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  • MIL-OSI Global: Horses have a complex repertoire of facial expressions, just like primates

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kate Lewis, Researcher in Animal Welfare, University of Portsmouth

    KAZLOVA IRYNA/Shutterstock

    When I started horse riding lessons at the age of eight, I was told that if a horse had its ears forward that was a good sign, and if horse had its ears back it wasn’t happy. Those riding lessons sparked a fascination with equine behaviour that is still with me and inspires my research.

    Yet when I carried out my new study into horse facial expressions I was still surprised at how complex equine communication can be.

    Horses are a social species with wild and feral populations living in complex societies. They form relatively stable herds or “bands”, typically made up of a stallion protecting his group of mares. The ranges of these bands overlap, and the need to share space and resources means that effective communication is essential for horses.

    Just like humans and non-human primates, horses have a large number of facial muscles. These allow them to produce a range of facial movements.

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    We also know that facial expressions are an important method of communication for horses. In a 2016 study, equine cognition researcher Jen Wathan and her colleagues demonstrated this when they showed a group of horses images of another horse.

    The horse in the images was displaying one of three different facial expressions: aggression, positive attention and relaxation. Horses were more likely to approach the images of the horse showing positive attention and relaxation. They tended to avoid the horse showing aggression. This shows that horses can use the expression of another horse to infer that animal’s intent.

    Equine facial communication is therefore, understandably, of significant interest to those working with and around horses. Go to any stables, as I did when I was young, and you will hear talk of which signals to look out for. You will quickly learn that the ears are important. However, in recent years, scientists have become interested in the more subtle cues that are often overlooked.

    Research into horse facial expressions began in 2014 with identifying indicators of pain to try and improve horse welfare. More recently, there have been a number of studies that have looked at facial expressions outside of pain contexts. These have, however, been restricted to a small number of usually human-created, contexts.

    For example, in 2024 animal behaviour researchers Romane Phelipon and colleagues examined the facial expressions of horses when they were being led towards a bucket of feed and allowed to eat. They were also shown the bucket of feed and then prevented from eating it.

    In the positive situation, horses had a lower neck position, their ears forward, and their upper lip extended forwards. In the more frustrating situation, horses held their neck higher, with their ears backward or to the side.

    My team wanted to extend what we know about equine facial behaviour into contexts that don’t involve humans, and to identify the expressions that horses use when communicating with each other.

    To do this we used something called the equine facial action coding system (EquiFACS). This involves two types of code: action units, which correspond to the contraction of particular facial muscles; and action descriptors, which correspond to more general facial movements.

    There are already similar codes for a variety of primate and domestic species, including cats and dogs. This makes them useful for making comparisons between species and for studying the evolution of facial behaviour.

    Horses have a lot of facial muscles, like primates.
    Serhii Hromov/Shutterstock

    We observed groups of domestic horses out at pasture. Whenever they interacted with one another we would hit record on our video camera and film the facial expressions they made. This gave us a bank of 805 expressions, which were coded using EquiFACS.

    We categorised the expressions based on the behaviour they were associated with, such as a kick threat or friendly contact. Then we used network analysis techniques to assess how the individual action units and action descriptors work together to create the overall facial expression. Network analysis is a statistical method usually used to study social networks, but which also works well for understanding how the different areas of the face work together.

    This created a catalogue that identified 22 discrete facial expressions. These included expressions from a range of aggressive, friendly, playful and alert interactions. Some movements are used across several contexts, for instance rotated and flattened ears which can indicate aggression or playfulness.

    When making a threat, horses have their ears rotated backwards and flattened downwards. They often lower their head, raise the inner corner of their brow, and/or flare their nostrils.

    Most interesting are facial expressions during play, which are highly dynamic. They involve a range of different facial movements, often in quick succession. Movements include depressed lower lips, raised chins, parted lips, wide-open mouths, rotated and flattened ears, increased visibility of eye whites, and noses pushed forward.

    We also identified similarities between the facial expressions horses make during play and the play faces used by primates and carnivores. Primates and carnivores often use an open-mouthed expression to indicate that an interaction is playful. This can help prevent misunderstandings about the intent of an interaction, and is particularly useful during rough-and-tumble play. The fact that this expression is also used by horses suggests that it evolved much further back than scientists believed.

    Anyone who needs a way to assess a horse’s subjective experience can benefit from our catalogue, from researchers through to those working with horses. I certainly wish I had had it over the many years I spent riding, and later working, at my local riding school.

    Our results also highlight the importance of looking beyond our primate cousins if we are to gain a comprehensive understanding of facial expressions and their evolutionary origins.

    Kate Lewis 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. Horses have a complex repertoire of facial expressions, just like primates – https://theconversation.com/horses-have-a-complex-repertoire-of-facial-expressions-just-like-primates-257996

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s continued attacks on lawyers risks undermining the US legal system. Is that the point?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stephen Clear, Lecturer in Constitutional and Administrative Law, and Public Procurement, Bangor University

    Since returning to office, Donald Trump has often called the US legal system into question. He has criticised judges as activists, challenged the role of the courts and insisted some firms do free legal work in support of his administration’s causes to make up for working for some of his political opponents.

    Meanwhile, Vice-President J.D. Vance has advised US Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts that he ought to be “checking the excesses” of the lower courts.

    And Stephen Miller, deputy White House chief of staff, said: “We are living under a judicial tyranny,” after the US Court of International Trade ruled the president didn’t have the power to impose international trade tariffs. Meanwhile, judges are asking for more security to protect them from threats.

    Trump’s federal investigations and volley of executive orders (presidential directives that don’t require legislative approval by Congress) have also put enormous pressure on law firms. And a recent report shows that both trust in law firms’ independence, and even the rule of law itself, is perceived as under threat in the US. But what does this mean, and why is it important?

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    The president has taken action against law firms in two prominent ways:

    First, by federal investigation. Specifically, letters to a group of 20 law firms from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. These demanded information about their diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) policies, based on the proposition that any sort of treatment of underrepresented groups that appeared preferential to them in policy, or practice, was unequal treatment for other groups, and, consequently, discriminatory.

    Second, the president has passed numerous executive orders introducing punitive measures on specific law firms that previously represented clients opposing his administration, or employed attorneys involved in past investigations against him. His administration has also revoked government contracts and suspended security clearance from buildings. In practice, the orders would prevent attorneys from accessing from where they work, such as courthouses and federal agencies.

    In response, some prominent law firms have sought to mitigate the fallout with the Trump administration by entering into agreements with it. These have included pledging US$1 billion (£730,000,000) in pro bono (free) legal services supporting causes aligned with Trump’s agenda.

    For example, support for veterans, representing police officers, and antisemitism prevention. Noteworthy is that law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison have now agreed to discontinue certain DEI policies, in addition to committing US$40 million (£29.4 million) in pro bono work for the president’s causes. In response the Trump administration has now lifted restrictions against them.

    Judges say they are under threat.

    More broadly, it has been reported that 70% of the US Justice Department civil rights division’s attorneys are leaving their posts. The mass exodus is believed to be part of attempts to reshape the division into one focused on enforcing executive orders.

    The consequences of these developments are that the president’s actions have led to a significant realignment in the legal professions. Some US attorneys have reported that law firms are now more hesitant to engage in pro bono work that could be viewed as opposing the administration’s policies.

    By contrast, some lawyers are now trying to establish independent firms aimed at defending civil servants and challenging federal overreach, ensuring at least some, albeit less resourced, support for underrepresented groups.

    Trump criticizes judges and legal activists.

    Other lawyers have sought legal action against the orders as unconstitutional interference. Some of these have led to success. For example, Perkins Coie challenged theirs and got it struck down. The concern here centred around their representation of Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. In arriving at the decision, the district judge ruled the president’s actions to be an “overt attempt to suppress and punish certain viewpoints”.

    Why this matters

    These developments call into question the balance between governmental influence and the independence of lawyers in upholding the rule of law. Lawyers must be impartial in representing their clients in order to effectively represent their interests, and allow the judiciary to fulfil their duty of checks and balances on the government’s decisions.

    When unfettered power is wielded by the government, and the law is undermined, scope for monitoring the constitutionality of decision making is compromised.

    The rule of law is a foundational principle of western democracies. It means that everyone is subject to the law, including governments. Laws must be applied equally, fairly and consistently, and no one is above them.

    In essence, laws govern the nation, not arbitrary decisions by individuals in power. In that sense, following the rule of law helps prevent tyranny, protect people’s rights and liberties, and ensures a stable and predictable society.

    In order to deliver these objectives, an independent legal sector is needed. Trump’s actions are a threat to achieving this cornerstone US constitutional principle. Some have gone as far as to suggest that by entering into agreements with Trump, law firms have become subsidiaries of his administration.

    A recent study on trust in the rule of law found that Americans’ trust in lawyers was already undermined, even before the second Trump administration.

    The results, based on public attitudes in 2024, compared public perceptions in Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Norway, the UK and the US. Norway and the UK ranked highest in respect of trust in the rule of law (81% and 74% respectively), and Spain and Italy were least trusted (49% and 43%).

    The results for the US are interesting. Around 71% of American respondents stated that they had a high level of trust in the rule of law. Yet the country came third from the bottom under the metric “you feel like you are in good hands in US courts”.

    The reasons for this are implied in the responses to the other questions in the survey. The US performed second worst (just behind Spain) in respect of belief that judges could be biased. The US also performed worst of all in the category where the public were asked if lawyers were impartial (just 41% agreed).

    In interpreting these results it is important to note that the survey was conducted in 2024, prior to Trump’s second term. But anti-elite and anti-judge rhetoric pointing to arguments for more presidential power and less judicial oversight had already been prominent in the first Trump term, and the 2024 campaign.

    The results expose the already fragile nature of trust in the legal sector in the US, and underline how this could be ramped up further after the announcements in recent weeks.

    Stephen Clear 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. Trump’s continued attacks on lawyers risks undermining the US legal system. Is that the point? – https://theconversation.com/trumps-continued-attacks-on-lawyers-risks-undermining-the-us-legal-system-is-that-the-point-256960

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Should you do cardio before or after lifting weights? New research might finally have the answer

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack McNamara, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology, University of East London

    Weightlifting before cardio had clear benefits when it came to certain aspects of health. LightField Studios/ Shutterstock

    Fitness enthusiasts have debated the question for decades: is it better to do cardio before or after lifting weights? Until recently, the answer has largely been down to preference – with some enjoying a jog to warm up before hitting the weights, while others believe lifting first is better for burning fat.

    But a new study may have finally answered this long disputed question.

    According to the study, the order of your workout does significantly affect how much fat you lose. Participants who performed weight training before cardio lost significantly more fat and became more physically active throughout the day compared to those who did cardio first.

    The researchers recruited 45 young men aged 18-30 years who were classified as obese. The researchers split participants into three groups for 12 weeks. One group was a control group. This meant they stuck to their usual lifestyle habits and didn’t make any changes to their exercise regime.

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    The other two groups exercised for 60 minutes three times weekly. Participants were also given sports watches to objectively track daily movement. This helped the researchers avoid reliance on self-reporting, which can often be inaccurate.

    Both exercise groups followed identical training programmes, differing only in exercise sequence. Strength training involved actual weights, with participants performing exercises such as the bench press, deadlift, bicep curl and squat. The cardio sessions involved 30 minutes of stationary cycling.

    Participants in both groups experienced improvements in their cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and body composition – specifically, they lost fat mass while gaining lean muscle mass. Interestingly, cardiovascular fitness improvements were similar regardless of sequence – echoing recent findings that exercise order has limited impact on cardiovascular adaptations.

    But the real differences emerged when it came to fat loss and muscle performance. Participants who lifted weights first experienced significantly greater reductions in overall body fat and visceral fat – the type of fat most strongly linked to cardiovascular disease risk.

    They also increased their daily step count by approximately 3,500 steps compared to just 1,600 steps for the cardio-first group. Additionally, the weights-first approach enhanced muscular endurance and explosive strength.

    Why exercise sequence matters

    The reason behind these findings is tied to how your body uses energy.

    Resistance training depletes muscle glycogen stores – the sugar that’s stored in the muscles which acts as your body’s quick-access fuel. Imagine glycogen as petrol in your car’s fuel tank. When you lift weights first, you effectively drain this fuel tank, forcing your body to switch energy sources.

    When you lift weights before cardio, it forces your body to use fat reserves for energy.
    LightField Studios/ Shutterstock

    With glycogen stores already low, when you transition to cardio, your body must rely more heavily on fat reserves for energy. It’s akin to a hybrid car switching to battery power once the petrol runs low. This metabolic shift helps explain the greater fat loss seen in the weights-first group.

    This recent study’s findings align with broader research. A comprehensive systematic review published in 2022 found resistance training alone can significantly reduce body fat and visceral fat, the type linked to chronic diseases. Muscles are metabolically active tissues, continuously burning calories even at rest, which amplifies these effects.

    Conversely, performing cardio first might compromise your strength training effectiveness. Cardio uses up glycogen stores, leaving muscles partially depleted before you even lift a weight. It also induces fatigue and may reduce your muscles’ ability to produce explosive power and strength.

    A recent systematic review on concurrent training (the practice of combining both resistance and aerobic exercise within the same program) supports this – highlighting that explosive strength gains might diminish if aerobic and strength training occur in the same session, especially if cardio is performed first.

    These findings align with other research on concurrent training. A systematic review and meta-analysis examining exercise sequence effects found that resistance-first protocols produced significantly superior strength improvements compared to endurance-first training.

    The American Heart Association’s 2023 statement on resistance training confirmed resistance exercise significantly improves lean body mass and reduces fat, especially when combined with other exercise types. However, resistance training alone was found less effective in improving cardiovascular health. This underscores the importance of including cardio in your exercise routine.

    However, it is worth noting the study’s limitations. As it only involved obese young men, this means we don’t know how the results will apply to women, older adults or those with different body compositions. A 2024 review suggests adaptations may differ by sex, indicating the need for further research involving diverse populations.

    The 12-week duration also may not capture long-term changes. Results also specifically only apply to concurrent training – performing both exercises in the same session.

    Moreover, the study did not account for nutritional intake, sleep patterns or stress levels, all of which can significantly influence body composition outcomes. Future research should incorporate these factors to offer even more comprehensive guidance.

    Workout sequence

    Whether you prefer to do cardio before or after lifting weights, the message is clear: both will improve overall health. The only difference is that weight training before cardio provides advantages for fat loss, abdominal fat reduction and increased daily physical activity.

    Interestingly, resistance training boosts confidence and energy levels, naturally encouraging more movement throughout the day, further aiding fat loss.

    If cardiovascular fitness is your primary goal, the sequence matters less, as both ways equally boost aerobic fitness. However, if fat loss and optimising daily activity are your main objectives, evidence strongly supports placing resistance training first.

    Jack McNamara 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. Should you do cardio before or after lifting weights? New research might finally have the answer – https://theconversation.com/should-you-do-cardio-before-or-after-lifting-weights-new-research-might-finally-have-the-answer-257502

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • How northeast India transformed security over 11 years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Northeast India’s security landscape has undergone a sweeping transformation over the last 11 years, emerging from decades of insurgency and ethnic unrest to a new era of peace and stability.
     
    Between 2014 and 2025, consistent efforts by the central government, including historic peace accords and confidence-building measures, have brought thousands of armed cadres back into the mainstream.
     
    More than 8,000 insurgents from various outfits—ranging from the Bodo and Karbi groups to factions of the NSCN and ULFA—have laid down their arms as a result of peace agreements facilitated between 2019 and 2023. These efforts were instrumental in dismantling underground networks and paving the way for inclusive governance.
     
    Insurgency-related incidents have declined by 89%, civilian casualties have reduced by 86%, and security forces’ deaths have dropped by 76% since 2014. The scale of improvement has allowed the government to withdraw the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) completely from Tripura and Meghalaya, and partially from Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh—an unprecedented step in restoring normalcy.
     
    Adding to the atmosphere of cooperation, Assam signed boundary agreements with both Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh during this 11-year period, resolving long-pending disputes and de-escalating local tensions.
     
    The government also launched targeted rehabilitation schemes to help surrendered militants reintegrate into civil society through education, vocational training, and livelihood support. Together, these measures mark a fundamental shift in the region’s approach to peace—from confrontation to collaboration.

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s direct medical expense settlement scheme benefits more people

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

    BEIJING, June 9 — In the first quarter of 2025, the medical expenses of nearly 70.8 million patients incurred outside their home provinces were directly settled on site, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA).

    During the first quarter, over 3.6 million online registrations for the direct cross-province settlement scheme were processed through China’s unified online-filing channel, representing an increase of 18.06 percent year-on-year.

    In addition, a rising number of medical institutions have been incorporated into the streamlined settlement scheme. By the end of the first quarter, China had built 651,600 institutions of such kind nationwide.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major investment brings new life to local play parks across Perth and Kinross

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    These projects are a part of the Council’s and Scottish Government’s ongoing play area upgrade programme.

    Four play parks, Langlands Park in Luncarty, The Well Green in Scotlandwell, Westfield Common in Rattray, and Greenloaning, have all undergone full upgrades as part of the council’s commitment to enhancing outdoor spaces for communities. On Friday 6 June, Langlands Park, The Well Green and Westfield Common were officially opened, with community celebrations at each location.

    The upgrades include a wide range of new play equipment and surfacing, designed to make each park more fun, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.

    These improvements were shaped in partnership with community councils, local schools, and residents, ensuring the new spaces reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who use them most.

    A unique feature of the project is the installation of commemorative boards at each site, combining printed acknowledgements with handwritten signatures from those involved creating a lasting tribute to the community spirit behind the transformation.

    Local children also played a key role, contributing creative ideas, designing logos for park signage, and sharing their hopes for the future of their play spaces through a detailed consultation process.

    Councillor Richard Watters, Convenor of Climate Change and Sustainability Committee said: “We are delighted to see these play parks transformed into vibrant, welcoming spaces for children and families.

    “This investment reflects our ongoing commitment to improving local amenities and supporting healthy, active lifestyles. We hope these parks will be enjoyed by the community for many years to come.”

    Park Highlights

    Westfield Common, Rattray

    Combining a free draining circular pathway, the play areas contain soft fall areas of wood chip. A large climbing net and basket swing provides fun for the older children whilst a multi-unit, roundabout and springies keep the younger children engaged. A zip line also provides family fun on the other side of the greenspace. Coupled with the community run BMX track and MANTALK Blairgowrie garden this greenspace provides facilities for all.

    The Well Green, Scotlandwell

    Includes a thrilling new zip line, monkey bars, swings, and other modern play equipment. Located on the site of a freshwater well, the history of the site is noted in the entrance sign and was once used as an area to dry clothing lines manufactured from locally grown flax.

    Langlands Park, Luncarty

    Features a hybrid grass surfacing that combines artificial and natural grass for a durable, safe play area. Aimed at the younger children, the play area was developed and relocated following consultation with the Community Council and local school. Combining the adjacent route to school with a line-marked cycleway helps provide the opportunity for young children to learn road safety skills at roundabouts and junctions. There is also a ‘hopscotch’ marked on the footway, which we are sure must be used by all age groups, sometimes ‘secretly!’

    Greenloaning

    Located within the greenspace area of a housing estate this facility provides for all the family with picnic benches for family feasts and a range of play equipment for all ages. A rubber surfacing keeps the site useable in all weathers with the play equipment combining a range of vibrant natural colours. The equipment is manufactured from many recycled materials including ‘used fishing nets’ melted down and used in the production for the recycled plastic posts, guaranteed for life. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft held an eco-run in Moscow

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft volunteers held an environmental event in Moscow’s Izmailovsky Park – a plogging run, during which employees collected garbage.

    More than 100 employees of the Company and their family members took part in the event. The eco-volunteers covered a distance of more than 10 kilometers and collected almost 250 kg of garbage.

    Preserving the environment for future generations is an integral part of Rosneft’s social policy. In 2024, the Company’s “green” investments amounted to 74 billion rubles and exceeded the previous year’s level by 16%.

    Plogging is an international environmental movement, whose participants combine jogging with garbage collection. The event not only helps improve the environmental situation, but also unites people, giving them the opportunity to spend time outdoors and get a boost of energy.

    The volunteer movement is an important element of Rosneft’s corporate culture. Volunteers of the Company, its subsidiaries and design institutes actively participate in various environmental initiatives, promote the development of a culture of rational and responsible consumption of natural resources. Employees with children take part in events to green and improve urban areas and natural recreational zones, annual plogging runs, cleaning of coastlines as part of federal environmental campaigns such as Green Spring, Garden of Memory, Water of Russia, Clean Shores, etc. Rosneft volunteers also actively promote environmental education of young people and conduct environmental quests, master classes, quizzes and eco-lessons for schoolchildren.

    The successful environmental activities of Rosneft and its subsidiaries receive high public praise. Rosneft was recognized as the best company in the oil and gas sector included in the calculation base of the Moscow Exchange-RAEX ESG Balanced Index based on the results of 2024. Also in 2024, the Company’s plants in the Samara Region received the highest awards of the All-Russian competition “Leader of Environmental Activities in Russia”.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 9, 2025

    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-Evening Report: Why Israel’s ‘humane’ propaganda is such a sinister facade

    COMMENTARY: By Cole Martin in Occupied Bethlehem

    Many people have been closely following the journey this week of the Madleen, a small humanitarian yacht seeking to break Israel’s illegal blockade of Gaza with a crew of 12 on board, including humanitarian activists and journalists.

    This morning we woke to the harrowing, yet not unexpected, news that the vessel had been illegally hijacked by Israeli forces, who boarded and took the crew captive into Israeli territories, in contravention of international law.

    Yet another on the long list of war crimes Israel has committed over the last 20 months of genocide, and decades of illegal occupation.

    Communication with the crew was lost after the final moments of tense onboard footage as they donned lifejackets, threw phones and other sensitive data overboard, and raised their arms in preparation for whatever might come next.

    Israel has a detailed history of attacking all previous freedom flotillas — including the 2010 mission aboard the Mavi Marmara in which 10 crew were killed and dozens more injured when Israeli forces hijacked the humanitarian vessel.

    Another mission earlier this year was cut short when it was targeted by an airstrike in international waters, injuring crew.

    The next updates were scenes filmed by Israeli forces which appear to show them calmly handing bread rolls and water to the detained crew, painting a picture which immediately recalled my own experience last year being unlawfully arrested in the southern West Bank.

    Detained while documenting
    I was detained while documenting armed settler violence, taken illegally to a military base where myself and three other internationals were given a bathroom stop, bread and water.

    While we ate, they filmed us, saying “You are unharmed, yes? We are looking after you well?”

    We were then loaded into a police van where a Palestinian farmer sat blindfolded, in silence, with his hands zip-tied behind him.

    Eleven of the 12 crew members on board the humanitarian yacht Madleen before being arrested by Israeli forces today. Image: FFC screenshot APR

    Israel loves to put on a show of their “humane treatment” when internationals are present and cameras are rolling, but it’s a shallow and sinister facade for their abusive racism and cruelty towards Palestinians.

    It appears their response to the Madleen’s crew over the next few days will be exactly that. Don’t buy into it; this is no more than deeply sinister propaganda to cover state-backed racism, supremacy, and cruelty.

    Families in Gaza are still facing indiscriminate airstrikes, continuous displacement, forced starvation, and the phony Israel/US “Gaza Humanitarian Foundation” which has led to more than 100 civilians being shot while desperately seeking food.

    Thousands of trucks still wait at the border to Gaza, barred entry by Israeli forces, while Palestinians face severe malnutrition and a man-made famine.

    The New Zealand government has still not placed a single sanction on the Israeli state.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Insolvency Service appoints first dedicated crypto specialist to help recover online assets such as Bitcoin

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Insolvency Service appoints first dedicated crypto specialist to help recover online assets such as Bitcoin

    New crypto specialist will help the agency trace rising number of digital assets held by individuals in bankruptcy and criminal cases

    • Number of insolvencies where crypto is identified as an asset has increased 420% in five years 

    • More than £500,000 in cryptoassets identified in insolvency cases last year – 364 times higher than in 2019/20 

    • New role will help the agency recover more money owed to creditors in insolvency cases 

    The Insolvency Service has appointed its first dedicated crypto intelligence specialist to help recover more money for the UK economy from bankruptcy cases.  

    Former police investigator Andrew Small will help track digital assets in criminal cases and provide the agency with detailed knowledge of the crypto market. 

    The Insolvency Service is responsible for tracing and recovering money and assets belonging to bankrupt individuals or liquidated companies in insolvency proceedings.  

    In the past five years, the number of insolvency cases involving crypto as a recoverable asset has risen by 420%, with 59 cases in 2024/25 compared to 14 in 2019/20.  

    At the same time, the estimated value of cryptoassets identified in insolvency cases has risen by 364 times – from just over £1,400 in 2019/20 to more than £520,000 in 2024/25.  

    Andrew said:

    There has been a rapid rise in crypto ownership in the UK, and alongside that, we’ve seen a similar rise in cryptoasset ownership in bankruptcy cases. 

    The Insolvency Service has a duty to trace and recover money and assets from individuals or companies in insolvency cases, and we work to return as much money owed to creditors as possible. 

    Crypto is very much a recoverable asset, and my role will help the agency by providing specialist knowledge about the types of cryptoassets available and the associated technology used to buy, sell and store them.

    Cryptoassets have soared in popularity in recent years, with 2024 research by the Financial Conduct Authority finding seven million adults in the UK – 12% of the population – held some form of crypto, up from 3.2m adults (4.4% of the population) in 2021. 

    This includes ‘cryptocurrency’ coins such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, DOGE and Ethereum, as well as online tokens and NFTs – non-fungible tokens – which offer digital ownership of online artworks.  

    The Official Receiver Service, a key part of the Insolvency Service, identified £523,580 of cryptoassets across 59 insolvency cases in 2024/25, compared to just £1,436 of crypto across 14 cases in 2019/20. 

    The new cryptoasset intelligence role is based within the Insolvency Service’s Investigation and Enforcement Services team, meaning Andrew will primarily focus on cryptoasset ownership in criminal cases.  

    Neil Freebury, head of intelligence at the Insolvency Service, said:

    Crypto is growing in popularity, and we’ve seen the number of insolvency cases involving cryptoasset ownership rise four-fold in the past five years.  

    Andrew brings a wealth of knowledge to this role, along with his previous experience as an economic crime investigator within the police, and his appointment will help our investigators dealing with cases where cryptoasset ownership is a factor.

    Further information 

    • The latest Insolvency Service statistics are published on GOV.UK: Insolvency Service Official Statistics – GOV.UK 

    • Official Receivers are appointed by the court following bankruptcy or liquidation proceedings. They have a legal duty to trace and recover assets involved in such cases to return as much money as possible to creditors.  

    • The latest FCA research on cryptoassets in the UK can be found on the FCA website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Alert issued on fake tax texts

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) today alerted the public to fraudulent SMS messages purportedly issued by the department which invite recipients to claim a profits tax subsidy via a hyperlink provided.

    The IRD clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent SMS messages and has reported the case to Police for further investigation.

    It reminded the public to stay alert to suspicious SMS messages and not visit the hyperlinks provided in such messages nor disclose any personal information.

    The IRD is on the SMS Sender Registration Scheme under the Office of the Communications Authority, meaning all SMS messages issued by the department will bear “#HK IRD” in the SMS Sender ID to help people to verify the sender’s identity.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No MDs are in effect as of Mon Jun 9 12:02:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Mesoscale DiscussionsUpdated:  Mon Jun 9 12:17:02 UTC 2025 No Mesoscale Discussions are currently in effect.

    Notice:  The responsibility for Heavy Rain Mesoscale Discussions has been transferred to the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) on April 9, 2013. Click here for the Service Change Notice.
    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC – No watches are valid as of Mon Jun 9 12:02:02 UTC 2025

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Current Convective Watches (View What is a Watch? clip)Updated:  Mon Jun 9 12:17:05 UTC 2025 No watches are currently valid

    Archived Convective ProductsTo view convective products for a previous day, type in the date you wish to retrieve (e.g. 20040529 for May 29, 2004). Data available since January 1, 2004.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Meet the Researcher: Natale Sciolino, CLAS

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The brain is a marvel of complexity, orchestrating every aspect of our lives. Researchers striving to decode its functions have revealed that biochemical changes in the brain correspond to a diverse range of behaviors. Natale Sciolino, an assistant professor in the Department of Physiology and Neurobiology (PNB) in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has dedicated her career to studying neural circuits — networks of interconnected neurons that regulate various functions — and their profound influence on motivated behaviors, including anxiety and feeding. Her work focuses on the connections between the brain, behavior, and the environment.

    A Surprising Path to Science

    “I never planned to become a scientist,” Sciolino says. “Growing up, I always thought I’d be a teacher.”

    Her initial aspiration led her to SUNY Buffalo State College in New York, which was close to home and hosted a well-regarded teaching program. After taking one transformative course in biological psychology, however, Sciolino was introduced to a whole new realm: neuroscience. This discipline fused her growing interest in psychology with a desire to understand the biological underpinnings of behavior.

    “My professor’s passion for science was contagious,” Sciolino says. “It inspired me to join her lab, and I realized I wanted to pursue a career in research.”

    Sciolino became especially captivated by the question of why some individuals were more vulnerable to addiction than others. Her transition from the desire to become a teacher to a neuroscientist was driven by her perceptiveness to the environment and the people around her.

    “Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, I saw firsthand how addiction and mental health disorders affected so many in my community,” she says. “I wanted to understand how some people seemed resilient while others struggled.”

    As an aspiring neuroscientist, she knew she needed to go to graduate school. She ended up far from home at the University of Georgia, where she worked with the guidance of pioneering cannabinoid researcher Andrea Hohmann.

    Exploring Cannabinoid Systems

    Sciolino delved into the role of the endogenous cannabinoids – chemical compounds produced by the body that bind with the cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These compounds influence critical processes such as emotion regulation, pain perception, appetite, and sleep.

    Sciolino’s research focused on how environmental stressors like social isolation could alter the activity of cannabinoid receptors and endogenous cannabinoids in the brain. Her research on the biochemistry of the cannabinoid system became a cornerstone of her neuroscience career.

    Unlocking the Secrets of the Locus Coeruleus

     Sciolino’s research journey took a pivotal turn when she joined another Georgia research lab and began studying the locus coeruleus (LC), a tiny yet influential brain structure. Despite containing only about 1,200 neurons in each brain hemisphere of the mouse, the LC is the brain’s largest source of noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter crucial for regulating states like anxiety, attention, and arousal.

    “Even though the LC is small, its neurons project to nearly every area of the brain,” Sciolino says. “It has the capacity to influence virtually all behavioral states.”

    Her Ph.D. research continued under the direction of Georgia’s Philip Holmes and Emory University’s David Weinshenker. She focused on understanding how exercise could impact the activity of the LC and reduce stress levels.

    She continued exploring the functions of the LC as a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the direction of Patricia Jensen, where she had access to cutting-edge intersectional viral and genetic tools to express molecules to map, monitor, and manipulate neural activity.

    “At the NIH, I was like a kid in a candy store,” Sciolino says. “The tools available there made it possible to tackle questions I had only dreamed of exploring.”

    In 2021, Sciolino joined UConn faculty, where she is continuing her research on the brain and behavior. Specifically, she focuses on defining noradrenaline circuits in aversion, feeding, and taste. Her work has been supported by federal and private grants, including an NIH R00 Pathway to Independence Grant and the Brain Research Foundation Seed Grant. Most recently, she received a two-year, $70,000 NARSAD Young Investigator Grant (formerly known as the NARSAD award) from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation to investigate the role of the LC in obesity-induced anxiety.

     Fostering the Next Generation of Scientists

     Bringing her incredible knowledge and passion for science with her to UConn’s PNB department, Sciolino has made a significant contribution to student success by fostering a collaborative and inclusive lab environment. Her love for teaching remains central to her role at UConn.

    “I prioritize building an internal network with our team,” she says. She adapts her mentoring approach to suit the diverse learning styles of her students, striking a careful balance between providing guidance and encouraging independence.

    By nurturing the next generation of neuroscientists, Sciolino combines her love of teaching with her commitment to advancing our understanding of the brain and behavior.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scientists Develop New Blood-Based Proteomic Score to Predict Healthspan and Disease Risk

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) presents a blood-based proteomic signature that predicts how long people are likely to live in good health—known as healthspan. The Healthspan Proteomic Score (HPS), developed by researchers at the UConn School of Medicine and collaborators at the University of Helsinki and the University of Exeter (UK), provides a powerful tool for understanding biological aging and assessing risks for a wide range of chronic diseases.

    Using proteomic data from over 53,000 UK Biobank participants, the research team identified a panel of proteins that collectively signal a person’s biological health. A lower HPS, determined based on the expression of these proteins, was significantly associated with a higher risk of mortality and age-related diseases, including heart failure, diabetes, dementia, and stroke—even after adjusting for chronological age and other health indicators. The score was validated in an independent Finnish cohort and demonstrated superior performance compared to existing measures of biological aging.

    “Our findings underscore the importance of shifting the focus from lifespan to healthspan,” says Dr. Chia-Ling Kuo, lead author and associate professor of Public Health Sciences at UConn School of Medicine and The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering. “The HPS captures early biological changes in the body and may help inform interventions that promote healthier aging.”

    Dr. Breno S. Diniz, senior author and associate professor of Psychiatry at UConn School of Medicine and UConn Center on Aging, adds, “By integrating proteomic signals of biological aging, HPS offers a promising tool for identifying individuals at risk for age-related diseases and for guiding personalized prevention strategies.”

    Although aging is inevitable, this study team, as well as others, are increasingly learning that the pace of aging and how we each age are highly variable. The theme of the NIA-funded UConn Older Americans Independence Pepper Center is Precision Gerontology. This concept seeks to enhance independence in older adults by studying this heterogeneity. This research adds to growing evidence that aging biology can be measured and potentially modified, with the HPS offering a promising surrogate outcome for clinical trials of anti-aging therapies and preventive strategies aimed at extending years lived in good health; it marks an important step toward better predicting variability in aging trajectories and ultimately developing more targeted and effective interventions.

    The research team is now working to evaluate the HPS in clinical trial settings. While it is not yet available for widespread use, this work lays critical groundwork for future tools that could help individuals and healthcare providers monitor and promote healthier aging.

    This research was supported by the Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers (OAIC) program (P30AG067988). Access to UK Biobank data was granted under application no. 92647, “Research to Inform the Field of Precision Gerontology” (PI: Richard H. Fortinsky, Ph.D., study co-author and professor at the UConn Center on Aging). The research team gratefully acknowledges the UK Biobank for providing data access and sincerely thanks the collaborators at the University of Helsinki for their replication efforts, as well as the UK Biobank participants for their invaluable contributions of time, health information, and biological samples that made this research possible.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Why You Don’t Need Permission to Get Moving: UConn Experts Call for Sweeping Changes to Exercise Participation Guidelines

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    It is well-established that exercise has tremendous health benefits in terms of preventing and managing a host of diseases. But current recommendations don’t fully reflect this.

    A group of medical professionals and experts have published a paper in Current Sports Medicine Reports urging the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the premier sports medicine professional organization, to lighten up their recommendations for medical clearance prior to exercise, including individuals considered “high-risk.”

    Authors on the paper include Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor Linda Pescatello from the Department of Kinesiology (College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources) and Dr. Peter Robinson, assistant professor of cardiology at UConn Health.

    The writing group emphasizes the significant benefits of exercise for all people, including those deemed “high risk.” High-risk individuals include those with cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease such as diabetes.

    “We’re trying to loosen up potential challenges that people may have for moving,” Pescatello says.

    This recommendation differs from the current ACSM guidelines, which state all healthy adults should engage in 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity exercise weekly or a combination of the two, and engage in muscle strength and endurance building activities twice a week.

    The key word here is “healthy.” The authors of the new paper advocate for a change that would encourage all adults, including those with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, to engage in appropriate levels of physical activity, which can actually help to manage disease.

    “Physical activity is the best thing for your health,” Pescatello says. “Exercise is medicine, and it has numerous health benefits.”

    There is only one cardiovascular event per every 1.5 million hours of vigorous intensity exercise, according to the paper, meaning the risks are extremely low, but the benefits are great.

    “Exercise is not risky,” Pescatello says. “The riskiest part of exercise is when you’re not a regular exerciser and you exercise rigorously suddenly.”

    Research has shown that the greatest benefits of exercise are seen when those who are sedentary begin exercising.

    “At an individual level, this transition away from sedentary behavior has been shown to have numerous benefits. In addition, if large numbers of individuals are able to make this transition, possibly by removing barriers and alleviating unfounded fears, we could see tremendous health benefits at the population level,” Robinson says.

    “If you’re sedentary, if you’re not regularly physically active, the greatest health benefits are getting off the couch and doing something instead of doing nothing,” Pescatello says.

    The authors encourage a change that would indicate that even individuals with cardiovascular disease or diabetes can begin light-level physical activity without the need for a medical evaluation.

    They emphasize the importance of switching from a model in which people must seek medical “clearance,” a term without a specific medical definition, before participating in exercise to one that assumes light-to-moderate physical activity is healthy and beneficial for all.

    However, people should still consult a physician if they begin to experience new or changes to signs or symptoms of cardiovascular disease or diabetes, Pescatello says.

    “Our message is to get people up and moving and not stopping that unless absolutely necessary,” Pescatello says.

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • PMSMA marks 9 years as PM Modi completes 11 years in office: A milestone in maternal health

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes 11 years in office, one of his government’s flagship health initiatives — the Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) — has completed nine impactful years, delivering significant gains in maternal healthcare across the country. Launched in June 2016, the programme continues to demonstrate its role in transforming India’s approach to antenatal care (ANC) and in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.

    PMSMA, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, provides free, assured, and quality antenatal care to pregnant women on the 9th of every month, with special emphasis on those in their second and third trimesters. Since its inception, over 6.19 crore pregnant women have been examined under the scheme, many of them from rural and underserved areas. The programme focuses on early detection and management of high-risk pregnancies (HRPs) to ensure safe outcomes for both mother and child.

    One of the most impactful results of PMSMA has been its contribution to reducing India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR). The MMR has dropped significantly from 130 per 1 lakh live births in 2014–16 to 80 in 2021–23, reflecting a 50-point decline. Health officials attribute this success to a combination of systematic antenatal services, community engagement, and increased health awareness.

    The programme also draws strength from active private sector participation. As of now, more than 6,800 private doctors have registered as volunteers and are contributing their expertise across 20,752 healthcare facilities that offer PMSMA services nationwide.

    In January 2022, the government launched the Extended PMSMA (E-PMSMA) initiative, further strengthening the original programme. E-PMSMA focuses on continuous monitoring and tracking of HRPs until safe delivery. It also offers financial incentives to both pregnant women and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) for completing three additional ANC visits beyond the standard PMSMA check-ups. As of December 2024, the programme had identified over 78.27 lakh HRPs across all states and union territories.

    E-PMSMA has incorporated a strong digital component, including name-based tracking of HRPs and follow-up through automated SMS alerts to both beneficiaries and ASHAs. Each high-risk pregnancy is monitored until at least 45 days postpartum, ensuring comprehensive care.

    The PMSMA and its extended version work in alignment with several other maternal and child welfare schemes initiated or strengthened under PM Modi’s leadership. These include the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), which promotes institutional deliveries and has benefited over 11.07 crore women; the Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK), which ensures free maternity and neonatal services for over 16.60 crore beneficiaries since 2014; and Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN), which guarantees respectful and quality maternity care through 90,015 health facilities nationwide.

    Additionally, POSHAN Abhiyaan, targeting nutritional needs of women and children, and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), which offers direct cash support of ₹5,000 to pregnant and lactating women, have strengthened the foundation laid by PMSMA in improving maternal and child health outcomes.

    As the nation reflects on a decade of policy-led transformation in healthcare, the PMSMA stands out as a symbol of sustained commitment to women’s health. With continued focus on digital tracking, community outreach, and public-private collaboration, the programme has brought India closer to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to maternal health.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Top talent backed with master’s funding as Britain’s tech experts called into government

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Top talent backed with master’s funding as Britain’s tech experts called into government

    The Spärck AI scholarships will provide full funding for master’s degrees at nine leading UK universities specialising in AI and STEM subjects

    • Exceptional students to receive fully funded AI master’s degrees at Britain’s top 9 universities, with industry partnerships offering direct routes into UK’s tech sector.
    • New fellowship programme launched for exceptional talent to cement Britain’s reputation a global AI leader.
    • Programmes form key part of the Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth through innovation and deliver highly skilled jobs across the country.

    Young people with exceptional talent in AI will receive unprecedented support to study at Britain’s top universities through a new prestigious scholarship programme announced by the Technology Secretary today (Monday 9 June).

    The Spärck AI scholarships, named after pioneering British computer scientist Karen Spärck Jones, will provide full funding for master’s degrees at nine leading UK universities specialising in artificial intelligence and STEM subjects – from Edinburgh to Manchester, and Newcastle to Bristol.

    Set to rival the likes of globally recognised Rhodes, Marshall and Fulbright scholarships, at least 100 talented undergraduates level students from the UK and abroad will see unparalleled access to industry partnerships, work placements and mentorship opportunities, including in the UK’s AI Security Institute as well as leading tech firms like Darktrace, Faculty and Quantexa.

    This will not only drive forward AI innovation that grows the UK economy but also gives young people a direct route into highly skilled jobs in the UK’s tech sector – furthering our Plan for Change.

    By covering both tuition and living expenses, the scholarship could also be of interest to talent students from low-income backgrounds who might otherwise be unable to afford university – spreading opportunity across the UK.

    Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    “We are providing unique opportunities for talented young people to take up master’s degrees in AI, with fully funded tuition and unparalleled access to industry.

    “Students will be able to go on to highly skilled jobs, building a workforce fit for the future and boosting economic growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    “We are also expanding our fellowship programme to bring top talent into our leading AI sector and drive forward transformational benefits to the public like new drug discoveries.”

    The government has also announced an expansion of its Turing AI Fellowships with new Pioneer fellowships, providing established professionals from any part of academia, humanities, research, or industry with resources to develop AI skills and knowledge to tackle a specific challenge in their fields. Fellows will receive funding, priority access to the AI Research Resource for compute power, and be connected with AI mentors, experts, and industry leaders.

    This comes as millions of people are set to be upskilled with digital and AI skills in a bold national skills drive announced by the Prime Minister at London Tech Week.

    The new Spärck AI scholarships and expanded Turing Pioneer Fellowship delivers on recommendations of the AI Opportunities Action Plan and helps grow our leading AI sector – a priority industry for our upcoming Digital and Tech Sector Plan under the Industrial Strategy.

    Notes to editors:

    • Spärck AI scholarships: Applications will open in Spring 2026, with the first cohort beginning their studies in October 2026. This is backed by £17.2 million in government funding and delivers on a recommendation of the AI Opportunities Action Plan.
    • Universities participating in the Spärck AI scholarship programme include Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, UCL, Southampton, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Manchester and Bristol, who will co-design and co-fund the initiative.
    • Companies signed up to participate in the scholarship programme include PolyAI, Quantexa, CausaLens, Flok, Beamery, Darktrace and Faculty. 
    • Turing Pioneer Fellowships: Applications will open in mid-July this year, with fellows due to be in-post by Autumn 2026. This is backed by £25.2 million in government funding and delivers on a recommendation of AI Opportunities Action Plan.

    Quotes in support of Spärck AI scholarships:

    Jack Stockdale OBE, Chief Technology Officer at Darktrace:

    “Building AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to defend against next generation threats depends on world-class R&D talent, and we are thrilled to partner with DSIT on this transformative programme. The Spärck AI scholarship will be an important gateway for exceptional global minds to join the frontlines of British innovation, and we’re excited to help develop the next generation of Britain’s world-class AI ecosystem.”

    Co-founder and CEO of Flok Health Finn Stevenson:

    “AI is already generating economic value at unprecedented pace. To put the UK at the forefront of this transformation, its vital that we can attract world’s best talent – not just to study here, but to stay and build future-defining companies of global importance. We’re delighted to be partnering with DSIT on this initiative to do exactly that.”

    PolyAI CEO Nikola Mrkšić:

    “PolyAI was founded in the dialog systems group at the University of Cambridge. Since then, we’ve drawn on our academic backgrounds to bring cutting-edge technology out of the lab and into the real world. I am delighted to join the Spärck AI scholarship programme and work with the next generation of AI pioneers who will help create AI applications that drive real value for real people.”

    Faculty CEO Mark Warner:

    “AI is an epoch-defining technology – yet the UK won’t reap its benefits without having the skills to build and deploy it. 

    “Technical training, education and work placements open the door to highly skilled, well-paid jobs. 

    “Faculty has a decade of experience developing exceptional AI practitioners, and we are delighted to partner with DSIT to further strengthen the UK’s AI talent pipeline.”

    Darko Matovski, Co-founder & CEO of causaLens

    “causaLens is thrilled to collaborate with DSIT on the Spärck AI Scholarships program. We’re proud to champion this vital initiative, which empowers the UK’s brightest AI talent with world-class opportunities at leading AI companies like causaLens, ensuring our nation remains a global leader in the AI race.”

    Beamery CEO Sultan Saidov, CEO

    “Beamery is very proud to support this AI scholarship initiative. The Spärck AI programme is deeply aligned with our mission of creating equal access to work, and to our belief that connecting talent to opportunity — especially in such a pivotal field — is how we build a more innovative, inclusive future. By supporting emerging AI talent, we’re investing in the skills that will shape tomorrow’s breakthroughs.”

    Edinburgh University Vice Chancellor Professor Sir Peter Mathieson:

    “As one of the UK’s original and consistently leading AI universities, we are pleased to be part of the proposed Spärck Scholarships Scheme.  We look forward to working with the UK Government on the precise details and we fully support the potential of the UK to become an AI superpower.”

    Southampton University Vice-President (Research & Enterprise) Mark Spearing:

    “The University of Southampton is excited to be a founding partner in the Spärck AI Scholarship programme.  We view this as a nationally significant opportunity to attract talented students to the UK to take advantage of our world leading expertise and education in artificial intelligence”.

    Bristol University Vice Chancellor Evelyn Welch:

    “As AI University of the Year and the proud host of the UK’s most powerful supercomputer, Isambard-AI, the University of Bristol is thrilled to support this prestigious new scholarship as an anchor partner. 

    “We relish the opportunity to shape the next generation of global AI pioneers – collaborating with our partners to explore bold new ideas, nurture exceptional talent, and advance the future of this transformative technology together.”

    Professor Deborah Prentice, University of Cambridge Vice-Chancellor:

    “Cambridge combines academic excellence with a dynamic, interdisciplinary AI community, from foundational research to real-world impact. We are delighted to be a founding partner in this ambitious initiative, which reflects a shared commitment to attracting exceptional talent and reinforcing the UK’s position as a home for world-class AI. We are especially proud that these scholarships are named after Karen Spärck Jones, a brilliant Cambridge computer scientist.”

    Imperial College London Vice Provost for Research and Enterprise Mary Ryan:

    As one of the world’s most international universities, where diverse minds and disciplines are leveraging AI for science and innovation, Imperial is delighted to be an anchor partner in the prestigious new Spärck AI Scholarships. Our global science and technology hubs in Bengaluru, San Francisco, Accra, and Singapore will be well-placed to support outreach efforts to help attract the best and brightest students to the UK, irrespective of their background. Together, we are building a network of future AI leaders who will shape the world through responsible innovation and convergence science.

    Professor Duncan Ivison, Manchester University President and Vice-Chancellor:

    “The University of Manchester welcomes this important scheme to attract and retain leading talent to the UK and AI sector. We look forward to providing Spärck Scholars with the opportunity to excel within our internationally leading environment for AI related learning, research and innovation, and supporting them to flourish as future leaders in this critical technology area”

    Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost:

    “London Tech Week 2025 is a vital forum for shaping the trajectory of global technology, which depends on highly talented people as much as the technology itself. It is critically important that the UK can continue to attract the brightest and best future academics, entrepreneurs and business leaders in AI to study and work here. UCL is proud to be working with DSIT and other leading universities to make this a reality through a bold new AI Scholarships programme.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Changes made to higher education grants for distance learning09 June 2025 Changes have been made to higher education grants for distance learning students. The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Deputy Rob Ward, has signed an Amendment order allowing students studying… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    09 June 2025

    Changes have been made to higher education grants for distance learning students. 

    The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Deputy Rob Ward, has signed an Amendment order allowing students studying through distance learning to be eligible for maintenance grants and a higher tuition grant from September 2025, equal to what campus-based students receive. 

    This follows the Ministerial Decisions signed in October 2024 and April 2025 to increase distance learning grant thresholds and remove long-term care and hypothec benefits from students’ income assessment. These changes have now taken effect following the signing of the Amendment order. 

    The key changes are: 

    • Distance learning students can get up to £9,138 to help with living costs 
    • The maximum tuition grant will increase from £7,400 to £9,535 
    • Grants remain means-tested and depend on household income – the same income thresholds apply to both distance and campus students 
    • For distance learners, grants will be adjusted based on how many credits they study (study intensity) 
    • Grants for distance learning are only available for degree courses that are regulated in the British Islands. 

    Deputy Ward said: “These changes will ensure young people studying for their degrees off-campus are entitled to the same maintenance and tuition grants as their campus-based peers. 

    “This will level the playing field and further open higher education as a viable path for more young people in Jersey to pursue. This further contributes towards our strategic priority to increase the provision of lifelong learning and skills development.” 

    For more information on the changes, please see gov.je/studentfin​ance​.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Strength and Balance Classes for Older Adults 9 June 2025 Strength and Balance Classes developed by experts to support older adults in staying strong, mobile, and independent

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The Isle of Wight Council Public Health team is excited to announce the launch of new Strength and Balance Classes, developed by experts to support older adults in staying strong, mobile, and independent. These classes are delivered by a network of independent and leisure centre-based instructors across the Isle of Wight, as part of the Live Longer Better Isle of Wight initiative.

    Staying active is vital for maintaining independence, preventing falls, and improving overall wellbeing. These specially designed classes form an evidence-based programme that has been shown in scientific studies to help prevent falls. The tailored exercises are for older adults who may be feeling unsteady, worried about falling, or less mobile than they’d like to be. It’s all about supporting our residents to stay stronger for longer to keep doing the things they love.

    How the Classes Can Help You: Strength and Balance Classes provide a safe and supportive environment to:

    • Stay independent and keep doing the activities you enjoy.
    • Improve confidence and reduce the risk of falling.
    • Boost mobility and overall health.
    • Keep active and have fun in a social setting.

    What the Classes Involve: Led by trained instructors, these one-hour classes feature exercises that can be adapted to suit individual needs. Whether seated or standing, everyone can exercise safely and with expert guidance. At the end of each class, participants will receive information about simple exercises to continue at home.

    How to Join: The new Strength and Balance Classes will begin from 4th July 2025 at West Wight Sports Centre and 1Leisure The Heights,  from £7.90 per session. You can try your first class for FREE!

    More info and booking details:  Health advice for older people

    Take the first step toward staying stronger for longer and living life to the full.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International medical technology company praises council support

    Source: City of York

    An international medical technology company which has made York its UK base has praised the business support available in the city.

    Icentia, which was founded in Quebec City, Canada, in 2012, provides wearable ECG (electrocardiogram) devices which monitor the wearer’s heartbeat and can help diagnose irregular cardiac rhythms, in turn helping medical professionals detect and treat cardiac disease early and effectively.

    After being worn for between 24 hours and 14 days, patients return the monitor by post to the Icentia’s offices, in Monks Cross, where a team of Cardiac Physiologists analyse the readings and provide summary reports directly to clinicians.

    Through providing easy to use, discreet devices, the company aims to improve patient experience by reducing the number of hospital appointments required, facilitating faster clinical decisions and reducing waiting times for treatment.

    According to the firm’s UK Managing Director, Darren Macfarlane, the decision over the whereabouts of Icentia’s British HQ was an easy one:

    “In many ways the question for us wasn’t so much ‘Why York?’ as ‘Why not York?’

    “Why wouldn’t we want to situate our business in a city with a fantastic quality of life, a highly skilled workforce and great transport links to the rest of the country?”

    The city’s highly skilled workforce has been of particular benefit to the company, as Darren explained:

    “It’s been wonderful to be able to tap into the talent pool offered by the University of York and York St John University. We’ve had several members of staff come to work for us after graduating, and others who have worked part-time with us while studying in relevant fields, who then progressed to working with us full-time on graduation.”

    Darren and his team have been supported by the council’s Economic Growth Team from the very start of the company’s UK venture, being helped to get established in York and then supported to grow from then on.

    Christine Hogan, an Inward Investment Manager, helped connect Darren to essential regional and local business networks and helping them to identify potential office premises, with the business finally settling in, first at York Science Park in Heslington, then more recently making the move to Monk’s Cross as the business grew.

    Once established in York, Darren worked with Louise Saw, one of the council’s Business Growth Managers, who has provided ongoing advice and guidance, including making introductions to key contacts, signposting to funding sources and programmes like Green Economy, which has helped Icentia develop a bespoke Carbon Reduction Plan to reduce their emissions and make cost savings.

    Darren said:

    “The really great thing about the business support offered by City of York Council is that it’s totally flexible and tailor-made for your specific needs as a business.

    “We’ve received different support at different times across our seven years’ operating so far from York and that’s been really valuable to us as we’ve faced evolving business challenges, from finding office space, navigating the complexities of Brexit, to expanding the business and starting to export our products to Europe.”

    Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for Economy and Culture at City of York Council, said:

    “The work Icentia are doing is vital and making a real difference to thousands of patients across the world every year, including here in the UK, and it’s fantastic that this life-changing work is taking place right here in York.

    “We’re delighted that we’ve been able to support Icentia at every step along the way, from ensuring that they could set up their York HQ with ease, to connecting them to the funding, talent and networks that they need to thrive and expand.

    “Because no two businesses are the same, the support we offer is tailored to the specific needs and challenges of your business, and changes as your business grows.”

    The council’s Economic Growth team have a wealth of local knowledge, and can help you identify premises and advise on funding, workforce development and much more.

    For free, impartial business support, get in touch at economicgrowth@york.gov.uk to start a conversation with our team.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extra boost for affordable housing as Council eyes Dreghorn homes

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    The City of Edinburgh Council has negotiated the purchase of 78 homes in Colinton in an ongoing drive to urgently tackle the capital’s housing emergency

    Councillors have today (Monday 9 June) agreed to progress the purchase of a further 38 homes from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for £6.65 million, as part of the council’s phased purchase of homes on the Dreghorn Estate.

    The proposal has been warmly welcomed by the families, who had previously been told by the MOD that they might have to vacate their homes after the summer.

    Finance and Resources Convener Mandy Watt said: 

    We’re doing everything we can to make sure these residents will remain in their homes and to increase the amount of affordable and social housing we have in the city – and I know the residents are very grateful that this proposal has had so much support from councillors.

    Purchasing these homes is a sensible way to boost the housing we have, and Dreghorn is a community that provides a great place for council tenants to have a suitable, safe and affordable place to call home.

    Council colleagues have worked over many months to negotiate this purchase from the Ministry of Defence, listening to the concerns of Dreghorn residents at every turn and ensuring good value for the council. This is a huge step towards a positive outcome – a fantastic example of doing things differently to make sure we address our housing emergency.

    It is proposed that the purchase of these homes will be made using £3.289 million from the Scottish Government’s National Acquisition Fund, delivered through the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, with the remaining balance funded through rental income and prudential borrowing over 30 years. A final decision on financing will be made at a future full council meeting.

    Published: June 9th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Volunteers’ Week Round Up  

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    To mark Volunteer’s Week 2025 last week (2-8 June) the council has been celebrating and highlighting some of the work our volunteers do throughout the city. 

    You can find all the information shared last week to find out about our incredible volunteers and the great work that they do.  

    After joining weekly health walks offered by the Dundee City Council’s Community Health Team and the MAXwell Centre Jackie because a volunteer walk leader. Here about what she gets out of volunteering – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV652SurPYs 

    Youth Volunteers at Rowantree 

    Our evening drop-ins at Rowantree attract many young people with young volunteers helping to run these sessions. Each young volunteer has their own unique journey and in this case study three of them tell us about their experience. https://prezi.com/i/view/H7jn4xMcwKczMcF61HDi/ 

    Margaret 

    Margaret Hogg has been an integral part of Douglas Community Centre for many years. This short film is about her experience volunteering in her community. https://youtu.be/lpCs5H5UFGY 

    DISC Target Project 

    Find out what our young volunteers get from helping at the DISC Target project, a well-attended evening youth group that runs on Thursday and Friday evenings and offers young people a safe place to meet and socialise in the evenings. https://youtu.be/rgYcb4tvOjo 

    Angela  

    Angela volunteers in several groups and activities in the North East of Dundee. She is a community activist in its true sense and her passion is clear to see, read her volunteer profile https://prezi.com/i/view/1CxeklTRPnmPIZcmtsvQ/ 

    Council Leader Visit  

    Council Leader Mark Flynn joined volunteers at Hilltown Community Centre to celebrate and recognise their contribution to community. Read on our website. https://bit.ly/43Sx6Jj 

    As Volunteers’ Week comes to an end, a huge thanks to all our volunteers for getting involved and making a difference in their communities.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU has prepared a record number of winners and prize winners of the All-Russian competition of social advertising “Exit”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The results of the 18th All-Russian (with international participation) competition of social advertising “Exit” have been summed up. The competition has been held since 2007 on the basis of Lipetsk State Technical University. This year the festival was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the year of the Defender of the Fatherland.

    The competition received over 300 entries. Projects by students majoring in Advertising and Public Relations at the State University of Management won a record number of prizes in various competition nominations.

    Winning and prize-winning projects completed by student teams within the framework of the SUM project activities:

    Nomination “PR-project”: Subject – Healthy lifestyle 1st place – “Mental Help – for your health” Project team: Victoria Vlasova, Victoria Dudetskaya, Valeria Solodkova, Sofia Zhigalkina (RISSO in business 2-3), manager – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Valeriya Solodkova: “Our development is dedicated to the current topic of youth mental health. The target audience of our project is young people suffering from depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, stress disorders and other psychological problems. It is important for such people to monitor their health and condition. We have developed a concept and design solutions for a mobile application that is designed to support people with mental problems and improve their well-being.”

    Theme: Strong family – strong state 1st place – “Babylon – the door to the diversity of the world” Project team: Chaleleshvili Mariami, Basencyan Meri (RISSO in business 2-3), leader – Timokhovich Alexandra Nikolaevna.

    Basentsyan Meri: “In a modern multicultural society, people are not sufficiently informed about the culture and traditions of different nations and nationalities. The lack of a single platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience between representatives of different cultures makes it difficult to preserve and pass on cultural heritage to future generations. As part of the completed project solutions, we offer the audience not only to get acquainted with the culture of other peoples by providing information about traditions, languages, art, history, but also to exchange cultural samples, unite in communities of interest.”

    2nd place – “VUZ Directions – your chance!” Project team: Anna Antipa, Olga Lazarenko, Ekaterina Zamordueva, Veronika Kviring, Maria Rasskazova (RISSO in business 2-3), leader – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Olga Lazarenko: “In connection with the opening up of new technological opportunities, the structure of the labor market is changing. The problem of professional self-determination is becoming relevant. Teenagers often face the problem of choosing a future profession, since it is quite rare that young people in their youth are able to accurately determine in which professional field they would like to develop. Our project developments allow schoolchildren and their parents, as well as adults who want to change their profession, to choose a direction for study at a university or in additional professional education courses, and to decide on a future profession.”

    2nd place – “Profor” Project team: Veronika Aparina, Kira Bogatkina, Anna Vaslyaeva, Ksenia Ignatyeva, Sofia Mazeina, Anna Shorohova (RISSO in business 3-1), leader – Elena Vadimovna Dianina.

    Shorokhova Anna: “We thought for a long time about how to help schoolchildren with the choice of a university and profession, since we also faced this problem when entering. That’s why the idea arose to create a career guidance mobile application – “Profor”. We want the children to be able to understand their interests and find their favorite thing with the help of our mobile application.”

    Subject: We are against crime and corruption 2nd place – “Connectify – there is a solution!” Project team: Angelina Igoshina, Victoria Zobnina, Ruslana Bulakh, Polina Savina, Lolita Krasotina (RISSO in business 2-3), leader – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Bulakh Ruslana: “In the conditions of globalization of the labor market, the key factor of success is the ability to quickly find reliable business partners. We have developed a concept and solutions for a digital product that allows not only to quickly find the necessary professional contacts for business, but can be used as a network of professional connections necessary for career growth and professional self-realization.”

    Nomination “PR-project”: Subject – Doing good 1st place – “Helping the tails” Authors: Ulyana Eremina, Elizaveta Patorova, Alexandra Podganina (RISSO in business 2-2), manager – Elena Vadimovna Dianina.

    Topic — Live soberly! 3rd place — “Gambling is an irreversible choice” Authors: Violetta Vdovitsa, Alina Karpova, Shonia Sofiko (RISSO in business 3-1), leader — Elena Vadimovna Dianina.

    Subject: We are against crime and corruption 3rd place: “Don’t tolerate! Don’t be afraid! Don’t be silent!” Authors: Bulakh Ruslana, Dudetskaya Victoria, Peldiakova Darya (RISSO in business 2-3), leader: Dianina Elena Vadimovna.

    Topic — Social networks, or Where are you, our children? 2nd place — “Virtual shackles” Authors: Anastasia Lazinkova, Polina Pukhova, Maria Sineok (RISSO in business 2-3), leader — Elena Vadimovna Dianina.

    3rd place – “Leaving Online 2.0” Authors: Marina Zotkina (PRK 1-1), Svetlana Akimova (RISSO in Business 4-2), supervisor – Elena Vadimovna Dianina.

    Nomination “Audio Advertising”: Subject – Road Wars 1st place – “Faster Speed – Shorter Life” Authors: Daria Klyuzhina, Anastasia Morozova, Lyubov Savostyanova (Digital Marketing Communications 3-2), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    3rd place – “Safe Path” Authors: Veronika Aparina, Sofia Mazeina (RISSO in business 3-1), leader – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Topic: You need to live soberly 2nd place – “Every fifth” Authors: Egor Meshcheryakov, Violetta Evteeva, Artem Vozyakov (Digital Marketing Communications 3-2), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    3rd place – “Make a conscious choice” Authors: Valeria Gusarova, Dmitry Dzhafarov, Ekaterina Kalchenko (RISSO in business 3-2), leader – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Subject — Healthy lifestyle 1st place — “Beautiful jars are not for you” Authors: Ulyana Sorokina, Sofia Alekseeva (RISSO in business 3-3), leader — Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich

    2nd place – “The Key to a Happy Childhood” Authors: Elizaveta Chabanova, Sofia Petrova, Diana Shakurova (Promotion of New Business 3-1), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Topic: A strong family means a strong country 2nd place: “Take a step towards happiness” Authors: Daria Barinova, Kristina Kazakova, Linara Valeeva (RISSO in business 3-2), leader: Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Subject: Family and children’s problems 1st place – “It’s time to act” Authors: Elizaveta Ilyinichna Fedoseeva, Daria Aleksandrovna Yezhova (RISSO in business 3-1), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    2nd place – “Don’t forget your elders” Authors: Dmitry Denisov, Pavel Polyakov, Riad Faig oglu Gubatov, Viktor Lozovsky (Promotion of new business 3-1), leader – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Topic — Social networks, or Where are you, our children? 1st place — “Take a break” Authors: Anisimova Ioanna, Petrosyan Diana (Promotion of new business 3-1), supervisor — Timokhovich Alexandra Nikolaevna.

    2nd place – “Protect yourself on the Internet” Authors: Salnikova Sabina, Karpova Alina, Korotkaya Daria (RISSO in business 3-1), supervisor – Timokhovich Alexandra Nikolaevna.

    Subject: Ecoworld 1st place – “Take a pet from a shelter” Authors: Anna Badayeva, Ksenia Stavtseva (RISSO in business 3-1), leader – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    2nd place – “Don’t betray them” Authors: Elizaveta Zhazhina (Promotion of new business 3-1), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    2nd place – “Let’s help together” Authors: Ksenia Kalichkova, Maria Vanyakina (Digital Marketing Communications 3-2), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    3rd place – “Recycle for the sake of life” Authors: Ruslan Dasaev (RISSO in business 3-3), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    3rd place – “Find a friend today” Authors: Maria Sitnikova, Nikita Anufriev (Digital Marketing Communications 3-1), supervisor – Alexandra Nikolaevna Timokhovich.

    Nomination: “Outdoor and Print Advertising” Subject: Healthy Lifestyle 3rd place: “Live Here and Now” Authors: Stephanie Maria, Widow Violetta (RISSO in Business 3-1), manager: Timokhovich Alexandra Nikolaevna.

    Congratulations to the winning teams and scientific supervisors!

    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 Europe: Moldovan law enforcement officers enhance analytical capabilities with i2 Analyst’s Notebook through OSCE training

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Moldovan law enforcement officers enhance analytical capabilities with i2 Analyst’s Notebook through OSCE training

    Moldovan law enforcement officers enhance analytical capabilities with i2 Analyst’s Notebook through OSCE training | OSCE

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    Home Newsroom News and press releases Moldovan law enforcement officers enhance analytical capabilities with i2 Analyst’s Notebook through OSCE training

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tourist flight to connect Datong and Moscow

    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, June 9 (Xinhua) — Russian airline NordStar will launch a direct flight linking Moscow and Datong in northern China’s Shanxi Province on July 6 this year, becoming the second tourist air route between the Russian capital and China’s Shanxi Province.

    As the newspaper “Shanxi Wanbao” /“Evening Shanxi”/ writes, in April of this year a charter flight Taiyuan-Moscow was opened.

    Flights Y7535/Y7536 on the new route will operate once a week.

    The airliner will leave Moscow on Saturday at 18:45 Moscow time and arrive in Datong at 08:50 the next day Beijing time, on the return flight it will depart at 10:30 Sunday Beijing time and land at Moscow airport at 15:35 Moscow time.

    Flights from Datong to Moscow and back are already on sale. Tickets can be purchased at a discount on the platforms of tour operators.

    From the 17th to the early 20th century, the famous Great Tea Road connected modern Shanxi Province and Russia. Today, the opening of Taiyuan-Moscow and Datong-Moscow flights will allow the two sides to deepen their friendship and intensify cooperation.

    According to Li Zhiwei, CEO of Baohua Travel, Moscow and St. Petersburg are very attractive to Chinese travelers. Shanxi Province, where many attractions have been preserved, is also an interesting destination for Russian tourists.

    Baohua Travel has developed various tourism products for Russian clients, including 8-day tours of Taiyuan and Datong cities and 8-day tours of intangible cultural heritage sites. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SCO Film Festival to be held in Chongqing in July

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    CHONGQING, June 9 (Xinhua) — The 2025 SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) Film Festival will be held from July 3 to 7 in Yongchuan District of southwest China’s Chongqing City, focusing on new achievements in cinema from member countries, the city government said Monday.

    The upcoming film festival is intended to promote humanitarian exchanges and cooperation among SCO member countries, the Chongqing government said at a press conference to mark the event.

    The film festival will feature 11 events, including film screenings, cooperation forums, a film technology exhibition, a gala concert, etc. According to Qin Zhengui, Deputy Director of the State Film Administration of the People’s Republic of China, awards will be presented in 10 categories, including “Best Film” and “Best Director”.

    According to the organizing committee, 27 films from SCO member states have been submitted to the film festival to date, some of which will be shown in local cinemas.

    In recent years, Yongchuan, located in the western part of Chongqing, has become a vibrant center for innovation in film technology. There are currently more than 100 film and television enterprises operating in Yongchuan. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sabotage at Moscow Region Defense Enterprise Prevented — Russian FSB

    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

    Moscow, June 9 /Xinhua/ — The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has thwarted an attempt to commit sabotage at a defense enterprise in the Moscow region, the FSB’s Public Relations Center (PRC) reported.

    “The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation has stopped the illegal activity of two Russian citizens, born in 1987 and 1999, who intended to commit sabotage at one of the enterprises of the military-industrial complex (MIC) in the Moscow region,” the FSB Public Relations Center said in a statement.

    The detainees acted on instructions from a Ukrainian organization recognized by the Russian Supreme Court as terrorist, the FSB Public Relations Center reported, without specifying its name. They established contact with representatives of the organization via Telegram, “acting independently of each other.”

    In preparation for the sabotage, the detainees conducted reconnaissance and photography of key facilities of the enterprise, sending the resulting footage to their curators, the FSB Public Relations Center added. They removed the components for the homemade explosive device from pre-prepared hiding places.

    Both men have been arrested. They confessed to carrying out tasks for a terrorist organization aimed at stopping the operation of a defense industry facility, the FSB Public Relations Center said.

    “The Russian FSB draws attention to the fact that Ukrainian special services are increasingly using the Telegram and WhatsApp messengers to involve citizens in sabotage and intelligence activities,” the statement says. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Centre notifies SEZ reforms to boost semiconductor and electronics manufacturing

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The central government on Monday notified key amendments to the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Rules, 2006, to ease the establishment of semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing units. The reforms, which were notified by the Department of Commerce on June 3, are expected to address the sector’s capital-intensive nature and long gestation periods, while reducing import dependency and enabling domestic value addition.
     
    One of the major changes includes the reduction in the minimum land requirement for SEZs dedicated exclusively to semiconductor or electronics component manufacturing. The threshold has been brought down from 50 hectares to 10 hectares through an amendment to Rule 5, significantly lowering the entry barrier for firms in this strategic sector. The Centre has also amended Rule 7 to permit the Board of Approval to relax the requirement of encumbrance-free land in cases where the land is mortgaged or leased to Central or State governments or their authorised agencies.
     
    Further easing compliance norms, the government has amended Rule 53 to allow goods received or supplied on a free-of-cost basis to be included in the Net Foreign Exchange (NFE) calculations. The valuation of such goods will follow the existing customs valuation rules. Additionally, a crucial change to Rule 18 enables SEZ units in the semiconductor and electronics component manufacturing sectors to sell products in the domestic tariff area (DTA) after paying the applicable duties. This is expected to enhance the flexibility and commercial viability of operations for SEZ units.
     
    Following the notification, the Board of Approval has cleared two significant proposals under the new regime. Micron Semiconductor Technology India Pvt. Ltd. (MSTI) has received the green light to set up a dedicated SEZ in Sanand, Gujarat, over 37.64 hectares. The facility is expected to attract investments to the tune of ₹13,000 crore and will focus on semiconductor manufacturing.
     
    Similarly, Hubballi Durable Goods Cluster Pvt. Ltd., part of the Aequs Group, has secured approval for setting up an SEZ for electronics components manufacturing in Dharwad, Karnataka. The proposed unit will span 11.55 hectares and entail an investment of ₹100 crore.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Consultation on new measures to protect sensitive habitats and species in 30,000 km² of our seas

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Consultation on new measures to protect sensitive habitats and species in 30,000 km² of our seas

    The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is consulting on proposed fisheries management measures to protect some of England’s most sensitive marine ecosystems, habitats and species.

    On 9 June 2025, the government announced plans to extend bans on the use of bottom towed gear and other damaging fishing activities in more Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).  

    As England’s marine manager, MMO is responsible for managing fishing in offshore MPAs. It is now asking marine stakeholders to view its draft management measures for 42 English MPAs, complete an online survey and have their say.   

    Proposals would be implemented through the creation of four region byelaws. They include: 

    • prohibitions of fishing using bottom towed gear in specified areas in 31 MPAs; 

    • prohibition of fishing using bottom towed gears and prohibitions on fishing using static gears (traps and/or bottom set nets and lines) in specified areas in four MPAs; 

    • prohibition of fishing using traps in a specified area of one MPA; 

    • prohibition of fishing using bottom towed gear and prohibition of the removal of spiny lobster, also known as crawfish (Palinurus elephas) in a specified area of one MPA; 

    • minor changes to existing bottom towed gear prohibitions in five MPAs to reflect the most up to date approach, habitat location and depth information. 

    The total area of seabed that would be protected by MMOs proposed measures is approximately 30,000 km².  

    The measures are based on detailed assessments into the impacts of fishing on sensitive seabed habitats and species within these sites. This includes circalittoral rock (animal dominated rocky reef habitats), fan mussels, ocean quahogs, as well as sea-pen and burrowing megafauna communities.  

    These habitats and species are at risk from damaging fishing activity. Their protection and recovery will contribute to healthier marine ecosystems and support the long-term sustainability of commercial fish stocks. 

    Michelle Willis, MMOs Acting CEO, said: 

    Marine protected areas play a critical role in the future health and vitality of our seas and sustainability of our fisheries. Our latest proposals are based on draft fisheries assessments which have concluded that management measures are necessary to ensure, beyond reasonable scientific doubt, that the conservation objectives of the MPAs included in the stage can be achieved.

    This consultation runs for 12 weeks and will close on 1 September 2025. Stakeholders are encouraged to view proposals by region and comment on areas relevant to them. 

    The consultation follows a call for evidence which ran from 17 January to 28 March 2023.  

    To take part and view the draft byelaws, impact assessments, de minimis assessment, maps and coordinates of the areas included in this consultation, please visit: www.gov.uk/government/collections/marine-protected-areas-stage-3-consultation  

    To find out more about MPAs, please visit: www.gov.uk/marine-protected-areas

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Focus on industry and innovation during Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary General’s Sheffield factory visit

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Focus on industry and innovation during Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary General’s Sheffield factory visit

    Government delivering on Strategic Defence Review to turbocharge UK defence industry and drive ‘NATO-first’ approach

    Innovation and growth through the UK’s world-leading defence industry was the focus of a visit to a Sheffield factory today by the Defence Secretary and NATO Secretary General. 

    Defence Secretary, John Healey and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte toured Sheffield Forgemasters, which manufactures specialist steel parts used in critical defence programmes, including nuclear-grade steel components for the Royal Navy’s attack submarines. 

    The factory, which employs 725 skilled staff, is symbolic of the government’s plan to harness defence as an engine for growth and deliver on the Plan for Change, and how investment in the UK’s defence industry not only boosts British jobs but strengthens the defence and deterrence of the NATO alliance.  

    Sheffield Forgemasters has been manufacturing components for nuclear powered, conventionally armed submarines with more than £200m worth of contracts in place under the AUKUS programme. The Government confirmed plans last week to deliver up to 12 SSN-AUKUS attack submarines, which will further strengthen the UK’s contribution to NATO in addition to creating thousands of jobs across the UK.

    It comes the week after the publication of the Government’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR), which saw the government commit billions of pounds in investment for British defence companies, driving innovation and supporting thousands of jobs around the country – delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.  

    The NATO Secretary General has welcomed the industry focus of the SDR and highlighted how it will be key to supporting the deterrent effect of the alliance while boosting collective security. 

    Defence Secretary, John Healey said: 

    Sheffield Forgemasters sits in one of Britain’s proudest industrial heartlands, and it is at the heart of our drive to shift our sovereign defence industry to warfighting readiness, supporting hundreds of skilled jobs in the process. The work is ensuring this government’s commitment to the defence dividend is met, delivering on the Plan for Change.

    It was a pleasure to tour its factory with the NATO Secretary General, where we discussed this government’s plan to put NATO first as we deliver on our landmark Strategic Defence Review.

    NATO is critical to UK security and global security, which is why we are stepping up to lead in Europe, investing in powerful new technologies to support growth and boost our national security.

    NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte: 

    The renewal of the UK’s defence industry will not only enhance Allied security but boost national prosperity as well. It is a vital component in ensuring warfighting readiness.

    The United Kingdom has a rich heritage in manufacturing and innovation, and Sheffield Forgemasters is an excellent example of this. Harnessing this legacy will be critical to enabling NATO to effectively deter and defend against future threats.

    Sheffield Forgemasters will be crucial to delivering the plans set out in the SDR, as they restart manufacturing for artillery gun barrels, the first time they have been produced by the UK in decades underlining the defence dividend delivered by this government’s spending uplift. This follows the Prime Minister’s historic commitment to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and ambition for 3% in the next Parliament.

    Their work also supports vital equipment supplied to Ukraine, such as L119 Light Guns and the AS90 self-propelled gun. 

    It comes after major announcements following the SDR, including: the building of up to a dozen new attack submarines for the Royal Navy; £5bn of confirmed investment in drone and laser weapon technology, up to 7,000 new UK-built long-range weapons to be procured; at least six new munitions and energetics factories in the UK; more than £1.5 billion to improve the state of military housing; and more than £1 billion for pioneering technology to spearhead battlefield engagements. 

    Sheffield Forgemasters plays a vital role in this National Endeavour as part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise – the partnership of organisations that operate, maintain, renew, and sustain the UK’s nuclear deterrent.  

    The nuclear deterrent is the bedrock of the UK’s national security, helping to guarantee the safety of the UK and our NATO allies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –