NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI: Ascom Myco 4 becomes the world’s first 5G phone certified for Mission-Critical Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Baar, Switzerland, June 18, 2025

    Ascom, a global leader in mission-critical communication and collaboration solutions across the healthcare and enterprise industries, announces that the Ascom Myco 4 has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the world’s first GCF MCS-certified 5G phone. This certification underscores Ascom’s dedication to innovation and excellence in mobile workflow solutions.

    The GCF MCS certification, a new component of the Global Certification Forum’s (GCF) program, sets an industry benchmark for robust and reliable solutions for Mission Critical Services (MCS) over 5G networks. This certification guarantees that the Ascom Myco 4 meets the highest standards of reliability, security, and performance, making it an ideal choice for critical communication in all mission-critical environments. With this accomplishment, Ascom is enhancing its offerings by providing robust and reliable communication solutions for emergency responders.

    “We are pleased to achieve this significant milestone as the world’s first GCF MCS-certified 5G phone provider,” stated Nicolas Vanden Abeele, CEO of Ascom. “This certification enhances our product credibility and reinforces our commitment to supporting professionals in the mission-critical healthcare and enterprise sectors with reliable and innovative solutions.”

    For more information about the Ascom Myco 4, please visit www.ascom.com/products-and-services/mobile-devices/smartphones/

    For more information about the Global Certification Forum and the certification itself (Ref. Number: 11758), please visit www.globalcertificationforum.org

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Business aviation leader Luxaviation and Haffner Energy join forces to accelerate SAF production and promotion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Business aviation leader Luxaviation and Haffner Energy join forces to accelerate SAF production and promotion

    Luxaviation signals interest in active role in SAF-dedicated entity SAF Zero

    Vitry-le-François, France / Luxembourg (June 18, 2025, 8:00 am CEST) – 

    SAF Zero, a Haffner Energy initiative, is gaining momentum: Luxaviation Group, a leading global operator in the business aviation sector, is exploring an active role in the new entity, both companies announced today at the International Paris Air Show. Luxaviation potential involvement could take the form of cash funding to finance initial development activities, support in the strategic definition and global visibility as well as offtake agreements in relevant SAF Zero projects such as Paris-Vatry SAF. 
    SAF Zero is dedicated to fast-tracking the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by establishing an investment and project development platform that brings key stakeholders together. Combining Haffner Energy’s proprietary technologies and Luxaviation’s experience and strategic positioning in the aviation sector, SAF Zero is to finance and develop industrial SAF production projects. Operating under an exclusive license, SAF Zero will supply Haffner Energy’s technologies to third parties under license agreements, designing, delivering and potentially operating key equipment based on these technologies. 
    “We are thrilled to collaborate with Luxaviation, a powerful partner working alongside us to position SAF Zero as a cornerstone of Europe’s clean aviation strategy ,” said Philippe Haffner, co-founder and CEO of Haffner Energy.
    France-based Haffner Energy relies on its 32-year experience to design, manufacture, supply, license, and operate proprietary disruptive clean fuels solutions, including critical technologies for pathway-agnostic SAF production, using all types of residual biomass and municipal waste. The company has already announced the development of a number of SAF projects, notably Paris-Vatry SAF in France, where full scale production is expected to be reached by 2030 when the next stage of the European SAF mandate kicks in.  
    As a founding partner of SAF Zero, Haffner Energy will provide engineering support and supply of critical equipment as needed for the projects developed by SAF Zero.
    “At Luxaviation, we believe that the future of aviation must be sustainable, and that requires bold partnerships and innovative solutions. Our collaboration with Haffner Energy and our interest in SAF Zero reflect our commitment to accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel and driving meaningful change across the industry. By combining our operational expertise with Haffner Energy’s cutting-edge technology, we are taking a decisive step toward a cleaner, more responsible future for aviation,” said Patrick Hansen, CEO of Luxaviation Group. 
    Luxaviation operates one of the largest fleets of private aircraft worldwide. It is actively committed to the decarbonization of aviation through a three-pronged strategy: improving fuel efficiency; reducing emissions by actively increasing SAF use and electrification of ground operations; buying offsets for remaining GHG emissions. Since 2021, Luxaviation’s annual sustainability report tracks progress against targets. In 2023, Luxaviation launched “Go-to-Zero” Investment Fund to foster SAF production. 
    Both Luxaviation and Haffner Energy are members of Project SkyPower, an international CEO-led initiative dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of SAF. 

    About Haffner Energy
    Haffner Energy designs, manufactures, supplies, and operates biofuel and hydrogen solutions using biomass residues. Its innovative, patented thermolysis technology produces Sustainable Aviation Fuel, as well as renewable gas, hydrogen, and methanol. The company also contributes to regenerating the planet through the co-production of biogenic CO2 and biochar. A company co-founded 32 years ago by Marc and Philippe Haffner, Haffner Energy has been working from the outset to decarbonize industry and all forms of mobility, as well as governments and local communities. More information is available at www.haffner-energy.com.

    About Luxaviation Group
    Headquartered in Luxembourg, Luxaviation Group comprises top-of-the line aviation brands, including Luxaviation, Starspeed, ExecuJet and Paragon, operating across five continents. Services include aircraft management for private and commercial aircraft, private air charter services, and the management and operation of VIP passenger terminals throughout an FBO network of over 110+ facilities worldwide. Luxaviation Group is actively committed to the decarbonization of aviation by supporting the development of sustainable fuels and green infrastructure. More information is available at www.luxaviation.com.

    Media relations
    Haffner Energy
    Laetitia Mailhes
    laetitia.mailhes@haffner-energy.com
    +33 (0)6 07 12 96 76

    Luxaviation Group
    Juliane Thiessen
    Juliane.thiessen@luxaviation.com
    +41 76 356 8251

    Investor relations
    Haffner Energy
    investisseurs@haffner-energy.com 

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Mercanis Secures Over $20 Million in Series A Round

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Berlin, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    • The company receives fresh capital from new investors Partech and AVP, as well as from existing investors.
    • Mercanis enables over 40% process cost savings and supports clients such as BASF-Coatings, GASAG, Goldbeck, Wilson, and Brose.
    • The funds will be used to further develop Agentic AI and support the upcoming expansion plans, including into the U.S.

    Berlin, June 18, 2025 – In its latest Series A round, Mercanis, a Berlin-based startup for Agentic-AI procurement solutions, has raised over $20 million. The round was led by new investors Partech and AVP, with additional funding from existing investors, including Signals.VC, Capmont Technology, and Speedinvest. Well-known business angels like Dr. Ulrich Piepel, Dr. Marcell Vollmer, Mirko Novakovic (Instana & Dash0), and Victor Jacobsson (Klarna) continue their support for Mercanis.
    The additional capital will be used to further strengthen the company’s leadership position in Agentic-AI and accelerate its international expansion, including entry into the U.S. market.

    Fabian Heinrich, CEO and Co-Founder of Mercanis, states: “The trust placed in us by both long-standing and new investors is not only a powerful endorsement of our mission, but also a driving force behind our ongoing commitment to excellence. With this funding, we can expand our AI solution and accelerate our international expansion – particularly into the U.S. In times of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, our technology empowers companies far beyond Germany to build more resilient procurement operations that safeguard their supply chains and protect their bottom line.”

    Next-generation AI-powered procurement
    Founded in 2020 by Fabian Heinrich and Moritz Weiermann, Mercanis aims to reshape procurement processes with its Agentic-AI Procurement Suite. The cloud-based platform combines procurement, supplier management, and contract management. Intelligent agents autonomously handle operational tasks, while AI continuously analyzes procurement data to uncover savings opportunities, enhance strategic decisions, and drive measurable results—delivering over 40% process savings, a 2.5x increase in efficiency, and a 12x return on investment. 

    “Mercanis has transformed the way we manage suppliers and execute procurement projects. What used to take days now takes only hours. The automation and transparency help us act faster and make better decisions – especially when multiple stakeholders are involved. It’s a must-have for any procurement team looking to modernize,” says Uwe Kreplin, Head of Procurement at GASAG.

    In addition to GASAG, Mercanis also counts BASF-Coatings, Goldbeck, Wilson, and Brose among its clients.

    Within just a few years, Mercanis has established itself as a trusted partner to multinational firms, with impressive traction across organizations now procuring billions through the platform,” says Philippe Collombel, Founding and General Partner at Partech.

    “We are particularly impressed by the strength of their product and its ability to drive adoption at scale,” adds Magda Poslusny, Principal at Partech. “By automating key procurement processes, Mercanis not only boosts operational efficiency but also drives meaningful cost savings by engaging a broader supplier base. We are confident Mercanis is on track to become a category leader in procurement.”

    About Mercanis:
    Mercanis offers an Agentic-Ai Procurement Suite that covers the entire procurement process – from supplier selection to contract signing. The solution includes four key modules: Spend Analytics, Sourcing & Request Processes (RFx), Supplier Management (SRM), and Contract Management. With the integrated Mercu AI Co-Pilot, repetitive tasks like supplier discovery, risk detection, intake management and offer comparison are automated, leading to significant efficiency improvements and over 40% process savings. Founded in 2020 by Fabian Heinrich and Moritz Weiermann, Mercanis supports prominent clients like BASF-Coatings, GASAG, Goldbeck, Wilson, and Brose in digitizing their procurement processes. The company is based in Berlin and currently employs over 40 people.

    About Partech: 
    Partech is a global tech investment firm headquartered in Paris, with offices in Berlin, Dakar, Dubai, Nairobi, and San Francisco. Partech brings together capital, operational experience, and strategic support to back entrepreneurs from seed to growth stage. Born in San Francisco 40 years ago, today Partech manages €2.5B AUM and a current portfolio of 220 companies, spread across 40 countries and 4 continents.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israel-Iran war ‘more dangerous than we imagine’, says Middle East Eye editor

    Pacific Media Watch

    The Big Picture Podcast host, New Zealand-Egyptian journalist and author Mohamed Hassan, interviews Middle East Eye editor-in-chief David Hearst about the rapidly unfolding war between Israel and Iran, why the West supports it, and what it threatens to unleash on the global order.

    What does Israel really want to achieve, what options does Iran have to deescalate, and will the United States stop the war, or join it as is being hinted?

    Hearst says the war is “more dangerous than we imagine” and notes that while most Western leadership still backs Israel, there has been a strong shift in world public opinion against Tel Aviv.

    He says Israel has lost most of the world’s support, most of the Global South, most African states, Brazil, South Africa, China and Russia.

    Hearst says the world is witnessing the “cynical tailend of the colonial era” among Western states.


    The era of peace is over.             Video: Middle East Eye

    Iran ‘unlikely to surrender’
    Ali Vaez, the Iran project director at the International Crisis Group, says Iran is unlikely to “surrender to American terms” and that there is a risk the war on Iran could “bring the entire region down”.

    Vaez told Al Jazeera in an interview that US President Donald Trump “provided the green light for Israel to attack Iran” just two days before the president’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was due to meet with the Iranians in the Oman capital of Muscat.

    Imagine viewing, from the Iranian perspective, Trump giving the go-ahead for the attack while at the same time saying that diplomacy with Tehran was still ongoing, Vaez said.

    Now Trump “is asking for Iranian surrender” on his Truth Social platform, he said.

    “I think the only thing that is more dangerous than suffering from Israeli and American bombs is actually surrendering to American terms,” Vaez said.

    “Because if Iran surrenders on the nuclear issue and on the demands of President Trump, there is no end to the slippery slope, which would eventually result in regime collapse and capitulation anyway.”

    Most Americans oppose US involvement
    Meanwhile, a new survey has reported that most Americans oppose US military involvement in the conflict.

    The survey by YouGov showed that some 60 percent of Americans surveyed thought the US military should not get involved in the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran.

    Only 16 percent favoured US involvement, while 24 percent said they were not sure.

    Among the Democrats, those who opposed US intervention were at 65 percent, and among the Republicans, it was 53 percent. Some 61 percent of independents opposed the move.

    The survey also showed that half of Americans viewed Iran as an enemy of the US, while 25 percent said it was “unfriendly”.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israel-Iran war ‘more dangerous than we imagine’, says Middle East Eye editor

    Pacific Media Watch

    The Big Picture Podcast host, New Zealand-Egyptian journalist and author Mohamed Hassan, interviews Middle East Eye editor-in-chief David Hearst about the rapidly unfolding war between Israel and Iran, why the West supports it, and what it threatens to unleash on the global order.

    What does Israel really want to achieve, what options does Iran have to deescalate, and will the United States stop the war, or join it as is being hinted?

    Hearst says the war is “more dangerous than we imagine” and notes that while most Western leadership still backs Israel, there has been a strong shift in world public opinion against Tel Aviv.

    He says Israel has lost most of the world’s support, most of the Global South, most African states, Brazil, South Africa, China and Russia.

    Hearst says the world is witnessing the “cynical tailend of the colonial era” among Western states.


    The era of peace is over.             Video: Middle East Eye

    Iran ‘unlikely to surrender’
    Ali Vaez, the Iran project director at the International Crisis Group, says Iran is unlikely to “surrender to American terms” and that there is a risk the war on Iran could “bring the entire region down”.

    Vaez told Al Jazeera in an interview that US President Donald Trump “provided the green light for Israel to attack Iran” just two days before the president’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was due to meet with the Iranians in the Oman capital of Muscat.

    Imagine viewing, from the Iranian perspective, Trump giving the go-ahead for the attack while at the same time saying that diplomacy with Tehran was still ongoing, Vaez said.

    Now Trump “is asking for Iranian surrender” on his Truth Social platform, he said.

    “I think the only thing that is more dangerous than suffering from Israeli and American bombs is actually surrendering to American terms,” Vaez said.

    “Because if Iran surrenders on the nuclear issue and on the demands of President Trump, there is no end to the slippery slope, which would eventually result in regime collapse and capitulation anyway.”

    Most Americans oppose US involvement
    Meanwhile, a new survey has reported that most Americans oppose US military involvement in the conflict.

    The survey by YouGov showed that some 60 percent of Americans surveyed thought the US military should not get involved in the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran.

    Only 16 percent favoured US involvement, while 24 percent said they were not sure.

    Among the Democrats, those who opposed US intervention were at 65 percent, and among the Republicans, it was 53 percent. Some 61 percent of independents opposed the move.

    The survey also showed that half of Americans viewed Iran as an enemy of the US, while 25 percent said it was “unfriendly”.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Victoria is looking into religious cults – here’s what it should examine

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jaime Simpson, Doctoral Researcher, Domestic Family Violence Counsellor, University of Newcastle

    Paul shuang/Shutterstock

    The Victorian parliament has launched a long-overdue inquiry into abuse and coercive control within cults and religious fringe groups.

    It is a welcome acknowledgement of the damage that can flourish under the guise of faith, and the unquestioning obedience to authoritarian leaders in religious groups.

    The inquiry will hear victim-survivors can suffer a diverse range of harms, including sexual, financial and labour exploitation, spiritual manipulation, and institutional betrayal.

    Abusive practices

    Geelong state MP Christine Couzens says the Geelong Revival Centre has caused a great deal of hurt.
    Parliament of Victoria, CC BY

    The inquiry is the first of its kind in Australia.

    Prompted by recent events, including reports of coercive behaviour at the Geelong Revival Centre, the inquiry will examine “the methods used to recruit and control their members, and the impacts of coercive control”.

    According to the committee’s guidance note, the focus will be on techniques that can damage individuals emotionally, psychologically, financially and even physically.

    Importantly, the inquiry will interrogate “abusive practices”, not the beliefs behind them:

    There is a distinction between genuine religious practice and harmful behaviour. “Freedom of religion” is not freedom, for example, to defraud, nor is it freedom to cause significant psychological harm to any person.

    Consideration will be given to whether the law adequately protects people when cults and fringe groups cause the types of harm that should be criminalised.

    Sexual control

    My research examined the sexual exploitation of congregation members perpetrated by pastors within evangelical, Pentecostal faith communities in Australia.

    Respondents described feeling broken, shattered, and spiritually battered. The harms were similar to those experienced by survivors of incest, child sexual abuse and domestic violence.

    For example:

    • 72% of respondents were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder

    • 52% suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • 48% were diagnosed with depression

    • 48% experienced suicidal ideation.

    As American sociologist and cult expert Janja Lalich explains:

    Sexual control is seen as the final step in the objectification of the cult member by the authoritarian leader, who is able to satisfy his needs through psychological manipulation leading to sexual exploitation.

    Power imbalance

    My research uncovered instances of sexual exploitation by pastors that constitutes a form of sexual violence and coercive control. The absence of a centralised reporting body means there is no accessible data on the extent of clergy sexual exploitation of adults in Australian faith communities.

    However, international research found around 3% of churchgoing women had been subjected to sexual advances from a married religious leader.

    Too often, institutions downplay the abuse as a “moral failing” or a mutual lapse into sin, ignoring the profound power imbalance that makes meaningful consent impossible.

    Pastor-congregant relationships are not consensual; they are violations of trust and authority. Survivors are often left with no pathways to justice or support because coercive control is not recognised in non-intimate settings.

    Search for belonging

    Victim-survivors would benefit from legal reform that formally recognises and criminalises this form of abuse.

    Coercive control legislation covering institutional and spiritual settings, would help protect congregation members targeted by predator pastors.

    I was recruited into a Pentecostal church as a teenager through a Bible college that was allowed into my public high school to “preach the gospel”. I know firsthand how easily these environments can entrap teenagers at an age when many are seeking identity outside of family.

    The parliamentary inquiry is not designed to question people’s religion, but to protect them from harmful behaviour.
    SibRapid/Shutterstock

    What began as a search for belonging led to years of grooming and coercion, and it took over two decades to name and report the abuse. The response from the church was just as harmful as the abuse itself.

    Fear and shame

    The harms often extend beyond sexual exploitation in many of these groups. Marginalised individuals are particularly vulnerable in these environments.

    LGBTQIA+ people in some evangelical churches have historically been subjected to conversion practices masquerading as prayer, counselling, or pastoral care. In one recent example, an evangelical church in New South Wales preached from the pulpit:

    A gay person is at least three times more likely to kill themselves. A transsexual is 15 times more likely to kill themselves. So if you are a parent and you love your kids make sure they are not gay or trans.

    This kind of messaging doesn’t protect children – it instils fear, shame, and self-hatred. It reflects a deeper pattern of spiritual abuse that pathologises identity and uses fear to exert control. The consequences are devastating, especially for young people already struggling to reconcile faith, identity, and belonging.

    Template for reform

    Many people fail to grasp how intelligent adults can become trapped in such environments.

    But coercive control is not about intelligence – it’s about power, dependency, and the slow erosion of critical thinking by spiritual authority.

    While coercive control in family violence is finally being addressed, spiritual and sexual coercive control within faith communities, cults, and fringe groups remains in a legal blind spot.

    This is exactly why the Victorian probe and follow-up law reform are both necessary.

    The inquiry should provide a framework for other states and territories to follow suit and scrutinise cults and organised fringe groups in their own jurisdictions.

    Lead author Jaime Simpson is a survivor of sexual exploitation in an evangelical community. The research mentioned is this article was conducted by her.

    Jaime Simpson received a Higher Degree Research tuition off-set to complete her Master in Philosophy

    Kathleen McPhillips receives funding from the Australian Research Theology Foundation ARTFinc), the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation (ISNF) and the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme.

    – ref. Victoria is looking into religious cults – here’s what it should examine – https://theconversation.com/victoria-is-looking-into-religious-cults-heres-what-it-should-examine-259152

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Victoria is looking into religious cults – here’s what it should examine

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jaime Simpson, Doctoral Researcher, Domestic Family Violence Counsellor, University of Newcastle

    Paul shuang/Shutterstock

    The Victorian parliament has launched a long-overdue inquiry into abuse and coercive control within cults and religious fringe groups.

    It is a welcome acknowledgement of the damage that can flourish under the guise of faith, and the unquestioning obedience to authoritarian leaders in religious groups.

    The inquiry will hear victim-survivors can suffer a diverse range of harms, including sexual, financial and labour exploitation, spiritual manipulation, and institutional betrayal.

    Abusive practices

    Geelong state MP Christine Couzens says the Geelong Revival Centre has caused a great deal of hurt.
    Parliament of Victoria, CC BY

    The inquiry is the first of its kind in Australia.

    Prompted by recent events, including reports of coercive behaviour at the Geelong Revival Centre, the inquiry will examine “the methods used to recruit and control their members, and the impacts of coercive control”.

    According to the committee’s guidance note, the focus will be on techniques that can damage individuals emotionally, psychologically, financially and even physically.

    Importantly, the inquiry will interrogate “abusive practices”, not the beliefs behind them:

    There is a distinction between genuine religious practice and harmful behaviour. “Freedom of religion” is not freedom, for example, to defraud, nor is it freedom to cause significant psychological harm to any person.

    Consideration will be given to whether the law adequately protects people when cults and fringe groups cause the types of harm that should be criminalised.

    Sexual control

    My research examined the sexual exploitation of congregation members perpetrated by pastors within evangelical, Pentecostal faith communities in Australia.

    Respondents described feeling broken, shattered, and spiritually battered. The harms were similar to those experienced by survivors of incest, child sexual abuse and domestic violence.

    For example:

    • 72% of respondents were diagnosed with an anxiety disorder

    • 52% suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    • 48% were diagnosed with depression

    • 48% experienced suicidal ideation.

    As American sociologist and cult expert Janja Lalich explains:

    Sexual control is seen as the final step in the objectification of the cult member by the authoritarian leader, who is able to satisfy his needs through psychological manipulation leading to sexual exploitation.

    Power imbalance

    My research uncovered instances of sexual exploitation by pastors that constitutes a form of sexual violence and coercive control. The absence of a centralised reporting body means there is no accessible data on the extent of clergy sexual exploitation of adults in Australian faith communities.

    However, international research found around 3% of churchgoing women had been subjected to sexual advances from a married religious leader.

    Too often, institutions downplay the abuse as a “moral failing” or a mutual lapse into sin, ignoring the profound power imbalance that makes meaningful consent impossible.

    Pastor-congregant relationships are not consensual; they are violations of trust and authority. Survivors are often left with no pathways to justice or support because coercive control is not recognised in non-intimate settings.

    Search for belonging

    Victim-survivors would benefit from legal reform that formally recognises and criminalises this form of abuse.

    Coercive control legislation covering institutional and spiritual settings, would help protect congregation members targeted by predator pastors.

    I was recruited into a Pentecostal church as a teenager through a Bible college that was allowed into my public high school to “preach the gospel”. I know firsthand how easily these environments can entrap teenagers at an age when many are seeking identity outside of family.

    The parliamentary inquiry is not designed to question people’s religion, but to protect them from harmful behaviour.
    SibRapid/Shutterstock

    What began as a search for belonging led to years of grooming and coercion, and it took over two decades to name and report the abuse. The response from the church was just as harmful as the abuse itself.

    Fear and shame

    The harms often extend beyond sexual exploitation in many of these groups. Marginalised individuals are particularly vulnerable in these environments.

    LGBTQIA+ people in some evangelical churches have historically been subjected to conversion practices masquerading as prayer, counselling, or pastoral care. In one recent example, an evangelical church in New South Wales preached from the pulpit:

    A gay person is at least three times more likely to kill themselves. A transsexual is 15 times more likely to kill themselves. So if you are a parent and you love your kids make sure they are not gay or trans.

    This kind of messaging doesn’t protect children – it instils fear, shame, and self-hatred. It reflects a deeper pattern of spiritual abuse that pathologises identity and uses fear to exert control. The consequences are devastating, especially for young people already struggling to reconcile faith, identity, and belonging.

    Template for reform

    Many people fail to grasp how intelligent adults can become trapped in such environments.

    But coercive control is not about intelligence – it’s about power, dependency, and the slow erosion of critical thinking by spiritual authority.

    While coercive control in family violence is finally being addressed, spiritual and sexual coercive control within faith communities, cults, and fringe groups remains in a legal blind spot.

    This is exactly why the Victorian probe and follow-up law reform are both necessary.

    The inquiry should provide a framework for other states and territories to follow suit and scrutinise cults and organised fringe groups in their own jurisdictions.

    Lead author Jaime Simpson is a survivor of sexual exploitation in an evangelical community. The research mentioned is this article was conducted by her.

    Jaime Simpson received a Higher Degree Research tuition off-set to complete her Master in Philosophy

    Kathleen McPhillips receives funding from the Australian Research Theology Foundation ARTFinc), the Ian and Shirley Norman Foundation (ISNF) and the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme.

    – ref. Victoria is looking into religious cults – here’s what it should examine – https://theconversation.com/victoria-is-looking-into-religious-cults-heres-what-it-should-examine-259152

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Residents of the Northern Administrative District will receive more opportunities for recreation and training — Sobyanin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Last year, the Northern Administrative District of Moscow was improved two parks and two squares. In the new season, 10 more projects for the creation of high-quality public space will be implemented here. They were described in his blog Sergei Sobyanin.

    Savelovsky district

    In the Savelovsky District, work will take place in the Avtomobilist Park. The children’s playground will be renovated and adapted for children of all ages. Two complexes with slides and passages, swings and balance beams, a sandbox and trampolines for children will be installed here. In addition, the park will have a stylophone that develops musical abilities, a “Listen to the City” module and a module that allows you to study how a floating lighthouse works.

    The sports ground will feature workout complexes with horizontal bars, rings and a punching bag. In addition, parkour skills can be honed here.

    The area for four-legged pets will be equipped with modern equipment: a boom, rings and barriers.

    Several recreation areas with park sofas, small canopies and wooden decks will be created on the Vyatskaya Street side.

    Airport District

    In the Aeroport area, the territory of Golovanovsky Park will be improved. A sandbox, carousels, swings and spring swings will be installed on the children’s playground next to the play complex. Table tennis tables will be replaced on the sports ground.

    The recreation areas will feature park swings and benches. Additional landscaping will make the park even more comfortable.

    Khovrino district

    The Khovrin public park will also offer more opportunities for varied recreation. A large playground will be set up in its central part, designed for children of different ages. There will be play complexes in the form of houses and a locomotive with slides and passages. For older children, a playground with trampolines, balance beams, swings and carousels will be installed. Parents will be able to relax on semicircular benches and round benches.

    Large swings will be installed in the play area located at the entrance to the park from Festivalnaya Street. A multi-level amphitheater, recreation areas with umbrella awnings and round benches underneath them, as well as park swings under awnings will be located nearby.

    A modern dog walking area will be built nearby.

    “We will put the sports area in order from the Lyapidevskogo street side. We will equip a universal area for playing football and basketball, install strength training equipment, workout complexes with horizontal bars and rings, and tennis tables. And we will lay a convenient running track across the park territory,” the Moscow Mayor noted.

    Begovoy District

    Two projects are being implemented at once in the Begovaya area.

    Along the pedestrian zone from Leningradsky Prospekt to 2nd Botkinsky Proezd, there will be park gazebos, swings with canopies and sun loungers. Near the building of the Polytechnic College in 1st Botanichesky Proezd, a training area for pets will be equipped.

    The area near the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity on Leningradsky Prospekt (16, building 1) will also be improved. Nearby is an arts school, whose teachers have suggested creating a sports ground for children nearby. This summer, they will be able to play basketball and football, do pull-ups on horizontal bars, and develop agility on a mini-climbing wall.

    You can also relax on the children’s playground, where they will install a play complex with slides and ladders, swings, a carousel and a spring rocker.

    Molzhaninovsky district

    Residents of Molzhaninovsky District will also have new opportunities for recreation and exercise in the fresh air. A skate park will be built between buildings 6a and 6b of the Perspektiva school on 1st Sestroretskaya Street. The area near a small pond will also be tidied up. The route from the school to the 2nd Podrezkovskaya Street public transport stop will also be landscaped and greened.

    Beskudnikovsky district

    In Beskudnikovsky District, the area around residential buildings within the boundaries of Beskudnikovsky Boulevard, Svyatoslava Fedorov Street and Dmitrovskoye Highway will be transformed.

    Children’s and sports playgrounds near house 90 (buildings 1 and 2) on Dmitrovskoe Shosse, as well as in the courtyard of house 31 on Beskudnikovsky Boulevard will be put in order.

    A modern area for walking and training dogs will be set up in the green area adjacent to the houses located on Beskudnikovsky Boulevard. In addition, the area will have new pavement, park furniture, and additional landscaping.

    Golovinsky district

    In Golovinsky District, a space for recreation and sports will appear on Kronstadt Boulevard.

    “The transit area from public transport stops to residential buildings will be transformed. We will arrange parking space, organize paths for leisurely walks and a bike path,” concluded Sergei Sobyanin.

    Sergei Sobyanin approved plans for improvement in 2025

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12849050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s space program provides platform for expanded international cooperation: experts

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — China’s space endeavors are creating a platform for broader international cooperation, the State Council Information Office said at a press conference on Tuesday.

    Li Yingliang, head of the General Technology Department of the China Manned Space Program Office, told reporters that China’s space station will make significant discoveries related to fundamental and cutting-edge questions such as the origin of life, the evolution of the universe and the structure of matter.

    This will effectively promote innovative development in human space science, space technology and space utilization, he said, adding that China’s space endeavors represented by the space station and manned lunar exploration will provide a greater platform for broader international cooperation.

    During the press conference, four space experts and astronaut Fei Junlong shared their experiences and opinions on the domestic manned space program.

    Sun Wei, deputy chief designer of the program’s landing system, noted that China is building more TT ground stations

    Sun Wei noted that China, in turn, is a member of several international organizations, including the International Telecommunication Union and the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems. This TT expert

    “Every time I flew into space, I looked back at the Earth, the common home of mankind, through the window of the spacecraft,” said astronaut Fei Junlong. “I can imagine that my colleagues from abroad do the same during their space flights,” he said. Fei Junlong is a former commander of the Shenzhou-6 and Shenzhou-15 missions and the first astronaut to conduct an extravehicular activity after the completion of China’s space station.

    Fei Junlong called space exploration and development “a common mission of mankind” and invited astronauts from around the world to visit China’s space station.

    China’s space station has hosted nine crews to date. The crew currently on board is on the Shenzhou-20 mission, which launched on April 24, 2025. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: Intensification of Uzbek-Chinese relations is a requirement of the times – Uzbekistan expert

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Tashkent, June 18 /Xinhua/ — Intensification of relations between Uzbekistan and China is a requirement of the times, said Bakhodir Ismailov, head of the sector of the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in an interview with Xinhua.

    He noted that for over 30 years, Uzbekistan and China have been continuously strengthening political mutual trust and developing bilateral relations based on the principles of equality, friendship, good neighborliness, mutual support, mutual benefit, respect and consideration of each other’s interests. Cooperation is developing especially actively today, when the countries are demonstrating confident growth rates, the expert added.

    According to B. Ismailov, Chinese diplomacy invariably stands on the side of international justice, resolutely opposes hegemony, actively promotes the formation of a fair and orderly multipolar world, as well as inclusive economic globalization.

    Chinese-Uzbek friendship has been growing stronger over the years, and the prospects for cooperation between the two countries are expanding, the agency’s interlocutor emphasized. Uzbekistan is actively participating in the Belt and Road initiative launched by China in 2013, he noted.

    With the election of Shavkat Mirziyoyev as President of Uzbekistan in 2016, Uzbek-Chinese cooperation entered a trajectory of more dynamic development, B. Ismailov said. This is facilitated by both regular political dialogue at the highest level and the established friendly and trusting relations between the leaders of the two countries, the expert added.

    Active dialogue maintained at the intergovernmental, interparliamentary and interdepartmental levels also plays a key role in deepening multifaceted cooperation, the scientist said.

    The Central Asia-China format at the level of heads of state has become a new platform for interaction, B. Ismailov emphasized, adding that following the first summit of the leaders of the Central Asian countries and China, held in May 2023, the Xi’an Declaration was signed, which established the institutional basis for deepening cooperation in the new format.

    He noted that China and Uzbekistan have consistently supported each other on issues affecting core interests, jointly uphold genuine multilateralism, promote common values, and make active contributions to maintaining stability in the world and the region. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: BW Energy: Company presentation Fearnley Securities Africa Focused E&P seminar  

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company presentation Fearnley Securities Africa Focused E&P seminar  

    BW Energy is today presenting at the Fearnley Securities Africa Focused E&P seminar in Madrid, Spain. Please see the attached presentation. 

    For further information, please contact: 
     
    Brice Morlot, CFO BW Energy
    +33.7.81.11.41.16
    ir@bwenergy.no

    ABOUT BW ENERGY: 

    BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025. 

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act 

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BW Energy: Company presentation Fearnley Securities Africa Focused E&P seminar  

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company presentation Fearnley Securities Africa Focused E&P seminar  

    BW Energy is today presenting at the Fearnley Securities Africa Focused E&P seminar in Madrid, Spain. Please see the attached presentation. 

    For further information, please contact: 
     
    Brice Morlot, CFO BW Energy
    +33.7.81.11.41.16
    ir@bwenergy.no

    ABOUT BW ENERGY: 

    BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025. 

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act 

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BW Energy: Company presentation Fearnley Securities Africa Focused E&P seminar  

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company presentation Fearnley Securities Africa Focused E&P seminar  

    BW Energy is today presenting at the Fearnley Securities Africa Focused E&P seminar in Madrid, Spain. Please see the attached presentation. 

    For further information, please contact: 
     
    Brice Morlot, CFO BW Energy
    +33.7.81.11.41.16
    ir@bwenergy.no

    ABOUT BW ENERGY: 

    BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025. 

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act 

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BW Energy: Company presentation Fearnley Securities Africa Focused E&P seminar  

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company presentation Fearnley Securities Africa Focused E&P seminar  

    BW Energy is today presenting at the Fearnley Securities Africa Focused E&P seminar in Madrid, Spain. Please see the attached presentation. 

    For further information, please contact: 
     
    Brice Morlot, CFO BW Energy
    +33.7.81.11.41.16
    ir@bwenergy.no

    ABOUT BW ENERGY: 

    BW Energy is a growth E&P company with a differentiated strategy targeting proven offshore oil and gas reservoirs through low risk phased developments. The Company has access to existing production facilities to reduce time to first oil and cashflow with lower investments than traditional offshore developments. The Company’s assets are 73.5% of the producing Dussafu Marine licence offshore Gabon, 100% interest in the Golfinho and Camarupim fields, a 76.5% interest in the BM-ES-23 block, a 95% interest in the Maromba field in Brazil, a 95% interest in the Kudu field in Namibia, all operated by BW Energy. In addition, BW Energy holds approximately 6.6% of the common shares in Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. and a 20% non-operating interest in the onshore Petroleum Exploration License 73 (“PEL 73”) in Namibia. Total net 2P+2C reserves and resources were 599 million barrels of oil equivalent at the start of 2025. 

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act 

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • India never accepted mediation, does not accept it, will never accept it: PM Modi to Trump

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a strong message to Washington, told US President Donald Trump that India rejects any form of mediation on issues concerning Pakistan, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said in a statement on Wednesday.

    Reiterating India’s long-standing position, Misri said, “Prime Minister Modi stressed that India has never accepted mediation, does not accept it, and will never accept it. There is complete political unanimity in India on this issue.”

    According to the foreign secretary, the two leaders spoke over the phone for 35 minutes — their first conversation since the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s response through Operation Sindoo

    The call took place after a scheduled in-person meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the G7 Summit was cancelled due to Trump’s early return to the US.

    “The phone conversation was held at the request of President Trump,” said Misri, adding that PM Modi used the opportunity to detail India’s measured military response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 tourists.

    “Prime Minister Modi said that on the night of May 6-7, India had targeted only terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India’s actions were very measured, precise, and non-escalatory,” Misri said.

    “India had made it clear that it would respond to Pakistan’s ‘goli’ with ‘gola’ — a strong, proportionate military response,” he added.

    The foreign secretary also said that on the night of May 9, US Vice President Vance conveyed to PM Modi that Pakistan could launch a major retaliatory strike.

    “Prime Minister Modi told him clearly that if this happened, India would respond with even greater force. India’s strong counterattack on the night of May 9-10 May caused heavy damage to Pakistan’s military. Several of their airbases were rendered inoperable,” Misri said. He noted that, following India’s retaliation, Pakistan approached India with a ceasefire request.

    “Prime Minister Modi stated that the ceasefire was agreed to only at Pakistan’s request and that India does not want mediation. He made it clear that at no point during this episode were India-US trade talks or third-party mediation discussed,” Misri said.

    “The halt to military action was discussed directly between the two countries through existing military channels,” he added.

    President Trump, according to Misri, fully understood India’s position and expressed support for its fight against terrorism. The prime minister also informed Trump that India would consider any terror act emanating from Pakistan as an act of war, and that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing.

    Apart from regional security, the two leaders also discussed broader international developments, including the Iran-Israel conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. Both leaders agreed on the need for direct dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv.

    “They also discussed the Indo-Pacific and the vital role of the QUAD. The PM invited President Trump to India for the next QUAD summit, and President Trump accepted the invitation,” Misri said.

    President Trump also invited PM Modi to visit Washington, but due to a pre-existing schedule, PM Modi was unable to accept the invitation. Both leaders agreed to meet in the near future, Misri said.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: During the holidays, Moscow schoolchildren will master the basics of sailing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Summer educational shifts have begun at the Moscow City Children’s Maritime Center named after Peter the Great. Here, young city residents learn about the history of shipbuilding and maritime affairs and learn to operate boats and yachts. This was reported by the press service of the capital’s Department of Education and Science.

    “Every summer, the Hermes Children and Youth Creativity Development Center organizes educational shifts on the shore of the Khimki Reservoir. Under the guidance of experienced teachers, children learn the basics of sailing: they learn to steer ships, use maps and satellite systems, recognize signs of weather changes, and effectively interact with team members. It is planned that more than a thousand schoolchildren will attend the shifts this summer,” the department’s press service noted.

    During classes, schoolchildren learn to determine the direction and strength of the wind, use a life jacket and provide first aid, and also get acquainted with the structure of lifeboats and master rowing on boats Yal-6, Yal-4, Sava 470 and control of the yacht “Optimist”. For teenagers from 15 to 17 years old, a separate program has been prepared for the control of a small vessel. This will allow them to pass the exam to obtain a license immediately upon reaching adulthood.

    “The most important thing that children learn is to communicate with each other. This skill is transferred to the shore, to school. Children become more relaxed. As practice shows, they are also more physically prepared: after all, we have strength-based exercises, such as rowing,” said Mikhail Turevich, a teacher at the Peter the Great Moscow City Children’s Marine Center.

    During classes, schoolchildren construct ship models using drawings that they request from archives if necessary. The children also complete quests, go on excursions to museums, and participate in quizzes, sports competitions, and creative contests.

    Summer shift programs are available for children aged seven to 17. You can register on the website of the Center for the Development of Children and Youth Creativity “Hermes”.

    More information about additional education in the capital is available in Telegram channels “Moscow education” And“Moscow Center for Educational Practices”.

    Supplementary education programs develop creative and critical thinking in schoolchildren and form skills for a future profession. The events held within the framework of these initiatives contribute to the project “All the best for children” of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155387073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • India-Croatia ties set to deepen as PM Modi heads to Zagreb

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday departed for Croatia after concluding his visit to Canada, where he participated in the 51st Group of Seven (G7) Summit in Kananaskis.
     
    This marks the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Croatia, a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
     
    India and Croatia share a cordial and steadily growing relationship underpinned by shared values, democratic institutions, and a common commitment to international cooperation. Since Croatia’s independence in the early 1990s, India has consistently supported the European nation’s sovereignty and development, with diplomatic relations evolving into a multi-dimensional partnership encompassing political dialogue, trade, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.
     
    Croatia, which joined the European Union in 2013, has in recent years emerged as an important partner for India in the Central European region. Its accession to the Schengen Area and adoption of the Euro in January 2023 have further aligned the country with key European institutions, creating fresh avenues for collaboration.
     
    Trade and investment trajectory
     
    Economic engagement between the two countries, while modest in scale, has shown incremental progress. In 2024, India’s exports to Croatia stood at USD 251.6 million, comprising a diverse basket of goods including ceramic and pharmaceutical products, engineering items, chemicals, and agricultural commodities such as oilseeds and tobacco. Croatia’s exports to India totalled USD 54.4 million, largely in the form of machinery, wood and paper products, rubber, and refined vegetable oils, including soybean oil.
     
    Between 2001 and 2023, Indian investments in Croatia reached €44.5 million, whereas Croatian investments in India stood at approximately €5.5 million over the same period. 
     
    People-to-people connect
     
    An important pillar of the bilateral relationship is the growing Indian diaspora in Croatia. As of March 2025, over 17,000 Indian nationals were residing in the country, including a small number of permanent residents and Overseas Citizens of India. Bilateral mobility has been aided by reciprocal arrangements such as visa-free travel for diplomatic and official passport holders for up to 30 days, facilitating greater high-level exchanges and official visits.
     
    Educational and cultural cooperation has also grown in recent years, with increased academic mobility, interest in Indian languages and traditions among Croatians, and rising Indian student enrolments in Croatian institutions.
     
    PM Modi’s visit is expected to lend new momentum to bilateral ties and provide an opportunity for both sides to chart a course for deeper engagement across political, economic, and cultural domains. 

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Animal Welfare – WORLD’S BIGGEST INVESTIGATION INTO EGG FACTORY FARMING. NEW ZEALAND CAGES SCRUTINISED

    Source: Animals Aotearoa

    In the largest global investigation ever, The Open Wing Alliance reveals never-before-seen footage of systemic animal abuse and public health risks in cage egg factory farming. Alongside footage from 36 other countries, the exposé includes footage from a colony cage factory farm in New Zealand.

    New Zealand – June 17 2025 –  “The sound of thousands of trapped chickens, the industrial fans cranking and the stench of waste is beyond words”, says a volunteer investigator from Grassroots Campaigns NZ. “It’s hell inside.”

    This is the description animal welfare investigators gave about what they captured at an Auckland colony cage factory farm. Their footage was given to the Open Wing Alliance, a global coalition of nearly 100 organisations established by The Humane League, in collaboration with We Animals and Reporters for Animals International. Together with Animals Aotearoa, the united group has just released the largest ever investigation into industrialised egg farms in 37 countries. In never-before-seen footage, including from New Zealand, supported by an open letter backed by 100 celebrities.

    “The shocking footage exposes widespread abuse of egg-laying hens trapped in filthy, overcrowded cages, with evidence of injured birds, rotting carcasses, disease-ridden conditions, and more. This investigation comes as bird flu sweeps across every continent, jumping from farmed birds to wild animals and even humans”, says Jennifer Dutton, Corporate Relations Specialist at Animals Aotearoa.

    Footage from 37 countries, including:

    Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Vietnam and Zimbabwe.

    Key findings from the global exposé include:

    Hens confined in battery and enriched/colony cages, giving each chicken only the space of an iPad, or less, to live their entire life;

    Automated systems leave dead bird carcasses trapped in cages with living hens;

    Live hens abandoned in manure and waste pits, and eggs found in manure before sent to shelves;

    Birds unable to stand upright or spread their wings;

    Unsanitary conditions that promote disease spread, like avian influenza.

    This massive coordinated worldwide campaign is focused on spotlighting multinational brands dragging their heels on fulfilling corporate policy to transition away from cage eggs in their supply chains. The vast majority of food corporations around the world publicly committed, a decade ago, to remove cages from their egg supply chains, with global companies like The Hershey Company, Hormel Foods, Famous Brands, and Barilla already fully cage-free. However, food companies like Walmart, Zensho Holdings and Inspire Brands (parent company of Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins) continue to profit from sourcing eggs from hens raised in outdated, cruel cages. In New Zealand, hospitality giant Best Western Hotel chain was recently targeted by protestors highlighting the multinational’s lack of transparent reporting on its global cage-free progress, supported by a petition.

    Since 2023, when battery cages were outlawed in Aotearoa, there has been a disinformation campaign by the factory farm lobby to mislead caring New Zealanders about the continued domestic production of cage eggs. While battery cages are no longer in use, colony cages are. Eggs sold at retail level from these colony cage systems don’t contain the word ‘cage’ anywhere on the packaging. Following a number of complaints, the Commerce Commission is currently conducting a compliance project to assess whether colony eggs are a breach of the Fair Trading Act.

    In addition to cage eggs being sold under misleading labelling, the import of liquid eggs from battery cages is a significant problem. Over 80% of New Zealand’s liquid eggs, used largely in food manufacture, are imported from China and Australia where egg-laying hens are kept in battery cages. Produced using methods illegal here, they are added into Kiwi foods and quietly sold to the caring public who are unaware.

    Consumers around the world are increasingly demanding transparency and ethical treatment of animals in food production, and they won’t stand for further risks to our global public health. Over 100 celebrity figures signed an open letter urging food corporations to end the use of cages in their global supply chains. This investigation s

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: GAM Holding AG appoints Albert Saporta as Group Chief Executive Officer and Tim Rainsford as Group Chief Distribution Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich: 18 June 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules:

    GAM Holding AG appoints Albert Saporta as Group Chief Executive Officer and Tim Rainsford as Group Chief Distribution Officer

    GAM Holding AG (SWX: GAM) today announces senior leadership changes as the Group moves into the next phase of sustainable growth. Albert Saporta has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO) effective from 1 July 2025, succeeding Elmar Zumbuehl who will remain with GAM until 31 December 2025 to support the transition. Additionally, Tim Rainsford will return to GAM to lead its distribution efforts as Group Chief Distribution Officer on 1 October 2025.

    These leadership changes reflect that GAM has successfully transformed and is now well positioned for growth. Under Elmar Zumbuehl’s leadership, GAM has undergone a comprehensive repositioning over the last 21 months; divesting non-core businesses, and rebuilding a lean, scalable platform designed to attract and empower top investment talent and better connect them to clients worldwide through a strengthened global distribution and client servicing network.

    Albert Saporta has over 40 years of experience in the investment management industry and served as Global Head of Investments & Products at GAM since October 2023. He will take over as Group CEO with a clear focus on accelerating growth through building on our existing and new product offerings and external opportunities. His passion for innovative investment strategies, drive for positive client outcomes, and energy is key for GAM’s next phase of growth.  

    Drawing on GAM’s pioneering heritage, combining internal and external investment talent, Albert Saporta has been instrumental in strengthening GAM’s investment team line-up and entering into multiple new partnerships with best-in-class investment managers. GAM is strongly positioned to provide clients with access to differentiated investment strategies across asset classes.

    Tim Rainsford will return to GAM as Group Chief Distribution Officer and a Group Management Board member. He brings extensive experience in leading global distribution functions focused on growth and delivering for clients. Tim Rainsford was CEO of Generali Investments Partners, and latterly, Chief Product and Distribution Officer for Generali Asset Management. 

    Rossen Djounov, Global Head of Client Solutions, will remain a senior member of the distribution leadership team, reporting to Tim, with a focus on driving growth initiatives and deepening strategic client relationships.

    Chairman of the Board, Antoine Spillmann, said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Elmar for his dedicated service and the significant achievements he has accomplished during his many years at GAM. His leadership has been pivotal in steering the company through transformative changes and setting a solid foundation for future sustainable growth. The Board is looking forward to working with Albert and Tim as GAM enters its next phase as a highly agile and scalable platform with a renewed focus on growth, innovation, and client outcomes.

    Albert Saporta said: “I am honoured to take on the role of GAM’s Group CEO. We have transformed GAM, and it is now well positioned with unique investment talent to deliver differentiated strategies to our clients. I am excited to be leading GAM into this next phase of sustainable growth.”

    Elmar Zumbuehl commented: “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last 21 months, and I want to thank the Board and our anchor shareholder NJJ Holding for their support during this transformational phase. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member of the firm for their unwavering commitment and efforts in successfully transforming GAM.”

    Tim Rainsford commented: “I’m thrilled to be returning to GAM with the firm’s focus on innovative strategies and commitment to client outcomes. I look forward to working closely with Albert and the broader team to drive growth and strengthen our global presence.”

    Biographies

    Albert Saporta:

    Albert has 40 years’ experience in financial markets, with over 30 years in the hedge fund industry. Albert started his career at Paribas in Paris, where he managed the Japan/Asia mutual funds from 1984-85. He joined Merrill Lynch in London as Vice President of Japanese equity sales from 1985-88. In 1988, he joined UBS Securities in London where he headed quantitative research and hedge fund sales for Japanese equities. In 1991, he joined IFM, a hedge fund owned by Jacob Rothschild’s St James’s Place and AIG, where he managed relative value global equity arbitrage strategies. In 1995, he left to set up Geneva-based AIM&R, a hedge fund advisory and research firm, managing the SOG and SOGAsia funds. In March 2006, Albert sold AIM&R ‘s research and hedge fund businesses to ABN Amro Bank (London). As part of the transaction, he set-up the Special Opportunities Group (SOG) at ABN, managing a balance sheet of >USD1bn in global arbitrage strategies and special situations. AIM&R was relaunched in 2011 as a research and trading advisory firm, advising global hedge funds, pension funds, prop trading firms and family offices.

    Albert has a master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University (1984), an MBA (1983) and BSc in economics (1982) from New York University, and a Math/Physics degree from the University of Nice (1980). He is fluent in French, English, Spanish and Portuguese. Albert holds French, Israeli and Spanish citizenships.

    Tim Rainsford:

    Tim Rainsford joins GAM Investments from Generali Investments Partners, where since September 2020 he was the Global Head of Product and Distribution. In this capacity, he led the global team of sales professionals based in Europe, focusing on defining the commercial development plans and strategies aimed at strengthening Generali Investments’ positioning in key markets and expanding its international footprint. 

    He was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Generali Investments Partners S.p.A. Società di gestione del risparmio (GIP) in April 2021, a key entity within the Generali Group’s Asset & Wealth Management business unit. In this role, he was responsible for steering the regulated entity and focusing on the investment management, product development and global sales efforts of the business unit, maximising the Group’s multi-boutique approach.  

    Before his tenure at Generali, he held significant positions in other major financial institutions. He served as Group Head of Distribution and Marketing at GAM Investments, where he was responsible for the company’s marketing and sales strategic direction. Earlier in his career, he spent thirteen years at Man Investments Ltd, holding various senior roles including Senior Managing Director – Head of European Sales, and Global Co-Head of Sales and Marketing.  

    For further information please contact:

    Colin Bennett | GAM Media Relations
    T +44 (0) 20 73 938 544 
    colin.bennett@gam.com

    Visit us: www.gam.com
    Follow us: X and LinkedIn 

    About GAM

    GAM Investments is a highly scalable global investment platform with strong global distribution capabilities focusing on three core areas, Specialist Active Investing, Alternative Investing and Wealth Management, that is listed in Switzerland. It delivers distinctive and differentiated investment solutions across its Investment and Wealth Management businesses. Its purpose is to protect and enhance clients’ financial future. It attracts and empowers brightest minds to provide investment leadership, innovation and a positive impact on society and the environment. Total assets under management were CHF 16.3 billion as of 31 December 2024. GAM Investments has global distribution with offices in 14 countries and is geographically diverse with clients in almost every continent. Headquartered in Zurich, GAM Investments was founded in 1983, and its registered office is at Hardstrasse 201 Zurich, 8005 Switzerland. For more information about GAM Investments, please visit www.gam.com. 

    Other Important Information

    This release contains or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “aim”, “project”, “forecast”, “risk”, “likely”, “intend”, “outlook”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “continue”, “plan”, “probability”, “indicative”, “seek”, “target”, “plan” and other similar expressions are intended to or may identify forward-looking statements.

    Any such statements in this release speak only as of the date hereof and are based on assumptions and contingencies subject to change without notice, as are statements about market and industry trends, projections, guidance, and estimates. Any forward-looking statements in this release are not indications, guarantees, assurances or predictions of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the person making such statements, its affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors and may involve significant elements of subjective judgement and assumptions as to future events which may or may not be correct and may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such statements. You are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and no person accepts or assumes any liability in connection therewith.

    This release is not a financial product or investment advice, a recommendation to acquire, exchange or dispose of securities or accounting, legal or tax advice. It has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, legal, financial or tax situation and needs of individuals. Before making an investment decision, individuals should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to their own objectives, legal, financial and tax situation and needs and seek legal, tax and other advice as appropriate for their individual needs and jurisdiction.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GAM Holding AG appoints Albert Saporta as Group Chief Executive Officer and Tim Rainsford as Group Chief Distribution Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich: 18 June 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 Listing Rules:

    GAM Holding AG appoints Albert Saporta as Group Chief Executive Officer and Tim Rainsford as Group Chief Distribution Officer

    GAM Holding AG (SWX: GAM) today announces senior leadership changes as the Group moves into the next phase of sustainable growth. Albert Saporta has been appointed Group Chief Executive Officer (Group CEO) effective from 1 July 2025, succeeding Elmar Zumbuehl who will remain with GAM until 31 December 2025 to support the transition. Additionally, Tim Rainsford will return to GAM to lead its distribution efforts as Group Chief Distribution Officer on 1 October 2025.

    These leadership changes reflect that GAM has successfully transformed and is now well positioned for growth. Under Elmar Zumbuehl’s leadership, GAM has undergone a comprehensive repositioning over the last 21 months; divesting non-core businesses, and rebuilding a lean, scalable platform designed to attract and empower top investment talent and better connect them to clients worldwide through a strengthened global distribution and client servicing network.

    Albert Saporta has over 40 years of experience in the investment management industry and served as Global Head of Investments & Products at GAM since October 2023. He will take over as Group CEO with a clear focus on accelerating growth through building on our existing and new product offerings and external opportunities. His passion for innovative investment strategies, drive for positive client outcomes, and energy is key for GAM’s next phase of growth.  

    Drawing on GAM’s pioneering heritage, combining internal and external investment talent, Albert Saporta has been instrumental in strengthening GAM’s investment team line-up and entering into multiple new partnerships with best-in-class investment managers. GAM is strongly positioned to provide clients with access to differentiated investment strategies across asset classes.

    Tim Rainsford will return to GAM as Group Chief Distribution Officer and a Group Management Board member. He brings extensive experience in leading global distribution functions focused on growth and delivering for clients. Tim Rainsford was CEO of Generali Investments Partners, and latterly, Chief Product and Distribution Officer for Generali Asset Management. 

    Rossen Djounov, Global Head of Client Solutions, will remain a senior member of the distribution leadership team, reporting to Tim, with a focus on driving growth initiatives and deepening strategic client relationships.

    Chairman of the Board, Antoine Spillmann, said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to Elmar for his dedicated service and the significant achievements he has accomplished during his many years at GAM. His leadership has been pivotal in steering the company through transformative changes and setting a solid foundation for future sustainable growth. The Board is looking forward to working with Albert and Tim as GAM enters its next phase as a highly agile and scalable platform with a renewed focus on growth, innovation, and client outcomes.

    Albert Saporta said: “I am honoured to take on the role of GAM’s Group CEO. We have transformed GAM, and it is now well positioned with unique investment talent to deliver differentiated strategies to our clients. I am excited to be leading GAM into this next phase of sustainable growth.”

    Elmar Zumbuehl commented: “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last 21 months, and I want to thank the Board and our anchor shareholder NJJ Holding for their support during this transformational phase. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member of the firm for their unwavering commitment and efforts in successfully transforming GAM.”

    Tim Rainsford commented: “I’m thrilled to be returning to GAM with the firm’s focus on innovative strategies and commitment to client outcomes. I look forward to working closely with Albert and the broader team to drive growth and strengthen our global presence.”

    Biographies

    Albert Saporta:

    Albert has 40 years’ experience in financial markets, with over 30 years in the hedge fund industry. Albert started his career at Paribas in Paris, where he managed the Japan/Asia mutual funds from 1984-85. He joined Merrill Lynch in London as Vice President of Japanese equity sales from 1985-88. In 1988, he joined UBS Securities in London where he headed quantitative research and hedge fund sales for Japanese equities. In 1991, he joined IFM, a hedge fund owned by Jacob Rothschild’s St James’s Place and AIG, where he managed relative value global equity arbitrage strategies. In 1995, he left to set up Geneva-based AIM&R, a hedge fund advisory and research firm, managing the SOG and SOGAsia funds. In March 2006, Albert sold AIM&R ‘s research and hedge fund businesses to ABN Amro Bank (London). As part of the transaction, he set-up the Special Opportunities Group (SOG) at ABN, managing a balance sheet of >USD1bn in global arbitrage strategies and special situations. AIM&R was relaunched in 2011 as a research and trading advisory firm, advising global hedge funds, pension funds, prop trading firms and family offices.

    Albert has a master’s in International Affairs from Columbia University (1984), an MBA (1983) and BSc in economics (1982) from New York University, and a Math/Physics degree from the University of Nice (1980). He is fluent in French, English, Spanish and Portuguese. Albert holds French, Israeli and Spanish citizenships.

    Tim Rainsford:

    Tim Rainsford joins GAM Investments from Generali Investments Partners, where since September 2020 he was the Global Head of Product and Distribution. In this capacity, he led the global team of sales professionals based in Europe, focusing on defining the commercial development plans and strategies aimed at strengthening Generali Investments’ positioning in key markets and expanding its international footprint. 

    He was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Generali Investments Partners S.p.A. Società di gestione del risparmio (GIP) in April 2021, a key entity within the Generali Group’s Asset & Wealth Management business unit. In this role, he was responsible for steering the regulated entity and focusing on the investment management, product development and global sales efforts of the business unit, maximising the Group’s multi-boutique approach.  

    Before his tenure at Generali, he held significant positions in other major financial institutions. He served as Group Head of Distribution and Marketing at GAM Investments, where he was responsible for the company’s marketing and sales strategic direction. Earlier in his career, he spent thirteen years at Man Investments Ltd, holding various senior roles including Senior Managing Director – Head of European Sales, and Global Co-Head of Sales and Marketing.  

    For further information please contact:

    Colin Bennett | GAM Media Relations
    T +44 (0) 20 73 938 544 
    colin.bennett@gam.com

    Visit us: www.gam.com
    Follow us: X and LinkedIn 

    About GAM

    GAM Investments is a highly scalable global investment platform with strong global distribution capabilities focusing on three core areas, Specialist Active Investing, Alternative Investing and Wealth Management, that is listed in Switzerland. It delivers distinctive and differentiated investment solutions across its Investment and Wealth Management businesses. Its purpose is to protect and enhance clients’ financial future. It attracts and empowers brightest minds to provide investment leadership, innovation and a positive impact on society and the environment. Total assets under management were CHF 16.3 billion as of 31 December 2024. GAM Investments has global distribution with offices in 14 countries and is geographically diverse with clients in almost every continent. Headquartered in Zurich, GAM Investments was founded in 1983, and its registered office is at Hardstrasse 201 Zurich, 8005 Switzerland. For more information about GAM Investments, please visit www.gam.com. 

    Other Important Information

    This release contains or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “aim”, “project”, “forecast”, “risk”, “likely”, “intend”, “outlook”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “continue”, “plan”, “probability”, “indicative”, “seek”, “target”, “plan” and other similar expressions are intended to or may identify forward-looking statements.

    Any such statements in this release speak only as of the date hereof and are based on assumptions and contingencies subject to change without notice, as are statements about market and industry trends, projections, guidance, and estimates. Any forward-looking statements in this release are not indications, guarantees, assurances or predictions of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the person making such statements, its affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors and may involve significant elements of subjective judgement and assumptions as to future events which may or may not be correct and may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such statements. You are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and no person accepts or assumes any liability in connection therewith.

    This release is not a financial product or investment advice, a recommendation to acquire, exchange or dispose of securities or accounting, legal or tax advice. It has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, legal, financial or tax situation and needs of individuals. Before making an investment decision, individuals should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to their own objectives, legal, financial and tax situation and needs and seek legal, tax and other advice as appropriate for their individual needs and jurisdiction.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: MITP – Moldova’s Digital Engine Accelerates: Record Results In 2024 And Projections Of 1 Billion Euros In Revenues For 2025

    Source: Moldova Innovation Technology Park

    Chisinau, Moldova — The IT sector contributes 6% to the national GDP – a result that reflects the efficiency and impact of the ecosystem created by the Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP). The data were presented by Marina Bzovîi, Administrator of MITP, at the Moldova Digital Summit 2025, confirming the essential role of the Park in the digital transformation of the Republic of Moldova. With 2024 marked by record performance, MITP expects a clear upward trajectory for 2025, supported by the accelerated expansion of the resident base and the increase in revenues generated by the IT sector.

    Unprecedented growth: 533 resident companies in a single year

    Currently, Moldova Innovation Technology Park brings together over 2,370 resident companies, of which 533 joined in 2024 alone – the largest annual advance since the park’s launch. This record growth reflects Moldova’s growing attractiveness for international investors and technology companies looking for a stable, competitive and future-oriented environment.

    The MITP model offers a unique framework in the region: an ultra-competitive tax regime with a flat tax of only 7%, VAT exemptions and simplified contributions, which allows companies to focus on growth and innovation. These conditions are guaranteed by law until 2035, providing investors not only with incentives, but also with long-term predictability.

    MITP is 100% virtual, allowing remote operation without the obligation of a physical presence in the Republic of Moldova — a key advantage in an era where remote work is becoming the global norm. In addition, initiatives such as the Visa IT program facilitate the attraction of international talent, ensuring quick and legal access to the global workforce.

    In this modern and well-connected ecosystem, residents benefit from quality digital infrastructure, constant dialogue with the authorities and specialized support for international expansion. It is no coincidence that more and more companies from Romania and Ukraine are choosing to relocate to Moldova, in search of a more efficient, flexible and innovation-friendly space.

    MITP is no longer just a tax-advantaged framework — it’s a complete platform for accelerated growth, global connection, and sustainable digital transformation.

    The park hosts companies with capital from 43 countries, most of them from Ukraine and Romania.

    “The regional geopolitical context has had a major impact. If in 2021 only three Ukrainian companies were registered in the MITP, in 2024 their number increased 14 times, reaching 42, amid strategic relocations caused by the war. In the same period, the presence of companies with Romanian capital has almost doubled, boosted by the recent tax changes in Romania applied to the IT sector. Today, there are 41 companies in Romania in MITP”,

    said Marina Bzovîi, MITP Administrator.

    IT sector – a force in the economy: 6.3% of GDP

    The contribution of the IT sector to the national economy has increased significantly, reaching 6.3% of GDP in 2024, according to preliminary estimates, compared to 1.8% in 2015. This remarkable evolution is a direct result of the expansion of tech companies, favorable fiscal policies and the sustained attraction of foreign investment.

    “For 2025, we estimate that the revenues generated by MITP resident companies will reach 1 billion euros, with an increase of approximately 30% compared to 2024, when they totaled 785 million euros. It is a clear confirmation of the potential for sustainable growth and the value that the IT sector brings to the Moldovan economy”,

    said Nadejda Hodus, Financial Manager MITP.

    IT exports – Moldova, regional leader in growth rate

    Exports of IT services increased spectacularly, reaching 523 million euros in 2023, 10 times more than in 2015 (53 million euros). Although the absolute volume is lower than that reported by countries such as Romania (7.5 billion euros) or Ukraine (6 billion euros), Moldova’s growth rate is the fastest in the region.

    “This performance is all the more impressive as Moldova is a small country, both in terms of territory and population. MITP’s development model proves to be an efficient and sustainable one, transforming Moldova into a regional digital hub with strategic potential”,

    added Nadejda Hodus.

    Record contributions to the state budget

    The economic impact of the MITP is also directly felt in the revenues of the National Public Budget. In 2024, resident companies contributed €78 million – four times more than in 2017. About 50% of these amounts come from newly established businesses after the launch of the park.

    According to a recent analysis conducted by MITP, the contributions paid by resident companies could cover up to 16% of the national expenditure on health care and about 90% of the financing of vocational higher education – an eloquent illustration of the real economic impact generated by the IT sector in the Republic of Moldova.

    “Through these results, MITP imposes itself not only as a successful model in the region, but also as an example of effective public policy, which creates jobs, attracts investments and amplifies the country’s digital competitiveness. With clear objectives and a sustained pace of development, Moldova is getting closer to becoming a regional pole of innovation and technology”,

    concluded the Administrator of Moldova Innovation Technology Park, Marina Bzovîi.

    About Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP)

    Launched in 2016, MITP is Moldova’s national platform dedicated to the tech industry, offering a unique 7% tax regime and 100% virtual operation. With more than 2,300 resident companies in 43 countries, MITP contributes significantly to the national GDP and attracts global investment. Supported by legislative guarantees until 2035, the park promotes innovation, IT exports and Moldova’s integration into the European digital economy.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New IPU report highlights good parliamentary practices on religion and belief

    Source: Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

    The IPU has released the second part of its groundbreaking Parliamentary report on religion and belief.

    Part 2 of the report, Engagement with religion and belief by parliamentarians underscores the vital role of MPs in fostering peaceful, just and inclusive societies. It explores how engagement with religion and belief can strengthen the rule of law, uphold human rights, and promote sustainable development for all.

    It complements Part 1 of the report Institutional engagement with religion and belief by parliaments, which was published in May 2023 ahead of the inaugural IPU Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue in Marrakesh, Morocco. This first part examined how religion and belief are institutionally present in parliamentary life by looking at constitutional provisions, parliamentary committees, consultation mechanisms and traditions reflecting religious or belief identities.

    The new report is timely, with escalating conflicts around the world which, although primarily political, are also marked by the weaponization of religion to sow divisions among different communities living side by side.

    Good parliamentary practices from around the world

    Part 2 delves into the ways parliamentarians interact with religion and belief to promote inclusivity and peace. Drawing on key informant interviews, submissions from parliaments and contributions from religious leaders and global experts, the report highlights good practices and lessons learned from parliaments around the world. It also examines select policy areas where religion and belief intersect with parliamentary functions, such as legislation, oversight, representation and, increasingly, parliamentary diplomacy.

    Key objectives of the report include:

    • Facilitating mutual learning among parliaments about diverse approaches to religion and belief.
    • Encouraging the adoption of good practices that foster inclusion and peaceful coexistence.
    • Promoting scrutiny of legislation to ensure alignment with international human rights commitments.
    • Strengthening inter-parliamentary and interfaith dialogue to better protect fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

    Upholding rights and countering hate speech

    The report reaffirms the right to freedom of religion or belief as protected under international law, while acknowledging ongoing challenges in its realization. Parliaments are urged to play a proactive role in promoting and protecting this right, both formally through legislation and informally through cross-party or international networks.

    In response to rising hate speech and identity-based hatred, the report outlines human rights and soft law standards around freedom of expression, and shares practical tools for parliamentarians, such as codes of conduct, public advocacy, educational activities and dialogue initiatives.

    Special attention is given to the rights and inclusion of religious and belief minorities, with recommendations for legislative action, oversight and public engagement. The report also highlights the key role of parliaments in promoting gender equality and women’s rights, and where the full enjoyment of these rights intersects with religion or belief.

    All roads lead to Rome

    The report is released ahead of the Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue, in which the IPU is leveraging its global convening power to bring together parliamentarians, religious leaders, international experts and civil society from 19 to 21 June 2025 in Rome, Italy.

    The Conference is being organized by the IPU and the Italian Parliament in cooperation with Religions for Peace under the theme Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future.

    The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 14 regional parliamentary bodies. It promotes peace, democracy and sustainable development. It helps parliaments become stronger, younger, greener, more innovative and gender-balanced. It also def

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Can a foreign government hack WhatsApp? A cybersecurity expert explains how that might work

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Tuffley, Senior Lecturer in Applied Ethics & CyberSecurity, Griffith University

    On The Back Of Camera/Shutterstock

    Earlier today, Iranian officials urged the country’s citizens to remove the messaging platform WhatsApp from their smartphones. Without providing any supporting evidence, they alleged the app gathers user information to send to Israel.

    WhatsApp has rejected the allegations. In a statement to Associated Press, the Meta-owned messaging platform said it was concerned “these false reports will be an excuse for our services to be blocked at a time when people need them most”. It added that it does not track users’ location nor the personal messages people are sending one another.

    It is impossible to independently assess the allegations, given Iran provided no publicly accessible supporting evidence.

    But we do know that even though WhatsApp has strong privacy and security features, it isn’t impenetrable. And there is at least one country that has previously been able to penetrate it: Israel.

    3 billion users

    WhatsApp is a free messaging app owned by Meta. With around 3 billion users worldwide and growing fast, it can send text messages, calls and media over the internet.

    It uses strong end-to-end encryption meaning only the sender and recipient can read messages; not even WhatsApp can access their content. This ensures strong privacy and security.

    Advanced cyber capability

    The United States is the world leader in cyber capability. This term describes the skills, technologies and resources that enable nations to defend, attack, or exploit digital systems and networks as a powerful instrument of national power.

    But Israel also has advanced cyber capability, ranking alongside the United Kingdom, China, Russia, France and Canada.

    Israel has a documented history of conducting sophisticated cyber operations. This includes the widely cited Stuxnet attack that targeted Iran’s nuclear program more than 15 years ago. Israeli cyber units, such as Unit 8200, are renowned for their technical expertise and innovation in both offensive and defensive operations.

    Seven of the top 10 global cybersecurity firms maintain R&D centers in Israel, and Israeli startups frequently lead in developing novel offensive and defensive cyber tools.

    A historical precedent

    Israeli firms have repeatedly been linked to hacking WhatsApp accounts, most notably through the Pegasus spyware developed by Israeli-based cyber intelligence company NSO Group. In 2019, it exploited WhatsApp vulnerabilities to compromise 1,400 users, including journalists, activists and politicians.

    Last month, a US federal court ordered the NSO Group to pay WhatsApp and Meta nearly US$170 million in damages for the hack.

    Another Israeli company, Paragon Solutions, also recently targeted nearly 100 WhatsApp accounts. The company used advanced spyware to access private communications after they had been de-encrypted.

    These kinds of attacks often use “spearphishing”. This is distinct from regular phishing attacks, which generally involve an attacker sending malicious links to thousands of people.

    Instead, spearphishing involves sending targeted, deceptive messages or files to trick specific individuals into installing spyware. This grants attackers full access to their devices – including de-encrypted WhatsApp messages.

    A spearphishing email might appear to come from a trusted colleague or organisation. It might ask the recipient to urgently review a document or reset a password, leading them to a fake login page or triggering a malware download.

    Protecting yourself from ‘spearphishing’

    To avoid spearphishing, people should scrutinise unexpected emails or messages, especially those conveying a sense of urgency, and never click suspicious links or download unknown attachments.

    Hovering the mouse cursor over a link will reveal the name of the destination. Suspicious links are those with strange domain names and garbled text that has nothing to do with the purported sender. Simply hovering without clicking is not dangerous.

    Enable two-factor authentication, keep your software updated, and verify requests coming through trusted channels. Regular cybersecurity training also helps users spot and resist these targeted attacks.

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

    – ref. Can a foreign government hack WhatsApp? A cybersecurity expert explains how that might work – https://theconversation.com/can-a-foreign-government-hack-whatsapp-a-cybersecurity-expert-explains-how-that-might-work-259261

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Aviation – Lufthansa honored with World Airline Awards 2025

    Source: Lufthansa

    • Most family-friendly airline and best First Class lounge worldwide
    • Austrian Airlines and Eurowings also receive Awards

    Frankfurt 17 June 2025 – Lufthansa is the world’s most family-friendly airline. This prize from the World Airline Awards 2025 was presented today by the market research institute Skytrax at the Paris Air Show. The Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt was also named the world’s best First Class Lounge. Austrian Airlines and Eurowings also received one of the coveted prizes – the award for “Best Airline Staff in Europe” went to Austrian Airlines in Vienna and Eurowings was named “Best Low Cost Airline in Europe”. Skytrax, a market research institute specializing in aviation, had previously surveyed 22.3 million passengers from well over 100 countries worldwide.

    “Lufthansa attaches great importance to ensuring that all guests on board feel comfortable with us – from Economy to First Class. I am therefore particularly pleased that we have received the award for the world’s most family-friendly airline and at the same time for the best First Class lounge,” says Heiko Reitz, Chief Customer Officer Lufthansa Airlines. “Above all, Lufthansa’s unsurpassed hospitality is also premium. In particular, our colleagues in the cabin, cockpit and on the ground can be very proud today. They are the ones who fulfill our promise of quality day after day.”

    Traveling with children  

    Lufthansa attaches great importance to ensuring that its youngest guests also feel comfortable on board. The airline therefore offers specially created kids’ menus prepared by the chefs at Gate Gourmet. The menus belong to the “Special Meals” category and can be pre-ordered by passengers free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. The offer applies to all classes on long-haul flights and to Business Class on short-haul flights.

    The trays are lovingly designed with colorful illustrations of the Lufthansa mascots “Lu” and “Cosmo” and the menu card invites young passengers to puzzle and color while they playfully learn how an airplane flies.

    Lufthansa has also introduced a new range of children’s toys on board. From cloud-shaped cuddly blankets for toddlers to puzzles and the game “City, Country, Flight”, there is something for every taste and every age. There is also a portfolio of coloring pages featuring Lu and Cosmo, which can be accessed via the Lufthansa eJournals homepage. Young passengers will also find magazines for children and teenagers in various languages. The in-flight entertainment program for children includes a large selection of films, series, music, audio books and podcasts. Children can also look forward to special amenity kits and, from summer 2025, new year-round “Best Friend” children’s boarding passes.

    Travel in Lufthansa First Class

    The separate First Class terminal in Frankfurt with limousine transfer directly to the aircraft and personal assistant, which has been named the best First Class lounge in the world, is emblematic of Lufthansa’s premium offering.

    Since the beginning of the year, traveling in Lufthansa’s top class has become even more exclusive. The new Lufthansa Allegris First Class on long-haul aircraft can be experienced in the summer timetable on flights from Munich to San Francisco, Chicago, San Diego, Shanghai and Bengaluru and sets new standards with two individual suites and the extraordinary Suite Plus: guests can heat or cool their almost one meter wide seats in the individual suites according to their personal needs. The separate cabins with ceiling-high walls and lockable door, large table and wide seat, a living room-sized screen and wireless “over-ear” headphones define a new standard in comfort and individuality. Generous storage space is provided by a personal wardrobe in the suite, so that travelers can change comfortably and have all their personal items to hand. Individual lamps allow travelers to create their very own feel-good atmosphere.

    The Suite Plus double cabin, the only one of its kind in the world, creates a special travel experience with two wide seats that can be combined to form a comfortable double bed if required. The flying private room impresses with maximum comfort and individuality. The Suite Plus offers maximum exclusivity for the single passenger and the unique opportunity to use the double cabin as a couple.

    The new First Class is part of a major Lufthansa premium offensive. Among other things, First Class guests can also look forward to renovated First Class check-in areas in Frankfurt (from late summer) and Munich as well as the newly designed First Class Lounge at Munich Airport.

    Skytrax

    The survey was conducted by the market research institute Skytrax. It evaluated the airlines’ in-flight offers and services at the airports. Skytrax has been conducting the annual passenger survey since 1999. All detailed results of the World Airlines Awards can be found at www.worldairlineawards.com

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • PM Modi wraps up ‘productive’ Canada visit after G7 Summit, heads to Croatia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday concluded what he described as a “productive visit” to Canada, where he participated in the G7 Summit at Kananaskis and held several high-level bilateral meetings with global leaders. He has now departed for Croatia, the final stop of his three-nation tour.

    “Concluding a productive Canada visit. Thankful to the Canadian people and Government for hosting a successful G7 Summit, which witnessed fruitful discussions on diverse global issues. We remain committed to furthering global peace, prosperity and sustainability,” PM Modi posted on X.

    In a separate post on X, Ministry of External affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said:

    “PM @narendramodi concludes a very productive visit to Canada! Held fruitful dialogue on key issues in the global context on energy security, technology, and innovation at the @G7 Summit. Met with several leaders and discussed bilateral ties. Next stop — Croatia.”

    During the G7 outreach session on energy security, PM Modi underscored the need for universal access to clean and sustainable energy. 

    He also highlighted India’s global initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

    PM Modi reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, thanking leaders for their condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. He called for unified global action against terrorism and emphasized the need to hold those who support or sponsor terrorism accountable.

    Highlighting India’s digital transformation, the Prime Minister emphasised India’s success in democratizing technology and adopting a human-centric approach. 

    “PM Modi also highlighted India’s experience in democratising use of technology and its human-centric approach in deploying it. He called for addressing global governance issues to tackle concerns of AI and to promote innovation in the field. He called for addressing global governance issues to tackle concerns of AI and to promote innovation in the field,” Jaiswal said in a post on X

    On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with several global leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Charles Michel, President of the European Council; Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney; South African President Cyril Ramaphosa; UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer; French President Emmanuel Macron; Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

    Before departing for the three-nation tour, PM Modi had said the visit aimed to thank key partner nations for their unwavering support in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism and to rally international consensus on combating terrorism in all its forms.

  • PM Modi wraps up ‘productive’ Canada visit after G7 Summit, heads to Croatia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday concluded what he described as a “productive visit” to Canada, where he participated in the G7 Summit at Kananaskis and held several high-level bilateral meetings with global leaders. He has now departed for Croatia, the final stop of his three-nation tour.

    “Concluding a productive Canada visit. Thankful to the Canadian people and Government for hosting a successful G7 Summit, which witnessed fruitful discussions on diverse global issues. We remain committed to furthering global peace, prosperity and sustainability,” PM Modi posted on X.

    In a separate post on X, Ministry of External affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said:

    “PM @narendramodi concludes a very productive visit to Canada! Held fruitful dialogue on key issues in the global context on energy security, technology, and innovation at the @G7 Summit. Met with several leaders and discussed bilateral ties. Next stop — Croatia.”

    During the G7 outreach session on energy security, PM Modi underscored the need for universal access to clean and sustainable energy. 

    He also highlighted India’s global initiatives, including the International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

    PM Modi reiterated India’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, thanking leaders for their condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack. He called for unified global action against terrorism and emphasized the need to hold those who support or sponsor terrorism accountable.

    Highlighting India’s digital transformation, the Prime Minister emphasised India’s success in democratizing technology and adopting a human-centric approach. 

    “PM Modi also highlighted India’s experience in democratising use of technology and its human-centric approach in deploying it. He called for addressing global governance issues to tackle concerns of AI and to promote innovation in the field. He called for addressing global governance issues to tackle concerns of AI and to promote innovation in the field,” Jaiswal said in a post on X

    On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with several global leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission; Charles Michel, President of the European Council; Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney; South African President Cyril Ramaphosa; UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer; French President Emmanuel Macron; Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

    Before departing for the three-nation tour, PM Modi had said the visit aimed to thank key partner nations for their unwavering support in India’s fight against cross-border terrorism and to rally international consensus on combating terrorism in all its forms.

  • PM Modi meets German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the sidelines of G7 Summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Friedrich Merz, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada. This marked the first interaction between the two leaders since Chancellor Merz assumed office in May 2025.

    Prime Minister Modi congratulated Chancellor Merz on his recent electoral victory and his appointment as Chancellor. He also expressed heartfelt appreciation for the condolences extended by the German Government on the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad last week.

    Both leaders reviewed the progress in bilateral relations and welcomed the sustained momentum in India-Germany ties. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, defence and security, green and sustainable development, green energy, technology, innovation, education, and mobility.

    The leaders agreed to further deepen and diversify the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, especially as the two countries commemorate 25 years of this important bilateral framework.

    Condemning terrorism in all its forms, the two sides reiterated that it remains a serious threat to global peace and stability. Prime Minister Modi thanked Chancellor Merz for Germany’s strong support and solidarity with India’s counter-terrorism efforts.

    The leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest. Prime Minister Modi said that he looks forward to welcoming Chancellor Merz to India at a mutually convenient time.

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Universities – Sustainability researcher wins $1.5m global award for visionary work tackling the climate crisis – UoS

    Source: University of Sydney (UoS)

    Largest individual monetary prize for research in the University’s history – 18 June 2025 – The Frontiers Planet Prize, a global initiative of the Frontiers Research Foundation in Switzerland, has announced Associate Professor Arunima Malik as one of its three 2025 International Champions, awarding her US$1 million (A$1.54 million) to advance her and her research team’s pioneering work in sustainability science.

    By providing innovative, scalable solutions to help keep humanity within planetary sustainability boundaries, Associate Professor Malik received the award for, ‘Polarising and equalising tr

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Teach independence and reveal talents: how the best teachers of Moscow work with modern schoolchildren

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Aleksandr Odzho was predicted to have a career as a diplomat, Elizaveta Bogatyreva wanted to become a teacher since childhood, and Pavel Sibiryakov came to the system of additional education from the theater stage. But they are all united by their victory in the Moscow City Professional Competition of Pedagogical Excellence and Public Recognition “Teachers of the Year in Moscow”, the results of which were summed up at the end of May. Teachers, educators, psychologists, defectologists, speech therapists, young specialists and teachers of additional education competed in six nominations. The winners and prize-winners will become mentors in their profession, and their methods will be used by colleagues.

    mos.ru correspondents talked to the best teachers in Moscow about modern children, learned how schools are changing, what opportunities there are for revealing students’ talents, and how technology helps with this.

    The Trial of Ivan the Terrible and Historical Dishes

    Alexander Odzho, the winner in the nomination “Teacher of the Year of Moscow”, had every chance to become a diplomat, journalist, actor. But the choice was made in favor of a teacher. But in this profession he successfully combines the ability to master words, and artistry, and diplomacy. Today Alexander Odzho teaches history, social studies, music and the basics of spiritual and moral culture of the peoples of Russia inschool #854 in Zelenograd.

    “The outstanding innovative teacher Vasily Sukhomlinsky has always been an example for me. Just like him, I believe that a child should always be given the right to choose and respected as an individual. Of course, since Sukhomlinsky’s time, the school education system has changed a lot, many new opportunities have appeared, but the teacher’s tasks have remained the same – to provide all the conditions for the development of children’s abilities and talents. Due to the development of the Internet, students’ attention quickly evaporates today, so lessons should be dynamic, with different types of activities. Visits to museums, excursions, videos and paintings by artists dedicated to historical subjects help study the events of the past. There are many such materials in

    “Moscow Electronic School”, and we constantly turn to them. History can even be “tasted”, for example, by preparing a dish described in books or archival documents,” notes Alexander Odzho.

    In the nomination “Moscow Teacher of the Year”, Alexander Odzho became the best among 437 participants. Earlier, he took second place in the nomination “Pedagogical Start” of the competition “Moscow Teachers of the Year” and reached the final of the Russian TV show “Class Topic”.

    “I dreamed of such a result since my student years, but I considered it unattainable. However, the management, colleagues and family supported me in everything. We filmed a fragment of a lesson for the selection round, then there was an interview with experts, a public speech on how to take care of yourself and others. At the master class, I showed my developments on how to teach a child to ask questions. This is an important point in pedagogy. In my lessons, I use such formats as discussion debates, conferences, round tables or a historical trial. At the last “session”, my students and I looked at the state administration of Ivan the Terrible. The class was divided into lawyers and prosecutors, who had to operate with facts. And everyone made their own verdict,” says Alexander Odzho.

    Now the teacher is preparing for the all-Russian stage of the “Teacher of the Year of Russia” competition and for the publication of his two books. One of them is dedicated to the development of domestic medicine, and the second – to the history of Russia in diagrams and tables.

    Become the first and move forward: what does victory at the All-Russian School Olympiad give to Moscow studentsExhibition of professions: how open days are held at the College of Architecture, Design and Reengineering No. 26

    Mind Maps and Mail with Pockets

    Elizaveta Bogatyreva works as a teacher inschool No. 236 named after Hero of the Soviet Union G.I. Shchedrin in the Dmitrovsky district with groups of children aged three to seven years. She chose her profession as a teenager: she took care of her younger brother and felt a calling to work with children. Two years ago, Elizaveta Bogatyreva won the Pedagogical Start nomination of the Moscow Teachers of the Year competition, and recently won the title of Moscow Educator of the Year, showing the best results among 409 participants.

    “The main task of the teacher is to teach children independence. For this, various methods and teaching aids are used. With the little ones, we study new words and phenomena using a mind map. In the center of the diagram, we briefly write down the topic, for example, “What do we know about dinosaurs.” Then we mark with arrows how we will develop it: we will make figures, put books about dinosaurs in the reading corner, ask parents what the difference is between predatory and herbivorous species. Another tool is a question tree. We write down on its leaves what interests the children, and then look for answers. All problems in the group are also brought up for discussion. Children offer their ideas, we form rules, write them down and hang them on the board. We also have a post office: each child has their own pocket on a special stand. The children put notes and gifts in them,” says Elizaveta Bogatyreva, a teacher at School No. 236.

    In her work with children, the mos.ru interviewee uses a playful approach. Thus, in the fall, Elizaveta Bogatyreva’s students made costumes of different animals and prepared for winter: they built burrows from construction sets and blankets, prepared supplies, the “predators” hunted, and the “herbivores” gathered forage.

    At one of the stages of the competition, Elizaveta Bogatyreva held a master class for teachers, where she showed her version of a literary hero’s diary of emotions.

    “I believe that it is important to instill an interest in reading from an early age, so we analyze the feelings and actions of characters in literary works. At the competition, I introduced my development to my colleagues, and as part of the selection round, I presented a video with a fragment of the lesson. At other tests, I answered questions from the field of school education, revealed the connection between humans and artificial intelligence, and demonstrated rapid response skills in the format of a press conference. Winning such a significant competition became a new point of personal growth for me and confirmation of my professional qualities. Now the main task is to worthily represent Moscow at the “Educator of the Year of Russia” competition, which will be held in September,” says Elizaveta Bogatyreva.

    More than 2.7 million people accessed the MES library materials during the past academic yearGraduates will be able to choose a university and specialty with the help of “MES”

    The most devoted fans are the students

    In the nomination “I give my heart to children”, having beaten 319 participants, the best was Pavel Sibiryakov, a teacher of additional education from the center for the development of creativity of children and youth “Hermes” in the Dmitrovsky district. Five years ago, he founded the theater studio “Nachalo” in the center, today more than 250 children aged six to 18 study there.

    “I came to the profession from the theater and today I combine teaching with acting. Being a theater teacher is not that easy: it is the work of a mentor, director and scriptwriter at the same time. An individual approach is important here. When we staged the play “The Nose” based on the story by Nikolai Gogol, I entrusted the main role – Kovalev – to the most shy student. He coped with it well, and this experience influenced his character: the student became more relaxed and self-confident, made friends with other children. For modern teenagers who are used to communicating on the Internet, the theater teaches live interaction, empathy, they mature, become more responsible,” says Pavel Sibiryakov.

    Pavel Sibiryakov has developed warm, trusting relationships with the students of the theater studio. The young actors share with him not only their creative experiences, but also their personal ones. And when the teacher took part in a competition, the children became his most devoted support group.

    “My students were very worried about me, wrote encouraging messages, sent videos, watched the live broadcast of the award ceremony together. It was my first time participating in such a serious competition and I did it primarily so that the children could be proud of their mentor and strive for more. I was also glad to meet my colleagues, and with some of them — to make friends. In the second round, having split into teams, we designed a residential area with a focus on educational infrastructure from a construction set, and in the final I held a master class with the cadets: I showed how to do a speech warm-up and diction exercises,” Pavel Sibiryakov shares.

    The teacher is currently preparing for the All-Russian stage of the competition and has already filmed a welcome video for it.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    More than 18 thousand pre-vocational students attended excursions to the capital’s enterprisesThe best school theatres have been selected in the capitalSergei Sobyanin: 103 students from creative schools and colleges became grant winners

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Zaryadye Park will host the Theatre Weekends festival

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A large-scale festival will be held for the third time in Zaryadye Park on June 21 and 22 “Theatre Weekend”. He will become part of the project. “Summer in Moscow” and will be dedicated to important historical dates: the 165th anniversary of Anton Chekhov’s birth and the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. The program includes street performances, plays, concerts and master classes, which will take place from 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Admission to all events is free.

    This year’s festival is expected to be a record-breaking one in terms of the number of participants and the program’s content — 13 theaters and theater schools, 16 productions. Guests will get acquainted with both recognized stage masters and talented debutants.

    Visitors will be able to see productions by students of the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts – GITIS, the Moscow Art Theatre School and the Moscow State Institute of Culture. In addition, they will be shown fragments of plays performed by actors of the Russian Academic Youth Theatre and the Praktika Theatre, as well as works by young directors. The special guest of the festival will be the team of the Donetsk Republican Academic Youth Theatre. In addition, viewers will see fragments of plays by the Moscow Art Theatre named after A.P. Chekhov, the Moscow Sovremennik Theatre, the Et Cetera Theatre under the direction of Alexander Kalyagin, the Moscow Academic Theatre named after Vladimir Mayakovsky and the Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army.

    Watch performances dedicated to Anton Chekhov

    The festival days will traditionally be themed. The first day, June 21, will be dedicated to the 165th anniversary of the birth of writer Anton Chekhov. Spectators will see multi-genre productions on the stage of the large amphitheater. At 16:00, the A.P. Chekhov Moscow Art Theater will present fragments of the play “My Life” directed by Sergei Tonyshev. At 17:00, the bright program “Chekhov-gala” directed by Alexei Borodin of the Russian Academic Youth Theater will begin.

    In addition, the anniversary day program will include excerpts from the play “Your Chekhov” (starts at 17:40) directed by Anna Artamonova of the Et Cetera Theater under the direction of Alexander Kalyagin, as well as fragments of the production “Ward No. 6” (starts at 22:00) directed by Evgeny Zakirov of the Mayakovsky Theater. Fourth-year students of Sergei Zhenovach’s workshop and graduates of Yuri Butusov’s course of the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts – GITIS will show a series of sketches “Chekhov. Stories” (starts at 20:00). The evening will continue with second-year students of Marina Brusnikina and Sergei Shchedrin’s workshop from the Moscow Art Theater School. They have prepared a performance of “Chekhov’s Stories” (starting at 19:00) and a dedication concert “The Seagull” (starting at 21:05).

    Remember the Great Victory

    On June 22, the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow, the stage of the large amphitheater of Zaryadye Park will feature performances dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. At 4:00 PM, actors of the Russian State Academic Youth Theater will show the production “Amazement Before Life” directed by Alexey Mishakov based on the works of the war veteran writer Viktor Rozov. At 5:00 PM, third-year students of the Moscow State Institute of Culture will perform the literary and musical composition “Frontline Brigades” directed by Alena Khovanskaya. The play “On a Clear Day,” directed by Marina Brusnikina based on the story of the war veteran writer Viktor Astafyev, will be presented at 6:15 PM by actors of the Donetsk Republican Youth Theater.

    At 19:30, actors from the Moscow Sovremennik Theatre will show fragments of the play “A Tale. The Story of an Extraordinary Love”, staged by Marina Brusnikina based on Anna Baturina’s play “Front-line Soldier”. At 20:10, students from the Moscow Art Theatre School will present a musical and literary programme “Russian Poets about the Great Patriotic War”. It will feature works by Bulat Okudzhava, Alexander Tvardovsky, Andrei Voznesensky, Olga Berggolts, Vladimir Lugovskoy, Yuna Moritz and other authors.

    People’s Artist of Russia Konstantin Raikin will read the poem “Snowfall” by David Samoilov at 21:00. The festival will end with a musical and theatrical program of actors from the Central Academic Theater of the Russian Army. Director – Yulia Shulva. The open rehearsal will begin at 21:15, the concert – at 22:00.

    Take a trial exam

    Over the course of two days, June 21 and 22, in the small amphitheater from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, anyone who wishes will be able to take trial exams to enter a theater school and demonstrate their talents to a professional admissions committee. The committee will include theater figures, including Marina Zudina, Svetlana Kolpakova, Igor Gordin, Oleg Topolyansky, and Igor Vernik. In addition, the participants’ performances will be assessed by directors — artistic director of the A.S. Pushkin Theater Yevgeny Pisarev, artistic director of the Mayakovsky Theater Yegor Peregudov, as well as chief director of the Russian State Academic Youth Theater and artistic director of the Praktika Theater Marina Brusnikina.

    Participants in trial exams will be able to demonstrate themselves in various genres: read prose or poetry, sing a song. Everyone will receive a professional assessment and useful recommendations from stage masters. Improvised auditions will help aspiring actors test their strength before entering theater universities and gain valuable experience communicating with professionals who are ready to share their knowledge and suggest the future path in an acting career.

    Learn improvisation and stage speech

    On June 21 and 22 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the Big Meadow will host acting, improvisation and stage speech classes for the youngest guests, “Theater from Childhood.” They will be conducted by Oleg Sapiro, an actor from the Mayakovsky Theater. Participants will not talk about theater — they will play it: recall lines from different works, complete tasks for imagination, liberation and improvisation. Both children and adults will enjoy body warm-ups, speech and rhythm, as well as acting training.

    See open-air performances

    A stage for street children’s (family) performances will be located near the Zapovednoye Posledstvo pavilion. On June 21, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, viewers will see the premiere – the play “Tales of the Resourceful Soldier” directed by Olga Levitina. Actors from Akulina Svetelkina’s artel will show an interactive, fun performance about the extraordinary valor and ingenuity of ordinary soldiers during Peter the Great’s time. On June 22, there will be a play “Theater on the Carpet” (from 5:15 PM to 6:15 PM) – a project of the Taste Theater, a resident of the Praktika Theater, as well as the production “My First Business” (from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM) by the Russian State Academic Youth Theater.

    What has been prepared for children at the Summer in Moscow sites from June 18 to 22Young readers are invited to new meetings at Literary Boulevard

    Project “Summer in Moscow” — the main event of the season, uniting the brightest events of the capital. Every day in all districts of the city there are charity, cultural and sports events, most of which are free. The project “Summer in Moscow” is held for the second time, and the new season will be more intense: new festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones — original and colorful.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155392073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –