NewzIntel.com

Blog

  • MIL-OSI: Illumio Insights GA Delivers Industry’s First Solution to Contain Lateral Movement Across Hybrid, Multi-Cloud

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Illumio, the breach containment company, today announced the general availability of Illumio Insights, a powerful new product within the Illumio Platform. As the only platform that delivers a complete approach to reducing lateral movement risk, Illumio now combines AI-powered detection, real-time risk insights, and one-click containment with strategic segmentation for proactive protection. Built on an AI security graph, Illumio Insights transforms how security teams detect, prioritize, and contain threats across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

    During the private preview, early adopters uncovered a range of unexpected risks only made visible with Illumio Insights’ deep observability and behavior-based analytics. Among the most notable findings were widespread east-west traffic from unsanctioned geographies, misconfigured services exposing risky ports, and a surprising prevalence of unsanctioned usage of public LLMs.

    Building on these learnings, Illumio has introduced several additional powerful capabilities as part of the general availability release. New capabilities include:

    • Country Insights gives users a clear view of traffic and threats by geography, helping them quickly spot unusual activity and apply geo-specific policies to reduce risk.
    • Quarantine Dashboard enables one-click isolation of compromised systems, empowering teams to stop threats from spreading without needing advanced technical skills.
    • Resource View makes it even easier to investigate resources and enables teams to act fast to limit exposure.

    “Enterprises often struggle to maintain an accurate inventory of all devices, applications, and data flows across increasingly complex networks — especially with the rise of cloud services and hybrid environments,” said Dr. Chase Cunningham, DrZeroTrust. “Security graphs address this challenge by automatically ingesting data from diverse sources such as asset databases, cloud APIs, and network scans to build a dynamic, real-time map of infrastructure and dependencies. This living model not only enhances visibility but also strengthens security posture by revealing hidden risks and attack paths.”

    With these advancements, Illumio Insights delivers on its promise to help security teams detect, prioritize, and contain threats more effectively. It empowers teams to act on what they see with one-click containment, accelerating Zero Trust Segmentation at cloud scale. As part of Illumio’s breach containment platform, Insights helps organizations stop the spread of attacks before they escalate into full-blown disasters.

    “Illumio Insights makes a strong impression right out of the gate; it helps security teams manage complexity and emerging AI technologies to focus on what matters,” said Chris Konrad, Vice President Global Cyber, World Wide Technology. “Our clients gain actionable insights that build trust and drive better decisions because we are able to identify risks, swiftly.”

    “The biggest gap in cybersecurity today isn’t tools, it’s visibility. And that’s exactly what Illumio Insights delivers,” says Andrew Rubin, CEO and Founder of Illumio. “Illumio Insights changes the game. It gives security teams the visibility they’ve been missing, like what’s talking to what, where the risk is, and how to contain it fast. This isn’t about more alerts, it’s about actionable intelligence that helps organizations stay ahead of real threats.”

    Illumio Insights and Illumio Segmentation are integral components of the Illumio Platform, the first cybersecurity platform focused on breach containment. Illumio Insights helps organizations quickly identify and detect threats, while Illumio Segmentation contains breaches, protects critical assets, and enables instant response. Together, these solutions help identify and mitigate risks, contain attacks, and enhance overall cyber resilience.

    Visit Illumio at booth #5445 at Black Hat USA 2025 in Las Vegas, August 6–7, to see a live demo of Illumio Insights and learn more about Illumio’s breach containment offerings.

    Organizations can also sign up for a free trial or visit Illumio Insights to learn more. For ongoing updates and peer collaboration, cybersecurity professionals are invited to join the Illumiverse, Illumio’s community hub for exclusive insights and frontline threat intelligence.

    About Illumio  

    Illumio is the leader in ransomware and breach containment, redefining how organizations contain cyberattacks and enable operational resilience. Powered by an AI security graph, our breach containment platform identifies and contains threats across hybrid multi-cloud environments – stopping the spread of attacks before they become disasters.

    Recognized as a Leader in the Forrester Wave™ for Microsegmentation, Illumio enables Zero Trust, strengthening cyber resilience for the infrastructure, systems, and organizations that keep the world running.

    Contact: comms-team@illumio.com  

    The enthusiasm around Illumio Insights continues to grow. In addition to the perspectives shared earlier, here are more reactions from industry leaders and partners:

    Delisa Stone, Partner, Cyber Security, Cloud and Resilience at Deloitte Technology and Transformation:

    “Illumio Insights offers unparalleled visibility and granular segmentation capabilities that empower organizations to strengthen their cyber resilience. We recommend Illumio Insights to our clients seeking to enhance their security posture with a scalable, adaptive solution that aligns with evolving regulatory and operational demands.”

    Stuart McCulloch, Cyber Security Product Manager from BT Global Services UK:

    “So happy for Insights! Illumio is an amazing platform, and the data on traffic flows provides critical information to understand your environment. However, you had to know what to look for, which could be time-consuming. Insights is the capability which now cuts to the chase. It directs you to key data, allowing you to make faster decisions on actions you need to take to better protect your environment.”

    Rico Petrillo, Lead Service Fulfillment and Technology at Swisscom CDN & Edge Security:

    “Illumio Insights is a powerful addition that helps us quickly understand a customer’s environment and kickstart meaningful conversations around Zero Trust. It makes it easier to demonstrate value early in a project and supports smoother, more effective segmentation over time. This means better outcomes for our clients—from day one through ongoing operations.”

    Yann Bruneau, Chief Solutions Officer at Squad Cybersolutions:

    “As an Illumio integration partner, we’re excited about the game-changing potential of Illumio Insights and its AI-powered security graph that fundamentally transforms how our clients understand and respond to threats across hybrid environments. What impresses us most is how Insights cuts through the noise of complex cloud environments to identify real risks at scale, making it simple for our customers to prioritize what truly matters and act decisively.”

    Soumak Roy, Vice President – Cybersecurity at SDG Corporation:

    “Illumio Insights brings a new level of clarity to cloud security. By revealing east-west traffic patterns and lateral movement risks at cloud scale—without agents—it equips organizations to proactively secure dynamic, distributed environments and accelerate Zero Trust initiatives with confidence.”

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Epiq Billing Services Transforms Legal Billing Process at Am Law 100 Firm

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Epiq announced today a new partnership with an Am Law 100 firm to provide Epiq Billing Solutions — the premier, reliable, secure solution to stabilize cash flow, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.

    Epiq delivers end-to-end billing solutions designed specifically for the complex needs of law firms to enhance financial operations and accelerate cash flow. By leveraging deep expertise across major billing platforms, such as 3E/Elite, Aderant, BillBlast, LawPay, InTapp Billstream, Collaborati, eBilllingHub, CounselLink, and Tymetrix, Epiq is able to proactively resolve invoice rejections, streamline workflows, and deliver measurable results.

    “Partnering with Epiq underscores our dedication to legal innovation so that we can elevate efficiency and output while maintaining the high standards our clients expect,” said the firm’s Chief Financial Officer. “Epiq has a proven track record in driving process improvement in the legal billing space. The support provided by Epiq is strengthening our ability to overcome challenges in tracking billable hours while boosting productivity and ensuring compliance with complex billing guidelines.”

    Leveraging Epiq subject matter experts well-versed in common law firm applications and supported technological processes, including AI, law firms are now able to realize faster turnaround times, quicker invoice generation, reduced invoice errors, and improved cash flow. Epiq Billing Solutions is a proprietary billing solution where Epiq clients can expect to expedite:

    • AP/AR tasks
    • Time entry
    • Invoicing 
    • Expense reporting 
    • Pre-billing
    • Rejected invoice management 
    • Outside Counsel Guidelines (OCG) billing process 

    Services are provided by talented billing experts in Epiq Global Resource Centers, which provide 24/7/365 administrative and middle office support to some of the largest global organizations across the legal, financial, and corporate sectors.

    “Our highly skilled billing specialists don’t just respond to errors, they proactively identify patterns and streamline processes across all major legal billing systems,” said Michelle Connolly, Senior Vice President of the Global Business Transformation Solutions business at Epiq. “Firms can now maximize realization rates, invoice faster, and reduce errors and lengthy appeals, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and profitability.”

    Epiq uncovered that the average law firm experiences an 18 percent realization loss due to billing challenges. “This means that nearly one-fifth of billable work is not converted into revenue, negatively impacting a firm’s profitability,” Connolly said. “Even more, 81 percent of firms report having issues with a significant portion of invoices remaining unpaid or delayed, creating real cash flow challenges. These problems – coupled with resource constraints and the need for continuous training – highlight the importance of streamlining billing operations.”

    Epiq routinely works with the top law firms in the world to provide technical expertise and best practices so they can focus on core competencies and more strategic activities. By outsourcing business transformation services, such as billing, marketing and creative services, administrative support, office services, and records and information governance, law firms are able to increase efficiency, improve cost-effectiveness, centralize processes, add scalability, and standardize outputs. 

    About Epiq  
    Epiq, a technology and services leader, takes on large-scale and complex tasks for corporate legal departments, law firms, and business professionals by integrating people, process, technology, and data. Clients rely on Epiq to streamline legal and compliance, settlement, and business administration workflows to drive efficiency, minimize risk, and improve cost savings. With a presence in 18 countries, our values define who we are and how we partner with clients and communities. Learn how the approximately 6,100 Epiq people worldwide create meaningful change at www.epiqglobal.com.    

    Press Contact  
    Carrie Trent  
    Epiq, Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations  
    Carrie.Trent@epiqglobal.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EnBW International Finance B.V.: Half-yearly report 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EnBW International Finance B.V.: Half-yearly report 2025

    In accordance with the Transparency Directive (Directive 2004/109/EC), as amended by the Transparency Directive Amending Directive (Directive 2013/50/EU), and following the choice of EnBW International Finance B.V. for The Netherlands as Home Member State, EnBW International Finance B.V. hereby informs that the half-year financial reports for the period 1 January 2025 till 30 June 2025 have been filed on 31 July 2025 with the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) in The Netherlands and are available on the internet site: 

    Six-Monthly Financial Report 2025 EnBW International Finance BV

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Metaforms raises $9M to give market research agencies their own AI workflows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The market research boom is creating an unexpected casualty: the agencies themselves. In an industry where clients expect faster turnarounds, competitive pricing, and diverse capabilities, agencies are turning down work – not for lack of interest, but because outdated operational systems keep them from meeting client expectations. Metaforms, a startup born from this bottleneck, is helping research teams scale without burning out. Today, the company announces a $9 million Series A to expand its AI infrastructure platform and accelerate adoption across the $130 billion global research industry.

    The round was led by Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia India), with participation from Nexus Venture Partners and Together Fund. It brings Metaforms’ total funding to just over $10 million and will be used to grow the team, expand into new workflows like report generation and voice-based research, and deepen integrations with tools like Decipher, SPSS, and Confirmit.

    Metaforms cofounders Arjun S and Akshat Tyagi.

    “We’re thrilled to partner with Akshat and Arjun as they reimagine what a market research agency could look like in an AI-first world. Metaforms is scaling rapidly, by enabling some of the largest research agencies globally to automate workflows such as survey programming and data processing through their suite of AI agents.” Shailendra Singh, MD, Peak XV

    When a global brand like a shoe company wants to make critical decisions about how to market it’s new pair of shoes in a geography it has never ventured into before. It engages a market research agency to figure out lifestyle habits and cultural perceptions of a population. For this the agency has to recruit a target population, design a research study, convert the survey questions into an online link, clean the data for fraud, do in-person interviews, combine all the data to finally make a presentation.

    Metaforms builds AI agents designed to work within research agencies’ existing workflows, automating the manual processes that limit capacity and erode margins. Instead of replacing research expertise, the platform acts as a force multiplier: turning questionnaires into survey code, flagging bad data before it breaks a project, coordinating panel vendors, and tracking quotas across complex multi-country studies. 

    Survey programming dashboard in Metaforms.

    For many agencies, this means the difference between turning away work and scaling up confidently.

    Metaforms has been incredibly successful thanks to their uniquely thoughtful approach to modernizing research operations—embedding seamlessly into the workflows, tools, and platforms that researchers and agencies already use. I’m excited to continue supporting the team as they build on that momentum with this Series A— Jonathan Tice, GTM Consultant [Prev: Chief Customer Officer, Forsta]

    Founded in 2022 by Akshat Tyagi and Arjun S, Metaforms was born out of a personal pain point. As early-stage founders, they struggled to access professional market research. The problem wasn’t demand – it was bandwidth. So Akshat and Arjun set out to build software that gave agencies a way to do more with what they already have.

    “Our goal is simple: help great research teams spend less time firefighting and more time doing the work that actually matters,” said Akshat Tyagi, co-founder and CEO of Metaforms. “When you automate the grunt work, you make high-quality research more accessible to more companies.”

    Since launching commercially just six months ago, Metaforms has signed four of the world’s top twenty research agencies, including Strat7, one of the largest market research agencies globally. The platform now processes over 1,000 surveys per month, and serves Fortune 500 companies. Every customer that started with a single AI agent has expanded to adopt additional ones, achieving a 100% expansion rate.

    Bidding management with Metaforms.

    “Metaforms is a breakout example of the India-to-global play in AI,” said Manav Garg, Co-founder and managing partner at Together Fund. “They’re not just automating tasks — they’re rebuilding research infrastructure for the modern era. With their early traction across global agencies, Akshat and Arjun are showing what’s possible when deep customer empathy meets technical ambition.”

    That accessibility is already changing the industry. By compressing turnaround times and reducing operational costs, Metaforms enables agencies to serve clients they would otherwise turn away, from early-stage startups testing their first ideas to global brands launching multi-country trackers.

    “Our partnership has delivered strong ROl, thanks to Metaforms’ exceptional service and prompt support” added Tabita Razaila Head of operations, Strat7

    “They’re solving a major pain point for the entire industry. That focus and ability to deeply understand customer needs and address that using genetic AI is the hallmark of Metaforms team. We are thrilled to back Akshat and Arjun in their journey of building a remarkable company!”, said Jishnu Bhattacharjee and Arjun Gandhi, Nexus Venture Partners.

    Looking ahead, Metaforms plans to triple its team and continue expanding the breadth of its agent capabilities. Voice research, automated report generation, and expanded language support are all on the roadmap. The long-term vision is to process over 100,000 surveys per year and make professional-grade research available to every business that needs it.

    “When research agencies grow, better business decisions get made,” added Akshat Tyagi. “We’re not here to replace the humans in the loop. We’re here to give them leverage.”

    Media images can be found here. 

    About Metaforms
    Metaforms is the AI platform that helps market research agencies operate smarter and win more business. Our AI Agents augment research teams’ work output across survey programming, data processing, bidding management, and voice research; enabling them to handle exponentially more projects while maintaining quality.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Panorama Named Preferred Partner By Skyward to bring Best In Class AI and MTSS Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    STEVENS POINT, Wis., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Skyward, a school administration software provider committed to helping K-12 leaders spend less time on tasks and more time with students, is proud to announce Panorama Education, a K-12 education technology company that helps students achieve success in school and beyond, a preferred partner bringing AI-driven intervention planning and best in class evidence-based multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) to students across the nation.

    Skyward customers now have direct access to Panorama Solara, a FERPA-compliant AI platform built for K–12, and Panorama Student Success, a proven MTSS platform highly integrated with Skyward’s Qmlativ solution.

    As educators rapidly adopt generative AI at the classroom level to save time and personalize student learning, school districts are seeking effective system-wide AI solutions that uphold rigorous standards for data security, privacy, and compliance. At the same time, emerging mandates require districts to track and report interventions more comprehensively, yet many SIS platforms do not seamlessly integrate with the MTSS tools that make this possible.

    Now, with this new preferred partnership, districts using Skyward can enjoy a holistic integration with Panorama Solara (a FERPA-compliant AI platform built for K-12 districts) or Panorama Student Success (research-backed MTSS platform). “When districts can securely integrate tools that work together, they spend less time managing systems and more time supporting students,” said Dave Ilkka, vice president of new business development at Skyward.

    Skyward districts can now confidently use Panorama’s AI-powered intervention planning, MTSS reporting and analytics, and district-specific AI tools without needing to build costly custom integrations or dealing with unknown compliance or security risks. While Skyward’s Qmlativ platform includes a built-in MTSS solution, integrating with Panorama Student Success will bring districts deeper insights and additional functionality to better support every student and streamline how districts access and use data for AI and MTSS.

    “Through our partnership with Skyward, districts can now leverage high-quality, context-aware AI outputs and research-backed MTSS interventions while upholding the highest standards of student data privacy,” said John Ruff, director of strategic partnerships at Panorama Education. “This eliminates data silos, reduces manual work, and supports seamless state reporting and compliance.”

    Together, Skyward, and Panorama Education are committed to delivering a smarter, more secure path forward for districts—one that empowers educators, supports compliance, and drives better outcomes for every student.

    About Skyward: Since 1980, Skyward’s SIS and ERP solutions have helped more than 2,500 school districts save time, connect with families, and empower success. By blending advanced technology guided by actual users with world-class support delivered with a personal touch, Skyward is the clear choice for K-12 leaders who want to spend less time on tasks and more time with students. To learn more about the next generation of K-12 administration software, visit www.skyward.com.

    About Panorama: Panorama Education is an education technology company founded in 2012 that helps students achieve success in school and beyond, and gives schools and school districts a platform to hear what families, students and teachers need in the classroom. Educators use Panorama’s software platform to understand and support students across academics, attendance, behavior, and life skills development. District leaders use the same platform to track progress toward strategic goals, such as literacy, graduation, and school safety. Panorama is proud that its platform is used to support 15 million students in 25,000 schools and 2,000 districts across the United States. For more information, visit www.panoramaed.com. 

    Media Contact:
    Alexis Bushman
    Skyward, Inc.
    (715) 972-4397
    alexis.bushman@skyward.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The company tax regime is a roadblock to business investment. Here’s what needs to change

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alex Robson, Deputy Chair, Productivity Commission, and Adjunct Professor, Queensland University of Technology

    Erman Gunes/Shutterstock

    Productivity growth is a key driver of improvements in living standards. But in Australia over the last decade, output per hour worked grew by less than a quarter of its 60-year average.

    We urgently need to turn this around.

    That’s why the government has asked the Productivity Commission – where I am deputy chair – to conduct five inquiries and identify priority reforms.

    As a first step to boost productivity growth, we need business to expand and invest in the tools and technology that help us get the most out of our work.

    Unfortunately, some of our most important policy settings are holding us back.

    Business investment has slumped

    Capital expenditure by all non-mining firms is down 3.2 percentage points as a share of the economy since the end of the global financial crisis in 2009.

    And the ever-growing thicket of rules and regulations faced by business is a significant handbrake on growth.

    The Productivity Commission’s first interim report, Creating a more dynamic and resilient economy, focuses on two big policy levers: tax and regulation.

    Lower company tax rates are likely to attract more overseas firms to invest in Australia and help people start and grow businesses. They may strengthen the ability of smaller firms, which contribute the bulk of capital investment, to compete with larger ones.

    Our draft recommendations include:

    • Cutting the company tax rate to 20% from 25% or 30% for businesses with revenue under A$1 billion – the vast majority of companies

    • Introducing a new 5% net cash-flow tax on all firms. This supports companies’ capital expenditure by allowing them to immediately deduct the full value of their investments.

    The company tax rate would remain at 30% for firms earning over $1 billion. This would affect about 500 companies.

    In line with other developed nations

    The reduction in Australia’s headline company tax rate would move Australia from having one of the highest to one of the lowest rates for small and medium-sized firms among developed economies.

    And if the net cashflow tax is effective, it could be expanded over time and fund broader reductions in company income tax.

    Our modelling indicates these two changes would increase investment in the economy by $8 billion and boost Australia’s GDP by $14 billion, with no net cost to the budget over the medium term.

    An abundance of red tape

    The interim report also notes regulation can enhance productivity and protect against harms. But too much, or inappropriate, regulation can disproportionately inhibit economic dynamism and resilience.

    Australia’s regulatory burden has grown. Businesses report spending more and more on regulatory compliance.

    Regulators and policymakers have a broad mandate to further the public interest. But they can face incentives to be overly risk-averse and to downplay the burden that regulations place on businesses. They may pursue narrow goals at the expense of broader economy-wide goals.

    There are many practical examples that illustrate the problem.

    In the Australian Capital Territory, for example, the average time a house builder must wait for a planning decision is nearly six months. In New South Wales, it takes an average of nine years to get approval to build a wind farm.

    This kind of unnecessary and costly over-regulation ultimately benefits nobody.

    More scrutiny needed

    Simply put: Australia’s regulatory culture needs to change. And cultural change starts at the top.

    As a first step, the government needs to make a clear, whole-of-government public commitment to reducing regulatory burdens, and ensure new regulatory proposals face greater cabinet and parliamentary scrutiny.

    Regulators need to look for ways to promote economic growth, while continuing to ensure Australians are protected against avoidable harms.

    Ministers could issue statements of expectations to regulators and regulatory policymakers that clearly indicate how much risk they should tolerate in pursuit of business dynamism.

    To improve the evaluation of cumulative regulatory burdens, the Productivity Commission should be tasked with a regular and systematic stream of reviews. These would focus on sectors or regulatory systems where complex and enduring thickets of regulation have emerged.

    The draft recommendations on tax and regulation set out in the interim report are clear, actionable and ambitious reforms. They will support governments in delivering a meaningful and measurable boost to Australia’s lagging productivity.

    Alex Robson is deputy chair of the Productivity Commission.

    – ref. The company tax regime is a roadblock to business investment. Here’s what needs to change – https://theconversation.com/the-company-tax-regime-is-a-roadblock-to-business-investment-heres-what-needs-to-change-261652

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Pacific tsunami: modern early warning systems prevent the catastrophic death tolls of the past

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ian Main, Professor of Seismology and Rock Physics, University of Edinburgh

    The earthquake in Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula on July 30 2025 may have been one of the most severe on record, with a magnitude of 8.8. But innovations in science and technology gave governments vital time to warn and evacuate their people from the resulting tsunami.

    Millions of people escaped to higher ground before the tsunami hit.

    The 2004 Boxing Day 9.3 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in Sumatra, which caused approximately 230,000 deaths, some as far away as Somalia on the other side of the Indian Ocean, shows how important these warnings are.

    Early warning systems were not in place for the Indian Ocean in time for the 2004 disaster. But there is now a system in place, with 27 countries participating in the group effort.

    The 2004 tsunami was particularly tragic because tsunami waves travel at a steady speed in the open ocean, about as fast as a jet plane. This means they can take several hours to reach shore across an ocean, with plenty of time for warning.

    An early warning system for the Pacific Ocean, based in Hawaii, was created in 1948 following a deadly tsunami two years before. On April 1 1946, the magnitude 8.6 Aleutian Islands earthquake in the northern Pacific Ocean generated a tsunami that devastated parts of Hawaii hours later, leading to 146 fatalities.

    The death toll was exacerbated by the leading wave being downwards. This happens in around 50% of tsunamis, and exposes the seashore in a similar way to when the tide goes out, but exposing a larger area than normal. People sometimes investigate out of curiosity, bringing them closer to the danger.

    The accuracy and response times of early tsunami warnings have significantly improved since 1948.

    How tsunamis happen

    To understand the work involved in protecting coastal communities, first you need to understand how tsunamis are generated.

    Tsunamis are caused by displacement of mass on the sea floor after an earthquake, landslide or volcanic eruption. This provides an energy source to set off a wave in the deep sea, not just near the surface like in the ocean waves we see whipped up by the wind and storms. Most are small. The Japanese word tsunami translates somewhat innocuously as “harbour wave”.

    Detailed global mapping of the sea floor, pioneered by US geologist Marie Tharpe between 1957 and 1978, helped establish the modern theory of plate tectonics. It also improved the physical models for how the tsunami will travel in the ocean.

    Wave height increases as it approaches the shore, and the topography of the sea floor can result in a complicated pattern of wave interference and concentration of the energy in stream-like patterns. The establishment of sea-floor observatories led to better data for the pressure at the sea floor (related to wave height) and satellite networks now directly monitor wave height globally using radar signals from space.

    One of the factors that has helped scientists predict the range of a tsunami includes the setting up of the worldwide standard station network of seismometers in 1963, which allowed better estimations of earthquake location and magnitude.

    These were superseded by the digital broadband global network of seismometers in 1978, which allowed more detail on the source to be calculated quickly. This includes a better estimate of earthquake size, the source rupture area and orientation in three dimensions.

    It also tells scientists about the slip, which controls the pattern of displacement on the sea floor. This data is used to forecast the time of landing, the amplitude of the wave on the shoreline, and its height in areas where the wave travels further inland.

    The Pacific Ocean warning system now has 46 countries contributing data. It also uses physical and statistical models for estimating tsunami height. The models developed as scientists learnt more about earthquake sources, mapped features on the sea floor and tested model forecasts against outcomes.

    Today’s technology

    The early warning systems we have today are due to a decades-long commitment to global research collaboration and open data. Scientists have also improved their forecast methods. Recently they started using trained AI algorithms which could improve the timeliness and accuracy.

    Pioneered by the US Geological Survey, rapid data sharing is now used routinely to estimate earthquake parameters and make them available to the public soon after the rupture stops. This can be within minutes for an initial estimate then updated over the next few hours as more data comes in.

    However, the forecast wave height is inherently uncertain, variable from place to place, and may turn out to be more or less than expected. Similarly, large earthquakes are rare, making it hard to estimate how likely they are on average, and therefore to design appropriate mitigation measures.

    The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan destroyed or overtopped the eight-metre high protective sea walls that had been put in place based on such hazard estimates. There were over 19,000 fatalities. As a consequence, their height has been increased to 12-15 metres in some areas.

    Early warning systems also rely on rapid communication to the public, including mass alerts communicated by mobile phone, coordination by the relevant authorities across borders, clear advice, and advance evacuation plans and occasional alarm tests or drills. Although tsunami waves slow down to the speed of a car as they approach the shore, it is impossible to outrun one, so it is better to act quickly and calmly.

    The effectiveness of warnings also means accepting a degree of inconvenience in false alarms where the tsunami height is less than that forecast, because this is inevitable with the uncertainties involved. For good reason, authorities issuing alerts will err on the side of caution.

    To give an example, nuclear power plants on Japan’s eastern seaboard were shut down on July 30.

    So far it looks like the Pacific early warning system – combined with effective levels of preparedness and action by service providers and decision makers – has worked well in reducing the number of casualties that might have happened without it.

    There will always be a level of uncertainty we will have to live with. On balance, it is a small price to pay for avoiding a catastrophe.

    Ian Main is professor of Seismology and Rock Physics at the University of Edinburgh. He receives funding from UK Research and Innovation Research Council, a member of the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation Expert panel on external hazards, and acts as an independent reviewer for the Energy Industry-funded SeIsmic hazard and Ground Motion Assessment research program SIGMA3.

    – ref. Pacific tsunami: modern early warning systems prevent the catastrophic death tolls of the past – https://theconversation.com/pacific-tsunami-modern-early-warning-systems-prevent-the-catastrophic-death-tolls-of-the-past-262283

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Vasectomy, pain and regret: what online forum Reddit reveals about men’s experiences

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kevin Pimbblet, Professor and Director of the Centre of Excellence for Data Science, AI and Modelling, University of Hull

    Fabian Montano Hernandez/Shutterstock

    Vasectomy has long been regarded as a permanent, safe and effective form of contraception. Its benefits are often summarised as minimally invasive and largely risk-free.

    But that may not be the full story.

    In recent years, vasectomy rates in the UK have declined significantly. It’s a puzzling trend, given that the procedure’s efficacy hasn’t changed. What has arguably shifted is how men talk about it. Not in doctors’ offices, but online.

    As an AI researcher working with large-scale public data, I led a 2025 study using natural language processing (NLP) – a branch of artificial intelligence that analyses patterns in human language – to examine thousands of posts from r/vasectomy and r/postvasectomypain, which are subreddits (topic-specific discussion forums) on Reddit, a social media platform where users share and comment on content in themed communities.

    My goal wasn’t to weigh in on urology (I’m not that kind of doctor), but to explore the emotional tone and self-reported outcomes in digital spaces where users speak candidly and in real time.

    The findings are revealing and raise important questions about informed consent, online health discourse and the growing influence of social data on healthcare communication.

    Fear, regret and pain?

    The most common emotional response to vasectomy, whether being considered or already undergone, is fear. To assess this, we used a tool called NRClex, a crowd-trained emotion classifier. This is an AI model trained on thousands of labelled examples to detect emotional tone in text. It found that “fear” dominated more than 70% of user-generated content.

    This isn’t surprising. Men on Reddit ask questions like “How bad is the pain?” “How long does it last?” and “Will I regret this?” These are not rare concerns: they’re central to the conversation.

    While overall sentiment analysis shows that most users report positive outcomes, a significant minority express deep regret and ongoing pain – sometimes lasting for years after surgery.

    This pain is often described as post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS), a relatively little-known condition defined by new or chronic scrotal pain that continues for more than three months after the procedure.

    PVPS is poorly understood and may have multiple causes, some anatomical, some neurological and some still unclear. Though some health authorities describe it as “rare,” our Reddit data suggests it could be more common, or at least more disruptive, than currently acknowledged.

    We analysed more than 11,000 Reddit posts and found that the word “pain” appeared in over 3,700 of them; roughly one-third. In many cases, the pain described persisted well beyond the expected recovery period. The word “month” appeared in nearly 900 pain-related posts, while “year” appeared in over 600.

    This is noteworthy. Post-surgical pain is typically expected to resolve within days or weeks. Yet our dataset suggests that 6%–8% of Reddit users discussing vasectomy report longer-term discomfort – a rate that aligns with the upper estimates in the urological studies. More recent research, including a large-scale postoperative study, argues that the incidence is likely much lower, perhaps under 1%.

    Of course, we must emphasise that these are self-reported experiences. Not all mentions of “pain” equate to a formal PVPS diagnosis. It’s also important to acknowledge that people who are dissatisfied with a medical procedure are generally more likely to post about it online – a well-recognised bias in social data. Even so, the volume, consistency and emotional intensity of these posts suggest the issue warrants closer attention from clinicians and researchers alike.

    Even more strikingly, around 2% of posts mention both “pain” and “regret”, implying serious, potentially life-altering consequences for a small but significant group of people.

    On r/postvasectomypain – a subreddit specifically dedicated to discussing PVPS – the tone is even more sobering. Unsurprisingly, 74% of posts describe persistent, long-term pain. Additionally, 23% mention pain during sex and 27% report changes in sensitivity.

    Posts on this forum also frequently reference vasectomy reversal surgery far more often than more specialised interventions such as microsurgical denervation: a complex nerve-removal procedure used in severe cases of chronic testicular pain, typically when other treatments have failed.

    From AI to andrology: an ethical crossroads

    Why is a professor of AI and physics analysing pain in urology forums?

    Because in today’s digital world, people increasingly turn to online platforms like Reddit for health advice, peer support and decision-making – often before speaking to a clinician. As an AI researcher, I believe we have a responsibility to examine how these discussions shape public understanding, and what they can teach us about real-world healthcare challenges.

    In this case, it’s possible that the drop in vasectomy uptake is linked, at least in part, to the open and emotional sharing of negative outcomes online. These posts are not scaremongering. They’re detailed, candid and often highly specific. They represent a type of real-world evidence that clinical trials and formal studies don’t always capture.

    So, what should we take from all this?

    Terms like “rare”, often used in consent forms and clinical conversations, can obscure the complexity and variability of patient outcomes. Pain following vasectomy, whether mild, temporary, chronic or debilitating, appears common enough to warrant more transparent and nuanced communication.

    This is not an argument against vasectomy. It remains a safe, effective, and empowering option in reproductive planning. But truly informed consent should reflect both the clinical literature and the experiences of those who undergo the procedure, especially when such experiences are now publicly available in large volumes.

    In a world where online forums double as health diaries, support networks and informal research registries, we must take them seriously. Medical language matters. Terms like “rare”, “uncommon” or “low risk” carry real emotional and moral weight. They shape expectations and influence decisions.

    If even a small percentage of men experience long-term pain after vasectomy, that risk should be communicated clearly, in plain English – ideally with a range of percentages drawn from published studies.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Kevin Pimbblet currently receives funding from STFC, EPSRC, The British Academy, The Royal Astronomical Society, The British Ecological Society, and The Office for Students. None are in direct relation to this work.

    – ref. Vasectomy, pain and regret: what online forum Reddit reveals about men’s experiences – https://theconversation.com/vasectomy-pain-and-regret-what-online-forum-reddit-reveals-about-mens-experiences-261633

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Who is Odysseus, hero of Christopher Nolan’s new epic?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stephan Blum, Research associate, Institute for Prehistory and Early History and Medieval Archaeology, University of Tübingen

    Somewhere between hero and hustler, family man and philanderer, king and con artist, Odysseus is one of ancient literature’s most complex figures. In the Iliad, he is the mastermind behind the Trojan horse.

    In Homer’s Odyssey, he is the protagonist of a ten-year journey home – one that sees him encounter gods, monsters, temptations and profound moral dilemmas. Next year, he will be the hero of a new Christopher Nolan epic, and played by Matt Damon.

    Odysseus’s journey from Troy to Ithaca in the Odyssey is anything but a straight line. It’s an epic zigzag through storms, temptations, divine grudges and existential threats. Instead of returning in weeks, he spends a decade adrift.

    He is stranded by nymphs, resists sirens and watches his crew perish one by one. Every stop tests not only his wit but his very sense of self.

    The Odyssey isn’t a tale of noble perseverance. It’s a study in survival. Odysseus deceives, disguises and entangles himself in morally grey romantic liaisons with a sorceress (Circe), nymph (Calypso) and princess (Nausicaa). He does so often as strategist and sometimes as willing participant.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    In Homer’s world, infidelity is a tool of survival. Odysseus survives not through moral clarity, but through his moral agility. His loyalty to his wife Penelope (reportedly played by Anne Hathaway in the new adaptation) is longitudinal, not linear. His compass is always aimed at returning to Ithaca, if not always in a straight line.

    Would this flexibility pass modern ethical scrutiny? Probably not. But what made him successful wasn’t moral integrity – it was his ability to navigate each situation, even if that meant bending the rules.

    While Odysseus adapts, Penelope endures with strategic resilience. For 20 years, she fends off suitors with deft delay tactics. She avoids them by weaving and unweaving a funeral shroud for her husband’s father, Laertes. It’s a defiant, slow motion resistance campaign, waged with thread and silence.

    Penelope and the Suitors by John William Waterhouse (1912).
    Aberdeen Art Gallery

    If Odysseus navigates external monsters, Penelope masters the domestic battlefield. Her fidelity in her husband’s absence is deliberate, political and astute. In a patriarchal world, her power lies in pause. Her story is one of emotional labour and strategic survival.

    Narrative loops and non-linear journeys

    The Odyssey is an ancient masterpiece of non-linear storytelling. It begins in the middle of the action and uses nested narratives, flashbacks and shifting voices. Odysseus tells much of his own story, reframing events from his point of view and reshaping himself in hindsight. Memory becomes montage. Truth bends to necessity. Fact and fiction bleed into one another.

    Homer doesn’t just tell a story – he constructs a labyrinth. The Odyssey anticipates the fractured forms of modernist literature and cinema, where identity is unstable and time itself is malleable.

    Odysseus and Penelope by Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein (1802).
    Wiki Commons

    When Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca, disguised as a beggar and quietly assessing his ship’s wreckage, it’s no romantic climax. It’s a calculated risk. Penelope doesn’t swoon; she tests. Only when he passes her intimate knowledge test – he reacts with outrage when she suggests moving their bed, which he built around a living olive tree – does she relent. Their reunion is not a Hollywood embrace but a wary negotiation.

    It signals restoration, yes. But also mistrust, trauma and mutual testing. Homecoming, like survival, is complicated.

    Odysseus is not a flawless hero. He is a survivor who negotiates with monsters, debates with gods and crawls home disguised as a beggar. A man shaped as much by cunning as by consequence.

    Would Odysseus pass a modern ethics exam? Certainly not. Would he charm the professor, flip the question and still walk out with an A? Absolutely. Some stories endure not because they are true, but because they were told by survivors.

    This article features references to books that have been included for editorial reasons, and may contain links to bookshop.org. If you click on one of the links and go on to buy something from bookshop.org The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Who is Odysseus, hero of Christopher Nolan’s new epic? – https://theconversation.com/who-is-odysseus-hero-of-christopher-nolans-new-epic-261781

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: England’s new free speech law comes into force – what it means for universities

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Eric Heinze, Professor of Law and Humanities, Queen Mary University of London

    Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

    The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 comes into force throughout England on August 1 2025. Designed to stop universities from censoring controversial or unpopular ideas, the law gives the Office for Students responsibility for ensuring institutions comply.

    This law will mean that many universities will have to change the way they approach free speech.

    When it comes to adopting campus speech policies, educational establishments have always had three choices.

    One option has been to follow the law, permitting whichever messages the law already allows, while banning whichever messages the law already forbids. UK law prohibits, for example, certain core expressions of racism, anti-LGBTQ+ hatred, Islamophobia, antisemitism, or glorification of terrorism. I’ll call this the “legalist” option.

    Another approach is to allow more speech than the law allows. This would, for example, permit guest lecturers to advocate white supremacy or the belief that only heterosexual relationships and behaviour are normal. I’ll call this the “libertarian” option. It treats free speech as sacrosanct.

    But this option would never be adopted. Few institutions would welcome the torrent of parental complaints, media publicity, donor withdrawals, police investigations, or full-blown litigation that would follow.

    A third option is to permit less speech than the law allows. This would mean, for example, banning sexist speech, which is otherwise still permitted under UK law. We can call this the “communitarian” option. It views educational institutions as more than just places for exchanging ideas: they must also promote civic values, aiming to build an empathic society.

    Changing approaches

    In the past, British universities could choose option three, cancelling or avoiding events featuring messages that, although legal, risk stoking campus divisions.

    Some institutions have stopped controversial speakers through decisions by senior leadership. For example, in 2013 UCL’s senior administrators banned a group that advocated sex segregation. Other times, efforts to cancel events have been made by students or staff. In 2015, the University of York cancelled events for International Men’s Day after complaints from students and staff.

    The effect of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act will be to shift universities from the communitarian to the legalist model. Campus members wishing to stage events will still have to comply with routine guidelines on reserving campus venues, ticketing participants, ensuring security controls, and the like. However, under the act, universities may no longer impede the communication of otherwise legal messages solely on the grounds of their provocative content.

    For advocates of free speech, this act may still not go far enough since it keeps an escape hatch. Management can still cancel controversial events if the institution lacks the means to ensure adequate security, and such claims are often difficult to verify.

    Yet for others, the act will go too far. Some would argue that existing law in Britain does not adequately protect vulnerable groups, and that universities should stick to the communitarian ideal, creating a refuge that the law often fails to provide.

    These anxieties become ever greater in our internet era, when misinformation can proliferate. Some may fear that abandoning the communitarian ethos will turn the campus into a wild west of free speech, disproportionately affecting its most vulnerable members.

    The act aims to preserve free speech on university campuses.
    Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

    However, online communications have also proved to be powerful mobilising tools for staff and students, so online power hierarchies may work in more complex ways than meets the eye.

    Note also that nothing in the act abolishes student welfare services. Individually targeted acts of bullying, threats, stalking and harassment will remain under the aegis of campus oversight as well as UK law. Staff or students exhibiting racist, sexist, homophobic, or transphobic conduct will remain as subject as they were before to disciplinary proceedings and even dismissal or expulsion.

    Finally, it is worth bearing in mind that the act’s most salient ingredients are procedural, placing considerable burdens on institutions to facilitate free speech and deal transparently with accusations of censorship. Yet whether this will lead to an explosion of complaints, and whether ideas exchanged on campus will really differ so much from those we already hear today, remains to be seen.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Eric Heinze has received funding for submitting a report to the UK Commission for Countering Extremism.

    – ref. England’s new free speech law comes into force – what it means for universities – https://theconversation.com/englands-new-free-speech-law-comes-into-force-what-it-means-for-universities-262080

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: English universities now have a duty to uphold freedom of speech – here’s how it might affect students’ sense of belonging

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard Bale, Director of Academic Development and Research, Associate Professor, The University of Law

    Cast Of Thousands/Shutterstock

    The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act, which comes into force on August 1 2025, means universities in England now have a new duty to uphold “robust” strategies to ensure freedom of speech on campus.

    To support universities in navigating the boundaries of lawful and unlawful speech, universities regulator the Office for Students appointed its first director for freedom of speech and academic freedom in 2023. Arif Ahmed, who is also a professor of philosophy at the University of Cambridge, has reportedly said that coming across views students might find offensive is part of a university education.

    It’s possible, though, that feeling offended comes up against the important concept of “belonging” at university. In the context of higher education, belonging is often defined as feeling at home, included and valued. It is linked to more students staying in their courses, having enhanced wellbeing, and being able to learn well at university.

    But feeling offended and feeling you belong at university don’t have to be contradictory. Some of our research has found that belonging can also mean being able to challenge the dominant culture at a university, which may exclude students who don’t fit a particular mould.

    Being able to challenge opinions is important.
    Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

    Some students explained that they proactively resist the prevalent image of the “typical” student. For example, in highly selective universities, students are often extremely competitive and industrious with a tendency to overwork. But this culture may not align with the work-life balance prioritised by some students.

    This form of “positive not-belonging” often takes the form of friendship groups and communities that cultivate an alternative kind of belonging. These groups may well enable greater freedom of self-expression, without fear of being judged or feeling pressured to conform to pre-existing academic cultures.

    While some students are able to carve out these collective and alternative communities for belonging, many others feel their presence and sense of belonging is conditional – especially minority ethnic students. Clearer advocacy for free speech might help these students feel more comfortable speaking up and building a stronger sense of belonging.

    We must not forget that the idea of belonging carries power dynamics, and often has implications for what is perceived as up for debate – and what is not.

    Existing free speech

    What’s more, the views of students suggest that free speech is already part of their experience at university. In 2023, the Office for Students added a question about freedom of expression to the annual National Student Survey, which gathers final-year undergraduates’ opinions on their higher education experience. The question, added for students at English universities only, asked how “free” students felt to express their ideas, opinions and beliefs.

    The results showed that 86% did feel they had this freedom. This has remained stable in the latest survey, with a slight increase to just over 88% in the 2025 results.

    The Office for Students also commissioned YouGov to poll research and teaching staff at English universities about their perceptions of free speech in higher education in 2024.

    Some positive results mirrored the student data. For example, 89% of academics reported that they are confident they understand what free speech means in higher education. But the polling also found that 21% did not feel free to discuss controversial topics in their teaching.

    This lack of perceived freedom of expression does not only have a negative impact on staff. It is widely understood that a key purpose of higher education is to nurture students’ independent thinking and self-awareness. A key step toward this goal is not to be afraid of engaging in difficult conversations, including asking questions.

    However, this does not happen automatically. Universities need to provide clear scaffolding, guidance and practical steps to protect freedom of speech. It is also important to normalise and promote conversations about topics such as cultural differences and intercultural competence, which refers to the ability to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds effectively and appropriately.

    If addressed, these discussions can help to foster inclusion, and promote diversity of thought and expression.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. English universities now have a duty to uphold freedom of speech – here’s how it might affect students’ sense of belonging – https://theconversation.com/english-universities-now-have-a-duty-to-uphold-freedom-of-speech-heres-how-it-might-affect-students-sense-of-belonging-260867

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: New peace plan increases pressure on Israel and US as momentum grows for Palestinian statehood

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin

    A new vision for Middle East peace emerged this week which proposes the withdrawal of Israel from Gaza and the West Bank, the disarming and disbanding of Hamas and the creation of a unified Palestinian state. The plan emerged from a “high-level conference” in New York on July 29, which assembled representatives of 17 states, the European Union and the Arab League.

    The resulting proposal is “a comprehensive and actionable framework for the implementation of the two-state solution and the achievement of peace and security for all”.

    Signatories include Turkey and the Middle Eastern states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan. Europe was represented by France, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain and the UK. Indonesia was there for Asia, Senegal for Africa, and Brazil, Canada and Mexico for the Americas. Neither the US nor Israel were present.

    Significantly, it is the first time the Arab states have called for Hamas to disarm and disband. But, while condemning Hamas’s attack on Israel of October 7 2023 and recalling that the taking of hostages is a violation of international law, the document is unsparing in its connection between a state of Palestine and an end to Israel’s assault on Gaza’s civilians.

    It says: “Absent decisive measures toward the two-state solution and robust international guarantees, the conflict will deepen and regional peace will remain elusive.”

    A plan for the reconstruction of Gaza will be developed by the Arab states and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation – a Jeddah-based group which aims to be the collective voice of the Muslim world – supported by an international fund. The details will be hammered out at a Gaza Reconstruction and Recovery Conference, to be held in Cairo.

    It is a bold initiative. In theory, it could end the Israeli mass killing in Gaza, remove Hamas from power and begin the implementation of a process for a state of Palestine. The question is whether it has any chance of success.

    First, there appears to be growing momentum to press ahead with recognition of the state of Palestine as part of a comprehensive peace plan leading to a two-state solution. France, the UK and, most recently, Canada have announced they would take that step at the UN general assembly in September. The UK stated that it would do so unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire and the commencement of a substantive peace process.



    Read more:
    UK and France pledges won’t stop Netanyahu bombing Gaza – but Donald Trump or Israel’s military could

    These announcements follow those made in May 2024 by Spain, Ireland and Norway, three of the other European signatories. By the end of September at least 150 of the UN’s 193 members will recognise Palestinian statehood. Recognition is largely symbolic without a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from both Gaza and the West Bank. But it is essential symbolism.

    For years, many European countries, Canada, Australia and the US have said that recognition could not be declared if there was the prospect of Israel-Palestine negotiations. Now the sequence is reversed: recognition is necessary as pressure for a ceasefire and the necessary talks to ensure the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.

    Israel accelerated that reversal at the start of March, when it rejected the scheduled move to phase two of the six-week ceasefire negotiated with the help of the US, and imposed a blockade on aid coming into the Strip.

    The Netanyahu government continues to hold out against the ceasefire. But its loud blame of Hamas is becoming harder to accept. The images of the starvation in Gaza and warnings by doctors, humanitarian organisations and the UN of an effective famine with the deaths of thousands can no longer be denied.

    Saudi Arabia and Qatar, behind the scenes and through their embassies, have been encouraging European countries to make the jump to recognition. Their efforts at the UN conference in New York this week are another front of that campaign.

    Israel and the Trump administration

    But in the short term, there is little prospect of the Netanyahu government giving way with its mass killing, let alone entering talks for two states. Notably neither Israel nor the US took part in the conference.

    Trump has criticised the scenes of starvation in Gaza. But his administration has joined Netanyahu in vitriolic denunciation of France and the UK over their intentions to recognise Palestine. And the US president has warned the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, that recognition of Palestinian statehood would threaten Canada’s trade deal with the US.

    In response to Trump’s concern over the images of starving children and his exhortation “We’ve got to get the kids fed,” Israel has airdropped a few pallets of aid – less than a truck’s worth. Yet this appears more of a public relations exercise directed at Washington than a genuine attempt to ease the terrible condition on the Strip.

    A small number of lorries with supplies from UN and humanitarian organisations have also crossed the border, but only after lengthy delays and with half still held up. There is no security for transport and delivery of the aid inside Gaza.

    A sacrifice for a state?

    So the conference declaration is not relief for Gaza. Instead, it is yet another marker of Israel’s increasing isolation.

    After France’s announcement, the Netanyahu government thundered: “Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy … A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel.”

    But while recognising Hamas’s mass killing of October 7 2023, most governments and their populations do not perceive Israel as attacking Hamas and its fighters. They see the Netanyahu government and Israeli military slaying and starving civilians.

    Even in the US, where the Trump administration is trying to crush sympathy for Palestine and Gazans in universities, non-governmental organisations and the public sphere, opinion is shifting.

    In a Gallup poll taken in the US and released on July 29, only 32% of respondents supported Israel’s actions in Gaza – an all-time low – and 60% opposed them. Netanyahu was viewed unfavourably by 52% and favourably by only 29%.

    Israel has lost its moment of “normalisation” with Arab states. Its economic links are strained and its oft-repeated claim to being the “Middle East’s only democracy” is bloodstained beyond recognition.

    This will be of no comfort to the people of Gaza facing death. But in the longer term, there is the prospect that this sacrifice will be the catalyst to recognise Palestine that disappeared in 1948.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Scott Lucas 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. New peace plan increases pressure on Israel and US as momentum grows for Palestinian statehood – https://theconversation.com/new-peace-plan-increases-pressure-on-israel-and-us-as-momentum-grows-for-palestinian-statehood-262259

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: New peace plan increases pressure on Israel and US as momentum grows for Palestinian statehood

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Scott Lucas, Professor of International Politics, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin

    A new vision for Middle East peace emerged this week which proposes the withdrawal of Israel from Gaza and the West Bank, the disarming and disbanding of Hamas and the creation of a unified Palestinian state. The plan emerged from a “high-level conference” in New York on July 29, which assembled representatives of 17 states, the European Union and the Arab League.

    The resulting proposal is “a comprehensive and actionable framework for the implementation of the two-state solution and the achievement of peace and security for all”.

    Signatories include Turkey and the Middle Eastern states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Jordan. Europe was represented by France, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain and the UK. Indonesia was there for Asia, Senegal for Africa, and Brazil, Canada and Mexico for the Americas. Neither the US nor Israel were present.

    Significantly, it is the first time the Arab states have called for Hamas to disarm and disband. But, while condemning Hamas’s attack on Israel of October 7 2023 and recalling that the taking of hostages is a violation of international law, the document is unsparing in its connection between a state of Palestine and an end to Israel’s assault on Gaza’s civilians.

    It says: “Absent decisive measures toward the two-state solution and robust international guarantees, the conflict will deepen and regional peace will remain elusive.”

    A plan for the reconstruction of Gaza will be developed by the Arab states and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation – a Jeddah-based group which aims to be the collective voice of the Muslim world – supported by an international fund. The details will be hammered out at a Gaza Reconstruction and Recovery Conference, to be held in Cairo.

    It is a bold initiative. In theory, it could end the Israeli mass killing in Gaza, remove Hamas from power and begin the implementation of a process for a state of Palestine. The question is whether it has any chance of success.

    First, there appears to be growing momentum to press ahead with recognition of the state of Palestine as part of a comprehensive peace plan leading to a two-state solution. France, the UK and, most recently, Canada have announced they would take that step at the UN general assembly in September. The UK stated that it would do so unless Israel agreed to a ceasefire and the commencement of a substantive peace process.



    Read more:
    UK and France pledges won’t stop Netanyahu bombing Gaza – but Donald Trump or Israel’s military could

    These announcements follow those made in May 2024 by Spain, Ireland and Norway, three of the other European signatories. By the end of September at least 150 of the UN’s 193 members will recognise Palestinian statehood. Recognition is largely symbolic without a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from both Gaza and the West Bank. But it is essential symbolism.

    For years, many European countries, Canada, Australia and the US have said that recognition could not be declared if there was the prospect of Israel-Palestine negotiations. Now the sequence is reversed: recognition is necessary as pressure for a ceasefire and the necessary talks to ensure the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.

    Israel accelerated that reversal at the start of March, when it rejected the scheduled move to phase two of the six-week ceasefire negotiated with the help of the US, and imposed a blockade on aid coming into the Strip.

    The Netanyahu government continues to hold out against the ceasefire. But its loud blame of Hamas is becoming harder to accept. The images of the starvation in Gaza and warnings by doctors, humanitarian organisations and the UN of an effective famine with the deaths of thousands can no longer be denied.

    Saudi Arabia and Qatar, behind the scenes and through their embassies, have been encouraging European countries to make the jump to recognition. Their efforts at the UN conference in New York this week are another front of that campaign.

    Israel and the Trump administration

    But in the short term, there is little prospect of the Netanyahu government giving way with its mass killing, let alone entering talks for two states. Notably neither Israel nor the US took part in the conference.

    Trump has criticised the scenes of starvation in Gaza. But his administration has joined Netanyahu in vitriolic denunciation of France and the UK over their intentions to recognise Palestine. And the US president has warned the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, that recognition of Palestinian statehood would threaten Canada’s trade deal with the US.

    In response to Trump’s concern over the images of starving children and his exhortation “We’ve got to get the kids fed,” Israel has airdropped a few pallets of aid – less than a truck’s worth. Yet this appears more of a public relations exercise directed at Washington than a genuine attempt to ease the terrible condition on the Strip.

    A small number of lorries with supplies from UN and humanitarian organisations have also crossed the border, but only after lengthy delays and with half still held up. There is no security for transport and delivery of the aid inside Gaza.

    A sacrifice for a state?

    So the conference declaration is not relief for Gaza. Instead, it is yet another marker of Israel’s increasing isolation.

    After France’s announcement, the Netanyahu government thundered: “Such a move rewards terror and risks creating another Iranian proxy … A Palestinian state in these conditions would be a launch pad to annihilate Israel.”

    But while recognising Hamas’s mass killing of October 7 2023, most governments and their populations do not perceive Israel as attacking Hamas and its fighters. They see the Netanyahu government and Israeli military slaying and starving civilians.

    Even in the US, where the Trump administration is trying to crush sympathy for Palestine and Gazans in universities, non-governmental organisations and the public sphere, opinion is shifting.

    In a Gallup poll taken in the US and released on July 29, only 32% of respondents supported Israel’s actions in Gaza – an all-time low – and 60% opposed them. Netanyahu was viewed unfavourably by 52% and favourably by only 29%.

    Israel has lost its moment of “normalisation” with Arab states. Its economic links are strained and its oft-repeated claim to being the “Middle East’s only democracy” is bloodstained beyond recognition.

    This will be of no comfort to the people of Gaza facing death. But in the longer term, there is the prospect that this sacrifice will be the catalyst to recognise Palestine that disappeared in 1948.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Scott Lucas 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. New peace plan increases pressure on Israel and US as momentum grows for Palestinian statehood – https://theconversation.com/new-peace-plan-increases-pressure-on-israel-and-us-as-momentum-grows-for-palestinian-statehood-262259

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Natural England launches dive survey to monitor kelp forests

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Natural England launches dive survey to monitor kelp forests

    The survey will take place in the waters of the Fal and Helford rivers next week to track changes and inform conservation action.

    Marine senior officer Angela Gall of Natural England surveying kelp. Photo: Ian Saunders, Natural England

    Natural England is returning to the waters of the Fal and Helford rivers next week to carry out a new dive survey of the region’s kelp forests to check on their health and the area they cover.

    Last carried out in 2012, this survey will assess kelp forest communities, which play a vital role in supporting marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems

    Kelp forests are a key feature of this protected marine area, cloaking the shallow reefs that fringe the bay and estuaries. They provide shelter, food and nursery grounds for a wide range of marine species including fish, crustaceans and molluscs. As one of the ocean’s most productive habitats, kelp also helps to store carbon, improves water quality and supports coastal resilience.

    Underwater forests

    Corkwing wrasse in a kelp forest. Photo: Angela Gall, Natural England

    The Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is one of England’s designated Marine Protected Areas, chosen for its rich marine life and unique underwater habitats. Regular monitoring of kelp forests is essential to track changes, inform conservation action and help safeguard the long-term health of these ecosystems which may be threatened by poor water quality, displacement by invasive non-native species, damage through human activities and climate change.

    Lucy May, Natural England’s deputy dive officer, said:

    As part of our national marine monitoring programme, Natural England’s dive team will survey underwater sites to collect data on kelp cover, species diversity and overall habitat condition.

    This evidence will be used to assess the condition of this habitat within the site and guide management of the SAC.

    Other ways you can kelp

    Kelp forests are a key feature of the region’s protected marine area. Photo: Angela Gall, Natural England

    To support public engagement around kelp forests, Natural England has developed a range of outreach resources including a children’s book and a virtual reality experience that brings the hidden world of kelp forests to life.

    Captivating Kelp Forests, by Emma Rosen is a beautifully illustrated story highlighting the role of these ecosystems.

    The virtual reality experience, created by Natural England’s Jasmine Rix, lets you experience immersion within the habitat whilst staying completely dry.

    The book and VR experience are designed to help young people and communities explore the value of healthy seas and learn more about the marine life on their doorstep and have already been used in schools in Cornwall.

    Angela Gall, marine senior officer at Natural England, said:

    Kelp forests are one of our most valuable marine habitats, yet they are often overlooked. Beautiful, three-dimensional and bursting with colourful life, they provide food and shelter for so many of our most loved marine species like seals and brown crabs.

    As a diver, it is a pleasure to explore these underwater forests, to have an opportunity to check in on how these key ecosystems are doing and ensure we are doing all we can to protect them.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Natural England launches dive survey to monitor kelp forests

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Natural England launches dive survey to monitor kelp forests

    The survey will take place in the waters of the Fal and Helford rivers next week to track changes and inform conservation action.

    Marine senior officer Angela Gall of Natural England surveying kelp. Photo: Ian Saunders, Natural England

    Natural England is returning to the waters of the Fal and Helford rivers next week to carry out a new dive survey of the region’s kelp forests to check on their health and the area they cover.

    Last carried out in 2012, this survey will assess kelp forest communities, which play a vital role in supporting marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems

    Kelp forests are a key feature of this protected marine area, cloaking the shallow reefs that fringe the bay and estuaries. They provide shelter, food and nursery grounds for a wide range of marine species including fish, crustaceans and molluscs. As one of the ocean’s most productive habitats, kelp also helps to store carbon, improves water quality and supports coastal resilience.

    Underwater forests

    Corkwing wrasse in a kelp forest. Photo: Angela Gall, Natural England

    The Fal and Helford Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is one of England’s designated Marine Protected Areas, chosen for its rich marine life and unique underwater habitats. Regular monitoring of kelp forests is essential to track changes, inform conservation action and help safeguard the long-term health of these ecosystems which may be threatened by poor water quality, displacement by invasive non-native species, damage through human activities and climate change.

    Lucy May, Natural England’s deputy dive officer, said:

    As part of our national marine monitoring programme, Natural England’s dive team will survey underwater sites to collect data on kelp cover, species diversity and overall habitat condition.

    This evidence will be used to assess the condition of this habitat within the site and guide management of the SAC.

    Other ways you can kelp

    Kelp forests are a key feature of the region’s protected marine area. Photo: Angela Gall, Natural England

    To support public engagement around kelp forests, Natural England has developed a range of outreach resources including a children’s book and a virtual reality experience that brings the hidden world of kelp forests to life.

    Captivating Kelp Forests, by Emma Rosen is a beautifully illustrated story highlighting the role of these ecosystems.

    The virtual reality experience, created by Natural England’s Jasmine Rix, lets you experience immersion within the habitat whilst staying completely dry.

    The book and VR experience are designed to help young people and communities explore the value of healthy seas and learn more about the marine life on their doorstep and have already been used in schools in Cornwall.

    Angela Gall, marine senior officer at Natural England, said:

    Kelp forests are one of our most valuable marine habitats, yet they are often overlooked. Beautiful, three-dimensional and bursting with colourful life, they provide food and shelter for so many of our most loved marine species like seals and brown crabs.

    As a diver, it is a pleasure to explore these underwater forests, to have an opportunity to check in on how these key ecosystems are doing and ensure we are doing all we can to protect them.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Innovative programme to support children in Plymouth out of residential care

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A new programme is working to help move children in care in Plymouth from residential placements into family-based settings, including foster care and kinship care.

    Reconnect, a specialist organisation which supports local authorities to achieve successful transitions for children in care, will be working with Plymouth City Council to carry out this work following an executive decision signed on 30 July.

    The initiative comes in response to a growing number of children in care and a national shortage of foster carers, which has led to increased reliance on high-cost residential placements.

    The Council has identified a number of children who, with additional support, are ready to transition to family settings, with the aim of improving their wellbeing.

    Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “This programme is about giving children the opportunity to thrive in a supportive family environment.

    “While in a small number of cases, a residential setting may be appropriate for a child or young person, for most it would be much better for them to be living in a family home within Plymouth, close to their friends, families and schools.

    “We are committed to ensuring every child receives the care they need in the most nurturing setting possible and look forward to working with Reconnect to help make this a reality for more of our children in care.”

    Over a 14-month period, Reconnect will provide experienced practitioners to work alongside Plymouth’s social workers, delivering intensive, trauma-informed support to children and their prospective carers.

    Key elements of the programme include:

    • Assessment, planning and intervention: Therapeutic engagement with the identified children to prepare them for family-based care.
    • Foster carer recruitment: Targeted campaigns to recruit and support foster carers capable of meeting the complex needs of children and young people moving out of residential care.

    The programme is designed to be cost-effective, operating on a payment-by-results model. Plymouth City Council will only pay for services once savings are achieved through successful transitions.

    Foster for Plymouth, the Council’s own fostering service, has developed a package of support for carers who can look after children leaving residential care, known as the ‘Step Forward’ scheme. This includes enhanced financial allowances, starting at £840 per week, and wraparound support from a dedicated team of professionals.

    Find out more about becoming a foster carer in Plymouth at fosterforplymouth.co.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Innovative programme to support children in Plymouth out of residential care

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A new programme is working to help move children in care in Plymouth from residential placements into family-based settings, including foster care and kinship care.

    Reconnect, a specialist organisation which supports local authorities to achieve successful transitions for children in care, will be working with Plymouth City Council to carry out this work following an executive decision signed on 30 July.

    The initiative comes in response to a growing number of children in care and a national shortage of foster carers, which has led to increased reliance on high-cost residential placements.

    The Council has identified a number of children who, with additional support, are ready to transition to family settings, with the aim of improving their wellbeing.

    Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, said: “This programme is about giving children the opportunity to thrive in a supportive family environment.

    “While in a small number of cases, a residential setting may be appropriate for a child or young person, for most it would be much better for them to be living in a family home within Plymouth, close to their friends, families and schools.

    “We are committed to ensuring every child receives the care they need in the most nurturing setting possible and look forward to working with Reconnect to help make this a reality for more of our children in care.”

    Over a 14-month period, Reconnect will provide experienced practitioners to work alongside Plymouth’s social workers, delivering intensive, trauma-informed support to children and their prospective carers.

    Key elements of the programme include:

    • Assessment, planning and intervention: Therapeutic engagement with the identified children to prepare them for family-based care.
    • Foster carer recruitment: Targeted campaigns to recruit and support foster carers capable of meeting the complex needs of children and young people moving out of residential care.

    The programme is designed to be cost-effective, operating on a payment-by-results model. Plymouth City Council will only pay for services once savings are achieved through successful transitions.

    Foster for Plymouth, the Council’s own fostering service, has developed a package of support for carers who can look after children leaving residential care, known as the ‘Step Forward’ scheme. This includes enhanced financial allowances, starting at £840 per week, and wraparound support from a dedicated team of professionals.

    Find out more about becoming a foster carer in Plymouth at fosterforplymouth.co.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first Chinese-Russian choral festival opened in Suifenhe

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — Suifenhe, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, sparkled with new colors on July 30 thanks to an international cultural event – the grand opening of the first China-Russia Choir Festival.

    According to the city government website, the event was attended by about 500 Chinese and foreign artists and choral singing enthusiasts, representing 8 leading groups from Harbin Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Anshan, Suzhou University, as well as Russian Vladivostok and Bolshoy Kamen /Primorsky Krai/.

    In his welcoming speech, Gao Jun, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Suifenhe Municipal Committee, said that every corner of Suifenhe, which is the vanguard of China’s opening up to the north, is permeated with the atmosphere of spiritual intertwining of the peoples of the two neighboring countries. Eight Chinese and Russian choirs, like eight timbres merging into a single harmony, wrote notes in the camp of friendship on the Suifenhe stage.

    According to him, every sound becomes a new starting point for cultural mutual enrichment, and the warmth of mutual attraction of hearts penetrates into the souls of the peoples of the two countries.

    The festival is organized by the Suifenhe Cultural and Tourism Group and the Sing, China! New Choral Works Promotion Committee under the leadership of the Suifenhe City Department of Culture and Tourism.

    To ensure the professional level and international status of the festival, an authoritative jury of eight Chinese and foreign experts was formed. The festival program consists of 4 main blocks: the opening ceremony, competitive performances of high-level performers, master classes and an award ceremony. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first Chinese-Russian choral festival opened in Suifenhe

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — Suifenhe, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, sparkled with new colors on July 30 thanks to an international cultural event – the grand opening of the first China-Russia Choir Festival.

    According to the city government website, the event was attended by about 500 Chinese and foreign artists and choral singing enthusiasts, representing 8 leading groups from Harbin Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Anshan, Suzhou University, as well as Russian Vladivostok and Bolshoy Kamen /Primorsky Krai/.

    In his welcoming speech, Gao Jun, head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Suifenhe Municipal Committee, said that every corner of Suifenhe, which is the vanguard of China’s opening up to the north, is permeated with the atmosphere of spiritual intertwining of the peoples of the two neighboring countries. Eight Chinese and Russian choirs, like eight timbres merging into a single harmony, wrote notes in the camp of friendship on the Suifenhe stage.

    According to him, every sound becomes a new starting point for cultural mutual enrichment, and the warmth of mutual attraction of hearts penetrates into the souls of the peoples of the two countries.

    The festival is organized by the Suifenhe Cultural and Tourism Group and the Sing, China! New Choral Works Promotion Committee under the leadership of the Suifenhe City Department of Culture and Tourism.

    To ensure the professional level and international status of the festival, an authoritative jury of eight Chinese and foreign experts was formed. The festival program consists of 4 main blocks: the opening ceremony, competitive performances of high-level performers, master classes and an award ceremony. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Global Adaptability of China’s Creative Industry as Seen by SCO Representatives

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TIANJIN, July 31 (Xinhua) — China exported dolls and toy animals worth 47.63 billion yuan in 2024, up 4.9 percent year on year, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

    Representatives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries believe that this not only shows that Chinese design is becoming increasingly recognizable around the world, but is also inseparable from China’s strong manufacturing industry and ideal support for its production chains.

    “Labubu is very popular among the youth of Kazakhstan. The surprise box meets the psychological needs of the youth and has become a new fashion trend in the world,” said Ekaterina Khvaniz of Kazakhstan, who studies at Tianjin University of Foreign Languages.

    Thanks to innovative design concepts and business models, China’s creative industry is now enjoying great popularity worldwide.

    In 2024, The Monsters series conquered global markets, generating over 3 billion yuan in revenue, with a year-on-year increase of 726.6%. This makes it the most successful IP in the company’s history.

    “Labubu showcases the uniqueness of Chinese creative products, breaking through language and cultural barriers and attracting many international consumers,” said Abdul Rahman, a Pakistani student at Tianjin University.

    It is worth noting that, thanks to digital technology, China’s cultural and creative products are quickly attracting the attention of the global audience through a younger, digital and interactive way.

    “Social platforms such as TikTok and Xiaohongshu and other e-commerce platforms are popular all over the world, introducing Chinese creative and cultural products to the world in a new way,” said Adel Baktygulova, a Kyrgyz student at Tsinghua University.

    According to the data, the operating income of China’s cultural industry and related industries exceeded 19 trillion yuan in 2024, a record high. The operating income of content development and production and creative design services increased by 8.4 percent and 7.2 percent, respectively. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Global Adaptability of China’s Creative Industry as Seen by SCO Representatives

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TIANJIN, July 31 (Xinhua) — China exported dolls and toy animals worth 47.63 billion yuan in 2024, up 4.9 percent year on year, data from the General Administration of Customs showed.

    Representatives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries believe that this not only shows that Chinese design is becoming increasingly recognizable around the world, but is also inseparable from China’s strong manufacturing industry and ideal support for its production chains.

    “Labubu is very popular among the youth of Kazakhstan. The surprise box meets the psychological needs of the youth and has become a new fashion trend in the world,” said Ekaterina Khvaniz of Kazakhstan, who studies at Tianjin University of Foreign Languages.

    Thanks to innovative design concepts and business models, China’s creative industry is now enjoying great popularity worldwide.

    In 2024, The Monsters series conquered global markets, generating over 3 billion yuan in revenue, with a year-on-year increase of 726.6%. This makes it the most successful IP in the company’s history.

    “Labubu showcases the uniqueness of Chinese creative products, breaking through language and cultural barriers and attracting many international consumers,” said Abdul Rahman, a Pakistani student at Tianjin University.

    It is worth noting that, thanks to digital technology, China’s cultural and creative products are quickly attracting the attention of the global audience through a younger, digital and interactive way.

    “Social platforms such as TikTok and Xiaohongshu and other e-commerce platforms are popular all over the world, introducing Chinese creative and cultural products to the world in a new way,” said Adel Baktygulova, a Kyrgyz student at Tsinghua University.

    According to the data, the operating income of China’s cultural industry and related industries exceeded 19 trillion yuan in 2024, a record high. The operating income of content development and production and creative design services increased by 8.4 percent and 7.2 percent, respectively. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Thematic presentation and business meeting on Russian projects held in Daqing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — A thematic presentation of “Open Heilongjiang, Innovative Daqing” and a business meeting on Russian projects were held in Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, on July 29.

    According to the news portal sohu.com, Liu Xiuli, an official of the Daqing municipal government, warmly welcomed the participants in her welcoming speech. She expressed hope that the event would strengthen the ties and contacts between Daqing and its partners, creating a long-term platform for local enterprises to cooperate in trade with Russia.

    At the business meeting, the Foreign Affairs Office of Daqing City presented the achievements and prospective plans for cooperation with the Russian Federation. Representatives of the city’s specialized companies held project presentations.

    Cheng Xiang, director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Center for Trade and Economic Cooperation with Russia, said the center will fully play a role as a link, providing Daqing enterprises with a range of services, including policy clarification, market analysis, vocational training, etc.

    Following the event, the delegation of the Center for Trade and Economic Cooperation with Russia in Heilongjiang Province held a working meeting with the Daqing City Commerce Department. The parties agreed to organize training for the city’s enterprises engaged in trade with Russia. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Thematic presentation and business meeting on Russian projects held in Daqing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — A thematic presentation of “Open Heilongjiang, Innovative Daqing” and a business meeting on Russian projects were held in Daqing, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, on July 29.

    According to the news portal sohu.com, Liu Xiuli, an official of the Daqing municipal government, warmly welcomed the participants in her welcoming speech. She expressed hope that the event would strengthen the ties and contacts between Daqing and its partners, creating a long-term platform for local enterprises to cooperate in trade with Russia.

    At the business meeting, the Foreign Affairs Office of Daqing City presented the achievements and prospective plans for cooperation with the Russian Federation. Representatives of the city’s specialized companies held project presentations.

    Cheng Xiang, director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Center for Trade and Economic Cooperation with Russia, said the center will fully play a role as a link, providing Daqing enterprises with a range of services, including policy clarification, market analysis, vocational training, etc.

    Following the event, the delegation of the Center for Trade and Economic Cooperation with Russia in Heilongjiang Province held a working meeting with the Daqing City Commerce Department. The parties agreed to organize training for the city’s enterprises engaged in trade with Russia. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping signs decree on awarding some military units and individuals /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping signed an order recognizing the achievements of two military units and five individuals.

    One of the organs of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Unit 63920 was awarded the First Class Merit Award. Ding Yang of the PLA Unit 92853 was awarded the First Class Merit Award in Defense Science and Technology.

    PLA Unit 96712 was awarded the Second Class Merit Award.

    Wang Haidou of the former Army Armored Academy, Gao Yuqi of the Army Medical University, Yang Zichun of the Naval Engineering University and Chen Wei of the Institute of Military Medicine under the Academy of Military Sciences were each awarded third-class merits in defense science and technology. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Southern Airlines and Air Astana have entered into a codeshare agreement

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China Southern Airlines and Air Astana officially signed a codeshare agreement on Tuesday, according to a statement on the website of the Guangzhou-based Chinese carrier.

    The entry into force of the document, as stated by China Southern Airlines, will provide more convenience to passengers of both countries.

    The agreement envisages the joint operation of a number of air routes between China and Kazakhstan. These include the routes opened by China Southern Airlines Guangzhou-Almaty, Beijing /Daxing/-Almaty, Urumqi-Almaty, Xi’an-Almaty, Guangzhou-Astana, Urumqi-Astana and the routes opened by Air Astana Almaty-Beijing /Shoudu/, Almaty-Urumqi, Almaty-Guangzhou, Astana-Beijing /Shoudu/.

    China Southern Airlines is paying increased attention to the Kazakh market and plans to further increase the frequency of flights between the two countries through cooperation with Air Astana, said its CEO Han Wensheng.

    Air Astana Chief Executive Officer Peter Foster noted that China has always been a strategically important market for Air Astana.

    The new step in cooperation taken by Air Astana and China Southern Airlines will help strengthen the airline’s position in the Chinese market and open a new page in the annals of cooperation between the airlines of both countries, he believes.

    The conclusion of the code-share agreement has created a new paradigm for aviation cooperation between China and Kazakhstan and will effectively promote the development of bilateral ties in trade, tourism and humanitarian exchanges, China Southern Airlines noted. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping signs decree on awarding some military units and individuals /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — Chairman of the Central Military Commission Xi Jinping signed an order recognizing the achievements of two military units and five individuals.

    One of the organs of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Unit 63920 was awarded the First Class Merit Award. Ding Yang of the PLA Unit 92853 was awarded the First Class Merit Award in Defense Science and Technology.

    PLA Unit 96712 was awarded the Second Class Merit Award.

    Wang Haidou of the former Army Armored Academy, Gao Yuqi of the Army Medical University, Yang Zichun of the Naval Engineering University and Chen Wei of the Institute of Military Medicine under the Academy of Military Sciences were each awarded third-class merits in defense science and technology. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: FCAC calls on banks to improve handling of consumer complaints

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 31, 2025 
    Ottawa, Ontario

    Today, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) published the findings of a report on the complaint-handling procedures of small and medium-sized banks in its Supervisory Highlight: Thematic Review on Complaint Handling. 

    While the small and medium-sized banks that were assessed in FCAC’s review took steps towards meeting the new requirements for complaint handling under the Financial Consumer Protection Framework (the Framework), FCAC found several areas for improvement. 

    For example, the banks reviewed did not treat all expressions of dissatisfaction from consumers as complaints. FCAC also found that the banks did not always deal with complaints within the prescribed period of 56 calendar days after the day on which the complaint was received. In addition, complaint records submitted by the banks to FCAC often lacked required information. 

    Each of the banks involved in the review has been informed of the findings specific to their institution and is required to take corrective actions. FCAC will monitor their response to make sure that they comply with the complaint handling requirements.

    FCAC expects all federally regulated banks to review their complaint-handling procedures to assess their own compliance with the requirements and address any issues or deficiencies in a timely manner. 

    Consumers have the right to file a complaint if they have a problem with their bank. In 2022, the federal government strengthened the rules around complaint handling under the Framework to make the process more effective, timely and accessible for consumers. This includes introducing a 56-day timeline for banks to deal with complaints and establishing that banks must treat all expressions of dissatisfaction with a bank product or service as a complaint.

    FCAC supervises banks’ compliance with their complaint handling obligations. The Agency focused its most recent review on small and medium-sized banks because they were identified as being at a higher risk of having issues with implementing the new complaint handling measures under the Framework. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Southern Airlines and Air Astana have entered into a codeshare agreement

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China Southern Airlines and Air Astana officially signed a codeshare agreement on Tuesday, according to a statement on the website of the Guangzhou-based Chinese carrier.

    The entry into force of the document, as stated by China Southern Airlines, will provide more convenience to passengers of both countries.

    The agreement envisages the joint operation of a number of air routes between China and Kazakhstan. These include the routes opened by China Southern Airlines Guangzhou-Almaty, Beijing /Daxing/-Almaty, Urumqi-Almaty, Xi’an-Almaty, Guangzhou-Astana, Urumqi-Astana and the routes opened by Air Astana Almaty-Beijing /Shoudu/, Almaty-Urumqi, Almaty-Guangzhou, Astana-Beijing /Shoudu/.

    China Southern Airlines is paying increased attention to the Kazakh market and plans to further increase the frequency of flights between the two countries through cooperation with Air Astana, said its CEO Han Wensheng.

    Air Astana Chief Executive Officer Peter Foster noted that China has always been a strategically important market for Air Astana.

    The new step in cooperation taken by Air Astana and China Southern Airlines will help strengthen the airline’s position in the Chinese market and open a new page in the annals of cooperation between the airlines of both countries, he believes.

    The conclusion of the code-share agreement has created a new paradigm for aviation cooperation between China and Kazakhstan and will effectively promote the development of bilateral ties in trade, tourism and humanitarian exchanges, China Southern Airlines noted. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: FCAC calls on banks to improve handling of consumer complaints

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 31, 2025 
    Ottawa, Ontario

    Today, the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) published the findings of a report on the complaint-handling procedures of small and medium-sized banks in its Supervisory Highlight: Thematic Review on Complaint Handling. 

    While the small and medium-sized banks that were assessed in FCAC’s review took steps towards meeting the new requirements for complaint handling under the Financial Consumer Protection Framework (the Framework), FCAC found several areas for improvement. 

    For example, the banks reviewed did not treat all expressions of dissatisfaction from consumers as complaints. FCAC also found that the banks did not always deal with complaints within the prescribed period of 56 calendar days after the day on which the complaint was received. In addition, complaint records submitted by the banks to FCAC often lacked required information. 

    Each of the banks involved in the review has been informed of the findings specific to their institution and is required to take corrective actions. FCAC will monitor their response to make sure that they comply with the complaint handling requirements.

    FCAC expects all federally regulated banks to review their complaint-handling procedures to assess their own compliance with the requirements and address any issues or deficiencies in a timely manner. 

    Consumers have the right to file a complaint if they have a problem with their bank. In 2022, the federal government strengthened the rules around complaint handling under the Framework to make the process more effective, timely and accessible for consumers. This includes introducing a 56-day timeline for banks to deal with complaints and establishing that banks must treat all expressions of dissatisfaction with a bank product or service as a complaint.

    FCAC supervises banks’ compliance with their complaint handling obligations. The Agency focused its most recent review on small and medium-sized banks because they were identified as being at a higher risk of having issues with implementing the new complaint handling measures under the Framework. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Strategic Enterprise KN Group Expands Hong Kong International Business Headquarters, Driving Corporate Globalisation and Economic Innovation (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Strategic Enterprise KN Group Expands Hong Kong International Business Headquarters, Driving Corporate Globalisation and Economic Innovation  
    The General Manager of KN Group Hong Kong and Global Head of Treasury at KN Group, Mr Lucas Kong stated that the collaboration reflects the company’s decade-long cultivation in AI financial technology and marks a significant milestone in bridging traditional finance services with global capital markets through digital pathways. He added that through the tokenisation of financial assets, KN Group aims to enhance service efficiency and transparency while continuing to drive innovation in the financial sector.
     
         The Executive Director of OASES, Mr Bryan Peng said, “KN Group’s business expansion and innovative development reflect the enterprise’s strong confidence in Hong Kong’s business environment. As outlined in the “Report on Hong Kong’s Business Environment: Unique strength under ‘One Country, Two Systems’” released by the Hong Kong Special Adminitrative Region (HKSAR) Government yesterday, the city is an ideal base for enterprises seeking global growth, and continues to demonstrate robust potential in emerging sectors such as fintech, Web3, artificial intelligence, and green finance. Earlier, the Securities and Futures Commission introduced the newly formulated ‘ASPIRe’ roadmap, and in June, the HKSAR Government issued Policy Statement 2.0 on the Development of Digital Assets in Hong Kong, providing a clear regulatory and development framework for the sector. These initiatives offer a solid foundation for KN Group and AlloyX to advance innovation in the digital asset space.”
     
    OASES is committed to providing one-stop facilitation services for strategic enterprises, facilitating their successful establishment in Hong Kong and fostering deep integration with the local innovation and business ecosystem.
    Issued at HKT 21:10

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –