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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Urgent humanitarian response in Myanmar following devastating earthquake – E-001385/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU increased its 2025 humanitarian budget for Myanmar by EUR 13 million, bringing the total to EUR 46 million[1]. This helped humanitarian organisations to launch life-saving assistance, including food, cash, shelter and emergency supplies.

    The EU also set up Humanitarian Air Bridges, with 10 flights, delivering 609.7 metric tonnes of assistance, including pre-positioned stocks from ReliefEU.

    The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)[2] was activated; in-kind donations from several Member States further supported relief efforts.

    The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC)[3] assisted the overall coordination effort activating amongst others the Copernicus Emergency Management Service for impact and need assessment.

    Following a need-based and principled approach, the EU delivers life-saving emergency assistance including shelter, clean water and sanitation, physical and mental healthcare, comprehensive protection services, food and cash assistance, while preparing to engage in early rehabilitation in coordination with development actors.

    Long-term development assistance is planned through EU programmes and will continue to support most vulnerable populations in line with the 2021 Council Conclusions[4].

    This support is delivered in a humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach, focusing on identified development priority areas[5]. Life-saving humanitarian assistance continues to be severely needed and not sufficiently covered.

    To ensure an effective delivery of both humanitarian and development assistance in a protracted crisis like Myanmar, the international community must continue advocating for a cessation of all hostilities, in the interest of the Myanmar population.

    • [1] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/where/asia-and-pacific/myanmarburma_en#facts–figures .
    • [2] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en.
    • [3] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/emergency-response-coordination-centre-ercc_en.
    • [4] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6287-2021-INIT/en/pdf.
    • [5] Notably on peace, governance, education, livelihoods and green growth.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic – P-001737/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The High Representative /Vice-President and the European External Action Service are following the case since its inception, in close cooperation and consultation with the Belgian and Portuguese authorities who have had access to Mr Figueira Martin and have been providing him with regular consular assistance.

    The High Representative /Vice-President , together with Belgium and Portugal, have stressed to the authorities of the Central African Republic the imperative that Mr Figueira Martin’s rights to due process be upheld and that his detention conditions respect international standards.

    Last updated: 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU action to safeguard scientific progress in response to US policies – E-001625/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In a volatile geopolitical context, the Commission stresses that education, research and innovation in Europe are founded on the indissoluble paradigm of academic freedom and freedom of scientific research.

    In the EU, European and international researchers will always be able to enjoy scientific freedom, which will therefore be enshrined in EU law in the context of the European Research Area ( ERA) Act, expected in 2026[1].

    A EUR 500 million package has been announced by the Commission President for the period 2025-2027 to further strengthen the attractiveness of the EU for world’s talents, including from the European diaspora[2].

    This includes a ‘Choose Europe for Science’ Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA)[3] already in 2025 to provide excellent researchers coming to Europe with pathways to stable employment[4], a seven-year European Research Council (ERC)[5] super grant coupled with increased funding for grantees moving to Europe from abroad, and a visa strategy to facilitate relocation to Europe[6].

    The new package builds on existing policies and tools. For example, the new European framework for research careers[7] and the European Charter for Researchers[8] support reforms at national and EU level to attract and retain research talents[9], while EURAXESS[10] continues to provide personalised support to incoming researchers.

    In addition, the ERA Talent Platform[11] ensures the visibility of the attractive environment of European careers, and a Research and Innovation Careers Observatory (ReICO)[12] provides as of mid-2025 data for evidence-based policies.

    Moreover, 65 European Universities alliances[13], the work towards a European degree, and the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters action[14] contribute to the attractiveness of the EU as a place to study and work.

    • [1] As announced in the Commission Communication of 29 January 2025 on A Competitiveness Compass for the EU, the ERA Act will also include, among others, legislative measures aiming to address challenges for research careers and mobility.
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/da/speech_25_1130.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_657.
    • [4] The MSCA also provide a wide range of training, mobility and career development opportunities that are already available and open to researchers of all nationalities, including United States researchers. See https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/.
    • [5] https://erc.europa.eu/about-erc/erc-glance.
    • [6] https://erc.europa.eu/news-events/news/choose-europe-science-erc-welcomes-new-budget-super-grants.
    • [7] Council Recommendation of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe, OJ C C2023/1640, 29/12/2023.
    • [8] https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/hrexcellenceaward/european-charter-researchers.
    • [9] A Mutual Learning Exercise (https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/statistics/policy-support-facility/psf-challenge/mutual-learning-exercise-research-careers) under the Horizon Europe Policy Support Facility supports the exchange of good practices by Member States on the implementation of the new framework for research careers.
    • [10] https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/.
    • [11] https://ec.europa.eu/era-talent-platform/.
    • [12] https://ec.europa.eu/era-talent-platform/reico/, developed in partnership with the OECD with Horizon Europe support.
    • [13] https://education.ec.europa.eu/education-levels/higher-education/european-universities-initiative.
    • [14] https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/opportunities/opportunities-for-individuals/students/erasmus-mundus-joint-masters.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Major interpellation – Partisan funding of politically active non-governmental organisations (NGOs) by the Commission – G-001001/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Major interpellation for written answer  G-001001/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 145
    René Aust
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    According to reports on the German television news programme ‘Tagesschau’ (on 7 June 2025) and in the newspaper ‘Welt am Sonntag’, there are allegedly secret agreements between the Commission and politically active NGOs. The NGOs have reportedly been paid to conduct campaigns and legal proceedings in the interests of the Commission. Some NGOs are said to have received up to EUR 700 000 in order, inter alia, to bring legal actions against German coal-fired power stations or to challenge the EU-Mercosur agreement. There have reportedly also been, in return, contractual agreements to influence MEPs in targeted operations, involving lobbying letters and social media posts. Although the Commission denies the existence of secret agreements and has given an assurance that there has been transparency, in April 2025 the European Court of Auditors criticised the lack of transparency as regards funding for NGOs, with over EUR 7 billion having been allocated to NGOs between 2021 and 2023.

    • 1.What contracts or agreements has the Commission concluded since 2019 with NGOs or other actors (e.g. firms or platforms) that have provided for an explicit or implicit quid pro quo in the form of lobbying, campaigns or activities before the courts, for example?
    • 2.What specific amounts have been paid in those instances and under what budget headings, programmes or earmarking arrangements?
    • 3.Which of those agreements are publicly documented, which have not been published or are classified, and what, in each instance, is the legal basis for classification?
    • 4.Which Commissioners, directorates-general or other departments have been involved in negotiating, approving and implementing those agreements?
    • 5.What lessons has the Commission learned from the public criticism regarding funding practices, transparency and checks?
    • 6.Does the Commission regard such funding practices as compatible with Articles 317 and 325 TFEU and the principle of Commission neutrality and, if it does, on what grounds does it do so?
    • 7.What internal control mechanisms are in place to ensure that funds granted are not used to exercise undue political influence?
    • 8.Has the Commission concluded agreements similar to those described with NGOs or actors in other Member States and, if it has, what are those agreements and with what specific objectives?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    Last updated: 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Violation of EU sanctions against Solovyev by Italian news platforms – E-001677/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Persons subject to individual restrictive measures (sanctions), including the Russian journalist mentioned in the question, are subject to an asset freeze, a prohibition to receive funds or economic resources and a travel ban[1].

