NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/KOREA – Appointment of auxiliary bishop of Seoul.

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 8 July 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Matthew Kwang-Hee Choi, until now director of the Department of Culture and Communication and spokesperson for the metropolitan archdiocese of Seoul, Korea, as auxiliary bishop of the same ecclesiastical circumscription, assigning him the titular see of Elephantaria in Mauretania.Msgr. Matthew Kwang-Hee Choi was born on 21 September 1977 in Seoul. He studied philosophy and theology at the Catholic University of Korea, obtaining a licentiate in theology.He was ordained a priest on 2 July 2004 for the metropolitan archdiocese of Seoul.After ordination, he first served as parish vicar of Mook-dong and Shingsa-dong in Seoul (2004-2007). He was awarded a licentiate in biblical theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome (2008-2012), and exercised his pastoral ministry at the Catholic Youth Biblical Group (2013-2020). He served as formator in the Saint Peter formation programme for young priests of the metropolitan archdiocese of Seoul (since 2020) and deputy director of the Saint Imbert Centre for Spiritual Exercises in Seoul (2021-2023).Since 2023 he has been director of the Department of Culture and Communication of the metropolitan archdiocese of Seoul, member of the Presbyteral Council, secretary of the Public Relations Commission, member of the Commission for the Foreign Missions, member of the Archdiocesan Council, member of the Society for Study Grants of Onggi, member of the Commission for the Approval of Private Associations of the Lay Apostolate, member of the Commission for the Causes of Saints, deputy chair of the Diocesan Mass Media Commission, director of the Academy of Catholic Art, director of the Gallery 1898, head of the Association of Catholic Journalists, and head of Signis Korea.Since 2024, he has served as spokesperson for the metropolitan archdiocese of Seoul and head of external relations for the organization of World Youth Day Seoul 2027, and since 2025, member of the management board of the John Paul II Youth Foundation. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 8/7/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDONESIA – A priest: “Positive impact” of the government’s child nutrition program

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) – “I hear mostly positive things about the nutrition and free meals program for children, launched by the Indonesian government last January, in various parts of Indonesia. It is having an impact on children’s nutrition, and even Catholic schools and our seminaries have benefited,” says Father Alfonsus Widhiwiryawan Sx, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Indonesia and local Xaverian missionary, in an interview with Fides, during a public debate in the country on the program launched by President Propbowo Subianto. “Of course,” the priest continues, “one must always differentiate and consider the local situation in the various regions, given the vastness and diversity of the regions that make up Indonesia. But in general, one can say that we can observe a positive impact, especially in the poorest regions such as Papua and Borneo, where the problem of food security for children in indigenous communities is particularly serious,” emphasizes Father Widhiwiryawan, who, in his role as National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, has the opportunity to travel to dioceses of the archipelago and assess the situation firsthand. “The implementation of the program,” he notes, “is carried out by the provincial governments and the organization of the kitchens. This is another aspect to consider, and one that is multifaceted. In addition, in the implementation of the program, certain schools are selected and given priority according to established criteria. I can say that I have also observed positive comments and reactions in Catholic parishes and schools because it is a tool in the educational process,” he notes. “Some teachers and people working in the education sector,” he says, “report that the program is more than just a gesture of charity, as it contributes to educational results: Improving children’s nutrition leads to increased performance and learning results, which clearly correlate with better overall human development,” he emphasizes. Locally, the government program is supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), which leads a coalition of international partners. These partners, who also share the goal of improving nutrition across the country, provide technical assistance for the program and help monitor results, contact beneficiary families, set standards, and control the quality of the food provided. According to the National Agency for Nutrition, the government’s free school meals program reached nearly 7 million beneficiaries by July 2025. The program, announced by President Prabowo Subianto during his election campaign and with which he won support, was launched on January 6th and is intended to reach 82 million children nationwide with a gradual expansion. 1,873 food service units, officially called “Food Service Units,” are already in operation to implement the program. The program plans to open another 473 units nationwide in the coming weeks and establish partnerships with approximately 10,000 small and medium-sized enterprises or local cooperatives that will supply the food service units with raw materials and local products. According to the government’s goals, the program is expected to reach 24 million beneficiaries by the end of August. However, the program has also caused confusion and sparked a political debate. According to some observers, investing public funds in such a welfare program means diverting necessary resources from measures to stimulate the economy and employment. To finance the program, the government has cut funding to the Ministries of Public Works, Health, and Education. Meanwhile, unemployment is rising across the country, and the International Monetary Fund has predicted that it will rise in Indonesia from 4.9% in 2024 to 5% in 2025. But Prabowo’s feeding program has also been the subject of further controversy: hundreds of children who benefited from it suffered food poisoning, and authorities have raised concerns about accountability and corruption. The media points out that President Prabowo is focusing on low-income social groups and raises doubts about the sustainability of the program, which, when fully implemented, will cost USD 44 billion a year, or about 8% of the national budget. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 8/7/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – Mission among migrants: The Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Cixi celebrates its 100th anniversary

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Diocesi di Ningbo

    Ningbo (Agenzia Fides) – In his homily at the solemn Mass that opened the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the parish of Hushan, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (1925-2025), Bishop Francis Xavier Jin Yangke of the Diocese of Ningbo, in the Chinese province of Zhejiang, emphasized the principles of gratitude, transmission of faith, and mission. The anniversary month of initiatives and celebrations, which began on June 28, became an opportunity for the parish to reflect on the history of the parish and the changes that have characterized the missionary work of its members, who were willing to respond to the “signs of the times” in a context marked in recent decades by major economic and social changes related to urbanization processes and the phenomenon of immigration within the country and from other countries.During the month of celebration, parishioners also commemorated the 18th anniversary of the “House of the Faithful” which is dedicated specifically to supporting pastoral initiatives for Catholic migrant workers. Cixi is a county-level city in the prosperous Chinese province of Zhejiang, which consistently ranks at the top of the gross domestic product rankings. Located in the Yangtze River Delta, Cixi, as a manufacturing center for ironware and household appliances, attracts numerous Chinese and foreign workers. Of the city’s two million residents, approximately half are migrant workers. Eighteen years ago, on June 1, 2007, the “House of the Faithful” was inaugurated in the Xushan parish to provide a place for Catholic workers from other parts of the country to gather. A place where they can cultivate their affiliation with the Church and receive support in their witness of faith, even in the workplace.Educational opportunities and opportunities for exchange at weekends, charitable initiatives, catechism, pilgrimages, and communal worship are just some of the initiatives and communal moments that have developed around the center over time. In its first year of opening, 13 baptisms were registered among the migrant workers involved in the center’s initiatives. On the occasion of the Year of St. Paul, proclaimed by Pope Benedict XVI from June 28, 2008, to June 29, 2009, a pilgrimage and a study course on the letters of the Apostle Paul were organized to “make Christ known to all.” Today, the center has become an integral and important part of the life of the parish. Each year, approximately 10 newly baptized people become members of the center and the faith community.The solemn Mass that inaugurated the parish’s centenary celebrations on June 28 was attended by 29 religious sisters, 29 concelebrating priests, and more than 800 faithful from the five parishes of the Cixi deanery and the 12 mission stations of the Xushan parish. Bishop Francis Xavier Jin recalled the parish’s history and vicissitudes, highlighting the aforementioned “key words”: “gratitude to the Lord and all who have contributed, especially the silent believers, the courageous and steadfast believers who dedicated their youth to spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom of God”; “the transmission of the authentic faith,” preserved by the Church’s tradition, which is “the lifeblood of the development of the diocese and the parish”; and the “mission,” calling everyone to “be courageous in witnessing to the faith” and “to care for others and serve the community.” (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 8/7/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New phonics-inspired framework to boost standards for children

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    New phonics-inspired framework to boost standards for children

    New writing framework published to build a nation of confident writers as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    A focus on handwriting, encouraging children to speak out loud and a renewed focus on reception are part of a first-of-its-kind writing framework, as the Education Secretary says the next generation should be as good at putting pen to paper as they are posting on TikTok.

    The new framework, published today (8 July), will give teachers practical tools and guidance to plan high quality lessons and teach writing from reception and throughout primary school, so that thousands more pupils can build strong foundations in language, spelling and handwriting.

    This includes integrating writing tasks across all subjects, as well as encouraging children to speak out loud words and sentences before writing them down, and similarly using dictation where children write down words, phrases and sentences a teacher has said out loud.

    Even in a digital age, strong writing skills are a vital tool for everyday life and work, helping children explore their thoughts, share their ideas, and make sense of the world around them. Evidence also shows good writing skills can unlock future success and are directly linked to progress in education as well as future earnings.

    Building on the success of the government’s reading framework and its focus on phonics teaching, which has seen 100,000 more children every year build strong foundations in reading, the new writing framework is a first step towards transforming how writing is taught, with those with lower attainment set to benefit most, so no child is left behind.

    The launch comes as Key Stage 2 assessment (SATs) results were published this morning (Tuesday) showing the percentage of children meeting the expected standard in writing remains below pre-pandemic levels.

    In 2024, just over half (55%) of white working-class children left primary school meeting the expected standard in writing, compared to 78% among non-disadvantaged children.

    Similarly, only 30% of children with special educational needs met the expected standard in writing, compared to 83% of children without. 

    The scale of these divides is why, alongside support like the writing framework, the government will in the autumn publish an ambitious schools white paper to reform the SEND system and raise outcomes for disadvantaged children – supporting the Plan for Change to give every child the best start in life. 

    Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:

    Far too many children are leaving school unable to write well, holding them back from future success.

    Writing remains a crucial skill for young people to achieve and thrive in school and later in life. We want them to be as confident putting pen to paper as they are posting on TikTok.

    Our new writing framework is a first step towards transforming how writing is taught in primary schools, as we work to boost outcomes for disadvantaged children and those with SEND, and deliver on our Plan for Change.

    This forms part of the government’s mission to break the link between a child’s background and success, building on plans to ensure every child gets the best possible start in life including by boosting early literacy skills through the expansion of the government’s network of English Hubs. 

    The framework has been drafted with expert guidance from a range of sector experts including academics, leading practitioners and organisations.

    STEP Academy Trust, Executive Director of Primary Education, Dr Tim Mills MBE said:

    Writing is notoriously difficult: the cognitive equivalent of ‘digging ditches’ according to psychologist Ronald Kellogg.  Learning to write is one of the most challenging undertakings facing children, and so one of the most difficult to teach. 

    However, it is extremely susceptible to teaching.  As with the reading framework, we have sought to distil the growing research and evidence around learning to write into useful knowledge, guidance and practical advice.  The aim is to support primary schools teach this vital academic, social and creative life skill by providing them with a coherent understanding of the demanding, sometimes messy progression to becoming a competent and motivated writer.

    Deputy Headteacher, Stanley Road Primary School, Andrew Percival, said:

    As writing is one of the most cognitively demanding tasks that we expect children to master, it is essential that teachers have the support they need to ensure all pupils can flourish as writers.

    The writing framework provides schools with evidence-informed guidance that will help them set pupils on the path to becoming confident and proficient writers.

    Headteacher and Director St Matthew’s Research School, Sonia Thompson, said: 

    The Writing Framework is designed to provide teachers and leaders with evidence informed tools and reflection points. It is not a checklist but a guide for improving confidence and practice, which will lead to improved pupil writing outcomes.

    The announcement today builds on the action already underway to drive high and rising standards in literacy including a National Year of Reading, investing £27.7 million to support the teaching of reading and writing in primary school as well as the ongoing Curriculum and Assessment Review.

    The English Hubs programme provides expert advice and support to schools to improve the teaching of reading driving high and rising standards in English across the country.

    The National Year of Reading, set to start in January 2026, will unite parents, schools, libraries and businesses to get people reading and help reverse the decline in reading for pleasure and boost children’s literacy skills.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Top regional award for Broadland Gardens

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Councillor Penberthy at Broadland Gardens

    One of Plymouth’s newest and best energy-efficient housing developments has been honoured at a prestigious regional award ceremony.

    Broadland Gardens, built on the site of the former Morley Youth Centre in Plymstock, is a sustainable, new community of two, three and four bedroomed homes.

    Heated with modern, energy-efficient technology, to help achieve low carbon living, particular attention has been paid to their design, so that they are adaptable and sustainable and mark the first direct delivery of new homes by the council this century.

    These impressive credentials led to Broadland Gardens picking up the Residential Project of the Year (35 homes and under) honour at last week’s Michelmores Property Awards.

    The Michelmores Property Awards celebrates the best property, development and construction projects in the South West, bringing together all those who contribute to the region’s exciting property, real estate and construction sectors.

    It celebrates buildings, developments and projects based in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, Bristol, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire and place quality and design, social, environmental, sustainable and economic values at the heart of its judging criteria.

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Housing, Communities and Cooperative Development, said: “I’m honoured that Broadland Gardens has been recognised in such a way – it really has been an incredible development.

    “We were clear from the outset that we wanted these to be homes that are liveable, adaptable and sustainable. We have delivered on that vision.

    “The direct delivery of these homes, with the surplus invested back into Plan for Homes 4 to support the delivery of affordable housing elsewhere in the city, has been a triumph.

    “We have demonstrated that it is possible to create quality, well-designed homes in an urban environment and set a standard for the market.”

    Broadland Gardens was funded through the Council’s Plan for Homes Investment Fund, designed by local architects Clifton Emery Design and built by Plymouth-based Classic Builders.

    A single unit remains on the market with Lang, Town and Country: www.langtownandcountry.com/new-homes-for-sale/broadland-gardens

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: High altitude training leads to breathtaking results for our swimmers Faye Rogers broke her own European, British and Scottish Record on the final day of the Scottish Swimming Championships with scores of other Aberdeen student swimmers picking up medals.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The UOAPS team during their high-altitude training in Andorra

    Faye Rogers broke her own European, British and Scottish Record on the final day of the Scottish Swimming Championships with scores of other Aberdeen student swimmers picking up medals.
    The haul came hot on the heels of the University of Aberdeen Performance Swimming Team’s (UOAPS) two-week training camp at altitude in Andorra.
    Paralympic and world champion Faye bettered her previous 100m butterfly S10 European Record time of 1:04.17 that she swum at the Aquatics GB World Championship Trial in London in April – winning in a time of 1:04.04 at Edinburgh’s Royal Commonwealth Pool.
    Meanwhile there were also golds for Tom Beeley (200m fly), Jamie Ferguson (100m backstroke) and Jack Milne (S14 100 Breaststroke) while Aiden Anderson picked up three (Junior Champion – 1500m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 400m freestyle) with Faye Rogers collecting another gold for the 400m freestyle.
    Overall UOAPS came 3rd in the Team points Table for The Scottish National Open Championships which was held on 27-29th June.
    UOAPS were represented in 80 Final swims throughout the meet resulting in nine golds, three silvers and five bronze medals.
    Gold medals

    Tom Beeley – 200m fly

    Faye Rogers – Para 100m freestyle (British Record)

    Jamie Ferguson – 100m backstroke

    Aiden Anderson – Junior Champion 1500m freestyle

    Faye Rogers – Para 400m freestyle

    Aiden Anderson – Junior Champion 800m freestyle

    Aiden Anderson – Junior Champion 400m freestyle

    Silver medals

    Jack Milne Para – 100m Breaststroke

    Faye Rogers – Para 200m Individual medley

    Jamie Ferguson 50 Backstroke

    Bronze medals

    Emily Riach – 1500m freestyle

    Jack Milne – 200m individual medley

    Faye Rogers- Para 200m fly (World Record / European Record /British Record)

    UOAPS 4 x 100m freestyle relay – (Mary Mischenko, Cameron Travis, Kieran Lennox, Amelia Mardel)

    UOAPS mixed 4 x 50m medley relay – (Mary Mischenko, Micha Van Blerk, Maree Wood, Kieran Lennox)

    The Team competed shortly after returning from a two-week performance training camp at altitude in Pas de la Casa, Andorra. Located in the Pyrenees mountains, Pas de la Casa is a ski resort town and the highest point in Andorra, sitting at an elevation of 2,080 meters (6,800 feet) above sea level.
    Training at altitude offers significant physiological benefits, including increased red blood cell production and improved oxygen-carrying capacity, which can enhance endurance and overall aerobic performance once athletes return to sea level.
    Reduced oxygen and structured training together help the body produce energy more efficiently and strengthen the cardiovascular system
    With excellent swim and gym facilities at their disposal, the Team was able to complete a focused and demanding training block designed to maximise these adaptations. The camp provided an ideal environment for building fitness, reinforcing technique, and fostering team cohesion in preparation for upcoming competitions.

    Related Content

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Economic development without the AI factor is no longer possible”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The International Summer Institute on Artificial Intelligence in Education Research, organized by Institute of Education HSE University together with East China Normal University (ECNU). It was attended by over 50 participants and key speakers from more than ten countries in Asia, Europe, North and South America. They discussed the use of AI technologies in education and other areas.

    Opening the program, Professor Meng Yu and Vice Dean of the School of Computer Science at East China Normal University Xu Fei emphasized that the rapid development of AI technologies requires international cooperation and interdisciplinary research. “We are pleased to join forces with the Institute of Education at the Higher School of Economics and are confident that the week in Shanghai will become a starting point for long-term joint projects,” said Meng Yu and Xu Fei.

    Director of the Institute of Education Evgeny Terentyev recalled that research alliances between Russian and Chinese universities are acquiring strategic importance and opening up new horizons for cooperation. He also presented the results of one of the latest studies by InoBra — a typology of Russian universities’ reactions to generative AI: from ban to active implementation. The analysis showed that most universities are still in the grey zone, not formalizing the rules for using new technologies.

    In his speech, HSE Academic Director Yaroslav Kuzminov outlined five areas in which AI is already transforming higher education. First, this is the need to change educational practices and educational routines. Second, the new role of human cognitive skills. Third, the possibility of overcoming educational failure by establishing a mechanism for personalized feedback. In addition, these are new learning formats (including gaming). The fifth area is new mechanisms for integrating into the labor market, based on real skills, and not on the ability to perform routine operations.

    He also emphasized possible areas of using AI for good, to strengthen a person. “Efficient (competent) implementation of AI in education, based on transparent rules, motivation of students to perform more complex tasks with the help of AI than without it, as well as personalized recommendations – all this together can reduce educational failure and release economic potential, creating equal opportunities for the formation of a competitive workforce and ensuring sustainable development. Therefore, let’s move towards the literacy of the future and AI literacy with the understanding that economic development without the AI factor is no longer possible, but regression in the case of careless, illiterate use is quite likely,” said Yaroslav Kuzminov.

    This leitmotif was continued by Ekaterina Kruchinskaya, senior lecturer Department of Higher Mathematics HSE University. She spoke about the results of a survey of students from ten selective (top) universities in Russia. The survey showed that students most often use generative models to retell texts, analyze data, and program, but the time savings remain minimal due to the need to check the results. At the same time, the practices of use are still not organized, and students mainly use AI to relax more, but not to use the capabilities of generative models to perform more complex, creative tasks.

    “The danger of using generative AI will be significantly reduced when these practices of its use become more institutionalized, and students are motivated not to imitate, but to improve their real results,” Ekaterina Kruchinskaya summed up.

    The lecture was given by Okan Bulut, a professor at the University of Alberta (Canada), who spoke about the problems of using artificial intelligence in education. He highlighted the key challenges in assessing the use of AI and discussed how this technology can be used for the benefit of learning. Continuing the topic, Associate Professor Mick Funghi of the Education University of Hong Kong spoke about changing traditional ideas about computer-supported collaborative learning. He explained that if previously technologies were viewed only as a means for students to interact with each other, now AI tools themselves are becoming full-fledged participants in the process. Using the example of group work with text, Professor Funghi also highlighted the new risks of freeriding – cases when students use AI primarily to save time, rather than to deepen collaboration – and proposed a research agenda focusing on the behavior of individual participants.

    The first day ended with academic “speed dating”: the participants exchanged ideas for their projects and outlined the tasks they would work on during the week in Shanghai. Ahead of them are a series of lectures, master classes and workshops on research methods. Following the work, each participant will present their research, taking into account the recommendations received during the summer institute from experts from the Institute of Education of the National Research University Higher School of Economics and the Higher Communist Party of Ukraine.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s passenger car sector posts robust growth in June 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — China’s passenger car sector posted double-digit growth in retail sales in June as government policies to boost consumption continued to have an effect, the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA) said Tuesday.

    China’s passenger car retail sales rose 18.1 percent year-on-year last month to more than 2.08 million units, the association said.

    The association attributed the significant increase to the impact of a nationwide trade-in program for consumer goods.

    Last month, the country’s government reaffirmed its support for the program, guaranteeing continued funding to maintain government subsidy payments through 2025. The program, a key part of the country’s broader strategy to boost domestic consumption, encourages consumers to replace older products such as appliances and vehicles with newer, more efficient models.

    In June, China produced 1.2 million new energy passenger vehicles, with retail sales exceeding 1.11 million units, up 28.3 percent and 29.7 percent year-on-year, respectively.

    According to the association, in the first six months of this year, retail sales of passenger cars exceeded 10.9 million units, an increase of 10.8 percent year-on-year. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: China looks to work with UN to advance fairer, more just global governance: Chinese Premier

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    RIO DE JANEIRO, July 8 (Xinhua) — China is committed to deepening unity and cooperation with the United Nations to jointly advocate for fairer and more just global governance.

    Li Qiang made the remarks during a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Meeting. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law visits Bordeaux

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law visited two Bordeaux wineries in France today, exploring potential synergies to incorporate Bordeaux wines into Hong Kong’s wine tourism initiatives.

    She toured Château L’if and Château Le Pin to deepen her understanding of Bordeaux’s winemaking traditions of the country. 

    A day prior to the winery tour, she met President of the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB) Allan Sichel. The CIVB is responsible for promoting Bordeaux wines globally.

    Miss Law highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s efforts to host signature mega events, including the annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, which provides unique experiences for visitors.

    Miss Law also met Mayor of Bordeaux Pierre Hurmic, Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux Céline Papin, and President of the Bordeaux Tourism & Conventions Office Brigitte Bloch, indicating to them the wishes of Hong Kong to build on the unique brand of the Wine & Dine Festival to foster cultural exchanges and strengthen bilateral ties.

    The meeting was followed by discussions with representatives of Great Wine Capitals Global Network, Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce & Industries etc. and another meeting with France’s Minister for Tourism Nathalie Delattre.

    The itinerary yesterday also covered a guided tour of La Cité du Vin, Bordeaux’s iconic cultural centre and wine museum dedicated to promoting the universal culture of wine.

    The culture chief will conclude the visit to France and depart for Hong Kong on July 9.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Georgia Man Sentenced for Exploiting North Mississippi Boy

    Source: US FBI

    Greenville, MS – A Georgia man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for attempting to coerce a Mississippi minor to send sexually explicit images through an online platform.

    According to court documents, Davin Buckner, 24 years old, of Resaca, Georgia, engaged in an online conversation over a gaming platform with a ten-year old child in Lafayette County. Buckner invited and allowed the minor to access and use credits on Buckner’s account to play games. Once the minor used some credits, Buckner advised the minor that he would have to repay the money by sending explicit images of himself. Buckner thought the child was 9 years old. Using emojis, Buckner requested the minor send pictures of his penis “stimulated.” The minor complied and took a picture using his cell phone which he then sent to Buckner.

    The minor’s parents discovered the messages and turned the cell phone over to the FBI. Buckner committed this online crime while out on bond awaiting trial for hands on sexual exploitation offenses out of Georgia that occurred in 2020.

    District Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Buckner to serve 240 months in federal prison followed by lifetime supervised release for the online offense.

    “I can think of no more egregious crime than an adult who sexually exploits a child, and this office will continue to exercise zero tolerance for sexual predators, period,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner.  “AUSA Parker King and our invaluable partners at the FBI have yet again run an extremely dangerous individual to ground and provided protection and justice to the most vulnerable among us.”

    “Protecting children from exploitation is one of the FBI’s highest priorities,” said Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jackson Field Office Robert Eikhoff. “Mr. Buckner, who was awaiting trial for sexual exploitation of another child, continued to violate the innocence of a minor. Buckner is a dangerous sexual predator who preyed on our most vulnerable victims, our children. The FBI maintains a steadfast commitment to protect minors and their innocence by aggressively investigating and holding accountable predators, like Buckner.”

    This case was investigated by the FBI.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted the case as part of the Project Safe Childhood nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Post Office Minister responds to Horizon IT Inquiry report

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Oral statement to Parliament

    Post Office Minister responds to Horizon IT Inquiry report

    Gareth Thomas spoke to Parliament after report outlined scandal’s human impact and looking at the redress schemes which have been put in place in response. 

    Madam Deputy Speaker, Sir Wyn Williams has today released the first volume of his report into the Horizon scandal, which caused so much harm to so many innocent people. 

    The fearless and diligent work of his Inquiry has, I believe, won the trust and admiration of postmasters. The Inquiry has asked penetrating questions of a large number of witnesses and has scrutinised more than two million pages of evidence. 

    The whole House I know recognises the bravery of the postmasters who fought against enormous odds to see their cause recognised. Sir Wyn’s report reminds us that blameless people were impoverished. Bankrupted. Stressed beyond belief. Lost their jobs, their marriages, their reputations, their mental health. In some cases, lost their lives. 

    I am sure that the whole House will share my gratitude to Sir Wyn and his team for their work so far. This is only the first volume of their final report, spelling out the scandal’s human impact and looking at the redress schemes which have been put in place in response. 

    A second volume will in due course deal with the causes of the scandal, and how repetition can be avoided. 

    To be clear, I am very sympathetic to Sir Wyn’s 19 recommendations today. Clearly, a number of them require careful consideration. We will respond to them promptly as some concern the ongoing delivery of Horizon redress schemes. Sir Wyn has set us a deadline of 10 October, and we will meet it. 

    The House will see that Sir Wyn has accepted that “the Post Office, the Department and Ministers continue to adhere to the aims of providing financial redress, which is full, fair and prompt”. He also concludes that the majority of people who have accepted offers under the GLO scheme “will have done so because, for them, the offer was full and fair”. That said, Sir Wyn makes some understandable criticisms – especially of the Horizon Shortfall Scheme – which we will need to study closely and address. 

    We inherited a compensation process which was widely seen as too slow, adversarial and legalistic. Well over four years after the first High Court case exposed the scandal, only 2,500 postmasters had had final settlements. 

    There were clearly significant gaps in the compensation process and many victims had not come forward. Indeed, there was no compensation scheme in place for those postmasters whose convictions had been overturned by Parliament. 

    A year ago, Government had paid £236 million in redress. We have now quadrupled that to nearly £1.1 billion. We have launched a compensation scheme for postmasters who have had their convictions overturned; the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme and have merged Post Office’s compensation arrangements for overturned convictions into it. And through the Post Office, we have delivered a £75,000 fixed sum offer to over 4,200 postmasters who opted for it. 

    We have also launched an independent process to allow people to appeal their HSS settlements or offers. This should provide – as Sir Wyn says in his report – an “opportunity to put right any failures to deliver redress which is full and fair” for HSS victims; and begun discussions with Fujitsu on their contribution to the costs of the scandal. 

    As the House knows and as Sir Wyn’s report underlines further today, there is still a lot more to do. I know that those postmasters who have yet to agree final compensation are frustrated with the delay: so am I. 

    We have been consulting regularly with the Horizon Compensation Advisory Board and others on what more we can do to improve redress. Sir Wyn’s recommendations are very helpful in that regard. Two of his recommendations address issues which we have been already working on across government and with the Advisory Board. 

    And I can confirm that we accept Sir Wyn’s recommendation that claimants should be able to bank the best offer they get from the GLO process and should not put it at risk if they choose to go to the independent panel. 

    Secondly, we will provide redress for family members of postmasters who suffered because of the scandal. I have met the group Lost Chances for Postmaster Children who have campaigned with considerable courage on this issue. 

    Sir Wyn rightly recognises that designing a suitable compensation scheme for family members raises some very difficult issues. Nonetheless, we want to look after those family members who suffered most – meeting Sir Wyn’s recommendation that we should give – and I quote – “redress to close family members of those most adversely affected by Horizon”. 

    Given these challenges, we will now discuss the details of how a scheme should be run with claimants’ lawyers, the independent Advisory Board and the Lost Chances group. It will be open to close family members of existing Horizon claimants who themselves suffered personal injury – including psychological distress – because of their relative’s suffering. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will need contemporaneous written evidence of that personal injury. 

    There are some fundamental lessons to be learned which Sir Wyn points to, about how compensation following wrongdoing on this scale should be delivered in future. 

    In particular, the Post Office should never have been allowed to run it. Decisions on funding should have been made much more quickly. And it should not have needed the ITV drama to stimulate action to overturn hundreds of unjust convictions. 

    We cannot now turn back the clock to fix those fundamental mistakes. We must instead address two challenges. The first is to make sure that if there is ever another terrible scandal like this one, and all of us will sincerely hope that there isn’t, that the victims do not need to bring a traumatic court case to expose it. 

    The second challenge if such another scandal happens, Government is set up to offer trusted redress from the very start. Sir Wyn argues that there should be a standing public body to deliver redress in any further scandal. I have a considerable amount of sympathy with that argument, but clearly we shall need to analyse the options fully before we commit to it. 

    We will reflect on how to address those twin challenges and will bring our conclusions back to the House. 

    Madam Deputy Speaker, we can never recompense a person properly for their freedom wrongly bring denied them. The humiliation of being wrongly accused. Of seeing your loved ones in profound distress or worse. Or recompense someone for their good reputation being taken from them. 

    I cannot assuage the anger of the victims. Nor will the anger I feel on their behalf ever be assuaged. 

    But we are determined to do more on redress and beyond and to do it quickly to give more of the victims of this appalling scandal at least a measure of the peace they so rightly deserve. 

    And I commend Sir Wyn’s report to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Slavneft-Krasnoyarskneftegaz produced the 10-millionth ton of oil

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The cumulative oil production of Slavneft-Krasnoyarskneftegaz (a joint venture of Rosneft and Gazprom Neft) has reached 10 million tons since the start of development of licensed areas located in Krasnoyarsk Krai.

    This indicator was achieved thanks to the advanced launch of the main production facilities, the successful implementation of research work, and the introduction of innovative approaches in development and production.

    The Kuyumbinskoye oil field is located in the most ancient fractured rocks on the planet of the Riphean period, the age of which exceeds 1 billion years. Careful development of geological exploration projects using digital software packages has ensured the high success of exploratory drilling over the past seven years.

    A powerful production complex has been created at the Kuyumbinsky field, including more than 150 facilities, including a central oil collection point, an acceptance point, a tank farm, and 450 km of oil collection pipelines. Production is provided by more than 360 wells, most of which are horizontal. The oil prepared to commercial quality is transported to consumers via the Kuyumba-Taishet main oil pipeline and then to the Eastern Siberia – Pacific Ocean pipeline system. 125 km of roads, 240 km of power lines, and energy centers have been built at the field. Dormitories and shift camps have been built for comfortable living of oil workers.

    Along with the development of the Kuyumbinskoye field, Slavneft-Krasnoyarskneftegaz is conducting pilot work at the Tersko-Kamovsky license area. High starting flow rates have been obtained at the wells. Commissioning of a 58 km pipeline to the central collection point of the Kuyumbinskoye field will create opportunities to increase the production of Evenki oil by 20%. Using the existing infrastructure of the Kuyumbinskoye field will allow for a synergistic effect and reduce the development time of the Tersko-Kamovsky area.

    Slavneft-Krasnoyarskneftegaz employs over 1.8 thousand specialists, 60% of whom are residents of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, including remote northern territories. In 2025, the company entered the top 3 best employers in the region in the category “Energy and raw materials extraction”.

    Reference:

    OOO Slavneft-Krasnoyarskneftegaz, a joint venture between Rosneft (the project operator) and Gazprom Neft, holds licenses for the right to geological study, exploration and production of four license areas, as well as to study the Podporozhny area, located in the Yurubcheno-Tokhomskaya oil-bearing zone on the territory of the Evenki municipal district of Krasnoyarsk Krai.

    Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 8, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fairburn Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing Prescription Drugs Worth Nearly $400,000 and Possessing a Firearm

    Source: US FBI

    ATLANTA – Malik Kiell Forte, 29, from Fairburn, Georgia has been sentenced for possessing a firearm after numerous felony convictions and stealing prescription drugs by burglarizing a warehouse and breaking into delivery vehicles parked outside of pharmacies around metro Atlanta. 

    “Criminals who steal prescription medications for profit will be identified, apprehended, and prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Our office remains committed to protecting vulnerable patients and punishing gun-toting thieves.”

    “Forte’s actions not only harmed the businesses he targeted but impacted the safety and costs for anyone who relies on these medications,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “The FBI will hold anyone accountable who looks to line their own pockets by harming others.”

    According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between March 2021 and June 2022, Forte and others stole nine shipments of prescription drugs from delivery vehicles parked in front of various pharmacies. Forte, and a co-conspirator, Jaquay Joseph, also stole prescription shipments from a pharmaceutical distribution center in Stone Mountain, Georgia. The pharmaceutical drugs, which included hydrocodone, oxycodone, and morphine among other drugs, had a value of nearly $400,000. When agents searched Forte’s home, they found some of the stolen pharmaceuticals. Additionally, agents recovered a Glock pistol from Forte’s bedroom. As a multi-convicted felon, Forte was prohibited from possessing that gun. 

    On July 2, 2025, Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas W. Thrash, Jr. sentenced Forte to four years, nine months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Forte was convicted of conspiracy to commit theft, theft of medical products, theft of interstate shipments, drug trafficking conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, after he pleaded guilty on February 5, 2025.

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    Assistant United States Attorney Dash A. Cooper prosecuted the case.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: KingsRock Advisors Announces Advisory Board, Additional Senior Hires and Senior Advisors, and Inaugural Capital Raise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and LONDON and STOCKHOLM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KingsRock Advisors, LLC (“KingsRock”), an independent global advisory firm, announced today the formation of a new Advisory Board, a series of new Senior Hires, additional Senior Advisors joining us, and an inaugural Capital Raise. This expansion aims to accelerate the growth of KingsRock’s capital solutions and corporate finance business, across industries, geographies, and capital structures.

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Banking Executives who have agreed to serve as Members of our new KingsRock Advisory Board:

    Dr. Josef Ackermann   Zurich, former Chairman of the Management Board, Deutsche Bank
    Fred Brettschneider   New York, former Head of Deutsche Bank Global Markets Americas
    Yassine Bouhara   Dubai, CEO Tell Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank Global Equities
    Kevin Parker   New York, CEO SICM, former CEO of Deutsche Asset Management
    Bernardo Parnes   Sao Paolo, CEO of One Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Latin America
    Jon Vaccaro   Darien, Founder V20 Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank CRE
    Seth Waugh   Palm Beach, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, former Chairman of PGA
         

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Investment Bankers who have joined KingsRock recently in the US and EMEA as Managing Directors, with further expansion planned:

    David Barcus   New York, former BNP and Raymond James
    John Doyamis   New York, former EBG, and Bear Stearns
    Leo-Hendrik Greve   Amsterdam, former ING, Citi and MS
    Rony Jawhar   Dubai, former Arqaam and Deutsche Bank
    Bray Kelly   New York, former JBK Capital and UBS
    Joe Lovrics   Madrid, former Societe General, Citi, and BNP
    Bill Miller   New York, Commerce Street, TPG Sixth Street, Citi
    Hans Narberhaus   Madrid, former Deutsche Bank
    Laurent Quelin   London, former Chenavari, and CS
    Francois-Louise Ricard   Paris, former Groupe Caisse des Depots, MS and SG
    Jorge de los Rios   Madrid, former Santander, S&P and Lehman
    Mike Turnbull   London, former StormHarbour, BAML and MS
    Andrew Whittaker   New York, Lazard, GSAM and Lehman

    In Q2 we were also joined by Gregor Bates, Associate, London, and Analysts Matt Farrell, Nikita Spivakov, and Tim O’Callaghan in New York.

    We also welcome George Parker, New York, as Senior Advisor for Operations.

    This team’s decades of investment banking experience across Origination, Advisory, Capital Markets, Structuring, and Leveraged Finance should help propel our growth and strategy to originate, structure, and distribute private capital markets transactions and provide strategic advisory services. Our goal is to further strengthen KingsRock’s ability to serve issuer clients and the private credit, special situations and private equity investor universe with ever more tailor-made capital solutions and investment opportunities.

    Expansion of our Global Network of Senior Advisors

    We are also pleased to announce that we now have 120 (one hundred and twenty) Senior Advisors from approximately 50 countries around the world. Each is a truly Independent Advisor with his or her own interest and focus, some with companies that we have partnered with, etc. Many of these advisors comprised the most senior leadership of Deutsche Bank and oversaw a wide range of functions, from CEO and six other former Management Board Members, to Country Heads and Divisional Heads of M&A, Capital Markets, and Heads of Sales, Coverage, Industry Groups, Economists, Operations, etc.

    This unique Global Network of former colleagues and friends as our Senior Advisors allows KingsRock access to key decision makers nearly anywhere in the world, spanning companies, institutional investors, financial institutions, and the public sector. It also offers mutual benefits in deal making through origination, execution, and distribution, be it a cross-border M&A transaction or bespoke institutional capital raising deal.

    We are also pleased to Announce a successful close of our inaugural third-party capital raise for KingsRock Advisors LLC, to support our expansion and elevate our investment banking boutique, with further strategic growth planned. We thank all of our investors for their strong support.

    “We are excited to welcome our new Senior Advisory Board Members, our new Managing Directors, Associate and Analyst colleagues, and our Senior Advisors network to KingsRock as we continue to expand the global reach of our capital solutions business. Together with our inaugural capital raise to boost and increase the visibility of our platform, successfully concluded in Q2, we are truly thrilled with the progress our young firm is making to serve our clients and support our ambitious growth. In the near term, we will share more details about our expansion across our financial services offering,” said Håkan Wohlin, Founder & Managing Partner, and Louis Jaffe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner.

    KingsRock has already announced and closed several significant transactions in 2025. Angel Oak’s recently announced sale to Brookfield, where KingsRock Advisors served as the Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak, is indeed a landmark transaction. On April 1st, 2025, Brookfield Asset Management and Angel Oak to Entered into Strategic Partnership. KingsRock Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC, acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak Companies.

    About KingsRock:

    KingsRock Advisors, LLC headquartered at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, is an independent global advisory firm, with securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and SIPC, as well as KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd and KingsRock Advisors Europe AB, both wholly owned subsidiaries of KingsRock Advisors LLC.

    Founded in 2020, KingsRock comprises a team of approximately 40 full time professionals who advise on a wide range of private capital markets transactions including debt, hybrid, equity and M&A covering structures from vanilla to highly structured. The team collectively has worked on thousands of transactions across various industry sectors worldwide. Clients include private equity and private credit firms, corporations, financial institutions, government-related entities, and institutional investors.

    KingsRock Advisors offers the experience and global reach of a large firm, combined with the structural agility and creativity of a boutique. An independent advisory firm with a global network that provides unconflicted strategic and financial advisory services, along with innovative capital solutions and special situations. The firms’ bankers excel in complex transactions and deliver swift results often where large banks and traditional sources of financing do not have the ability to engage. KingsRock advisors operates across all major industry sectors and is supported by a global network of 120 independent Senior Advisors across 50 countries, who bring decades of deal making experience.

    Disclaimer:

    Securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and a member of SIPC., a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC. • 900 Third Avenue, 10th Floor • New York, NY 10022.

    KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with registration number 15240371. KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd (FRN 1006329) is an Appointed Representative under Bluegrove Capital Management Ltd (FRN: 960363), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    KingsRock Advisors Europe AB is incorporated in Sweden (EU), with registered office at Grev Turegatan 14, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden, and is a tied agent of Svensk Värdepappersservice i Stockholm AB, a Swedish investment firm authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) under the Swedish Securities Market Act (Sw. lag (2007:528) om värdepappersmarknaden).

    This message is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investment. Neither KingsRock Securities, LLC nor its affiliates provide accounting, tax or legal advice; such matters should be discussed with your advisors and/or counsel.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: KingsRock Advisors Announces Advisory Board, Additional Senior Hires and Senior Advisors, and Inaugural Capital Raise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK and LONDON and STOCKHOLM and DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KingsRock Advisors, LLC (“KingsRock”), an independent global advisory firm, announced today the formation of a new Advisory Board, a series of new Senior Hires, additional Senior Advisors joining us, and an inaugural Capital Raise. This expansion aims to accelerate the growth of KingsRock’s capital solutions and corporate finance business, across industries, geographies, and capital structures.

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Banking Executives who have agreed to serve as Members of our new KingsRock Advisory Board:

    Dr. Josef Ackermann   Zurich, former Chairman of the Management Board, Deutsche Bank
    Fred Brettschneider   New York, former Head of Deutsche Bank Global Markets Americas
    Yassine Bouhara   Dubai, CEO Tell Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank Global Equities
    Kevin Parker   New York, CEO SICM, former CEO of Deutsche Asset Management
    Bernardo Parnes   Sao Paolo, CEO of One Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Latin America
    Jon Vaccaro   Darien, Founder V20 Group, former Global Head of Deutsche Bank CRE
    Seth Waugh   Palm Beach, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Americas, former Chairman of PGA
         

    We are pleased to welcome the following Senior Investment Bankers who have joined KingsRock recently in the US and EMEA as Managing Directors, with further expansion planned:

    David Barcus   New York, former BNP and Raymond James
    John Doyamis   New York, former EBG, and Bear Stearns
    Leo-Hendrik Greve   Amsterdam, former ING, Citi and MS
    Rony Jawhar   Dubai, former Arqaam and Deutsche Bank
    Bray Kelly   New York, former JBK Capital and UBS
    Joe Lovrics   Madrid, former Societe General, Citi, and BNP
    Bill Miller   New York, Commerce Street, TPG Sixth Street, Citi
    Hans Narberhaus   Madrid, former Deutsche Bank
    Laurent Quelin   London, former Chenavari, and CS
    Francois-Louise Ricard   Paris, former Groupe Caisse des Depots, MS and SG
    Jorge de los Rios   Madrid, former Santander, S&P and Lehman
    Mike Turnbull   London, former StormHarbour, BAML and MS
    Andrew Whittaker   New York, Lazard, GSAM and Lehman

    In Q2 we were also joined by Gregor Bates, Associate, London, and Analysts Matt Farrell, Nikita Spivakov, and Tim O’Callaghan in New York.

    We also welcome George Parker, New York, as Senior Advisor for Operations.

    This team’s decades of investment banking experience across Origination, Advisory, Capital Markets, Structuring, and Leveraged Finance should help propel our growth and strategy to originate, structure, and distribute private capital markets transactions and provide strategic advisory services. Our goal is to further strengthen KingsRock’s ability to serve issuer clients and the private credit, special situations and private equity investor universe with ever more tailor-made capital solutions and investment opportunities.

    Expansion of our Global Network of Senior Advisors

    We are also pleased to announce that we now have 120 (one hundred and twenty) Senior Advisors from approximately 50 countries around the world. Each is a truly Independent Advisor with his or her own interest and focus, some with companies that we have partnered with, etc. Many of these advisors comprised the most senior leadership of Deutsche Bank and oversaw a wide range of functions, from CEO and six other former Management Board Members, to Country Heads and Divisional Heads of M&A, Capital Markets, and Heads of Sales, Coverage, Industry Groups, Economists, Operations, etc.

    This unique Global Network of former colleagues and friends as our Senior Advisors allows KingsRock access to key decision makers nearly anywhere in the world, spanning companies, institutional investors, financial institutions, and the public sector. It also offers mutual benefits in deal making through origination, execution, and distribution, be it a cross-border M&A transaction or bespoke institutional capital raising deal.

    We are also pleased to Announce a successful close of our inaugural third-party capital raise for KingsRock Advisors LLC, to support our expansion and elevate our investment banking boutique, with further strategic growth planned. We thank all of our investors for their strong support.

    “We are excited to welcome our new Senior Advisory Board Members, our new Managing Directors, Associate and Analyst colleagues, and our Senior Advisors network to KingsRock as we continue to expand the global reach of our capital solutions business. Together with our inaugural capital raise to boost and increase the visibility of our platform, successfully concluded in Q2, we are truly thrilled with the progress our young firm is making to serve our clients and support our ambitious growth. In the near term, we will share more details about our expansion across our financial services offering,” said Håkan Wohlin, Founder & Managing Partner, and Louis Jaffe, Co-Founder & Managing Partner.

    KingsRock has already announced and closed several significant transactions in 2025. Angel Oak’s recently announced sale to Brookfield, where KingsRock Advisors served as the Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak, is indeed a landmark transaction. On April 1st, 2025, Brookfield Asset Management and Angel Oak to Entered into Strategic Partnership. KingsRock Securities LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC, acted as Exclusive Financial Advisor to Angel Oak Companies.

    About KingsRock:

    KingsRock Advisors, LLC headquartered at 900 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, is an independent global advisory firm, with securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and SIPC, as well as KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd and KingsRock Advisors Europe AB, both wholly owned subsidiaries of KingsRock Advisors LLC.

    Founded in 2020, KingsRock comprises a team of approximately 40 full time professionals who advise on a wide range of private capital markets transactions including debt, hybrid, equity and M&A covering structures from vanilla to highly structured. The team collectively has worked on thousands of transactions across various industry sectors worldwide. Clients include private equity and private credit firms, corporations, financial institutions, government-related entities, and institutional investors.

    KingsRock Advisors offers the experience and global reach of a large firm, combined with the structural agility and creativity of a boutique. An independent advisory firm with a global network that provides unconflicted strategic and financial advisory services, along with innovative capital solutions and special situations. The firms’ bankers excel in complex transactions and deliver swift results often where large banks and traditional sources of financing do not have the ability to engage. KingsRock advisors operates across all major industry sectors and is supported by a global network of 120 independent Senior Advisors across 50 countries, who bring decades of deal making experience.

    Disclaimer:

    Securities offered by KingsRock Securities LLC, a FINRA member firm and a member of SIPC., a wholly owned subsidiary of KingsRock Advisors LLC. • 900 Third Avenue, 10th Floor • New York, NY 10022.

    KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd is a private limited company registered in England and Wales with registration number 15240371. KingsRock Advisors UK Ltd (FRN 1006329) is an Appointed Representative under Bluegrove Capital Management Ltd (FRN: 960363), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

    KingsRock Advisors Europe AB is incorporated in Sweden (EU), with registered office at Grev Turegatan 14, 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden, and is a tied agent of Svensk Värdepappersservice i Stockholm AB, a Swedish investment firm authorized and regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Sw. Finansinspektionen) under the Swedish Securities Market Act (Sw. lag (2007:528) om värdepappersmarknaden).

    This message is provided for information purposes and does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or investment. Neither KingsRock Securities, LLC nor its affiliates provide accounting, tax or legal advice; such matters should be discussed with your advisors and/or counsel.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: East African Community (EAC) and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Unite to Break Barriers in Cross-Border Digital Payments

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) have taken a significant step towards regional financial integration, with the convening of a five-day workshop on payment systems interoperability. The IGAD-EAC-World Bank Joint Workshop, convened from 30th June to 4th July, 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, brought together Central Banks, digital finance experts, and senior policymakers from nine countries with a focus on advancing harmonised legal, regulatory, and supervisory frameworks that will enable faster, safer, and more inclusive cross-border payments across the Eastern Africa region

    The workshop was organised under the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), a flagship initiative jointly implemented by IGAD and EAC, with support from the World Bank. The EARDIP’s mission is to boost regional digital market integration by expanding broadband infrastructure and strengthening the environment for cross-border digital services, including digital payments, a critical enabler of trade, remittances, and financial inclusion.

    At the heart the Addis Ababa discussions was a shared regional challenge of fragmented and non-interoperable payment systems that undermine economic potential. While countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia have made strides in domestic interoperability, regional integration remains stifled by gaps in regulations, technical disparities, and cybersecurity concerns. Against this backdrop, the workshop provided a platform for technical learning, peer-to-peer exchange, and collective visioning.

    In his opening remarks, Dr. Mohyeldeen Eltohami, Director of Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration, IGAD, emphasised that the workshop was not merely a technical convening but a launchpad for transformation. “The collaboration between EAC and IGAD exemplifies the spirit of regional solidarity and shared ambition that Africa needs to build the future it envisions, a future of seamless digital integration, inclusive prosperity, and economic transformation,” he said.

    The Director urged participants to seize the opportunity to build a harmonised regional framework and to let cooperation, not fragmentation, define the region’s digital future.

    “Digital transformation is no longer a choice but a necessity. Together, IGAD and EAC can build a digitally integrated Eastern Africa, where borders no longer limit opportunity, and where innovation drives inclusion, and prosperity is shared,” said Dr. Eltohami.

    Echoing these sentiments, Eng. Daniel Murenzi, Principal Information Technology Officer, EAC Secretariat stressed that digital payments are the backbone of a functioning digital market and that interoperability was no longer a luxury, but a necessity for regional prosperity.

    “EAC and IGAD are implementing the EARDIP Project with the objective to advance digital regional integration by strengthening cross-border digital infrastructure, services, policies, and frameworks that promote economic growth, inclusion, and regional collaboration among EAC and IGAD Member/Partner States,” noted Eng. Murenzi.

    “Payment systems are an enabler in this digital ecosystem for the region, with their interoperability a critical factor. We therefore need to review national payment processes, harmonise legal and regulatory instruments and facilitate interoperability of the regions payment system,” he noted.

    On his part, Mr. Gynedi Srinivas, Senior Financial Sector Specialist, Payment Systems Development Group, World Bank outlined the global relevance of the workshop, noting that its objectives align with the Group of Twenty (G20) roadmap for faster, cheaper, and safer cross-border payments. He applauded the region’s readiness to harness the benefits of fast payment system (FPS) interoperability.

    “The benefits of cross-border interoperability of fast payment systems will especially enable safer, faster and low-cost retail payments across borders helping end-users, individuals and Medium, Small and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) to make and receive payments seamlessly,” he noted.

    Participants of the workshop engaged in discussions on three strategic areas: digital infrastructure, legal and regulatory frameworks, and regional payment integration. Recommendations from these sessions included the need to invest in shared digital infrastructure, adopt consumer-centric design for FPS, develop regulatory sandboxes to support innovation, and the need to harmonise legal instruments to unlock true cross-border operability.

    During the workshop, experts from some Member/Partner States Central/National Banks shared experiences and lessons from their national contexts, thereby providing practical blueprints for other countries aiming to leapfrog barriers and accelerate digital finance inclusion.

    Participants also explored emerging technologies, including AI, blockchain, and cross-border Central bank digital currencies, alongside discussions on cyber threats and the role of cybersecurity incident response teams (CIRSTs) in protecting payment ecosystems. The need for a unified cybersecurity legal framework and real-time threat intelligence sharing across borders emerged as a top priority.

    The workshop further recommended facilitating peer-to-peer attachments among central banks; anchoring FPS design in user needs; collectively addressing social engineering risks, particularly in mobile payments; and convening annual joint workshops on cross-border payments.

    The workshop brought together experts from nine IGAD-EAC Member/Partner States’ National Payment System directorates or departments from the Bank of the Republic of Burundi, the Central Bank of Djibouti, the National Bank of Ethiopia, the Central Bank of Kenya, the National Bank of Rwanda, the Central Bank of Somalia, the Bank of South Sudan, the Bank of Tanzania and the Bank of Uganda. The Central Bank of the Democratic Republic of Congo was represented by the Ministry of Regional Integration of the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Also in attendance were IGAD and EAC EARDIP Coordinators and key staff as well as World Bank Consultants and a representative from Banco d ’Italia (Bank of Italy).  

    – on behalf of East African Community (EAC).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: Release people detained over expressing support for Gaza March

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Egyptian authorities must unconditionally and immediately release anyone detained solely for expressing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amidst Israel’s ongoing genocide, including at least seven Egyptian nationals detained for expressing support for the Gaza March, Amnesty International said today. The organization is also calling on the authorities to investigate allegations of torture and other ill-treatment related to the arrests and deportations of international activists in connection with the planned solidarity march.

    Hundreds of international activists travelled to Egypt in June to take part in a global march to the city of Rafah in a bid to break Israel’s illegal blockade on the occupied Gaza Strip, but Egyptian authorities responded by arresting scores of Egyptian and foreign nationals and deporting non-Egyptians.  

    Amnesty International documented the arbitrary detention, incommunicado detention, and ill-treatment of three Egyptians and five foreign nationals in connection with the Gaza March between 10 and 16 June. Amnesty International obtained a testimony that at least one Egyptian national was subjected to torture during their detention. The organization is calling for all those still being held solely for expressing solidarity with Palestinians to be unconditionally and immediately released, including those detained for expressing solidarity with Palestinians since October 2023.

    “The world has seen a glimpse of the brutality that Egyptian authorities continue to inflict on dissidents. The arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment that these activists have been subjected to represents just a fraction of the ongoing repression faced by virtually anyone who expresses views not condoned by the government,” said Mahmoud Shalaby, Egypt and Libya Researcher at Amnesty International.  

    “It is unthinkable that Egyptian authorities are arresting and punishing activists for showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza while Israel is committing genocide against them. Egypt’s authorities should instead be facilitating the right to peaceful assembly and expression, starting by releasing anyone arbitrarily detained for demonstrating in solidarity with Palestinians and investigating all allegations of torture and other ill-treatment.”  

    On 11 June, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an official statement that foreign nationals must receive prior authorization to visit areas bordering Gaza through, among other means, submitting a request to Egyptian embassies. Organizers of the Gaza March told Amnesty International that they had submitted authorization requests to over 30 Egyptian embassies abroad, approximately two and a half months ahead of the march’s scheduled date. Embassy officials informed them that the requests had been forwarded to authorities in Cairo, but the organizers never received a response. 

    Egyptian security forces later shut down the march by arresting Egyptian and foreign activists upon their arrival at the airport, from hotels or at checkpoints on the way to Rafah, before deporting hundreds of non-Egyptians. 

    Arbitrary detention and torture or other ill-treatment of Egyptian nationals 

    According to a lawyer at the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms (ECRF), between 10 and 12 June 2025, security forces arrested three Egyptian nationals (two men and one woman) from their homes in Cairo and al-Sharkia governorates. The three were part of a Telegram group that supported the Gaza March. 

    Upon their arrest, they were reportedly held in incommunicado detention at undisclosed National Security Agency (NSA) facilities for periods ranging from nine to ten days. NSA agents then brought the three to the Supreme State Security Prosecution (SSSP) in Cairo on 21, 22, and 23 June.  

    SSSP prosecutors accused them of charges including “joining a terrorist group [the Muslim Brotherhood],” “publishing false news,” and “funding a terrorist group,” according to the ECRF lawyer. Prosecutors then ordered their pretrial detention for 15 days pending investigations. 

    During the SSSP questioning, one of the men said that NSA agents had subjected him to electric shocks on his hands and a sensitive part of his body, and beat him with kicks and slaps to the face. The other man told the prosecutor that NSA agents beat him and forced him to strip naked. These acts constitute ill-treatment and may amount to torture. 

    In June, SSSP prosecutors questioned four other Egyptian nationals (three men and one woman) and ordered their detention for 15 days in connection with the same charges pending the same case, according to ECRF’s lawyer. 

    Arbitrary arrest and ill-treatment of foreign nationals 

    Amnesty International spoke to five foreign nationals who had travelled to attend the Gaza March including Stefanie Crisostomo, a Croatian-Peruvian activist, and Saif Abukeshek, a Spanish national and the Gaza March spokesperson. They told Amnesty that Egyptian police subjected them to severe beatings and other acts of violence when they arrested them. They also said that they had been held in incommunicado detention in police stations, NSA facilities, and Cairo Airport.  

    Crisostomo told Amnesty International that on 14 June, plain-clothed NSA agents arrested her and her husband at a hotel in Cairo without providing any reason or allowing them to contact their embassies or anyone else after confiscating their phones. They were then transferred to an undisclosed security facility, where police detained her French husband for 30 hours, while transferring Stefanie to Cairo Airport. At the airport, she refused to be deported until the police released her husband. The police then handcuffed her and grabbed her arms tightly, causing bruising. Amnesty International reviewed photographs of her arms in which the bruises are clearly visible and is concerned that this may amount to ill-treatment. 

    One of the other foreign nationals, who chose not to disclose his nationality, said that on 13 June police arrested him, along with approximately 15 others, at a checkpoint in Ismailia Governorate on their way to Rafah. During the arrest, police beat him with batons, striking him on his face and neck. He said that during the arrest, one of the police officers attempted to put their finger in his anus. Police took the group to an Ismailia police station and detained them until the following morning, before transferring him to Cairo Airport for deportation. 

    The two other men, both Norwegians, as well as Saif said that on 16 June, plain-clothed police arrested them at a coffee shop in Cairo without showing a warrant. The police then blindfolded them and drove them to an undisclosed security facility in an unmarked van. NSA officers questioned the two Norwegian men, while still blindfolded and handcuffed, about the number of participants in the Gaza March, their identities, and their accommodation. One of the men told Amnesty International that when he refused to answer, an NSA agent slapped him twice on the face and kneed him in the chest. According to the man, the blow caused a minor rib fracture. 

    The second man said that when he refused to answer certain questions an NSA agent slapped him on the face and kicked him in the chest.  

    Saif Abukeshek said that police deliberately slammed his body into walls and doors while moving him between different rooms at the facility, blindfolded and handcuffed with his hands behind his back. “I could clearly hear them laughing at me crashing into the walls,” he said. 

    The three were later transferred to Cairo Airport to be deported after spending between two to 25 hours at the facility. None of the four men were allowed at any point to contact their embassy or anyone else to inform them about their arrest, until their deportation.

    – on behalf of Amnesty International.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cameroon celebrates forest hero and Chevening scholars

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Cameroon celebrates forest hero and Chevening scholars

    The British High Commission in Yaoundé honoured Dr Cécile Ndjebet, the first-ever Kew International Medalist and a trailblazing forest and climate activist.

    Dr Ndjebet receiving her Award from the High Commissioner, Matt Woods.

    The British High Commission in Yaoundé hosted a special ceremony to honour Dr Cécile Ndjebet, the first-ever recipient of the Kew International Medal. A renowned forest and environmental activist, Dr Ndjebet was celebrated for her groundbreaking work in forest conservation and women’s empowerment across 20 African countries.

    Her recognition marks a historic moment, highlighting Cameroon’s leadership in global environmental advocacy.

    As the 17th recipient of this globally respected award, Dr. Ndjebet was commended by UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, and High Commissioner Matt Woods for her tireless efforts in promoting inclusive forest governance.

    A co-founder of the African Women’s Network for Community Management of Forests and a member of the African Forest Forum, Dr Ndjebet has been instrumental in advancing sustainable environmental practices while ensuring that women have a voice in managing Africa’s natural resources.

    A royal recognition

    Just days after the ceremony in Cameroon, Dr Ndjebet was received by His Majesty King Charles III in the United Kingdom. During her visit, she delivered a powerful keynote address on “Nature Action: Mobilising Frameworks and Finance” highlighting the urgent need for global collaboration in financing nature-based solutions and empowering local communities, especially women, to lead in environmental stewardship.

    Her address underscored the importance of integrating traditional knowledge, gender equity, and sustainable finance into global climate strategies.

    Celebrating academic excellence

    The event also celebrated the return of eight Chevening Scholars who recently completed their master’s degrees at top UK universities. These scholars specialized in critical fields such as climate policy, engineering, disaster management, and artificial intelligence, bringing back valuable knowledge and skills to contribute to national development.

    Strengthening UK-Cameroon ties through education

    Since its inception in 1983, the Chevening Scholarship programme has played a vital role in fostering educational and diplomatic ties between the UK and Cameroon. By investing in future leaders, the programme continues to build bridges of collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sweeper Hire and Hoses boss Philip Liley gets suspended sentence

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Sweeper Hire and Hoses boss Philip Liley gets suspended sentence

    Exeter man tried to hide tons of illegal waste kept on leased land by pushing it into the trees and spreading it across the ground.

    Liley and his firm Sweeper Hire and Hoses admitted running a waste site without a permit

    • Philip Liley attempted to disguise the 15,000 tonnes of waste stored illegally at the site
    • Environment Agency investigations began when the nearby River Bovey was polluted
    • Liley, then trading as Sweeper Hire and Hoses Limited, had no environmental permits and ignored all attempts to make his business operate legally.

    Philip Liley, of Sidmouth Road, Exeter, was director of the then Sweeper Hire and Hoses Limited business based at Higher Brocks Plantation, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon. He pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court on Thursday 3 July.

    Liley was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 2 years – and 300 hours of unpaid work. 

    Chris Lawson of the Environment Agency, said: 

    Environmental permits are in place to protect the public and the environment.

    Illegal waste activity such as this undermines legitimate businesses that work hard to operate within the regulations, as well as putting the local environment at risk and impacting on the local community. 

    I hope today’s verdict sends a clear message to illegal waste operators that we are committed to tackling the blight of waste crime and will use all powers available to us to catch offenders.

    Leaking pipe leads to Liley’s site

    In March 2023, following a report of a pollution into a tributary of the River Bovey, Environment Agency officers found a pipe discharging a grey/brown liquid into the watercourse.

    The source of the discharge was found to be Liley’s site that he leased at Newton Abbot. The ground at the site was churned up and with heavy plant machinery operating on it, causing the runoff to enter the river.

    The Environment Agency was informed by a sub-contractor working on the site that approximately 15,000 tonnes of inert waste had been imported onto the premises. Groundworks at the site were stopped immediately to limit harm to the local environment. 

    Trees used to hide waste

    Investigations revealed the site was being leased by a company called Sweeper Hire and Hoses Limited. There were no environmental permits or exemptions covering the waste activities ongoing at the site. Neither were there any outstanding planning permission applications.

    During an Environment Agency site inspection, a substantial amount of waste material was present onsite. It appeared that it was being hidden by being pushed and deposited into the trees both at the sides of the premises and in the middle. Work also appeared to be ongoing to level the waste across the site.  

    The same day, the Environment Agency served a notice requiring the company to produce waste transfer notes for waste imported to the site over the previous 2 years. Liley had originally leased the land for 5 years from September 2021, trading as Sweepers and Hoses Limited.  

    Liley refuses to explain himself

    However, due to issues with the various waste issues at the premises, Liley had been given notice to leave the site by the landowner he leased it from. 

    From the waste transfer notes provided, a minimum of 2,960 tonnes in total had been imported to the site between 18 May 2022 and 3 February 2023.

    Liley resigned as director of the business on 1 March 2023 and refused all attempts by the Environment Agency to be interviewed to explain his actions and the legitimacy of his waste business.  

    Illegal waste activity can be reported in confidence to the Environment Agency on its 24-hour incident line on 0800 807060 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

    Background

    Sweeper Hire and Hoses and Philip Liley were charged with the following offences: 

    • Between 29 September 2021 and 1 March 2023 you, Sweeper Hire and Hoses Limited, on land at Higher Brocks Plantation, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon,  did operate a regulated facility, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit, namely a waste depositing operation for which no environmental permit was in force.  Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. 

    • Between 29 September 2021 and 1 March 2023 you, Phillip Liley on land at Higher Brocks Plantation, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon as Director of  Sweeper Higher and Hoses Limited, did by consent or connivance,  operate a regulated facility, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit, namely a waste depositing operation for which no environmental permit was in force. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(a), 38(1)(a) and 41(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 

    • Between 2 March 2023 and 15 September 2023 you, Phillip Liley on land at Higher Brocks Plantation, Heathfield, Newton Abbot, Devon,  did operate a regulated facility, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit, namely a waste depositing operation for which no environmental permit was in force. Contrary to Regulations 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New study provides major boost for mine water heat revolution

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    New study provides major boost for mine water heat revolution

    New study shows 87% of coalfield boreholes succeed, busting myths around drilling risks and boosting confidence in mine water heat for green energy.

    Borehole drilling in County Durham.

    A new study from the Mining Remediation Authority busts myths around the risks of drilling into abandoned coal mines for mine water heat schemes. The research provides the strongest evidence yet that this low-carbon technology is technically achievable, cost-effective and ready to scale, offering a major boost to the UK’s ambitions for clean, secure, and locally sourced energy.

    The open-access research, “Drilling into Coal Mine Workings: Overview and Experience from Britain’s Coalfields”, analysed 564 boreholes drilled across Great Britain. It found that 87% of boreholes successfully delivered on their intended purpose, including monitoring, gas venting and water abstraction. More than 75% of those targeting mine voids successfully reached their target, confirming the predictability and feasibility of accessing mine water heat.

    This work directly addresses any concerns about the technical and financial risks of drilling into former coal mines for low-carbon heating, cooling, and thermal storage. It provides a robust evidence base to support the rollout of mine water heat networks, a reliable source of green energy beneath many former coalfield communities, which is currently underused.

    Mine water heat: Busting myths with new drilling study

    Lee Wyatt, lead author and Senior Hydrogeologist at the Mining Remediation Authority, said:

    This study shows that drilling into coal mine workings is not the high-risk activity it’s often perceived to be. With the right planning, design, and expertise, success rates are high, and this opens the door for more confident investment in mine water heat networks. This has the ability to decarbonise heat, reduce energy bills, and regenerate former coalfield communities.

    Key findings:

    • 87% of boreholes were suitable for their original purpose.
    • More than 75% success rate for hitting targeted mine voids.
    • 97% success rate for deeper boreholes (over 300m), where mine plans are more accurate.
    • Boreholes targeting roadways had a 77% success rate in hitting voids and 85% suitability for their intended use.

    The study supports our mission to unlock the potential of Britain’s coalfields for sustainable development and energy transition. It gives developers, local authorities and infrastructure planners greater confidence in mine water heat as a dependable, scalable energy source.

    It also complements research from initiatives like the UK Geoenergy Observatories, which continue to improve geological understanding of mine heat systems and their role in the energy transition.

    Further information:

    Paper link: https://www.lyellcollection.org/doi/full/10.1144/qjegh2025-016

    Mine Water Thematic link: https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/mine-water-energy

    QJEGH Volume 58 August 2025: https://www.lyellcollection.org/journal/qjegh

    For media enquiries contact the community response team

    Email communityresponse@miningremediation.gov.uk

    Telephone 0800 288 4211

    For emergency media enquiries (out of hours) call: 0800 288 4242.
    Only urgent media calls will be attended to.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: INNOPROM-2025: the fight for technological leadership

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Polytechnic stand continues its work at the INNOPROM exhibition, and the official delegation of SPbPU takes an active part in the business program. On July 8, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin arrived in Yekaterinburg. At the forum, the Prime Minister assessed the exhibits and opened the main strategic session “Technological Leadership: Industrial Breakthrough”.

    “I would like to sincerely welcome the participants and guests of the main industrial exhibition of Russia. This year it has a significant anniversary. For the 15th time, Yekaterinburg has become the center of attraction for companies of industrial leaders – both our country and our friendly states. In order to identify new growth points, expand the range of business contacts,” said Mikhail Mishustin. – Today’s discussion is devoted to a very important topic – industrial breakthrough. President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum emphasized that the Russian economy must become more technological. This is a serious challenge, the solution of which will require combining the efforts of educational and scientific institutions, industry and other sectors, the expert community and investors, state corporations and development institutions, ministries and departments, regional authorities. I am absolutely convinced that together we will be able to achieve the goals set in this area. And a good support, of course, will be the success of domestic manufacturers.”

    The industrial world is currently experiencing a period of dramatic change and instability. In the context of growing uncertainty, the largest market players are actively looking for new growth points and strategic allies. Technological development is becoming a key area of production transformation. The priority vector is the creation of intelligent and automated systems, where artificial intelligence plays a central role in managing production processes. However, technological progress is only one component of success in the struggle for leadership. An equally important aspect is the formation of a reliable ecosystem of partnerships based on many years of experience of joint work and mutual trust. The key factors in this strategy are the painstaking work of higher education institutions in training qualified personnel, as well as close interaction between educational institutions, enterprises and business representatives.

    Thus, the chief designer for the key scientific and technological development area of SPbPU “System Digital Engineering”, director of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” Alexey Borovkov was one of the key speakers of the round table “Implementation of strategic projects of technological leadership within the framework of the program “Priority-2030”. The participants of the meeting discussed the mechanisms of interaction of the program with the system of higher education, including the assessment of the implemented educational programs, methodological approaches to training and forms of cooperation between educational institutions and the business community.

    Alexey Ivanovich recalled that in 2025, each university included the section “Strategic Technological Leadership” in its comprehensive development program, identifying three strategic technological projects. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, following the presentation of the University Development Program at the Council of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, entered the leading group of universities participating in the Priority-2030 program.

    It is important to note that in accordance with the Order of the Government of the Russian Federation dated May 20, 2023 No. 1315-r, the term “technological leadership” is defined as the superiority of technologies or products in key parameters (functional, technical, cost) over foreign analogues. It is for the purpose of achieving technological leadership according to this definition that SPbPU concentrates its efforts on three key scientific and technological areas (KST): KST-1 “Systemic digital engineering” – development of technologies and products superior to foreign analogues, based on digital twin technology and the CML-Bench® Digital Platform KST-2 “New materials, technologies, production” – creation of science-intensive industries for the repair and manufacture of products for various purposes; KST-3 “Artificial intelligence for solving cross-industry problems” – development of digital platform solutions for analyzing multimodal data, – said Alexey Ivanovich.

    A solemn and pleasant ceremony took place at our stand during business negotiations. SPbPU Academic Secretary Dmitry Karpov presented the SPbPU “For Merits” badge of distinction to Anatoly Sludnykh, General Director of the Ural Optical-Mechanical Plant named after E. S. Yalamov (UOMZ). The award was given by a unanimous decision of the Polytechnic Academic Council for his great contribution to the development of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. UOMZ is a long-standing and reliable partner of the Polytechnic. So, quite recently The plant’s delegation visited our university.

    According to Anatoly Sludnykh, the enterprise is interested in using technologies and materials developed by Polytechnic University scientists, as well as in additional training of its technologists and engineers at the university. SPbPU, in turn, is determined to strengthen ties and expand cooperation with the Ural Optical and Mechanical Plant and other enterprises of the Shvabe holding.

    We should add that the Polytechnic stand enjoys increased attention from specialists and visitors to the INNOPROM exhibition. They evaluate the advanced engineering developments of our university and communicate with the university specialists. But the exhibit of the SPbPU History Museum is of particular value – a fragment of the legendary “Cable of Life”. This is a gift from Polytechnic graduates who, after graduating from the university, made a successful career at Lenenergo.

    September 23, 1942 was a turning point in the history of Leningrad during the siege. On this day, the besieged city began receiving electricity from the Volkhov Hydroelectric Power Station. The unique project was completed in just 48 days. Power engineers had to lay 104 kilometers of overhead power lines and five 23-kilometer cable strands along the bottom of Lake Ladoga. The work was carried out under constant enemy fire near the front line. A three-core cable with a 120 mm² cross-section ensured the transmission of significant amounts of electricity. The system operated for almost two years, supplying not only industrial enterprises, but also the everyday needs of city residents.

    Director of the SPbPU History Museum Valery Klimov shared his memories of the outstanding engineer Nikodim Tumanov, who supervised the cable laying. In 1935, he graduated from the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute as an external student, defending his diploma project on the topic of “Expansion of the electrical network of the Central District of the Leningrad electrical network.”

    When he was assigned to lead the group, he said: “I understood that this task was impossible. But if I refused, someone else would refuse, a third – and the city would be left without electricity. I decided for myself that I had to try. Leningraders are those people who did not refuse. Perhaps that is why we survived. And as long as a person believes, he lives,” Valery Yuryevich quoted Nikodim Tumanov.

    I noticed that there are not many stands here that have the logo of the 80th anniversary of the Victory. Our stand has one. This year the country celebrated a great anniversary, and that is why we brought to Yekaterinburg one of the symbols of the Victory and the heroism of Leningraders – “Cable of Life”, – emphasized Valery Klimov.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE — Intermex Launches a new Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) Platform to Help Businesses Simplify Cross-Border Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”), a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean, today announced the launch of its fully redesigned Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform. The upgraded service gives businesses a straightforward way to embed fast, secure cross-border money transfers into their own customer experiences.

    A growing number of companies – from innovative U.S. fintechs to well-established payment providers – are already harnessing Intermex’s Remittance-as-a-Service platform to unlock new cross-border revenue streams.

    Through Intermex’s RaaS platform, companies can introduce their own branded person-to-person and business-to-person payment services to eligible markets including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador, as well as select countries in Southeast Asia, the European Union, and Africa.

    “Businesses want to innovate and expand quickly, but hurdles like technology development, licensing, and regulatory compliance often slow them down,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Digital, Product & Marketing Officer at Intermex. “Our RaaS platform helps remove those barriers, giving partners a turnkey solution built on decades of experience and one of the strongest payout networks in Latin America.”

    The enhanced platform offers a customizable system that lets businesses create branded customer experiences across WhatsApp, mobile apps, and the web. The service is supported by appropriate licensing across U.S. jurisdictions, incorporating required know your customers and anti-money laundering compliance measures. Companies gain access to one of the largest payout networks in Latin America, supporting cash pickups, home deliveries, and direct bank deposits. The solution also provides integrated payment services, merchant account management, chargeback support, and advanced anti-fraud tools. Additionally, partners benefit from 24/7 bilingual customer support, business insights, and ongoing strategic guidance.

    “Our partners don’t have to build everything from scratch,” Theodoro added. “Through a simple API, we provide the infrastructure, licenses, payout networks, and even the support teams they need. Whether you’re a fintech, an employer, or a loyalty platform, we’re ready to help businesses move money across borders.”

    Companies interested in partnering with Intermex can learn more at www.intermexonline.com/partner-with-us#/.

    About Intermex
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to facilitate money transfers from select locations including the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries, where available and subject to applicable regulations. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Learn more at www.intermexonline.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE — Intermex Launches a new Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) Platform to Help Businesses Simplify Cross-Border Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — International Money Express, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMXI) (“Intermex” or the “Company”), a leading money remittance provider to Latin America and the Caribbean, today announced the launch of its fully redesigned Remittance-as-a-Service (RaaS) platform. The upgraded service gives businesses a straightforward way to embed fast, secure cross-border money transfers into their own customer experiences.

    A growing number of companies – from innovative U.S. fintechs to well-established payment providers – are already harnessing Intermex’s Remittance-as-a-Service platform to unlock new cross-border revenue streams.

    Through Intermex’s RaaS platform, companies can introduce their own branded person-to-person and business-to-person payment services to eligible markets including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador, as well as select countries in Southeast Asia, the European Union, and Africa.

    “Businesses want to innovate and expand quickly, but hurdles like technology development, licensing, and regulatory compliance often slow them down,” said Marcelo Theodoro, Chief Digital, Product & Marketing Officer at Intermex. “Our RaaS platform helps remove those barriers, giving partners a turnkey solution built on decades of experience and one of the strongest payout networks in Latin America.”

    The enhanced platform offers a customizable system that lets businesses create branded customer experiences across WhatsApp, mobile apps, and the web. The service is supported by appropriate licensing across U.S. jurisdictions, incorporating required know your customers and anti-money laundering compliance measures. Companies gain access to one of the largest payout networks in Latin America, supporting cash pickups, home deliveries, and direct bank deposits. The solution also provides integrated payment services, merchant account management, chargeback support, and advanced anti-fraud tools. Additionally, partners benefit from 24/7 bilingual customer support, business insights, and ongoing strategic guidance.

    “Our partners don’t have to build everything from scratch,” Theodoro added. “Through a simple API, we provide the infrastructure, licenses, payout networks, and even the support teams they need. Whether you’re a fintech, an employer, or a loyalty platform, we’re ready to help businesses move money across borders.”

    Companies interested in partnering with Intermex can learn more at www.intermexonline.com/partner-with-us#/.

    About Intermex
    Founded in 1994, Intermex applies proprietary technology to facilitate money transfers from select locations including the United States, Canada, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany to more than 60 countries, where available and subject to applicable regulations. The company facilitates digital money movement through its website and mobile app, as well as through a vast network of retail agents and company-operated stores. Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Intermex also operates international offices in Puebla, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; London, England; and Madrid, Spain. Learn more at www.intermexonline.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Alex Sadowski
    Investor Relations Coordinator
    ir@intermexusa.com
    305-671-8000

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Surfshark partners up with MSI to grant more digital perks

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Surfshark, a cybersecurity company building the most beloved security products for everyone, announces a new partnership with MSI, a leader in gaming and high-performance computing solutions, to provide more digital perks to the members of the MSI Reward Program. Now, the program members can experience a free trial of Surfshark’s most popular VPN subscription plan. 

    “In today’s world, where digital footprints are constantly tracked and data breaches are on the rise, people more than ever seek tools that can help to reclaim digital privacy and strengthen online security. A VPN encrypts internet traffic and masks a person’s IP address, making it more secure to stay online. Therefore, this collaboration brings exciting opportunities for MSI users to enhance their online experience with Surfshark’s security and privacy,” says Justas Pukys, Sr. Product Manager at Surfshark.

    Members of the MSI Reward Program can redeem a free 1-month trial of Surfshark One with just 25 points. The MSI Reward Program is a loyalty platform where MSI users can earn points by registering products, completing tasks, or participating in events, and redeem those points for exclusive gifts, discounts, and digital perks, like Surfshark.

    “We understand how increasingly important online security is to our users,” says Vera Chen from MSI Partnership Alliance Marketing. “This partnership with Surfshark underlines our commitment not only to delivering high-performance hardware and innovation, but also to protecting user privacy and data. Whether gaming, creating content, or tackling demanding workloads, our users can now enjoy peace of mind knowing their internet experience is safeguarded by Surfshark’s leading VPN service.”

    Also, extra perks are provided for shoppers in Europe. Until July 22, 2025, customers who purchase selected items during the MSI summer sale on the MSI Official eShop can enjoy up to 30% off on selected products, and a one-month trial of Surfshark One included with selected MSI products. Special offers are provided for Germany, France, Spain, and Poland.

    For more information, read here.

    ABOUT SURFSHARK

    Surfshark is a cybersecurity company offering products including an audited VPN, certified antivirus, data leak warning system, private search engine, and tool for generating an online identity. Recognized as a leading VPN by CNET and TechRadar, Surfshark has also been featured on the FT1000: Europe’s Fastest Growing Companies ranking. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Surfshark has offices in Lithuania and Poland. For information on Surfshark’s operations and highlights, read our Annual Wrap-up. For information about Surfshark’s previous independent verifications and certifications, visit our Trust Center.

    ABOUT MSI

    MSI (Micro-Star International) is a world leader in gaming, content creation, business & productivity, and AIoT solutions. Operating in over 120 countries, MSI is renowned for its high-quality laptops, desktops, graphics cards, motherboards, monitors, and more. Driven by innovation and a passion for technology, MSI is committed to delivering the best user experiences through cutting-edge R&D, intuitive design, and exceptional product quality. Discover more about MSI at msi.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Boralex will release its 2025 second quarter financial results on August 8, at 11 a.m.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex inc. (“Boralex” or the “Company”) (TSX: BLX) announces that the release of the 2025 second quarter results will take place on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11 a.m.

    Financial analysts and investors are invited to attend a conference call during which the financial results will be presented.

    Date and time

    Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. ET

    To attend the conference

    Webcast link: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/ceviggr3

    To attend the event by phone: Click here to register for the earnings call. Once you have completed your registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing the link and your personal PIN to connect to the call. If you lose this link and your PIN, you will be able to register again. You must register if you wish to attend the call by phone.

    Media and other interested individuals are invited to listen to the conference and view the presentation which will be broadcasted live. A full replay will also be available on Boralex’s website until August 8, 2026.

    The financial information will be released through a press release and on Boralex’s website on August 8, 2025, at 7 a.m.

    About Boralex

    At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has increased by more than 50% to 3.2 GW. We are developing a portfolio of projects in development and construction of more than 8 GW in wind, solar and storage projects, guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Recognized as Best Corporate Citizen in Canada by Corporate Knights, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, discipline, expertise and diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

    For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

    For more information

    MEDIA INVESTOR RELATIONS
    Camille Laventure
    Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and External Communications

    Boralex Inc.

    438-883-8580
    camille.laventure@boralex.com

    		 Stéphane Milot
    Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning and Analysis

    Boralex Inc.

    514-213-1045
    stephane.milot@boralex.com
       

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Flexera Announces Winners of the 2025 Technology Intelligence Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ITASCA, Ill., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flexera, the global leader in technology spend and risk management, today announces the winners of the fifth annual Technology Intelligence Awards. The awards recognize organizations that have demonstrated exceptional achievements in leveraging IT Asset Management (ITAM), FinOps and SaaS Management to drive growth, innovation and positive impact. 

    “Our customers continue to redefine what’s possible and drive innovation across ITAM, FinOps and SaaS Management,” said Roy Ritthaler, Executive Vice President of Customer Value at Flexera. “The Technology Intelligence Awards celebrate these remarkable achievements, recognizing their relentless focus on optimizing technology spend, reducing risk, and making smarter, data-driven decisions. This year’s winners demonstrate a shift toward a holistic approach, integrating cloud and SaaS solutions, treating them as interconnected parts of an optimization strategy.”

    The award entries from Flexera customers worldwide highlighted key industry trends including:

    • The evident adoption of policy-driven automation and machine learning, showing transitions from pilots to production for cost savings and enhanced IT visibility.
    • A focus on purpose-led optimization and modernization, aligning ITAM with broader business goals.
    • The FinOps submissions indicated a rise in financial accountability in engineering, with budgets linked to team KPIs, cost awareness integrated into workflows, and greater ownership of spend across technical teams.

    “We’re honored to receive the Breakthrough Award from Flexera,” said Michał Sawicki, Senior Contract and License Lead at Heineken. “This recognition reflects the dedication and innovation of our Software Asset Management team at Heineken, and the strong partnership we’ve built with Flexera. Thank you for supporting our journey toward a smarter, more efficient and innovative software landscape.”

    This year’s winners and honorable mentions are:

    Breakthrough of the Year: Recognizing the submission that redefined what’s possible through innovation, intelligence, and measurable impact.

    Impact of the Year: Recognizing an organization that has achieved significant, business-wide impact using any Flexera solution—or a combination of multiple solutions. 


    Innovation of the Year:     Recognizing organizations that have used Flexera solutions in a new or creative way to solve a problem. 


    ITAM Excellence:     Recognizing outstanding achievement in ITAM using Flexera One ITAM or SAM on Snow Atlas. 


    SaaS Management Excellence:     Recognizing organizations that have successfully optimized SaaS management using Flexera One SaaS Manager or Snow SaaS Management. 


    FinOps Excellence:     Recognizing organizations leading the way in FinOps by maximizing ROI from cloud spend. 

    Technology for Good: Recognizes organizations that leverage Flexera’s technology solutions to drive social or environmental impact. 


    Rookie of the Year:     Recognizes a new Flexera customer that has successfully implemented any Flexera solutions in the past year (starting May 2024). 

    This year’s awards were evaluated by an independent panel of industry analysts and practitioners, which included:

    Winners were selected based on the quality and clarity of their submissions, tangible metrics demonstrating success, and measurable business outcomes. The 2025 Technology Intelligence Awards recognize fifteen customers from the US, UK, Switzerland, Kenya, Turkey, India and Australia.

    For more information on the award winners and categories, please visit: https://www.flexera.com/customer-success/awards.

    Follow Flexera 

    About Flexera

    Flexera helps organizations understand and maximize the value of their technology, saving billions of dollars in wasted spend. Powered by the Flexera Technology Intelligence Platform, our award-winning IT asset management, FinOps and SaaS management solutions provide comprehensive visibility and actionable insights on an organization’s entire IT ecosystem. This intelligence enables IT, finance, procurement, FinOps and cloud teams to address skyrocketing costs, optimize spend, mitigate risk and identify opportunities to create positive business outcomes. More than 50,000 global organizations rely on Flexera and its Technopedia reference library, the largest repository of technology asset data. Learn more at flexera.com.

    For more information, contact:

    Ciri Haugh
    Flexera
    publicrelations@flexera.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recovered appeal: land to the south of Longfield Avenue, Fareham (ref: 3347627 – 8 July 2025)

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    Recovered appeal: land to the south of Longfield Avenue, Fareham (ref: 3347627 – 8 July 2025)

    Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Recovered appeal: land to the south of Longfield Avenue, Fareham (ref: 3347627 – 8 July 2025)

    PDF, 1.99 MB, 161 pages

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

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

    Details

    Decision letter and Inspector’s Report for a recovered appeal for outline planning permission for:

    • up to 1,200 new homes (C3)
    • 80 bed care homes (C2)
    • a new 2 form entry primary school (D1)
    • a local centre to comprise flexible commercial floorspace (A1, A2, A3 and A5 up to 800 square metres), and Community Centre and Health Care Facility (D1 use up to 700 square metres)
    • the formation of new means of access onto Longfield Avenue and Peak Lane
    • new open space including the laying out of a new country park and sports facilities
    • drainage infrastructure
    • walking and cycling infrastructure and other associated infrastructure works

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 July 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mini-exhibition aiming to create buzz around value of meadows

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Through funding from the UK Government Prosperity Fund, Tayside Biodiversity Partnership commissioned Edinburgh-based environmental artist Natalie Taylor to create a new work raising awareness about the importance of nurturing wildflower meadows.  

    Workwear for Pollinators is a small but striking collection of re-imagined workwear designed to be worn while tending meadows and inspired by the pollinators who depend on them. This collection reimagines garments as tools for ecological care—functional pieces created for those restoring biodiversity one wildflower at a time. Drawing direct inspiration from nature’s own palette, the designs bloom with vibrant wildflowers, soft grasses, and the delicate shapes of rarely seen insect species. 

    The apron and boilersuit were created in collaboration with Auchterarder Churches Together Craft Group, Parkdale Care Home, New Rannoch Day Centre and participants at The Workshop in Perth, and feature contact prints of Scottish wildflowers gathered in Summer 2024, and lifesize handmade pollinators – knitted bees and printed butterflies, dragonflies and moths. 

    The exhibition launched at Auchterarder Library on Saturday 5 July (UK National Meadows Day) and is on display there until Wednesday 9 July, then touring to the AK Bell Library in Perth between Thursday 10 and Friday 18 July, and Blairgowrie Library from 18 July to Friday 1 August. The AK Bell Library will also host a free Pollinator Patch drop-in workshop on 10 July from 1pm to 3pm where participants can create their own pollinator critters. For more information, visit the Culture Perth and Kinross website at: https://www.culturepk.org.uk/event/mini-craft-session-woolly-meadow-critters/. 

    Climate Change & Sustainability Convener, Councillor Richard Watters said: “Appropriately opened on UK National Meadows Day, this exhibition reflects the importance of redeveloping our native meadows for the local environment and biodiversity.  

    “The project has been a real community effort with local groups working alongside the artist Natalie Taylor to create the workwear and I hope it and the allied events will encourage increased awareness of habitat loss and how we can all play our part to change this.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Leadership Transition at WorldTrips

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
    Tokio Marine HCC, based in Houston, Texas, today announced a key leadership transition, effective July 1, 2025, at its travel-focused subsidiary, WorldTrips, a leading provider of travel insurance located in Carmel, Indiana.

    After years of dedicated service and transformational leadership, Mark Carney will transition from his role as CEO of WorldTrips to become its Chairman, where he will continue to shape the company’s strategic direction and support long-term growth initiatives.

    At the same time, Philip Hsia has been appointed CEO of WorldTrips. A proven leader with deep global experience, Hsia has led Tokio Marine HCC’s Global Travel Group, including oversight responsibility of WorldTrips, since 2018. He has been an integral part of the organization’s success and is well-positioned to lead the company through its next phase of innovation and expansion.

    Susan Rivera, Tokio Marine HCC’s CEO, shared the following statement:

    “Mark’s leadership has been foundational to the growth and resilience of WorldTrips. Under his guidance, the company navigated unprecedented challenges, including the global pandemic, and recently completed launching our Cayman Islands insurance operation, positioning WorldTrips for greater flexibility and future scalability.

    I am deeply grateful for Mark’s continued commitment in his new role as Chairman. His focus on long-term strategy and leadership development will remain a vital part of WorldTrips’ ongoing success.

    I’m equally excited to welcome Philip Hsia as the next CEO of WorldTrips. Phil brings proven strategic and managerial expertise with a global perspective. He has our full confidence and support as he steps into this role.”

    The transition follows a strategic succession planning process initiated earlier this year. With the foundation in place, including a broadened product portfolio and enhanced operational agility, WorldTrips is primed to accelerate its mission of helping travelers explore the world with confidence.

    “WorldTrips is entering an exciting new chapter,” added Rivera. “With Mark and Phil in their new roles, I am confident the company will continue to lead with purpose, innovation and a deep commitment to serving customers around the globe.”

    About Tokio Marine HCC
    Tokio Marine HCC is a member of the Tokio Marine Group, a premier global company founded in 1879 with a market capitalization of $74 billion as of March 31, 2025. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Tokio Marine HCC is a leading specialty insurance group with offices in the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Continental Europe. Tokio Marine HCC’s major domestic insurance companies have financial strength ratings of ‘A+’ (Strong) from S&P Global Ratings, ‘A++’ (Superior) from AM Best, and ‘AA-’ (Very Strong) from Fitch Ratings; its major international insurance companies have financial strength ratings of ‘A+’ (Strong) from S&P Global Ratings. Tokio Marine HCC is the marketing name used to describe the affiliated companies under the common ownership of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc., a Delaware-incorporated insurance holding company. For more information about Tokio Marine HCC, please visit www.tokiomarinehcc.com.

    About WorldTrips
    WorldTrips, located in Carmel, Indiana, is a full-service organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of travel medical and trip protection insurance products designed to address the insurance needs of travelers worldwide. WorldTrips is a member of the Tokio Marine HCC group of companies. For more information about WorldTrips, please visit WorldTrips.com.

    In the State of California, operating as WorldTrips Insurance Services. California Non-Resident Producer License Number: 0G39705.

    Contact: Doug Busker, Vice President – Public Relations
      Tokio Marine HCC
      713-996-1192

    The MIL Network –