Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)
United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) brought together military medical professionals and leaders from 19 partner nations for the third biennial Medical Security Cooperation Exchange (MSCE), held from May 11 to 15, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. The event served as a pivotal opportunity to strengthen regional medical collaboration, accelerate innovation, and enhance readiness across the coalition.
Source: Apple
Headline: Logic Pro amplifies beat making on Mac and iPad with advanced new capabilities
May 28, 2025
UPDATE
Logic Pro amplifies beat making on Mac and iPad with advanced new capabilities
An enhanced Stem Splitter and new features like Flashback Capture elevate hip-hop and electronic music production to a new level
Apple today introduced new Logic Pro updates for Mac and iPad, supercharging beat making and producing. The innovative Stem Splitter feature now offers even greater audio fidelity, and can separate guitar and piano into stems. With Flashback Capture, users can retrieve and restore inspiring performances they may have forgotten to record. And with energetic new sound packs like Dancefloor Rush, beat makers have fresh loops and kits to fuel their next track.
Stem Splitter Delivers Enhanced Audio Fidelity and New Stems
The updated Stem Splitter extracts greater detail from old recordings and demos, and now offers added support for guitar and piano stems.1 Producers can easily select common stem variations, such as acapella, instrumental, or instrumental with vocals using presets. Additionally, a new submix feature makes it easy for users to export just the parts of audio they want — for example, removing vocals to create an instrumental track, or pulling out the drums and bass for a custom remix.
Recall Every Moment with Flashback Capture
Flashback Capture allows artists to recover unforgettable performances, even if they forgot to hit record.2 Users can quickly restore MIDI and audio performances using a key command or a custom control bar button. By enabling Cycle mode, musicians can improvise multiple takes, and Flashback Capture will automatically organize each pass into a take folder.
New Sound Packs to Amplify Music Production
Logic Pro adds new sound packs to amplify music production. Dancefloor Rush — the latest sound pack for Mac and iPad — features a world of expertly crafted drum-and-bass sounds with over 400 dynamic loops, punchy drum kits, and a custom Live Loops grid. Today’s update also introduces two new sound packs to Logic Pro for Mac: Magnetic Imperfections and Tosin Abasi. Magnetic Imperfections brings an original texture that captures the raw, unpolished essence of analog tape, while the Tosin Abasi sound pack showcases progressive metal guitar with boutique amps, unique effects, distinctive picking techniques, and the artist’s signature riffs.
Learn MIDI Comes to iPad for Seamless Logic Pro Integration
Learn MIDI is now available on iPad, allowing users to get hands-on control by easily assigning their favorite knobs, faders, and buttons on MIDI devices to control plug-ins, instruments, and other automatable parameters within Logic Pro.3 With Learn MIDI’s intuitive interface and real-time visual feedback, users can quickly create custom assignments, view available controls, and stay in their creative flow.
Additional features to enhance creativity on Mac:
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Source: United States Navy
San Diego, Calif. – Ensuring the health and well-being of its personnel is critical to maintaining Naval Special Warfare’s (NSW) position as the nation’s premier maritime special operations force. Unauthorized use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) during training and operations poses a serious threat, potentially leading to injury, death, and long-term health problems.
Source: City of Winchester
The Winchester Nutrient Mitigation Strategy has been shortlisted under the ‘best project’ award by the Royal Town Planning Institute.
The joint submission from the city council and the Partnership for South Hampshire was based on the work that Winchester City Council has undertaken to protect and improve the water quality of important rivers (Itchen) and chalk streams across the district, while still being able to provide new homes.
Nitrates and Phosphorous (Nutrients) can be harmful to waterways. There is concern that without measures to prevent it, new homes can contribute to adding excessive nutrients into the water. All new developments must be able to demonstrate how they will not contribute to the problem and be ‘nitrate neutral’.
Winchester City Council has been proactive in tackling this key issue and developed a number of schemes to prevent this from happening (Nutrient mitigation). By upgrading city council owned waste-water treatment works (WWTW) and retrofitting council owned properties with water efficiency measures, the homes using these systems will not be adding harmful nutrients to our rivers and streams. The retrofitting measures also have the added advantage of also helping to reduce people’s water bills.
Instead of relying on third party mitigation schemes, the city council has created its own – and is the first council owned phosphorous mitigation in the Solent area.
An initial pilot scheme, funded by the city council, to upgrade two WWTWs was completed last year. Working with Partnership for South Hampshire, the city council has been able to access the Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund (LNMF) to be able to start work on upgrading a further 10 WWTWs this year.
Councillor Jackie Porter, Cabinet Member for Place and the Local Plan, said: “Being shortlisted for this award is testament to the teams’ commitment and ingenuity in finding solutions to an important but complex issue which both protects our rivers and waterways, but still allows for the development of much needed homes. I am delighted the Royal Institute for Town planners has recognised this project and we look forward to hearing the outcome.”
Councillor Keith House, Chair of the Partnership for South Hampshire, added: “This is great recognition for work being done in our region to safeguard the environment while enabling much-needed development. As a partnership we work collectively to ensure councils are in the best possible position to deliver projects like that will benefit everyone.”
The finalists will be announced in July.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Central Bank of Russia –
The Russian economy has continued to grow over the past six months. The position of banks and other financial institutions remains stable, including due to the fact that the Bank of Russia tightened regulation in a timely manner.
Most companies have enough profit to service their loans and will be able to comfortably ride out the period of economic slowdown and high rates.
The measures of the Bank of Russia, as well as the budget rule, will help maintain macroeconomic stability and the sustainability of the financial system.
Read more in the next Financial Stability Review.
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 = 24645
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Central Bank of Russia –
Financial institutions may offer qualified investors derivative financial instruments, securities and digital financial assets, the profitability of which is tied to the value of cryptocurrency. The key condition is that such instruments should not provide for the actual delivery of cryptocurrency.
For credit institutions recommended conservatively assess the risks of such instruments: provide for their full coverage by capital, and also set a separate limit for them. During the year, the Bank of Russia plans to formalize a conservative approach to regulating the risks of credit institutions associated with changes in the value of cryptocurrencies.
The Bank of Russia still does not recommend financial institutions and their clients to invest directly in cryptocurrencies. Proposals of the Bank of Russia on the launch of an experimental regime, where only certain categories of investors will be able to make transactions with cryptocurrencies, are being approved by the Government.
Preview photo: Timofeev Vladimir / 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 = 24647
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the international exhibition.
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Mikhail Mishustin visited the exhibition “Metalworking – 2025”. With the Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov and the Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov
The International Specialized Exhibition “Equipment, Devices and Tools for the Metalworking Industry” – “Metalloobrabotka” has been held since 1984 and is one of the largest international industry expositions in the machine tool industry. This year is the 25th anniversary international exhibition. The event will be attended by more than 1.2 thousand companies, including about 840 from 50 regions of Russia, as well as exhibitors from Belarus, China, India, Korea, Italy, Turkey and South Korea.
The exhibition’s business program is focused on applied tasks and strategic issues of development of basic industries.
The key focus of the business part is on the implementation of the national project “Production and Automation Tools” – its goals and key indicators, government support measures, as well as issues of technological leadership as a priority area of industrial policy, including issues of import independence, development of scientific and technical potential and training of highly qualified personnel.
The event serves as a key platform for presenting advanced developments in the machine tool industry, and also contributes to the formation of sustainable production and technological chains. The exhibition is aimed at promoting industrial cooperation, strengthening ties between manufacturers, suppliers and consumers, implementing domestic solutions and expanding import-independent supplies of equipment and components.
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.
Source: World Health Organisation
Preterm births – defined as births that occur before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy – are the leading cause of death amongst children aged under 5 years. Complications such as difficulties breathing, infections and hypothermia are common, while survivors can face significant and long-term disability and ill health.
The WHA decision document urges countries to expand access to proven, high-impact interventions, like special newborn care units, support for affected families and kangaroo mother care (KMC), which combines exclusive breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact. For prevention, the document highlights the need to strengthen antenatal services and more broadly, improve women’ underlying health.
“Recognizing this is a crucial issue increasingly shaping child health and survival, WHO welcomes the decision to incorporate World Prematurity Day into its official calendar,” said Dr Anshu Banerjee, Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing. “It will be an important opportunity to educate, raise awareness and advocate for action to tackle this leading cause of child mortality, while highlighting the need for additional practical, financial and policy support for affected families.”
In 2022, WHO released new clinical guidelines for care of preterm and low birthweight infants, with new guidance to help countries expand kangaroo mother care expected later this year. Alongside partners, the Organization also supports countries to deliver comprehensive newborn care packages, including special services for small and sick babies.
World Prematurity Day has been observed for over a decade, driven by advocacy from families, civil society, and health professionals. Its formal recognition by WHO is expected to further galvanize global attention and action to this critical issue for maternal and child health.
The decision was agreed following discussions on the Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health (2016–2030). It aligns with the 2023 WHA Resolution to accelerate progress in maternal, newborn, and child survival, as well as the 2025 World Health Day theme: “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures.”
World Prematurity Day will be officially marked by WHO, Member States, and partners on November 17, starting in 2025.
Related document:
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Source: World Health Organisation
WHO is convening a Guideline Development Group (GDG) for the development of evidence-based Clinical guidelines on doxycycline prophylaxis for prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
WHO estimates that 374 million new cases of curable STIs occur annually. To reduce the burden of infection and its associated complications, the Global health sector strategy 2022-2030 lists the identification and implementation of novel evidence-based strategies for STI prevention as one of the key action items. Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, i.e. doxycycline taken after unprotected sex, is such a novel intervention that could be considered for STI prevention.
GDG members will contribute to the review of evidence and will propose recommendations through the GRADE methodology. They will participate in the GDG meeting, which will be held in a series of virtual sessions on 25 and 26 June 2025.
The general objective of this meeting is to develop recommendations on use of doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for the prevention of bacterial STIs (syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhoea) for men who have sex with men and transgender people. The specific objectives include:
In accordance with WHO guidelines for developing recommendations, the GDG is composed of members from all WHO regions, serving in their individual capacities rather than as representatives of affiliated organizations. GDG members were selected by WHO technical staff based on their technical expertise, their role as end-users (e.g., programme managers and healthcare providers), and their representation of affected communities. Members do not receive financial compensation for their contributions to this process.
To ensure transparency and inclusivity, WHO invites members of the public and interested organizations to review the biographies of the GDG members and provide feedback. Comments can be submitted via email to hiv-aids@who.int by latest 11 June 2025. This feedback helps WHO develop high-quality guidelines that reflect diverse perspectives and respond to the needs of communities worldwide.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, May 28, 2025/APO Group/ —
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) has approved an investment of $100 million in the industrial platform developer and operator Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms Ltd (Arise IIP) to contribute to funding industrial parks and special economic zones across Africa as a part of our industrialization strategic priority and flagship Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ).
The industrial platforms developed and operated by Arise IIP are primarily dedicated to supporting the transformation of key agricultural and industrial value chains in African countries that are leading global suppliers of raw commodities but have limited local processing capabilities. The platforms will provide developed industrial land, shared infrastructure and utilities, good export connectivity and simplified administrative procedures to agro-industrial tenants, allowing them to relocate global supply chains and value addition within African countries, while contributing to the reduction of carbon footprint of trade flows.
Arise IIP seeks to replicate its successful industrial platform implementation experience in Gabon, Togo and Benin by establishing Special Economic Zones across other African countries with the aim of improving Africa’s export competitiveness and intra-Africa trade strategies.
“There is economic and social value to be added to African-grown commodities like timber, cashew, cocoa and cotton when they are processed locally instead of being exported in raw form. Through programs like the African Development Bank’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones and investments in Zones partner companies like Arise IIP, we enable transformative, private sector-led agro-industrialization that boosts local processing of commodities, creates jobs and grows rural economies,” said Dr. Beth Dunford, the African Development Bank’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development.
Based on Arise IIP’s existing portfolio in Gabon (Gabon Special Economic Zone – GSEZ), Benin (Glo Djigbe Industrial Zone – GDIZ) and Togo (Plateforme Industrielle d’Adetikope – PIA), it is estimated that over 400 companies have been on-boarded from 47 industry sectors, which has led to the creation of over 50,000 jobs. The dominant sectors include wood, glass, soya, cashew processing, cotton processing and textiles, ceramics, beverages, pharmaceuticals and meat processing. It is also estimated that over $7 billion has been mobilized by tenant companies within the existing zones.
“This investment in ARISE IIP is a signal of the Bank’s commitment to scaling up industrialization in Africa in value chains where we are competitive. This is also a demonstration of the strategic partnership we have with African MFIs such as the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), the Afreximbank’s equity impact investment arm, who are the principal equity investors in ARISE IIP. This is a good demonstration of our joint goals of making Africa’s capital work better for Africa’s development”, said Solomon Quaynor, African Development Bank’s Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization.
Gagan Gupta, CEO of Arise IIP, remarked, “The African Development Bank’s investment highlights their confidence in our model as a driver of Africa’s industrial growth. We are excited to strengthen our efforts in transforming local value chains, creating jobs, and supporting sustainable economic development across the continent. The dedication, vision, and hard work of the entire Arise team have been instrumental in building this partnership.”
Source: US Energy Information Administration
In-brief analysis
May 28, 2025
The California Independent System Operator (CAISO), the grid operator for most of the state, is increasingly curtailing solar- and wind-powered electricity generation as it balances supply and demand amidst rapid renewables capacity growth.
Grid operators must balance supply and demand to maintain a stable electric system. The output of wind and solar generators is reduced either through price signals or, rarely, through an order to reduce output during periods of:
In 2024, CAISO curtailed 3.4 million megawatthours (MWh) of utility-scale wind and solar output, a 29% increase from the amount of electricity curtailed in 2023.
Solar accounted for 93% of all the energy curtailed in CAISO in 2024. CAISO curtailed the most solar in the spring, when solar output was relatively high and electricity demand was relatively low, because moderate spring temperatures meant less demand for space heating or air conditioning.
In 2014, a combined 9.7 gigawatts (GW) of wind and solar photovoltaic capacity had been built in California. By the end of 2024, that number had grown to 28.2 GW.
CAISO also curtails solar generation to leave room for natural gas generation. A certain amount of natural gas generation must stay online throughout the day to comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and to have generation online in time to ramp up in the evening hours.
Solar energy supplies almost half of CAISO’s electricity demand between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., but demand increases in the later evening hours when people come home from work and turn up air conditioners or electric heaters and turn on lights, ovens, computers, and televisions. This need is especially apparent on hot summer evenings after the sun has set and no longer produces solar power overnight.
CAISO is trying to reduce curtailments in several ways:
In addition, starting this year, companies are planning to use excess renewable energy to make hydrogen, some of which will be stored and mixed with natural gas for summer generation at the Intermountain Power Project’s new facility scheduled to come online in July.
The Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) is a real-time market that allows participants outside of CAISO to buy and sell energy to balance demand and supply. In 2024, more than 274,000 MWh of curtailments were avoided by trading within the WEIM, equivalent to about 8% of the electricity curtailed that year. The Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) is expected to be operational by May 2026 and will allow CAISO another outlet to sell solar energy.
To further reduce renewable curtailments and increase the stability of the grid, CAISO is promoting the addition of flexible resources that can quickly respond to sudden increases and decreases in demand. Battery storage, recently the key flexible resource to come online, allows some renewable energy to be stored and used 4-8 hours later in the day. Batteries can charge using excess solar power at midday and then discharge that energy when the sun is going down, providing electricity during hours when it is most needed. Battery capacity in CAISO increased by 45% in 2024, from 8.0 GW in 2023 to 11.6 GW in 2024 according to our survey of recent and planned capacity changes. However, in the spring, more solar energy than can be used within a day is often produced. Without more transmission capacity or a long-term storage solution, high curtailments during this time of year can still occur.
Principal contributor: Lori Aniti
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 28 — Leading financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley, have recently raised their forecasts concerning China’s GDP growth in 2025, given that China’s pro-growth policies are helping the Chinese economy maintain its growth momentum, while recent China-U.S. trade talks in Geneva have also yielded substantive results.
Goldman Sachs released a research report on May 13, in which it decided to raise its forecast for China’s GDP growth in 2025 by 0.6 percentage points, elevating it from 4 percent to 4.6 percent.
“We are raising our forecasts for China’s 2025 export value growth to 0 from -5 percent previously,” said Shan Hui, chief China economist at Goldman Sachs. Accordingly, within the GDP breakdown by the expenditure approach, Goldman Sachs raised the net export contribution to China’s GDP growth prediction from -0.5 percentage points to 0.1 percentage points.
Nomura, meanwhile, also increased China’s GDP growth forecast in a report released on May 19. According to the report, the easing of trade tensions between China and the U.S. is a material positive for China’s economy, especially for Q2, as exporters might try to front-load their shipments before the 90-day tariff pause ends. In addition, retail sales in China produced a robust performance in Q1 with the support of its expanded trade-in program.
Notably, China’s National Bureau of Statistics revealed that retail sales of consumer goods, a major indicator of the country’s consumption strength, had expanded 5.1 percent year on year in China in April.
“As such, we have raised our Q2 GDP growth forecast from 3.7 percent year on year to 4.8 percent, and slightly raised both Q3 and Q4 growth forecasts from 3.6 percent to 4 percent. For the entire year, we have increased our GDP growth forecast to 4.5 percent year on year from 4 percent,” said Lu Ting, chief China economist at Nomura.
J.P. Morgan revised China’s GDP growth forecast to 4.8 percent year on year from 4.1 percent. Zhu Haibin, chief China economist at J.P. Morgan, cited a slew of pro-growth measures as major contributors to sound economic growth amid trade headwinds.
“Since the end of September last year, China has witnessed the most profound and extensive policy adjustment in recent years,” Zhu said, adding that China has proposed a raft of more proactive fiscal policy measures this year, including setting the deficit-to-GDP ratio at around 4 percent and issuing more government bonds to shore up the economy.
Morgan Stanley raised China’s GDP growth forecast by 0.3 percentage points to 4.5 percent, citing improving household and public consumption in China in 2025.
According to Xing Ziqiang, chief China economist at Morgan Stanley, the key driver of personal consumption growth will likely be the consumption goods trade-in program, with coverage expanded to include less-durable goods. He added that public consumption growth is also expected to rise thanks to the government debt swap program.
“AI breakthroughs this year have reminded the market about China’s often-overlooked supply chain and innovation strength abundance, supported by a robust ecosystem that integrates infrastructure, data, talent and energy. We believe the AI revolution will give a boost to China’s potential GDP over the medium term by generating more labor equivalent value,” said Xing.
Financial institutions, including Standard Chartered and UBS, have also published views that the Chinese economy had displayed strong resilience amid uncertainties — with helpful fiscal and monetary policies taking effect.
“Data showed strong growth in retail sales of goods subsidized as part of the government’s consumer goods trade-in program and solid expansion in infrastructure and manufacturing investment, supported by frontloaded government bond issuance. These factors likely will remain supportive for growth in Q2,” read a Standard Chartered report released on May 21.
Thomas Fang, head of China global markets at UBS, said this basket of government policies has sent a strong signal to stabilize growth, injecting solid and predictable confidence into the real economy and capital market.
Moreover, several high-profile bankers have visited China recently, including Chair of Citigroup John Dugan and CEO of Carlyle Group Harvey Schwartz. They have expressed optimism about the prospects of China’s economic development and willingness to commit to long-term cooperation with China.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xinjiang’s Alashankou port handles over 3,000 China-Europe freight trains in Jan-May
URUMQI, May 28 — As of Monday, the Alashankou Port in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region had handled over 3,000 China-Europe (Central Asia) freight train trips this year, providing a significant boost to the stability and smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains, according to railway authorities.
Alashankou is a crucial hub connecting China with Central Asia and Europe. Currently, 123 China-Europe (Central Asia) freight train routes operate via the Alashankou Port, connecting 21 countries, including Germany and Poland.
These trains transport more than 200 categories of goods, ranging from new energy vehicles and mechanical parts to electronics and daily consumer goods.
“We operate a 24/7 ‘green channel’ to ensure the smooth operation of China-Europe freight trains,” said Yang Peng, a staff member of the Alashankou railway station.
“This year, the station has handled an average of over 21 China-Europe freight train trips daily, with a peak of 30 trips in a single day,” Yang added.
In recent years, Xinjiang’s railway authorities have consistently enhanced port logistics capacity, with the region now handling over 50 percent of China’s total China-Europe freight train volume.
In 2024 alone, the region’s Horgos and Alashankou ports processed 16,400 China-Europe freight train trips, up 14 percent year on year.
Source: US State of New York
overnor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of New York State Police retired First Sergeant Michael E. Snell, who passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the age of 56. First Sergeant Snell’s passing is attributed to an illness stemming from his assignment in and around the World Trade Center site following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
“First Sergeant Snell honorably served the people of New York State for 23 years, making the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow New Yorkers when it mattered the most,” Governor Hochul said. “On behalf of New York State, I extend my deepest gratitude for First Sergeant Snell’s contribution to the protection of our state, and send my heartfelt condolences to his family.”
First Sergeant Snell retired from the New York State Police on May 24, 2023, after more than two decades of service. He is survived by his wife, Tammy Snell, and their four children: Wyatt, Ashton, Harrison and Lawson.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
Latest information and actions from the Department for Education about funding, assurance and resource management, for academies, local authorities and further education providers.
| Article | Title |
|---|---|
| Information | 16 to 19 funding update |
| Information | National Insurance (NI) contributions grant allocations |
| Information | Free Courses for Jobs construction expansion |
| Information | Post-16 budget grant |
| Information | Changes to level 7 apprenticeship funding |
| Article | Title |
|---|---|
| Information | Schools funding alongside the 2025 teacher pay award and 16 to 19 funding update |
| Information | National Insurance (NI) contributions grant allocations |
| Information | Post-16 budget grant |
| Events and webinars | Academies chart of accounts and automation: Q&A drop-in sessions |
| Article | Title |
|---|---|
| Information | Schools funding alongside the 2025 teacher pay award and 16 to 19 funding update |
| Information | National Insurance (NI) contributions grant allocations |
| Information | Free Courses for Jobs construction expansion |
| Information | Post-16 budget grant |
| Information | Changes to level 7 apprenticeship funding |
Source: Green Party of England and Wales
Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay MP said:
“The dire warning today from the World Meteorological Organization (1) should serve as a wake-up call. With global temperatures predicted to breach internationally agreed safe limits in at least one of the next five years due to global inaction, we are facing a future filled with increasingly severe climate impacts.
“The Spending Review is the government’s chance to act. It must prepare for the climate consequences we can no longer avoid while also accelerating the path to net zero.
“In our submission, the Green Party has called for an additional £7 billion annually to be invested in making the changes we need to face the impact of climate change on all our lives – from flood defences to future-proofing homes and buildings. This is no longer an optional extra. It’s vital to protect lives and livelihoods.
“Delaying now means greater costs, deeper disruption, and irreversible damage. The science couldn’t be clearer, and the warning couldn’t be louder — the Government must respond with urgency and ambition. The Spending Review is the chance to do it.”
Source: City of Leicester
LEICESTER’S Riverside Festival returns next month – and this year it’s bigger than ever, with more locations, more free activities and an exciting new collaboration with De Montfort University (DMU).
Taking place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June, the family-friendly festival on and around the River Soar’s Mile Straight will offer a packed programme of activities both on and off the water, with boat rides, kayaking sessions, dragon boat racing (Sunday only), live music and performance, international street food, licensed bars, craft markets and even a pop-up art gallery.
Little ones and their families should head for the dedicated family zone in the Bede Park tipi, where they’ll find mini discos, bubble parties and children’s entertainment from 12-2pm on both days, while Ride Leicester has teamed up with Danny Butler to bring his jaw-dropping mountain bike skills to DMU’s campus in a display that visitors of all ages will enjoy.
The Piazza Stage will feature live music from local talent – with a programme curated by HQ Recordings, EAVA FM, 2 Funky Arts, Soft Touch Arts and Leics Introducing – while there’ll be a more relaxed vibe in Castle Gardens, with acoustic sessions around the maypole from 1pm and a chill-out area where everyone is welcome.
And for those who want to explore the history of the area, there’s an opportunity to travel back in time to 1645, with a 17th century living history camp and a thrilling live skirmish – complete with muskets and loud cannons – that will recreate the drama of the Siege of Leicester.
Hidden Histories Heritage Events’ spectacular – but safe – re-enactment will bring the past to life, with battles taking place on The Newarke from 2pm to 3pm on both days.
DMU’s heritage sites will be open too, with free entry to Leicester Castle’s Great Hall, Trinity Chapel, the Herb Garden and the DMU Museum, while the incorporation of DMU’s Cultural eXchanges festival into the event will bring an electrifying mix of performances and workshops to this year’s Riverside Festival.
Organised by students in the final year of their Arts and Festivals Management degree, the Cultural eXchanges programme will feature dance, performance and workshops at DMU’s Campus Centre from 12 noon on both days.
Jill Cowley, pro vice chancellor skills & training and dean of faculty of arts, design & humanities at De Montfort University, said: “DMU is thrilled that its annual Cultural eXchanges festival is now part of the hugely popular Riverside Festival. We’re proud to partner with the city council to help put on this fabulous event and look forward to welcoming visitors to our campus on June 7th and 8th.”
DMU’s campus is one of a number of Riverside Festival locations this year. As well as the Mile Straight, activities will also be taking place at Bede Park, Castle Gardens, Western Boulevard and – for the first time – The Newarke.
Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for leisure and culture, said: “The Riverside Festival is Leicester’s largest free festival, attracting thousands of visitors to the city each year.
“This year, it’s bigger than ever, thanks to our collaboration with De Montfort University.
“Like all our festivals, the aim of the Riverside Festival is to bring people together – and from 7-8 June, we want to invite as many people as possible to join us in celebrating Leicester’s waterways, exploring the city’s heritage, and discovering De Montfort University’s stunning campus.
“It’s also a chance to showcase the diversity of our communities and enjoy the food, music, dance and arts that make Leicester so special.
“I hope that the weather will be kind to us and we can look forward to a fun-packed Riverside Festival that will offer something for everyone.”
The Riverside Festival runs from 12 noon until 6pm on Saturday 7 June and from 12 noon until 5pm on Sunday 8 June. A full festival programme is available to download at visitleicester.info/festival/riverside-festival/
Anyone who can muster a crew of 10 enthusiastic rowers and would like to take part in the dragon boat races on Sunday 8 June should email rob@prostaid.co.uk
Source: City of Derby
Following extensive negotiations and a thorough review of proposed working models, Derby City Council has withdrawn from the process of appointing Sporting Communities, a not-for-profit organisation, to run Derby’s ten community libraries.
Councillor Sarah Chambers, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Communities said:
The formal evaluation process was devised with the express aim of identifying a partner who would support our long-term ambition to deliver a sustainable future for our library services and the people of Derby.
While negotiations with the preferred bidder began with considerable optimism and a shared desire to find an optimal solution, it has become clear during this detailed phase that outsourcing is not the best approach to protect our libraries.
The decision to withdraw from negotiations means the Council will continue to run the libraries. I want to reassure public, staff and volunteers that we remain committed to the future success of our libraries and our manifesto commitment to protect them.
We will continue to deliver an efficient, high-quality public service and aspire to improve that service to a standard that is truly fit for the people of Derby.
I’d like to thank our dedicated staff and invaluable volunteers who have continued to provide an excellent standard of service throughout this period of review. Their commitment and hard work are deeply appreciated.
We will continue dialogue with Sporting Communities on how we can work together to deliver quality services for our citizens.
We will now take time to assess next steps which will be discussed in detail at a future Cabinet meeting.
Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Wednesday, 28 May 2025
Cotonou (Agenzia Fides) – “The Bishops of Benin express their deepest sympathy to the entire nation and to the grieving families of our soldiers who fell in the line of duty,” said the Bishops of Benin on the sidelines of the 75th Plenary Assembly of the Bishops’ Conference, which took place from May 21 to 23. The bishops commemorated the 54 soldiers killed in two attacks by an Islamist terrorist group on April 17 in the north of the country. “Aware of the sacrifices made to preserve peace and security in our country, we pray for the eternal rest of these heroes.”The bishops also remembered the soldiers who continue their mission against terrorism in northern Benin. “We also pray for their brothers and sisters in arms who are still on the front lines, that the Lord may be their shield and their protection.”The attack on April 17, the bloodiest since the beginning of Islamist attacks in 2019, shocked the people of Benin. One hundred fighters belonging to the “Group for the Support for Islam and Muslims” (JNIM) on motorcycles simultaneously attacked two army outposts, one located in the so-called “tri-border area” (where the borders of Benin, Niger, and Burkina Faso converge), while the other is stationed near the Koudou Falls, not far from the town of Banikoara. On January 8, an Islamist attack near Karimama, in the same region, killed about 30 soldiers. The tri-border area has become an unsafe zone due to the presence of Islamist groups, which often collaborate with fuel traders in neighboring Nigeria. On the Beninese side, the area is part of the Pendjari National Park, one of the country’s five nature reserves.Meanwhile, the presence of Islamist groups also jeopardizes the conservation of the area’s biodiversity and threatens tourism, which plays a vital role in the local economy. As part of Operation “Mirador,” the Beninese army has deployed around 3,000 soldiers along the border in the north of the country, where defensive barriers have been erected with the help of drones and satellite images to thwart Islamist attacks, while the country’s defense budget has been increased by 50 percent. However, this is not enough to thwart the actions of Islamist terrorist groups in eastern Burkina Faso, a country with which the Beninese authorities are struggling to coordinate to face the common threat. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 28/5/2025)
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Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Wednesday, 28 May 2025
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Brice Armand Ibombo, of the clergy of Gamboma, until now vice rector of the Emile Card. Biayenda National Theological Major Seminary in Brazzaville, as bishop of the diocese of Ouesso, Republic of the Congo.Msgr. Brice Armand Ibombo was born on 23 November 1973 in Abala, in the diocese of Gamboma. After studying philosophy at the Msgr. Georges-Firmin Singha Philosophical Major Seminary of Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, and theology at the major seminary of Concordia-Pordenone, Italy, he was awarded a doctorate in Church history from the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome.He was ordained a priest on 28 August 2004.He has held the following offices: parish vicar of the Cathedral of Santo Stefano Protomartire of Concordia Sagittaria (2004-2010), parish administrator of Santa Maria degli Angelii in Caraffa del Bianco (2010-2013), secretary of the Episcopal Conference of the Congo (2013-2023), parish cooperator in Notre-Dame des Victoires of Ouenzé (2014-2015), lecturer in the Department of History of Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville (since 2014), member of the College of Consultors of the diocese of Gamboma (since 2019), and vice rector of the Emile Card. Biayenda National Theological Major Seminary in Brazzaville (since 2024). (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 28/5/2025)
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Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Colombo (Agenzia Fides) – “Sri Lanka is going through a period of profound political and democratic renewal. Since November 2024, we have had a new president and a new parliament, with an absolute majority, changing the old power structure linked to a corrupt political class guilty of abuse of power and human rights violations. In a country that has emerged from a serious social and economic crisis, a new hope is emerging,” said Cardinal Albert Malcolm Ranjith, Archbishop of Colombo, in an interview with Fides. “Hope,” the Cardinal said, is precisely the right word to describe the spirit that prevails in the country today. And we Catholics celebrate the Jubilee of Hope so that our actions, our thoughts, our words, our direction are fully in line with what is happening politically, socially, culturally, and spiritually in the nation.” In the last election, “a change was expected, and it has happened: a socialist-oriented government is now in office, one that appears honest and committed to the welfare of the people and aware of its responsibilities, a government that intends to combat poverty and care for the well-being of the most disadvantaged social classes,” he notes. “The new government,” he says, “has started a new era and set to work to bring justice to those who have suffered injustice in the past, those who are in prison or have suffered violations of fundamental rights. And it is doing so through legality, with full respect for the principles of the rule of law.” “One area to which the government of new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is devoting resources and attention,” the Cardinal said, “is the country’s economy. It is slowly recovering from the crisis and following the recommendations of the International Monetary Fund, which, in turn, has granted loans. We are in a phase of recovery, and tourism is also in a phase of recovery, and this bodes well, as it is an important sector of our economy that contributes to wealth creation.” “Of course,” Cardinal Ranjith continued, “the recovery process will take at least a few years, but we are on the right track. There is a certain optimism among the population today; we see a responsible political class and a president in whom people place their trust. The majority of the Catholic population has also supported him, and the Church has good relations with the government. There are good prospects for cooperation.”There is still an open wound in the relationship between the Catholic Church and political institutions, the Cardinal told Fides: “It is a question of justice, that is, the search for the perpetrators, executors, and sponsors responsible for the Easter terrorist attacks on churches and hotels in 2019, and their prosecution. President Dissanayake has announced a new investigation to create transparency and find the truth. We are hopeful because a commission has already been set up, which also regularly interviews some of our priests. From the beginning, we have demanded truth and justice against the cover-up of the case. Now we are waiting for a trial and for the real responsibilities or complicity within the state apparatus to come to light. The victims are waiting for justice.” In this context, the Cardinal is grateful that the Holy See has decided to include the 167 Catholic faithful who were murdered in a church in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, in the catalogue of “Witnesses of the Faith of the 21st Century” compiled by the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints and presented in the Jubilee Year.In the meantime, he says, “the daily life of the Church continues; we walk as the people of God; we continue our social, educational, and charitable activities at the service of humanity. The parishes are celebrating the Holy Year; each diocese has prepared a calendar of celebrations and spiritual initiatives: for us, it is a moment of inner renewal and a new beginning with a new impulse that comes from the Lord. The theme of hope fits the feeling in people’s hearts: in this phase, we are bearers of hope; we have the hope that comes from God. We listen and offer our strength so that the Lord may complete his work and we may do our part humbly and with faith.”Regarding the election of Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinal says: “We see him as a person who, thanks to his missionary experience, is attentive to the reality of all the Churches. I believe that in him we will have a solid point of reference. With his reference to Pope Leo XIII, he told us that the Church today is called to offer Christian responses to modern times. We trust in his humble and wise leadership.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 28/5/2025)
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Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Ningbo (Agenzia Fides) – “Communion and unity in the love of Jesus Christ.” With this expression, Francis Xavier Jin Yangke, Bishop of the Diocese of Ningbo, summarized the recommendations addressed to the small Catholic community of Yancang, in the parish of Dinghai, Zhejiang province. A special bond unites the Bishop with this community, as he served there as parish priest for 14 years. On Sunday, May 25, accompanied by Father Wang Jiangfei, diocesan chancellor, Bishop Jin returned to his former parishioners to “confirm the brothers in the faith” and exhort everyone to bear witness to the mercy and truth of Christ. The motto chosen for this pastoral visit was: “Jesus is the heart of our life, follow him and do not be afraid.”After the solemn Eucharistic celebration, the Bishop shared a warm conversation with the faithful, recalling the years they had spent together and expressing his gratitude to the lay people who had supported his work with prayer and active participation in parish life. Bishop Jin also encouraged young people to bear witness to the faith among their peers and listened attentively to the parish committee’s report on the management of the community. The Diocese of Ningbo is historically linked to the work of the Lazarist missionaries, as well as to the work of Jesuits such as Martino Martini and Lodovico Buglio.The Apostolic Vicariate of Ningbo was erected in 1924 and elevated to a diocese in 1926. After the resumption of ecclesiastical activity in 1979, the diocese gave great importance to the reopening of churches and the formation of priests and religious, applying the teachings of the Second Vatican Council. Located in a region of strong economic development, thanks to the dynamism of the port of Ningbo, the diocese, although small in size, shows remarkable vitality in the pastoral, cultural, and social spheres. On May 24, 2024, it hosted a conference commemorating the centenary of the Primum Concilium Sinense in Shanghai. The diocesan community is experiencing abundant vocational flourishing: several priestly ordinations and religious professions are celebrated each year. The nuns of the Congregation of the Daughters of Purgatory, made up of about fifty sisters, also receive numerous vocations. Currently, the Diocese of Ningbo has more than 30,000 baptized Catholics and is organized into four deaneries, with 12 parishes, 106 churches, and chapels. It also manages a Catholic cemetery, a Marian shrine dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, a vocational center, and a spiritual retreat house. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 28/5/2025)
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Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) has projected a daily average of 2.15 million cross-border trips nationwide during the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival break, an increase of 12.2 percent compared with the holiday period last year.
The peak of cross-border travel is anticipated on June 1.
Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. This year, it was celebrated on May 31, and the holiday runs from May 31 to June 2.
Major aviation hubs are expected to see a steady increase in passenger traffic, with Shanghai Pudong International Airport projecting 100,000 daily border crossings.
During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, multiple dragon boat races and related events will be held in Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao.
Coinciding with Children’s Day on June 1 and the weekend, the holiday is expected to spur a surge in outbound travel from the Chinese mainland and home visits by Hong Kong and Macao residents.
Land border checkpoints connecting Hong Kong and Macao are expected to see a notable increase in traffic. Luohu Port in Shenzhen City is expected to handle a daily average of 230,000 crossings, while the Gongbei checkpoint in Zhuhai City is projected to see a daily average of 367,000 crossings.
The NIA has urged border authorities to closely monitor cross-border traffic and port operations, providing regular updates to assist travelers. The agency also required adequate staff arrangements to ensure Chinese citizens spend no longer than 30 minutes queuing for entry and exit.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The Chinese mainland will continue to actively promote exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait to benefit compatriots on both sides, a mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.
Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, emphasized that the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, which advocates for peace, development, enhanced exchanges and cooperation, cannot be ignored. “The desire of people across the Strait to strengthen bonds and the enthusiasm of Taiwan compatriots to participate in events like the Straits Forum cannot be suppressed,” he told a regular press briefing.
Authorities are accelerating preparations for the 17th Straits Forum, with details to be announced soon, Chen added. Since its inception in 2009, the forum has served as a vital platform for fostering extensive cross-Strait interactions and cooperation.
Chen criticized Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party authorities for imposing restrictions on people from Taiwan attending the forum, calling it another attempt to obstruct cross-Strait exchanges. “This once again exposes their malicious intent to suppress people-to-people exchanges and proves that Lai Ching-te’s claims of willingness to engage with the mainland are nothing but empty words,” he said.
Regarding the resumption of direct cross-Strait sea passenger routes, Chen said that full restoration would significantly facilitate travel and exchanges.
“There are no obstacles from the mainland side,” Chen said, noting that the mainland has made all necessary preparations.
He urged the island to heed public and industry demands and promptly resume services.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chinese Premier Li Qiang returned to Beijing on Wednesday aboard a chartered plane after paying an official visit to Indonesia and attending the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit in Malaysia.
Li was seen off from the airport by Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing and Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Hou Yanqi.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The nine-day 78th World Health Assembly concluded on Tuesday, during which member states adopted the much-anticipated global pandemic agreement and approved the base program budget of over 4 billion U.S. dollars for 2026-2027.
The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement culminated more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by the goal of making the world safer from and more equitable in response to future pandemics.
“The WHO pandemic agreement will run among the most significant achievements in the history of this organization and of global health,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said after the global pact’s adoption, underscoring that it places humanity in a stronger position than ever before to prepare for and respond to pandemics.
Delegates at the Assembly approved a base program budget of 4.2 billion dollars for 2026-2027, fully based on the Fourteenth General Program of Work, the global health strategy developed by the UN specialized agency for the next four years. The budget presented to the Assembly was decreased from an initial 5.3 billion dollars submitted to the executive board in February.
The Assembly adopted a range of decisions and resolutions, including strengthening health financing globally, adopting a new global traditional medicine strategy, galvanizing global support for a lead-free future, committing to improve nutrition for mothers and young children, updating global action plan on antimicrobial resistance and setting a voluntary target to halve the health impacts of air pollution by 2040.
In addition, the decisions and resolutions passed by the Assembly also address areas such as lung health, kidney health, rare diseases, skin diseases, digital health, medical imaging, health and care workforce, nursing and midwifery.
Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended the Assembly and delivered a speech at a high-level welcoming ceremony. The Chinese delegation participated in the review of over 70 agenda items throughout the Assembly, hosted three thematic side events and held exchange activities with the WHO and delegations from relevant countries.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China will trial a policy granting ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain visa-free entry into China up to 30 days from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday.
At a daily press briefing, Mao elaborated on China’s recent announcement of a unilateral visa-free policy for the four Gulf countries on a trial basis.
Nationals from these four countries traveling to China for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives or friends, exchanges or transit for up to 30 days will not be required to obtain a visa for entry, Mao said.
“With the United Arab Emirates and Qatar that have implemented reciprocal visa-free policies with China since 2018, China now grants visa-free treatment to all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. We welcome more friends from the GCC countries to embark on an impromptu trip to China,” Mao said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A total of 5,420 companies were listed on the domestic stock market at the end of April 2025, according to the China Association for Public Companies.
The Shanghai stock exchange had 2,284 listed companies at the end of April, Shenzhen had 2,871 and Beijing had 265.
State-owned holding companies accounted for 27 percent of all listed firms, and non-state-owned holding companies for 73 percent.
Three provinces — Guangdong, Zhejiang and Jiangsu — contributed 42.58 percent of the total number of companies listed on the Chinese stock market.
In terms of market capitalization, there were 119 companies each with a market value exceeding 100 billion yuan (13.89 billion U.S. dollars), and 1,398 companies each with a market value ranging from 10 billion to 100 billion yuan.
Ten companies made initial public offerings on the domestic stock market in April, raising a combined total of 8.27 billion yuan, while four companies were delisted.
Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations
WE, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), and the People’s Republic of China, gathered on the occasion of the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit on 27 May 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;
ACKNOWLEDGING the long-lasting and deeply-rooted historical and civilisational linkage and economic ties among ASEAN, GCC, and China;
Download the full statement here.
The post Joint Statement of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), and The People’s Republic of China (ASEAN-GCC-China Summit) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: Danmarks Nationalbank
The financial sector plays a central role in society, and advanced cyberattacks against a financial company or a payment system can potentially threaten financial stability. Companies in the financial sector have therefore worked targeted over the years to increase cyberresilience, both individually and at the sector level.
The geopolitical tensions continuously affect the cyberthreat, which is not only limited to digital attacks. Recently, there has been an increased focus on attacks using hybrid means. This can include, for example, influence campaigns, harassment, sabotage or destructive cyberattacks. There have been several incidents of undersea cable breaches, highlighting that the threat is real and serious.
”Strengthening cyberresilience is not only about making IT systems difficult to penetrate. It is also important to have a broad perspective on our dependencies and vulnerabilities, when it comes to, for example, telecommunication cables or central service providers,” said Ulrik Nødgaard and continued:
”Furthermore, a key focus area for strengthening cyberresilience is the financial sector’s work on contingency planning that aim to enhance individual companies’ ability to continue business even in extreme but plausible scenarios, such as a large-scale destructive cyberattack.”
Contingency planning is also a focus area in Danmarks Nationalbank’s work. This applies both in the oversight of central payment systems and solutions, and in the work with joint initiatives across the financial sector to secure the most critical activities for society. One example is the work to establish a society-wide contingency plan for card payments in Denmark, which aims to secure access to a basic consumption for at least one week.
In conclusion, Ulrik Nødgaard emphasized that a lot of good work is already being done, and the financial sector is moving in the right direction. At the same time, he mentioned that there is more work ahead.