    The Commission oversees the implementation of EU sanctions as per Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014[2]. The enforcement of sanctions is primarily the responsibility of national authorities, and the Commission supports Member States in their efforts to ensure compliance, including through monitoring, the issuance of guidance and continuous information-exchange with the relevant national competent authorities of the Member States. Member States shall take all necessary steps to ensure adherence to EU sanctions in their jurisdiction.

    The EU is taking a number of initiatives aimed at promoting media pluralism and tackling pro-Russian disinformation. These include inter alia the European Democracy Action Plan[3], the enforcement of the Digital Services Act[4] and the EU vs Disinfo platform[5].

    On the sanctions side, some Russian media outlets are already subject to a broadcasting ban according to Article 2f of Council Regulation 833/2014[6] as they have been instrumental in preparing and supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and for their participation in Russia’s systematic information manipulation and disinformation under the permanent direct or indirect control of the leadership of the Russian Federation.

    Any restrictive measure falls under the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and must be agreed unanimously by the Council.

    • [1] Article 2, Council Regulation (EU) No 269/2014; https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02014R0269-20250316.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/269/oj/eng.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/ga/ip_20_2250.
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=legissum:4625430.
    • [5] https://euvsdisinfo.eu/.
    • [6] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/833/oj/eng.
    Last updated: 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ensuring the sustainability of small-scale coastal fishing in the South-Eastern Mediterranean – E-001507/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) supports the small-scale fleet by offering support at up to 100% of their investment costs. This includes diversifying activities to support income, like fishing tourism, modernising vessels, mitigating impacts from climate change, invasive species and costs due to exceptional events, or enhancing fishers’ skills and income possibilities through training. The Commission works with Greece to ensure the Greek EMFAF programme meets sector-specific needs, with the Greek Managing Authority being responsible for allocating funding to projects that align with national priorities, including those in the context of the question.

    2. The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) allows measures to be adapted to regional needs with the involvement of stakeholders within Advisory Councils such as the Mediterranean Advisory Council. Multiannual Plans adopted through the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) provide targeted measures to fisheries in the region and the Mediterranean Regulation[1] addresses the unique characteristics and requirements of the small traditional fishing fleets. The Commission works at GFCM level to ensure that the specificities of small-scale fisheries, as outlined in the Regional Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, are taken into consideration. The Commission is currently evaluating the CFP Regulation[2]. The results, expected in early 2026, will be instrumental in the future development of the policy and regulatory framework, including of small-scale fisheries. In this context, the Commission plans organising an implementation dialogue on small-scale coastal fisheries in November.

    • [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1967/2006 of 21 December 2006 concerning management measures for the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources in the Mediterranean Sea, amending Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1626/94.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1954/2003 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2371/2002 and (EC) No 639/2004 and Council Decision 2004/585/EC.
    Last updated: 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Dangerous rise in water levels in Greece’s coastal areas – E-001799/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the European Climate Risk Assessment (2024)[1] there is information on sea level rise and its impacts. Also, in the first Assessment Report (2024)[2] of the Knowledge Hub on Sea Level Rise an overview of the impacts in Europe is provided.

    In addition, as addressed in the Climate Law[3] as well as the Guidelines on National Adaptation Strategies[4], Members States are supposed to execute robust climate change and vulnerability analyses and use the outcome as a base for their national adaptation strategies and plans.

    Through the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change[5] the Commission is helping regional and local authorities to become climate resilient. This encompasses providing tools for climate risk assessment as well developing adaptation measures in coastal areas.

    In its communication ‘The road to the next Multiannual Financial Framework’[6] the Commission highlighted in February 2025 the increasing impacts of climate change in Europe that require stepping up work on climate and water resilience and preparedness. The Commission plans to put forward a proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework in the third quarter of 2025.

    The Commission will also step up support to implement adaptation strategies and planning, notably through the upcoming EU climate adaptation plan, foreseen for 2026.

    • [1] European Environment Agency, European Climate Risk Assessment (2024) — https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/en/eu-adaptation-policy/key-eu-actions/european-climate-risk-assessment.
    • [2] Knowledge Hub on Sea Level Rise, ‘Sea level rise in Europe’(2024), https://sp.copernicus.org/articles/sp-slre1.pdf.
    • [3]  Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 “Climate Law”, Article 5.4.
    • [4] Commission Notice Guidelines on Member States’ adaptation strategies and plans 2023/C 264/01 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EL/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52023XC0727%2801%29.
    • [5] https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/en/mission/the-mission.
    • [6] (COM(2025)46).
    Last updated: 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The need for urgent EU action to counter foreign corrupt practices – E-001505/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU promotes human rights, democratic governance, the rule of law and the fight against corruption policies as a priority in its external action. Serious acts of corruption threaten peace and international security, enabling terrorism, organised crime and other crimes.

    It is for the Council to decide by unanimity whether to adopt the High Representative/Vice-President’s proposal to establish a new Common Foreign and Security Policy sanctions regime targeting serious acts of corruption worldwide.

    Meanwhile, the EU has introduced and made use of the possibility to impose restrictive measures (sanctions) to target serious financial misconduct concerning public funds in country-specific contexts[1].

    The EU supports the universalisation and effective implementation of the fight against corruption, including via its trade tools, such as the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+)[2] framework and Everything but Arms (EBA)[3] scheme (GSP+ and EBA beneficiary countries need to ratify and implement the United Nations Convention against corruption).

    Human rights dialogues with more than 60 countries are opportunities to discuss issues related to corruption and its negative impact on human rights.

    The promotion and protection of civil society’s actors fighting against corruption is at the core of EU’s anti-corruption efforts. The EU strives to protect whistle-blowers and provide support to national human rights institutions, human rights defenders and journalists at risk.

    • [1] Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/891 of 28 April 2023 concerning restrictive measures in view of actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova; Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/254 of 12 January 2024 concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Guatemala.
    • [2] https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/generalised-scheme-preferences-plus-gsp.
    • [3] https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/everything-arms-eba.
    Last updated: 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Need for a revision of the Tobacco Taxation Directive – E-001408/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The evaluation of Directive 2011/64/EU[1] published in 2020 shows that, while the current rules work well in terms of predictability and stability for EU Member States’ fiscal revenue, the current minimum rates established under the directive have lost traction over time and are no longer effective against market distortions, resulting in lost tax revenues for Member States. Besides, the minimum rates are no longer as effective in contributing to the ambitious goals of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan[2].

    The Commission continues to work on a revision of this directive to draw up a proposal based on the latest market and regulatory data available.

    The Commission will continue to give priority to protecting people from the harmful effects of tobacco and related products. Taxation plays an instrumental role in reducing the consumption of these harmful products.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A32011L0064, Council Directive 2011/64/EU on the structure and rates of excise duty applied to manufactured tobacco, OJ L 176, 5.7.2011, p. 24.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2021%3A44%3AFIN, SWD (2021) 44 final.
    Last updated: 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Shein in the Spotlight: IMCO to discuss EU action – Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

    Source: European Parliament

    E-commerce ©BELGA_BELPRESS

    On 25 June 2025, IMCO will hold an exchange of views on the ongoing investigations against e-commerce platforms and will discuss the latest developments. On 26 May 2025, the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network of national consumer authorities and the European Commission, following a coordinated investigation at European level, notified the online marketplace and e-retailer Shein of a number of practices on its platform that infringe EU consumer law.

    The CPC Network directed Shein to bring those practices in line with EU consumer laws. The CPC Network’s action is led by the competent national authorities of Belgium, France, Ireland and The Netherlands, under the coordination of the European Commission.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands returning home to Nigeria

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 18-06-2025 | 17:00

    This week marks the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands to Nigeria. The official handover will take place on 21 June, at the National Museum in Lagos. The restitution is the result of intensive cooperation between experts and representatives from Nigeria and the Netherlands. The artifacts will be returned to the Nigerian government, which will decide how and where they will be displayed.

    Back in February this year, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Eppo Bruins, announced his decision to return the Benin Bronzes from the Dutch State Collection. The return is unconditional, recognising that the objects were looted during the British attack on Benin City in 1897, and should have never ended up in the Netherlands. On 19 February, Minister Bruins and the Director-General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, signed the transfer agreements at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the Netherlands, where the objects were previously displayed.

    This week, the Bronzes’ journey home will conclude with an official handover ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, in the presence of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Netherlands Dewi van de Weerd, the DG of the NCMM, the directors of the Wereldmuseum and other officials.

    The Nigerian government will decide how and where the artifacts will be displayed. They will initially be stored in the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen storage facility at the National Museum in Benin City.

    The Dutch restitution is the largest physical return of Benin artifacts to Nigeria to date. DG Holloway of the NCMM: “The symbolism of this occasion cannot be overemphasised and what it means for the pride and dignity of not just the Benin people, but the whole of Nigeria. We assure the rest of the world that these objects will be cared for with the utmost attention to detail and displayed in all their glory. We thank the Netherlands for the good example set and look forward to forging even greater ties between our two nations through cultural diplomacy.”

    The Netherlands and Nigeria have worked closely together to realise this historic restitution. Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd: “We congratulate Nigeria on their persistent advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes. We hope that this restitution is not the final chapter, but the foundation for further cooperation between Dutch and Nigerian museums.”

    Prior to the ceremony, the Netherlands and Nigeria will jointly convene an expert workshop on digital heritage, which will bring together experts from both countries and the wider West African region. In commemoration of the handover, young contemporary artists from Benin City have developed an exhibition on “Reclaiming heritage: new narratives”, which is on display in the National Museum in Lagos.

    The Dutch restitution follows the recommendation of the independent Colonial Collections Committee, based on extensive provenance research, and is in line with the Dutch policy on the restitution of objects from a colonial context. Of the 119 objects being returned, 113 of the objects were part of the Dutch State Collection, while the remaining 6 are given back by the Municipality of Rotterdam. 4 items will remain on display in the Wereldmuseum on a loan agreement.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands returning home to Nigeria

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 18-06-2025 | 17:00

    This week marks the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands to Nigeria. The official handover will take place on 21 June, at the National Museum in Lagos. The restitution is the result of intensive cooperation between experts and representatives from Nigeria and the Netherlands. The artifacts will be returned to the Nigerian government, which will decide how and where they will be displayed.

    Back in February this year, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Eppo Bruins, announced his decision to return the Benin Bronzes from the Dutch State Collection. The return is unconditional, recognising that the objects were looted during the British attack on Benin City in 1897, and should have never ended up in the Netherlands. On 19 February, Minister Bruins and the Director-General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, signed the transfer agreements at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the Netherlands, where the objects were previously displayed.

    This week, the Bronzes’ journey home will conclude with an official handover ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, in the presence of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Netherlands Dewi van de Weerd, the DG of the NCMM, the directors of the Wereldmuseum and other officials.

    The Nigerian government will decide how and where the artifacts will be displayed. They will initially be stored in the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen storage facility at the National Museum in Benin City.

    The Dutch restitution is the largest physical return of Benin artifacts to Nigeria to date. DG Holloway of the NCMM: “The symbolism of this occasion cannot be overemphasised and what it means for the pride and dignity of not just the Benin people, but the whole of Nigeria. We assure the rest of the world that these objects will be cared for with the utmost attention to detail and displayed in all their glory. We thank the Netherlands for the good example set and look forward to forging even greater ties between our two nations through cultural diplomacy.”

    The Netherlands and Nigeria have worked closely together to realise this historic restitution. Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd: “We congratulate Nigeria on their persistent advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes. We hope that this restitution is not the final chapter, but the foundation for further cooperation between Dutch and Nigerian museums.”

    Prior to the ceremony, the Netherlands and Nigeria will jointly convene an expert workshop on digital heritage, which will bring together experts from both countries and the wider West African region. In commemoration of the handover, young contemporary artists from Benin City have developed an exhibition on “Reclaiming heritage: new narratives”, which is on display in the National Museum in Lagos.

    The Dutch restitution follows the recommendation of the independent Colonial Collections Committee, based on extensive provenance research, and is in line with the Dutch policy on the restitution of objects from a colonial context. Of the 119 objects being returned, 113 of the objects were part of the Dutch State Collection, while the remaining 6 are given back by the Municipality of Rotterdam. 4 items will remain on display in the Wereldmuseum on a loan agreement.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands returning home to Nigeria

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 18-06-2025 | 17:00

    This week marks the return of 119 Benin Bronzes from the Netherlands to Nigeria. The official handover will take place on 21 June, at the National Museum in Lagos. The restitution is the result of intensive cooperation between experts and representatives from Nigeria and the Netherlands. The artifacts will be returned to the Nigerian government, which will decide how and where they will be displayed.

    Back in February this year, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Eppo Bruins, announced his decision to return the Benin Bronzes from the Dutch State Collection. The return is unconditional, recognising that the objects were looted during the British attack on Benin City in 1897, and should have never ended up in the Netherlands. On 19 February, Minister Bruins and the Director-General of the Nigerian National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Olugbile Holloway, signed the transfer agreements at the Wereldmuseum in Leiden, the Netherlands, where the objects were previously displayed.

    This week, the Bronzes’ journey home will conclude with an official handover ceremony at the National Museum in Lagos, in the presence of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa, the Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation of the Netherlands Dewi van de Weerd, the DG of the NCMM, the directors of the Wereldmuseum and other officials.

    The Nigerian government will decide how and where the artifacts will be displayed. They will initially be stored in the new NCMM Oba Ovonramwen storage facility at the National Museum in Benin City.

    The Dutch restitution is the largest physical return of Benin artifacts to Nigeria to date. DG Holloway of the NCMM: “The symbolism of this occasion cannot be overemphasised and what it means for the pride and dignity of not just the Benin people, but the whole of Nigeria. We assure the rest of the world that these objects will be cared for with the utmost attention to detail and displayed in all their glory. We thank the Netherlands for the good example set and look forward to forging even greater ties between our two nations through cultural diplomacy.”

    The Netherlands and Nigeria have worked closely together to realise this historic restitution. Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation, Dewi van de Weerd: “We congratulate Nigeria on their persistent advocacy for the return of the Benin Bronzes. We hope that this restitution is not the final chapter, but the foundation for further cooperation between Dutch and Nigerian museums.”

    Prior to the ceremony, the Netherlands and Nigeria will jointly convene an expert workshop on digital heritage, which will bring together experts from both countries and the wider West African region. In commemoration of the handover, young contemporary artists from Benin City have developed an exhibition on “Reclaiming heritage: new narratives”, which is on display in the National Museum in Lagos.

    The Dutch restitution follows the recommendation of the independent Colonial Collections Committee, based on extensive provenance research, and is in line with the Dutch policy on the restitution of objects from a colonial context. Of the 119 objects being returned, 113 of the objects were part of the Dutch State Collection, while the remaining 6 are given back by the Municipality of Rotterdam. 4 items will remain on display in the Wereldmuseum on a loan agreement.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Concept Masterplan for Station Approach approved

    Source: City of Winchester


    Winchester City Council has approved a brand-new Concept Masterplan for Station Approach in Winchester.

    The Concept Masterplan, which was considered and formally endorsed at this week’s Cabinet meeting, establishes the vision and aspiration for the site.

    Award-winning local architects, Design Engine, produced the Concept Masterplan on behalf of Winchester City Council, using public feedback received during a six-week consultation last summer.

    Councillor Martin Tod, Leader of Winchester City Council, said:

    “Plans for Station Approach have been controversial in the past, but this decision is a real step forward.  Design Engine have worked alongside local people, local stakeholders and our local councils to develop a really positive plan for the area.  

    “Change is coming, and we need to be ready for it.  The new Mayoral Strategic Authority coming as a result of the Government’s devolution plans gives us a chance to do a much better job in the area around the station and at the station itself. It gives us a way to join up the use of railway land, county land and City Council land – and also join up buses and trains: these plans will make sure we’re ready for that.  We’re also likely to need less parking in the immediate area when the planned new Park & Ride to the north of the city opens up – and that will also let us use the land more productively.

    “Winchester is a national powerhouse for architecture and we’re really lucky that Design Engine were willing to take this project on. They know Winchester and they care about Winchester and it really shows through in the work they’ve done.”

    The area around Winchester Railway Station is an important gateway to the city. The council’s emerging local plan identifies the ‘Station Approach’ regeneration area, which is allocated as a mixed-use site, with potential to deliver up to 250 homes.

    Richard Jobson, Founding Director of Design Engine, said:

    “The Concept Masterplan has been both an interesting, engaging, and enjoyable process to lead. Together with the Winchester City Council’s Regeneration and Planning teams, and in consultation with the local community and interest groups, the proposed plan created encompasses both a pragmatic and a dynamic vision for how the Station Approach area can be positively redeveloped in the future.

    “Design Engine Architects and our collaborators are grateful for the opportunity to add value to the future vision of a key part of our city that is right on our doorstep.”

    In 2023, Winchester City Council agreed a new approach to Concept Masterplanning, which enables improved community engagement and becomes a material condition in future decision making.

    You can view the Concept Masterplan and supporting documents here: Station Approach – Winchester City Council

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE, Adygea and ASU unite to strengthen science and education in the republic

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    An agreement on strategic cooperation between the Higher School of Economics, the Republic of Adygea and Adyghe State University was signed on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. The document was signed by HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov, Head of the Republic of Adygea Murat Kumpilov and Rector of Adyghe State University Daud Mamiy.

    The agreement is aimed at developing systemic cooperation in the educational and research spheres. The main goal of cooperation is to create conditions for the formation and strengthening of the human resources potential of the Republic of Adygea, support regional educational organizations, and build sustainable ties between universities and local institutions.

    The agreement provides expert, methodological and legal support for the regional education system. HSE will organize advanced training and retraining programs for teachers and management teams of Adyghe State University and other educational organizations in Adygea. The parties also agreed to jointly develop educational programs, assist in organizing practical training for students, and develop student and academic exchange, including internships.

    Particular attention will be paid to the formation of a network of partner educational institutions to improve the quality of school education, as well as the implementation of intellectual projects for schoolchildren and youth. Cooperation involves the integration of educational, scientific and industrial activities in order to train specialists in demand in the economy and social sphere of the region.

    “Interaction with the Higher School of Economics, our leading universities – Adyghe State University and Maikop State Technological University – is of great importance. Relying on such cooperation will allow us to more effectively form a management team, achieve the intended goals in key projects and programs, find optimal solutions to complex problems taking into account the development prospects of Adygea, including within the framework of the creation of an industrial park and a large-scale eco-resort “Lagonaki”, “concluded Murat Kumpilov, Head of the Republic of Adygea

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Israel says it hit dozens of military targets in Iran, including nuclear research site

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israeli military said on Friday it carried out strikes on dozens of military targets in Iran overnight, including the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research that it said is involved in Iran’s nuclear weapons development.

    An industrial plant in northern Iran was damaged in an attack, Iranian media reported on Friday, hours after Israel issued a warning for residents to move away from nearby areas.

    Earlier media reports said the plant in the Sefidrud industrial area was involved in the production of carbon fiber, which can be used in the manufacturing of weapons systems such as missile bodies.

    (Reuters)

  • Israel says it hit dozens of military targets in Iran, including nuclear research site

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israeli military said on Friday it carried out strikes on dozens of military targets in Iran overnight, including the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research that it said is involved in Iran’s nuclear weapons development.

    An industrial plant in northern Iran was damaged in an attack, Iranian media reported on Friday, hours after Israel issued a warning for residents to move away from nearby areas.

    Earlier media reports said the plant in the Sefidrud industrial area was involved in the production of carbon fiber, which can be used in the manufacturing of weapons systems such as missile bodies.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi launches key development projects in Bihar, flags off first export locomotive from Marhowra Plant

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    rime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated a series of development projects in Bihar, with a focus on rail connectivity, sanitation, power infrastructure, and affordable housing.

    The highlight of the Prime Minister’s visit to the Saran district was the flagging off of a state-of-the-art export locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant. Manufactured under the “Make in India – Make for the World” initiative, the locomotive will be exported to the Republic of Guinea, marking the plant’s first international dispatch.

    These advanced locomotives feature high-horsepower engines, AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based control systems, ergonomically designed cabs, and regenerative braking technology, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in rail manufacturing.

    As part of efforts to enhance regional connectivity, PM Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur, passing through Muzaffarpur and Bettiah, significantly boosting rail access in North Bihar.

    In addition, he inaugurated the Vaishali–Deoria railway line, a project valued at over ₹400 crore, and flagged off a new train service along the route to strengthen connectivity across the region.

    Under the Namami Gange programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a combined investment of over ₹1,800 crore. These plants aim to enhance sanitation and water quality in towns situated along the Ganga River.

    PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for a series of water supply and sanitation projects worth more than ₹3,000 crore, which are set to benefit several towns across Bihar by ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water.

    In a major step toward modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure, the Prime Minister launched a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. These standalone units will be installed at 15 grid substations in locations including Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Siwan. With storage capacities ranging from 20 to 80 MWh, the BESS installations are expected to help electricity distribution companies meet peak demand more efficiently and reduce procurement costs, ultimately passing on the benefits to consumers.

    On the housing front, PM Modi released the first instalment under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) to more than 53,600 beneficiaries in Bihar. He also handed over keys to select recipients as part of a Grih Pravesh ceremony, marking the completion of over 6,600 new houses built under the scheme.

  • MIL-OSI: Hyperscale Data Subsidiary Bitnile.com Accepting $TRUMP Meme Coin in its Social Casino

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that the $TRUMP meme coin is now an accepted payment method on Bitnile.com, the sweepstakes-based social-casino platform operated by Bitnile.com, Inc. (“Bitnile.com”), an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of Hyperscale Data.

    Players can now use $TRUMP to purchase coin packages used to enter a wide range of casino-style social games on Bitnile.com, including slots, poker and blackjack. Bitnile.com now accepts both the $NILE coin and the $TRUMP coin as payment methods and plans to roll out additional cryptocurrencies over the coming months.

    Joe Spaziano, Chief Executive Officer of Bitnile.com, stated, “We are happy to provide players an additional onboarding option and will continue to work on accepting additional cryptocurrencies throughout 2025. Our goal is to provide players with multiple options to play on Bitnile.com. On or about July 1, 2025, we will also accept $PEPE, marking three meme coins as an accepted payment method on Bitnile.com, with more expected to come this year.”

    For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

    About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

    Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging artificial intelligence (“AI”) ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

    Hyperscale Data expects to divest itself of ACG on or about December 31, 2025 (the “Divestiture”). Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would solely be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, though it may at that time continue to mine Bitcoin. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

    On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be stockholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.

    Hyperscale Data Investor Contact:
    IR@hyperscaledata.com or 1-888-753-2235

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Hyperscale Data Subsidiary Bitnile.com Accepting $TRUMP Meme Coin in its Social Casino

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that the $TRUMP meme coin is now an accepted payment method on Bitnile.com, the sweepstakes-based social-casino platform operated by Bitnile.com, Inc. (“Bitnile.com”), an indirectly wholly owned subsidiary of Hyperscale Data.

    Players can now use $TRUMP to purchase coin packages used to enter a wide range of casino-style social games on Bitnile.com, including slots, poker and blackjack. Bitnile.com now accepts both the $NILE coin and the $TRUMP coin as payment methods and plans to roll out additional cryptocurrencies over the coming months.

    Joe Spaziano, Chief Executive Officer of Bitnile.com, stated, “We are happy to provide players an additional onboarding option and will continue to work on accepting additional cryptocurrencies throughout 2025. Our goal is to provide players with multiple options to play on Bitnile.com. On or about July 1, 2025, we will also accept $PEPE, marking three meme coins as an accepted payment method on Bitnile.com, with more expected to come this year.”

    For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

    About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

    Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc., Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging artificial intelligence (“AI”) ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

    Hyperscale Data expects to divest itself of ACG on or about December 31, 2025 (the “Divestiture”). Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would solely be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, though it may at that time continue to mine Bitcoin. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

    On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be stockholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.

    Hyperscale Data Investor Contact:
    IR@hyperscaledata.com or 1-888-753-2235

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: RTMC welcomes sentence imposed on Limpopo vehicle testing official

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    RTMC welcomes sentence imposed on Limpopo vehicle testing official

    The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the jail sentence imposed on a vehicle testing official from a privately owned testing station in Limpopo.

    This as the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday sentenced Kabelo Chilenge (37) to six years direct imprisonment for fraudulently issuing a vehicle roadworthy certificate for a vehicle that he did not physically examine. 

    The court found that a suspended sentence would not be appropriate in these circumstances.

    The certificate was issued at Quick Test vehicle testing station in Modimolle, Limpopo in April 2022 while the vehicle in question was in a police pound at the time.

    Although no evidence to prove that Chilenge benefitted personally from the illicit transaction, the court drew inference that such conduct could not be executed without gratification.

    The court said the accused earned a salary and there was no need for him to commit such an offence. It considered that unroadworthy vehicles cause accidents when allowed to operate on the roads.

    “The RTMC feels that this sentence is appropriate and serve[s] as a deterrent to others who are involved in such unlawful activities,” said the RTMC.

    Members of the public are urged to use the following platforms to report alleged fraud and corruption: email ntacu@rtmc.co.za or WhatsApp to 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za 
     

    Edwin

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Western Cape works around the clock to deal with extortion, says Premier

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Western Cape works around the clock to deal with extortion, says Premier

    Extortion hinders economic growth and job creation, posing daily threats to residents’ safety and livelihoods. It robs people of opportunities and their dignity. 

    This is according to Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, who was speaking during his regular digital conference on safety, where he hosted Hubert Paulse, chairperson of Business against Crime South Africa (BACSA). 

    “The only way we will eradicate ‘extortion mafias’ is if we all work together. We cannot fight crime alone. We stand a better chance by collaborating and sharing resources,” stressed Winde. 

    BACSA is a non-profit organisation that was established in 1996. It played a crucial role in fostering partnerships between the private sector and law enforcement agencies across South Africa to collaborate in the fight against crime.

    BACSA also participated in the Western Cape government’s Multi-Sectoral Anti-Extortion Summit this week. 

    This summit brought together various stakeholders, including Members of the Executive Council (MECs), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the City of Cape Town (CoCT), and academic experts, to discuss strategies for addressing the alarming increase in extortion, which has reached crisis levels nationwide.

    “This was about the whole of government and society coming together to coordinate ourselves better to confront this ‘cancer’ called extortion and to discuss how we are going to rid ourselves of this horrendous crime that impacts so many of our residents and businesses,” said Winde. 

    Paulse has described BACSA as a public-private partnership that exists to make South Africa safer. 

    “Our message is simple but powerful. We foster collaboration with all stakeholders to fight crime. When we work together, we do not just reduce crime – we restore hope. And with hope comes confidence. Businesses become more willing to invest, and that investment leads to the creation of more jobs.”

    The organisation operates several programmes addressing extortion, tourism safety, gender-based violence, infrastructure vandalism, and theft. 

    Paulse believes that technology is the “eyes and ears” of crime-fighting efforts, emphasising its initiative designed for an intelligence-gathering network.

    “We are using that geographical footprint to increase the operational response and awareness of the SAPS,” he said.

    In the meantime, the Premier stated that criminals are utilising technology and believes the government must stay ahead. 

    He also emphasised the essential role of neighbourhood watches (NHWs) and community policing forums (CPFs) in fighting and preventing crime.

    “That is exactly what our whole-of-society approach is about. There is no doubt that residents who form or join NHWs know more about what is going on in their areas than anyone else, and they form essential partnerships with SAPS and municipal law enforcement. This enables residents to play a more meaningful role.”

    He welcomed the recent proposal by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to give metro law enforcement bodies more powers to combat crime.

    “This is a positive step forward. It does not matter who you are, national government, provincial governments, or civil society, we must all be obsessed and driven by the same thing, to build a safer, prosperous province and country.”

    The Premier also condemned the recent minibus taxi-related violence in parts of Cape Town.

    “It is intolerable that disputes are ‘negotiated’ through the barrel of a gun. But on a day when we are also highlighting the power of partnerships, I want to commend all the role players, from provincial traffic and city law enforcement to SAPS and our officials, for the speed and coordination with which they responded to the violence and threats.” – SAnews.gov.za

    Gabisile

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • China can’t decide whether we are a country, Taiwan foreign minister says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    China has no right to decide whether or not Taiwan is a country given it chooses its own government, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said on Wednesday, adding that he would be happy to shake the hand of his Chinese opposite number in friendship.

    China views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory and has stepped up military and political pressure to assert those claims, including increasing the intensity of war games, saying the island is one of its provinces with no right to be called a state.

    Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and his government strongly reject that view, and have offered talks with China multiple times but have been rejected. China calls Lai a “separatist”.

    Asked by Reuters what he would say to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi should they ever meet, Lin said that given the opportunity he would definitely shake hands with him.

    “What the nature is of cross-Taiwan Strait relations can be discussed, but we are all human. First, extend the hand of friendship. If he shook my hand, that would be a good start,” he said at a press briefing to mark the first anniversary of Lai taking office. “If he takes his hand back, that’s his problem.”

    Taiwan’s formal name is the Republic of China, the name of the government which in 1949 fled to the island after losing a bloody civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists, who established the People’s Republic of China.

    “Whether or not Taiwan is a country is not up to Wang Yi, nor the People’s Republic of China, to say. The whole world sees us as a country. We choose our governments democratically. It is our business what our name is.”

    China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    The chances Lin and Wang could meet are low. Neither government recognises the other, officials do not visit each other, and Taiwan is not a member of most international bodies due to China’s objections.

    Lai on Tuesday reiterated an offer to talk to China, saying he sought peace but that the island must also boost its defences.

    China responded by saying his comments were a “two-faced tactic” that were a “waste of effort and doomed to fail”.

    Taiwan’s government has warned that Beijing could mark the anniversary with more military drills.

    (Reuters)

  • Gaza faces a man-made drought as water systems collapse, UNICEF says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Gaza is facing a man-made drought as its water systems collapse, the United Nations’ children agency said on Friday.

    “Children will begin to die of thirst … Just 40% of drinking water production facilities remain functional,” UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told reporters in Geneva.

    “We are way below emergency standards in terms of drinking water for people in Gaza,” he added.

    UNICEF also reported a 50% increase in children aged six months to 5 years admitted for treatment of malnutrition from April to May in Gaza, and half a million people going hungry.

    It said the U.S.-backed aid distribution system run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) was “making a desperate situation worse.”

    On Friday at least 25 people awaiting aid trucks or seeking aid were killed by Israeli fire south of Netzarim in central Gaza Strip, according to local health authorities. On Thursday at least 51 people were killed by Israeli gunfire and military strikes, including 12 people who tried to approach a site operated by the GHF in the central Gaza Strip.

    Elder, who was recently in Gaza, said he had many testimonials of women and children injured while trying to receive food aid, including a young boy who was wounded by a tank shell and later died of his injuries.

    He said a lack of public clarity on when the sites, some of which are in combat zones, were open was causing mass casualty events.

    “There have been instances where information (was) shared that a site is open, but then it’s communicated on social media that they’re closed, but that information was shared when Gaza’s internet was down and people had no access to it,” he said.

    On Wednesday, the GHF said in a statement it had distributed three million meals across three of its aid sites without an incident.

    On Friday at least 12 people were killed in an airstrike on a house belonging to the Ayyash family in Deir Al-Balah, taking the day’s death toll to 37.

    (Reuters)

  • World sees India as next economic powerhouse, says PM, credits Bihar’s potential

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth more than ₹5,200 crore in Siwan, Bihar, asserting that the initiatives would help shape a brighter and more prosperous future for the State.
     
    Addressing a large public gathering, the Prime Minister invoked the sacred presence of Sohgara Dham and offered salutations to Baba Mahendra Nath, Baba Hans Nath, Maa Thawe Bhawani and Maa Ambika Bhawani. He paid homage to the nation’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan, recalling their contributions to the nation and to Bihar’s legacy.
     
    Calling Siwan “a land of inspiration in India’s freedom struggle,” PM Modi said, “This soil has empowered the country’s democracy and strengthened the Constitution. It gave us Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who not only played a key role in drafting the Constitution but also shaped the direction of modern India.” He also remembered the social reformer Braj Kishore Prasad for his work in the upliftment of women.
     
    The Prime Minister said the new development projects reflect the continued efforts of the Central and State governments to realise the dreams of these great leaders. “Today, projects worth thousands of crores are being inaugurated and their foundation stones are being laid from this very platform,” he said, adding that the initiatives would benefit districts such as Siwan, Sasaram, Buxar, Motihari, Bettiah and Arrah. “These projects will ease the lives of the poor, the deprived, Dalits, Mahadalits, backward and extremely backward classes,” he said.
     
    PM Modi, who returned on Thursday from a three nation tour Cyprus, Canada, and Croatia, spoke of India’s growing recognition on the global stage. “Leaders of the world’s most developed nations are astonished at the pace of India’s progress. They believe that India is soon going to become the world’s third-largest economy. I am confident that Bihar will play a crucial role in this transformation,” he said.
     
    He praised the people of Bihar for overcoming what he described as an era of lawlessness and misgovernance. “Today’s youth in Bihar only hear stories about how things were two decades ago. They don’t fully realise the extent of damage caused by earlier regimes. Bihar, which once led India in education, culture and development, had unfortunately become a symbol of forced migration,” he said.
     
    Emphasising the pride and resilience of the people, the Prime Minister said, “For every Bihari, self-respect is paramount. My Bihari brothers and sisters do not bow down in difficult times. They fight and succeed. But the previous governments inflicted deep wounds on that pride. Through their corruption, they turned poverty into Bihar’s misfortune.”
     
    PM Modi appreciated the current government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, for bringing Bihar back on the path of development. “In the last 10–11 years, more than 55,000 kilometres of rural roads have been built. Over 1.5 crore households have received electricity connections and another 1.5 crore have been connected to piped water supply. More than 45,000 Common Service Centres have been established across Bihar, and new startups are coming up even in small towns,” he said.

  • Air India crash: 220 DNA matches confirmed as Centre reviews aviation safety protocols

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    DNA identification of 220 victims who perished in the Air India plane crash on June 12 in Ahmedabad has been completed, the Gujarat Health Department said on Friday.

    The Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, en route to London with 242 people on board, crashed just seconds after takeoff, slamming into nearby buildings. All but one passenger on board were killed, along with several people on the ground.

    Out of the 220 identified victims, 202 bodies have been handed over to their families. These include 151 Indian nationals, 34 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals, one Canadian, and nine non-passengers.

    According to the Health Department, 15 mortal remains were transported by air, while 187 were moved by road using ambulances to their respective destinations across the country.

    In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel said that the remaining bodies will be handed over soon.

    https://x.com/irushikeshpatel/status/1935945967104082349

    In the wake of the crash, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Thursday conducted a nationwide review with airport directors to assess preparedness amid growing disruptions in flight schedules. The disruptions have been attributed to post-crash technical checks, adverse weather conditions, and the closure of airspace linked to geopolitical tensions.

    The Minister directed airport authorities to ensure the availability of food, drinking water, and seating at terminals during delays. He also called for increased staff deployment at key points to address passenger grievances and to assist airlines facing operational challenges. Wildlife hazard management, particularly the prevention of bird strikes and stray animal interference, was also reinforced as a safety priority.

    In another meeting with the Chairman and Managing Director of Air India, the Minister reviewed steps being taken to maintain flight operations and public communication. With night flying restrictions in Europe and heightened safety checks limiting aircraft availability, Air India will temporarily reduce its services and restructure schedules. The airline has committed to offering rebookings or full refunds to affected passengers.

    On June 18 and 19, the Ministry also held meetings with the senior management of SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Akasa to review fleet readiness, safety oversight, and passenger handling. The government has decided to institutionalise regular reviews with airlines to improve coordination and response in emergency scenarios.

    The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with international assistance, is continuing its probe. Both the Digital Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder have been recovered from the site. The Ministry has said the decision to send the black boxes abroad for decoding will be made based on technical and security assessments.

    The Ministry has urged the media and the public to avoid speculation and to allow the investigation to progress. Officials reiterated their commitment to transparency and to maintaining the highest standards of passenger safety.

  • MIL-OSI Banking: China Unicom Beijing and Huawei Are Embracing the AI Revolution, Striding Towards Intelligent Era

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: China Unicom Beijing and Huawei Are Embracing the AI Revolution, Striding Towards Intelligent Era

    [Shanghai, China, June 20, 2025] At Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2025, Yang Lifan, Deputy General Manager of China Unicom Beijing, delivered a speech titled “Are We Ready for AI?” and jointly released Smart Operation Network 2.0 with Huawei at the 5G-A Industry Roundtable. The speech highlighted the unprecedented growth of data driven by artificial intelligence (AI), which is making communications networks smarter and more automated. China Unicom Beijing will work with Huawei to upgrade 5G-A network infrastructure, push network evolution from “connection pipes” to “intelligent platforms,” and converge ICT innovations.

    Yang Lifan is delivering a keynote speech at 5G-A Industry Roundtable

    In the mobile AI era, innovative applications like human-level interactions, autonomous driving, and industrial Internet of Things (IoT) are flourishing. This has resulted in explosive traffic growth and the need for higher uplink speeds. For example, cloud-based AI training and high-definition (HD) video upload typically require an uplink bandwidth of more than 20 Mbps. Live-network traffic is expected to surge to five times the current level. Then, China Unicom Beijing’s networks will face uplink bottlenecks if only mid-band resources are used, which will compromise AI service user experience. A professional data model by China Unicom Beijing and Huawei predicts that 2029 will be the tipping point.
    Networking: 5G-A Multi-Layer Collaboration for Multi-dimensional AI User Experience
    China Unicom Beijing and Huawei have deployed the world’s first 3D smart 5G-A network across Beijing. The network will tackle the challenges of the AI era and enable ubiquitous 5G-A across both air and ground. The two companies have also piloted the world’s first 1:1 3D networking based on high- and mid-band coordination, which enables seamless 5G-A user experience. This network verifies the feasibility of high-band networking. China Unicom Beijing is leading the transition from single-band networks to a layered communications system, with high bands for network capacity, mid-bands for continuous coverage, and low bands and space-air-ground coordination for wide-area coverage. This system will strengthen the foundation for seamless interconnections for all manner of applications. The key to this network is the coordination of high, mid-, low, and other bands for low-altitude and satellite communications.
    AI: New Operations System Centered on Autonomous Networks
    Conventional networks struggle with network parameters and troubleshooting, and are heavily reliant on manual operations. China Unicom Beijing and Huawei are using AI to enable automated and unattended network operations, which is becoming the industry norm. The two companies are working to achieve automation across all network settings by 2026, covering site deployment, maintenance, optimization, and complaint handling. China Unicom Beijing and Huawei have launched a digital twin system for high-speed rail that makes passenger services fully visualized. The system transforms sensing from the line grid level to the passenger level to enable insights for each individual passenger in seconds. User experience is significantly enhanced by automatic demarcation and locating of all signals, which shortens fault response to within 10 seconds and fault self-healing to within 30 minutes. Moreover, universal intelligent service processing units (UISPs) are used to accurately identify and analyze user services. This enables service-oriented dynamic experience assurance and significantly improves 5G-A operational efficiency and service quality.
    Yang stated: “Future networks will feature space-air-ground and spectrum coordination, and their O&M will be dynamic and automated with the help of AI agents. Instead of passively reacting, operators should proactively embrace cutting-edge technology to make communications networks truly intelligent.”
    David Li, Vice President of Huawei Wireless Network Product Line, remarked: “In order to explore new connection spaces, and unlock new business value, 5G-A networks should fulfill the diverse needs of different applications, user groups, and services. Prioritizing experience-centered networks, we will continue to enable technological innovations in high uplink, low latency, and smart operations to facilitate the implementation of China Unicom Beijing’s space-air-ground integrated smart network strategy, with the aim of delivering more-than-fast experiences to users in Beijing.”
    MWC Shanghai 2025 will be held from June 18 to June 20 in Shanghai, China. During the event, Huawei will showcase its latest products and solutions in Hall N1 of the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC).
    The commercial adoption of 5G-Advanced is accelerating in 2025. Huawei collaborates with global carriers, industry experts, and opinion leaders to explore how innovations in AI can be used to reshape telecom services, infrastructure, and operations to generate new revenue sources and accelerate the transition towards an intelligent world.
    For more information, please visit: https://carrier.huawei.com/en/events/mwcs2025

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • DEPwD observes World Sickle Cell Day 2025 with nationwide awareness programmes

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, organized a series of nationwide awareness programmes on Thursday to mark World Sickle Cell Awareness Day.

    The initiatives aimed to educate communities about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a hereditary blood disorder that disproportionately impacts tribal populations and affects millions globally.

    Marked annually on June 19, World Sickle Cell Day serves as a global health observance recognized by the United Nations. The theme for 2025, “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities for Effective Self-Advocacy,” underlines the importance of engaging local communities in efforts toward early diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals with SCD.

    As part of the observance, the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD) in Kolkata organized an awareness programme at NRS Medical College, where medical professionals and patients were briefed on the symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options for SCD.

    In Chennai, the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) held an outreach event in Chengalpattu, targeting the general public with information on disease management and the vital role of community involvement in patient care.

    The Swami Vivekanand National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR) in Cuttack conducted a special programme emphasizing early detection and the importance of creating supportive environments for individuals with SCD.

    In Secunderabad, the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (NIEPID) hosted an awareness session for parents, students, and professionals in the field, focusing on challenges faced by those living with the disease.

    Composite Regional Centers also played a vital role in spreading awareness. CRC Tripura held a programme at Nutan Nagar Girls Higher Secondary School in Agartala, while CRC Gorakhpur organized a seminar through its Cross-Disability Early Intervention Centre (CDEIC), focusing on children and parents. The session addressed the complexities of SCD, stressing the need for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. CRC Nagpur marked the occasion with a special online webinar.

    Apart from these flagship events, numerous other CRCs and National Institutes under DEPwD conducted local-level awareness drives, collectively working to ensure timely interventions, build public understanding, and strengthen support systems for families affected by SCD across the country.

  • Monsoon advances further, heavy rainfall forecast across several states

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The southwest monsoon has continued its progress across northern India–covering the remaining parts of Bihar, East Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, along with some parts of West Uttar Pradesh, most of Uttarakhand, many areas of Himachal Pradesh, and sections of Ladakh–with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting widespread heavy rainfall in several regions over the coming days.

    On June 20, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Jharkhand, with rainfall activity expected to intensify over Northwest India and Madhya Pradesh from June 22. Northeast India is forecast to experience sustained heavy to very heavy showers over the next seven days, bringing much-needed monsoon rains to the region.

    In Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy between June 20 and 23. Light rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds of up to 50 kmph are expected on June 20 and 21, keeping maximum temperatures in the range of 35 to 37°C, which is slightly below normal. Conditions are likely to intensify on June 22 and 23, with moderate to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds. Maximum temperatures during these days are forecast to range between 34 and 36°C, dipping 2 to 4 degrees below the seasonal average, while minimum temperatures may remain between 25 and 28°C.

    Elsewhere in the country, extremely heavy rainfall — exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours — is likely at isolated locations in northwest Madhya Pradesh on June 23. Very heavy rainfall is also predicted over West Madhya Pradesh from June 20 to 26, and over East Madhya Pradesh between June 21 and 23. Similar intense rainfall activity is expected in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand on June 20, and in Bihar on June 22 and 23.

    Several other regions are also expected to see very heavy rainfall, including Konkan and Goa, Madhya Maharashtra, and the northeastern states of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura from June 22 to 24. Arunachal Pradesh may witness very heavy rainfall on June 23 and 24, while Assam and Meghalaya are likely to continue receiving intense showers from June 20 to 24.

    In northern India, East Uttar Pradesh is expected to receive heavy rainfall from June 20 to 22, while East Rajasthan may see similar conditions on June 20 and 23. Rainfall is also forecast over South Haryana and West Uttar Pradesh on June 22. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are likely to experience sustained rainfall activity between June 22 and 26.

    Authorities have been advised to remain alert in light of the heavy rainfall warnings, with potential impacts including localised flooding, waterlogging, and disruption to transport and daily life.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The admissions campaign begins in more than 1.2 thousand universities and almost 4 thousand colleges in our country

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The admissions campaign to Russian universities, technical schools and colleges starts on June 20. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov and Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov addressed graduates.

    “The admissions campaign is starting in more than 1,200 universities and almost 4,000 colleges in our country. In total, over 619,000 budget places are available for higher education programs and about 835,000 for secondary vocational programs this academic year. It is important to emphasize that most budget places are allocated for specialties that contribute to Russia’s technological leadership – this is a national goal approved by President Vladimir Putin. I wish applicants successful admission and urge them to choose specialties that are truly needed by the regions and our entire country,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

    The head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, noted that traditionally, the majority of budget places – more than 73% – are distributed to regional universities.

    “We take into account the prospective need within the personnel forecast, including the need for national projects of technological leadership and regional investment programs. Therefore, the structure of admission is dominated by specialties that ensure the technological leadership of our country. Almost 43% are areas related to engineering, modern technologies, 246 thousand budget places,” the minister said.

    He added that such fields as medicine, pedagogical specialties, social sciences and others also remain leaders in terms of the number of budget places.

    In 2025, a separate quota of at least 10% of the total number of budget places has been set for admission to universities for participants in the special military operation and their family members – this is more than 50 thousand places. Another 2 thousand places are reserved in the preparatory departments of universities.

    The peculiarities of school education in a number of border territories of the Belgorod, Kursk and Bryansk regions have been taken into account. Graduates of these schools will be able to enter universities by choice both by the Unified State Exam and by internal entrance examinations of universities in the form of a single interview.

    The quota for targeted admission to universities will be more than 23% of the total number of budget places. Applicants can see employers’ offers on the “Work of Russia” platform, integrated with the “Online University Admission” system.

    Since this year, the functionality of the super service “Online University Admission” has been expanded – now students can apply to colleges and technical schools at universities. Also, since this year, the super service has covered admission to master’s and postgraduate programs. This year, universities from the reunited regions of Russia will join it.

    In addition, a draft of amendments to the Federal Law “On Education in the Russian Federation” for the transition to the new model is ready. A large-scale transition to the new model of higher education will begin in 2026-2027.

    On the instructions of the President, a pilot project is being implemented in the country to introduce a new system of higher education in 6 universities.

    As part of the pilot, students of these universities receive basic higher education – a single level has been introduced, training of a full-fledged specialist is carried out in one step, specialized higher education – master’s programs contain additional in-depth knowledge and are divided into three types – professional, research and management master’s programs.

    The admissions campaign also begins in colleges and technical schools of the federal project “Professionalism” of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    “The popularity of studying in colleges and technical schools has grown in recent years. 62.5% of ninth-graders choose colleges and technical schools to continue their education. For three years now, admission to colleges and technical schools has been more than 1.2 million people. The admission campaign for the new academic year starts on June 20. For future first-year students, 51.5 thousand more budget places have been prepared than last year – 834.7 thousand places,” said Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov.

    He emphasized that such areas as “Geology and exploration of oil and gas fields”, “Production and maintenance of aviation equipment”, “Ensuring information security of telecommunication systems”, “Tourism and hospitality”, “Information systems and programming”, “Nursing”, “Maintenance and repair of engines, systems and units of cars” are in demand on the labor market and popular among applicants.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –