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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor launches ambitious new London policing plan for 2025-2029

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Sadiq’s new Police and Crime Plan will help revitalise neighbourhood policing teams with City Hall working with Government to help put more officers in the heart of communities over the next four years
    • The Plan re-commits to being tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime, and places partnership working with the Met Police, Government, Transport for London, London Councils and other agencies at the heart of work to tackle Londoners’ priorities
    • Detailed plan has been developed in consultation with more than 4,000 Londoners and key partners including police, local councils, justice agencies and voluntary groups

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today launched his new London Police and Crime Plan1 which will focus on revitalising high-visibility policing in our neighbourhoods and high streets to deal with local priorities and make London safer for everyone. 
     
    The detailed plan for 2025-2029 sets out Sadiq’s priorities to build on crime reductions already achieved in the capital2 and is focused on working with Government throughout the four-year period of the plan to strengthen neighbourhood policing in London so that more officers are in the heart of communities to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour. 
     
    Comparing statistics for the financial year before the Mayor’s previous Police and Crime Plan and the 12 months from January-December 2024, violence with injury in the Met Police area fell by 11%, domestic homicide by 28%, non-domestic homicide by 8%, teen homicide by 43%, lethal barrel discharges by 25% and the number of people under 25 admitted to hospital due to assault with a sharp object by 13%. 
     
    Latest ONS figures show the rate of violence in London is lower than the rest of England and Wales. Last year there were fewer homicides of people under-25 than any year since 2003 and the number of teenage homicides in London in 2024 was also at its lowest total since 2012.
     
    The plan comes as the Mayor has welcomed the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, announced at the end of last year, to have 13,000 additional neighbourhood policing officers, Police Community Support Officers and special constables in dedicated neighbourhood policing roles nationally to help tackle and prevent crime in high streets and town centres.
     
    As Mayor, Sadiq has gone above and beyond to ensure the capital’s police have the resources to continue tackling crime locally. Directly funding 1,300 extra police officers, backing the Met with a record £1.16bn in City Hall funding in this year’s budget alone.
     
    The Mayor’s new plan has been developed following consultation with more than 4,000 Londoners, the Met Police and other key partners including local authorities, and voluntary groups. The key priorities are: reducing violence and criminal exploitation; building safer, more confident communities; supporting and overseeing reform of the Met Police; and improving the criminal justice system and supporting victims.
     
    The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) will bring partners and agencies together to help address community concerns and bear down effectively on crime and anti-social behaviour. This will include looking at ways to improve best practice in the sharing of data, cross-boundary working and developing critical partnership skills.
     
    Neighbourhood policing remains the bedrock of community confidence and safety in London. Against the backdrop of 14 years of Government austerity and its continued impact on the Met, record investment from City Hall3 is empowering the Met to deliver its new Met for London plan, which prioritises local high-visibility policing and taking officers out of back-office roles to deliver on the issues that matter most to Londoners including tackling robbery, theft and anti-social behaviour.
     
    The Mayor is clear that one violent crime is one too many and his new plan will build on reductions already achieved to further drive down serious violence in line with the Government’s national mission to halve knife crime in a decade. Sadiq has always been clear that the police alone cannot reduce violence and the plan is focused on enhanced and effective working with partners including the Met Police, Government, Transport for London, London Councils and other agencies. 
     
    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Nothing is more important to me than keeping Londoners safe and I’m determined to do all I can to tackle violence and crime in our city. My new Police and Crime Plan is about putting communities first and over the next four years we will work with the Government and the Met to improve visible neighbourhood policing and strengthen partnership working to deal with the violence, crime and anti-social behaviour issues that matter to Londoners.

    “This plan is about tackling the issues that matter most for our city and it has been created in consultation with thousands of Londoners, partners and local organisations. I want to thank everyone who took the time to give their views – and all of those who continue to work day-in, day-out to make our city safer.  

    “My new plan will build on crime reductions already achieved in the capital where we have seen fewer young people being injured with knives and the number of teenage homicides in London in 2024 being at its lowest total since 2012. But clearly there is still much more work to do. At City Hall we are fully focused on that, and I will continue to do everything in my power to make London a safer city for all.”
     
    The Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) will continue to tackle the complex causes of violence through prevention and early intervention, building on 400,000 diversionary activities and opportunities for young Londoners through youth work and access to youth clubs, and interventions to tackle school exclusions. 

    His VRU will oversee the Government’s Young Futures Prevention Partnerships in London, which aim to provide support for young people at risk of crime.
     
    The plan also highlights the continued commitment of the Mayor and the Met Commissioner to crack down on mobile phone robberies – a key driver of violence in London. Over the next four years, the Met will continue to take tough enforcement action against robbery offenders and City Hall will continue to work in partnership with the Government, leading mobile phone companies, manufacturers and the tech industry to design out the theft of their products. 
     
    The Mayor has committed to publishing a refreshed strategy to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), building on the pioneering work done in London over the last eight years to tackle the perpetrators of these crimes, support victims and survivors and educate young men and boys about the dangers posed by misogynistic attitudes and behaviours – backed with £233 million investment from the Mayor. 
     
    Sadiq has been clear that police reform is a critical part of his Mayoralty, and he will not be satisfied until Londoners have the police service they deserve – one that is trusted, puts communities first, is representative of London and delivers the highest possible service to every community in our city. Important steps forward have been made, including the Met coming out of HMICFRS special measures earlier this year. The plan sets out how Sadiq will continue to support and oversee the work of the Met to embed reform and deliver more trust, less crime and higher standards.
     
    Victims of crime will remain at the heart of everything City Hall does, and the plan sets out how the Mayor will continue to invest in innovative, high-quality services for victims through the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). The plan also sets out how London’s Independent Victim’s Commissioner, Claire Waxman OBE, will continue her vital work to champion the rights of victims of crime and press for improvements in the services they receive at every stage of their journey. 
     
    Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “It has been so valuable to hear from so many Londoners, partner organisations and community groups as we’ve developed this plan who contribute daily to keeping London safe. I’m grateful to everyone who has helped us to shape the strategy we publish today so that we can continue delivering for Londoners.
     
    “After years of chronic underfunding by the previous Government and huge cuts to policing, the Mayor and I are determined to drive this plan forward and working with partners is at the heart of my approach to build on the progress that has already been made to reduce serious violence in the capital.
     
    “Strong partnerships make communities safer, and that’s why this plan focuses so much on strengthening joint working between police, Government, local authorities, justice agencies and key partner organisations like TfL and the NHS. I look forward to working with all of our partners to make London a safer city for all.”

    London’s Independent Victims’ Commissioner, Claire Waxman OBE, said: “I’m glad to see a focus within this new Police and Crime Plan on investing in high-quality services to support victims of crime. It’s critical victims and bereaved families remain at the heart of the Mayor’s work at City Hall.

    “Our Criminal Justice System is in crisis and in need of serious reform following years of underfunding by the previous government. That’s why, in my role, I’m determined to continue standing up for victims’ rights, ensuring that their voices are heard, and work closely with the Government to lobby for adequate funding and improved policies to support victims.

    “I look forward to continuing to collaborate with MOPAC to better understand the specific points within the system where victims are being failed. Underpinned by MOPAC research, my London Rape Reviews and Stalking Review have respectively helped to shape national policy and I am keen to build on their successes. Through this work, I hope to effect changes that will improve victims’ experiences and keep them at the heart of all decision and policy making.”

    Siwan Hayward, TfL’s Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, said: “The safety and security of our customers and staff is our top priority. We are committed to working alongside the Mayor, police and other partners to ensure that everyone travelling in London can do so safely. We welcome this new plan which will see visible local policing in communities supporting the transport network across the capital.  It is vital we continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that our transport network remains a welcoming environment to work and travel.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytech presents the project

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Did you want to know more about the Polytechnic University Master’s program? And you will find out about it! The SPbPU Public Relations Department and educational departments have launched a new project

    The idea is to make it easier for bachelor’s degree graduates to choose a program to continue their education at the Polytechnic University. The university currently has 166 master’s programs. And new ones open every year, including in collaboration with the university’s industrial partners. So that students can understand this diversity, evaluate the advantages of each direction and choose the right one for themselves, videos about master’s programs are now released on the Polytechnic University’s social networks every week.

    In these video business cards, the head of the educational program or its curator from the industrial partner briefly and succinctly explains what the student will be taught, what specialty he will receive, who and where he will be able to work after completing his master’s degree.

    Bachelor’s degree graduates often face the question: is it worth continuing their education in a master’s degree program, what can it give them in terms of professional growth and what additional competitive advantages will they receive in the labor market? An equally important problem is the choice of a master’s program. Project

    In the future, video presentations will be integrated into the official program descriptions on the university website, which will make choosing a master’s degree even more transparent and convenient.

    “With this project, we wanted to show that a master’s degree is not only a path to science, but also employment in a large company,” said Marianna Dyakova, Head of the Public Relations Department. “We launched the project in the spring, which is an important time for fourth-year students when they make a choice whether to leave the university or continue their education. To begin with, we selected several outstanding master’s programs that were implemented jointly with Gazprom Neft, Power Machines, and other partners. In the future, we will add outstanding, interesting master’s programs from each institute. We invite directors to cooperate!”

    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 –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Swiss citizens abroad in 2024

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Home Affairs

    There were 826 700 Swiss citizens residing in other countries on 31 December 2024. Their numbers have increased since 2023 (+13 300 people or +1.6%). Three quarters of the Swiss abroad have more than one nationality. This figure rises to 85% among the under-18s. These are some of the results of the Statistics on the Swiss Abroad published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Consumer expo expected to be biggest ever

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

    The upcoming fifth China International Consumer Products Expo, to be held from April 13 to 18 in Haikou, Hainan province, is expected to attract the highest number of participants compared with past editions, which points to the confidence of global consumer enterprises in China, the Ministry of Commerce said.

    The event, the largest consumer goods expo in the Asia-Pacific region, will become China’s first significant international expo this year, and an important platform for the country to further boost consumption and expand high-quality development, said the ministry, the co-organizer of the expo.

    In the recently delivered Government Work Report, boosting consumption was listed as a top priority among this year’s tasks.

    “This year, the expo is expected to attract the participation of more than 1,700 companies and over 4,100 brands from 71 countries and regions. This scale far exceeds the previous four editions,” said Sheng Qiuping, vice-minister of commerce, at a news conference in Beijing on Thursday.

    Hainan Free Trade Port is a pioneer in China’s opening-up efforts. An FTP system focused on trade and investment liberalization as well as facilitation will be “basically established” in Hainan by 2025, according to the plan.

    The holding of the consumer expo, coupled with the policies of the FTP, is expected to help drive the growth of duty-free shopping, catering, accommodation, and tourism consumption in Hainan, promoting its development into a globally influential tourism and consumption destination, the ministry said.

    This year, the United Kingdom will serve as the guest of honor, and the UK, France, Switzerland and Slovakia will showcase their products in the form of national exhibition groups, according to the local government of Hainan.

    In addition, different provinces and cities across the country will showcase popular domestic products and time-honored brands. In addition to the exhibition of products, services consumption — such as healthcare and wellness, sporting events and artificial intelligence — will also be highlights of the event this year.

    “With the hosting of four editions of the consumer expo, international consumer enterprises have increasingly felt the charm of the Hainan FTP and felt that the door of China’s reform and opening-up is opening increasingly wider,” said Gu Gang, vice-governor of Hainan.

    In the first two months, total retail sales of consumer goods in China reached 8.37 trillion yuan ($1.15 trillion), up 4 percent year-on-year, and the growth rate was 0.5 percentage point higher than the whole year figure of last year, the ministry said.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The PCA has written to all pub owning businesses about the price match right

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    The PCA has written to all pub owning businesses about the price match right

    The PCA is concerned to ensure that pubs companies are fully compliant with regulation 46 of the Pubs Code relating to premises insurance, and in particular, a tied tenant’s right to price match.

    What does the Pubs Code say about premises insurance?

    Under regulation 46 of the Pubs Code, a pub company must provide tied tenants with information about premises insurance where it intends to charge the tenant in respect of the premium. This ensures full transparency and allows the tenant to look for a cheaper policy. If the tied tenant finds one that is suitable and comparable in coverage, the pub company must buy that policy or agree the tenant will not have to pay the difference.

    What has the PCA done?

    In March 2024, the PCA concluded its review of Star’s reported breaches of regulation 46(2) of the Pubs Code. This supervised inquiry related to the information Star provided to tenants in relation to the premises insurance for which they were charged. As a result of this review, Star worked with the PCA to revise its correspondence to tied tenants to clearly explain its insurance arrangements and the method used to calculate the premium for each premises.

    In October 2024, the PCA wrote to all pub companies to draw attention to Star’s actions and to ask the other pub companies to make sure they were complying with the information requirements in regulation 46(2) of the Code, including where they had self-insurance arrangements.

    Since then, the PCA has been considering how pub companies comply with their tenants’ price match right in the Pubs Code. The price match right ensures that, where the tenant finds a cheaper ‘suitable and comparable’ alternative policy, the pub company must buy it, or agree in writing that the tenant will not have to pay the difference in cost.

    In March 2025, the PCA again wrote to all pub companies asking them to verify compliance with regulation 46 of the Pubs Code, and in particular, the requirements of the price match right. The PCA is clear that pub companies should not be considering whether a tenant’s alternative policy is the same or better than the pub company’s existing policy, or ‘like for like’. The statutory test is ‘suitable and comparable’.

    The PCA’s 2024 Annual Tied Tenant Survey showed that only 56% of tenants were aware of their right to price match the amount they pay their pub company for premises insurance on the open market. The PCA has asked all pub companies to consider whether changes should be made to their insurance communications with tied tenants to improve awareness of their rights, and to ensure the price match right under the Pubs Code is clearly explained.

    The PCA welcomes information from stakeholders, including tied tenants, regarding pub company compliance with the insurance price match right, or the information requirements under regulation 46 of the Pubs Code.

    The PCA can be contacted at office@pubscodeadjudicator.gov.uk

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    Updates to this page

    Published 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues a USD 1 billion benchmark under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    28 March 2025 at 9:00 am (EET)

    Municipality Finance issues a USD 1 billion benchmark under its MTN programme

    Municipality Finance Plc issues a USD 1 billion benchmark on 31 March 2025. The maturity date of the benchmark is 1 April 2030. The benchmark bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.250% per annum.

    The benchmark is issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and the final terms of the benchmark are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

    MuniFin has applied for the benchmark to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 31 March 2025.

    Bank of Montreal Europe plc, BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and Nomura International plc acts as the Joint Lead Managers for the issue of the benchmark.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

    Joakim Holmström
    Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
    tel. +358 50 444 3638

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The owners of the company include Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the State of Finland.
    The Group’s balance sheet is over EUR 53 billion.

    MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, corporate entities under their control, and non-profit organisations nominated by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

    Important Information

    The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The MIL Network –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Diversified Energy Announces Successful Placement of 4-year Senior Secured Notes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE: DEC) (NYSE: DEC) (“Diversified” or the “Company”), an independent energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transportation, marketing and well retirement, today announces that it has successfully placed $300 million of new senior secured notes. The new notes are due to mature in April 2029 and will pay a fixed coupon of 9.75% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears.

    The net proceeds from the senior secured notes will be used for repayment of existing debt and for general corporate purposes. The new class of debt provides increased liquidity, which currently stands at approximately $440 million inclusive of the proceeds of the note offering, is leverage-neutral, and will enhance cash flow, allowing flexibility for continued investment in high rate of return opportunities.

    DNB Markets, a part of DNB Bank ASA, acted as Manager and Bookrunner in the bond offering.

    For further information, please contact:

    Diversified Energy Company PLC +1 973 856 2757
    Doug Kris dkris@dgoc.com
    Senior Vice President, Investor Relations &  
       
    FTI Consulting dec@fticonsulting.com
    U.S. & UK Financial Public Relations  
       

    About Diversified
    Diversified is a leading publicly traded energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing, and well retirement. Through our unique differentiated strategy, we acquire existing, long-life assets and invest in them to improve environmental and operational performance until retiring those assets in a safe and environmentally secure manner. Recognized by ratings agencies and organizations for our sustainability leadership, this solutions-oriented, stewardship approach makes Diversified the Right Company at the Right Time to responsibly produce energy, deliver reliable free cash flow, and generate shareholder value.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning Diversified and the Contemplated Bond Offering. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect Diversified’s beliefs and expectations, are based on numerous assumptions regarding Diversified’s present and future business strategies and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. No representation is made that any of these statements will come to pass. Forward-looking statements involve inherent known and unknown risks, uncertainties and contingencies because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future and may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties relate to factors that are beyond Diversified’s ability to control or estimate precisely. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement include the risk factors described in the “Risk Factors” section in Diversified’s Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of their date and neither Diversified nor any of its directors, officers, employees, agents, affiliates or advisers expressly disclaim any obligation to supplement, amend, update or revise any of the forward-looking statements made herein, except where it would be required to do so under applicable law. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

    Important Notice to UK and EU Investors
    This announcement is directed at and is only being distributed to persons: (a) if in member states of the European Economic Area, “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus Regulation”) (“Qualified Investors“); or (b) if in the United Kingdom, “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the UK version of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, who are (i) persons who fall within the definition of “investment professionals” in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order“), or (ii) persons who fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order; or (c) persons to whom they may otherwise lawfully be communicated (each such person above, a “Relevant Person“). No other person should act or rely on this announcement and persons distributing this announcement must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so. This announcement must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons, if in the United Kingdom, or Qualified Investors, if in a member state of the EEA. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement or the the Contemplated Bond Offering relates is available only to Relevant Persons, if in the United Kingdom, and Qualified Investors, if in a member state of the EEA, and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons, if in the United Kingdom, and Qualified Investors, if in a member state of the EEA.

    The MIL Network –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ATAGS procurement to strengthen India’s firepower capabilities, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Following the news that India has signed a contract for the procurement of 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGS);

    Harsh Deshmukh, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers his view:

    “The procurement of 307 ATAGS and 327 towing vehicles signed with Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems for Rs. 6,900 crore ($820 million) will significantly expand India’s fleet of indirect firepower delivery platforms. Capable of delivering precise long-range strikes at a rate of 5 rounds per minute, these indigenous 155mm howitzers will substantially enhance the Indian Army’s firepower, while bolstering the country’s autonomy in defense manufacturing. The towing vehicles, which are part of the current procurement program, will enable swift deployment of the ATAGS units.

    “The escalating tensions along India’s northern borders, particularly with China which deployed advanced artillery like the PCL-181 in the high-altitude regions, highlight the need for India to strengthen its land-based firepower. China’s rapid military modernization, particularly its emphasis on mobile and long-range artillery systems, has heightened the urgency for India to address threats of potential conflicts in regions such as Ladakh, which has already witnessed deadly skirmishes in the past. Similarly, along the Pakistan border, where sporadic fire exchanges between the two sides are not uncommon, ATAGS offers a decisive edge. Its long-range capability ensures deeper strikes into enemy territory, enhancing the Indian Army’s operational reach.

    “According to GlobalData’s “Artillery Systems Market Size and Trend Analysis Including Segments, Programs, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2034,” India is expected to invest over $5.3 billion on procuring various types of towed artillery systems over the next ten years, reflecting its focus on enhancing its land-based combat capabilities through indigenous procurement.

    “The ATAGS will be complementing the in-service airlift capable M777s and the self-propelled K9 Vajras. This mix of artillery deployment enhances the Indian Army’s flexibility in a dynamic mission environment along the borders. With ATAGS already exported to Armenia, India will also continue to look to for export opportunities for this potent platform in international markets in order to keep the production cost down through economies of scale.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Appointment within the Societe Generale Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    APPOINTMENT WITHIN THE SOCIETE GENERALE GROUP

    Press release

    Paris, 28 March 2025

    Societe Generale announces the appointment of Alexis Kohler as Executive Vice President. He will join the Bank in June 2025 and will be a member of the Group Executive Committee.

    Reporting to Slawomir Krupa, Chief Executive Officer, Alexis Kohler will have the following responsibilities:

    • As Chairman of Investment Banking, he will be responsible for leading Mergers & Acquisitions, Equity Capital Markets and Acquisition Finance activities, as well as coordinating coverage teams for large clients.
    • He will assist the Chief Executive Officer in implementing transformation programs within the firm.
    • Alexis Kohler will oversee the Group’s General Secretariat and the Human Resources and Communication departments.

    Alexis Kohler will contribute to the Group’s success with his unique skill set, his extensive understanding of the global economy’s dynamics and challenges across all sectoral, industrial and commercial dimensions, and his strong analytical capacity and outstanding dedication. Alexis Kohler’s appointment marks a new addition to Societe Generale’s leadership team, combining different and complementary skills and wide-ranging experiences, to the benefit of the competitiveness and sustainable performance of the bank.

    Slawomir Krupa, Chief Executive Officer, comments: “I am delighted to welcome Alexis Kohler to the Executive Committee of Societe Generale. He will bring a wealth of talent, experience and commitment to our Group. His numerous qualities will be a key asset to foster our development in Investment Banking and continue the transformation journey of our firm, serving our 26 million clients across the world with the same passion we have shared for 160 years.”

    Biography 

    Alexis Kohler has been the General Secretary of the Presidency of the French Republic since 2017, after holding various senior positions at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance in Paris, with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington and the Finance Department of MSC. Alexis Kohler is a graduate of Sciences Po Paris, ESSEC and the Ecole Nationale d’Administration.

    Members of the Group Executive Committee as of June 2025:

    • Slawomir Krupa, Chief Executive Officer 
    • Pierre Palmieri, Deputy Chief Executive Officer 
    • Alexis Kohler, Executive Vice President, Chairman of Investment Banking, also in charge of the Group General Secretary, Group Human Resources, Group Communication and the coordination of transformation programs
    • Lubomira Rochet, Executive Vice President in charge of Retail Banking activities in France, Private Banking and Insurance, as well as the Group’s Chief Operating Office
    • Leopoldo Alvear, Group Chief Financial Officer 
    • Anne-Christine Champion, Co-Head of Global Banking and Investor Solutions
    • Anne-Sophie Chauveau-Galas, Group Chief Human Resources Officer
    • Alexandre Fleury, Co-Head of Global Banking and Investor Solutions 
    • Delphine Garcin-Meunier, Head of Mobility and International Retail Banking & Financial Services
    • Stéphane Landon, Group Chief Risk Officer
    • Laura Mather, Group Chief Operating Officer
    • Laetitia Maurel, Group Chief Communication Officer 
    • Grégoire Simon-Barboux, Group Chief Compliance Officer

    Press contact:  
    Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00_ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com

    Societe Generale

    Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

    The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

    • French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
    • Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
    • Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.

    Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

    In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document’s legitimacy directly on the web page.

    For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.

    Attachment

    • 20250328_Societe-generale-PR-appointment-Alexis-Kohler

    The MIL Network –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Coalition has promised $400m for youth mental health. Young people told us what they need

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Bridianne O’Dea, Little Heroes Professor of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Flinders University

    Ground Picture/Shutterstock

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has promised a Coalition government would spend an extra A$400 million on youth mental health services.

    This is in addition to raising the number of subsidised psychology sessions from ten to 20, which had been previously announced.

    While extra funding for youth mental health is welcome, it’s important to target this in ways that will make a real difference to young people.

    In our recent research, we asked young people about their experiences of waiting for mental health support, how they coped in the meantime, and what would really make a difference while they waited.

    Rates of mental illness rising

    An estimated one in seven Australian children and adolescents had a mental illness in the past 12 months. Rates of mental illness have also increased over time, particularly among younger generations.

    The COVID pandemic led to a rapid rise in the number of children and young people seeing their GP for mental health problems. Visits for depression rose by 61% and eating disorders by 56% compared with before the pandemic.

    The number of visits to the emergency department in New South Wales for self-harm, or plans or thoughts about suicide, have also increased since COVID.

    The annual Mission Australia Survey reveals young Australians see mental health as one of their biggest challenges, with thousands calling for more support.

    But there are long waits for care

    Despite the greater demand for mental health treatment in Australia, there is very little information on how long young people wait to access it.

    The Australian Psychological Society reported that during the pandemic, 88% of psychologists increased their wait times and one in five were not taking on new clients. This meant about half of people waited more than three months to begin psychological treatment. But this is for clients of all ages.

    There is also little information on how young people experience the wait for treatment.

    We asked young people about the wait for care

    We recently published research on the wait times for mental health treatment for Australian teens.

    We asked 375 young people aged 13–17 about the mental health care they have tried to access for their anxiety and depression and how long they waited to start treatment. We also asked them about their mental health while they waited, what helped them cope, and the types of support they received.

    We found that on average, teens were waiting more than three months for their first session of treatment. Most teens waited to access psychologists and psychiatrists after a GP referral.

    While their wait times varied, nearly all teens felt they waited “too long”.

    Longer wait times were linked to poorer mental health, with more than 90% of teens reporting high distress while they waited. Many of the teens felt their feelings of worry and sadness had worsened and they had used risky and unhealthy ways to cope, such as spending more time alone, sleeping more, self-harming, and using alcohol and other drugs.

    Most teens did not receive any support from their health-care providers during the wait time, despite wanting it.

    One female 17-year-old had waited six months for treatment and told us:

    It felt like I was hanging over a cliff and was just told to hold on.

    Teens also felt their parents would benefit from greater support during the wait time. But we need more research to better understand how to help families.

    Together, these findings show we desperately need to address wait times for young people’s mental health treatment.

    Teens know the support they need

    If teens are to wait for mental health treatment, they told us they need support while they do so.

    Young people wanted more regular contact and “check-ins” from their service providers, someone to talk to during the wait, as well as more useful information on positive ways to cope.

    Most teens in our study used digital mental health tools – such as mental health websites, online mental health checks, mobile apps, online chat services and forums – while they waited.

    We’re developing digital mental health tools, in consultation with young people and GPs, to support doctors to care for their teen patients when treatment isn’t available right away. We’re testing the system of short digital mental health programs, supportive text messages and peer support in NSW this year.

    But not all teens we surveyed found digital mental health tools helpful. So we need to offer teens a range of supports – from their family, their GP, and from their referred service provider – to help them cope while they wait for treatment.

    What can governments do?

    We must carefully consider when, where and how mental health funds are invested. If governments wish to see more young people treated for their mental health problems, then we need to look at how our health-care system will cope with the growing demand.

    We also need national, transparent benchmarks for how long young Australians wait for mental health treatment. Only some health services in Australia have this. Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, have something similar to minimise the health risks of young people waiting too long for care.

    Ultimately, though, we need to prevent mental health issues from starting in the first place. That would reduce the need for treatment, the very type young Australians are waiting too long for.

    If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

    Bridianne O’Dea is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Investigator Fellowship (1197249) and a MRFF Millions Minds Mental Health Grant (2035416). Bridianne O’Dea received funding from the Buxton Family Foundation, Australian Unity, the Frontiers Technology Clinical Academic Group Industry Connection Seed Funding Scheme and the UNSW Medicine, Neuroscience, Mental Health and Addiction Theme and SPHERE Clinical Academic Group Collaborative Research Funding to conduct this research. Bridianne O’Dea is a member of the Australian Society for Mental Health Research and the International Society for Research on Internet Interventions. Bridianne O’Dea’s current work has received pro bono support from Deloitte Digital Australia.

    – ref. The Coalition has promised $400m for youth mental health. Young people told us what they need – https://theconversation.com/the-coalition-has-promised-400m-for-youth-mental-health-young-people-told-us-what-they-need-253328

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: “Greedy, dangerous and desperate”: deep sea mining frontrunner turns back on Pacific for mining approval

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY, Friday 28 March 2025 — Greenpeace has slammed deep sea mining frontrunner The Metals Company (TMC) as ‘greedy, dangerous and desperate’ after it announced plans to bypass procedure at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) by applying for a mining licence under the US mining code, effectively turning its back on its Pacific sponsoring states.

    The announcement rocked the ISA in its penultimate day, with TMC due to have its mining application agenda item heard early Saturday (AEST). TMC’s decision to use the United States’ Deep Sea Hard Mineral Resources Act (DSHMRA) encourages an undermining of – and could be in breach of – international law[1].

    Shiva Gounden, Head of Pacific at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said the move was a “kick in the guts” for the Pacific and threatens multilateralism.

    “TMC is showing its true colours – greedy, dangerous and desperate. It’s crystal clear that TMC has never cared about economic prosperity or jobs for the people of Nauru, Kiribati or Tonga, nor did it ever care about addressing the climate crisis. TMC has only ever cared about one thing: filling its own pockets with money made at the expense of our Pacific lifeblood – the ocean. The Pacific is not a commodity; the deep sea mining industry is pushing to exploit Pacific resources and communities for profit – it can’t keep happening.

    “This move risks leaving Nauru, Kiribati and Tonga high and dry, and is an insult to multilateralism. TMC has been trying to pressure the international community to meet its demands at the ISA, pressuring and manipulating Pacific governments with the promise of a brighter, greener future. Now the facade has crumbled, and TMC leaves behind a trail of broken promises.

    “Deep sea mining is in trouble. TMC may be taking the first chance it gets to turn its back on Nauru, and is taking any avenue to push through their desperate and dying agenda, in this case, even if it could breach international law. Desperation breeds deceit, and TMC has never been more desperate.”

    Currently, 32 countries have backed a moratorium or precautionary pause on deep sea mining, including Tuvalu, Palau, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Vanuatu and Samoa. Australia has not.

    Gounden added: “This isn’t the end of the road. What TMC has proven is that where there are cracks, there is crawlspace, and it has highlighted the need for a moratorium or precautionary pause.

    “The decision on the future of the ocean must be a process that centres the rights and voices of Pacific communities as the traditional custodians, not neocolonialist corporations. We are most effective when we work together, and the Pacific Ocean is calling for us to stand united now.”

    The ISA will meet for its final day today, where it is still expected to discuss what governments could do if TMC still puts in an application to the ISA without any rules in place.

    Leaders will have a crucial chance to show their support for ocean protection by supporting a moratorium on deep sea mining at the UN Ocean Conference, which will be held in Nice, France, just a few weeks before the ISA July Assembly. 

    —ENDS—

    For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kimberley Bernard on +61 407 581 404 or [email protected]

    Photos available in the Greenpeace Media Library

    Notes to Editor

    [1] The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 has 170 parties, which are the vast majority of all States. It is known as the constitution for the oceans. After the United States and others had various issues with the concluded convention and concluded a further Agreement (Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982) which is known as the 1994 Agreement which was specifically about deep-sea mining – Part XI of UNCLOS. The United States has signed the 1994 Agreement, and most countries agree that UNCLOS is customary international law, so the US is still bound by UNCLOS and particularly Part XI. UNCLOS has numerous crucial parts, addressing maritime boundaries, the freedom of navigation, management of fisheries, pollution, environmental protection and marine scientific research as well as deep-sea mining.

    MIL OSI NGO –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Read More (ICYMI: Steube Introduces Resolution Authorizing Use of Military Force Against Mexican Drug Cartels)

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17)

    March 25, 2025 | Press ReleasesWASHINGTON – ICYMI: U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) introduced a joint resolution yesterday authorizing the use of military force against certain Mexican drug cartels. This resolution will permit the Trump administration to utilize the U.S. military in the fight against Tren de Aragua, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), the Sinaloa Cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the Northeast Cartel, the Michoacán family, the United cartels, the Cartel del Golfo, and the Clan del Golfo.

    From Fox News:
    “Congressman Greg Steube, R-Fla., is introducing a resolution today to empower the Trumpadministration to “take a sledgehammer” to the cartels by authorizing the president to use the “full force of the American military” against nine of the largest migrant criminal groups that have been wreaking havoc on American cities.  
    “One of the criminal groups included in the resolution is Tren de Aragua – also known as “TdA” – which is an international gang tied to the murder of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley as well as the violent takeover of at least one apartment building in Aurora, Colorado, last year. The group is also suspected of having ties to Venezuelan socialist dictator Nicolás Maduro. 
    “The resolution authorizes President Donald Trump to unleash the American military on Tren de Aragua, MS-13, the Sinaloa Cartel and several other gangs, which it says have “violated the territorial integrity of the United States” and present “a clear and evident danger” to the American people.”
    With more Americans concerned than ever before about the border and opioid crises, swift and decisive action is needed to protect lives and defeat the cartels. More than 200 Americans die every day from fentanyl overdoses as Mexican drug cartels have established operations in all 50 states. Not only have the cartels trafficked in record amounts of narcotics, but their members have kidnapped and murdered U.S. citizens. 
    “We can no longer ignore the deliberate invasion of Mexican drug cartels into our neighborhoods and communities. These are not ragtag bands of low-level lawbreakers but organized criminal enterprises that profit off death and addiction. Far too many innocent people have suffered at the hands of the cartels,” said Rep. Greg Steube. “Until such time that the Mexican government finally steps up and squashes the drug cartels who use Mexico as their home base, Congress must give President Trump and Secretary Hegseth the green light to take a sledgehammer to these criminal networks and their supply chains. My joint resolution will authorize the Trump administration to use the full force of the American military against the nine largest drug cartels operating out of Mexico.”
    Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Scott to Host 2nd Annual Jobs Fair

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    Congressman David Scott is proud to host the Second Annual Thirteenth District Jobs Fair in conjunction with Comcast Cable, UPN Atlanta, and CBS 46. The fair will bring together Georgia’s top employers from the public and private sector. This event will take place at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park right off the I-85 and I-285 Camp Creek Parkway exits near the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Please remember to dress for success and bring copies of your resume because job candidates will have the opportunity to be matched up for interviews right on the spot! Also, remember to bring $1 for parking or take MARTA to the COLLEGE PARK station and catch the #182 bus shuttle. Military officials will be on hand to provide special assistance for veterans who’ve separated from active service within the past 180 days. With proper ID, qualified veterans are eligible for special entry to Congressman Scott’s Jobs Fair.

    WHEN: Friday, May 12, 2006 WHERE: Georgia International Convention Center Exhibit Halls C & D 2000 Convention Center Concourse College Park, GA 30337 (770) 997-3566 TIME: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm CONFIRMED EMPLOYERS: A Perfect Resume Abundant Healing AEI International Affiliated Insurance Group AFLAC AFLAC- Global Market AGL Resources AIG AIG/American General AirTran Airways All (n) 1 Security Services AltaTelecom Ambassador Personnel American General Life and Accident American Heart Association American Intercontinental University – Dunwoody Campus American Red Cross Ameriplan Aramark Aviation Services Atlanta and North Georgia Building and Construction Trades Council Atlanta Job Corps Atlanta Journal Constitution Atlanta Police Department Atlanta Technical College Atlanta Workforce Development Agency Atlantic Southeast Airlines Avon District 1186 Avon Products BB&T Bank Bellsouth Blue Water Security II, Inc. Bobby Dodd Institute Brian Center Nursing Care- Austell Buyers Credit Coach Care Entree’ Central Michigan University Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Chick-fil-A, Inc. City of Douglasville City of Forest Park City of Hapeville City of Smyrna Clayton Career Resource Center Clayton County DOT Clayton County Government- Personnel Department Clayton County Public Schools Transportation Department Clayton County Water Authority Clayton State University CLP Resources Cobb County Board of Commissioners Cobb County Police Department Cobb County School System CobbWorks Coca-Cola College Park Police Department Comcast Cable Computer Mainstream Corporation Concessions/Paschals Country Hearth Suites Cyberwize.com Davita Jonesboro Dialysis Center Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office Department of Aviation Devry University Douglas County Board of Commissioners Douglasville Police Department DreamSan Inc Employment Seeker Enterprise Rent-A-Car Exel Logistics Fayette County Board of Commissioners Fayette County Board of Education, Administration Services Department Fayette County Board of Education, Food Services Department Fayette County Board of Education, Transportation Department Federal Aviation Administration Federal Bureau of Prisons FedEx Ground First Transit Franklin and Wilson Airport Concessions From Concepts to Reality, Inc Fulton County Sheriff Office GA Department of Labor Vocational Rehabilitation Program GAT Airline Ground Support Gate Gourmet GC Services L.P. Georgia Air National Guard Georgia Army National Guard Georgia Department of Corrections Georgia Department of Human Resources Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Military College Georgia Power Georgia State University Goodwill Industries of North Georgia Grady Health System Greystone Power Company Griffin Technical College Griffin-Spalding County School System Gwinnett County Department of Corrections Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services Hands on Atlanta Happiness Habit Harbor Management, Inc Hartsfield Area TMA Hennesy Mazda Pontiac Buick GMC Henry County Fire Department Henry County Government Henry County School System Hertz Rent-A-Car InMotion Entertainment Installation Technology Design Systems Interactive College of Technology/ Interactive Learning Systems Internal Revenue Service JPacker Systems Kodak Dental Systems Kool Smiles Lockheed Martin Loomis, Fargo, and Co Lowe’s Home Improvement Mackey & Associates/ MMG Marketing Group MARTA MBC Concessions, Inc. Mechanical Contractors Association of Georgia Melaleuca MetroPCS HIS Modern Woodmen of Atlanta Morehouse School of Medicine National Lending Corporation National Youth Apprenticeship Collaboration Options Unlimited Personal Touch Tours Travel Agency Popeyes Chicken & Checker Hamburger Prepaid Legal Services Primerica Financial Services Professional Career Development Institute Red Lobster Revelation Consulting Riverdale Police Department Robertson Sanitation/ United Waste Rockdale County Public Schools Rollins, Inc/ Orkin Pest Control Roswell Nursing and Rehab Center Saint Josephs Hospital Securitas Security Services Self Image Success Sheraton Gateway Hotel Shorter College Smyrna Police Department Social Security Administration Southern Regional Medical Center Southside Seafood Company Spherion Staffing Strayer University SunTrust Bank Talent Tree Crystal, Inc The Tensar Corporation, LLC The Wellness Company U.S. Air Force Reserve U.S. Customs and Border Protection U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration U.S. Food and Drug Administration U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy U.S. Office of Personnel Management U.S. Postal Service U.S. Small Business Administration United Association, Plumbers and Pipe Fitters, Local Union No.72 of Atlanta, Georgia Universal Forest Products University of Georgia Verizon Wireless Waffle House Inc. Wal-mart, Inc. Warm Spirit Wellness Resources International, Inc. Wellstar Health System Wilsons Leather Work-tec WVFJ J93.3 Radio

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Scott to Visit CBS 46 TV Studio

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    Congressman David Scott will visit Atlanta’s CBS 46 Studio to participate in a live interview during the 12 noon news segment. Catch Congressman Scott discussing why his upcoming 2nd Annual Jobs Fair is so important this year with the growing number of job losses due to massive corporate layoffs and military base closing plus the arrival of Georgia troops from Iraq and more than 38,000 new residents after Hurricane Katrina wrecked the Gulf Coast. Congressman Scott will also highlight the growing list of more than 150 impressive area employer participants.

    WHEN: Friday, April 21, 2006 12 Noon

    WHERE: Tune into CBS 46.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Congressman Danny K. Davis on White House Meeting with President Zelensky

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Danny K Davis (7th District of Illinois)

    Statement from Congressman Danny K. Davis on 

    White House Meeting with President Zelensky

    Chicago, IL – Congressman Danny K. Davis issued the following statement in response to the White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky:

    “The actions of President Trump and his administration continue to undermine America’s credibility on the world stage. Today’s White House meeting with President Zelensky was not only profoundly unfortunate but also served to embolden Vladimir Putin and his campaign of aggression. The United States must remain steadfast in its commitment to democracy rather than rewarding those who seek to dismantle it.

    For three years, President Zelensky and the people of Ukraine have bravely defended their sovereignty against Russia’s unjust invasion. Their fight is not just for their nation—it is a fight for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law. It is in America’s national security interest to stand with Ukraine until victory is achieved.

    I will continue to support efforts to provide Ukraine with the resources necessary to defend itself against tyranny. We cannot afford to waver in our commitment to global democracy or allow authoritarianism to gain ground.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Leads Demand for Pam Bondi to Appoint a Special Counsel to Investigate Signal Breach Involving Senior Trump Appointees

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    18 Senior Trump Administration Officials, Including Cabinet Members, Were Using Open-Source Commercial Messaging App Signal to Discuss Confidential War Plans, Jeopardizing National Security 

     

    Letter Argues Trump Appointees’ Episode of Incompetence is in Violation of the Espionage Act  

     

    Members Demand Appointment of Independent Special Counsel to Investigate and Bring Potential Charges as Demanded by Law 

      

    Read the Letter Here  

    Washington, DC – Congressmen Dan Goldman (NY-10) led 5 of his colleagues in sending a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding she appoints an independent special counsel to investigate the security breach involving senior Trump officials sharing classified military plans on an unsecured messaging app. 

    Under the Espionage Act, the unauthorized disclosure of national defense information is subject to penalties, including fines or imprisonment. Specifically, the statute criminalizes the transmission of classified information to unauthorized individuals. Additionally, the Federal Records Act prohibits the removal, alteration, or destruction of records documenting federal agency activities, a regulation Mr. Waltz seemingly violated by setting all messages to automatically delete after a specified period. At this juncture, it remains unclear whether former President Trump or senior members of his administration are broadly utilizing Signal chats to circumvent both the Federal Records Act and the Freedom of Information Act. 

    “This egregious breach of security protocol – from an Administration whose leader was criminally charged with violating laws related to classified materials and who once called for a political opponent to be jailed for possessing classified materials on a private email server – is unacceptable and demands an immediate and independent investigation. This security breach may run afoul of multiple laws, including those requiring the proper protection of classified information and requiring that all official communications be preserved,” the members said. 

    Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was inadvertently added to a Signal chat titled “Houthi PC Small Group” by National Security Advisor Michael Waltz on March 13th. Signal, an unsecured messaging platform, is susceptible to surveillance by foreign adversaries, including China, Russia, and Iran. The chat contained 18 other senior officials from the Trump Administration, including Vice President Vance, Secretary of Defense Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Gabbard, and CIA Director Ratcliffe. 

    Given the potential violations of the law and AG Bondi’s position in the Administration, the members demand the appointment of an independent special counsel to avoid conflicts of interest.  

    “As Attorney General, it is your responsibility to uphold criminal laws that protect the security of our nation and its military. It is also your duty, as you acknowledged during your Senate confirmation hearing, to enforce these laws impartially, including by avoiding the appearance of conflicts of interest. We trust that you will act swiftly and decisively by appointing a special counsel to investigate this breach and, if warranted, prosecute anyone who knowingly and willfully violated our criminal laws, putting at risk the safety and security of our most sensitive secrets and our servicemen and women. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter,” the members concluded. 

    Read the letter here or below: 

    Dear Attorney General Bondi, 

    We write to express our shock and disgust at the recent alarming report about the most senior officials in the Trump administration sharing classified military operations plans with a reporter on an open-source, commercial messaging app, as detailed in The Atlantic article, “The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans.” This remarkably careless and dangerous episode calls into question the integrity of our national security procedures and the security of our most sensitive military and intelligence information. Given the gravity of this error and the need for independent review, we believe that your appointment of a special counsel to investigate the conduct of these senior administration officials in this case is both urgent and necessary. 

    According to Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz added Goldberg to a Signal chat entitled “Houthi PC small group,” which included a principals committee of 18 of the most senior members of the Administration – including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, among others. On this group chain that included a journalist, Secretary Hegseth included a detailed tick-tock from Central Command of a highly classified planned military strike in Yemen. Signal is an unsecure messaging app likely targeted by surveillance from adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran; indeed, we are lucky that the Houthis did not receive the detailed plans with sufficient time to prepare a counterattack, jeopardizing the security of our servicemen and women. 

    Notwithstanding Secretary Hegseth’s prototypical denial of the clear facts by attacking Mr. Goldberg, the Trump Administration has confirmed the authenticity of the text chain. This egregious breach of security protocol – from an Administration whose leader was criminally charged with violating laws related to classified materials and who once called for a political opponent to be jailed for possessing classified materials on a private email server – is unacceptable and demands an immediate and independent investigation. This security breach may run afoul of multiple laws, including those requiring the proper protection of classified information and requiring that all official communications be preserved. 

    Under 18 U.S.C. § 798 of the Espionage Act, unauthorized disclosure of national defense information can be punished by a fine or imprisonment. Specifically, the statute criminalizes any of the following uses of classified information: communicating the information or making it “available” to unauthorized persons; publishing the information in any manner; or using the information in any other manner that goes against U.S. interests or benefits a foreign entity. To successfully prosecute an individual under 18 U.S.C. 798, the government must prove the following elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) the information in question is classified; (2) the disclosure was unauthorized; and (3) knowledge and intent of the disclosure – unless it is an act of reckless negligence. As the first two elements are undoubtedly met, an investigation is necessary to determine whether there is evidence that reckless negligence occurred. 

    Separately, the Federal Records Act (44 U.S.C. § 31) requires federal agencies to maintain records documenting their activities, ensuring safe storage and efficient retrieval, and disposing of records according to agency schedules. In the event that records have been unlawfully removed, destroyed, or altered, Section 3106 mandates that federal agency heads notify the Archivist of the United States and initiate action with the Attorney General to recover unlawfully removed records, or the Archivist will do so if the agency head fails to act. In this case, Mr. Waltz set the messages to be deleted after one or four weeks. An investigation is required to determine if there were any protocols set in place to preserve these records, and whether other such Signal chats are being used to circumvent the Federal Records Act and possibly the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). 

    Further, the Department of Defense (DOD) has an express prohibition on the use of Signal as a means of transmitting non-public DOD information unless previously authorized. As the head of the Department, Secretary Hegseth’s adherence to DOD’s own regulations is, of course, essential as an example to those who serve under him. Moreover, an investigation is needed to determine whether other classified information or materials have been shared on Signal by the Secretary of Defense or other members of DOD. 

    Given the fact that those included in the Signal group include the Vice President, other cabinet officials, and the most senior officials in the White House, it is self-evident that you, as a similarly-situated politically appointed cabinet official, cannot conduct an investigation without the appearance of a conflict of interest. Under 28 CFR § 600.1, the Attorney General is required to appoint a special counsel when she determines that criminal investigation of a matter is warranted and that investigation by a United States Attorney’s Office or litigating Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) would present a conflict of interest; and it is in the public interest to appoint an outside Special Counsel. Here, this standard is easily met. 

    As Attorney General, it is your duty to enforce criminal laws designed to protect our nation’s and our military’s security. It is also your duty, as you acknowledged at your Senate confirmation hearing, to impartially enforce our criminal laws, including by avoiding the appearance of conflicts of interest. We trust that you will take swift and decisive action by appointing a special counsel to investigate this breach and, if appropriate, charge anyone who knowingly and willfully violated our criminal laws, jeopardizing the safety and security of our most closely held secrets and our servicemen and women. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Clyde Slams Sen. Warnock for Recklessly Spreading Lies About GA SSA Office Closures

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Andrew S. Clyde (R-GA)

    Rep. Clyde Slams Sen. Warnock for Recklessly Spreading Lies About GA SSA Office Closures

    Washington, March 26, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) released the following statement after the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) confirmed that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is not closing any field sites in Georgia.

    “Senator Warnock has peddled lies and fearmongered Georgia seniors long enough,” said Clyde. “Instead of proceeding with caution and confirming a shred of validity to his claims, Senator Warnock recklessly ran with potential lease savings identified by DOGE in order to score cheap political points. The Left’s obsession with vilifying President Trump, Elon Musk, and DOGE is out of control. Scaring Americans — in this case, seniors — to distort the Administration’s work to expose and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse is irresponsible and reeks of desperation.”

    “Given DOGE’s recent confirmation that the Social Security Administration is not closing field sites in the Peach State, I urge Senator Warnock to abandon his deceitful crusade and apologize to Georgia seniors. Anything less would continue to be utterly irresponsible,” Clyde added.

    Background

    On February 28th, Senator Warnock erroneously claimed that the Trump Administration announced closures of five Social Security Administration offices throughout Georgia, including the Gainesville SSA Office in Rep. Clyde’s Northeast Georgia District.

    Despite the fact that the Gainesville SSA Office is open and operating, Sen. Warnock has continued pushing the lie that it is closed. Just last week, the Senator posted on social media that “DOGE closed 5 social security offices in GA a couple weeks ago.”

    The Department of Government Efficiency recently refuted Senator Warnock’s baseless claims: “This post is inaccurate. @SocialSecurity is not closing any field sites in Georgia or elsewhere. The confusion likely arises from the closure of 5 permanent remote hearing sites (PRSs)—single rooms within field sites used for hearings. Since most hearings are now virtual, these PRSs are unnecessary. Field sites remain open, and Social Security has no plans to close any public-facing sites nationwide.”

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Obtains Six Military Medals and Accolades for Late World War II Veteran from Sioux City

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) announced that his office helped obtain six military medals and pins for the late Edward Motz – a veteran from Sioux City – who earned these accolades while serving our country in Italy and the Aleutian Islands during World War II.

    Feenstra’s office presented the medals to Denny and Robert Motz, two of Edward’s sons, and Curtis Motz, Edward’s grandson, in Sioux City on Monday March 24th.

    “Our veterans are heroes who deserve our deepest appreciation for their service to our country and the sacrifices they made to defend our values and freedoms. Ensuring that our veterans are properly recognized for their heroism and patriotism is important to me and the least that we can do as a grateful nation,” said Rep. Feenstra. “I’m glad that we could help the family of World War II veteran Edward Motz obtain six military medals and accolades that he earned while serving our country. I encourage any veteran or family member to contact our office online at Feenstra.House.Gov or by phone at 202-225-4426 if we can be helpful with navigating the VA or receiving earned medals. I will always stand with our veterans and work to ensure that they receive the high-quality healthcare, benefits, and support that they deserve.”

    “I thank Congressman Feenstra and his office for getting my late grandfather the military medals he earned from his service during World War II. This recognition was a long time coming and honors the commitment that he made to our country so many years ago,” said Curtis Motz, Edward Motz’s grandson. “I encourage anyone who needs help with cutting through red tape at the federal level or getting military medals to contact Congressman Feenstra’s office. I appreciate his work for our veterans.”

    The medals and accolades secured include the WWII Victory Medal, the WWII Honorable Service Lapel button, the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal & the Bronze Star Attachment, the American Campaign Medal, and the Marksman Badge & Carbine Bar. 

    Pictured from left to right are Wes Fopma with Congressman Randy Feenstra’s office, Robert Motz, Curtis Motz, and Denny Motz.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Speaks at Global Student Summit Against Antisemitism

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) recently joined the Rise & Respond: Global Student Summit Against Antisemitism as a keynote speaker to highlight the work she is doing in Congress to combat antisemitism and empower Jewish Students.

    Rep. Tenney was joined at the summit by over 400 student leaders and higher education professionals from across the United States. Rep. Tenney highlighted her legislative work, including sending a letter to Biden’s Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke, urging her to prosecute those who threatened Jewish students at Columbia University and cosponsoring the Antisemitism Awareness Act.

    “We cannot stay silent as hatred from pro-Hamas mobs are threatening Jewish students. In Congress, I am leading the charge to hold the perpetrators of this vile rhetoric accountable. It was an honor to join the hundreds of student leaders and educators at the Rise & Respond: Global Student Summit Against Antisemitism and share the work I am doing in Congress to support the Jewish community, end antisemitism, and hold wrongdoers accountable,” said Congresswoman Tenney. 

    Rep. Tenney has been a steadfast advocate for the Jewish Community. So far this Congress, Rep Tenney has championed numerous initiatives, including:

    • Introduced the RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act
    • Introduced the Calling on the United Kingdom, France, and Germany (E3) to initiate the snapback of sanctions on Iran under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231
    • Introduced Encouraging the EU to DESIGNATE Resolution
    • Founded the Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus
    • Led a Letter to President Trump about Judea and Samaria
    • Coled the PLO and PA Terror Payments Accountability Act
    • Cosponsored the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act
    • Cosponsored the Antisemitism Awareness Act
    • Cosponsored the Iran Sanctions Relief Review Act
    • Cosponsored the United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act
    • Cosponsored the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act
    • Cosponsored the IGO Anti-Boycott Act
    • Cosponsored the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act
    • Hosted the Inaugural Friends of Judea and Samaria Caucus Event
    • Spoke at the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus Event
    • Joined the Abraham Accords Caucus, the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism, and the Congressional Israel Allies Caucus

     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Netherlands

    Source:

    The Netherlands has introduced temporary checks along its land borders with Belgium and Germany. The Netherlands national terrorism threat level remains at ‘substantial’ – level 4 of 5. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities (see ‘Safety’).

    MIL OSI News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: TikTok to launch interactive shopping platform in Europe

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Social media giant TikTok announced Thursday that it will launch an interactive e-commerce platform in Italy, France, and Germany on March 31.

    The company, known for pioneering the short video format, said the new platform will enable users in the three countries to purchase products from local brands and distributors directly through its smartphone app.

    This marks TikTok’s first e-commerce venture in Europe, following its success in China and other markets. The company has chosen the three largest economies in the European Union as the initial launch destinations.

    The platform will feature “shoppable videos” and “live videos,” allowing users to buy products showcased in their personalized feeds. TikTok said this “e-commerce discovery model” aims to provide a more tailored shopping experience.

    “It brings the interaction between sellers and consumers back to the center of the experience, recreating the proximity and dialogue typical of traditional commerce,” the company said in a statement.

    According to TikTok, the platform has 22.8 million users in Italy, meaning more than one in three Italian residents are active on the app.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Chery launches new cars in Czech Republic

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on March 26, 2025 shows a vehicle during a launch event of Chery in Prague, the Czech Republic. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese automaker Chery has officially launched four new models of its OMODA 5 and JAECOO 7 in the Czech market.

    Attending the launch event Wednesday in the Czech capital were more than 700 people including officials, representatives of trade associations, automobile dealers and Chery’s business partners.

    Calling sustainable development and green transition a global consensus, Chinese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Feng Biao told the audience that in the field of new energy vehicles, China is willing to engage in mutually beneficial cooperation with the Czech Republic and share technological expertise, making joint efforts to combat climate change and contributing to global sustainable development.

    Cooperation between Chinese and Czech businesses would help advance economic and trade relations between the two countries, improving the well-being of the two peoples, Feng added.

    Shen Zaoshi, deputy general manager of Chery’s European Union region, told Xinhua that Chery has conducted extensive market research to ensure the new models launched would meet local consumers’ demands.

    Noting that the Czech automotive market is relatively mature with consumers with strong purchasing power, Shen said that Chery, with its technological and product advantages, would provide local consumers with more options.

    According to the company, Chery will collaborate with its local partner Grand Automotive Central Europe to establish a sales and service network, with about 30 sales outlets to be set up in the Czech Republic by the end of 2025.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Spain, Chinese quantum company collaborate to build Europe’s largest integrated computing center

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The ChinaLink ESGt, a venture capital led by Spanish entrepreneur Javier Romero, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Chinese quantum computing company Origin Quantum on Wednesday in Hefei, east China’s Anhui Province, on the joint development of Europe’s largest integrated computing power center.

    According to the agreement, both parties will integrate technology development and product research in quantum computing, and jointly explore the construction of an integrated computing power center combining supercomputing, quantum computing and artificial intelligence computing in Spain, and a classical-quantum hybrid computing cloud service platform.

    Additionally, the two companies will collaborate on the development of quantum-resistant encryption technologies and their applications to enhance information security in the quantum era.

    ChinaLink ESGt, which has invested in leading global companies such as Alibaba, Tencent, SpaceX, and the Chinese renewable energy company Sungrow, is currently building a quantum research lab in Malaga, Spain. The company plans to partner with global organizations, including Origin Quantum, to establish the facility as Europe’s largest integrated computing center. The center is expected to reach a capacity of 1,000 megawatts, encompassing both classical and quantum computing infrastructure.

    “China’s quantum computing development is world-leading, and we aim to bring the top quantum computing companies to Spain to create an international collaborative laboratory,” said Romero. He also highlighted plans to explore applications of quantum computing in fields such as finance, renewable energy, and biomedicine in partnership with China.

    Guo Guoping, chief scientist at Origin Quantum and a professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, emphasized that Spain’s exploration of quantum algorithms for healthcare, artificial intelligence, and other fields offers a valuable reference for the global practical application of quantum technology.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: New Russian ambassador to US arrives in Washington DC

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Russia’s new Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev arrived in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.

    Darchiev will informally present his credentials to the Trump administration on Thursday, according to the U.S. State Department.

    U.S. Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Louis L. Bono will attend the informal credential presentation in Washington, D.C. at 2:15 p.m. Eastern Time (1815 GMT) Thursday, according to schedule posted on the U.S. State Department website.

    Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Darchiev as the new ambassador to the United States on March 6. The position had been vacant since last October, when the previous envoy, Anatoly Antonov, left his post. 

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Travelling overseas? You could be at risk of measles. Here’s how to ensure you’re protected

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Archana Koirala, Paediatrician and Infectious Diseases Specialist; Clinical Researcher, University of Sydney

    Julia Suhareva/Shutterstock

    On March 26 NSW Health issued an alert advising people to be vigilant for signs of measles after an infectious person visited Sydney Airport and two locations in western New South Wales.

    The person recently returned from Southeast Asia where there are active measles outbreaks in several countries including Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.

    The NSW alert follows a string of similar alerts issued around Australia in recent days and weeks.

    If you’re travelling overseas soon, you could be at risk of measles. Here’s what to know to ensure you’re protected.

    First, what is measles?

    Measles is one of the most contagious viral illnesses. It spreads through the air when a person breathes, coughs or sneezes. On average, one person can infect 12 to 18 others who are not immune.

    Initial symptoms include fever, a runny nose, cough and conjunctivitis. Then a non-itchy rash usually starts around the hairline before spreading around the body.

    Measles is most common in children, and they’re also most vulnerable to getting very sick with the virus. Measles is severe in around one in ten children. Complications can include ear infection, diarrhoea and pneumonia, and, more rarely, encephalitis (brain swelling).

    However, adults can also catch and spread the disease, making up 10–20% of measles cases during outbreaks.

    Vaccination has saved millions of lives

    The first measles vaccine was licensed for public use in 1963, and it changed the trajectory of this disease. In the 21st century alone, measles vaccination is thought to have saved more than 60 million lives globally.

    The measles vaccine is free through Australia’s National Immunisation Program. It’s routinely given at 12 and 18 months of age. The first dose is combined with mumps and rubella (the MMR vaccine) and the second adds protection against chickenpox, or varicella (MMRV).

    False suggestions the measles vaccination is linked with disorders such as autism have been thoroughly disproven. The vaccine is very safe and highly effective.

    Measles is one of the most contagious viruses there is.
    fotohay/Shutterstock

    However, because the vaccine is made from a live virus, people with weakened immune systems (for example, those receiving chemotherapy for cancer or pregnant women) cannot have the vaccine even though they’re at higher risk of severe measles. Their safety depends on high community immunisation rates to reduce the spread of the virus.

    Because measles is so infectious, at least 95% of the population needs to be immune to prevent its spread.

    Immunity occurs from either two doses of measles vaccine or past infection. Measles vaccination was introduced in Australia in 1968. Most adults born before the mid-1960s would still be immune from a past infection. But vaccination is recommended for everyone else who is not immune.

    Immunity gaps are opening up

    Gaps in immunity to measles have opened up around the world due to challenges in delivering routine immunisations during the COVID pandemic, and, in some cases, reduced acceptance of vaccination.

    In 2023 only 83% of the world’s children received at least one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday, down from 86% in 2019. This is not enough to halt spread.

    The withdrawal of US government funding from many global health programs, including a measles surveillance network that supports testing and outbreak responses, is throwing fuel on the fire.

    In Australia, small but progressive declines in the uptake of childhood vaccines over the past five years and immunity gaps in other age groups means our risk of outbreaks in increasing.

    Rates of childhood vaccination coverage have been declining slightly.
    Inna photographer/Shutterstock

    For example, coverage of the MMR vaccine at 24 months declined 0.4 percentage points between 2022 and 2023 (from 95.3% to 94.9% in Indigenous children and 95.1% to 94.7% in children overall).

    On-time vaccination rates – within 30 days of the recommended age – are also falling. The proportion of children who had their MMR vaccine on time dropped from 75.3% to 67.2% for non-Indigenous children and 64.7% to 56% for Indigenous children between 2020 and 2023.

    Measles outbreaks are increasing in Australia and across the world

    Measles cases are rapidly rising across the globe and more cases are arriving from overseas into Australia. So far in 2025, 37 cases have been reported compared to 57 in all of 2024, 26 in 2023 and seven in 2022. Most cases have been imported from overseas, but we’ve ascertained eight cases so far in 2025 were locally acquired.

    Many of the countries experiencing the largest measles outbreaks are popular travel destinations for Australians, including India, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

    But few countries are free of measles. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and various countries in Europe are all tackling outbreaks.

    As the incubation period – the gap between exposure and symptoms – is around seven to ten days, travellers may enter the country without knowing they’re about to become ill and potentially spread the virus to others.

    Protecting yourself and your family

    Although the usual age for the first measles dose is 12 months, the MMR vaccine can be given to babies as young as six months who are travelling to measles hotspots or during outbreaks.

    This early measles vaccine dose does not replace those given at 12 and 18 months, but will help protect the infant in the interim.

    It’s important all adults, particularly those planning overseas travel, know their vaccination or infection history. If you don’t, talk to your health-care provider about being vaccinated.

    Everyone who doesn’t have immunity from an infection should have two lifetime doses. Some adults, including those who have migrated from overseas, may have had none or only one dose when they were younger. If you’re unsure, there’s no harm in receiving a vaccine if you’ve had measles or have been fully vaccinated already.

    If you come back from overseas and need medical care, inform your health-care provider about your symptoms and recent travel before attending a clinic in person.

    Archana Koirala has worked on projects funded by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care and NSW Health. She is the chair of Vaccination Special Interest Group and a committee member of Australian and New Zealand Paediatric Infectious Diseases Group of the Australasian Society of Infectious Diseases.

    Kristine Macartney is the Director of the Australian National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS). NCIRS receives funding from the Australian government Department of Health and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, NSW and other state and territory health departments, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization, the NHMRC, the MRFF and the Wellcome Trust.

    – ref. Travelling overseas? You could be at risk of measles. Here’s how to ensure you’re protected – https://theconversation.com/travelling-overseas-you-could-be-at-risk-of-measles-heres-how-to-ensure-youre-protected-252802

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Danish leaders reject US claims on Greenland

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A man takes photos in Nuuk, capital of Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, March 19, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Thursday reaffirmed that Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark, rejecting recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the United States would “go as far as they have to” to acquire the island.

    “Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. That is not going to change,” Frederiksen told Danish media. “Greenland belongs to the Greenlandic people,” she added.

    Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen also criticized what he called a “false narrative” in U.S. political circles suggesting Greenland is eager to become American.

    Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen described Trump’s rhetoric as a “veiled threat” and “deeply inappropriate,” warning that the United States was escalating tensions. “It is the people of Greenland who determine Greenland’s future,” he said.

    Meanwhile, a demonstration has been planned in front of the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen on Saturday to protest what organizers call “unwanted pressure” from Washington.

    The White House announced Tuesday that Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, will visit Pituffik Space Base on Friday to meet U.S. troops and review the security situation. Earlier plans for Usha Vance to attend cultural events in Nuuk and Sisimiut, including a dog sled race, have been canceled.

    Greenland had been a Danish colony until 1953 when it became an integral part of Denmark. In 1979, Greenland achieved home rule, gaining greater self-governance while Denmark retained authority over its foreign and defense policy.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese, Iranian, Russian navies conduct joint maritime exercise

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The naval forces of China, Iran and Russia conducted a joint exercise code-named “Security Belt 2025” near Iran’s Chabahar Port from March 9 to 13, a Chinese defense spokesperson said Thursday.
    Under the theme “Building Peace and Security Together,” the three sides dispatched over 10 vessels, as well as special operation forces and diving units to join the exercise, which focused on counter-terrorism and counter-piracy operations, said Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, at a press conference.
    The exercise tested tactical command coordination and joint operational capabilities of the participating forces, and deepened military trust and practical cooperation among the three countries, the spokesperson said.
    Noting that China, Iran and Russia have successfully conducted five joint maritime exercises since 2019, Wu said China is willing to actively engage in maritime security cooperation with all parties, and make new contributions to global and regional peace and stability.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump’s sweeping auto tariffs trigger strong global backlash

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    People test-drive a vehicle during a media preview of the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, the United States, on Nov. 21, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump has announced sweeping 25 percent tariffs on imported automobiles and certain automobile parts, a move that has sparked strong reactions from major trading partners and industry leaders worldwide.

    The announcement has drawn immediate backlash from American auto dealers and industry analysts, who warn that the tariffs will significantly drive up car prices and hurt consumers already facing rising costs.

    Cody Lusk, president and CEO of the American International Automobile Dealers Association, issued a statement cautioning that the tariffs would burden American families.

    “For auto dealers and their customers, already reeling from rising vehicle and parts prices, as well as high interest rates and insurance costs, these new tariffs pose an additional and unwelcome challenge to affordability,” Lusk said. “Tariffs can play an important role in balancing trade relationships and ensuring national security. But increasing barriers to trade also puts added pressure on the wallets of American families.”

    Industry experts echo these concerns. Kenneth Kim, senior economist at KPMG, estimated in a research note that new vehicle prices could increase by several thousand U.S. dollars, with some reaching hikes of 10,000 dollars or more.

    John Murphy, senior vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, warned that the tariffs would harm rather than help the U.S. auto industry.

    “The tariffs announced today will harm — not help — the U.S. auto industry, endanger many American jobs, and lead to a hollowing out of auto manufacturing in the United States,” Murphy said.

    Beyond the United States, global responses to the tariffs have been swift and firm. In Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the measure, calling it “a direct attack” on Canadian workers. During his election campaign, Carney had vowed that his government would explore possible retaliatory measures.

    Previously, Carney had announced a “strategic response fund” worth 2 billion Canadian dollars (1.4 billion U.S. dollars) to bolster domestic manufacturing and counteract the impact of the tariffs. He emphasized the need to strengthen Canada’s auto sector by reducing reliance on cross-border supply chains.

    Auto parts often cross the border multiple times, and the added costs of tariffs and counter-tariffs would quickly snowball. Carney called that a “huge vulnerability” and promised to build an “all-in-Canada” manufacturing network to build more car parts domestically, limiting how often they cross the border during production.

    In Europe, the reaction was similarly critical. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed deep regret over the U.S. decision, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic trade.

    “The automotive industry is a driver of innovation, competitiveness and high-quality jobs, with deeply integrated supply chains on both sides of the Atlantic,” von der Leyen said in a statement. She added that tariffs “are bad for businesses, worse for consumers” in both the United States and the EU.

    She added that the EU would assess the implications of the U.S. decision while continuing to seek negotiated solutions.

    Germany’s automotive industry issued a strong rebuke, with Hildegard Muller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, warning that the tariffs would disrupt global supply chains and damage trade relations.

    “These additional tariffs will not only impact European manufacturers but also have direct consequences for the U.S. economy itself. The fallout from such measures threatens growth and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic,” Muller stated, calling for immediate U.S.-EU negotiations to establish a fair trade agreement.

    Britain has also raised concerns about the potential fallout. British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves warned that escalating trade tensions would harm both economies.

    “Trade wars are no good for anyone. It will end up with higher prices for consumers, pushing up inflation after we’ve worked so hard to get a grip of inflation, and at the same time, will make it harder for British companies to export,” Reeves told local media on Thursday. “We are looking to secure a better trading relationship with the United States,” she added, noting that further discussions would take place later in the week.

    British industry leaders echoed her concerns. Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, described the tariffs as “disappointing” and urged the United States and Britain to seek a constructive resolution.

    “Rather than imposing additional tariffs, we should explore ways in which opportunities for both British and American manufacturers can be created as part of a mutually beneficial relationship, benefitting consumers and creating jobs and growth across the Atlantic,” Hawes said, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong trade ties.

    Japan, a key supplier of automobiles to the United States, is also bracing for economic repercussions. According to the Japan Research Institute, automobile production in the country is expected to decline by 4.3 percent annually due to reduced U.S. sales, while overall industrial production could drop by 0.6 percent as a result of the expanded tariffs.

    Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated that Japan would consider all options to counter the impact of the tariffs.

    “We are strongly urging the United States not to apply the 25 percent tariff to Japan,” Ishiba said, highlighting Japan’s contributions to the U.S. economy through investment and job creation. He also questioned the fairness of applying a uniform tariff to all countries.

    As the global backlash mounts, tensions between the United States and its key trading partners are intensifying, raising the stakes for future trade negotiations and economic stability.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: An NSU graduate from the Republic of Korea has published a book about Russian-speaking residents of his country

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    A book entitled “Cheonan Independent Cultural City Archives 2024” has been published in the Republic of Korea, containing 10 entries about its Russian-speaking residents. The author of the publication is Oh Dong-gon, a graduate of Novosibirsk State University who studied at the NSU Humanities Institute in 2014-2015 under the student exchange program between the Busan University of Foreign Studies and NSU.

    Cheonan, the largest city in Chungnam Province, was selected as one of the first “legally established cultural cities” by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea in December 2019. From 2020 to 2024, the “Cheonan Culture City” project was promoted under the motto “An independent cultural city where the cultural sovereignty of residents is realized.” Oh Dong-gun served as a people’s correspondent for the Cheonan Culture City Center of the Chungnam Provincial Information and Cultural Industry Promotion Agency from June to October 2024. He interviewed Russian-speaking citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan living in Cheonan.

    The book presents 10 conversations with Russian-speaking residents of Cheokang, engaged in such areas as culture and art, beauty and health, restaurant business and trade, manufacturing and medicine, as well as social activities – participation in the work of the branch of the Koryo-saram Association in the Republic of Korea. The publication describes the experience of visiting the art and history museums in Cheonan by Russian-speaking students living and studying in the city of Asan, neighboring Cheonan. It also tells about a Russian grocery store in the Sinbudong quarter of the Dongnam district of the city of Cheonan, where a large number of Russian-speaking residents live.

    Oh Dong-gon says that his experience as a public correspondent for the Cheonan City Culture Center and as a Korean-Russian language tour guide at the Cheonan City Art Museum under the Cheonan Culture Foundation helped him in working on the book. For this work, he was selected as the best cultural volunteer last year and received a letter of thanks from the CEO of the Cheonan Culture Foundation for his contribution to local culture.

    — I am very glad that in the last year of the Cheonan Cultural City project, I was able to get acquainted with the lives of Russian-speaking residents who are members of the Cheonan and Korean society and wrote about them. The Cheonan Cultural City project was a valuable opportunity for me to confirm and apply in practice my knowledge of the Russian language, as well as the knowledge of the cultural diversity of territories and the coexistence of different peoples in a multinational society obtained at NSU. I hope that my works will further serve as historical sources of information about the Cheonan Cultural City project and its multinational population, and will also help spread the values of cultural diversity, mutual understanding and coexistence in the society of Cheonan and Korea as a whole. I am confident that my book will contribute to increasing interest in the Russian language, Russia and the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States in Korea, — said Oh Dong-gon.

    Reference:

    Oh Dongon is a citizen of the Republic of Korea, a graduate of the Russian Language Department at the Busan University of Foreign Studies.

    He studied Russian at the Busan University of Foreign Studies under Irina Mironyuk, senior lecturer at the Center for International Educational Programs at the Humanities Institute. In 2014–2015, he completed an internship at the Faculty of Humanities (since 2016, the Humanities Institute of NSU) of Novosibirsk State University under the scientific supervision of Sergei Alkin, associate professor at the Department of Archeology and Ethnography at the Humanities Institute.

    Oh Dong-gon’s research on regional studies and local history of Korea and Russia, including the history of passenger ships between Korea and Russia, Russian-speaking immigrants in Sinchang Township, Asan City, were presented in Russian by a Russian scholar.

    Currently, Oh Dong-gun works at the International Student Support Center of the Office of International Education and Cooperation of Sooncheonhyang University in Asan City.

    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 –

    March 28, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Flower festival teams tradition with technology

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    With spring arriving in Shanghai and vibrant flowers blooming across the city, the annual Huazhao Festival held in the city’s Yuyuan is attracting visitors in traditional Chinese culture in a modern, dynamic way.

    The flower festival, held the second month of the lunar calendar to celebrate the flower goddess’ birthday, boasts a history of over 2,000 years. According to ancient beliefs, the flower goddess controls human reproduction, and celebrating her birthday has become a custom to bring prosperity.

    Running until the end of April, this year’s festival integrates traditional culture with modern technology, offering visitors a feast for the eyes and ears. Colorful light shows, parades of performers dressed as the flower goddess, and dance and musical performances are taking place at landmarks within Yuyuan, including its Central Plaza, Gold Plaza and Jiuqu (Zigzag) Bridge areas.

    Decorated with floral elements, the ancient architecture and sets are transformed into stages. With advanced projection technology, the dynamic lights jump to the beat of music on building roofs and laser beams flash across the fog on the lotus pond, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

    The music for the light show was tailor-made for Yuyuan by a French musical team, presenting a unique blend of East and West influences, tradition and modernity.

    Against the architectural backdrop, dance and music performances feature guofeng, a Chinese style that uses traditional cultural elements. The dance performance in the Central Plaza is a reproduction of a famed painting depicting ladies with floral headdresses in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and the folk music duet in the Gold Plaza blends ancient Chinese music with modern melodies, drawing large crowds.

    In addition to the innovative technologies and eye-catching shows, a slew of interactive activities are offered during the festival, particularly targeting young audiences. Working with the makeup team of Xiaohongshu (RedNote), a popular Chinese lifestyle platform, the festival includes a market offering visitors immersive experiences such as traditional makeup, fragrance sachet-making, flower hair-pinning, hair braiding, an arrow toss and poetry writing.

    “We are bringing some of our beauty bloggers and vloggers to the market to share their experiences. There are many visitors from home and abroad and we want to demonstrate our Chinese traditions and culture,” says Xu Tongru from the makeup team at Xiaohongshu.

    Wang Qiru, a 33-year-old makeup artist and popular makeup vlogger on the platform, was invited to the market to meet her followers and offer visitors to experience a popular makeup style from the Tang Dynasty. Becoming a makeup artist specializing in restoring ancient makeup styles in 2022, she hopes to help more audiences learn about this art form.

    “Most of my clients are 20 to 35 years old, and I have seen more people paying attention to our traditional culture recently. Although it is easy to gain interest and basic knowledge of traditional culture, such as hanfu and makeup, it takes a lot of time and effort if you go deep into it,” says Wang, noting that abundant knowledge of ancient Chinese history and culture is necessary for doing such classic makeup.

    Zhang Ruiqi, a 19-year-old university student in Shanghai, is one of Wang’s followers. Dressed up and doing makeup at Wang’s booth, she says she has been fond of ancient Chinese makeup since she was younger.

    “I find it interesting to dig into history by restoring ancient makeup styles. At first, my interest in traditional clothing was triggered by costume dramas but when I learned about real hanfu, I felt more fascinated. It’s worth studying,” she says with a smile.

    Foreign visitors at Yuyuan share Zhang’s perspective despite knowing little about the festival before attending. Gerald Mohnl, a 57-year-old Austrian, gained a “nice” experience at Yuyuan on his last day of a business trip to China. Making his first visit to the country and Shanghai, he was impressed by the electric vehicles and described the city as “very clean and super modern”.

    “We went through Yuyuan, which was a really nice experience. There are a lot of traditional buildings here. Chinese culture is interesting and totally different from our culture. It is very comfortable with friendly people,” he says.

    Susan Willis, an Australian nurse on her first visit to Shanghai, was about to finish her 10-day trip and was impressed by the buildings at Yuyuan.

    “The architecture is lovely, traditional and classic. Shanghai is an innovative and spectacular city,” she says, adding that she knew little about Chinese culture and felt she learned a lot.

    MIL OSI China News –

    March 28, 2025
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