhen Dachan Bay Terminals on handling high-value cold chain products by facilitating fast and efficient transshipment of containers from Hong Kong to Dachan Bay by barges, so that the relevant cargoes can reach cities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) speedily, thereby strengthening HKP’s connectivity with other ports and cargo sources in the Mainland.(2) As a regional logistics hub, Hong Kong has all along been one of the major gateways for air and sea cargoes to and from the GBA. With the commissioning of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB), the driving distance between Hong Kong and Western Guangdong and Guangxi has been greatly shortened, thereby further unleashing the enormous potential for logistics cooperation between Hong Kong and the two aforesaid places. For this reason, the Government has proposed in the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development to actively explore new cargo sources and new opportunities for cross-boundary land freight transport in relation to Western Guangdong and its neighbouring regions by enhancing multimodal transport measures and making good use of the HZMB. The TLB has been actively discussing with Zhuhai on enhancing synchronised development on the logistics front between Hong Kong and Zhuhai by making good use of the HZMB. The TLB also visited Zhuhai in March 2023 together with the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council to learn about Zhuhai’s logistics development and explore cooperation opportunities. Apart from Zhuhai, the Secretary for Transport and Logistics also led a delegation to Zhanjiang, Guangdong, in June 2024 to learn about the business opportunities in logistics development between Hong Kong and Zhanjiang arising from the “New Land-Sea Corridor for Western Regions”. In addition, the Transport and Logistics Bureau also signed the “Framework Agreement on Deepening Strategic Co-operation for the Guangxi-Hong Kong Task Force on Transport and Logistics” with the Department of Transport of Guangxi in May this year, with a view to strengthening logistics cooperation with Guangxi, including cross-boundary land freight logistics. The TLB will continue to enhance liaison and cooperation with Western Guangdong and its neighbouring regions, with a view to further enlarging the cargo catchment for Hong Kong’s cross-boundary land freight logistics sector.(3) The Government has been supporting the development of Hong Kong’s logistics industry through various measures. In terms of financial assistance, since 2020, the Government has been providing assistance to eligible logistics service providers through the $300 million Pilot Subsidy Scheme for Third-party Logistics Service Providers, with a view to supporting local logistics industry, especially small- and medium-sized third-party logistics service providers, to increase productivity by applying technology. On the other hand, we are also supporting logistics practitioners in receiving training, and providing sponsorship for logistics enterprises to engage interns, through the Professional Training on Smart and Green Logistics Scheme under the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund and Internship Scheme on Modern Logistics, respectively. In addition, the Chief Executive has announced in his 2024 Policy Address a number of measures to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including allowing borrowing enterprises (including those in the logistics sector) under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS) to apply for principal moratorium for up to 12 months, and at the same time, offering the partial principal repayment options to new loans under the 80 per cent and 90 per cent guarantee products of the SFGS, so as to alleviate the repayment burden on SMEs, thereby creating more room for them to seize the opportunities brought about by economic recovery. Enlarging cargo catchment and increasing cargo throughput is the most practical means to assist logistics enterprises. Hence, the Government will continue to implement various strategies and action measures set out in the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development promulgated in October 2023, including enhancing intermodal connectivity by implementing the Three-Places-One-Lock Scheme and the dedicated express route for air and land fresh and live products, making good use of HZMB and enhancing promotion of Hong Kong’s strengths in logistics development in the Mainland and overseas, with a view to attracting more cargoes to be transshipped through Hong Kong. The Government will, through the Hong Kong Logistics Development Council and other platforms, continue to maintain communication with the trade, closely monitor the latest development of the logistics industry and introduce suitable measures at appropriate junctures to support the sustainable development of the logistics sector.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: ’Joker: Folie à Deux’ flops yet retains its uniqueness

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Despite the buzz and anticipation, Todd Phillips’ musical psychological crime thriller “Joker: Folie à Deux” failed to match the critical acclaim and box office success of its predecessor. However, many fans in China still appreciate the film as a unique creative vision from the director.

A still from “Joker: Folie à Deux.” [Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures]

“Joker: Folie à Deux” opened in China on Wednesday, grossing approximately 43 million yuan ($6 million) through Sunday, according to Chinese ticketing platform and box office tracker Maoyan. The film’s lackluster performance contrasts sharply with the excitement surrounding the follow-up to Phillips’ 2019 hit “Joker,” which earned over $1 billion and garnered numerous accolades, including Oscars and the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion.

“Joker: Folie à Deux” currently holds a 32% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has struggled at the global box office, earning only $192 million so far since its early October release. This falls short of its $200 million production budget and estimated $100 million spent on marketing and distribution, according to the entertainment business magazine Variety.

Despite the lukewarm reception in China, the film’s score on the popular review site Douban has risen slightly from 5.9 to 6.1 out of 10, based on over 41,000 user reviews. Many praised the director’s boldness, stunning cinematography and brilliant performances of Joaquin Phoenix, returning as the disturbed stand-up comedian Arthur Fleck, and Lady Gaga, joining as fellow Arkham inmate Harleen “Lee” Quinzel, who admires the symbol of the Joker. The characters are loosely adapted from DC Comics.

One user wrote, “I really love this film… If the previous film focused on the Joker, representing animalistic madness, this one returns to the fragile and repressed Arthur, representing humanity. The birth of the Joker deconstructed traditional hero narratives, and this film deconstructs him again after the anti-hero Joker is gradually mythologized, bringing him back to human form to explore his complex humanity.”

Another one wrote, “I’m surprised in such a large-scale Hollywood sequel, the director has almost subverted the results of the previous film and the established character study.”

A still from “Joker: Folie à Deux.” [Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures]

In contrast to the madness and chaos of the first film, “Joker: Folie à Deux” presents a more subdued and introspective narrative. It follows Arthur Fleck, now institutionalized at Arkham, awaiting trial for his crimes as the Joker. Amid his struggle with dual identity, Arthur finds what he believes to be true love and discovers the music that has always been inside him.

“It’s hard to explain what the movie is without getting into the specifics, but essentially, it’s the story of identity,” said director Todd Phillips. “It’s the story of who Arthur Fleck is and who the Joker is, at least through his own eyes. And what does it mean to embrace your true self and who you are? Which is what he ultimately has to do at the end. I think this movie is infinitely more hopeful than the first film for Arthur.”

Phillips said that in 2018 when they were first making “Joker,” the filmmaker, cast and crew never imagined it would resonate so strongly with global audiences. “It was a whirlwind,” he said, noting that the themes in the first film were rather timely. He acknowledged that movies tend to hold a mirror up to society, reflecting where people are at that moment in the culture. Regarding the sequel, he revealed, “We were thinking, ‘What the world needs now is love.’ That was the jumping-off point for writing the screenplay.”

Phoenix said he and the director began discussing a new story for the character midway through shooting the first film, long before its release, believing there was more to explore with the character. “I loved the idea and the challenge of continuing the story but finding different tones to play with. In the first film, we discovered moments in the way that Arthur and Joker move in the world that felt musical, oddly graceful, in a way — some kind of rhythm that motivates his movements. There was a nostalgia to the music that he listened to, the music in his head, that we kept discovering more and more as we were shooting,” he said.

For Gaga, Phillips took a very big swing with the concept and script of the “Joker” sequel, infusing it with audacity and complexity. “There’s music, there’s dance, it’s a drama, it’s also a courtroom drama, it’s a comedy, it’s happy, it’s sad — it’s got all of these elements. Some of the music is fantasy; some of it’s in the scene. It breaks genre, and I think it was very bold, and that it’s a testament to him as a director that he would rather be creative than just tell a traditional story of love,” she noted.

A photo captures decorative installations at a cinema holding the Chinese premiere of “Joker: Folie à Deux” in Beijing, Oct. 14, 2024. [Photo courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures]

While researching mental illness, Phillips and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Scott Silver discovered the term “folie à deux,” meaning shared madness, which became the movie’s title. “In the movie, you can take it many ways. You can say, ‘Oh, well, obviously, it’s a shared madness between the two of them (Arthur and Lee).’ Or is it between Arthur and Joker, his own internal folie à deux? It really depends, to me, on the lens that you’re watching the film through,” Phillips said.

The director noted that audiences who loved the first “Joker” film should appreciate “Joker: Folie à Deux” for similar reasons and that the unexpected huge success of the first movie was largely due to the deep love the audience had for the character that Phoenix brought to life.

“So, we just thought if we leaned into that, and we really leaned into taking Arthur apart and breaking Arthur down by the end of it, that just felt right,” he said.

MIL OSI China News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Ancient, modern elements in harmony for new generation

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

In a sleek recording studio, young Chinese musicians are gathered around their instruments. Clad in traditional hanfu — flowing robes with wide sleeves and intricate headpieces — they are preparing to create music, but there’s a twist.

These musicians are not playing electric guitars or synthesizers, despite their rock-star aura and sunglasses. Instead, their hands grasp ancient Chinese instruments, including the erhu (a two-stringed fiddle), guzheng (a Chinese zither), suona (a piercing double-reed woodwind) and the zhongruan (a lute).

The studio pulses with energy as they prepare to reimagine a popular song from the 1990s and transform it into a piece that bridges ancient and modern worlds.

Their rendition, aptly titled Disco Dancing Version of Your Shining Knight, revives Hong Kong singer-actor Hacken Lee’s 1991 Cantonese hit, which resurfaced in popular culture after being featured in the 2018 Chinese comedy Hello Mr Billionaire.

The original version of Your Shining Knight revisited the glitter-ball days of disco. But this new take combines disco beats with the sound of something far older — ancient Chinese melodies.

The musicians pluck their strings and beat their drums, and perform in sync with AI-generated characters based on historical Chinese relics, such as a figurine of a dancer, and a musician from the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220).

The resulting music video released to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival on Sept 17, captured the imagination of the public, amassing over 15 million views across social media platforms.

The use of ancient Chinese instruments to perform a pop song struck a chord, not only for its catchy beat but for how it masterfully intertwined the old and the modern.

Crazy Folk music

These musicians are part of a larger movement sweeping China that celebrates the rising popularity of guofeng music — a Chinese style that uses elements from traditional culture.

As part of a video series called Crazy Folk, participating artists have released over 300 music videos since October 2020, featuring more than 200 Chinese musicians who give fresh life to pop songs through the distinctive sound of traditional Chinese instruments.

Among popular covers are songs like Jay Chou’s Dao Xiang (Fragrant Rice), Liu Shuang’s Mohe Ballroom, and Japanese singer Yuu Takahashi’s The Wind Rises, making the old music instruments more relatable to younger audiences.

These videos have traveled beyond Chinese music fans to reach international audiences via YouTube and other media platforms. With performances filmed against the stunning backdrops of cities such as Changsha, Hunan province, Luoyang, Henan province and Xiamen, Fujian province, the Crazy Folk series not only showcases China’s rich musical traditions, but also highlights the breathtaking beauty of the country’s landscapes and historic sites.

“These videos still give me goose bumps!” a viewer from Nepal, Banaz Gurung, commented on YouTube, reflecting the emotional impact of this innovative project.

Behind Crazy Folk is a talented group of young musicians in their late 20s and early 30s, all classically trained at prestigious music conservatories.

Li Haoyan, one of the project’s core team members, said the appeal of traditional Chinese music lies not only in its distinctive sound, but also in the aesthetic beauty of the instruments themselves.

“Traditional Chinese music is incredibly expressive,” said Li. “The instruments evoke powerful emotions, and visually, they are captivating to modern audiences.”

Young people in China are increasingly drawn to their cultural heritage, seeking to reconnect with traditional values in a world being rapidly shaped by globalization, she added.

Connecting with heritage

The team’s mission is not just to preserve these ancient sounds but to breathe new life into them through technology. By using artificial intelligence and storytelling, they are creating new ways to present traditional music and incorporating history, museum artifacts, and cultural relics into their performances.

For Xue Yiying, a 26-year-old erhu player from Chengdu, Sichuan province, performing traditional music in a modern context feels both nostalgic and fresh. “I grew up playing the erhu, learning the instrument from my grandmother, who was passionate about traditional Chinese music,” Xue recalled.

The erhu, often described as China’s answer to the violin, is known for its hauntingly beautiful tone and is capable of expressing a wide range of emotions.

“I used to play it in the typical, softer style,” Xue said, “but Crazy Folk opened my eyes to a whole new way of performing. We’re taking songs that people already love and giving them a new twist.”

Xue explained how playing a well-known pop song on an ancient instrument like the guqin or pipa injects new life into the piece. “It’s like rediscovering something familiar in a completely new way,” she said.

“These instruments are timeless. Our goal isn’t just to preserve tradition but to show how these instruments, some over 1,000 years old, can still move and inspire audiences today — especially younger generations who may never have paid attention to them before.”

This growing interest among China’s youth is part of a broader cultural movement. Many young Chinese are consciously reconnecting with their heritage, seeing traditional music as a way to explore their identity in an era of rapid change.

Central to this resurgence is the guofeng (national style) movement, which celebrates Chinese aesthetics in fashion, music, and art. The rise of guofeng music, in particular, is a testament to the blending of ancient melodies with modern production techniques, combining classical poetry, traditional instruments, and contemporary themes. This fusion has fostered a greater appreciation for traditional Chinese art forms, especially among younger audiences.

Social media platforms like Douyin and Bilibili have played a pivotal role in the movement’s expansion. Viral videos of traditional Chinese instruments, modern pop covers, and collaborations between classical and contemporary artists have brought these ancient sounds to the forefront. This digital exposure has made traditional music more accessible, and more importantly, relevant to today’s youth.

Veteran virtuoso

One of the most popular folk musicians among young users of Bilibili is the gray-haired pipa player Fang Jinlong.

Aged in his early 60s, Fang became a viral star after he gave a 12-minute performance at the New Year’s Eve concert on Dec 31,2019, which was livestreamed. The performance, Rhythm World, featured Fang performing with a 100-member orchestra. He played an array of traditional musical instruments from China, India, Italy, and Japan, and even performed a solo by tapping on his own face. To appeal to young fans, he incorporated elements from Chinese martial arts culture, American folk music and Japanese anime.

Since that performance, Fang has been sharing videos showcasing the versatility of ancient Chinese musical instruments by working with players of various styles, from classical musicians to rock stars.

“Never doubt the charm of traditional Chinese music. All you need to do is to watch and listen,” said Fang, who has great confidence in the appeal of these old instruments.

“Though the instruments are very old, they can be fun and contemporary. What I need to do is to experiment and let the music reach the young people.”

Other art forms based in tradition, such as classic Chinese dance and hanfu, are also rising in popularity with young people.

“This interest is partly driven by a desire to reconnect with traditional values and aesthetics in a rapidly modernizing and globalized world. For them, traditional Chinese music, with its deep historical roots, symbolizes a rich cultural legacy that offers a sense of identity and belonging,” Fang said.

Another rising star in the guofeng movement is Little Green Onion, a group of musicians led by songwriter Zhou Mingcong.

With their hybrid of pop and traditional music, they have captivated audiences with songs like Bi Shang Guan, or Reflections on the Walls, which has been viewed over 100 million times since its release in 2019.Inspired by the Mogao Caves mural paintings in Dunhuang, Gansu province, Zhou’s music evokes memories of China’s distant past while remaining contemporary.

This year, the song was adapted and re-performed on social media platforms over 300,000 times, making it a hit again. Veteran vocalist Gong Linna also did a version of the song.

Cultural DNA

Zhou, who studied at the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, describes his work as a blend of pop and Peking Opera. His first release, Kuang Lang Sheng, explored themes of loneliness and dreams through the lens of traditional Chinese opera and delighted listeners across China.

“Chinese music and operas have a unique charm,” said Zhou. “It’s like cultural DNA in our blood. The moment we hear traditional music, we understand it on a deep, emotional level. It connects us to something ancient yet profoundly present.”

Zhou pointed out that guofeng’s influence is not just confined to music. The style is increasingly appearing in video games, notably Black Myth: Wukong, a hit action game based on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.

The game’s soundtrack blends traditional Chinese instruments with modern orchestral music, creating a cinematic experience that resonates with fans of both ancient culture and modern gaming.

The ability to blend old and new is what makes guofeng music so relevant today, Zhou said. In a world where cultural pride is rising alongside technological advances, traditional Chinese music has found its place once again. This renaissance is not about nostalgia, but about evolution — taking the best of the past and fusing it with the possibilities of the future, he added.

MIL OSI China News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New Norfolk man charged over vehicle incident

Source: Tasmania Police

New Norfolk man charged over vehicle incident

Wednesday, 23 October 2024 – 3:08 pm.

A 23-year-old New Norfolk man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm and failing to stop after being involved in a crash, after an incident in New Norfolk last week.
The man was arrested today, and police will allege he deliberately drove his vehicle at another man on Burnett St about 7:20pm on Monday, 14 October.
The man suffered significant injuries and has since being receiving medical attention in hospital. The men are known to each other.
The charged man is expected to appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court later this evening.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au.

MIL OSI News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Energy storage solutions drive net-zero transition, says GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

Energy storage solutions drive net-zero transition, says GlobalData

Posted in Disruptor

In the race to achieve net-zero emissions, advanced energy storage technologies are emerging as a game-changer, transforming how various sectors harness renewable power. The latest breakthroughs, ranging from sodium-ion batteries that slash costs and improve safety to ultra-fast charging solutions that accelerate EV adoption, are reshaping the energy management across automotive, aerospace, residential, and commercial & industrial sectors among others, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Saurabh Daga, Project Manager of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData, comments: “Energy storage technologies are emerging as a cornerstone for the global shift to renewables, addressing critical challenges of intermittency and grid stability. Advanced solutions like solid-state batteries and sodium-ion alternatives are not just supplementing traditional lithium-ion systems but are driving significant improvements in safety, lifecycle, and cost efficiency. As industries from automotive to aerospace adopt these innovations, the potential to significantly reduce energy costs and cut greenhouse gas emissions becomes a tangible reality.”

GlobalData’s latest Innovation Radar report, “Energy Storage: The Key to Unlocking a Sustainable Future”, highlights sector-specific advances and strategic innovations in energy storage, showcasing their potential to reshape industries like automotive, aerospace, and residential energy management.

Automotive: Volkswagen subsidiary PowerCo’s partnership with QuantumScape has led to solid-state battery prototypes that could extend electric vehicle (EV) ranges up to 500,000 kilometers, setting new standards for durability and charging efficiency.

Aerospace: GM Defense, a General Motors subsidiary, has developed an Ultium EV platform-based energy storage system for military use. The system supports multiple motors and adaptable configurations, reducing fossil fuel reliance and supply chain risks with its chemistry-agnostic design.

Residential: Eaton’s collaboration with Tesla integrates Powerwall systems with advanced load management to provide homeowners with optimized energy use and backup capabilities during grid outages.

Commercial & Industrial: Delectrik’s Vanadium flow batteries provide scalable, long-duration storage solutions for utility-scale renewable energy projects, and claim to reduce costs by up to 25% compared to traditional lithium-ion solutions.

Daga concludes: “Energy storage is at the heart of the sustainable energy revolution, with the potential to transform how we store, manage, and deploy renewable power. Success will depend on scaling these technologies to meet the growing demand and fostering cross-industry collaborations that accelerate their adoption.”

MIL OSI Economics –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dressing gown portrait and “Boris Godunov”. We look at the exhibition “Pushkin at Tropinin”

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Exhibition “Pushkin at Tropinin’s”in the V.A. Tropinin Museum and Moscow artists of his time is dedicated to the 225th anniversary of the poet’s birth, which is widely celebrated this year. The exhibition is the result of cooperation between three cultural institutions; the All-Russian A.S. Pushkin Museum in St. Petersburg (its president, Doctor of Cultural Studies Sergei Nekrasov, became one of the curators) and the Moscow Art Theatre Museum also took part in the preparation. Tatyana Prokhorova, curator, PhD in Art History, and head of the exhibition department of the V.A. Tropinin Museum, told mos.ru how to view the exhibition.

History of the creation of the work

The exhibition is about the most important event for Russian culture in the second quarter of the 19th century – the creation of one of the two most successful portraits of Alexander Pushkin. This one, known as the negligee one, was painted by the best Moscow portraitist of that time, Vasily Tropinin.

In the first hall, visitors get acquainted with the history of the work – almost a detective story. Its first owner was Alexander Pushkin’s friend Sergei Sobolevsky. The fact is that Sobolevsky did not like any of the previously painted portraits of the poet, which is not surprising – many of his contemporaries held a similar opinion. Firstly, Pushkin did not like to pose, and secondly, his appearance was very complex and textured: characteristic facial features, a mobile look, incredibly lively facial expressions. In all earlier portraits, the dynamic image of the poet seemed frozen – smoothed out, as Sobolevsky said. Therefore, according to one version, he decided to order a portrait from Tropinin. According to another version, the portrait was ordered by Pushkin himself: he wanted to thank his friend, with whom he stayed during a memorable visit to Moscow in the winter season of 1826-1827, and went to pose in the artist’s studio on Volkhonka.

Walking tour “Tropinin places”

“Then Pushkin presented the portrait to Sobolevsky – “with various farces”, as the addressee describes. Pushkin took the empty frame and sat down so that he himself would be in it, and ordered a servant to hold the finished portrait. When Sobolevsky entered, Pushkin began to grimace in his characteristic manner, make pompous grimaces, puff out his lips and roll his eyes. Sobolevsky laughed – he really liked the presentation. He liked the portrait itself: in it, he saw his friend as he was in life. Probably, only the best Moscow portraitist could capture this liveliness,” says Tatyana Prokhorova.

Then the detective part of the story begins. Leaving for Europe, Sobolevsky ordered a copy of the portrait from the amateur artist Avdotya Elagina, and left the original in her house for safekeeping. When he returned, he found only a poorly made copy in the frame, and the portrait itself was missing, and Sobolevsky was inconsolable.

About 20 years passed, and the portrait was accidentally discovered in a junk shop by Mikhail Obolensky. He was the grandnephew of Irakli Morkov, a landowner and former owner of Vasily Tropinin: until the age of 40, the artist was a serf, but he painted Pushkin’s portrait after becoming a free man. Upon seeing the portrait, Obolensky immediately recognized it, because he himself had posed for Tropinin since childhood, took it and brought it to the studio. It was an exciting moment for the artist, he almost did not believe that his work would be found after so many years, but he recognized the portrait. Tropinin in no way agreed to renew it, as Obolensky asked, he only cleaned it and varnished it for the new owner.

The first hall features a childhood portrait of Mikhail Obolensky, as well as a self-portrait of Vasily Tropinin himself: in it, he depicted himself at the age when Pushkin posed for him. This is the author’s repetition of the 1824 painting, made in 1855.

An exhibition about a portrait… without the portrait itself

The exhibition, says Tatyana Prokhorova, is conceptual in that it tells about the famous portrait without showing it: the portrait is the core of the permanent exhibition of the All-Russian A.S. Pushkin Museum on the Moika River Embankment (building 12), and it cannot be traveled.

“But our colleagues kindly provided us with two preparatory works for the portrait – a pencil sketch and a painting study. We can see how Tropinin was looking for the image of Pushkin. In the small study (Tropinin made such before almost every large portrait) he tries to capture the liveliness of the poet’s nature. When the work was finished, the Moscow Telegraph wrote that the resemblance to the hero was striking. And in the pencil drawing, the artist looks for the general image – the pose, works out the details of the robe. Both are reflected in the large portrait,” explains Tatyana Prokhorova.

In the famous portrait, Pushkin is depicted in a dressing gown, and here it is not just home clothes, but an important symbol of freedom. In the literature of that time, this had already become commonplace: the philosopher Denis Diderot wrote that a dressing gown is the clothing of a free man. Pushkin’s friend Pyotr Vyazemsky dedicated several poems to the dressing gown: he wrote about it as a symbol of free creativity, contrasting it with the official livery and uniform, usually buttoned up to the top.

As for freedom, Pushkin and Tropinin could easily have found a common language: by that time they both had experienced unfreedom (although, of course, it is difficult to compare). The unfreedom of the aristocrat Pushkin was connected with freethinking and censorship and was limited only to his stay in exile, and his arrival in Moscow and readings of the innovative Boris Godunov here marked its end. If we draw parallels with Tropinin, then three years before meeting Pushkin, he received his freedom – and immediately presented to the public his main programmatic work, The Lacemaker, also innovative in its genre. The audience was struck by the beauty of the serf girl, the liveliness and love with which Tropinin depicts her. The artist received the title of appointed academician, during the three years spent in Moscow, he became the founder of the genre of portrait-type and the best portraitist of the city, receiving many orders.

Tropinin had done robe portraits before, but, as literary sources say, after he painted Pushkin, they became fashionable, and the artist became a master in this genre. When he was commissioned to paint male portraits, they would always add: “Please, in a robe.” The exhibition features two more robe portraits by Tropinin – the composer Alexander Alyabyev and the Moscow nobleman Vladimir Raevsky.

Visit to Moscow and circle of friends

The second hall of the exhibition is dedicated to the poet’s visit to Moscow in the autumn of 1826, when the portrait was painted. After the sudden death of Alexander I, Nicholas I ascended the throne, and Pushkin wrote to the new emperor a petition for clemency. He summoned the poet to an audience at the Chudov Monastery – Nicholas I was in Moscow for the coronation festivities. Pushkin, who was in permanent exile in Mikhailovskoye, prepared very seriously for the meeting and expected a difficult conversation: the Decembrist uprising on Senate Square had already taken place, and it essentially marked the beginning of Nicholas I’s reign.

The poet and the emperor talked for two hours. The fateful meeting, which changed a lot in Pushkin’s life, ended with Nicholas releasing him from exile and promising to become his personal censor. That same evening, the emperor was at a reception with the French ambassador, where he said that “today I spoke with the smartest man in Russia.” The crowd began to whisper Pushkin’s name, Moscow opened its hospitable arms to the poet. In homes and salons, he read his newly written drama “Boris Godunov”, which was greeted with applause. The euphoria of freedom (its illusion, as it turned out a little later) made the poet’s head spin.

On one of the walls of the second hall is a map of Moscow of that time, with the key addresses that Pushkin visited during this visit. Next to it is a display case – a unique installation that presents the world of objects from Pushkin’s era: here are inkwells, smoking pipes, candlesticks, champagne glasses and much more, which allows you to better feel the atmosphere and spirit of old Moscow.

Slept in the theater, lost at cards, argued with his mother-in-law: what else did Pushkin do in Moscow

On another wall are watercolor and graphic portraits of the poet’s Moscow friends and acquaintances with references to addresses on the map. Of course, this is not everyone with whom Pushkin communicated, but people who were very important to him. For example, in the late 1820s, the magazine Moskovsky Vestnik began to be published, the editor-in-chief of which was Mikhail Pogodin, a historian and archivist. Pushkin’s closest literary circle – Vasily Zhukovsky, Anton Delvig, Pyotr Vyazemsky – did not sympathize with the magazine, but Pushkin was close enough to Pogodin and found his platform in this magazine.

You can see a portrait of Ekaterina Semenova. The former serf actress was already Princess Gagarina at that time, moved from St. Petersburg to Moscow, led a social life and only occasionally participated in amateur performances. Pushkin was her ardent admirer and claimed that when it comes to Russian tragedy, one can only talk about Semenova. They met in Moscow, and later, when Boris Godunov was first published, at the turn of 1831-1832, Pushkin gave her the book and signed it: “To the actress from the author, to Semenova from Pushkin.” The first edition of the book is presented in a display case – Pushkin signed the same one to Semenova.

Pushkin also dedicated enthusiastic lines to Zinaida Volkonskaya, calling her the queen of muses and beauty. During his visit to Moscow in 1826, he often visited her salon, where Alexander Sergeyevich was greeted with honor: Volkonskaya, a beautiful singer, came out to the poet, performing a romance based on his verses “The daylight went out.”

Pushkin’s brother Lev Sergeevich was his literary secretary, had a phenomenal memory and knew literally all of his works by heart. When Lev Pushkin died, they said that part of Alexander Sergeevich’s poetry went with him, because many things were not written down, drafts were not preserved, but his memory kept everything.

“Boris Godunov”

Pushkin had to interrupt his 1826 visit to Moscow – at that time he went to Mikhailovskoye on business, and was also forced to explain there to the head of the third section of His Imperial Majesty’s Chancellery, Alexander Benckendorff, about the readings of Boris Godunov. The illusion of freedom and the absence of censorship collapsed. Nicholas I, having received the manuscript of the drama through Benckendorff, wrote a review: he recommended reworking the work in the manner of a historical novel in the spirit of Walter Scott. To this Pushkin replied that he was not in the habit of rewriting what had already been written.

From Mikhailovskoye Pushkin returned to Moscow, where he was again met in the salon of Zinaida Volkonskaya. A historic event took place there: they were seeing off Maria, the wife of the Decembrist Sergei Volkonsky, to Siberia. Pushkin wrote the famous “In the Depths of Siberian Mines” then, and arrived the next morning with a finished poem, but Volkonskaya had already left. It was sent to Siberia later, with another Decembrist’s wife, Alexandra Muravyova.

The readings of Boris Godunov continued. The drama was an absolute innovation, in it Pushkin departed from the chanting declamatory versification accepted in the French tradition and wrote very beautifully and poetically, as they say, in simple Russian. It was astonishing. Mikhail Pogodin described what the listeners felt when Pushkin read Boris Godunov to them:

“We heard a simple, clear, distinct and at the same time poetic, fascinating speech. We listened to the first events quietly and calmly, or, better to say, in some bewilderment. …we all seemed to have lost consciousness. Some were flushed, others shivered. Hair stood on end. There was no longer any strength to restrain ourselves. One would suddenly jump up from his seat, another would scream. Some had tears in their eyes, some had a smile on their lips. The reading ended. We looked at each other for a long time and then rushed to Pushkin. Embraces began, a noise arose, laughter rang out, tears flowed, congratulations. “Here, here, give me the cups!” Champagne appeared, and Pushkin was inspired, seeing such an effect on his chosen youth.”

The exhibition’s scientific consultant, literary and art historian Elena Arkhipova, is also convinced that Pushkin should not only be read, but also listened to. That’s why the creators made a special installation in the second hall.

“In it, Boris Godunov can be seen: Pushkin’s manuscripts, his handwriting are in front of the viewer. The drama can be heard: the Moscow Art Theatre Museum provided us with a radio play, and we used directional speakers so that you could immerse yourself in the poetry. We hope that our viewers will feel the same as Pogodin describes. So, after almost 200 years, we can say: Pushkin is back with Tropinin,” says Tatyana Prokhorova.

The exhibition at the V.A. Tropinin Museum and Moscow artists of his time is open until December 22.

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

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145618073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: In October, the service “Removal of Unnecessary Things” receives about a thousand applications per week

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Service “Removal of unnecessary things” is becoming increasingly popular among Muscovites. Every week in October, about a thousand applications for the disposal of items are received from residents of the capital. Most often, city residents get rid of worn-out sofas, electronics and old household appliances, including washing machines and refrigerators.

With the help of the service, Muscovites can get rid of unnecessary things in a simple, convenient and environmentally friendly way. City residents do not need to look for movers and transport, special disposal sites – the removal of household appliances and metal objects is handled by a partner company connected to the service. At the appointed time, the craftsmen will come to the user, take out old and unnecessary things from the apartment, lower them down and load them into the car. If necessary, they will disconnect the equipment from communications and the power grid. However, built-in equipment, such as a dishwasher, must be dismantled by the owners themselves.

To remove unnecessary things you will need fill out an online application on the mos.ru portal. You need to specify the address, items and their quantity. Then you should select the expected date and time of removal.

Things are sent to environmentally friendly recycling points. More than 85 percent returned items are recycled, and the resulting material is reused. Thus, thanks to the service, you can not only get rid of old things, but also take care of the environment. After all, old household appliances contain dangerous elements, toxic additives and heavy metals that lead to soil erosion, groundwater and air pollution.

How to celebrate in the capital’s Department of Information Technology, Residents of all districts of Moscow who have a valid ID can use the service. a standard or full account on the mos.ru portal. Large-sized equipment, metal products, cars and motorcycles are removed free of charge.

Sergei Sobyanin told how the service “Removal of unnecessary things” helps Muscovites

Work and development service “Removal of unnecessary things” supervise the capital’s departments information technology, housing and communal services and the State Institution “New Management Technologies”. Removal services are provided by a specialized partner organization.

The use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to improve the quality of life of city residents corresponds to the objectives of the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” and the regional project of the capital “Digital Public Administration”. More information about this and other national projects implemented in Moscow, You can find out here.

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

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

http://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145648073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Sing like a star, paint like an artist: how to spend a weekend at the Moskino cinema park

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

On the weekend of October 26 and 27, visitors cinema park “Moskino”There will be master classes in graffiti, drawing and making pictures from threads, making movie clappers, training in face painting and acting, vocals and breakdancing. There will also be an animated sand show, a creative meeting with production designer Sergei Fevralev and other events.

Entrance is by tickets, which can be purchased online. The cost of one ticket for an adult is 600 rubles, for a child under 18 years old – 350 rubles. Buying in advance will cost less than on the days of the event. Cash payment is not provided. Those who plan to visit only the cinema do not need to buy an entrance ticket.

Moscow Holidays Master Classes: String Art, Movie Clappers, and Face Painting

On Saturday and Sunday, Moscow schoolchildren can have an interesting time at the Moskino cinema park. Especially for children who are currently on vacation, the educational center of the cinema park has prepared exciting master classes in string art, making a movie clapperboard, and face painting.

String art is a technique for creating bright pictures using threads. At the master class, guests will learn how to properly prepare materials, stretch the threads to create different patterns. A unique picture can be a great decoration for your home.

During the class on making a movie clapperboard, visitors to the cinema park will learn that this is an important tool in cinematography that synchronizes sound and image. Participants will be told how to choose materials, assemble a movie clapperboard, and use it correctly.

At a master class on creating bright designs on faces using special paints, guests will be told how to prepare the skin and create various patterns.

Master classes of “Media Academy”: acting, dancing and vocals

During the acting class, participants will learn the basics of stage movement and speech, as well as how to work on a character’s image and what acting techniques exist. Experienced teachers will give valuable advice that visitors can use in everyday life.

At another master class, guests of the cinema park will get acquainted with the basic elements of dance in a special class, learn to feel the rhythm and music, and also show their individuality to create a unique dance style.

At the vocal lesson “Sing Like a Star!” experienced teachers will help you master the basics of vocals, show you how to breathe and sing correctly, and also work on your voice so that it becomes beautiful and expressive. This master class is not only a chance to learn to sing, but also an opportunity to broaden your horizons, meet new people and enjoy the learning process.

Gonzaga Theatre venue: light art show, sand animation and a lecture on painting

On Saturday, October 26, a rich artistic program is planned at the Gonzaga Theater, which will give the cinema park guests the opportunity to admire the work of lighting designers and help develop their imagination to create their own paintings.

On Saturday and Sunday at 12:00, 14:00 and 16:00 guests will enjoy artistic animation with sand, and at 13:00 and 15:00 – a bright light art show. At 17:00 a creative meeting with the production designer of the Moskino cinema park Sergey Fevralev will begin.

The light art show will allow visitors to the cinema park to immerse themselves in a world of magic and light. Bright installations and visual effects will create an incredible atmosphere.

Artistic animation with sand performed by professionals will show how amazing images and plots are born from this material. Artists-animators will turn fantasies into reality, creating real masterpieces.

Film screenings in Moskino cinemas

This weekend, movie lovers will see some interesting films. For the first time, the Moskino Kinopark movie theater will host a screening as part of the Theater in Cinema program. Viewers will be presented with Boris Eifman’s ballet The Pygmalion Effect. The author offers an interpretation of the archetypal story about a sculptor who falls in love with the statue of a beautiful girl he created. You can watch the ballet on the big screen on Saturday, October 26, for 500 rubles.

In addition, cinema-goers will see the long-awaited new release, the adventure blockbuster “Ognivo”, the plot of which combines Russian folklore and the fairy tale of Hans Christian Andersen. The weekend repertoire also includes the film “Ruki Vverkh!” and the winner of the Cannes Film Festival “Anora”. The cost is from 250 rubles. You can find out the schedule of screenings and buy tickets on the website.

Fairy tale park of the cinema park

The fairy tale park will once again host the beloved musical animation program “Musical Photo Check”. To different songs, children will show the emotion that is in the music, and at that moment they will be photographed. As a result, there will be many beautiful photos with different emotions. In addition, children will be able to dance and take part in competitions.

Festival “Art. Photo. Cinema”

This weekend, the central square of the cinema park will host the festival “Art. Photo. Cinema” – a unique cultural event that unites creativity, craftsmanship and inspiration. You must purchase a ticket – you can visit during one day or two days.

Guests will be able to take part in a graffiti master class, draw sketches, make a caricature, visit themed photo zones, an exhibition and a market for sculptors, artists and photographers. Everyone will be able to dance to the rhythmic melodies of drummers on barrels, take a quest dedicated to art, attend a class with art school teachers, learn to break dance and watch living statues.

Graffiti classes will allow guests to immerse themselves in the world of street art, and experienced teachers will tell about the basics of dance and demonstrate their application on the dance floor.

Sketching is the creation of quick and expressive sketches to convey emotions without long drawings. Caricaturists will create caricature portraits that accurately depict character and mood.

The exhibition and market for sculptors, artists and photographers will feature unique works by talented authors. Thematic photo zones and living statues will allow you to create bright and stylish photos. Here, drummers will perform musical compositions on barrels.

At the art school master class, guests will learn the secrets of professional techniques and will be able to improve their skills. The quest dedicated to art will become an exciting adventure with creative tasks and a search for hidden objects. At the break dance class, everyone will learn the basics of this energetic dance under the guidance of instructors.

Exhibition in front of the Vadim Zadorozhny Museum of Technology

The parking lot in front of the Vadim Zadorozhny Museum of Technology will feature a large-scale exhibition of military equipment, including airborne and infantry armored vehicles, as well as support vehicles, including the BMD-1, BTR-60, BTR-70, Ural-375, GAZ-66, and BTR-60. The photo exhibition “Behind the Tape” will feature photos from a special military operation, sometimes taken at risk to the lives of reporters.

“City Yard”, “Pitersky Bar”, “Cowboy Town” and “Moscow in the 1940s”

At the “City Yard” site, guests of the cinema park will be in a musical mood all day long. Street musicians will delight visitors with immortal hits. An unforgettable adventure awaits guests at the “Pitersky Bar”. Here, on the staged set of an episode based on the film “The Three Musketeers”, guests will immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the legendary novel and film, and take themed photos as a keepsake.

A real cowboy party awaits guests at the Cowboy Town site. Visitors will be able to transform into a Western hero in a staged scene based on the famous film The Man from Boulevard des Capucines. Everyone will be able to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the Wild West, take original photos in a cowboy style, and use all the necessary props, including a Wanted frame.

For a complete transformation, costume complexes are provided, which will travel around the territory. To maintain a good mood, street musicians will perform for the guests of the cinema park.

The Moscow of the 1940s site recreates the atmosphere of the post-war era, where the music of those years will take the guests of the cinema park into the past. With the help of special filters, visitors will be able to get a Soviet photograph, and a costume van will help everyone to transform into a hero of that time. Street musicians will delight guests with their creativity all day long.

A weekend at the Moskino cinema park is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of cinema and try yourself in different creative directions with family or friends.

The Moskino Cinema Park is part of Sergei Sobyanin’s Moscow — City of Cinema project and a facility of the Moscow Cinema Cluster. At the moment, the first stage of its development has been completed — 18 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been built in the cinema park. Among them are the sets of Moscow Center, Moscow of the 1940s, Vitebsk Station, Yurovo Airport, Moscow Cathedral Square, Deaf Village, Partisan Village, County Town, Cowboy Town, St. Petersburg Bar and other sites.

The capital’s film cluster also includes the Maxim Gorky Film Studio (sites on Ryazansky Prospekt, Sergei Eisenstein Street and Valdaisky Proezd), the Moskino cinema chain, the film commission and the Moskino film platform.

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

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145653073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Muscovites can become volunteers for the portal “Our City”

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

Residents of the capital can become volunteers of the portal “Our City”. Since the beginning of the year, 800 active citizens have checked more than 42 thousand works that were carried out according to messages left on the portal.

Muscovites have access to various topics for monitoring. For example, they can observe the condition of city charging stations for electric vehicles or city clocks, filling sandboxes, repairing mailboxes or replacing light bulbs in the entrance hall, assessing the content of car and bicycle parking lots, as well as bike rental points.

How to get started volunteering

Anyone, regardless of age or profession, can join the ranks of volunteers on the Our City portal and contribute to the development of the capital: a student, a pensioner, a teacher or a builder. To do this, you need to log in to the portal using your mos.ru account, go tosection “About the portal” and choose section “Volunteering”. After reviewing with the rules Andinstructions All that remains is to click on the button “I want to become a volunteer”.

Then you need to select one or more tasks on the topics and addresses of interest, conduct a check within three days and take a photo of the results. The photo must be sent to the portal with a comment on the quality of the work performed. In the personal account, the volunteer will be able to track the task’s completion by city services.

For each confirmation or refutation of the elimination of a defect identified by another user published on the portal, the volunteer will be awarded 50 points of the city loyalty program “A Million Prizes”. The points you receive can be donated to charity, used to top up your Troika card, your parking account in the Parking of Russia app, or exchanged for discounts in stores, pharmacies, and Moscow cultural institutions.

Portal “Our City” was created in 2011 to improve the quality of life of Muscovites and the appearance of the capital with the active participation of the residents themselves. Over 13 years, the portal has helped resolve over 9.6 million issues, and is used by over 2.3 million city residents. The portal is developing Department of Information Technology of the City of Moscow together with the State Institution “New Management Technologies”.

Since the beginning of the year, the portal “Our City” has helped solve 1.4 million questions of Muscovites River transport: a new subcategory has appeared on the portal “Our City”Feed on the main screen and new buttons: additional functions have appeared in the mobile application “Our City”

The use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence to improve the quality of life of city residents is in line with the objectives of the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” and the capital’s regional project “Digital Public Administration”. More information about this and other national projects being implemented in Moscow can be found find out here.

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

Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

https://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145626073/

MIL OSI Russia News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Man arrested in east London as Met tackles criminals who target parcel delivery drivers

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been arrested in an intelligence-led operation as part of the Met’s ongoing response to thefts and robberies from parcel delivery vans and drivers.

At around 14:30hrs on Tuesday, 22 October, officers based in Newham supported by Flying Squad colleagues stopped a car in High Street South, East Ham. The driver, a man aged in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of theft from a parcel delivery van in addition to failing to stop for police and driving offences.

He was found to be in possession of a number of parcels which are believed to have been stolen less than 30 minutes earlier from a parcel delivery van in Newham. The driver of the van had briefly left his vehicle to deliver a parcel, when three males broke into the van and made off with a number of packages.

Enquiries are ongoing to locate the two outstanding suspects.

In seeking to evade arrest, the arrested man’s vehicle collided with three police vehicles. Thankfully no officer was injured. The man was taken to hospital as a precaution due to injuries sustained during the collisions.

DCI Laura Hillier, Specialist Crime, said: “A team of police officers, including specialist Met Taskforce and Flying Squad detectives, are continuing an operation to tackle crime against parcel delivery firms and their staff.

“As one suspect found out this afternoon, we are using innovative tactics and dedicating significant resources to identify those believed to be responsible and arrest them.

“Anyone with information about people who commit these offences is urged to call 101 or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers and quote Operation Soslink.”

MIL Security OSI –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LC: Speech by CS in presenting Government Minute in response to Report No. 82 of Public Accounts Committee

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Following is the speech (translated from Chinese) by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, in presenting the Government Minute in response to Report No. 82 of the Public Accounts Committee in the Legislative Council today (October 23):

President,

Laid on the table today is the Government Minute (GM) responding to Report No. 82 of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) presented to the Legislative Council (LegCo) on July 17, 2024.

I welcome the Report of the PAC and am grateful for the time and efforts devoted by the Chairman of the PAC, Mr Shiu Ka-fai, and members of the PAC. The Government accepts all the PAC’s various recommendations and sets out in detail in the GM the specific responses of the relevant bureau and departments (B/Ds). The PAC conducted public hearings on the chapters on “Emergency dental services and elderly dental care support” and “Provision and monitoring of Rehabus services”. I would like to highlight the key follow-up measures taken and progress made by the Government and relevant organisations in response to the recommendations.

Regarding improvements to the services of the General Public (GP) Sessions, the Department of Health (DH) has adjusted the preliminary registration time at nine dental clinics to prevent elderly persons from waiting until midnight. Among these, the time of disc distribution and formal registration at the Mona Fong Dental Clinic have also been adjusted so that patients can receive service after formal registration as soon as possible. The DH will roll out an online electronic disc distribution and registration system before the end of this year. By then, members of the public will no longer need to queue in person for obtaining discs, and will receive real-time information on the remaining disc quotas, i.e. they will know the number of disc quotas remaining on a real-time basis, so as to ensure that all quotas can be fully utilised. The system will give registration priority to elderly persons aged 65 or above. In addition, the Government will enhance emergency dental services targeting the underprivileged groups with financial difficulties in collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) under a new service model in 2025. The target is to provide additional service capacity which will be at least two times the current capacity of GP sessions. To ensure limited resources can be deployed to those in need (in particular the underprivileged groups), the Government will examine the cost-effectiveness and service arrangement of the GP sessions, and consider the need of introducing means tests or other eligibility criteria for emergency dental services, or other proposals such as replacement by provision of services to underprivileged groups in need by NGOs. This is to ensure the effective use of public healthcare resources.

Regarding dental services in public hospitals, the DH has convened joint service meetings with the Hospital Authority (HA) and maintained relevant information as recommended in the Report. The HA also regularly monitors the achievement of targets on the waiting time for new case appointments at its Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Dental Clinics, and assess patients’ conditions in a timely manner so as to arrange their first appointments as soon as possible. Furthermore, the DH and the HA have initiated discussions on the merging of hospital dental services and will take into account the observations and recommendations in the Audit Report.

To alleviate the manpower shortage, the DH is conducting the year-round recruitment of local full-time and part-time dentists, provides incremental credits based on the applicants’ work experience, and relaxes the Chinese language proficiency entry requirements for the positions. The latest batch of 10 part-time contract dentists took office sequentially from July to September 2024, and 42 full-time dentists took office in September 2024. In addition, following the passage of the Dentists Registration (Amendment) Bill 2024 by the LegCo on July 10, 2024, the DH has been working with the Dental Council of Hong Kong to admit the first batch of non-locally trained dentists to Hong Kong through the new mechanism in the first quarter of 2025 so as to serve the public.

As for elderly dental care support, the DH has further ascertained the reasons for non-participation in the Outreach Dental Care Programme for the Elderly (ODCP) of residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs), day care centres for the elderly, and NGOs. The DH has also established a new mechanism with the Social Welfare Department to follow up with non-participating RCHEs and strengthen promotional work in encouraging the RCHEs to join the ODCP. Moreover, the DH has taken measures to ensure the participating NGOs’ fulfilment of their responsibilities according to the funding and service agreement terms. Except for during the COVID-19 epidemic when there were restrictions on visits to the RCHEs, the overall target number of service in 2023-24 were met.

The DH has encouraged more private dentists to enrol in the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (EHVS) through various means, such as introducing the EHVS at meetings or events organised by the Hong Kong Dental Association. The DH will continue to send reminder notifications and messages through the eHealth System (Subsidies) to healthcare service providers enrolled in the Scheme regularly, reminding them to update their enrolment particulars. Upon receiving notifications of change of particulars from healthcare service providers, the DH will process them and update the information on the website of the EHVS as soon as practicable. In addition to making use of private dental services in Hong Kong, eligible elderly persons may make use of the Elderly Health Care Vouchers (EHCVs) to pay for outpatient dental services at the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH) and its Huawei Li Zhi Yuan Community Health Service Center (Huawei CHC) since 2015 and 2023 respectively. Moreover, the Government launched the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme (Pilot Scheme) in 2024. From June to September this year, the Pilot Scheme has been implemented in seven integrated services medical institutions or dental healthcare institutions that provide dental services in Guangzhou, Nansha, Zhongshan, Dongguan and Shenzhen, and eligible Hong Kong elderly persons may choose from more service points. Together with the two service points at the HKU-SZH and the Huawei CHC, elderly persons may pay for outpatient dental service fees with the EHCVs at a total of nine services points of the medical institutions in Mainland cities within the Greater Bay Area.

Regarding the Elderly Dental Assistance Programme (EDAP) funded by the Community Care Fund, the services under the programme have been optimised from July 2, 2024 with the essential requirement of fitting removable dentures relaxed. This allows eligible elderly persons to receive dental services specified under the EDAP even if they are not suitable for dentures. This enhancement measure aims to encourage eligible elderly persons to manage dental diseases at an early stage by opting for preventive and curative dental services, thereby retaining their natural teeth as much as possible and avoiding tooth extractions and denture fittings. To further encourage the elderly persons to apply for services under the EDAP, the Health Bureau (HHB) is promoting the above programme through district service units. The implementing agent has held briefing sessions to introduce the EDAP to dentists and encourage their participation. Apart from strengthening its communication with the implementing agent, the HHB has taken measures to ensure that improvements have been made to the EDAP implementation, including enhancing the eligibility checking mechanism to cover all eligibility criteria, publishing a list of participating dentists and dental clinics, and revising the guidelines provided to service units to specify the appointment scheduling process for applicants who have not indicated their preferred dentist and dental clinic. To expedite the processing of long outstanding cases, the implementing agent has amended the guidelines issued to dentists and dental clinics to clearly include the time limit for claiming fees, and has increased manpower and enhanced computer performance.

Based on the recommendations of the Working Group on Oral Health and Dental Care, the Government will strive to develop and promote primary dental care services in the future to help citizens manage their oral health, and to put prevention, early identification, and timely intervention of dental diseases into practice. The Government will also explore how to continue developing appropriate dental care services targeted at the underprivileged groups, including persons with financial difficulties, persons with disabilities or special needs and high risk groups. The target of the Working Group is to issue the Final Report before the end of its term by late 2024, and to present to the Government recommendations on implementing various policy directions and the development of dental services.

Regarding Provision and monitoring of Rehabus services, the Labour and Welfare Bureau (LWB) and the Transport Department (TD) have actively followed up on the comments and recommendations made by the Audit Commission and the PAC on the provision and monitoring of Rehabus services.

The TD is collecting data on the travelling needs of persons with disabilities through the Rehabus operators (the operators) for assessing the demand for Rehabus services. The LWB will review the policy and models of service delivery of Rehabus services upon receipt of relevant data and assessment. The TD is also reviewing the existing arrangement of signing Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the operators and considering the adoption of other legally binding regulatory approaches for more effective monitoring of Rehabus services.

To monitor the performance of the operators, the TD implemented various measures to ensure the operators’ strict compliance with the requirements stipulated in MOUs, including convening meetings of the Rehabus Management Committee and the Users’ Liaison Group as required, submitting the financial documents in a timely manner, etc. The TD also increased its regular meetings with the operators from once every quarter to once a month, and will conduct service reviews on an annual basis and set additional performance pledges.

Regarding the procurement of vehicles, the TD updated the relevant procurement guidelines with the operators and formulated an action checklist to ensure that staff concerned strictly comply with the relevant procurement requirements and procedures.

As regards the provision of scheduled route service, the TD is closely monitoring the operator’s review of the existing services and progress of route consolidation. In addition, as per the TD’s advice, the operator has provided connecting services to nearby railway stations or interchanges since September 2024 as an option for applicants who have been waiting for the service for some time. This arrangement will help reduce the number of applicants for the service, hence will shorten the waiting time as well.

As for the provision of dial-a-ride (DAR) service, the TD urged the operator to step up its efforts in recruiting drivers. The shortage of drivers has improved, and the rate of rejected orders of DAR service due to insufficient drivers also dropped. The TD is also closely monitoring the operator’s adoption of the new integrated computer system in arranging shared-use service, with a view to exploring the feasibility of further enhancing the shared-use arrangement.

Regarding the provision of feeder service, the TD reviewed with the operator the hospital routes and recreational routes with low patronage, and will continue to consolidate and enhance the service to improve operational efficiency. Subject to the manpower arrangement of drivers, the TD is also exploring with the operator the feasibility of further shortening the booking time of recreational route service. Furthermore, the TD explored with the operators the setting of a limit on the maximum number of carers for DAR service and feeder service, and will consult the stakeholders in due course. The TD will continue to monitor the operator’s implementation of various service enhancement pledges, increase the number of monitoring surveys, step up spot checks on the operator and accounting records, etc.

President, I would like to thank the PAC again for its efforts and suggestions. The B/Ds concerned will strictly adhere to their responses and implement various improvement measures as set out in the GM with full efforts.

Thank you, President.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two men jailed after murdering teenager yards from his home in Edmonton

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two men have been jailed after being found guilty of murdering a teenager in Edmonton.

The court heard how Bernard Carroll, 20 (26.12.23) of Church Street, Enfield and Josiah James Semper, 19 (31.03.05) of Cromie Close, Enfield pursued and fatally stabbed 16-year-old Taye Faik as he fled towards his home. Both were found guilty of Taye’s murder following the conclusion of a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 16 October.

At the same court on Tuesday, 22 October, both men were sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum term of 22 years.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, led the investigation. She said: “This was a shocking and brutal attack on a teenage boy who was yards from his front door.

“Semper was armed with a flick knife and inflicted the fatal wound, while Carroll drove the car to Kendal Gardens, fully in the knowledge that Semper was armed and in no doubt that significant violence would take place. It was evident from the investigation that there was a significant degree of planning involved.

“Taye’s family have had to endure the trauma of losing him and then hearing evidence of the attack throughout the trial process. While nothing can be done to ease their pain, I hope that the fact Carroll and Semper have been held to account for their part in Taye’s murder brings them a small degree of comfort.

“This conviction and the subsequent sentence should demonstrate the serious consequences and loss of life that is associated with carrying a knife. The sentencing today should act as a deterrent to anyone else in possession of such dangerous weapons.”

An investigation was launched after police were called at 23:27hrs on 1 October 2023 to reports of a stabbing in Kendal Gardens, N18. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, Taye died at the scene.

Taye had been out walking his dog and was yards from his home when he was attacked by at least two occupants who had got out of a waiting car. Witnesses reported hearing the attack and seeing the car driving at speed as it left the area. Taye made it back to his house where he collapsed in the hallway, fatally injured.

Detectives quickly began to piece together the events of that evening, initially using CCTV to plot the movements of a car that the attackers had used.

This car was later found abandoned in a nearby car park – it was on false registration plates and had been stolen a couple of weeks earlier.

A thorough investigation enabled officers to plot the movements of the vehicle and its occupants on the day Taye was attacked and fatally injured.

Bernard Carroll was arrested on 6 November 2023 after officers tracked him down to an address in Edmonton. He refused to answer any questions about the attack on Taye.

Josiah Semper had fled to Antigua shortly after the murder, but was arrested when he returned to the UK on 17 November 2023. Again, when questioned about the attack on Taye, he declined to answer any questions.

MIL Security OSI –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: NXP’s Advanced Trimension UWB Portfolio Hits the Road with Audi

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NXP’s Trimension NCJ29Dx family of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) fine-ranging ICs is deployed by Audi AG to enhance smart, hands-free secure car access functionality for the OEM’s new Premium Platform Electric (PPE)
The Trimension NCJ29Dx family is designed to deliver the robust, precise and secure ranging and connectivity required to meet the needs of global automotive OEMs to implement smart, secure access, as standardized by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC)
Audi’s PPE, jointly developed with Porsche, is the base for the company’s next generation of electric vehicles

EINDHOVEN, The Netherlands, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) today announced that its Trimension® NCJ29Dx family, part of one of the industry’s broadest UWB portfolios, is the technology foundation for Audi’s advanced new UWB platform, delivering the precise and secure real-time localization required by leading premium car manufacturers to enable hands-free secure car access via smart mobile device and other UWB-based features. Cars featuring NXP’s Trimension UWB devices, including the Audi Q6 e-tron, will hit the road in 2024.

Smart, secure car access leverages the fine-ranging capabilities of NXP’s extensive Trimension UWB portfolio to precisely identify the location of the driver in relation to the car, allowing the doors to be unlocked only when the driver is in close proximity to the car. Drivers can unlock and start their car hands-free using a digital key on a UWB-enabled mobile phone or wearable, which can remain in the driver’s pocket or bag.

“Audi has long been on the leading edge of automotive technology, and this new UWB-enabled platform is no exception,” said Ulf Warschat, Head of Development Body Electronics, Audi AG. “The precise and secure real-time localization delivered by NXP’s Trimension UWB portfolio ensures that our drivers will benefit from the advanced features and capabilities, allowing them to enjoy the driving experience in a whole new way.”

“NXP’s proven Trimension UWB platform enables OEMs to deliver new features for drivers, allowing secure and easy hands-free access to their cars, as well as supporting a variety of additional use cases like automated EV charging and more,” said Markus Staeblein, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Secure Car Access, NXP Semiconductors. “Building on our expertise and standardization efforts in bodies such as the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) and the FiRa Consortium, UWB will continue to drive new enhancements to the consumer automotive experience and is quickly becoming an essential component in the automotive ecosystem.”

The Trimension NCJ29Dx family is part of NXP’s portfolio of secure car access system solutions, which includes the NCF3340 NFC controller and the KW37 Bluetooth 5.0 Long-Range MCU. These devices are also in use by Audi as part of its new platform.

The Trimension NCJ29Dx family enables UWB-based fine-ranging capabilities and is compliant to IEEE 802.15.4, CCC and FiRa standardization. It delivers high localization resolution and power optimization for battery-powered devices such as key fobs, while also minimizing BOM costs. Additionally, it offers maximum levels of protection against car theft through relay attacks and includes on-chip support for a wide range of cryptographic operations.

The Trimension NCJ29Dx family is part of one of the industry’s broadest UWB portfolios, which features devices suitable for both automotive and mobile, IoT or industrial applications. This includes devices like the Trimension NCJ29D6, which integrates UWB fine ranging with UWB radar capabilities to allow OEMs to address multiple use cases with a single system, including smart, secure car access, child presence detection, intrusion alert, kick sensing and more.

About NXP Semiconductors
NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ: NXPI) is the trusted partner for innovative solutions in the automotive, industrial & IoT, mobile, and communications infrastructure markets. NXP’s “Brighter Together” approach combines leading-edge technology with pioneering people to develop system solutions that make the connected world better, safer, and more secure. The company has operations in more than 30 countries and posted revenue of $13.28 billion in 2023. Find out more at http://www.nxp.com.

For more information, please contact:

Americas & Europe	Greater China / Asia
Phoebe Francis	Ming Yue
Tel: +1 737-274-8177	Tel: +86 21 2205 2690
Email: phoebe.francis@nxp.com	Email: ming.yue@nxp.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9a2b8d95-fb90-4615-a0ba-cfe7fb29d378

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Approves $86.67 Million Grant to Develop Green Road Corridor in Tajikistan

Source: Asia Development Bank

DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN (23 October 2024) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $86.67 million grant to help Tajikistan further improve national road connectivity by developing a demonstration green corridor in the country.

The project will upgrade the existing degraded two lane 49-kilometer Dangara–Guliston road, widening this to four lanes. The project is the first to pilot the innovative methods promoted in the ADB green roads toolkit.

“ADB, in partnership with other organizations, promotes safe, accessible, and green transport infrastructure and services in our developing member countries,” said ADB Director General for Central and West Asia Yevgeniy Zhukov. “The Dangara–Guliston road, which was constructed in the 1930s and reconstructed in the 1970s, will become the first road in Tajikistan to incorporate climate adaptation and specific design elements that account for women and girls.”

Applying the green roads toolkit to the road design improves the quality of life for those living in the vicinity of the road; strengthens road network climate resilience and disaster preparedness; reduces pollution; and conserves biodiversity. While a lack of electric vehicle chargers in rural areas limits the potential growth of this market in Tajikistan, the project will fund two pilot charging stations and develop investment frameworks to catalyze private sector investment in a national charging infrastructure rollout.

To enhance safety, the newly reconstructed road will include dedicated cycleways and sidewalks for women with children and people with disabilities. It will also have improved lighting, as well as safe and well-marked crossings—with the design and location of safety features determined through a community co-design process. Special toilets and changing facilities will be provided for travelling mothers and babies, while public transport facilities will include preferential seating for people with disabilities.

To improve livelihood and employment opportunities for local villagers, the project will arrange training for women living in and around the project area on how to open and run small businesses. ADB’s project will also award entrepreneurship grants to selected participants.

The Government of Tajikistan will provide counterpart funding of $23 million, while the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide a $40 million cofinancing loan subject to the EBRD Board approval in early 2025. The Ministry of Transport will be the executing agency for the project, which is due to be completed in 2030.

Developed in collaboration with the International Road Federation and MetaMeta Research, ADB’s green roads toolkit guides the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of roads while ensuring environmentally sustainable practices. The toolkit helps engineers, planners, decision makers, and practitioners balance economic, social, and environmental objectives to make roads in Asia and the Pacific greener.

Tajikistan joined ADB in 1998. For 26 years, ADB has supported a wide range of sectors from strategic road and energy infrastructure to health, education, agriculture, urban development, public sector management, and finance for a total of over $2.7 billion in assistance—including over $2.2 billion in grants.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

MIL OSI Economics –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Man Group PLC : Form 8.3 – International Paper Co

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser:	Man Group PLC
(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	International Paper Company
(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure	22/10/2024
(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	YES / NO / N/A Offeree – Smith (DS) plc

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:	common stock
	Interests		Short positions
	Number	%	Number	%
(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:	300,124.00	0.09	486,649	0.14
(2) Cash-settled derivatives:			1,758,811	0.51
(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL:	300,124.00	0.09	2,245,460	0.65

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchase/sale	Number of securities	Price per unit
common stock	Sale	700	47.530 USD
common stock	Sale	1	47.540 USD

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security

Product description
e.g. CFD

Nature of dealing
e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position

Number of reference securities

Price per unit

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security

Product description e.g. call option

Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.

Number of securities to which option relates

Exercise price per unit

Type
e.g. American, European etc.

Expiry date

Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security

Product description
e.g. call option

Exercising/ exercised against

Number of securities

Exercise price per unit

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security

Nature of dealing
e.g. subscription, conversion

Details

Price per unit (if applicable)

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

None

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?

Date of disclosure:	23/10/2024
Contact name:	Matthew Irwin
Telephone number:	+442071447255

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.
The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at http://www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Man Group PLC : Form 8.3 – Centamin plc

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser:	Man Group PLC
(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.
(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	Centamin plc
(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:
(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure	22/10/2024
(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	YES / NO / N/A Offeror: AngloGold Ashanti plc

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:	Ordinary NPV
	Interests
	Number	%	Number	%
(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:	7,185,959	0.62
(2) Cash-settled derivatives:	2,318,734	0.20
(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL:	9,504,693	0.82

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchase/sale	Number of securities	Price per unit
Ordinary NPV	Sale	17,429	1.72 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	99,657	1.739 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	34,859	1.74 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	31,373	1.732 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	20,915	1.73 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	4,920	1.732 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	6,557	1.751 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	32,845	1.747 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	461,000	1.728 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	370,597	1.73 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	287,060	1.728 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	33,796	1.733 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	287,060	1.742 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	743,846	1.739 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	53,998	1.751 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Sale	270,478	1.747 GBP

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. CFD	Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position	Number of reference securities	Price per unit
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	11,289	1.743 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	5,282	1.743 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	159,702	1.743 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	12,192	1.743 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	1,812	1.743 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	52,613	1.743 GBP
Ordinary NPV	Equity Swap	Increasing a long position	21,882	1.743 GBP

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security

Product description e.g. call option

Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.

Number of securities to which option relates

Exercise price per unit

Type
e.g. American, European etc.

Expiry date

Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security

Product description
e.g. call option

Exercising/ exercised against

Number of securities

Exercise price per unit

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security

Nature of dealing
e.g. subscription, conversion

Details

Price per unit (if applicable)

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

None

(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

None

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?

Date of disclosure:	23/10/2024
Contact name:	Matthew Irwin
Telephone number:	+442071447255

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at http://www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Australia: Local Government Association of Queensland Annual Conference

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

I’d like to thank LGAQ CEO, Alison Smith, for the warm invitation to this year’s annual conference.

It’s really great to be here with you.

It’s also nice to be in QLD without my kids!

Don’t get me wrong, I know how important family holidays are for your economies across Queensland.

But it’s actually quite nice not to be running around in swimmers at a water park!

Just don’t tell my kids I said this!

I’d also like to give a huge shout out to Mayor Matt Burnett, and congratulate him on his appointment as the new Australian Local Government Association National President.

He’s a strong, passionate voice for the sector and I look forward to working with him in this new capacity.

Once a regional mayor myself, I’m can’t help but note that Matt and the two new Vice Presidents all hail from regional Australia!

Like all of you in the room, I’m committed to strengthening the local government sector.

The Albanese Government takes this seriously, because when we work together, we get the best outcomes for our communities.

You are a trusted deliver partner of the services every community across Queensland relies on.

We value this, and we’re investing in it.

We’ve brought you back to the national conversation, at both National Cabinet, and at our two successful Australian Council of Local Government forums.

We had over 770 people from the local government sector participate this year, many from the Sunshine State!

This open-door, collective dialogue is incredibly important, because there’s nothing worse than decisions being made for you – without you – from Canberra.

It’s how we can deliver funding where it’s needed, so that we can continue to get projects that matter to your communities off the ground.

It’s why your input into the federal inquiry into local government sustainability underway right now is incredibly important, because it will help us shape how we can deliver the support you need.

This is one of the reasons we’ve significantly increased road funding to all local councils across Queensland – acting on feedback from you.

Much like my home state of NSW, your roads have more people on them than ever before.

Many of them are regional, and many of them have been totally washed away by extreme weather events.

We are progressively doubling Roads to Recovery from $500 million to $1 billion nationally, which will have a huge impact on how you upgrade and maintain your local roads.

Almost $900 million is flowing to local governments in Queensland over the next five years, a boost of over $353 million thanks to the Albanese Government.

A pipeline of new work will build on the thousands of projects being delivered under Roads to Recovery.

Projects on the roads your communities drive every day – the ones they call or email you about to improve!

This builds on funding under our Road Black Spot program – which is also increasing from $110 million to $150 million per year.

Under this program in this financial year, we’re already supporting 31 Black Spot sites across Queensland, with more than two thirds of this funding supporting projects in regional areas.

Projects like upgrading Kajabbi Road in the Cloncurry Shire – fixing a problem which often saw this road closed during wet weather.

But it’s not just roads that our local communities want to see delivered.

We obviously need safe and reliable roads to get around, because we all have somewhere to go – from work, holidaying, to catching up with family and friends.

That’s why we’re also investing in projects that bring our communities together.

Projects that unlock new jobs and economic opportunities.

We’ve introduced our Growing Regions and Thriving Suburbs programs.

For the first time, a funding opportunity for everyone community – regardless of your postcode.

Projects supported through these programs will be truly region-shaping.

Out of the 40 successful projects under Round 1 of Growing Regions, nine are in Queensland.

Among them is the Agnes Water Skate Park Revitalisation at Gladstone.

This is something long called for by the community – and will really be a whole community facility, because skate parks really are for all ages.

Trust me, there’s vision on my socials to prove that!

I don’t know how good I was, but there’s vision!

In Mackay, the Regional Council will construct the Northern Beaches Community Hub.

This will be a central gathering place for the community, and really change how they come together for major events and activities.

Applications for Round 2 – now with a single stage process, which is updated after feedback from you – closed earlier this month.

A further $393 million is available, and we look forward to seeing many more amazing projects under this round!

One of the big things councils across Queensland talk to me about is housing.

It’s why we’re investing $32 billion in housing initiatives – the biggest investment in over a decade.

This will see 1.2 million new homes built over the next five years, including many in our regions.

But increasing housing supply requires collaboration and investment across all levels of government.

It’s why we launched our $1.5 billion Housing Support Program, to get enabling infrastructure underway, and build more homes sooner.

And they say imitation is the best form of flattery, and I note the Opposition have copied this program, so good on them.

$7 million is flowing to Queensland under Round 1 of our program to 16 projects, with 15 of these in regional locations.

This is where we know more people are moving to, but where we need more housing to attract and retain the workers our community needs.

Among the Queensland funding is support for precinct planning around the new Bundaberg Hospital development.

Support for developing and delivering a Townsville Housing Strategy.

Plus funding to the Torres Shire Council, to develop and deliver a Horn Island Housing Growth Master Plan.

Getting more people under a safe and secure roof starts with strengthen your planning abilities.

The second phase of this program is support for the enabling infrastructure we need to get underway.

Successful applications for those programs will be announced later this year.

I mentioned before roads getting washed away – and that’s just one of the things that happens when our communities are struck by disasters.

All of us in the room can agree that when a disaster does hit us, response and recovery is led from the local level up.

I had this experience myself as Mayor of Bega Valley Shire in NSW – where I had nine declared disasters.

Black Summer bushfires, which were only put out from extreme floods!

Ensuring communities are in the best possible position to recover, but that they’re also better prepared, is something very close to my heart.

My community is still rebuilding, as are so many across Queensland.

I’m really proud of our $1 billion Disaster Ready Fund.

We not long had 165 successful projects under Round 2 this program announced nationally.

This included over $55 million for 29 local projects across Queensland.

Among them is funding for the Burke Shire towards establishing a multi-sensor warning system.

Funding towards a back-up generator for the Badu Council Administration Centre in the Torres Straits.

And funding for a 120-metre long stepped concrete seawall in Deception Bay, to replace a failed rock and shotcrete seawall.

When we work together we get more done – and this is especially the case for Disaster response and recovery.

A partnership approach has been our focus since we came to government.

You’re central to turning federal funding into local results – and I want to thank you for this.

I’d also like to thank LGAQ for your continued support of the sector, and for your advocacy.

I know there will be many productive conversations today, so I’ll let you get to it.

MIL OSI News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Local Area Energy Plan adopted by Lancaster City Council Lancaster City Council has adopted a pioneering new strategy that aims to shape future energy planning, reduce carbon emissions and support economic prosperity.
Source: City of Lancaster

Lancaster City Council has adopted a pioneering new strategy that aims to shape future energy planning, reduce carbon emissions and support economic prosperity.

Front cover of the Local Area Energy Plan

On Tuesday (October 22) the council’s cabinet approved a Local Area Energy Plan (LAEP), which sets out a long-term vision for decarbonising the district by 2040 and looks beyond the council’s own 2030 target for its direct activities.

The LAEP sets out the changes required to transition the Lancaster district energy system and built environment to net zero while also addressing fuel poverty. It details what changes are required, where, when and by whom.

It also provides a high-level overview of the likely scale of investment that will be required to achieve net zero.

This includes:
- Domestic fabric upgrades – 38,000 domestic properties (approximately 54% of all buildings) are recommended to be retrofitted with fabric upgrade measures
- Low carbon heating – installing heat pumps to 52,000 – 65,000 and having approximately 75% of non-domestic building floorspace being heated by heat pumps in the future
- Installation of electric vehicle charge points – The LAEP recommends the deployment of up to 1,250 public charge points to plug the gaps. It is estimated that 45% of households will not have the ability to charge at home
- Local renewable generation – The district has a significant opportunity to generate renewable energy locally from solar PV and onshore wind. Up to 575 GWh of annual generation is recommended
- Energy Networks: The plan illustrates the importance of investment in the electricity network to ensure there is capacity for the rapid growth of low carbon technologies. The council has been working closely with Electricity North-West to develop the LAEP
Councillor Paul Stubbins, cabinet member with responsibility for climate action, said: “The city council set itself an ambitious target to decarbonise its services by 2030 and we are well on the way to delivering on that aim.

“The next step is to set out how the whole district can transition to a low carbon future, and that’s what the LAEP is all about. But it’s not just a blueprint for reducing emissions, it’s a vision for a sustainable future and supporting the local economy.

“The city council will need to collaborate closely with key local stakeholders along the way but this is an exciting start to delivering a net zero district.”

To find out more about the plan visit Lancaster.gov.uk/laep .

Last updated: 23 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 24, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: Sally McManus on what unions want from Labor and Innes Willox on business wish list for Dutton

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

Industrial relations will be hotly contested at next year’s election.

Labor has introduced a raft of new worker protections and pushed for wage increases for lower paid workers.
Business groups have argued against further red tape and claimed the government’s new regulations have contributed to rising costs.

The union movement, meanwhile, has been mired in the fallout from the CFMEU controversy, with some union leaders angry over the government and ACTU’s tough treatment of that union after revelations of its infiltration by criminals.

To talk about these issues and more, we’re joined by ACTU secretary Sally McManus and Innes Willox, the head of the Australian Industry Group, one of the peak employer groups.

On how to fix the construction industry, Willox advocates an oversight body but not the reintroduction of the Australian Building and Construction Commission,

We believe that the construction sector does require its own oversight. We had the ABCC previously. We’re not saying go back to that. You don’t have to replicate that model entirely. But the sector has shown that it does require an oversight body that has the ability to launch both civil and criminal claims for poor behaviour. You’re not going to clean it up through sort of task forces and the like, which actually don’t do anything on the ground to change and moderate behaviour.

What other changes to industrial relations would employers want from a Coalition government?

I think what we can expect or hope that the Coalition will look long and hard at things like the right to disconnect. Which came from nowhere. It came out of left field right at the end of a process. It’s created huge uncertainty in workplaces. It’s a bit of a minefield both for employers and employees.

The definition of’casual’ is now a 17-page manual that employers have to work through, rather than a straightforward definition. We’d hope that the Coalition would look at that. And, of course, union right-of-entry powers which have now tilted the balance totally in favour of unions. They’re the sort of things we think that they should look at as a priority and examine what they can do to take off the rough edges that have been put in place there.

On the unions’ wish list from Labor, McManus says they are talking with the government about further action on the issue of equality.

At the moment, the gender pay gap is at the lowest ever recorded. So that’s a good thing. But in terms of equality in the workplace, that issue is still a big one, and there is a big push that we are making for reproductive leave. This isn’t just for women, it’s also for men.

So many women suffer from things like painful periods. Of course, there’s a whole issue of menopause.

For men, there’s a whole lot of issues to do with reproductive issues as well. […] So this is something that we are talking to the government about and campaigning around.

Another issue is that of youth wages:

It’s really totally outrageous that 19, 20-year-olds are paid discount wages in Australia. It’s not acceptable in 2024-2025 and should be fixed. The union movement’s taking it up at the moment and have got rid of it in a lot of industries, and we want to finish the job. So we’re going to try and achieve that through campaigning and through the industrial commission. But if we don’t, if there’s no way of fixing it that way, there’ll be no option then other than to say to the government, listen, ball’s in your court now.

On the split in the union movement over the government and ACTU actions against the construction division of the CFMEU, McManus says the ACTU will continue to keep its door open,

Look, no one likes what’s happened. No one likes the fact that, obviously, that union was infiltrated by organised crime, outlaw motorcycle gangs. And no one supports corruption. The other construction union who works with the CFMEU all the time, which is the ETU, the Electrical Trades Union – they’re the ones who have disaffiliated from the ACTU.

They’re mates, they’re all mates, right? And so, obviously, they’re also not happy with what’s happened. And obviously we will always keep the door open and encourage unity. The ACTU is a place where truck drivers and community workers and teachers and nurses and road workers, everyone of every profession, gets together and talks. It’s always a good thing because you’re listening to other people and you’re stronger together.

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

– ref. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Sally McManus on what unions want from Labor and Innes Willox on business wish list for Dutton – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-sally-mcmanus-on-what-unions-want-from-labor-and-innes-willox-on-business-wish-list-for-dutton-242019

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement on Defence – Joint Communique
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

A commitment to improve and enhance bilateral defence co-operation between the Ministry of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
In July this year, the Ministry of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland committed to improve and further enhance bilateral defence co-operation to better meet the common challenges of the 21st Century and to best secure the common interests of both countries in defence-related areas. We outlined escalating security concerns, exacerbated by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. We said that the deteriorating strategic environment demanded a unified response to ensure the preservation of European security.

As we confront these challenges together with Allies and partners, we are guided by our shared values of democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. Recognising the imperative for closer collaboration in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges and shared security threats, we aim to promote stability on NATO’s eastern flank, in Europe as a whole, and beyond for the Euro-Atlantic area. Strategic defence co-operation is an important first pillar in the new relationship between Germany and the United Kingdom, which will be codified in the forthcoming bilateral treaty in 2025.

Recognising the imperative, we have worked at pace to create our response through this historic, first-of-its kind, defence agreement between our two great nations. Our shared strategic objective is to sustain effective deterrence against would-be aggressors by building credible, resilient defence forces and defence industries, working towards the vision of a peaceful and stable Euro-Atlantic area. To do this, our agreement will become a crucial element in the broader architecture of European security; it is explicitly designed to support our Allies and strengthen the European contribution to NATO. In particular, it complements our respective existing bilateral agreements with France, laying the foundation for increasingly close co-operation between the E3.

Through this agreement, we have brought focus, resource, and ambition to our previously stated objectives: Strengthening Defence Industries, Reinforcing Euro-Atlantic Security, Enhancing Interoperability, Addressing Emerging Threats, Supporting Ukraine, and Deep Precision Strike. In addition to new governance structures, we will bring these objectives to life through the creation of totemic lighthouse projects, which will serve as beacons for unprecedented levels of co-operation and integration between our respective Armed Forces.

Deep Precision Strike and Defence: The UK and Germany will work jointly to rapidly develop extended Deep Precision Strike capabilities, to provide a conventional deterrent in Europe and strengthen European Integrated Air and Missile Defence. We will do this in the short term through:

Undertaking a comprehensive exercise to compare capability needs and identify synergies.

Developing common requirements and military doctrine to aid the development of long-range systems, working in co-operation with Allies and partners, in particular through the European Long Range Strike Approach.

Identifying opportunities for industrial collaboration and investment to achieve closer working on countering threats through Integrated Air and Missile Defence.

And in the medium term through:

Joint development and procurement of new extended Deep Precision Strike capabilities in close co-ordination with Allies and partners, giving special focus to new capabilities which far exceed today’s ranges.

Joint development of a common approach to deploying extended Deep Precision Strike in all physical domains.

Cohering Integrated Air and Missile Defence activity through the European Sky Shield Initiative, NATO’s Multinational Procurement Initiatives, and the UK’s DIAMOND initiative.

Uncrewed Aerial Systems and Future Connectivity: The UK and Germany will work jointly, in close co-ordination with Allies and partners, to develop and employ Uncrewed Aerial and Offboard Air Systems to ensure interoperability between Future Combat Air Systems. We will do this in the short term through:

Joint integration of common missile systems into drone fleets to enhance precision strike capabilities, drawing benefit from each nations’ previous experience, e.g. the integration of Brimstone to UK Uncrewed Air Systems.

Sharing plans on integration of capabilities between Current and Future Combat Air Systems, to enable development of interoperable offboard systems.

And in the medium term through:

Joint exploration and development of cross-system Combat Cloud capabilities across aircraft fleets.

Joint exploration and development of new Maritime Uncrewed Air System capabilities.

Joint exploration and development of common offboard systems compatible with respective Future Combat Air Systems to enable, inter alia, data sharing, to support interoperability and integration of those systems.

Supporting implementation of NATO-agreed common standards to ensure connectivity and collaboration between fighter aircraft, reinforcing inter-generation and (un)crewed teaming.

Strengthening the Eastern Flank through a new Land Strategic Partnership: Using our Forward Land Forces and shared enduring commitment to NATO’s eastern flank as a catalyst, the UK and Germany will work to strengthen NATO by developing doctrine, uncrewed systems, and enabling capabilities to transform our land forces; sustaining continuous land-based deterrence within Europe. We will do this in the short term through:

Working jointly in the Armour Capability Coalition to drive innovation in the land domain, through support to Ukraine.

Working jointly with Canada and the Baltic States, including through the 3+3 format, to rapidly transform the capability and effectiveness of our respective Forward Land Forces and tap the full potential of synergies of the Forward Land Forces in the Baltic States

Co-ordination of UK and German exercises between the Forward Land Forces, with the goal of combined exercises.

Working together to tackle the challenges in the shortage of NATO Corps troops across the Alliance. Equipping, training, and exercising the German-British Amphibious Engineer Battalion 130 in Minden to fulfil tasks as one entity within the NATO Force Model.

Fostering a deep Industrial Partnership between UK and German Defence Industries, including assisting respective prime contractors wishing to expand production facilities in each other’s countries. Our will to develop industrial co-operation is illustrated by developing plans between the UK MOD and Rheinmetall for a new barrel factory to be opened in the UK, further strengthening the defence industrial links between the UK and Germany.

Close collaboration in the BOXER User Group, conducting regular consultations on the “strategic pipeline”, and joint exploration of new capabilities and variants, striving for a closer exchange of BOXER In-Service-Experience topics, and close co-operation in the area of BOXER training and operation. Beyond BOXER, we will pursue joint procurement and through-life capability management initiatives around land vehicles.

And in the medium term through:

Joint development of common offboard systems for Future Ground Combat Systems to support interoperability between those systems, in co-ordination with Allies and Partners

Joint development of military doctrines for future land warfighting, supported by Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Disruptive Technologies.

Undersea Co-operation in the Northern Seas: The UK and Germany will work jointly to strengthen UK-German naval co-operation with a focus on the North Atlantic and North Sea. We will aim to establish and share a clear and concise picture of underwater activity, significantly contributing to the protection of Critical Undersea Infrastructure and Sea Lines of Communications. We will do this in the short term through:

Co-ordination of combined and joint operations in the North Atlantic, in close co-operation with Allies and partners, focussing on Anti-Submarine Warfare with ships, submarines, and aircraft. We will enable forward deployments of each other’s units and goods between our countries when required.

Episodic deployments of German P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft in the UK to support interoperability and collaborative Anti-Submarine Warfare operations in the North Atlantic, following their entry into service.

Joint development of common training for our Maritime Patrol Aircraft crews.

Promoting a common co-operative procurement of the UK’s Lightweight Torpedo STINGRAY MOD 2 for our Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

Contributing to the strengthening of NATO’s work strand on Critical Undersea Infrastructure.

And in the medium term through:

Exploring new offboard undersea surveillance capabilities to improve detection of adversary activity and support the protection of Critical Undersea Infrastructure, supported by Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Disruptive Technologies.

In addition, we are committed to working together for as long as it takes to support and enable Ukraine to counter Russian aggression. Our combined will is unequivocal, we will continue to ensure Ukraine has the military capabilities it requires. Our specialist teams and our Defence Industries will work ever more closely to ensure that Ukraine will prevail and achieve a fair and lasting peace. In the short term, we will collectively provide Ukraine with a new offensive capability, supporting fitting German donated Sea King Helicopters with modern missile systems. In the longer term, we will work increasingly closely through the Capability Coalitions for Ukraine using the lessons learnt there to continuously develop our co-operation. The UK will increase its support to the German and Polish-led Armour Coalition, Germany will support the UK and Latvian led drone coalition.

Through our agreed mechanisms, enhanced dialogue, and increased political leadership, we will drive co-operation for decades to come. We will regularly review the content and our collaboration. We will consistently raise our ambitions to meet tomorrow’s threats wherever they come from: on Land, at Sea, or in the Air, in Space or in the Cyber domain; and irrespective of whether these threats are caused by hostile actors or are a result of natural disasters or Climate Change.

We will confront such threats across all domains and between each of our Armed Forces and joint organisations, with co-operation in Cyber, Communications, and Information Systems forming the backbone and connective tissue required to embark on such an ambitious programme of work.

John Healey Boris Pistorius

Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom Federal Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany

Related information

UK-Germany Trinity House Agreement on Defence

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Published 23 October 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: USEE attends Third Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

USEE attends Third Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference (with photos)
USEE attends Third Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference (with photos)
****************************************************************************

The Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong, attended the Third Belt and Road Energy Ministerial Conference in Qingdao today (October 23) and was invited to speak at a thematic forum. The Conference was organised by the National Energy Administration and the Shandong Provincial People’s Government. The theme of the Conference this year is “Together for an Innovative and Win-Win Future”, promoting high-quality green energy co-operation under the Belt and Road Initiative. In delivering her speech at the “Embracing the Green Development Trend and Enhancing Innovation in Energy Policy and Mechanism” thematic forum, Miss Wong highlighted the energy policy measures of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government to support the country’s contribution to combating global climate change, as well as the decarbonisation strategies to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. Miss Wong said, “The HKSAR Government is actively developing renewable energy, exploring new energy sources for electricity generation and strengthening regional co-operation, with a view to increasing zero-carbon electricity supply, reducing carbon emissions at source and achieving the goal of carbon neutrality in the long run. Our country’s headway in building a sustainable future is also providing the HKSAR with bountiful development opportunities. With our country’s development of top-notch green products and advanced technologies, the HKSAR Government could leverage our unique position and distinctive edge to play a pivotal role in stepping up efforts to promote new energy.” She added that the Chief Executive has promulgated the 2024 Policy Address, themed “Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together”, with the announcement that the HKSAR Government will earmark around $750 million under the New Energy Transport Fund to subsidise the taxi trade and franchised bus companies to purchase electric vehicles, and will launch the Subsidy Scheme for Trials of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Heavy Vehicles. Furthermore, the HKSAR Government will earmark $300 million for a new scheme, providing subsidies to the private sector for installing fast-charging facilities. The target is to have a total of 3 000 fast chargers installed by 2030. Regarding hydrogen energy development, the HKSAR Government announced the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong in June and will actively support the industry to establish a solar-to-hydrogen facility for demonstration. It also plans to introduce a bill next year to ensure the safe use of hydrogen fuel, and will also formulate the approach of hydrogen standard certification suitable to Hong Kong. She said that co-operation between the Government and various parties is crucial for spearheading innovation, enacting policies, and cultivating an environment conducive to green transformation. The HKSAR Government will work together with nearby cities and regions under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative to actualise a sustainable future. Miss Wong will return to Hong Kong tomorrow morning (October 24).

Ends/Wednesday, October 23, 2024Issued at HKT 18:12

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Take a ‘teledrive’

Source: European Investment Bank

In January 2024, Vay launched its first commercial service – in Las Vegas, where regulations for driverless vehicles are currently less stringent than in Europe. The technology was installed in 20 Kia Niro electric vehicles, and the service covers about a quarter of the city. The company plans to scale up the Las Vegas service, and to introduce it across Europe.

Developing the technology and scaling up the service is expensive, but the company raised money fast. “We have fantastic investors. We raised our first pre-seed in three days – €1.1 million,” von der Ohe says. Eight months later, the company secured an additional €12.5 million, and in 2021, an additional €95 million. “Having the experience from Silicon Valley helped,” he adds.

In September 2024, the European Investment Bank signed a €34 million venture-debt investment, supported by InvestEU, to help Vay accelerate the development of its service and technology.

“The European Investment Bank helped by giving us good financing terms to take our technology to the next step,” von der Ohe says. “It helps us roll out our technology in more markets, especially across Europe.”

Given von der Ohe’s European ambitions, it’s notable that Vay became the first and only company in Europe to drive on public streets without a safety driver, when it received authorisation from Hamburg to operate a driverless car in the city’s streets in 2023.

“That’s the big step change – taking out the physical driver,” says von der Ohe. “Even in the US, only Waymo has achieved this, and they’re owned by Google, which invests billions of dollars every year to develop that technology.”

Teledriving: This is how it works.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi launches retail of Bharat Chana Dal Phase – II in Delhi-NCR by flagging off mobile vans

Source: Government of India

Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi launches retail of Bharat Chana Dal Phase – II in Delhi-NCR by flagging off mobile vans

Chana Dal at MRP Rs.70 per kg and Chana Whole at Rs.58 per kg is made available to consumers from 3 lakh ton of Chana stock

Government of India committed towards ensuring availability of essential food items to consumers at affordable prices: Shri Pralhad Joshi

Posted On: 23 OCT 2024 1:38PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, launched the retail of Bharat Chana Dal Phase – II in Delhi-NCR by flagging off mobile vans of NCCF, NAFED and Kendriya Bhandar here today, in the presence of Ministers of State, Shri B.L. Verma and Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya.

In Phase – II of Bharat Chana Dal, 3 lakh tons of Chana stock from the price stabilisation buffer is being converted to Chana Dal and Chana Whole for retail sale to consumers at MRP of Rs.70 per kg and Rs.58 per kg, respectively. Apart from Chana, the government had also expanded the Bharat brand to Moong and Masur Dals. The Bharat Moong Dal is retailed at Rs.107 per kg, Bharat Moong Sabut at Rs.93 per kg and Bharat Masur Dal at Rs.89 per kg. The resumption of Bharat Chana Dal at this time will enhance the supplies to consumers of Delhi-NCR in this festive season.

While interacting with media persons during the event, Shri Joshi stated that the initiative is an affirmation of the Government of India’s commitment to ensuring the availability of essential food to the consumers at affordable prices. Direct interventions through retail sale of basic food items such as rice, atta, dals and onion have also helped in maintaining stable price regime.

The Centre has taken various policy measures to ensure availability of pulses. In order to encourage domestic production, the government has raised the MSP of pulses year after year, and also announced the policy to procure Tur, Urad and Masur without ceiling for 2024-25 season. During Kharif 2024-25 sowing season, NCCF and NAFED had conducted awareness campaigns, seed distribution and pre-registration of farmers for assured procurement, and the same activities are being continued in upcoming Rabi sowing season. To augment domestic production and facilitate seamless import, the government has allowed duty free import of Tur, Urad, Masur and Chana till 31^st March, 2025 and Yellow Peas import till 31^st December, 2024. Enhanced area coverage of Kharif pulses this year, together with continuous inflow of imports have led to declining trend in the prices of most pulses since July, 2024. The retail prices of Tur dal, Urad dal, Moong dal and Masur dal have either declined or remained stable during the past three months.

In respect of vegetables, the government had procured 4.7 lakh tonnes onions from the rabi crop for price stabilisation buffer through NCCF and NAFED. The government started the disposal of onions from the buffer from 5^th September, 2024 and till date, 1.15 lakh tonnes has been disposed. NCCF has disposed onions in 77 centres across 21 States and NAFED in 43 centres in 16 States. To augment the pace of disposal, bulk transportation of onions by rail rakes have been adopted for the first time. NCCF had transported 1,600 MT (42 BCN wagons i.e. approximately 53 trucks) by Kanda Express from Nashik which arrived at Delhi on 20^th October, 2024. NAFED has also arranged the transportation of 800 – 840 MT of onions to Chennai by rail rake. The rail rake to Chennai has left Nashik on 22^nd October, 2024.

Indent for shipments by rail rake to Lucknow and Varanasi has been placed by NCCF. The Department of Consumer affairs has also requested Indian Railways to allow transportation of onion rakes from Nashik to multiple locations across the North-eastern region which would include (i) NJP: New Jalpaiguri (Siliguri), (ii) DBRG- Dibrugarh, (iii) NTSK- New Tinsukia, and (iv) CGS: Changsari. This will ensure wider availability of onions in different regions of India ensuring its availability at a very reasonable price to consumers.

***

Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2067286) Visitor Counter : 105

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Thales reports its order intake and sales as of September 30, 2024
Source: Thales Group

Headline: Thales reports its order intake and sales as of September 30, 2024

23 Oct 2024

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- Order intake: €15.6 billion, up 23% on an organic basis¹(+26% total change)
- Sales: €14.1 billion, up 6.2% on an organic basis (+9.4% total change)
- 2024 targets confirmed:
  
  Book-to-bill ratio above 1
  
  Organic sales growth between +5% and +6%²
  
  EBIT margin: 11.7% to 11.8%
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) today announced its order intake and sales for the period ending September 30, 2024.

^{Reminder: 9m 2023 figures have been restated to include Cyber civil activities transferred from Defence and Security to Digital Identity & Security.}

“The third quarter confirmed the continued strong commercial momentum and organic sales growth in most of Thales’ businesses.
The Defence business enjoyed unparalleled visibility thanks to emblematic long-term contracts. Avionics was driven by the recovery in air traffic and solid growth prospects. The cybersecurity and biometrics businesses benefited from a robust environment.
We are also proud of Thales’ inclusion in the CAC 40 ESG index. This is a strong external endorsement of our non-financial performance and of our contribution to the protection of society, the planet and citizens.
We are confident that we will achieve our annual financial targets for 2024, thanks to our teams’ unwavering involvement.”

Patrice Caine, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

Order intake

Order intake over the first nine months of 2024 amounted to €15,551 million, up 23% on an organic basis⁴ compared with the first nine months of 2023 (up 26% total change). The Group continued to benefit from an excellent commercial momentum in all its businesses, particularly in Defence & Security.

Over the period, Thales recorded 19 large orders with a unit value of more than €100 million, the cumulative amount of which came to €4,983 million:
- Four large orders booked in Q1 2024:
  
  The entry into force of the third phase of the order placed by Indonesia in 2022 for the purchase of 42 Rafale aircraft (18 aircraft and support services);
  
  Order of an aerial surveillance system for a military customer in the Middle East;
  
  Second tranche of the contract signed in 2023 between France and Italy for the production of 400 ASTER B1NT ground-to-air missiles;
  
  Phased contract with the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) to develop the next generation of sonars to equip French nuclear-powered ballistic-missile submarines (SSBN).
- Eight large orders booked in Q2 2024:
  
  Order of two new F126 frigates by the German Navy. This additional contract brings the number of F126 frigates acquired by the German Navy to six in the past four years;
  
  Exomars 2028, a contract signed between industrial prime contractor Thales Alenia Space and the European Space Agency (ESA) to relaunch the European space mission dedicated to the exploration of the Red Planet;
  
  Order by SKY Perfect JSAT to Thales Alenia Space of JSAT-31, a new generation of satellite reconfigurable in orbit using Space INSPIRE technology;
  
  Order by France’s Joint Munitions Command (SiMu) of tens of thousands of 120mm rifled ammunition;
  
  Order for a next generation cloud native “FLYTEDGE” InFlight Entertainment System for a major worldwide airline;
  
  Order by an Asian customer of latest-generation Ground Master 400 Alpha long-range air surveillance radars;
  
  Order by the Dutch Ministry of Defence of seven additional Ground Master 200 multi-mission compact radars;
  
  Service contract for the maintenance of the Royal Australian Navy fleet.
- Seven major orders recorded in Q3 2024:
  
  Order for the supply of communications, vetronics, navigation and optronics equipment for vehicles in the French Army’s SCORPION program;
  
  Order for the renovation of an air traffic management system;
  
  Order from the UK Ministry of Defence for the supply of LMM missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence capabilities;
  
  Order of LMM missiles for the British armed forces;
  
  Order for the supply of Ground Fire multifunction radars and engagement modules following France’s acquisition of seven SAMP/T NG air defence systems;
  
  Order for the supply of anti-submarine warfare systems for the first phase of the construction of six HUNTER-class frigates for the Royal Australian Navy;
  
  Notification by the DGA of the second tranche of the development of the future RBE2 XG radar for the Rafale F5.
At €10,567 million, order intake with a unit value of less than €100 million increased by 6% compared to the first nine months of 2023; while order intake with a unit value of less than €10 million was up by 7% at September 30, 2024.

From a geographical⁵ point of view, order intake in mature markets recorded organic growth of 12%, to €11,413 million, driven by strong sales momentum in the United Kingdom (up 28% on an organic basis) as well as in Australia and New Zealand (up 34% on an organic basis). Order intake in emerging markets amounted to €4,137 million, with strong organic growth of 69% as at September 30, 2024. This performance reflected excellent momentum in the Near and Middle East (up 175% on an organic basis) and in Asia (up 49% on an organic basis).

Order intake in the Aerospace segment totaled €3,639 million, versus €3,403 million over the first nine months of 2023 (+8% at constant scope and exchange rates). This increase reflects two contrasting trends. On the one hand, the avionics market remained strong, our activities growing double-digit organically. On the other hand, the order intake in the space business declined due to a high comparison basis (two large orders signed as at September 30, 2024 versus five as of September 30, 2023).

At €8,951 million (compared with €6,404 million for the first nine months of 2023), order intake in the Defence & Security segment continued to record a strong momentum, with organic growth of 40%. Seven new orders with a unit value of more than €100 million in the third quarter were added to the nine already recorded in the first half of the year. The order book stood at €37.0 billion, compared with €35.1 billion at September 30, 2023.

At €2,905 million, order intake in the Digital Identity & Security segment was in line with sales over the period, as most of the activities in this segment operate on short cycles.

Sales

Sales for the first nine months of 2024 amounted to €14,069million, compared with €12,854 million for the same period in 2023, an increase of 6.2% at constant scope and exchange rates.

From a geographical⁵ point of view, sales growth was strong in mature markets (+6.3% on an organic basis), driven in particular by Europe (+9.0%) including France (+9.4%), and Australia and New Zealand (+8.5%). Emerging markets posted organic growth of +5.8% over the period.

Sales in the Aerospace segment amounted to €3,839 million, up 5.6% compared to the first nine months of 2023 (+5.3% at constant scope and exchange rates). This growth reflected ongoing robust demand in the avionics market, leading the activity to grow mid-single digit plus. It was however mitigated by the low-single digit organic growth of the space business.

Sales in the Defence & Security segment totaled €7,239 million, up +8.8% compared to the first nine months of 2023 (+8.5% at constant scope and exchange rates). After sustained growth recorded in the first half of the year, this segment confirmed its strong momentum in the third quarter. Growth was driven in particular by land and air systems.

In the Digital Identity & Security segment, sales totaled €2,914 million, up 15.7% in the first nine months of 2024 (+0.3% at constant scope and exchange rates), including the positive scope effect linked to the acquisitions of Tesserent and Imperva. The stability in organic growth in this segment reflects contrasting trends:
- Banking and Payment solutions, negatively affected by a high comparison basis, continued to suffer from further destocking in North America;
- Steady pace of growth in Cyber and Biometrics activities;
- Continued ramp-up on Connectivity Solutions market, recording double-digit organic growth.
Outlook

Thales continues to benefit from its solid positioning in all its major markets and enjoys robust medium-term outlook, as illustrated by the continued strong sales momentum in the third quarter of 2024.

As a result, assuming there are no major new disruptions in the global economy or global supply chains, Thales confirms its 2024 annual targets:
- A book-to-bill ratio above 1;
- Organic sales growth of between +5% and +6%, corresponding to sales in the range of €19.9 billion to €20.1 billion⁶;
- An EBIT margin between 11.7% and 11.8%.
****

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Although Thales believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, actual results may differ significantly from the forward-looking statements due to various risks and uncertainties, as described in the Company’s Universal Registration Document, which has been filed with the French financial markets authority (Autorité des marchés financiers – AMF).

¹_{In this press release, “organic” means “at constant scope and exchange rates”.}

²_{Between €19.9 billion and €20.1 billion based on September 2024 scope and exchange rates.}

³_{Mature markets: Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand; emerging markets: all other countries.}

⁴_{Taking into account a negative currency effect of -€45 million and a positive net scope effect of €441 million.}

⁵_{See table on page 6.}

⁵_See_table_{on page 6.}

⁶_{Based on September 2024 scope and exchanges rates.}
MIL OSI Global Banks –
January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Scenery of Longji Rice Terraces in S China’s Guangxi

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

Scenery of Longji Rice Terraces in S China’s Guangxi

Updated: October 23, 2024 19:06 Xinhua

This photo shows the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists take cable cars to enjoy the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo shows the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists enjoy the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

This photo shows the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists enjoy the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists enjoy the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Tourists enjoy the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

This photo shows the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

This photo shows the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo shows tourists enjoying the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

An aerial drone photo shows tourists taking cable cars to enjoy the scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng County, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Oct. 22, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

MIL OSI China News –

January 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: Siyata Mobile to Present at The ThinkEquity Conference

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Siyata Mobile Inc. (Nasdaq: SYTA/SYTAW) (“Siyata” or the “Company”), a global vendor of Push-to-Talk over Cellular (“PoC”) devices and cellular signal booster systems, today announced that it will be participating in The ThinkEquity Conference on October 30, 2024, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York. The ThinkEquity Conference gathers institutional investors, corporate clients, and other industry professionals to highlight groundbreaking innovations and financial strategies.

Glenn Kennedy, VP of International Sales, will be presenting at 4 p.m. ET on October 30^th. Glenn will also be holding one-on-one investor meetings throughout the day. Interested investors can register to attend and schedule on-on-one meetings here.

About ThinkEquity

ThinkEquity is a boutique investment bank founded by professionals who have collaborated for over a decade, collectively financing over $50 billion in public and private capital raises, restructurings, and mergers and acquisitions. Past ThinkEquity conferences have featured over 70 company presentations, 700+ attendees, and 500+ one-on-one meetings, providing a valuable platform for companies and investors to connect. To register to attend The ThinkEquity Conference, please follow this link.

About Siyata Mobile

Siyata Mobile Inc. is a B2B global vendor of next generation Push-To-Talk over Cellular devices and cellular booster systems. Its portfolio of in-vehicle and rugged devices enable first responders and enterprise workers to instantly communicate, over a nationwide cellular network of choice, to increase situational awareness and save lives. Its portfolio of enterprise grade and consumer cellular booster systems enables first responders and enterprise workers to amplify cellular signal in remote areas, inside structural buildings where signals are weak and within vehicles for the maximum cellular signal strength possible.

Siyata’s common shares trade on the Nasdaq under the symbol “SYTA” and its previously issued warrants trade on the Nasdaq under the symbol “SYTAW.”

Visit Siyata.net and unidencellular.com to learn more.

Investor Relations:
Brett Maas
Hayden IR
syta@haydenir.com
646-536-7331

Siyata Mobile Corporate:
Glenn Kennedy, VP of International Sales
Siyata Mobile Inc.
glenn@siyata.net

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Siyata’s current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance or achievements of Siyata could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Siyata’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and in any subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise required by law, Siyata undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. References and links to websites and social media have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites or social media is not incorporated by reference into this press release.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

John Healey	Boris Pistorius
Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom	Federal Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Germany

MIL-OSI: Lloyds Bank PLC: 2024 Q3 Interim Management Statement

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LONDON, Oct. 23, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

Lloyds Bank plc
Q3 2024 Interim Management Statement
23 October 2024

Member of the Lloyds Banking Group

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Income statement

The Group’s profit before tax for the first nine months of 2024 was £3,927 million, 27 per cent lower than the same period in 2023. This was driven by lower net interest income and higher operating expenses, partly offset by a lower impairment charge. Profit after tax was £2,727 million (nine months to 30 September 2023 £3,975 million).

Total income for the first nine months of 2024 was £12,613 million, a decrease of 8 per cent on the same period in 2023. Within this, net interest income of £9,378 million was 10 per cent lower on the prior year, driven by a lower margin. The lower margin reflected anticipated headwinds due to deposit churn and asset margin compression, particularly in the mortgage book as it refinances in a lower margin environment. These factors were partially offset by benefits from higher structural hedge earnings as balances are reinvested in the higher rate environment.

Other income amounted to £3,235 million in the nine months to 30 September 2024 compared to £3,268 million in the same period in 2023, with improved UK Motor Finance performance, reflecting growth following the acquisition of Tusker in the first quarter of 2023, increased fleet size and higher average rental value, partially offset by the impact of changes to commission arrangements with Scottish Widows.

Operating expenses of £8,392 million were 13 per cent higher than in the prior year. This includes the impacts of higher operating lease depreciation, largely as a result of fleet growth, the depreciation of higher value vehicles and declines in used electric car prices, alongside higher ongoing strategic investment, accelerated severance charges and inflationary pressure. It also includes c.£0.1 billion relating to the sector-wide change in the charging approach for the Bank of England Levy taken in the first quarter. In the nine months to 30 September 2024, the Group recognised remediation costs of £118 million (nine months to 30 September 2023: £127 million), largely in relation to pre-existing programmes, with no further charges in respect of the FCA review of historical motor finance commission arrangements. The FCA confirmed in September 2024 its intention to set out next steps in its review in May 2025, including its assessment of the outcome of the Judicial Review and Court of Appeal decisions involving other market participants; the Group will assess the impact, if any, of these decisions.

The impairment charge was £294 million compared with a £881 million charge in the nine months to 30 September 2023. The decrease reflects a larger credit from improvements to the Group’s economic outlook in the first half of the year, notably house price growth and through changes to the severe downside scenario methodology. The charge also benefitted from strong portfolio performance, a large debt sale write-back, and a release in Commercial Banking from loss rates used in the model. Asset quality remains strong with resilient credit performance.

Balance sheet

Total assets were £4,207 million higher at £609,612 million at 30 September 2024 compared to £605,405 million at 31 December 2023. Financial assets at amortised cost were £15,406 million higher at £503,477 million compared to £488,071 million at 31 December 2023 with increases in reverse repurchase agreements of £11,128 million and loans and advances to customers of £7,355 million, partly offset by a reduction in loans and advances to banks of £2,919 million. The increase in reverse repurchase agreements and the decrease in cash and balances at central banks by £17,984 million to £39,925 million reflected a change in the mix of liquidity holdings. The increase in loans and advances to customers included growth in UK mortgages, UK Retail unsecured loans, credit cards and the European retail business, partly offset by government-backed lending repayments in Commercial Banking. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income were £5,032 million higher reflecting a change in the mix of liquidity holdings. Other assets increased by £1,864 million to £28,925 million, driven by higher settlement balances and higher operating lease assets reflecting continued motor finance growth.

Total liabilities were £4,390 million higher at £569,364 million compared to £564,974 million at 31 December 2023. Customer deposits at £446,311 million have increased by £4,358 million since the end of 2023, driven by inflows to limited withdrawal and fixed term savings products, partly offset by a reduction in current account balances and an expected significant outflow in Commercial Banking. In addition, repurchase agreements at £41,370 million have increased by £3,668 million since the end of 2023. Debt securities in issue at amortised cost decreased by £7,369 million to £45,080 million at 30 September 2024. Amounts due to fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings increased by £1,510 million to £4,442 million at 30 September 2024. Other liabilities increased by £3,042 million to £12,926 million, driven by higher settlement balances.

Total equity was £40,248 million at 30 September 2024 was broadly stable compared to £40,431 million at 31 December 2023, with the profit for the period largely offset by interim dividends of £3.4 billion, pension revaluations and movements in the cash flow hedging reserve.

FINANCIAL REVIEW (continued)

Capital

The Group’s common equity tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio reduced to 13.6 per cent at 30 September 2024 (31 December 2023: 14.4 per cent). This largely reflected profit for the period, offset by the payment of interim ordinary dividends, the accrual for foreseeable ordinary dividends and an increase in risk-weighted assets.

The Group’s total capital ratio reduced to 19.8 per cent (31 December 2023: 20.5 per cent). The issuance of AT1 and Tier 2 capital instruments was more than offset by the reduction in CET1 capital, the reduction in eligible provisions recognised through Tier 2 capital, the impact of regulatory amortisation and foreign exchange on Tier 2 capital instruments and the increase in risk-weighted assets.

Risk-weighted assets have increased by £2,350 million to £184,910 million at 30 September 2024 (31 December 2023: £182,560 million). This reflects the impact of Retail lending growth, Retail secured CRD IV model updates and other movements, partly offset by optimisation including capital efficient securitisation activity.

The Group’s UK leverage ratio reduced to 5.3 per cent (31 December 2023: 5.6 per cent). This reflected both the reduction in the total tier 1 capital position and an increase in the leverage exposure measure, principally related to the increase in securities financing transactions and other balance sheet movements.


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT (UNAUDITED)

	Nine months ended 30 Sep 2024 £m		Nine months ended 30 Sep 2023 £m

Net interest income	9,378		10,432
Other income	3,235		3,268
Total income	12,613		13,700
Operating expenses	(8,392	)	(7,457	)
Impairment	(294	)	(881	)
Profit before tax	3,927		5,362
Tax expense	(1,200	)	(1,387	)
Profit for the period	2,727		3,975

Profit attributable to ordinary shareholders	2,454		3,708
Profit attributable to other equity holders	256		249
Profit attributable to equity holders	2,710		3,957
Profit attributable to non-controlling interests	17		18
Profit for the period	2,727		3,975


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (UNAUDITED)

	At 30 Sep 2024 £m	At 31 Dec 2023 £m

Assets
Cash and balances at central banks	39,925	57,909
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss	1,990	1,862
Derivative financial instruments	2,926	3,165
Loans and advances to banks	5,891	8,810
Loans and advances to customers	440,479	433,124
Reverse repurchase agreements	43,879	32,751
Debt securities	12,569	12,546
Due from fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings	659	840
Financial assets at amortised cost	503,477	488,071
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income	32,369	27,337
Other assets	28,925	27,061
Total assets	609,612	605,405

Liabilities
Deposits from banks	3,474	3,557
Customer deposits	446,311	441,953
Repurchase agreements	41,370	37,702
Due to fellow Lloyds Banking Group undertakings	4,442	2,932
Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss	4,964	5,255
Derivative financial instruments	3,583	4,307
Debt securities in issue at amortised cost	45,080	52,449
Other liabilities	12,926	9,884
Subordinated liabilities	7,214	6,935
Total liabilities	569,364	564,974

Equity
Share capital	1,574	1,574
Share premium account	600	600
Other reserves	2,904	2,395
Retained profits	29,667	30,786
Ordinary shareholders’ equity	34,745	35,355
Other equity instruments	5,428	5,018
Non-controlling interests	75	58
Total equity	40,248	40,431
Total equity and liabilities	609,612	605,405

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1. Basis of presentation

This release covers the results of Lloyds Bank plc together with its subsidiaries (the Group) for the nine months ended 30 September 2024.

Accounting policies

The accounting policies are consistent with those applied by the Group in its 2023 Annual Report and Accounts

2. Capital

The Group’s Q3 2024 Interim Pillar 3 Disclosures can be found at http://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/investors/financial-downloads.html.

3. UK economic assumptions

Base case and MES economic assumptions

The Group’s base case scenario is for a slow expansion in GDP and a modest rise in the unemployment rate alongside small gains in residential and commercial property prices. Following a reduction in inflationary pressures, cuts in UK Bank Rate are expected to continue during 2024 and 2025. Risks around this base case economic view lie in both directions and are largely captured by the generation of alternative economic scenarios.

The Group has taken into account the latest available information at the reporting date in defining its base case scenario and generating alternative economic scenarios. The scenarios include forecasts for key variables as of the third quarter of 2024. Actuals for this period, or restatements of past data, may have since emerged prior to publication and have not been included, including specifically in the Quarterly National Accounts release of 30 September 2024. The Group’s approach to generating alternative economic scenarios is set out in detail in note 19 to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. For September 2024, the Group continues to judge it appropriate to include a non-modelled severe downside scenario for ECL calculations as explained in note 12 of the Group’s 2024 Half-Year news release.

UK economic assumptions – base case scenario by quarter

Key quarterly assumptions made by the Group in the base case scenario are shown below. Gross domestic product is presented quarter-on-quarter. House price growth, commercial real estate price growth and CPI inflation are presented year-on-year, i.e. from the equivalent quarter in the previous year. Unemployment rate and UK Bank Rate are presented as at the end of each quarter.

At 30 September 2024	First quarter 2024 %		Second quarter 2024 %		Third quarter 2024 %		Fourth quarter 2024 %	First quarter 2025 %	Second quarter 2025 %	Third quarter 2025 %	Fourth quarter 2025 %

Gross domestic product	0.7		0.6		0.3		0.3	0.3	0.3	0.4	0.4
Unemployment rate	4.3		4.2		4.3		4.5	4.6	4.7	4.8	4.8
House price growth	0.4		1.8		5.3		3.1	3.2	3.6	2.4	2.0
Commercial real estate price growth	(5.3	)	(4.7	)	(2.5	)	0.3	1.4	1.9	1.6	1.7
UK Bank Rate	5.25		5.25		5.00		4.75	4.50	4.25	4.00	4.00
CPI inflation	3.5		2.1		2.1		2.7	2.4	2.9	2.7	2.3

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

3. UK economic assumptions (continued)

UK economic assumptions – scenarios by year

Key annual assumptions made by the Group are shown below. Gross domestic product and CPI inflation are presented as an annual change, house price growth and commercial real estate price growth are presented as the growth in the respective indices within the period. Unemployment rate and UK Bank Rate are averages for the period.

At 30 September 2024

2024
%

2025
%

2026
%

2027
%

2028
%

2024-2028
average
%

Upside

Gross domestic product

1.2

2.4

1.9

1.5

1.4

1.7

Unemployment rate

4.2

3.3

2.8

2.7

2.8

3.1

House price growth

3.5

4.6

7.1

6.4

5.1

5.3

Commercial real estate price growth

1.6

9.0

4.2

1.8

0.7

3.4

UK Bank Rate

5.06

5.08

5.16

5.34

5.58

5.24

CPI inflation

2.6

2.7

2.4

2.8

2.7

Base case

Gross domestic product

1.1

1.3

1.5

1.4

Unemployment rate

4.3

4.7

4.5

House price growth

3.1

2.0

1.0

1.5

2.1

2.0

Commercial real estate price growth

0.3

1.7

2.1

0.7

0.3

1.0

UK Bank Rate

5.06

4.19

3.63

3.50

3.98

CPI inflation

2.6

2.1

2.2

2.1

2.3

Downside

Gross domestic product

1.0

(0.3

)

0.4

1.3

1.5

0.8

Unemployment rate

4.4

6.5

7.3

7.1

6.5

House price growth

2.9

(0.2

)

(6.1

)

(5.8

)

(2.9

)

(2.5

)

Commercial real estate price growth

(0.7

)

(6.2

)

(1.7

)

(1.9

)

(1.9

)

(2.5

)

UK Bank Rate

5.06

3.11

1.48

0.96

0.65

2.25

CPI inflation

2.6

1.9

1.5

1.1

2.0

Severe downside

Gross domestic product

0.9

(2.0

)

(0.1

)

1.1

1.4

0.2

Unemployment rate

4.6

8.6

9.9

9.7

8.5

House price growth

2.3

(2.5

)

(13.5

)

(12.6

)

(8.3

)

(7.1

)

Commercial real estate price growth

(2.7

)

(16.5

)

(6.5

)

(6.5

)

(5.1

)

(7.6

)

UK Bank Rate – modelled

5.06

1.83

0.23

0.06

0.02

1.44

UK Bank Rate – adjusted¹

5.13

3.67

2.55

2.16

1.88

3.08

CPI inflation – modelled

2.6

1.5

0.7

0.1

1.5

CPI inflation – adjusted¹

2.6

3.5

1.8

1.3

0.9

2.0

Probability-weighted

Gross domestic product

1.1

0.8

1.1

1.4

1.2

Unemployment rate

4.3

5.2

5.4

5.3

5.1

House price growth

3.1

1.7

(0.7

)

(0.6

)

0.5

0.8

Commercial real estate price growth

0.1

(0.3

)

0.7

(0.5

)

(0.8

)

(0.1

)

UK Bank Rate – modelled

5.06

3.90

3.10

2.95

2.92

3.59

UK Bank Rate – adjusted¹

5.07

4.08

3.33

3.15

3.11

3.75

CPI inflation – modelled

2.6

2.0

1.8

2.2

CPI inflation – adjusted¹

2.6

2.7

2.1

1.9

2.3

¹ The adjustment to UK Bank Rate and CPI inflation in the severe downside is considered to better reflect the risks to the Group’s base case view in an economic environment where the risks of supply and demand shocks are seen as more balanced.

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)

4. Loans and advances to customers and expected credit loss allowance

At 30 September 2024

Stage 1
£m

Stage 2
£m

Stage 3
£m

POCI
£m

Total
£m

Stage 2
as % of
total

Stage 3
as % of
total

Loans and advances to customers

UK mortgages

271,138

28,389

4,545

6,949

311,021

9.1

1.5

Credit cards

13,429

2,620

262

–

16,311

16.1

1.6

Loans and overdrafts

8,839

1,374

173

–

10,386

13.2

1.7

UK Motor Finance

14,390

2,314

119

–

16,823

13.8

0.7

Other

16,702

513

150

–

17,365

3.0

0.9

Retail

324,498

35,210

5,249

6,949

371,906

9.5

1.4

Small and Medium Businesses

26,393

3,430

1,303

–

31,126

11.0

4.2

Corporate and Institutional Banking

37,564

2,306

637

–

40,507

5.7

1.6

Commercial Banking

63,957

5,736

1,940

–

71,633

8.0

2.7

Other¹

260

–

260

–

Total gross lending

388,715

40,946

7,189

6,949

443,799

9.2

1.6

ECL allowance on drawn balances

(764

)

(1,228

)

(1,106

)

(222

)

(3,320

)

Net balance sheet carrying value

387,951

39,718

6,083

6,727

440,479

Customer related ECL allowance (drawn and undrawn)

UK mortgages

321

339

222

968

Credit cards

207

351

129

–

687

Loans and overdrafts

170

242

111

–

523

UK Motor Finance²

169

105

–

342

Other

–

Retail

647

1,037

689

222

2,595

Small and Medium Businesses

138

190

160

–

488

Corporate and Institutional Banking

126

125

259

–

510

Commercial Banking

264

315

419

–

998

Other

–

Total

911

1,352

1,108

222

3,593

Customer related ECL allowance (drawn and undrawn) as a percentage of loans and advances to customers

UK mortgages

–

1.1

7.5

3.2

0.3

Credit cards

1.5

13.4

49.2

–

4.2

Loans and overdrafts

1.9

17.6

64.2

–

5.0

UK Motor Finance

1.2

4.5

57.1

–

2.0

Other

0.1

3.5

28.0

–

0.4

Retail

0.2

2.9

13.1

3.2

0.7

Small and Medium Businesses

0.5

5.5

12.3

–

1.6

Corporate and Institutional Banking

0.3

5.4

40.7

–

1.3

Commercial Banking

0.4

5.5

21.6

–

1.4

Other

–

Total

0.2

3.3

15.4

3.2

0.8

¹ Contains central fair value hedge accounting adjustments.

² UK Motor Finance includes £170 million relating to provisions against residual values of vehicles subject to finance leases.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the US Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and section 27A of the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with respect to the business, strategy, plans and/or results of Lloyds Bank plc together with its subsidiaries (the Lloyds Bank Group) and its current goals and expectations. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about the Lloyds Bank Group’s or its directors’ and/or management’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Words such as, without limitation, ‘believes’, ‘achieves’, ‘anticipates’, ‘estimates’, ‘expects’, ‘targets’, ‘should’, ‘intends’, ‘aims’, ‘projects’, ‘plans’, ‘potential’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘considered’, ‘likely’, ‘may’, ‘seek’, ‘estimate’, ‘probability’, ‘goal’, ‘objective’, ‘deliver’, ‘endeavour’, ‘prospects’, ‘optimistic’ and similar expressions or variations on these expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements concern or may affect future matters, including but not limited to: projections or expectations of the Lloyds Bank Group’s future financial position, including profit attributable to shareholders, provisions, economic profit, dividends, capital structure, portfolios, net interest margin, capital ratios, liquidity, risk-weighted assets (RWAs), expenditures or any other financial items or ratios; litigation, regulatory and governmental investigations; the Lloyds Bank Group’s future financial performance; the level and extent of future impairments and write-downs; the Lloyds Bank Group’s ESG targets and/or commitments; statements of plans, objectives or goals of the Lloyds Bank Group or its management and other statements that are not historical fact and statements of assumptions underlying such statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend upon circumstances that will or may occur in the future. Factors that could cause actual business, strategy, targets, plans and/or results (including but not limited to the payment of dividends) to differ materially from forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: general economic and business conditions in the UK and internationally; acts of hostility or terrorism and responses to those acts, or other such events; geopolitical unpredictability; the war between Russia and Ukraine; the conflicts in the Middle East; the tensions between China and Taiwan; political instability including as a result of any UK general election; market related risks, trends and developments; changes in client and consumer behaviour and demand; exposure to counterparty risk; the ability to access sufficient sources of capital, liquidity and funding when required; changes to the Lloyds Bank Group’s or Lloyds Banking Group plc’s credit ratings; fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, stock markets and currencies; volatility in credit markets; volatility in the price of the Lloyds Bank Group’s securities; tightening of monetary policy in jurisdictions in which the Lloyds Bank Group operates; natural pandemic and other disasters; risks concerning borrower and counterparty credit quality; risks affecting defined benefit pension schemes; changes in laws, regulations, practices and accounting standards or taxation; changes to regulatory capital or liquidity requirements and similar contingencies; the policies and actions of governmental or regulatory authorities or courts together with any resulting impact on the future structure of the Lloyds Bank Group; risks associated with the Lloyds Bank Group’s compliance with a wide range of laws and regulations; assessment related to resolution planning requirements; risks related to regulatory actions which may be taken in the event of a bank or Lloyds Bank Group or Lloyds Banking Group failure; exposure to legal, regulatory or competition proceedings, investigations or complaints; failure to comply with anti-money laundering, counter terrorist financing, anti-bribery and sanctions regulations; failure to prevent or detect any illegal or improper activities; operational risks including risks as a result of the failure of third party suppliers; conduct risk; technological changes and risks to the security of IT and operational infrastructure, systems, data and information resulting from increased threat of cyber and other attacks; technological failure; inadequate or failed internal or external processes or systems; risks relating to ESG matters, such as climate change (and achieving climate change ambitions) and decarbonisation, including the Lloyds Bank Group’s or the Lloyds Banking Group’s ability along with the government and other stakeholders to measure, manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change effectively, and human rights issues; the impact of competitive conditions; failure to attract, retain and develop high calibre talent; the ability to achieve strategic objectives; the ability to derive cost savings and other benefits including, but without limitation, as a result of any acquisitions, disposals and other strategic transactions; inability to capture accurately the expected value from acquisitions; and assumptions and estimates that form the basis of the Lloyds Bank Group’s financial statements. A number of these influences and factors are beyond the Lloyds Bank Group’s control. Please refer to the latest Annual Report on Form 20-F filed by Lloyds Bank plc with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), which is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov, for a discussion of certain factors and risks. Lloyds Bank plc may also make or disclose written and/or oral forward-looking statements in other written materials and in oral statements made by the directors, officers or employees of Lloyds Bank plc to third parties, including financial analysts. Except as required by any applicable law or regulation, the forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of today’s date, and the Lloyds Bank Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The information, statements and opinions contained in this document do not constitute a public offer under any applicable law or an offer to sell any securities or financial instruments or any advice or recommendation with respect to such securities or financial instruments.

CONTACTS

For further information please contact:

INVESTORS AND ANALYSTS

Douglas Radcliffe
Group Investor Relations Director
020 7356 1571
douglas.radcliffe@lloydsbanking.com

Nora Thoden
Director of Investor Relations – ESG
020 7356 2334
nora.thoden@lloydsbanking.com

Tom Grantham
Investor Relations Senior Manager
07851 440 091
thomas.grantham@lloydsbanking.com

Sarah Robson
Investor Relations Senior Manager
07494 513 983
sarah.robson2@lloydsbanking.com

CORPORATE AFFAIRS

Grant Ringshaw
External Relations Director
020 7356 2362
grant.ringshaw@lloydsbanking.com

Matt Smith
Head of Media Relations
07788 352 487
matt.smith@lloydsbanking.com

Copies of this News Release may be obtained from:
Investor Relations, Lloyds Banking Group plc, 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN
The statement can also be found on the Group’s website – http://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com

Registered office: Lloyds Bank plc, 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN
Registered in England No. 2065

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit http://www.rns.com.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Electric, Hybrid Buses Coming to UConn as Next Generation of Clean Transit

Source: US State of Connecticut

For more than 100 years, Storrs students have been able hop on buses of varying kinds – from a 1920s jalopy to today’s sleekly designed “Ice Bus” – on their way to their classes, residence halls, and activities around campus.

While UConn Storrs has grown and even the school’s name has evolved, one thing has remained the same: The buses have been powered by fossil fuels, which has been the standard technology for decades in mass transit around the world.

But that’s about to change. As the State of Connecticut pursues more clean energy options, it is providing two new battery electric buses to the Windham Regional Transit District (WRTD), which operates UConn’s bus system, for use on the Storrs campus starting in the spring semester.

The electric buses produce no tailpipe emissions and provide all the features that today’s students need for a comfortable and productive ride. Those amenities include three-position bicycle racks, phone charging ports, comfortable silica cushion seats, on-board electronic information displays, and other features envisioned in the Customer Experience Action Plan of the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).

The new buses are part of a larger initiative by CTDOT and state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) in partnership with transit providers to transition from diesel to zero-emissions models under an executive order that Gov. Ned Lamont issued in 2021.

The new 32-seat electric buses fit ideally into UConn’s clean-energy transportation vision, which is part of the broader plan to attain carbon neutrality on campus by 2030. Some of the related initiatives in the works include installing a hydrogen fuel dispenser at Storrs next spring; replacing 24 aging utility fleet vehicles with hydrogen-fueled models; and adding nine hybrid buses, which are currently on order.

Many more electric vehicle charging stations are also being added at Storrs, UConn Health, and other locations statewide. Like the hydrogen fuel station, they will be accessible for public use.

“Transportation is a critical piece in the puzzle at UConn as we work toward carbon neutrality by 2030 and the goal of net carbon zero by 2040,” says Stan Nolan, UConn’s interim associate vice president for facilities operations, which include transportation and fleet services.

“Transitioning our University vehicles to models that operate on more sustainable fuel sources will significantly enhance our progress, along with providing amenities like the charging stations to support and encourage others to adopt green-friendly transportation in our community,” he says.

All told, the University’s fleet vehicles are driven a combined total of about 2,000 miles per day on and around its campuses. About three-quarters of them run on gasoline or diesel fuel, but that percentage is decreasing as vehicles reach the end of their serviceable lives and many are being replaced with clean-energy vehicles.

President Radenka Maric, an internationally recognized expert in clean energy technology, says the impact of transitioning UConn’s fleet to green-energy sources will be an important step in the work toward carbon neutrality.

It also establishes UConn and the State of Connecticut as a partnership model for other states to emulate and underscores ideals of UConn’s Strategic Plan, in which the wellness of people and the planet – starting right on its campuses – are among the six top focus areas.

The two electric buses are expected to be added to the Storrs routes in the spring semester once the charging infrastructure is installed and ready for use at the WRTD bus garage.

The electric buses can run for about 150 to 180 miles per charge in winter, and about 200 to 220 miles per charge in summer. That range is ideal for a location like the Storrs campus, where the buses are constantly circulating on a typical day and the per-charge mileage is expected to be on the higher side since they will travel on flat topography at low speeds, officials say.

They will be around the same size as the current buses, most of which are seven or eight years old. Many of those buses will be taken off the road in coming years as they reach the end of their service life, with more clean-energy vehicles envisioned in their place.

The two new electric buses will include UConn’s logo and other recognizable branding, along with a white noise sound for safety to ensure pedestrians can hear the bus even if they are wearing headphones, ear buds, or other clothes and gear.

The new buses also will include the current audio warnings that are broadcast to indicate to people nearby whenever a bus is turning.

The two new electric buses being deployed at Storrs are part of the State of Connecticut’s initiative to electrify at least 30% of the medium and heavy-duty transit fleet statewide by 2030, and 100% by 2035.

Of the 50 new buses being delivered this year, 34 have been deployed across the various CTtransit divisions in addition to 11 already operating in the Hamden and Stamford areas from the 2022 Electric Bus Pilot program.

“Transitioning our fleet from older diesel models to newer zero-emission buses reduces greenhouse gas emissions and harmful air pollution,” says Benjamin Limmer, CTDOT’s Bureau Chief of Public Transportation. “These state-of-the-art buses are quieter, provide a smoother ride, and offer additional amenities that today’s riders deserve. We’re excited to see them running on the Storrs campus this spring.”

Though UConn is moving into a new generation of clean energy mass transit, bus service at Storrs dates back to the days when it was still the Connecticut Agricultural College.

A news story from a 1921 version of the Connecticut Campus student paper includes a colorful description of transportation options in previous years, including a 25-passenger Kissel car that often lost its front wheel on Route 195’s Spring Hill and a faster but short-lived Studebaker.

One of the most famous – or infamous, some would say – was an old Pierce-Arrow they jokingly called the “Black Maria,” a common nickname for police vehicles.

“Students will remember a good many times when they gave vent to their feelings because of Maria’s mulish behavior,” the newspaper wrote in an April 1921 profile of the driver, who transported students three times daily between Willimantic and the campus.

The idea of a 32-seat passenger bus would have been inconceivable to students then.

In fact, electricity had only arrived on campus starting in 1906 – and only in the chapel, library, and dining hall, not the dorms. Now, almost 120 years later, the two new electric buses and nine new hybrid buses represent the next generation of transportation at UConn.

“UConn has always worked to ensure that its campuses are provided with the most modern, user-friendly, and socially responsible transportation options available. The addition of the new electric buses fits perfectly into that mission,” says Andy Kelly, UConn’s associate director of logistics in its facilities operations division.

MIL OSI USA News –

January 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [KEYWORDS STUDIOS PLC – 22 10 2024] – (CGWL)

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser:	CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
(b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.	N/A
(c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree	KEYWORDS STUDIOS PLC
(d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:	N/A
(e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure	22 OCTOBER 2024
(f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”	N/A

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:	1p ORDINARY
	Interests		Short positions
	Number	%	Number	%
(1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled:	1,339,669	1.5930
(2) Cash-settled derivatives:
(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:
TOTAL:	1,339,669	1.5930

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:
Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security	Purchase/sale	Number of securities	Price per unit
1p ORDINARY	SALE	1,500	2446.04p
1p ORDINARY	PURCHASE	700	2447.958p

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. CFD	Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position	Number of reference securities	Price per unit
NONE

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security	Product description e.g. call option	Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc.	Number of securities to which option relates	Exercise price per unit	Type e.g. American, European etc.	Expiry date	Option money paid/ received per unit
NONE

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security

Product description
e.g. call option

Exercising/ exercised against

Number of securities

Exercise price per unit

(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security	Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion	Details	Price per unit (if applicable)
NONE

4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

NONE

(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

NONE

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached?

Date of disclosure:	23 OCTOBER 2024
Contact name:	MARK ELLIOTT
Telephone number:	01253 376539

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at http://www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

The MIL Network –

January 24, 2025

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Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi launches retail of Bharat Chana Dal Phase – II in Delhi-NCR by flagging off mobile vansChana Dal at MRP Rs.70 per kg and Chana Whole at Rs.58 per kg is made available to consumers from 3 lakh ton of Chana stock

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Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi launches retail of Bharat Chana Dal Phase – II in Delhi-NCR by flagging off mobile vans

Chana Dal at MRP Rs.70 per kg and Chana Whole at Rs.58 per kg is made available to consumers from 3 lakh ton of Chana stock