NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why we need testosterone products designed for women

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Haddleton, Professor in Polymer Chemistry , University of Warwick

    Many women need testosterone during menopause — but most can’t get it Andrey_Popov/Shutterstock

    Menopause is something nearly every woman will go through. As fertility ends, levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop significantly – changes that can deeply affect physical health, emotional wellbeing and everyday life.

    For many, the effects of this hormonal shift are more than frustrating – they can be life altering. Symptoms like brain fog, hot flushes, night sweats, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, joint pain, low libido, anxiety, depression and even bone loss from osteoporosis are all common.



    Read more:
    Horrific, bizarre, lonely: how women going through the menopause describe their experiences

    Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has helped many women manage these symptoms – but one key hormone is often overlooked in both treatment and conversation: testosterone.

    Testosterone is typically viewed as a “male hormone,” but it plays a crucial role in women’s health too. In fact, women have higher levels of testosterone than either oestrogen or progesterone for most of their adult lives. And like the other sex hormones, testosterone also declines with age – with consequences that are only now being fully explored.

    The testosterone gap

    Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is now widely used to replace oestrogen and progesterone during and after menopause. These treatments – available as tablets, patches, gels and implants – are regulated, evidence-based and increasingly accessible through the NHS.

    But when it comes to testosterone, the situation is entirely different.

    Currently, there are no testosterone products licensed for use by women in the UK or Europe. The only exception is in Australia, where a testosterone cream specifically designed for women is available. Europe once had its own option – a transdermal patch called Intrinsa, designed and approved by regulators based on clinical evidence to treat low libido in women with surgically induced menopause. But the manufacturer withdrew product in 2012, citing “commercial considerations” in their letter to the European Medicines Agency, the agency in charge of the evaluation and supervision of pharmaceutical products in Europe.

    Since then, women across Europe have been left without an approved option.

    In the absence of licensed treatments, some clinicians – mainly in private practice – are prescribing testosterone “off label”, often using products developed for men. These are typically gels or creams with dosages several times higher than most women need. While doctors may advise on how to adjust the dose, this kind of improvisation comes with risks: inaccurate dosing, inconsistent absorption and a lack of long-term safety data.

    Some women report significant improvements – not just in libido, but also in brain fog, mood, joint pain and energy levels. However, the only proven clinical benefit of testosterone in women is in improving sexual desire for those with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) following surgical menopause.

    Even so, interest is growing – fuelled by patient demand, celebrity use, social media buzz and a growing sense that testosterone may be a missing piece in midlife women’s care.

    While there is increasing consensus that testosterone can play a role in supporting women’s health, the current situation presents two serious problems:

    Safety and regulation: without licensed products, standardised dosing guidelines, or long-term safety data, off-label use puts both patients and clinicians in uncertain territory.

    Access and inequality: testosterone therapy is rarely available through the NHS and is often only accessible through private clinics, creating a two-tier system. Those who can pay hundreds of pounds for consultations and prescriptions can access care, while others are left behind.

    Innovation

    There are signs of change. For example, I founded Medherant, a University of Warwick spin-out company that is currently developing a testosterone patch designed specifically for women. It’s in clinical trials and, if approved, could become the first licensed testosterone product for women in the UK in over a decade. It’s a much-needed step – and one that could pave the way for further innovation and broader access.

    But the urgency remains. Millions of women are currently going without effective, evidence-based care. In the meantime, off-label prescribing should used with care and use based on the best available science – not hype or anecdote – and delivered through transparent, regulated healthcare channels.

    Women deserve more than workarounds. They deserve treatments that are developed for their bodies, rigorously tested, approved by regulators and accessible to all – not just the few who can afford private care.

    When half the population is affected, this isn’t a niche issue. It’s a priority.

    David Haddleton works for and owns shares in Medherant Ltd

    – ref. Why we need testosterone products designed for women – https://theconversation.com/why-we-need-testosterone-products-designed-for-women-256927

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • Sikkim will shine in sports, tourism, and startups: PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi today addressed the golden jubilee celebrations of Sikkim’s statehood via videoconferencing, marking 50 years since the northeastern state became part of the Indian Union. Themed ‘Sikkim@50: Where Progress Meets Purpose, and Nature Nurtures Growth’, the event celebrated the state’s remarkable journey of development, sustainability, and cultural preservation.

    Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of positioning Sikkim as a global tourism destination. “The time has come for Sikkim to evolve beyond being just a hill station,” he said. “Sikkim’s potential is unmatched, offering a complete tourism package.” He pointed to the state’s natural beauty, spiritual significance, and cultural treasures such as its lakes, waterfalls, monasteries, and the Kanchenjunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    The Prime Minister said that new infrastructure like the Golden Jubilee Project and the statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee ji at Atal Amrit Udyan symbolized the new heights of progress Sikkim is achieving. “Sikkim has immense potential for adventure and sports tourism,” he remarked, stressing the growth of activities such as trekking, mountain biking, and high-altitude training.

    He expressed a clear vision of establishing Sikkim as a destination for conference tourism, wellness tourism, and concert tourism. “The Golden Jubilee Convention Center is an important step towards this future. I wish that global artists perform in Gangtok and experience the harmony of nature and culture that Sikkim represents,” said the Prime Minister.

    Referring to the recent Northeast Investment Summit held in Delhi, PM Modi said major investors are now showing strong interest in the region, including Sikkim, which will lead to employment generation and economic growth in the coming years. He said that bringing G-20 Summit meetings to the Northeast was a strategic step to showcase the region’s potential on the world stage and appreciated the Sikkim government’s proactive efforts in this regard.

    Highlighting India’s rise as a global economic force and a growing sporting power, the Prime Minister said that the youth of the Northeast, particularly Sikkim, will play a central role in realizing the country’s aspirations. He acknowledged the contribution of sports personalities such as Bhaichung Bhutia, Olympian Tarundeep Rai, and athlete Jaslal Pradhan. “Sports should not just be about participation but about winning with determination,” said the Prime Minister, adding that the new sports complex in Gangtok will serve as a training ground for future champions.

    He mentioned the Khelo India scheme, under which Sikkim is receiving focused support in talent identification, training, and organizing tournaments. “The energy and passion of Sikkim’s youth will propel India to Olympic glory,” he stated.

    Speaking on national unity and resilience, Prime Minister Modi condemned the recent attack in Pahalgam, calling it an attack on humanity. “The terrorists not only stole the happiness of many families but also attempted to divide the people of India,” he said. Referring to India’s firm response through ‘Operation Sindoor’, he asserted that the country gave a befitting reply by dismantling several Pakistani airbases, demonstrating its strategic capabilities.

    Reflecting on the future, PM Modi emphasized that Sikkim’s 50-year journey should inspire ambitious planning for its 75th year in 2047, coinciding with the centenary of India’s independence. “We must set clear goals for what Sikkim should look like by 2047. This includes boosting the state’s economy and shaping it into a ‘wellness state’,” he said.

    He urged the people to equip Sikkim’s youth with global skills, calling for a push in new areas of skill development, digital innovation, and global employment readiness. “Sikkim’s young generation must be prepared not just for local needs but also for global demands,” the Prime Minister stated.

    Calling for a collective commitment to Sikkim’s continued growth, PM Modi said, “Our dream is that Sikkim should become a Green Model State not only for India but for the entire world.” He outlined a vision of secure housing for all, solar-powered electricity for every household, and a strong identity in agro-startups, organic food exports, and tourism-based entrepreneurship. “The next 25 years are dedicated to achieving these ambitious goals and establishing Sikkim’s presence on the global stage,” he concluded.

    The event also saw the unveiling of a commemorative coin, souvenir coin, and postage stamp to mark 50 years of Sikkim’s statehood. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several developmental projects, including a 500-bedded District Hospital in Namchi worth over ₹750 crore, a passenger ropeway at Sangachoeling in Gyalshing district, and the statue of Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Gangtok.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Maldives strengthen emergency response capabilities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK and Maldives strengthen emergency response capabilities

    UK and Maldives strengthen Emergency Response Capabilities through ‘Amaan Asseyri’ a Joint Emergency Response Exercise on 26th and 27th May 2025.

    The President’s office in partnership with the British High Commission Male’ have successfully concluded a two-day training and table-top exercise aimed at enhancing the Maldives’ capability to respond to large-scale emergencies involving terrorism elements.

    The exercise, held at Crossroads Maldives, brought together eleven key security agencies from the Government of Maldives to build understanding around their roles and responsibilities during terrorist incidents, improve information flows to national coordination bodies, and identify strengths and areas for improvement in the National Terrorism Response Plan.

    Speaking at the conclusion of the exercise, Ben Mellor, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s Director for Indo-Pacific said:

    The UK remains committed to supporting our partners in building robust security frameworks. This joint exercise demonstrates the strong and enduring security partnership between the UK and Maldives, which has developed over many years of cooperation.

    National Security Advisor H.E. Ibrahim Latheef stated:

    The table-top Exercise will set a benchmark for future initiatives—one that promotes operational excellence, builds confidence among agencies. the strength of our preparedness will define the strength of our response.

    He thanked the UK for their continued support to Maldives development particularly the security sector.

    The UK has a longstanding commitment to security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, with the Maldives being a key partner. The UK continues to work with several Maldivian agencies particularly in security, to help keep both British and Maldivian citizens safe.

    This exercise builds upon UK-Maldives security cooperation initiatives, which have included training, knowledge sharing, and capacity building across various security sectors.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government steps in to build first major reservoirs in 30 years

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Government steps in to build first major reservoirs in 30 years

    New reservoirs will supply three quarters of a million homes and unlock the building of tens of thousands more as part of the Plan for Change

    Aerial shot of a circular slipway, Ardingly reservoir, West Sussex

    In a significant intervention to speed up delivery of much-needed reservoirs, the Environment Secretary Steve Reed has seized control of the planning process to build two major reservoirs for the first time since the 1990s. 

    This immediate step delivers on this government’s commitment to fast-track the delivery of nine new reservoirs, supporting its plans to get Britain building and deliver 1.5 million new homes by the end of this parliament.

    Without these projects, national water supplies will remain under threat and new homes simply cannot be built.

    With the government taking decisive control, two new reservoir projects in East Anglia and Lincolnshire have been awarded status of ‘nationally significant’. This means the project is so crucial that the planning process is escalated from a local level to the Secretary of State.

    This milestone will streamline and accelerate the planning process, to shore up water resources for over three quarters of a million homes in England’s most water-stressed areas.  

    Rapid population growth, crumbling infrastructure that has been left to decline, and a warming climate mean the UK could run out of clean drinking water by the middle of the next decade without a major infrastructure overhaul. 

    To sustain our water supply into the future, the government will also legislate to radically streamline the planning process – meaning the ‘nationally significant’ designation is automatic for projects like these which are fundamental to our national water resilience.  

    This comes as part of the Plan for Change, which will bring forward building 150 major infrastructure projects this Parliament, creating new jobs and driving economic growth. 

    Water Minister Emma Hardy said:  

    Today we are backing the builders not the blockers, intervening in the national interest and slashing red tape to make the planning process faster to unblock nine new reservoirs.  

    This Government will secure our water supply for future generations and unlock the building of thousands of homes as part of the Plan for Change.

    David Black, Chief Executive of Ofwat said:

    We welcome the clear focus the Government is placing upon accelerating the delivery of supply and resilience schemes that will meet our future water needs and support economic growth. Alongside the £2 billion of development funding announced at our 2024 Price Review, this will help us to deliver the largest programme of major water infrastructure projects – including nine new reservoirs – seen in decades.

    Meanwhile, the risk of drought this summer is increasing, with the Environment Agency urging water companies to do more to safeguard water supplies after the driest start to spring in 69 years.   

    Reservoirs, which collect and store water, are essential to keep water supply reliable and consistent even during dry weather – but no new reservoirs have been delivered since 1992, over 30 years ago. 

    Thousands of much needed homes in Cambridge and North Sussex are currently being blocked due to concerns around water scarcity.

    Anglian Water are proposing to build the Lincolnshire Reservoir to the south of Sleaford, aiming to be operational by 2040. They have also partnered with Cambridge Water to propose the Fens Reservoir, located between the towns of Chatteris and March, set to be completed in 2036. 

    The Lincolnshire Reservoir would provide up to 166 million litres of water per day for up to 500,000 homes – that is the equivalent of more than 664 million cups of tea day. The Fens would supply a much needed 87 million litres to 250,000 homes in the driest region of the UK. 

    Both projects will now progress to consultation phase, where developers gather views from communities and stakeholders. 

    Water companies have committed to bring 9 new reservoirs online by 2050, in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Suffolk, Kent, East Sussex and the West Midlands and Somerset. These reservoirs alone have the potential to provide 670 million litres of extra water per day. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Legendary Samotlor celebrates 60th anniversary

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Rosneft is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the discovery of the Samotlor field, one of the largest in the world. Its history began on May 29, 1965, when the exploration well R-1 produced its first oil at a flow rate of 300 cubic meters per day. Four years later, the field was put into commercial operation, and in 1981, the billionth ton of oil was produced at Samotlor. Thanks to Samotlor oil, our country has taken one of the leading positions in the world oil market.

    A new stage in the development of Samotlor began after the inclusion of Samotlorneftegaz in Rosneft. The company began to implement a set of advanced solutions and new technologies to stabilize hydrocarbon production at the field. Today, Samotlor’s cumulative production exceeds 2.8 billion tons of oil and more than 410 billion cubic meters of gas. Samotlorneftegaz, which develops it, consistently ensures a level of associated petroleum gas utilization of 98%, which is one of the highest rates in the industry.

    Samotlorneftegaz implements large-scale projects in the main areas of its activity in close cooperation with Rosneft, the largest oil and gas scientific and technical unit in Eurasia.

    Samotlorneftegaz has become one of the pioneers of the Russian oil and gas production industry in the field of digitalization of production. The “Intelligent Field” system, which involves remote production management, was implemented at the enterprise in 2013. As part of the development of the “Intelligent Field”, an integrated mathematical model was introduced that covers all key stages of oil production at the enterprise. On its basis, a neural network was created to optimize the operation of production wells. The accuracy of forecasts reached 96%. The implementation of another digital project – “3D Sphere” opens up new technological opportunities that contribute to increasing the efficiency and safety of oil and gas production.

    Samotlorneftegaz specialists use corporate software to manage the operation of mobile compressor units. As a result of using the new software module, it was possible to increase the average daily oil production per well by eight tons. The economic effect since the introduction of the technology has exceeded 1.9 billion rubles.

    At Samotlor, continuous work is underway to improve drilling equipment and technological processes. The use of a domestically produced rotary-controlled system has reduced the construction time of each well by 40 hours. This system allows drilling complex profiles with a large departure from the vertical and increasing the length of the horizontal section of the well. At the same time, high accuracy of drilling through the productive formation is achieved, which has a positive effect on the flow rate of new wells.

    High efficiency in drilling horizontal wells is demonstrated by the use of a modernized bicentric bit of unique design. The drill of the new design forms a trunk of a larger diameter. This makes it possible to drill wells with a complex profile at a high rate and put them into operation faster.

    The Samotlor field has undergone 40-stage hydraulic fracturing for the first time. The operation took a record-breaking 24.5 hours. The well’s starting flow rate was 250 cubic meters per day, which is more than six times higher than the average rates of neighboring wells. The unique operation was carried out jointly with the corporate service company RN-GRP, which carries out all hydraulic fracturing work at the Samotlor field.

    Samotlorneftegaz is actively implementing large-scale environmental projects. In 2024, the company allocated more than 11.2 billion rubles for environmental protection and environmental restoration activities. Large-scale work has been completed at Samotlor to restore the “historical heritage” lands disturbed during the Soviet years of field development. The biological productivity of soils has been restored on sites with a total area of more than 2.2 thousand hectares. During the program’s implementation, new technologies were developed and unique experience was gained that is in demand by other enterprises.

    Samotlorneftegaz is one of the largest taxpayers and key social partners of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug of Yugra. In addition, over the past 5 years, more than 200 social projects have been implemented within the framework of the Cooperation Agreement between Rosneft Oil Company and the regional government, which has significantly improved the quality of life of the population of all of Yugra.

    With the participation of Samotlorneftegaz, a universal sports complex was built in Khanty-Mansiysk, the Simulation and Accreditation Center of the Khanty-Mansiysk State Medical Academy was modernized, and two training laboratories were equipped at the Multidisciplinary College of the Yugra State University. Thanks to the support of the enterprise, a large-scale reconstruction of the city’s “calling card” – the Ob River embankment, the Heroes of Samotlor Square was carried out in Nizhnevartovsk. A kindergarten, teenage clubs, a rollerdrome for active sports and an open-air rope park were built for the younger generation. In the Nizhnevartovsk District, with the support of the enterprise, kindergartens were reconstructed, the Okunevka River embankment was reconstructed, and the quality and safety of roads were significantly improved due to large-scale repairs.

    Rosneft pays great attention to preserving and strengthening the historical memory of the Samotlor field and the pioneering oil workers of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra. With the Company’s support, a large-scale renovation of the memorial “First exploratory well R-1 of the Samotlor field” was carried out, the monument “To the Conquerors of Samotlor” was reconstructed, the Heroes of Samotlor square was created, and a corporate museum was opened.

    Rosneft ensures the further development of the Samotlor field and involvement in the development of its resource potential, which contributes to the economy of the region and the entire country.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 29, 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-OSI Russia: Student brigade fighters set off for the 77th work season

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    A ceremonial assembly was held at the Polytechnic, where the university’s student teams gathered. The fighters and candidates met again at the monument to the “Fallen Polytechnicians” to receive vouchers for the 77th labor season.

    The event was attended by the Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies of SPbPU Maxim Pasholikov and the head of the administrative office of the rector Vladimir Glukhov, who gave parting speeches. Also, the former commander of the headquarters of the student brigades of the Polytechnic University and the chairperson of the control and audit commission of the student brigades of St. Petersburg Maria Sverchkova spoke to the students.

    The history of the Polytechnic student brigades began back in 1948, when 330 students from the then Leningrad Polytechnic Institute named after M. I. Kalinin went to the construction of the Alakus hydroelectric power station in the Leningrad region. This became the starting point for the brigades movement.

    Since then, the opening line of the work season has become a good tradition at the university. This summer, 25 student teams of six different directions will go to different regions of our country. They include both experienced fighters and newcomers. They will master the professions of builders, counselors in children’s camps, agricultural specialists, archaeologists, train conductors and hotel service employees.

    The event began with a fiery performance by candidates of the Polytechnic student teams. They presented a number prepared for the off-site event “Breathe StudOtryadom”. After that, everyone saw a colorful parade of students proudly carrying the flags of their teams. Then Maxim Pasholikov presented the long-awaited vouchers for the third work semester. Polina Ursegova from SPO “Legenda” and Dmitry Vorobyov from SSO “Iskra” performed the song “Red Thread”. The familiar words were immediately picked up by the rest of the participants of the line.

    The Chairman of the Board of the Student Teams of St. Petersburg, Semyon Kiselev, and the Commissar of the Student Teams of the Northwestern Federal District, Margarita Shopen, also addressed the ceremony participants.

    The student teams expressed special gratitude to the head of the youth policy department Ivan Khlamov, the chairman of the trade union organization of students and postgraduates Maxim Susorov, and the head of the public institute “Adapters” Elizaveta Zhak.

    For me, the student brigades of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University are one big family, which includes absolutely different people, but all are united by the desire to engage in labor activity. I believe that student brigades are truly a school of life. Many successful people who now occupy quite high positions, both at our university and beyond, were once members of student brigades. They say that during this period of student life, construction brigades laid the foundation for their personal growth. I want to wish one thing to the brigades this year. Appreciate this time, you will never have such a thing in your life again. You will definitely succeed, I believe in you! – shared the commander of the headquarters of the student brigades of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Anri Oganisyan.

    The event ended with the traditional singing of favorite and familiar songs with a guitar. Very soon, the Polytechnic teams will set off for another working summer.

    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 United Nations: 29 May 2025 News release WHO, Africa CDC and RKI expand unique partnership to strengthen collaborative surveillance in Africa

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO), Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) announced today the expansion of the successful Health Security Partnership to Strengthen Disease Surveillance in Africa (HSPA) to seven countries on the continent. 

    Africa experiences more disease outbreaks than any other part of the world. While significant progress has been made in strengthening disease surveillance over the past decade, no country can tackle today’s complex health threats alone.

    The Health Security Partnership strengthens disease surveillance and epidemic intelligence across the African continent, enabling countries to better detect and respond to public health threats – whether they are natural, accidental or deliberate. Launched in 2023 in six countries, The Gambia, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, South Africa and Tunisia, the partnership will expand to Rwanda in its second phase which runs from 2025 to 2028.

    At the heart of the initiative is a collaborative surveillance approach that connects health and security sectors to reduce biological risks and strengthen surveillance systems nationally and internationally.
    “HSPA represents an important step forward in building stronger partnerships for health security in Africa. By bringing together global, regional and national actors, this initiative supports countries in strengthening Collaborative Surveillance through mutual exchange and practical action. WHO remains committed to working alongside Member States to ensure that these collective efforts are well-coordinated, responsive, and rooted in national priorities,” said Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa; Deputy Executive Director, WHO Health Emergencies Programme.

    The partnership is supporting countries to strengthen capacities in biorisk management, event and indicator-based surveillance, genomic surveillance and epidemic intelligence. This is achieved through training, guidance development, co-creation of implementation roadmaps, and hands-on technical assistance to ensure that implementation is aligned with country priorities, embedded within broader national systems, and built for long-term sustainability.
    “Within the framework of this project, Africa CDC will work with the Member States in mobilizing political will for biosecurity and surveillance, establishing regional frameworks for bio-surveillance of high-consequence biological agents and toxins, and coordinating event-based surveillance. The collaboration with other partners and coordination with Member States is crucial especially in the current context of limited resources to strengthen the continent’s capacity for early detection, response, and management of biological threats,” said Dr Raji Tajudeen, Acting Deputy Director General and Head, Division of Public Health Institutes and Research, Africa CDC.

    The HSPA initiative has been supported from the start by the Government of Canada through its Weapons Threat Reduction Program, with additional funding in phase two from the Government of the United Kingdom.

    Building on the achievements in phase one, the participating countries, with support from WHO and partners, will accelerate implementation to build a healthier, safer and more resilient Africa. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • Trump again criticizes Putin as Ukraine war heats up

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump again expressed frustration on Wednesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the intensifying Ukraine conflict, a day after warning that Putin was “playing with fire” by resisting ceasefire talks while escalating drone and missile attack s.

    But Trump also told reporters in the Oval Office that he was not yet prepared to impose new sanctions on Russia because he did not want the penalties to scuttle a potential peace deal.

    Russia has proposed holding the next round of direct talks with Ukraine on June 2 in Istanbul, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday. There was no immediate response from Kyiv.

    The public squabble between the U.S. and Russia unfolded as the three-year-old war heats up, with swarms of drones launched by both Russia and Ukraine and Russian troops advancing at key points along the front.

    Delegates from Russia and Ukraine met earlier this month in Istanbul under pressure from Trump to end the bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War Two, but the talks failed to yield the ceasefire that Kyiv and its Western allies have pushed for. Moscow said certain conditions needed to be met before a ceasefire agreement.

    Asked whether the Russian leader might be intentionally delaying negotiations, Trump said, “We’re going to find out whether or not he’s tapping us along or not, and if he is, we’ll respond a little differently.”

    After speaking to Trump on May 19, Putin said he had agreed to work with Ukraine on a memorandum which would set out the contours of a peace accord including the timing of a ceasefire.

    Ukraine has not yet officially agreed to Russia’s proposed meeting on June 2. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said on Wednesday that Kyiv had already submitted its memorandum on a potential settlement and called on Russia to produce its version immediately, rather than waiting until next week.

    “We are not opposed to further meetings with the Russians and are awaiting their ‘memorandum’, so that the meeting won’t be empty and can truly move us closer to ending the war,” Umerov said.

    The Russian Foreign Ministry said Lavrov spoke to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday about Moscow’s preparation of “concrete proposals” for upcoming talks in Istanbul but gave no details.

    Putin’s demands for ending the war include a written pledge from Western leaders that NATO will not expand eastward to former Soviet republics such as Ukraine and Georgia and the lifting of some sanctions on Russia, according to Russian sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

    In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump had warned Putin that he was “playing with fire” and that “really bad” things would have happened to Russia already if not for Trump himself.

    Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, told a state TV reporter that Trump’s remark suggested he is not well-briefed on the realities of the war.

    WAR HEATING UP

    Russia said on Wednesday it had downed 296 Ukrainian drones over 13 regions overnight, while Ukraine’s military said it had struck several Russian weapon production sites.

    Ukraine said Russia had launched 88 drones and five ballistic missiles.

    After Russia said in late April it had ejected Ukrainian forces from the western Kursk region, Moscow’s forces have pushed over the border into the neighbouring Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine and taken several villages there.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russia has gathered 50,000 troops near the northern Sumy region, but added that Kyiv had taken steps to prevent Moscow from conducting a large-scale offensive there.

    Speaking in Berlin during a visit by Zelenskiy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Germany and Ukraine will develop the joint production of long-range missiles, a move the Kremlin said was irresponsible and amounted to stoking the war.

    Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov said that the U.S.-led NATO military alliance was using the Ukrainian crisis to build up its presence across eastern Europe and the Baltic but that Russia was advancing along the entire front in Ukraine.

    Putin ordered tens of thousands of troops to invade Ukraine in February 2022 after eight years of fighting in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian troops.

    Russia currently controls just under one fifth of Ukraine. Though Russian advances have accelerated over the past year, the war is costing both Russia and Ukraine dearly in terms of casualties and military spending.

    (Reuters)

  • Infrastructure push and enhanced connectivity driving Sikkim’s transformation: PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the ‘Sikkim@50’ celebrations via videoconferencing, marking the golden jubilee of the state’s formation. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister lauded Sikkim’s achievements and inaugurated several development projects aimed at boosting the state’s infrastructure, connectivity, and public services.

    “Today’s event offers a glimpse into Sikkim’s future journey,” said PM Modi, as he congratulated the people of the state on the occasion. He said the newly inaugurated projects and foundation stone-laying ceremonies would enhance healthcare, tourism, cultural, and sports infrastructure in the region. “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone on the successful launch of these projects,” he said.

    The Prime Minister underlined that Sikkim, along with the entire Northeast, is emerging as a “shining chapter in India’s development story.” Reflecting on the change over the past decade, PM Modi said, “Where distance from Delhi once posed a barrier to progress, the same region is now opening new doors of opportunities.”

    He attributed this transformation to the significant strides in connectivity. “The biggest reason for this transformation is the improvement in connectivity, a change that the people of Sikkim have witnessed firsthand,” he said. PM Modi recalled a time when accessing education, healthcare, and employment required arduous travel. “However, the situation has changed significantly over the past decade,” he added.

    Prime Minister highlighted that nearly 400 kilometers of new national highways have been constructed in Sikkim in recent years. In addition, hundreds of kilometers of new roads have been built in rural areas, enhancing last-mile connectivity.

    He also spoke about key infrastructure developments, including the construction of the Atal Setu, which has improved connectivity between Sikkim and Darjeeling. “Work is progressing rapidly on the road linking Sikkim with Kalimpong,” he said. The Prime Minister also mentioned that the Bagdogra-Gangtok Expressway will make travel to and from Sikkim more efficient and announced plans to integrate it with the Gorakhpur-Siliguri Expressway to further bolster regional infrastructure.

    Highlighting railway connectivity, PM Modi said that the government is actively working to link all capital cities in the Northeast with the national rail network. “The Sevoke-Rangpo rail line will integrate Sikkim into the national rail network,” he said, describing the project as a key step towards inclusive development.

    For areas where road construction remains difficult due to terrain, the Prime Minister said ropeways are being introduced as alternative means of transport. “Several ropeway projects were inaugurated earlier today, further improving convenience for the people of Sikkim,” he added.

    Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to balanced regional development, Shri Modi said the government is advancing the ‘Act East’ policy with the spirit of ‘Act Fast’. “A developed India requires balanced development, ensuring that no region is left behind,” he concluded.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping’s policy speech at China-CELAC Forum ministerial meeting published in China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) — The text of the keynote speech delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum has been published in China as a separate booklet.

    The speech was titled “Writing a New Chapter in Building a China-LAC Community of Shared Future.”

    The keynote speech was published in booklet form by People’s Daily and is available at Xinhua bookstores nationwide. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Opening Ceremony of Chinese-Russian Animation Day Held in Hangzhou

    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

    HANGZHOU, May 29 (Xinhua) — The opening ceremony of China-Russia Animation Day was held Wednesday in Hangzhou, capital of east China’s Zhejiang Province, as the International Animation and Game Business Conference of the 21st China International Animation Festival (CIAG) took place. Industry leaders and enterprise representatives from the two countries gathered to inject new impetus into China-Russia animation cooperation.

    During the event, representatives from both sides made speeches, discussing the history of the development of the animation industries, as well as the path and prospects for cooperation in the new era, Hangzhou news portal /”Hangzhou.com.cn”/ reported.

    The parties unanimously recognized the need for comprehensive integration of resources and complementary cooperation to jointly create high-quality animation content influenced by digital technology and global cultural exchange.

    In parallel, a special presentation by the Moscow delegation was held, where outstanding Russian animation and short films were shown. The unique artistic style and creative concepts demonstrated the dynamics and charm of the Russian animation industry, offering viewers a visual feast.

    This event not only presented outstanding works to the audience, but also created an important platform for industrial cooperation between China and Russia. Taking this new frontier as a starting point, the two sides will deepen exchanges and interactions, actively explore joint projects and conduct technological exchanges, and create animation works with cultural depth and market influence.

    Both parties intend to pursue mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly writing a new chapter in the history of the development of the global animation industry. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: I. Musk leaves US government post

    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

    NEW YORK, May 29 (Xinhua) — Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk said on Wednesday that he is stepping down as an adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump.

    “As my term as a special government employee comes to an end, I would like to thank President Trump for the opportunity to reduce wasteful spending,” Musk wrote on social media X.

    “The mission of DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) will only grow stronger over time as it becomes a way of life for the entire government,” he said.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson thanked Musk for his work on Wednesday and pledged to push for further spending cuts in the future, writing on the X website that “Elon Musk and the entire DOGE team have done an incredible job of exposing waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government.”

    “The House is eager and prepared to act on DOGE’s findings so we can pass even more cuts to big government that President Trump wants and the American people are demanding,” Johnson wrote.

    The billionaire will once again devote himself to Tesla and SpaceX. Earlier, I. Musk announced his intention to reduce his political activity, saying that he had “done enough.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Military plane crashes in southeastern South Korean city

    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

    SEOUL, May 29 (Xinhua) — A South Korean navy warplane has crashed on a mountain in the southeastern city of Pohang, local media reported Thursday.

    The patrol plane, which had four people on board, crashed at around 13:52 local time /04:52 GMT/. There were no confirmed casualties.

    Witnesses to the incident reported smoke rising from the mountain. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US Trade Court Bans Trump from Imposing Import Tariffs

    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

    NEW YORK, May 29 (Xinhua) — The New York-based U.S. Court of International Trade on Wednesday blocked President Donald Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs on imports under an emergency powers law.

    The ruling comes after a series of lawsuits alleging that Trump overstepped his authority by imposing sweeping tariffs on imports.

    A three-judge panel ruled that executive orders imposing fentanyl-related tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China, as well as tariffs on countries around the world, announced April 2, “will be rescinded and permanently terminated.”

    The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize any of the orders, the court said.

    “The worldwide retaliatory tariff orders exceed any authority that IEEPA gives the President to regulate imports through tariffs. Tariffs imposed in response to smuggling do not work because they do not address the threats outlined in these orders,” the report concluded.

    The judges ruled on two lawsuits against the U.S. federal government filed by five companies on April 14 and by 12 states on April 23.

    “Unelected judges should not decide the appropriate response to a national emergency. President Trump has promised to put America first, and the administration intends to use every lever of the executive branch to address this crisis and restore America to greatness,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Italy: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 29, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Lone Christiansen and comprising Thomas Elkjaer, Gee Hee Hong, Yueling Huang, Alain Kabundi, and Sylwia Nowak, conducted discussions for the 2025 Article IV Consultation with Italy during May 14–28. At the end of the visit, the mission issued the following statement:

    • Outlook: The growth outlook remains highly uncertain amid ongoing global trade tensions. Persistently low productivity growth and demographic headwinds weigh on longer-term economic prospects.
    • Fiscal policy: A better-than-expected fiscal outturn in 2024 enabled a return to a primary surplus. Continuing the strong performance will be essential to place public debt on a downward trajectory.
    • Financial sector policy: The banking sector remains well-capitalized and liquid. Continuing to monitor asset quality and macro-financial linkages between the sovereign and financial institutions remains important to safeguard financial stability.
    • Structural policies: Medium-term challenges that are weighing on growth have become today’s pressing issues. A swift and effective implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan will be key to support higher, lasting growth and should be complemented by a successor reform program to amplify the gains.

     

    Recent economic developments, outlook, and risks

    The Italian economy has continued to expand at a moderate pace. For the second consecutive year, economic activity grew by 0.7 percent in 2024, supported in part by infrastructure investment under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and a positive contribution from net exports. The current account strengthened to a surplus of above 1 percent of GDP. Despite heightened global trade policy uncertainty, economic activity held up well in the first quarter of 2025, with real GDP growing by 0.3 percent quarter-on-quarter and employment reaching a record high. Credit to households has turned positive, and the contraction in credit to corporates has eased. Headline inflation gradually strengthened, reaching 2 percent in April. Nonetheless, the female labor force participation rate remains well below the EU average, productivity growth is weak, and regional disparities endure, with labor inactivity rates significantly higher in the South than in the North.

    Heightened uncertainty has dampened the near-term economic outlook, while subdued productivity growth and rapid population aging are expected to continue weighing on growth prospects. Timely and effective implementation of NRRP projects is expected to support near-term economic activity, while trade tensions are likely to provide a notable drag. Consequently, the April 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO) projected growth to moderate to 0.4 percent in 2025 before temporarily picking up to 0.8 percent next year, amid the peak in NRRP-related investments and positive trade spillovers from higher investment in Germany. Headline inflation is expected to average 1.7 percent this year, on lower energy prices and moderate wage growth, before converging to the ECB’s 2 percent target in 2026. Over the medium term, weak productivity growth and adverse demographics are projected to continue weighing on the outlook, keeping growth at around 0.7 percent.

    The outlook is subject to substantial uncertainty and risks. On the upside, the stronger-than-expected preliminary outturn for the first quarter presents mild upside risks to the April 2025 WEO forecast. A faster-than-expected acceleration in global growth, stronger productivity gains from public investments and reforms, and deeper EU integration could further support investment, exports, and productivity. However, downside risks remain significant, including from escalating trade tensions, an intensification of regional conflicts, and a further tightening of global financial conditions. Climate-related shocks, including extreme weather events, could also dampen growth and further constrain fiscal space. As digitalization advances, cyberthreats could become more pervasive and disruptive, particularly for the financial system. Delayed or inefficient NRRP implementation could undermine growth.

    Fiscal policy: Leaning into continued strong performance

    Maintaining strong fiscal discipline along with growth-enhancing reforms is critical to reduce the public debt ratio and will help reinforce resilience. A better-than-expected fiscal outturn in 2024, owing to continued improvements in tax compliance and a strong labor market, is welcome. Overall, the headline deficit was halved, the primary balance turned to a surplus, and the authorities envision further gradual deficit reduction. Staff recommends continuing the strong performance and reaching a primary surplus of 3 percent of GDP by 2027 to decisively reduce the debt ratio and help contain related vulnerabilities. Achieving this goal would require additional near-term efforts compared to what is already built into the authorities’ fiscal plans. However, the recommended cumulative adjustment path would entail a smaller effort over the medium term than a more gradual one in view of the projected worsening in the interest rate-growth differential and of spending pressures stemming from population aging. Along with such efforts, growth-enhancing reforms would help strengthen debt reduction and, over time, could reduce the needed adjustment.

    Several measures could be considered. Building on the progress made, reform efforts on tax evasion and tax compliance should continue. Rationalizing tax expenditures would help broaden the taxbase, bolster revenue, and reduce complexity. Eliminating the preferential flat-rate for income on self-employment would address equity concerns and prevent revenue loss. Given the robust labor market and high corporate profits, hiring subsidies should be replaced with productivity-boosting measures. Updating property values in the cadastre would increase revenue and could ensure more equitable tax treatment. These measures, by addressing distortions, are expected to have limited adverse effect on economic activity.

    In the event of new spending pressures or macroeconomic shocks, debt-reducing efforts should continue. Given the limited fiscal space, any new spending measures, including for defense, should be fully compensated by further savings elsewhere. Fiscal consolidation efforts combined with growth-enhancing reforms would need to continue even in the event of all-but-the-most-severe adverse macroeconomic shocks, rendering automatic stabilizers the primary counter-cyclical response. Resources from EU funds should be safeguarded for productivity-enhancing investments.

    Beyond the near term, it will be important to contain latent spending pressures. Pension-related spending pressures could be contained by avoiding costly early retirement schemes. At the same time, raising the effective retirement age would help boost labor supply. There is also scope to enhance transparency and monitoring of the net expenditure path within the Medium-Term Fiscal-Structural Plan (MTFSP), while maintaining comprehensive reporting of key fiscal indicators. Although the stock of public guarantees is gradually declining, it remains sizable, calling for continued prudent management, centralized monitoring, and adequate provisioning. In addition, publicly guaranteed loans should not substitute for on-budget spending, as such measures undermine budgetary discipline and distort resource allocation.

    Financial sector policy: Protecting financial sector resilience

    Continued vigilance will be important to safeguard financial sector soundness. Strong profitability, sound asset quality, and adequate liquidity and capital positions have helped strengthen the banking sector. In this respect, amid a still-negative credit gap, maintaining the current neutral countercyclical capital buffer remains appropriate, as does the continued implementation of the systemic risk buffer at 1 percent. In addition, maintaining close monitoring of loan quality is warranted, particularly given the uncertain outlook and risks to firms exposed to the potential impact of trade tensions. Regarding non-bank financial institutions, the rebound in life insurance premium income has helped mitigate risks in the life sector. While financial sector exposures to the domestic sovereign have declined from previous highs, they remain sizable and, hence, pose a vulnerability that requires continued monitoring.

    Continuing to address weaknesses among some less significant institutions (LSIs) remains a priority. Within the overall soundness of the banking sector, vulnerabilities exist among some LSIs. Further enhancing oversight—through targeted inspections, in-depth reviews of credit risk management practices and governance, and continued monitoring of nonperforming loans—would help address these risks. In this regard, the ongoing inspection program by the Bank of Italy to ensure compliance with IT security standards is welcome, and LSIs should continue to integrate cyber risks into their governance and risk management frameworks. Timely escalation of corrective measures for weak banks would support further improvements in capital adequacy and operational efficiency.

    Structural policies: Implementing reforms to boost growth

    To tackle persistent productivity challenges and unlock stronger potential growth, comprehensive and sustained reforms are crucial. The authorities’ ongoing efforts to advance their reform and investment agenda through the NRRP are welcome, as are their longer-term commitments under the MTFSP. With the NRRP window rapidly closing, continued efforts to ensure its full and timely delivery will be essential. Looking ahead, leveraging the design and implementation lessons from the NRRP will support successful execution of future reforms and help secure a durable lift to growth. More broadly, reforms should be clearly specified and prioritize strengthening human capital, expanding labor supply, and revitalizing the private sector’s capacity to innovate and adopt frontier technologies. Enhancing the workforce is vital to mitigate the impact of a shrinking working-age population and to meet the growing demand for high-skilled labor. Policies aimed at increasing female labor force participation—such as enhancing access to childcare and removing disincentives like tax credits for dependent spouses—should be further strengthened and would support both economic growth and pension system sustainability.

    Reviving private sector dynamism and innovation requires improved access to finance, especially risk capital, and greater policy predictability. Italian firms have long struggled to scale up and innovate. Eliminating tax incentives that favor small firms and facilitating the exit of unproductive firms, including through the timely implementation of the new insolvency code, would promote more efficient resource allocation and enable high-performing firms to grow. Deepening national capital markets—particularly by broadening access to risk capital—and ensuring a more predictable regulatory environment are crucial to support the investment needed for technological upgrades and the digital transition. At the European level, advancing the single market and making progress towards the savings and investment union will further help firms achieve economies of scale and improve access to capital. Industrial policies should be deployed cautiously, be targeted to specific objectives where externalities or market failures prevent effective market solutions, be coordinated at the EU level, and avoid favoring domestic producers over imports to minimize trade and investment distortions. 

    Accelerating the transition to renewables, adapting to a changing climate, and investing in resilient energy infrastructure are essential to reduce extreme weather impacts and energy import dependence. Climate-related risks and energy security are macro-critical for Italy, given the reliance on agriculture, tourism, and foreign energy supply. The 2024 National Energy and Climate Plan provides a strategic foundation but more ambitious action is needed to meet 2030 climate targets and improve energy security. Strengthening grid infrastructure, expanding storage capacity, and streamlining permitting processes are critical to support renewable integration. Deeper integration into EU electricity markets would enhance resilience, reduce price volatility, and improve the efficiency of renewable energy use.

    ****

    We are grateful to the Italian authorities and our other counterparts for their time, frank and open discussions, and warm hospitality.

    Desideriamo esprimere la nostra gratitudine alle autorità italiane e a tutti gli altri interlocutori per il tempo dedicatoci, per la franchezza e la disponibilità dimostrate nel corso dei colloqui e per la calorosa ospitalità.

     

     

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/28/05282025-mcs-italy-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2025-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA Heeds Pappas’s Call to Unfreeze Acer Grants, Critical Funding for NH Maple Industry

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Following Congressman Chris Pappas’s (NH-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Maple Caucus, call for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reinstate grants delivered by the Acer Access and Development Program (Acer), funding for the Acer program has been released.

    “Acer provides important resources for strengthening the domestic maple syrup industry. I’m pleased that the Acer grants have been unfrozen, but our producers worked tirelessly this season. They should not have been left uncertain about whether they would receive funds that they were promised,” said Congressman Pappas. “We can’t ignore this recurring theme from the current administration in freezing or revoking funds for our communities that will have lasting negative impacts. We can work responsibly to reduce government waste and fraud without holding back the resources New Hampshire small businesses need.”

    Acer provides essential support to the maple syrup industry in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, and freezing these grants as the administration places tariffs on Canada, one of the U.S.’s closest allies, put the livelihoods of maple producers at risk. Much of the equipment used to produce syrup and other maple products is manufactured in Canada, and tariffs will raise prices in an unsustainable manner for New Hampshire’s maple producers. 

    Background: 

    Congressman Pappas leads the Fighting Budget Waste Act, which was the first bill he introduced in the 119th Congress. This bipartisan bill will save taxpayer dollars by requiring the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to consider the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) annual report on federal programs with fragmented, overlapping, or duplicative goals from the prior year to address problems with those programs and reduce costs.

    Congressman Pappas is a small business owner and a former member of the House Small Business Committee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Pappas Speaks in Opposition to Republicans’ Proposal to Gut Medicaid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    This morning at 1:45 AM, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) delivered the following remarks on the House floor before voting against Republicans’ reconciliation bill: 

    “I rise tonight because health care is on the line, and so is the well-being and the dignity of the people I serve in New Hampshire. 

    The phones in my office won’t stop ringing because people I represent are beyond angry about the proposal to slash Medicaid. 

    Last week, I sat down with a constituent, Donka Facciolo of Laconia. She lives with a disability, and thanks to Medicaid, she receives skilled nursing, transportation, and employment support. Because of that help, she can live on her own. And another constituent that I met, Kevin Brett, told me the same. Without Medicaid, he’s not sure where he’d go. Parents of individuals with disabilities have told me that they could lose in-home care for their kids, and in doing so they’d be forced to quit their jobs. What kind of choice is that for these parents?

    Slashing Medicaid is cruel. It would take away Granite Staters’ ability to receive care, their chance to work, it would rob them of their independence. And we know that it’s all being ripped away in order to give big tax breaks to billionaires and the biggest corporations.

    So I’m a no on this reckless scheme. I urge my colleagues to vote no as well.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Continues to Fight for Veterans Put at Risk of Losing Their Homes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01), a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, and Mark Takano (CA-39), Ranking Member of HVAC, held a press conference with National Fair Housing Alliance Vice President Public Policy and Senior Counsel for Fair Lending, Maureen Yap and Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, Alys Cohen to call attention to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ending of the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program – the only VA program that guaranteed foreclosure avoidance for veterans experiencing severe financial hardship, helping them stay in their homes. 

    “It’s important to understand that 80,000 veterans at risk have been put at risk by the abrupt ending of the VASP program… I’ve heard from veterans directly that are concerned about their future,” said Congressman Pappas. “This isn’t about statistics, it’s not about hypothetical situations, it’s about real people. It’s about real veterans that swore an oath to give everything up to and including their lives for the United States of America who deserve our unwavering commitment to be able to provide them a roof over their head and to make sure they won’t get foreclosed on. So this shouldn’t be a partisan issue. This is a moral issue, and something that we will continue to call VA on to address and to make sure that they are providing the kind of support that our veterans need, whether that’s in the form of a foreclosure moratorium or reimplementing VASP while we work on this partial claims program. We need a solution today so that veterans like Daniel in my district get the help and support that they deserve.”

    Watch Congressman Pappas’s remarks here or the full press conference here. 

    The VASP program was created as a “last-resort” option for veterans and their family members facing foreclosure on VA-backed loans following the expiration of pandemic programs, which when coupled with rising interest rates, increased the risk of default for thousands of veterans. Before its termination, VASP was the only program of last resort that existed for veterans facing immediate foreclosure, and helped over 17,000 veterans since the program launched in 2024. By abruptly ending this program on May 1 with no alternative in place, 80,000 veterans and their families now face the prospect of losing their homes with no relief mechanism in place.

    Background: 

    In April, Pappas spoke out forcefully against the administration abruptly ending the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase Program (VASP) during a House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity markup. He joined a bicameral letter pressing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reverse his decision to abruptly end VASP. Earlier this month, in a HVAC markup, Pappas spoke out against the decision to end VASP, and in a HVAC hearing with VA Secretary Collins, Pappas rebuked the Secretary for ending the program. 

    In January, Pappas joined a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Acting Secretary Todd Hunter demanding answers about how VA is implementing President Trump’s Inaugural Executive Order to freeze hiring across the executive branch and how it is hurting veterans’ access to the health care and benefits they earned. In March, Pappas condemned reports that the Trump administration is planning to cut 80,000 staff from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which could have catastrophic consequences for America’s veterans and cause significant delays and disruptions for those seeking medical treatment, as well as support for housing, addiction, mental health, and other lifesaving services. These firings would also result in job losses for thousands of veterans, who make up 25% of VA’s workforce.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NH Delegation Demands Department of Education Deliver Federal Funding Notices to New Hampshire TRIO Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and Senator Maggie Hassan in sending a letter to Education Secretary Linda E. McMahon and the Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought demanding the Administration deliver the federal funding allocated to New Hampshire’s TRIO programs. 

    TRIO programs provide support to individuals from low-income backgrounds, students who would be the first person in their families to earn a college degree, students with disabilities, and other students to attend college. From personalized tutoring to personal mentoring and advising, to assistance applying for and identifying funding options, TRIO programs make a real difference in a student’s ability to attend and complete college. 

    “The TRIO Programs are a cornerstone of our nation’s commitment to educational access and upward mobility,” the delegation wrote.“The ongoing delay in issuing GANs is already having real-world consequences in our home state of New Hampshire. We are particularly concerned about the damage being caused by the Department’s delayed notification to the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Upward Bound program. UNH’s program is slated to begin June 1. They only have enough carryover funding for roughly one month before they would need to lay off staff and shutter a program that has had such a significant positive impact on the lives of so many Granite Staters. We urge you to act without further delay to ensure that TRIO programs can operate on schedule and provide the services that New Hampshire’s students and those across the country are counting on.” 

    “TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, summer academies, and other supports necessary to help economically disadvantaged students enter college and graduate,” said Joshua Gagnon, President, NH Educational Opportunity Association. “We know that TRIO works – students who participate in Upward Bound are more than twice as likely to earn a bachelor’s degree by age 24 than their peers. If grant notices are not received by June 1, over 14,000 students nationally – including 114 students in NH – could miss out on this life-changing educational opportunity.”

    Read the delegation’s full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas, Shaheen Renew Bipartisan, Bicameral Push to Establish Nationwide Programs to Mitigate Impacts of Childhood Trauma

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    **The bipartisan bill would model proven programs like Manchester’s ACERT to allow local entities to receive grant funding to address adverse childhood experiences associated with exposure to trauma**

    Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01) and John Rutherford (FL-05) joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) today to reintroduce the bipartisan National Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team (ACERT) Grant Program Authorization Act in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation would establish a grant program to provide federal resources for communities across the country to address adverse childhood experiences associated with exposure to trauma by connecting law enforcement and first responders with local child specialists and professionals. The lawmakers’ legislation models successful programs like Manchester’s ACERT to mitigate the impact of traumatic childhood experiences.

    “Adverse childhood experiences can have lifelong impacts on our children and our communities. As we’ve seen in Manchester and across New Hampshire, ACE response teams, or ACERTs, have been key to preventing future incidents of childhood trauma and supporting our kids, no matter what is going on in their lives,” said Congressman Pappas. “ACERTs partner law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders with child advocates and health providers so that children are put on a path to receiving the care they need as quickly as possible after a traumatic incident. We have already seen the positive impacts that these programs have brought to our local communities in New Hampshire. I’m proud to once again join Senator Shaheen in introducing this bipartisan legislation to make ACERT programs available nationwide.” 

    “Experiencing trauma as a child can have damaging long-term effects on a person’s life – including on one’s physical, mental and emotional development. There’s more we can do to prevent and mitigate those effects early on, which is why I’m proud to introduce legislation with bipartisan support in the House and Senate to help do just that,” said Senator Shaheen. “Our bill would provide first responders and law enforcement with the tools they need to administer early intervention and trauma-informed care for affected families in the Granite State and beyond. The programs our legislation supports are crucial to ensuring children and families can break the cycle of trauma and lead healthy, successful lives.” 

    “We must ensure that we provide every necessary resource to combat childhood trauma for Tennessee communities in need,” said Senator Blackburn. “Due to trauma’s effects on brain development, early intervention is crucial to alleviate the effects of childhood trauma and prevent long-term harm. Tennessee is home to one of the leading Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) programs, Building Strong Brains, which serves as a national model for programs around the country. The National ACERT Grant Program Authorization Act would build on Tennessee’s progress by giving each state the tools they need to deliver services and care to children who have experienced trauma.”

    “As a former sheriff, I have seen firsthand the long-term negative effects trauma can have on a child and their family,” said Congressman Rutherford. “Responding to an emergency is just the first step, what happens after can shape a child’s future. The ACE Response Teams (ACERTs) program brings together law enforcement officers, first responders, mental health professionals, and child advocates to respond quickly after a traumatic incident and provide families with the services they need to help children heal and grow.” 

    ACEs, or Adverse Childhood Experiences, are events in a child’s life which have a heavy impact on their future wellbeing, success in life and risk of violence. This legislation would allow for the creation of ACE Response Teams (ACERTs) which would provide services and care to children who have experienced trauma.     

    The legislation authorizes $10 million a year for four years for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a national ACERT program, modeled on the pilots here in New Hampshire. That Senate proposal would provide $10 million for DOJ and HHS to establish a national ACERT program, modeled on the pilots here in New Hampshire.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aurora Mobile Limited Announces First Quarter 2025 Unaudited Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, China, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Mobile Limited (“Aurora Mobile” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: JG), a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

    • Revenues were RMB89.0 million (US$12.3 million), an increase of 38% year-over-year.
    • Cost of revenues was RMB30.1 million (US$4.2 million), an increase of 66% year-over-year.
    • Gross profit was RMB58.8 million (US$8.1 million), an increase of 27% year-over-year.
    • Total operating expenses were RMB60.6 million (US$8.3 million), an increase of 14% year-over-year.
    • Net loss was RMB1.6 million (US$0.2 million), compared with a net loss of RMB2.6 million for the same quarter last year.
    • Net loss attributable to Aurora Mobile Limited’s shareholders was RMB2.6 million (US$0.4 million), compared with a net loss attributable to Aurora Mobile Limited’s shareholders of RMB2.4 million for the same quarter last year.
    • Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was RMB1.2 million (US$0.2 million), compared with a RMB1.3 million adjusted net loss for the same quarter last year.
    • Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was RMB0.5 million (US$63 thousand), compared with RMB0.2 million for the same quarter last year.

    Mr. Weidong Luo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aurora Mobile, commented, “We have had a great start to 2025. Our Q1’2025 performance and numbers are very impressive.

    • Firstly, our EngageLab business had a “Monster Quarter” where we closed out more than RMB63 million worth of contract value in just one quarter. This brings the total cumulative EngageLab contract value in excess of RMB110 million by March 31, 2025.
    • Secondly, the Group’s revenue this quarter reached RMB89.0 million, achieving a remarkable 38% growth year-over-year. EngageLab’s recognized revenue also grew by 127% year-over-year.
    • Thirdly, our Financial Risk Management business had its best quarter in history, recording the highest quarterly revenue of RMB22.2 million, revenue grew by 64% year-over-year.
    • Fourthly, gross profit grew strongly by 27% year-over-year, achieving the highest gross profit for the past 9 quarters. Gross margin has also improved 520 basis points quarter-over-quarter!
    • Fifthly, we recorded another Adjusted EBITDA profit in this quarter. This marks the 7th consecutive quarterly positive Adjusted EBITDA we have had.

    With these numbers above, we are equally excited about 2025. This has no doubt set a great momentum for the rest of the 2025 ! The progress in our performance and our solid financial position enable us to invest more resources into the development of our enterprise AI agent platform and its global expansion.”

    Mr. Shan-Nen Bong, Chief Financial Officer of Aurora Mobile, added, “In Q1’2025, our revenue grew by 38% year-over-year, gross profit grew by 27% whilst operating expenses grew by 14%. Overall, we are pleased to see how the operating expenses have been trending in view of the revenue and gross profit growth. This is a sustainable growth model on a long-term basis.”

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Revenues were RMB89.0 million (US$12.3 million), an increase of 38% from RMB64.5 million in the same quarter of last year, attributable to a 39% increase in revenue from Developer Services and a 35% increase in revenue from Vertical Applications. In particular, the revenues from Value-Added Services within Developer Services increased by 269% compared to the same quarter of last year.

    Cost of revenues was RMB30.1 million (US$4.2 million), an increase of 66% from RMB18.2 million in the same quarter of last year. The increase was mainly due to a RMB5.6 million increase in media cost, a RMB1.6 million increase in short messaging cost, and a RMB4.7 million increase in other direct costs related to revenue generation.

    Gross profit was RMB58.8 million (US$8.1 million), an increase of 27% from RMB46.4 million in the same quarter of last year.

    Total operating expenses were RMB60.6 million (US$8.3 million), an increase of 14% from RMB53.0 million in the same quarter of last year.

    • Research and development expenses were RMB24.6 million (US$3.4 million), an increase of 8% from RMB22.7 million in the same quarter of last year, mainly due to a RMB0.9 million increase in personnel costs and a RMB0.8 million increase in cloud cost.
    • Sales and marketing expenses were RMB23.3 million (US$3.2 million), an increase of 34% from RMB17.4 million in the same quarter of last year, mainly due to a RMB5.2 million increase in personnel costs.
    • General and administrative expenses were RMB12.7 million (US$1.7 million), a decrease of 2% from RMB12.9 million in the same quarter of last year, mainly due to a RMB0.6 million decrease in share-based compensation expenses.

    Loss from operations was RMB1.5 million (US$0.2 million), compared with RMB5.1 million in the same quarter of last year.

    Net Loss was RMB1.6 million (US$0.2 million), compared with RMB2.6 million in the same quarter of last year.

    Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was RMB1.2 million (US$0.2 million), compared with RMB1.3 million in the same quarter of last year.

    Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was RMB0.5 million (US$63 thousand) compared with RMB0.2 million for the same quarter of last year.

    The cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash were RMB113.6 million (US$15.7 million) as of March 31, 2025 compared with RMB119.5 million as of December 31, 2024.

    Business Outlook

    For the second quarter of 2025, the Company expects the total revenue to be between RMB87.5 million and RMB90.5 million, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 10% to 14%.

    The above outlook is based on the current market conditions and reflects the Company’s current and preliminary estimates of market and operating conditions and customer demand, which are all subject to change.

    Update on Share Repurchase

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company had repurchased a total of 295,179 ADS, of which 16,322 ADSs, or around US$170.5 thousand were repurchased during the first quarter in 2025.

    Conference Call

    The Company will host an earnings conference call on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (7:30 p.m. Beijing time on the same day).

    All participants must register in advance to join the conference using the link provided below. Please dial in 15 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin. Conference access information will be provided upon registration.

    Participant Online Registration:
    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI47c63565ef284b3784a50da74dc4a38e

    A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Aurora Mobile’s website at https://ir.jiguang.cn/. 

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses two non-GAAP measures, adjusted net (loss)/income and adjusted EBITDA, as a supplemental measure to review and assess its operating performance. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company defines adjusted net (loss)/income as net loss excluding share-based compensation. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as net loss excluding interest expense, depreciation of property and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, income tax expenses/(benefits) and share-based compensation.

    The Company believes that adjusted net (loss)/income and adjusted EBITDA help identify underlying trends in its business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that it includes in loss from operations and net loss.

    The Company believes that adjusted net (loss)/income and adjusted EBITDA provide useful information about its operating results, enhance the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the management in their financial and operational decision-making.

    The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using adjusted net (loss)/income and adjusted EBITDA is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the Company’s operations. Further, the non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

    The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance. The Company encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

    Reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure are included at the end of this press release.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Aurora Mobile’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Aurora Mobile may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Aurora Mobile’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Aurora Mobile’s strategies; Aurora Mobile’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Aurora Mobile’s ability to attract and retain customers; its ability to develop and effectively market data solutions, and penetrate the existing market for developer services; its ability to transition to the new advertising-driven SAAS business model; its ability to maintain or enhance its brand; the competition with current or future competitors; its ability to continue to gain access to mobile data in the future; the laws and regulations relating to data privacy and protection; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release, and Aurora Mobile undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    About Aurora Mobile Limited

    Founded in 2011, Aurora Mobile is a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China. Since its inception, Aurora Mobile has focused on providing stable and efficient messaging services to enterprises and has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider with its first-mover advantage. With the increasing demand for customer reach and marketing growth, Aurora Mobile has developed forward-looking solutions such as Cloud Messaging and Cloud Marketing to help enterprises achieve omnichannel customer reach and interaction, as well as artificial intelligence and big data-driven marketing technology solutions to help enterprises’ digital transformation.

    For more information, please visit https://ir.jiguang.cn/.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Aurora Mobile Limited

    ir@jiguang.cn

    Christensen

    In China

    Ms. Xiaoyan Su

    Phone: +86-10-5900-1548

    E-mail: Xiaoyan.Su@christensencomms.com 

    In U.S.

    Ms. Linda Bergkamp

    Phone: +1-480-614-3004

    Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com 

    Footnote:

    This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB7.2567 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of March 31, 2025.

     
    AURORA MOBILE LIMITED
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
    (Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and US dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares and per share data)
                     
        Three months ended
        March 31, 2024   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2025
        RMB   RMB   RMB   US$
                     
    Revenues   64,524     93,153     88,961     12,259  
    Cost of revenues   (18,152 )   (36,468 )   (30,117 )   (4,150 )
    Gross profit   46,372     56,685     58,844     8,109  
    Operating expenses                
    Research and development   (22,681 )   (24,326 )   (24,607 )   (3,391 )
    Sales and marketing   (17,391 )   (24,583 )   (23,303 )   (3,211 )
    General and administrative   (12,932 )   (11,392 )   (12,676 )   (1,747 )
    Total operating expenses   (53,004 )   (60,301 )   (60,586 )   (8,349 )
    Other operating income   1,579     3,393     197     27  
    Loss from operations   (5,053 )   (223 )   (1,545 )   (213 )
    Foreign exchange (loss)/gain, net   (23 )   (62 )   38     5  
    Interest income   2,187     288     236     33  
    Interest expenses   (6 )   (42 )   (39 )   (5 )
    Other income/(loss)   15     (805 )   –     –  
    Gains from fair value change   23     45     38     5  
    Loss before income taxes   (2,857 )   (799 )   (1,272 )   (175 )
    Income tax benefits/(expenses)   244     105     (336 )   (46 )
    Net loss   (2,613 )   (694 )   (1,608 )   (221 )
    Less: net (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (214 )   372     944     130  
    Net loss attributable to Aurora Mobile Limited’s shareholders   (2,399 )   (1,066 )   (2,552 )   (351 )
    Net loss per share, for Class A and Class B common shares:                
    Class A and B Common Shares – basic and diluted   (0.03 )   (0.01 )   (0.03 )   (0.00 )
    Shares used in net loss per share computation:                
    Class A Common Shares – basic and diluted   62,687,345     63,200,100     63,254,710     63,254,710  
    Class B Common Shares – basic and diluted   17,000,189     17,000,189     17,000,189     17,000,189  
    Other comprehensive income/(loss)                
    Foreign currency translation adjustments   78     1,357     (82 )   (11 )
    Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax   78     1,357     (82 )   (11 )
    Total comprehensive (loss)/income   (2,535 )   663     (1,690 )   (232 )
    Less: comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (214 )   372     944     130  
    Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Aurora Mobile Limited’s shareholders   (2,321 )   291     (2,634 )   (362 )
                     
    AURORA MOBILE LIMITED
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and US dollars (“US$”))
                 
        As of
        December 31, 2024   March 31, 2025
        RMB   RMB   US$
    ASSETS            
    Current assets:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   119,171     113,267     15,609  
    Restricted cash   376     375     52  
    Accounts receivable   50,804     54,071     7,451  
    Prepayments and other current assets   14,264     17,354     2,391  
    Total current assets   184,615     185,067     25,503  
    Non-current assets:            
    Long-term investments   113,506     113,458     15,635  
    Property and equipment, net   4,573     4,331     597  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   17,146     15,892     2,190  
    Intangible assets, net   13,767     12,788     1,762  
    Goodwill   37,785     37,785     5,207  
    Deferred tax assets   131     167     23  
    Other non-current assets   6,510     6,503     895  
    Total non-current assets   193,418     190,924     26,309  
    Total assets   378,033     375,991     51,812  
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Current liabilities:            
    Short-term loan   3,000     –     –  
    Accounts payable   32,691     34,114     4,701  
    Deferred revenue and customer deposits   147,111     156,929     21,625  
    Operating lease liabilities   4,461     4,152     572  
    Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities   74,370     66,407     9,151  
    Total current liabilities   261,633     261,602     36,049  
    Non-current liabilities:            
    Operating lease liabilities   13,376     12,292     1,694  
    Deferred tax liabilities   3,059     2,891     398  
    Other non-current liabilities   567     567     78  
    Total non-current liabilities   17,002     15,750     2,170  
    Total liabilities   278,635     277,352     38,219  
    Shareholders’ equity:            
    Common shares   50     51     7  
    Treasury shares   (1,674 )   (2,898 )   (399 )
    Additional paid-in capital   1,045,221     1,047,375     144,332  
    Accumulated deficit   (995,715 )   (998,267 )   (137,565 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   20,040     19,958     2,750  
    Total Aurora Mobile Limited’s shareholders’ equity   67,922     66,219     9,125  
    Noncontrolling interests   31,476     32,420     4,468  
    Total shareholders’ equity   99,398     98,639     13,593  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   378,033     375,991     51,812  
                 
    AURORA MOBILE LIMITED
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS
    (Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and US dollars (“US$”))
                     
        Three months ended
        March 31, 2024   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2025
        RMB   RMB   RMB   US$
    Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted Net (Loss)/Income:              
    Net loss   (2,613 )   (694 )   (1,608 )   (221 )
    Add:                
    Share-based compensation   1,268     795     407     56  
    Adjusted net (loss)/income   (1,345 )   101     (1,201 )   (165 )
    Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA:                
    Net loss   (2,613 )   (694 )   (1,608 )   (221 )
    Add:                
    Income tax (benefits)/expenses   (244 )   (105 )   336     46  
    Interest expenses   6     42     39     5  
    Depreciation of property and equipment   380     197     266     37  
    Amortization of intangible assets   1,369     1,052     1,019     140  
    EBITDA   (1,102 )   492     52     7  
    Add:                
    Share-based compensation   1,268     795     407     56  
    Adjusted EBITDA   166     1,287     459     63  
                     
    AURORA MOBILE LIMITED
    UNAUDITED SAAS BUSINESSES REVENUE
    (Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and US dollars (“US$”))
                     
                     
        Three months ended
        March 31, 2024   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2025
        RMB   RMB   RMB   US$
                     
    Developer Services   44,749     70,998     62,322     8,588  
    Subscription   42,351     54,687     53,467     7,368  
    Value-Added Services   2,398     16,311     8,855     1,220  
    Vertical Applications   19,775     22,155     26,639     3,671  
    Total Revenue   64,524     93,153     88,961     12,259  
    Gross Profits   46,372     56,685     58,844     8,109  
    Gross Margin   71.9%     60.9%     66.1%     66.1%  
                     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Coach Almada leaves Pachuca before Club World Cup

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

    Pachuca parted ways with Uruguayan manager Guillermo Almada on Wednesday, just three weeks before the club’s debut at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

    The decision comes after Pachuca was eliminated in the quarterfinals of Mexico’s Liga MX Clausura tournament earlier this month by Club America.

    “Manager Guillermo Almada concluded his brilliant tenure at the helm of our team today, bidding goodbye to players, staff, directors and collaborators with an emotional farewell,” Pachuca said in a statement.

    Almada led Pachuca to 72 wins, 39 draws and 45 losses after taking charge of the club in December 2021.

    The 58-year-old guided the club to the 2022 Liga MX Apertura title, the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup and a runner-up finish to Real Madrid at the 2024 Intercontinental Cup.

    “Today I close a wonderful stage of my life, and I do so with a heart overflowing with gratitude,” said Almada.

    Pachuca will begin its Club World Cup campaign against Red Bull Salzburg in Cincinnati on June 18 before also facing Al-Hilal and Real Madrid in the group stage.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Indian Parliamentary Delegation Strengthens Anti-Terror Ties During Saudi Arabia Visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party parliamentary delegation from India led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda is currently visiting Saudi Arabia from 27 to 29 May 2025 as part of India’s global diplomatic outreach following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 26 civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir.

    The delegation met with Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, to convey India’s firm stance against terrorism and seek continued cooperation in countering extremism. The Indian representatives emphasized that acts of terrorism cannot be justified under any circumstances and highlighted India’s zero-tolerance policy toward such activities.

    During their meetings, the delegation expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of the Pahalgam attack and underlined the need for coordinated global action to combat terrorism. This includes dismantling terrorist infrastructure, cutting off financing and safe havens, and rejecting any political justification for terrorist activities. The Indian side referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent statement: “This is certainly not the era of war, but this is also not the era of terrorism.”

    The delegation also engaged with Dr. Mishaal Al-Sulami, Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council, for discussions on India’s approach to counter-terrorism. The Indian representatives noted Saudi Arabia’s consistent support on counter-terrorism issues and expressed confidence in continued cooperation on de-radicalization and combating extremism.

    The delegation arrived in Riyadh early on Wednesday and interacted with India’s diplomatic mission before proceeding with their official engagements. They were also hosted by senior Saudi officials and members of the Saudi-India Parliamentary Friendship Committee.

    The visit forms part of India’s broader diplomatic initiative involving multiple all-party delegations traveling to over 30 countries to highlight India’s anti-terrorism resolve and garner international support following the Pahalgam attack. The attack led to military escalation between India and Pakistan before a ceasefire was declared on May 10.

    The Saudi visit concluded with interactions with prominent members of Saudi civil society, offering opportunities for further dialogue on counter-terrorism efforts and broader aspects of the India-Saudi Arabia bilateral partnership.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appeal to trace relatives of the late Jonathon Hutchingson

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Jonathon Edward Hutchingson, previously known as Jonathon Edward Glazebrook, was aged 63 and lived in the Pendeford area of Wolverhampton. He was originally from Brentwood, Essex.

    Anyone who is related to Mr Hutchingson or has any information which may help trace his relatives are asked to please call Protection and Funerals Officer Diane Washbrook on 07967 769826 or email diane.washbrook@wolverhampton.gov.uk as soon as possible.

    The council makes appeals of this nature as it believes that families and acquaintances of the deceased should be notified and be given the opportunity to get involved with the funeral arrangements, should they wish to.
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Transformation of Adult Social Care delivering better outcomes

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    A report presented to members of the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet last week outlined a number of improvements that have been made, leading to reduced waiting times for support and greater independence for the residents of Wolverhampton.

    The council says that the transformation of Adult Social Care was needed to address the rising demand for care and the complexity of need, particularly as the city recovered from Covid-19 which had a significant impact – with demand increasing by 31% over the last 5 years.

    In that time, the budget for care packages has increased by £44.6 million, with a further £11 million increase approved for 2025 to 2026, making Adult Social Care the council’s highest area of spend.

    As part of the transformation programme, the council has been working with IMPOWER, a sector specialist organisation that supports local government with complex change and which helped the council successfully deliver its transformation of Children’s Services in 2016.

    Councillor Paula Brookfield, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “As a council one of our key priorities is ensuring that residents who need it are able to receive high quality care – and we know from our recent budget consultation that this is a top priority for the people of Wolverhampton too.

    “We are determined to ensure Adult Social Care services are the best they can possibly be, but we must also be mindful that the increase in costs which we have seen in recent years is not sustainable in the long term.

    “This is why we’ve embarked on an ambitious programme of transformation which will ensure the service is fit for purpose, can meet current and future demands, is sustainable and is able to support people to live safely and as independently as possible.”

    As part of the transformation, the council has completed a series of ‘test and learn’ programmes which have already delivered a number of improvements, including the establishment of a new ‘front door’ team which has simplified pathways and ensured that people receive support in a timelier manner, reducing wait times from months to less than 5 working days in most cases.

    In addition, the number of people requiring support from the locality social work teams has reduced by over half because the front door team has been able to resolve their issues.

    Meanwhile, work to improve people’s independence has seen a significant number of the people supported to make connections within their local area, meaning they are able to maintain their independence and get support from within their community, doing the things that are important to them, rather than having to rely on expensive long term care.  

    A focus on early support and connecting people to help and support at the first opportunity – sometimes while waiting for a formal assessment – has also helped prevent escalation of needs and therefore the requirement for long-term care.

    The council has also been working with West Midlands 5G (WM5G) and neighbouring authorities on a trial to show how Technology Enabled Care (TEC) can transform the lives of vulnerable residents in the city — empowering independence, improving wellbeing, and delivering value for public services.

    As part of the project, sensor devices and voice activated wireless technologies including fall detectors, smart speakers, smart doorbells and remote monitoring sensors are being used in people’s homes to help support individual care needs.

    Work is now underway to develop an outcomes based commissioning framework for residential and nursing placements, to ensure that people who require residential or nursing care receive support that will best meet their outcomes, rather than their needs being fitted to the support on offer.

    Councillor Brookfield added: “Already, the programme has delivered sustainable change and received positive feedback from staff and service users, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with IMPOWER as we continue our transformation journey.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Total Drawing”: Polytechnicians at the Olympiad in Engineering and Computer Graphics

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Students of the Polytechnic University took part in the first open Olympiad in engineering and computer graphics “Total Drawing”. The competition was held at the BSTU “Voenmekh” named after D. F. Ustinov. 44 teams from 16 universities of Russia and neighboring countries created complex 3D models and associative drawings, demonstrated proficiency in CAD systems, knowledge of ESKD standards and descriptive geometry.

    Students competed in two categories: “Young Specialists” (1st-2nd years) and “Specialists” (3rd-6th years). The jury included teachers of the Higher School of Design and Architecture Tatyana Markova, Elena Knyazeva and Anatoly Blinkovsky.

    In the junior league, the Voenmekh team won, ahead of Bauman Moscow State Technical University and the Mozhaisky Military Space Academy. Among senior students, the gold was also won by the hosts of the Olympiad, silver by the SPbPU team, and bronze was shared by the Tyumen Industrial University and the second team of the Polytechnic University.

    In the individual standings among senior students, first place was taken by third-year student of the Higher School of Automation and Robotics Aidar Ibragimov. The top ten included third-year students of the Higher School of Automation and Robotics Ilya Zhavoronkov (sixth place), Vyacheslav Ignatyev (seventh place) and Maxim Aksenov (ninth place).

    Matvey Leontyev, Vladimir Varga, Artemy Bazeltsev and Timur Galanin (all 3rd year students at the Higher School of Architecture and R), Alexander Basai and Artem Yurikov (2nd year students at the Higher School of Architecture and R), and 4th year students at the Higher School of Mechanical Engineering Alexey Yakovlev and Nikolay Yakovlev also showed good results.

    The debutants, first-year students of the Higher School of Architecture and Radio Engineering, also pleased. They took fourth place among 33 teams. The top 50 of the overall rating included Roman Ivasishin, Mikhail Obukhov, Petr Olenev, Anastasia Kuskova and Maria Butenko.

    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: Influencer Andrew Tate is charged with a raft of sex crimes. His followers will see him as the victim

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Roberts, Professor of Education and Social Justice, Monash University

    British prosecutors have this week charged social media influencer Andrew Tate with a string of serious sexual offences, including rape and human trafficking, alleged to have been committed in the United Kingdom between 2012 and 2015.

    This comes in the wake of an ongoing case in Romania. There, Tate and his brother Tristan face similar charges of coercing and exploiting women through what is sometimes described as the “loverboy method” of manipulation that is used to control and monetise women through webcam performances.

    A self-described misogynist, Tate is a widespread figure of notoriety for his views on women and his role in the internet “manosphere”. He has millions of followers globally, including ten million on X alone.

    This latest round of prosecutions will likely further entrench the loyalty of those followers: boys and young men who will see their leader as the victim of a corrupt system.

    Who is Andrew Tate?

    Tate is a British-American social media influencer and former kickboxer. He gained international notoriety for his violently misogynistic videos and pronouncements.

    He’s built a massive, loyal social media following through a brand that is part provocateur, part self-help guru and part conspiracy theorist.

    His rhetoric emphasises an aspirational masculinity geared towards extreme wealth and a physically fit body, combined with resentment towards women and so-called “feminised” societies. He has, for example, stated that women should “bear responsibility” for sexual assault.

    Tate is a leading ideological figurehead of what is often called the “manosphere” – a loose network of online communities and content creators who promote regressive ideas about masculinity, gender roles and male identity.

    Tate offers a template for many boys and young men to make sense of their place in the world, playing up ideas that boys are disenfranchised by social, economic, or cultural change.

    This is part of an emotional hook that provides belonging and clarity in a world his followers are told is stacked against them.

    Tate’s content involves both overt and, more often, insidious celebration of harmful gender norms and misogynistic ideologies.

    Research has found boys’ exposure to this content has contributed to a resurgence of a sense of male supremacy in classrooms. This then increases sexism and hostility towards women teachers and girl peers.

    Reinforcing the narrative

    Given this context, it is unlikely the new charges will erode his popularity.

    To be clear, he is not universally admired. In fact, the majority of boys reject what he stands for.

    However, for the significant minority who comprise his hardcore followers, these new charges will likely be used to reinforce a persecution narrative.

    In this way, Tate has paved the way for more violent and extreme misogyny to become standard, not rare.

    This was exactly the pattern when the Romanian charges first emerged. His followers flooded platforms with hashtags like #FreeTopG, reframing his arrest as proof that he was “telling the truth” and being punished for it.

    Figures like US President Donald Trump provide a relevant comparison. Trump has faced multiple criminal indictments and was found liable in a civil trial for sexually assaulting E. Jean Carroll.

    Yet, his popularity among his base has held firm.

    For many of his supporters, these legal challenges are not signs of wrongdoing, but evidence their champion is being unfairly targeted by corrupt institutions.

    Tate is similar in that his hypermasculine posturing and anti-establishment bravado ensures his audience see him the same way.

    Prompting more loyalty

    Given their previous responses, we can already predict how the Tate brothers will respond this time. They will deny the charges, of course, but more importantly, they will use the moment to deepen their mythos.

    We might expect to see talk of “the matrix” of shadowy elites, and the weaponisation of justice systems to silence truth-telling men.

    They will insist the charges are not about what they did, but about who they are: disruptors of a weak, feminised society. This victim-persecutor framing is central to their appeal and will remain so as this unfolds.

    Their followers will, then, likely respond with greater loyalty. For those already steeped in online misogyny and disillusionment, legal accusations such as these don’t raise doubt, but instead confirm the story they already buy into.

    This makes combating Tate’s influence a complex challenge. Simply “calling it out” is not enough.

    As our research shows, Tate’s brand thrives not in spite of controversy, but because of it.

    This is why we need a more strategic, long-term approach to address the harms Tate and other such figureheads represent.

    We need robust gender education in schools, stronger commitments to critical media literacy, and the elevation of alternative role models who can speak to the same emotional terrain without reinforcing misogyny.

    This can include other content creators, like Will Hitchins, but also youth workers or people of any gender from boy’s existing communities.

    A key lesson here is that, for the manosphere’s key figures, being charged or even found guilty of crimes (should that occur) might not signal their downfall or diminish their relevance.

    Steven Roberts receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety, the Australian Research Council and the Australian Government. He is a Board Director at Respect Victoria, but this article is written wholly separate from and does not represent that role.

    Stephanie Wescott receives funding from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety.

    – ref. Influencer Andrew Tate is charged with a raft of sex crimes. His followers will see him as the victim – https://theconversation.com/influencer-andrew-tate-is-charged-with-a-raft-of-sex-crimes-his-followers-will-see-him-as-the-victim-257805

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor gains Senate seats in Victoria and Queensland, and surges to a national 55.6–44.4 two-party margin

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    Buttons have been pressed to electronically distribute preferences for the Senate in Victoria, the ACT, Queensland and Western Australia. Labor gained a seat from the Liberals in Victoria, with the other two unchanged. I had a wrap of earlier button presses on Tuesday.

    Six of the 12 senators for each state and all four territory senators were up for election on May 3. Changes in state senate representation are measured against 2019, the last time these senators were up for election.

    Senators are elected by proportional representation in their jurisdictions with preferences. At a half-Senate election, with six senators in each state up for election, a quota is one-seventh of the vote, or 14.3%. For the territories, a quota is one-third or 33.3%.

    Labor has won three of the six Victorian senators, the Coalition two and the Greens one, a gain for Labor from the Coalition since 2019. That’s a 4–2 split from Victoria to the left.

    Final primary votes gave Labor 2.43 quotas, the Coalition 2.20, the Greens 0.87, One Nation 0.31, Legalise Cannabis 0.25, Trumpet of Patriots 0.18, Family First 0.13, Animal Justice 0.11 and Victorian Socialists 0.11.

    On the distribution of preferences, Labor’s third candidate defeated One Nation by 0.87 quotas to 0.81. Neither the third Liberal nor Legalise Cannabis were anywhere near One Nation at earlier exclusion points.

    On the exclusion of the Liberals, 50% of their preferences went to One Nation, 22% to Labor, 14% to Legalise Cannabis and the rest exhausted. At this point, One Nation led Labor by 0.73 quotas to 0.67 with 0.47 for Legalise Cannabis. On Legalise Cannabis’ exclusion, Labor won 42% of preferences, One Nation 19% and the rest exhausted, giving Labor its win.

    The third candidate on Labor’s Victorian Senate ticket was Michelle Ananda-Rajah, the former Labor member for Higgins before Higgins was abolished in a redistribution.

    Usually Labor only wins two Victorian senators with the Greens winning the third for the left. Ananda-Rajah would not have expected to be back in parliament, although in a different chamber.

    WA, Queensland and ACT Senate results

    The Western Australian Senate result is two Labor, two Liberals, one Green and one One Nation, a gain for One Nation from the Liberals. Final WA primary votes gave Labor 2.53 quotas, the Liberals 1.86, the Greens 0.90, One Nation 0.41, Legalise Cannabis 0.28, the Nationals 0.25 and Australian Christians 0.19.

    Until very late it had been expected that Labor would take the last seat instead of One Nation, but The Poll Bludger changed his model to give One Nation a slight lead owing to evidence of stronger Coalition flows to One Nation in other states.

    In Queensland, Labor won two seats, the Liberal National Party two, the Greens one and One Nation one. This was a gain for Labor from the LNP after Labor’s 2019 disaster, when they won just one Queensland senator.

    Final Queensland primary votes gave the LNP 2.17 quotas, Labor 2.13, the Greens 0.73, One Nation 0.50, Gerard Rennick 0.33, Trumpet of Patriots 0.26 and Legalise Cannabis 0.25.

    I will analyse the WA and Queensland preference distributions in a final Senate results wrap article that will be posted after the final state, New South Wales, has its button pressed. Labor is expected to gain a seat in NSW from the Coalition.

    Left-wing independent David Pocock and Labor were both re-elected in the ACT, with no change since 2022. Final primary votes were 1.17 quotas for Pocock, 0.95 Labor, 0.53 for the Liberals (just 17.8%) and 0.23 for the Greens. Labor crossed quota on the exclusion of second Pocock candidate with the Liberals and Greens still remaining.

    Labor’s national two party vote up to a 55.6–44.4 lead

    On May 5, two days after the election, I explained that we needed to wait for “non-classic” seats to have a special two-party count undertaken between the Labor and Coalition candidates. Non-classic seats are seats where the final two were not Labor and Coalition candidates.

    With the major party national primary votes so low at this election, 35 of the 150 House of Representatives seats were non-classics. Before the two-party counts in these seats started, The Poll Bludger’s national two-party estimate gave Labor a 54.6–45.4 margin and the ABC a 55.0–45.0 margin.

    This week the electoral commission has been counting the Labor vs Coalition two-party votes in the non-classic seats, and Labor currently leads by 55.6–44.4. The national two-party vote is still incomplete, but the large majority of non-classic seats have now had a two-party count undertaken.

    The remaining non-classic seats that are either uncounted or partially counted to two-party are favourable to the Coalition, so Labor will drop back a little, but will still win the national two party vote by about 55.4–44.6.

    Labor’s biggest wins on a Labor vs Coalition basis are seats where Labor and the Greens made the final two. For example in Wills, Labor defeated the Greens by 51.4–48.6, but the two-party count gives Labor a massive 80.9–19.1 win over the Liberals. Swings to Labor in non-classic seats have been bigger than swings in classic seats, so Labor’s two-party vote has increased.

    Labor’s big two-party win makes the pre-election polls look worse than they did on election night. Here’s the poll graph I was posting in all my pre-election articles updated with the estimated final two-party margin.

    Only one national poll was accurate: the Morgan poll published two weeks before the election that gave Labor a 55.5–44.5 lead. It’s a shame for Morgan that their final two polls “herded” back to a consensus that was wrong. I will have a full review of the federal polls once all results are finalised.

    Recounts in Bradfield and Goldstein

    A full recount is in progress in Liberal-held Bradfield, where the Liberal was ahead of Teal Nicolette Boele by eight votes after distribution of preferences. Four days into the recount, the Liberal leads by just five votes.

    A partial recount in Goldstein of the primary votes for Liberal Tim Wilson and Teal incumbent Zoe Daniel is also underway after Wilson led by 260 votes after distribution of preferences. Two days into this recount, Wilson leads by 259 votes and will win unless large errors are found that favour Daniel when corrected.

    Adrian Beaumont 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. Labor gains Senate seats in Victoria and Queensland, and surges to a national 55.6–44.4 two-party margin – https://theconversation.com/labor-gains-senate-seats-in-victoria-and-queensland-and-surges-to-a-national-55-6-44-4-two-party-margin-257714

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • PM Modi celebrates Sikkim@50, calls Sikkim “pride of the nation,” promises visit soon

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the ‘Sikkim@50’ programme virtually. The event, held in Gangtok, marked the golden jubilee of Sikkim’s statehood under the theme “Where Progress Meets Purpose, and Nature Nurtures Growth.”

    Extending warm greetings to the people of Sikkim, the Prime Minister expressed his regret at not being able to attend in person due to adverse weather conditions. “I wanted to witness the fervor, energy, and enthusiasm of the people in person, but due to inclement weather, I could not be present. I promise to visit Sikkim soon and be part of your achievements and celebrations,” PM Modi said.

    Recalling the journey of the state over the past 50 years, the Prime Minister described the day as a moment to celebrate Sikkim’s many achievements. He lauded the efforts of Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and his team for organizing a grand and memorable event.

    “Fifty years ago, Sikkim charted a democratic future for itself. The people of Sikkim not only connected with India’s geography but also with its soul,” the Prime Minister remarked. He emphasized the power of inclusive democracy, saying, “When every voice is heard and rights are secured, equal opportunities for development emerge.”

    He noted the strengthened trust among Sikkim’s families and highlighted the nation’s recognition of the state’s progress. “Sikkim is the pride of the nation,” he declared, acknowledging the state’s transformation into a model of development in harmony with nature.

    “Sikkim has become a vast sanctuary of biodiversity, achieved the status of a 100% organic state, and emerged as a symbol of cultural and heritage prosperity,” the Prime Minister said. He further highlighted that Sikkim is now among the states with the highest per capita income in the country, a reflection of the people’s capabilities and hard work.

    The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the many stars from Sikkim who have illuminated India’s horizon, recognizing the rich contributions of every community toward the state’s cultural and economic prosperity.

    Since 2014, PM Modi said, his government has been guided by the principle of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas — development for all, with collective support. “A developed India requires balanced progress, ensuring that no region is left behind while others advance,” he stressed.

    The Prime Minister underlined the special focus on the Northeast region over the last decade. “Every state and region of India has its own unique strengths. Keeping this in mind, the government has placed the Northeast at the center of development,” he stated, adding, “The government is advancing the ‘Act East’ policy with the spirit of ‘Act Fast’.”

    Recalling the recently held Northeast Investment Summit in Delhi, PM Modi said leading industrialists and investors announced significant investments across the region, including Sikkim. “These investments will generate numerous employment opportunities for the youth of Sikkim and the entire Northeast in the coming years,” he added.

     

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s speech at China-CELAC Forum ministerial meeting published

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi’s speech at China-CELAC Forum ministerial meeting published

    Xinhua | May 29, 2025

    Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum has been published as a booklet.

    The speech was titled “Writing a New Chapter in Building a China-LAC Community with a Shared Future.”

    The booklet, published by the People’s Publishing House, is available at Xinhua Bookstore outlets across the country. 

    MIL OSI China News –