NewzIntel.com

Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI: IntelliTrans Recognized as a Top 100 Logistics & Supply Chain Technology Provider for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IntelliTrans, a leader in software and services for transportation management in bulk and break-bulk shipping, announces its inclusion in the Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics & Supply Chain Technology Providers for 2025. This honor reinforces IntelliTrans’ continued commitment to innovation and excellence in addressing the evolving challenges of modern supply chains.

    Selected from more than 400 technology leaders, IntelliTrans joins an elite group of solution providers whose services empower businesses to overcome logistics hurdles with data-driven insights and cutting-edge tools. The prestigious list, curated by Inbound Logistics editors, highlights those providers whose solutions enable Fortune 1000 enterprises, as well as small and medium-sized businesses, to thrive in complex, competitive markets.

    “With technology in the logistics and supply chain space evolving rapidly, it’s crucial to recognize and celebrate the companies driving innovation for shippers,” says Felecia Stratton, Editor of Inbound Logistics. “We are excited to uncover the supply chain and logistics tech industry trailblazers whose solutions are transforming the landscape. This recognition honors excellence and provides valuable insights into the evolving technological trends within the supply chain industry.”

    IntelliTrans’ recognition is not just a testament to its technology but also its unwavering dedication to customer success. By listening to industry pain points and delivering tailored solutions, IntelliTrans positions its customers as leaders in their fields, consistently enabling them to unlock new opportunities for expansion and efficiency.

    “We are incredibly honored to once again be recognized as a Top 100 Logistics & Supply Chain Technology Provider by Inbound Logistics,” said Chad Raube, President and CEO of IntelliTrans. “This achievement reflects our ongoing mission to empower our customers with innovative software that makes supply chains more visible, efficient, and resilient. Our solutions are purpose-built to tackle the challenges of an unpredictable market, and we are motivated every day by the success of our customers.”

    The Top 100 Logistics IT Providers list is published in all the April Inbound Logistics magazine editions and apps.

    About IntelliTrans Multimodal Transportation Solutions
    IntelliTrans, a Roper Technologies business (Nasdaq: ROP), empowers businesses to optimize their supply chains with seamless freight management and shipment execution across all modes of transportation, including rail, truck, ocean, and barge. IntelliTrans’ trusted transportation management solutions enable customers to solve complex business challenges and help achieve a holistic digital strategy by incorporating multimodal solutions backed by extensive industry knowledge. Recognized as a top transportation management provider, IntelliTrans has recently received the Inbound Logistics Top 100 Logistics IT Provider Award, the 2023 BIG Innovation Award, the Cloud Computing Product of the Year Award, and the Food Logistics/SDCE Top Software and Technology Award. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with offices in Conway, AR, and internationally in Sweden and the UK. Unlock hidden efficiencies in your supply chain. Visit our website to see how IntelliTrans can help.

    Media Contact for IntelliTrans:
    Becky Boyd
    MediaFirst PR (M1PR.com)
    404.421.8497
    becky@mediafirst.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Congolese refugees face humanitarian emergency in Burundi

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Thousands of Congolese refugees who fled violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are now living in extremely precarious conditions in the designated Musenyi site in Burundi. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has launched an emergency response to reduce the risk of measles and malaria, but more support is needed as people’s humanitarian needs remain largely unmet.

    Since the beginning of the year, thousands of people have fled fighting and insecurity in the provinces of North and South Kivu in the DRC. Crossing the Rusizi river into Burundi, they have hastily set up camp in schools, sheds, churches and stadiums in the province of Cibitoke on the border with South Kivu.

    In March, the Burundian authorities and the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) relocated the refugees to the Musenyi site, an official site inaugurated in 2024 in the south-east to provide basic facilities and services for up to 10,000 refugees.

    Megaphone in hand, an MSF community mobiliser walks around the Musenyi refugee site to encourage parents to vaccinate their children against measles. Burundi, April 2025.
    Dorine Niyungeko/MSF

    Unfortunately, the site’s capacity was quickly exceeded: according to UNHCR, by the end of April, some 18,000 refugees were living at the Musenyi site. Unsurprisingly, their living conditions quickly became unbearable and created health risks for adults and children alike.

    “I’ve been living in a shed since I arrived because there aren’t enough shelters for everyone,” says Nathalie*, a refugee who arrived in February. “Tarpaulins are given to large families to make shelters. But I live here, and we sleep in this shed, without mattresses, with toads, and moisture everywhere. We feel abandoned.”

    Built on poorly drained clay soil, the Musenyi site is particularly prone to flooding during the rainy season. Now, since the end of April, the rainy season has begun and, although drainage channels have been dug, water is stagnating in many parts of the site. People are trying to protect their shelters and the communal latrines as best they can to prevent the dirty water from spilling into the alleyways.

    “There is an urgent need to improve the living conditions on this site, as all the elements for serious health problems are present,” says Barbara Turchet, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Burundi. “Given the hygiene conditions, we have started to set up isolation units as a preventive measure in case of a cholera outbreak. And to reduce the risk of malaria, which is exacerbated by the amount of stagnant water everywhere, we have distributed more than 8,000 mosquito nets and are planning long-term mosquito spraying at the site.”

    8,500

    8,5

    measles vaccinations for children

    8,000

    8,

    mosquito nets

    Given the concentration of children at the site, MSF has also helped the health authorities organise a measles vaccination campaign, as several cases of this highly infectious but preventable disease have already been confirmed among the refugees.

    “We set up four vaccination points,” says Turchet. “We were able to vaccinate 8,500 children against measles and treat those who were infected. That’s something, but we have to do more to improve the refugees’ situation and protect their health.”

    Essential services overwhelmed as aid funding contracts

    A few organisations other than MSF are also present to offer healthcare to the refugees, but many people are unhappy with the insufficient access to care.

    “Here, refugees living with HIV have no access to treatment,” says Henri*, a refugee from South Kivu who was moved to Musenyi site from another in Burundi. “When we were in Rugombo, [also] in the province of Cibitoke, there was medical follow-up and treatment. But here, the health facilities don’t offer this kind of care.”

    In Musenyi, as in many other places today, humanitarian organisations are struggling to provide sufficient support because funding has decreased. Several humanitarian agencies are unable to provide sufficient medical follow-up for patients in the clinics they support. Food distributions are also clearly inadequate, further increasing the vulnerability of families. The UN estimates that US$76 million are required to meet the humanitarian needs of Congolese refugees in Burundi.

    “The gravity of the situation is real and calls for more attention and support,” warns Turchet. “At our level, we are doing our utmost and have extended our support to provide medical care for victims of sexual violence and psychosocial support for refugees suffering from mental health problems. But there are needs everywhere…”

    *Names have been changed for confidentiality

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: Syncfusion® Announces Successful Completion of SOC 2® Type 2 Examination

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Syncfusion®, Inc., the enterprise technology provider of choice, today announced that it has successfully completed a System and Organization Controls (SOC) 2® Type 2 audit examination for its Essential Studio and Bold products. Additionally, the electronic signature platform BoldSign® is now Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)-certified in compliance with European Union (EU) laws.

    “Secure, accurate information is the cornerstone of the prosperity of any organization,” said Daniel Jebaraj, CEO of Syncfusion. “The successful completion of our SOC 2 Type 2 examination reinforces our ongoing commitment to create and maintain a secure operating environment for our clients’ confidential data, based upon industry standards and best practices, now and in the future.”

    Successful SOC 2®Type 2 audit examination

    SOC 2® reports examine controls at a service organization and are conducted within the AICPA’s Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization framework. The SOC 2® Type 2 report provides an understanding of the service organization’s suitability of the design, implementation, and operating effectiveness of its internal controls. Organizations are audited based on the five trust service criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. An organization may select any or all of the trust service criteria applicable to its business; Syncfusion chose to report on all five criteria.

    The independent auditing firm tested Syncfusion’s controls and examined its policies and procedures regarding operational areas like:

    • Cloud security.
    • Network connectivity.
    • Systems development life cycle.
    • Computer operations.
    • Logistical access.
    • Data transmission.
    • Backup and disaster recovery.

    Upon completing the audit, Syncfusion received a Service Auditor’s Report with an opinion demonstrating that its policies, procedures, and infrastructure meet or exceed the stringent SOC 2® criteria. The successful completion of this voluntary examination reflects Syncfusion’s dedication to protecting its customers’ information.

    BoldSign® delivers fully QES-compliant signatures

    A QES offers a valid, legally binding digital signature backed by the EU’s strict security guardrails as laid out in electronic IDentification, Authentication and trust Services (eIDAS) regulations. A QES-compliant signature has the same legal power as a handwritten one across all EU countries. Additionally, BoldSign has GDPR-compliant, EU-based data centers, seamless QES identity verification, multilingual support, and a detailed audit trail for each QES-signed document. To learn more about BoldSign, QES, and other EU-specific features, visit https://boldsign.com/qes.

    About Syncfusion®, Inc.
    Headquartered in the technology hub of Research Triangle Park, N.C., Syncfusion, Inc.® delivers an award-winning ecosystem of developer control suites, embeddable BI platforms, and business software. Syncfusion was founded in 2001 with a single software component and a mission to support businesses of all sizes—from individual developers and start-ups to Fortune 500 enterprises. Though its pilot product, the Essential Studio® suite, has grown to over 1,900 developer controls, its mission remains the same. With offices in the U.S., India, and Kenya, Syncfusion prioritizes the customer experience by providing feature-rich solutions to help developers and enterprises solve complex problems, save money, and build high-performance, robust applications.

    Contact: Brittany Kearns
    Phone: 919-270-8054
    Email: brittany@crossroadsb2b.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Peace Corps isn’t just about helping others − it’s a key part of US public diplomacy

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Thomas J Nisley, Professor of Government and International Affairs, Kennesaw State University

    Peace Corps volunteers pose with the U.S. flag after they are sworn in during a 2002 event in Burkina Faso. Issouf Sanogo/AFP via Getty Images

    Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, his administration has slashed the work of many U.S. government agencies, including those focused on foreign policy. Now, there is concern that the Peace Corps could join the other foreign aid programs the administration is trying to dismantle.

    The United States Agency for International Development largely shut down in February and March 2025, with its workforce reduced from more than 10,000 to 15 people on staff.

    In early April 2025, members of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency showed up at Peace Corps headquarters in Washington, D.C., signaling possible cuts.

    DOGE has also called for reducing the number of the Peace Corps’ 970 full-time staff who help recruit and oversee the work of volunteers.

    The Guardian reported on April 28 that the Peace Corps is offering staff a buyout, and that Peace Corps leadership expects “significant restructuring efforts.”

    The Peace Corps told The New York Times in an April 28 statement that “the agency will remain operational and continue to recruit, place, and train volunteers, while continuing to support their health, safety and security, and effective service.”

    As a scholar of international affairs, I think it is important to understand the subtle – but important – role that the Peace Corps plays in helping the U.S. maintain a positive international image.

    President John F. Kennedy greets Peace Corps volunteers at the White House in August 1962.
    Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

    Understanding the Peace Corps

    In 1961, President John F. Kennedy created the Peace Corps, an independent agency in the federal government, alongside USAID as a way to reinvigorate American diplomacy.

    Kennedy viewed the State Department as an organization that lacked innovation, staffed by self-serving people without much practical experience.

    Since the 1960s, the Peace Corps has sent more than 240,000 U.S. citizens – many of them young people – to work as volunteers in more than 60 low- and middle-income countries on short-term projects, ranging from teaching students English to helping farmers increase their food production. This works out to about 3,500 to 4,000 volunteers abroad each year.

    As Kennedy hoped, many of these American volunteers returned home to eventually serve in the State Department, with some rising to the top ranks, such as Christopher Hill, a career diplomat who served in the Peace Corps in Cameroon in the 1970s.

    Peace Corps volunteers, sometimes known as PCVs, also go on to work in other types of public service, including in educational roles. It has also been common for former Peace Corps volunteers to work for USAID.

    Peace Corps’ role in US government

    The Peace Corps is not part of the day-to-day activities of U.S. foreign policy in the same way as the State Department, for example, which has diplomatic missions across the world.

    The Peace Corps, with a US$495 million annual budget, does contribute to U.S. foreign policy goals by enhancing U.S. soft power. Soft power, in this context, means getting others to want what you want.

    The political scientist Joseph Nye introduced the academic concept of soft power to the mainstream in the early 1990s. It is often misunderstood. Some mistakenly refer to the military as hard power, and economic and diplomatic tools as soft power.

    But soft power – and the allure of a project like the Peace Corps – is founded in the power of attraction. The Peace Corps, simply put, helps improve the U.S.’s image worldwide.

    My research on Latin American countries has shown that the presence of a Peace Corps program improves the popular perception of the U.S. among communities there. A good reputation fosters goodwill and helps the U.S. achieve its concrete foreign policy goals, be it making a trade deal or helping to end a conflict.

    The political scientist Stephen Magu has found similar results across Africa, including a connection between the number of Peace Corps volunteers in a country and support for the U.S. in its work at the United Nations.

    The Peace Corps’ experience

    The Peace Corps uses a very selective application process to recruit Americans of all ages to volunteer for two years in a foreign country, doing different kinds of service work ranging from agriculture and education to health and the environment.

    Most are younger people with college degrees, but there is no upper age limit to qualify and no requirement of a college degree to serve.

    There is no single Peace Corps experience.

    But all volunteers live and work in a community that has requested a volunteer to help with different types of activities. This could include helping local women set up their own small businesses in Panama or offering health workshops on reducing the risk of contracting and spreading HIV in Eswatini, formerly knwon as Swaziland. These volunteers are usually *the only Americans for miles around.

    Volunteers are expected to live modestly and are paid a monthly living allowance that covers their bare necessities.

    Volunteers’ work is not easy and not without risk. Since 1961, 311 people have died while serving. Most of the deaths are due to accidents, usually related to transportation. Some have died from diseases and illness, and a few have been victims of murder.

    Peace Corps’ approach to volunteer work

    The Peace Corps emphasizes what is known as grassroots development in foreign aid circles. This means that a Peace Corps volunteer tries to use local money and expertise to achieve goals jointly identified by the community and the volunteer.

    Critics of the Peace Corps have argued, among other things, that it has not made widespread changes that reliably last beyond the two-year term of each volunteer.

    But the Peace Corps is not intended to change the trajectory of a country’s economic development and suddenly make a poor country a rich one. Volunteers do help the people in the community they serve in small but meaningful ways.

    In my own service as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic from 1989 to 1991, for example, I had a demonstration vegetable garden where I grew nutritious vegetables such as spinach and mustard greens. Dominicans did not traditionally eat these vegetables, but I got my neighbors and friends to try them. Some learned to really like them and began to grow them on their own.

    A Peace Corps volunteer teaches English to students in Bucharest, Romania, in 1985.
    Paul Conklin/Getty Images

    Another kind of public diplomacy

    When asked in 1962 how he saw the relationship of the Peace Corps to U.S. foreign policy, Kennedy responded that he saw the Peace Corps as “an opportunity to emphasize a different part of our American character,” instead of the idea that the U.S. is a “harsh, narrow-minded militaristic, materialistic society.”

    The Trump administration tends to view foreign assistance programs as open-ended charity programs that need to be eliminated.

    I believe that foreign assistance programs are not charity – they are public diplomacy tools that contribute to the U.S.’s global power. If the Peace Corps is eliminated, the U.S. will lose another important tool of foreign policy.

    I served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Dominican Republic from 1989 to 1991

    – ref. Peace Corps isn’t just about helping others − it’s a key part of US public diplomacy – https://theconversation.com/peace-corps-isnt-just-about-helping-others-its-a-key-part-of-us-public-diplomacy-255571

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ancient Mars may have had a carbon cycle − a new study suggests the red planet may have once been warmer, wetter and more favorable for life

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Elisabeth M. Hausrath, Professor of Geoscience, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

    A panorama created from images taken by the rover Curiosity while it was working at a site called ‘Rocknest’ in 2012. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Malin Space Science Systems

    Mars, one of our closest planetary neighbors, has fascinated people for hundreds of years, partly because it is so similar to Earth. It is about the same size, contains similar rocks and minerals, and is not too much farther out from the Sun.

    Because Mars and Earth share so many features, scientists have long wondered whether Mars could have once harbored life. Today, Mars is very cold and dry, with little atmosphere and no liquid water on the surface − traits that make it a hostile environment for life. But some observations suggest that ancient Mars may have been warmer, wetter and more favorable for life.

    Even though scientists observing the surface of Mars conclude that it was once warmer than it is today, they haven’t been able to find much concrete evidence for what caused it to be warmer. But a study my colleagues and I published in April 2025 indicates the presence of carbonate minerals on the planet, which could help solve this puzzle.

    Carbonate minerals contain carbon dioxide, which, when present in the atmosphere, warms a planet. These minerals suggest that carbon dioxide could have previously existed in the atmosphere in larger quantities and provide exciting new clues about ancient Mars’ environment.

    As a geochemist and astrobiologist who has studied Mars for more than 15 years, I am fascinated by Mars’ past and the idea that it could have been habitable.

    Ancient carbon cycle on past Mars

    Observations of Mars from orbiting satellites and rovers show river channels and dry lakes that suggest the Martian surface once had liquid water. And these instruments have spotted minerals on its surface that scientists can analyze to get an idea of what Mars may have been like in the past.

    Today, Mars is very cold, with a thin atmosphere and dry climate. But in the ancient past, it may have been warmer and wetter, with a thicker heat-trapping atmosphere.
    NASA/J. Bell – Cornell U./M. Wolff – SSI via AP, File

    If ancient Mars had liquid water, it would have needed a much warmer climate than it has today. Warmer planets usually have thick atmospheres that trap heat. So, perhaps the Martian atmosphere used to be thicker and composed of heat-trapping carbon dioxide. If Mars did once have a thicker carbon dioxide-containing atmosphere, scientists predict that they’d be able to see traces of that atmospheric carbon dioxide on the surface of Mars today.

    Gaseous carbon dioxide dissolves in water, a chemical process that can ultimately contribute to formation of solid minerals at and below the surface of a planet − essentially removing the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Lots of scientists have previously tried to find carbonate minerals on the surface of Mars, and part of the excitement about a warmer, wetter early Mars is that it could have been a suitable environment for ancient microbial life.

    Finding carbonates on Mars

    Previous searches for carbonates on Mars have turned up observations of carbonates in meteorites and at two craters on Mars: Gusev crater and Jezero crater. But there wasn’t enough to explain a warmer past climate on Mars.

    For the past few years, the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover has been traversing a region called Gale crater. Here, the rover’s chemistry and mineralogy instrument has discovered lots of the iron-rich carbonate mineral siderite.

    The Curiosity rover has detected carbonates on Mars’ surface.
    NASA

    As my colleagues and I detail in our new study about these results, this carbonate mineral could contain some of the missing atmospheric carbon dioxide needed for a warmer, wetter early Mars.

    The rover also found iron oxyhydroxide minerals that suggest some of these rocks later dissolved when they encountered water, releasing a portion of their carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Although it is very thin, the modern Martian atmosphere is still composed mainly of carbon dioxide.

    In other words, these new results provide evidence for an ancient carbon cycle on Mars. Carbon cycles are the processes that transfer carbon dioxide between different reservoirs − such as rocks on the surface and gas in the atmosphere.

    Potential habitats for past microbial life on Mars

    Scientists generally consider an environment habitable for microbial life if it contains liquid water; nutrients such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur and necessary trace elements; an energy source; and conditions that were not too harsh − not too acidic, too salty or too hot, for example.

    Since observations from Gale crater and other locations on Mars show that Mars likely had habitable conditions, could Mars then have hosted life? And if it did, how would researchers be able to tell?

    Although microorganisms are too small for the human eye to detect, they can leave evidence of themselves preserved in rocks, sediments and soils. Organic molecules from within these microorganisms are sometimes preserved in rocks and sediments. And some microbes can form minerals or have cells that can form certain shapes. This type of evidence for past life is called a biosignature.

    Collecting Mars samples

    If Mars has biosignatures on or near the surface, researchers want to know that they have the right tools to detect them.

    So far, the rovers on Mars have found some organic molecules and chemical signatures that could have come from either abiotic − nonliving − sources or past life.

    The Curiosity rover travels across Mars searching for signs that the planet could have once been habitable.

    However, determining whether the planet used to host life isn’t easy. Analyses run in Earth’s laboratories could provide more clarity around where these signatures came from.

    To that end, the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover has been collecting and sealing samples on Mars, with one cache placed on the surface of Mars and another cache remaining on the rover.

    These caches include samples of rock, soil and atmosphere. Their contents can tell researchers about many aspects of the history of Mars, including past volcanic activity, meteorite impacts, streams and lakes, wind and dust storms, and potential past Martian life. If these samples are brought to Earth, scientists could examine them here for signs of ancient life on another planet.

    Elisabeth M. Hausrath receives funding from NASA, including from the MSL Curiosity rover Participating Scientist Program and the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover.

    – ref. Ancient Mars may have had a carbon cycle − a new study suggests the red planet may have once been warmer, wetter and more favorable for life – https://theconversation.com/ancient-mars-may-have-had-a-carbon-cycle-a-new-study-suggests-the-red-planet-may-have-once-been-warmer-wetter-and-more-favorable-for-life-255207

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: APO Group Founder and Chairman Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard Invited to Attend the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Congress and Sports Media Awards

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

    RABAT, Morocco, May 6, 2025/APO Group/ —

    APO Group (www.APO-opa.com), the leading pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service, is pleased to announce that its Founder and Chairman, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard, will attend the 2025 AIPS (International Sports Press Association) Congress and Sports Media Awards, set to take place from 13 to 17 May in Morocco.  

    The AIPS Congress is a gathering of esteemed sports journalists and industry leaders from around the world, providing a platform for meaningful discussions on the future of sports journalism. The event will return to Morocco for the second time in 2025, with Marrakech having been the host venue in 2005. Nearly 300 attendees are expected, including leading sports journalists and media stakeholders. They will explore emerging trends such as event coverage, ethical reporting, and the growing role of technology in sports journalism.  

    APO Group has established itself as a key player in Africa’s sports media industry, reflecting an ongoing commitment to showcasing African sporting excellence. Pompigne-Mognard has led several high-profile efforts to amplify African sporting narratives globally, and his presence at the 2025 AIPS Congress underscores his continued dedication to elevating sports journalism and promoting the potential of African sport on the world stage. 

    Expanding on APO Group’s commitment to sports journalism, Pompigne-Mognard said, “I am delighted to once again be part of such a significant gathering of sports media professionals. Sport is a powerful driver of unity and economic growth. At APO Group, we are passionate about the potential that it holds for positioning Africa as an attractive investment destination. AIPS provides an important platform to share ideas and strengthen professional standards, and I look forward to engaging in conversations that shape the industry’s future.” 

    Building on these sentiments and further underscoring its dedication to advancing the sector, APO Group partners with major sports organisations across Africa. This includes serving as the pan-African public relations agency for the NBA and the Basketball Africa League and as a strategic partner of the Olympic Movement in Africa (ANOCA). APO Group was also the PR agency of FIFA in Africa for three consecutive years and has supported iconic sporting-related organisations and initiatives like Olympique de Marseille’s OM Africa programme, NTT Pro Cycling, the Lux Afrique Polo Day, and the Beast Foundation. 

    Named among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African magazine in both 2023 and 2024, Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard is widely recognised for his strategic understanding of Africa’s media landscape. He is trusted by global and regional organisations for his expertise, authenticity, and passion for African storytelling. He also serves as a Special Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa and is a member of the Advisory Board of the World Football Summit. 

    Through its presence at the 2025 AIPS Congress and Sports Media Awards, APO Group looks forward to positively influencing sports journalism on the African continent. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Further appeal in case of woman missing from Barking since 2017

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives are appealing for the public’s help to find Stefana Otilia Malinici, 45 who is missing from Barking.

    Stefana (who is known as Otilia) has not been seen by her friends or family since she left her home on Beccles Drive in Barking on Wednesday, 6 September 2017.

    Otilia, who was 37-years-old at the time of her disappearance, is classed as vulnerable and in the intervening years, has not made contact with her husband or children.

    The last sighting of her was on CCTV and showed her making a brief visit to a shop on Green Lane in Ilford on Monday, 9 September 2017.

    Officers also believe she may have boarded the number 5 bus at 22:14hrs from Wood Lane, Dagenham on Tuesday, 10 September 2017.

    Since then, police have not been able to trace her.

    Officers looking after her case are appealing again for Otilia to make contact, and ask anyone who has information about where she may be, to call the team.

    Otilia was last seen wearing a black top with a large light coloured motif, dark tight jeans or leggings tucked into flat dark, mid-calf length boots, and a dark coloured three-quarter length fitted jacket. She had reddish hair in a bob style at the time.

    She is Romanian and at the time of her disappearance was working as a cleaner in London.

    Detective Chief Inspector Kam Sodhi, from the Met’s East Area Public Protection unit, said: “It is now more than seven years since Otilia was reported missing and we are continuing our work to find out where she is. While there is no evidence to suggest that Otilia has come to physical harm, we cannot rule this out.

    “Her family here in the UK and in Romania are still carrying on their daily lives without knowing where their loved one is. Her daughters have grown up without their mother, so we urge anyone who may know Otilia, or where she is, to come forward without further delay.

    “We ask anyone who has provided shelter or support to Otilia to also please contact police. Even if this was not recently, we want to hear from you.”

    In a statement, Otilia’s daughters, said: “It has now been more than seven years without our mother. We have grown up without her and miss her every day. She always brings support and love for anyone who needs it, even strangers and she always tries to cheer people up.

    “We appeal to the public for anyone to come forward if they know anything about her or her whereabouts. We also appeal to her directly, please return home to us.

    Officers would urge anyone with information on her whereabouts to call police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting 01/1106106/24.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, March 2025

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $140.5 billion in March, up $17.3 billion from $123.2 billion in February, revised.

    U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Deficit
    Deficit: $140.5 Billion +14.0%°
    Exports: $278.5 Billion +0.2%°
    Imports: $419.0 Billion +4.4%°

    Next release: Thursday, June 5, 2025

    (°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changes

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, May 6, 2025

    Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)

    March exports were $278.5 billion, $0.5 billion more than February exports. March imports were $419.0 billion, $17.8 billion more than February imports.

    The March increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $16.5 billion to $163.5 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $0.8 billion to $23.0 billion.

    Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $189.6 billion, or 92.6 percent, from the same period in 2024. Exports increased $41.1 billion or 5.2 percent. Imports increased $230.7 billion or 23.3 percent.

    Three-Month Moving Averages (exhibit 2)

    The average goods and services deficit increased $14.1 billion to $131.4 billion for the three months ending in March.

    • Average exports increased $4.0 billion to $275.7 billion in March.
    • Average imports increased $18.1 billion to $407.1 billion in March.

    Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $63.2 billion from the three months ending in March 2024.

    • Average exports increased $13.7 billion from March 2024.
    • Average imports increased $76.9 billion from March 2024.

    Exports (exhibits 3, 6, and 7)

    Exports of goods increased $1.3 billion to $183.2 billion in March.

      Exports of goods on a Census basis increased $2.5 billion.

    • Industrial supplies and materials increased $2.2 billion.
      • Natural gas increased $0.8 billion.
      • Nonmonetary gold increased $0.7 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $1.2 billion.
      • Passenger cars increased $0.9 billion.
    • Capital goods decreased $1.5 billion.
      • Civilian aircraft decreased $1.8 billion.
      • Computer accessories increased $0.7 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased $1.2 billion.

    Exports of services decreased $0.9 billion to $95.2 billion in March.

    • Travel decreased $1.3 billion.
    • Transport increased $0.3 billion.
    • Financial services increased $0.2 billion.

    Imports (exhibits 4, 6, and 8)

    Imports of goods increased $17.8 billion to $346.8 billion in March.

      Imports of goods on a Census basis increased $17.8 billion.

    • Consumer goods increased $22.5 billion.
      • Pharmaceutical preparations increased $20.9 billion.
    • Capital goods increased $3.7 billion.
      • Computer accessories increased $2.0 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $2.6 billion.
      • Passenger cars increased $2.1 billion.
    • Industrial supplies and materials decreased $10.7 billion.
      • Finished metal shapes decreased $10.3 billion.
      • Nonmonetary gold decreased $1.8 billion.
      • Crude oil decreased $1.2 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased less than $0.1 billion.

    Imports of services decreased $0.1 billion to $72.2 billion in March.

    • Travel decreased $0.4 billion.
    • Transport increased $0.2 billion.

    Real Goods in 2017 Dollars – Census Basis (exhibit 11)

    The real goods deficit increased $14.0 billion, or 10.2 percent, to $150.9 billion in March, compared to a 10.3 percent increase in the nominal deficit.

    • Real exports of goods increased $2.4 billion, or 1.6 percent, to $149.7 billion, compared to a 1.4 percent increase in nominal exports.
    • Real imports of goods increased $16.4 billion, or 5.8 percent, to $300.6 billion, compared to a 5.5 percent increase in nominal imports.

    Revisions

    Revisions to February exports

    • Exports of goods were revised down less than $0.1 billion.
    • Exports of services were revised down $0.4 billion.

    Revisions to February imports

    • Imports of goods were revised up less than $0.1 billion.
    • Imports of services were revised up $0.1 billion.

    Goods by Selected Countries and Areas: Monthly – Census Basis (exhibit 19)

    The March figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Netherlands ($4.5), South and Central America ($3.2), Hong Kong ($1.9), United Kingdom ($1.2), Singapore ($0.5), Brazil ($0.5), and Saudi Arabia ($0.2). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with European Union ($48.3), Ireland ($29.3), China ($24.8), Mexico ($16.8), Switzerland ($14.7), Vietnam ($14.1), Taiwan ($8.7), India ($7.7), Germany ($7.5), South Korea ($6.8), Japan ($5.8), Canada ($4.9), Italy ($4.4), France ($3.9), Malaysia ($3.2), Australia ($1.0), Israel ($1.0), and Belgium ($0.1).

    • The deficit with Ireland increased $15.3 billion to $29.3 billion in March. Exports increased $0.1 billion to $1.4 billion and imports increased $15.5 billion to $30.7 billion.
    • The deficit with France increased $2.4 billion to $3.9 billion in March. Exports increased $0.1 billion to $4.0 billion and imports increased $2.6 billion to $7.9 billion.
    • The deficit with Switzerland decreased $4.1 billion to $14.7 billion in March. Exports increased $1.1 billion to $3.5 billion and imports decreased $3.0 billion to $18.3 billion.

    All statistics referenced are seasonally adjusted; statistics are on a balance of payments basis unless otherwise specified. Additional statistics, including not seasonally adjusted statistics and details for goods on a Census basis, are available in exhibits 1-20b of this release. For information on data sources, definitions, and revision procedures, see the explanatory notes in this release. The full release can be found at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/index.html or www.bea.gov/data/intl-trade-investment/international-trade-goods-and-services. The full schedule is available in the Census Bureau’s Economic Briefing Room at www.census.gov/economic-indicators/ or on BEA’s website at www.bea.gov/news/schedule.

    Next release: June 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT
    U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, April 2025

    Notice

    Country Name Changes

    With this release of the “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services” report, references to “Congo (Brazzaville)” and “Congo (Kinshasa)” are replaced with “Congo” and “Democratic Republic of the Congo,” respectively, to reflect the countries’ recent name changes. These changes also align with the names recognized by the U.S. Department of State and the International Organization for Standardization.

    Impact of Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Release of CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)

    The CBSA introduced a new accounting system (CARM) on October 21, 2024. As a result, importers in Canada have experienced delays in filing shipment information. These delays affected the compilation of statistics on U.S. exports of goods to Canada for September 2024 through February 2025, which are derived from data compiled by Canada through the United States – Canada Data Exchange. A dollar estimate of the filing backlog is included in estimates for late receipts and, following the U.S. Census Bureau’s customary practice for late receipt estimates, is included in the export end-use category “Other goods” as well as in exports to Canada. This estimate will be replaced with the actual transactions reported by the Harmonized System classification in June 2025 with the release of “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, Annual Revision.” Until then, please refer to the supplemental spreadsheet “CARM Exports to Canada Corrections,” which provides a breakdown of the late receipts by 1-digit end-use category for statistics through 2024. This spreadsheet will be updated as late export transactions are received to reflect reassignments from the initial “Other goods” category to the appropriate 1-digit end-use category. Any 2025 impacts will be revised in June 2026.

    If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division, International Trade Macro Analysis Branch, on 800-549-0595, option 4, or at eid.international.trade.data@census.gov.

    Upcoming Updates to Goods and Services

    With the releases of the “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services” report (FT-900) and the FT-900 Annual Revision on June 5, 2025, statistics on trade in goods, on both a Census basis and a balance of payments (BOP) basis, will be revised beginning with 2020 and statistics on trade in services will be revised beginning with 2018. The revised statistics for goods on a BOP basis and for services will also be included in the “U.S. International Transactions, 1st Quarter 2025 and Annual Update” report and in the international transactions interactive database, both to be released by BEA on June 24, 2025.

    Revised statistics on trade in goods will reflect:

    • Corrections and adjustments to previously published not seasonally adjusted statistics for goods on a Census basis.
    • End-use reclassifications of several commodities.
    • Recalculated seasonal and trading-day adjustments.
    • Newly available and revised source data on BOP adjustments, which are adjustments that BEA applies to goods on a Census basis to convert them to a BOP basis. See the “Goods (balance of payments basis)” section in the explanatory notes for more information.

    Revised statistics on trade in services will reflect:

    • Newly available and revised source data, primarily from BEA surveys of international services.
    • Corrections and adjustments to previously published not seasonally adjusted statistics.
    • Recalculated seasonal adjustments.
    • Revised temporal distributions of quarterly source data to monthly statistics. See the “Services” section in the explanatory notes for more information.

    For more information, see “Preview of the 2025 Annual Update of the International Economic Accounts” in the Survey of Current Business.

    If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division, International Trade Macro Analysis Branch, on (800) 549-0595, option 4, or at eid.international.trade.data@census.gov or BEA, Balance of Payments Division, at InternationalAccounts@bea.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Indonesian postcard image ‘dangerous’ but Fiji a rising star in RSF press freedom index

    Pacific Media Watch

    To mark the release of the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) partnered with the agency The Good Company to launch a new awareness campaign that puts an ironic twist on the glossy advertising of the tourism industry.

    Three out of six countries featured in the exposé are from the Asia Pacific region — but none from the Pacific Islands.

    The campaign shines a stark light on the press freedom violations in countries that seem perfect on postcards but are highly dangerous for journalists, says RSF.

    It is a striking campaign raising awareness about repression.

    Fiji (44th out of 180 ranked nations) is lucky perhaps as three years ago when its draconian media law was still in place, it might have bracketed up there with the featured “chilling” tourism countries such as Indonesia (127) — which is rapped over its treatment of West Papua resistance and journalists.

    Disguised as attractive travel guides, the campaign’s visuals use a cynical, impactful rhetoric to highlight the harsh realities journalists face in destinations renowned for their tourist appeal.

    Along with Indonesia, Greece (89th), Cambodia (115), Egypt (170), Mexico (124) and the Philippines (116) are all visited by millions of tourists, yet they rank poorly in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, reports RSF.

    ‘Chilling narrative’
    “The attention-grabbing visuals juxtapose polished, enticing aesthetics with a chilling narrative of intimidation, censorship, violence, and even death.

    “This deliberately unsettling approach by RSF aims to shift the viewer’s perspective, showing what the dreamlike imagery conceals: journalists imprisoned, attacked, or murdered behind idyllic landscapes.”


    The RSF Index 2025 teaser.     Video: RSF

    Indonesia is in the Pacific spotlight because of its Melanesian Papuan provinces bordering Pacific Islands Forum member country Papua New Guinea.

    Despite outgoing President Joko Widodo’s 10 years in office and a reformist programme, his era has been marked by a series of broken promises, reports RSF.

    “The media oligarchy linked to political interests has grown stronger, leading to increased control over critical media and manipulation of information through online trolls, paid influencers, and partisan outlets,” says the Index report.

    “This climate has intensified self-censorship within media organisations and among journalists.

    “Since October 2024, Indonesia has been led by a new president, former general Prabowo Subianto — implicated in several human rights violation allegations — and by Joko Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as vice-president.

    “Under this new administration, whose track record on press freedom offers little reassurance, concerns are mounting over the future of independent journalism.”

    Fiji leads in Pacific
    In the Pacific, Fiji has led the pack among island states by rising four places to 40th overall, making it the leading country in Oceania in 2025 in terms of press freedom.

    A quick summary of Oceania rankings in the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index. Image: RSF/PMW

    Both Timor-Leste, which dropped 19 places to 39th after heading the region last year, and Samoa, which plunged 22 places to 44th, lost their impressive track record.

    Of the only other two countries in Oceania surveyed by RSF, Tonga rose one place to 46th and Papua New Guinea jumped 13 places to 78th, a surprising result given the controversy over its plans to regulate the media.

    RSF reports that the Fiji Media Association (FMA), which was often critical of the harassment of the media by the previous FijiFirst government, has since the repeal of the Media Act in 2023 “worked hard to restore independent journalism and public trust in the media”.

    In March 2024, research published in Journalism Practice journal found that sexual harassment of women journalists was widespread and needed to be addressed to protect media freedom and quality journalism.

    In Timor-Leste, “politicians regard the media with some mistrust, which has been evidenced in several proposed laws hostile to press freedom, including one in 2020 under which defaming representatives of the state or Catholic Church would have been punishable by up to three years in prison.

    “Journalists’ associations and the Press Council often criticise politicisation of the public broadcaster and news agency.”

    On the night of September 4, 2024, Timorese police arrested Antonieta Kartono Martins, a reporter for the news site Diligente Online, while covering a police operation to remove street vendors from a market in Dili, the capital. She was detained for several hours before being released.

    Samoan harassment
    Previously enjoying a good media freedom reputation, journalists and their families in Samoa were the target of online death threats, prompting the Samoan Alliance of Media Professionals for Development (SAMPOD) to condemn the harassment as “attacks on the fourth estate and democracy”.

    In Tonga, RSF reports that journalists are not worried about being in any physical danger when on the job, and they are relatively unaffected by the possibility of prosecution.

    “Nevertheless, self-censorship continues beneath the surface in a tight national community.”

    In Papua New Guinea, RSF reports journalists are faced with intimidation, direct threats, censorship, lawsuits and bribery attempts, “making it a dangerous profession”.

    “And direct interference often threatens the editorial freedom at leading media outlets. This was seen yet again at EMTV in February 2022, when the entire newsroom was fired after walking out” in protest over a management staffing decison.

    “There has been ongoing controversy since February 2023 concerning a draft law on media development backed by Communications Minister Timothy Masiu. In January 2024, a 14-day state of emergency was declared in the capital, Port Moresby, following unprecedented protests by police forces and prison wardens.”

    This impacted on government and media relations.

    Australia and New Zealand
    In Australia (29), the media market’s heavy concentration limits the diversity of voices represented in the news, while independent outlets struggle to find a sustainable economic model.

    While New Zealand (16) leads in the Asia Pacific region, it is also facing a similar situation to Australia with a narrowing of media plurality, closure or merging of many newspaper titles, and a major retrenchment of journalists in the country raising concerns about democracy.

    Pacific Media Watch collaborates with Reporters Without Borders.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Valentin-Yves Mudimbe: the philosopher who reshaped how the world thinks about Africa

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Christophe Premat, Associate Professor in French Studies (cultural studies), head of the Centre for Canadian Studies, Stockholm University

    Congolese thinker, philosopher and linguist Valentin-Yves Mudimbe died on 21 April 2025 at the age of 83. He was in the US, where he had lived for many years.

    A towering figure in African critical thought, Mudimbe’s work – translated and studied worldwide – has profoundly shaped postcolonial studies. He leaves a groundbreaking intellectual legacy on the colonisation of knowledge and the condition of Africans.

    At a time when debates on decolonising knowledge are gaining ground, Mudimbe’s passing invites us to revisit the work of a thinker who, since the 1980s, paved the way for a radical critique of imposed “categories”. He wanted to help rebuild intellectual frameworks which imagined and defined Africa on its own terms, not through the labels or categories imposed by colonial powers.

    As a specialist in postmodern and postcolonial theories, I think he had considerable influence on the field of postcolonial studies.

    He was one of the most influential African thinkers of the 20th century. His impact did not come from activism, but from careful, sustained intellectual work. With his seminal work The Invention of Africa (1988) he profoundly disrupted African and postcolonial studies. His work went far beyond the usual east-west divide.

    A journey between Africa and exile

    Valentin-Yves Mudimbe was born in 1941 in Jadotville (now Likasi), in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His early education took place in a Benedictine monastery. Later, he pursued further studies at Louvain in Belgium.

    His religious education left a lasting mark on his thinking. It shaped his critical approach to knowledge. His work often explored the connections between language, power, and how ideas become institutionalised.

    In 1970, Mudimbe returned to the newly independent Congo. He began teaching at the National University of Zaïre. The country was then caught between postcolonial hope and growing disillusionment.

    Under Mobutu Sese Seko’s regime, the political atmosphere grew stifling for independent thinkers. The state had adopted the rhetoric of “authenticity”, turning it into a tool of control. Faced with this ideological stranglehold, Mudimbe chose exile in 1979.

    He relocated to the US, where he taught at Stanford and later Duke University. There, he continued his work of critical deconstruction. Yet, despite his physical distance, he remained deeply committed to Africa’s future.

    Deconstructing the ‘colonial library’

    First published in English in 1988 as the The Invention of Africa, the book was translated into French in 2021 under the title L’Invention de l’Afrique, (Présence africaine).

    Mudimbe offers much more than a critique of colonial representations. He examined the “colonial library”. It refers to the vast collection of religious, anthropological and administrative texts that, for centuries, framed Africa as an object to be studied, dominated and “saved”. Mudimbe was always careful not to accept ideas just because they were passed down. Instead, he was always looking for new ways to think freely and independently.

    Unlike Edward Said, the Palestinian-American literary theorist and critic who exposed how the west constructed a mythologised “Orient”, Mudimbe revealed something more insidious. He showed that Africa was often imagined as a void to be filled. It was cast as a cultural blank slate, which helped justify the colonial mission.

    This radical deconstruction raised a crucial question: how can we produce knowledge that does not, even through critique, reproduce the very colonial frameworks it seeks to challenge?

    The book’s impact was profound, resonating across Africa, Europe and North America. It created an intellectual foundation for thinkers like Achille Mbembe, Souleymane Bachir Diagne and Felwine Sarr, who, in turn, continued to explore what truly decolonised African thought might look like.

    Building something new

    Mudimbe was never satisfied with existing structures. He aimed to build something new from the ground up. For him, liberating Africa required a rebuilding of knowledge systems. He rejected the assumption that western intellectual frameworks alone could define Africa. He also warned against essentialist temptations – the trap of creating new conceptual prisons in the name of authenticity.

    His thinking followed a rigorous method: analysing discourse, questioning inherited categories, and dismantling false assumptions.

    This demanding work aimed to empower Africa to think for itself without cutting itself off from the rest of the world.

    His fiction – Between Tides (in French, Entre les eaux. Dieu, un prêtre, la révolution), Before the Birth of the Moon (Le Bel Immonde in French), Shaba Deux : les carnets de mère Marie Gertrude – embodies the same refusal to be stereotyped.

    His characters navigate colonial legacies, state nationalism and rigid identity politics through stories of displacement and fragmented memory.

    Language itself becomes a battleground for creativity in his novels. Sharply crafted, his prose captures the diversity of contemporary African experience. Through both his literary and philosophical works, Mudimbe consistently insisted that identity is never a given. It is always a construct to be questioned.

    A living legacy

    As Africa navigates complex geopolitical transformations and redefines its cultural identities, Mudimbe’s intellectual legacy proves more vital than ever. His work challenges us to recognise that true liberation extends beyond political sovereignty or cultural revival. It requires the radical work of reinventing how knowledge itself is produced and validated.

    Mudimbe’s lasting legacy urges us to remain intellectually vigilant in a world where knowledge is constantly shifting. He challenges us to reject rigid categories, embrace complexity with care, and make room for uncertainty instead of rushing to resolve it.

    For Mudimbe, to decolonise knowledge means relentless critique paired with creative reconstruction. It means building pluralistic and open frameworks that honour Africa’s diverse experiences without nostalgia or complacency.

    – Valentin-Yves Mudimbe: the philosopher who reshaped how the world thinks about Africa
    – https://theconversation.com/valentin-yves-mudimbe-the-philosopher-who-reshaped-how-the-world-thinks-about-africa-255902

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Kajiado communities resist carbon offset land grabs disguised as climate action

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Nairobi, Kenya — In a bold act of resistance, the Oldonyonyokie Group Ranch community in Kajiado County is pushing back against the latest wave of land grabs masquerading as climate action. The community is standing firm against carbon offset projects that threaten to displace Indigenous People and undermine centuries-old land rights, all in the name of so-called “climate finance.”

    At the center of the growing controversy are carbon market schemes promoted by companies such as Carbon Solve, Soil for the Future Africa, and Soil for the Future Tanzania. These entities are targeting community lands in Kajiado for carbon offsetting, continuing a trend already devastating communities across the border in Tanzania.

    Stop auctioning Maasai land to carbon traders and trophy hunters

    If you want to take action to protect the Maasai add your name to tens of thousands of people demanding justice.

    SIGN NOW

    In Tanzania’s Ngorongoro, Loliondo, Longido and Monduli, the Maasai are being violently evicted from their ancestral lands to make way for similar schemes.

    “This is climate colonialism, plain and simple,” said Amos Wemanya, Responsive Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Africa. “Communities that have lived in harmony with nature for generations are being pushed off their land so that foreign polluters can continue business as usual. Carbon offsetting is not a climate solution, it is a dangerous distraction that sells off our future.”

    Rather than reducing global emissions, carbon markets allow corporations, largely based in the Global North, to “offset” pollution through land grabs in the Global South. These schemes put a price tag on nature and make African communities bear the burden of a crisis they did not create, while enriching foreign middlemen and questionable local entities.

    The people of Oldonyonyokie have a long memory and are not easily deceived. They recall the case of Tata Chemicals Magadi Ltd, which was granted an initial 99-year lease on community land in 1928, and later received a 40-year extension in 2004. The lease, which involved over 224,000 acres, has long been a source of tension, with local communities raising concerns about inadequate consultation and limited benefits to the Maasai people.

    Disturbingly, some government officials are being used by the national government to facilitate the leasing and selling of land to private entities, without transparent community consultation or consent. This undermines democratic processes and violates the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

    Greenpeace Africa calls on Soil for the Future Africa and similar actors to immediately halt any attempts to force or impose projects on communities. Respect for Indigenous rights and community self-determination is non-negotiable.

    This is not just a local issue, it’s part of a global pattern of injustice. Greenpeace Africa is urging international solidarity and swift action to put an end to land grabs disguised as climate action. True climate solutions must protect people, not profits. That means:

    • Ending land grabs and forced evictions in the name of carbon offsetting
    • Protecting indigenous land rights and community livelihoods
    • Upholding real climate justice that centers food, energy, and land sovereignty
    • Holding historical polluters accountable for real emissions cuts

    From Kajiado to Loliondo, communities are saying: enough is enough. Africa is not for sale,” said Wemanya. “We call for a transition away from exploitative offsetting schemes toward climate solutions that center justice, local sovereignty, and real emissions cuts”.

    Greenpeace Africa stands in solidarity with the Oldonyonyokie Group Ranch and all African communities defending their land, dignity, and future against false climate solutions.

    ENDS

    For media inquiries, please contact:

    Sherie Gakii, Communications and Storytelling Manager, Greenpeace Africa, [email protected], +254702776749

    Greenpeace Africa Press Desk, [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How did sport become so popular? The ancient history of a modern obsession

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia

    Roman mosaics discovered in Sicily show women playing different sports. David Pineda Svenske/Shutterstock

    It’s almost impossible to go a day without seeing or hearing about sport.

    Walk around any city or town and you will almost always catch a glimpse of people playing sports in teams or participating solo.

    Turn on the TV or radio and you’ll be able to find some kind of sport being played at international or national level.

    Why do people love sport so much?

    To answer this question, it’s worth a dive back into ancient history.

    An ancient person’s perspective

    One of the most famous figures from the ancient world, Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD), once wrote that when he was a boy he was obsessed with playing sports:

    I liked to play ball as a boy and my playing slowed my progress in learning to read and write.

    The earliest portrait of Saint Augustine in a 6th century fresco, Lateran, Rome.
    Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    In fact, Saint Augustine was so preoccupied with playing ball that his teacher was said to sometimes beat him for it. His teacher said it was bad to waste one’s youth on such things – it’s better to study hard.

    Why was Saint Augustine obsessed with ball games? He loved to win:

    I loved to play games […] in these games I was overmastered by my vain desire to excel, so I used to strive to win, even by cheating.

    Plenty of people today probably share Saint Augustine’s view that winning is one of the things that make sport enjoyable.

    Of course, there are many other reasons why people might like to play sport.

    What sports did they play?

    If you walked down a city street in ancient Greek and Roman times, it’s likely you’d come across children or even adults playing a ball game.

    Handball games played in ancient Greece.
    Gardiner, E. Norman/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    The Roman playwright Plautus (3rd/2nd century BC) even has one of his characters complain about people “who play ball in the street”.

    Ball games were probably the most popular sporting activity in the ancient world and could be played in many different ways.

    In one ball game, called episkyros, two teams competed against each other. If one team got the ball over the line behind the other team, they scored. Feet and hands could be used and tackles were permitted.

    Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

    Of course, many other sports were also popular: athletics, swimming, wrestling, lifting weights and boxing were all favourites.

    Ancient ideas about the origins of sports

    For the ancient Greeks, the earliest mention of a ball game appears in the Odyssey, an epic poem composed by the poet Homer in probably the eighth or seventh century BC.

    In the Odyssey, Nausicaa, daughter of the King of the Phaeacians, plays a ball game with some other girls on the beach. While they throw the ball, they sing songs:

    Then when they had had their joy of food, she and her handmaids, they threw off their headgear and fell to playing at ball, and white-armed Nausicaa was leader in the song.

    During the game, Nausicaa throws the ball too far. Her maid can’t catch it and the ball flies into the sea. All the girls shout out when it goes flying.

    Already in the 3rd century BC, Nausicaa was sometimes regarded as the inventor of ball games. However, other people attributed the invention of ball games to different regions of Greece, saying the games were invented by the Sicyonians or Spartans.

    But it is unlikely any Greeks were the original inventors of ball games.

    In Egypt, thousands of years before Homer’s epics, there are already artistic depictions of ball games.

    For example, in the tomb of the Nomarch of the 11th Dynasty (c. 2150-2000 BC), Baqet III, there is artwork showing women playing ball games and men wrestling each other.

    Ancient ball games.
    J. Murray/Picryl, CC BY

    Baqet III, whose tomb contained these artistic depictions of various sports, was likely a true sports lover.

    Why did people like sports?

    People liked ball games for many different reasons.

    One was for the sheer fun and excitement. Another was because they were considered a healthy type of exercise.

    Ancient Greek and Roman doctors even told their patients to play ball games to become healthier.

    For example, the famous ancient Greek physician Galen (129-216 AD) wrote an essay titled On Exercise with a Small Ball.

    He argued “exercises with a small ball are superior to other kinds of exercises”.

    He claimed ball games were especially healthy because they moved all of the muscles and because teamwork was good for the soul.

    People in the ancient world also thought just watching sport could be something worth doing.

    The writer Lucian of Samosata (born 120 AD), for instance, said watching athletes competing for glory could help to encourage men to achieve similar feats: “many of the spectators go away in love with manfulness and hard work”, wrote Lucian.

    So it seems there’s nothing new about our modern love of playing and watching sports, and this obsession will probably continue for thousands of years into the future.

    Konstantine Panegyres 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. How did sport become so popular? The ancient history of a modern obsession – https://theconversation.com/how-did-sport-become-so-popular-the-ancient-history-of-a-modern-obsession-254057

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nilufar Ramji: Shaping Johnson’s Giant Leaps Forward 

    Source: NASA

    A first-generation college graduate, Nilufar Ramji was blazing trails long before arriving at NASA. With her multifaceted expertise, she is helping shape the messaging behind humanity’s return to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. 
    Ramji is currently on detail as the co-executive producer for NASA’s live broadcasts, ensuring the agency’s missions and discoveries are clearly and effectively communicated to the public. Through her work, she expands understanding of what space exploration means for all—and why it matters. 

    Before stepping into her acting role, Ramji served as the lead public affairs officer for Moon to Mars activities at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. She spearheaded communication strategies for the Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, which works with private companies to deliver science and technology payloads to the lunar surface. She has also provided live commentary for International Space Station operations to learn and prepare for Artemis missions.  
    Ramji played a pivotal role in communicating NASA’s involvement in two major lunar missions in 2025 including Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 which successfully delivered 10 NASA payloads to the Moon’s Mare Crisium on March 2. Ramji served as the live mission commentator, helping audiences around the world follow the historic moment—from lunar orbit insertion to touchdown. She also led communications for Intuitive Machines’ IM-2 mission, which landed near the Moon’s South Pole on March 6, marking the southernmost lunar landing ever achieved. 

    Early in her NASA career, she led agencywide STEM communications, shaping how NASA connects with students and educators. As a lead strategist, she developed messaging that made science and technology more accessible to younger audiences—helping inspire the Artemis Generation. 
    “Being one of the storytellers behind humanity’s return to the Moon is something I take pride in,” she said. “People don’t realize what exploring our solar system has done for us here on Earth. Going to the Moon and onto Mars will bring that message home.” 

    Ramji communicates not just the science of space, but its greater significance. “How can we be thoughtful in our communications?” is a question that drives her approach. Whether guiding a live broadcast or developing messaging about lunar science, she is constantly evaluating, executing, and refining NASA’s voice. 
    She also understands the importance of commercial partnerships in expanding human presence in space. “It’s exciting to see how many different people and organizations come together to make this a reality,” she said. “By creating a larger space economy, we’re able to do things faster and cheaper and still accomplish the same goals to make sure we’re all successful.” 

    In Aug. 2023, Ramji delivered a TEDx Talk, “Storytelling from Space” in Sugar Land, Texas, where she emphasized the power of narrative to inspire and unite humanity in the quest to explore the universe. Drawing from her NASA experience, she illustrated how communication bridges the gap between complex science and public engagement. 
    She credits her mentors and colleagues for supporting her growth. “I have great mentors and people I can lean on if I need help,” she said. “It’s something I didn’t realize I had until I came to NASA.” 
    Ramji believes stepping outside your comfort zone is essential. “Discomfort brings new learning, understanding, and opportunities, so I like being uncomfortable at times,” she said. “I’m open and receptive to feedback. Constructive criticism has helped me grow and evolve—and better understand NASA’s mission.” 
    For her, balance means creating intentional space for reflection, growth, and meaningful connection. 

    Before joining NASA, Ramji had already built an international career rooted in service. She worked at the Aga Khan Foundation in Canada, a nonprofit organization focused on addressing challenges in underdeveloped communities through education and healthcare. 
    She led visitor programs, workshops and more than 250 events—often for diplomats and global leaders—to promote “quiet diplomacy” and dialogue. 
    “Transparency, quality, fairness and diversity of perspective are all important to me,” she said. “People come from different experiences that broaden our understanding.” 
    Ramji later moved to East Africa as the foundation’s sole communications representative across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. There, she trained more than 300 staff and built a communications strategy to help local teams share stories of impact—both successes and challenges—with honesty and empathy. 
    Her work left a lasting mark on the communities she served and underscored the power of communication to drive positive change. 

    In 2013, Ramji moved to the United States and started over, rebuilding her network and career. She worked for the Aga Khan Council for USA in Houston, leading a volunteer recruitment program that connected thousands of people with roles suited to their skills. 
    She later applied for a contractor position—not knowing it was with NASA. “I never thought my skills or expertise would be valued at a place like NASA,” she said. But in 2018, she accepted a role as a public relations specialist supporting International Space Station outreach. She has been shaping the agency’s storytelling ever since.  
    Ramji’s journey represents NASA’s commitment to pushing boundaries and expanding humanity’s knowledge of the universe. With collaboration, transparency, and vision, she is helping bring the next frontier of space exploration to life. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic – P-001737/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001737/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Francisco Assis (S&D)

    On 26 May 2024, Joseph Figueira Martin, a humanitarian researcher and dual citizen of Belgium and Portugal, was abducted by the Wagner Group in Zémio, a city in the east of the Central African Republic, under the pretext of being the holder of two passports, while working as a consultant on behalf of the American non-profit organisation Family Health International (FHI) 360.

    He was tortured for several days before being transferred to Bangui. Here, he was handed over to the Central African Republic authorities and subsequently detained at the Office central pour la répression du banditisme (OCRB), under the accusation of being an American spy. On 5 July 2024, he was transferred from the OCRB to the military prison at Camp de Roux and has been awaiting legal proceedings ever since. The penalties for the charges brought against him are life imprisonment and forced labour.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Is the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) duly following the case of this EU citizen, who has been in prison for almost a year?
    • 2.What relevant EU mechanisms have been mobilised to address his dire situation?
    • 3.What steps will the VP/HR take to ensure that Figueira Martin is treated in a humane manner and has access to a fair and independent trial?

    Submitted: 30.4.2025

    Last updated: 6 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Strategic Venue Partners Expands C-Suite with Industry Veteran David Tokunaga as COO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Strategic Venue Partners (SVP), the leading provider of in-building wireless-connectivity-as-a-service, proudly announces the appointment of David Tokunaga, a seasoned wireless industry executive, as its new Chief Operating Officer. With a career spanning more than 25 years across some of the most influential names in telecommunications, Tokunaga will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s mission to transform venues with fast, reliable, and future-ready wireless network solutions. This strategic leadership appointment follows several key financial milestones for SVP, with Tokunaga’s operational prowess poised to drive further growth and meet the rising enterprise demand for in-building wireless solutions.

    Tokunaga most recently served as General Manager of Boingo Wireless. In this role, he led sales, marketing, engineering, and operations for the enterprise segment. He also guided strategy, partnerships, and engineering initiatives. Previously, David also held senior roles at Qualcomm, leading global account teams and driving growth across emerging wireless technologies. Tokunaga also spent more than seven years at Nokia, overseeing product strategy during a pivotal phase in the company’s evolution.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome David to the SVP leadership team,” said Justin Marron, CEO of SVP. “He brings a wealth of experience across enterprise sales, engineering, operations, and large-scale business leadership at some of the most respected companies in the wireless industry. His unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution has consistently delivered impactful, scalable solutions. David’s leadership arrives at a pivotal moment for SVP, as we continue to accelerate growth and meet rising demand for our essential infrastructure assets.”

    “I’ve spent much of my career helping enterprises navigate the ever-changing wireless landscape—and I firmly believe that SVP’s approach is one of the most innovative and sustainable models I’ve ever seen,” said David Tokunaga, SVP’s new Chief Operating Officer. “By turning wireless connectivity into a managed service, SVP not only removes the financial and technological burden from its customers but also empowers them to grow and innovate faster utilizing SVP’s state-of-the-art wireless systems. I’m excited to join this incredible team and help continue to bring this vision to life at scale.”

    “The addition of David marks another major step forward for SVP. Since inception, SVP has been focused on the growing need for long-term solutions that thousands of venues face regarding their mission-critical connectivity challenges. Justin and his co-founder, Chad Aaron, have assembled an elite team of knowledgeable and passionate professionals to provide bespoke solutions to each of SVP’s customers,” said Marc H. Blair, COO and Senior Managing Director at Tiger Infrastructure Partners, the majority shareholder in SVP. “While the existing team has created a highly efficient and scalable business, the addition of David to the “C suite” adds decades of valuable experience and will expand SVP’s strategic and operational capabilities.”

    SVP’s infrastructure solutions are designed for each individual customer’s particular end use. SVP’s solutions can apply on a nearly universal basis and its customers operate in a wide variety of sectors, including healthcare, hospitality, information services and technology, higher education and retail. SVP’s long-term assets provide services essential to (i) the customer and employee experiences, (ii) optimization of business and enterprise operating systems and applications, (iii) timely dissemination of information and (iv) emergency communications.

    David is set to join the team in Chicago next week during Connect (X), the premier communications infrastructure industry event proudly sponsored by SVP. He will represent SVP on an informative panel entitled, It’s Time to Radically Re-Think In-Building Wireless on Tuesday, May 13th at 3:00 pm in Room W183B.

    About SVP
    Strategic Venue Partners (SVP) is the leading provider of in-building wireless connectivity-as-a-service. SVP partners directly with venues and carriers to design, develop, install, own, operate, and future-proof wireless infrastructure using solutions such as Distributed Antenna Systems, CBRS (OnGo®), Private LTE, Public Safety Systems, Wi-Fi, IPTV, RTLS, and fiber assets. SVP’s utility-style model enables enterprise clients to access cutting-edge wireless technology without the capital burden, backed by a long-term partner who grows with their business. Learn more at www.strategicvenue.com.

    About Tiger Infrastructure Partners
    Tiger Infrastructure Partners is an innovative private equity firm focused on providing transformational growth capital to middle market infrastructure companies. Tiger’s value-add approach targets growth investments across the Digital Infrastructure, Energy Transition and Transportation sectors in North America and Europe, where Tiger believes strong tailwinds are driving demand for new infrastructure. Tiger maintains offices in New York and London. Visit www.tigerinfrastructure.com.

    Media Contact
    Megan Wesley, VP, Marketing
    info@strategicvenue.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UN Tree Planting Ceremony: 80th Anniversary of founding of the United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    UN Tree Planting Ceremony to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of founding of the United Nations, and of the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

    “We can make peace and build peace if we are together,” a ceremonial tree planting at UN Headquarters today (05 May) honored the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki while marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. The event featured a Hibakujumoku – an atomic bomb survivor tree – planted in the UN Staff Garden as a symbol of peace and resilience.

    “It is very difficult to really imagine and understand what happened in Hiroshima and Nagasaki 80 years ago,” said Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs. “But I think what we all need to remember is that we can make peace and build peace if we are together. And as you can imagine, the United Nations is a place where people and countries come together and then work together to make that objective a reality.”

    Permanent Representative Kazuyuki Yamazaki said, “I hope, as these saplings grow, so too will our aspirations for peace spread and become a reality,” he said. Referring to last week’s NPT Preparatory Committee session, he added, “Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi spoke at the general debate and called on State Parties to, quote, ‘cherish and exercise the spirit of dialogue and collaboration,’ unquote. I sincerely hope that Hibakujumoku, atomic bomb survivor trees, planted here will stand as a symbol of this spirit.”

    Ghana’s Ambassador to the UN, Harold Agyeman, urged stronger international efforts to address global insecurity, inequality, and the threat of nuclear war. “Today, more than ever… many around the world are worried about the persistence and scale of conflicts, including the deepening poverty and underdevelopment and the deterioration of the wellbeing and dignity of many,” he said. “The disarmament agenda and the need to prevent the catastrophic effects of the nuclear war cannot be left out of such an effort.”

    Also present at the ceremony were the President of the 79th UN General Assembly, Philemon Yang, and members of the UN Staff Recreation Council Gardening Club. UN Youth Champion for Disarmament, Charlotte Yeung, gave a poetry reading.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvQaNXUoGEE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Pula exchange rate depreciated by 0.3 percent against the South African rand

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    Over the twelve months period to April 2025, the nominal Pula exchange rate depreciated by 2.7 percent and 0.3 percent against the IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDR) against the South African rand, respectively. With respect to the SDR constituent currencies, the Pula depreciated by 8.7 percent against the Japanese yen, 6.1 percent against British pound and 5.7 percent against the euro, while it appreciated by 0.5 percent against the Chinese renminbi and 0.4 percent against the US dollar.

    The Pula appreciated by 1.7 percent against the South African rand, while it depreciated by 1.9 percent against the SDR over the one-month period to April 2025. It depreciated by 4.7 percent against the euro, 4 percent against the Japanese yen and 3.1 percent against the British pound, while it appreciated by 0.2 percent each against the Chinese renminbi and the US dollar.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Delegation of military officers from African countries to visit China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) — A delegation of nearly 100 middle-aged and young military officers from various African countries began their visit to China on Tuesday at the invitation of the Chinese Defense Ministry.

    The delegation, representing more than 40 African countries including Egypt, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya, will tour Chinese cities such as Beijing, Changsha, Shaoshan and several other places. The African military visit will end on May 15.

    The visit, the fourth of its kind, aims to translate the agreements reached at the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation into concrete actions and deepen the traditional friendship between the armed forces of China and African countries, according to the Chinese Ministry of Defense.

    In addition, this visit also aims to strengthen mutual understanding between military officers of China and African countries and contribute to the building of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Minister Ramokgopa briefs the media on regulatory rules for third-party transportation of energy.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa briefs the media on updated regulatory rules on network charges for third-party transportation of energy.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Scd18CgwrK4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BIS and South African Reserve Bank invite global innovators to take up G20 TechSprint challenge for trust and integrity in scalable and open finance

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    • The sixth edition of the G20 TechSprint global competition calls for solutions to address trust and integrity in finance.
    • The G20 TechSprint invites development of innovative solutions for verifiable digital identity, consumer-consented credit data portability and fraud and cyber risk mitigation.
    • Open to developers worldwide; winners to be chosen in November by an independent judging panel.

    The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) today launched the sixth edition of the G20 TechSprint focused on developing innovative solutions to promote integrity and trust in finance.

    The G20 TechSprint is an international competition to explore innovation and develop cutting-edge technological solutions to pressing global challenges. Following the success of the previous competitions in the areas of regulatory compliance and supervision, green and sustainable finance, central bank digital currencies, cross-border payments and solutions to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this year’s TechSprint will focus on three problem statements, as formulated by the BIS Innovation Hub and SARB: 

    • Digital identity solutions: establish trust among financial institutions through innovative, verifiable and privacy-preserving digital identity technologies.
    • Credit data portability: improve the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises to access finance through secure, consumer-consented data exchange solutions that facilitate seamless cross-border sharing of credit information.
    • Solutions to mitigate fraud and cyber risks: drive the wider adoption of fast payment systems globally – and consequently promote financial inclusion and economic growth – through technology designed to reduce fraud and cyber risks.

    The G20 TechSprint is more than a competition. It is a collaborative effort to redefine the future of finance. Our collective challenge is clear: to develop scalable, adaptable, and inclusive solutions that reinforce trust and integrity across borders. The themes of South Africa’s presidency- solidarity, equality, and sustainability-should inspire us to break down barriers and forge partnerships that have lasting global impact.

    Agustín Carstens, General Manager of the BIS

    Innovation must drive inclusion, build trust and deliver lasting impact on our continent and across the world. We are looking forward to solutions that will bring more people into the digital economy and enable cross-border trade.

    Lesetja Kganyago, Governor, SARB

    How to participate

    The G20 TechSprint 2025 is open to developers from around the world. To participate, register at: https://app.apixplatform.com/h1/g20southafricahack and submit technological solutions to one or more problem statements.

    • Shortlisted teams will be invited to develop their solutions over an eight-week period and will have an opportunity to showcase them and receive feedback from national authorities and invited experts.
    • An independent panel of experts will choose one winning solution for each problem statement, to be announced by November.
    • The winners for each category (problem statement) will receive an award of USD 30,000. All short-listed projects receive a stipend of USD 5,000.

    The last day to submit proposals is 20 June 2025.

    For more information, visit: www.resbank.co.za or www.bis.org. 

    To apply, visit the competition page: https://app.apixplatform.com/h1/g20southafricahack.    

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Esports Chess: Online Battles, Dynamic Formats, and Hundreds of Thousands of Moves

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Online battles, dynamic formats, streams and hundreds of thousands of moves – this is how the INTER series of eSports chess tournaments, organized by students of the Polytechnic University, took place.

    The tournaments were organized by the INTER team. This project was founded at the Polytechnic University, but has already gone far beyond its borders and become part of the international student chess arena.

    From February to April, several large-scale online competitions in different formats were held under the auspices of INTER. These were the standard Interuniversity Team Battles game and the Hunger Games, where participants played new types of chess at each stage.

    More than a thousand people from 18 countries participated in the tournaments. Representatives from Russia, Bangladesh, Turkey, Fiji, Mexico, Peru, Kenya, Brazil, India, Algeria, the Republic of Congo, Kazakhstan, Ghana, the Republic of South Africa, Turkmenistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Argentina fought for victory. The total number of moves made exceeded half a million. This was not just a game, but a real test of endurance, strategic thinking and psychological fortitude.

    Participants trained weekly, followed game analysis, learned from professionals, and found out what was happening in the world of chess and what helps them win.

    The winners and prize winners of the series were:

    8th Interuniversity Team Battle

    1st place – MTUCI chess club; 2nd place – Voenmekh chess club; 3rd place – TUSUR chess club.

    9th Interuniversity Team Battle

    1st place — VolSU Chess Club (SSC “Kogorta”); 2nd place — Voenmekh Chess Club; 3rd place — Polytechnic Chess Club (SPbPU).

    10th Interuniversity Team Battle

    1st place — VolSU Chess Club (SSC “Kogorta”); 2nd place — MTUCI Chess Club; 3rd place — BSU Chess Club.

    The INTER project is an example of how friendship and rivalry do not need borders. All that is needed are people who believe in the game and in each other, noted organizer Ruslan Barseghyan.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Military officers from over 40 African countries start visit to China 2025-05-06 15:54:52 At the invitation of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND), nearly 100 young and middle-aged military officers from over 40 African countries including Egypt, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya started a 10-day visit to China.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, May 6 — At the invitation of the Chinese Ministry of National Defense (MND), nearly 100 young and middle-aged military officers from over 40 African countries including Egypt, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya started a 10-day visit to China. The visit will last from May 6 to 15, during which these officers will visit Chinese cities like Beijing, Changsha and Shaoshan.

      This marks the fourth time that the Chinese MND has organized such kind of visit. Hosted by the Chinese PLA National University of Defense Technology, this activity aims to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), deepen the traditional friendship between the militaries of China and African countries, enhance mutual understanding among young and middle-aged military officers from China and Africa, and contribute to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: G20 Global Financial Inclusion Conference

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    G20 Global Financial Inclusion Conference

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Gwyj8zpVY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Report for the three months ended 31 March 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Highlights

    • Power generation amounted to 251 GWh for the first quarter 2025, being at the lower end of the outlook range, mainly as a result of weather impact and production curtailments related to the provision of ancillary services, for which the Company receives compensation.
    • Reached the ready-to-permit milestone and launched a sales process for a 98 MW solar project in Germany.
    • Reached the ready-to-permit milestone on a second solar and battery project in the UK, bringing the total volume of ready-to-permit projects to 2.5 GW, with the sales process awaiting the conclusion of the ongoing grid connections reform.

    Consolidated financials

    • Cash flows from operating activities amounted to MEUR 0.6.

    Proportionate financials

    • Achieved electricity price amounted to EUR 40 per MWh, which resulted in a proportionate EBITDA of MEUR 0.4.
    • Proportionate net debt of MEUR 68.6, with significant liquidity headroom available through the MEUR 170 revolving credit facility.

    Financial Summary

    Orrön Energy owns renewables assets directly and through joint ventures and associated companies and is presenting proportionate financials in addition to the consolidated financial reporting under IFRS to show the net ownership and related results of these assets. The purpose of the proportionate reporting is to give an enhanced insight into the Company’s operational and financial results.

    Financial performance   Q1
    MEUR   2025 2024
    Revenue   9.3 12.3
    EBITDA   – 0.9 3.1
    Operating profit (EBIT)   – 5.2 – 1.0
    Net result   – 4.0 – 2.6
    Earnings per share – EUR   – 0.01 – 0.01
    Earnings per share diluted – EUR   – 0.01 – 0.01
    Alternative performance measures      
    Proportionate financials1      
    Power generation (GWh)   251 274
    Average price achieved per MWh – EUR   40 49
    Operating expenses per MWh – EUR   20 15
    Revenue   10.1 13.5
    EBITDA   0.4 5.1
    Operating profit (EBIT)   – 4.9 –
    1 Proportionate financials represent Orrön Energy’s proportionate ownership (net) of assets and related financial results, including joint ventures.
    For more details see section Key Financial Data in the Q1 Report 2025.

    Comment from Daniel Fitzgerald, CEO of Orrön Energy
    “Our greenfield platform is now well established after two years of investment, recruitment and project delivery. We have launched our first sales process in Germany for a 98 MW agri-PV project, and have around 2.5 GW of solar and battery projects in the UK at the ready-to-permit stage awaiting a final resolution from the ongoing grid connections reform. Over the course of 2025 and 2026, we expect to start monetising the first of these projects and I look forward to seeing the results of the hard work and dedication of the teams creating these opportunities. Our UK projects are amongst some of the largest solar projects in the country to date, and will make a significant contribution to the UK government’s ambition to reach net zero through renewable investment and decarbonisation of the power systems. The UK grid connections reform is still underway, and we expect to receive feedback during the fall of 2025, after which we expect to resume our sales process. It is unfortunate that the reform was launched mid-way through our sales process, and although we will see a delay, the value and interest from investors remains strong, as does the UK government’s support for projects such as ours. We expect to share more details on the outcome of the ongoing reform and our progress later this year.

    Our proportionate power generation in the first quarter amounted to 251 GWh, which was at the lower end of our outlook range, primarily due to weather conditions and curtailments linked to the ancillary services provided at our MLK windfarm. We are actively working to qualify additional sites for ancillary services, where we receive compensation when activated. This, alongside voluntary curtailments during periods of low electricity pricing, forms part of a broader set of measures we introduced last year to optimise our revenues and mitigate the ongoing volatility in power markets. Nordic electricity markets remain challenging with low prices and high volatility, and we are seeing that impact not only in our business, but across the sector with very few new renewable energy projects sanctioned.

    Financially resilient
    We remain in a strong financial position, with MEUR 100 of liquidity headroom, and have the ability to manage the pace of our investments as markets evolve. Proportionate revenues and other income for the quarter amounted to MEUR 10.2, and proportionate EBITDA was MEUR 0.4, reflecting the impact of electricity prices during the quarter. Project sales from our greenfield portfolio are expected to commence during the course of this year which should lead to a positive impact on our financial results and EBITDA. Our cost base will further reduce following the conclusion of the Sudan trial in the second quarter of 2026, strengthening our financial position going forward. Electricity prices are set to remain volatile, and future revenues from power sales will remain subject to the underlying Nordic electricity prices, which have been at sustained low levels for the last quarters. I expect to see this improve in the medium term given the lack of new power generation being built, especially in Sweden.

    Looking ahead
    The Company is continuing to deliver in line with our strategy to build a portfolio of producing assets and a pipeline of large-scale greenfield projects. We are making good progress on all fronts with optimisation and consolidation in our producing asset base and continued maturation in our project pipeline. We are supported by a highly skilled and committed team in the Nordics, and a dynamic development team driving our greenfield growth in the UK, Germany and France.

    The long-term outlook for renewable energy remains robust, underpinned by strong policy support, increasing electrification, and growing demand for low-carbon solutions across Europe. As we are investing in onshore technologies with the lowest breakeven price, I am confident that our portfolio is well positioned to deliver long-term value in this space and provide a much-needed new supply of low-cost energy to society. European electricity prices, especially in Germany and the UK, remain at elevated levels, well above the breakeven cost for new renewable projects to be sanctioned, which stands our greenfield portfolio in good shape for delivering long-term returns.

    I would like to once again thank our shareholders for your continued support, and look forward to further updates during 2025.”

    Webcast
    Listen to Daniel Fitzgerald, CEO and Espen Hennie, CFO commenting on the report and presenting the latest developments in Orrön Energy and its future growth strategy at a webcast today at 14.00 CEST. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

    Follow the presentation live on the below webcast link:
    https://orron-energy.events.inderes.com/q1-report-2025

    For further information, please contact:

    Robert Eriksson
    Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations
    Tel: +46 701 11 26 15
    robert.eriksson@orron.com

    Jenny Sandström
    Communications Lead
    Tel: +41 79 431 63 68
    jenny.sandstrom@orron.com

    Orrön Energy is an independent, publicly listed (Nasdaq Stockholm: “ORRON”) renewable energy company within the Lundin Group of Companies. Orrön Energy’s core portfolio consists of high quality, cash flow generating assets in the Nordics, coupled with greenfield growth opportunities in the Nordics, the UK, Germany, and France. With financial capacity to fund further growth and acquisitions, and backed by a major shareholder, management and Board with a proven track record of investing into, leading and growing highly successful businesses, Orrön Energy is in a unique position to create shareholder value through the energy transition.

    Forward-looking statements
    Statements in this press release relating to any future status or circumstances, including statements regarding future performance, growth and other trend projections, are forward-looking statements. These statements may generally, but not always, be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “seek”, “will”, “would” or similar expressions. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that could occur in the future. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements due to several factors, many of which are outside the company’s control. Any forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date on which the statements are made and the company has no obligation (and undertakes no obligation) to update or revise any of them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 40 people killed in road accident in Uganda

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    KAMPALA, May 6 (Xinhua) — More than 40 people are believed to have been killed in a road accident in Uganda on Monday, local media reported.

    The accident occurred at around 5pm local time in the central Buikwe district of the country, when a passenger bus lost control, collided with a motorcycle and caught fire, leaving many dead, local police said in a statement.

    The victims were taken to nearby hospitals. Police and rescue services continue to work at the scene. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New flights to take off with upgrades to Perth airport

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    The Albanese Labor Government is investing $24.2 million dollars to deliver additional border services at airports, including a major boost to Perth airport to help cement the city as a world class tourist hub.

    The investment in additional staffing and equipment at Perth Airport will increase border and biosecurity capacity and in turn allow the airport to host more international flights.

    We are pleased that as a result of this investment, Qantas has today announced that it will recommence flights to Johannesburg, South Africa and Auckland New Zealand.

    Demand for services at Perth airport is rapidly growing. In January 2025, Perth airport saw 515,581 international passengers, breaking the record high set just the previous month in December 2024.

    The Government’s investment will allow Australian Border Force and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, to ensure smooth operation for trade and tourism, while protecting our border from threats to Australia’s safety and security.

    This investment and the growth in flights is expected to support hundreds of new jobs in WA and enable the airport to continue processing record breaking numbers of passengers.

    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell:

    “More international flights into Perth is an outstanding outcome for our tourism industry.

    “This will deliver more tourists into Perth, additional connections for expat communities and another opportunity to showcase our country to the world.

    “The Albanese Labor Government has been working hard to see our tourism industries continue to grow and increasing international connectivity is an important part of that.”

    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Tony Burke:

    “This funding allows the capabilities of the Australian Border Force to grow in line with the sustained growth in passenger numbers at Perth Airport.

    “Investment in travel supports local businesses through attracting international tourism, and provides West Australians more job opportunities and more choices for their holidays.”

    Quotes attributable to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins:

    “Every year millions of travellers come to Australia, and every year our frontline staff intercept biosecurity risks to our farmland and environment.

    “This funding will mean we can maintain our biosecurity standards at these airports and seaports, which is critical to protecting Australia from exotic pests or disease outbreaks.

    “It builds on the more than $1 billion in funding that the Albanese Labor Government has invested in Australia’s biosecurity system since 2022, cleaning up the mess the Liberals and Nationals left it in.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jorginho leaving Arsenal for reported deal with Flamengo

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

    Flamengo has reached an agreement to sign Arsenal and Italy international midfielder Jorginho on a free transfer, according to media reports in Brazil.

    Chelsea’s Jorginho (R) is challenged by Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka during the 23th round English Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium in London, Britain on Jan. 19, 2019. Arsenal won 2-0. (Xinhua/Matthew Impey)

    Jorginho is contracted to the Premier League side until June 30, and he is currently free to sign a pre-contract with another club under FIFA rules.

    Newspaper O Globo reported on Monday that the 33-year-old had agreed to personal terms of a deal that will tie him to Flamengo until 2028.

    It added that the former Chelsea and Napoli player would join the Brazilian Serie A outfit in early June, in time for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

    Flamengo will begin its campaign against Tunisian side ES Tunis on June 16 before also facing Chelsea and Leon in the group stage.

    Jorginho, who was born in Brazil before moving to Italy when he was 15, has made 78 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal since his 2023 move from London rival Chelsea.

    Negotiations between Flamengo and Jorginho’s representatives reportedly began in January, when the playmaker visited Rio de Janeiro with fiancee Catherine Harding. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How did sport become so popular? The ancient history of a modern obsession

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Konstantine Panegyres, Lecturer in Classics and Ancient History, The University of Western Australia

    Roman mosaics discovered in Sicily show women playing different sports. David Pineda Svenske/Shutterstock

    It’s almost impossible to go a day without seeing or hearing about sport.

    Walk around any city or town and you will almost always catch a glimpse of people playing sports in teams or participating solo.

    Turn on the TV or radio and you’ll be able to find some kind of sport being played at international or national level.

    Why do people love sport so much?

    To answer this question, it’s worth a dive back into ancient history.

    An ancient person’s perspective

    One of the most famous figures from the ancient world, Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430 AD), once wrote that when he was a boy he was obsessed with playing sports:

    I liked to play ball as a boy and my playing slowed my progress in learning to read and write.

    The earliest portrait of Saint Augustine in a 6th century fresco, Lateran, Rome.
    Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    In fact, Saint Augustine was so preoccupied with playing ball that his teacher was said to sometimes beat him for it. His teacher said it was bad to waste one’s youth on such things – it’s better to study hard.

    Why was Saint Augustine obsessed with ball games? He loved to win:

    I loved to play games […] in these games I was overmastered by my vain desire to excel, so I used to strive to win, even by cheating.

    Plenty of people today probably share Saint Augustine’s view that winning is one of the things that make sport enjoyable.

    Of course, there are many other reasons why people might like to play sport.

    What sports did they play?

    If you walked down a city street in ancient Greek and Roman times, it’s likely you’d come across children or even adults playing a ball game.

    Handball games played in ancient Greece.
    Gardiner, E. Norman/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY

    The Roman playwright Plautus (3rd/2nd century BC) even has one of his characters complain about people “who play ball in the street”.

    Ball games were probably the most popular sporting activity in the ancient world and could be played in many different ways.

    In one ball game, called episkyros, two teams competed against each other. If one team got the ball over the line behind the other team, they scored. Feet and hands could be used and tackles were permitted.

    Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

    Of course, many other sports were also popular: athletics, swimming, wrestling, lifting weights and boxing were all favourites.

    Ancient ideas about the origins of sports

    For the ancient Greeks, the earliest mention of a ball game appears in the Odyssey, an epic poem composed by the poet Homer in probably the eighth or seventh century BC.

    In the Odyssey, Nausicaa, daughter of the King of the Phaeacians, plays a ball game with some other girls on the beach. While they throw the ball, they sing songs:

    Then when they had had their joy of food, she and her handmaids, they threw off their headgear and fell to playing at ball, and white-armed Nausicaa was leader in the song.

    During the game, Nausicaa throws the ball too far. Her maid can’t catch it and the ball flies into the sea. All the girls shout out when it goes flying.

    Already in the 3rd century BC, Nausicaa was sometimes regarded as the inventor of ball games. However, other people attributed the invention of ball games to different regions of Greece, saying the games were invented by the Sicyonians or Spartans.

    But it is unlikely any Greeks were the original inventors of ball games.

    In Egypt, thousands of years before Homer’s epics, there are already artistic depictions of ball games.

    For example, in the tomb of the Nomarch of the 11th Dynasty (c. 2150-2000 BC), Baqet III, there is artwork showing women playing ball games and men wrestling each other.

    Ancient ball games.
    J. Murray/Picryl, CC BY

    Baqet III, whose tomb contained these artistic depictions of various sports, was likely a true sports lover.

    Why did people like sports?

    People liked ball games for many different reasons.

    One was for the sheer fun and excitement. Another was because they were considered a healthy type of exercise.

    Ancient Greek and Roman doctors even told their patients to play ball games to become healthier.

    For example, the famous ancient Greek physician Galen (129-216 AD) wrote an essay titled On Exercise with a Small Ball.

    He argued “exercises with a small ball are superior to other kinds of exercises”.

    He claimed ball games were especially healthy because they moved all of the muscles and because teamwork was good for the soul.

    People in the ancient world also thought just watching sport could be something worth doing.

    The writer Lucian of Samosata (born 120 AD), for instance, said watching athletes competing for glory could help to encourage men to achieve similar feats: “many of the spectators go away in love with manfulness and hard work”, wrote Lucian.

    So it seems there’s nothing new about our modern love of playing and watching sports, and this obsession will probably continue for thousands of years into the future.

    Konstantine Panegyres 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. How did sport become so popular? The ancient history of a modern obsession – https://theconversation.com/how-did-sport-become-so-popular-the-ancient-history-of-a-modern-obsession-254057

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Local News – Pacific Language Weeks has new addition for 2025 – Porirua

    Source: Porirua City Council

    Bislama, the official language of Vanuatu, has been added to the list of Pacific Language Weeks to be celebrated in Porirua in 2025.
    Language weeks are important to our city as they highlight the diversity, language, heritage and identity of our many Pacific communities.
    After Rotuman Language, from 11-17 May, we recognise and celebrate the languages of Samoa, Kiribati, Vanuatu (Bislama), Cook Islands, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu, Fiji, Niue and Tokelau and Solomon Islands.
    The overarching theme for the 2025 series of Pacific Language Weeks across New Zealand is ‘preserving Pacific languages for the future’, following on from previous years’ of protecting heritage and culture through sustainability – the United Nations has said recently that 40 per cent of the world’s 7000 languages are in danger of being lost.
    Porirua Mayor Anita Baker says flag-raising and other events across each language week represent a chance to share the vibrancy of our Pacific people, who make up nearly 27 per cent of the city’s population.
    “It’s well-known that Porirua is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, and I love that we highlight and celebrate that,” she says.
    “To see people, young and old and everywhere in between, getting out and learning and developing relationships in our community brings us all closer together. It’s wonderful to witness and aligns with our Pacific Strategy Ola Kamataga – Beginning of Life, which we adopted in 2023.
    “It’s more important than ever before for everyone to be proud to live in Porirua and be proud to celebrate their own ancestry and culture.”
    Individual language week themes will be announced closer to each celebration. Keep an eye on Council’s website and social media pages as we announce and highlight flag-raising and other Pacific Language Week activities. There is also information at mpp.govt.nz.
    Pacific Language Week dates for 2025:
    Rotuma: 11-17 May
    Samoa: 1-7 June
    Kiribati: 6-12 July
    Vanuatu: 27 July-2 August
    Cook Islands: 3-9 August
    Tonga: 17-23 August
    Papua New Guinea: 7-13 September
    Tuvalu: 28 September-4 October
    Fiji: 5-11 October
    Niue: 19-25 October
    Tokelau: 26 October-1 November
    Solomon Islands: 23-29 November

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Nominations now open for the 2025 WIN DRR Leadership Awards

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    The nominations for the 2025 Women’s International Network for Disaster Risk Reduction (WIN DRR) Leadership Awards are now open! Nominate yourself or others by 20 June 2025 for:

    • The Rising Star Award (US$ 7,500): Granted to an individual woman who has demonstrated leadership potential early in her disaster risk reduction career.
    • The Excellence Award (US$ 10,000): Granted to an individual woman who has achieved exceptional professional success in disaster risk reduction. This award is sponsored by SM Prime Holdings.

    About

    The WIN DRR Leadership Awards celebrate and recognize women’s achievements in disaster risk reduction across the Asia-Pacific region. The awards are part of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) flagship women’s leadership initiative, WIN DRR, supported by the Government of Australia.

    WIN DRR is a professional network to support women working in disaster risk reduction and is open to all. To join, please complete this form.

    The 2025 WIN DRR Leadership Awards will be presented as part of the UNDRR celebrations of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in October 2025.

    Eligibility for the awards

    Nominations for the 2025 WIN DRR Leadership Awards are encouraged from across the WIN DRR network and the broader disaster risk reduction community. Individuals can nominate themselves or others by completing the nomination form (see link below) by 20 June 2025. Nominees must identify as women and be citizens or permanent residents of Asia-Pacific countries, who are working on disaster risk reduction across the Asia-Pacific region. For the purposes of the awards, those countries include: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Japan, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Viet Nam.

    People who are currently or who have previously worked as staff for UNDRR or the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) are not eligible for the awards, though they are able to nominate others. People who are currently contracted with UNDRR in any capacity (e.g. as an intern, consultant or UNV), and people who are working for organizations that are currently contracted or receiving a grant from UNDRR are also ineligible.

    Make your nominations here.

    If you have any questions regarding the awards, please contact [email protected].

    Another big congratulations to the 2024 WIN DRR Leadership Awards winners Maria Linibi and Robyn Mijares! You can read more on all the 2024 Excellence Award finalists here and the Rising Star Award finalists here.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –