NewzIntel.com

Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Saint John’s homicide: Police urgently seek public’s help

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attribute to Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin:

    Police are continuing to piece together the events that led to a man’s death after being assaulted in Saint Johns, Auckland, on Saturday night.

    Emergency services were called to a bus stop on St Johns Road shortly before 10pm on Saturday, following reports a person had been attacked by at least two offenders.

    The victim was transported to hospital in a critical condition, where he died from his injuries.

    The victim is a 33-year-old Caucasian man; efforts are continuing to formally identify the man, but we believe we know who he is, and are in contact with next of kin. We will be working with them through this process and keeping them informed of any developments.

    A post-mortem is scheduled to begin today.

    We believe there are members of the public who may hold crucial information that can help us.

    Police urgently want to speak with anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area, around a bus stop near 69 St Johns Road, between 9 and 10pm. We especially need to hear from any motorists who have dashcam footage from around that area.

    Investigators are continuing to gather and review CCTV and track the victim’s movements throughout the course of Saturday. At this stage we believe that there are two assailants, and while they are not yet identified, someone will know who these people are.

    Please do the right thing and contact Police.

    The motive for this attack is not yet clear. We are keeping an open mind as to what may have happened in the moments before the attack, and the events preceding it. We also do not know if the victim was waiting for a bus at the time he was attacked, or whether he was taking shelter from the storm. Again, information or footage from the public is crucial to helping us understand that.

    The scene examination on St Johns Road has been completed, and a large investigation team is continuing the work to answer the many questions around this tragic event.

    If you can help us, please get in touch with us.

    Even a small piece of information, which you might think is insignificant, could be the missing puzzle piece we need to hold these offenders to account.

    If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please make a report via 105, using the reference number 250419/9858.

    Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-nz.org.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: 22/2025・Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 22 / 2025
    Schindellegi, Switzerland – 21 April 2025

    Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

    On 28 February 2025, Trifork initiated a share buyback program in accordance with Regulation No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, (Safe Harbour regulation). The share buyback program runs from 4 March 2025 up to and including no later than 30 June 2025. The buyback program will not be active from 9 to 15 April 2025. For details, please see company announcement no. 7 of 28 February 2025.

    Under the share buyback program, Trifork will purchase shares for up to a total of DKK 14.92 million (approximately EUR 2 million). Prior to the launch of the share buyback, Trifork held 256,329 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.3% of the share capital. Under the program, the following transactions have been made:

    Date      Number of shares        Average purchase price (DKK)        Transaction value (DKK)
    Total beginning 57,209 85.23 4,876,001
    14 April 2025     Pause
    15 April 2025     Pause
    16 April 2025 2,700 82.90 223,830
    17 April 2025     Market closed
    18 April 2025     Market closed
    Accumulated 59,909 85.13 5,099,831

    A detailed overview of the daily transactions can be found here: https://investor.trifork.com/trifork-shares/

    Since the share buyback program was started on 4 March 2025, the total number of repurchased shares is 59,909 at a total amount of DKK 5,099,831. On 25 March 2025, 1,352 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized for the Executive Management’s monthly fixed salary, representing a change from cash payment to payment partly in shares (refer to company announcement no. 1 of 21 January 2025). On 1 April 2025, 19,943 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized to serve the RSU plan of Executive Management and certain employees.

    With the transactions stated above, Trifork holds a total of 294,943 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.5%. The total number of registered shares in Trifork is 19,744,899. Adjusted for treasury shares, the number of outstanding shares is 19,449,956.

    Investor and media contact
    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director, frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17

    About Trifork
    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigating ram raid incident in Bridgewater

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigating ram raid incident in Bridgewater

    Monday, 21 April 2025 – 2:19 pm.

    Bridgewater Police is calling for information to assist an investigation into a ram raid incident that occurred at a business in Bridgewater on Friday night.
    About 12.03am on19 April a stolen white Ford Ranger (registration K28DF) was allegedly used to commit a ram raid on the front gate of a business in Crooked Billet Drive, Bridgewater.
    Once inside the business, the suspects reportedly stole a number of power tools before leaving in the stolen motor vehicle.
    It is alleged that the vehicle was stolen from an address in Howrah sometime between 10.30pm and midnight on 18 April and has not yet been recovered.
    Bridgewater Police is seeking information from members of the public who may have seen, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage of the white Ford Ranger since approximately 10.30pm on 18 April.
    Anyone with information should call Bridgewater Police on 131 444. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 12 killed, 30 injured in US airstrikes on market in Yemen’s capital

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The death toll from fresh U.S. airstrikes on a crowded market in Yemen’s capital Sanaa on Sunday evening has risen to 12, with at least 30 others wounded, Houthi-controlled health authorities said in a statement.

    According to Houthi-run al-Masirah TV, the airstrikes targeted the Farwah market in the Shu’ub neighborhood, one of the busiest markets in Sanaa. Rescue operations are ongoing, with teams searching for survivors and victims beneath the rubble.

    The strikes were part of a broader wave of U.S. airstrikes that hit multiple locations in and around Sanaa on Sunday, the Houthi media outlet added.

    The incident came days after the deadly U.S. airstrikes on the Ras Isa fuel port in western Yemen late Thursday night that killed 80 people, wounded 170 others, and caused widespread damage to fuel storage infrastructure, leading to fuel spills into the Red Sea, according to local Houthi health officials.

    Tensions between the Houthi group and the U.S. military have escalated since Washington resumed airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15 to deter the group from attacking Israel and U.S. warships in the Red Sea.

    The Houthis, which control much of northern Yemen, said their attacks aim to press U.S.-backed Israel to stop the offensive against the Gaza Strip and allow the entry of humanitarian aid into the Palestinian enclave. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 21, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 21, 2025.

    A secret mathematical rule has shaped the beaks of birds and other dinosaurs for 200 million years
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kathleen Garland, PhD Candidate, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University The faces of living and extinct theropod dinosaurs. Left: Riya Bidaye; right: Indian Roller model (NHMUK S1987) from TEMPO bird project – MorphoSource. Bird beaks come in almost every shape and size – from the straw-like beak

    Curious Kids: if heat rises, why does it get colder in the mountains?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By James Renwick, Professor, Physical Geography (Climate Science), Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Shutterstock/EvaL Miko If heat rises, why does it get colder as you climb up mountains? – Ollie, 8, Christchurch, New Zealand That is an excellent and thoughtful question Ollie – why indeed?

    From the doable to the downright impossible: your guide to making sense of election promises
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Frank Rindert Algra-Maschio, PhD Candidate, Social and Political Sciences, Monash University Three weeks into the federal election campaign and both major parties have already pledged to spend billions in taxpayer dollars if elected on May 3. But with so many policies announced — and surely more to

    Security without submarines: the military strategy Australia should pursue instead of AUKUS
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Albert Palazzo, Adjunct Professor in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at UNSW Canberra, UNSW Sydney For more than a century, Australia has followed the same defence policy: dependence on a great power. This was first the United Kingdom and then the United States. Without properly

    Prison needle programs could save double what they cost – our new modelling shows how
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Farah Houdroge, Mathematical Modeller, Burnet Institute ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock Needle and syringe programs are a proven public health intervention that provide free, sterile injecting equipment to people who use drugs. By reducing needle sharing, these programs help prevent the spread of blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis C and HIV

    ‘Puppy blues’: how to cope with the exhaustion and stress of raising a puppy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Hazel, Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide Lucigerma/Shutterstock Caring for a new puppy can be wonderful, but it can also bring feelings of depression, extreme stress and exhaustion. This is sometimes referred to as “the puppy blues”, and can begin anytime

    A survey of Australian uni students suggests more than half are worried about food or don’t have enough to eat
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katherine Kent, Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Wollongong StoryTime Studio/ Shutterstock Being a university student has long been associated with eating instant noodles, taking advantage of pub meal deals and generally living frugally. But for several years, researchers have been tracking how students are

    Low effort, high visibility: what bumper stickers say about our values and identity
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Harrison, Director, Master of Business Administration Program (MBA); Co-Director, Better Consumption Lab, Deakin University Justin Sullivan/Getty You may have seen them around town or in the news. Bumper stickers on Teslas broadcasting to anyone who looks: “I bought this before we knew Elon was crazy.” You

    How a new ‘Fishheart’ project is combining science, community and Indigenous art to restore life in the Baaka-Darling River
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claire Hooker, Senior Lecturer and Coordinator, Health and Medical Humanities, University of Sydney A new state-of-the-art tube fishway technology called the “Fishheart” has been launched at Menindee Lakes, located on the Baaka-Darling River, New South Wales. The technology – part of the NSW government’s Restoring the Darling-Baaka

    Election Diary: Coalition makes ‘law-and-order’ pitch, with plan to invest proceeds of drug crime into communities
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra As it seeks to gain some momentum for its campaign, the Coalition on Monday will focus on law and order, announcing $355 million for a National Drug Enforcement and Organised Crime Strike Team to fight the illicit drug trade. A

    Newspoll steady as both leaders’ ratings fall; Labor surging in poll of marginal seats
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne With less than two weeks to go now until the federal election, the polls continue to favour the government being returned. Newspoll was steady at 52–48 to

    Caitlin Johnstone: ‘I want a death that the world will hear’  –  journalist assassinated by Israel for telling the truth
    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. – COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone Israel assassinated a photojournalist in Gaza in an airstrike targeting her family’s home on Wednesday, the day after it was announced that a documentary she appears in would premier in Cannes next month. Her name was Fatima Hassouna. Nine members of her

    Indicators of alien life may have been found – astrophysicist explains what the new research means
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University Darryl Fonseka/Shutterstocl What do you think of when it comes to extra terrestrial life? Most popular sci-fi books and TV shows suggest humanoid beings could live on other planets. But when astronomers are searching for extra-terrestrial life, it

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 20, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 20, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong tourism strives to grow with new strategies

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    At the recently concluded Hong Kong Tourism Development Forum, many attendees shared the belief that Hong Kong remains an international tourist city deeply desired by travelers.

    The forum, co-hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board and China Tourism Group, brought together over 600 industry representatives to discuss future trends and directions of Hong Kong’s tourism industry.

    Hong Kong’s tourism sector is uncovering new pathways for cultural tourism transformation, forging ahead toward the goal of becoming a “world-class premier tourism destination.”

    Facing both opportunities and challenges, Hong Kong has been proactive and visionary. Since 2023, China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has prioritized the development of an event economy to attract tourists and stimulate local spending, showcasing the city’s vibrancy as the “Capital of Events.”

    The HKSAR government’s events calendar features a wide range of activities encompassing culture, arts, finance, and trade. The event economy has already shown impressive results.

    In 2024, Hong Kong hosted over 240 events, attracting more than two million visitors. These events generated approximately 7.5 billion HK dollars (about 966 million U.S. dollars) in consumer spending and 4.5 billion HK dollars in economic added value.

    Michael Wong, deputy financial secretary of the HKSAR government, estimated that events in the first half of 2025 will draw about 840,000 tourists, a year-on-year increase of over 50 percent. This is expected to result in 3.3 billion HK dollars in consumer spending and 1.8 billion HK dollars in economic added value.

    At the end of last year, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSAR government unveiled the Development Blueprint for Hong Kong’s Tourism Industry 2.0, proposing four development strategies and 133 measures aimed at achieving the vision of “tourism is everywhere,” setting the direction for the next five years.

    According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s latest statistics, the spending of Chinese mainland overnight visitors on entertainment grew by 61.3 percent to 4.19 billion HK dollars last year. Activities such as exhibitions, theater shows, and concerts have become trending attractions for Chinese mainland tourists.

    In 2024, non-Chinese mainland visitors to Hong Kong exceeded 10 million. Research by a globally recognized consumer market consultancy ranked Hong Kong as the fourth most popular city for international tourists worldwide in 2024.

    Dai Bin, director of China Tourism Academy, emphasized that maintaining the prosperity and growth of Hong Kong’s tourism industry is an important part of ensuring the economic and social prosperity of Hong Kong within the framework of “one country, two systems.” Industrial sectors in Hong Kong must strengthen collaboration and embrace global opportunities for tourism development.

    Yiu Pak-leung, a member of the HKSAR Legislative Council, said that enhancing the competitiveness of tourism products and services aligned with ocean, eco-tourism, heritage, sightseeing, and red tourism themes is crucial to boosting Hong Kong’s tourism industry.

    Peter Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, noted that the board will actively collaborate with other cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to attract more international tourists to experience unique journeys in the GBA. (1 US dollar = 7.76 HK dollars) 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre to reopen its doors

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool’s much-loved Epstein Theatre is set to reopen after a deal was agreed to breathe new life into the historic city centre venue.

    The Grade II listed theatre closed its doors in June 2023 following a decision by the city council, which owns the building’s freehold, to withdraw financial support which had helped to keep the 112-year-old venue running.

    But now the Hanover Street landmark is due to welcome audiences once again, with new leaseholders and a new management team promising a busy programme of entertainment which reflects the theatre’s century-long role as the home of local talent, national touring productions, music, comedy and pantomime.

    Test events are set to take place over the spring and summer, with a full autumn programme of shows being launched including a special Gala Night on Friday, 19 September – Brian Epstein’s birthday – which will feature local acts and celebrities.

    Ahead of that, £1 million is being invested in the venue with extensive refurbishment works including refitting the stage with new lighting, stage cloths and sound, and improving the backstage areas.

    The theatre’s bar is also being remodelled as part of the work.

    The Epstein started life in 1913 as the Crane Music Hall, situated above the Crane brothers’ music emporium in Hanover Street.

    The venue was renamed the Crane Theatre in 1938, and in 1967 the building came into the possession of the then Liverpool Corporation. Following refurbishment of the auditorium, including the stage, it reopened the following year as the Neptune Theatre.

    A long-time favourite of local amateur drama groups along with visiting performers and comedians, the venue was closed in 2005 due to health and safety concerns. When it reopened its doors in 2011, following a £1.2 million upgrade, it gained its current name – the Epstein Theatre – in honour of the late Brian Epstein.

    During the two years before its closure in 2023, it was run by Epstein Entertainments Ltd.

    The theatre has been able to reopen its doors due to a transfer of the head lease from the former leaseholders to JSM Company Group Ltd, which holds a vast portfolio of properties in Liverpool and is now responsible for Hanover House, the building which contains the Epstein.

    Liverpool City Council retains the freehold.

    Meanwhile JSM Company Group Ltd has leased the Epstein Theatre itself to Theatrical Times Ltd, a new partnership between investors Joseph Roe and Anthony M. Sheedy. Joseph Roe has a history of building developments, and Anthony M. Sheedy a former operator of the Limerick Theatre Royal and a Producer/Stage Manager and Performer of the renowned Castle Entertainers at Bunratty and Knappogue Castles in Ireland.

    Anthony Proctor, who was the Epstein’s theatre manager and programmer from 2022-23, returns as General Manager and Theatre Director.

    He has a wealth of arts experience gained working across many venues in the Liverpool City Region over the last 20 years, including the Liverpool Empire, Unity Theatre and St Helens Theatre Royal as well as the Epstein.

    He was part of the team that launched Farmageddon and during the last two decades has also worked extensively with many Liverpool festivals, while he also maintains a parallel career as a performer, educator and mentor.

    And completing the executive team is Food and Beverage Consultant Maureen Bramwell, who has a 40-year history of running popular and successful venues in the city including Smokey Mo’s group.

    The theatre is encouraging people to join the Epstein mailing list via the website www.epsteintheatre.com to be the first to hear about future shows.

    For programming enquiries, contact programming@epstein.com

    Epstein Theatre General Manager Anthony Proctor said: “I’m absolutely thrilled, and really excited, to return to the Epstein and to bring this historic theatre back to life two years after it closed its doors.

    “I know the Epstein holds a very special place in the heart of Liverpool audiences as well as generations of artists who have performed in its stunning auditorium, and I can’t wait to reveal the first new season and officially launch it with an amazing gala evening, aptly being held on what would have been Brian Epstein’s birthday.

    “The venue has always been a home for great entertainment, and I can guarantee that will continue under Theatrical Times Ltd. I’m looking forward to welcoming audiences back through the doors this summer.”

    Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle said: “This is hugely exciting news for the City and our much-loved cultural sector.

    “Anthony is the perfect person to breathe new life into this gem – his passion, ambition and vision signifies a new chapter for the theatre, and I look forward to seeing its renaissance and working with the team to help promote this cultural asset.

    “Here’s to a bright future filled with incredible performances and unforgettable moments at this iconic venue.”

    And Joshua McTaggart, CEO of Theatres Trust, added: “Theatres Trust warmly welcomes the news that the Epstein Theatre is set to reopen. Following its closure in 2023, we added the Grade II listed venue to our Theatres at Risk Register and have been working since then to help find a way forward for this unique and beloved venue.

    “We continue to work with Theatrical Times Ltd to ensure a bright and stable future for this glorious venue on its return to entertaining the people of Liverpool.”

    The Epstein Theatre’s new website will be launched soon – www.epsteintheatre.com

    Follow the Epstein Theatre on social media channels:

    Facebook: www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre

    Instagram: @epsteintheatre

    TikTok: @epsteintheatre

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met police appeal for information following criminal damage to seven statues in Westminster

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Met Police is appealing for information following criminal damage to seven statues during a protest in Parliament Square, Westminster on Saturday, 19 April.

    Officers are currently trawling CCTV footage from the surrounding area after statues were defaced with graffiti and are appealing to anyone who may have been in attendance with information, footage or pictures to come forward by calling 101 quoting 01/7396927/25.

    No arrests have been made.

    Chief Superintendent, Stuart Bell, who led the policing operation for the protest, said:

    “Criminal damage and vandalism like this has no place on the streets of London and spoils the area for locals and those visiting.

    “While the police support the public’s right to protest, criminality like this is senseless and unacceptable. We are pursuing this and will take action against those responsible.

    “Working with the Greater London Authority (GLA) plans are underway to remove the graffiti but this requires specialist equipment and we are confident this will be done shortly.

    “We are keen to speak to those who saw anything on the day and urge anyone with information, pictures or footage to come forward. Please call 101, quoting 01/7396927/25.”

    Officers are also dealing with a number of complaints from the public about signs and images shared on social media that were reportedly displayed at the protest yesterday.

    Officers are investigating but to date the images and signs are from historic events, did not take place in London, or do not constitute a criminal offence. Available footage of the protest is being reviewed and action will be taken if there are signs displayed that breach of the law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government has changed the rules for holding the International Competition of Pianists, Composers and Conductors named after S.V. Rachmaninov

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Resolution of April 16, 2025 No. 496

    Document

    Resolution of April 16, 2025 No. 496

    The International Competition of Pianists, Composers and Conductors named after S.V. Rachmaninov will be held according to updated rules. The resolution approving them was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

    One of the innovations concerns the competition nomination “conducting”. Now musicians up to and including 45 years of age can compete in it. Until now, competitors in this specialty had to be no older than 40 years old.

    At the same time, an age limit has been set for participants in the “composition” category – they must be no older than 50 years old inclusive. Until now, the competition in this category was held without age restrictions.

    Another innovation is the right of the chairmen of the jury of the competition nominations to increase the number of participants in the in-person rounds of the competition. If previously no more than 25 pianists, no more than 25 conductors and no more than 12 composers were allowed to participate in the in-person tests, now no more than 3 people are allowed to be added to them in each specialty.

    The number of contestants who can advance to the second and third rounds of the piano competition nomination has also been changed. Thus, the number of participants in the second round has been reduced from 13 to 12 musicians, and the number of participants in the third round has been reduced from 8 to 6.

    Pianist contestants must play all pieces by heart. The exception will be romances by S.V. Rachmaninov, which will be performed during the first stage of the third round.

    A new requirement has been added to the competing composers. Now, in addition to works for piano and works for piano with symphony orchestra, they will have to present a romance to the jury based on the verses of Russian poets.

    In addition, two new awards have been established for the participants of the competition among composers: a special prize for the best work for piano and a special prize for the best work for voice and piano based on poems by Russian poets. Their winners will receive prizes of 1 thousand dollars.

    The first International Competition of Pianists, Composers and Conductors named after S.V. Rachmaninoff was held in Moscow in June 2022. The second competition is scheduled for June 2025 in Moscow.

    The signed document introduces changes toGovernment Resolution of September 29, 2021 No. 1637.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw holds consultations with news media organisations ahead of WAVES 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw holds consultations with news media organisations ahead of WAVES 2025

    WAVES is driven by the industry; Government is a catalyst- Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Massive Response to India’s Creative Economy Push: 1 Lakh+ Registrations, 750 top level creators to showcase their work

    WAVES Emerging as a Global Connector Between Creators, Buyers, and Markets for Scalable Creative Solutions : Union Minister

    Posted On: 19 APR 2025 7:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The world of creators and their economy is going through a fundamental change. Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said this while interacting with the news media today ahead of the maiden World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit scheduled in Mumbai from 1st to 4th May. The interaction was attended by about 20 media houses from the national as well as regional news media. Talking on the challenges faced, the Union Minister said that with the advent of technology, the old model is giving way to the new model, creating opportunities as well as challenges. The shape of the media world  is changing, he said and stressed on the collective need as a country to respond to the new model. Giving an example, he said that gone are the days when a big studio was needed for creating content. Today a creator from a remote village from Jharkhand or Kerala can create good quality and get millions of views.

     

    He mentioned that the creator’s economy is growing exponentially. The Minister said that our visionary Prime Minister acknowledged the work of the creators and their contribution in the economy by promoting India’s soft power globally. WAVES seeks to evolve itself as a global platform for media & entertainment, just as Davos serves as a global platform for economic policies, he added. .

    India’s creative economy has received an overwhelming boost, with more than 1 lakh registrations for WAVES 2025. The top innovators will be honoured with Awards, celebrating their contributions to the evolving global media and entertainment landscape.  Shri Vaishnaw said, we are finding a way to connect the world with our creators. WAVES is emerging as a global connector between creators, buyers, and markets for scalable creative solutions, the Minister said. Through WAVES, buyers and sellers are getting a platform, where creators can offer their content & firms can source quality creative work.

    Participating in the interaction, heads of various media organisations congratulated the Government for conceptualising a novel concept in the form of WAVES to bring policy makers, creators, industry stalwarts, tech giants and start ups in the M&E sector on one platform.

    Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju welcomed all the participants and dignitaries, highlighting the significance of collective dialogue in shaping the future of the media landscape. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to engaging with stakeholders across platforms and appreciated the active participation of media organizations in the lead-up to WAVES 2025.

     

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    Dharmendra Tewari/Virat Majboor/Navin Sreejith

    (Release ID: 2122945) Visitor Counter : 116

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah attends the program organized by Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) on the occasion of World Liver Day in New Delhi as the Chief Guest

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah attends the program organized by Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) on the occasion of World Liver Day in New Delhi as the Chief Guest

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched many programs in the last 10 years to keep the countrymen healthy with a holistic approach

    All countrymen should take good diet, adequate water, adequate sleep and regular exercise, the rest Modi government will take the responsibility of taking care of your health

    A healthy liver is the gateway to a healthy body

    On the occasion of ‘World Liver Day’, everyone should take a pledge to keep their ‘liver’ healthy with awareness, diligence and complete information

    Young people can achieve a lot in their lives with water, diet, exercise and sleep as per the requirement of the body

    The innovative initiative of HEALED scheme by ILBS will be successful in spreading awareness in the country towards keeping the ‘liver’ healthy

    Today the whole world is moving forward by accepting the mantra given in our Vedas ‘Aahaar Hi Aushdhi Hai’

    Home Minister said that the corporate sector should, through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), spread awareness about the importance of liver and help organisations working for a healthy liver

    Posted On: 19 APR 2025 4:39PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah attended the program organized by Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) on the occasion of World Liver Day in New Delhi today as the Chief Guest. Many dignitaries including Delhi Lieutenant Governor Shri Vinay Kumar Saxena and Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta were present on the occasion.

    In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that the liver plays a very important role in our body and in keeping it healthy. Among all the organs in our body, the liver has the greatest ability to regenerate and healthy liver is the gateway to a healthy body. He said that today on the occasion of ‘World Liver Day’, everyone should take a pledge to keep their ‘liver’ healthy with awareness, diligence and complete information. Sharing his experience of a healthy lifestyle, Home Minister said that there has been a huge change in his life since May 2020. Shri Shah said that Young people can achieve a lot in their lives with water, diet, exercise and sleep as per the requirement of the body.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has set before the country the goal of making India developed in 2047, coinciding with the centenary of independence, where India will be self-reliant in every field and will lead the world. He said that the concept of a developed India cannot be realised by being unwell and that is why it is very important that every citizen remains healthy.

    Union Home Minister said that today the HEALED scheme has been launched by ILBS and this innovative initiative of HEALED scheme by ILBS will be successful in spreading awareness in the country towards keeping the ‘liver’ healthy. He said that every person should also get Vitamin E tested during regular health checkup. Shri Shah said that today the whole world is moving forward by accepting the mantra given in our Vedas ‘Aahaar Hi Aushdhi Hai’. He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has launched many programs in the last 10 years to keep the countrymen healthy with a holistic approach.

    He said that the Ministry of AYUSH is working to develop a system so that we do not fall ill. Shri Shah said that today even big allopathic hospitals are opening AYUSH wings. The mental and physical health of a person was included in the idea of ​​​​World Yoga Day. He said that today the Modi government is bearing the entire cost of treatment up to Rs 5 lakh for crores of people of the country. The government is also bearing all expenses up to Rs 5 lakh for the treatment of citizens above 70 years of age.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the Modi government has spent 65 thousand crore rupees to build the health infrastructure in the country and has made arrangements to make every Primary Health Center (PHC) and Community Health Center (CHC) a complete unit. He said that for generic medicines, a network of more than 15 thousand Jan Aushadhi Centers has been created in the country and through these centres medicines are available up to 80 percent cheaper. Under Mission Indradhanush, arrangements have been made for free vaccination of children from birth to the age of 15 years and 1 crore 32 lakh mothers were also vaccinated. Shri Shah said that under the e-Sanjeevani app, the work of providing more than 30 crore 90 lakh digital medical consultations from big health institutions in rural areas across the country has been carried out. Shri Shah said that in 2014 there were 7 AIIMS in the country, today the number has reached 23, there were 387 medical colleges in 2014, today it stands at 780, there were 51 thousand MBBS seats which have increased to 1 lakh 18 thousand today and now 75 thousand more seats are going to be increased. Along with this, there were 31 thousand PG seats which have increased to 74 thousand today. He said that in 2014 the country’s health budget was 37 thousand crore rupees which has been increased to 1 lakh 27 thousand crore rupees by Prime Minister Modi today.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that over the past 10 years, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has created a comprehensive framework for the health of the country’s 1.3 billion citizens. He said, all countrymen should take good diet, adequate water, adequate sleep and regular exercise, the rest Modi government will take the responsibility of taking care of your health. Home Minister requested the corporate world of the country to give importance to the promotion of healthy liver in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and help the organizations working for healthy liver. He also appealed to the media to spread awareness about health along with entertainment. Shri Shah said that ILBS should tie itself up with AIIMS and major government hospitals across the country to make arrangements for guidance of liver patients and spread awareness about it.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Cosplay Championship Wildcard Showdown in Mumbai a Massive Hit as Over 50 Cosplayers Set the Stage on Fire

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES Cosplay Championship Wildcard Showdown in Mumbai a Massive Hit as Over 50 Cosplayers Set the Stage on Fire

    30 Finalists Selected for Grand Finale at Jio World Centre

    Posted On: 19 APR 2025 9:02PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 19 April 2025:

    The city of dreams turned into a galaxy of fandoms as Mumbai hosted the explosive WAVES Cosplay Championship Wildcard Showdown, presented by Creators Street, the Indian Comics Association (ICA), and the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), and powered by Epiko Con, India’s next big pop culture festival, at Thakur Collage of Science and Commerce today, April 19th, 2025.

    Held as a spectacular prelude to the WAVES Cosplay Championship grand finale, this blockbuster pre-event saw over 50 top-tier cosplayers from across the region lighting up the stage with high-octane performances, screen-accurate costumes, and electrifying fandom energy.

    Out of the cosplayers participated, the Jury comprising Mr Venkatesh, Founder and CEO of Wharf Street Studios, Ajay Krishna of Forbidden Verse, and Anadi Abhilash, Secretary, Indian Comics Association, selected 30 wild card entries who will now meet at the grand finale which will be held at WAVES at Jio World Centre, Mumbai during May 1st to 4th, 2025.

    A majestic portrayal of Lord Narasimha, bringing to life the power and divinity of India’s rich cultural heritage and appearances from celebrity guests, creators, and influencers within India’s growing cosplay community were the highlights of the event. A fan-fueled celebration packed with photo ops, spontaneous performances, and viral social media moments also added colour to the event.

    The high-energy meetup wasn’t just a qualifier—it was a cultural phenomenon. Every moment at the venue captured the sheer power of community, creativity, and youth expression in India’s rising cosplay revolution. The Wildcard Showdown was a breakout success, setting the tone for what is being called India’s biggest cosplay movement to date. From incredible craftsmanship to compelling performances, the Mumbai showdown was a reminder that cosplay in India is not just growing—it’s booming.

    “This event just proves how powerful the cosplay movement is becoming in India,” said one jury member. “The energy, the effort, the love for characters—it’s all real, and it’s growing bigger every year,” he said.

    The grand finale will feature top cosplayers from across India and the winners will be awarded with cash prizes and exclusive showcases. The jury will have members top studios in animation, film, and gaming. The highlight of the championship is the collaborations with ICA, Forbidden Verse, TVAGA, MEAI, Creator Street, and the powerhouse of pop culture – Epiko Con.

     

    About WAVES

    The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

    Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

    Have questions? Find answers here  

    Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

    Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Film Poster Making Challenge Announces Top 50 Digital Poster Winners

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES Film Poster Making Challenge Announces Top 50 Digital Poster Winners

    Final Awards to Be Revealed at WAVES in Mumbai

    10 Selected to Compete at Live Hand-Painted Poster Making Competition at WAVES

    Posted On: 19 APR 2025 1:00PM by PIB Mumbai

     

    April 17, 2025

    The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) has announced the Top 50 digital poster winners of its Film Poster Making Challenge following an overwhelming response from artists across India. The competition received 542 digital submissions reflecting the passion and innovation of emerging visual storytellers. In the Hand-Painted Poster Making Competition, 10 entries have been chosen from different art institutions across the country. The winners will be selected at the live finale set to take place during the WAVE Summit in Mumbai.

    Digital Poster Making Competition

    The jury comprising Aditya Arya, Photographer and Founder Director, Museo Camera Gurugram, and Ananda Moy Banerji, Artist Printmaker and Vice Principal, South Delhi Polytechnic for Women, along with co-organisers Imagenation Street Art and National Film Development Corporation-National Film Achieves India conducted a rigorous multi-stage evaluation. From a preliminary shortlist of 197 posters, the jury selected the final top 50 based on creativity, originality and storytelling impact.

    Among the top 50, three standout finalists have been identified (in alphabetical order):

    • Saptosindhu Sengupta
       
    • Shivangi Sarmah Kashyap
       
    • Suresh D Nair
       

    The final rankings of the top three will be announced at the WAVE Summit scheduled to take place in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, 2025. The 50 winning posters will also be digitally exhibited at the summit offering participants a valuable platform for visibility and recognition.

    Hand-Painted Poster Art to Be Celebrated with Live Competition at WAVES

    The WAVES will also host a Live Hand-Painted Film Poster Making Competition shining a spotlight on a traditional art form that once defined Indian cinema’s visual identity. Evoking the spirit of legendary artists such as MF Husain and SM Pandit, this segment honors the rich heritage of hand-painted posters.

    Out of all entries, 10 student artists have been selected to participate in the live competition at the WAVES. The event will showcase their skills as they create hand-painted film posters in real time. The top three winners will be recognized and awarded for their outstanding contributions to this culturally significant medium.

    About Film Poster Making Challenge

    The WAVES Film Poster Making Challenge is part of a broader initiative to celebrate cinematic art, foster emerging talent, and bridge traditional and contemporary forms of visual storytelling. For more information and the complete list of winners, visit:
     👉 https://www.nfdcindia.com/waves-poster-challenge-2025/

    About WAVES

    The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit, a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

    Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Extended Reality.

    Have questions? Find answers here  

    Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

    Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

    ***

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES 2025 Animation Film makers Challenge announces top 42 finalists

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES 2025 Animation Film makers Challenge announces top 42 finalists

    WAVES brings to the fore a global showcase of original Animation, VFX, AR/VR & Virtual Productions

    Talented finalists of animation film-making competition to pitch their projects in WAVES 2025

    Posted On: 19 APR 2025 12:03PM by PIB Mumbai

    : Mumbai, April 19, 2025

    The finalists of the Animation Film Makers Competition (AFC) being held as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge Season-1’ of WAVES 2025 has been announced. The best 42 projects, focussing on original storytelling across the entire spectrum of animation, encompassing traditional animation, VFX, Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR), and virtual production, have made it to the final round. These talented participants will now have the opportunity to pitch their original projects during the WAVE Summit which will be held in Mumbai from May 1-4, 2025. The top 3 winners will each receive a cash prize of up to INR 5 Lakhs.

    The selection of the top-42 finalists was the result of a rigorous nine-month evaluation process led by the Dancing Atoms team, in collaboration with the WAVES team. The  dedicated efforts of the participants were complemented by the discerning expertise of an esteemed panel of national and international jury members, including:

    ●     Anu Singh

    ●     Farrukh Dhondy

    ●     Dan Sarto

    ●     James Knight

    ●     Jan Nagel

    ●     Gianmarco Serra

    ●     Indu Ramchandani

    The talented finalists, who will now have the opportunity to pitch their original projects in Mumbai, are: Abhijeet Saxena, Anika Rajesh, Anirban Majumder, Anuj Kumar Choudhary, Arundhati Sarkar, Atreyee Poddar, Bhagat Singh Saini, Bhagyashree Satapathy, Bimal Poddar, Catharina Dian Wiraswati S, Gadam Jagadish Prasad Yadav, Gargi Gawthe, Harish Narayan Iyer, Harshita Das, Hirak Jyoti Nath, Isha Chandna, Jacqueline C Ching, Jyothi Kalyan Sura, Khambor Batei Kharjana, Kishore Kumar Kedari, Kiruthika Ramasubramanian, Makam Neha, Martand Anand Ugalmugle, Nandan Balakrishnan, Piyush Kumar, Prasanth Kumar Nagadasi, Prasenjit Singha, Richa Bhutani, Rishav Mohanty, Rohit Sankhla, Sandhra Mary, Sangeeta Poddar, Segun Samson, Shreeyaa Vinayak Pore, Shreya Sachdev, Shrikant S Menon, Srikanth Bhogi, Shubham Tomar, Shweta Subhash Marathe, Sundar Mahalingam, Sukankan Roy, Triparna Maiti, Tuhin Chanda, Vamsi Bandaru, Vetriveare.

     

    The potential economic impact of their projects is significant, with each animated VFX feature film capable of generating employment for 100-300 individuals. WAVES AFC 2025 represents a crucial investment in creative talents of India, fostering job creation and global opportunities. The competition’s ambition extends to fostering international co-productions.

    This groundbreaking global initiative, supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and spearheaded by Dancing Atoms, marks the first time all four verticals of the AVGC sector are represented under one umbrella in such a competition.

    WAVES AFC 2025 garnered an overwhelming response, receiving approximately 1900 registrations and 419 diverse entries from amateur enthusiasts, talented students, and seasoned professionals worldwide. This enthusiastic participation underscores the competition’s vital role in identifying and nurturing fresh creative voices within the animation industry.

    Beyond showcasing talent, the initiative has prioritized mentorship at all stages. All contestants, regardless of their final selection, benefited from invaluable masterclasses led by renowned industry leaders such as Academy Award winner Guneet Monga, acclaimed producer Shobu Yarlagadda, and Saraswathi Buyyala. These sessions focused on refining pitching skills and navigating the complexities of the industry. These projects will be pitched to various OTT platforms and key industry players. Dancing Atoms Studios founder Saraswathi Buyyala is actively engaging with embassies from 17 countries (Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Korea, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom) to facilitate collaborations for these top- 42 projects. In order to promote these projects, meetings are also being scheduled with prominent distributors. The top 42 projects represent a diverse spectrum, including 12 feature films, 9 TV series, 3 AR/VR experiences, and 18 short films, offering a rich variety for potential viewers and collaborators.

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s crucial support has been instrumental in elevating AFC WAVES 2025 to its current stature. The dedication to fostering original storytelling within the animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production sectors has provided invaluable resources and recognition, empowering emerging talent on a significant platform. This  competition and its rigorous screening processes and enriching learning opportunities, underscored the government’s commitment to nurturing India’s creative potential in the dynamic world of animation. Each selected entry offers a unique narrative and showcases diverse creative approaches, including compelling international submissions. Going forward, the future of animation, VFX, AR/VR, and virtual production storytelling will unfold at WAVES AFC 2025.

    About WAVES

    The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

    Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

    Have questions? Find answers here  

    Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

    Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

    ***

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Reading Week 2025 opens today (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The launching ceremony of Hong Kong Reading Week 2025 and 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin was held today (April 19), marking the start of diverse reading activities of the second Hong Kong Reading Week (HKRW) from today until April 27. The event was held by the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Hong Kong Publishing Federation (HKPF). 

         The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, addressed the ceremony in a video message. The officiating guests at the ceremony included the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Deputy Head of the Publicity Department of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPC, Mr Su Rongcai; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mrs Lowell Cho; and the President of the HKPF, Dr Elvin Lee.

         Under the theme “Zoom/LIBRARY”, the HKRW offers an array of activities suitable for people of all ages. To tie in with the HKRW, the HKPF is holding the 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin from April 18 to 27, with activities including author sharing sessions, an exhibition, music performances, and workshops. The HKPL will also introduce its electronic resources to the public and hold handicraft workshops at the venue.

         To foster a reading habit among the public, the HKRW will hold about 450 online and on-site events, including “Reading Together for Half an Hour” activities on the Hong Kong Reading for All Day on April 23, an array of fun day activities at the Hong Kong Central Library on April 26 and 27, and a Pop-up Library@Hong Kong Reading Week at D·PARK in Tsuen Wan on April 27.

         The HKPL, in collaboration with Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 5, has invited celebrities from various sectors, including artiste Alex Fong and Cantonese opera performer Law Kar-ying to share their reading experiences in short videos and audio clips.

         Collaborating with the Art Promotion Office, the HKPL has selected a number of e-books and displayed a series of artistic and creative images with QR codes at various government venues. Members of the public can scan the QR codes and instantly read the e-books, and are encouraged to utilise the HKPL’s electronic resources.

         During the HKRW, patrons borrowing physical library materials will receive a bookmark, and children aged 9 or below applying for library cards will receive a height metre.

         All activities of the HKRW are free of charge, while seat reservations are required for some events. For details, please visit the website: www.hkpl.gov.hk/hkrw.

         The 2025 Hong Kong Reading+ is one of the programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025. This year, the LCSD presents the third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, themed “More Than Joy”. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Indicators of alien life may have been found – astrophysicist explains what the new research means

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Whittaker, Senior Lecturer in Physics, Nottingham Trent University

    Darryl Fonseka/Shutterstocl

    What do you think of when it comes to extra terrestrial life? Most popular sci-fi books and TV shows suggest humanoid beings could live on other planets. But when astronomers are searching for extra-terrestrial life, it is usually in the form of emissions from bacteria or other tiny organisms.

    A new research paper in the Astrophysical Journal suggests that Cambridge scientists have managed to find this type of emission with a certainty of 99.7% from a planet called K2-18b, 124 light years away. They used Nasa’s James Webb Space Telescope to analyse the chemical composition of the planet’s atmosphere and say they found promising evidence K2-18b could host life.

    It’s an exciting breakthrough but it doesn’t confirm alien life.

    Let’s look at why scientists largely do not accept the paper as proof of alien life.

    Why it’s so hard to detect to alien life

    Exoplanet hunting fell out of public interest quickly due to the staggering number of planets scientists are discovering. The first convincing exoplanet around a sun-like star was discovered in 1995 via radial velocity, where you don’t look at the planet but instead observe its effect on its nearest star. As the star wobbles back and forth it causes a tiny shift in the wavelength of the light it emits, which we can measure. We already know of roughly 7,500 planets.

    Only 43 (to date) have been observed directly (about 0.5% of them). Most are discovered through indirect means, such as radial velocity or the transit method. The transit method is where you look at how the brightness of the star decreases as the planet passes in front of it. It will block a tiny amount of the light.

    An exoplanet atmosphere

    Looking at the atmosphere of an exoplanet is even more difficult. Scientists use spectroscopy to do this. The light coming out of the star can be observed directly and a small amount of it will also pass through the atmosphere of the planet. Researchers can estimate what an exoplanet’s atmosphere is made of by studying which light from the star is emitted or absorbed in the atmosphere.

    Let’s try an analogy. You have a desk lamp at one end of a long table and you are standing at the other end, looking at the lamp. There is a glass of liquid in between you and the lamp. In very simple terms, the glass of liquid acting as the exoplanet and atmosphere, looks slightly blue, which allows you to identify it as water. In reality for scientists though, it’s more like the glass of water is a tiny glass bead which is rolling around while someone is messing around with a dimmer switch on the lamp. Then, freak weather results in a gentle mist forming on the table. The liquid is 99% pure water and 1% mineral water and the scientist is trying to see what minerals are in the water.

    You can see that the expertise required to be perform this work is incredible. They observed molecules with a 99.7% confidence rate, which is a remarkable achievement.

    The data from JWST and K2-18b

    The key data in this study is in a graph fitting light absorption rates to which kind of molecules could be there and working out how abundant they are. It features in this short film about the discovery.

    The graph produced by the study’s authors shows evidence for dimethyl sulphide and dimethyl disulphide (DMS).

    Some scientists think of DMS as a biomarker – a molecular indicator of life on Earth. However DMS is not only produced by bacteria, but has also been found on comet 67P and in the gas and dust of the interstellar medium, the space between stars. It can even be generated by shining UV light onto a simulated atmosphere. The authors acknowledge this and claim the amount they determined was present cannot be produced by any of these conditions.

    Similar to other claims of life?

    Multiple studies have shown indicators for DMS and life in general on K2-18b and there are many other claims for other exoplanets.

    The most recent is the idea that phosphine (another biomarker) was discovered in the Venusian atmosphere, so there must be bacteria in the clouds. This claim was quickly refuted by other researchers. Scientists pointed that a tiny error in the matching of data created results that showed a larger abundance of phosphine than was accurate. The Cambridge study is more rigorous and has more certainty in the result. But it is still not strong enough to convince the academic community, which needs 99.999% certainty.

    The study authors suggest their findings indicate liquid oceans and a hydrogen atmosphere but others have countered it could be a gas giant, or a volcanic planet full of magma.

    The Cambridge study is not proof of life, but it is an important step forward to characterising what other planets might be like and determining if we are alone or not. The study presented the best result yet and should inspire other scientists to take up the challenge.

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

    – ref. Indicators of alien life may have been found – astrophysicist explains what the new research means – https://theconversation.com/indicators-of-alien-life-may-have-been-found-astrophysicist-explains-what-the-new-research-means-254843

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Police investigation ongoing into death at Montrose

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Police investigation ongoing into death at Montrose

    Sunday, 20 April 2025 – 1:11 pm.

    Police are continuing to investigate the death of a 19-year-old man near the Brooker Highway at Montrose early Saturday morning.
    Inspector Jason Klug said that following a call for information yesterday, a man is assisting police with their enquiries. 
    “Following receipt of the autopsy report yesterday which suggested the man was likely struck by a vehicle, police put out a call for public information and have since spoken to a truck driver who is assisting with our enquiries.”
    “While it remains early in our investigation, at this stage information suggests the young man was squatting on the roadside, wearing dark clothing in an unlit area of the highway when he was not seen by the driver and struck by the truck.”
    “We have seized the truck we believe was involved, and several pieces of CCTV, which will be forensically examined.” 
    “We’d like to thank members of our community who responded to our call for information – assistance from the public is vital in assisting with police investigations.” 
    “If you have information that would assist our ongoing investigation, and you haven’t already come forward, please do so.”
    Information can be provided to Glenorchy Police on 131 444 or to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au – information can be provided anonymously. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 20, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 20, 2025.

    Mediawatch: Jailed Australian foreign correspondent’s life spread across the big screen
    By Colin Peacock, RNZ Mediawatch presenter In 1979, Sam Neill appeared in an Australian comedy movie about hacks on a Sydney newspaper. The Journalist was billed as “a saucy, sexy, funny look at a man with a nose for scandal and a weakness for women”. That would probably not fly these days — but as

    Palestinian solidarity vigil at Easter in NZ as Israeli bombing rages in Gaza
    Asia Pacific Report Peaceful protesters in Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest city Auckland held an Easter prayer vigil honouring Palestinian political prisoners and the sacrifice of thousands of innocent lives as relentless Israeli bombing of displaced Gazans in tents killed at least 92 people in two days. Organisers of the rally for the 80th week since

    Did Australia back the wrong war in the 1960s? Now Putin’s Russia is knocking on the door
    ANALYSIS: By Ben Bohane This week Cambodia marks the 50th anniversary of the fall of Phnom Penh to the murderous Khmer Rouge, and Vietnam celebrates the fall of Saigon to North Vietnamese forces in April 1975. They are being commemorated very differently; after all, there’s nothing to celebrate in Cambodia. Its capital Phnom Penh was

    Trump executive orders roll back ocean fisheries protections in Pacific
    By Gujari Singh in Washington The Trump administration has issued a new executive order opening up vast swathes of protected ocean to commercial exploitation, including areas within the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument. It allows commercial fishing in areas long considered off-limits due to their ecological significance — despite overwhelming scientific consensus that marine

    ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 19, 2025
    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 19, 2025.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Mediawatch: Jailed Australian foreign correspondent’s life spread across the big screen

    By Colin Peacock, RNZ Mediawatch presenter

    In 1979, Sam Neill appeared in an Australian comedy movie about hacks on a Sydney newspaper.

    The Journalist was billed as “a saucy, sexy, funny look at a man with a nose for scandal and a weakness for women”.

    That would probably not fly these days — but as a rule, movies about Australian journalists are no laughing matter.

    Back in 1982, a young Mel Gibson starred as a foreign correspondent who was dropped into Jakarta during revolutionary chaos in The Year of Living Dangerously. The 1967 events the movie depicted were real enough, but Mel Gibson’s correspondent Guy Hamilton was made up for what was essentially a romantic drama.

    There was no romance and a lot more real life 25 years later in Balibo, another movie with Australian journalists in harm’s way during Indonesian upheaval.

    Anthony La Paglia had won awards for his performance as Roger East, a journalist killed in what was then East Timor — now Timor-Leste — in December 1975. East was killed while investigating the fate of five other journalists — including New Zealander Guy Cunningham — who was killed during the Indonesian invasion two months earlier.

    The Correspondent has a happier ending but is still a tough watch — especially for its subject.

    Met in London newsrooms
    I first met Peter Greste in newsrooms in London about 30 years ago. He had worked for Reuters, CNN, and the BBC — going on to become a BBC correspondent in Afghanistan.

    He later reported from Belgrade, Santiago, and then Nairobi, from where he appeared regularly on RNZ’s Nine to Noon as an African news correspondent. Greste later joined the English-language network of the Doha-based Al Jazeera and became a worldwide story himself while filling in as the correspondent in Cairo.

    Actor Richard Roxburgh as jailed journalist Peter Greste in The Correspondent alongside Al Jazeera colleagues Mohammed Fahmy and Baher Mohammed. Image: The Correspondent/RNZ

    Greste and two Egyptian colleagues, Baher Mohamed and Mohamed Fahmy, were arrested in late 2013 on trumped-up charges of aiding and abetting the Muslim Brotherhood, an organisation labeled “terrorist” by the new Egyptian regime of the time.

    Six months later he was sentenced to seven years in jail for “falsifying news” and smearing the reputation of Egypt itself. Mohamed was sentenced to 10 years.

    Media organisations launched an international campaign for their freedom with the slogan “Journalism is not a crime”. Peter’s own family became familiar faces in the media while working hard for his release too.

    Peter Greste was deported to Australia in February 2015. The deal stated he would serve the rest of his sentence there, but the Australian government did not enforce that. Instead, Greste became a professor of media and journalism, currently at Macquarie University in Sydney.

    Movie consultant
    Among other things, he has also been a consultant on The Correspondent — now in cinemas around New Zealand — with Richard Roxborough cast as Greste himself.

    Greste told The Sydney Morning Herald he had to watch it “through his fingers” at first.

    Australian professor of journalism Peter Greste …. posing for a photograph when he was an Al Jazeera journalist in Kibati village, near Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on 7 August 2013. Image: IFEX media freedom/APR

    “I eventually came to realise it’s not me that’s up there on the screen. It’s the product of a whole bunch of creatives. And the result is … more like a painting rather than a photograph,” Greste told Mediawatch.

    “Over the years I’ve written about it, I’ve spoken about it countless times. I’ve built a career on it. But I wasn’t really anticipating the emotional impact of seeing the craziness of my arrest, the confusion of that period, the claustrophobia of the cell, the sheer frustration of the crazy trial and the really discombobulating moment of my release.

    “But there is another very difficult story about what happened to a colleague of mine in Somalia, which I haven’t spoken about publicly. Seeing that on screen was actually pretty gut-wrenching.”

    In 2005, his BBC colleague Kate Peyton was shot alongside him on their first day in on assignment in Somalia. She died soon after.

    “That was probably the toughest day of my entire life far over and above anything I went through in Egypt. But I am glad that they put it in [The Correspondent]. It underlines … the way in which journalism is under attack. What happened to us in Egypt wasn’t a random, isolated incident — but part of a much longer pattern we’re seeing continue to this day.”

    Supporters of the jailed British-Egyptian human rights activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah take part in a candlelight vigil outside Downing Street in London, United Kingdom, as he begins a complete hunger strike while world leaders arrive for COP27 climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in 2022. Image: RNZ Mediawatch/AFP

    ‘Owed his life’
    Greste says he “owes his life” to fellow prisoner Alaa Abd El-Fattah — an Egyptian activist who is also in the film.

    “There’s a bit of artistic licence in the way it was portrayed but . . .  he is easily one of the most intelligent, astute and charismatic humanitarians I’ve ever come across. He was one of the main pro-democracy activists who was behind the Arab Spring revolution in 2011 — a true democrat.

    “He also inspired me to write the letters that we smuggled out of prison that described our arrest not as an attack on … what we’d actually come to represent. And that was press freedom.

    “That helped frame the campaign that ultimately got me out. So, for both psychological and political reasons, I feel like I owe him my life.

    “There was nothing in our reporting that confirmed the allegations against us. So I started to drag up all sorts of demons from the past. I started thinking maybe this is the universe punishing me for sins of the past. I was obviously digging up that particular moment as one of the most extreme and tragic moments. It took a long time for me to get past it.

    “He’d been in prison a lot because of his activism, so he understood the psychology of it. He also understood the politics of it in ways that I could never do as a newcomer.”

    “Unfortunately, he is still there. He should have been released on September 29th last year. His mother launched a hunger strike in London . . . so I actually joined her on hunger strike earlier this year to try and add pressure.

    “If this movie also draws a bit of attention to his case, then I think that’s an important element.”

    Another wrinkle
    Another wrinkle in the story was the situation of his two Egyptian Al Jazeera colleagues.

    Greste was essentially a stranger to them, having only arrived in Egypt shortly before their arrest.

    The film shows Greste clashing with Fahmy, who later sued Al Jazeera. Fahmy felt the international pressure to free Greste was making their situation worse by pushing the Egyptian regime into a corner.

    “To call it a confrontation is probably a bit of an understatement. We had some really serious arguments and sometimes they got very, very heated. But I want audiences to really understand Fahmy’s worldview in this film.

    “He and I had very different understandings of what was going … and how those differences played out.

    “I’ve got a hell of a lot of respect for him. He is like a brother to me. That doesn’t mean we always agreed with each other and doesn’t mean we always got on with each other like any siblings, I suppose.”

    His colleagues were eventually released on bail shortly after Greste’s deportation in 2015.

    Fahmy renounced his Egyptian citizenship and was later deported to Canada, while Mohamed was released on bail and eventually pardoned.

    Retrial — all ‘reconvicted’
    “After I was released there was a retrial … and we were all reconvicted. They were finally released and pardoned, but the pardon didn’t extend to me.

    “I can’t go back because I’m still a convicted ‘terrorist’ and I still have an outstanding prison sentence to serve, which is a little bit weird. Any country that has an extradition treaty with Egypt is a problem. There are a fairly significant number of those across the Middle East and Africa.”

    Greste told Mediawatch his conviction was even flagged in transit in Auckland en route from New York to Sydney. He was told he failed a character test.

    “I was able to resolve it. I had some friends in Canberra and were able to sort it out, but I was told in no uncertain terms I’m not allowed into New Zealand without getting a visa because of that criminal record.

    “If I’m traveling to any country I have to say … I was convicted on terrorism offences. Generally speaking, I can explain it, but it often takes a lot of bureaucratic process to do that.”

    Greste’s first account of his time in jail — The First Casualty — was published in 2017. Most of the book was about media freedom around the world, lamenting that the numbers of journalists jailed and killed increased after his release.

    Something that Greste also now ponders a lot in his current job as a professor of media and journalism.

    Ten years on from that, it is worse again. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says at least 124 journalists and media workers were killed last year, nearly two-thirds of them Palestinians killed by Israel in its war in Gaza.

    The book has now been updated and republished as The Correspondent.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police appealing for information following crash in Wellington

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Senior Constable Brett Main

    Police are appealing for information after the driver of a vehicle that struck a pedestrian in Wellington left the scene.

    It happened about 6:30pm on Saturday 19 April at the intersection of Tory and Tennyson Streets in the city.

    The pedestrian was carried a short distance on the bonnet of the vehicle before falling onto the road on Tory Street.

    Fortunately, they had just minor injuries.

    The vehicle did not stop, and left the area.

    It is described as a light blue hatchback, which would have damaged windscreen wipers as a result of the collision.

    The vehicle was captured on CCTV, and this is forming part of our inquiries.

    We would urge anyone who knows who this was, or if this was you, to please do the right thing and come forward.

    Information can be given via our 105 service, either online or over the phone. Please use the reference number P062293969.

    Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: XploraDEX Presale Enters Final 48 Hours—XRP’s Smartest Traders Are Locking In Before It’s Too Late

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, Switzerland, April 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With just 2 days remaining, the XploraDEX $XPL presale is officially in its final hours and the XRP community knows it. Momentum has reached a peak, investor activity is exploding, and the last remaining allocation is evaporating as savvy traders scramble to get in before it’s too late.

    More than just a presale, XploraDEX represents a bold leap forward for DeFi on the XRP Ledger. As the first AI-powered decentralized exchange on XRPL, the platform merges the power of predictive analytics, intelligent trade automation, and real-time market data into a seamless user experience. This is the future of on-chain trading and it’s launching in just days.

    Join $XPL Presale Round

    With over 82% of the token allocation claimed, $XPL has become one of the most in-demand assets across XRPL this year. The presale portal has seen record-breaking wallet activity over the past 24 hours, as last-minute buyers realize the opportunity window is narrowing fast.

    The $XPL token is not just a utility—it’s the backbone of the XploraDEX ecosystem. Holders will gain access to:

    • Premium AI trading dashboards and algorithmic tools
    • Automated trading signals and portfolio strategy optimizers
    • Fee discounts and priority staking pools
    • Governance power and early access to future token sales

    The protocol is launching at the perfect time, when demand for smarter, more efficient DeFi tools is surging. With many XRPL traders still relying on outdated platforms, XploraDEX offers a significant upgrade, enabling users to trade faster, analyze deeper, and automate smarter.

    Participate in $XPL Presale

    The platform rollout begins immediately after the presale ends. $XPL will list on XRPL DEXs at a higher price, and staking pools, AI tool activation, and liquidity incentives will launch in quick succession. Early backers won’t just benefit from better pricing, they’ll lead the ecosystem as it goes live.

    With 48 hours left, FOMO is in full effect. Influencers, whale wallets, and first-time DeFi users are all converging on the XploraDEX sale—because after two days, this presale will be history.

    Buy $XPL on Presale

    If you’ve been waiting, watching, or hesitating—this is your final signal. The smartest traders on XRP have already locked in. Now it’s your move.

    Secure Your $XPL Token Allocation Before Time Runs Out: https://sale.xploradex.io

    Stay connected and Join the XploraDEX AI Revolution

    Website | $XPL Token Presale | X | Telegram

    Contact:
    Oliver Muller
    oliver@xploradex.io
    contact@xploradex.io

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XploraDEX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/94fb8324-7184-4f91-89d9-521ab0e1d761

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: No KYC. 100x Leverage. $50 Welcome Bonus. Crypto Futures Trading Made Easy on BexBack.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.

    Advantages of 100x Leverage Crypto Futures

    1. Amplified Profits: Control large positions with a small amount of capital, capturing more profits from market fluctuations.
    2. Low Capital Requirement: Participate in high-value trades with minimal investment, lowering the entry barrier.
    3. Increased Market Opportunities: Profit quickly from price fluctuations, especially in volatile markets.
    4. High Capital Efficiency: Leverage enables better use of your capital, expanding your investment potential.
    5. Profit from Both Up and Down Markets: Adapt to any market conditions, with opportunities to profit whether the market goes up or down.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign Up Now on BexBack — Break the 100x Leverage and KYC Barriers, Get Double Deposit Bonus and $50 Welcome Bonus Instantly

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack, The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.
    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f18a6f3e-f0ac-40c4-87e4-403a7dcf7aac

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0e892748-58e9-4840-9e9d-10b28043d737

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0816d45-9ed5-4bbc-b1d4-7e1fc998022a

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c98aa3ce-3e93-49ff-89bb-91d817284e42

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best No KYC Casinos 2025: JACKBIT Rated Top No KYC Crypto Casino

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LARNACA, Cyprus, April 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JACKBIT stands out as the best no KYC casino this year, combining total privacy, fast crypto payouts, and thousands of games. As a trusted no KYC crypto casino, it’s perfect for players who value anonymity without sacrificing variety or bonuses.

    Portland, Oregon, April 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) The surge in popularity of no KYC casinos has revolutionized online gambling, offering players unparalleled anonymity, lightning-fast transactions, and thrilling real-money gaming. With countless platforms competing for attention, finding the best no KYC casino or no KYC crypto casino can feel overwhelming.

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    Our team rigorously evaluated numerous no verification casinos, and one platform emerged as the clear leader: JACKBIT. Launched in 2022, this new crypto casino excels with its no KYC policy, instant withdrawal capabilities, high-payout games, and a library of over 7,000 titles, positioning it as the premier anonymous bitcoin casino and best anonymous crypto casino for 2025.

    Whether you’re spinning the reels on slots like Gates of Olympus or betting on live sports events, JACKBIT delivers a seamless and rewarding experience that sets it apart in the realm of online casinos without KYC. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore why JACKBIT is the top pick for no KYC casinos, covering its bonuses, game diversity, payment flexibility, and commitment to player privacy.

    A Closer Look at the Best No KYC Crypto Casino: JACKBIT

    JACKBIT has secured the top spot in our thorough evaluation of no KYC online casinos, redefining what players can expect from a crypto casino no KYC. Licensed by the Curacao eGaming Commission, JACKBIT ensures a secure and fair gaming environment while prioritizing anonymity through its no KYC policy. This allows players to deposit, play, and withdraw without submitting personal documents, making it a standout no ID verification casino.

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    Responsible Gambling at No KYC Casinos Online

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: ​Beijing Intl Film Festival kicks off with star-studded opening

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    More than 100 filmmakers, actors and industry professionals braved heavy rain Friday afternoon to walk the red carpet at Yanqi Lake International Convention Center for the opening of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF).

    Actor Yin Xiaotian, dressed as Charlie Chaplin, poses on the red carpet for the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) opening ceremony in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    Departing from the typical red carpet protocol, several stars appeared in costumes as iconic film characters, including Charlie Chaplin, Bruce Lee and Zorro. Others recreated scenes from classics like “Roman Holiday,” “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “The Wandering Earth” and “In the Mood for Love” — paying tribute to two major milestones: the 120th anniversary of Chinese filmmaking and the 130th anniversary of cinema worldwide.

    The festivities continued inside with an elaborate opening gala featuring performances celebrating film history.

    Sun Junmin, head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Beijing Municipal Committee, paid tribute to world cinema and extended her best wishes for success to filmmakers from around the world.

    A photo captures the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) opening gala in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    “The festival’s 15-year journey of perseverance has grown into a bridge connecting Chinese and international filmmakers and a platform showcasing global cinematography,” she said, adding she was confident in and looked forward to the continued growth of China’s film industry.

    Acclaimed Chinese director Jiang Wen appeared at the gala as the head of this year’s jury for the festival’s prestigious Tiantan Award competition. This year’s jury panel includes Chinese American director and actor Joan Chen, British director David Yates, Chinese mainland actor Ni Ni, Finnish director Teemu Nikki, Swiss director and actor Vincent Perez, and Chinese art director Tim Yip from Hong Kong, China.

    Jiang Wen remarked that a film can be interpreted in countless ways, emphasizing that “what you see in a movie depends entirely on who you are.” Joan Chen shared her perspective on cinema more poetically: “Films bear the imprints of time – the movie camera like a black box preserving the passage of time: human existence, mortality, love, loss and fear.”

    The Tiantan Award jury appears on stage during the gala of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) opening ceremony in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    The jury will decide winners across 10 categories, including best feature film, best director and best screenplay. All awards will be presented at the festival’s closing ceremony and gala on April 26.

    The competition received a record 1,794 feature film submissions from 103 countries and regions. Fifteen films have been shortlisted for the final competition, including three Chinese entries: “Better Me, Better You,” “Deep in the Mountains” and “Trapped.”

    Switzerland serves as the Country of Honor at this year’s BJIFF. The Swiss film “Frieda’s Case” is competing for the Tiantan Award, with a special Swiss Film Week featuring screenings of select Swiss films across Beijing theaters and filmmaker Q&A sessions.

    At the gala, Swiss Ambassador to China Jürg Burri said: “We’re honored to present the captivating panorama of Swiss cinema to Beijing this spring.” He highlighted the timing — coinciding with 75 years of Sino-Swiss ties and their bilateral China-Switzerland Year of Culture and Tourism — as particularly meaningful. He extended warm wishes for cinematic collaboration and expressed hope for strengthened cultural exchange through film.

    The Swiss film delegation poses on the red carpet for the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) opening ceremony in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    There were several performances — from moving songs and dances to film montages and robotic stage performers — honoring Chinese animated features like “Ne Zha 2” and classic films from China’s 120-year cinematic history.

    As world cinema marks its 130th anniversary, Janet Yang, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and its first Chinese American president, delivered an impassioned keynote speech. She traced film’s evolution from the Lumière brothers’ “The Arrival of a Train” to today’s digital technology and diverse storytelling approaches, likening 130 years of cinema to an unstoppable train.

    Janet Yang, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences of the United States, speaks at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) opening gala in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    Yang described how the artistic films of China’s “Fifth Generation” directors first attracted her interest in Chinese cinema. She also explained how working on international film projects showed her that movies can overcome language and cultural barriers. “Cinema,” she said, “is the language that best connects the world.”

    During the gala, actors and filmmakers representing upcoming movies “The Dumpling Queen,” “A Gilded Game,” and “The One” took the stage to introduce their projects. The ceremony also featured the launch of the “China Film Consumption Year,” a major new initiative.

    The program, backed by the China Film Administration and China Media Group, aims to integrate cinema with everyday consumer activities across culture, tourism and commerce, according to officials. The initiative seeks to connect films with daily experiences, from dining to travel, while boosting consumer engagement.

    The initiative’s first major event, the Beijing Film Life Festival, runs alongside the film festival and features city-wide celebrations across multiple venues. The centerpiece is a film bazaar at Langyuan Station, BJIFF’s main venue, offering over 150 cultural brands, 70 food vendors and themed interactive zones that combine cinema with lifestyle experiences.

    “China Film Consumption Year” is launched during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF) opening ceremony in Beijing, April 18, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    The festival runs until April 27 and will feature diverse events, including a film carnival, pitch sessions for emerging filmmakers and cross-industry collaborations. The screening program includes 18 thematic sections showcasing nearly 300 domestic and international films — ranging from nostalgic classics to rare or previously unreleased works in China — with approximately 900 showings at 33 premium venues.

    Additional highlights include cutting-edge technology showcases, dedicated programs for short films and sports films, works by female directors and young filmmakers, creative markets, an AI film competition and a university student film festival.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches ‘film consumption year’ to boost economic growth

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

    BEIJING, April 19 — The “China Film Consumption Year” has been officially launched in Beijing, aiming to harness the cultural appeal of cinema to boost consumer spending and support economic growth.

    The campaign, initiated by the National Film Administration in collaboration with other departments, will feature a wide range of cinema-related promotional events and discount schemes.

    Major partners including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, China UnionPay, and leading ticketing platforms Maoyan and Taopiaopiao have committed to jointly providing no less than 1 billion yuan (about 138.8 million U.S. dollars) in subsidies.

    The funds will be used to offer discounted movie tickets, particularly during peak box office periods such as the summer and holiday seasons

    The move comes as China continues to position cultural consumption as a key driver of domestic demand. With 90,968 cinema screens nationwide as of 2024, China boasts the world’s largest movie market by screen count.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ​Cultural exchange key to boosting China-Malaysia ties

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Experts emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and education in strengthening China-Malaysia ties during the 2025 Kuala Lumpur Dialogue held Thursday in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur.

    A panel discussion is held during the 2025 Kuala Lumpur Dialogue in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of ACCWS]

    The forum highlighted historical and cultural connections between the two countries and outlined plans to enhance collaboration in education, technology and media.

    Wang Xiaohui, editor-in-chief of China.org.cn and a special research fellow at the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS), observed that current conditions present a prime opportunity to enhance bilateral cultural exchange and economic cooperation. Noting the two nations’ thousand-year historical connections and the longstanding Mandarin language presence in Malaysia, he acknowledged persistent gaps in mutual understanding that require dedicated efforts to address.

    “Last year marked 50 years of Malaysia-China cooperation,” Wang said. “As Confucius said, ‘At 50, one knows the mandate of heaven.’ Our task now is to strengthen high-level strategic development — enhancing cultural diplomacy, expanding trade and economic participation and addressing challenges like U.S. tariffs. Through deeper cultural exchange and mutual understanding, we can build prosperity for both nations.”

    He also referenced Chinese Admiral Zheng He’s historic voyage to “Nanyang,” a historical Chinese term for Southeast Asia used during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The admiral’s fleet visited Malacca (Malaysia), Java (Indonesia) and Siam (Thailand), facilitating cultural exchange by introducing foreign cultures to China while sharing Chinese culture abroad. He noted that language barriers remain the “last mile” of cultural exchange, and that translation is the cornerstone of understanding and connection.

    Wang mentioned that China International Communications Group publishes Chinese cultural content in multiple languages, while China.org.cn delivers stories in 10 languages to promote global understanding. 

    “With modern tools like DeepSeek and other digital platforms, there are now unprecedented opportunities to enhance media, broadcasting and cultural exchange efforts for Malaysia and China,” he said.

    Xiong Chengyu, professor at the Communication University of China and dean of the School of Cultural Development and Communications, also noted that Malaysia and China have a long and rich history of cultural exchanges. Now, the two countries are jointly applying to UNESCO to recognize and protect their shared cultural assets. Additionally, China and Malaysia have made commitments to cooperation in education. These steps represent a move toward a more integrated future.

    “People-to-people connections form the bedrock of meaningful cultural exchange,” Xiong said. “At its core, this work is about touching hearts. We must prioritize grassroots, lived experiences — even the most fundamental human interactions, like smiling at each other, create the foundation for true understanding.”

    Onn Huann Jan, professor at the Department of Chinese Language and Literature of New Era University College, noted that Eastern civilization is characterized by Islam and Confucianism, concepts that intertwine in various philosophical and cultural ways. He cited Zheng He’s voyages, where the admiral built memorials utilizing Islamic elements, highlighting the cultural intersection and commonalities between Confucianism and Islam.

    In terms of cultural exchange, Onn emphasized the role of translation, adding that academic translations between Chinese, Malaysian and English are crucial. Meanwhile, translating Malay documents into Chinese allows more people to understand the Malay world, helping address today’s problems and find solutions, he said.

    “Cultural exchanges come in many forms, including art and food,” Onn explained. “In Malaysia, the mainstream culture serves as a bridge between us and China, fostering trust and understanding between the two countries. Misunderstandings and miscommunications, often rooted in colonization, can lead to negative perceptions. By promoting accurate translations and cultural understanding, we can build a stronger foundation for cooperation and mutual respect.”

    Chin Chong Foh, deputy dean and associate professor at the Institute of Chinese Studies of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, raised the importance of people-to-people bonds in cultural exchange.

    “Malaysia and China’s relationship dates back over 1,000 years, highlighting the harmonious bond between the two countries. The vision is for harmony, security and prosperity,” Chin said. “As a fourth-generation Malaysian Chinese, I advocate for more free interaction between the two countries to avoid extremism and promote bicultural understanding.”

    Wang Dong, professor and executive director of the Institute for Global Cooperation and Development at Peking University, echoed that people-to-people exchanges promote regional peace and harmony, which is crucial. Realizing heart-to-heart connectivity enhances cultural understanding and respectful communication, as reflected in China-Malaysia development and prosperity in education and cooperation, he said.

    “There have been many translations of classic literature in recent years. Our media products, including movies, have received top ratings in Malaysia and Singapore, helping to boost exchanges and enhance mutual understanding,” Wang noted.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s consumption gains momentum with vast potential

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People visit the exhibition area of Heilongjiang Province at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China’s Hainan Province, April 18, 2025. The six-day event concluded here on Friday. It attracted the participation of a record-breaking 1,767 companies and 4,209 consumer brands from 71 countries and regions this year. More than 60,000 professional purchasers attended — representing a 10 percent increase from last year. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

    At the energetic China International Consumer Products Expo, crowds throng exhibit halls packed with global brands showcasing a dazzling array of goods.

    From cosmetics and massage chairs to flying cars and humanoid robots, the arrival of retail commodities from all over the world offers a window into the vitality of China’s ever-evolving consumer market.

    This year’s expo, which concluded on Friday, has attracted over 1,700 enterprises and 4,100 brands from more than 70 countries and regions, with a record-breaking 65 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders participating in the six-day event.

    The hustle and bustle in Hainan is just one facet of the dynamism of the Chinese market. On a broader scope, official data released this week revealed that retail sales of consumer goods rose 5.9 percent year on year last month — a marked acceleration from the 4 percent growth reported for the first two months of this year.

    In the first quarter of 2025, China’s retail sales expanded 4.6 percent year on year, which was 1.1 percentage points faster than in 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

    “Overall, consumer spending in the first quarter of this year continued to improve on the back of policy support,” Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the bureau, said at a press conference, citing pro-spending policies such as the country’s consumer goods trade-in program.

    “The combination of policies in both supply and demand has successfully stimulated consumer sentiment, with notable impacts on capital markets and retail growth momentum,” according to a Deloitte report released at the expo. “This will lay the groundwork for sustained optimism going forward.”

    Evolving services consumption

    As pressures of a sluggish global economy mount, market observers say that China’s consumption upgrade and economic shift toward services-driven growth — sustained by a population of over 1.4 billion — carry immense potential.

    At the Hainan expo, services consumption in sectors such as low-altitude aviation, the silver economy, health and wellness, and AI-powered innovation products from global firms, have dominated many booths.

    OSIM, which has participated in the expo for five consecutive years, is debuting its latest massage chair and its flagship uDream wellness chair, integrating cutting-edge AI that monitors stress and customizes multi-sensory relaxation.

    OSIM sees the expo as a key platform to engage in meaningful conversations with Chinese consumers, said Lin Xiaohui, deputy general manager of brand management and marketing of OSIM North Asia.

    “As China’s consumption structure upgrades, service-related spending is playing an increasingly important role, especially in sectors like health care, education and entertainment,” said Zhang Tianbing, leader of the consumer products and retail sector of Deloitte Asia Pacific.

    “Demographic shifts, including an aging population and smaller household sizes, are reshaping consumer preferences in China,” Zhang said, adding that health consciousness and digital consumption habits are spreading increasingly across all age groups.

    Notably, China’s services consumption is expanding at a faster pace than that of goods, with retail sales of services growing 5 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025.

    From January to March 2025, the country’s per capita spending on services increased 5.4 percent year on year and accounted for 43.4 percent of its total per capita consumer spending, official data showed.

    Kuang Xianming, vice president of the China Institute for Reform and Development, projected that services consumption will exceed 50 percent of China’s total consumption by 2030, signaling the country’s pivotal shift to a service-driven economy. “This expanding market is highly attractive to foreign companies.”

    Open, shared market

    Chinese policymakers have positioned the expansion of domestic demand as the paramount priority on the government’s economic work agenda for this year, emphasizing increased spending power, improved expectations and strengthened consumer confidence.

    The country’s focus on domestic tasks is particularly meaningful against the backdrop of a complex international landscape. By maintaining high-standard opening-up and promoting a more sustainable consumption recovery, China seeks to share its opportunities with the global community.

    “Expanding domestic consumption is not only key to high-quality development but also a strategic move amid global economic uncertainties,” Kuang told Xinhua.

    More importantly, as China continues to open up, this ever-expanding market will become a shared market, he said.

    “We see a lot of encouraging signs by the Chinese government to help boost local consumption. So we’re very excited about what’s to come,” said Mike Hofmann, managing director at Tricker’s China, one of the UK’s oldest established shoemakers. This is the second time his company is exhibiting at the expo, which helped them raise brand awareness in China last year.

    In a key move in China’s opening-up strategy, the Hainan Free Trade Port is set to begin independent customs operations by the end of the year, and global enterprises are eyeing the vast opportunities that come with open trade.

    “Its success will not only benefit China but also provide valuable insights for economies worldwide,” said Zhang Xiangchen, deputy director general of the World Trade Organization.

    Douglas Alexander, minister of state of the British Department for Business and Trade, is also looking forward to the launch of the Hainan Free Trade Port’s independent operations.

    “The UK is keen to explore the opportunities for free and open trade – trade which benefits both Chinese and British firms,” Alexander said. The United Kingdom is the guest country of honor at this year’s expo, showcasing 53 brands across the fashion, beauty, homeware, health and jewelry industries, doubling its 2024 presence.

    Dong Debiao, partner at Deloitte China strategy and client center, told Xinhua that he expects the independent customs operations of Hainan’s free trade port to drive consumption further.

    Hainan is also likely to become a consumption hub linking China and Southeast Asia, with unique advantages in the high-end retail and services trade sectors, he said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing Intl Film Festival spotlights advances in VR cinema

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The “Boundless ∞ Immersive Section,” launched Thursday at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival (BJIFF), showcases how virtual reality (VR) and emerging technologies are transforming filmmaking.

    Officials and organizers launch the virtual reality film section of the 15th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF]

    The showcase features 47 works spanning VR, augmented reality and other immersive formats, including “21-22 USA” and “21-22 China” by Thierry Loa, “Tearless: When Ghosts Speak History” by Gina Kim, and “Impulse: Playing with Reality” by May Abdalla and Barry Gene Murphy.

    Chinese actor Huang Bo, serving as guest curator, said the exhibition is divided intotwo parts: “Boundless Cinema” for international VR works and “Immersive Space: Unbounded Imagery” featuring projects from established artists and emerging academic talent. 

    “I welcome everyone to experience this immersive theater over the next week,” Huang told attendees, calling it “a gateway to different cinematic dimensions.”

    Cui Yan, director of the Beijing International Film Festival Operations Center at Beijing Radio & Television Station, said the event “has consistently focused on cinema’s cutting-edge developments.”

    “We believe the more than 40 technologically and artistically innovative entries will profoundly expand audiences’ understanding of future visual storytelling,” Cui added.

    The China Film Archive first introduced VR exhibitions at the festival in 2018, which evolved into an extended reality showcase by 2023 before expanding into this year’s “Boundless ∞ Immersive Section.”

    China Film Archive Director Sun Xianghui said VR films’ inclusion in China’s official film classification system marks a new phase for the medium in the country.

    “The section will continue serving as a vital platform for China’s VR films,” she said. “We encourage progress through technological exchange, mutual learning among civilizations and artistic dialogue – expanding cinema’s sensory dimensions and delivering more immersive experiences to audiences.”

    Thursday’s events included an opening ceremony, industry forum and academic symposium focused on policy guidance, cross-sector collaboration and future trends. Experts view VR film development as China’s next frontier in cinematic innovation.

    Actor Huang Bo (C) with virtual reality filmmakers whose works will be showcased at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival in Beijing, April 17, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF]

    Huang Zhi, head of the Technology Department at the Film Bureau of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stated that the China Film Administration has issued guidelines to promote the orderly development of VR films, showcasing strong government support for this tech and culture integration.

    The administration will strengthen foundations, set technical standards and provide multi-level policy support to ensure healthy growth in the sector, Huang noted.

    “But regardless of technological advancements,” Huang emphasized, “films must adhere to a people-centered creative approach. VR films must align with public expectations – only by consistently producing high-quality works that resonate with audiences can new formats achieve sustainable success.”

    Entrepreneurs, executives, industry insiders, and academics at the forum discussed commercialization models for VR films, with participants agreeing that VR development is essential for advancing China’s film industry.

    In addition, several VR film projects, including “The Three-Body Game: Fragments of Civilization,” were announced. Major cinema chains across China also pledged to support VR cinema development and provide screening facilities for VR projects.

    The “Boundless ∞ Immersive Section” runs until April 27 and will include a technology summit in addition to the VR screenings.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Highland Park Man Involved in Violent Robberies Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DETROIT – Christopher Bey, a 50-year old from Highland Park, Michigan, was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to Interference with Commerce by Robbery, Use of a Firearm in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm relating to an armed robbery, shooting, and attempted armed robbery, all of which occurred in the City of Pontiac, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced today.

    Beck was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge James Dier of the ATF’s Detroit Division and Sheriff Michael Bouchard of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.

    “Removing violent offenders from our community is one the office’s top priorities,” stated Acting  U.S. Attorney Julie Beck.  “We will not stop being laser-focused on aggressively prosecuting dangerous individuals who persist in terrorizing our citizens. The strategies we use to identify the drivers of violence, who we then prosecute, works. We are truly making our community safer,” she stated.

    “This 20-year sentence is RIGHTEOUS. Mr. Bey is a sociopathic serial shooter who has consistently shown an inability to follow societal rules.  It most certainly sends a clear message: if you use a firearm to shoot an innocent member of our community, there is absolutely no limit on the resources ATF will expend to hunt you down and hold you accountable for your cowardly conduct,” said ATF Detroit Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Everyone deserves to feel safe when they go to work to provide for their family.  Armed criminals motivated by greed have no place in our Michigan community, and ATF will tirelessly work with our state and local partners to remove the most dangerous offenders off our streets and put them where they belong: behind bars.”

    Bey robbed a Boost Mobile store in the city of Pontiac on February 4, 2023. After entering the store, Bey brandished a firearm and demanded money from the store employee. The employee fully complied with Bey’s demands. Nevertheless, Bey pulled a potato from his pants, affixed it to the barrel of the revolver, and shot the victim twice in the stomach. The victim was in the hospital for approximately one month. Bey later admitted to the ATF that he got the idea to use the potato as a silencer from watching a movie.

    Bey attempted to rob a Dollar General Store in the City of Pontiac on March 24, 2023. After entering the store, Bey handed a store employee a note while pointing a gun at the employee. He ordered the employee to the storeroom and directed the employee to apply handcuffs to himself. A customer accidentally entered the storeroom and fought with Bey, who ran out of the store.

    Bey was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court records, during the robbery investigations, law enforcement observed social media posts of Bey holding a firearm with his face obscured by a ski mask. Law enforcement was able to use other images from his social media accounts to determine Bey’s identity.

    On July 26, 2023, the Pontiac Gun Violence Task Force (GVTF), assisted by, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office’s K9 Unit, Customs Border Protection – Aviation Enforcement, and the Detroit Police Department, arrested Christopher Lee Bey.  Bey has been in custody since his arrest.

    The GVTF was established by the ATF and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. The GVTF is tasked with investigating the unlawful possession of firearms and the use of firearms to commit violent crimes within Pontiac, Oakland County, and the Eastern District of Michigan.

    This case was prosecuted by the Violent & Organized Crime Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture at 15th BRICS Meet

    Source: Government of India

    India Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture at 15th BRICS Meet

    Agriculture for India is not merely an economic activity but a source of livelihood, food, and dignity for millions of families : Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan

    Global food security and rural development goals would remain incomplete unless small farmers are protected and empowered : Shri Chouhan

    We cannot leave smallholders to fight climate change, price volatility and resource scarcity challenges alone; they need our policy support : Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh

    For India, empowering women socially, economically and politically is a mission: Shri Chouhan

    BRICS Agriculture Ministers launches the “BRICS Land Restoration Partnership” to address land degradation, desertification and soil fertility loss

    Shri Chouhan invites BRICS nations to participate in World Food India 2025 and World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit 2025

    Posted On: 18 APR 2025 7:43PM by PIB Delhi

     At the 15th meeting of BRICS Agriculture Ministers, India reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, equitable, and sustainable agriculture. Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the need to place the welfare of small and marginal farmers at the centre of global agricultural strategies and clarified that agriculture, for India, is not merely an economic activity, but a source of livelihood, food, and dignity for millions of families. He underscored that global food security and rural development goals would remain incomplete unless small farmers are protected and empowered.

    Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that the world’s 510 million smallholder farmers are the backbone of the global food system and are also the most vulnerable in the face of climate change, price volatility, and resource scarcity. Shri Chouhan stated that we cannot leave smallholders to fight these challenges alone; they need our policy support. He presented cluster-based farming, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperative models, and natural farming as effective approaches for the collective empowerment of small farmers and improving their market access.

    The meeting underlined the need to make agricultural trade fair, control global price volatility, and ensure remunerative prices for small farmers. He reiterated the importance of public food stockholding systems, minimum support prices (MSP), and value chains that connect smallholders directly to consumers. Shri Chouhan cited India’s food storage and distribution capacity during the COVID-19 crisis as a case in point, through which free rations were distributed to over 800 million people.

    Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan shared its technological initiatives – Digital Agriculture Mission, AgriStack, drone technology, and Climate-Resilient Villages – and explained how these innovations have significantly improved service delivery, transparency and farmer incomes. Union  Minister also mentioned initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi as examples of India’s commitment to the social and economic empowerment of rural women, stating, “For India, empowering women socially, economically, and politically is a mission.”

    During the meeting, He called for deeper collaboration to combat climate change by sharing its key programs – National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA), Waste to Wealth, Circular Economy, bio-fertilizers, and traditional farming practices. In this context, the BRICS Agriculture Ministers launched the “BRICS Land Restoration Partnership” to address land degradation, desertification, and soil fertility loss. He supported this initiative, highlighting that it would benefit small farmers, tribal communities, and local cultivators through the convergence of traditional knowledge and scientific innovation.

    In the Joint Declaration, BRICS nations collectively reiterated their resolve to make the global agri-food system fair, inclusive, innovative, and sustainable. The declaration emphasized commitments to food security, climate adaptation, empowerment of women and youth, sustainable fisheries and livestock development, soil and land restoration, digital agriculture certification, and promotion of financial and trade mechanisms for the agricultural economies of the Global South. The formal announcement of the BRICS Land Restoration Partnership further reinforced the group’s collective commitment to halting land degradation and desertification.

    Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan also invited BRICS nations to participate in World Food India 2025 and the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit 2025, positioning these platforms as avenues for innovation, partnership, and global collaboration. Concluding his address with India’s ancient Vedic values, the Shri Chouhan offered a universal benediction; May all be happy, may all be healthy, may there be welfare and well-being for all. This vision reflects not only India’s national priorities but also its leadership role on the international stage.

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