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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council confirms shift to lifetime tenancies for all tenants | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council has announced a major shift in its housing approach with the adoption of a new tenancy strategy and policy to prioritise long-term housing stability.

    Under the new policy, the council will no longer offer fixed-term tenancies for its council housing. Instead, all new and existing tenants will be granted secure lifetime tenancies after their introductory tenancies over the next year, and other registered providers of social housing will be encouraged to take a similar approach.

    This landmark change is designed to:

    • Provide greater long-term security and peace of mind for residents.
    • Maintain existing rent levels, tenancy rights, and housing services.
    • Support the creation of stronger, more settled communities across Westminster.

    The move reflects the council’s commitment to putting residents first and creating a fairer, more inclusive city where everyone has the opportunity to build a stable life.

    The change in policy follows a public consultation undertaken in March, during which the council engaged with residents through a range of channels, including drop-in sessions, online and paper surveys, and direct correspondence via letters. The response to the proposed changes was overwhelmingly positive, with 86% of participants expressing support for all social housing tenants in Westminster to be offered lifetime tenancies . These results reflect strong community backing for a more stable and secure housing model across the borough.

    Lifetime tenancies offer residents greater stability by providing a long-term home they can rely on. This added security helps people plan for the future with confidence, free from the worry of tenancy renewals or potential changes in their housing situation. Allowing residents to build lasting connections with neighbours, schools, and local services helping to create stronger, more connected communities.

    Cllr Liza Begum, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

    We’re giving our residents the long-term security they deserve. A safe, stable home is the foundation for building a stronger community — and this change ensures tenants can plan for their futures with peace of mind.”

    “There will be no changes to rent, tenancy rights or the services residents receive and the council will work with tenants to ensure a smooth transition.”

    The Cabinet Member for Housing services is due to take a formal decision on the report on 29 May with implementation scheduled for early June. The report can be found here: https://committees.westminster.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2835

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: This year’s Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey launched27 May 2025 ​This year’s Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey has been launched. Statistics Jersey run the survey every year to understand Islanders’ experiences and views, helping the government to plan and deliver… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    27 May 2025

    ​

    This year’s Jersey Opinions and Lifestyle Survey has been launched. Statistics Jersey run the survey every year to understand Islanders’ experiences and views, helping the government to plan and deliver public services. 

    This year’s survey covers important topics that affect us all such as the cost of living, wellbeing and health. 

    4,200 randomly selected households have either received or will receive an invitation in the post to take part in the online survey. 

    The survey is easy to complete online on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets and laptops. The responses are completely confidential and are only used to produce grouped statistics. 

    To make sure there is a good mix of ages responding, the survey asks the person in the household who has their birthday next, and is aged 16 or over, to complete the survey.

    Chief Statistician Ian Cope commented: “This survey is an invaluable source of information to help us understand Islanders’ experiences and opinions. I’d really encourage everyone who receives the survey to take part. Take this opportunity to have your say and help us understand life from your perspective. 

    “I would like to reassure everyone that all responses to the survey are anonymous and protected by law.” 

    Anyone selected to take part has until 20 June to complete the survey. Anyone who receives an invitation to take part who would prefer to complete a paper copy can request one using the phone number on their letter. 

    The results of the survey will be published later this year. Previous questionnaires and reports can be found here: Jersey opinions and lifestyle survey (JOLS) | Statistics Jersey​.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Even small banks may be included in the list – the Central Bank of the Russian Federation will change its approach to assessing the systemic importance of credit institutions

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Mainfin Bank –

    How will the Central Bank of the Russian Federation assess the systemic importance of banks?

    A major reform to change the approach to assessing the importance of Russian banks planned for the coming years – the regulator plans to introduce several new criteria for analyzing credit institutions. Thus, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation will check:

    number of clients – the highest score will be given to banks with a client base of over 30 million people; availability of its own ecosystem – non-core assets must account for over 10% of capital for the regulator to assign the highest score; presence in the payment market – the bank will be checked for connection to the SBP, acquiring, and the ability to issue kart and the availability of self-service devices; cooperation with other banks – will assess how negative the consequences will be for other players if the institution being inspected experiences difficulties; the share of large deposits clients whose funds are not protected by the DIA (account balance over 1.4 million rubles); regional presence – banks operating in populated areas with a population of up to 100 people will receive a high rating.

    The introduction of additional verification criteria will allow even small banks with a developed ecosystem or presence in the payment market to be included in the list of systemically important institutions.

    What are the risks for banks if they are included in the SZKO list?

    The inclusion of a bank in the list of SZKO will entail the application of increased surcharges to capital adequacy standards. Thus, for large banks, the specified standard is 2.5%, and for systemically important banks – 3.5%. In the near future, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation will develop a new matrix of surcharges, which will be differentiated for different organizations.

    “Increased premiums are necessary so that if the bank’s financial situation worsens, there are more opportunities to emerge from the crisis,” noted the regulator’s representatives.

    At the same time, reduced capital allowances have been in effect in Russia since 2022 – the relaxations were due to the crisis and the regulator’s desire to reduce the burden on business. By 2028, all relaxations are planned to be lifted.

    15:00 05/27/2025

    Source:

    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: //Mainfin.ru/novosti/v-Speak-Mogut-Popa-Popa-Bolsi-Banki-Tsb-RF-RF-RIST-CONCLUSE-ECCOUNCE-System-Reasonability-Credit Credit

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy Announces Creation of Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (May 27, 2025)— Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) announced the creation of a Senate Study Committee on Combating Chronic Absenteeism in Schools to further examine the underlying causes of absenteeism in Georgia schools and explore effective solutions.

    Senator Kennedy, who authored and carried Senate Bill 123 (SB 123) during the 2025 legislative session, will serve as the Chair of the study committee and will lead its work during the 2025 interim.

    “I’m grateful to Lieutenant Governor Jones for his steadfast commitment to education and his leadership in making chronic absenteeism a statewide priority,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Thanks to his support, this new study committee will help us dig deeper into the root causes of absenteeism and ensure we’re doing everything we can to keep Georgia students connected to their classroom and on track to succeed.”

    SB 123, signed into law on April 28, 2025, will take effect on July 1, 2025. SB 123 will require School Climate Committees in each school district to develop a comprehensive framework to improve student attendance. Additionally, it will create local attendance review teams to assess individual student attendance cases. The School Climate Committees must report their progress to the Georgia General Assembly and Georgia Department of Education, ensuring accountability and continued focus on this critical issue.

    Additional details regarding committee membership and meeting dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

    For more information about Senate Bill 123, click here.

    # # # #

    Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District, which includes Crawford, Monroe, Peach and Upson counties, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston counties. He may be reached at (404) 656-6578 or by email at John.Kennedy@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Manchester Man Sentenced for Defrauding State and Federal Taxpayers of Nearly $300,000 in Pandemic Relief Funds

    Source: US FBI

    CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced for his involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain CARES Act funds from the United States government and the State of New York, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    Kyereem Sackey, age 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 18 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release.  Sackey was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $295,167.  In January 2025, Sackey pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of bank fraud.

    “The defendant exploited a national crisis for personal gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “He stole nearly $300k in pandemic relief funds that were meant to support struggling families and small businesses. This office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who stole from the government during the pandemic and intentionally depleted the public fisc for personal profit.”

    “While the entire world was focused on dealing with a pandemic, Kyereem Sackey was selfishly focused on exploiting programs designed to help people struggling financially to instead enrich himself,” said Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “With today’s sentence, Mr. Sackey has been held accountable for cheating taxpayers, and the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and bring to justice those who have committed similar crimes.”

    “Kyereem Sackey and his co-defendants engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain New York Department of Labor pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits and Small Business Administration Payroll Protection Program loans. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who seek to exploit these critical benefit programs,” said Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.

    According to the court documents and statements made in court, Sackey used social media to conspire with others to file false and fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. Sackey filed unemployment insurance claims in the State of New York on behalf of a co-defendant, which he was not entitled to.  When the money was deposited into the co-defendant’s bank account, a portion of the money was sent to Sackey and another co-defendant.  Sackey and his co-defendants filed approximately $50,000 in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims.  In addition to the claim made on behalf of his co-defendant, Sackey filed claims on behalf of a dozen individuals as well as himself resulting in more than $250,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits to be paid by the State of New York.

    Sackey also used a co-defendant’s information to apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans using a false and fraudulent business that did not exist.  Sackey provided the bank with false documents, including fabricated tax documents.  Court records show that Sackey fraudulently applied for and obtained more than $30,000 in PPP loans.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General led the investigation.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy is prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Illinois Police Officer Sentenced for Assaulting Handcuffed Man

    Source: US FBI

    ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Thursday sentenced a former police officer who struck a handcuffed man in the face to two years in prison.

    Justin Gaither was in full uniform and on duty with the Venice Police Department on Nov. 20, 2022, when he began pursuing a car that was displaying stolen license plates. The car drove over spike strips that Gaither deployed, then over the McKinley Bridge and into St. Louis. A Brooklyn Police Department officer was also pursuing the car. The pursuit ended in the 3800 block of Parnell Avenue in St. Louis. The vehicle’s occupants ran away. Gaither, the Brooklyn officer and that officer’s K-9 chased the driver. The driver was bitten while climbing over a fence and fell. His hands were then handcuffed behind his back by the Brooklyn officer. As Gaither lifted the driver from the ground to escort him to a police vehicle, he struck the driver twice in the face without justification and without a legitimate purpose, breaking the driver’s nose.

    Gaither, 34, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in February to one count of deprivation of rights under color of law. The right violated in this case is the right to be free from the use of unreasonable force under the Fourth Amendment.

    The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Krug prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BOBC Auction Results – 27 May 2025

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    The Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) was unchanged at 1.9 percent of the previous week, for a paper maturing on 4 June 2025.  For the 1-month BoBC paper maturing on 25 June 2025, the stop-out yield remained unchanged at 2.24 percent. The summarised results of the auction held on 27 May 2025, are attached below:

    BOBC Results 27 May 2025.pdf

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Aerial and maritime live-force drill of China-Cambodia “Golden Dragon 2025” joint exercise conducted 2025-05-27 19:35:29

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

      SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia, May 27 — On May 26, the aerial and maritime live-force drill of the China-Cambodia “Golden Dragon 2025” joint exercise kicked off in the sea area and airspace near the port of Sihanoukville in Cambodia. A joint taskforce comprising 11 naval vessels and 3 air force helicopters from the two countries participated in the drill.

      In the scenario of a cargo ship hijacked by “terrorists” riding armed speedboats, and focusing on the joint maritime counter-terrorism and anti-hijacking operations, the drill mainly included the joint response, accompanying escort, counter-terrorism and anti-piracy, joint aerial and maritime search and rescue, and other training subjects.

      After receiving the situation briefing, the joint taskforce rushed to the “incident sea area”. Following target identification through the search at sea, the navy and air force participating troops applied various methods to deter and stop the “terrorists”, implemented rapid blocking and guard, and carried out visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS). They also jointly searched and rescued the “terrorists” falling overboard and provided medical aid to them on humanitarian grounds.

      Subsequently, the two sides jointly held a conclusion ceremony for the aerial and maritime live-force drill. The drill achieved the purpose of mutual learning and advancement, and demonstrated the firm will and competence of both sides in jointly safeguarding maritime security.

      (Video Editor: Huang Panyue)

    loading…

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier calls for forging example of openness, development cooperation with ASEAN, GCC

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

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Tuesday called on China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to jointly forge an example in openness, development cooperation and cross-civilization integration.

    He made the remarks when addressing the inaugural ASEAN-China-GCC Summit held in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

    Li called on the three sides to create a model of cross-region openness, noting that the population and economic aggregate of China as well as countries of the ASEAN and the GCC account for approximately one quarter of the world’s total.

    A full connection of the three markets will surely give rise to a much larger space for development and a more significant scale effect, he said.

    China and the ASEAN have fully completed the negotiations on the upgrade of the Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, Li noted, adding that it is expected that an early completion of talks on the free trade area agreement between the GCC and various parties can be done so as to elevate trilateral trade levels.

    He urged the three sides to unswervingly expand regional opening-up, and build the related regions into a large shared market where resources, technologies and talents flow more efficiently, and trade and investment enjoy greater freedom and convenience, so as to fully unleash the powerful effect of open development.

    Li also called on the three sides to forge a model of cooperation across different development stages, saying that although the three sides are at different stages of development, their differences are not obstacles to cooperation but complements to each other’s strengths.

    China, he said, is ready to deepen strategic alignment with the ASEAN and the GCC on the basis of mutual respect and equal treatment, enhance coordination of macroeconomic policies and strengthen collaboration in industrial specialization.

    “We should strive to turn our own strengths into those of everyone, and at the same time help each other tackle new challenges emerging in development, create new ways of international industrial economic cooperation, and promote a coordinated development in which their abilities can be fully explored, and benefits can be doubled and shared,” he said.

    The Chinese premier urged the three sides to create a model of cross-civilization integration, noting that the three sides are home to vibrant civilizations and share Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness.

    He called for deeper cultural and people-to-people exchanges and a stronger foundation of mutual trust, and called on the three sides to effectively manage differences through mutual understanding, foster mutually beneficial cooperation through the exchange of ideas and explore a new path for the inclusive advancement of diverse civilizations.

    The Chinese side, he said, actively supports the initiative of Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue proposed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

    China is ready to work with the ASEAN and the GCC to implement the Global Civilization Initiative, promote mutual learning among civilizations and build greater consensus and momentum for peace and development, he added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Income Tax Department extends date for filing ITRs from July 31 to Sep 15

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Income Tax Department on Tuesday extended the due date for filing income tax returns for FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26) from July 31 to September 15.

    “In view of the extensive changes introduced in the notified ITRs and considering the time required for system readiness and rollout of Income Tax Return (ITR) utilities for Assessment Year (AY) 2025-26,” the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) announced in a statement on Tuesday.

    This extension is expected to address concerns raised by stakeholders and provide adequate time for compliance, thereby ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the return filing process, the statement added.

    The notified ITRs for AY 2025-26 have undergone structural and content revisions aimed at simplifying compliance, enhancing transparency, and enabling accurate reporting. These changes have necessitated additional time for system development, integration, and testing of the corresponding utilities.

    Furthermore, credits arising from TDS statements—due for filing by May 31—are expected to begin reflecting in early June, effectively limiting the filing window without such an extension.

    Accordingly, to facilitate a smooth and convenient filing experience for taxpayers, the due date for filing ITRs, originally July 31, has been extended to September 15. A formal notification to this effect will be issued separately, the statement said.

    The CBDT notified income tax return forms ITR-1 and ITR-4 for FY 2024-25 and AY 2025-26 on April 30. Returns for income earned during the financial year from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, must be filed using the new forms.

    A major change in the ITR forms this year is that ITR-1 (SAHAJ) can now be used to report long-term capital gains (LTCG) under Section 112A, provided the LTCG does not exceed ₹1.25 lakh and the assessee has no capital losses to carry forward or set off.

    Earlier, ITR-1 did not include provisions to report capital gains tax. This year, taxpayers who have long-term capital gains from the sale of listed equity shares and equity-oriented mutual funds can file their returns using ITR-1.

    However, ITR-1 cannot be used by taxpayers who have capital gains from the sale of house property or short-term capital gains from listed equity and equity mutual funds.

    The notification also stipulates that taxpayers who opted out of the new income tax regime in AY 2024–25 must declare and indicate whether they wish to continue or reverse that selection.

    Those opting out of the new regime for the first time in AY 2025–26 are required to furnish the acknowledgement details of Form 10-IEA.

    Additionally, there must be clarification regarding the late filing of Form 10-IEA.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Time of Victory

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The Museum of Time and Clocks presents exhibition, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

    The exhibition includes unique historical exhibits, many of which were direct witnesses to the heroic deeds of the Soviet people in the fight against the fascist invaders. For example, award watches from 1941–1945 with commemorative inscriptions that were awarded for military and labor merits at the front and in the rear.

    Nine display cases are dedicated to the brand of Soviet wristwatches “Pobeda”. They were produced in many factories of the USSR starting in 1946. For several decades, they were presented as a memorable gift or an award for labor achievements.

    Among the historical exhibits is a rare collection of anniversary wristwatches that were produced by Soviet factories to mark memorable dates associated with the victory over Nazi Germany.

    In addition, the exhibition presents products of modern Russian manufacturers. The watch company “Slava”, the watch manufacturer “Polet-Chronos”, the jewelry factory “Nika”, the brand “Anton Sukhanov”, the Uglich watch factory and others exhibited this year’s models dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory.

    The exhibition design uses works by Soviet graphic artists – original propaganda posters from the Great Patriotic War.

    Entrance to the museum and viewing of permanent and temporary exhibitions is free.

    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: //bytle.mos.ru/event/347103257/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Caribbean logistic hub boosts disaster response ahead of hurricane season

    Source: World Food Programme

    BRIDGETOWN – The United Nations World Food Programme today joined the Government of Barbados and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to inaugurate the Caribbean’s newest disaster preparedness and response hub.

    The Caribbean Regional Logistics Hub, inaugurated just ahead of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, will store and dispatch critical relief items to affected communities in case of a disaster. The hub’s strategic location at the Grantley Adams International Airport and proximity to the main highway and port facilities will allow for both air and sea operations during an emergency response.

    The Hon. Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, Executive Director, CDEMA, Elizabeth Riley, and WFP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean Lola Castro officially opened the new facility.

     “This hub is about saving lives. This is about getting food and critical supplies, including pharmaceuticals to persons within 48-72 hours of a major disaster. It isn’t only limited to emergency responses for disaster, it is also going to be for humanitarian crises,” said Mottley.

    The hub comprises a large fully enclosed warehouse and outdoor container park with space for up to forty, twenty-foot shipping containers. Additionally, the compound provides adequate space for consolidating equipment before shipping. The hub comprises of 2,500 square metres of covered storage space, 1,300 racked pallets and approximately 1,600sqm of open storage space.

    “Having seen how devastating hurricanes and other hazards can be in the Caribbean, we are proud to have this Caribbean Regional Logistics Hub in place,” said Castro. “WFP works with partners in the region and globally to enhance national response mechanisms to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response in order to save lives.”

    Through collaboration with CDEMA, the Government of Barbados and other key stakeholders, plans are in place to expand the facility. The next phase, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence, will see the development of greater emergency response knowledge, skills and expertise in the region, through specialized training programmes.

    “Recent geopolitical shifts have disrupted traditional support streams for humanitarian action highlighting the high-risk exposure of our system. The CDEMA system must now re-double efforts towards greater self-reliance, further deepen national capacity, enhance regional cooperation, and embrace new and non-traditional partnerships”, said Riley. “The hub supports this. It offers the infrastructure to pre-position high-demand emergency supplies.”

    While still under construction, the hub proved to be essential to the response to Hurricane Beryl in 2024.

    The construction of the hub was made possible through vital partnerships with the Government of Canada, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the European Union, the United States and the World Food Program USA.

    #                     #                        #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media OR @wfp_caribbean

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 27 May 2025 Departmental update Membership of the Guideline Development Group for Recommendations on Expanding Contraception Options

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN’s Special Programme in Human Reproduction (HRP) is publishing the proposed membership of the Guideline Development Group for WHO’s upcoming Recommendations on Expanding Contraception Options.

    The Guideline Development Group is a group of experts external to WHO that will provide scientific advice and guidance to WHO on the technical content, organization, presentation and dissemination of these Recommendations. Members have been identified by the WHO Guideline Steering Group in collaboration with Regional Advisors for Sexual and Reproductive Health, and is composed of experts with extensive and diverse experience in family planning, contraception, public health, epidemiology, pharmacology, health systems, innovations and technology, nursing and midwifery, guideline development, research, etc.

    The guideline development group will meet from 17–19 June 2025 at WHO’s headquarters in Geneva to:

    • appraise the evidence that will inform the development of the recommendations and formulate recommendations using a consensus-based approach;
    • propose any outstanding research gaps; and
    • highlight any implementation considerations.

    The proposed group will provide recommendations on the efficacy, safety and acceptability of selected contraceptive methods that are registered and used in various countries, but not currently in the WHO Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use. It will also assess some contraceptive options that are used differently from the WHO Selected practice recommendations for contraceptive use.

    The WHO normative meeting is by invitation only. In keeping with the requirements of the WHO Guidelines Review Committee and the WHO Compliance, Risk Management and Ethics Office, we are posting online short biographies of the guideline development group members. The listed candidates have also submitted a declaration of interest form stating any conflict of interests. WHO has applied its internal processes to ensure that the performance of the above tasks by members of this group will be transparent and without any significant conflict of interests (academic, financial or other) that could affect the credibility of the guideline.

    In line with WHO policy on conflict of interest, the public and interested organizations can access the biographies of the guideline development group members and inform WHO of any concerns around individual member’s participation in the expanding contraceptive options guideline development group. The list comprises 19 members. All comments should be sent by email to srhcfc@who.int by 6 June 2025.

    Note:

    Members of the guideline development group (GDG) participate in the guideline development process and at meetings in their individual capacity and not as representatives of the institutions or organizations with which they are affiliated. Members of the GDG will not receive an honorarium, remuneration or compensation for their participation. The participation of experts in a WHO meeting does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the WHO nor does it create a binding relationship between the experts and WHO.

    The biographies have been provided by the experts themselves and are the sole responsibility of the individuals concerned. WHO is not responsible for the accuracy, veracity and completeness of the information provided. In accordance with WHO conflict of interest assessment policy, expert’s biographies are published for transparency purposes.

    Comments sent to WHO are treated confidentially and their receipt will be acknowledged through a generic email notification to the sender. WHO reserves the right to discuss information received through this process with the relevant expert with no attribution to the provider of such information. Upon review and assessment of the information received through this process, WHO, in its sole discretion, may take appropriate management of conflicts of interests in accordance with its policies.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lo Chung-mau meets WHO official

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today met World Health Organization Representative to China Martin Taylor to exchange views on various healthcare issues and explore the strengthening of related healthcare co-operation.

    During the meeting, Prof Lo introduced Mr Taylor to the comprehensive tobacco control strategies in Hong Kong, and the new-phase measures formulated around the four directions of regulating supply, banning promotion, expanding no smoking areas, and enhancing education.

    Both parties agreed that sustained international co-operation is particularly important to further strengthening global tobacco control efforts and safeguarding public health.

    Meanwhile, Prof Lo continued to meet the visiting Mainland delegations attending the Hospital Authority Convention 2025.

    In the morning, he met the delegation led by Shanghai Municipal Health Commission Deputy Director General Prof Hu Hongyi, to discuss healthcare talent exchanges between Hong Kong and Shanghai, and the internationalisation of Chinese medicine standards.

    At the afternoon meeting with the delegation led by Vice Chairman of the People’s Government of the Xizang Autonomous Region Luo Mei, Prof Lo introduced the structure of the healthcare system in Hong Kong and shared relevant management experience. Both sides also discussed the development of traditional medicine.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra Citizen of the Year helps women build skills

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Sunita delights in the sense of joy and empowerment Women’s Shed workshops give ACT women.

    In brief

    • Sunita Kotnala has been named the 2025 Canberra Citizen of the Year.
    • Sunita is the driving force behind Women’s Shed Canberra.
    • The social enterprise runs home repair and maintenance workshops that empower women.

    Women’s Shed Canberra CEO Sunita Kotnala has been named the 2025 Canberra Citizen of the Year.

    The award recognises her work empowering hundreds of women across the ACT.

    Women’s Shed Canberra

    Sunita is the CEO of Women’s Shed Canberra, established in 2020.

    It has since expanded, with a permanent home in Greenway.

    Women’s Shed Canberra runs hands-on home repair and maintenance workshops for women.

    These focus on skill-building and mental health for women of all backgrounds.

    Participants can pick up skills in:

    • carpentry
    • woodworking
    • using power tools
    • DIY.

    Workshop topics cover everything from building a picture frame to installing and replacing door locks.

    In some cases, women are also inspired to consider a career in construction and building trades.

    Creating a community

    Through the Women’s Shed Canberra, Sunita has made a space for women of all backgrounds and abilities to:

    • meet
    • get inspired
    • develop new skills
    • create and build.

    All women over the age of 18 can participate.

    Some original members remain active. Others come and go once they’ve acquired the skills they need.

    Increasing access

    Women’s Shed Canberra introduced a mobile service in 2023.

    This helped increase access to its services by reducing transport barriers for participants.

    In 2024, Women’s Shed Canberra received an ACT Social Enterprise Grant.

    The Shed’s permanent Greenway location will allow it to grow further and prosper into the future.

    In Sunita’s words

    Sunita was very proud to accept the award.

    “It showcases the role the women’s sheds can play as social enterprises in the circular economy by exposing women to valuable skills in building trades and home repairs,” she said.

    “I am delighted with the sense of joy and empowerment that women feel after learning to use power tools in a safe environment.

    “The award is doubly special for me as it comes 25 years since my arrival in Australia as a skilled migrant and brings together my experience in social development with my love for restoring and refurbishing.”

    Having these skills helps women improve their day-to-day lives and find new interests and connections.

    The award

    The Canberra Citizen of the Year Award recognises people who have made a large contribution to the Canberra community.

    The award promotes and fosters a sense of civic pride.

    Find out more about the Canberra Citizen of the Year Award.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ingomar — Shelburne District RCMP charges man with sexual assault and weapons offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Shelburne District RCMP has charged a man with multiple offences following an investigation into a sexual assault.

    On May 9, Shelburne District RCMP received a report of a sexual assault involving a firearm. Through the investigation officers determined that a woman had been unknowingly given a noxious substance, held against her will and sexually assaulted at a residence in Shelburne County. Officers executed a search warrant at the home on May 22, seized evidence related to the offences and safely arrested a man who is known to the victim.

    Robert Sean Williams, 51, of Ingomar, has been charged with:

    • Sexual Assault with a Weapon
    • Uttering Threats (two counts)
    • Administering Noxious Thing
    • Kidnapping
    • Voyeurism
    • Overcoming Resistance to Commission of Offence (two counts)
    • 10 firearms offences, including, but not limited to, Possession of a Weapon for Dangerous Purpose and Careless Use of a Firearm

    Williams has also been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine) and Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (psilocybin). He was remanded into custody pending future court appearances.

    The investigation is ongoing and is being led by Shelburne District RCMP.

    If you are experiencing, or have experienced, gender-based violence, including sexual assault, you are not alone. The elimination of gender-based violence continues to be a priority for the Nova Scotia RCMP, and the RCMP employs a trauma-informed approach. Survivors of gender-based violence can contact us and discuss an incident before deciding to further participate in the investigation and court process. Survivor supports are available, including through the RCMP Victim Services program.

    File # 2025-623161

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Felon Arrested in Connection with Months-Long Armed Robbery Spree

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATLANTA – Terry Lewis Burston, a multi-convicted felon who was released from prison last year, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Regina D. Cannon on May 22, 2025, following his arrest on charges of postal robbery, aggravated assault on a federal employee, Hobbs Act Robbery, and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Burston was arrested on May 17, 2025, pursuant to a criminal complaint obtained by the United States Postal Inspection Service.

    “Burston is a violent repeat offender who allegedly terrorized the citizens of DeKalb County by assaulting federal employees and robbing local business operators at gunpoint,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We are grateful to our federal and local law enforcement partners whose coordinated investigation resulted in Burston’s arrest and prevented him from committing additional violent crimes.”

    “This is another example of Postal Inspectors and local agencies collaborating to remove an armed and dangerous individual from our community,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting the violent and callous actions committed by this defendant against postal service employees and other businesses.”

    According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On December 14, 2024, Burston allegedly robbed an auto parts store in Decatur, Georgia. During the robbery, Burston allegedly brandished a black handgun, tapped it on the store counter, and demanded money from an employee. Burston fled after confiscating the cash.

    Six days later, on December 20, 2024, Burston allegedly waited outside a Scottdale, Georgia, post office. He forced his way inside after the last customer departed, pointed a gun at a postal employee, demanded money, obtained cash from the register, and fled.

    Later, on January 17, 2025, Burston allegedly attempted to rob a gas station in Decatur when he pointed a black handgun at an employee and demanded money.

    Four months later, on May 17, 2025, Burston allegedly attempted to rob a Lithonia, Georgia, Post Office but fled after postal employees began alerting their co-workers. Postal inspectors who responded to the attempted robbery found Burston changing his clothes behind a nearby restaurant. They recovered a firearm lying at Burston’s feet and arrested him after a brief chase.

    At the time of these alleged offenses, Burston was subject to federal supervision following his 2013 conviction for armed bank robbery. In a separate case, Burston was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment for robbing an Atlanta bank and post office in 1995.

    Members of the public are reminded that the complaint only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

    This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with valuable assistance from the DeKalb County Police Department. 

    Assistant United States Attorney Noah R. Schechtman is prosecuting this case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearms Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Mexican National Purchased More Than 150 Firearms to Be Smuggled from the United States to Mexico

    ATLANTA – Edson Aregullin has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for unlawfully purchasing firearms for transport from Georgia to Mexico. 

    “Illegal firearms trafficking wreaks havoc in communities within and outside our district,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We are proud to stand alongside our federal law enforcement partners in helping to stem the unlawful flow of firearms to criminals.”

    “Every illegal firearm that crosses our border becomes a weapon of destruction in the wrong hands,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “ATF is committed to shutting down these criminal pipelines with precision and force. Our communities – here and abroad – deserve nothing less.”

    According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Edson Aregullin conspired with several individuals in Mexico to purchase more than 150 firearms from various firearms dealers in the Northern District of Georgia.  Those firearms included 9mm pistols and AR-style rifles.  Aregullin’s contacts in Mexico sent him detailed instructions concerning the makes and models of the firearms to buy.  Aregullin bought the firearms with funds received from the actual buyer in Mexico and then facilitated transportation of the weapons to Mexico.

    The guns Areguillin purchased illegally were used to commit violent crimes. For example, on April 21, 2022, Aregullin bought a .223 caliber rifle that law enforcement officers in Guanajuato, Mexico recovered just a few months later after a deadly encounter between municipal police and armed combatants. During the ensuing melee, eight people were killed, and four were injured.

    On May 22, 2025, United States District Judge Steven D. Grimberg sentenced Edson Aregullin, 47, a Mexican national previously residing in Atlanta, Georgia, to 71 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. On November 19, 2024, Aregullin pled guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic in Firearms, three counts of Trafficking in Firearms, and three counts of False Statements to a Federal Firearms Licensee.   

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Gabay-Smith prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Sentenced To Two Years In Federal Prison For Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara has sentenced Dodi Garcia Flores (45, Guatemala) to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. Garcia Flores pleaded guilty on March 3, 2025. 

    According to court documents, Garcia Flores is a native and citizen of Guatemala. He was previously removed from the United States on three occasions—October 15, 2008, May 15, 2009, and February 5, 2020. Prior to these removals, Garcia Flores was convicted of two felony offenses: (1) resisting an officer with violence and assault in the second degree, and (2) intent to cause physical injury with a weapon.

    This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Schmidt. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The App Store prevented more than $9 billion in fraudulent transactions

    Source: Apple

    Headline: The App Store prevented more than $9 billion in fraudulent transactions

    May 27, 2025

    UPDATE

    The App Store prevented more than $9 billion in fraudulent transactions over the last five years

    In 2024 alone, Apple stopped over $2 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions and blocked nearly 2 million risky app submissions from reaching users

    Since launching in 2008, the App Store has been a safe and trusted place for users and a vibrant marketplace for developers to grow their businesses around the world. In the last five years, the App Store has protected users by preventing over $9 billion in fraudulent transactions, including over $2 billion in 2024 alone, according to Apple’s annual App Store fraud analysis. This reflects the App Store’s continued investment in fostering the most secure experience for users while providing developers with tools and resources, including a powerful commerce system that helps customers transact safely and securely in 175 regions around the globe. With an average of more than 813 million visitors a week, the App Store is a trusted destination for users to download their favorite apps and discover new ones.

    Preserving the App Store’s safe and secure marketplace requires constant vigilance, as bad actors continue to evolve their tactics in an attempt to defraud users. These threats range from deceptive apps designed to steal personal information, to fraudulent payment schemes that attempt to exploit users. Apple employs a comprehensive approach to combating fraud on the App Store, with teams across the company working to detect, investigate, and prevent malicious activity before it can reach users.

    Account Fraud

    Apple’s strong antifraud infrastructure helps ensure that malicious developer and customer accounts are swiftly flagged and eliminated. In 2024, Apple terminated more than 146,000 developer accounts over fraud concerns and rejected an additional 139,000 developer enrollments, preventing bad actors from submitting their apps to the App Store in the first place.

    Apple also rejected over 711 million customer account creations and deactivated nearly 129 million customer accounts last year, blocking these risky and malicious accounts from carrying out nefarious activity. That includes spamming or manipulating ratings and reviews, charts, and search results that risk compromising the integrity of the App Store.

    This commitment to safety extends beyond the App Store, as Apple works to prevent risky software distributed by pirate storefronts from reaching users. In 2024, Apple detected and blocked over 10,000 illegitimate apps on pirate storefronts, which include malware, pornography apps, gambling apps, and pirated versions of legitimate apps from the App Store. By restricting these storefronts, Apple also protects developers from having their apps cloned, altered, or weaponized for spreading malicious software.

    Over the past month, Apple has also stopped nearly 4.6 million attempts to install or launch apps distributed illicitly outside the App Store or approved third-party marketplaces.

    App Review

    Before any app makes its way onto the App Store, it is vetted by a member of Apple’s App Review team, all of whom are deeply familiar with the App Review Guidelines, and focused on ensuring apps meet Apple’s standards for quality and safety. On average, this team reviews nearly 150,000 app submissions each week, helping bring new apps and updates to the App Store. Last year, App Review helped more than 220,000 developers publish their first app on the App Store.

    App Review involves both human review and automated processes to detect and take action on apps that are suspected to be potentially harmful to users. With over 7.7 million App Store submissions reviewed in 2024, more than 1.9 million were rejected for failing to meet Apple’s standards for security, reliability, and user experience, including for privacy violations or fraud concerns.

    Malicious actors are known to employ a variety of tactics in their attempts to circumvent App Review’s safeguards and sneak bad apps onto the App Store with the intention of defrauding users. App Review rejects any potentially malicious apps it identifies during review, and the team’s investigation into one fraudulent app often results in the takedown of several others linked to the same problematic developer. In 2024, App Review removed more than 37,000 apps for fraudulent activity.

    Other common tactics used by fraudulent developers can include concealing hidden features and functionality in their code, which are only enabled after the app passes App Review. Apple monitors for such behavior, and in 2024, rejected over 43,000 app submissions for containing hidden or undocumented features. App Review also takes action against a number of apps that attempt to trick or scam users, and in 2024, rejected over 320,000 submissions that copied other apps, were found to be spam, or otherwise misled users.

    These bad actors can also attempt to deceive users by disguising potentially risky software as seemingly innocuous apps. Last year, App Review removed over 17,000 apps for bait-and-switch maneuvers such as these, as part of its ongoing efforts to routinely monitor and take action against problematic apps.

    Apps that attempt to access users’ personal data without their permission or knowledge are also prohibited from the App Store. In 2024, App Review rejected 400,000 app submissions for privacy violations.

    Discovery Fraud

    Apple takes swift action against apps that attempt to cheat the system and boost their ranking on the App Store, such as by using bots or paid services to artificially inflate download numbers or post fake five-star reviews.

    In 2024, Apple processed over 1.2 billion ratings and reviews and took significant action to combat fraud, removing more than 143 million fraudulent ratings and reviews from the App Store. In the same year, Apple also removed more than 7,400 apps from App Store charts and nearly 9,500 deceptive apps from appearing in App Store search results. These actions in turn benefit developers who are in good standing, leveling the playing field and allowing them a fair chance to thrive on the App Store.

    Payment and Credit Card Fraud

    Apple is diligent in its mission to protect users from scam and payment threats, and in 2024, protected users by preventing more than $2 billion in fraudulent transactions.

    Apple also takes credit card fraud extremely seriously and remains committed to protecting users from such. For example, when consumers make a purchase with Apple Pay, it uses a device-specific number and unique transaction code so a card number is never stored on a consumer’s device or on Apple servers. Additionally, credit and debit card numbers are never shared with developers, thus eliminating another risk factor in the payment transaction process. Last year, Apple identified nearly 4.7 million stolen credit cards and banned over 1.6 million accounts from transacting again.

    In addition to its antifraud measures, Apple also equips developers with access to world-class payment technologies. Examples of these include Apple Pay and StoreKit, which are used by over 420,000 apps to provide users with a safe, secure way to make purchases on the App Store.

    Developers leveraging StoreKit can take advantage of Apple’s in-app purchase system, which provides users with much more than a way to purchase subscriptions and digital add-ons. In-app purchase on the App Store offers users a secure and trusted environment designed to protect privacy, prevent fraud, and make managing purchases simple. With built-in tools to view, modify, or cancel subscriptions; purchase history; and support for refunds, users stay in control every step of the way. Every transaction is authenticated with a user’s Apple ID, backed by an industry-leading fraud protection engine, and handled with end-to-end encryption.

    Keeping Users Safe

    Apple will continue to build on its commitment to provide users with the safest and most secure experience on the App Store, which includes empowering them with resources to get help and report suspected fraud. Learn more about staying safe on the App Store at support.apple.com/en-us/122712.

    Press Contacts

    Adam Dema

    Apple

    AdamDema@apple.com

    Archelle Thelemaque

    Apple

    athelemaque2@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Displacement orders are psychological and physical warfare in Israeli campaign of ethnic cleansing in Gaza

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Jerusalem – The Israeli forces continue to systematically use last-minute displacement orders as a violent tool, turning the Gaza Strip, Palestine, into hell on earth for Palestinians. Incessant bombing, a near-total blockade of aid, and displacement orders are moving and trapping hundreds of thousands of people into ever-shrinking spaces. The constant state of alert and unpredictability of displacement orders have devastating consequences on people’s mental health, reports Médecins sans Frontières (MSF). The forced displacement of people through displacement orders must end.

    “Israeli forces are destroying all means of life for Palestinians in Gaza through psychological and physical warfare. Forced displacements are part of the Israeli forces and authorities’ campaign of ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian people. They have nowhere else to go,” denounces Claire Manera, MSF emergency coordinator. 

    Two MSF colleagues describe the impact of evacuation orders on their lives in Gaza, Palestine, April 2025.
    Nour Alsaqqa/MSF

    Since the start of the war, Palestinians have been forced to evacuate repeatedly, many fleeing for their lives multiple times, as experienced by a number of MSF staff. With 31 displacement orders issued since Israel broke the ceasefire on 18 March, the relentless forced displacements have trapped Palestinians in an endless cycle of suffering. On 19 May, a single large-scale displacement order in Khan Younis covered 22 per cent of the Strip, affecting more than 70 MSF staff members, while another one on 26 May covered 40 per cent of central and south Gaza.

    “Our colleagues are desperate,” says Omar Alsaqqa, MSF logistic manager. “There are no tents left and no space for people to set up, I don’t know what to answer when colleagues ask me where they can go with their children in the middle of the night. We are running out of options to stay alive.”

    These displacement orders and established no-go military zones now cover around 80 per cent of Gaza, and not a single area of Gaza has been spared from attacks. On 26 May, MSF teams treated 17 patients following an attack very close to its Khan Younis healthcare centre in central Gaza, right in the area where people are supposed to move to. People evacuate areas only to be bombed again in their new “safe refuge”. About 600,000 people have been displaced again since 18 March.

    “I woke up my children and told them we were just going out for a little bit. They started crying. They grabbed their bags. I was terrified but tried to act calm, even though my heart was pounding with fear,” explains Asmaa Abu Asaker, MSF liaison officer, after a displacement order was issued in her neighbourhood.

    These orders are unpredictable and come with ridiculously short deadlines, putting people in an impossible situation. People receive leaflets, social media posts or a phone call about an imminent attack, leaving them limited time to collect their belongings and seek shelter. The very act of forcing people to repeatedly flee, often in the middle of the night, without having anywhere to go and at risk of their lives, is not only having a physical impact, but causes an immense psychological toll.

    “This time I don’t want to pack. No bags, no papers, nothing. I don’t know why, maybe my mindset is wrong, but I just cannot mentally process the idea of leaving home again,” says Sabreen Al-Massani, an MSF psychotherapist who has been displaced multiple times. “A whole new struggle started, no flour and food supplies. I used to have my own life, [going from] house to work, work to house, normal life. Suddenly, I had to live with unknown people in a harsh environment, without access to basic necessities, chasing after water, phone charging. Then came another evacuation: our whole area was hit.”  

    While displacement orders are forcing Palestinians to be cramped in ever-shrinking areas, Israeli forces also regularly attack without issuing displacement orders. On 9 April, more than 20 people were killed in a strike that targeted a residential block of seven buildings in Gaza City. Among those killed were the families of two MSF staff members who were at work when the strike occurred and later learned their loved ones had been buried under the rubble.

    “We are in a constant state of alert; we can receive a notification to flee at any time. We cannot sleep at night thinking we might be the next,” says Al-Massani, describing how the displacement orders are severely affecting Palestinian’s mental health and state of anxiety.

    MSF calls on the Israeli forces to immediately halt the forced displacement of people and ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza. We also call on Israel’s allies to halt their support and complicity.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE launches capacity-building series on virtual assets taxation in Moldova

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

    Headline: OSCE launches capacity-building series on virtual assets taxation in Moldova

    Participants learning about virtual assets taxation at a workshop organized by the OSCE, Chisinau, 26 May 2025. (OSCE) Photo details

    Practitioners from Moldova’s State Tax Service and the Ministry of Finance worked to enhance their understanding of virtual assets, their tax implications, and effective regulation and compliance mechanisms at a workshop organized by the OSCE from 26 to 27 May in Chisinau.
    “It is very important to understand the tax aspects of the legal framework concerning virtual assets to clarify how we quantify the income and pay taxes for virtual assets,” said Olga Golban, Director of the State Tax Service. She highlighted the risks associated with unregulated virtual assets, including tax fraud and tax evasion.
    The two-day workshop provided an overview of international good practices for the taxation of virtual assets, tax avoidance schemes, the EU regulatory framework, among other topics. Participants also had the opportunity to explore blockchain technology through simulation exercises.
    “As virtual assets and cryptocurrencies continue to expand in scope and complexity, tax authorities around the world face both opportunities and challenges. Today’s workshop explores the topic of virtual assets taxation, good practices from different jurisdictions, and what we can do to better co-ordinate across borders while combating tax evasion,” said Vera Strobachova-Budway, Senior Economic Officer and Head of the Economic Governance Unit at the OSCE.
    This workshop marked the first of two workshops to set the foundation for enhancing Moldova’s institutional capacity to effectively address taxation challenges posed by virtual assets. A follow-up workshop is planned to take place in June.
    These workshops are being organized as part of the OSCE extrabudgetary project, “Innovative policy solutions to mitigate money-laundering risks of virtual assets”, implemented by the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, which is financially supported by Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xinjiang-Central Asia Agricultural Machinery and Inputs Expo to be held in Kashgar, Xinjiang

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    URUMQI, May 27 (Xinhua) — The Xinjiang Central Asia Agricultural Machinery and Production Equipment Expo will be held in Kashgar Prefecture of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Sept. 26 to 28.

    This year, the total area of exhibition pavilions within the event will exceed 50 thousand square meters. At the moment, more than 600 enterprises have applied to participate in the event. Buyers from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan have been invited to it.

    In addition, leading enterprises in the fields of seeds, fertilizers, agricultural and veterinary drugs, agricultural machinery, etc. will participate in the expo, and agricultural production technologies and equipment will be fully demonstrated. The event aims to promote agricultural development and increase farmers’ incomes in southern Xinjiang, and help producers develop markets in southern Xinjiang and Central Asia.

    The exhibition will also feature a China-Central Asia Business Fair and a Central Asia Logistics Business Fair, which will aim to promote exchanges in agricultural science and technology and match supply and demand.

    It is worth recalling that in 2024, more than 100 enterprises participated in the Xinjiang-Central Asia Agricultural Machinery and Capital Goods Expo, where more than 1,000 pieces of mechanical equipment were exhibited, and transactions worth nearly 300 million yuan were concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China has launched an emergency response to possible flooding in several regions of the country.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) — China’s National Flood and Drought Control Headquarters on Tuesday announced an emergency response mechanism for possible level IV floods in several regions including Jiangxi, Guizhou and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in response to heavy rains that hit southern regions.

    China’s Ministry of Emergency Management said in a statement that forecasters were expecting heavy rain and thunderstorms in Guizhou Province, areas south of the Yangtze River and much of southern China over the next three days.

    The current round of precipitation promises to be the heaviest since the start of the year, leaving a number of regions facing a high risk of natural disasters due to heavy rainfall, the statement said.

    The statement said China’s National Flood and Drought Control Headquarters has sent two working teams to regions to lead flood control and disaster relief efforts.

    Flood and emergency management authorities are instructed to step up efforts to monitor rainfall and flooding, provide timely information, check for risks and potential safety hazards, and stock up on necessary materials in key locations in advance.

    Let us recall that China has a four-tier flood emergency response system, with the first tier being the most serious. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN Women office opens in Tashkent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Tashkent, May 27 /Xinhua/ — The official opening ceremony of the UN Women office was held in Tashkent, Dunyo news agency reported on Tuesday.

    The event reportedly brought together representatives of the parliament and government of Uzbekistan, heads of UN agencies, international organizations, as well as representatives of civil society and the private sector.

    “The opening of the office marked an important milestone in the ongoing cooperation between UN Women and the Government of our country. This event reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, which is one of the priorities of national development,” the statement said.

    “The organization’s permanent presence in the country will strengthen support for national institutions and partners, facilitate the development and implementation of gender-sensitive policies and make a significant contribution to the full realization of women’s rights in all areas,” the statement added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian Defense Ministry Confirms Strikes on Ukrainian Military Facilities in Response to Ukrainian UAV Attacks

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, May 27 /Xinhua/ — In response to massive Ukrainian drone attacks, the Russian military is striking exclusively at military facilities and enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

    The agency also reported that from the evening of May 20 to the morning of May 27, Russian air defense systems destroyed and intercepted 2,331 attack unmanned aerial vehicles, including 1,465 outside the special military operation zone.

    According to the full list published by the department, military facilities include airfield infrastructure facilities, ammunition depots, missile and artillery weapons depots of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, temporary deployment points for foreign mercenaries, as well as aircraft repair shops, unloading areas and container warehouses with military property and ammunition in the port of Odessa, infrastructure facilities and training sites for attack UAVs at airfields, etc.

    “The strikes will be carried out exclusively on military facilities and enterprises of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine,” the Russian Defense Ministry’s statement emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lewisporte — Lewisporte RCMP arrests two ATV operators for fleeing from police

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Two all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators were arrested after twice fleeing from Lewisporte RCMP on Saturday night.

    Shortly before 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, police observed three ATVs driving on the Main Road, headed towards Campbellton. When an officer stopped to speak with the group, two of the operators fled the scene. The remaining operator remained stopped and spoke with police, as required. While police were processing the traffic stop, the two operators who had fled returned to the area, revved their engines and turned around in the roadway a number of times before fleeing again.

    At approximately 2:30 on Sunday morning, the same officer observed the two ATVs stopped on the eastbound side of the Trans-Canada Highway. When the officer approached, the operators of the ATVs fled once again, headed east on the TCH at a high rate of speed. In the interest of public safety, police did not pursue the vehicles.

    What may have possibly resulted in a traffic ticket at the original traffic stop, had the operators stopped for police, has resulted in criminal charges. The operators, ages 23 and 18, were identified and arrested. The two are set to appear in court at a later date. Both individuals will face two counts each of criminal charges for flight from police.

    RCMP NL reminds all off-road vehicle operators to drive safety and obey the province’s Off-Road Vehicles Act and Highway Traffic Act. More information about the Off-Road Vehicles Act and Highway Traffic Act can be found here:

    https://www.assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/o05-1.htm

    https://www.assembly.nl.ca/legislation/sr/statutes/h03.htm

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Montgomery Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison Following Federal Firearm Charge

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    MONTGOMERY, AL – On May 22, 2025, 29-year-old Corey Jarrod Wortham of Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentenced of 84 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. Following his prison term, Wortham will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records, on November 24, 2024, law enforcement in Montgomery responded to a report of a sexual assault, in which the caller identified Corey Wortham as a potential suspect. Upon arrival, officers spotted Wortham in a vehicle, but he fled the scene and successfully evaded capture. Before losing sight of Wortham, officers observed what appeared to be an AR-style pistol in his possession. The firearm was later recovered.

    Then, on December 18, 2024, agents with the Montgomery Area Crime Suppression (MACS) detail spotted a vehicle matching the description of the one used in the earlier incident. When agents attempted a traffic stop, the driver of the car initially refused to pull over. Law enforcement ultimately had to block his vehicle to prevent another escape. Inside the vehicle, agents found Wortham and a handgun.

    Due to prior felony convictions, Wortham is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. He pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on January 23, 2025.

    The investigation was conducted by members of the MACS detail, which includes the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Earns ‘Product Carbon Reduction’ and ‘Product Carbon Footprint’ Certifications for Dozens of 2025 TVs, Soundbars and Monitors

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics America announced that nearly 80 models in its 2025 TV, soundbar and monitor lineups have received Product Carbon Reduction1 and Product Carbon Footprint2 certifications from TÜV Rheinland, a globally recognized certification organization based in Germany. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the Samsung Neo QLED 8K and Samsung Neo QLED 4K TV lineups have earned the certifications, demonstrating the company’s continued efforts toward carbon reduction.
    “Samsung Electronics is committed to driving technological innovation for a sustainable future,” said Taeyong Son, Executive Vice President of Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “As the world’s leading TV manufacturer, we will continue to be at the forefront of establishing a more energy-efficient ecosystem that benefits consumers.”
    Following last year’s certification of 60 models across the Neo QLED, OLED and Lifestyle TV categories, Samsung has grown its number of certified products in 2025 to include QLED TVs. In addition, the company is also working towards obtaining certification for its Color E-Paper commercial displays later this year.

    The certifications from TÜV Rheinland are awarded following a rigorous evaluation of a product’s entire lifecycle — including manufacturing, transportation, usage and disposal — based on internationally recognized sustainability standards. By assessing and verifying carbon emissions at each stage, these certifications highlight Samsung efforts to reduce environmental impact across its product lineup.
    In particular, the Product Carbon Reduction certification is granted to products that have already received a Product Carbon Footprint certification and further demonstrate a measurable reduction in carbon emissions compared to their predecessors.

    Samsung leadership in energy-efficient display technology dates back to 2021, when Samsung Neo QLED 4K became the first 4K and higher-resolution TV to earn the Reducing CO2 certification. Since then, Samsung has continually expanded its portfolio of environmentally certified products, including QLED, Crystal UHD, Lifestyle TVs, OLED TVs and a wide range of monitors and digital signage products.
    Plus, Samsung makes it easy to responsibly recycle your old TV, while helping you save on your new one. When you purchase a qualifying 2025 Samsung TV, you can choose to trade in your current model and we’ll not only recycle it, but give you a $50 rebate toward your purchase.3
    For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Queer country: LGBTQ+ musicians are outside the spotlight as Grand Ole Opry turns 100

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Tanya Olson, Associate Teaching Professor, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    The iconic circle in the Grand Ole Opry stage. Who gets to stand in it? Timothy Wildey/Flickr, CC BY-NC

    On March 15, 1974, the Grand Ole Opry country music radio show closed its run at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, with Johnny and June Carter Cash leading the song “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” After that final show, a six-foot circle of wood was cut from the Ryman stage and moved to the new Grand Ole Opry House.

    The next night, Roy Acuff opened the first show at the new venue. A video of Acuff singing in the 1940s played before the screen lifted to reveal Acuff himself, singing live in the same spot. The message was clear: Though the stage had changed, the story continued. The circle had not been broken.

    The Opry began on WSM on Nov. 28, 1925, and is celebrating its centennial with a series of concerts and tributes under the name Opry 100. On March 19, 2025, Reba McEntire stepped onto the iconic circle on the Grand Ole Opry stage and kicked off NBC’s Opry 100 celebration with a verse of “Sweet Dreams.”

    The final song of the night was “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” performed by country legends like Bill Anderson and Jeannie Seely alongside newcomers like Lainey Wilson and Post Malone. It was a moment meant to celebrate 100 years of country music tradition and connection with a stage full of voices harmonizing across generations. A circle, unbroken.

    But that night in March, one group of country performers was missing. Not a single openly gay, lesbian or bisexual artist appeared onstage during the anniversary celebration. In a moment designed to honor the full sweep of the genre’s past and future, a long line of country musicians was left standing outside the spotlight once again.

    Wilma Burgess’ sexuality was common knowledge in music industry circles in the 1960s and ‘70s.

    A slowly opening circle

    Country music has never been without queer voices, but it regularly refuses to acknowledge them.

    From 1962 to 1982, Wilma Burgess had 15 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country chart and two Grammy Award nominations. She recorded with legendary producer Owen Bradley and had Top 10 hits like “Misty Blue.” Despite this success, Burgess never played the Opry. Though Burgess was never publicly out, her sexuality was common knowledge in recording circles. In the 1980s, she left music and opened The Hitching Post, Nashville’s first lesbian bar. Like so many queer country artists, Burgess had to build her legacy outside the circle.

    In the 1980s and 90s, k.d. lang and Sid Spencer expanded the presence of queer artists in country music. Lang won two Grammys and performed at the Opry, but she was labeled “cowpunk” and left the genre before coming out in 1992. Spencer released albums and toured widely within the gay rodeo circuit, but he was never recognized by mainstream country before his 1996 death from AIDS-related complications.

    The 2000s offered small openings. Mary Gauthier became the first openly queer artist to perform on the Opry stage in 2005. Chely Wright had a No. 1 country single before coming out in 2010, but didn’t return to the Opry until 2019. Ty Herndon charted 17 singles before coming out in 2014. He wouldn’t appear at the Opry again until 2023.

    These artists established themselves first and came out later, at great professional cost. The Opry hosts 5–6 shows a week, featuring 6–8 artists each night. In that context, a nine-year absence isn’t just a scheduling gap. In addition, the Grand Ole Opry currently has 76 members, a special designation indicating a level of success in country music. None of them identify as LGBTQ+.

    Today, there are signs of change. Lily Rose, who has been openly queer since the beginning of her career, receives radio play, has songs on the charts and tours widely. But she remains the exception, not the rule. Other openly LGBTQ+ artists like Paisley Fields, Mya Byrne and Amythyst Kiah are recording, performing and building loyal audiences, but they are still rarely featured on country radio or invited onto the Opry stage. The circle may be widening, but for many queer artists, it’s still just out of reach.

    The importance of the circle

    In country music, visibility isn’t just symbolic. If you’re not on the radio, you don’t chart. If you don’t chart, you don’t tour. Without that platform, you can’t build a legacy.

    Country radio and the Opry stage serve as gatekeepers of who counts. In 2015, a radio consultant infamously compared women artists to “tomatoes in the salad,” stating a few were fine, but they shouldn’t dominate. That same logic has long applied to queer artists; they can be tolerated at the edges but are rarely treated as essential.

    Genre labeling becomes another barrier. Brandi Carlile and Brandy Clark both openly identify as lesbians and have been embraced by country audiences and critics alike, but they are routinely categorized as Americana artists. That rebranding often functions as a fence that keeps artists close enough to celebrate, but far enough to exclude.

    Gina Venier is one of today’s many openly gay country artists.

    Reimagining the circle

    The Opry’s centennial celebrations are scheduled to continue through the end of 2025 with a concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall and a final anniversary show in Nashville on Nov. 28. Perhaps openly queer artists will take the stage at those events. If they do, it won’t just be symbolic; it will be a long overdue acknowledgment of artists who have always been here, even if they weren’t always seen.

    Country music’s strength lies in how it braids together American traditions: gospel and blues, Black and white, rural and urban, old and new. It’s not a genre built on purity, but one that relies on the mix. That mix is what makes country music American – and what makes it endure.

    If the circle on the Opry stage is meant to stand for country music itself, then I hope it will be like the music: honest and able to grow. If “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” is more of a promise than just a closing number, the future of country music depends on who’s allowed in the circle to sing it next.

    Tanya Olson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Queer country: LGBTQ+ musicians are outside the spotlight as Grand Ole Opry turns 100 – https://theconversation.com/queer-country-lgbtq-musicians-are-outside-the-spotlight-as-grand-ole-opry-turns-100-251892

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –