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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse, Gun Violence Prevention Leaders Call on Senate to Strip Effort to Deregulate Firearms Silencers from Republicans’ Budget Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse (CO-02), Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Chair Mike Thompson (CA-04), and Congressman Gabe Amo (RI-01) led over 60 members of the Democratic Caucus in penning a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, urging they commit to removing language that eliminates excise taxes on firearm silencers and deregulates their use under the National Firearms Act currently included in the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” 

    Neguse and his colleagues on the House Rules Committee exposed Republicans’ last-minute move to eliminate firearm silencer regulations during the panel’s marathon 21-hour hearing. A silencer, when attached to the barrel of a firearm, muffles the sound of gunfire—obstructing law enforcement efforts to respond to active shooters and making it more difficult to recognize the sound of gunfire and locate the source of gunshots quickly and effectively.  

    “In the dead of night, our Republican colleagues added a provision (Sec. 112029) to H.R.1 that would remove firearm silencers from the NFA. This change, which was ultimately included in the legislation, would be catastrophic to public safety and greatly impede law enforcement efforts to keep our communities safe,” wrote Neguse, Thompson, and Amo. 

    The lawmakers continued: “As you know, the so-called ‘Byrd Rule’ under the Congressional Budget Act makes clear that, in short, non-budgetary provisions cannot be included in reconciliation legislation. Removing the regulatory structure for firearm silencers is thus not only dangerous, but blatantly violative of the Byrd Rule. Put simply, the provision represents a clear attempt to make a significant policy change to a century-old law, and cannot be adopted through the reconciliation process on that basis alone.”  

    “Congress has long maintained strong regulations for firearm silencers under the NFA for good reason. Law enforcement has identified silencers in crimes across the country–including in mass shootings in Monterey Park, California, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and by a gunman that killed two police officers during a 10-day shooting spree in Southern California. Furthermore, according to data from the ATF, in 2023 alone, over 400 silencers were recovered and traced from violent crime scenes. It is with this in mind, that we strongly urge you to remove Section 112029, and any provision that would deregulate and eliminate excise taxes on firearm silencers as the Senate considers the FY25 reconciliation bill. If enacted, these provisions would place the public and our brave law enforcement officers in harm’s way. The American people and our law enforcement deserve better,” they concluded. 

    The full letter is available HERE. 

    It is supported by Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Everytown for Gun Safety, and Giffords.  

    “The inclusion of the deregulation of silencers under the National Firearms Act in the budget reconciliation bill is unconscionable and demonstrates a complete disregard for public safety. In the wrong hands, silencers are extremely dangerous as they make it much more difficult for victims, bystanders, and law enforcement to recognize and react to gunfire and to identify shooters, even when in close proximity. Deregulating these under the NFA devices will enable mass shooters and other bad actors, putting the lives of law enforcement and the public at risk across the nation,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady. 

    “The silencer provisions in this bill will put law enforcement and our communities at greater risk from gun violence while costing taxpayers more than a billion dollars. We urge the Senate to remove these harmful provisions, and thank Rep. Neguse for his leadership on this issue,” said Monisha Henley, Everytown’s Senior Vice President, Government Affairs.

    “Instead of fighting crime and keeping American families safe, House Republicans gave gun industry CEOs a $1.5 billion tax break to boost their bottom line. Silencers enable shooters to cause more violence without being detected. Law enforcement has opposed efforts to sell silencers without background checks for a reason — they make law enforcement’s jobs harder. We thank Rep. Neguse for his leadership on this issue, and urge the Senate to keep silencers out of the hands of dangerous people,” said Emma Brown, Executive Director of GIFFORDS.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Neguse Issues Statement on Passage of Van Drew-Neguse Resolution Denouncing Antisemitism & Terror Attack in Boulder

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse issued the following statement after the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.Res. 481, the bipartisan resolution he co-led with Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), condemning the rise in antisemitism and violent attacks on Jewish individuals in the United States, including the recent act of terror in Boulder, Colorado. The resolution also reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to combating antisemitism and politically motivated violence. 

    “I was proud to work with my colleague Rep. Van Drew in championing a bipartisan resolution denouncing the scourge of antisemitism, and condemning the horrific act of terror that took place in my community on June 1st. 

    “Yesterday marked one week since a terrorist viciously targeted, ambushed, and attacked my constituents, who had gathered on Pearl Street Mall to take part in a peaceful walk and vigil, as they’ve done every week for the past two years, to call for the release of the hostages that were kidnapped and are being held by Hamas in Gaza. I’m grateful to have had the privilege of meeting with several of the victims this past weekend, and to hear them recount their experiences. It is difficult to put into words the emotions I felt witnessing their resilience and strength under such incredibly trying circumstances. It’s equally hard to describe the emotions I felt marching yesterday—back in my district in Boulder—alongside thousands of Coloradans who came out to show our strong support for our Jewish community.

    “We will continue to support the victims of this horrific attack and their families, and recommit to enacting legislative solutions to combat the antisemitism that has metastasized across our country. And I will continue to call on the Speaker and House Leadership to allow the House to vote on H.Res.476—my bipartisan resolution, written in conjunction with the community I represent, that further condemns the violent antisemitic attack and expresses support for the victims, their families, and local law enforcement.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Games’ public health exercise held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP), in collaboration with Guangdong and Macau’s health authorities, today conducted a public health exercise to enhance the capacity of the three places to co-operate in preventing and controlling communicable diseases during major sports events.

    The exercise was held in preparation for the 15th National Games (15th NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD), and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), which will be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau this November and December.

    The exercise simulated a scenario in which two players participating in the 15th NG basketball competition in Hong Kong were diagnosed with meningococcal infection while they were in the city. An epidemiological investigation revealed that some of their close contacts had already departed Hong Kong for Shenzhen and Macau.

    In accordance with the established mechanism, Hong Kong immediately notified the health authorities of Guangdong and Macau. The three places’ health authorities promptly traced the cases and implemented appropriate infection control measures to prevent the spread of the communicable disease.

    During the exercise, the CHP, together with the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control & Prevention Administration, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control & Prevention as well as Macau’s Health Bureau conducted a drill and exchanged views on communicable disease surveillance, prevention, control and notification mechanisms during the 15th NG, and 12th NGD and 9th NSOG via a video conference.

    More than 30 officers from the three places’ health authorities participated in the exercise.

    Director of Health Dr Ronald Lam gave a speech before the exercise started, noting that the 15th NG, and NGD and NSOG are the largest and highest-level national multisport events in the country.

    Dr Lam said: “It is of great strategic significance for the health authorities of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau to jointly organise this exercise on communicable disease prevention and control at the countdown stage of the opening of the games.

    “Through the simulation, we hope to achieve three major objectives: to strengthen the joint prevention mechanism of the three places; to build a solid risk identification defense; and to consolidate the foundation of event protection. This will allow the top athletes in the country to demonstrate the country’s sports prowess under a ‘zero significant outbreak, zero cross-infections’ condition, and showcase the country’s excellence in public health governance to the world.”

    Dr Lam added that as Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau are geographically and culturally connected, only through close collaboration can the three centres cope with major public health challenges.

    Apart from the health authorities of the three places, representatives from the Medical & Health Office of the Comprehensive Security Department of the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committees for the 15th NG, NGD and NSOG, National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) as well as Hong Kong’s Auxiliary Medical Service, Fire Services Department and Hospital Authority also sent their staff to observe the exercise.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Upcoming US Law Webinars – July 2025

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    We hope you will join us in July for the next offering of our Orientation to Legal Research webinars, focusing on U.S. federal legislative history, followed by the next entry into the Orientation to Law Library Collections webinars. The Orientation to Law Library Collections Webinar is designed for patrons who are familiar with legal research and would instead prefer an introduction to the collections and services specific to the Law Library of Congress. It will cover digital resources available through the Law Library’s website as well as those available on-site. Within this webinar, there will be a guest presentation as part of the 50 State Outreach Project by staff from the Connecticut State Library. Deborah Schander, state librarian, and Lindsay Cawley, reference services unit head, will present from the Connecticut State Library during the webinar. The Connecticut State Library presenters note that

    “[t]he Connecticut State Library is an independent and non-partisan Executive Branch agency of the State of Connecticut. Founded in 1854, the State Library is home to the State Archives, Office of the Public Records Administrator, Museum of Connecticut History, the Division of Library Development and the Connecticut Library for Accessible Books, and Reference Services, which is comprised of three specific subject areas: History & Genealogy, Law & Legislation, and Government Information. Since its founding, the Connecticut State Library has served as the principal law library for the State of Connecticut. Today, the agency’s Law & Legislation unit continues to serve as the permanent home of Connecticut General Assembly official transcripts and legislative bill files and a repository of statutes, laws, and court opinions from all 50 states and federal jurisdictions. Open to both residents and users beyond state borders, the State Library serves the employees and officials of all three branches of state government, students, teachers, researchers, town governments, and anyone seeking information within its collections.”

    We hope you will join us for these informative and interesting webinars!

    Orientation to Legal Research: Federal Legislative History

    Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT

    Content: This webinar is designed to give a basic introduction to legal sources and research techniques. This entry in the series provides an overview of U.S. federal legislative history resources, including information about the methods of identifying and locating them. In tackling this area of research, the focus will largely be on finding these documents online.

    Instructor: Sarah Friedman. Sarah Friedman is a legal reference librarian at the Law Library of Congress. Sarah holds a B.A. in English literature and criticism from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a J.D. from Roger Williams University School of Law.

    Register here. 

    Orientation to Law Library Collections Webinar Featuring the Connecticut State Library

    Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT

    Content: This webinar is designed for patrons who are familiar with legal research and would instead prefer an introduction to the collections and services specific to the Law Library of Congress. Some of the resources attendees will learn about include the Law Library’s research guides, digital collections, and the Guide to Law Online, among others.

    Instructor: Sarah Friedman. Sarah Friedman is a legal reference librarian at the Law Library of Congress. Sarah holds a B.A. in English literature and criticism from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a J.D. from Roger Williams University School of Law.

    Register here.

    To learn about other upcoming classes on domestic and foreign law topics, visit the Legal Research Institute. Please request ADA accommodations at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or [email protected].

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA creative sector generates revenue and job opportunities

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    SA creative sector generates revenue and job opportunities

    Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says the South African creative industry is a significant one that generates considerable revenue and provides employment to many.

    “The industry plays a vital role in the economy by contributing towards knowledge attainment, nation-building and cultural preservation,” Morolong said on Tuesday.

    Speaking at the book launch of Business by Grace, written by Zibusiso Mkhwanazi, Morolong said by publishing local literature and promoting cultural heritage, the sector contributes to the preservation and development of the South African culture of reading and writing.

    The book by Mkhwanazi – a South African advertising guru and entrepreneur who rose from humble beginnings – is described as “not just a story of business success”. The Mkhwanazi Foundation says Business by Grace shows readers how to embrace lessons that come from building businesses in the face of hardship, and provides practical insights on turning vision into value.

    Morolong said the creative industry, including publishing and print media, is an important source of revenue and employment in South Africa.

    “The industry also acts as the central core of an entire network of related individuals and industries, such as paper manufacturers, educational institutions, ink producers, authors, printers, designers, book binders, illustrators, booksellers, distributors and CD manufacturers.

    “The importance of the creative industry in this new environment is greatly increased… as it is a source of information and knowledge, and a vehicle for political, social and cultural expression.”

    Morolong identified the sector as one that can and ought to help South Africans to overcome the many persistent challenges that confront society and the economy.

    “Our expectations of this sector are onerous. However, the history we are making is centred on growing the sector in the same way we have grown other sectors of our economy through inclusion, empowerment and unleashing the energies and talents of South Africans.”

    Morolong said a great deal has also been written to capture the defining features of post-apartheid South Africa, and the necessarily high cost of democratic transformation.

    “Demographic conditions such as high unemployment rates, the youthfulness of the population, uneven access to basic services, such as water and electricity, form part of the challenges that continue to confront the current government.

    “The process of change is by necessity also related to new policies that aim to facilitate comprehensive economic reforms, encapsulated in the many government policy frameworks and more recently in the National Development Plan Vision 2030.

    “These reforms have in general, been focused in two directions. In the first place, reforms are aimed at addressing the immense disparities in wealth and status in South African society and provide improved access to opportunities for employment and benefits to those negatively affected by apartheid policies,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

    Edwin

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amidst Push to Unlock Orange Basin Potential

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

    Gil Holzman, President and CEO of independent oil and gas exploration company Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas, has confirmed his participation as a speaker at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference, scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 3, 2025, in Cape Town. As an independent with strategic assets in Namibia and South Africa, Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas’ Holzman is well-positioned to shape discussions around the opportunities within the African oil and gas sector.

    Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas is accelerating exploration across several key assets in the Orange Basin, one of the world’s most promising exploration frontiers located offshore South Africa and Namibia. In June 2025, the company secured the exploration right and transfer of 75% interest in Block 1. The milestone follows an announcement made in May 2025 that the company acquired 2D and 3D seismic data for Block 1 offshore South Africa to support a future drilling campaign.

    The block – where wells drilled in the 1980s indicated high-quality, commercial-scale oil and gas deposits – became part of Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas’ portfolio in June 2024 through the acquisition of a 75% working interest from Orange Basin Oil and Gas. According to Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas, the acquisition of the block is a testament to the firm’s commitment to unlock the vast hydrocarbon potential of the Orange Basin to drive a just and inclusive energy transition for the region. Meanwhile, Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas is also planning an intensive drilling program in South Africa’s Block 3B/4B, having raised CAD$11.5 million via a farm out deal in the block in January 2025. Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas holds a 5.25% carried interest in the block.

    In Namibia, Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas continues to advance exploration activities across four Petroleum Exploration Licenses – PEL 97, 98, 99 and 100 – while actively seeking farm-out partners to increase funding and technical expertise. The company holds operatorship and an 85% interest in each PEL, which represent a combined total area of 28,593 km2 in the Walvis Basin. As a frontier basin, Walvis holds immense opportunities for play-opening discoveries. Holzman’s participation at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 provides a strategic opportunity to engage potential investors and collaborators to fast-track these developments.

    “Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas is bullish about unlocking one of the world’s most prolific basins, the Orange Basin. The company’s commitment, investments and technical capabilities are vital to securing energy independence for South Africa, Namibia and the broader southern African region on the back of oil and gas exploitation,” stated Tomás Gerbasio, Vice President of Commercial and Strategic Engagement at the African Energy Chamber.

    At AEW: Invest in African Energies, Holzman will participate in high-level discussions and showcase Eco Atlantic’s project pipeline, reaffirming the company’s commitment to Africa’s energy future. Holzman will join leading stakeholders to discuss how African oil and gas reserves – estimated at 125 billion barrels of oil and 620 trillion cubic feet of gas – can serve as critical enablers of energy access, industrialization and economic transformation across the continent. With over 600 million Africans lacking electricity and 900 million without access to clean cooking, hydrocarbons are vital for bridging the continent’s energy gap.

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    About AEW: Invest in African Energies:
    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Adopting sustainable farming practices to strengthen the beef sector in Botswana

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

    The Nata-Gweta Block Beef Producers have been urged to invest in compliance, certification, and quality assurance frameworks that meet both regional and international standards. This would enable them to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which presents significant opportunities for Botswana’s beef sector and the livelihoods it supports.

    Officiating at the Nata-Gweta Block Beef Producers Association (NGBBPA) Farmer Field Day in Zoroga Village on Saturday, 24 May, FAO Representative in Botswana, Carla Mucavi, emphasized the importance of preparing local farmers to meet these standards and fully benefit from a market of over 1.3 billion potential consumers.

    Mucavi noted that although agriculture currently contributes less than 2% to Botswana’s GDP, it sustains over 80% of rural households and remains one of the nation’s most culturally and economically significant sectors. “The beef industry is not just about commerce; it is a symbol of national pride and rural resilience,” she said.

    She commended the NGBBPA for uniting communal and ranch-based farmers into a strategic alliance that advocates for improved market access, enhanced animal health services, sustainable rangeland management, and the revitalization of Botswana’s cattle industry.

    Importantly, Mucavi challenged prevailing narratives about rural vulnerability. “Farmers must not be viewed merely as victims of climate change, but as proactive agents of transformation,” she said. “FAO remains steadfast in supporting Botswana’s transition to climate-smart agriculture, strengthening early warning systems, and promoting sustainable land and water management.”

    She highlighted the worsening impacts of climate change in Botswana, including prolonged and more frequent droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures, all of which contribute to declining soil fertility, reduced water availability, and increased risks of crop failure and livestock losses.

    Beyond the climate conversation, Mucavi highlighted the urgent need to rebrand agriculture as an engine of youth empowerment and women’s inclusion. “Agriculture must be repositioned as a pathway to entrepreneurship and wealth creation, not a sector of last resort,” she asserted. She further added that young people and women bring digital skills, creativity, and bold thinking, appealing to stakeholders to create platforms, mentorship, access to land, finance, and training to help them realize their full potential.

    NGBBPA Chairperson Gosata Mosweu echoed her sentiments, sharing that the association had recently secured an 18-hectare farm to establish a livestock feed production and packaging facility as part of a broader value addition initiative. This, he noted, would reduce dependency on external feed sources and enhance local production capacity.

    The association is working closely with the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture and the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN) to acquire skills in fodder production and innovative agricultural techniques. “We are also building strong networks with crop producers in the region and commercial farmers in Pandamatenga to source raw materials,” said Mosweu. “We welcome FAO’s continued support as we strive to build resilience and sustainability within our block.”

    Representing the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture, Obert Mabuta, the District Agricultural Coordinator for the Tutume District, emphasized the importance of selective breeding for climate adaptation and productivity. He urged farmers to focus on livestock breeds that yield higher returns and can withstand the region’s harsh conditions.

    He also stressed the need for sustainable pastoral practices. “Yes, the rains have been good this year,” he said, “but they also bring other challenges such as increased wildlife movement. We must remain vigilant develop firebreaks, raise community awareness, and prioritize environmental protection to safeguard food security.”

    Mabuta applauded the association for organizing networking platforms where farmers share knowledge and gain practical skills. “These sessions are invaluable in building capacity and confidence among producers,” he concluded.

    The Nata-Gweta Block Beef Producers Association (NGBBPA), established in 2007, hosts its annual Farmer Field Day in Zoroga Village, Tutume District. The event brings together both communal and ranch-based farmers to promote improved market access, enhanced animal health services, sustainable rangeland management, and the revitalization of Botswana’s cattle industry.  The event was attended by community leaders from the region, farmers and private sector operating the in the agriculture sector.

    – on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Centre approves railway doubling projects to boost connectivity in seven districts worth ₹6,405 crore

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    The first project involves doubling the Koderma–Barkakana line, spanning 133 kilometres through a key coal-producing region of Jharkhand. This route also serves as a vital rail link between Patna and Ranchi. The second project will double the 185-kilometre stretch between Ballari and Chikjajur, passing through Ballari and Chitradurga districts in Karnataka and Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. These routes are significant for the transportation of bulk commodities such as coal, iron ore, finished steel, cement, fertilizers, petroleum products, and agricultural goods.
    According to the Ministry of Railways, the projects are designed to address capacity constraints by doubling existing single-line sections, thereby improving operational efficiency and reliability. The new infrastructure will also support increased passenger and freight traffic, particularly for critical commodities such as coal, cement, fertilizers, petroleum products, and agricultural goods.
    The projects are expected to generate direct employment for approximately 108 lakh human-days during construction. In terms of environmental and economic impact, the Railway Ministry projects that the additional freight capacity, estimated at 49 million tonnes per annum, will help reduce logistics costs and oil imports by approximately 52 crore litres. The projects are also expected to lower carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 264 crore kilograms, which is equivalent to the effect of planting 11 crore trees.
    The two lines will enhance connectivity to approximately 1,408 villages with a combined population of about 28.19 lakh. The Railway Ministry stated that the projects are in line with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, which aims to promote integrated and seamless multi-modal connectivity.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: IAEA Board of Governors on the JCPoA, June 2025: E3 statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    IAEA Board of Governors on the JCPoA, June 2025: E3 statement

    France, Germany and the UK (E3) gave a joint statement to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on Iran’s implementation of its nuclear commitments under the JCPoA

    Chair,

    On behalf of France, Germany and the United Kingdom, I thank Director General Grossi for his latest report on Iran’s nuclear programme, which once again demonstrates the Agency’s professional, independent and impartial work providing objective reporting on Iran’s nuclear programme and its implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under UN Security Council resolution 2231.

    The content of this latest report is far from positive. As we have heard many times before, it details more escalation in Iran’s nuclear programme, moving Iran even further from its JCPoA commitments, while at the same time Iran fails to improve its cooperation with the IAEA, despite the Board’s appeals. As the DG notes, Iran’s enrichment to 60% is unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons, and has no credible civilian justification. The IAEA is currently unable to verify that Iran’s escalating nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. That must be a concern for us all.

    Since the last report, Iran has continued expanding its enriched uranium stockpile, particularly its production of high enriched uranium, far exceeding its JCPoA commitments. Iran’s stockpile of uranium enriched up to 60 % has increased by roughly 50 % since the last Board and now is more than 400 kg. This is very concerning. Iran now has more than nine IAEA significant quantities of high enriched uranium and is producing just under one significant quantity of high enriched uranium per month. As a reminder, a significant quantity is the approximate amount required, as defined by the IAEA, of material from which the possibility of manufacturing a nuclear explosive device cannot be excluded. Iran’s overall stockpile exceeds the limits laid out in the JCPoA by more than 40 times. We echo the DG’s “serious concern” with this issue.

    And Iran is not stopping there. In his latest report, the DG points out that Iran has continued to expand its enrichment infrastructure by installing and partly operating new advanced centrifuges. Iran’s installed enrichment capacity is over ten times the limits Iran agreed in the JCPoA. Likewise, Iran’s continued operation of the Fordow underground facility is another breach of Iran’s JCPoA commitments and is alarming given Fordow’s status as a former undeclared enrichment facility.

    Meanwhile, Iran refuses to re-designate several experienced Agency inspectors. This is a politically motivated decision which seriously affects the IAEA’s ability to conduct its verification in Iran, particularly at its enrichment facilities.

    As a result of Iran’s continued non-cooperation and lack of implementation of almost all transparency commitments made under the JCPoA, the DG’s latest report restates that the Agency has permanently lost the continuity of knowledge on key parts of Iran’s nuclear programme that relate to the production and inventory of centrifuges, rotors and bellows, heavy water and uranium ore concentrate.

    The DG also observes that it has been four years since Iran stopped provisionally applying its Additional Protocol, thus denying the Agency complementary access to any sites or other locations in Iran.

    As a result of all these shortcomings, the Agency is yet again not able to ascertain whether Iran’s nuclear programme is exclusively peaceful. This fact, taken together with continued rhetoric from Iranian officials about Iran’s capability to assemble a nuclear weapon and about the option to change Iran’s so-called ‘nuclear doctrine’, as well as Iran’s threats to leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, pose a serious threat to international security, and the non-proliferation regime.

    Chair,

    The E3 have consistently worked towards a diplomatic solution to address Iran’s nuclear programme and to remove all doubts about its exclusively peaceful nature. Yet, in 2022, Iran twice refused a viable deal that would have brought it back into compliance with the JCPoA, with a return to United States participation, and instead Iran chose to continue to expand its nuclear activities. And this year, while engaging in dialogue with the United States and the E3, Iran has continued its nuclear escalation unabatedly, even further beyond any credible civilian justification.

    We therefore call again on Iran to urgently change course:

    Iran must halt and reverse its nuclear escalation and refrain from making threats regarding a change of its nuclear doctrine, which are in themselves highly destabilising and not consistent with Iran’s status as a state without nuclear weapons under the NPT;

    Iran must return to compliance with its JCPoA commitments;

    Iran must restore full transparency with its nuclear programme and implement the verification measures it committed to under the JCPoA and other transparency commitments, in particular its legal obligations under its Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. It must also reverse its September 2023 decision to de-designate several experienced IAEA inspectors in order to allow the Agency to fully implement its mandate; and finally:

    Iran must urgently re-implement and ratify the Additional Protocol.

    Chair,

    We, the IAEA, and many in this Board have repeated this message for years now – this matter is urgent, Iran must demonstrate its commitment to a diplomatic solution by taking concrete steps to address the international community’s concerns. The E3 wants to see a diplomatic solution. We welcome the ongoing efforts to achieve this. Through our engagement there is a clear, common message: Iran cannot be allowed to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. The E3 will spare no efforts to work towards a diplomatic solution to achieve this goal. Absent a satisfying deal, the E3 will consider triggering the snapback mechanism to address threats to international peace and security arising from Iran’s nuclear programme.

    We ask the Director General to keep the Board informed on all relevant activities and developments relating to Iran’s nuclear programme by regular and, if necessary, extraordinary reporting.

    Finally, we ask for this report to be made public.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Secretary of State condemns civil disorder

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Secretary of State condemns civil disorder

    The statement follows the disorder in Ballymena

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said:

    I utterly condemn the terrible scenes of civil disorder in Ballymena, and other reported disorder, over recent days. There is no place for this kind of violence in Northern Ireland.

    The PSNI must be given the time they need to properly investigate the distressing incident concerned.

    There is absolutely no justification for the disgraceful attacks we have seen on PSNI officers, and on people’s homes and property.

    This appalling violence and vandalism must cease immediately, and those involved will be brought to justice.

    I pay tribute to the PSNI, and those personnel from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who have worked in difficult conditions over the past few days to keep people safe.

    I also express my gratitude to those community leaders who are working hard night and day to bring this disorder to an end, and to seek ways in which their area can thrive, rather than be a site of destruction.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Primary school children and families more supported through partnership project

    Source: City of Coventry

    Families and neurodivergent children at 15 primary schools in Coventry have benefitted from specialised support through an innovative project.

    The Partnership for Inclusion Neurodiversity in Schools, or PINS project, has helped to increase the acceptance and understanding of children with autism and ADHD and other neurodivergent minds.

    It is a collaboration between Coventry City Council’s Education Service, the NHS and organisations specialising in SEND, neurodiversity and mental health and wellbeing.

    Each school has received dedicated training, coaching and advice from education and health professionals. The project has also helped schools to set up successful parent/carer forums with teachers, where queries and concerns can be easily raised. It also provides a year’s subscription to a mental health and wellbeing learning app that has created a culture of positive mental wellbeing and helped to make the learning environment more accessible.

    Moseley Primary School currently has around 14% of its children identified as having special educational needs linked to being neurodivergent, and staff and parents have really valued the support of the PINS project.

    Danni Sheriff, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator at the school, said: “We have really felt the benefits of having an expert guiding us through in this project – that has been a real selling point and the fact we were able to choose areas we wanted to focus on.

    “The MyHappyMind App that we have used as a direct result of PINS has been invaluable, and we have decided to continue to use it in school.  It has had some fabulous impacts on the children and staff, and parents and carers can even listen to podcasts at home.

    “The project has helped to improve understanding and inclusion of all our children in school, from those aged two to age 11. We look forward to making things even better and learning from the experiences we have had during the project.”

    Children at Moseley Primary have learned more about how different brains work and the way emotions and regulations are affected at peer awareness assemblies and lessons, and they have introduced termly meetings to give parents and carers a voice and help them set the agenda.

    The PINS project has recently come to the end of its first year and has been effective in 39 schools in both Coventry and Warwickshire.

    Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Coventry City Council, said: “We are really proud in Coventry to be part of the PINS project in partnership with colleagues in the NHS, to make our neurodivergent children in schools and their families, feel more supported.”

    Kate Ray, PINS Project Manager for NHS Coventry and Warwickshire, added: “The PINS project has been such a success in Coventry! Schools have been really positive and have taken part in all the different training, support, and guidance that we have been able to provide.

    “This has shown us that there is a real need for this targeted support, which can be shared throughout the whole school to make learning environments more inclusive for neurodivergent young people.”

    If you would like to learn more about the project, please contact Kate Ray on kate.ray@nhs.net

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: To Denis Matsuev, People’s Artist of the Russian Federation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the pianist and public figure on his 50th birthday.

    The telegram, in particular, notes:

    “A world-famous pianist, a man of multifaceted talent, you make a significant contribution to preserving the best traditions of the Russian piano school, the development of Russian philharmonic art. Your performances take place on the legendary stages of the world’s largest halls and become significant cultural events. Unique concert programs, performed with emotional intensity, improvisations and innovative interpretations, invariably attract audiences. Your social and charitable activities, support of young talents deserve special respect.

    I wish you new interesting projects. Good health and inexhaustible inspiration.”

    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: Financial News: Convertible Bond Market: What Was and What Will Be

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    The first set of amendments to the rules for issuing convertible bonds was introduced in 2018–2019. However, such securities were issued rarely. Issuers lacked flexibility in setting conversion parameters, and investors were in no hurry to purchase such a complex product, since it requires a more complex analysis of the risk-return ratio. In addition, the situation was negatively affected by macroeconomic uncertainty and the departure of large venture funds from the Russian market.

    In order to increase the demand for convertible bonds, the Bank of Russia proposes to create conditions for their use at the pre-IPO stage (thanks to this, the issuer will be able to attract financing on more favorable terms before acquiring public status), and also to consider the possibility of switching from a fixed to a variable conversion rate. Such changes will allow companies to better adapt the instrument to their needs and the market situation.

    Preview photo: ABCDstock / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 24705

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin appointed Viktor Gulin as head of Rostransnadzor

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Document

    Order dated June 9, 2025 No. 1511-r

    Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has appointed Viktor Gulin as head of the Federal Service for Supervision of Transport (Rostransnadzor). The order to this effect has been signed.

    Viktor Gulin was born in 1976 in the village of Kukarino, Mozhaisk district, Moscow region.

    In 1998 he graduated from Moscow State University of Railway Engineering.

    After graduating from the university, he worked as a foreman, a production section foreman, then as deputy head of the Lobnya locomotive depot for repairs, and as technical director of Tverskoy Express LLC.

    In 2008, Viktor Gulin moved to Rostransnadzor, where he worked in various positions. In 2019, he became deputy head of the service. In April 2025, after the head of Rostransnadzor Viktor Basargin retired, Viktor Gulin was appointed acting head of the department.

    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: Financial news: Bank of Russia decisions regarding financial market participants

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

    All segments

    Licensing measures

    Control of insolvency restoration procedures

    On the reorganization of the non-state pension fund

    On the introduction of a ban

    On termination of a mutual investment fund

    On lifting the previously imposed ban

    Qualification certificates

    On the results of inspections of non-credit financial institutions

    About joining the SGP

    Control of insolvency restoration procedures

    Licensing measures

    Maintaining registers

    Control of insolvency restoration procedures

    Maintaining registers

    On filing a bankruptcy petition with the court

    Licensing

    Access to the financial market

    Registration actions

    Operations Prohibition

    Accreditation of organizations

    Maintaining registers

    Qualification certificates

    Licensing

    Response measures

    On the issue of securities

    Registration actions

    Licensing measures

    State control over the acquisition of shares

    On extending the period for eliminating the violation

    Accreditation

    Accreditation of news agencies

    Prescriptions

    Control of insolvency restoration procedures

    Prescriptions

    Entry into the register

    Exclusion from the registry

    Maintaining registers

    Transfer of insurance portfolio

    Agreements with the Bank of Russia

    Maintaining registers

    Restriction of activities of the OIS/OOTSFA

    Replacement of an official of the OIS/OOCFA

    Restriction of the activities of the OFP

    Maintaining registers

    Accreditation of investment advisory programs

    Maintaining registers

    Restriction of activities of the OIP

    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: Financial news: RUONIA rate

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

    All information on the RUONIA interest rate published by the Bank of Russia on the official website is public and generally accessible, therefore it can be reproduced in any media, on Internet servers or on any other media. The terms of use and reproduction of this information are presented in the section “About the site”. When reproducing information about the RUONIA rate, a link to the original source (the official website of the Bank of Russia) is required. The Bank of Russia is not responsible for information about the RUONIA interest rate published in sources other than its official website.

    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: Dmitry Patrushev: The government is increasing the efficiency of forest inventory

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev held a meeting devoted to forest management issues in Russia. The event was attended by the management of the Accounts Chamber, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Federal Forestry Agency, and heads of regions in which the forest industry complex has a significant impact on the economy.

    Since 2020, on the instructions of the President of Russia, a large-scale reform of the forestry industry has been carried out, aimed at increasing the transparency and efficiency of its functioning.

    Previously, forest resources were assessed by regions using the federal budget and their own funds. At the same time, forest management was carried out by businesses. Such decentralization had a negative impact on the efficiency of the system’s management.

    The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that it was possible to improve manageability thanks to the transfer of forest inventory powers to the federal level in 2022. In particular, the areas covered by forest management have increased – in three years, work has been completed on almost 60 million hectares.

    At the same time, Dmitry Patrushev noted that the pace of work in this area needs to be increased in order to involve forest resources in circulation.

    During the meeting, the heads of the Arkhangelsk and Irkutsk regions, as well as Primorsky Krai, informed about the situation on the ground and presented their proposals for improving work and developing the regulatory framework.

    Following the meeting, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Federal Forestry Agency were instructed to speed up work on improving legislation, including taking into account the noted proposals of the heads of regions. Additionally, it is necessary to improve the forest assessment planning system, including using modern technologies in the field of artificial intelligence and Earth remote sensing data.

    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: Financial News: RUONIA Index and Urgent Version

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia (2) –

    For financial products with a floating interest rate (e.g. loans, bonds), the Bank of Russia proposes to use the urgent version of RUONIA as an indicator.

    Two products have been developed:

    urgent version of RUONIA for terms of one, three and six months; the RUONIA accumulated value index, on the basis of which each market participant can calculate for themselves interest rates of any (non-standard) term.

    Date 06/10/2025 06/11/2025
    Index 3.676664 3.678659
    Urgent version of RUONIA for 1 month 20.96 20.94
    Urgent version of RUONIA for 3 months 21.58 21.56
    Urgent version of RUONIA for 6 months 22.09 22.08

    Dynamics of the index and urgent version of RUONIA

    The index and urgent version of RUONIA are calculated for each day based on the RUONIA interest rate (using the compound interest formula on business days for which RUONIA was calculated, using the simple interest formula on weekends and days for which RUONIA was not calculated) and are published on the website of the Bank of Russia on the days of RUONIA calculation after the publication of RUONIA.

    RUONIA Interest Rate Methodology And Methodology for the formation and publication of the RUONIA index and the urgent version of RUONIA officially approved by the Bank of Russia.

    The urgent version of RUONIA has an economic justification – the final yield is measured by the results of daily reinvestment during the “overnight” period. The issuer (borrower) pays the actual cost of money that has developed on the market over the past interest period.

    The use of the urgent version of RUONIA allows smoothing the yield and avoiding shocks of the money (currency) market, as well as one-time changes in the key rate of the Bank of Russia. Thus, the urgent version of RUONIA relieves issuers and borrowers from the effects of volatility of short-term interest rates. At the same time, it acts as a nominal anchor – by managing the liquidity of the banking sector, the regulator stabilizes the value of RUONIA daily within the interest rate corridor, which ensures the predictability of its dynamics. Accordingly, the use of RUONIA in active and passive transactions allows minimizing the basis risk, since interest payments on claims and liabilities are closely correlated with each other.

    In 2020, the Bank of Russia conducted an international audit confirming RUONIA’s compliance with the requirements of the International Organization of Securities Commissions.

    In the Bank of Russia, control over compliance with international requirements is carried out by RUONIA Monitoring Committee. RUONIA is characterized by low operational risk.

    User’s Guide for the RUONIA Index and Urgent Version.

    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: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. They discussed ongoing and future areas of collaboration between the Holy See and the United Nations in their joint efforts to build a peaceful, just and sustainable world.

    His Holiness and the Secretary-General exchanged views on peace and security issues as well as other global priorities, including sustainable development, climate action and artificial intelligence and ways to build on the long legacy of cooperation between the United Nations and the Holy See.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Ramps Up Emergency Response Amid Deadly Flooding in Nigeria

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva/Mokwa, 11 June 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in close coordination with the Government of Nigeria, is responding to severe flooding in Niger State, Nigeria, that has left more than 200 people dead and nearly 10,000 affected. Triggered by heavy rainfall that began on 29 May, the floods have swept through several communities in north-central Nigeria, leaving widespread destruction in their wake.

    According to a joint rapid assessment conducted by IOM, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), and the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS), more than 450 homes have been destroyed.  In addition to the tragic loss of life, over 180 hectares of farmland have been submerged, posing a serious threat to food security and livelihoods just as the lean season approaches.

    “This tragedy has brought unimaginable loss to families who were already living in vulnerable conditions,” said Dimanche Sharon, IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria. “People have lost their loved ones, their homes, and their livelihoods. Our teams are on the ground, working closely with partners to deliver urgent, life-saving assistance. We are doing everything we can to reach those most in need and help communities begin to recover.”

    In response to the escalating needs, IOM has deployed multisectoral rapid response teams to the affected areas to support data collection, conduct initial damage assessments, and emergency response operations. The Organization has begun distributing 1,000 emergency shelter kits and 500 non-food item packages to displaced families, supporting up to 1,000 families, with priority given to the most vulnerable.

    In parallel, water and sanitation facilities in the affected communities are being assessed for urgent repairs to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. At the same time, IOM is working closely with government and humanitarian partners to support broader coordination efforts and carry out comprehensive needs assessments, ensuring a flexible and effective response across sectors.

    This response comes at a crucial moment, as communities face mounting risks with the onset of the rainy season. The recent events in Niger State highlight the urgent need to strengthen early warning systems, raise community awareness, and invest in critical infrastructure such as riverbank reinforcement and proper drainage to reduce future risks of flooding.

    “We must move beyond emergency response and focus on long-term solutions,” added Sharon. “Disaster preparedness and climate resilience must be central to our efforts, especially in areas already facing overlapping vulnerabilities.”

    During humanitarian crises, IOM is consistently among the first responders, swiftly mobilizing resources, providing critical data to support the boarder humanitarian system, and coordinating with partners to deliver life-saving assistance, protection, and durable solutions for displaced and vulnerable populations.

    IOM’s ongoing emergency relief efforts in Nigeria are made possible thanks to the support of EU Humanitarian Aid (ECHO).

    For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thompson Announces Appointment of Lucas Gaston to the United States Military Academy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

    COUDERSPORT, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced that Mr. Lucas Gaston, of Brookville, Pa. has accepted a fully qualified appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

    Gaston is a senior at Brookville Area High School. He is the son of Becky and Mike Gaston of Brookville. He is the grandson of Hazel and Joe Gaston of Brookville and Nancy and Ted Fox of Brookville.

    “Lucas is an exceptional young man who has distinguished himself in the classroom, in athletics, and throughout his community,” Rep. Thompson said. “His achievements speak to a deep sense of purpose and a readiness to meet the challenges of the United States Military Academy. I have no doubt that he will thrive at West Point, and I wish him the very best as he begins this exciting new chapter.”

    Gaston is currently serving as the Secretary of his class. He is a track and field and golf athlete, participates in the concert and marching band, is a Special Olympics Volunteer, and a member of the National Honor Society.

     
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thompson Announces Appointment of Archie Walker to the United States Military Academy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

    COUDERSPORT, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced that Ms. Archie Walker, of Lock Haven, Pa. has accepted a fully qualified appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

    Walker is a senior at Central Mountain High School. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Greg Walker of Lock Haven and she has three siblings: Jackson, Lucy, and Lane Walker.

    “Archie is an accomplished young woman striving to make a difference in her country,” Rep. Thompson said. “She has proven herself on the field and in the classroom. I have no doubt that her determination will serve her well at the Military Academy, and I wish her the very best in this next chapter.”

    Walker is currently serving as the Vice President of the Rotary Club. She is a three-year varsity athlete in soccer, a dual-enrollment student at Commonwealth University, and a member of the National Honor Society.

     
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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thompson Announces Appointment of Bryony Shipe to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

    COUDERSPORT, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced that Ms. Bryony Shipe of Ford City, Pa. has accepted a fully-qualified appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y.

    Shipe is a senior at Commonwealth Charter Academy, and is the daughter of Amanda and Lucas Shipe of Ford City. She is the granddaughter of Kathie and Dave Olinger of Manorville, Pa., and Patty and Larry Shipe of Swanton, Md. She has six siblings: Dylayn, Keira, Aynsley, Zayley, Skylyn, and Elijah Shipe.

    “Bryony is a great example of a well-rounded student and active community member,” Rep. Thompsonsaid. “Bryony’s focus on service to others is an extremely valuable attribute that will contribute to her military career. I wish her the very best as she begins this journey.”

    Shipe is an active volunteer and tutors at a local education center. She is a varsity athlete in cross country and swimming, and a co-captain of the varsity swimming and diving team. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thompson, Mannion Introduce EMS Counts Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and John Mannion (D-NY) today introduced the EMS Counts Act to address the chronic miscounting of emergency personnel.

    The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Statistics (BLS) current occupational classification system does not properly account for firefighters who are cross-trained as a paramedic or EMT. This oversight results in recognizing cross-training results in a significant and chronic undercount of emergency personnel nationwide, making it challenging to track gaps in emergency services and meet the needs of first responders.

    The EMS Counts Act would require the BLS to revise the Standard Occupational Classification System to accurately reflect the number of paramedics, EMTs, and other first responders throughout communities nationwide.

    “Prior to serving in Congress, I spent decades as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. I recognize and value to the commitment these individuals have to their communities,” Rep. Thompsonsaid. “Correcting outdated classifications is important, because without a accurate count of the number of EMTs, paramedics, and other emergency service providers, it creates a challenge to adequately meet the health and safety needs of our communities.”

    “The bipartisan EMS Counts Act supports our first responders by ensuring they are properly recognized in national workforce data,” Rep. Mannion said. “Firefighters and EMS personnel are often the first on the scene during emergencies, and the current data gap has real consequences for emergency planning, resource allocation, and workplace protections. By fixing this, we’re helping communities become safer, better prepared, and more resilient. I’m grateful to partner with Rep. GT Thompson and for his leadership on this commonsense legislation that honors the dedication of so many in Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, and across the country who put their lives on the line every day.”

    “Fire fighters are proud to serve as the first medical professional to treat many critically ill or injured patients. Medical emergencies are one of fire fighters’ most common types of calls. The BLS’ failure to recognize that EMS is a core component of the fire service has led to incorrect data being used in emergency planning, labor surveys, and health protections for fire-based EMS professionals. The IAFF is proud to support this legislation from Reps. Thompson and Mannion which recognizes that EMS is an intrinsic part of the firefighting profession,” said Edward A. Kelly, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) General President.

    “The bipartisan EMS Counts Act is foundational legislation for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) community. EMS consists of a diverse group of first responders, including health care practitioners such as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and paramedics who often serve in dual roles as Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics. NAEMT applauds Representative Thompson and Representative Mannion’s introduction of the EMS Counts Act that will finally accurately represent the current structure of the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC), the system used by the Department of Labor BLS, which has led to a severe undercounting of EMS personnel across the nation. This data is the basis for funding and policy decisions, so to undercount EMS personnel is to undercut our nation’s ability to provide life-saving and preventive community care. NAEMT urges for passage of the EMS Counts Act,” said Chris Way, National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) President. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thompson Announces Appointment of Adam Bell to the U.S. Naval Academy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

    COUDERSPORT, Pa. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced that Mr. Adam Bell of State College, Pa. has accepted a fully-qualified appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.

    Bell is a senior at State College Area High School, and is the son of Elizabeth and Jayce Bell of State College. He is the grandson of  E. Ann Wortman and the Late Jerry Wortman of Warren, Pa., and Janie and Roy Bell of Alturas, Calif. He has two siblings, Samuel and Katelyn Bell.

    Bell is involved in his high school’s culinary program and has represented his school in competitions. He is a varsity athlete in three sports, diving, wrestling, and track, and participates in Model UN.

    “Whether in the kitchen, on the field, or in the classroom, Adam excels in every area,” Rep. Thompsonsaid. “His drive for success will help him excel at the Naval Academy. I wish Adam good luck as he begins this next chapter of his life as a midshipman and student athlete in Annapolis.”

    Bell will continue his athletic pursuits while at the Naval Academy. He has been recruited as a pole vaulter for USNA’s track and field team.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Om Birla pays floral tribute to former speaker K.S. Hegde on his birth anniversary

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today led a solemn ceremony at Samvidhan Sadan to pay floral tribute to former Speaker K. S. Hegde on his birth anniversary.

    Elected to the Rajya Sabha in 1952, K. S. Hegde served until 1957, when he resigned to join the Mysore High Court as a judge. His illustrious judicial career saw him serve as Chief Justice of the Delhi and Himachal Pradesh High Court and later as a Supreme Court Judge from 1967 until his resignation in 1973. In 1977, Hegde was elected to the Sixth Lok Sabha from Bangalore South Constituency and became Lok Sabha Speaker on July 21, 1977, following Dr. Neelam Sanjiva Reddy’s resignation. After stepping down as Speaker in January 1980, he settled in his native Karnataka, where he passed away on May 24, 1990.

    During the ceremony, a booklet highlighting Hegde’s life and contributions, published

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ10: Facilitation measures for cross-boundary goods vehicles

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Yim Kong and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (June 11):

    Question:

    It has been reported that the Government will announce the details of Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles within this year, and only non-commercial small passenger vehicles will be allowed to apply under the first phase of implementation. Some members of the logistics and transport industries expect the Government to make good use of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and take the opportunity of implementing Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles to enhance the relevant policy on Guangdong/Hong Kong cross-boundary Mainland goods vehicles, so as to further consolidate Hong Kong’s role as the prominent hub for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and to drive the development of the Hong Kong International Airport (the airport), container terminals, and the entire logistics industry. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether the Government will, in the course of formulating the policy on Southbound Travel for Guangdong Vehicles, discuss with the Mainland authorities the enhancement of the relevant policy on cross-boundary Mainland goods vehicles (including the quota system coordinated by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong), so as to facilitate cross-boundary goods vehicles in travelling between the Mainland and Hong Kong; if so, of the details, including the expected time of announcing the relevant policy;

    (2) whether the Government will enhance the application process for southbound cross-boundary Mainland goods vehicles or introduce new measures, e.g. making reference to the existing system of “closed road permits” while streamlining the application process therein, such that a certain number of Mainland goods vehicles will be allowed to reach designated major cargo hubs in Hong Kong (including the cargo terminals of the airport and container terminals) directly via designated routes; and

    (3) whether the Government will make reference to the experience of other places (e.g. the “Green Card system” (a kind of cross-border motor insurance card system) in Europe) and promote a mutual recognition mechanism for motor insurance among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, so as to achieve “one insurance policy for all”?

    Reply:

    President,

    The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) attaches great importance to the development of modern logistics, and is committed to developing Hong Kong into an international smart logistics hub. To this end, the Government promulgated the Action Plan on Modern Logistics Development in 2023, which proposed to enhance Hong Kong’s role as the gateway and key transshipment hub for cargoes to and from the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by improving multimodal transport. In particular, cross-boundary land freight transport is a major mode of freight transport between Hong Kong and other cities in the GBA, as well as an important component of the “rail-sea-land-river” intermodal transport system between Hong Kong and the Mainland. On the other hand, cross-boundary goods vehicles are also a major means for transporting daily supplies and are of crucial importance to the livelihood of Hong Kong people. Hence, the TLB has always placed strong emphasis on improving cross-boundary land freight transport arrangements. In handling matters related to cross-boundary goods vehicles, the TLB always adheres to the policy principle of “maintaining capacity and stability” and takes into account the views of different stakeholders, so as to ensure smooth operation and adequate capacity of cross-boundary land freight transport, thereby providing staunch support for strengthening and enhancing Hong Kong’s status as an international maritime centre, international aviation hub and international logistics hub.

    Having consulted the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, and the Transport Department (TD), our reply to various parts of the Hon Yim’s question is as follows:

    (1) and (2) Cross-boundary goods vehicles are subject to the regulation of the quota system which is agreed and jointly administered by the governments of Guangdong and Hong Kong. If the Mainland goods vehicles need to apply for Hong Kong permit/licence, holders of the Mainland goods vehicle quotas must first apply to the relevant Mainland authority for the Mainland Approval Notice (commonly known as MAN) for their goods vehicles. The quota holders should also apply to the TD for vehicle approval and vehicle examination for their goods vehicles; upon passing the vehicle examination, they could proceed with vehicle registration and licensing as well as apply for Closed Road Permit (CRP). The TD would issue CRPs according to the approved boundary crossing(s) recorded on the MAN so that cross-boundary goods vehicles concerned could ply between Guangdong and Hong Kong via the designated boundary crossing(s). Besides, drivers from the Mainland driving the goods vehicles concerned should hold a full Hong Kong driving licence for the corresponding vehicle class(es) (such as light, medium or heavy goods vehicles). From 2022 to April 2025, the number of cross-boundary goods vehicles with valid CRPs maintained at about 10 000, among which goods vehicles from the Mainland have increased.

    Guangdong and Hong Kong have been maintaining close liaison, and will review and enhance relevant facilitation measures for cross-boundary goods vehicles as appropriate subject to the development of freight logistics, local traffic capacity and trade’s responses in both places. Guangdong and Hong Kong also keep reviewing the number of quotas for cross-boundary goods vehicles from time to time. If the Mainland authorities seek to increase the quotas, Hong Kong will expedite the vetting with enhanced efficiency. Besides, the TD has enhanced the arrangement of vehicle approval for cross-boundary goods vehicles with a view to completing the relevant process with enhanced speed. In general, if all the documents required are in order and accurate, the time needed for completion of vehicle approval, examination, registration and licensing, as well as CRP application has been greatly shortened to as fast as three to four weeks.

    (3) The Insurance Authority has been in discussion with relevant authorities and the insurance industry on the insurance arrangement for cross-boundary vehicles, with a view to providing facilitation and appropriate insurance products. Take Northbound Travel for Hong Kong Vehicles as an example, the Government has at the same time implemented the “unilateral recognition” arrangement for cross-boundary motor insurance, which allows Hong Kong private cars driving into Guangdong via the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge to extend the coverage of their third-party liability insurance purchased from Hong Kong insurers to the Mainland, thereby eliminating the need for separate policies in both places and facilitating travel between Guangdong and Hong Kong. The Government will continue to monitor the development of the cross-boundary freight and logistics industry, and review the relevant measures in a timely manner.

    Ends/Wednesday, June 11, 2025
    Issued at HKT 11:43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao hold public health exercise in preparation for hosting 15th NG, NGD and NSOG (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao hold public health exercise in preparation for hosting 15th NG, NGD and NSOG Issued at HKT 18:35

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health, in collaboration with the health authorities of Guangdong Province and Macao, today (June 11) conducted a public health exercise, code-named “Jingfeng”, to enhance the capacity of the three places to co-operate in preventing and controlling communicable diseases during major sports events. The exercise was held in preparation for the 15th National Games (15th NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD), and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), which will be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao this November and December.

    The exercise simulated a scenario in which two players participating in the 15th NG basketball competition in Hong Kong were diagnosed with meningococcal infection while they were in the city. An epidemiological investigation revealed that some of their close contacts had already departed Hong Kong for Shenzhen and Macao respectively. In accordance with the established mechanism, Hong Kong immediately notified the health authorities of Guangdong and Macao. The health authorities of the three places promptly traced the cases and implemented appropriate infection control measures to prevent the spread of the communicable disease.

    During the exercise, the CHP, together with the Guangdong Provincial Disease Control and Prevention Administration, the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Bureau of Macao conducted a drill and exchanged views on communicable disease surveillance, prevention, control and notification mechanisms during the 15th NG, and 12th NGD and 9th NSOG via a video conference. More than 30 officers from the health authorities of the three places participated in the exercise.

    Before the commencement of the exercise, the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, gave a speech. “The 15th NG, and NGD and NSOG are the largest and highest-level national multisport events in the country. It is of great strategic significance for the health authorities of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to jointly organise this exercise on communicable disease prevention and control at the countdown stage of the opening of the Games. Through the simulation, we hope to achieve three major objectives: to strengthen the joint prevention mechanism of the three places; to build a solid risk identification defense; and to consolidate the foundation of event protection. This will allow the top athletes in the country to demonstrate the country’s sports prowess under a ‘zero significant outbreak, zero cross-infections’ condition, and showcase the country’s excellence in public health governance to the world,” he said.

    Dr Lam added that since its establishment, the CHP has organised a total of 32 emergency response exercises and drills, simulating human cases of avian influenza, measles, plagues and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. As Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are geographically and culturally connected, only through close collaboration can the three centres cope with major public health challenges. In the future, the three places will continue to strengthen joint efforts in the prevention and control of communicable diseases. They will maintain communication and collaboration on aspects such as the prevention and control of communicable diseases, and the development of the public health system, with a view to enhancing global health safety standards. They will also fulfil the tripartite co-operation agreement on public health emergencies and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Health Cooperation Consensus.

    Apart from the health authorities of the three places, representatives from the Medical and Health Office of the Comprehensive Security Department of the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committees for the 15th NG, NGD and NSOG, National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) of the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Auxiliary Medical Service, the Fire Services Department and the Hospital Authority have also sent their staff to observe the exercise.

    Ends/Wednesday, June 11, 2025
    Issued at HKT 18:35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Castle Peak Hospital missing patient found

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Castle Peak Hospital missing patient foundIssued at HKT 14:55

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: The spokesperson for Castle Peak Hospital made the following update today (June 11) regarding a patient leaving the hospital without notification earlier: The 43-year-old female patient who left the hospital without notification yesterday (June 10) has returned to the hospital this morning and is in stable condition.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Visit Any Disaster Recovery Center For In-Person FEMA Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: Visit Any Disaster Recovery Center For In-Person FEMA Assistance

    Visit Any Disaster Recovery Center For In-Person FEMA Assistance

    FRANKFORT, Ky

    –If you are a Kentucky survivor who experienced loss as the result of the severe storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes from May 16-17, 2025, you do not have to go to a Disaster Recovery Center in your own county

    You can receive in-person FEMA assistance at any center

     No appointment is needed

    To find all Disaster Recovery Center locations, including those in other states, go to fema

    gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362

    Disaster Recovery Centers are one-stop shops where you can get information and advice on available assistance from state, federal and community organizations

     You can get help to apply for FEMA assistance, learn the status of your FEMA application, understand the letters you get from FEMA and get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance

    The U

    S

    Small Business Administration representatives and resources from the Commonwealth are also available at the Disaster Recovery Centers to assist you

    FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected by the May tornadoes to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible

    The deadline to apply is July 23

    You don’t have to visit a center to apply for FEMA assistance

    There are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

    When you apply, you will need to provide:A current phone number where you can be contacted

    Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

     If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

    For more information about Kentucky tornado recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4875

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4864

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

     
    martyce

    allenjr
    Wed, 06/11/2025 – 12:06

    MIL OSI USA News –