NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Update 304 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) this week provided Ukraine with a freight vehicle for the transport of radioactive material, its 150th delivery of equipment to support nuclear safety and security in the country during the military conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

    State Enterprise USIE Izotop – involved in the management of radioactive material intended for medical, industrial and other purposes – received the truck that was funded by the European Union (EU) and Sweden. IAEA staff helped ensure that transport safety and security considerations were taken into account in the design of the vehicle.

    “Since the start of the conflict three and a half years ago, the IAEA has coordinated assistance for Ukraine of a wide range of technical equipment, medical supplies and other items that are of vital importance for nuclear safety and security. These deliveries are part of our overall efforts aimed at preventing a nuclear accident during this devastating war,” Director General Grossi said.

    “Thanks to the generous support of many of our Member States and the European Union, we have now carried out shipments with a total value of more than 19 million euros, each one helping to enhance different aspects of nuclear safety and security,” he said.

    Several other deliveries have taken place in recent weeks, supported by Belgium, the EU and Japan: the regional state laboratory in Mykolaiv province – badly affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in mid-2023 – received a real-time PCR cycler (Polymerase Chain Reaction, a nuclear-derived technique) for fast and accurate analysis to help it fight the spread of disease as a result of the flooding; the medical unit of the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant received an ultrasound system; and a subsidiary of national nuclear operator Energoatom received a cryostat system ensuring continuity of services affected by power cuts and liquid nitrogen supply challenges.

    Director General Grossi said nuclear safety and security remains under threat in Ukraine.

    At the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the IAEA team based at the site has continued to hear shelling, explosions, and gunfire almost every day.

    Earlier this month, the ZNPP informed the IAEA team that the site’s training centre was targeted in a drone strike on 13 July, resulting in damage to its roof. There were no reports of casualties. The team was not granted access to assess the damage to the training centre located outside the site perimeter, with the plant citing security concerns.

    In addition, the ZNPP’s off-site power situation continues to be extremely fragile, with the plant having had access to just one single power line for almost three months now, compared to ten before the conflict.

    The nearby city of Enerhodar – where most ZNPP staff live – suffered an electricity blackout on 17 July due to damage to its main power line, according to information provided to the IAEA team members.  They were also told that subsequent shelling had damaged some buildings in the city, which was also observed when the team visited Enerhodar on 19 July.

    A forest fire near Enerhodar that caused smoke which was observed by the IAEA team last weekend has been extinguished without any impact on nuclear safety, the plant said.  

    The IAEA team has continued to carry out walkdowns across the ZNPP site to monitor nuclear safety and security, observing the testing of three emergency diesel generators as well as visiting the containment and safety system rooms of two reactor units.

    They also discussed with the plant management different options for refilling the plant’s cooling pond following the loss of the Kakhovka dam two years ago and further planning on emergency preparedness and response, including preparations for a site exercise later this year.

    At Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – three of their total of nine units are currently in shutdown for refuelling and maintenance.

    The IAEA team based at these plants, and the Chornobyl site, reported hearing air raid alarms nearly every day over the past week.

    At the Khmelnytskyy and South Ukraine NPPs, the IAEA teams were informed that during the night of 18 July drones were detected a few kilometres away from the two sites. That same evening, the team at Chornobyl observed flashes of light and heard explosions in the distance.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Update 304 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) this week provided Ukraine with a freight vehicle for the transport of radioactive material, its 150th delivery of equipment to support nuclear safety and security in the country during the military conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

    State Enterprise USIE Izotop – involved in the management of radioactive material intended for medical, industrial and other purposes – received the truck that was funded by the European Union (EU) and Sweden. IAEA staff helped ensure that transport safety and security considerations were taken into account in the design of the vehicle.

    “Since the start of the conflict three and a half years ago, the IAEA has coordinated assistance for Ukraine of a wide range of technical equipment, medical supplies and other items that are of vital importance for nuclear safety and security. These deliveries are part of our overall efforts aimed at preventing a nuclear accident during this devastating war,” Director General Grossi said.

    “Thanks to the generous support of many of our Member States and the European Union, we have now carried out shipments with a total value of more than 19 million euros, each one helping to enhance different aspects of nuclear safety and security,” he said.

    Several other deliveries have taken place in recent weeks, supported by Belgium, the EU and Japan: the regional state laboratory in Mykolaiv province – badly affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in mid-2023 – received a real-time PCR cycler (Polymerase Chain Reaction, a nuclear-derived technique) for fast and accurate analysis to help it fight the spread of disease as a result of the flooding; the medical unit of the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant received an ultrasound system; and a subsidiary of national nuclear operator Energoatom received a cryostat system ensuring continuity of services affected by power cuts and liquid nitrogen supply challenges.

    Director General Grossi said nuclear safety and security remains under threat in Ukraine.

    At the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the IAEA team based at the site has continued to hear shelling, explosions, and gunfire almost every day.

    Earlier this month, the ZNPP informed the IAEA team that the site’s training centre was targeted in a drone strike on 13 July, resulting in damage to its roof. There were no reports of casualties. The team was not granted access to assess the damage to the training centre located outside the site perimeter, with the plant citing security concerns.

    In addition, the ZNPP’s off-site power situation continues to be extremely fragile, with the plant having had access to just one single power line for almost three months now, compared to ten before the conflict.

    The nearby city of Enerhodar – where most ZNPP staff live – suffered an electricity blackout on 17 July due to damage to its main power line, according to information provided to the IAEA team members.  They were also told that subsequent shelling had damaged some buildings in the city, which was also observed when the team visited Enerhodar on 19 July.

    A forest fire near Enerhodar that caused smoke which was observed by the IAEA team last weekend has been extinguished without any impact on nuclear safety, the plant said.  

    The IAEA team has continued to carry out walkdowns across the ZNPP site to monitor nuclear safety and security, observing the testing of three emergency diesel generators as well as visiting the containment and safety system rooms of two reactor units.

    They also discussed with the plant management different options for refilling the plant’s cooling pond following the loss of the Kakhovka dam two years ago and further planning on emergency preparedness and response, including preparations for a site exercise later this year.

    At Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – three of their total of nine units are currently in shutdown for refuelling and maintenance.

    The IAEA team based at these plants, and the Chornobyl site, reported hearing air raid alarms nearly every day over the past week.

    At the Khmelnytskyy and South Ukraine NPPs, the IAEA teams were informed that during the night of 18 July drones were detected a few kilometres away from the two sites. That same evening, the team at Chornobyl observed flashes of light and heard explosions in the distance.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 304 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) this week provided Ukraine with a freight vehicle for the transport of radioactive material, its 150th delivery of equipment to support nuclear safety and security in the country during the military conflict, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said today.

    State Enterprise USIE Izotop – involved in the management of radioactive material intended for medical, industrial and other purposes – received the truck that was funded by the European Union (EU) and Sweden. IAEA staff helped ensure that transport safety and security considerations were taken into account in the design of the vehicle.

    “Since the start of the conflict three and a half years ago, the IAEA has coordinated assistance for Ukraine of a wide range of technical equipment, medical supplies and other items that are of vital importance for nuclear safety and security. These deliveries are part of our overall efforts aimed at preventing a nuclear accident during this devastating war,” Director General Grossi said.

    “Thanks to the generous support of many of our Member States and the European Union, we have now carried out shipments with a total value of more than 19 million euros, each one helping to enhance different aspects of nuclear safety and security,” he said.

    Several other deliveries have taken place in recent weeks, supported by Belgium, the EU and Japan: the regional state laboratory in Mykolaiv province – badly affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam in mid-2023 – received a real-time PCR cycler (Polymerase Chain Reaction, a nuclear-derived technique) for fast and accurate analysis to help it fight the spread of disease as a result of the flooding; the medical unit of the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant received an ultrasound system; and a subsidiary of national nuclear operator Energoatom received a cryostat system ensuring continuity of services affected by power cuts and liquid nitrogen supply challenges.

    Director General Grossi said nuclear safety and security remains under threat in Ukraine.

    At the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), the IAEA team based at the site has continued to hear shelling, explosions, and gunfire almost every day.

    Earlier this month, the ZNPP informed the IAEA team that the site’s training centre was targeted in a drone strike on 13 July, resulting in damage to its roof. There were no reports of casualties. The team was not granted access to assess the damage to the training centre located outside the site perimeter, with the plant citing security concerns.

    In addition, the ZNPP’s off-site power situation continues to be extremely fragile, with the plant having had access to just one single power line for almost three months now, compared to ten before the conflict.

    The nearby city of Enerhodar – where most ZNPP staff live – suffered an electricity blackout on 17 July due to damage to its main power line, according to information provided to the IAEA team members.  They were also told that subsequent shelling had damaged some buildings in the city, which was also observed when the team visited Enerhodar on 19 July.

    A forest fire near Enerhodar that caused smoke which was observed by the IAEA team last weekend has been extinguished without any impact on nuclear safety, the plant said.  

    The IAEA team has continued to carry out walkdowns across the ZNPP site to monitor nuclear safety and security, observing the testing of three emergency diesel generators as well as visiting the containment and safety system rooms of two reactor units.

    They also discussed with the plant management different options for refilling the plant’s cooling pond following the loss of the Kakhovka dam two years ago and further planning on emergency preparedness and response, including preparations for a site exercise later this year.

    At Ukraine’s operating nuclear power plants (NPPs) – Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine – three of their total of nine units are currently in shutdown for refuelling and maintenance.

    The IAEA team based at these plants, and the Chornobyl site, reported hearing air raid alarms nearly every day over the past week.

    At the Khmelnytskyy and South Ukraine NPPs, the IAEA teams were informed that during the night of 18 July drones were detected a few kilometres away from the two sites. That same evening, the team at Chornobyl observed flashes of light and heard explosions in the distance.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Planning Inspectorate’s Business Plan for 2025-2026 published

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Planning Inspectorate’s Business Plan for 2025-2026 published

    The 2025/26 Business Plan sets out the priorities we believe are critical to addressing the main challenges of the day

    The Planning Inspectorate has today published its Business Plan for 2025/26 setting out our priorities and ambitions for the year.

    It details our focus on the delivery of excellent services to benefit the whole planning system and provides a practical framework as we progress the second year of our strategic plan.  

    We are committed to delivering high-quality, timely decisions across all our casework areas – from national infrastructure projects to planning appeals and local plan examinations.  

    This year we’re excited to be accelerating progress through a number of initiatives including:  

    • introducing a simplified appeals process for the majority of appeals following the Minister’s decision to amend regulations 

    • progressing trials of more concise decision writing to further improve timeliness and consistency of decisions 

    • concluding our significant recruitment campaign to ensure we have the colleagues we need to deliver on our ambitious plans. 

    As set out in our 2024/25 Annual Report we have already made significant progress in reducing our overall caseload and making quicker decisions. We will be doing even more this year to improve our performance including expanding our digital services and making the appeals process quicker and easier to navigate whilst remaining impartial, fair and open. 

    We fully recognise the challenges ahead. The government has placed planning at the heart of its Plan for Change.  Our Business Plan gives us the practical direction to meet these challenges, reform our services and work together with our stakeholders to create a more effective and efficient planning system.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charles Donald to step down as UK Government Investments CEO next year

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Charles Donald to step down as UK Government Investments CEO next year

    Charles Donald stepping down after successfully leading UKGI as its CEO since early 2020.

    • UKGI’s corporate governance and corporate finance advice and support has been significantly expanded since his appointment, particularly through the setting up of the new Financial Instruments and Transactions Advisory Group.
    • The recruitment process for his successor will be launched shortly.

    Charles Donald has announced today (24 July) that he will step down from his role as CEO of UK Government Investments (UKGI) in early 2026 after over five years of leading the company.

    UKGI is the government’s centre for expertise in corporate governance and corporate finance, providing expert advice and solutions to the government, including financial interventions into corporate structures and corporate finance negotiations.

    As CEO, Charles oversaw a significant expansion of UKGI’s activities during the pandemic including the establishment of the Covid Interventions Resolution Group which supported the Bank of England’s £85 billion Covid Corporate Financing Facility.

    The addition of AWE, BBC Commercial, Eutelsat, Octric, the National Wealth Fund, NESO, Network Rail, Reclaim Fund Limited, Sheffield Forgemasters and Sizewell C to UKGI’s governance portfolio also happened during Charles’ time as CEO.

    He was a key player in securing the Treasury’s full exit as a shareholder in NatWest Group in May 2025.

    Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds, said:

    Charles has been an excellent CEO of UKGI, having led an impressive expansion of its important work to provide advice and support to the Government on complex corporate governance and corporate finance matters.

    I wish him well and look forward to UKGI’s continued work to support our number one mission – delivering economic growth.

    Charles Donald, outgoing CEO of UKGI, said

    It has been an extraordinary privilege to be the CEO of UKGI since early 2020.

    My objective was to continue building the expertise in corporate finance and corporate governance that UKGI brings to government as well as to ensure that UKGI continued to be an effective bridge between Whitehall and the City.

    I am proud to have had the opportunity to grow and further professionalise an organisation of such skilled and dedicated experts who support departments as government’s in-house corporate finance and corporate governance advisory function.

    Vindi Banga, Chair of UKGI, said:

    I am profoundly grateful to Charles for his leadership and commitment to UKGI over the past seven years. 

    It has been a privilege to work with Charles as he has led UKGI in support of some of government’s toughest challenges, with his characteristically calm leadership style, wisdom, and immense professional expertise.

    The recruitment process for Charles Donald’s successor will be launched shortly.

    The Board, led by Vindi Banga, is leading the process and as part of a well-ordered succession, Charles will support the transition to the new CEO following their appointment.

    Further information

    • UKGI is the government’s centre of expertise in corporate governance and corporate finance. It provides expert advice and leading solutions that inform and translate government’s decisions into effective outcomes in the national interest. 
    • UKGI acts as shareholder representative for, and leads the establishment of, UK government most complex and commercial arm’s length bodies on behalf of sponsor departments. It advises on major UK government corporate finance matters, including financial interventions into corporate structures and corporate finance negotiations; it analyses and advises on the UK government’s contingent liabilities and advises on major UK government corporate finance matters, including financial interventions into corporate structures and corporate finance negotiations. 
    • UKGI is owned by HM Treasury and independently managed with a Board comprised predominantly of independent non-executive directors. UKGI works closely with both the private and public sectors, advising and interacting with ministers, Parliament, and Whitehall departments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Holidaymakers heading to Europe urged to help protect British farmers by not bringing back meat and dairy products

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Holidaymakers heading to Europe urged to help protect British farmers by not bringing back meat and dairy products

    Call for holidaymakers to follow rules introduced to help protect farmers from Foot and Mouth

    UK holidaymakers heading to Europe this summer are being urged to help protect British farmers from Foot and Mouth disease by not bringing back meat and dairy products 

    Europe has seen a wave of cases impacting Hungary, Austria and Germany, and the UK Chief Vet is today (July 24th) urging the British public to comply with the rules, so we avoid a devastating outbreak like the one that was experienced in 2001. 

    Foot and Mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that can, in some cases, kill cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. It can be carried in animal products – including meat, dairy products and some processed food. The virus can remain viable for months and can rapidly spread through contaminated objects and the movement of people.  

    It is illegal for travellers entering GB to bring with them untreated meat or dairy products including lamb, pork, mutton, venison and goat meat, and all other products made from these meats or containing them – such as sandwiches and sausages – from the EU, regardless of whether they are packed, packaged or have been bought at duty free.     

    This includes products such as cheese, chorizo, salami, serrano ham, pâté, yoghurt, butter, milk, and sandwiches containing any of the banned meats.  

    These strict rules were introduced due to the toll Foot and Mouth can have on the farming industry . An outbreak could result in the culling of large numbers of the country’s livestock and cost the UK economy billions of pounds in production shortfalls, lost trade and disease control. The outbreak in GB in 2001 is estimated to have cost £15 billion (in current prices) in disease control costs alone.  

    Biosecurity Minister, Baroness Hayman, said: 

    Maintaining the integrity of our biosecurity against Foot and Mouth Disease is essential, and this updated control strategy reflects our strengthened approach to managing that risk. It reflects our clear determination to safeguard our borders. 

    We are asking the public to take this seriously. Do not bring prohibited animal or plant products into the country—doing so puts farmers livelihoods at risk.

    UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said:  

    Foot and Mouth disease has been recently circulating on the continent. The disease presents a significant risk to Britain’s food security and economy. 

    This highly contagious disease causes considerable suffering to livestock and has a devastating economic and personal impact on farmers, who lose their prized animals.  I know it is disappointing not to be able to bring back produce from your holidays, but please avoid temptation – you will be doing your bit to help protect our hard-working farmers.

    To further strengthen the country’s response to foot and mouth disease, the Government has today updated the Foot and Mouth Control Strategy for GB which will support the UK’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to an outbreak, protecting the livestock industry and rural economy. This is the first update in over a decade. This comes ahead of an exercise later this year to test Government preparedness. The updated framework provides information to help farmers protect their business and outlines how government will respond effectively to outbreaks. 

    Last month, the Government announced £1bn funding for a new investment programme to build a new National Biosecurity Centre – a cutting-edge scientific campus in Surrey that will serve as the UKs foremost animal biosecurity facility. This will better protect the public and farmers from animal disease by enhancing the country’s detection, surveillance and control capabilities for high-risk animal diseases, such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease, and African swine fever, and enhance our ability to manage concurrent disease outbreaks. 

    Foot and mouth disease is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:    

    • 03000 200 301 in England     

    • 0300 303 8268 in Wales     

    • your local  Field Services Office in Scotland 

    ENDS 

    Notes to editors – current restrictions  

    • Travellers are currently banned from bringing all dairy products and some meats from the European Union (EU) into GB. These restrictions aim to prevent the introduction of FMD and other harmful animal diseases such as ASF, PPR and LSD.   

    • It is illegal for travellers entering GB (not Northern Ireland) to bring with them lamb, pork, mutton, venison and goat meat, and all other products made from these meats or containing them – such as sandwiches and sausages – from the EU, regardless of whether they are packed, packaged or have been bought at duty free.     

    • This includes products such as cheese, chorizo, salami, serrano ham, pâté, yoghurt, butter, milk, and sandwiches containing any of the banned meats.  

    • The current restrictions were introduced in April in response to rising cases of FMD in Europe, and to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security. Restrictions on travellers bringing back certain meat and dairy products were already in place to curb the spread of ASF and PPR in Europe.   

    • Travellers are also banned from bringing any meat, meat products, milk or milk-based products into GB from countries outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.  

    • Border Force will check for prohibited goods as part of customs checks. Travellers found with prohibited items must surrender them at the border or have them seized and destroyed. In serious cases, those found with such may be fined up to £5,000 in England or prosecuted across GB.  

    • The government continues to work closely with ports, airports and travel operators to raise awareness of the ban, including via prominent signage.  

    • The measures will stay in place until the personal import of affected products no longer poses a significant biosecurity risk to GB.  

    • The restrictions do not apply to travellers arriving into GB from Northern Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.  

    • The measures apply only to personal imports, e.g. goods that travellers bring back with them from holiday. Commercial food imports must undergo other biosecurity requirements, including heat treatments and accompanying export health certificates signed by official veterinarians to mitigate the risk of diseases, such as FMD, ASF, PPR and LSD.  

    • More information for travellers arriving from the EU can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/bringing-food-into-great-britain/meat-dairy-fish-animal-products

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report reveals strong performance from Council’s Counter Fraud Team

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby City Council saved over £500,000 in the last financial year and recovered nine homes for Council tenants, thanks to the work of the Counter Fraud team.

    The figures are detailed in an annual report submitted to the Council’s Audit and Governance Committee.

    The report shows that the team achieved almost 200 positive outcomes during the 2024/25 financial year, highlighting the Council’s commitment to tackling fraudulent activity and protecting public resources.

    Savings were achieved by recovering money that was lost and by preventing various fraud schemes.

    Nine social housing properties that were being used illegally were recovered for eligible residents on the housing waiting list, and six Right to Buy applications were withdrawn.

    Two people were prosecuted for benefit fraud, as part of joint working with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

    Raising awareness about fraud remained a priority. The team shared fraud warnings both inside and outside the organisation, used social media to encourage the public to report anything suspicious, and gave important fraud awareness training to staff and partners.

    Councillor Shiraz Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services said:

    These results underscore our proactive stance against fraud and the team’s dedication to ensuring that taxpayer money and vital housing resources are used appropriately.

    The recovery of nine properties and the significant savings delivered highlight the tangible benefits of our Counter Fraud Team’s expertise and diligent work.

    The team is working hard to protect vital public services — but can’t do it alone. If you suspect fraud, help us take action.

    You can Report fraud anonymously online, email: fraud@derby.gov.uk or telephone the 24-hour hotline: 01332 640888.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Polytechnic University is completing the process of accepting documents for budget-funded bachelor’s and specialist’s degrees

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The admissions campaign at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is in full swing, and its first stage is coming to an end. On July 25 at 12:00 Moscow time, the deadline for accepting documents for the bachelor’s and specialist’s programs of full-time budgetary education ends. Applicants have only one day left to submit an application and finally decide on their future profession.

    Currently, more than 139,000 applications have been submitted for bachelor’s and specialist’s degree programs, which confirms the high interest of applicants in the Polytechnic University. In terms of the number of applications, the leading positions are still occupied by the Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity, the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade, the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport.

    Although you can submit documents to SPbPU online from anywhere in the country, the Admissions Committee is always happy to meet with applicants in person. This year, a modern multifunctional space has been organized in the Reading Room of the Main Academic Building, where you can submit documents with the help of the Admissions Committee staff, sign a training agreement and, of course, submit consent for enrollment (in 2025, it replaces the need to provide an original education document). Next to the Reading Room, there are institute stands where university representatives provide detailed information about training programs, internship opportunities and employment prospects. During the admissions campaign, meetings and tours of laboratories were also held for applicants and their parents, allowing them to get acquainted with the university infrastructure.

    This year, in order to be enrolled in a university, it is necessary to provide consent for enrollment instead of the original educational document. At the moment, more than 1,500 applicants have already submitted consent for enrollment.

    The main innovation of this year was the “Petrovskaya Wave” program, which guarantees admission to applicants with high scores. If the applicant’s score exceeds the established threshold, the university will enroll him or her even in a fee-paying place – at its own expense. In 2025, the wave will apply to some areas of the Institute of Energy, the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport, and the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications.

    Also in 2025, a new grant system for talented applicants was introduced. Winners and prize winners of Olympiads, as well as students entering with high Unified State Exam scores, can receive a grant of up to 120,000 rubles, as well as an additional payment of 50,000 rubles subject to excellent academic performance. In 2025, more than 500 winners and prize winners of Olympiads applied to the Polytechnic University, of which 150 have already agreed to enroll in the university.

    After the document submission process is complete, the enrollment stage will begin. On July 27, the competitive lists will be published, according to which applicants will be able to assess their situation and opportunities for admission. In order to be enrolled in the Polytechnic University, applicants must provide consent for enrollment (on the State Services portal, in person at the admissions office or by mail) within the established deadlines:

    until August 1, 12:00 Moscow time — for applicants on quotas and without entrance examinations until August 5, 12:00 Moscow time — for applicants to the main competitive places

    On July 2, priority enrollment will take place for preferential categories and winners and prize winners of Olympiads, and on August 7, the main stage of enrollment for full-time budgetary education will take place.

    Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University is waiting for its future main heroes and is preparing for a new academic year full of discoveries, scientific achievements and exciting events!

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: According to preliminary data, all those on board the An-24 in the Amur Region have died — TASS

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Vladivostok, July 24 /Xinhua/ — All those on board the An-24 plane that crashed in the Amur Region have died, according to preliminary information, TASS reported, citing emergency services.

    “According to preliminary information, everyone died. So far, the helicopter with rescuers cannot land in the crash site – it is a hard-to-reach area, a mountain slope. There is a fire at the site,” the source said. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lightning: Thai military says nine civilians killed in clashes with Cambodia – media

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Xinhua | 24.07.2025

    Keywords: Thailand-Cambodia

    Source: Xinhua

    Flash: Thai Armed Forces Say Nine Civilians Killed in Clashes with Cambodia — Media Flash: Thai Armed Forces Say Nine Civilians Killed in Clashes with Cambodia — Media

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cambodian PM urges people to remain calm amid clashes on Thai border

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    PHNOM PENH, July 24 (Xinhua) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday called on the people to remain calm and trust the government and military amid a clash on the border with Thailand.

    Khun Manet wrote on his official social media page that the Thai army launched an attack on Cambodian military positions in Oddar Meanchey province on Thursday morning, and then in Preah Vihear province.

    “Cambodia has always maintained the position that it wants to resolve problems peacefully, but in this case we have no choice but to respond with armed forces to armed aggression,” he said. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Stabilization Notice – Pre Stab – Alstria HoldCo

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    [24/07/25]

    Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

    [Alstria HoldCo]

    Pre-stabilisation Period Announcement

    BNP Paribas (contact: Stanford Hartman telephone: 0207 595 8222 hereby gives notice, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilisation Manager(s) named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation EU/2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU/596/2014).

    The securities:1  
    Issuer: ALEXANDRITE LAKE LUX HOLDINGS S.A R.L., SAVOY LUXEMBURG HOLDINGS S.A R.L
    Guarantor (if any): N.A
    Aggregate nominal amount: 300.000.000 EUR
    Description: SENIOR SECURED NOTES
    Offer price: TBC
    Other offer terms: N.A
    Stabilisation:  
    Stabilisation Manager(s) BNP PARIBAS, MS, CACIB, DB, SG, BOFA
    Stabilisation period expected to start on: 24/07/2025
    Stabilisation period expected to end no later than: 28/08/2025
    Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over‑allotment facility: The Stabilisation Manager(s) may over‑allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law.
    Stabilisation trading venue: OTC

    In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilisation Manager(s) may over‑allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time. Any stabilisation action or over‑allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

    This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

    This announcement and the offer of the securities to which it relates are only addressed to and directed at persons outside the United Kingdom and persons in the United Kingdom who have professional experience in matters related to investments or who are high net worth persons within Article 12(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in the United Kingdom.

    In addition, if and to the extent that this announcement is communicated in, or the offer of the securities to which it relates is made in, the UK or any EEA Member State before the publication of a prospectus in relation to the securities which has been approved by the competent authority in the UK or that Member State in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the “Prospectus  Regulation”) (or which has been approved by a competent authority in another Member State and notified to the competent authority in the UK or that Member State in accordance with the Prospectus Regulation), this announcement and the offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in the UK or that Member State who are qualified investors within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (or who are other persons to whom the offer may lawfully be addressed) and must not be acted on or relied on by other persons in the UK or that Member State.

    This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. There will be no public offer of securities in the United States. 

    The MIL Network –

  • Russian plane crashes in Russia’s far east, nearly 50 people on board feared dead

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An Antonov An-24 passenger plane carrying about 50 people crashed in Russia’s far east on Thursday and initial information suggested that everyone on board was killed, Russian emergency services officials said.

    The burning fuselage of the plane, which was from the Soviet era and was nearly 50 years old, was spotted on the ground by a helicopter and rescue crews were rushing to the scene.

    Unverified video, shot from a helicopter and posted on social media, appeared to show that the plane had come down in a densely forested area.

    The plane, whose tail number showed it was built in 1976, was operated by a Siberia-based airline called Angara.

    It was en route from the city of Blagoveshchensk to Tynda and dropped off radar screens while approaching Tynda, a remote town in the Amur region bordering China.

    There were 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members on board according to preliminary data, Vasily Orlov, the regional governor said.

    The emergencies ministry put the number of people on board somewhat lower, at around 40.

    Debris from the plane was found on a hill around 15 km (10 miles) from Tynda, the Interfax news agency quoted emergency service officials as saying.

    “During the search operation, a Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Rossaviatsiya discovered the fuselage of the aircraft, which was on fire,” Yuliya Petina, an emergency services official, wrote on Telegram.

    “Rescuers continue to make their way to the scene of the accident”.

    Authorities announced an investigation into the crash.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New research reveals scars of Gambia’s witch hunts

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    A map showing the location of The Gambia

    A new United Nations-funded study has highlighted the lasting psychological and social scars left by a state-sponsored witch hunt in The Gambia, more than a decade after it was carried out by former President Yahya Jammeh.

    The research, led by Professor Mick Finlay of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) in collaboration with the University of The Gambia and Nottingham Trent University, is the first academic study into the stigma associated with government-led witchcraft accusations, and includes interviews with victims and their families from the villages most affected by the campaign.

    Jammeh’s 22-year dictatorship, which ended in 2016, was marked by human rights abuses including torture, extrajudicial killings and disappearances. Between 2008-2009, he orchestrated a campaign of witch hunts focusing on the West Coast and North Bank regions. These were led by a group of “witch hunters” from neighbouring countries, supported by The Gambia’s security forces.

    Hundreds of people, mainly elderly, were detained, beaten, raped and subjected to degrading treatment. It is thought 41 people died and the survivors faced social exclusion and discrimination when they returned home because of the stigma associated with the witchcraft accusations.

    The new study, published in the Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology and funded by the United Nations Development Program (The Gambia), involved interviewing and surveying the victims and their families, as well as members of their communities.

    There was widespread sympathy for those affected – 98% of survey respondents expressed compassion for victims and their families – and a high level of agreement that the government (99%) and the community (92%) should provide more help for victims, indicating that the effects of the witch hunts were still being experienced.

    The study also highlighted the complex role of traditional beliefs in perpetuating stigma. Although most participants believed the witch hunts were organised to frighten people not to oppose President Jammeh (89%) or to sow division (87%), 25% believed the threat from witches was real, including 22% of victims and the families of victims surveyed.

    However, there was overwhelming support for legal reform. Almost all participants agreed that accusations of witchcraft should be made illegal (98%), and those responsible should be punished (95%).

    Through interviews, the researchers found that the stigma extended beyond individuals to their families and entire villages. Children of victims were bullied at school, families were shunned, and some communities were labelled as “witch villages” by neighbouring areas. This led to broken relationships, mistrust and long-lasting divisions within and between communities.

    Victims reported a range of psychological conditions including anxiety, panic attacks and post-traumatic symptoms. Many described feeling powerless and socially isolated. Some withdrew from public life entirely, while others struggled to find work.

    Although The Gambia’s current government established a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to investigate the human rights abuses carried out by Jammeh, the study found many victims felt more needed to be done to address the specific harms caused by the witch hunts.

    Participants proposed a range of measures to support reconciliation and healing including public declarations of innocence, legal reforms to criminalise witchcraft accusations, counselling, educational support, financial reparations and community-led dialogues to restore victims’ reputations.

    “Our extensive fieldwork showed that not only did victims of the witchcraft accusations have to deal with the trauma of the human rights abuses, they also experienced a range of longer-term stigmatising effects from sections of their communities.

    “There was a strong desire among those we spoke to for official recognition of the injustice they suffered. Addressing the stigma of Jammeh’s witch hunts involves restoring the good name of the victims through official declarations as well as rebuilding their social roles and relationships.

    “Although The Gambia is undergoing transitional justice processes to address the impacts of the dictatorship, the recommendations by the participants should help the government and NGOs to further develop reparation and reconciliation processes related to the specific case of state-sanctioned witch hunts.

    “Our findings will be of interest to other countries going through transitional justice processes when human rights come into conflict with traditional beliefs, especially belief in witchcraft.”

    Mick Finlay, the lead author of the study and Professor of Social and Applied Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

    The open access study also involved the Women’s Association of Victims’ Empowerment (WAVE) charity in The Gambia and is published by the Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology. It will be available at the following DOI: 10.1002/casp.70147

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni expresses satisfaction with Senate’s approval of bill on femicide as a crime in its own right

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    23 Luglio 2025

    It is with particular satisfaction that I welcome the Senate’s unanimous approval of the government-initiated bill to introduce femicide as a crime in its own right within our legal system. Italy is one of the first nations to embark on this path, which we are convinced can help fight what is an intolerable scourge. I wish to thank all the political forces, both in the governing majority and the opposition, for their united support for this proposal and their contribution to improving it.
    The bill will now move on to the Chamber of Deputies, and I hope the procedure can be completed swiftly.

    [Courtesy translation]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rail passengers in the North to benefit from simpler fares and cheaper tickets thanks to public ownership

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Rail passengers in the North to benefit from simpler fares and cheaper tickets thanks to public ownership

    This initiative will expand the availability of advance rail tickets across publicly owned operators, to provide more options for people travelling across the North.

    • significant passenger savings delivered by making advance fares available across publicly-owned operators at the same time 
    • operators estimate they generated £200,000 generated in additional revenue for the railway, helping towards rebuilding a world class service for passengers
    • cheaper, simpler journeys will open up more options for people travelling across the North, boosting connectivity and driving growth as part of the Plan for Change

    Passengers in the North of England can benefit from cost and carbon savings through a new customer initiative that expands the availability of advance tickets across government owned train operators. 

    Publicly owned train operators, LNER, TransPennine Express and Northern, worked with Network Rail to launch a joint initiative to provide more options to people travelling across the North by making fares cheaper on routes that required an interchange between the operators.  

    Following a pilot launched June 24 2025, operators have found this initiative has already:  

    • delivered significant passenger savings by making advance fares available across the whole route at the same time 
    • generated £200,000 in additional revenue for the railway, encouraging people to choose public transport

    This builds on the government’s plans to overhaul the railways to make them simpler, more flexible and passenger focused. Ahead of the creation of Great British Railways, the government continues to work to deliver positive changes like this for passengers – attracting more people back onto our trains, boosting the economy and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

    Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, said: 

    This is exactly the type of collaborative work public ownership enables, allowing us to put passengers first by making train travel simpler and more affordable.

    Through these cheaper fares we’re opening up more options to people travelling across the North, putting more money in working people’s pockets and boosting connectivity and growth as part of our Plan for Change.

    In June 2024 a pilot was launched by publicly-owned train operators between Leeds and Manchester to make fares cheaper for customers to provide more options for people travelling across the North. Between Leeds and Manchester, analysis of mobile network data showed that rail’s modal share was low despite competitive journey times vs car. Further investigation found that this was due to a lack of clear, consistent ticket options for train journeys involving more than one operator.  

    For passengers booking ahead, cheaper advance fares were often available on only one leg of a cross-operator journey, with the walk-up fare on the other – creating an unattractive proposition for would-be rail users looking to book in advance. 

    Since the original trial, and by using mobile network data, the publicly-owned train operators and Network Rail identified further underperforming travel flows for cross-operator advance journey options and introduced more affordable fares to encourage more people to choose the train.  

    This data-driven approach uses innovative mobile data to track travel patterns and identify customer flows, enabling train operators in public ownership to create smarter, more efficient ticketing options that benefit both passengers and the environment. 

    The move is part of a wider effort to make rail travel more attractive, affordable, and sustainable – and shows how public ownership can deliver real benefits for passengers.  

    Operators continue to identify further flows to add in the future where we expect to continue to see positive results.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrating International Security Officers’ Day

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Celebrating International Security Officers’ Day

    The Security Industry Authority is paying tribute to those in the private security industry who go above and beyond for public safety.

    Celebrated on 24 July every year, to reflect the role security play protecting the public 24/7, International Security Officers’ Day is a significant date in the private security industry. 

    Chair of the SIA Heather Baily has written a message of thanks to all those in the private security industry who help keep the public safe every single day, while also reflecting on the impressive skills successful security operatives possess. 

    As part of the same piece, the SIA also spoke to three front line security officers to learn more about their varied roles and responsibilities, as well as their advice and perspective for the rest of the private security industry. 

    Read the full message from Heather Baily and the words from the front line operatives on our blog.

    SIA CEO Michelle Russell will be visiting security operatives in London as part of the day’s activity to hear directly from operatives about their experience and the challenges they’ve faced protecting the public, while our Chair Heather Baily will be doing the same with operatives in Manchester. 

    These visits, alongside other content related to International Security Officers’ Day, will be posted about on the SIA’s LinkedIn page.

    Background

    International Security Officers’ Day is held each year on 24 July to represent the 24/7 nature of security work. 

    Members of the public are encouraged to acknowledge any security operatives they see on the day. Some simple things you can do to show your appreciation include saying hello or thank you with a smile. 

    Security business owners and managers are also encouraged to acknowledge their front-line workers. Examples of how security companies are marking the occasion include: sending thank you messages to their staff, organising an event or site visit to say thank you in person, and acknowledging their officers on social media.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Reading is a walk in the park with free audiobooks

    Source: City of Leeds

    Visitors to parks in Leeds are being encouraged to listen to stories while they take a stroll this summer through the new ‘Walking Books’ project.

    The hope is to introduce reading to new audiences with free eAudiobooks and promote wellbeing.

    Librarians in the city have created a new reading list specially designed for people walking in the park, so visitors can listen to a story that is the length of a stroll around the park or try out titles themed around mindfulness.

    The list of short books, poems and stories can be found on the BorrowBox app, which is entirely free with a library card. Borrowbox allows you to download up to six ebooks or eaudio books to your own device, with thousands of titles for all ages and tastes to choose from.

    eAudiobooks can promote reading by introducing books to those who might not otherwise engage with them, such as reluctant readers or those with reading difficulties. They can also help remove barriers around reading for children and help them access more advanced stories by listening to them.

    Leeds Libraries secured a £5,000 project grant award from the National Acquisitions Group to encourage more people in the city to listen to books and boost their wellbeing in local green spaces. 

    Dawn Stanley-Donaghy, the librarian behind the project, said: “We know that being in nature is good for mental health and so is reading, even for just a few minutes. ‘Walking Books’ is encouraging people to go out and enjoy our parks and be present in the moment by listening to a story or a poem.

    “Some of our libraries are very close to parks, so it is a great opportunity to remind people using the parks for a walk that they can download eAudiobooks for free.”

    The reading list is live on the Borrowbox app, and will be promoted at events over the summer, with special banners across Leeds’ parks to reach new users outside the library walls.

    Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, and Councillor Mary Harland, executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said: “2026 has just been announced as the national year of reading so it is the perfect time to encourage people to pick up, or download, a book.

    “Reading and walking in the park are both great for mental health and we hope that this project will bring more people into our parks and our libraries.”

    Get a library card and learn more at https://libraries.leeds.gov.uk/walking-books.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNESCO strengthens fire resilience in the Pantanal and Cerrado with support from local communities

    Source: UNESCO World Heritage Centre

    The initiative aims to protect areas recognized as World Natural Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves through the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF).

    UNESCO is intensifying its efforts in Brazil to protect areas recognized as World Natural Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves in response to the rise in extreme wildfires driven by climate change. Through the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF), the organization is leading a strategic initiative to bolster fire resilience in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso and in Goiás.

    A total of 60 volunteers were trained through this project: 30 in the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park (MT), 15 in Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (GO), and 15 in Emas National Park (GO). Around 800 pieces of equipment were distributed, including firefighting tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Additionally, an action plan is being developed to guide volunteer firefighters, based on Integrated Fire Management (IFM) and UNESCO’s Fire Risk Management Guide.

    “The project funded by the Heritage Emergency Fund makes a significant contribution to local communities by recognizing and strengthening their vital role in fire prevention and control”

    Interinstitutional initiative in the Pantanal

    From 22 to 25 April 2025, the Serra do Amolar — a remote and hard-to-reach region between Corumbá (MS) and Cáceres (MT), on the border with Bolivia — hosted a community brigade training supported by UNESCO’s Heritage Emergency Fund. The activity took place in the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park, in collaboration with WWF-Brazil, GEF Terrestrial (Funbio), Ibama (PrevFogo), Ecoa (Ecology and Action), and the Brazilian Navy.

    Three brigades, made up of 30 Pantanal residents — including 14 women — took part in the training. Over three intensive days of technical and practical lessons, participants learned fire prevention and control techniques from specialists.

    In addition to traditional methods — such as the use of specific tools, fire front control, heat mapping, and surveillance — the training incorporated agroforestry practices adapted to the Pantanal context. “One innovation was the management of slash-and-burn plots and backyard gardens. These areas, besides being vital for local subsistence, serve as ecological corridors that can protect wildlife during fires”, explains André Luiz Siqueira, Director of Ecoa.

    Another innovation was the introduction of the Sigma tool, a software developed by SOS Pantanal, which sends real-time fire alerts to mobile phones. Using satellite imagery and data such as wind direction and temperature, the technology is accessible even to those with limited formal education.

    Support from the Brazilian Navy enabled the logistics for participants and specialists, including transport via small boats, 950 liters of petrol, and 870 kilograms of food. Accommodation was provided by staff from the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).

    Geographical and climatic challenges in firefighting

    Corumbá, covering over 64,000 km², is the 11th largest municipality in Brazil. The rugged terrain of the Serra do Amolar and limited access via rivers or air pose logistical challenges for firefighting. The presence of peat — organic matter accumulated in wetlands — creates highly flammable biomass during the dry season, making fires frequent and intense.

    The region encompassing the Pantanal Matogrossense National Park is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside three Private Natural Heritage Reserves, and is also recognized as a Ramsar Site — an international designation for wetlands of high ecological importance.

    “The Pantanal harbors great biodiversity and is vital for fish reproduction (ichthyofauna). This region is essential for traditional peoples, sustainable tourism, and the conservation of species such as the jaguar, giant otter, and giant anteater”

    In 2024, the Pantanal experienced one of the worst wildfire seasons on record. According to the Laboratory for Environmental Satellite Applications (Lasa/UFRJ), around 2.6 million hectares — 17% of the biome — were consumed by fire. This was the second-highest figure since the historical series began in 2012, surpassed only by 2020, when 3.6 million hectares were devastated.

    “The drought pattern has changed. Although climate change is intensifying, those combating the fires are now better organized. We have more brigade members, resources, support from the National Security Force, the Armed Forces, and a more structured state response,” says Márcio Yule, coordinator of PrevFogo/Ibama in Mato Grosso do Sul.

    Extreme drought — worsened by the El Niño phenomenon — combined with improper fire use, high temperatures, and low humidity, has increased vegetation vulnerability and impacted biodiversity and traditional community livelihoods.

    I’ve been a brigade member since 2001, and the training helps us in many ways. Having the right equipment, rather than just our bare hands, makes all the difference. As traditional people, we have knowledge of fire management and know the land. When firefighters arrive, they need to talk to the community to understand what’s happening here. This combination of our knowledge, training, and equipment allows us to care for the land and the Pantanal.

    She is a quilombola and indigenous woman from the Guató people, living in the Barra de São Lourenço community — on the banks of the Cuiabá River near the Paraguay River, on the border between Mato Grosso do Sul and Mato Grosso, and the frontier with Bolivia.

    Silas Ismael

    Despite the increasingly challenging climate scenario, the combination of community mobilization, traditional knowledge, and technology has proven effective in mitigating damage. “The formation of civil brigades is more than a fire response plan — it is a territorial adaptation strategy that supports autonomy and resilience in the Pantanal,” says Osvaldo Barassi Gajardo, Conservation Specialist at WWF-Brazil.

    With each new training session, more than just skills are developed — a living protection network is built, where nature, science, and community walk hand in hand. Brigade member Eliane has a dream for the world’s largest wetland. “We care for nature, and nature cares for us. My dream is a green Pantanal full of animals”.

    Rosi do Céu, rooted in the Cerrado

    Since childhood, 47-year-old Rosilene Rodrigues da Silva Santos has guided people through the beauties and unique features of the Cerrado biome in Chapadão do Céu, Goiás, Brazil.

    “I grew up in this region. When visitors came to our house looking for tours, my parents would ask me to show them the trails, explain the routes, and teach them how to reach Emas National Park”. Today, Rosi works as a guide at the park during weekend and holidays, volunteers as a firefighter, and has served as a primary school teacher for the past 28 years. Currently, she teaches first grade at a municipal school in Chapadão do Céu from Monday to Friday.

    In 2010, a massive wildfire devastated approximately 90% of the 132,000 hectares of Emas National Park and the surrounding region. “That was my first time volunteering. The fire lasted several days, and the entire community helped. We brought clothes, supplies, and food for those battling the flames. It was my first experience with fire”.

    In her view, “nature still hasn’t fully recovered” from that fire. “The animals didn’t all return, there are far fewer now. But the Cerrado is life. It regenerates. The trees are twisted, with thick bark and deep roots. It’s on purpose. When fire comes, it doesn’t consume the forest floor. The Cerrado survives, it’s resilient,” she explains.

    In April, Rosi participated in a fire brigade training coordinated by UNESCO, with support from the Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF), and with WWF-Brazil. Trainings were held at three sites: Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park (GO), Emas National Park (GO), and Pantanal Matogrossense National Park (MT) – addressing conservation efforts across the Cerrado and Pantanal biomes.

    The training was excellent. Now we’re better prepared to manage the park during the dry season, following the management plan. And if emergencies arise, we know how to fight fires strategically, safely, and effectively.

    But if you ask Rosi do Céu (Rosi of the Sky) what she loves most, the answer is nature and wildlife. “Some people admire celebrities. I admire those who love nature. I love the wilderness and care for animals”.

    Rosi also makes handcrafted items from bamboo and wood, and rescues snakes and wild animals when needed. “Just send me a message on WhatsApp. If there’s an opossum or any creature, people say, Call Rosi, she’ll take care of it.” In 2018, she rescued a tapir and named her Preciosa (Precious). “Every time I go to Emas National Park, near where she stays, I call her name, she comes and eats from my hand. It’s love,” says the firefighter, guide, teacher, artisan, and animal caregiver.

    Eliane: ancestral wisdom

    Eliane Aires de Souza, 58 years, carries in her eyes and hands the wisdom born of deep interaction with nature and ancestral knowledge. A Pantanal native, she lives in the community of Barra de São Lourenço (MT), shaped by the waters and the vibrant life that surrounds her. She is an Indigenous woman of the Guató people, with quilombola ancestry, and works the land with knowledge and care as an agroforestry practitioner. Since 2001, she has served as a civilian firefighter, confronting the wildfires that each year are increasingly threatening the Pantanal.

    Silas Ismael

    This is our way of life. The Pantanal is our home. Having proper training and equipment helps us take care of it and protect our collective house.

    Eliane is a mother, grandmother, and president of the Renascer Women’s Association, created to strengthen the dreams and autonomy of the women in her community. In her words, she highlights the daily challenges of keeping culture alive and staying connected to the land. “Here, we live off fishing, bait, and handicrafts”.

    Eliane feels the effects of climate change and the abandonment of the rivers. She speaks with sadness of the Rio Velho, which no longer flows as it once did. “It’s like a clogged vein in the body. If we don’t take care of the river, the whole body falls ill”. For her, protecting nature means protecting herself, her family, her community, and the future. “That tree behind you is like a vein, it gives life to other lives”.

    In her daily life, Eliane cultivates an agroforestry system at home. She nurtures and protects the land. “That’s what agroforestry is: we care for it, and it cares for us”. Drawing on ancestral wisdom, she explains the importance of nourishing the soil, preserving humidity, and ensuring shade, life, and food. She grows bananas, cassava, lemons, and oranges, and dreams of more. She envisions a seedling nursery and a green corridor that reconnects fragmented forest areas, providing food for animals and nourishing hope.

    “If we keep waiting, the soil will die. And with it, our way of life”. She refuses to depend on the city for basic needs. “It’s the dream that keeps us going”.

    And perhaps it is that persistent force of dreaming, that way of resisting with hands in the soil, body in the canoe, and soul in the crafts, that keeps the Pantanal alive. As long as there are Elianes and Rosis, there will be hope for rebirth.

    About the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund

    This activity was supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund (HEF). We express our gratitude to its donors: the Principality of Andorra, the Qatar Fund for Development, Canada, the Slovak Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the French Republic, the Republic of Lithuania, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Principality of Monaco, the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Poland, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Republic of Serbia, and ANA Holdings INC.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: MIG Capital leads CHF 7.75 million seed financing for ASTRA Therapeutics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • MIG Capital, through its MIG Fonds, is investing 3 million Swiss Francs (CHF) in the Swiss start-up which designs precision drugs against eukaryotic pathogens.
    • Digitalis Ventures co-leads the round with additional investment from Borealis Ventures, Kickfund and Venture Kick.
    • Eukaryotic pathogens cause illness and death in animals, humans, and crops.

    MUNICH, Germany, and VILLIGEN, Switzerland, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MIG Capital AG, one of Germany’s leading venture capital firms, announced today that it is heading a seed financing of CHF 7.75 million for ASTRA Therapeutics with U.S. venture capital firm Digitalis Ventures as co-lead and Borealis Ventures, Kickfund and Venture Kick also participating in the round. MIG Fonds 17 and 18 have allocated CHF 3 million for the Swiss start-up, based at the Park InnovAARE innovation campus in Villigen, Switzerland.

    Founded in 2022, ASTRA Therapeutics AG designs and develops novel parasitic agents (parasiticides) that control parasites by inhibiting cell division in parasites while sparing hosts. The company generates species-specific drug leads targeting tubulin, known as Parabulins®, through its proprietary drug development platform ParaX®.

    Parabulins® are novel drugs (New Molecular Entities, NME) targeting important indications in the veterinary market. ASTRA’s pipeline includes over 15 patentable chemical classes featuring nanomolar-potent candidates for common parasites such as coccidia in farm animals and heartworm in dogs and cats. Initial in vivo proof of concept for multiple NMEs has been demonstrated.

    Natacha Gaillard, PhD, Founder and Co-CEO of ASTRA Therapeutics, said: “The animal health market is facing an ever-increasing need for novel anti-parasite drugs to combat the growing threat of drug resistance, ensure the health and welfare of our pets, and maintain healthy and efficient food production.”

    Ashwani Sharma, PhD, also Founder and Co-CEO of ASTRA Therapeutics, added: “Our platform is designed to exploit structural differences between essential proteins in parasites and the host animals, enabling creation of new drugs that should be both effective and safe.”

    The global parasiticide market is worth over 10 billion US dollars and is growing at a CAGR of 5.6%1. At the same time, established products are facing patent expiry, while increasing resistance is causing a dramatic need for new drugs – in some regions, up to 98% of heartworm cases are already resistant to standard therapies.

    ASTRA is strategically positioned to capture this opportunity: the company develops novel, patentable drugs that are highly potent and resistance-breaking. Target revenues are over 800 million US dollars per year for coccidiosis and 2.4 billion US-dollars per year for worm control – in the veterinary sector alone.

    “We see tremendous commercial potential for new drugs that control worms including heartworm in dogs and cats, and coccidiosis in poultry and swine production,” said Andreas Kastenbauer, Partner at MIG Capital. “With renowned structural biologists Dr. Natacha Gaillard and Dr. Ashwani Sharma in the lead and strong support from a team of market and business developers experienced in drug discovery, licensing and biotech financing, this is the right company to achieve success.”

    The new investment expands MIG Capital’s approach to engaging in the rapidly growing veterinary medicine market. In 2024, the VC investor already acquired a stake in HawkCell, a French start-up developing MRI and CT imaging for use in animals. ASTRA Therapeutics is MIG Capital’s first investment in Switzerland and its second new investment this year.

    _______________
    1 Stonehaven Cozmix Group, Animal Health Industry: Reflections on the Past Decade and Visions for the Future Report 2025. (Published at AHNTI Conference London 2025) [see page 23]

    About Astra Therapeutics

    ASTRA Therapeutics is a Swiss biotechnology company based in Villigen (CH) that designs novel precision drugs against eukaryotic pathogens based on its proprietary ParaX® platform. The company’s goal is to develop drugs that selectively target parasites while sparing hosts. ASTRA Therapeutics addresses medical and veterinary challenges characterized by increasing drug resistance, expiring patents, and a growing global parasiticide market.

    For more information, please visit www.astratherapeutics.com.

    About MIG Capital

    MIG Capital is one of the leading German VC investors. Through its MIG funds, MIG invests in young deep tech and life sciences companies in German-speaking Europe and beyond. To date, the company has invested over €770 million in approx. 60 start-ups. MIG portfolio companies develop innovations in areas including biopharmaceuticals, energy and environmental technologies, advanced computing, digitalization / IoT, medical technology, and digital health. The MIG investment portfolio currently consists of more than 30 companies.

    MIG’s investment team is made up of a dedicated group of engineers, scientists, physicians and entrepreneurs who use analytical and creative processes to assess the risks and opportunities of business models and technologies. Their reputation, experience and network provide excellent access to companies, institutions and decision-makers to support the growth of their portfolio companies.

    In recent years, MIG Capital has realized more than ten successful portfolio company sales, including Siltectra (to Infineon) and Hemovent (to MicroPort). It has placed several companies on the stock exchange including BRAIN, NFON, BioNTech, and Immatics.

    For further information, please visit: www.mig.ag, www.mig-fonds.de. LinkedIn: MIG Capital

    Contact

    MIG Capital
    Andreas Kastenbauer, Partner
    +49-89-94382680
    ak@mig.ag

    Media Inquiries

    MC Services
    Dr. Cora Kaiser, Catherine Featherston, Dr. Johanna Kobler
    +49-89-210228-0
    migag@mc-services.eu

    The MIL Network –

  • Russia, Ukraine discuss more POW swaps; no deal on ceasefire or leaders’ meeting

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russia and Ukraine discussed further prisoner swaps on Wednesday at a brief session of peace talks in Istanbul, but the sides remained far apart on ceasefire terms and a possible meeting of their leaders.

    “We have progress on the humanitarian track, with no progress on a cessation of hostilities,” Ukraine’s chief delegate Rustem Umerov said after talks that lasted just 40 minutes.

    He said Ukraine had proposed a meeting before the end of August between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. He added: “By agreeing to this proposal, Russia can clearly demonstrate its constructive approach.”

    Russia’s chief delegate Vladimir Medinsky said the point of a leaders’ meeting should be to sign an agreement, not to “discuss everything from scratch”.

    He renewed Moscow’s call for a series of short ceasefires of 24-48 hours to enable the retrieval of bodies. Ukraine says it wants an immediate and much longer ceasefire.

    The talks took place just over a week after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened heavy new sanctions on Russia and countries that buy its exports unless a peace deal was reached within 50 days.

    There was no sign of any progress towards that goal, although both sides said there was discussion of further humanitarian exchanges following a series of prisoner swaps, the latest of which took place on Wednesday.

    Medinsky said the negotiators agreed to exchange at least 1,200 more prisoners of war from each side, and Russia had offered to hand over another 3,000 Ukrainian bodies.

    He said Moscow was working through a list of 339 names of Ukrainian children that Kyiv accuses it of abducting. Russia denies that charge and says it has offered protection to children separated from their parents during the war.

    “Some of the children have already been returned back to Ukraine. Work is under way on the rest. If their legal parents, close relatives, representatives are found, these children will immediately return home,” Medinsky said.

    Umerov said Kyiv was expecting “further progress” on POWs, adding: “We continue to insist on the release of civilians, including children.” Ukrainian authorities say at least 19,000 children have been forcibly deported.

    SHORTEST TALKS YET

    Before the talks, the Kremlin had played down expectations, describing the two sides’ positions as diametrically opposed and saying no one should expect miracles.

    At 40 minutes, the meeting was even shorter than the two sides’ previous encounters on May 16 and June 2, which lasted a combined total of under three hours.

    Oleksandr Bevz, a member of the Ukrainian delegation, said Kyiv had proposed a Putin-Zelenskiy meeting in August because that would fall within the deadline set by Trump for a deal.

    Putin turned down a previous challenge from Zelenskiy to meet in person and has said he does not see him as a legitimate leader because Ukraine, which is under martial law, did not hold new elections when Zelenskiy’s five-year mandate expired last year.

    Trump has patched up relations with Zelenskiy after a public row with him at the White House in February, and has lately expressed growing frustration with Putin.

    Three sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters last week that Putin, unfazed by Trump’s ultimatum, would keep fighting in Ukraine until the West engaged on his terms for peace, and that his territorial demands may widen as Russian forces advance.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI: BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. Announces Q2-25 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q2-25 Revenue and Net Income of € 148.1 Million and € 32.1 Million, Respectively

    H1-25 Revenue and Net Income of € 292.2 Million and € 63.6 Million, Respectively

    DUIVEN, the Netherlands, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BE Semiconductor Industries N.V. (the “Company” or “Besi”) (Euronext Amsterdam: BESI; OTC markets: BESIY), a leading manufacturer of assembly equipment for the semiconductor industry, today announced its results for the second quarter and first half year ended June 30, 2025.

    Key Highlights Q2-25

    • Revenue of € 148.1 million grew 2.8% vs. Q1-25 and was within prior guidance due primarily to higher die attach shipments for mainstream computing applications. Revenue decreased 2.1% vs. Q2-24 principally due to weakness in mobile end markets partially offset by growth in hybrid bonding shipments
    • Orders of € 128.0 million decreased 3.0% vs. Q1-25 due primarily due to ongoing weakness in mainstream computing and mobile applications partially offset by significant new orders for TCB Next systems. Orders declined 30.9% vs. Q2-24 due primarily to lower orders for hybrid bonding and mobile applications
    • Gross margin of 63.3% decreased by 0.3 points vs. Q1-25 and by 1.7 points vs. Q2-24 due to a less favorable product mix and adverse forex effects from a decline in the USD versus the euro
    • Net income of € 32.1 million increased 1.9% vs. Q1-25. Versus Q2-24, net income decreased 23.4% due principally to lower revenue and gross margins, increased R&D spending and higher interest expense related to the Senior Note offering in July 2024. Q2-25 net margin decreased to 21.6% vs. 21.9% in Q1-25 and 27.7% in Q2-24
    • Cash and deposits of € 490.2 million at June 30, 2025 increased by 90.6% vs. June 30, 2024 due to the Senior Note offering in July 2024

    Key Highlights H1-25

    • Revenue of € 292.2 million decreased 1.8% vs. H1-24 principally due to ongoing weakness in mainstream assembly markets, particularly for mobile and automotive applications, partially offset by increased shipments of hybrid bonding systems
    • Orders of € 259.9 million were down 17.0% vs. H1-24 primarily due to lower bookings for hybrid bonding systems and for mobile applications, partially offset by increased die attach orders by Asian subcontractors for AI related computing applications and new orders for Besi’s TCB Next system
    • Gross margin of 63.4% decreased by 2.7 points versus H1-24 primarily due to a less favorable product mix and adverse forex effects
    • Net income of € 63.6 million decreased € 12.3 million, or 16.2%, vs. H1-24 primarily due to lower revenue and gross margin and higher interest expense. Similarly, Besi’s net margin decreased to 21.7% versus 25.5% in H1-24

    Q3-25 Outlook  

    • Revenue is expected to decline 5-15% vs. the € 148.1 million reported in Q2-25
    • Orders are expected to increase significantly vs. Q2-25 primarily due to increased demand for hybrid bonding systems and die attach systems for AI-related 2.5D computing applications
    • Gross margin is expected to range between 60-62% and decrease vs. the 63.3% realized in Q2-25 primarily due to adverse forex effects from a significantly lower USD versus the euro
    • Operating expenses are expected to be flat +/- 5% vs. € 50.2 million in Q2-25
    (€ millions, except EPS) Q2-
    2025    		 Q1-
    2025    		 Δ Q2-
    2024    		  
    Δ    		 HY1-
    2025    		 HY1-
    2024    		 Δ
    Revenue 148.1 144.1 +2.8% 151.2 -2.1% 292.2 297.5 -1.8%
    Orders 128.0 131.9 -3.0% 185.2 -30.9% 259.9 313.0 -17.0%
    Gross Margin 63.3% 63.6% -0.3 65.0% -1.7 63.4% 66.1% -2.7
    Operating Income 43.5 39.3 +10.7% 49.3 -11.8% 82.8 90.0 -8.0%
    Net Income 32.1 31.5 +1.9% 41.9 -23.4% 63.6 75.9 -16.2%
    Net Margin 21.6% 21.9% -0.3 27.7% -6.1 21.7% 25.5% -3.8
    EPS (basic) 0.40 0.40 – 0.53 -24.5% 0.80 0.97 -17.5%
    EPS (diluted) 0.40 0.40 – 0.53 -24.5% 0.80 0.97 -17.5%
    Net Cash and Deposits -36.0* 159.4 -122.6% 74.4* -148.4% -36.0* 74.4* -148.4%

    * Reflects cash dividend payments of € 172.8 million and € 171.5 million in Q2-25 and Q2-24, respectively.

    Richard W. Blickman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Besi, commented:
    “Besi reported Q2-25 revenue, operating income and net income of € 148.1 million, € 43.5 million and € 32.1 million, respectively. Revenue and operating results were at the midpoint of prior guidance in a mainstream assembly equipment market still affected by soft demand for mobile and automotive applications. Market development in Q2-25 was also affected by increased customer caution due to global trade tensions. Q2-25 revenue and operating income grew sequentially by 2.8% and 10.7%, respectively, as we saw an increase in shipments to Asian subcontractors for AI-related datacenter applications combined with a 4.3% decrease in sequential operating expenses. Orders for the quarter decreased 3.0% versus Q1-25 as weakness in mainstream computing and mobile applications was partially offset by new orders for Besi’s TCB Next system.

    For the first half year, revenue of € 292.2 million decreased 1.8% versus H1-24 reflecting broader assembly market trends as weakness in mobile and, to a lesser extent, automotive end markets was significantly offset by growth in hybrid bonding revenue which more than doubled versus H1-24. Orders decreased by 17.0% due to the timing of customer orders for hybrid bonding systems and a lack of new product introductions in high-end smartphones. H1-25 operating and net income decreased by 8.0% and 16.2%, respectively, versus H1-24 primarily due to lower revenue and a 2.7-point reduction in gross margin from a less favorable product mix, adverse net forex effects from the decline of the USD versus the euro and increased interest expense related to Besi’s Senior Note issuance in July 2024. Liquidity remained strong with cash and deposits of € 490.2 million at June 30, 2025 increasing by 90.6% vs. June 30, 2024 due to the Senior Note offering in July 2024.

    We believe the outlook for Besi’s business in H2-25 has improved in recent weeks based on customer feedback and order trends subsequent to quarter end. Expanded capex budgets for AI infrastructure have been confirmed by each of the leading industry players in recent quarters with new use cases emerging in cloud and edge computing along with co-packaged optics. Advanced packaging is one of the key ways to achieve AI system differentiation, develop innovative consumer edge AI devices and provide the most energy-efficient data center performance. Advanced packaging demand for AI applications remains strong given new device introductions expected in 2026-2028. We believe we are well positioned in the fastest-growing advanced packaging market segments including data centers, photonics, AI-enhanced PCs and mobile devices and EVs/autonomous driving.

    As such, orders for our hybrid bonding systems are expected to increase significantly in H2-25 versus both H1-25 and H2-24 in both advanced logic and HBM4 memory applications as customers advance their technology roadmaps for new product introductions in 2026 and 2027. Customer interest in our TCB Next system for both memory and logic applications has also expanded significantly. TCB Next cycle times have improved with shipments anticipated in Q4-25 from orders received in Q2-25. We also anticipate increased orders for 2.5D advanced packaging systems for AI-related datacenter applications from both global IDMs and Asian subcontractors. In addition, there are early signs of a recovery in our mainstream assembly markets principally related to increased demand by Asian subcontractors for high-end mobile applications and high-performance computing applications for consumer markets.

    For Q3-25, we anticipate that revenue will decline by approximately 5-15% versus Q2-25. However, orders for Q3-25 are expected to increase significantly on a sequential basis due to increased demand for hybrid bonding and 2.5D advanced packaging applications. Besi’s gross margin is anticipated to decline to a range of 60-62% in Q3-25 due to the adverse impact of a 12.8% decline in the value of the USD versus the euro in the first half of 2025. Operating expenses in Q3-25 are expected to be flat plus or minus 5% versus Q2-25 despite increased R&D spending.”

    Share Repurchase Activity
    During the quarter, Besi spent € 20.7 million to repurchase approximately 196,000 of its ordinary shares at an average price of € 105.80 per share. As of June 30, 2025, € 72.2 million of the current € 100 million share repurchase authorization has been used to repurchase approximately 644,000 ordinary shares at an average price of € 111.96 per share. As of June 30, 2025, Besi held approximately 2.0 million shares in treasury, equivalent to 2.5% of shares outstanding.

    Investor and media conference call
    A conference call and webcast for investors and media will be held today at 4:00 pm CET (10:00 am EDT). To register for the conference call and/or to access the audio webcast and webinar slides, please visit www.besi.com.

    Important Dates
    • Publication Q3/Nine-month results
    • Publication Q4/Full year results

    October 23, 2025
    February 2026

    Basis of Presentation
    The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as adopted by the European Union. Reference is made to the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements as included in our 2024 Annual Report, which is available on www.besi.com.

    Contacts:
    Richard W. Blickman, President & CEO
    Andrea Kopp-Battaglia, Senior Vice President Finance
    Claudia Vissers, Executive Secretary/IR coordinator
    Edmond Franco, VP Corporate Development/US IR coordinator
    Michael Sullivan, Investor Relations
    Tel. (31) 26 319 4500
    investor.relations@besi.com

    About Besi
    Besi is a leading manufacturer of assembly equipment supplying a broad portfolio of advanced packaging solutions to the semiconductor and electronics industries. We offer customers high levels of accuracy, reliability and throughput at a lower cost of ownership with a principal focus on wafer level and substrate assembly solutions. Customers are primarily leading semiconductor manufacturers, foundries, assembly subcontractors and electronics and industrial companies. Besi’s ordinary shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (symbol: BESI). Its Level 1 ADRs are listed on the OTC markets (symbol: BESIY) and its headquarters are located in Duiven, the Netherlands. For more information, please visit our website at www.besi.com.

    Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains statements about management’s future expectations, plans and prospects of our business that constitute forward-looking statements, which are found in various places throughout the press release, including, but not limited to, statements relating to expectations of orders, net sales, product shipments, expenses, timing of purchases of assembly equipment by customers, gross margins, operating results and capital expenditures. The use of words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “can”, “intend”, “believes”, “may”, “plan”, “predict”, “project”, “forecast”, “will”, “would”, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. The financial guidance set forth under the heading “Outlook” contains such forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements represent our judgments and expectations concerning the development of our business, a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors could cause actual developments and results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, including any inability to maintain continued demand for our products; failure of anticipated orders to materialize or postponement or cancellation of orders, generally without charges; the volatility in the demand for semiconductors and our products and services; the extent and duration of the COVID-19 and other global pandemics and the associated adverse impacts on the global economy, financial markets, global supply chains and our operations as well as those of our customers and suppliers; failure to develop new and enhanced products and introduce them at competitive price levels; failure to adequately decrease costs and expenses as revenues decline; loss of significant customers, including through industry consolidation or the emergence of industry alliances; lengthening of the sales cycle; acts of terrorism and violence; disruption or failure of our information technology systems; consolidation activity and industry alliances in the semiconductor industry that may result in further increased customer concentration, inability to forecast demand and inventory levels for our products; the integrity of product pricing and protection of our intellectual property in foreign jurisdictions; risks, such as changes in trade regulations, conflict minerals regulations, currency fluctuations, political instability and war, associated with substantial foreign customers, suppliers and foreign manufacturing operations, particularly to the extent occurring in the Asia Pacific region where we have a substantial portion of our production facilities; potential instability in foreign capital markets; the risk of failure to successfully manage our diverse operations; any inability to attract and retain skilled personnel, including as a result of restrictions on immigration, travel or the availability of visas for skilled technology workers.

    In addition, the United States and other countries have recently levied tariffs and taxes on certain goods and could significantly increase or impose new tariffs on a broad array of goods. They have imposed, and may continue to impose, new trade restrictions and export regulations. Increased or new tariffs and additional taxes, including any retaliatory measures, trade restrictions and export regulations, could negatively impact end-user demand and customer investment in semiconductor equipment, increase Besi’s supply chain complexity and manufacturing costs, decrease margins, reduce the competitiveness of our products or restrict our ability to sell products, provide services or purchase necessary equipment and supplies. Any or all of the foregoing factor could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, investors should consider those additional risk factors set forth in Besi’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other key factors that could adversely affect our businesses and financial performance contained in our filings and reports, including our statutory consolidated statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or alter our forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Consolidated Statements of Operations
         
    (€ thousands, except share and per share data) Three Months Ended
    June 30,
    (unaudited)    		 Six Months Ended
    June 30,
    (unaudited)
      2025 2024 2025 2024
             
    Revenue 148,101 151,176 292,246 297,490
    Cost of sales 54,410 52,908 106,833 100,951
             
    Gross profit 93,691 98,268 185,413 196,539
             
    Selling, general and administrative expenses 30,629 30,514 63,587 70,155
    Research and development expenses 19,571 18,503 39,073 36,422
             
    Total operating expenses 50,200 49,017 102,660 106,577
             
    Operating income 43,491 49,251 82,753 89,962
             
    Financial expense, net 5,693 1,045 8,652 1,634
             
    Income before taxes 37,798 48,206 74,101 88,328
             
    Income tax expense 5,748 6,261 10,545 12,404
             
    Net income 32,050 41,945 63,556 75,924
             
    Net income per share – basic 0.40 0.53 0.80 0.97
    Net income per share – diluted 0.40 0.53 0.80 0.97
    Number of shares used in computing per share amounts:
    – basic
    – diluted 1

    79,184,703
    81,288,679

    79,281,533
    81,941,471

    79,206,267
    81,405,308

    78,231,430
    82,023,808

    ______________________
    1) The calculation of diluted income per share assumes the exercise of equity settled share based payments and the conversion of all Convertible Notes outstanding

    Consolidated Balance Sheets
     
    (€ thousands) June
    30, 2025
    (unaudited)    		 March
    31, 2025
    (unaudited)    		 December
    31, 2024
    (audited)
    ASSETS      
           
    Cash and cash equivalents 330,170 405,736 342,319
    Deposits 160,000 280,000 330,000
    Trade receivables 178,615 170,440 181,862
    Inventories 96,977 103,836 103,285
    Other current assets 53,821 46,099 40,927
           
    Total current assets 819,583 1,006,111 998,393
           
    Property, plant and equipment 51,089 42,868 44,773
    Right of use assets 13,799 15,161 15,726
    Goodwill 44,857 45,610 46,010
    Other intangible assets 103,933 98,622 96,677
    Investment property 5,206 – –
    Deferred tax assets 27,494 29,240 31,567
    Other non-current assets 1,303 1,347 1,330
           
    Total non-current assets 247,681 232,848 236,083
           
    Total assets 1,067,264 1,238,959 1,234,476
           
           
    Bank overdraft –   840 776
    Current portion of long-term debt –   – 2,042
    Trade payables 47,458 46,598 52,630
    Other current liabilities 95,530 111,170 111,531
           
    Total current liabilities 142,988 158,608 166,979
           
    Long-term debt 526,184 525,493 525,653
    Lease liabilities 10,873 11,770 12,350
    Deferred tax liabilities 10,523 10,416 10,320
    Other non-current liabilities 19,915 19,328 17,910
           
    Total non-current liabilities 567,495 567,007 566,233
           
    Total equity 356,781 513,344 501,264
           
    Total liabilities and equity 1,067,264 1,238,959 1,234,476
    Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
         
    (€ thousands)
    		 Three Months Ended
    June 30,
    (unaudited)    		 Six Months Ended
    June 30,
    (unaudited)
      2025 2024 2025 2024
             
    Cash flows from operating activities:        
             
    Income before income tax 37,798 48,206 74,101 88,328
             
    Depreciation and amortization 7,458 6,980 14,765 13,793
    Share based payment expense 4,342 6,916 8,783 23,816
    Financial expense, net 5,694 1,045 8,653 1,634
             
    Changes in working capital (11,032) (46,694) (13,145) (49,945)
    Interest (paid) received 3,726 3,893 839 5,062
    Income tax paid (21,988) (15,428) (23,563) (17,517)
             
    Net cash provided by operating activities 25,998 4,918 70,433 65,171
             
    Cash flows from investing activities:        
    Capital expenditures (11,764) (3,216) (13,497) (8,866)
    Capitalized development expenses (7,320) (4,912) (14,057) (9,575)
    Acquisition of investment property (5,206) – (5,206) –
    Repayments of (investments in) deposits 120,000 85,000 170,000 95,000
             
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 95,710 76,872 137,240 76,559
             
    Cash flows from financing activities:        
    Proceeds from (payments of) bank lines of credit (840) – (776) –
    Proceeds from (payments of) debt (2,042) – (2,042) –
    Payments of lease liabilities (1,111) (1,063) (2,225) (2,106)
    Purchase of treasury shares (20,721) (14,810) (42,785) (29,589)
    Dividends paid to shareholders (172,811) (171,534) (172,811) (171,534)
             
    Net cash used in financing activities (197,525) (187,407) (220,639) (203,229)
             
    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (75,817) (105,617) (12,966) (61,499)
    Effect of changes in exchange rates on cash and
      cash equivalents    		 251 798 817 256
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the
       period    		 405,736 232,053 342,319 188,477
             
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period 330,170 127,234 330,170 127,234
    Supplemental Information (unaudited)
    (€ millions, unless stated otherwise)
                             
    REVENUE Q2-2025 Q1-2025 Q4-2024 Q3-2024 Q2-2024 Q1-2024
                             
    Per geography:                        
    China 37.5   25%   40.5   28%   42.8   28%   45.5   29%   57.5   38%   58.5   40%  
    Asia Pacific (excl. China) 66.1   45%   56.3   39%   53.5   35%   51.6   33%   54.1   36%   43.6   30%  
    EU / USA / Other 44.5   30%   47.3   33%   57.1   37%   59.5   38%   39.6   26%   44.2   30%  
                             
    Total 148.1   100%   144.1   100%   153.4   100%   156.6   100%   151.2   100%   146.3   100%  
                             
    ORDERS Q2-2025 Q1-2025 Q4-2024 Q3-2024 Q2-2024 Q1-2024
                             
    Per geography:                        
    China 44.4   35%   39.7   30%   40.4   33%   45.4   30%   43.3   23%   51.1   40%  
    Asia Pacific (excl. China) 60.7   47%   51.7   39%   38.8   32%   69.3   46%   72.0   39%   45.0   35%  
    EU / USA / Other 22.9   18%   40.5   31%   42.7   35%   37.1   24%   69.9   38%   31.6   25%  
                             
    Total 128.0   100%   131.9   100%   121.9   100%   151.8   100%   185.2   100%   127.7   100%  
                             
    Per customer type:                        
    IDM 71.9   56%   48.1   36%   61.2   50%   84.5   56%   122.4   66%   53.5   42%  
    Foundries/Subcontractors 56.1   44%   83.8   64%   60.7   50%   67.3   44%   62.8   34%   74.2   58%  
                             
    Total 128.0   100%   131.9   100%   121.9   100%   151.8   100%   185.2   100%   127.7   100%  
                             
    HEADCOUNT June 30, 2025 Mar 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 Sep 30, 2024 Jun 30, 2024 Mar 31, 2024
                             
    Fixed staff (FTE) 1,831   88%   1,820   88%   1,812   93%   1,807   87%   1,783   86%   1,760   88%  
    Temporary staff (FTE) 239   12%   251   12%   134   7%   271   13%   279   14%   236   12%  
                             
    Total 2,070   100%   2,071   100%   1,946   100%   2,078   100%   2,062   100%   1,996   100%  
                             
    OTHER FINANCIAL DATA Q2-2025 Q1-2025 Q4-2024 Q3-2024 Q2-2024 Q1-2024
                             
    Gross profit 93.7   63.3%   91.7   63.6%   98.2   64.0%   101.2   64.7%   98.3   65.0%   98.3   67.2%  
                             
                             
    Selling, general and admin expenses:                        
    As reported 30.6   20.7%   33.0   22.9%   28.6   18.6%   27.3   17.4%   30.5   20.2%   39.6   27.1%  
    Share-based compensation expense (4.3 )  -2.9%   (4.4 )  -3.1%   (2.9 )  -1.8%   (3.4 ) -2.1%   (6.9 ) -4.6%   (16.9 ) -11.6%  
                             
    SG&A expenses as adjusted 26.3   17.8%   28.6   19.8%   25.7   16.8%   23.9   15.3%   23.6   15.6%   22.7   15.5%  
                             
                             
    Research and development expenses:                        
    As reported 19.6   13.2%   19.5   13.5%   19.0   12.4%   18.9   12.1%   18.5   12.2%   17.9   12.2%  
    Capitalization of R&D charges 7.3   4.9%   6.7   4.6%   5.4   3.5%   4.4   2.8%   4.9   3.2%   4.7   3.2%  
    Amortization of intangibles (3.9 ) -2.6%   (3.7 ) -2.5%   (3.9 ) -2.5%   (3.9 ) -2.5%   (3.6 ) -2.3%   (3.6 ) -2.4%  
                             
    R&D expenses as adjusted 23.0   15.5%   22.5   15.6%   20.5   13.4%   19.4   12.4%   19.8   13.1%   19.0   13.0%  
                             
                             
    Financial expense (income), net:                        
    Interest income (3.4 )   (5.0 )   (5.1 )   (5.2 )   (3.0 )   (4.0 )  
    Interest expense 6.4     6.3     6.1     5.7     2.1     2.8    
    Net cost of hedging 2.3     1.8     2.0     1.9     1.4     1.6    
    Foreign exchange effects, net 0.4     (0.1 )   0.9     (0.8 )   0.5     0.2    
                             
    Total 5.7     3.0     3.9     1.6     1.0     0.6    
                             
                             
    Operating income (as % of net sales) 43.5   29.4%   39.3   27.2%   50.6   33.0%   55.1   35.2%   49.3   32.6%   40.7   27.8%  
                             
    EBITDA (as % of net sales) 50.9   34.4%   46.6   32.3%   58.0   37.8%   62.4   39.8%   56.2   37.2%   47.5   32.5%  
                             
    Net income (as % of net sales) 32.1   21.6%   31.5   21.9%   59.3   38.6%   46.8   29.9%   41.9   27.7%   34.0   23.2%  
                             
    Effective tax rate 15.2%     13.2%     -27.0%     12.6%     13.0%     15.3%    
                             
                             
    Income per share                        
    Basic 0.40     0.40     0.75     0.59     0.53     0.44    
    Diluted 0.40     0.40     0.74     0.59     0.53     0.44    
                             
    Average shares outstanding (basic) 79,184,703 79,228,071 79,402,192 79,630,787 79,281,533 77,181,326
                             
    Shares repurchased                        
    Amount 20.7     22.1     22.4     27.8     14.8     14.8    
    Number of shares 195,647 186,869  198,450  230,807  105,042  101,049 
                             
                             
    Gross cash 490.2     685.7     672.3     637.4     257.2     447.1    
                             
    Net cash (36.0 )   159.4     143.8     110.7     74.4     180.9    
                             

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Defence Medical Services senior appointments announced

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New Defence Medical Services senior appointments announced

    His Majesty the King has approved three new senior appointments in the Defence Medical Services.

    Brigadier Phil Carter KHP OStJ. MOD Crown Copyright

    His Majesty the King has approved the following three senior appointments in the Defence Medical Services (DMS):

    • Brigadier Phil Carter KHP OStJ as the next Surgeon General (SG), in the rank of Major General, from August 2025
    • Brigadier Antony Finn as the next Director Medical Personnel and Training in the rank of Major General, from November 2025
    • Air Commodore Darren Ellison KHP as the next Director Defence Healthcare in the rank of Air Vice-Marshal, from June 2026

    All three have had long and distinguished careers delivering health care to the Armed Forces as part of the Defence Medical Services.

    Brigadier Carter has undertaken a variety of deployments throughout his career, including to Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan and Sierra Leon.  In 2008, he was appointed as the first Commanding Officer of the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine Clinical Unit. He later became Commander Medical HQ in the British Army’s 1(UK) Division and Commander Defence Primary Healthcare, before being appointed Head of Army Health in 2024.

    As Surgeon General, Brigadier Phil Carter will be responsible for:

    • providing specialist health and medical support advice to the Military Strategic Headquarters on behalf of the Director General of the Defence Medical Services.
    • Force Design within the Defence Medical Services, ensuring the readiness of the medical capability supporting the Armed Forces
    • directing medical research, medical innovation, and continuous quality improvement in Defence
    • coordinating our international technical engagement with medical partners across NATO and the UK’s broader alliances

    Brigadier Phil Carter said:

    At a time of reform across Defence, to be entrusted with the making sure that our armed forces deployed on operations have the medical support they need is a significant responsibility. I am looking forward to the challenge and enormously grateful that I will be working with such a dedicated and innovative specialist team.

    Brigadier Antony Finn. MOD Crown Copyright

    Brigadier Antony Finn qualified as a General Practitioner in 2003. Following deployments to Afghanistan, Kenya and Iraq, in July 2010 he assumed command of 1 Medical Regiment and deployed to Afghanistan as Commanding Officer of the Close Support Medical Regiment.  In 2012 he was promoted to Colonel as Assistant Director of Medical Operational Capability, before promoting to Brigadier in March 2019 as Commander 2nd Medical Brigade. From 2021-24 he was Head of Army Healthcare, and since August 2024 has been Commander of the Joint Hospital Group. 

    As part of his role as Director Medical Personnel and Training, Brigadier Antony Finn will be responsible for:

    • leading strategic medical workforce planning for DMS, including training and placement, to support to support Strategic Command (soon to be Cyber & Specialist Operations Command) and wider Defence’s people plan people plan and operational needs 
    • overseeing the development and delivery of high-quality individual training, to all entitled personnel involved in medical support to Defence
    • delivering an optimally prepared and suitably qualified and experienced personnel (SQEP) medical workforce through the provision of high-quality placements within both the NHS and other providers

    Brigadier Finn, said:

    I am deeply honoured to be selected to be the next Director of Medical Personnel and Training. The Strategic Defence Review offers unprecedented opportunities for the Defence Medical Services and our partners. I look forward to exploiting these for the benefit of our patients, the medical workforce, Defence and beyond.

    Air Commodore Darren Ellison KHP. MOD Crown Copyright

    Air Commodore Ellison joined the RAF in 1999 as a medical cadet and has undertaken a variety of roles including deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. As a Wing Commander he was appointed as Officer Commanding Tactical Medical Wing in 2018, and then as Group Captain he served as Regional Clinical Director, Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) Northern Ireland Wales and West. In 2022 he was appointed Commanding Officer of the RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine, and then promoted to Air Commodore in Summer 2023 when he became Head Healthcare and Strategic Plans in HQ Defence Medical Services before being appointed Head of the Royal Air Force Medical Services and Head Health (RAF) in November 2024.

    As part of his role as Director Defence Healthcare, Air Commodore Ellison will be responsible for:

    • directing, overseeing and commissioning both primary and secondary military healthcare services in support of Defence outputs

    • directing, managing and delivering primary healthcare and dentistry service delivery in the UK and all overseas bases 

    • maximising the medical employability and deployability of Armed Forces personnel across Defence

    Air Commodore Darren Ellison said:

    It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed as the next Director Healthcare for the Defence Medical Services. I look forward to working with both the whole DMS team, and colleagues across the Military Commands, to shape and deliver a service that ensures our patients continue to receive the highest standard of safe, effective healthcare they rightly deserve, and we provide the critically enabling healthcare outputs that meet the current and future needs of Defence.

    Congratulating all three on their appointments, General Sir Jim Hockenhull, Commander Strategic Command (soon to be Cyber & Specialist Operations Command) said:

    I am delighted to see these three promotions within the Defence Medical Services.  Brigadier Philip Carter’s appointment as the next Surgeon General, on appointment to Major General, Brigadier Antony Finn’s appointment as the next Director Medical Personnel and Training, on appointment to Major General and Air Commodore Darren Ellison’s appointment as the next Director Defence Healthcare, on appointment to Air Vice-Marshal.  These selections will enable all to provide considerable support within DMS’s transformation journey and the implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), I look forward to working with them and congratulate them on their promotion.

    Director General of the Defence Medical Services, Air Marshal Clare Walton added:

    I am delighted to see the announcement of these three crucial appointments. Brigadier Phil Carter, Brigadier Tony Finn and Air Commodore Darren Ellison all have extensive experience gained from multiple roles in the Defence Medical Services and are exceptionally well-placed to take on these critical positions. At a time of global volatility, their leadership will be pivotal in driving the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) forward to implementation, shaping the medical capabilities of the future, and embedding the One Medical Mindset, ensuring that Armed Forces personnel remain fit to fight and are fully supported in their recovery to fitness.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Workshops and a tour of the plant: how the Summer School of Engineering and Economics 2025 is going

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Official website of the State –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On July 22, a busy lecture day was held for the participants of the Summer Engineering and Economics School – 2025. Young scientists from the GGNTU named after academician M.D. Millionshchikov – a partner of the State University of Management in the project of the Advanced Engineering School “RosGeoTech” – held 2 master classes.

    Assistant of the Department of Automation of Technological Processes and Production of the Institute of Power Engineering Ayub Sadulaev spoke about smart control of the water level as part of the development of a laboratory complex based on OWEN. The audience learned details about the development device: levels of automated control systems, increasing efficiency through automation of processes, features of the control system and the use of the laboratory complex in real conditions.

    Assistant of the Department of Technological Machines and Equipment of the Institute of Oil and Gas Yusup Taramov presented the engineering solutions of the university, created on the basis of the engineering development center of GGNTU, and highlighted their role in the scientific and technical process. The speaker noted that the Engineering Development Center solves real engineering problems and trains a new generation of engineers in the areas of the automotive industry, mechanical engineering and unmanned aircraft systems. Yusup Taramov also spoke about examples of successful projects implemented by students and the experience of cooperation with local enterprises.

    The staff of the Engineering Project Management Center and the Reverse Engineering Laboratory of the State University of Management conducted practical training for students as part of the activities of the State University of Management Student Design Bureau “Innovative Solutions”.

    During the practical lesson “Car Structure”, which was conducted by the Laboratory specialist Denis Yudin, the participants not only understood the design of modern cars, but also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of different types of basic car components by design.

    Vladimir Kutkov and Nikita Akinshin, specialists from the Engineering Project Management Center, spoke about the history of the development of unmanned aircraft systems, the most popular and universal designs of modern drones, the features of intelligent systems, and the autonomy of UAS during the practical course “Device of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.”

    On July 23, participants of the Summer Engineering and Economics School 2025 visited the Demikhovsky Machine-Building Plant (JSC DMZ), which is part of JSC Transmashholding.

    The guests were greeted by the plant’s CEO Vladimir Chekalin and HR and Transformation Director Yulia Smirnova, who spoke about the development of the enterprise, its products and the current state of production. In 2025, the Demikhovsky Machine-Building Plant celebrates its 90th anniversary since its foundation. Today, DMZ is the leading enterprise for the production of electric trains in Russia. The plant produces EP2DM DC electric trains and EP3D AC electric trains. The trains manufactured by the enterprise are successfully operated in all climatic zones of the Russian Federation, as well as in the CIS countries.

    At the Exhibition Center, the excursion participants learned about the history of the Demikhovsky Machine-Building Plant, seeing documents, awards, photographs of events, employees, veterans of JSC DMZ, models of electric trains and narrow-gauge rolling stock. A unique exhibit of the museum is an interactive miniature railway, reflecting the geography of the operation of DMZ electric trains. It recreates natural landscapes and exact copies of railway stations in the regions where electric trains manufactured at the plant run – Moscow Region, the Far East, Armenia and Kazakhstan. The model presents real regions of operation and rolling stock, which is used in these areas.

    Young scientists visited production shops: mechanical assembly, electrical installation, welding, wagon assembly, repair and others. In addition to the production of wagons and electric trains, the plant carries out major repairs of passenger rolling stock, manufactures wheel sets for metro cars, electric trains and rail buses.

    Excursions to production facilities are traditionally an integral part of the program of the engineering and economics school. A visit to the Demikhovsky Machine-Building Plant, organized with the support and participation of the TMH Corporate University, allowed young scientists to see the work of an enterprise in the real sector of the economy, immerse themselves in the production environment and get acquainted with modern technologies and processes.

    The opening of the “Summer Engineering and Economics School – 2025” was reported in this article.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Afghan government approves six projects worth nearly $12 million

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KABUL, July 24 (Xinhua) — The National Procurement Commission of the Afghan Interim Government has approved six new development projects worth 828 million Afghanis (about 12 million U.S. dollars), an official statement to this effect was released on Tuesday.

    The decision was made at a meeting of the commission chaired by Acting Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. During the meeting, a total of 28 proposed projects were considered, six of which were approved.

    According to the statement, plans include repairing several roads in Kabul and completing work in the field of electricity supply and distribution in various provinces.

    The government expects these projects to create jobs for hundreds of thousands of people, contributing to both economic growth and infrastructure development in Afghanistan. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Israel waging ‘horror show’ starvation campaign in Gaza, says UN chief

    This is Democracy Now!. I’m Amy Goodman.

    More than 100 humanitarian groups are demanding action to end Israel’s siege of Gaza, warning mass starvation is spreading across the Palestinian territory.

    The NGOs, including Amnesty International, Oxfam, Doctors Without Borders, warn, “illnesses like acute watery diarrhea are spreading, markets are empty, waste is piling up, and adults are collapsing on the streets from hunger and dehydration.”

    Their warning came as the Palestinian Ministry of Health said the number of starvation-related deaths has climbed to at least 111 people.

    This is Ghada al-Fayoumi, a displaced Palestinian mother of seven in Gaza City.

    GHADA AL-FAYOUMI: “[translated] My children wake up sick every day. What do I do? I get saline solution for them. What can I do?

    “There’s no food, no bread, no drinks, no rice, no sugar, no cooking oil, no bulgur, nothing. There is no kind of any food available to us at all.”

    AMY GOODMAN: Thousands of antiwar protesters marched on Tuesday in Tel Aviv outside Israel’s military headquarters, demanding an end to Israel’s assault and a lifting of the Gaza siege. This is Israeli peace activist Alon-Lee Green with the group Standing Together.

    ALON-LEE GREEN: “We are marching now in Tel Aviv, holding bags of flour and the pictures of these children that have been starved to death by our government and our army.

    “We demand to stop the starvation in Gaza. We demand to stop the annihilation of Gaza. We demand to stop the daily killing of children and innocent people in Gaza.

    “This cannot go on. We are Israelis, and this does not serve us. This only serves the Messianic people that lead us.”

    AMY GOODMAN: This comes as the World Health Organisation has released a video showing the Israeli military attacking WHO facilities in central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah. A WHO spokesperson condemned the attack, called for the immediate release of a staff member abducted by Israeli forces.

    TARIK JAŠAREVIĆ: “Male staff and family members were handcuffed, stripped, interrogated on the spot and screened at gunpoint.

    “Two WHO staff and two family members were detained.”

    AMY GOODMAN: Meanwhile, health officials in Gaza say Israeli attacks over the past day killed more than 70 people, including five more people seeking food at militarised aid sites. Amid growing outrage worldwide, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday the situation in Gaza right now is a “horror show”.

    UN SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES: “We need look no further than the horror show in Gaza, with a level of death and destruction without parallel in recent times.

    “Malnourishment is soaring. Starvation is knocking on every door.”

    AMY GOODMAN: For more, we’re joined by Michael Fakhri, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. He is a professor of law at University of Oregon, where he leads the Food Resiliency Project.


    Israel waging ‘fastest starvation campaign’ in modern history    Video: Democracy Now!

    Dr Michael Fakhri, welcome back to Democracy Now! If you can respond to what’s happening right now, the images of dying infants starving to death, the numbers now at over 100, people dropping in the streets, reporters saying they can’t go on?

    Agence France-Presse’s union talked about they have had reporters killed in conflict, they have had reporters disappeared, injured, but they have not had this situation before with their reporters starving to death.

    DR MICHAEL FAKHRI: Amy, the word “horror” — I mean, we’re running out of words of what to say. And the reason it’s horrific is it was preventable. We saw this coming. We’ve seen this coming for 20 months.

    Israel announced its starvation campaign back in October 2023. And then again, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced on March 1 that nothing was to enter Gaza. And that’s what happened for 78 days. No food, no water, no fuel, no medicine entered Gaza.

    And then they built these militarised aid sites that are used to humiliate, weaken and kill the Palestinians. So, what makes this horrific is it has been preventable, it was predictable. And again, this is the fastest famine we’ve seen, the fastest starvation campaign we’ve seen in modern history.

    AMY GOODMAN: So, can you talk about what needs to be done at this point and the responsibility of the occupying power? Israel is occupying Gaza right now. What it means to have to protect the population it occupies?

    DR FAKHRI: The International Court of Justice outlined Israel’s duties in its decisions over the last year. So, what Israel has an obligation to do is, first, end its illegal occupation immediately. This came from the court itself.

    Second, it must allow humanitarian relief to enter with no restrictions. And this hasn’t been happening. So, usually, we would turn to the Security Council to authorise peacekeepers or something similar to assist.

    But predictably, again, the United States keeps vetoing anything to do with a ceasefire. When the Security Council is in a deadlock because of a veto, the General Assembly, the UN General Assembly, has the authority to call for peacekeepers to accompany humanitarian convoys to enter into Gaza and to end Israel’s starvation campaign against the Palestinian people.

    AMY GOODMAN: People actually protested outside the house of UN Secretary-General António Guterres yesterday. People protested all over the world yesterday against the Palestinians being starved and bombed to death. Those in front of the UN Secretary-General’s house said they don’t dispute that he has raised this issue almost every day, but they say he can do more.

    Finally, Michael Fakhri, what does the UN need to do — the US, Israel, the world?

    DR FAKHRI: So, as I mentioned, first and foremost, they can authorise peacekeepers to enter to stop the starvation. But, second, they need to create consequences.

    The world has a duty to prevent this starvation. The world has a duty to prevent and end this genocide. And as a result, then, what the world can do is impose sanctions.

    And again, this is supported by the International Court of Justice. The world needs to impose wide-scale sanctions against the state of Israel to force it to end the starvation and genocide of civilians, of Palestinian civilians in Gaza today.

    AMY GOODMAN: Well, I want to thank you so much for being with us, Michael Fakhri, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, speaking to us from Eugene, Oregon.

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • EU’s von der Leyen says China ties are at ‘inflection point’ at tense summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for an “essential” rebalancing of trade ties with China during a tense summit on Thursday with President Xi Jinping, saying ties stood at an “inflection point”, according to a pool report.

    Expectations were low for the summit marking 50 years of diplomatic ties after weeks of escalating tension and wrangling over its format, with the duration abruptly halved to a single day at Beijing’s request.

    Von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa met Xi at the start of an event set to be dominated by thorny issues ranging from trade frictions to the Ukraine war.

    “As our cooperation has deepened, so have imbalances. We have reached an inflection point,” von der Leyen told Xi during the meeting in the Great Hall of the People.

    She was referring to the EU’s trade deficit with China, which ballooned to a historic 305.8 billion euros ($360 billion) last year.

    “Rebalancing of our bilateral relation is essential … It is vital for China and Europe to acknowledge our respective concerns and come forward with real solutions.”

    However, Xi urged the EU to “make correct strategic choices” during the meeting, state broadcaster CCTV said, in a veiled criticism of Brussels’ hawkish stance on China.

    “The more severe and complex the international situation, the more China and the EU must strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation,” Xi told von der Leyen and Costa, it said.

    “Chinese and European leaders should … make correct strategic choices that meet the expectations of the people.”

    The weeks before the summit were dominated by tit-for-tat trade disputes and hawkish European rhetoric, such as a July 8 accusation by von der Leyen that China was flooding global markets as a result of its overcapacity and “enabling Russia’s war economy”.

    Shortly before the summit, however, von der Leyen struck a more conciliatory tone, describing it as an opportunity to “both advance and rebalance our relationship” in a post on X on Thursday.

    “I’m convinced there can be a mutually beneficial cooperation,” von der Leyen added.

    The two EU officials are set to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang later. Both sides are hoping to reach a modest joint statement on climate, currently one of the only bright spots in EU-China cooperation.

    State news agency Xinhua also appeared to downplay Beijing’s rivalry with the 27-member bloc, saying China was a “critical partner” for Europe, with a range of shared interests.

    “China is a critical partner to Europe, not a systemic rival,” it said in a commentary.

    The two shared interests in trade, climate, and global governance, it said, adding, “These areas of common ground should not be eclipsed by isolated points of friction.”

    The EU defines China as a “partner, competitor and systemic rival”, which frames its strategic approach to China policy.

    At the summit, European leaders are also expected to raise topics such as electric vehicles and Chinese industrial overcapacity.

    China launched rare earth export controls in April that disrupted supply chains worldwide, leading to temporary stoppages in European automotive production lines the following month.

    But its exports of rare earth magnets to the EU surged in June by 245% from May, to stand at 1,364 metric tons, though that was still 35% lower than the year-earlier figure, customs data showed.

    The EU is likely to seal a trade deal with the United States for a broad tariff of 15% on its exports after intense negotiations, avoiding a harsher 30% figure threatened by President Donald Trump.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: Hugo Ekitike: Liverpool sign Frankfurt striker

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

    Premier League champion Liverpool continued a big-spending summer with the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial fee of 79 million pounds (106 million US dollars).

    “We have reached an agreement for the transfer of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, subject to international clearance,” announced Liverpool’s social media sites on Wednesday.

    Hugo Ekitike (R) of Eintracht Frankfurt vies with Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals 2nd leg match in Frankfurt, Germany, April 17, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

    “The 23-year-old has successfully completed a medical and agreed personal terms with the Reds, allowing him to fly out to Hong Kong to join his new teammates on their preseason tour of Asia later this week,” the club added.

    Ekitike is the fourth major signing of the summer for Arne Slot’s side, following the capture of Florian Wirtz for over 110 million pounds and defenders Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

    The 23-year-old Frenchman, who can play across the front line, joins Anfield after scoring 22 goals in 48 appearances last season, along with more than a dozen assists.

    Liverpool has spent over 250 million pounds this summer, although they are likely to recoup some of that if Luis Diaz completes a move to Bayern Munich in a deal worth more than 60 million pounds. Darwin Nunez also appears likely to leave, and Federico Chiesa has been left out of Liverpool’s preseason squad for the Asia tour, suggesting he may also be on his way out. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Barcelona confirm Marcus Rashford loan signing

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

    FC Barcelona confirmed the loan signing of England international forward Marcus Rashford from Manchester United on Wednesday with a video in which the player said the news was “official.”

    Rashford joins the La Liga and Copa del Rey champion on an initial one-season loan, with Barcelona having the option to make the move permanent for around 35 million euros. However, there is also a clause that means the club has to pay compensation if it opts against this.

    Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford (L) breaks through during the FA Cup quarterfinal match between Manchester United and Liverpool in Manchester, Britain, on March 17, 2024. (Xinhua)

    “What the club stands for means a lot for me. I feel like I am at home and a big factor in my choice to come here because it is a family place and a good place for good players to showcase their skills,” said Rashford at his presentation.

    “To be here is everything I wished and thought. I’m eager to get going and keep learning the Barcelona way as I go and be ready for the games,” he continued, adding that the chance to work with Barca coach Hansi Flick was another key reason for his decision.

    “What he did last season was terrific. In his career he’s proved he’s one of the top coaches, to lead such a young team to a very successful season,” commented the forward.

    The 27-year-old, who passed his medical tests in Barcelona on Monday, is rumored to have taken a 15 percent pay cut in order to complete the move after falling out of favor with United coach Ruben Amorim last season and spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Aston Villa.

    He will now form part of the squad that travels to Asia on Thursday to play matches in both South Korea and Japan.

    Rashford’s signing at Barcelona comes after the club suffered an embarrassing failure to sign Spain international Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao for the second consecutive summer, with Williams opting to sign a new contract with Athletic.

    Meanwhile, efforts to bring in Colombian winger Luis Diaz were frustrated by Barca’s economic situation, which made it impossible for the club to get close to Liverpool’s demands.

    Rashford becomes the first English player to join FC Barcelona since Gary Lineker was at the club between 1986-1989 and only the second Englishman to play for them in over 100 years, with Harold Stamper the last previous Englishman after a season at Barcelona between 1922 and 1923.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Poland edge China to reach Women’s VNL semifinals

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

    Host Poland battled past China in a thrilling five-set quarterfinal, winning 17-25, 25-20, 19-25, 25-19, 15-12 in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Wednesday evening in Lodz to secure a spot in the semifinals.

    Opposite hitter Magdalena Stysiak led the Polish side with 25 points, including 22 kills and three blocks. Outside hitter Martyna Czyrnianska added 16 points. For China, outside hitter Wu Mengjie delivered an impressive performance with a match-high 25 points, while Zhuang Yushan added 20.

    Coming off a 3-1 victory over China in a friendly on Saturday, Poland entered the match as slight favorites. However, it was China who came out strong in the opening set, fueled by Wu’s sharp attacks. She scored 10 points in the set, helping China establish a 19-14 lead before closing it out 25-17.

    China continued their momentum early in the second set, taking a 5-2 advantage after a spike from Chen Houyu. But Poland rallied back, drawing level at 14-14 thanks to a powerful attack from Martyna Lukasik. Momentum shifted in favor of the hosts as Czyrnianska registered a key block and Stysiak added timely offense to push Poland ahead. Lukasik sealed the set with back-to-back spikes, giving Poland a 25-20 win.

    In the third set, China capitalized on a string of unforced errors from Poland to race ahead 13-5. Maintaining their advantage throughout, China regained the lead in sets with a 25-19 win.

    The fourth set saw Poland respond with renewed energy. Paulina Damaske’s spike and service ace helped the home team build an 18-12 cushion. Although China fought back to narrow the gap to 21-19, Poland surged with four straight points to take the set 25-19, forcing a decider.

    In the tiebreak, Poland met the expectations of their home crowd at Atlas Arena. A block from Stysiak and another strong finish from Damaske gave them a 7-4 lead. Though China closed the deficit to 10-9 after a Stysiak error, Damaske delivered a key solo block to make it 13-10 and later sealed the match with a powerful spike, clinching the final set 15-12.

    “It was a tough challenge. We struggled during the match, so we’re very happy with the victory,” said Polish setter Alicja Grabka in a post-match interview with Polsat TV. “We overcame a difficult situation as we were behind. For me, playing in that kind of match was a dream come true. I’m very proud I could help the team.”

    Earlier in the day, Italy advanced to the semifinals after sweeping the United States 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 28-26). Opposite spiker Paola Egonu starred with a match-high 20 points, while Avery Skinner led the Americans with 11.

    The remaining quarterfinal matchups will take place on Thursday, with Japan facing Turkiye and Brazil taking on Germany.

    MIL OSI China News –