NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI: Brookfield Wealth Solutions Launches in the United Kingdom

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BROOKFIELD, NEWS, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brookfield Wealth Solutions (NYSE, TSX: BNT) is entering the UK insurance market to focus on delivering bulk annuity solutions for UK pension schemes. This follows a comprehensive approval process carried out by the Prudential Regulation Authority (“PRA”) and the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”).

    Brookfield Wealth Solutions will bring its capital and strong track record of servicing policyholders from its substantial North American operations as one of the first new entrants in the UK market. With over £500 billion of demand for pension buyouts expected over the next decade, the UK represents a significant opportunity to grow, create employment and invest domestically in the UK market.

    The entry for Brookfield Wealth Solutions, which was spun out of Brookfield Corporation in June 2021, will further extend Brookfield’s presence in the UK, where it is already a leading investor with over £63 billion of assets under management across infrastructure, real estate, and renewable power. Brookfield and its UK portfolio companies employ approximately 23,000 people across the UK.

    Sachin Shah, CEO, Brookfield Wealth Solutions said: “We are thrilled to launch Brookfield Wealth Solutions in the UK. With more than $140 billion in total assets, we look forward to serving the retirement needs of UK pensioners for the long term. Our group-wide commitment is to provide long-term financial security for our policyholders and clients, serviced by strong, well capitalized companies with high quality investment portfolios. The PRA and the FCA have been efficient, professional and highly constructive during our approval process, and we look forward to working further with them in the future.”

    Brookfield Wealth Solutions is expected to begin operations later in the first quarter subject to final regulatory approvals and will operate under the Blumont Annuity UK brand.

    About Brookfield Wealth Solutions

    Brookfield Wealth Solutions Ltd. (NYSE, TSX: BNT) is focused on securing the financial futures of individuals and institutions through a range of retirement services, wealth protection products and tailored capital solutions. Each class A exchangeable limited voting share of Brookfield Wealth Solutions is exchangeable on a one-for-one basis with a class A limited voting share of Brookfield Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BN). For more information, visit bnt.brookfield.com.

    About Blumont Annuity UK

    Blumont Annuity Company UK Ltd., based in London, will be a provider of bulk annuity solutions in the United Kingdom.

    For more information, please contact:
     
    Media:   Investor Relations:
    Kerrie McHugh   Rachel Schneider
    Tel: (212) 618-3469   Tel: (416) 369-3358
    Email: kerrie.mchugh@brookfield.com   Email: Rachel.schneider@brookfield.com
         

    Notice to Readers

    This news release and any related oral statements made by our representatives may contain “forward-looking information” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Canadian provincial securities laws, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and in any applicable Canadian securities regulations (collectively, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements include statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future results, events or conditions, and include, but are not limited to, statements which reflect management’s current estimates, assumptions and expectations regarding the operations, business, financial condition, expected financial results, performance, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, strategies, capital management and outlook of Brookfield Wealth Solutions and its subsidiaries, including Blumont Annuity UK, as well as the outlook for international economies for the current fiscal year and subsequent periods.

    In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of the words such as “believes,” “thinks,” “expects,” “potential,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “seeks,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “foresees,” “forecasts,” or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions, or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would” and “could.” In particular, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release include statements regarding the growth of our business, the status of regulatory approvals including the anticipated timing thereof, the size of the UK pension market and opportunities relating thereto.

    Although we believe that our anticipated future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information are based upon reasonable estimates, assumptions and expectations, the reader should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and information because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Brookfield Wealth Solutions or Blumont Annuity UK to differ materially from anticipated future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and information.

    Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) investment returns that are lower than target; (ii) the impact or unanticipated impact of general economic, political and market factors in the countries in which we do business; (iii) the behavior of financial markets, including fluctuations in interest and foreign exchange rates; (iv) global equity and capital markets and the availability of equity and debt financing and refinancing within these markets (v) litigation; (vi) changes in tax laws; (vii) ability to collect amounts owed; (viii) catastrophic events, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and epidemics/pandemics; (ix) the possible impact of international conflicts and other developments including terrorist acts and cyberterrorism; (x) the introduction, withdrawal, success and timing of business initiatives and strategies; (xi) the failure of effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal controls over financial reporting and other risks; (xii) health, safety and environmental risks; (xiii) the maintenance of adequate insurance coverage; (xiv) the existence of information barriers between certain businesses within Brookfield’s asset management operations; (xv) risks specific to our business segments; (xvi) factors detailed from time to time in our documents filed with the securities regulators in Canada and the United States; and (xvii) the failure to obtain and/or maintain required regulatory approvals.

    We caution that the foregoing list of important factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. Readers are urged to consider the foregoing risks, as well as other uncertainties, factors and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. Except as required by law, Brookfield Wealth Solutions undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether written or oral, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Past performance is not indicative nor a guarantee of future results. There can be no assurance that comparable results will be achieved in the future, that future investments will be similar to the historic investments discussed herein, that targeted returns, growth objectives, diversification or asset allocations will be met or that an investment strategy or investment objectives will be achieved (because of economic conditions, the availability of investment opportunities or otherwise).

    Readers are urged to consider the foregoing risks, as well as other uncertainties, factors and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Manora Drilling Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE, OTCQX:VLERF) (“Valeura” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the successful completion of an infill drilling campaign at the Manora field in Licence G1/48 (70% operated working interest), offshore Gulf of Thailand.

    Dr. Sean Guest, President and CEO commented:

    “Our most recent drilling at Manora has both increased oil production rates and successfully appraised additional targets which will form the basis of future infill development drilling.  While the Manora field accounts for only about 10% of our year-to-date production, it is an excellent example of the potential for Gulf of Thailand fields to add many years of economic field life through targeted ongoing activity.  In 2025 we intend to pursue a full year of drilling operations across our portfolio, aimed at continuing our proven track record of adding reserves year on year to support continued cash flow generation.” 

    Valeura drilled a five well programme, comprised of three production-oriented infill development wells and two appraisal wells.  In aggregate, the Company’s Manora field working interest share oil production before royalties has increased from 2,144 bbls/d (December 2024 average) to 2,866 bbls/d for the last 14-day period.  Additionally, the appraisal objectives of the campaign have yielded between three and five potential future drilling targets, which will be further evaluated for inclusion in a future drilling programme.

    The A34 well was drilled for infill development targets within the deep 600-series sands in the field’s eastern fault block.  The well was successful and has been completed as a multi-zone comingled producer.

    The horizontal A38 well was also drilled into the eastern fault block, with the objective of developing the shallower 300-series sands.  It was completed as a producer, with the well design incorporating an innovative downhole autonomous inflow control device (“ICD”) to manage water vs oil production.  The Company is monitoring the impact of this, and other ICDs deployed elsewhere on its fields, to optimise the application of this technology across the portfolio.

    The A36 well targeted sands across several known producing intervals in the field’s main fault block and has been completed as a multi-zone infill development well.  As is normal in many multi-zone wells, only the deepest targets are currently producing and the shallower zones will be brought on production later.

    The A35 well successfully appraised several zones of interest within the shallower 300-series sands.  While this appraisal well will not be used a producer (and accordingly has been plugged and abandoned), the results encountered have indicated the potential for three further development wells within this reservoir section, which will now be further studied and modelled for inclusion in future development drilling.

    The horizontal A37 well was drilled as a combination appraisal and development well.  The well encountered an encouraging appraisal target in the 500-series sands, which is now being matured for inclusion in a future drilling campaign.  The well’s development target, within the deeper 600-series sands was completed as a producer.

    Following completion of the Manora drilling campaign, the Company’s contracted drilling rig has mobilised to Licence B5/27 (100% operated interest) where it is currently conducting a drilling programme on the Jasmine C wellhead platform.

    For further information, please contact:  
       
    Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries)                       
    Sean Guest, President and CEO
    Yacine Ben-Meriem, CFO
    Contact@valeuraenergy.com     		 +65 6373 6940
       
    Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor and Media Enquiries)                       
    Robin James Martin, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations
    IR@valeuraenergy.com    		 +1 403 975 6752 / +44 7392 940495
       

    Contact details for the Company’s advisors, covering research analysts and joint brokers, including Auctus Advisors LLP, Canaccord Genuity Ltd (UK), Cormark Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation, and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited, are listed on the Company’s website at www.valeuraenergy.com/investor-information/analysts/.

    About the Company

    Valeura Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and in Türkiye. The Company is pursuing a growth-oriented strategy and intends to re-invest into its producing asset portfolio and to deploy resources toward further organic and inorganic growth in Southeast Asia. Valeura aspires toward value accretive growth for stakeholders while adhering to high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility.

    Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Advisory and Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    Certain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is for the purpose of explaining management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “target” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

    Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the potential for successfully appraised targets to form the basis of further infill development drilling, and the number of future drilling targets; the Company’s intention to pursue a full year of drilling operations across its portfolio in 2025; and the Company’s expectation to bring shallower zones on production later in the A36 well.  In addition, statements related to “reserves” and “resources” are deemed to be forward-looking information as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the resources can be discovered and profitably produced in the future. 

    Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

    Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding, among other things: political stability of the areas in which the Company is operating; continued safety of operations and ability to proceed in a timely manner; continued operations of and approvals forthcoming from governments and regulators in a manner consistent with past conduct; ability to achieve extensions to licences in Thailand and Türkiye to support attractive development and resource recovery; future drilling activity on the required/expected timelines; the prospectivity of the Company’s lands; the continued favourable pricing and operating netbacks across its business; future production rates and associated operating netbacks and cash flow; decline rates; future sources of funding; future economic conditions; the impact of inflation of future costs; future currency exchange rates; interest rates; the ability to meet drilling deadlines and fulfil commitments under licences and leases; future commodity prices; the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the impact of conflicts in the Middle East; royalty rates and taxes; management’s estimate of cumulative tax losses being correct; future capital and other expenditures; the success obtained in drilling new wells and working over existing wellbores; the performance of wells and facilities; the availability of the required capital to funds its exploration, development and other operations, and the ability of the Company to meet its commitments and financial obligations; the ability of the Company to secure adequate processing, transportation, fractionation and storage capacity on acceptable terms; the capacity and reliability of facilities; the application of regulatory requirements respecting abandonment and reclamation; the recoverability of the Company’s reserves and contingent resources; future growth; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the impact of increasing competition; the availability and identification of mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to successfully negotiate and complete any mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to efficiently integrate assets and employees acquired through acquisitions; global energy policies going forward; international trade policies; future debt levels; and the Company’s continued ability to obtain and retain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner. In addition, the Company’s work programmes and budgets are in part based upon expected agreement among joint venture partners and associated exploration, development and marketing plans and anticipated costs and sales prices, which are subject to change based on, among other things, the actual results of drilling and related activity, availability of drilling, offshore storage and offloading facilities and other specialised oilfield equipment and service providers, changes in partners’ plans and unexpected delays and changes in market conditions. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

    Forward-looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Exploration, appraisal, and development of oil and natural gas reserves and resources are speculative activities and involve a degree of risk. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company including, but not limited to: the ability of management to execute its business plan or realise anticipated benefits from acquisitions; the risk of disruptions from public health emergencies and/or pandemics; competition for specialised equipment and human resources; the Company’s ability to manage growth; the Company’s ability to manage the costs related to inflation; disruption in supply chains; the risk of currency fluctuations; changes in interest rates, oil and gas prices and netbacks; the risk that the Company’s tax advisors’ and/or auditors’ assessment of the Company’s cumulative tax losses varies significantly from management’s expectations of the same; potential changes in joint venture partner strategies and participation in work programmes; uncertainty regarding the contemplated timelines and costs for work programme execution; the risks of disruption to operations and access to worksites; potential changes in laws and regulations, including international treaties and trade policies; the uncertainty regarding government and other approvals; counterparty risk; the risk that financing may not be available; risks associated with weather delays and natural disasters; and the risk associated with international activity. See the most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis of the Company for a detailed discussion of the risk factors.

    Certain forward-looking information in this news release may also constitute “financial outlook” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Financial outlook involves statements about Valeura’s prospective financial performance or position and is based on and subject to the assumptions and risk factors described above in respect of forward-looking information generally as well as any other specific assumptions and risk factors in relation to such financial outlook noted in this news release. Such assumptions are based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and any financial outlook included in this news release is made as of the date hereof and provided for the purpose of helping readers understand Valeura’s current expectations and plans for the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on any financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes or in other circumstances and that the risk factors described above or other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from any financial outlook.

    The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including where such offer would be unlawful. This news release is not for distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its publication or distribution would be unlawful.

    Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Global Ocean Treaty two years on: Australia’s chance for international cooperation

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY, Tuesday 04 March 2025 — Two years after the United Nations agreed to bring the historic Global Ocean Treaty into force, Greenpeace is urging the Australian government to make good on its pledge for ocean protection and finally ink the treaty into law.

    The UN treaty to protect the high seas was agreed two years ago today in 2023. It is a legally binding pact to conserve international waters, a crucial component in global efforts to protect 30% of the world’s oceans and lands by 2030. While 110 countries have signed the treaty, only 18 countries have ratified the treaty into law so far. 

    Greenpeace Australia Pacific Senior Campaigner Georgia Whitaker said:

    “The government has been sitting on the Global Ocean Treaty for two years while other countries rapidly move to ratify and bring the treaty into force. We are an ocean-loving nation, and the Australian government could act as a proud leader on the world stage by making good on its promise to protect the high seas now. Our oceans don’t have the luxury of time – we need to ratify now, then deliver protected ocean sanctuaries in our big blue backyard: the Tasman Sea.”

    Once the treaty is in force, governments can propose ocean sanctuaries for the high seas. A 2023 scientific report by Greenpeace identified the South Tasman Sea and Lord Howe Rise – the high seas between Australia and New Zealand – as being of critical importance for protection.

    Until the treaty enters into force, the management of our global oceans is very fragmented. There is no legal global instrument that allows for the creation of sanctuaries in international waters. To this day, less than 1% of the high seas – the largest habitat on Earth, comprising 64% of the world’s ocean – is fully or highly protected from human activities.

    The countdown is on, as the pivotal UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) will take place in Nice, France, in less than 100 days.

    “UNOC is a unique chance for Governments to show global leadership for ocean protection. Australia must use this opportunity and ratify the treaty before arriving in Nice,” added Whitaker.

    —ENDS—

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

    Notes to Editor

    High res images and footage of Australia’s oceans can be found here

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Congratulations on the 100th anniversary of the GUU professor Mikhail Makarenko!

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On March 3, 2025, Mikhail Vladimirovich Makarenko, professor of the State University of Management, Doctor of Economics, Honorary Chemist of the USSR, Veteran of Labor, veteran of the Great Patriotic War, will turn 100 years old!

    Mikhail Makarenko was drafted into the army in 1943 at the age of 18. He took part in battles on the 3rd and 4th Ukrainian Fronts as part of the 3rd Guards Army of General Dmitry Lelyushenko, liberated Donbass and Zaporozhye, was wounded twice, and went through the entire war to Berlin. He was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War and many medals.

    In 1969, Mikhail Vladimirovich was appointed associate professor of the Department of Economics and Organization of the Chemical Industry at the Moscow Engineering and Economics Institute (now the State University of Management). Having defended his doctoral dissertation and received the title of professor, he worked fruitfully at the university until 2014 at the Department of Industrial Business of the Institute of Industry Management.

    During his professional and scientific career, Mikhail Vladimirovich has trained 5 doctors and 25 candidates of science, and has about 150 publications to his credit: scientific articles and teaching aids. The professor still leads an active life and even acts as an opponent of dissertations.

    The staff of the State University of Management heartily congratulates Mikhail Vladimirovich Makarenko on his 100th birthday and wishes him good health and creative longevity.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03.03.2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 145 years: from the Aleksandrovsky Commercial School to the State University of Management

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    Today, March 3, marks 145 years since the founding of the Aleksandrovsky Commercial School, which served as the historical foundation for the State University of Management.

    We told a detailed story with the justification for the direct inheritance of the State University of Management from an educational institution of the Russian Empire era in early February.

    Rector Vladimir Stroyev has repeatedly emphasized that a modern university should not be constrained by political prejudices, which is why GUU has returned the sign of the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, which was awarded to the university, to its façade, and a bust of Sergo Ordzhonikidze, after whom our university was named for a long time, to the hall. It is time to restore ties with an even more ancient history.

    Yes, it is a bit strange now – last year we celebrated 105 years, and now it is 145. But the basis for this is solid and logical, so let’s gradually get used to the new date.

    While there is no grand celebration yet, we still congratulate our university on its 145th anniversary. We wish all students and staff not to be afraid of change, to find only positive aspects in it, the potential for development and positive transformations. Be as noble as the officials of the Russian Empire, as purposeful as the Soviet party leaders, and as progressive as any new generation.

    Let the complex of these very best qualities contribute to the solution of the most important state tasks that have always been assigned to our university and its graduates. Do not tarnish the honor of the First Management University of the country, maintain its high status, be worthy of your predecessors and serve as the best example to your followers.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03.03.2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Exosens delivers very strong full-year 2024 results, overperforming on its IPO guidance; Sustained growth dynamic anticipated for 2025-2026

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EXOSENS DELIVERS VERY STRONG FULL-YEAR 2024 RESULTS, OVERPERFORMING ON ITS IPO GUIDANCE

    SUSTAINED GROWTH DYNAMIC ANTICIPATED FOR 2025-2026

    FY 2024 HIGHLIGHTS

    • Strong revenue growth of +35.0%, above IPO guidance, to €394.1m in 2024, reflecting dynamic like-for-like growth (+24.9%) and successful integration of bolt-on acquisitions
    • Significant increase in profitability, with adjusted EBITDA of €118.5m in 2024 (+37.8%), representing a best-in-class margin of 30.1% (vs. 29.5% in 2023), above IPO guidance and above top range of estimated landing given in January 2025
    • Net profit of €30.7m in 2024, recording a strong growth of +66.7% over 2023
    • Robust balance sheet with a net leverage of 1.2x at year-end 2024, enabling the execution of our growth strategy
    • Proposed payment of a €0.10 cash dividend per share for the 2024 fiscal year, for the first time since Exosens’ IPO

    OUTLOOK FOR 2025 AND THE 2024-2026 PERIOD: SUSTAINED GROWTH DYNAMIC DRIVEN BY DEFENSE TAILWINDS

    • Continued strong performance expected in 2025, with revenue growth in the high-teens and adjusted EBITDA growth in the low twenties
    • Global market demand is higher than initially expected, with NATO and Tier-1 allies continuing to ramp up their procurement of night vision systems further improving the perspectives, which implies a high-teens 2024-2026 adjusted EBITDA CAGR
    • In order to meet this demand Exosens decided to invest €20m to expand its production capacity not only in Europe but also in the US with, for the first time, a new production plant in the US, which will give us additional market opportunities

    Mérignac (France), 3 March 2025 – Exosens (EXENS; FR001400Q9V2), a high-tech company focused on providing mission and performance-critical amplification, detection and imaging technology, today publishes its results for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024. At its 28 February 2025 meeting, Exosens’ Board of Directors approved the consolidated financial statements for 2024.

    “We are pleased to announce our first results as a publicly-listed company, with 2024 performance exceeding our IPO guidance. In a dynamic defense market, driven by rising geopolitical tensions and increasing defense budgets across NATO countries and Tier-1 allies, Exosens fully benefited from these structural trends and is well-positioned to continue doing so. 2024 was a pivotal year, we flawlessly executed our strategy, reinforcing our leadership in mission-critical technologies, surpassing expectations, and further enhancing our best-in-class margins, that set us apart from our peers.

    Amplification remains a key driver of our growth with higher-than-expected market demand, necessitating capacity expansion. As a result, we have decided to scale up capacity in Europe and enter the US market, anticipating sustained mid-term demand and emerging opportunities.

    We are also accelerating the growth of D&I segment, which achieved +7% like-for-like growth in 2024, driven by an improved product mix, market share gains, and successful acquisitions. These markets are benefiting from AI-driven advancements in industrial control, nuclear energy, and healthcare research.

    With a focus on sustainable growth, we remain committed to customer satisfaction, innovation, operational excellence, and disciplined acquisitions. Backed by a strong balance sheet and a dynamic market environment, we are well-positioned to accelerate expansion and create value for both customers and shareholders, including our first dividend payment.”, commented Jérôme Cerisier, CEO of Exosens.

    Key financial indicators

    In € millions FY 2023 FY 2024 Change (%) LFL1(%)
    Revenue 291.8 394.1 +35.0% +24.9%
             
    Adjusted gross margin 131.1 189.6 +44.7% –
    As a % of revenue 44.9% 48.1% +320bps –
             
    Adjusted EBITDA 86.0 118.5 +37.8% –
    As a % of revenue 29.5% 30.1% +60bps –
             
    Adjusted EBIT 66.1 95.3 +44.1% –
    As a % of revenue 22.7% 24.2% +150bps –
             
    Operating income 48.3 73.0 +51.2% –
    As a % of revenue 16.5% 18.5% +200bps –
             
    Net profit 18.4 30.7 +66.7% –
    Net profit ex. PPA amortization 27.8 41.5 +49.2% –
             
    Free cash flow 20.5 55.4 +170.0% –
    Cash conversion (%) 69.3% 74.1% +480bps –
             
    Net debt 302.3 144.1 (47.7)% –
    Leverage ratio (x) 3.3x 1.2x (2.1)x –
    1Like-for-like.

    Strong revenue performance in FY 2024 in a dynamic market environment, outperforming our IPO guidance

    In € millions FY 2023 FY 2024 Change (%) Like-for-like (%)
    Amplification 209.9 280.2 +33.5% +33.5%
    Detection & Imaging 82.5 117.5 +42.5% +6.8%
    Eliminations & Other (0.6) (3.7) n/a n/a
    Total revenue 291.8 394.1 +35.0% +24.9%

    Exosens posted a strong performance in FY 2024, outperforming its IPO guidance and continuing its strong growth trajectory, with consolidated revenue totaling €394.1 million, which represented a significant growth of +35.0% (or +€102.3 million) compared to FY 2023, of which+24.9% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis, mainly driven by a strong demand in Defense end-markets.

    Amplification revenue reached €280.2 million in FY 2024, reflecting a significant growth of +33.5% compared to FY 2023, driven by stronger sales volumes and increased share of higher-performance image intensifier tubes for Defense’s night vision applications.

    The global night vision market is benefiting from growing demand, driven by increasing defense budgets and the need for armies worldwide to enhance their night fighting capabilities, including the ongoing shift from monocular to binocular goggles. The return of high-density combat has underscored the critical importance of night operation abilities as a key tactical advantage. NATO and Tier-1 allies continued to ramp up their procurement of night vision systems in 2024, though they are still far from reaching the targeted equipment rate.

    Reflecting this increasing market demand, Exosens, worldwide leader, has benefited from its position as the strategic supplier of NATO and Tier-1 allies for night vision image intensifier tubes with a number of major business wins in markets such as Germany, the UK, Poland, Belgium, Finland, France or Australia, among others.

    On the M&A front, the Group announced agreement to acquire NVLS, a specialist in man-portable night vision and thermal devices, in October 2024, which will accelerate Exosens’ mid-term capability to develop next gen googles with innovative solutions combining night vision and thermal devices. Closing is expected to occur in the coming months, pending customary clearances and approvals.

    Detection & Imaging revenue totaled €117.5 million in FY 2024, representing an increase of +42.5% compared to FY 2023, mainly driven by a positive product mix and accelerated growth from 2023 bolt-on acquisitions (Telops, El-Mul, and Photonis Germany1).

    Like-for-like growth reached +6.8% in FY 2024, accelerating from the +6.0% recorded in 9M 2024. This strong performance was driven by market share gains following new product launches, as well as growing demand in our key high-growth end markets (Life Sciences, Nuclear and Defense). These factors more than offset the softness in Industrial Control markets (China, machine vision).

    Throughout the year, Exosens continued to execute on its disciplined bolt-on strategy with two synergistic acquisitions: Centronic (radiation detection solutions), in July, reinforcing our position as the key European leader in nuclear instrumentation, and LR Tech (FTIR spectrometry) in September, complementing Telops’ products to strengthen our position in high-end spectroscopy instruments. Additionally, in November, Exosens announced the acquisition of Noxant, a specialist in high-performance cooled infrared cameras, set to close in Q1 2025.

    Significant improvement in adjusted gross margin in FY 2024

      FY 2023 FY 2024 Change
      In €m % of sales In €m % of sales In %
    Amplification 93.3 44.4% 132.4 47.3% +42.0%
    Detection & Imaging 37.7 45.7% 57.1 48.6% +51.6%
    Eliminations & Other 0.1 n/a 0.1 n/a n/a
    Adjusted gross margin 131.1 44.9% 189.6 48.1% +44.7%

    Exosens posted a strong increase in adjusted gross margin at Group level and across both segments in FY 2024, mainly due to higher sales volumes, improved yields and a favorable product mix. The Group’s adjusted gross margin stood at €189.6 million in FY 2024, reflecting a growth of +44.7% compared to FY 2023. Adjusted gross margin rate reached 48.1% in FY 2024, marking a significant improvement of 320 basis points year-on-year.

    Adjusted gross margin of the Amplification segment totaled €132.4 million in FY 2024 (+42.0% vs. FY 2023), representing a margin of 47.3% (vs. 44.4% in FY 2023). This strong increase in margin rate mainly reflected higher sales volumes, improved yields and a favorable product mix.

    Adjusted gross margin of the Detection & Imaging segment amounted to €57.1 million in FY 2024 (+51.6% vs. FY 2023), representing a margin of 48.6% (vs. 45.7% in FY 2023). This improved margin rate was mainly driven by a positive product mix, improved yields and supply-chain cost synergies.

    Continued strong operational execution driving further profitability increase in FY 2024

    Exosens reported a further increase of its profitability at Group level in FY 2024, reinforcing best-in-class margin, driven by strong business momentum and continued operational excellence.

    Adjusted EBITDA amounted to €118.5 million in FY 2024, representing a sharp growth of +37.8% (or +€32.5 million) compared to €86.0 million in FY 2023. As a result, adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 60 basis points to reach 30.1% in FY 2024 (vs. 29.5% in FY 2023).

    Adjusted EBIT totaled €95.3 million in FY 2024, posting a strong growth of +44.1% (or +€29.2 million) compared to €66.1 million in FY 2023. As a result, adjusted EBIT margin increased by 150 basis points to reach 24.2% in FY 2024 (vs. 22.7% in FY 2023).

    The Group’s recorded an operating income of €73.0 million in FY 2024, representing a significant increase of +51.2% (or €24.7 million) compared to €48.3 million in FY 2023. As a percentage of sales, operating margin improved by 200 basis points to reach 18.5% (vs. 16.5% in FY 2023).

    Significant growth in net income, up +67% in FY 2024

    Exosens recorded a significant increase in net profit, reaching €30.7 million in FY 2024, up by +66.7% (or €12.3 million) compared to FY 2023. Adjusted for PPA amortization, net profit was €41.5 million in FY 2024, representing a growth of +49.2% (or €13.6 million) compared to FY 2023.

    Strong increase in free cash flow, up +€35 million in FY 2024

    Exosens recorded a significant increase in free cash flow to €55.4 million in FY 2024 (vs. €20.5 million in FY 2023). This strong increase was achieved despite one-off expenses related to IPO consulting fees. In addition, the Group achieved a higher cash conversion rate of 74.1% in FY 2024 compared to 69.3% in FY 2023, with increased investment towards the end of the year to support future growth.

    Sustained R&D efforts in FY 2024 to support long-term growth and market leadership

    R&D expenses grew by +35.0% to €30.4 million (7.7% of sales) in FY 2024 compared to €22.5 million (7.7% of sales) in FY 2023. Continued efforts in R&D like the development of 5G image intensifier tubes for Defense’s night vision applications, or next gen detectors for Life Sciences and Nuclear will sustain the group’s future growth and maintain its leading positions.

    Completion of the first phase of capacity expansion

    Capital expenditure reached €27.9 million in FY 2024 compared to €23.7 million in FY 2023, marking a reduction in capex to sales ratio to 7.1% (vs. 8.1% in FY 2023) following the completion of capacity expansion resulting from investments started in 2022-2023.

    Strengthened capital structure, fully supporting our growth strategy

    Following Exosens’ successful IPO in June 2024, which included a capital increase of €180 million and a full debt refinancing (securing two new credit facilities of a total amount of €350 million), the Group has significantly deleveraged, with its net debt more than halving to €144.1 million as at 31 December 2024 compared to €302.3 million as at 31 December 2023. Accordingly, the leverage ratio decreased significantly to 1.2x as at 31 December 2024, as compared to a ratio of 3.3x as at 31 December 2023, providing the Group with ample capacity to pursue its investments in growth.

    Dividend

    The Company’s Board of Directors decided, during its meeting on 28 February 2025, to propose the payment of a €0.10 cash dividend per share for the 2024 fiscal year. This amount will be subject to the approval of the Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting, which will take place on 23 May 2025.

    Outlook for 2025 and the 2024-2026 period: Sustained growth dynamic driven by defense tailwinds

    Exosens expects a continued strong performance in 2025, with revenue growth in the high-teens and adjusted EBITDA growth in the low twenties compared to 2024.

    The Group expects a high-teens 2024-2026 adjusted EBITDA CAGR and a cash conversion2ratio in the range of 70%-75% over the period, taking into account capacity investment in Europe and in the US.

    Furthermore, the Group intends to pursue its growth strategy, at a pace consistent with historical trend, while maintaining a leverage ratio3of around 2x.

    Webcast

    Jérôme Cerisier, CEO and Quynh-Boi Demey, CFO will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss Exosens’ full-year 2024 results on Monday, 3 March 2025 at 9:00am CET. This presentation will be followed by a Q&A session and can be accessed via the following link:
    https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/exosens-en/20250303_1/

    The press release and the presentation will be available in the Investor Relations section on Exosens’ website at https://www.exosens.com/investors.

    Audit procedures in respect of the consolidated financial statements are complete and the corresponding audit report of the auditors is in the process of being delivered.

    Financial Calendar

    • 28/04/2025: Q1 2025 revenue & adj. gross margin (publication before market opening);
    • 29/04/2025: Publication of 2024 Universal Registration Document;
    • 23/05/2025: Annual general meeting;
    • 31/07/2025: H1 2025 results (publication before market opening);
    • 27/10/2025: Q3 2025 revenue & adj. gross margin (publication before market opening).

    About Exosens

    Exosens is a high‐tech company, with more than 85 years of experience in the innovation, development, manufacturing and sale of high‐end electro‐optical technologies in the field of amplification, detection and imaging. Today, it offers its customers detection components and solutions such as travelling wave tubes, advanced cameras, neutron & gamma detectors, instrument detectors and light intensifier tubes. This allows Exosens to respond to complex issues in extremely demanding environments by offering tailor‐made solutions to its customers. Thanks to its sustained investments, Exosens is internationally recognized as a major innovator in optoelectronics, with production and R&D carried out on 12 sites, in Europe and North America and with over 1,700 employees. Exosens is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris ﴾Ticker: EXENS – ISIN: FR001400Q9V2﴿. Exosens is a member of Euronext Tech Leaders segment and is also included in several indices, including CAC All-Tradable, CAC Mid & Small, FTSE Total Cap and MSCI France Small Cap. For more information: www.exosens.com.

    Investor Relations

    Laurent Sfaxi, l.sfaxi@exosens.com

    Media Relations

    Brunswick Group, exosens@brunswickgroup.com
    Laetitia Quignon, + 33 6 83 17 89 13
    Nicolas Buffenoir, + 33 6 31 89 36 78

    APPENDICES

    Reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBIT

    In € millions FY 2023 FY 2024
    Operating profit 48.3 73.0
    Depreciation, amortization and impairment – net 29.2 34.1
    Other income and expenses 4.6 3.9
    EBITDA 82.0 111.0
    Share-based payments 1.6 2.9
    One-off costs 2.4 4.5
    Adjusted EBITDA 86.0 118.5
    Depreciation, amortization and impairment ex. PPA amortization (19.9) (23.3)
    Adjusted EBIT 66.1 95.3

    Reconciliation of free cash flow and cash conversion

    In € millions FY 2023 FY 2024
    Adjusted EBITDA 86.0 118.5
    Capitalized research and development costs (8.6) (11.0)
    Adjusted EBITDA after capitalized R&D costs 77.4 107.5
    Change in working capital4 (21.4) (10.7)
    Tax paid (6.9) (6.7)
    Maintenance capital expenditure4 (6.4) (12.5)
    Others (4.9) (7.0)
    Free cash flow before growth 37.8 70.7
    Growth capital expenditure4 (17.3) (15.3)
    Free cash flow after growth 20.5 55.4
         
    Adjusted EBITDA after capitalized R&D costs and capital expenditure (A) 53.7 79.6
    Adjusted EBITDA after capitalized R&D costs (B) 77.4 107.5
    Cash conversion (%) (A) / (B) 69.3% 74.1%

    Consolidated statement of income

    In € millions FY 2023 FY 2024
    Revenue 291.8 394.1
    Cost of sales (76.0) (103.0)
    Other purchases and external expenses (54.1) (65.5)
    Taxes and duties other than income tax (1.6) (1.6)
    Employee benefits expenses (81.3) (110.8)
    Other operating income / (expenses) 4.4 2.0
    Depreciation, amortization and additions to provisions (30.4) (38.2)
    o/w PPA amortization (9.5) (10.8)
    Current operating profit / (loss) 52.8 76.9
    Current operating profit / (loss) ex. PPA amortization 62.3 87.8
    Other income / (expenses) (4.5) (3.9)
    Operating profit / (loss) 48.3 73.0
    Operating profit / (loss) ex. PPA amortization 57.7 83.8
    Net financial result (28.0) (31.2)
    Profit / (loss) before tax 20.2 41.8
    Profit / (loss) before tax ex. PPA amortization 29.7 52.6
    Income tax (1.8) (11.1)
    Net profit / (loss) 18.4 30.7
    Net profit / (loss) ex. PPA amortization 27.8 41.5

    Consolidated statement of cash flows

    In € millions FY 2023 FY 2024
    Net profit / (loss) 18.4 30.7
    Net financial results 28.0 31.2
    Income tax 1.8 11.1
    Charges net of reversals to depreciation and amortization 30.9 36.9
    Other income / (expenses) (0.2) 2.5
    Income tax received / (paid) (6.9) (6.7)
    Change in net working capital (21.7) (9.5)
    Net cash flow from / (used in) operating activities 50.5 96.2
    Net investments in assets (31.4) (41.3)
    Net acquisition of equity investments (69.3) (31.4)
    Investment grant received and other flows 1.1 (0.0)
    Net cash flow from / (used in) investment activities (99.6) (72.7)
    Capital increases / (decreases) 0.0 180.0
    Acquisitions and disposals of treasury shares 0.0 (0.3)
    Change in financial liabilities and IFRS 16 leases 57.6 (65.1)
    Interest payments (including IFRS 16 leases) (24.4) (24.2)
    Other 2.3 (14.1)
    Net cash flow from / (used in) financing activities 35.5 76.3
    Effect of changes in exchange rates 0.2 0.4
    Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (13.5) 100.2
    Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 29.0 15.5
    Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 15.5 115.6

    Consolidated balance sheet – Assets

    In € millions 31-Dec-2023 31-Dec-2024
    Goodwill 174.3 189.5
    Intangible assets 202.4 204.9
    Tangible assets 72.1 93.6
    Right-of-use of leases 10.8 10.6
    Investment in associates 3.4 3.4
    Financial assets and other long-term investments 0.7 0.9
    Deferred tax assets 0.0 (0.0)
    Non-current assets 463.7 502.8
    Inventory 78.5 93.0
    Accounts receivable 69.2 71.0
    Derivative financial instruments 0.2 0.0
    Financial assets and other short-term investments 29.4 33.0
    Cash and cash equivalents5 15.5 117.2
    Current assets 192.7 314.2
         
    Total assets 656.4 817.0

    Consolidated balance sheet – Equity and liabilities

    In € millions 31-Dec-2023 31-Dec-2024
    Share capital 1.9 21.6
    Additional paid-in capital 188.1 342.5
    Reserves 14.1 48.5
    Total equity 204.1 412.6
    Long-term financial debt 300.8 247.8
    Long-term lease liabilities 7.7 8.2
    Pension liabilities 7.6 7.5
    Provisions and other long-term liabilities 8.6 13.4
    Deferred tax liabilities 17.6 20.6
    Non-current liabilities 342.3 297.4
    Short-term financial debt 7.0 2.5
    Short-term lease liabilities 2.4 2.7
    Derivative financial instruments – 0.1
    Accounts payable 32.3 26.0
    Provisions and other short-term liabilities 68.4 75.6
    Current liabilities 110.1 107.0
         
    Total equity and liabilities 656.4 817.0

    Definitions

    Like-for-like growth is the revenue growth achieved by the Group excluding currency impact and scope effect, which corresponds to revenue recorded during period “n” by all the companies included in the Group’s scope of consolidation at the end of period “n-1” (excluding any contribution from the companies acquired after the end of period “n-1”), compared with revenue achieved during period “n-1” by the same companies. Like-for-like growth for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024 therefore excludes the contribution of Telops, El-Mul and Photonis Germany (formerly ProxiVision), acquired by the Group in October 2023, July 2023 and June 2023, respectively, as well as Centronic and LR Tech, acquired by the Group in July 2024 and September 2024, respectively.

    Adjusted gross margin is equal to the difference between the selling price and the cost price of products and services (including notably employee benefits).

    Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating profit, less (i) additions net of reversals to depreciation, amortization and impairment of non-current assets; (ii) non-recurring income and expenses as presented in the Group’s consolidated income statement within “Other income” and “Other expenses”, and (iii) the impact of items that do not reflect ordinary operating performance (in particular business reorganization and adaption costs, costs relating to acquisition and external growth transactions, as well as the IFRS 2 share-based payment expense).

    Adjusted EBIT is defined as operating profit, less (i) non-recurring income and expenses as presented in the Group’s consolidated income statement within “Other income” and “Other expenses”, and (ii) the impact of items that do not reflect ordinary operating performance (in particular business reorganization and adaption costs, costs relating to acquisition and external growth transactions, as well as the IFRS 2 share-based payment expense). Depreciation, amortization and reversal of impairment losses on non-current assets, included in adjusted EBIT, exclude the amortization of the part of non-current assets corresponding to purchase price allocation.

    Cash conversion is calculated as follows: (adjusted EBITDA – capitalized research and development costs – capital expenditure) / adjusted EBITDA – capitalized research and development costs).

    Leverage ratio is calculated as net debt / adjusted EBITDA as defined in the Group’s New Senior Credit Facilities Agreement entered into as part of the refinancing executed in the frame of the IPO.

    Forward-looking statements

    Certain information included in this press release are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Exosens operates, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the forward-looking statements included in this press release. These risks and uncertainties include those set out and detailed in Chapter 3 “Risk Factors” of the registration document approved on 22 May 2024 by the French financial markets’ authority (“Autorité des marchés financiers”) under number I. 24-010. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and the Group expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements included in this press release to reflect any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Forward-looking information and statements are not guarantees of future performances and are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of the Group. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, forward-looking information and statements. This press release is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute and should not be deemed to constitute an offer to the public of securities.

    1 Formerly ProxiVision.
    2 Cash conversion is defined as (adjusted EBITDA – capitalized R&D – capex) / (adjusted EBITDA – capitalized R&D).
    3 Leverage ratio is defined as net financial debt / adjusted EBITDA.
    4 Capital expenditures not paid at year-end 2024 were reclassified in working capital.
    5 As at 31 December 2024, cash and cash equivalents balance sheet position amounts to €117.2 million. Adjusted for bank overdrafts for €0.3 million and interests to be received for €1.2 million, cash and cash equivalents amount to €115.6 million as reported in the cash flow statement.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Exosens makes first US investment in night vision production capacity to address growing demand and benefit from new opportunities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EXOSENS MAKES FIRST US INVESTMENT IN NIGHT VISION PRODUCTION CAPACITY TO ADDRESS GROWING DEMAND AND BENEFIT FROM NEW OPPORTUNITIES

    PRESS RELEASE
    MÉRIGNAC, FRANCE – MARCH, 3rd 2025

    • In response to increasing demand, Exosens will invest €20M over the next two years to expand production capacity in both Europe and the U.S.
    • This investment will establish Exosens’ first U.S. manufacturing site for producing “Made in America” image intensifier tubes
    • It strengthens Exosens’ position to capture a larger share of the world’s largest market, which represents 45% of the global market and is set for strong growth in both commercial and defense sectors

    The global night vision market is benefiting from growing demand, driven by increasing defense budgets and the need for armies worldwide to enhance their night fighting capabilities. The return of high-density combat has underscored the critical importance of night operation abilities as a key tactical advantage. NATO and Tier-1 allies continued to ramp up their procurement of night vision systems in 2024, though they are still far from reaching the targeted equipment rate.

    With decades of expertise, Photonis, brand of Exosens, offers image intensifier tubes, the engine of night vision devices, which improve soldiers’ tactical situational awareness, agility and mobility, as well as their targeting and driving capabilities, in the darkest of nights.

    In order to meet increasing night vision demand, Exosens invests €20m to expand its production capacity not only in Europe but also in the US with, for the first time, a new production plant in the US underscoring additional market opportunities with locally produced “Made in America” image intensifier tubes.

    This new installation will take place in Sturbridge (Massachusetts) where the group has already its Photonics Scientific Inc subsidiary. Exosens will take advantage of the support and synergies available within the group to optimize the time setup for the manufacturing of the image intensifier tubes, which is expected to begin in early 2027.

    “We are pleased to announce a new investment in our capacity on the US ground, which represents a major step in our strategy. Expansion into the US market presents a significant opportunity to strengthen our position as a global leader in image intensifier tubes. This new capacity will also enable us to meet customers’ demand for large-volume, high-performance products manufactured in the US”, said Exosens CEO, Jérôme Cerisier

    Exosens publishes its full-year 2024 results on 3 March 2025, before market opening.

    About Exosens

    Exosens is a high‐tech company, with more than 85 years of experience in the innovation, development, manufacturing and sale of high‐end electro‐optical technologies in the field of amplification, detection and imaging. Today, it offers its customers detection components and solutions such as travelling wave tubes, advanced cameras, neutron & gamma detectors, instrument detectors and light intensifier tubes. This allows Exosens to respond to complex issues in extremely demanding environments by offering tailor‐made solutions to its customers. Thanks to its sustained investments, Exosens is internationally recognized as a major innovator in optoelectronics, with production and R&D carried out on 12 sites, in Europe and North America and with over 1,700 employees. Exosens is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris ﴾Ticker: EXENS – ISIN: FR001400Q9V2﴿. Exosens is a member of Euronext Tech Leaders segment and is also included in several indices, including CAC All-Tradable, CAC Mid & Small, FTSE Total Cap and MSCI France Small Cap. For more information: exosens.com.

    Media Relations

    Brunswick Group – exosens@brunswickgroup.com
    Laetitia Quignon, + 33 6 83 17 89 13
    Nicolas Buffenoir, + 33 6 31 89 36 78

    Forward-looking statements

    Certain information included in this press release are not historical facts but are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which Exosens operates, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the forward-looking statements included in this press release. These risks include those described in chapter 3 of Exosens’ registration document approved by the French Autorité des marchés financiers under number I.24-0010 on 22 May 2024.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: From the fashion to the speeches to the music, this was an Oscars of few surprises. 5 experts break it down

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Harriette Richards, Senior Lecturer, School of Fashion and Textiles, RMIT University

    In a year with few surprises in the awards categories, there was also a dearth of surprises on the red carpet. The sartorial themes included sparkling metallics, coloured menswear and bows, bows and more bows.

    Metallic gowns that resemble the Oscar statue are a familiar sight at the Academy Awards and this year was no different. Some of the standouts included best actress nominee Demi Moore in a magnificently glittering silver Armani Privé gown, Selena Gomez in custom Ralph Lauren encrusted with 16,000 individual blush-toned jewel teardrops, and Emma Stone in a minimalist Louis Vuitton sheath covered in iridescent fish scales.

    In the menswear category, tuxedos reign supreme. This year was notable only for the diversity of colours in which these suits came.

    Best actor nominee Timothée Chalamet lived up to his reputation for monochrome, richly hued ensembles in a custom butter yellow leather suit by Givenchy, paired with a matching silk shirt and delicate neck brooch in place of a tie. His best actor nominated compatriot, Colman Domingo (one of the best dressed men in Hollywood) was pristine in a double-breasted red silk jacket with black lapels, black trousers and matching red shirt by Valentino, similarly eschewing a tie in favour of a fine gold brooch. Andrew Garfield wore louche chocolate brown Gucci and Jeremy Strong wore a suit by Loro Piana in an unusual tone of olive green.

    Bows of varying size and stature were perhaps the strongest theme of the night.

    Best actress winner Mikey Madison in black and pink Dior, best supporting actress nominee Felicity Jones in shimmering liquid silver Armani, Elle Fanning in white and black Givenchy and Lupita Nyong’o in white Chanel were all adorned with bows at their waists.

    The most remarkable bow of the night though was best actress nominee Cynthia Erivo in a structured deep emerald-green velvet Louis Vuitton gown, the broad, wing-like sleeves of which were crafted as a bow.

    Notable mentions must also go to those attendees who do not fit neatly into any thematic category. Best supporting actress nominee Ariana Grande wore a meticulously crafted pale pink Schiaparelli confection and Lisa (of Blackpink and now White Lotus fame) perfected a feminine take on masculine suiting in a tuxedo dress by Markgong.

    The only real surprise was the lack of political statements on display. Unlike recent years, when pins and ribbons in support of Ukraine and Palestine were widely worn, this year only Guy Pearce was spotted wearing a Free Palestine pin, Conclave writer Peter Straughan wore a Ukrainian flag pin and Kayo Shekoni had “free Congo” emblazoned on the sole of her high heels.

    – Harriette Richards

    The best picture: Anora

    And the best picture Oscar goes to … Anora – the film that was favoured to win, so no surprises here.

    Though he had been working for more than a decade at the time, writer-director-editor Sean Baker came onto the independent movie scene with a bang with 2015’s Tangerine, a gimmicky film that was mainly celebrated for being shot on an iPhone. Why this would be celebrated is anyone’s guess. I suspect it’s because of the “I could do it too” factor – something the average person certainly couldn’t say if we’re talking 35mm celluloid.

    Since then, Baker’s films have relished in embracing the digital, neon world, but always in a kind of sentimental and shallow, rather than critical, register. None of his films are awful – and maybe that’s saying something in this day and age. Anora also is not awful, but it’s not particularly memorable either.

    Anora follows a run of the mill American dream-type story about a hard-working stripper who seems to strike fairytale gold when a young, fun Russian oligarch falls in love with her. Only the dream turns out to be more of a nightmare (kind of) when things don’t quite work out and the film ends with the titular character once again independent and free.

    The idea of undercutting the fairytale setup of the typical rom-com is not at all original, and the film strikes me as even more schmaltzy in its rejection of the fairytale dream than if it had embraced it and played like a tween-focused Nickelodeon film (it’s about as poignant as this).

    The film’s cardinal sin, however – and it’s certainly not alone in this – is its critical overlength. Each of the film’s sections could have had some 20 minutes cut and we would have had an enjoyably tight romp at 80 minutes. Instead, Anora drags on, swept up in its imagining of its own profundity – at times pretentious, but mainly tedious.

    – Ari Mattes

    Not the year to stick a neck out

    The speeches this year were conspicuously meek. No announcer majorly insulted anyone else. No winner assaulted anyone else. Even the James Bond retrospective lacked energy. What’s going on in Hollywood?

    There are clues that help explain this curious flatness. Host Conan O’Brien mentioned the pressure of “divisive politics” while reflecting on California’s wildfires. Several winners spoke about the importance of shared experience, of what unites us, of film as a medium that brings people together, a force for “good and progress in the world” and “a reminder not to let hate go unchecked”.

    The directors of No Other Land, receiving their Oscar for best documentary, shared the one clear critical voice. Palestinian Basel Adra wished his newborn daughter a life without the fear that governs daily life in his homeland. Israeli co-director Yuval Abraham agreed: “There is another way. It’s not too late for life and for the living. There is no other way.”

    However, that was the only moment people at the Oscars seemed willing to confront the political elephant in the room.

    Anora director Sean Baker used his last (of four!) acceptance speeches to compel more people to help keep cinema doors open. He made his point passionately: this was the best way to sustain an industry that could continue to make brilliant movies. That said, the most emotive speeches of past Oscars events went much further than just commenting on the bread and butter concerns of the film industry.

    This year, there were more clues in what people did not say. There were feints at Russian dictators – but nobody mentioned the war in Ukraine. There was no discussion of a certain election result, nor of filmmakers’ fears that Washington is now in the control of a governing faction that loathes them. Most revealing of all: nobody raised a peep about the President or his friends.

    Hollywood’s collective discipline was on show tonight – and 2025 is not the year to stick a neck out.

    – Tom Clark

    A banner year for independent film

    Independent films were the big winners for this year’s Oscars. While many of the technical awards went to the big budget films, such as Wicked (the US$145 million film won costume design and production design) and Dune: Part 2 (made at a budget of US$190 million, and winning sound and visual effects), the night’s major awards went to small productions.

    While the definitions of “independence” and “studio” films don’t exist in a neat binary when it comes to production and global distribution, we can distinguish between film juggernauts and smaller films.

    Three independent films won significant awards that are of note. Latvian film Flow was the first independent film to win best animated feature, up against major films Inside Out 2 (Pixar Films) and The Wild Robot (DreamWorks).

    The film follows a cat, a dog, a capybara, a secretary bird and a ring-tailed lemur navigating a post-apocalyptic world with rising sea levels. The film also only used free and open-source software Blender and mostly used sounds from real world counterparts of the various characters. It was made for a budget of just €3.5 million (A$5.9 million).

    The best documentary film nominees were dominated by independent films. Notably, the winner No Other Land has sadly been unable to find a distributor to release the film in the United States. (It is available for streaming in Australia on DocPlay, and in select cinemas.) The film was only eligible because the Film Lincoln Centre in New York facilitated a one-week, qualifying theatrical run.

    The night’s top glories went to Anora, made on a budget of just US$6 million (A$9.7 million), and taking home the awards for best film, director, actress, screenplay and editing.

    In his acceptance speech for best director, Sean Baker spoke of the importance of films getting a theatrical release. Films, he said, are about humanity – and that is best experienced in watching a film with other people.

    During awards season, Baker has often spoken about the importance of small budget films in the expression of core human experiences.

    The final message of the night went to Baker when he thanked the Academy for recognising a truly independent film: “Long live independent film!”

    Indeed, independent films ruled this year’s Oscars.

    – Stuart Richards

    Best actor and actress

    Mikey Madison, who won the best actress award for Anora, is quite good in the role. That said, it’s difficult to evaluate her performance in such a meandering film.

    She tries hard playing a stripper who falls for Prince Charming – a Russian oligarch (Hollywood’s anti-Russian sentiment has certainly grown in recent years) who turns out to be a bit of a weakling with meanie parents. But Madison never really convincingly embodies the character, and we’re ever aware as we watch the film that she’s an actress working her way through relevant emotions and intensities.

    That said, Madison is good at yelling and stripping, and this is the main way she shows her chops here. She screamed well in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood (2019), too. The bar this year was admittedly pretty low, and truth be told Madison’s performance in Anora (aside from Fernanda Torres for I’m Still Here) is probably the best out of the nominees.

    In contrast, Adrien Brody, who won the best actor award, is absolutely unforgettable in the flawed but magnificent The Brutalist – the best he’s been since The Pianist, and the deserved winner by a mile out of a similarly mediocre field. Brody is simply a pleasure to watch, and drives, in a wholly embodied way, this grandiose and exceedingly long film (the fact it doesn’t feel long is largely due to his magnetism).

    The screenplay, in which the character comes across as a combination of arrogant, sweet and at times comedic, allows Brody to display the full range of his talent, and he plays the whole thing with an endearing vulnerability. But, again, it’s unfair to compare Brody and Madison – The Brutalist is a spectacularly accomplished cinematic epic, while Anora feels as stylish and profound as a social media video (I know that’s the point, but that doesn’t make it any more compelling).

    – Ari Mattes

    A lacklustre year for music

    This was a strong year for music-based films, with three of the most nominated ones being musicals of various types: the big-budget Broadway adaptation Wicked, the original film musical Emilia Pérez, and the musician biopic A Complete Unknown.

    The music of the ceremony itself was nicely assembled, with a live orchestra (conducted by Michael Bearden) accompanying proceedings from above the stage.

    But the show was marred by an absence: the best song nominations were not performed live. The new songs this year were so bland, however – especially when compared to the Wicked score and Bob Dylan – that I can hardly blame the producers. The nominations included a dull Elton John song, some soft guitar rock from Sing Sing, Diane Warren’s 16th (!) nominated song (more soft rock), and two forgettable songs from Emilia Pérez (one of which, El Mal, was the winner).

    So little faith did the Academy have in the songs that only a few seconds were played from each, mostly covered by a montage of interviews with the songwriters.

    This year’s nominated best scores were not much more memorable, but Daniel Blumberg deserved his win for The Brutalist. It demonstrates a high level of composition and orchestration craft. It uses edgy instrumental textures to increase the feelings of uncertainty and imbalance that the film imparts.

    The show included a lot of Wizard of Oz. Ariana Grande sang Over the Rainbow from the 1939 film and Cynthia Erivo sang Home from The Wiz, the 1974 soul musical based on the book. Then they performed Defying Gravity from Wicked together.

    Another subtle Wizard of Oz nod was the music played during the commercial breaks: a loop based on Brand New Day from The Wiz, whose 1979 film version had its music produced by the late Quincy Jones. Queen Latifah and backup dancers brought some much needed energy to the last hour of the ceremony with Ease on Down the Road, also from The Wiz, as part of a Jones tribute.

    One surprise was an unnecessary but enjoyable James Bond sequence featuring Margaret Qualley dancing to John Barry’s famous theme, a performance of Live and Let Die by K-pop star Lisa, Doja Cat singing Diamonds Are Forever, and Raye’s rendition of Skyfall.

    This plus the various numbers from the Oz Musical Universe only highlighted how lacklustre this year’s nominated music was.

    – Gregory Camp

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. From the fashion to the speeches to the music, this was an Oscars of few surprises. 5 experts break it down – https://theconversation.com/from-the-fashion-to-the-speeches-to-the-music-this-was-an-oscars-of-few-surprises-5-experts-break-it-down-251264

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address in NXT Conclave

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 2:03PM by PIB Delhi

    Namaskar, 

    ITV Network founder and my colleague in Parliament, Kartikeya Sharma ji, the entire team of the network, all the guests from India and abroad, other dignitaries, ladies and gentlemen, NewsX World’s auspicious beginning and for this I congratulate all of you, my best wishes. Today, all the regional channels of your network including Hindi and English are going global. And today many fellowships and scholarships have also been started. I wish all of you the best for these programs.

    Friends, 

    I have been attending such media events earlier also, but today I feel that you have set a new trend and I congratulate you for this too. Such media events keep happening in our country, and it is a tradition that is continuing. There are some economic topics in it, it is a matter of benefit for everyone, but your network has given it a new dimension. You have worked on a new model by breaking away from the norm. I remember, if I talk about the earlier summits and your summit I have been listening to since yesterday, the earlier summits organised by different media houses have been leader-centric, I am happy that this one is policy-centric, policies are being discussed here. Most of the events that have taken place have been about living the present on the basis of the past. I see that your summit is dedicated to the future. I have seen that in all such programs that I have seen from afar or have attended myself, the importance of controversy was more there, here the importance of dialogue is more. And I firmly believe that all the events that I have attended are held in a small room and have their own people. Seeing such a huge event here and that too the event of a media house and people from all walks of life being here, is a big thing in itself. It is possible that other media people will not get any masala (scoop) from here, but the country will get a lot of inspiration, because the thoughts of every person who comes here will be thoughts that inspire the country. I hope that in the coming days other media houses will also adopt this trend, this template, in their own way and make it innovative and at least come out of that small room.

    Friends, 

    Today the whole world is looking at 21st century India, people from all over the world want to come to India, want to know India. Today India is the country in the world where positive news is being created continuously. There is no need to manufacture news, where new records are being made every day, something new is happening. Just on 26 February, the Maha Kumbh of unity was concluded in Prayagraj. The whole world is surprised that how in a temporary city, a temporary arrangement, crores of people came to the banks of the river, travelled hundreds of kilometers and got filled with emotions after taking a holy bath. Today the world is seeing India’s organising and innovating skills. We are manufacturing everything from semiconductors to aircraft carriers right here. The world wants to know about this success of India in detail. I think that this NewsX World is a very big opportunity in itself.

    Friends, 

    Just a few months ago, India conducted the world’s largest elections. After 60 years, it happened that a government in India has returned to power for the third consecutive time. The basis of this public trust are India’s many achievements in the last 11 years. I am confident that your new channel will take India’s real stories to the world. Without adding any colour, your global channel will show the picture of India as it is, we do not need makeup.

    Friends, 

    Many years ago, I had presented the vision of Vocal for Local and Local for Global to the country. Today we are seeing this vision turning into reality. Today our Ayush products and Yoga have gone from Local to Global. Go anywhere in the world, you will find someone who knows Yoga, my friend Tony is sitting here, he is a daily Yoga practitioner.  Today, India’s superfood, our Makhana, is going global from local. India’s millets – Shreeanna, are also going global from local. And I have come to know that my friend, Tony Abbott, has had first-hand experience of Indian millets at Delhi Haat, and he liked the millet dishes very much and I felt very happy to hear this.

    Friends, 

    Not only millets, India’s turmeric has also gone from local to global, India supplies more than 60 percent of the world’s turmeric. India’s coffee has also gone from local to global, India has become the world’s seventh largest coffee exporter. Today India’s mobiles, electronic products, medicines made in India are making their global identity. And along with all this, one more thing has happened. India is leading many global initiatives. Recently I got a chance to go to the AI ​​Action Summit in France. India was the co-host of this summit which is taking the world towards the AI ​​future. Now India has the responsibility of hosting it. India organised such a wonderful G-20 Summit during its presidency. During this summit, we gave the world a new economic route in the form of India-Middle East-Europe Corridor. India also gave a strong voice to the Global South, we have connected the island nations and their interests to our priority. India has given the vision of Mission Life to the world to deal with the climate crisis. Similarly, International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, there are many such initiatives which India is leading globally. And I am happy that today when many brands of India are going global, the media of India is also going global. It is understanding this global opportunity.

    Friends, 

    For decades, the world used to call India its back office. But today, India is becoming the new factory of the world. We are not just becoming a workforce, but a world-force! Today, the country is becoming an emerging export hub for the things that we once imported. The farmer who was once limited to the local market, today his crop is reaching the markets of the whole world. The demand for Pulwama’s Snow Peas, Maharashtra’s Purandar Figs and Kashmir’s Cricket Bats is now increasing in the world. Our Defence products are showing the world the power of Indian Engineering and technology. From the Electronics to Automobile Sector, the world has seen our scale and capability. We are not only providing our products to the world, India is also becoming a trusted and reliable partner in the global supply chain.

    Friends, 

    If we have become a leader in many sectors today, then it is because of years of well deliberated hard work. This has been possible only due to systematic policy decisions. Look at the journey of 10 years, where bridges were incomplete, roads were stuck, today dreams are moving ahead at a new pace. With good roads, excellent expressways, both travel time and cost have reduced. This has given the industry an opportunity to reduce the turnaround time of logistics. Our automobile sector got a huge benefit from this. This increased the demand for vehicles, we encouraged the production of vehicles and EVs. Today we have emerged as a major automobile producer and exporter in the world.

    Friends, 

    A similar change has been seen in electronics manufacturing. In the last decade, electricity reached more than 2.5 crore households for the first time. The demand for electricity increased in the country, production increased, which increased the demand for Electronic Equipment. When we made data cheaper, the demand for mobile phones increased. As more and more services were brought on mobile phones, the consumption of digital devices increased further. By turning this demand into an opportunity, we started programs like PLI Schemes. Today, India has become a major electronics exporter.

    Friends, 

    Today India is able to set very big targets and is achieving them, so there is a special mantra at the core of this. This mantra is – minimum government, maximum governance. This is the mantra of efficient and effective governance. That means no interference from the government, no pressure from the government. I will give you an interesting example. In the last decade, we have abolished about 1500 laws that have lost their importance. It is a big deal to abolish 1500 laws. Many of these laws were made during British rule. Now I will tell you something, you will be surprised to hear that there was a law called dramatic performance act, this law was made by the British 150 years ago, at that time the British wanted that drama and theatre should not be used against the then government. There was a provision in this law that if 10 people were found dancing in a public place, they could be arrested. And this law continued for 75 years after the country got independence. That is, if there is a wedding procession and 10 people are dancing, the police can arrest them including the groom. This law was in force for 70-75 years after independence. This law was removed by our government. Now, we have borne this law for 70 years, I have nothing to say to the government of that time, those leaders, they are sitting here too, but I am more surprised by this Lutyens’ group, this Khan Market gang. Why were these people silent on such a law for 75 years? Those who go to court every day, who roam around like contractors of PIL, why were these people silent? Did they not remember liberty then? If someone thinks today, what would have happened if Modi had made such a law? And these trollers on social media, if they too had spread such false news that Modi was going to make such a law, these people would have created a ruckus, would have pulled Modi’s hair.

    Friends, 

    It is our government that has abolished this law from the times of slavery. I will give another example of bamboo, bamboo is the lifeline of our tribal areas, especially the North East. But earlier, you were sent to jail even for cutting bamboo, why was the law made now? Now, if I ask you, is bamboo a tree? Some will believe that it is a tree, some will believe that it is a tree, you will be surprised that even after 70 years of independence, the government of my country believed that bamboo is a tree, and therefore, just as cutting trees was prohibited, cutting bamboo was also prohibited. There was a law in our country which considered bamboo to be a tree, and all the laws for trees were applicable to it, it was difficult to cut it. Our earlier rulers could not understand that bamboo is not a tree. The British may have had their own interests, but why did we not do it? Even the decades old law related to bamboo was changed by our own government.

    Friends, 

    You must remember how difficult it was for a common man to file ITR 10 years ago. Today you file ITR in a few moments and the refund is also deposited directly in the account within a few days. Now the process of making the law related to income tax even simpler is going on in the Parliament. We have made income up to Rs. 12 lakh tax free, yes now there is applause, you did not applaud the bamboo because it belongs to the tribals. And this is going to benefit especially the media personnel, the salaried class like you. The youth who are doing their first and second jobs, their aspirations are also different, their expenses are also different. They should fulfil their aspirations, their savings should increase, the budget has helped a lot in this. Our aim is to give the people of the country Ease of Living, Ease of Doing Business, give them open skies to fly. Today see how many start-ups are taking advantage of geospatial data. Earlier, if someone had to make a map, they had to take permission from the government. We changed this and today our start-ups and private companies are making excellent use of this data.

    Friends,

    India, which gave the world the concept of Zero, is today becoming the land of Infinite Innovations. Today India is not just innovating but also indovating. And when I say indovate, it means – Innovating The Indian Way. Through indovating, we are creating solutions that are affordable, accessible and adaptable. We are not gate-keeping these solutions but have offered them to the entire world. When the world wanted a secure and cost-effective digital payment system, we created the UPI system. I was listening to Professor Carlos Montes, he seemed very impressed with the people-friendly nature of technology like UPI. Today, countries like France, UAE, Singapore are integrating UPI in their financial ecosystem. Today, many countries of the world are making agreements to join our digital public infrastructure, India Stack. During the Covid pandemic, our vaccine showed the world the model of India’s Quality Healthcare Solutions. We also open-sourced the Arogya Setu app so that the world can benefit from it. India is a major space power; we are also helping other countries to achieve their space aspirations. India is also working on AI for Public Good and is also sharing its experience and expertise with the world.

    Friends,

    ITV Network has launched many fellowships today. India’s youth is the biggest beneficiary of developed India and also the biggest stakeholder. Therefore, India’s youth is a very big priority for us. National Education Policy has given children an opportunity to think beyond books. Children are getting ready for the field of AI and Data Science by learning coding from middle school itself. Atal Tinkering Labs are giving children hands-on experience of emerging technologies. Therefore, in this year’s budget, we have announced to create 50 thousand new Atal Tinkering Labs.

    Friends,

    In the world of news, you people take subscriptions from different agencies, this helps you in getting better news coverage. Similarly, in the field of research, students need more and more information sources. For this, earlier they had to take subscriptions of different journals at expensive rates, they had to spend money themselves. Our government has freed all researchers from this worry too. We have brought One Nation One Subscription. With this, every researcher of the country is sure to get free access to the world’s renowned journals. The government is going to spend more than 6 thousand crore rupees on this. We are ensuring that every student gets the best research facilities. Be it space exploration, biotech research or AI, our children are emerging as future leaders. Dr. Brian Green has met the students of IIT and astronaut Mike Massimino went to meet the students of Central School and as he said, his experience has been really wonderful. The day is not far when a big innovation of the future will come out of a small school in India.

    Friends,

    Let the flag of India fly on every global platform, this is our aspiration, this is our direction.

    Friends,

    This is not the time to think small and take small steps. I am happy that as a media organisation, you too have understood this sentiment. You see, till 10 years ago you used to think about how to reach different states of the country, how to make your media house reach, today you too have gathered the courage to go global. This inspiration, this pledge, should be the one of every citizen, every entrepreneur today. My dream is that there should be some Indian brand in every market of the world, in every drawing room, on every dining table. Made in India – should become the mantra of the world. If someone is ill, he should first think about – Heal in India. If someone wants to get married, he should first think about – Wed in India. If someone wants to travel, he should put India on top of his list. If someone wants to hold a conference or an exhibition, he should come to India first. If someone wants to hold a concert, he should first choose India. We have to develop this strength, this positive attitude in ourselves. Your network and your channel will play a big role in this. The possibilities are infinite, now we have to turn them into reality with our courage and determination.

    Friends,

    India is moving ahead with the resolve to become a developed India in the next 25 years. You too should move ahead with the resolve to bring yourself on the world stage as a media house. I believe that you will definitely succeed in this. I once again convey my best wishes to the entire team of ITV Network and I also congratulate the participants who have come from the country and the world, their views have definitely strengthened a positive thinking, I am thankful for this too, because when the pride of India increases, every Indian feels happy and proud and for this I thank them all very much. Namaskaram.

     

    DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister meets and interacts with dignitaries at NXT Conclave

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 4:07PM by PIB Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met and interacted with various dignitaries at the NXT Conclave in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi today. The list of dignitaries includes Mr. Carlos Montes, Prof. Jonathan Fleming, Dr. Ann Liebert, Prof. Vesselin Popovski, Dr. Brian Greene, Mr. Alec Ross, Mr. Oleg Artemyev and Mr. Mike Massimino.

    In separate posts on X, he wrote:

    “Interacted with Mr. Carlos Montes today at the NXT Conclave. He has made rich contributions to furthering social innovations. He has been appreciative of India’s strides in digital technology, FinTech and more.”

    “Met Prof. Jonathan Fleming, who is associated with the MIT Sloan School of Management. His work in life sciences, both in the public and private sectors, is exemplary. His passion for mentoring upcoming talent and innovation in this field is equally inspiring.”

    “Delighted to meet Dr. Ann Liebert. Her work in treating Parkinson’s disease is commendable and will ensure a better quality of life for several people in the times to come.”

    “It was a pleasure meeting Prof. Vesselin Popovski. He has done appreciable work in deepening the understanding of international relations and geo-politics in a rapidly changing world.”

    “Happy to meet Dr. Brian Greene, a leading academic with a strong passion towards physics and mathematics. His works are widely admired and will shape academic discourse in the coming times. @bgreene”

    “Pleased to meet Mr. Alec Ross today. He has made a mark as a prolific thinker and author, emphasising aspects relating to innovation and learning.”

    “Pleased to meet Mr. Oleg Artemyev, a leading Cosmonaut from Russia. He has been at the forefront of some of the most pioneering expeditions. His accomplishments will motivate many youngsters to shine in the world of science and space. @OlegMKS”

    “Delighted to meet the distinguished astronaut, Mr. Mike Massimino. His passion towards space and also making it popular among the youth are widely known. It is also commendable how he is working to promote learning and innovation. @Astro_Mike”

    *******

    MJPS/SR/SKS

    (Release ID: 2107253) Visitor Counter : 87

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address at the Colloquium on ‘International Arbitration: Indian Perspective’ organised by India International Arbitration Centre (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 2:41PM by PIB Delhi

    Good Morning all of you,

    When Chairman, International Arbitration Centre of India extended invitation to me, I had a very frank, forthright thought exchange with him.

     I indicated to Justice Gupta that he has a daunting task to impart much needed credibility to the Indian arbitral system. I was so happy and delighted when he reflected that some step has to be taken. I still recall what he told me. Realistic assessment of a malice and authentic diagnosis is fundamental and quintessence to find a resolution. My response was not encouraging.

     Justice Gupta was insistent. I reacted. Justice Gupta, when UNCITRAL Model came in 1994, UK and India were two countries that had historical connect and had legislation in the same year-1996, but look at the kind of jolts our Act has had ever since then. And compare it with what happened in the United Kingdom, and therefore, to impart credibility and to undertake this very daunting task, there will have to be convergence of stakeholders.

     Those stakeholders are in the legislature, in the executive, in the judiciary, and in the bar. I am so happy and delighted that he has taken the first step, and in the process, though I may be blowing out of proportion, but for a country that is home to one-sixth of humanity, this may be that step which Neil Armstrong took on 20th of July, 1969, when man landed on the moon for the first time. So my best wishes to you.

    I continue to have my concerns and reservations that every inch you will traverse will be difficult. And therefore, my caveat to what the Attorney General reflected, we are not in the global room of arbitration. We are far distant from it. We have to go much beyond our words. Our convergence will have to be on realistic fabric.

     Each one of us will have to contribute, and when we’ll self-assess, we will find we have been in neglect, and therefore, Justice Gupta, I have known him for a very long time. He means business. I therefore compliment him for getting sponsors, Baker, McKinsey, Miss Samantha Mobley, Miss Minnie Van De Pol. Your presence matters because it was in late 90s I had the occasion to attend a conference in your organisation about the state of arbitral position.

     Our Attorney General is as much in law as in academics, and my expectations from him are always more. But I can tell you and share with you, my expectations from the Attorney General are realistic. And I am sure he would carry a message from this place that he will use his office to catalyse the change, particularly with respect to legislation that is ailing our arbitral process with painful interventions that evade finality and expedition.

     I am happy to greet your Secretary General, Asian African Legal Consultative Organisation, Dr. Kamalinne Pinitpuvadol. I recall vividly what happened in G20. It was Prime Minister Modi’s vision and he succeeded in getting African Union as a permanent member of G20. European Union was already a member. When we examine this development in historical perspective, we will realise the qualitative import of it.

     Added to this, an attorney was keenly involved with that process also to put on global radar the concerns of Global South. You were there in some conferences involving members of Judiciary in the past, and therefore, indeed, a good convergence, soothing convergence Asian-African aspect. This forum has brought together accomplished minds, but I find absence of some as impactful as presence of those who are here.

     I had expected there will be greater participation of those who are reaping the harvest, those who are occupying the century stage, who happen to be your peers. In a country like ours, change takes place only when we slightly depart from formality and talk straight. But I have no doubt that this step that has generated confidence and optimism in me and I would be certainly a soldier of your agenda that the deliberations would go a long way and I would urge let the deliberations not end with this colloquium.

     Let there be extension of brainstorming sessions between individuals. We have some of the finest minds here. When I look around, when I look at my friend senior advocate, Gaurav Bannerjee look at his lineage, how many times we have discussed passionately in mission mode and then rested because handholding has to be by government stakeholders. Handholding has to be by law. Handholding has to emanate from people whose pen matters, and therefore, Justice Gupta has taken a big challenge and every challenge has inbuilt potential opportunity.

     I have no doubt we will so convert. I need not underscore the relevance of arbitral process, its need, but in our country and I can say with modest exposure to global arbitral process, I think being in the International Court of Arbitration for about three years and associated with the commission of that outfit for about nine years. Here, we are not to regain credibility. We have to establish credibility of arbitration. There is a moment subterranean where people in commerce fear arbitral process and that has to be overcome. Arbitrators play as much critical role as members of the board associated with arbitral process.

     Surprisingly, there is, I’m saying it with utmost restraint, absolute tight-fist control of a segment of a category that is involved with arbitral process determination and this tight-fist control emanates out of judicial fields and if we examine it on an objective platform, it is excruciatingly painful. This country has a rich human resource in every facet, Oceanography, Maritime, Aviation, Infrastructure and what not and the disputes are relatable to the experience which is sectoral.

     Unfortunately, we have taken in this country a very myopic view of arbitration as if it is adjudication. It is much beyond adjudication. It is not conventional adjudication as historically evaluated globally. I am enthused in making these observations because Justice Gupta’s mind is stirred by these thoughts. With all my intent not to come here, I have to yield under the pressure of his determination. Now if any country needs smoothest of judicial process, it is India, and India needs it more than any other country for several reasons.

     And why? We are a country that is on the rise. The rise is unstoppable. The rise is incremental. Ladies and gentlemen, let me reflect on the state of the nation at the moment, and I do it on some authority because I had the occasion to be in Parliament in 1989, in seat of governance as a Minister, 1991. I therefore know what the scene was then and what the scene is now.

     Exponential economic upsurge that we are witnessing. India has transformed from 11th economy a decade ago to the 5th largest global economy on way to becoming the 3rd largest ahead of Japan and Germany very shortly.

     We have 8% growth heading towards 4 trillion economy US dollars. Get little away from it. Phenomenal infrastructure growth. Those who have been to this country a decade ago and now and this very place you can see how swiftly it came or Yashobhoomi, or Indian Parliament building newer even in the phase of COVID our Highways, our Aviation sector, our Space sector, our Deep sea sector. So we have phenomenal infrastructure growth. We have 4 new airports and 1 metro system built every year. Which country in the world can do it?

     Daily 14 km of highways and world class Highways and 6 km of Eailways. A nation of 1.4 billion has deep technological penetration. 85 million have been benefited with affordable housing. 330 million with health coverage and 29 million small businesses with loans annually.

    I am giving out these figures because they have rational and rational to the extent arbitral process is concerned. Where the nation is heading? We boast of lunar and mars missions, vaccine productions, we are focussing on Semiconductors, Quantum Computing, green Hydrogen Mission. We are in single digit countries least that is focussing on artificial intelligence. We are one of the few countries in the world that is on way to exploitation of 6G commercially. And look at our spread of 4G all over the country. Every village has it. And therefore, we have all pervasive digitisation. 6.1 billion monthly digital transactions.

     Third largest global ecosystem and the largest Unicorn–Well spread out. People centric policies. Toilet in the house, gas connection in the house, electricity connection in the house, internet connection in the house, road connection, everything is there. And therefore, this development of a decade has converted India as the most aspirational nation in the world. People are now rest even in restlessness. They want more. They want more because they have tasted development. They have benefited from people centric policies. All this can come up only with the surge in economic activity. And every economic activity will have differences, disputes, requiring quick solutions.

     Sometimes, disputes and differences arise on account of perceptional variations, inadequate support, or helplessness. In this situation, it is very significant that we focus on adjudication. Now is the time when India is emerging in every field globally. Why not India should emerge as a global dispute resolution centre? If I reflect to myself and I enormously benefited by my stay as a member in the International Court of Arbitration.

     What do they have which we don’t? Their infrastructure is hardly comparable to what we have. There are cultural centres where arbitrators can really engage. Go to Kolkata, go to Jaipur, go to Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, any part, get away from the metro then you’ll have. I have seen in 10 years growth of arbitral centres with credibility in Dubai and Singapore on self-assessment without fear of contradiction. For this reason, I can say we are nowhere.

     We are not in the mind of people who are having commercial relationship with us if it is international commercial arbitration. There was a time when this country had for the first time a power purchase agreement. My friend Gaurav Banerjee will bear me out. The agreement was settled by a law firm outside the country, but Justice Gupta, it provided for tariff on three terms. One tariff was A, if arbitration is in India as per Indian law, then the tariff will be cheaper by A minus 1. If the arbitration is in India but not according to Indian law. It will still be cheaper if the arbitration was outside India and under outside legal regime. That we have to change, and this finds reflection in power purchase agreement of UNRWA.

     We when are particularly suited naturally, culturally and otherwise the richest human resource on the globe with highest adaptability of Indian mind to highly skilled required techniques and that is why you will find formal economy taking place on account of digital transactions, therefore, time for us to get into a groove to be part of the marathon march that is taking place in the country for India to be a developed nation and India is no longer a country with potential and developed nation status is not our dream it is our destination, and all world organisations that in ‘90 when I was a part of the government were absolutely on us are accolading us global centre favourite centre of Investment and opportunity– International Monetary Fund says World Bank has applauded us that our digitisation accomplished in about six years is not otherwise attainable even in more than four decades we have done it.

     And therefore we will have to go to certain basics I can suggest some, A Former Chief Justice of this country, I am not concerned about the legacy left or the footprints, the nature of which he left but he did make an observation process has become old boys club he was referring to retired judges participation arbitral process.

     I should not be misunderstood even for a moment retired judges of this country are an asset to arbitral process they lend credibility to us. I know some of the former Chief Justices and Judges being absolutely appreciated globally for international commercial arbitration – Justice Lodha, Justice Thakur.

     Let me tell you amazing all of the judges justice everyone is doing I am not for a moment saying keep away from them, No!

     But there are areas where the arbitral tribal needs to be supplemented by experts in the field of Oceanography in Aviation in Infrastructure our judges are perhaps the best in the world. They apply mind, and therefore not for a moment, I should be misunderstood. I do not share the observation of the former Chief justice of old boys’ club. Justice Gupta is immediately suited going by his passion and commitment for bringing about a big change, but I am taking a critic’s view and critic’s view is that the Attorney General of the country can really reflect and make a big change this country in the world tell me has suo-moto cognisance by the highest court.

     I am sure I can’t look around, and Article 136 intervention was supposed to be a narrow slit. The wall has been demolished with anything and everything under the sun including what a Magistrate has to do, What a Sessions Judge as to do, what a District Judge has to do, what a High Court judge has to do, that wall demolition is also hurting Arbitral process.

     All I am suggesting in all humility and a concerned citizen of this country that the issue which you are debating is of critical importance to Micro-small industries they want facile easy arbitral process. For want of time I would not be able to say all I wish to say, and since I have shared my thoughts in private with Justice Gupta, I would concludingly sum up.

     Let us navigate because it is time for us to navigate step by step from alternative resolution to amicable resolution. Why should it be alternative it must be first option why should it be substitute to litigation so amicable resolution from dispute resolution to difference resolution why do we label it, dispute these are differences these are differences because a new person has taken to a particular enterprise in Make in India, he has engaged in a startup. there is some difference this difference he wants to iron out because he is not all in all.

     He can’t have various departments and therefore, let us convert it from dispute resolution to difference resolution and then why resolution? Why not make it from resolution to settlement and why look for judicially enforceable package of Awards. Let us get into consensual convergence.

     All these in my modest assessment will secure commercial partnerships. They will not break partnerships. They will nurture partnerships in commerce, business, trade and industry they will ensure their blossoming. This will augur well for the economic growth and this will also place us in the global arbitration room where presently we are far distanced.

     At the moment, ladies and gentlemen, I have no doubt, let me make my mind clear in a concluding sentence: the arbitral process in our country is just an additional burden to the normal hierarchical mechanism of adjudication. I am grateful to the opportunity accorded to me by Justice Gupta. I wish him good luck and I stand committed to be at your disposal in any manner you feel appropriate or expedient.

    Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for your time and patience.

    ******

    (Release ID: 2107228) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia to Represent India’s Rise on the Global Stage at Mobile World Congress 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia to Represent India’s Rise on the Global Stage at Mobile World Congress 2025

    Curtain Raiser of India Mobile Congress 2025 and Bharat Pavilion to be inaugurated

    Participation in MWC 2025 cements India’s role as Global Leader in Digital & Mobile Ecosystem

    India is rapidly evolving into a global technology hub and engagement at events like the MWC 2025 vital for accelerating innovation and strengthening digital infrastructure: Shri JM Scindia

    Shri JM Scindia to Address Key Sessions on Global Tech Governance and Balancing Innovation at MWC 2025

    Posted On: 01 MAR 2025 9:07AM by PIB Delhi

    Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Hon’ble Union Minister for Communications, will represent India at the prestigious Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, one of the world’s largest and most influential technology and telecommunications events, scheduled from March 3-6, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

    He will also unveil the curtain raiser of India Mobile Congress 2025 and inaugurate the ‘Bharat Pavilion’ at the Mobile World Congress (MWC).

    The India Mobile Congress is platform that highlight India’s innovation ecosystem, and leading telecom companies and innovators showcase their cutting-edge advancements and sustainable solutions. The Bharat Pavilion will feature 38 Indian telecom equipment manufacturers showcasing their state-of-the-art products, both hardware and software.

    Minister’s participation underscores India’s growing role as a global leader in the digital and mobile ecosystem. His presence will highlight India’s commitment to digital transformation, innovation, and fostering international collaborations in communications and technology.

    During his visit, the Minister of Communications will engage with global industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore cutting-edge developments in 5G, AI(artificial intelligence),6G, Quantum and next-generation mobile technologies. The event will serve as a platform for discussing key trends shaping the mobile industry and will spotlight India’s digital ambitions.

    Speaking about his visit, Shri Scindia said, “India is rapidly evolving into a global technology hub, and our engagement with international partners at events like the Mobile World Congress is vital for accelerating innovation and strengthening digital infrastructure. I look forward to exchanging ideas with global experts and discussing opportunities for collaboration in the mobile and telecommunications sector.”

    The Minister is also expected to address several key sessions, including ‘Global Tech Governance: Rising to the Challenge’ and ‘Balancing Innovation and Regulation: Global Perspectives on Telecom Policy.’

    The participation in Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona is expected to bring together top executives, visionaries, and innovators from across the globe, offering a a platform for strategic collaborations, knowledge exchange, and showcasing India’s technological leadership

     

    ****

    Samrat/Dheeraj/Allen

    (Release ID: 2107175) Visitor Counter : 72

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: ING acquires stake in Van Lanschot Kempen

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ING acquires stake in Van Lanschot Kempen

    ING announced today that it has reached an agreement with Reggeborgh Groep B.V. on the acquisition of a 17.6% stake in Van Lanschot Kempen N.V., a specialist wealth manager serving Private, Institutional and Investment banking clients, operating predominantly in the Netherlands and Belgium. Together with an existing 2.7% stake, ING will hold a 20.3% stake in Van Lanschot Kempen after completion of the transaction.

    “Van Lanschot Kempen is a respected, listed, well-capitalised, profitable wealth manager with a strong specialist position in amongst others the Netherlands and Belgium. Their history goes back almost three centuries. Acquiring this stake presents an attractive financial opportunity and with this transaction we are executing on our goal to enhance our position in private banking and wealth management,” said ING CEO Steven van Rijswijk. “We see this transaction as a long-term financial investment and we support Van Lanschot Kempen’s management, recognising the strong progress in the execution of their strategy.”

    Under the terms of the agreement, ING has directly acquired a stake of 7.2%, bringing its stake in Van Lanschot Kempen to 9.9%. The remainder of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval. The transaction is expected to have a minimal impact on ING’s CET1 ratio.

    Note for editors

    For more on ING, please visit www.ing.com. Frequent news updates can be found in the Newsroom. Photos of ING operations, buildings and its executives are available for download at Flickr.

    ING PROFILE

    ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is: empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank’s more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 100 countries.

    ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N).

    ING aims to put sustainability at the heart of what we do. Our policies and actions are assessed by independent research and ratings providers, which give updates on them annually. ING’s ESG rating by MSCI was reconfirmed by MSCI as ‘AA’ in August 2024 for the fifth year. As of December 2023, in Sustainalytics’ view, ING’s management of ESG material risk is ‘Strong’. Our current ESG Risk Rating, is 17.2 (Low Risk). ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers including Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell.

    IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: US cuts mean ‘essential’ UN mental health teams in Ukraine risk closure

    Source: United Nations 2

    Humanitarian Aid

    Some 640,000 women and girls in Ukraine will be affected by cuts to psychosocial support, gender-based violence services, safe spaces, and economic empowerment programs following the confirmation from US authorities to end practically all financial contributions to the UN reproductive and sexual health agency (UNFPA).

    A young mother, five children in tow, steps off a train in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, holding a small bag. She is fleeing Russian attacks in the Zaporizhzhia region, she is also escaping a violent partner, a man who once beat her so severely she suffered a miscarriage.

    She needs urgent medical attention, legal assistance and a safe place for her children. “We met her at the train station,” says Tetiana, a psychologist with a mobile team since 2022. “We also organized a medical escort and lawyers to help with her documents and referrals.”

    Trauma, distress and surging domestic abuse

    Tetiana’s unit is one of 87 UNFPA psychosocial support teams, on call for emergency interventions. She can also refer survivors for longer-term assistance, job training and access to legal aid. These resources remain critical for survivors of abuse long after the initial danger has passed – especially in a country where three years of war have caused widespread trauma and deep psychological distress.

    Since Russia’s full-scale invasion three years ago, reports of intimate partner violence, domestic abuse, sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence have surged more than threefold in Ukraine. An estimated 2.4 million people – mostly women and girls – are in urgent need of gender-based violence prevention and response services. “Even after finding some physical safety in Dnipro, many struggle with lingering panic attacks, nightmares and depressive symptoms,” says Tetiana.

    © UNFPA Ukraine

    UNFPA’s mobile psychosocial support teams are often the first to respond to cases of gender-based violence after the police.

    Almost two thirds of households in Ukraine report dealing with some form of anxiety, depression or extreme stress, thwarting people’s ability to find work or care for family members. Financial hardship, mass job losses, deaths of loved ones and fears of future attacks are only intensifying their distress. Without proper counselling and care, the cycle of trauma can also be passed down to future generations, risking long-term and wider-spread harm to the community

    Surviving is just the beginning

    Roman joined the team in Dnipro as a social worker in April 2022, arranging coordination with social services and public organizations. “We have built a response system for people’s safety and support,” he said, explaining that they are often the first to respond to cases of gender-based violence, after the police. “We are an ambulance of sorts for gender-based violence incidents.”

    These services are vital, especially for women without stable income or housing, as the war has put many at risk of economic exploitation or renewed violence.

    “Many people think surviving the initial threat is the end of the story,” added Tetiana. “But the real healing only starts once they are physically safe. Without psychosocial support, it’s difficult for them to recover from trauma or prevent further harm.”

    © UNFPA Ukraine

    Tetiana has worked as a psychologist with UNFPA’s mobile psychosocial support team in Dnipro since early 2022.

    In crisis settings, the risk of violence against women and girls escalates – including conflict-related sexual violence – and the demand for protection and response services spikes. Yet, as displaced women often lack social networks to turn to and are stigmatized if they report abuse, the police can request the mobile team’s support on-site to coordinate further interventions, such as safe housing or counselling.

    Health workers under fire

    It’s a situation fraught with danger, and response workers themselves can come under fire. “When we arrive at the sites of attacks or in cases of violence. We don’t have time to slow down,” explained Roman. “We switch on immediately and start providing services. It’s like our own reactions are on hold. Only later, when we look back and discuss it, do we realize how difficult it actually was.”

    Since February 2022, the World Health Organization has confirmed over 2,200 attacks on healthcare facilities, services and personnel in Ukraine by the Russian Federation. Last year, over 300 of these affected medical facilities – a threefold increase on 2023.

    While his work is critical, Roman said it takes a toll. “With each shelling, it builds up – one after the other. Depending on the severity of the damage, you feel it differently each time. But for the most part, we stay focused on what must be done, putting our feelings aside on the spot. Then, once the immediate crisis is handled, we turn to our own support networks and process it all.”

    Why these services must endure

    Since 2022, more than 50 of UNFPA’s mobile psychosocial teams have been funded by the US Government, and play an indispensable role in helping Ukraine’s most vulnerable. “The city services function, but they lack the same impact and reach. That’s why the mobile teams are essential, especially in times of war, as we navigate the wave of displaced people,” said Tetiana.

    Women are fundamental to the resilience of Ukraine’s families, workforce and larger community, but they have endured immense suffering over years of conflict. Ensuring they are supported throughout their personal recovery will be crucial to safeguarding Ukraine’s long-term recovery.

    With uncertainty now surrounding funding for humanitarian work around the world, the continuity of this vital work is under threat. 640,000 women and girls will be affected by cuts to psychosocial support, gender-based violence services, safe spaces, and economic empowerment programs. Protection for refugees and crisis-affected communities will be diminished.

    Essential health services to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, support to women-led organizations, and programmes promoting women’s economic empowerment are all at risk of closure – gravely endangering the safety and well-being of millions of people.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Legacy carved in stone

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    The recent Chongqing premiere of For an Eternal Homeland — Dazu Rock Carvers’ Legacy has been hailed by the audiences and critics as a spectacle that brings the ancient figures of the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to life.

    Through a blend of artistry and narrative, this dance drama has been recognized by many as a successful reimagining and revitalization that allows the historical treasure to shine anew.

    Zhang Yaqi, artistic director of the dance drama, says that the collaboration between the municipality of Chongqing and the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, a national performing arts institution, was developed over a two-year period and pays tribute to Dazu’s stone carvers.

    The performance is themed on celebrating the ancient philosophical vision of an ideal society: renjian xiaoman; tianxia dazu, (literally “small satisfaction in human life; grand prosperity and abundance in the world”).

    The Dazu Rock Carvings include the 144 grottoes, 50,000 statues and 100,000 inscriptions found in Chongqing’s Dazu district.

    Begun during the early Tang Dynasty (618-907) and reaching its peak during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), these extensive carvings amalgamate Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist sculptures.

    The UNESCO designation was awarded in 1999. Along with the Mogao Caves in Gansu province, the Longmen Grottoes in Henan province, and the Yungang Grottoes in Shanxi province — all similarly designated — the Dazu Rock Carvings are considered an essential part of the history of cave art in China.

    The 10-chapter, 100-minute dance drama is the tale of a young refugee named Xiao Fu. Fleeing to Dazu during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), he seeks sanctuary among local rock carvers, embracing their simple joys and aspirations for a brighter tomorrow. However, when a rockslide occurs, he pledges to immortalize the names of his departed family members by carving them on the cliffs, ensuring their memory lasts forever.

    “The stage presentation was challenging, with a deep sense of reverence. We drew inspiration from the details of the carvings, capturing their lifelike appearances,” Zhang says.

    She adds that every aspect, from characters and costumes to design, movements and props, was created to reflect the poetic essence of these portrayals of everyday rural life.

    For instance, figures such as the flute-playing woman, the chicken-raising woman, the cattle herder, and the woman wine seller, as well as Graceful Guanyin (Avalokitesvara, or the Goddess of Mercy), Water-moon Guanyin, and the Buddhist monk Zhigong (418-514) are brought to life in the drama.

    The 40 performers, 18 women and 22 men, radiate an ancient charm that encapsulates the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty, according to Zhang, who adds that the production included some core members of the team behind another hit, Poetic Dance: The Journey of a Legendary Landscape Painting.

    A large mirror onstage was used as a backdrop, according to Gao Guangjian, the drama’s visual director and set designer.

    A variety of multimedia techniques was used to create a distinct realm, enabling the exploration of the dynamic interplay between reality and faith.

    “The Dazu Rock Carvings are a priceless treasure, and belong to humanity,” says Li Fangyin, former director of Dazu Rock Carvings Research Institute.

    “Their deep content, such as philosophical ideas, humanistic principles, values and morals, helped us to further tap their worth through creative efforts,” Li adds.

    Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, the country has increasingly focused on the conservation and use of cultural heritage and grotto temples.

    According to Li, more than 30 protection projects have been carried out at the Dazu Rock Carvings over the past two decades, resulting in marked progress on the protection, research, and use of the site.

    The Qianshou Guanyin (Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara) statue, carved during the Southern Song Dynasty, is a treasure of Baoding Mountain, one of the sites part of Dazu. In June 2015, after an 8-year national project to conserve its stone relics, aided by technology, salvage efforts were completed. That year, the Art Museum of Dazu Rock Carvings was opened.

    After 16 years of surveys and research by experts at the research institute, Dazu Shike Quanji (A Collection of Dazu Rock Carvings) was published by Chongqing Publishing Group in 2019, the first Chinese archaeological report about large grotto temple sites.

    In recent years, several international academic symposiums have been held in Chongqing and Ziyang, Sichuan province, to integrate cultural tourism and preservation.

    Last August, the first International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation kicked off in Dazu. Experts from countries, including Norway, the United Kingdom, Japan, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Nepal, convened to share insights and address common challenges in the global conservation of grotto temples.

    Chongqing’s Dazu and Ziyang city in Sichuan are known for their stone carvings — 150,000 in all — among which the Anyue Grottoes in Ziyang’s Anyue county have been included in the provisional list of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage Sites.

    The Sichuan-Chongqing Grotto Protection and Research Center has been established and has organized 20 international forums and academic exchange studies in Dazu. It is also responsible for publishing the academic journal Cave Temple Research and Conservation.

    “The fusion of traditional art and modern technology has led to many changes,” Li says, citing the example of Black Myth: Wukong.

    The game’s production team explored the Dazu Rock Carvings three years ago, and set many scenes in the hit game there.

    After its three-day premiere from Feb. 21 to 23 in Chongqing, the drama will travel to 10 more cities, including Chengdu, Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, Nanchang in Jiangxi province, Shenzhen in Guangdong province, Fuzhou and Xiamen in Fujian province, as well as Changsha in Hunan province. A total of 100 performances are planned for the year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Companies expand footprint overseas

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Cargo ships carrying steel products are heading toward African ports from Zhangjiagang Port in East China’s Jiangsu province, and canned beans from Yancheng, Jiangsu, are reaching the dining tables of Middle Eastern families, as local Chinese enterprises continue to expand their businesses overseas, according to Nanjing Customs.

    Chinese companies nationwide, not just enterprises in Jiangsu, are revving up their efforts to expand their footprint overseas and strengthen international cooperation.

    In the two weeks following the Spring Festival holiday, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade said it arranged for eight groups of Chinese entrepreneurs to travel abroad for economic and trade activities.

    Representatives from more than 200 companies visited Kazakhstan, Germany, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the Beijing-based council said on Friday.

    “During the visits, the willingness of foreign companies to cooperate with China exceeded our expectations, and 33 cooperation intent agreements were reached, covering sectors such as finance, energy, infrastructure, automobile manufacturing and the digital economy,” said Yang Fan, a spokeswoman for the CCPIT.

    “This has fully demonstrated the strong desire and broad prospects for pragmatic cooperation between Chinese and foreign business communities,” she said.

    The more difficult the times, the more determined the global business community is to work together and achieve win-win cooperation, Yang said, noting that this is the greatest certainty that balances many uncertain factors in global economic growth.

    Unilateralism and protectionism can’t interfere with the main theme of economic globalization, she added.

    In mid-February, a delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs visited Kazakhstan and achieved better-than-expected results. During the two-day visit, representatives of enterprises from China and Kazakhstan signed eight cooperation agreements, including an energy strategic cooperation agreement and an agricultural products import and export agreement.

    The visit was aimed at deepening trade, investment and industrial and supply chain cooperation between China and Kazakhstan and further consolidating the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, the CCPIT said.

    Chinese entrepreneurs were also warmly welcomed in other countries, and Chinese and foreign business communities engaged in enthusiastic talks.

    In South Africa, the country’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile met with a Chinese business delegation in person, while in Germany, the management teams of major multinational corporations, such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Bosch, held in-depth talks with Chinese entrepreneurs, Yang said.

    In the UAE, officials from government departments and major business associations actively engaged in dialogues with Chinese entrepreneurs, she added.

    In the past few years, Chinese enterprises have shown strong willingness to promote industrial and supply chain cooperation with their foreign counterparts.

    Last year, the CCPIT organized a total of 2,249 business groups to visit 102 countries and regions, which means on average six Chinese delegations went abroad for business talks each day.

    Jiangsu Kanghui New Material Technology Co, an affiliate of Hengli Group, which focuses on the full production chain in oil refining, petrochemicals, polyester new materials and textiles, is a leading company in producing wide polyester films. A variety of polyester film products have rolled off its production line for exports.

    In particular, the company has been actively expanding its business in emerging markets such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to Nanjing Customs.

    “Last year, our products exported to ASEAN countries enjoyed preferential tariffs and received an exemption of 8.47 million yuan ($1.16 million), thanks to the China-ASEAN free trade agreement,” said Zhang Liping, director of imports and exports at Jiangsu Kanghui New Material Technology.

    “With preferential tariffs, our products have become more competitive in overseas markets. In 2024, the company’s export value in the ASEAN market reached $24 million,” Zhang added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Echo of the Big Bang

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    As part of the popular science marathon “Darwin Week”, this year the dean Faculty of Physics, Novosibirsk State University, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences Vladimir Blinov gave a lecture on how people’s ideas about the origin and structure of the Universe have changed and what role relic radiation plays in this.

    “My lecture is a story about how humanity tried to understand the structure of the world in which it lives. And I will tell you how the history of the Universe appears in the light of relic radiation,” he began his speech.

    People have been trying to understand how the Universe works and to build a model of it for quite some time. Even before our era, in ancient Alexandria, the scholar and scribe Claudius Ptolemy wrote an encyclopedia of astronomical and mathematical knowledge of the ancient Greek world, known today as the Almagest. In his picture, the center of the universe was a flat Earth, around which the Sun, planets, and fixed stars were located.

    Interestingly, at about the same time, another scientist from Alexandria, Eratosthenes, used mathematics to prove that the Earth is spherical and even calculated its approximate dimensions. True, he was wrong in his calculations by about 10%, but given the imperfection of his instruments, this was excusable. However, it was Ptolemy’s concept that became officially recognized for a long time.

    After about one and a half thousand years, Renaissance scientists finally debunked it, and through the efforts of Nicolaus Copernicus, Tycho Brahe, Johannes Kepler and Isaac Newton, the model of a heliocentric solar system and a universe based on the laws of classical mechanics was established in science.

    — This state of affairs lasted for about 300 years, and during this time, data gradually accumulated that could not be explained from the standpoint of classical Newtonian mechanics. And then Einstein appeared, who created the Special and General Theories of Relativity and, on their basis, created a model of the Universe, — Vladimir Blinov continued.

    This model no longer operated with classical mechanics, but with relativistic mechanics. And one of the first predictions of the General Theory of Relativity was the explanation of the anomalous precession of the orbit of the planet Mercury.

    And a few decades later, the American astronomer Hubble established that the Universe is expanding. Then, physicists, relying on the results obtained by Hubble, abandoned the stationary model of the Universe (from which, by the way, Einstein also proceeded) and came to the conclusion that it used to be more compact, hotter, and approximately 13.8 billion years ago its expansion began. Simply put, this is how the cosmological concept, better known as the Big Bang Theory, was born.

    By the way, the age of the Universe determines the radius of the part of the Universe visible to us due to the finiteness of the speed of light.

    — But this gives scientists a huge bonus: the further away from us the observed object is, the younger we see it. Therefore, thanks to the development of telescopes, astrophysicists and cosmologists can see and study the history of the Universe with their own eyes, rather than reconstructing it from indirect data, — Vladimir Blinov emphasized.

    He then briefly described the various stages of the history of the Universe, starting from the time when it was in a state of helium-hydrogen plasma. It was the recombination of this plasma, according to astrophysicists, that led to the appearance of individual atoms, from which stars and other structures in the Universe were later formed. The consequence of this, in particular, according to scientists’ calculations, was the emergence of radiation with a high degree of isotropy and a spectrum characteristic of an absolutely black body with a temperature of 2.73 K. Soviet astrophysicist I.S. Shklovsky designated it with the term “relict radiation”.

    At first it was a theory, but in 1965, astronomers Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson of Bell Telephone Laboratories, while investigating the effects of cosmic radiation on radar, discovered that the antenna had an excess noise temperature of 3.5 K, which they could not explain. It was only after consulting with physicists at Princeton University, who had been trying to detect the relic radiation for a year, that it became clear that this was it.

    — This became proof that the Big Bang model works, that at the age of 380 thousand years the Universe consisted of plasma with a temperature of 3000 K and this radiation is the noise of that same plasma. But further observations began to give rise to new questions, — the dean of the Physics Department emphasized.

    In particular, why is this temperature the same at different, distant points in the Universe, which could not contact each other at that time. There were other inconsistencies. They were explained using the inflationary model of the expansion of the Universe, to the creation of which Soviet physicists Andrei Starobinsky, Andrei Linde and their American colleague Alan Guth contributed.

    In its framework, the expansion of space occurred as a result of quantum fluctuations of a scalar field similar to the field proposed by Higgs, whose quantum, the Higgs boson, was discovered in 2021 at the Large Hadron Collider, and it was almost instantaneous and led to the formation of many “bubble” universes. Precise calculations showed that the sizes of these bubble universes were many orders of magnitude larger than the visible radius of our Universe. For this reason, we do not observe “walls” separating these “bubble” universes.

    — This is how the concept of the Multiverse was born, in which an infinite number of Universes with different properties were, are, and will be formed. Some of them quickly collapse, some do not. We live in one of these universes, — the speaker concluded.

    And since the number of universes is infinite, and the number of particles in them is finite, all possible scenarios of their composition and evolution are realized. Even exact copies of our Universe are possible, and perhaps somewhere at this time the same lecture is being given by Vladimir Blinov’s double.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UK PM announces new 1.6B-pound deal for Ukraine

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) shakes hands with visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in front of 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, March 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that Britain will allow Ukraine to use 1.6 billion pounds (2 billion U.S. dollars) of British export finance to purchase more than 5,000 air defense missiles.

    “This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening Ukraine,” Starmer told a press conference following a summit with Western leaders in London.

    The goal is “to put Ukraine in the strongest position” so the country can negotiate from a position of strength, he added.

    Western leaders, including more than a dozen European heads of state and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gathered in London on Sunday for a defense summit aimed at advancing a peace plan for Ukraine.

    Starmer said leaders at the summit had agreed on a four-step plan to guarantee peace in Ukraine: to maintain military aid to Ukraine while the conflict continues and increase economic pressure on Russia; to ensure that any lasting peace guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, with Ukraine at the table for any negotiations; to deter “any future invasion by Russia” in the event of a peace deal; and to establish a “coalition of the willing” to defend Ukraine and uphold peace in the country.

    The leaders also agreed to meet again soon to sustain the momentum behind these efforts, Starmer said.

    The prime minister reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting the peace plan with “boots on the ground, and planes in the air.”

    “Europe must do the heavy lifting,” he said, emphasizing that the agreement needs U.S. backing.

    “Let me be clear, we agree with Trump on the urgent need for a durable peace. Now we need to deliver together,” he said.

    Earlier on Sunday before the summit, Starmer announced that Britain, France and Ukraine will work on a ceasefire plan to present to the United States. He named three essential points to achieve “lasting peace” — a strong Ukraine, a European element with security guarantees, and a U.S. backstop, with the last one being the subject of “intense” discussion.

    The summit took place amid diplomatic tensions, following a heated exchange earlier this week between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, which led to the cancellation of an anticipated raw materials agreement between the two countries.

    On Saturday, Zelensky met with Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where the British prime minister reaffirmed the UK’s “unwavering determination” to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. Following the meeting, Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko announced that Britain and Ukraine had agreed on a loan of 2.26 billion pounds to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities. (1 pound = 1.26 U.S. dollar)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The only ‘winner’ here is Putin: Ukraine unites in response to Trump-Zelenskyy spat and resigns itself to new reality

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Lena Surzhko Harned, Associate Teaching Professor of Political Science, Penn State

    A trap or a misstep? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sit-down with Donald Trump and JD Vance heads south. AP Photo/ Mystyslav Chernov

    “A president just disrespected America in the Oval Office. It wasn’t Zelenskyy.”

    That was the verdict of the editorial team at the Kyiv Independent, one of Ukraine’s leading media outlets, on a remarkable spat in the Oval Office that played out on Feb. 28, 2025.

    The online newspaper European Pravda characterized the “quarrel at the highest level” as a diplomatic failure, but added that it was “not yet a catastrophe.”

    Some Ukrainians I have spoken to since the fractious encounter, during which Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy was repeatedly hectored by U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, have indeed characterized it as disastrous for the country. But for others, the incident has been calmly accepted as the new reality in U.S.-Ukraine relations.

    There have been some questions directed at Zelenskyy – did he allow himself to be baited into an an argument that could have real consequences? Should he have remained silent? But for the most part, the treatment of Ukraine’s president by Trump and Vance has produced a presumably unintended consequence: It has unified a war-weary Ukrainian people.

    As one friend who has been displaced by war from the now occupied city of Nova Kakhovka told me, there has not been this level of mobilization and patriotism in three years.

    ‘The country needs unity’

    This unity is seen in the response across Ukraine’s political divide.
    Petro Poroshenko, an often outspoken opponent of Zelenskyy and leader of the opposition party European Solidarity, said on March 1 that, to the surprise of many, he will not criticize Zelenskyy’s performance at the White House. “The country does not need criticism, the country needs unity,” he said in the video posted on X.

    Anecdotally, even those Ukrainians who did not vote for Zelenskyy have told me that events in the Oval Office made them feel more supportive of Zelenskyy.

    However, a sense of realism is sinking in over the shifting stance of the U.S. administration. Trump’s stated trust in Vladimir Putin and his conciliatory comments over Russian aggression – including a refusal to acknowledge Russian war crimes – have, for many Ukrainians, set low expectations that the White House can help achieve a quick and lasting peace. Yet, as Inna Sovsun of the opposition party Holos noted, “It was difficult to watch a president who’s been a victim of Russian aggression being attacked by the leader of the free world.”

    Setting the record straight

    The Feb. 28 meeting between the U.S. and Ukrainian leaders followed weeks of increasingly harsh Trump rhetoric toward Zelenskyy. Since being inaugurated on Jan. 20, Trump has called the Ukrainian leader a “dictator without elections,” claiming – incorrectly – that Zelenksyy had 4% approval ratings. He also indicted that the invasion by Russian troops in February 2022 was Ukraine’s fault.

    Such comments had already made Ukrainians rally around Zelenskyy, who has a healthy 63% approval rating, according to the latest polls.

    The ugly scenes in the Oval Office could see a further rallying around Zelenskyy, especially if he can successfully characterize his role in the dispute as that of defender of his people. Doing so would tap into growing popular resentment over the new U.S. administration’s apparent unwillingness to acknowledge Russian war crimes.

    Large U.S. and Ukrainian flags hang on the Kyiv River Port building on March 2, 2025 in Kyiv, Ukraine.
    Photo by Pierre Crom/Getty Images

    In the days leading up to the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting, the U.S. voted with Russia against a United Nations resolution condemning Russian aggression and opposed the wording of a draft G7 statement marking the third anniversary of the war, which depicted Russia as the aggressor.

    Letting Putin off the hook

    The angry exchanges in the Oval Office seemed to have been sparked by Zelenskyy’s objection to Trump’s assertion that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a man of his word.

    That refusal to call out Putin – who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court – angers Ukrainians who have suffered Russian aggression for three years. To hammer that point home, Zekenskyy showed Trump and others in the Oval Office photos of Ukrainian prisoners of war who return from Russian captivity tortured and abused.

    As Ukrainian human rights lawyer and Nobel Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk noted in a Feb. 17 speech, 65% of Ukrainians polled early in the conflict said their main disappointment in ending the war would be “impunity for Russian crimes.” Three years of conflict will have only hardened that sentiment – yet the U.S., under Trump’s leadership, looks increasingly willing to let Putin off the hook.

    Defender of the nation – and truth

    A large section of Ukrainian media – both traditionally pro- and anti-Zelenskyy alike – have since Feb. 28 portrayed the president in the role of a defender of both his nation and the truth.

    He was, this framing has it, forced into the difficult position of having to set the record straight and challenge untrue statements in real time, and in front of the seemingly antagonistic leader of the world’s largest economy, whose support has been crucial in Ukraine’s attempt to repel the invading Russian army.

    To some, keeping silent would have been tantamount to capitulation, but others have questioned Zelenskyy’s approach.

    While still maintaining that Zelenskyy’s key message was correct, some Ukrainians have suggested that his emotional tone in the Oval Office was not constructive.

    Opposition lawmaker Oleskiy Goncharenko suggested in an interview on CNN that Zelenskyy should have been more “diplomatic” and more “calm” given that the stakes were so high.

    Meanwhile, there were also those who questioned the decision to hold such an important conversation in front of the press, especially without the use of professional translators who potentially could have tamped down the rhetoric and slowed the pace of the exchange. Thus, as Tymofiy Mylovanov, the adviser to the office of the president and head of the Kyiv School of Economics put it, some things could “have been lost in translation.”

    ‘Zelensky is our democratic leader’

    So where does the Oval Office dispute leave both Zelenskyy and U.S.-Ukrainian relations?

    In the aftermath of the dispute, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham – who has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine – suggested that Zelenskyy should resign, the implications being that his relationship with Trump was so broken that his presence is now counterproductive for Ukraine’s priorities.

    It is a line that hasn’t gone down well in Ukraine. Kira Rudyk, the leader of opposition party Holos, retorted that it was up to the Ukrainian people alone to decide on their leadership and future.

    Moreover, to many Ukrainians the barrier to harmonious Ukraine-U.S. relations is not Zelenskyy, but Trump.

    Mustafa Nayyem, who served in Zelesnkyy’s government, summed up the view of many Ukrainians by claiming in a social media post that the Trump administration “does not just dislike Ukraine. They despise us.” The “contempt is deeper than indifference, and more dangerous than outright hostility,” he added in the Feb. 28 post.

    Intentional provocation

    Serhii Sternenko, a Ukrainian activist lawyer and blogger, described the Oval Office spat as an intentional provocation on behalf of Trump to discredit Ukraine as an unreliable partner in the peace negotiations.

    Sternenko is not alone in his assessment. Journalist and blogger Vitaly Portnikov argued that the spat was the result of Trump’s unrealistic promise of ending the war quickly being confronted with the reality that perhaps Russia does not want to make any concessions. The thinking here is Putin has shown no indication that he will bend on his war goals, so for Trump, framing Zelenskyy as “not ready for peace” allows the U.S. president to walk away from his campaign promise without accepting defeat.

    Among friends: Zelenskyy with Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France’s President Emmanuel Macron on March 2, 2025.
    Justin Tallis – WPA Pool/Getty Images

    A new reality

    Beyond the headlines and initial reactions from Ukrainian politicians, journalists and civilians, there is also another sentiment that is emerging: resignation to the new reality.

    Most Ukrainians want an end to war, but in a way that preserves their sovereignty and guarantees future security. Until recently, that was shared by the occupants of the White House. It is becoming increasingly clear to many Ukrainians that, in regards the war in Ukraine, the U.S. will play a different role under Trump – meaning Ukraine will increasingly look to European leaders as primary partners.

    Perhaps Goncharenko, the opposition member of Ukraine’s Parliament, best summed up the consequences of the Oval Office spat: “It was not Ukraine, it was not the United States who won … it was Putin.”

    Lena Surzhko Harned 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. The only ‘winner’ here is Putin: Ukraine unites in response to Trump-Zelenskyy spat and resigns itself to new reality – https://theconversation.com/the-only-winner-here-is-putin-ukraine-unites-in-response-to-trump-zelenskyy-spat-and-resigns-itself-to-new-reality-251228

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI China: Macron proposes to raise EU’s defense spending to 3.5% of GDP

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Flags of European Union (EU) and Ukraine are seen at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 24, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    French President Emmanuel Macron proposed on Sunday that the European Union (EU) member states should raise their defense spending to 3 to 3.5 percent of the EU’s total gross domestic product (GDP).

    Speaking to the French daily Le Figaro after participating in a defense summit in London, Macron said EU member states should invest “heavily” in European defense to prepare for America’s eventual disengagement and to ensure Europe’s security.

    The French president suggested raising considerable amounts together through joint loans or even the European Stability Mechanism. “We probably need initially 200 billion euros (208 billion U.S. dollars) to kick off,” he added.

    According to statistics published by the European Council, in 2024, the EU member states’ total defense expenditure reached an estimated 326 billion euros (338 billion U.S. dollars), about 1.9 percent of the EU’s gross domestic product (GDP).

    Regarding Ukraine, Macon told Le Figaro that he didn’t believe in the possible ceasefire signed by the Americans and Russians.

    He, along with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, had proposed a one-month “truce” in Ukraine, he said.

    Macron stressed again that the European troops would only be deployed to Ukraine after the peace should be established.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Russia-US cooperation unlikely to yield immediate results

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Quick results from thawing Russia-U.S. relations shouldn’t be expected, but the two countries are seeking to outline their priorities for cooperation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

    “It seems to me that even now we need to outline the range of possible topics for cooperation, but we should not expect any quick results in this area right now,” Peskov said during a recent interview with local media.

    There will be much to do to repair the badly-damaged Russia-U.S. relations, Peskov said.

    Meanwhile, he stressed that normalizing Russia-U.S. relations could be achieved more quickly if both Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump have the political will to do it.

    The U.S. administration is reshaping its foreign policy contents, which are largely consistent with Russia, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Students of Malta Chinese School experience wonders of ‘ancient Xi’an’

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    A Chinese cultural event held on Sunday at the Malta Chinese School offered students an immersive experience of “ancient Xi’an,” one of China’s most historic cities.

    Wang Xiaozhou, a staff member of the China Cultural Center in Malta, introduced the rich history of Xi’an, the capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. She highlighted the city’s most iconic archaeological discoveries, including the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, bronze chariots and horses, and the Xun, an ancient Chinese wind instrument made of pottery.

    Students eagerly participated in the session, answering Wang’s questions about Xi’an and trying out the pottery Xun.

    The event, co-hosted by the China Cultural Center in Malta and the Malta Chinese School, showcased Xi’an’s deep historical and cultural significance. With a history spanning more than 3,100 years, Xi’an served as the capital for 13 dynasties in Chinese history and is home to the renowned Terracotta Warriors, created during the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC).

    “I love Chinese and will keep learning it,” said six-year-old Matilda Metsola, who has been studying Chinese for more than two years at the school. Having previously visited China with her family, she eagerly hopes to return.

    Her mother, Liesbeth Oost Metsola, shared her family’s enthusiasm for Chinese culture, noting that Matilda’s younger siblings are also learning Chinese. “Matilda is always happy to study Chinese and eager to master it. She sets a great example for her younger brother and sister.”

    Chen Juheng, head of the Malta Chinese School, noted that the event sparked strong interest among students in the wisdom of Chinese civilization. “Chinese language education is inseparable from cultural heritage,” he said.

    Yuan Yuan, director of the China Cultural Center in Malta, said that more events of this kind will be organized in the future to strengthen ties between Chinese and Maltese civilizations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: UK PM announces new 1.6-bln-pound deal for Ukraine to buy missiles

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer (L) shakes hands with visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in front of 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, March 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on Sunday that Britain will allow Ukraine to use 1.6 billion pounds (2 billion U.S. dollars) of British export finance to purchase more than 5,000 air defense missiles.

    “This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening Ukraine,” Starmer told a press conference following a summit with Western leaders in London.

    The goal is “to put Ukraine in the strongest position” so the country can negotiate from a position of strength, he added.

    Western leaders, including more than a dozen European heads of state and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, gathered in London on Sunday for a defense summit aimed at advancing a peace plan for Ukraine.

    Starmer said leaders at the summit had agreed on a four-step plan to guarantee peace in Ukraine: to maintain military aid to Ukraine while the conflict continues and increase economic pressure on Russia; to ensure that any lasting peace guarantees Ukraine’s sovereignty and security, with Ukraine at the table for any negotiations; to deter “any future invasion by Russia” in the event of a peace deal; and to establish a “coalition of the willing” to defend Ukraine and uphold peace in the country.

    The leaders also agreed to meet again soon to sustain the momentum behind these efforts, Starmer said.

    The prime minister reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to supporting the peace plan with “boots on the ground, and planes in the air.”

    “Europe must do the heavy lifting,” he said, emphasizing that the agreement needs U.S. backing.

    “Let me be clear, we agree with Trump on the urgent need for a durable peace. Now we need to deliver together,” he said.

    Earlier on Sunday before the summit, Starmer announced that Britain, France and Ukraine will work on a ceasefire plan to present to the United States. He named three essential points to achieve “lasting peace” — a strong Ukraine, a European element with security guarantees, and a U.S. backstop, with the last one being the subject of “intense” discussion.

    The summit took place amid diplomatic tensions, following a heated exchange earlier this week between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, which led to the cancellation of an anticipated raw materials agreement between the two countries.

    On Saturday, Zelensky met with Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where the British prime minister reaffirmed the UK’s “unwavering determination” to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. Following the meeting, Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko announced that Britain and Ukraine had agreed on a loan of 2.26 billion pounds to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities. (1 pound = 1.26 U.S. dollar) 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Financial support for student carers

    Source: Scottish Government

    Carers in education urged not to miss out on extra money.   

    This National Student Money Week (3 – 7 March 2025), unpaid carers in education are being encouraged to check if they are entitled to financial help from Social Security Scotland. 

    It is estimated that there are around 35,000 unpaid carers attending college or university in Scotland. The type of help they provide includes emotional, mental or physical support for a family member, friend or neighbour. But many don’t recognise themselves as a carer, which could mean they are missing out on extra money. 

    There are three payments delivered by Social Security Scotland that could help student carers during their studies.  

    Carer Support Payment replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland. Unlike Carer’s Allowance, it is available to more carers in education.  

    Young Carer Grant and Carer’s Allowance Supplement are only available in Scotland.  

    Louise Reid, Student Support Adviser at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) and Financial Capability Champion on the National Association of Student Money Advisors (NASMA) Board, explains the importance of this type of help. 

    “Students, alongside wider society, are consistently pushed to the limit financially from sources outside their control. The cost of housing, energy and food have all been consistently high and this hits student carers particularly hard.  

    “As caring responsibilities can limit or completely reduce any capacity for part time work to top up existing student funding, additional financial resources are vital.  

    “Carer Support Payment is an invaluable financial resource that can make the difference between continuing with studies or not. Being able to claim this benefit, whilst studying really makes such a difference to students who provide care.”  

    To find out more about all Social Security Scotland payments for carers, visit mygov.scot/carers or call free on 0800 182 2222.   

    Background: 

    • Carer Support Payment is a payment of £81.90 a week and is available to carers who are aged 16 or over and who provide unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit.  They need to earn £151 a week or less after tax, National Insurance and expenses.
      Carers in education who may be eligible includes:     
    • Part time students – those who spend less than 21 hours a week in class or doing coursework for any course    
    • Students aged 20 and over and who study full time for any course    
    • Students aged 16-19, who study full time in advanced education at university or for a college course such as a Higher National Certificate and Higher National Diploma   
    • There are also some circumstances where students aged 16-19 studying over 21 hours a week in non-advanced education, such as studying for National Certificates and Scottish Highers, who may also be eligible if they meet certain criteria. Find out more at   If you study – mygov.scot 
    • Carer’s Allowance Supplement is an extra payment for eligible unpaid carers who are getting Carer Support Payment or Carer’s Allowance on the qualifying date. The payment is made twice a year and is unique to Scotland. Each payment of Carer’s Allowance Supplement is currently £288.60.  It is paid automatically without the need to apply.   
    • Young Carer Grant is available for carers aged 16, 17 or 18 who provide support for an average of 16 hours a week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit. It is a yearly payment of £383.75 and the money can be spent on whatever the young person wants.   
    • If you are an organisation that supports student carers in Scotland, there are shareable resources, many of which are available in different languages, via our resources pages on our website:  

    Social Security Scotland – Carer Support Payment Resources  
    Social Security Scotland – Young Carer Grant Resources  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Police Staff Week of Celebration and Recognition 2025

    Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

    Policing once again comes together to celebrate the vital role of police staff

    This year’s event follows the very successful inaugural week of celebration held in 2024, and will again coincide with the National Senior Police Staff Network (SPSN) summit held at the College of Policing, which this year also plays host to the first ever National Police Staff Awards.

    ACO Gemma Stannard, Head of the NPCC’s Strategic Hub and co-founder of the SPSN said:

    “I am extremely pleased that NPCC and the College of Policing are again able to coordinate this wonderful celebration of all things police staff. We saw an outstanding response to last year’s event, with hundreds of our colleagues being recognised and praised, and their work highlighted by peers across the country. 

    “I’m excited that this year’s celebration will also see the introduction of the first National Police Staff Awards. We received an incredible number of nominations, detailing the amazing work staff are doing every day across policing, and we can’t wait to share these stories with you all.

    “It is so important that the work of police staff is recognised as they play a critical role in keeping our communities safe, bringing offenders to justice, supporting victims, investigating crime and enabling policing.

    “I sincerely thank everyone who is involved in making this week and these events possible, and I look forward to hearing more wonderful stories and case studies from colleagues across the country this week.”

    ACO Alexis Poole of Devon and Cornwall Police and co-founder of the SPSN said:

    “Our inaugural week of celebration and recognition held last year significantly helped to install a sense of pride in the police staff workforce by highlighting examples of individuals and teams who have truly gone above and beyond in the course of their duties, and in service to their communities.

    “I know this year we again will help to raise the profile of police staff, and it is our intent that this recognition will also help to inform the workforce of the future about the incredibly rewarding career opportunities available to those who want to work in policing.

    “The fact that this year also sees the first ever national awards for police staff is such a positive step for us all. We created these awards to demonstrate the breadth and complexity of the work police staff are undertaking to enable and support the policing mission, and we know that people will feel humbled after hearing these stories.

    “Congratulations to all award winners, as well as those who were highly commended!”

    NPCC Chair Chief Constable Gavin Stephens said:

    “I am delighted to once again see this week of celebration take place. As we saw last year, taking the time across policing to collectively recognise the work and achievements of police staff really does help to promote the incredible breadth of work that they do.

    “Police staff do not always get the profile and recognition that they deserve, and I know all police chiefs would agree with me and say that this is something that we must continue to champion.

    “For those less familiar with policing, I would urge them to explore the range of roles that are open to police staff: from those conducting analytical, research and scientific support, to forensics and investigations, and neighbourhood policing, these truly are vitally important roles that policing simply could not exist without.

    “I’d personally like to thank each and every staff member and volunteer for the huge role they play.”

    PCC Emily Spurrell, Chair of the APCC said:

    “Keeping the public safe is not achieved by police officers alone, and I’m delighted that the many skilled and dedicated staff whose work may be less visible but is no less vital in preventing crime are being recognised this week.

    “Crime is changing, and it is often those who work behind the scenes who are at the forefront of dealing with emerging types of crime. Whether they work in forensics, as a crime analyst, in IT support or as a call handler, police staff are instrumental to protecting communities across the country. I’d like to thank them for their commitment and to congratulate those being recognised in this week’s inaugural National Police Staff Awards.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government boosts digital collection of world’s oldest English language daily newspaper

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UK Government boosts digital collection of world’s oldest English language daily newspaper

    Belfast News Letter editions from 18th-20th centuries to be digitised as UK Government project promotes Northern Ireland’s cultural heritage.

    Historic editions of the world’s oldest English language daily newspaper still in circulation are to be digitised by the UK Government, delivering on commitments made in the Safeguarding the Union command paper. 

    The News Letter, first published in September 1737, will this year mark its 288th anniversary as the oldest continuously published English language daily paper.  To strengthen understanding of Northern Ireland’s cultural traditions around the world, the Northern Ireland Office is working in partnership with the British Library and FindMyPast to expand the online collection of the historic publication in the British Newspaper Archive. Building on previous preservation and scanning initiatives, the digitisation of these copies from three centuries of the historic Belfast title means that all known surviving copies of the News Letter will become accessible online for the first time.

    Announcing the start of the project, Secretary of State Hilary Benn visited Belfast’s Linen Hall Library to view historic copies of the News Letter. While historic copies of the publication are available in physical and microfilm format in libraries across Northern Ireland, this project will ensure a worldwide audience will be able to observe the newspaper’s unique insight into the political situation in Ireland from the late 18th century to the early 19th and 20th centuries. 

    Key historical events, such as the Irish Parliament winning legislative independence from Britain in 1782, the formation of the Orange Order in 1795, the 1798 rebellion of the United Irishmen, and the 1801 implementation of the Act of Union are covered by the newly digitised pages.

    Originals of the News Letter are being provided in microfilm and newspaper format by the British Library, to be digitised by the online platform Findmypast, which has spent nearly 15 years working on a collaborative project to digitise the British Library’s vast newspaper collection. 

    The archive is then made available online through the British Newspaper Archive and on Findmypast, where it can be viewed freely at the British Library sites in London and Yorkshire, as well as at any library or by any private individual  around the world with a subscription.

    Speaking after his visit to The Linen Hall Library, Secretary of State Hilary Benn said: 

    “The News Letter’s status as the longest-running continuously published English language daily newspaper in the world is an important part of Northern Ireland’s unique cultural heritage.

    “As set out in the Safeguarding the Union command paper, the UK Government is committed to digitising these historical archives to promote the richness of Northern Ireland’s traditions around the world, including in nations with historic ties, such as the United States.

    “This will also ensure that these precious historical records are preserved and accessible for generations to come.”

    Sarah Bush, Managing Director of Findmypast and the British Newspaper Archive, said: 

    “As the trusted partner of many iconic British and Irish institutions, we work to digitise millions of records from our nation’s history and make them accessible to the public online. 

    “Alongside the British Library, we’re delighted to make this unique and culturally important title available to be searched and viewed on Findmypast and the British Newspaper Archive, offering a fascinating window into centuries of Northern Ireland’s history as it happened.

    Beth Gaskell, Lead Curator of News and Moving Image at the British Library, said: 

    “The British Library cares for one of the world’s greatest news archives with over 60 million issues of British and overseas newspapers dating back to the 1600s, as well as ever expanding collections of radio, television, and web news. 

    “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Findmypast and the UK government to build on the existing collection of the News Letter available through the British Newspaper Archive to make all known surviving copies of the historic Belfast title accessible for the first time.”

    New Letter’s David Montgomery, Executive Chairman of the News Letter’s owners, National World plc, said:

    “For four centuries The News Letter has been in the frontline of local and global

    news and opinion – it was already in its fortieth year when it covered the U.S.

    Declaration of Independence. In the 1990s it and other Northern Ireland papers helped pave the pathway to peace. 

    “Today The News Letter is often a solitary and essential promoter of its community’s rich heritage.  The digital archive is an eternal reminder of that crucial, continuing role of reliable independent journalism.”

    The UK Government continues to make progress on the delivery of the commitments made in the Safeguarding the Union command paper, which formed the basis upon which the Northern Ireland Executive was restored last year.

    The digitisation project will see Findmypast digitise pages of the Belfast News Letter using specialist microfilm scanners, which scan thousands of newspaper pages every day, in its state-of-the-art studio at the British Library’s facility in Boston Spa. This ensures the faithful reproduction of the newspaper as it once appeared, and enables online searching of the newspaper by name, keyword, date, or specific location.

    The digitisation process will be completed this Spring. Once online, individuals will be able to access the editions free of charge by visiting libraries with a subscription to Findmypast, includingthe British Library’s sites in St Pancras, London and Boston Spa, Yorkshire. They will also be accessible to people around the world with a subscription to the Findmypast or British Newspaper Archive websites.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors

    • To subscribe to the FMP or British Newspaper Archive, visit https://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk or https://www.findmypast.co.uk
    • The editions of the News Letter being digitised are from 1738-1750, 1752-1770, 1772, 1775-1780, 1782, 1784-1785, 1787-1800, 1802-1803, 1806, 1816-1825, 1827, 1959 (Mar-Dec), 1960, 1961 (Jan-Jun)

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young people urged to ‘Think Fraud’ over rent offers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Young people urged to ‘Think Fraud’ over rent offers

    New data shows 18 to 39 year olds account for almost 3 quarters of rental fraud reports as phase 2 of nationwide ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ campaign launches.

    Young people aged between 18 and 39 account for almost three quarters of cases of rental fraud, according to exclusive National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) data released by the Home Office today.

    Rental fraudsters typically target their victims by offering access to properties that do not exist, or which are not theirs to rent, often using fake details and photos, and usually offering prices at well below market rate. To secure the property or even arrange a viewing, they will usually demand a deposit or the first month’s rent, and many individuals desperate to find a home will make the upfront payment to avoid missing out.

    According to the NFIB data, the resulting fraud losses amounted to nearly £9 million across around 5,000 reported cases last year. The 18 to 29 age group accounted for 48% of all reported rental fraud cases in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland last year, with the 30 to 39 age group accounting for 25%.

    With many students and young workers using the spring months to search for new rented accommodation, Home Office ministers are urging renters to avoid rushing into a quick decision or paying over any money for a property before they have viewed it in person.

    And with rental fraud often taking place through properties advertised on social media websites, the government is also renewing its calls for tech companies to go further and faster to tackle fraud on their platforms ahead of convening the next Joint Fraud Taskforce meeting later this month.

    Fraud Minister Lord Hanson said:  

    Rental fraud is an utterly shameful crime, and this new data should serve as a stark reminder that anyone can be a victim. It doesn’t matter how streetwise and tech-savvy you are, fraudsters will get to anyone who doesn’t stop and think before handing over their money.

    That’s why I am determined to root out fraud from our society, crack down on the callous criminals behind it, and ensure that stronger protections are put in place by the tech companies on whose platforms much of this fraud takes place.

    The Home Office will be making progress on all of those issues through the next phase of our Stop! Think Fraud campaign, and the new, expanded fraud strategy we are developing this year as part of this government’s Plan for Change.

    Oliver Shaw, Commander for Fraud and Cybercrime, City of London Police, said:

    Young people are disproportionally targeted by criminals whilst they look for new accommodation or housing opportunities. This can result not only in a devastating financial loss but can also lead to a negative impact on their mental health. The data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau highlights clearly how much of a critical issue this is in affecting 18 to 29 year olds.

    That’s why we, as the national lead force for fraud, continue to support the Stop! Think Fraud campaign’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of this vital issue. And we continue to work to highlight emerging cybercrime and fraud types that could be a threat, understanding the importance of reporting, and advocating ways the public can prevent themselves from becoming victims of fraud.

    The new figures are published on the same day as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – part of GCHQ – launches the second phase of a nationwide campaign encouraging individuals and small businesses to set-up 2-step verification (2SV) on their most important accounts.

    2SV adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for attackers to access your accounts even if your password is compromised.

    NCSC Chief Operating Officer Felicity Oswald said: 

     Online fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to trick you into sharing personal information or money, but thankfully, there are ways to protect yourself. 

    Today, we’re launching a nationwide campaign urging everyone to strengthen their security by enabling 2SV, which adds an extra layer of protection to keep your accounts safe. 

    Toughen up your online security by enabling 2SV today – usually found in the security settings of your accounts – and keep the fraudsters out.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau meets with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Sir Keir Starmer

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir Keir Starmer, on the margins of the Securing our Future Summit in London, United Kingdom, where European partners and Canada met to discuss security for Europe and Ukraine.

    The leaders discussed the importance of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They underscored that Ukraine must be part of any negotiations for a peace deal as well as the need for robust security guarantees.

    Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Starmer highlighted the close relationship between Canada and the United Kingdom, founded on deep historical links, common values, and strong economic relations. They agreed to stay in close contact.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Trump’s compulsion to dominate sabotages dealmaking, undermines democracy and threatens global stability

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Karrin Vasby Anderson, Professor of Communication Studies, Colorado State University

    U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office on Feb. 28, 2025. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    Journalists covering the Feb. 28, 2025, Oval Office meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described it as a “jaw-dropping” “spectacle” and a “striking breach of Oval Office comity.” Slate’s Fred Kaplan asserted, “Nobody has ever seen anything like it.”

    People shouldn’t have been surprised.

    The Oval Office encounter was expected to be an on-camera meeting between the president and the Ukrainian head of state before the signing of a crucial minerals deal between the two countries that was meant to be a key step toward ending war in Ukraine.

    But as reporters described it, the initially routine meeting devolved into a “fiery exchange” in which Trump and Vice President JD Vance “berated” and “harangued” Zelenskyy after he pushed back on Vance’s assertion that Trump’s diplomatic skills would ensure that Russian president Vladimir Putin would honor a cease fire agreement.

    Trump’s compulsion to dominate both allies and enemies seems to have caused him to jettison the negotiation the moment that Zelenskyy declined to perform subservient fealty. The meeting, which was ended by Trump with no agreement signed, illustrated why authoritarians are lousy dealmakers, particularly when autocratic instincts are exacerbated by what’s known as toxic masculinity.

    Toxic masculinity is a version of masculinity that discourages empathy, expresses strength through dominance, normalizes violence against women and associates leadership with white patriarchy. It devalues behaviors considered to be “feminine” and suggests that the way to earn others’ respect is to accrue power and status.

    As a communication scholar who studies gender and politics, I have written about Trump’s displays of toxic masculinity and authoritarian tendencies in a variety of situations, during and after his first presidential term.

    Trump’s reaction to Zelenskyy in the Oval Office illustrates how these inclinations stymie the president’s purported dealmaking abilities, undermine democratic values and make the world a more dangerous place.

    Excerpts from the Feb. 28 Oval Office meeting, featuring U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    Diplomat, dealmaker or mafia don?

    Trump staged the public Oval Office meeting with Zelenskyy to showcase his ostensible prowess as – in his words – an “arbitrator” and “mediator.” Trump insisted during the first 40 minutes that “my whole life is deals” and asserted that he has what it takes to make Putin conform to a peace agreement with an embattled Ukraine.

    Apparently eager to project a persona as a successful diplomat and powerful dealmaker, Trump rejected a reporter’s suggestion that “you align yourself too much with Putin” and not with democratic values.

    Trump contended that in order to successfully negotiate, he couldn’t alienate either Putin or Zelenskyy. “If I didn’t align myself with both of them,” he said, “you’d never have a deal.” Instead, he claimed, “I’m aligned with the United States of America and for the good of the world. I’m aligned with the world.”

    Vance initially echoed Trump’s message, casting Trump as a consummate diplomat and arguing, “What makes America a good country is America engaging in diplomacy.”

    But Vance’s tone shifted the moment Zelenskyy challenged Trump’s framing.

    Zelenskyy provided historical examples of U.S. diplomatic failures and observed that Trump and other presidents had been unable to contain Putin. Vance responded by castigating Zelenskyy for not “thanking the president” and repeatedly instructed him to “say thank you” as the exchange grew more volatile.

    Trump, seemingly angered after Vance pointed out Zelenskyy’s lack of deference, dropped his diplomatic tone and informed Zelenskyy, “You’ve got to be more thankful because let me tell you, you don’t have the cards. With us, you have the cards, but without us, you don’t have any cards.”

    After the meeting, both the New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman and Slate’s Kaplan compared Trump to a mafia don. The Daily Beast writer David Rothkopf suggested he was more like “the Luca Brasi for mob boss Vladimir Putin,” invoking Don Corleone’s henchman in the movie “The Godfather.”

    The comparison to famous fictional mafiosos was apt. As a scholar who studies both film and politics, I have observed how fictionalized depictions of both the mafia and MAGA Republicanism are deeply patriarchal and autocratic cultures that demand loyalty, breed abuse and foster corruption.

    After Trump suspended negotiations, canceled lunch and expelled the Ukrainian delegation from the White House, Reuters reported that “most Republicans rallied behind Trump and Vance.”

    Democrats, a few Republican outliers and the majority of European leaders backed Zelenskyy.

    President Donald Trump, center, and Vice President JD Vance meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Feb. 28, 2025.
    Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    The art of the deal’s demise

    Donald Trump cemented his reputation as an accomplished dealmaker in the 1980s, when he published the largely ghostwritten New York Times bestseller “Trump: The Art of the Deal.”

    Many of his supporters voted for Trump in 2016 because they wanted a “dealmaker in chief,” as one poll characterized it, who could get things done in a fractured Congress.

    In his second term, despite having a Republican congressional majority, Trump has established himself as the nation’s sole authority, embracing toxic masculinity’s theory of power and respect. Doing an end run around Congress and flouting the law, Trump initiated scores of policy changes via executive order and asserted that neither lawmakers nor judges have the authority to challenge or constrain him.

    Trump’s blow-up at Zelenskyy is much more than a foreign policy snafu. It’s a preview of what will happen when toxic masculinity drives U.S. foreign policy.

    Toxic masculinity on the world stage

    A screenshot of various U.K. newspapers’ headlines about the Oval Office meeting.
    CBS Evening News

    In his meeting with Trump, Zelenskyy modeled a version of masculine strength characterized by empathy, discipline and mutual respect. Focusing on the needs of his people, Zelenskyy showed Trump pictures of Ukrainian prisoners of war abused in Russian custody and advocated for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia.

    Trump initially acknowledged that Russian abuses were “tough stuff,” but concern for Ukrainians seems to have vanished after Zelenskyy politely challenged Trump.

    Decrying Zelenskyy’s insufficient gratitude and escalating the conflict, Trump asserted, “You’re gambling with World War III. And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country, this country, that’s backed you far more than a lot of people said they should have.”

    Vance similarly shifted focus from the needs of Ukrainian civilians to paying homage to Trump, demanding that Zelenskyy “offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who is trying to save your country.”

    A common tactic employed by abusers is to demand that the person they are bullying show them gratitude.

    In their berating, bullying and humiliation of Zelenskyy, the president and vice president of the United States used the language and rhetoric of abusers in an apparent attempt to try to force the proud and dignified leader of a country at war to grovel and get in line.

    Their lack of discipline and decorum also upended the negotiation, jeopardizing a deal aimed at halting the fighting in Ukraine and advancing U.S. interests.

    In my view, the toxic masculinity on display in the Oval Office on Feb. 28, 2025, was a bald demonstration of something new and alarming to a public accustomed to decorum and diplomacy in that formal setting.

    For many, the enduring image of that meeting is an anxious Zelenskyy being hectored by a furious Trump.

    But there’s another image that captures equally well the dynamic unfolding in the room. Ukrainian Ambassador Oksana Markarova sat in a chair just in front of the assembled members of the press. Papers held steady in her lap with one hand, the normally unflappable member of the diplomatic corps buried her head in her other hand, unable to even look at what was happening.

    Karrin Vasby Anderson 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. How Trump’s compulsion to dominate sabotages dealmaking, undermines democracy and threatens global stability – https://theconversation.com/how-trumps-compulsion-to-dominate-sabotages-dealmaking-undermines-democracy-and-threatens-global-stability-251210

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: SUNDAY SHOWS: Trump Administration Fighting for America First

    Source: The White House

    This morning, the Trump Administration was out in force across the TV networks as they updated the American people on President Trump’s agenda.

    Here’s what you missed:

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio on ABC This Week

    • On negotiations to end the war in Ukraine: “The sooner everyone grows up around here and figures out that this is a bad war that’s heading in a bad direction… the more progress we’re going to be able to make. But the president is crystal clear… he is going to be a president that tries to achieve peace.”
    • On President Trump’s desire for peace: “Shouldn’t we all be happy that we have a president who’s trying to stop wars and prevent them instead of start them? And I just don’t get it. I really don’t, other than the fact that it’s Donald J. Trump. If this was a Democrat that was doing this, everyone would be saying, well, he’s on his way to the Nobel Peace Prize. This is absurd. We are trying to end a war. You cannot end a war unless both sides come to the table, starting with the Russians. And – and that – that is the point the president has made.”

    National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on State of the Union

    Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Sunday Morning Futures

    Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Fox News Sunday

    • On the danger of continuing the war in Ukraine: “The longer this goes on, not only are more Ukrainians losing their lives, but it increases the potential of this escalation towards World War III … That’s not a cost that President Trump is willing to accept.”

    Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent on Face the Nation

    • On rebuilding the economy: “President Trump’s been in office five weeks… interest rates — the 10-year bond… have been down every week since President Trump was President. Mortgage rates have been down every week. So, that’s a pretty good start.”

    Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Media Buzz

    • On cameras being able to witness President Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Ukraine: “President Trump is the most transparent president in history. And as he said, it was great for the cameras to be in there because the American people — and the world — were able to see what the president and his team have seen behind the scenes in negotiating with President Zelenskyy’s team. They have continually denied the pragmatic reality of where their country stands today.”

    MIL OSI USA News –