NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three guilty of conspiracy to murder following Woodford Green shooting in 2019

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Three men who shot a rival in his own home in east London have been convicted following a meticulous investigation that saw a combination of forensic and data-based evidence prove their guilt.

    Daniel Kelly, along with brothers Stewart and Louis Ahearne, were found guilty of conspiracy to murder at the conclusion of a trial at the Old Bailey on Monday, 24 March.

    The jury heard evidence that Kelly and the Ahearnes carried out the shooting in Woodford Green on 11 July 2019 after weeks of careful planning, including surveillance of their intended target after putting a tracking device on the car he used so they could follow his movements.

    On the night of the shooting, the three travelled from their homes in southeast London to Woodford Green using a car that had been hired two days earlier by Stewart Ahearne.

    While he waited in the car which was parked in Worcester Avenue, Kelly and Louis Ahearne snuck into a garden of a house on the street which overlooked the back garden of their target’s house in Malvern Drive. At around 23:09hrs, six shots were fired through the back doors and windows of the house in Malvern Drive, at least one of which struck their target – a man who was aged 45 at the time – who was standing in the kitchen.

    Kelly and Ahearne fled back to the waiting car which drove away, leaving their victim fighting for his life.

    Police and the London Ambulance Service attended. The victim was taken to hospital for emergency surgery that while saving his life would leave him permanently paralysed. Detectives secured the scene and began to piece together what had happened.

    Over the course of the coming weeks, several vital evidential breakthroughs took place.

    Following a forensic analysis of the victim’s house and garden area, DNA profiles were recovered from a fence area of the adjoining property in Worcester Avenue where the two suspects had fired the shots from. These profiles provided matches for both Kelly and Louis Ahearne.

    Bullet casings found in the garden, and bullets found inside the address that had missed their target enabled detectives to establish the firearm used was a Glock SLP handgun. A search of Kelly’s address carried out in late August 2019 recovered a laser sight that was compatible with this weapon.

    CCTV analysis of the area surrounding Malvern Drive picked up the car driven by Stewart Ahearne – this provided a vehicle registration number which detectives were able to use to confirm this was a hire car. After tracking down the venue it was hired from, the company were able to confirm Stewart Ahearne’s details as the vehicle’s hirer.

    Using various techniques including ANPR and CCTV cameras, detectives pieced together the movements of the car after it was hired on 9 July 2019 in Dartford. Detectives subsequently established that the car had been used to commit a burglary at an address in Sevenoaks, Kent that same evening.

    It was confirmed the car had travelled from southeast London where the three suspects were based, up to the Woodford Green area on both the 10 and 11 July prior to the trip to carry out the shooting.

    On the 10 July, the defendants undertook a journey tracking a car known to be used by the victim. The court heard how the defendants had fitted a tracking device to the victim’s vehicle. Using an iPad, which was subsequently thrown into the River Thames but later recovered by officers, to track the car’s movements, the suspects now knew when and where their target would be.

    Detectives also used phone data from devices attributed to Kelly and the Ahearnes to help track their movement both before and after the shooting. Marrying this up with camera footage from ANPR and CCTV, they could map the hire car following the victim’s car prior to the shooting.

    Following the shooting, Stewart Ahearne returned the car to the hire company on 12 July. Even though it was subsequently re-hired, by 17 July officers had established it had been used by the suspects and traced it to Birmingham Airport. The car was forensically analysed and Kelly’s fingerprints were found on two places in the vehicle.

    By October 2019, detectives were in a position to start making arrests. Between 30 October 2019 and 23 January 2020, all three suspects were arrested. All denied their involvement but the evidence that detectives had diligently compiled meant the three were charged.

    Detectives continued to pursue all lines of enquiry and by piecing together the movements of Kelly and the Ahearnes an iPad used by Kelly to track the movements of the victim was recovered from the River Thames in 2024.

    During the intervening period, the Met investigation team worked as part of a joint investigation with law enforcement teams from Switzerland. A burglary of the Museum of Far Eastern Arts had occurred in Geneva a month prior to this shooting with items of historical value stolen.

    The court heard how elements of that offending echoed this shooting, including the use of a Renault Captur hire vehicle.

    A Ming dynasty vase stolen in the burglary was recovered by the investigation team in London in October 2020.

    Stewart and Louis Ahearne were extradited to Switzerland, they stood trial and were convicted in January 2024. Both were subsequently returned to the United Kingdom on extradition to be tried for this incident.

    Detective Superintendent Matt Webb who led the investigation said:

    “The court heard how the defendants, hardened organised criminals, acted together in a well-planned and orchestrated manner to shoot their victim. It is only for the intervention of police first responder and medical professionals that the victim wasn’t killed. This attack may look like the plot to a Hollywood blockbuster but the reality is something quite different. This was horrific criminality. The court heard how this was a clear and defined attempt to take a man’s life with those responsible making significant efforts to ensure this was successful.

    “This conviction follows a number of years of investigation, I would like to thank our criminal justice partners and the investigation team for their diligence and tenacity in the attempt to bring those responsible to justice. The message here to those engaging in serious and organised crime is one I want to make very clear – the Metropolitan Police will not tolerate serious violence and the use of firearms in our communities; we will leave no stone unturned in bringing you to justice.

    “Daniel Kelly, Louis and Stewart Ahearne will now undoubtedly face significant custodial sentences and I hope this time at His Majesty’s pleasure provides them the opportunity to reflect on their criminality and the impact it has on society.”

    = The three defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to murder and were remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at the Old Bailey on a date to be confirmed:

    Daniel Kelly – 46 (26.10.78) of no fixed address;
    Stewart Ahearne – 46 (21.08.78) of no fixed address;
    Louis Ahearne – 36 (02.12.88) of no fixed address.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Brutal Barriers

    Source: Oxfam –

    This report has been produced in partnership between Oxfam and Egala, a grassroots organization providing humanitarian aid, medical support and legal assistance to people on the move at the Poland–Belarus border. It collects extensive existing evidence, testimonies from Egala volunteers and workers on the ground, and the voices of people seeking protection, in order to document the human consequences of restrictive, illegal and inhumane policies at this border.

    Please note that this report includes descriptions and images that may cause distress, including images of open wounds and references to physical and sexual violence. While it is necessary to share these experiences to raise awareness of the situation for people crossing the Poland–Belarus border, please take your own wellbeing into consideration when reading this report.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to have conversations with people who fall for misinformation this election campaign

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jaigris Hodson, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Royal Roads University

    Canadians head to the polls on April 28. Like other recent general elections, both in Canada and around the world, this federal election campaign is sure to be characterized by polarized misinformation.

    We all have someone in our families or social circles who has political opinions grounded in false or misleading information. Whether the source of that information is Russian bots on social media, high-profile podcasters or Fox News, it’s easy to dread election-time conversations as misinformation strains our most important relationships.

    But perhaps we can approach these conversations as an opportunity to push back against growing polarization in our communities.

    My research shows that polarization and misinformation often go hand in hand, and when they do, the information being spread is strongly resistant to being corrected by way of evidence.

    But when we truly begin to listen to the people who believe misinformation, we can often help counter false claims. So in this upcoming election, how can we push back against election misinformation when we hear it? Let’s examine some strategies.



    Read more:
    5 expert tips to protect yourself from online misinformation

    The role of anxiety

    Most people think that others who believe misinformation will change their minds if provided with the right evidence, but that’s simply not true.

    People have good reasons for not wanting to change their minds, even when confronted with contradictory facts. One of the key personality traits linked to the belief in misinformation turns out to be anxiety. This can manifest in ways that resist correction.

    For example, most of us feel anxious when we have to hold two conflicting beliefs at the same time. So if we already believe misinformation and are confronted with evidence to the contrary, we may reject the evidence to avoid the dissonance of managing both beliefs.

    Additionally, people might believe something because others in their social group believe it, meaning there is social anxiety associated with rejecting the group’s belief, even if it’s wrong.

    Finally, anxiety about the future can drive people to accept misinformation that helps to relieve those fears.

    Taken together, this means that correcting political misinformation, which involves all three of the above triggers — self, social and future anxiety — cannot be accomplished solely by providing evidence. We need to mitigate these anxieties while engaging in gentle correction since outright correcting can make the anxieties worse.

    The ‘AIMS’ method

    Motivational interviewing is a proven method of pushing back against another type of polarizing misinformation: health misinformation.

    One particular approach to motivational interviewing, known as the AIMS method, has been successfully tested in Canada for countering vaccine misinformation.

    AIMS stands for Announce, Inquire, Mirror and Secure. It provides a way to address misinformation while building the sort of connection and trust that people need to reduce the anxiety that is the trigger for believing misinformation in the first place.

    The first step, Announce, is where the topic is approached. In the medical world, this usually occurs when a doctor announces that it’s time for a vaccine, but in the world of political misinformation, the announcement doesn’t have to come from a professional.

    Instead, Announce can occur when the person you are talking to announces a piece of political misinformation, like the claim that the government is vaccinating people for the purposes of controlling the population. Announce is basically where the process of addressing misinformation begins.

    Inquire is the step where motivational interviewing really begins to differ from a conventional approach of simply providing evidence to back up a false claim. In this second step, it’s important to ask questions, and approach the misinformation with a sense of curiosity.

    Basically, as you probe more and more deeply, you’re trying to understand the anxieties that are driving the misinformation belief.

    As you ask questions, you begin to also engage in the third step, Mirror. Mirroring means checking in, and repeating what you’re hearing so that the person you are talking to recognizes they’re being heard. At this stage, you can begin to introduce pieces of evidence that disprove the claims being made, but only after you truly understand the person’s concerns and can reflect them back.

    It’s also important to manage how you introduce contradictory evidence. It must be done with compassion and a gentle but reassuring manner.

    Finally, when all the concerns have been addressed, you can begin the final step, which is to Secure trust. Here you can follow up on the announcement that sparked the discussion — the original piece of misinformation — and see if the person you’re talking to now feels differently than they did before.

    Importantly, you may not be successful at securing this step in just one conversation, but if you have conducted the other steps properly, you will have built important trust that, over time, is more likely to help you counter future misinformation with the person you’re talking to.

    Preserving relationships

    Combating any misinformation, and especially political misinformation, is not a quick or easy process. It may have to take place in repeated discussions over a long period of time.

    Political misinformation is particularly difficult to counter because political views are often tied deeply to people’s self-identity, and also because political misinformation is often shared within social groups.

    But if you engage in motivated interviewing this election season, you may make a small difference. At the very least, you will help to preserve relationships with friends and loved ones that are often frayed when political misinformation enters the picture.

    Jaigris Hodson is funded through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada’s Canada Research Chairs Program.

    – ref. How to have conversations with people who fall for misinformation this election campaign – https://theconversation.com/how-to-have-conversations-with-people-who-fall-for-misinformation-this-election-campaign-252667

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Who gets to brand Puerto Rico: Its tourism agency or its biggest star?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Carlos A. Suárez Carrasquillo, Associate Instructional Professor in Political Science, Center for Latin American Studies, University of Florida

    The Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny is one of the biggest stars of the music world. After becoming Spotify’s most-streamed artist for three years in a row – the first and only artist ever to do so – he sold out all 49 dates of his 2024 U.S. tour, netting US$211 million.

    Earlier this year, after Bad Bunny co-hosted “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and announced a 21-show residency in Puerto Rico, the recently reelected mayor of San Juan, Miguel Romero, quipped that the artist had done a better job of promoting Puerto Rico than the island’s official destination marketing organization.

    That agency, Discover Puerto Rico, was founded in 2017 to market the island to both tourists and investors. Established during the administration of Gov. Ricardo Rosselló, it was part of a broader effort to professionalize Puerto Rico’s place branding and underscored the importance of tourism to the island’s economy.

    As a scholar of Puerto Rican politics and place branding – and a native Puerto Rican – I think this case study raises interesting public policy questions: Who gets to brand Puerto Rico? Why does it matter if a place has a brand anyway? And if political leaders are dissatisfied with an agency whose sole purpose is to market the island, what comes next?

    It’s not just a place – it’s a brand

    Historically, place-branding campaigns have been led by governments seeking to attract tourism and investment. One of the most iconic examples was the “I Love New York” campaign, launched in 1977 as a collaboration between New York City and private partners. Similar public-private models became more common in the decades that followed.

    Puerto Rico has seen various branding efforts over the years. Early boosterism efforts emerged during the first half of the 20th century, and in 1970, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company was created to promote the island as a
    tourist destination. By the 1990s, many Puerto Rican municipalities had begun adopting different place branding strategies.

    During Puerto Rico’s deepening fiscal crisis in the 2010s, branding efforts remained a bipartisan priority. But the two dominant political parties – the pro-territory Partido Popular Democrático, and the pro-statehood Partido Nuevo Progresista – each rebranded the island every time a new administration took office, raising concerns about consistency. The last major government-led initiative before Discover Puerto Rico was the “Isla Estrella” campaign, which included a sponsorship deal with Spain’s Sevilla FC soccer team.

    The ‘Discover Puerto Rico’ era

    In 2017, Discover Puerto Rico took control over the island’s place-branding efforts. However, its performance has been polarizing, with critics pointing to significant blunders. For example, an early ad in its “Live Boricua” campaign sparked backlash for featuring a family that didn’t look like most Puerto Ricans.

    Beyond its marketing blunders, Discover Puerto Rico has struggled to navigate Puerto Rico’s politically charged place-branding landscape. In fact, it has been contested from the start, and remains so, as recently elected Gov. Jennifer González evaluates its future. It remains unclear to what extent efficiency and economic development will serve as the main criteria for evaluating its success, and to what extent party politics will influence the decision-making process.

    Just a day before Mayor Romero made his remark about Bad Bunny, Discover Puerto Rico’s CEO, Brad Dean, resigned, taking a similar role in St. Louis. Dean has argued that during his tenure, Discover Puerto Rico has driven significant increases in tourism and tourism spending. While these self-reported figures suggest success, they don’t address a critical issue – the long-standing political controversy surrounding Puerto Rico’s branding.

    Pop culture carries the weight

    At the same time the future of Discover Puerto Rico remains uncertain, the island has gained unparalleled international attention thanks to popular music.

    Reggaetón, an urban genre that originated in Puerto Rico in the 1990s, has amassed a massive global fan base, extending beyond Puerto Rico and Latin America to the rest of the world. In 2017, Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi’s video for the worldwide hit “Despacito” turned La Perla, a working-class barrio in Old San Juan, into a magnet for tourists from all over the world.

    “Despacito” prompted a surge of visits to La Perla, as the French news agency AFP noted.

    More recently, in January 2025, Bad Bunny released his latest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” which taps into traditional Puerto Rican music genres such as bomba, plena and música jíbara that aren’t usually associated with reggaetón. It charted at No. 1. Bad Bunny also announced a Puerto Rico-exclusive concert series, with some dates reserved for locals and others open to fans worldwide.

    The success of Puerto Rican reggaetón artists raises an important question: Why have these organic cultural movements been so effective – perhaps even more so than the official expert-driven place-marketing agency – in promoting Puerto Rico as a brand?

    I think the answer probably lies in authenticity. Unlike government-led initiatives, reggaetón’s global appeal stems from its cultural resonance and emotional connection with audiences worldwide, regardless of politics.

    At this critical juncture for the island’s tourism agency, perhaps Discover Puerto Rico should rebrand itself as “Discover the Birthplace of Reggaetón.”

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

    – ref. Who gets to brand Puerto Rico: Its tourism agency or its biggest star? – https://theconversation.com/who-gets-to-brand-puerto-rico-its-tourism-agency-or-its-biggest-star-248825

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ukraine will need major rebuilding when war ends − here’s why the US isn’t likely to invest in its recovery with a new Marshall Plan

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Frank A. Blazich Jr., Curator of Military History, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution

    Europe after World War II? No, it’s the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in 2023, after a year of Russian bombardment. AP Photo, File

    President Donald Trump wants Ukraine to repay the United States for helping to defend the country against Russia’s invasion.

    Since 2022, Congress has provided about US$174 billion to Ukraine and neighboring countries to assist its war effort. Trump inflated this figure to $350 billion in a March 2025 White House meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. Separately, he has suggested Ukraine could reimburse the U.S. by giving America access to its minerals.

    Ukraine is rich in titanium, graphite, manganese and other rare earth metals used to produce electric vehicle batteries and other tech devices.

    Mining and refining these critical mineral resources would require major investment in infrastructure and economic development, including in parts of Ukraine severely damaged by fighting. Some analysts are calling for a return to the European Recovery Program, commonly known as the Marshall Plan.

    The Marshall Plan used $13.3 billion in U.S. funds – roughly $171 billion in today’s dollars – to rebuild war-torn Western Europe from 1948 to late 1951. It is often evoked as a solution for reconstruction following global crises. Yet as a military historian and curator, I find that the Marshall Plan is not well understood.

    For the U.S., the economic gains of the Marshall Plan did not come from European countries’ repaying loans or allowing the U.S. to extract their raw materials. Rather, the U.S. has benefited enormously from a half-century of goodwill, democratic stability and economic success in Europe.

    European nations turn inward

    After World War II ended in 1945, Western Europe faced a staggering burden of destruction and upheaval.

    Allied bombardment of major industrial areas and German cities such as Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne had created massive housing shortages. Meanwhile, fighting through agricultural areas and a critical manpower shortage had curtailed food production. What harvest there was could not get to hungry civilians because so many of Europe’s roads, bridges and ports had been destroyed.

    The United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany and other European governments were buried in debt after so many years of war. They could not afford to rebuild on their own. Yet rather than cooperating on their mutual economic reconstruction, European nations looked inward, focusing primarily on their own political challenges.

    The continent was politically and militarily divided, too. Europe’s western half was influenced by the democratic, capitalistic forces led by the U.S. Eastern Europe was beholden to the communist, command-economy forces of the Soviet Union.

    In a 1946 speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill articulated Europe’s growing postwar divide. Over the ruins of proud nations, he said, “an iron curtain” had “descended across the continent.”

    US looks abroad

    Unlike Europe, the U.S. emerged from World War II as the wealthiest nation in the world, with its territory intact and unharmed. Its steel and oil industries were booming. By 1947, the U.S. was the clear successor to Great Britain as the world’s superpower.

    But President Harry Truman feared the ambitions of the war’s other great victor – the Soviet Union. In March 1947, he announced a new doctrine to contain communist expansion southward across Europe by giving $400 million in military and economic aid to Greece and Turkey.

    Around the same time, U.S. Secretary of State George Marshall met with Soviet officials to plan Germany’s future. Following the Nazis’ surrender in May 1945, Germany had been divided into four occupied zones administered by U.S., British, French and Soviet forces.

    Each nation had its own goals for its section of Germany. The U.S. wanted to revitalize Germany politically and economically, believing that a moribund Germany would thwart the economic reconstruction of all of Europe.

    Marshall hoped that the Soviets would cooperate, but Soviet ruler Josef Stalin preferred extracting reparations from a prostrate Germany to investing in its recovery. A vibrant German economic engine, the Soviets felt, could just as easily rearm to attack the Russian countryside for the third time that century.

    The Truman administration chose to unilaterally rebuild the three western Allied sectors of Germany – and Western Europe.

    Marshall outlined his plan at a commencement address at Harvard University in June 1947. American action to restore global economic health, he said, would provide the foundation for political stability and peace in Europe. And an economically healthy Western Europe, in turn, would inhibit the spread of communism by plainly demonstrating the benefits of capitalism.

    “Our policy is not directed against any country,” Marshall said, “but against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos.”

    Marshall’s plan

    Marshall invited all European nations to participate in drafting a plan to first address the immediate humanitarian aid of Europe’s people, then rebuild its infrastructure. The U.S. would pay for it all.

    For nearly bankrupt European nations, it was a lifeline.

    In September 1947, the new Committee for European Economic Co-operation, composed of 16 Western – but not Eastern – European nations, delivered its proposal to Washington.

    It would take a masterful legislative strategy for the Democratic Truman administration to persuade the Republican-led Congress to pass this $13 billion bill. It succeeded thanks to the dedicated effort of Republican Sen. Arthur Vandenberg, who convinced his isolationist colleagues that the Marshall Plan would halt the expansion of communism and benefit American economic growth.

    In April 1948, Truman signed the Economic Cooperation Act. By year’s end, over $2 billion had reached Europe, and its industrial production had finally surpassed prewar levels seen in 1939.

    NATO is born

    Along with economic stability, the Truman administration recognized that Europe needed military security to defend against communist encroachment by the Soviet Union.

    In July 1949, 12 European countries, the U.S. and Canada established the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. NATO committed each member country to the mutual defense of fellow NATO members.

    Since 1947, NATO has steadily expanded eastward to include Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and other former Soviet satellite states directly bordering Russia.

    Ukraine, which declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, is not yet a NATO member. But it desperately wants to be.

    Ukraine applied for NATO membership in 2022 after Russia’s invasion. Its application is pending. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said any peace deal with Ukraine must bar NATO membership.

    Would a Marshall Plan work for Ukraine?

    Modern-day Ukraine mirrors the Western European countries of the Marshall Plan era in meaningful ways.

    It suffers from the physical devastation of war, with its major cities heavily damaged. The threat of military attack from hostile neighbors remains urgent. And it has a functional, democratic government that would – in peacetime – be capable of receiving and distributing aid to develop the nation’s economic growth and stability.

    U.S. global leadership, however, has changed dramatically since 1948.

    Outright American taxpayer financing of Ukraine’s reconstruction seems impossible. Any plan to reconstruct the country after war will likely require public funding from multiple nations and substantial private investment. That private investment could well include mineral extraction and refinement ventures.

    Ultimately, Ukraine’s recovery will most likely involve Ukraine and neighboring nations reaching agreement to restore its economic and military security. The European Union, which Ukraine also seeks to join, has the bureaucratic and economic resources necessary to reconstruct Ukraine, restore peace and ease tensions on the continent.

    Any future Marshall Plan for Ukraine will probably be European.

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

    – ref. Ukraine will need major rebuilding when war ends − here’s why the US isn’t likely to invest in its recovery with a new Marshall Plan – https://theconversation.com/ukraine-will-need-major-rebuilding-when-war-ends-heres-why-the-us-isnt-likely-to-invest-in-its-recovery-with-a-new-marshall-plan-251872

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Vital flood defence works on the River Rother due to start

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Vital flood defence works on the River Rother due to start

    The Environment Agency is beginning work to replace the flood gate at the Canklow Regulator on the River Rother in South Yorkshire.

    An image of the gate at Canklow Regulator taken from above.

    The Environment Agency is set to begin essential works to replace the flood gate known as the Canklow Regulator on the River Rother, which runs into the River Don in Rotherham town centre.

    The works form part of a wider project to enhance flood resilience for communities along the River Don between Rotherham and Doncaster.

    Starting in April 2025, the existing flood gate at Canklow will be removed and replaced with a new, more resilient structure.

    This work is expected to take approximately five to six months to complete. Once operational, the new gate will play a crucial role in managing water flows and reducing the long-term risk of flooding for homes and businesses downstream.

    The Environment Agency operates three regulators on the River Rother to help mitigate flood risk:

    • Meadowgate Regulator – located at Rother Valley Country Park
    • Woodhouse Mill Regulator – located at Woodhouse Mill
    • Canklow Regulator – located between Catcliffe and Canklow

    These regulators are used to hold back and store water in flood storage areas on the River Rother during flood events. This ‘slows the flow’ and reduces the risk of flooding to properties downstream on the River Don between Rotherham and Doncaster.

    The works at Canklow are part of the Environment Agency’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving flood defences in South Yorkshire.

    Last year, the Woodhouse Mill Regulator suffered an operational failure and could not be lifted out of the river, resulting in water accumulating in the washland there. However,  measures have now been taken to lift the gate so that water can continually flow at this site.

    This issue will mean that both the Woodhouse Mill and Canklow Regulators will not be operational whilst the gate at Canklow is replaced and may result in a small temporary increase in flood risk to downstream communities.

    Replacing the gate at Canklow over the coming months, aims to ensure that there will be two regulators in operation ahead of next winter.

    Kimberley MacPherson, Environment Agency Operations Manager said:

    We know the devastating impact that flooding can have so the decision to proceed with these works has been carefully considered. We will be taking as many precautions as possible to mitigate any temporary increase in flood risk.  

    The Meadowgate Regulator was successfully replaced in 2024 and is now fully operational. We are aiming to build on that success with the replacement of the Canklow Regulator.

    We remain committed to keeping residents and businesses updated throughout the project.

    With two of the three regulators set to be out of service, the following measures are being implemented to minimise risk:

    • Scheduling the works during the drier months of the year (April to September), when the likelihood of extreme weather events is lower.
    • Operating the newly installed Meadowgate Regulator to help manage water flows.
    • Opening the Canklow flood storage area compartments to maximise available storage capacity.
    • Keeping local communities and stakeholders informed through regular updates and flood warnings.

    Around 6.3 million properties are at risk of flooding in England.  The Environment Agency urges people to go to gov.uk, check if they’re at risk, and make sure they know what to do if it floods. 

    To sign up for free flood warnings, visit: Sign up for flood warnings – GOV.UK

    You can also follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @EnvAgency for real-time updates and flood risk alerts.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA response to the UK government’s consultation on the resale of live events tickets

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    CMA response to the UK government’s consultation on the resale of live events tickets

    The CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) has published its response to the Department for Business and Trade / Department for Culture, Media and Sport consultation on the resale of live events tickets.

    Documents

    CMA response to consultation on the resale of live events tickets

    PDF, 284 KB, 24 pages

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Details

    The CMA responded to the UK government’s consultation on putting fans first: consultation on the resale of live events tickets in March 2025. The CMA’s response sets out considerations to help government take forward its proposal for a resale price cap for live events tickets, and outlines a model for efficient, targeted enforcement that would help to ensure that any cap met the government’s objectives.

    For queries relating to the response, please contact the CMA advocacy team by email at advocacy@cma.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Man sentenced for offences in relation to flytipping

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Monday, 24th March 2025

    A man has been sentenced for offences in relation to flytipping in Birmingham.

    Adrian Bivolaru, of Parkhill Road, Smethwick, was charged with: depositing controlled waste; allowing controlled waste to be deposited from his vehicle; and two charges of failing to supply information to a waste enforcement officer.

    He has been sentenced to 13 weeks’ jail, suspended for two years, each for depositing controlled waste and allowing controlled waste to be deposited. These are consecutive sentences. He was fined a total of £200 for failing to supply information.

    Mr Bivolaru dumped plastic bags full of insulation waste in Little Edward Street in Digbeth in March last year from his Mercedes van. When investigated by the city council’s waste enforcement unit he failed to provide information as to how he disposed of his waste.

    Officers searched the dumped waste and found evidence linking it to a business. Enquiries with this business then identified that on 13th March 2024 they paid a waste removals company £160 to remove waste from their premises.  Officers were able to identify the vehicle used to remove the rubbish and checks of the registration plate confirmed that Bivolaru was the insurance policyholder and only named driver on the policy. 

    Checks with the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) team identified that the van had entered an area of the CAZ zone in close proximity to Little Edward Street on six occasions between 13/03/24 and 20/03/24. Bivolaru was issued with notices under S71 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requiring him to provide details of the driver of the van on the 13/03/24. He was also issued with a notice under S34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requiring him to provide proof that he had legitimate arrangements for the disposal of his trade waste. He failed to respond to any of these notices.

    In a separate incident in Weoley Castle, a substantial amount of fly-tipping was discovered on 13th June 2023  in Silvington Close. Evidence within the waste identified an individual who paid a waste removal company to take their waste away. Further enquiries then identified their rubbish had been collected by Adrian Bivolaru who at the time was sole Director of a removal services company named Ady Bivolaru Ltd.

    Cllr Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “This was a terrible case of environment vandalism, with piles of commercial waste left strewn across the road. People who do this have no care for the community or people who live and work in the area. As this case demonstrates, we will prosecute when we have evidence so I would urge people to report this sort of behaviour. Well done to the team that investigated and brought the case to court.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Executive Secretary in Rome to strengthen cooperation with Italian Government and UN agencies

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean was in Rome on 18-19 March to meet with high-level officials of the Government of Italy and discuss efforts to strengthen development cooperation across multiple areas, as well as to exchange with principals of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP).  

    In discussions with Federico Eichberg, Chef de Cabinet at the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Ms. Molcean focused on cooperation on corporate sustainability reporting, due diligence and digital product passports. She stressed the importance of UNECE’s tools for traceability along value chains, which were piloted with blockchain and other innovative technologies with brands, retailers and manufacturers of the Italian garment and footwear industry. Discussions also addressed gender equality and the promotion of women entrepreneurship and leadership, in particular knowledge sharing and best practices. 

    The Executive Secretary also met with Edoardo Rixi, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, to discuss Italy’s longstanding contribution to UNECE’s work on transport, in particular on road safety, through the Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety (WP.1), chaired by Luciana Iorio, on vehicle regulations, through the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29), as well as on the transport of dangerous goods and the carriage of goods by rail. She also encouraged Italy to join the Advisory Board of the UN Road Safety Fund hosted by UNECE.   

    Meeting with Davide La Cecilia, Special Envoy for the Reconstruction of Ukraine and Coordinator of the Ukraine Recovery and Resilience Task Force, as well as with Marco Rusconi, Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and Carlo Batori, Deputy Director General for Development Cooperation, the Executive Secretary discussed preparations for the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome (10-11 July).  

    She appreciated Italy’s continued leadership and expected support to UNECE-led UN4UkrainianCities project, which plays a key role in rebuilding Ukraine’s urban centers, in particular Kharkiv and Mykolaiv, with a focus on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.   

    The Executive Secretary also visited the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to meet with Director General Qu Dongyu. UNECE and FAO have had a longstanding cooperation since 1947 on forests. Discussions also touched upon UNECE’s contribution to food systems sustainability through its agricultural quality standards, trade facilitation, ESG traceability and circularity. Cooperation with FAO also includes the promotion of the water-food-energy-ecosystems nexus approach to water resource management. 

    In discussions with Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP), Ms. Molcean underlined the strategic alignment of UNECE’s expertise in sustainable development, trade facilitation and logistics, and particularly agricultural standards, with WFP’s mission in food security and humanitarian aid.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Man sentenced for flytipping offences

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Monday, 24th March 2025

    A man has been sentenced for offences in relation to flytipping in Birmingham.

    Adrian Bivolaru, of Parkhill Road, Smethwick, was charged with: depositing controlled waste; allowing controlled waste to be deposited from his vehicle; and two charges of failing to supply information to a waste enforcement officer.

    He has been sentenced to 13 weeks’ jail, suspended for two years, each for depositing controlled waste and allowing controlled waste to be deposited. These are consecutive sentences. He was fined a total of £200 for failing to supply information.

    Mr Bivolaru dumped plastic bags full of insulation waste in Little Edward Street in Digbeth in March last year from his Mercedes van. When investigated by the city council’s waste enforcement unit he failed to provide information as to how he disposed of his waste.

    Officers searched the dumped waste and found evidence linking it to a business. Enquiries with this business then identified that on 13th March 2024 they paid a waste removals company £160 to remove waste from their premises.  Officers were able to identify the vehicle used to remove the rubbish and checks of the registration plate confirmed that Bivolaru was the insurance policyholder and only named driver on the policy. 

    Checks with the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) team identified that the van had entered an area of the CAZ zone in close proximity to Little Edward Street on six occasions between 13/03/24 and 20/03/24. Bivolaru was issued with notices under S71 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requiring him to provide details of the driver of the van on the 13/03/24. He was also issued with a notice under S34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 requiring him to provide proof that he had legitimate arrangements for the disposal of his trade waste. He failed to respond to any of these notices.

    In a separate incident in Weoley Castle, a substantial amount of fly-tipping was discovered on 13th June 2023  in Silvington Close. Evidence within the waste identified an individual who paid a waste removal company to take their waste away. Further enquiries then identified their rubbish had been collected by Adrian Bivolaru who at the time was sole Director of a removal services company named Ady Bivolaru Ltd.

    Cllr Mahmood, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “This was a terrible case of environment vandalism, with piles of commercial waste left strewn across the road. People who do this have no care for the community or people who live and work in the area. As this case demonstrates, we will prosecute when we have evidence so I would urge people to report this sort of behaviour. Well done to the team that investigated and brought the case to court.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press Conference to present the “Vatican Longevity Summit: Challenging the Clock of Time”

    Source: The Holy See

    Press Conference to present the “Vatican Longevity Summit: Challenging the Clock of Time”, 24.03.2025
    At 12.15 today, a press conference was held at the Holy See Press Office, Via della Conciliazione 54, to present the “Vatican Longevity Summit: Challenging the Clock of Time”, taking place this afternoon at the Augustinianum Conference Centre, Via Paolo VI 25, Rome.
    The speakers were: Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life; Professor Fr. Alberto Carrara, LC, president of the Organizing Committee; Professor Giulio Maira, neurosurgeon and founder of the Atena Foundation; Professor Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Noble Prize Winner for Chemistry, 2009; Professor Juan Carlos Izpisúa Belmonte, scientist specializing in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
    The following are their interventions:

    Intervention of Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia
    Good morning to all of you. The Pontifical Academy for Life has decided to sponsor this important international event. As you know, the topic of aging and aging well is at the center of my interest. It is at the center of my interest, not only for personal reasons, but because the quality of old age is the litmus test of the degree of civilization of a nation.
    Longevity should not be seen simply as a biological goal but as an opportunity to enhance the elderly in the social context. The elderly are not a burden on society but a valuable resource: their experience and wisdom represent an irreplaceable cultural and human heritage. Pope Francis often reminds us that “a people that does not cherish the elderly is a people without a future,” emphasizing the need to promote a culture that recognizes the value of old age and counteracts the marginalization of the elderly.
    In this context, equitable access to scientific discoveries becomes a central issue. Biomedical innovations should not be the privilege of the few but tools to improve quality of life for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. The goal is not just to live longer but to live better, preventing degenerative diseases and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity for healthy and dignified aging. Longevity, then, is not just a matter of science but of justice, solidarity, and collective responsibility.

    Intervention of Professor Fr. Alberto Carrara, LC
    Good morning to all the journalists present. Today we understand the importance of preserving cognitive function through an integrated approach involving neuroscience, psychology, nutrition, and the environment.
    Fundamental to this is the six-pillar model of Brain Health, which includes nutrition, movement, sleep, cognitive stimulation, stress management, and social relationships, demonstrating how brain wellness is the true driver of healthy longevity.
    It is not enough to extend life; we need to improve the way we live it, and a systematic approach to longevity is important. In my talk at the Congress, I also explore the role of music, art, and sensory experiences in maintaining cognitive health, demonstrating how the brain can be constantly nourished and stimulated. This is a call to reflection and action to invest in our brain health, building a future in which longevity and quality of life go hand in hand.
    This unique event brings together Nobel laureates, internationally renowned scientists, and world leaders at the Vatican to discuss issues related to healthy, sustainable, and integral aging. It takes place the afternoon of Monday, March 24, starting at 4 p.m. at the Augustinianum Congress Center Auditorium in the Vatican. Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin will speak for an opening greeting.

    Intervention of Professor Venkatraman Ramakrishnan
    Ribosomes, are the “molecular factories” that produce the proteins essential for life. Without healthy ribosomes, our cells age and deteriorate. But what if we could preserve their functionality to prolong health?
    The ribosome translates genetic instructions into proteins, ensuring proper cellular functioning. However, as we age, ribosomes suffer accumulative damage that impairs their efficiency, leading to errors in protein production and contributing to cellular decline. Recent studies have shown that ribosomal malfunction is closely linked to disease processes such as neurodegeneration, cancer, and premature aging, paving the way for new therapeutic strategies to preserve ribosomal integrity and improve longevity.
    Preserving ribosome function could be a key to slowing aging at the molecular level. Most advanced research is focusing on two main strategies: first, reducing ribosomal stress through nutritional and pharmacological interventions that modulate protein metabolism and increase ribosomal efficiency. Second, the possibility of reprogramming the ribosomes themselves to optimize protein synthesis and prevent the accumulation of misfolded proteins, a major cause of neurodegenerative diseases and aging-associated muscle decline.
    The implications of these findings are revolutionary: if we could directly intervene in ribosomes, we could not only combat aging but also prevent chronic diseases and improve quality of life in old age.

    Intervention of Professor Giulio Maira
    My research aims to better understand human development and regenerative potential. Aging is not an inescapable fate, but a scientific frontier to be explored. In my talk at the Conference, I will show how the cellular reprogramming factors discovered by Nobel Laureate Yamanaka can revolutionize the length and quality of human life. Age-related diseases result from the progressive decline of our tissues and organs. However, groundbreaking studies show that manipulating epigenetic mechanisms could reverse this process, offering new opportunities to prevent and treat the diseases of aging. What can we learn from the longest-lived organisms on the planet? We have some animal species on our planet that manage to live long and healthy lives, opening up new perspectives for innovative cellular rejuvenation strategies. The goal is not just to extend life but to improve our biological resilience by reversing age-related degeneration.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: HES FinTech and Scoreplex Partner to Advance Financial Inclusion Through Alternative Data

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Warsaw, Poland, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — March 24, 2025 — HES FinTech has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Scoreplex to integrate alternative data into credit scoring processes, enhancing financial inclusion for underserved populations worldwide.

    This partnership combines HES FinTech’s AI-powered lending solutions with Scoreplex’s alternative data analytics from over 140 sources, including digital footprints, telecom data, and behavioral insights. The collaboration aims to help lenders assess creditworthiness beyond traditional metrics, particularly benefiting individuals and small businesses in emerging markets without formal financial histories.

    “Traditional credit scoring models are no longer enough to serve today’s diverse financial landscape,” said Dmitry Dolgorukov, Co-founder and CRO at HES FinTech. “This partnership integrates next-generation insights into our lending solutions, helping financial institutions make more accurate and inclusive credit decisions.”

    Denis Khromov, CEO of Scoreplex, added: “Our goal is to redefine how creditworthiness is measured in the modern world. Traditional financial data is only part of the story.”

    The integration will enable more comprehensive risk assessment, smarter credit decisions, enhanced fraud prevention, and greater financial inclusion, particularly for MSMEs, gig economy workers, and first-time borrowers.

    Both companies will explore deeper technological integration to allow seamless access to alternative data within the HES FinTech lending ecosystem.

    About HES FinTech

    HES FinTech provides innovative lending software solutions with AI-powered automation and advanced risk assessment tools, serving financial institutions globally.

    About Scoreplex

    Scoreplex offers alternative data solutions for credit scoring and fraud prevention, helping lenders evaluate creditworthiness beyond traditional metrics.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fatal accident at Pewsey footpath crossing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Fatal accident at Pewsey footpath crossing

    Investigation into a fatal accident involving a pedestrian at Pewsey footpath crossing, Pewsey, Wiltshire, 26 February 2025.

    Pewsey footpath crossing.

    At around 13:56 on 26 February 2025, a pedestrian was struck by a train and fatally injured while crossing the railway on Pewsey footpath crossing, situated on the outskirts of Pewsey, in Wiltshire.  The train involved was travelling at about 96 mph (154 km/h) at the time of the accident.

    Pewsey footpath crossing provides access for pedestrians between the residential area of Pewsey and countryside to the north of the railway. The crossing has gates on either side of the railway and is provided with signage which instructs users how to cross.  

    Our investigation will determine the sequence of events that led to the accident and will include consideration of:

    • the factors which may have affected the decisions and actions of the pedestrian as they used the crossing
    • any previous incidents at Pewsey footpath crossing and how these may be relevant to this accident
    • the management of risk at this crossing and Network Rail’s wider strategy for assessing and mitigating risks at footpath crossings
    • any relevant underlying factors.

    Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

    We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation. This report will be available on our website.

    You can subscribe to automated emails notifying you when we publish our reports.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN – Jubilee of the Missionary World: “Paths of Hope” in the Mission “ad gentes”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 24 March 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – They want to be signs of hope by proclaiming Christ, who consoles humanity, frees it from slavery, and restores divine dignity. These aspects are at the heart of the experiences and reflections of the missionaries that are part of the “Paths of Hope” in the Mission “ad gentes” initiative, which opens on Tuesday, March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord.The Pontifical Missionary Union (PUM) and the Secretariat for Missionary Animation of the Lazio Region (SUAM LAZIO) have launched this initiative of missionary spirituality during the Jubilee Year, which will culminate in October with the Jubilee of the Missionary World (October 4-5). The Basilica of the Holy Apostles in Rome will host this missionary “journey,” which can also be followed online (see Zoom link in the event program). The events, held in Italian at 4:30 p.m., will include an introduction to the theme, testimonies, and concluding reflections. They will run from March to November, including the preparatory vigil for the Jubilee of the Missionary World on October 1, the liturgical feast of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, patroness of the missions. The events will focus on the Pope’s message for World Mission Sunday 2025, and in the months leading up to the Jubilee of the Missionary World, testimonies from members of various missionary institutes will be featured as participants in the meetings. Their stories will provide insight into the realities in which they work daily. Contributions to “hope” – the key word of the Jubilee – based on everyday life, often complex and difficult situations, will characterize the events, which will open on March 25 with reports from missionaries of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) and the testimony of Sister Marilena Boracchi who will reflect on “Father Paolo Manna: The missionary is nothing if he does not embody Jesus Christ.” The first event, entitled “Missionary Spirituality in the Jubilee of Hope,” will also address the message of World Mission Day 2025 and the Jubilee’s opening bull, “Spes Non Confundit.” The “Path of consolation among Peoples” will be the focus of the second meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, where the Consolata Missionaries will bear witness in the presence of Father Antonio Rovelli. Three further meetings are planned for May 15, September 16, and November 11, respectively. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 24/3/2025)

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PAKISTAN – Lent and Ramadan are celebrated together at St. Elizabeth Catholic Hospital in Hyderabad

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    St Elisabeth Hospital

    Hyderabad (Agenzia Fides) – The fact that in 2025 the Christian Lent and the Muslim Ramadan coincide was seen as an opportune moment to promote dialogue and exchange: Christians and Muslims in a time of spiritual reflection. The goal is to reconnect with oneself and recognize the value of one’s fellow human beings, every person one knows, regardless of their faith, culture, or language. This also happened at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Hyderabad, a Catholic healthcare facility known for its leadership and excellence in the Pakistani province of Sindh.To fully experience Lent and Ramadan, the Catholic and Muslim staff of the hospital and the students of the adjacent Midwifery school have decided to meet every Friday for a shared time of reflection and to celebrate the moment of breaking the fast together. In the dining room of the dormitory of the St. Elizabeth Midwifery School, Catholics and Muslims on duty meet to share a modest meal of rice and vegetables, dates, and fruit.”It is much more than just a shared dinner. Experiencing these moments together, each in their own faith, is an initiative that strengthens the human, spiritual, and professional bonds between people. In this way, the hospital becomes a place of work and service to humanity, where dialogue is practiced, mutual respect is deepened, and the deep motivations of one’s faith are sought in order to fully live the mission one fulfills,” Father Robert McCulloch, an Australian missionary of the Missionary Society of St. Columban and a member of the hospital’s board of directors, told Fides.In a Catholic institution inspired by the values and principles of faith and service, Catholic employees fast every year during Lent and participate in the Stations of the Cross. Given the increasing presence of doctors, nurses, and staff of the Muslim faith working at the hospital, they now wanted to share this experience with other faithful. “It is an extraordinary testimony of faith and openness to others. St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and its Catholic and Muslim staff are thus at the forefront of manifesting and promoting religious harmony in Hyderabad,” said Father McCulloch.Work continues at the hospital on the construction of the “St. Elizabeth Palliative Care Day Centre,” a special unit that will provide palliative care for cancer and terminally ill patients. Such care is already offered free of charge by the hospital through a home service in the region and will soon be available within the hospital as well. The new inpatient center for such patients will be the first in all of Pakistan. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 24/3/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PAKISTAN – A civil recognition to Cardinal Coutts for his service rendered to the nation

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Catholics in Pakistan

    Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) – For his services to the nation in the field of interreligious dialogue and the promotion of harmony, as well as for his contribution to the social welfare of Pakistan and the protection of the rights of minorities, Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi, was awarded the “Tamgha-i-Imtiaz” Medal of Excellence, conferred by the President of the Republic of Pakistan. This award (“Medal of Excellence”) is given to Pakistani or foreign citizens who have distinguished themselves in public service to the country and contributed to improving the nation.At the ceremony, which took place yesterday, March 23, in Islamabad, more than 100 people engaged in various social fields were awarded with various recognitions. In Cardinal Coutts’s case, the initiatives he initiated during his long pastoral service as a priest and bishop in the areas of healthcare, education, charity, and solidarity without discrimination, aimed at promoting community well-being throughout Pakistan, were recognized. “His service to humanity and his role in uniting different faiths are a source of inspiration for all Pakistanis,” said Pakistani President Ali Zardari, emphasizing the Cardinal’s commitment to the nation’s peace and well-being. Today, Cardinal Joseph Coutts is the first Catholic to head the Christian Studies Center in Rawalpindi, a well-known ecumenical center that has been promoting interreligious dialogue and social harmony in the country for over 50 years. Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi, was born in 1945 and ordained a priest in 1971 for the clergy of Lahore. In 1988, he was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Hyderabad and assumed the leadership of the Diocese of Hyderabad in 1990. In 1998, he was appointed head of the Diocese of Faisalabad and in 2012, he was transferred to the Metropolitan See of Karachi, where he served as Metropolitan Archbishop until February 2021. Pope Francis created him a Cardinal at the 2018 Consistory. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 24/3/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – Angola withdraws from peace mediation in the east of the Democratic Republic

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 24 March 2025 wars  

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – Angola has ended its mediation in the war in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Angolan Presidency announced this in a communiqué today, March 24: “Angola considers it necessary to absolve itself of the responsibility of mediating in this conflict” in order to dedicate itself “more” to the general priorities of the African Union (AU), according to the statement from the Presidency, referring to the role of Angolan President Joao Lourenco as acting President of the African Union.”In the coming days, another African Head of State will be entrusted with this task,” the statement reads. In the meantime, the mediation initiated by Qatar will continue (see Fides, 20/3/2025). In a statement released today, the country’s foreign minister welcomed “the declarations by the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Rwanda of their commitment to de-escalation and reducing tensions in eastern Congo following the announcement of the M23 withdrawal from the Walikale area,” which he described as “an important step towards stability and peace in the region.”The town of Walikale, in the Congolese province of North Kivu, was captured by M23 militants on March 19 (see Fides, March 20, 2025). Despite rebel claims, local sources say the M23 is still present in the town. According to some sources, however, the M23 has stated that it delayed its withdrawal from Walikale because the Congolese army (FARDC) had not withdrawn its combat drones from the area. Control of Walikale is of strategic importance because it would enable the M23 and its supporting Rwandan units to capture Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo Province, a key trade and transit hub located at the confluence of three rivers on the road to Kinshasa, the Congolese capital.In this context, statements by the Chief of Staff of the Ugandan Army, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, published on Platform X, are also contradictory. Kainerugaba stated that his army or the M23 rebels would invade Kisangani at any time on the orders of President Yoweri Museveni. He allegedly wanted to protect the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and emphasized that he would not allow residents of Ugandan origin from the Alur, Bahema, Banande, and Batutsi ethnic groups to suffer and that he had the right to protect them. Kainerugaba also advised US President Donald Trump not to conclude any mining agreement in East Africa without Uganda and Rwanda. He was referring to the meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Republican US Congressman Ronny Jackson, which discussed the fighting in the east of the country and opportunities for US investment in the Congolese mining sector. In return for US support in the fight against the M23 rebels, Tshisekedi would be willing to grant US companies exclusive access to key mining and infrastructure projects in the DRC. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 24/3/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/BAHRAIN – The community of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia welcomed the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem: Spirit of harmony and interreligious collaboration

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Monday, 24 March 2025

    Avona

    Manama (Agenzia Fides) – The three-day visit of the Cardinal Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who arrived in Bahrain on Thursday 20 March, ended yesterday, Sunday 23 March. It was a significant moment for the Catholic community of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia who, in the person of Bishop Aldo Berardi, O.SS.T., accompanied by members of the local clergy, including a delegation of priests and representatives of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, welcomed the arrival of the Patriarch at Manama airport.The Apostolic Vicar of Northern Arabia Aldo Berardi highlighted how the presence of the members of the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence confirmed the spirit of harmony and interreligious collaboration that Bahrain has been promoting in recent years.In his homily in the solemn mass celebrated at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, Awali, the Cardinal emphasized on the importance of Co-existence and tolerance, importance of peace, mutual respect, and understanding in today’s increasingly complex world.The Latin Patriarch prayed for the Christian community in the region and for the ongoing efforts to promote harmony among the different religious communities in the Middle East.On the very same day, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, was warmly welcomed by the faithful at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manama. Accompanied by Bishop Aldo Berardi, Vicar of the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia, the Cardinal was received with great joy. Again, during the solemn Mass, Cardinal Pizzaballa spoke about the beauty of diversity within the Church of Bahrain. He emphasized how the varied cultural backgrounds of the faithful enrich the Church, creating a vibrant and harmonious community united in faith. His message resonated deeply, highlighting the universal nature of the Catholic Church and its ability to bring people together beyond national and ethnic differences.During his stay, Cardinal Pizzaballa met with local Christian leaders, celebrated the Eucharist with the faithful, and engaged in meetings on religious coexistence, dialogue, and pastoral care for the region’s Catholic community. His visit reaffirms the commitment of the Church to strengthening the bonds of faith and fraternity in the Arabian Peninsula.In addition, among the particularly significant events of his stay in Bahrain, mention should be made of Cardinal Pizzaballa’s participation, always accompanied by the Apostolic Vicar Berardi, in a conference held at the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence, in the presence of the Executive Director, Abdulla Isa AlManai. This important gathering provided an invaluable platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences among religious leaders. It highlighted the importance of dialogue in building bridges of peace and strengthening the bonds of solidarity among communities. Reflecting on his visit, the Cardinal remarked on the importance of cultural understanding in buildingbridges between communities. He praised Bahrain’s dedication to preserving its history and promoting dialogue among people of different backgrounds.This visit – reads the note sent to Fides by the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia – underscored the strong cultural and interfaith ties between Bahrain and the wider global community, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a place of tolerance and historical significance. This visit is part of Cardinal Pizzaballa’s broader mission to engage with Catholic communities across the region, strengthening their faith and fostering a deeper connection with the Church. His presence in Bahrain was a testament to the enduring spiritual vitality of the Catholic community in the Gulf, inspiring a renewed sense of unity and commitment among the faithful.Bahrain, known for its dedication to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, has welcomed numerous religious leaders in recent years. The reception of Cardinal Pizzaballa further reflects the nation’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding among different religious traditions. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 24/3/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for drug and knife offences after routine stop and search

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been jailed after a routine stop and search conducted by Met Police officers found him to be carrying drugs and a locking knife.

    Ali Al-Hindawi, 29 (16.10.95) of Askew Road, Hammersmith, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 18 March, where he was sentenced to two years and two months in prison.

    On the evening of Sunday, 16 February, officers patrolling Leicester Square and Coventry Street noticed Al-Hindawi acting suspiciously on an e-bike, paying close attention to people walking by.

    Working with the Town Centre Team, Al-Hindawi’s movements were monitored on CCTV cameras before he was stopped by officers on Charing Cross Road. He was found to be concealing a bag under his jacket containing cannabis, methyl amphetamine and other illegal substances.

    He also admitted having a locking knife hidden inside one of his pockets and was arrested.

    Further investigations involved a search of his home in Hammersmith, where a larger consignment of drugs was seized, along with equipment used in drug supply.

    Al-Hindawi pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of a bladed article at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 18 February.

    Inspector Ryan Allister, of the West End Policing Team, who led the investigation, said:

    “This investigation is a great example of the important role stop and search plays in helping the Met bring criminals to justice, protect the communities we serve, and make people safer.

    “In this case, officers used their stop and search powers impeccably and progressed the investigation at speed to gather all the evidence required to charge Al-Hindawi.

    “Their efforts have not only resulted in a dangerous individual operating in central London being jailed, but also taken a large quantity of drugs and a knife off our streets.”

    The Met published a new Stop and Search Charter at the end of last month, shaping the future of how one of policing’s most effective tactics is used in London.

    The charter, which was co-produced with communities, is the product of 18 months of engagement with more than 8,500 Londoners of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds.

    Over the past four years, 17,500 weapons were seized as a result of stop and search, including at least 3,500 in 2024. Polling shows that up to 68 per cent of Londoners, including young Londoners, support its use.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Data Storage Corporation Schedules Fiscal 2024 Business Update Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELVILLE, N.Y., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Data Storage Corporation (Nasdaq: DTST) (“DSC” and the “Company”), a leading provider of multi-cloud hosting, managed cloud services, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, and IT automation, that integrates with AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud,  today announced that it plans to host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, March 31, 2025, to discuss the Company’s financial results for the 2024 fiscal year which ended December 31, 2024, as well as corporate progress and other developments.

    The conference call will be available via telephone by dialing toll-free 877-407-9219 for U.S. callers or for international callers +1-201-689-8852. A webcast of the call may be accessed at  DSC 2024 Fiscal Year Earnings Call or on the Company’s News & Events section of the website,  www.dtst.com/news-events.

    A webcast replay of the call will be available on the Company’s website (www.dtst.com/news-events) through September 30, 2025. A telephone replay of the call will be available approximately three hours following the call, through April 7, 2025, and can be accessed by dialing 877-660-6853 for U.S. callers or + 1-201-612-7415 for international callers and entering conference ID: 13751220. 

    About Data Storage Corporation
    Data Storage Corporation (Nasdaq: DTST) through its subsidiaries is a leading provider of multi-cloud hosting, fully managed cloud services, disaster recovery, cybersecurity, IT automation, and voice & data solutions. Recognizing that data migration is a critical step in transitioning from on-premises systems to the cloud, DSC provides comprehensive migration services to ensure seamless, secure, and efficient data transfer, minimizing downtime and optimizing performance.

    Through its owned and operated cloud platform, built on IBM Power Cloud infrastructure, DSC delivers high-performance, scalable, and secure cloud solutions with interoperability across its infrastructure partners, AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

    With data centers supporting its CloudFirst platform deployments across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, DSC provides mission-critical solutions to a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations.

    As a leader in the multi-billion-dollar cloud hosting and business continuity market, DTST is recognized for its expertise in cloud infrastructure, IT modernization, and data migration, enabling clients to transition to the cloud with confidence and operational continuity.

    For more information, please visit www.dtst.com or follow us on X @DataStorageCorp.

    Safe Harbor Provision
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created thereby. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements preceded by, followed by or that otherwise include the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “projects,” “estimates,” “plans” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may” and “could” are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts, although not all forward-looking statements include the foregoing. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can provide no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include the Company’s ability to grow its presence in Europe. These risks should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was initially made. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changed circumstances or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Crescendo Communications, LLC
    212-671-1020
    DTST@crescendo-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: A greater Oxford unitary council to improve services and bring them closer to local people

    Source: City of Oxford

    A greater Oxford unitary council covering the city and surrounding area leading to better services, enabling local decision-making on transport and saving taxpayers up to £27m a year is proposed.

    The Government asked councils across England for interim proposals on simplifying the structure of local government in their areas.

    Oxfordshire’s six councils submitted joint proposals to the Government on Friday 21 March.

    The proposals would see Oxfordshire’s six councils abolished and replaced with three, two or one unitary councils.

    Oxford City Council’s Cabinet decided on 19 March its preferred option would be to create three unitary councils covering Oxfordshire and West Berkshire:

    • A Greater Oxford Council – comprising Oxford on expanded boundaries
    • A Northern Oxfordshire Council – comprising much of the existing West Oxfordshire and Cherwell districts
    • Ridgeway Council – comprising much of the existing South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse districts combined with existing West Berkshire unitary

    The proposals would give local residents control over key services, including transport and education, for the first time in 50 years.  These services have been managed at the countywide level since 1974 – when local government in Oxford was last reorganised.

    A greater Oxford council the proposals could also help solve the housing crisis, accelerating the delivery of genuinely affordable homes and secure, well-paid jobs for residents in Oxford and the surrounding area.

    A greater Oxford

    Oxford City Council’s current administrative boundaries are drawn tightly around the city’s existing housing estates and business parks. The conurbation continues to expand, and the city exerts a gravitational influence on surrounding areas which make use of both the work and leisure facilities it offers. But there is little available space to meet the significant demand for new housing, office space, laboratories, leisure facilities and more. 

    A greater Oxford council would enable the creation of an additional 43,000-67,000 new homes by 2040 – 40% of which (17,200-26,800 homes) under our current local planning policies would be council homes.

    There are sites outside the city in South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, Cherwell and West Oxfordshire already allocated to provide additional housing to meet Oxford’s need.  A unitary based on the city with expanded boundaries could take charge of some of these sites, ensure that land is used efficiently, increasing density where appropriate to produce well-planned new communities. It would also release Grey Belt land as the Government has directed. It is anticipated that city-adjacent housing sites would be built to higher density low-rise development – which would help reduce pressure on additional housing around existing villages.

    Oxford has one of the UK’s most successful local economies:

    • A net contributor to the Exchequer – generating £7.6bn annually
    • Ranked the top performing city in the UK by PwC in 2023 and 2024
    • Fifth in the UK for attracting overseas investment

    Yet much more economic growth could be unlocked as there is huge unmet demand for lab, innovation and office space in Oxford. There will be further opportunities for local and regional supply chain businesses, high demand for construction and retrofit skills, and new demand within key sectors such as hospitality and leisure to support an expanded workforce and pace of business.

    We want to ensure that as Oxford’s economy expands and grows, that local people gain from that growth and don’t lose out. They need to get job and training opportunities at all levels.

    Oxford City Council is currently working through different boundary options, taking into account local geography, economic and transport links, and the Green Belt and will be engaging with stakeholders, residents, and businesses in the city and neighbouring areas.

     Service transformation and efficiencies

    The creation of a greater Oxford council would enable us to join up and improve services that are currently split between Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council, including council housing and social care, and planning and transport.

    A new central Oxfordshire unitary council would reflect local identities, bringing the design and delivery of these services much closer to local residents than the current countywide decision-making on services such as transport. Improving bus services into the city from neighbouring villages would be a priority for the new council.

    A greater focus on prevention and ensuring access to good jobs would be central to tackling the inequalities that drive pressure on the social care system. Partnerships are key – a greater Oxford council would work with institutions, businesses and grassroots organisations to prioritise action on inequalities, like health issues, supporting young people, ensuring community safety.

    Pixel Financial, a local government finance consultancy, has estimated annual savings of between £18m and £27m are achievable across Oxfordshire and West Berkshire by reducing council expenditure through the creation of the three unitary councils.

    A greater Oxford unitary would be financially robust, inheriting the “Oxford Model” with significant assets and wholly owned companies that deliver services for the council and private clients and generate income.

    Devolution

    Alongside local government reorganisation, the government also wants to create new directly elected mayors across all regions of England.

    The government plans to devolve powers and money to the mayors, who would lead Mayoral Strategic Authorities to coordinate housing, transport and economic growth across the region.

    A greater Oxford council on expanded boundaries would give the city a powerful voice at the Mayoral Strategic Authority.

    Three unitaries for Oxfordshire would also give the county three seats on the Mayoral Board – to balance Berkshire having up to six seats, including Reading and Slough.

    Initial surveys

    In February, Oxford City Council carried out a survey on the interim proposals using its Residents’ Panel. The panel is a representative sample of Oxford residents managed on the Council’s behalf by independent polling company Beehive.

    The survey, which had 266 responses, found:

    • 82% think the current two-tier local government arrangements could be improved; 7% disagreed
    • 67% think councils should not be too large, so they better meet the needs of local residents; 11% disagreed
    • 61% think a single council covering the greater Oxford area would best meet the needs of residents; 17% disagreed
    • 37% think a single council covering the whole of Oxfordshire would best meet the needs of residents; 40% disagreed

    The Council has also been engaging with stakeholders about the proposals, including Oxford businesses, universities, civic organisations, parish councils and MPs.

    Comment

    “Many of the issues facing Oxford today can be traced back to the last time local government was reorganised in 1974, when the city’s boundaries were so tightly drawn around existing housing and business areas that the city couldn’t grow.

    “This historic mistake caused Oxford’s housing crisis and forced many people to live further and further away from their jobs in the city, which has seen Oxfordshire’s roads gridlocked.

    “The conurbation continues to expand, and the city exerts a gravitational influence on surrounding areas which make use of both the work and leisure facilities it offers. Redefined boundaries will crystallise this into direct and mutual responsibility.

    “We would not simply be asking communities to join the city, we will ourselves be joining well- established communities. We will need to draw on the wider identity that exists within areas beyond the city to help them become part of a cohesive whole.

    “A single council covering Oxford and the surrounding area will see services better designed to meet local people’s distinct needs, as well as delivering service improvements and cost savings.”

    Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council

    For more information about the local government reorganisation proposals, visit the A greater Oxford webpage.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hinksey Outdoor Pool to reopen on Saturday 5th April with free hot drink joining offer

    Source: City of Oxford

    Monday, 24 March 2025

    More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), which in partnership with Serco Leisure operates five leisure centres across Oxford, has announced a spring special offer for the first 100 customers who purchase a Season Pass at Hinksey Outdoor Pool, which will reopen to the public on Saturday 5th April.

    Each of the first lucky 100 Season Pass purchasers will receive five free hot drink vouchers to use at the pool, which has been repainted over the winter and given an all-over pressure wash in readiness for April’s reopening day.

    “There’s nothing like a lovely cup of coffee or comforting hot chocolate after an outdoor swim, so we’re expecting this joining offer to fly off the shelves.

    “April 5th can’t come soon enough! We’re looking forward to welcoming swimmers of all ages, as they enjoy the many mental and physical health benefits of outdoor swimming.”

    Rob Jennings, MLCT’s Contract Manager in Oxford

    “Outdoor swimming is fantastic for both physical and mental wellbeing, and Hinksey Outdoor Pool is one of Oxford’s most treasured facilities. With the pool refreshed, changing rooms repainted and site all ready for the new season, we’re excited to see swimmers back in the water enjoying the benefits of open-air swimming in our city.”

    Cllr Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for A Healthy Oxford at Oxford City Council

    To sign up for a Season Pass at Hinksey Outdoor Pool, please visit its website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: US, Russia start fresh talks in Saudi Arabia

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on March 24, 2025 shows the hotel where U.S. and Russian delegations begin a new round of talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. and Russian delegations began a new round of talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday, eyeing a Ukraine settlement and Black Sea ceasefire deal before securing a broader agreement.

    The talks follow a meeting between the United States and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Last week, Trump held phone talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively.

    The U.S. delegation is led by Andrew Peek, a senior director at the White House National Security Council, and Michael Anton, a senior official from the State Department, according to local media Al Arabiya News.

    Russia is represented by Grigory Karasin, chair of the Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee and a former diplomat, along with Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the Federal Security Service, it said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A steadfast bond: Celebrating a decade of the Massachusetts-Kenya State Partnership Program

    Source: United States Army

    U.S. Soldiers assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade; join 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 51st Troop Command, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Massachusetts National Guard; the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF); Somalia Danab; Tanzania People’s Defence Forces; and 3rd Rifles, 11th Infantry Brigade, 1st (United Kingdom) Division, pose for a group photo while a KDF F5, assigned to the 15th Fighter Wing flies over at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center during Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 20, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kylejian Francia) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kylejian Francia) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Back to

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

    NAIROBI, Kenya – 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the enduring partnership between the Massachusetts Army National Guard (MANG) and the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) under the auspices of the State Partnership Program (SPP). Established in 2015, this collaboration exemplifies the power of sustained military-to-military engagement in fostering global security, stability and combined warfighting capacity.

    The SPP, overseen by the National Guard Bureau, strategically pairs American states with partner nations worldwide, facilitating a tailored approach to capacity building and strengthened lethality. For Massachusetts and Kenya, this has translated into a dynamic exchange of knowledge, skills and experience across a diverse range of military and civilian domains. These include, but are not limited to, cybersecurity, aviation, disaster response, medical readiness and counterterrorism strategies.

    Kenya Defence Force (KDF) medics joined the medics with 8th Medical Brigade and 1st Battalion 182nd Infantry Regiment, Massachusetts National Guard, to conduct a casualty evacuation rehearsal during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations Center in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 12, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy Brown) VIEW ORIGINAL

    “Anytime you can create relationships with other countries, you are making integration easier when you need to deploy together,” said U.S. Army Sgt. Eamon Beach, a squad leader assigned to Bravo Company, 1st. Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment (Americal), MANG.

    This was Beach’s first time in Kenya, taking part in Justified Accord 2025 (JA25).

    The cornerstone of this partnership lies in its collaborative training exercises, often conducted within the framework of larger multinational initiatives like JA25, a U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)-directed, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)-managed exercise.

    These exercises provide invaluable opportunities for both MANG and KDF Soldiers to enhance interoperability, refine tactical skills and build camaraderie in simulated scenarios.

    Beach also noted that training side-by-side in Kenya allowed both MANG and KDF Soldiers to learn several similarities in the way they train on specific tasks. From urban operations training and room clearance procedures, tactics were shared and honed together throughout the exercise.

    U.S. Army Spc. Sonny Farfan, an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 51st Troop Command, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Massachusetts National Guard, fires an M4 carbine behind a barrier at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center during exercise Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 18, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kylejian Francia) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kylejian Francia) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Along with JA25, the SPP fosters enduring personal relationships between Soldiers, transcending cultural differences, building mutual understanding and trust. These personal connections prove critical to facilitating seamless communication and cooperation, highlighting the adaptability and agility of both forces.

    The impact of the Massachusetts-Kenya partnership extends beyond the military sphere. Collaborative efforts in disaster preparedness and response have been particularly noteworthy. In previous exchanges, MANG provided much-needed assistance to Kenya in the wake of natural disasters, leveraging its experience and resources to support relief efforts and strengthen resilience.

    1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Franklin Tejada, an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 51st Troop Command, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Massachusetts National Guard, fires an M4 carbine at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center during Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 18, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kylejian Francia) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kylejian Francia) VIEW ORIGINAL
    2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Spc. Sonny Farfan, an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 182nd Infantry Regiment, 51st Troop Command, 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Massachusetts National Guard, fires an M4 carbine at the Counter Insurgency Terrorism and Stability Operations center during Justified Accord 2025 (JA25) in Nanyuki, Kenya, Feb. 18, 2025. JA25 is the premier U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) exercise in East Africa, designed to enhance multinational combat readiness, strengthen crisis response capabilities and empower allies and partners in the region. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) and hosted by Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania, JA25 integrates high-intensity training scenarios that sharpen warfighting skills, increase operational reach and enhance the ability to execute complex joint and multinational operations. The exercise runs from Feb. 10–21, 2025. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kylejian Francia) (Photo Credit: Sgt. Kylejian Francia) VIEW ORIGINAL

    As the Massachusetts-Kenya partnership celebrates its 10th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and shared commitment to a safer and more secure world. The conclusion of the exercise highlighted this fact.

    JA25’s culminating event saw combined forces working together to defeat a violent extremist organization (VEO) which had taken over a simulated village. The multinational contingent put their newly refined urban tactics and lethality on full display.

    “The Massachusetts-Kenya partnership builds capacity, strengthens the alliance, supports regional stability and exercises our expeditionary capabilities,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. David Dicrescenzo, commander of Task Force Minuteman and senior responsible officer for MANG forces in Kenya at JA25. “That’s the significance of this exercise and partnership.”

    As the global security landscape continues to evolve, multinational partnerships will likely become even more important. The enduring bond between the MANG and KDF, forged over a decade of collaboration and shared experiences, serves as an example of what partnership can mean for shared lethality, strength and stability.

    About SETAF-AF

    SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

    Follow SETAF-AF: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Publication of state financial statements for 2024

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Finance

    As of 24 March 2025, the state financial statements for 2024 are available in electronic format on the website of the Federal Finance Administration (FFA). The figures are also available in the federal budget data portal. The hard copy will be released on 14 April 2025. The Federal Treasury activity report is published to complement the state financial statements.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over 100 creatives supported by Growth Programme in Winchester

    Source: City of Winchester

    Evolve, in partnership with Winchester City Council, has successfully completed the delivery of its Creative Industries Growth Programme.

    Fully funded by Winchester City Council via the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the series of free masterclasses, covering subjects such as business planning, Intellectual Property Law and branding and marketing, were held between January and early March. 

    The programme, which was curated based on the feedback provided by local creatives, was designed to support small businesses and freelancers within the sector to take their business to the next level. Over the course of nine sessions, over 100 creatives from different businesses across the district attended.

    “The workshop was brilliant … it has made me feel more confident in my business skills by connecting with others in the field.  I am more likely to ask for help now that I know so many have similar issues.” Helen Northcott – Artist and Educator

     

    Rebecca Phillips, Programme Manager at Evolve, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Winchester City Council to deliver this programme. I’ve met so many inspiring creatives working in Winchester and experienced the amazing sense of community, and watched it grow.  Bringing practical business support and new connections has resulted in clear increase in motivation levels and productivity for participants.”

    Thanks to additional funding from University of Winchester, a peer group of creatives are now benefitting from focused and relevant learning as they continue to meet.

    The University of Winchester has also agreed to fund a further series of workshops- ‘The Innovating Together: SME Business Success Programme’, which will be delivered in partnership with Evolve and will be launching soon. 

    “The creative growth course has been instrumental in turning my blurry dream into an actual strategy. Rebecca is an incredible professional, with endless reserves of knowledge, and I can’t thank her enough for the help she gave me. The highlights of the course, for me, were the business plan workshop and the 121 with Rebecca. I feel lucky to have been able to access the programme for free, and my deepest gratitude goes to both Winchester City Council and to Evolve for the splendid work they’ve done.”  Francesco Sarti – Writer and Speaker

    Jo Stark, Head of Innovation at the University of Winchester said: “We believe that as a civic university we should be supporting local businesses to thrive and recognise the particular strengths and challenges faced by the creative industries as typically micro-businesses and freelancers. The support provided by Evolve has proved invaluable and we wanted to be able to offer this to a broader range of small businesses.”

    Throughout the programme, themes of sustainability and the circular economy (extending product life through repairing, sharing, reuse and recycling) were also woven in, encouraging businesses and individuals to think about the life cycle and environmental impact of their products and services and how they might make small changes to support sustainable action.

    Councillor Lucille Thompson, Cabinet Member for Business and Culture, Winchester City Council, said: “The Winchester District Cultural Strategy identified our creative industries as a priority area for development, and we are pleased that the creative growth programme has proved to be popular and supported so many creatives. We are also thrilled that the university of Winchester are funding an extension and spin-off of the programme, offering further support to small businesses in our district. This is a great example of partnership working which is at the heart of our new strategy.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to news that influenza of avian origin (H5N1) has been confirmed in a single sheep in Yorkshire

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on the first case of Avian Flu (H5N1) confirmed in a sheep in Yorkshire. 

    Prof Ed Hutchinson, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Virology, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (MRC CVR), said:

    “Influenza viruses are common in wild birds. Over the last five years, a particularly aggressive strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus has spread through bird populations across the world. On the way, it has caused repeated ‘spillover’ infections of mammals: mammals that wouldn’t normally get avian influenza have caught the disease from birds. Usually these are one-off infections that don’t go any further, although last year the virus began to spread widely among dairy cattle in the USA, demonstrating the potential influenza viruses have for adapting to new species.

    “The emergence of avian influenza in cattle last year was surprising, as normally cattle don’t catch this type of influenza (influenza A virus). Another animal we hadn’t previously thought of as a host for influenza A viruses is sheep, which makes this announcement of H5N1 influenza in a single sheep in Yorkshire startling. Sheep haven’t previously been thought of as hosts for influenza A viruses, although last year in the USA young goats did get infected with H5N1 at a farm in Minnesota – in this case, this was a one-off infection that didn’t go any further.

    “The sheep was on a farm where avian influenza was present in captive birds, suggesting an obvious route of transmission from wild birds to captive birds to the sheep.

    “The fact that the virus was detected in the sheep’s milk is also surprising. It suggests parallels to the ongoing H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle in the USA, where the virus is spreading through cow’s milk. At the moment there is no evidence of any ongoing transmission from the sheep, and the case appears to have been contained.

    “More work will be needed to understand what’s going on here – in particular to understand if this is a very rare or one-off event which happened because there was a lot of H5N1 around and this was just the wrong sheep in the wrong place, or whether sheep infections with H5N1 might become more common in the future. Ongoing surveillance will be needed to understand the risk this virus poses to the welfare of sheep as well as to food security.

    “In terms of direct risk to humans, we know from the dairy outbreak in the USA that H5N1 in milk is a possible source of human infection. H5N1 can cause severe illness in humans and it is important to minimise the risk of farmed animals infecting them, although so far in the USA human cases of H5N1 contracted from cows in dairies have typically been quite mild. There is also a risk of H5N1 ‘breeding’ with human strains of influenza to produce a new human influenza virus. There is no evidence that this has happened anywhere with an H5N1 virus, but it is important that we work hard to keep that risk as low as possible.

    “A single infected sheep does not pose a significant risk to humans, particularly because it looks as if the farmer, DEFRA and the APHA have worked together effectively to contain and monitor the situation. However, H5N1 is globally distributed in birds, and if it did become clear that this was not a one-off and that sheep are at risk of infection then this would have implications for surveillance and farm biosecurity in any country with sheep farming. For the time being, this is one to keep an eye on, but not to get too alarmed about.”

     

    Professor Ian Brown, Group Leader at the Pirbright Institute, said:

    “The detection of H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the mammary gland of sheep which has had close contact with infected birds is not an unexpected finding. Proactivity in looking for spillover to domestic mammals has been strengthened in the UK subsequent to the spread of infection amongst USA dairy cattle. The threat to animals and humans remains unchanged since such spillover we have learnt is possible when close contact occurs between multiple infected species. It is too early to consider whether such virus is capable of onward spread within sheep but this was an isolated small holding with a small number of birds and sheep. The pathways of spread of these viruses in the USA has been shown to be by movement of dairy cattle in commercial milking herds which appears not applicable in this single case of one animal becoming infected. It does emphasise the importance of separating species and maintaining good farm hygiene.”

    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/influenza-of-avian-origin-confirmed-in-a-sheep-in-yorkshire  

    Declared interests

    Prof Ed Hutchinson: I have received honoraria for work in a steering group of the Centre for Open Science (Open Practices in Influenza Research; 2021-2022) and on an advisory board for Seqirus (2022). I have unpaid positions on the board of the European Scientific Working group on Influenza and other respiratory viruses (ESWI) and as a scientific adviser to PinPoint Medical. I am part of FluTrailMAP(OneHealth), a UKRI-funded research consortium aiming to respond to H5N1.

    Prof Ian Brown: IB receives research funding to study avian influenza in multiple hosts. IB is a member of the UK scientific committee ‘New and Emerging Respiratory Threats Assessment Group’. IB participates in UKHSA led fora that assess the risk to human health from avian influenza viruses.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Francophonie Month 2025: Update on the implementation of the commitments made at the Villers-Cotterêts summit (21 March 2025)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    To mark Francophonie Month, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, and the Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, welcome the progress in implementing the 16 commitments made by President Macron, the leaders of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, and civil society stakeholders during the 19th Francophonie summit, held in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris on 3 and 4 October 2024.

    At the first meeting of the Villers-Cotterêts commitments monitoring committee, at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on 6 March, the main project leaders – from the ministries, the operators and the Cité internationale de la langue française – highlighted the vitality of the projects launched at the 19th Francophonie summit in support of a practical, open, dynamic French language.

    The Villers-Cotterêts commitments are directly connected to the challenges of our time, in the current international context: young people’s employability, artificial intelligence, women’s rights, the resilience of the information space, and media education.

    Since the 19th Francophonie summit, the road map has been set in motion: the launch of the Francophone alliance for intellectual property; the signature on 8 March, with Quebec’s Minister of Francophonie and Equality , of agreements on the Francophone network for women’s equality and rights and on the Francophone feminist alliance; and the announcement of France’s contribution to the international Francophone mobility and employability programme (PIMEF), promoted by the Francophone University Agency.

    In the coming weeks, active efforts by all the stakeholders involved will continue to make several major projects launched at the Villers-Cotterêts summit operational, such as:

    • The inauguration of the ALT-EDIC / LANGU:IA language technology centre in Villers-Cotterêts on 20 March and the launch of four projects led by the European consortium (data, language models etc.);
    • The creation of the France-Quebec committee for the discoverability of French-language scientific content on 9 April;
    • The development of programmes on the TiVi5 youth channel in the Maghreb in the spring;
    • The official creation of the Collège international de Villers-Cotterêts for teacher training on 4 June;
    • The signature of the tripartite agreement between the National Institute of Industrial Property, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the Permanent Conference of African and Francophone Consular Chambers and Intermediary Organizations, in the framework of the Francophone alliance for intellectual property, at VivaTech on 11 June;
    • Map showing training opportunities in the cultural and creative industries to be launched in Rabat in June;
    • Launch of the Volunteers united for La Francophonie programme (1) between now and the summer.

      With the power of the Francophone players taking them up – as at the trade fair for innovation in French, FrancoTech, which has been placed on a long-term footing and made an annual event in conjunction with the OIF and the Alliance of French-speaking Employers –, the wide-ranging Villers-Cotterêts commitments are directing energies towards a multilateralism that is more necessary than ever.

      For M. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, “The Villers-Cotterêts commitments show that the OIF is at the service of citizens, especially young people, when it comes to building the tools, networks and levers appropriate to a changing world.”

    For M. Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships, “We’re continuing to focus our efforts also on diversifying our partners, in order to ensure the long-term nature of the Villers-Cotterêts summit initiatives, stepping up communication efforts to highlight more effectively to our fellow citizens the impact of these projects.”

    (1) Volontaires unis pour la Francophonie – a programme enabling 100 young nationals from OIF member States to travel to other OIF countries to take part in missions in civil-society organizations, local authorities and public bodies, working in the areas of educational cooperation, social entrepreneurship and promoting the values of Francophonie.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Search begins for Stoke-on-Trent’s new Poet Laureates

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 24th March 2025

    Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary celebrations have gained fresh momentum with the launch of a citywide search for two new Poet Laureates.

    The competition, organised by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, will find the next Poet Laureate and, for the first time, a Young Poet Laureate. Both roles will play a key part in celebrating the city’s 100th anniversary year and shining a light on its creativity and culture.  

    The city is celebrating its centenary year throughout 2025 and the newly launched Poet Laureate competition will be an integral part of helping the city to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s culture and creativity.   

    The successful candidates will follow in the footsteps of local poet Nick Degg, who was named Centenary Poet Laureate in October 2024. Nick will continue to create poems marking Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary throughout 2025, capturing the pride, history, and spirit of the city and its people.   

    The competition will find creative poets with the skills to celebrate Stoke-on-Trent in verse.   

    The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Lyn Sharpe said: “Our centenary year is an opportunity to celebrate the part literature has played in our city’s history and continues to play into the future.  

    “Nick Degg is showing us the power of poetry. He’s helping us remember this centenary year through his new poems that will be enjoyed for years to come.  

    “We created the new Junior role to give a young poet the chance to learn the ropes from Nick. It’s a fantastic springboard for a young poet to have, to learn from a much-loved and incredibly talented poet and who knows, maybe become our city’s Laureate one day.”  

    Nick Degg said: “It’s great to know that the council and its libraries are supporting and promoting the Poet Laureateship. It’s vital for aspiring poets to know that they will be given a platform to explore way beyond their normal circles. 

    “To have organisations, arts foundations and the like inviting you to be involved in projects and commissions is a wonderful way of expanding not just your writing skills, but to open doors you didn’t even know were there.

    “Poetry is a magical art-form, and the more people we can reach with our passion and enthusiasm can only be good for its future as a vibrant and important strand of literature.” 

    Potential candidates for the Poet Laureate role must be over 18 while applicants for the new Young Poet Laureate role must be aged 14-18. The competition is open to anyone who lives in Stoke-on-Trent.   

    Applications are now open and the deadline to apply is Saturday 16 August 2025.   

    Judging will take place on 20 September; with them both being named on Thursday 2 October to coincide with National Poetry Day.  

    To apply for one of Stoke-on-Trent’s Poet Laureate positions potential candidates can find out more at www.stoke.gov.uk/poetlaureate   

    The Young Poet Laureate role will start on 1 November 2025 and the Poet Laureate will start in May 2026.  

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council is urging all residents to get involved in the Centenary and plan their own events for 2025. For more about how to get involved visit: www.sot100.org.uk. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kieran Goss & Annie Kinsella to perform at the Alley this weekend

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Kieran Goss & Annie Kinsella to perform at the Alley this weekend

    24 March 2025

    Kieran Goss, one of Ireland’s most respected folk artists, will take the stage with his long-time collaborator Annie Kinsella at The Alley Theatre, Strabane, this Sunday 30th March. The duo, known for their stunning harmonies and heartfelt song writing, are set to deliver an unforgettable evening of folk music that has captivated audiences around the world.

    This performance is part of The Alley Theatre’s Spring 2025 programme and promises to be an evening of pure musical magic, with songs from their critically acclaimed album Oh, The Starlings. The album, recorded in New York with eight-time Grammy-winning engineer Kevin Killen, showcases a blend of folk, country, and contemporary sounds, underpinned by the beautiful vocal harmonies that Goss and Kinsella are known for.

    Kieran Goss is a seasoned performer, having earned a reputation for his moving lyrics and emotive performances. His partnership with Annie Kinsella, whose distinctive voice and musical talent have brought a fresh dynamic to Goss’s songs, has resulted in a musical collaboration that resonates deeply with fans of all ages. Their performances are celebrated for their intimacy and emotional depth, creating a shared experience that connects with audiences on a personal level. . Don’t miss the opportunity to see two of Ireland’s finest musical talents live in Strabane.

    Tickets for the performance are £25 available now at The Alley Theatre’s website: www.alley-theatre.com or call the box office on 028 71 384444

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –