NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The II International Forum of Russia-Africa Cooperation “Education. Business. Culture – 2025” will be held within the framework of “Technoprom-2025”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    In August 2025, the II International Forum of Russia-Africa Cooperation “Education. Business. Culture – 2025” will be held as part of the XII International Forum “Technoprom-2025”. The event is organized by the Center for Public Diplomacy, NSU and the Consortium of Russian Universities for the Development of Cooperation with African Countries.

    An impressive delegation from African countries plans to take part in the forum:

    — Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Russian Federation of the following countries: Republic of Mali, Republic of Chad, Republic of Guinea, Burkina Faso, Republic of Niger, Rwanda, Namibia, Angola and Ghana.

    — Ministers of Education of the Republic of Chad, the Republic of Guinea and Burkina Faso, Ministers of Industry, Digitalization and Agriculture of Burkina Faso.

    — The Presidents of the Academies of Sciences of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, the Rectors of the Abdou Moumouni University and the University of Agadez (both from the Republic of Niger).

    — Heads of the national oil companies of Burkina Faso and Niger.

    — Mayor of the city of Ouagadougou (the capital of Burkina Faso).

    Let us recall that the first forum “Russia-Africa” was held last year on the initiative of NSU and the Center for Public Diplomacy. One of the results was the creation of a Consortium of Russian Universities for the development of cooperation with African countries.

    This year, the Consortium members will analyze the current interaction of Russian universities with African countries, discuss the challenges and obstacles that hinder mutually beneficial cooperation, identify key areas and formulate a roadmap (work plan) for the Consortium for the next year. The roadmap will be based on a systemic approach that ensures the consolidation of efforts by Russian universities and the unification of actions at all levels – from government agencies to the universities themselves. The implementation of the proposed measures will improve the quality of education and improve the culture of mutual understanding between the regions. The implementation of these initiatives will strengthen Russia’s position on the African continent and will become the basis for the further development of bilateral relations.

    The Forum also plans to discuss joint work in the areas of school and secondary specialized education. The Center for Public Diplomacy and NSU plan to hold talks with the Minister of Secondary Education, Vocational and Technical Training of Burkina Faso Boubacar Sawadogo on the possibilities of cooperation and to develop an algorithm for joint actions.

    The following are promising educational projects in African countries:

    — The “Russian Teacher Abroad” program, within the framework of which students from the pilot international class of the African school will study the Russian language.

    — A program for training foreign students in working specialties under joint educational programs of African and Novosibirsk colleges. Those who successfully complete the training will be able to continue their studies at Novosibirsk universities. The pilot project includes colleges implementing training in agricultural, technical and natural science areas.

    — The African continent is a priority region for the export of Russian education. Since 2024, NSU has been actively developing cooperation with African countries. In this context, agreements were signed with Thomas Sankara University (Burkina Faso) and Abdou Moumouni University (Niger). From December 2024 to July 2025, a preparatory department in the medical and biological profile operated jointly with the Russian House in Niger, in which 24 people studied. From March to the end of July 2025, online courses in the Russian language were opened at Thomas Sankara University, which were completed by 50 bachelors and masters. The next stage will be the organization of preparatory courses in the medical and biological profile, after which students will be able to continue their studies at NSU. The University also plans to organize scientific internships for young scientists and graduate students from Burkina Faso for 3-6 months, said Evgeny Sagaydak, Head of the Education Export Department at NSU.

    Another interesting project is the preliminary agreement reached between NSU and the University of Saint Dominic (USDAO) from Burkina Faso on joint training of medical personnel for this West African state. The cooperation agreement between the universities may be signed this summer.

    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 Submissions: Cycling’s governing body is introducing new rules to slow down elite riders. Not everyone’s happy

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Popi Sotiriadou, Associate Professor of Sport Management – Director Business Innovation, Griffith University

    MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images

    Most sports look to support their athletes to become “faster, higher, stronger” – in reference to the Olympic Games’ original motto – so it is perhaps surprising that cycling’s world governing body is trying to slow down elite riders.

    However, there’s good reason the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) recently announced new rules to slow riders down.

    These rules – which apply to elite road and cyclo-cross mass-start events for men and women such as the Tour de France – come into place shortly and are aimed at improving rider safety.



    Read more:
    I rode the Tour de France to study its impact on the human body – here’s what I learned

    What are the new rules?

    From August 1, a new bicycle gearing regulation will kick in.

    Professional cyclists will only be allowed to use a 54-tooth front chainring with an 11-tooth rear cog.

    This replaces the current common setup of 54-10.

    To put this into context, a 54-tooth chainring is the big front gear on a bike and the 11-tooth cog is a small rear gear. Moving to a slightly bigger cog (54-11) makes it harder to hit top speeds: the change from a 54-10 to a 54-11 gear setup could reduce the top speed by about 2.4 kilometres per hour.

    Pro riders can reach incredible speeds during descents, sometimes surpassing 130 kilometres per hour.

    Then, from January 1 2026, handlebars must become wider, increasing from a minimum 350–360 millimetres width (depending on the event) to at least 400mm wide.

    The handlebar width affects how a rider controls their bike: narrower bars reduce frontal surface area, making a rider more aerodynamic which again means a faster ride.

    This is especially useful in time trials or sprints.

    Wider bars offer better stability and control, helping navigate tight turns, peloton traffic, or crosswinds.

    The UCI has also announced plans to introduce a formal helmet approval protocol in 2027, which will include separate standards for helmets used in mass-start events and time trials.

    This shift suggests helmets may soon be subject to the same pre-race approval process as frames and wheels, potentially leading to safer, more regulated head protection.

    New rules, different opinions

    Professional cycling is getting faster due to stronger athletes, better training and advanced, lighter equipment.

    As a result, high-speed crashes, especially downhill or in crowded sprint finishes, have become more common and more dangerous.

    The UCI maintain the new regulations are part of a broader strategy to mitigate speed-related risks, enhance safety and uphold the integrity of the sport.

    However, these measures have sparked debate within the cycling community.

    Some elite cyclists, particularly those who have suffered severe crashes and injuries, suggest it is time safety caught up with technology.

    Wout van Aert, who suffered a severe knee injury in September 2024 during a wet descent, said:

    Limiting the number of gears would make the sport much safer.

    Chris Froome, four-time Tour de France winner, also said he supported strategies “to keep the speeds down on the descents”.

    The Professional Cycling Council supports testing gear ratio limits.

    It is also likely these changes could limit cutting-edge innovations that only wealthy teams can afford. This would in turn narrow technological disparities across teams.

    Former pro Michael Barry though believes gear restrictions are not the answer, and the UCI should instead focus on improved course design and inspection, better barriers and crash protective clothing.

    Technology experts agree, arguing speed is determined more by a rider’s power output and aerodynamic drag than by gear ratios. To enhance safety, they propose alternative solutions such as real-time rider tracking, crash-protective clothing, improved course design and inspection and faster medical response.

    The wider handlebar rule has also stirred controversy, especially among smaller-framed riders, many of whom are women, who typically ride with 360–380mm handlebars for better comfort and control.

    Under the new regulation, those forced to use bars that exceed their optimal fit range could end up suffering from poor wrist alignment, increased fatigue and a higher risk of repetitive strain injuries.

    Despite the growth of women’s cycling, the UCI has not made exemptions for smaller riders, raising concerns a one-size-fits-all solution may compromise inclusively and safety.

    Even though regular riders can continue to use the equipment they prefer, what happens in the pro world often shapes non-elite rider preferences and trends, and the bikes sold in stores. If narrower bars are banned at the top level, manufacturers may stop offering them.

    Historically, advancements in aerodynamics, gear ratios and component weights seen in the pro peloton have become standard features on consumer bikes.

    A delicate balance

    The UCI’s new regulations mark a likely shift towards standardised equipment and heightened safety. This deliberate emphasis on safety naturally elevates awareness among all cyclists about the crucial link between equipment choices and rider wellbeing.

    While these restrictions may foster a more level playing field, they also risk curbing the sport’s long-standing tradition of engineering innovation.

    The very appeal of professional cycling has often been intrinsically tied to the relentless pursuit of technological advancements that yield even fractional competitive advantages.

    Striking a balance between ensuring safety and preserving this spirit of ingenuity remains a crucial challenge for the sport’s future.

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

    – ref. Cycling’s governing body is introducing new rules to slow down elite riders. Not everyone’s happy – https://theconversation.com/cyclings-governing-body-is-introducing-new-rules-to-slow-down-elite-riders-not-everyones-happy-260917

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Analysis of China’s Economic Growth Drivers for the First Half of the Year

    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

    On July 15, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) of China released data showing that China’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the first half of 2025 was 66.0536 trillion yuan. In terms of constant prices, the year-on-year growth reached 5.3%. NBS Deputy Director Sheng Laiyun noted that since the beginning of this year, the national economy has withstood the pressure and, despite the difficulties, continues to develop steadily, accumulating new driving forces for growth and improving the circulation of economic processes.

    As the data show, in the first half of the year, the contribution of final consumption expenditure to economic growth was 52%, gross capital formation was 16.8%, and net exports of goods and services was 31.2%. Of these “three driving forces” of the economy, consumption remains the main factor in GDP growth.

    According to Wang Xiaosong, professor at the Institute of Economics at Renmin University of China, the data for the first half of the year show that the Chinese economy is developing steadily while maintaining stability, demonstrating its high resilience and potential for future growth. This is mainly due to China’s solid industrial base – both the manufacturing and service sectors have made significant progress in recent years. The indicators for the first half of the year show that added value and investment in machinery are growing rapidly, demonstrating the high resilience and potential for development of the Chinese economy. In addition, the government has taken a number of measures to stabilize growth. Both fiscal policy and targeted monetary policy have had a very positive effect.

    In the first half of the year, the consumer market continued to gain momentum, and the potential of the super-large Chinese market was steadily unleashed, demonstrating the dynamism of the Chinese economy. In terms of market sales, the total retail sales volume of consumer goods in the first half of the year was 24.55 trillion yuan, up 5% year-on-year.

    According to Qi Yunlan, deputy department director and research fellow at the Institute of Market Economy, Development Research Center of the State Council, this year, with the effective combination of policies to actively support consumption and the continued optimization of the consumption structure, the domestic consumer market has improved significantly. The trade-in program has been expanded and improved, which has stimulated the acceleration of growth in commodity consumption.

    According to statistics, in the first half of this year, China’s industrial production rapidly gained momentum, and the machinery and high-tech manufacturing industries showed good growth dynamics. The added value of machinery increased by 10.2% compared with the same period last year, and that of high-tech manufacturing by 9.5%. From January to May, the number of applications for valid invention patents in China approached 5 million, up 12.8% year-on-year.

    According to Lian Ping, chairman of the China Forum of Chief Economists and director of the Guangkai Institute of Industrial Research, the economic performance in the first six months generally exceeded market expectations, with the main feature being the release of pent-up demand and the improvement of the economic structure. Consumption growth was higher than market expectations and significantly recovered from the previous year. In addition, production and investment in the manufacturing industry showed steady positive dynamics, especially in areas related to new-quality productive forces, where the growth rate exceeded the double-digit threshold.

    In the first half of the year, the total volume of import and export trade was 21.7876 trillion yuan, up 2.9% year-on-year. Machinery exports grew by 9.5% to account for 60% of total exports.

    Qin Tai, deputy director and chief macroeconomic analyst at Huafu Securities Research Institute, said that two key factors played a decisive role in the first half of the year. First, financial subsidies for durable goods provided a significant stimulus effect. Second, China’s industrial chain, with its integrity, advanced technology and resilience, performed well.

    Sheng Laiyun said that the economy as a whole performed steadily in the first half of the year, showing positive dynamics while maintaining stability, which is a very valuable achievement. Since the beginning of this year, China has been implementing more active and effective macroeconomic policies, which has played an important role in maintaining stability. According to the instructions of the central government, relevant departments will speed up the implementation of a set of measures for the second half of the year in the near future, and they will continue to play a key role in ensuring the stable functioning of the economy.

    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 New Zealand: Exploring the societal impacts of medicines

    Source: PHARMAC

    “Right now, our decision-making framework—the Factors for Consideration—looks at how a medicine affects the person who needs it, their whānau, and the health system,” says Dr David Hughes, Pharmac’s Director of Advice and Assessment

    Like countries such as Australia, Canada, and the UK, our economic evaluations focus on the health system perspective. That means we look at how well a medicine works and what it will cost the health system in New Zealand.

    But there are other ways to look at the value of funding a medicine – for example, through a societal lens.

    “Medicines can have an impact on New Zealanders well beyond the hospital room. They can help people stay in work, reduce the need for unpaid care, and ease financial pressure on families,” says Dr Hughes.

    To begin exploring this idea, Pharmac partnered with researchers at Erasmus University in the Netherlands last year and is now working with the Institute for Medical Technology Assessment (iMTA) at Erasmus University – world leaders of the ‘societal perspective.’

    Their pilot study showed that using a societal perspective can change how New Zealand values medicines. Greater value was identified for treatments for chronic conditions affecting working-age people, for example, when broader impacts were considered.

    Pharmac is now commissioning two more assessments from iMTA. The Erasmus team will also train Pharmac staff to apply this approach in future assessments.

    Pharmac has also been talking with the Canadian Drug Agency (CDA) to share perspectives on measuring societal impacts. At the same time, the CDA has been piloting its own assessment of an expanded societal perspective.

    “We’re building our capability to see what it would look like if our assessments reflect the value of medicines not just to the health system, but to the whole of society,” says Dr Hughes.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cycling’s governing body is introducing new rules to slow down elite riders. Not everyone’s happy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Popi Sotiriadou, Associate Professor of Sport Management – Director Business Innovation, Griffith University

    MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images

    Most sports look to support their athletes to become “faster, higher, stronger” – in reference to the Olympic Games’ original motto – so it is perhaps surprising that cycling’s world governing body is trying to slow down elite riders.

    However, there’s good reason the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) recently announced new rules to slow riders down.

    These rules – which apply to elite road and cyclo-cross mass-start events for men and women such as the Tour de France – come into place shortly and are aimed at improving rider safety.



    Read more:
    I rode the Tour de France to study its impact on the human body – here’s what I learned

    What are the new rules?

    From August 1, a new bicycle gearing regulation will kick in.

    Professional cyclists will only be allowed to use a 54-tooth front chainring with an 11-tooth rear cog.

    This replaces the current common setup of 54-10.

    To put this into context, a 54-tooth chainring is the big front gear on a bike and the 11-tooth cog is a small rear gear. Moving to a slightly bigger cog (54-11) makes it harder to hit top speeds: the change from a 54-10 to a 54-11 gear setup could reduce the top speed by about 2.4 kilometres per hour.

    Pro riders can reach incredible speeds during descents, sometimes surpassing 130 kilometres per hour.

    Then, from January 1, 2026, handlebars must become wider, increasing from a minimum 350–360 millimetres width (depending on the event) to at least 400mm wide.

    The handlebar width affects how a rider controls their bike: narrower bars reduce frontal surface area, making a rider more aerodynamic which again means a faster ride.

    This is especially useful in time trials or sprints.

    Wider bars offer better stability and control, helping navigate tight turns, peloton traffic, or crosswinds.

    The UCI has also announced plans to introduce a formal helmet approval protocol in 2027, which will include separate standards for helmets used in mass-start events and time trials.

    This shift suggests helmets may soon be subject to the same pre-race approval process as frames and wheels, potentially leading to safer, more regulated head protection.

    New rules, different opinions

    Professional cycling is getting faster due to stronger athletes, better training and advanced, lighter equipment.

    As a result, high-speed crashes, especially downhill or in crowded sprint finishes, have become more common and more dangerous.

    The UCI maintain the new regulations are part of a broader strategy to mitigate speed-related risks, enhance safety and uphold the integrity of the sport.

    However, these measures have sparked debate within the cycling community.

    Some elite cyclists, particularly those who have suffered severe crashes and injuries, suggest it is time safety caught up with technology.

    Wout van Aert, who suffered a severe knee injury in September 2024 during a wet descent, said:

    Limiting the number of gears would make the sport much safer.

    Chris Froome, four-time Tour de France winner, also said he supported strategies “to keep the speeds down on the descents”.

    The Professional Cycling Council supports testing gear ratio limits.

    It is also likely these changes could limit cutting-edge innovations that only wealthy teams can afford. This would in turn narrow technological disparities across teams.

    Former pro Michael Barry though believes gear restrictions are not the answer, and the UCI should instead focus on improved course design and inspection, better barriers and crash protective clothing.

    Technology experts agree, arguing speed is determined more by a rider’s power output and aerodynamic drag than by gear ratios. To enhance safety, they propose alternative solutions such as real-time rider tracking, crash-protective clothing, improved course design and inspection and faster medical response.

    The wider handlebar rule has also stirred controversy, especially among smaller-framed riders, many of whom are women, who typically ride with 360–380mm handlebars for better comfort and control.

    Under the new regulation, those forced to use bars that exceed their optimal fit range could end up suffering from poor wrist alignment, increased fatigue and a higher risk of repetitive strain injuries.

    Despite the growth of women’s cycling, the UCI has not made exemptions for smaller riders, raising concerns a one-size-fits-all solution may compromise inclusively and safety.

    Even though regular riders can continue to use the equipment they prefer, what happens in the pro world often shapes non-elite rider preferences and trends, and the bikes sold in stores. If narrower bars are banned at the top level, manufacturers may stop offering them.

    Historically, advancements in aerodynamics, gear ratios and component weights seen in the pro peloton have become standard features on consumer bikes.

    A delicate balance

    The UCI’s new regulations mark a likely shift towards standardised equipment and heightened safety. This deliberate emphasis on safety naturally elevates awareness among all cyclists about the crucial link between equipment choices and rider wellbeing.

    While these restrictions may foster a more level playing field, they also risk curbing the sport’s long-standing tradition of engineering innovation.

    The very appeal of professional cycling has often been intrinsically tied to the relentless pursuit of technological advancements that yield even fractional competitive advantages.

    Striking a balance between ensuring safety and preserving this spirit of ingenuity remains a crucial challenge for the sport’s future.

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

    – ref. Cycling’s governing body is introducing new rules to slow down elite riders. Not everyone’s happy – https://theconversation.com/cyclings-governing-body-is-introducing-new-rules-to-slow-down-elite-riders-not-everyones-happy-260917

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: Chris Bowen on why it’s ‘a little frustrating’ bidding for COP 31

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Energy and climate issues are front and centre for both sides of politics. The government is struggling with pushback from some regional communities against the rollout of transmission lines and wind farms. At the same time, it will soon have to produce its 2035 target under the Paris climate agreement.

    Meanwhile, the opposition is fractured over whether to stick by its commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

    We’re joined on this podcast by the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen.

    Bowen remains upbeat about the energy transition:

    I think it’s going well. We can always do more, and there’s always more effort needed, and the job is far from done. But when you consider what we’ve achieved over the first three years, I would say pleased but not yet satisfied. We are, by and large, on track for our 43% emissions reduction. Just in the last couple of days, [we saw] some excellent figures about the amount of new renewable electricity connected to the grid.

    So all this is a very significant turnaround from 2022, but I’m far from mission accomplished. There’s still a lot more to do. This is the biggest economic transition our country has undertaken, and you don’t sort of do three years’ work and put your feet up. This is a constant effort, and that’s an effort on which I’m entirely focused.

    Just now, Bowen is also focused on preliminary work for Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ Economic Reform Roundtable in August.

    Bowen announces he’ll be hosting two roundtables of his own, feeding into the broad August 19-21 meeting:

    I’ll be holding two roundtables, one on electricity and one on climate adaptation which is going to be an increasing focus of this government and future governments because tragically the world has left it too late to avoid the impacts of climate change. We can hopefully avoid the worst catastrophic impacts of more than 1.5 and two to three degrees.

    On Australia’s bid to host COP in 2026, Bowen says Australia has the votes against the other contender, Turkey, but the decision-making process is informal:

    So one of the things about the process to decide COPs I’ve learnt is it’s quite opaque and there’s no particular timeline and no particular rules to the ballot. I will say, I’ve said before, we’ve got very strong support. So it’s not a matter of going out and getting more votes.

    But there’s no agreed time or process for a ballot. It’s meant to work on a consensus, sort of an old world, sort of gentlemanly approach to say whoever loses will withdraw.

    Despite the delay, Bowen says Australia will be ready if the bid is successful:

    Having said that, the last COP, the one last year, in Azerbaijan, I accept Azerbaijan is a very different country to Australia, but they found out a year in advance as well. And logistically, physically, they put on a very good COP, that can be done. And I know the Premier of South Australia is a very, very enthusiastic supporter of hosting the COP.

    On the Coalition potentially dropping its commitment to net zero by 2050, Bowen calls the target “the basic bare minimum of action”:

    It’s what the IPCC has recommended as what is absolutely necessary to avoid […] the worst catastrophic impacts of [climate change]. To be debating net zero 2050 in Australia this year is like debating whether the sun should come up. It’s the most basic framework. It’s nowhere near enough.

    I think it’s got strong support, and it’s retaining that. I mean, the election result shows that. That we were told to get on with it. Keep going basically.

    I’ll just say this. At least Peter Dutton had net zero as a policy objective. I mean, Sussan may be indicating maybe she won’t. I used to say Peter Dutton would be the worst prime minister for climate than Tony Abbott, and I was correct at the time, but now it’s starting to look like Sussan Ley would be even worse.

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

    – ref. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Chris Bowen on why it’s ‘a little frustrating’ bidding for COP 31 – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-chris-bowen-on-why-its-a-little-frustrating-bidding-for-cop-31-261763

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Global sharpshooters gather to target real counter-terrorism scenarios

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

    After the fierce firing of bullets, some discussions and ceremonies, the Sharp Blade-2015 International Sniper Competition concluded on July 19 at a training base of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

    For five days, more than 50 teams of snipers from over 20 countries including China, Russia, South Africa, Kazakhstan and Spain tested their skills and combat readiness in the fourth edition of the event.

    Selected by the armed police force, as well as by the People’s Liberation Army’s Ground Force, Navy and Air Force, 24 Chinese soldiers participated in the competition, which included 12 subjects under the categories of precision basics, typical scenarios, comprehensive combat and long-range challenges.

    Many of the subjects were designed to mimic real counter-terrorism scenarios. The infiltration and sniping competition required snipers to eliminate “enemy” sentries 300 meters away in stealth, kill fleeing enemies, strike the main target, resist enemy reinforcement and exfiltrate.

    “Completing seven missions within 20 minutes along a 1.1-kilometer route, snipers have to constantly shift between dynamic and static aiming,” said Zhang Hao, head referee of the competition. “They have to reasonably allocate their stamina and energy, and cooperate with teammates, which is a huge test for them.”

    Adding that the competition designers had set some targets in-between valleys, Zhang said the event also involved tests of the snipers’ nerves and decisiveness, as just a slight change in the wind might drastically influence the bullet’s trajectory.

    Hosted by the People’s Armed Police Force, the biennial competition fosters international exchanges and friendship among soldiers, promotes combat readiness, and helps enhance their capabilities in peacekeeping missions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China power into women’s basketball final at Universiade

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

    China defeated Poland 71-67 after overtime to reach the women’s basketball final at the Rhine-Ruhr World University Games on Wednesday.

    China will face the United States, who edged Hungary 73-71 in the other semifinal, for the championship on Friday.

    Chinese guard Tian Yuanyuan emerged as the hero, scoring all seven of her points in overtime after the two teams were tied 62-62 at the end of regulation.

    China’s small forward Chen Yujie shot nine of 14 for a game-high 24 points, including four of five from beyond the arc. Center Liu Yutong and power forward Tang Zhiting added 14 points apiece.

    Poland’s shooting guard Magdalena Szymkiewicz led her side with 13 points, while 2.01-meter center Kamila Borkowska contributed 12.

    China started strong, jumping out to a 15-7 lead after Liu, Chen and Tang hit back-to-back 3-pointers, prompting Poland’s coach to call a timeout with four minutes left in the first quarter.

    Poland responded with a 26-11 run to take a 33-26 halftime lead.

    China surged back in the third quarter with an 11-0 run to go ahead 37-33 midway through the period. Poland answered with a 10-0 run of its own, capped by two free throws and a layup from Anna Winkowska, to take a 48-45 lead into the fourth.

    Li Xingnuo opened the final quarter with a 3-pointer to level the game at 48-48. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, tying at 58-58 with 1:50 to play.

    Szymkiewicz gave Poland a 60-58 lead with two free throws, but China responded with four straight points on a pair of layups. Poland’s Julia Piestrzynska attacked the basket to tie it 62-62. After Li’s missed 3-pointer, the game went to overtime.

    Poland managed just three points in the extra period, falling behind 69-65 with 18 seconds remaining. A timeout and late foul strategy couldn’t prevent China from sealing the 71-67 win.

    “We have tired legs after yesterday’s hard-fought quarterfinal win against Japan, so you could see we only scored a few points in the second quarter,” said Chinese coach Zhao Xuetong.

    “In the halftime break, I told the players to play as we planned and don’t think much about the result. To tell the truth, we have already reached where we expect before the Games,” added Zhao. “Reaching the last four is OK for us, so everyone is relaxed mentally.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese team wins RoboCup Humanoid League in AdultSize category

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

    China’s Tsinghua University has placed top of the AdultSize category in the RoboCup Humanoid League soccer world championship, in the first time a Chinese team has claimed the top honor.

    RoboCup was founded in 1997 and ranks among the world’s most prestigious robotics competitions. This year’s event was held in Brazil, attracting over 20 teams from 12 countries, including China, the United States, Germany, the Republic of Korea and France.

    Tsinghua dominated the competition using Chinese-developed Booster T1 robots, achieving decisive victories over multiple opponents, including a team from the University of Texas. In an all-Chinese final, Tsinghua defeated a team from China Agricultural University, marking the first time teams from Chinese institutions secured both gold and silver in the category.

    Competing robots require not only lightweight, agile, impact-resistant hardware, but also sophisticated capabilities like real-time perception, cognitive decision-making, advanced motion control and multi-agent coordination, meaning the league constitutes a comprehensive test of full-stack robotic capabilities, according to a senior manager at Booster Robotics, which developed the T1 robots.

    Industry analysts noted that the outstanding performance of Chinese robots at this international event has reaffirmed China’s growing expertise in robotics R&D and application.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Prescribed burning threatens survival of skinks and other wildlife

    Source:

    24 July 2025

    Prescribed burning is threatening the survival of skinks, ecologists say.

    As Australia and the world grapple with global warming and increased bushfire risks, University of South Australia ecologists are turning their attention to the impact of prescribed burning on native animals.

    In a new study published in The International Journal of Wildland Fire, researchers investigated the maximum temperatures that lizards could experience during prescribed (controlled) fires in the Mount Lofty Ranges and compared them to their maximum survivable temperatures.

    Widespread prescribed burning is undertaken in spring and autumn each year in the Mount Lofty Ranges, a biodiversity hotspot and fire-prone region. Researchers measured surface and shelter temperatures during four prescribed fires and analysed their results alongside the lab-collected ‘critical thermal limits’ of three different species of skinks.

    The findings demonstrated that the average temperatures under common shelters like logs and rocks during these fires were 108°C and 53°C respectively, which exceeded the survivable temperature range (37.5°C – 43.0°C) of each type of skink.

    While only reptiles were studied, lead researcher and UniSA PhD candidate Shawn Scott says that these temperatures would also threaten the survival of other native animals and that the results can therefore be applied more broadly.

    “These conditions dramatically exceed the 60°C threshold for most terrestrial vertebrates,” Scott says.

    “Logs and rocks were the most effective shelters for buffering extreme temperatures during prescribed fire in our study.

    “However, the maximum temperatures and duration of these conditions may still prove lethal for small vertebrates if prescribed burning is undertaken during conditions that exacerbate fire severity.”

    Researchers also discovered that when ambient temperatures on days of prescribed burnings were higher, maximum temperatures beneath the shelters – and the duration at which they stayed lethally hot – also increased.

    “Our analysis showed that the temperatures of the fires increased by up to 700°C as ambient temperatures increased from 17°C to 22°C,” Scott says.

    “The hotter the fire, the hotter it’s going to be inside or beneath the shelters sought out by small animals during prescribed burnings, making it more difficult for them to survive, especially over an extended period.”

    “In terms of shelter quality, rocks and logs maintained the coolest temperatures, showing that they are critical to small animals,” says co-researcher and UniSA wildlife ecologist Associate Professor Sophie (Topa) Petit.

    “However, many of those sites still reached temperatures far above what reptiles can withstand. Not all rocks and logs are good enough.”

    As climate change increases the risk of bushfires, prescribed burnings are also expected to increase, especially in fire-prone, Mediterranean climates like the Mount Lofty Ranges, other parts of Australia, and also Greece, Italy, Spain and California.

    Scott says that animal survival and biodiversity conservation should be prioritised in burning processes, and that his team’s research can help inform relevant strategies not only on the home front but also abroad.   

    ”If lower intensity fires are to be achieved during prescribed burns, they should be undertaken on mild days when ambient temperatures are below 17°C,” he says.

    “In Australia, burning does occur on days that are considered mild – between 17°C to 22°C – but our research demonstrates that even in these conditions the maximum temperatures and their duration are high enough to threaten small animals relying on shelters like rocks and logs for protection.

    “Second, pre-fire surveys should be conducted to establish the availability and density of shelter sites that may increase the likelihood of animal survival during fire.”

    The researchers suggest that larger shelters and below-surface shelters like soil, hollows, and burrows should be examined next, as well as animal movement and mortality during and after fires.

    The study, titled ‘Between a rock and a hot place: do surface shelters facilitate survivable conditions for small vertebrates during prescribed fire?’ is available online. DOI:10.1071/WF24184

     

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contact for interview: Shawn Scott E: Shawn.Scott@unisa.edu.au
    Media contacts: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: Candy.Gibson@unisa.edu.au; Josh Owen-Thomas E: Josh.Owen-Thomas@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister Dillon Launches Workplace Relations Commission Strategy Statement 2025-2027

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    23rd July 2025

    The Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and Employment, Alan Dillon, today launched the fourth Strategy Statement of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ‘A Decade of Impact, A Future of Fair Work and Equality’.

    Over the previous Strategy Statement period (2022-2024), while its fundamental purpose and the services it provided remain unchanged, the WRC has dealt with broad operational and structural challenges and has been required to respond agilely to what has proved a sometimes challenging economic, social and statutory environment.

    Through the newly launched Strategy Statement 2025-2027 ‘A Decade of Impact, A Future of Fair Work and Equality’ the strategic direction of the WRC must include proactive engagement with emerging labour dynamics, support for inclusive employment practices, and adaptive frameworks to maintain industrial harmony in a fast-evolving growing economy.

    The strategic framework is built around four interlocking pillars ensuring the WRC continues to protect workers rights, resolve disputes, empower people with knowledge, and strengthen the WRC’s capabilities through continuous improvement. These pillars support a vision of a just, inclusive, and equitable world for all in Irish society.

    Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and Employment, Mr Alan Dillon said: 

    “I welcome the WRC’s Strategy Statement through which the WRC will seek to achieve its broader strategic vision over the next three years whilst continuing to effectively deliver its important statutory remit serving workers, employers, their representatives, its own staff, and wider society. The next decade will bring changes and challenges for the WRC and as we enter the second decade of the Commission, this framework strategy illustrates a vision and provides the next steps for the organisation which will embed and enhance its performance and services to the public into the short and medium term.” 

    Among the targets and objectives set by the strategy, covering the years 2025-2027, are:

    • Increase accessibility to services for all 
    • Strengthen compliance in high-risk sectors 
    • Improve efficiencies across all services 
    • Build a modern, data-informed, adaptive and agile organisation 
    • Strengthen resilience and build on positive culture 
    • Launch and embed the Knowledge, Information & Advisory Division 
    • Empower service user led resolution over imposed solutions.

    Speaking on the Strategy, Dr David Begg, Chairperson of the Board of the WRC said: 

    “This document, “A Decade of Impact, A Future of Fair Work and Equality,” marks the WRC’s fourth strategic statement since its establishment on 1 October 2015. It reflects both our evolution over the past decade and our ambitions for the future—ensuring that the WRC remains a responsive, trusted, and forward-looking institution at the heart of Ireland’s labour market.

    This strategy, which was informed through a deeply consultative process, is rooted in the lived realities of the work of the WRC and the evolving needs of its service users. It positions the WRC to lead confidently into the next decade – promoting fair and inclusive workplaces, enforcing employment rights, and fostering constructive industrial relations across Ireland.”   

    Ms Audrey Cahill, WRC Director General outlines in her Forword that:

    “As the Workplace Relations Commission enters its 10th year, we reaffirm our commitment to championing fairness, dignity, and equality in Irish workplaces. The next phase of our strategy builds on a decade of progress and is shaped by the evolving world of work, societal expectations, and importantly the needs of those we serve. 

    It is important that the strategic direction of the WRC must include proactive engagement with emerging labour dynamics, support for inclusive employment practices, and adaptive frameworks to maintain industrial harmony in a fast-evolving growing economy.”

    Note for Editors 

    The Strategy Statement is available at the following link: – https://www.workplacerelations.ie/wrc/en/publications_forms/wrc-strategy-statement-2025-2027.pdf

    Workplace Relations Commission:

    The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) was established in October 2015 under the Workplace Relations Act 2015. It is the body to which all industrial relations disputes and all disputes and complaints about employment laws are referred.

    The functions of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) are to:

    • adjudicate on employment and equality complaints and disputes
    • provide conciliation, pre-adjudication mediation and other voluntary dispute resolution services to assist in the resolution of individual and collective disputes and maintain industrial peace
    • monitor employment conditions to ensure compliance with and (where necessary) enforcement of employment rights legislation
    • provide information on employment legislation, and process employment agency and protection of young persons (employment) licences
    • provide advisory services to employers, employees and their representatives

    Additional functions set out in section 11 (1) of the Workplace Relations Act 2015 include:

    1. promoting the improvement of workplace relations, and maintenance of good workplace relations,
    2. promoting and encouraging compliance with relevant enactments, 
    3. providing guidance in relation to compliance with codes of practice approved under Section 20 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015, 
    4. conducting reviews of, and monitor developments as respects, workplace relations, 
    5. conducting or commissioning research into matters pertaining to workplace relations, 
    6. providing advice, information and the findings of research conducted by the Commission to joint labour committees and joint industrial councils, 
    7. advising and apprising the Minister in relation to the application of, and compliance with, relevant enactments, and 
    8. providing information to members of the public in relation to employment

    It has specific functions in resolving industrial disputes and implementing employment laws. More information is available on the Workplace Relations Commission website Home – Workplace Relations Commission.

    ENDS

    For further information please contact Press Office, D/Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, press.office@enterprise.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200

    Back to Department News

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: UN’s highest court finds countries can be held legally responsible for emissions

    By Jamie Tahana in The Hague for RNZ Pacific

    The United Nations’ highest court has found that countries can be held legally responsible for their greenhouse gas emissions, in a ruling highly anticipated by Pacific countries long frustrated with the pace of global action to address climate change.

    In a landmark opinion delivered yesterday in The Hague, the president of the International Court of Justice, Yuji Iwasawa, said climate change was an “urgent and existential threat” that was “unequivocally” caused by human activity with consequences and effects that crossed borders.

    The court’s opinion was the culmination of six years of advocacy and diplomatic manoeuvring which started with a group of Pacific university students in 2019.

    They were frustrated at what they saw was a lack of action to address the climate crisis, and saw current mechanisms to address it as woefully inadequate.

    Their idea was backed by the government of Vanuatu, which convinced the UN General Assembly to seek the court’s advisory opinion on what countries’ obligations are under international law.

    The court’s 15 judges were asked to provide an opinion on two questions: What are countries obliged to do under existing international law to protect the climate and environment, and, second, what are the legal consequences for governments when their acts — or lack of action — have significantly harmed the climate and environment?

    The International Court of Justice in The Hague yesterday . . . landmark non-binding rulings on the climate crisis. Image: X/@CIJ_ICJ

    Overnight, reading a summary that took nearly two hours to deliver, Iwasawa said states had clear obligations under international law, and that countries — and, by extension, individuals and companies within those countries — were required to curb emissions.

    Iwasawa said the environment and human rights obligations set out in international law did indeed apply to climate change.

    ‘Precondition for human rights’
    “The protection of the environment is a precondition for the enjoyment of human rights,” he said, adding that sea-level rise, desertification, drought and natural disasters “may significantly impair certain human rights, including the right to life”.

    To reach its conclusion, judges waded through tens of thousands of pages of written submissions and heard two weeks of oral arguments in what the court said was the ICJ’s largest-ever case, with more than 100 countries and international organisations providing testimony.

    They also examined the entire corpus of international law — including human rights conventions, the law of the sea, the Paris climate agreement and many others — to determine whether countries have a human rights obligation to address climate change.

    The president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Yuji Iwasawa, delivering the landmark rulings on climate change. Image: X/@CIJ_ICJ

    Major powers and emitters, like the United States and China, had argued in their testimonies that existing UN agreements, such as the Paris climate accord, were sufficient to address climate change.

    But the court found that states’ obligations extended beyond climate treaties, instead to many other areas of international law, such as human rights law, environmental law, and laws around restricting cross-border harm.

    Significantly for many Pacific countries, the court also provided an opinion on what would happen if sea levels rose to such a level that some states were lost altogether.

    “Once a state is established, the disappearance of one of its constituent elements would not necessarily entail the loss of its statehood.”

    Significant legal weight
    The ICJ’s opinion is legally non-binding. But even so, advocates say it carries significant legal and political weight that cannot be ignored, potentially opening the floodgates for climate litigation and claims for compensation or reparations for climate-related loss and damage.

    Individuals and groups could bring lawsuits against their own countries for failing to comply with the court’s opinion, and states could also return to the International Court of Justice to hold each other to account.

    The opinion would also be a powerful precedent for legislators and judges to call on as they tackle questions related to the climate crisis, and give small countries greater weight in negotiations over future COP agreements and other climate mechanisms.

    Outside the court, several dozen climate activists, from both the Netherlands and abroad, had gathered on a square as cyclists and trams rumbled by on the summer afternoon. Among them was Siaosi Vaikune, a Tongan who was among those original students to hatch the idea for the challenge.

    “Everyone has been waiting for this moment,” he said. “It’s been six years of campaigning.

    “Frontline communities have demanded justice again and again,” Vaikune said. “And this is another step towards that justice.”

    Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu (cenbtre) speaks to the media after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings on climate change in The Hague yesterday. Image: X/CIJ_ICJ

    ‘It gives hope’
     Vanuatu’s Climate Minister Ralph Regenvanu said the ruling was better than he expected and he was emotional about the result.

    “The most pleasing aspect is [the ruling] was so strong in the current context where climate action and policy seems to be going backwards,” Regenvanu told RNZ Pacific.

    “It gives such hope to the youth, because they were the ones who pushed this.

    “I think it will regenerate an entire new generation of youth activists to push their governments for a better future for themselves.”

    Regenvanu said the result showed the power of multilateralism.

    “There was a point in time where everyone could compromise to agree to have this case heard here, and then here again, we see the court with the judges from all different countries of the world all unanimously agreeing on such a strong opinion, it gives you hope for multilateralism.”

    He said the Pacific now has more leverage in climate negotiations.

    “Communities on the ground, who are suffering from sea level rise, losing territory and so on, they know what they want, and we have to provide that,” Regenvanu said.

    “Now we know that we can rely on international cooperation because of the obligations that have been declared here to assist them.”

    The director of climate change at the Pacific Community (SPC), Coral Pasisi, also said the decision was a strong outcome for Pacific Island nations.

    “The acknowledgement that the science is very clear, there is a direct clause between greenhouse gas emissions, global warming and the harm that is causing, particularly the most vulnerable countries.”

    She said the health of the environment is closely linked to the health of people, which was acknowledged by the court.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: 3rd round of Russia-Ukraine talks agrees on prisoner exchange, differs on ceasefire

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

    Russian and Ukrainian delegations held a third round of peace talks on Wednesday evening at the Ciragan Palace, during which the two sides agreed on another prisoner exchange but clashed on ceasefire terms and a potential presidential meeting.

    Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky and Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov led the Russian and Ukrainian delegations, respectively. The closed-door talks were chaired by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

    Following the talks, which lasted for less than one hour, Umerov said at a press conference that Ukraine continues to insist on a full and unconditional ceasefire as the essential foundation for effective diplomacy.

    “We are ready for a ceasefire now and to start substantive peace negotiations, and it is up to the other side to accept this basic step towards peace,” Umerov said.

    “We emphasize that the ceasefire must be genuine. It must include a complete cessation of strikes on civilian and critical infrastructure,” he said.

    Prior to the talks, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that Moscow and Kiev are “diametrically opposed” in their positions on how to end the conflict, noting that “much work” still needs to be done.

    The Ukrainian side has proposed to Russia to hold a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “by the end of August,” where the participation of U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will be “especially valuable,” he said.

    During a separate press conference after the talks, Medinsky said Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange 1,200 prisoners of war each, including a proposal from Moscow to swap about 30 civilians held by Ukraine in the Kursk region.

    Russia has returned the bodies of 7,000 fallen Ukrainian soldiers and is ready to return 3,000 more, he said, requesting the return of any number of deceased Russian soldiers from Ukraine.

    He also said that the Russian side proposed establishing three online working groups with Ukraine to address political, humanitarian, and military issues, and asked Ukraine to consider declaring short ceasefires of 24-48 hours along the contact line to evacuate the wounded soldiers and recover the bodies of fallen troops.

    As to the Putin-Zelensky meeting Ukraine proposed, Medinsky said such a meeting is not being considered until certain processes are completed.

    Meanwhile, Zelensky wrote on social media platform X after the talks that the ninth stage of prisoner exchange took place “today,” which involved more than 1,000 people from the Ukrainian side, including those “seriously ill and severely wounded.”

    “It is important that the exchanges are ongoing,” he wrote.

    In his opening remarks to the talks, Fidan urged the two delegations to engage in result-oriented negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and ultimately ending the war.

    “Our goal is to end this bloody war, which has come at a heavy cost, as soon as possible,” Fidan said.

    While the previous two rounds of talks in Istanbul — held on May 16 and June 2 — led to the exchange of thousands of war prisoners and the bodies of fallen soldiers, they produced little progress toward a ceasefire.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China calls for opposition to unilateral tariffs, defense of multilateral trading system at WTO

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

    China has called for opposition to unilateral tariff actions and the defense of the multilateral trading system at a two-day meeting of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) General Council, which concluded on Wednesday.

    In a statement presented at the meeting, the Chinese delegation noted that global trade turbulence is intensifying, marked by rising uncertainty and increased risks of fragmentation.

    In recent months, new unilateral tariff measures have continued to emerge, and the volume of trade affected by restrictive measures has reached 2.7 trillion U.S. dollars, the highest level since statistics became available in 2009, the delegation said.

    Against this backdrop, the delegation called on WTO members to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, and to more effectively support the multilateral trading system.

    The delegation elaborated on a three-pronged “SDR” framework previously proposed by China, namely “Stability as the cornerstone, Development as the priority, and Reform as the pathway,” noting that the proposed efforts include jointly upholding WTO principles such as the most-favored-nation (MFN) treatment and non-discrimination, supporting the integration of developing members into the multilateral trading system, and advancing in-depth WTO reform.

    The delegation stressed that bilateral agreements reached or related measures taken by relevant members to ease trade tensions must comply with WTO rules.

    The delegation also suggested that the WTO Secretariat strengthen its monitoring and analysis of unilateral measures and bilateral agreements, and promptly inform members of their impact, especially the potential negative spillover effects on third-party members.

    Brazil, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Venezuela and other WTO members stated at the meeting that escalating trade turbulence is not in the common interest of members. Unilateral tariff measures, they noted, undermine the foundation of multilateral rules, significantly raise costs for businesses and consumers, and particularly hinder the economic growth and social development of vulnerable developing members.

    Given the current circumstances, they emphasized that upholding the multilateral trading system has become more critical than ever. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Yin headlines star-studded field for 2025 Buick LPGA Shanghai

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

    The Buick LPGA Shanghai will return to the Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf Club from October 9-12, organizers announced on Wednesday.

    As the first event of the 2025 LPGA Fall Asia Swing, it will bring together the world’s top female golfers for a thrilling showdown, delivering an elite competition and reigniting golf’s momentum.

    Yin Ruoning of China competes during the women’s individual stroke play round 1 of golf at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Yu)

    Jointly sanctioned by the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) and the China LPGA (CLPGA), the Buick LPGA Shanghai has established itself as a global stage for champions.

    Featuring 81 top players competing for a 2.2 million U.S. dollars purse under a no-cut format, the Buick LPGA Shanghai will see defending champion Yin Ruoning headline the world-class lineup. The Chinese star, a former world No. 1 and major winner, aims for back-to-back victories on home soil.

    In the autumn of 2024, Yin Ruoning delivered a career-defining performance at the Buick LPGA Shanghai, carding eight birdies in a blistering final round to shoot 8-under par and finish at a record-breaking 25-under par, claiming the title and etching her name into the tournament lore.

    “The Buick LPGA Shanghai holds a special place in my heart,” said Yin. “It has witnessed my growth and opened the door for countless young Chinese players to pursue their dreams. I am deeply grateful to the Buick brand for its lasting support of me, junior golf, and the overall development of the sport in China.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine, Vindman & Colleagues Introduce Bill to Restore Illegally Withheld Support for Students with Disabilities in Spotsylvania County

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, (D-VA) and U.S. Representative Eugene Vindman (D-VA-07), alongside Senate and House colleagues, introduced the bicameral Charting My Path to Future Success Act, legislation to restore the abruptly discontinued federal program designed to help students with disabilities succeed in adulthood. The funding disruption has impacted 13 school districts across 11 states, including Spotsylvania County Public Schools.

    The legislation directs the U.S. Department of Education to reissue the solicitation and award the contract for the “Charting My Path for Future Success Program,” a $45 million, ten-year initiative originally launched in 2019 during President Donald Trump’s first term, which works to help students with disabilities transition from high school to adulthood. The program was abruptly canceled in February 2025 after more than $25 million had already been spent and just as participating students began receiving services.

    “Ripping away critical funding and resources for students with disabilities is cruel and hurts America’s future,” said Kaine. “The Charting My Path for Future Success Program was established during Trump’s first term, but now Trump and DOGE have cancelled funding with no warning. Not only does this harm students with disabilities who are depending on this support, it also hurts the teachers and Spotsylvania schools whose jobs and school budgets depend on this funding. I’m proud to introduce the Charting My Path for Future Success Act to immediately reissue this funding and ensure all students are set up for success.”

    “Students across Virginia’s Seventh District and our country deserve a real chance to thrive after high school. And yet, the Trump Administration just recklessly cut the ‘Charting My Path for Future Success’ program from Spotsylvania County Public Schools and I cannot let that stand,” said Vindman. “That’s why I am proud to introduce this bill – we owe it to students and families to re-start this program and prohibit the Administration from canceling it without Congressional approval.”

    Designed to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) across a wide range of disabilities, the “Charting My Path for Future Success Program” provided one-on-one and small group sessions, mentoring, and year-round tutoring. Over 1,600 high school juniors, seniors, and their families were affected across the 11 states. In addition to Virginia, impacted districts include school systems in Georgia, Utah, Massachusetts, California, Alaska, and New York.

    The bill is endorsed by a coalition of disability advocacy organizations, including the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities Education Task Force, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, The Arc of the United States, the Autism Society of America, the National Disability Rights Network, and the Council of Administrators of Special Education.

    In addition to Kaine, U.S. Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the legislation in the Senate. In addition to Vindman, U.S. Representatives Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), Juan Vargas (D-CA-52), Sara Jacobs (D-CA-53), and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) introduced the legislation in the House.

    The full text of the resolution is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Subsea 7 S.A. Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW

    Luxembourg – 24 July 2025 – Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) (the Company) today published and distributed to eligible holders of common shares the notice of meeting for an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders (the EGM). The purpose of the EGM is to consider the proposed combination between Subsea7 and Saipem SpA.

    The EGM is scheduled to take place at 15:00 (local time) on 25 September 2025 at 5, place Winston Churchill, L-1340 Luxembourg.

    The holders of common shares on record at the close of business on 11 September 2025 will be entitled to vote. The deadline for submission of votes for holders of common shares is 19 September 2025.

    The notice of meeting and supporting materials, including the common merger plan, the report of the board of directors with respect to the common merger plan, and the reports of the respective independent experts of the Company and Saipem SpA, will shortly be available on the Company’s website, subsea7.com.

    The EGM agenda includes the proposal to distribute a dividend of €450m, equating to approximately NOK 18.00 per share as at today’s date.  This distribution is in accordance with the terms of the merger with Saipem S.p.A., conditional on completion of the merger and expected to be paid immediately before the proposed merger effective date.

    In addition, the EGM agenda includes a proposal to distribute a special dividend of €105m, equating to approximately NOK 4.15 per share, as at today’s date.  This distribution is related to a permitted business divestment in accordance with the merger agreement with Saipem SpA.  The distribution is expected to be paid after closing of the relevant transaction or (if earlier) immediately before the proposed merger effective date.

    The key dates relating to both proposed dividends shall be published as soon as these dates are fixed.

    *******************************************************************************
    Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industry’s partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs.

    Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Børs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62.

    *******************************************************************************

    Contact for investment community enquiries:
    Katherine Tonks
    Investor Relations Director
    Tel +44 20 8210 5568
    ir@subsea7.com

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This document is not an offer of merger consideration shares in the United States. Neither the merger consideration shares nor any other securities have been or will be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and neither the merger considerations shares nor any other securities may be offered, sold or delivered within or into the United States, except pursuant to a registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act or an applicable exemption from registration or in a transaction otherwise not subject to the Securities Act. This document must not be forwarded, distributed or sent, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States. This document does not constitute an offer of or an invitation by or on behalf of, Saipem or Subsea7, or any other person, to purchase any securities.

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
    This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 24 July 2025 at 00:40

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £30 million to decarbonise shipping, boost careers and deliver growth across the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    £30 million to decarbonise shipping, boost careers and deliver growth across the UK

    Funding will be crucial in supporting the green fuels and technologies of the future, so we can clean up sea travel and trade.

    • coastal communities across the UK will benefit from £30 million to make shipping and sea travel greener, boosting local economies, and supporting jobs and skills
    • decarb funding is helping to revitalise Glasgow’s strong shipbuilding heritage, as Maritime Minister heralds a new Scottish-built high-tech wing sail which can save ships up to 40% per annum in fuel and emissions
    • latest boost builds on over £136 million for already delivered to more than 142 organisations across every region in the UK, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change missions to kickstart economic growth and become a clean energy superpower.

    Coastal communities across the UK are to benefit from £30 million funding to decarbonise shipping and power up local economies the Maritime Minister will announce today (24 July 2025) during a visit to Clydeport in Glasgow.

    Awarded from the sixth round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC), successful companies will be given a share of funding to support the development of clean maritime fuels and technologies such as ammonia, hydrogen, methanol, solar and electric. 

    Investment in green fuels not only supports the decarbonisation of shipping, helping cement the UK as a clean energy superpower, it also revitalises coastal communities by growing local economies and boosting jobs and skills.   

    CMDC has provided over £136 million funding to date to 142 organisations, as part of the wider UK SHORE funding – the government’s flagship programme dedicated to decarbonising maritime – for over 300 organisations, including 250 SMEs. Successful projects include the installation of electric chargepoint networks across ports, including at Aberdeen, the demonstration of an electric crew transfer vessel at Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm, and the demonstration of a green hydrogen shore power system at the port of Leith. 

    Maritime Minister Mike Kane said:  

    It’s so exciting to see investment in green fuels and technologies spurring on skills, innovation and manufacturing across the UK, delivering on our Plan for Change missions to kickstart economic growth and become a clean energy superpower.

    We’ve charted a course to net zero shipping by 2050 and this £30 million will be crucial in supporting the green fuels and technologies of the future, so we can clean up sea travel and trade.

    During his visit to Clydeport, the minister will meet with workers from the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, which is looking to help Smart Green Shipping scale up the manufacturing of the FastRig windsail going forward. Built nearby in Glasgow, the FastRig is a high-tech wing sail which can be installed onto vessels, reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 40% per annum. The project received £3.3 million from the third round of the CMDC and has now been successfully deployed at sea. 

    Chris Courtney, CEO, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland said:

    Clean maritime is a vital part of a wider mission to decarbonise transport. Advanced manufacturing is critical to enable companies to scale up novel solutions that deliver emissions reductions and allow the creation of new jobs in these industries of the future.

    We’ve spent the past 2 years working on the CMDC-funded MariLight projects, led by Glasgow-based Malin Marine Consultants, part of the Malin Group, supported by industry partners, where we demonstrated how advanced manufacturing can cut lead times, lower carbon, and enable localised production in shipbuilding. It’s great to see continued momentum through the programme, and we look forward to supporting Smart Green Shipping’s journey as it scales.

    Diane Gilpin, Smart Green Shipping (SGS), CEO said:

    CMDC3 support enabled SGS, a Scottish based business, to demonstrate the safety and robustness of FastRig, our Cyldebuilt wingsails, and to build out our digital decision-making platform, FastReach, which underpins our unique wind-as-a-service proposition.

    Over the last 3 years SGS has invested £7.6 million in R&D, 60% of that in Scotland. We’ve drawn upon engineering design skills in adjacent sectors like renewables and oil and gas, and digital expertise created in Scotland’s vibrant tech community. We are also working alongside the National Manufacturing Institute of Scotland to design circular manufacturing solutions to reduce embedded emissions and minimise use of precious materials while creating good green jobs as part of a sustainable just transition.

    The minister will meet with Peel Ports and local workers at Clydeport’s King George V Docks. Delivering £3 million of investment to support the growing demand for handling huge wind turbine components for the renewable energy sector, Clydeport is keeping Glasgow’s shipbuilding heritage and manufacturing expertise alive, equipping it to meet the modern-day needs of the sector. 

    Jim McSporran, Port Director at Peel Ports Clydeport, said:

    We’re proud to welcome the Maritime Minister to Peel Ports Clydeport today and showcase how our facilities continue to create opportunities for investment, jobs and skills that will benefit the people and businesses of Scotland. 

    Our recent £3 million investment in road infrastructure at King George V Dock to accommodate growing demand for handling wind turbine components, and our ongoing transformative work at Hunterston PARC in Ayrshire to support the renewables sector, demonstrate our commitment to decarbonising supply chains and enabling the transition to a greener economy.  

    It’s fantastic to see government and industry working together to back innovation and today’s visit reinforces how Glasgow’s maritime legacy is helping to drive the UK’s clean energy future.

    Mike Biddle, Executive Director, Net Zero at Innovate UK, said:

    Congratulations to the awarded projects from Round 6 of the Clean Maritime Demonstrator Competition – a great opportunity for UK innovators to take part in a world-renowned maritime transport R&D grant funding programme. Innovate UK looks forward to working with partners to support these projects focused on the ever-more prevalent issue of decarbonisation with emphasis on a range of physical, digital, system and skills-based innovation.

    Building on its commitment to clean up shipping and deliver on the UK’s climate ambitions, UK SHORE is also delivering £3.85 million to the Clean Maritime Research Hub. Formed from a consortium of 13 universities across the UK, dedicated to conducting scientific research in clean maritime, the funding will enable the hub to continue its important research, and support the installation of a liquid hydrogen facility at Durham University. The centre will develop the maritime sector’s understanding of the potential impact of liquid hydrogen – which is emission free – in the clean maritime transition.

    Maritime media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Historic trade deal signed with India to deliver £50 million boost to Northern Ireland

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Historic trade deal signed with India to deliver £50 million boost to Northern Ireland

    New analysis published today [Thursday 24 July] shows the landmark agreement will deliver a £50m boost to the local economy

    • NEW figures show trade deal with India will deliver £50 million for Northern Ireland’s economy as part of the Plan for Change 

    • Advanced manufacturing and engineering, whiskey producers and services and technology sectors set to benefit from growth following a reduction or near elimination of tariffs 

    • Comes as Prime Minister and Trade Secretary welcome Prime Minister Modi and Commerce Minister to UK for signing of most comprehensive deal India has ever agreed 

    Businesses and workers in Northern Ireland are set to benefit from the UK’s trade deal with India, as new analysis published today [Thursday 24 July] shows the landmark agreement will deliver a £50m boost to the local economy as part of the Plan for Change. 

    The Prime Minister will meet his counterpart Narendra Modi this morning for the trade deal signing as Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal put pen to paper on the landmark agreement. It comes as a series of investment and export wins have been confirmed by UK and Indian businesses, representing an overall boost of nearly £6 billion and creating over 2,200 jobs. 

    India is a growing market for Northern Ireland businesses, 143 of which exported a total of £65 million in goods there last year– this could grow even more thanks to lower tariffs, fewer barriers to trade, and easier customs. 

    Advanced manufacturing and engineering – which represent approximately 30 per cent of employment in Northern Ireland – will benefit from removal or reduction of tariffs.  

    Northern Ireland’s medical technology sector will benefit from tariffs on a range of medical devices, between 8.25% to 13.75% being eliminated or halved within ten years.

    Duties on Irish whiskey will immediately fall from 150% to 75%, dropping further to 40% over ten years. Producers will also be able to use Irish barley or neutral grain spirit and bottle products in transit to India, maximising capability to capitalise on tariff reductions. 

      Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said:  

    This is a landmark deal that will bring real benefits for businesses and workers in Northern Ireland.  

    Northern Ireland’s advanced manufacturing, engineering, and medical technology sectors will see tariffs eliminated or significantly reduced, while Irish whiskey producers will benefit from substantial cuts in duties allowing for increased trade with India.

    This agreement will help further unlock the huge potential for growth across Northern Ireland, including its thriving services and technology sectors.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    The millions brought to Northern Ireland each year from the deal we’ve signed with India today will be keenly felt across local communities, whether that’s higher wages for workers, more choice for shoppers, or increased overseas sales for businesses. 

    This government is proving time and again that we can deliver on our mission to grow the economy, put more money in pockets and boost living standards under our Plan for Change.

    Philip McKee, Sales Manager at Biopanda, a Belfast-based medtech manufacturer which exports in vitro test kits for clinical laboratories, veterinary practice, and food safety laboratories, said:   

    Biopanda have been supplying a range of diagnostic products to the Indian market throughout the past ten years. We value the business we have done already throughout India and with the introduction of the UK-India FTA this should benefit in increased trade with the removal of export barriers.  

    This will hopefully increase the market access, allowing our distributors throughout India to provide a larger range of our highly accurate clinical diagnostic products at a lower price to the consumer. 

    Workers in Northern Ireland will enjoy an uplift in pay as UK wages grow by a total £2.2 billion each year, and could also see cheaper prices and more choice on clothes, shoes, and food products. The UK already imports £11 billion in goods from India but liberalised tariffs on Indian goods will make it easier and cheaper to buy their best products. 

    For businesses in Northern Ireland this could mean potential savings when importing components and materials used in areas such as advanced manufacturing or luxury and consumer goods. 

    India’s trade weighted average tariff will drop from 15% to 3% which means Northern Ireland companies selling products to India from whiskey, and soft drinks to cosmetics and medical devices will find it easier to sell to the Indian market. It gives the UK an advantage over international competitors in reaching the Indian market, forecast to have over a quarter of a billion high income consumers by 2050. 

    Aligned with the UK’s recent Industrial and Trade Strategies, the deal will support the sectors which drive the most growth for the economy. In Northern Ireland, sectors such as agriculture and food, advanced manufacturing and engineering, and the services and technology sectors are expected to benefit substantially. 

    Notes to editor 

    • The government will prepare for the trade agreement to be ratified by Parliament so businesses can begin to use it.
    • For more information on the Double Contribution Convention, please see the policy explainer attached.
    • Headline economic estimates of the impact of the FTA along with the methodology were previously set out in the technical notes for the preliminary estimates. The full detailed impact assessment, using the same methodology, will be published shortly.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Subsea7 and Saipem announce signing of the Merger Agreement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW 

    Transaction structure and terms confirmed in line with Memorandum of Understanding

    Creating a global leader in energy services

    Milan, Luxembourg, 24 July 2025 – Saipem and Subsea7 announce that they have entered into a binding merger agreement, on terms and conditions in line with what previously communicated at the time of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on 23 February 2025. The merger of Saipem and Subsea7 will create a global leader in energy services. 

    Highlights

    • The company resulting from the merger1 between Saipem and Subsea7 (the “Proposed Combination”) will be renamed Saipem7 (“Saipem7”), will have revenue of approx. €21 billion2, EBITDA in excess of €2 billion3, will generate more than €800 million of Free Cash Flow4 and will have a combined backlog of €43 billion5
    • The highly complementary geographical footprints, competencies and capabilities, vessel fleets and technologies will benefit Saipem7’s global portfolio of clients
    • The diversification of the geographical footprint of Saipem and Subsea7 is reflected in the combined backlog, with no single country contributing more than 15% of total6
    • On completion, Saipem and Subsea7 shareholders will own 50% each of the share capital of Saipem7
    • Subsea7 shareholders participating to the Proposed Combination will receive 6.688 new Saipem shares for each Subsea7 share held
    • Subsea7 will distribute an extraordinary dividend to its shareholders for an amount equal to €450 million immediately prior to completion of the Proposed Combination
    • Annual synergies expected to be approximately €300 million on a run-rate basis, which will lead to material value creation for the shareholders of Saipem7
    • Saipem7 will remain incorporated in Italy and headquartered in Milan, and will have its shares listed on both the Milan and Oslo stock exchanges
    • Siem Industries, reference shareholder of Subsea7, and Eni and CDP Equity, reference shareholders of Saipem, have committed to vote in favour of the Proposed Combination
    • Completion of the Proposed Combination anticipated to occur in the second half of 2026

    The management of both Saipem and Subsea7 confirm the compelling strategic rationale in creating a global leader in energy services, particularly considering the growing size of clients’ projects. The parties believe the Proposed Combination will enhance value for all shareholders and stakeholders, both in the current market and in the long term.

    Eni, CDP Equity and Siem Industries fully support the Proposed Combination and have signed a Shareholders’ Agreement confirming the undertaking to vote in favour of the Proposed Combination. As part of this, to ensure a balanced leadership and governance structure, Saipem7’s CEO will be designated by Eni and CDP Equity and Saipem7’s Chairman of the Board of Directors will be designated by Siem Industries.

    It is currently envisaged that, upon completion of the Proposed Combination, Mr Kristian Siem will be appointed as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saipem77 and Mr Alessandro Puliti will be appointed as CEO of Saipem78. In addition, Mr Alessandro Puliti and Mr John Evans will be appointed respectively as the Chairman and CEO of the company that will manage the Offshore Engineering & Construction business of Saipem7. Such company will be named Subsea7, branded as “Subsea7, a Saipem7 Company”, and will comprise all of Subsea7’s businesses and Saipem’s Asset Based Services business (including Offshore Wind).

    The by-laws of Saipem7 are expected to provide for loyalty shares (double votes), which will be available, upon request, to all shareholders of Saipem7.

    Strategic rationale of the Proposed Combination

    The Proposed Combination will be beneficial to the clients of both Saipem and Subsea7, bringing together the respective strengths of both companies:

    • Global reach and comprehensive solutions for clients: global operations and projects in more than 60 countries and a highly complementary footprint between the two companies. A full spectrum of offshore and onshore services, from drilling, engineering and construction to life-of-field services and decommissioning, with an increased ability to optimise project scheduling for clients in oil, gas, carbon capture and renewable energy
    • Diversified and complementary fleet: an expanded and diversified fleet of more than 60 construction vessels enhancing Saipem7’s ability to undertake a wide range of projects, from shallow water to ultra-deepwater operations, utilising a full portfolio of heavy lift, high-end J-lay, S-lay and reel-lay rigid pipeline solutions, flexible pipe and umbilical lay services, as well as market-leading wind turbine, foundations and cable lay installation capabilities
    • World-class expertise and experience: a specialised, global workforce of approximately 44,000 people, including more than 9,000 engineers and project managers contributing to delivering solutions that unlock value for clients
    • Innovation and technology: the combined expertise to foster innovation in offshore technologies, ensuring cutting-edge solutions for complex projects 

    The transaction is expected to create significant shareholder value through:

    • Synergies: annual cost and capital expenditure synergies expected to be approximately €300 million from the third year after completion of the Proposed Combination, driven by fleet optimisation (utilisation and geographical positioning of vessels and equipment), procurement (longer charter periods for leased vessels and improved terms with suppliers), sales and marketing (tendering rationalisation), and process efficiencies
    • More efficient capital expenditure programme: optimised allocation of capital across a broader, complementary vessel fleet
    • Attractive shareholder remuneration policy: Saipem7 is expected to distribute annually to its shareholders at least 40% of its Free Cash Flow after repayment of lease liabilities
    • Enhanced capital structure: a solid balance sheet expected to support an investment grade credit rating
    • Greater scale in both equity and debt capital markets: access to a wider investor base and to more diversified sources of capital

     Transaction structure, ownership and terms

    • Saipem7 will be created through an EU cross-border statutory merger, carried out by way of absorption of Subsea7 into Saipem, with the latter to be renamed Saipem7
    • Saipem7 will remain incorporated in Italy and headquartered in Milan, and will have its shares listed on both the Milan and Oslo stock exchanges
    • Siem Industries (currently the largest shareholder of Subsea7) will own approximately 11.8% of Saipem7’s share capital, while Eni and CDP Equity (currently the largest shareholders of Saipem) will respectively own approximately 10.6% and 6.4% of Saipem7’s share capital
    • Subsea7 shareholders participating to the Proposed Combination will receive 6.688 new Saipem shares for each Subsea7 share held
    • Assuming all Subsea7 shareholders participate in the merger, the share capital of Saipem7 will be held 50-50% by the current shareholders of Saipem and Subsea7 on completion
    • Immediately prior to completion of the Proposed Combination, Subsea7 shareholders will receive an extraordinary cash dividend of €450 million9
    • Shareholders of Subsea7 who vote against the approval of the Proposed Combination at the Subsea7 Extraordinary General Meeting will have the right to dispose of their shares in Subsea7 for an adequate cash compensation under the conditions set out under Luxembourg company law.10 The formula that will be used to determine the cash compensation will be made available on Subsea7’s website and the amount of the cash compensation determined on the basis of such formula will be announced in advance of Subsea7’s Extraordinary General Meeting

     Key activities performed since the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding

    • Satisfactory confirmatory due diligence completed, and transaction terms finalised in line with those initially agreed at the time of the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding
    • Annual cost and capital expenditure synergies confirmed and expected to be equal to approximately €300 million from the third year after completion of the Proposed Combination
    • No material findings in the analysis of Saipem and Subsea7 business plans in terms of projects overlap, thus further underpinning the value creation deriving from the Proposed Combination
    • Completed the preliminary antitrust analysis with the support of specialised advisors. Currently in the process of submitting the relevant documentation for the consideration of the Proposed Combination to the applicable antitrust authorities
    • Confirmation of capital allocation framework, including shareholders’ remuneration policy and target of achieving and maintaining investment grade credit rating
    • Identified the key members of the management team of Saipem7 and Subsea7 following completion of the Proposed Combination
    • Agreement on the governance principles applicable to Saipem7 and Subsea7 following completion of the Proposed Combination

     Organisational structure of Saipem7

    • Saipem7 will be structured as four businesses: Offshore Engineering & Construction, Onshore Engineering & Construction, Sustainable Infrastructures and Drilling Offshore
    • The Offshore Engineering & Construction business will be contained within an operationally autonomous company, fully owned by Saipem7, named Subsea7, branded as “Subsea7, a Saipem7 Company”, and will comprise all Subsea7’s businesses and the Asset Based Services business of Saipem (including Offshore Wind). The company will represent approximately 84% of the combined group’s EBITDA for the last 12 months as of 31 December 2024
    • Subsea7 shall be incorporated in the UK and headquartered in London. After completion of the Proposed Combination, Subsea7 will be governed by a Board of Directors comprising seven members, including Mr Alessandro Puliti as Chairman, Mr John Evans as CEO, Mr Kristian Siem and other four independent directors

     Pre-completion distributions to shareholders

    • Each of Saipem and Subsea7 will distribute cash dividends of $350 million during the course of 2025, such dividends having already been approved by their respective shareholders’ meetings in May 2025 and having already been partially distributed
    • If the Proposed Combination is not completed before the approval of the full year 2025 results of Saipem and Subsea7 (expected in the second quarter of 2026 for both Saipem and Subsea7), each of Saipem and Subsea7 will (subject to their respective 2025 results meeting certain agreed financial targets) be entitled to distribute cash dividends to their respective shareholders of at least $300 million11,12, 13, to be paid in Q2 2026  
    • In connection with a permitted business divestment currently ongoing, Subsea7 will also distribute a cash dividend equal to €105 million14 to its shareholders prior to completion of the Proposed Combination

    Shareholders’ Agreement

    The Shareholders’ Agreement signed between Siem Industries, Eni and CDP Equity provides for, inter alia, an irrevocable undertaking to vote in favour of the Proposed Combination (subject to receipt of the required Italian government approval), a three-year shareholder lock-up and the submission of a joint slate for the appointment of the majority of the members of the board of directors of Saipem7.

    Timing, conditions precedent, approvals and other matters

    Completion of the Proposed Combination will be subject to customary conditions precedent for a transaction of this nature, including, inter alia, the approval of antitrust, other public and regulatory authorities’ (e.g. the required Italian Government approval), as well as approval by the shareholders of both Saipem and Subsea7 at their respective Extraordinary General Meetings. In the case of Saipem this will be subject to reaching also the so-called “whitewash majorities” for purposes of the mandatory takeover bid exemption15. Both Saipem’s and Subsea7’s Extraordinary General Meetings will take place on 25 September 2025.

    Completion is currently anticipated to occur in the second half of 2026.

    The completion of the Proposed Combination will result in a “Change of Control,” as defined in the terms and conditions of the convertible bond issued by Saipem and denominated “€500,000,000 Senior Unsecured Guaranteed Equity Linked Bonds due 2029”.

    Documentation

    In connection with the Proposed Combination, the following documents, among others, will be made available:

    • The notice of call of each of Saipem and Subsea7’s Extraordinary General Meetings
    • The common merger plan approved by the Boards of Directors of each of Saipem and Subsea7 (the “Common Merger Plan”), along with the consolidated financial statements of Saipem and Subsea7 for the last three financial years and the merger related interim financial statements of Saipem and Subsea7 as of 30 June 2025
    • The reports of the Board of Directors of each of Saipem and Subsea7 describing the Proposed Combination
    • The independent expert reports prepared for each of Saipem and Subsea7 in connection with the Proposed Combination

    These documents will be available at the companies’ registered seats and published on each party’s website. Where required under applicable laws and regulations, these documents will be disclosed also through the authorised storage mechanism (SDIR) for Saipem and through an officially appointed mechanism (OAM) for Subsea7.

    The Common Merger Plan will also be filed with the Companies’ Register of Milan Monza Brianza Lodi, and the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register, and will also be published in the Recueil Electronique des Sociétés et Associations in Luxembourg (the Luxembourg legal gazette for company announcements) (RESA)16. 

    Advisors

    Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE, Succursale Italia is acting as lead financial advisor to Saipem, and Deutsche Bank AG, Milan Branch as financial advisor to Saipem. Clifford Chance LLP is serving as global legal counsel to Saipem (including as to matters of Italian, English, US and Luxembourg Law), while Advokatfirmaet Thommessen AS is serving as legal counsel to Saipem as to matters of Norwegian law.

    Kirk Lovegrove & Company Limited is acting as lead financial advisor and Deloitte LLP is acting as financial advisor to Subsea7. Freshfields LLP is serving as global legal counsel to Subsea7 (including as to matters of Italian, US and English Law), while Elvinger Hoss Prussen société anonyme and Advokatfirmaet Wiersholm AS are serving as legal counsel to Subsea7 as to matters of Luxembourg and Norwegian law, respectively.

    Enquiries

    Saipem is a global leader in the engineering and construction of major projects for the energy and infrastructure sectors, both offshore and onshore. Saipem is “One Company” organized into business lines: Asset Based Services, Drilling, Energy Carriers, Offshore Wind, Sustainable Infrastructures, Robotics & Industrialised Solutions. The company has 5 fabrication yards and an offshore fleet of 17 owned construction vessels and 13 drilling rigs, of which 9 owned. Always oriented towards technological innovation, the company’s purpose is “Engineering for a sustainable future”. As such Saipem is committed to supporting its clients on the energy transition pathway towards Net Zero, with increasingly digital means, technologies and processes geared for environmental sustainability. Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange, it is present in more than 50 countries around the world and employs about 30,000 people of over 130 nationalities.

    Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the energy industry. Subsea7 makes offshore energy transition possible through the continuous evolution of lower-carbon oil and gas and by enabling the growth of renewables and emerging energies.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This document is not an offer of merger consideration shares in the United States. Neither the merger consideration shares nor any other securities have been or will be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and neither the merger considerations shares nor any other securities may be offered, sold or delivered within or into the United States, except pursuant to a registration statement filed pursuant to the Securities Act or an applicable exemption from registration or in a transaction otherwise not subject to the Securities Act. This document must not be forwarded, distributed or sent, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States. This document does not constitute an offer of or an invitation by or on behalf of, Saipem or Subsea7, or any other person, to purchase any securities.

    Forward-looking Statements

    This document contains forward-looking information and statements about Saipem and Subsea7 and their combined business after completion of the proposed merger of Saipem and Subsea 7 (the “Proposed Combination“). Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements include financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future operations, products and services, and statements regarding future performance, Free Cash Flow, EBITDA, dividends, and credit ratings. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates” and similar expressions. Although the managements of Saipem and Subsea7 believe that the respective expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, investors and holders of Saipem and Subsea7 shares are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the control of Saipem and Subsea7, respectively, that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. Except as required by applicable law, neither Saipem nor Subsea7 undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking information or statements.

    This document includes estimates relating to the synergies expected to arise from the merger and the combination of the business operations of Saipem and Subsea7, as well as related integration costs, which have been prepared by Saipem and Subsea7 and are based on a number of assumptions and judgments. Such estimates present the expected future impact of the merger and the combination of the business operations of Saipem and Subsea7 on Saipem7’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The assumptions relating to the estimated synergies and related integration costs are inherently uncertain and are subject to a wide variety of significant business, economic, and competitive risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual synergies from the merger and the combination of the business operations of Saipem and Subsea7, if any, and related integration costs to differ materially from the estimates in this document. Further, there can be no certainty that the merger will be completed in the manner and timeframe described in this document, or at all.

    Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures

    This announcement includes certain non-IFRS financial measures with respect to Saipem and Subsea7, including EBITDA and Free Cash Flow. These unaudited non-IFRS financial measures should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, measures of Saipem’s and Subsea7’s financial performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. In addition, these measures may be defined differently than similar terms used by other companies.

    Presentation of Financial Information

    This document includes financial data regarding Saipem and Subsea7 and the combination of Saipem and Subsea7.  Any Saipem7 financial data presented herein is presented for informational purposes only and is not intended to represent or be indicative of the actual consolidated results of operations or financial position of the combined entity and should not be taken as representative of the combined entity’s future consolidated results of operations or financial position had the Proposed Combination occurred as of such date. These estimates are based on financial information available at the time of the preparation of this document.

    1 Merger by way of absorption of Subsea7 into Saipem
    2 Combined Revenue for Saipem and Subsea7 as per last 12 months as of 31 December 2024
    3 Combined EBITDA for Saipem and Subsea7 as per last 12 months as of 31 December 2024
    4 Combined Free Cash Flow post repayment of lease liabilities for Saipem and Subsea7 as per last 12 months as of 31 December 2024
    5 Combined backlog for Saipem and Subsea7 as of 31 March 2025
    6 Combined backlog for Saipem and Subsea7 as of 31 March 2025
    7 Subject to approval by the Shareholders’ Meeting and the Board of Directors of Saipem7
    8 Subject to approval by the Shareholders’ Meeting and the Board of Directors of Saipem7
    9 Subject to approval by the Subsea7 Shareholders’ Meeting
    10 Such withdrawal right may only be exercised in respect of (a) Subsea7 shares registered in the securities account of the relevant shareholder with such shareholder’s financial intermediary on the date of publication of the Common Merger Plan on the Recueil Electronique des Sociétés et Associations – RESA (the Luxembourg legal gazette for company announcements) and (b) Subsea7 shares acquired after such date through inheritance or bequest.  Further details will be specified in the convening notice to the Subsea7 Extraordinary General Meeting
    11 Subject to approval by the Shareholders’ Meeting and the Board of Directors
    12 The dividend paid by Saipem will be qualified as ordinary in nature
    13 Saipem and Subsea7 will be entitled to distribute a reduced pro-rated amount should their respective financial results not meet the relevant financial targets, as detailed in the Common Merger Plan
    14 Subject to approval by the Subsea7 Shareholders’ Meeting
    15 Pursuant to Art. 49, paragraph 1, letter g) of Consob Regulation 11971/99
    16 Subsea7 intends to file the Common Merger Plan with the Registre de Commerce et des Sociétés, Luxembourg (the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register) for publication on the RESA no later than the second Oslo Børs trading day after the date of this announcement

    This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. 
     This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 24 July 2025 at 00:40 CET.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to two papers assessing off-the-shelf health tests sold in UK shops

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in The BMJ assesses direct-to-consumer self-tests sold in the UK.

    Prof Amitava Banerjee, Professor of Clinical Data Science and Honorary Consultant Cardiologist, Institute of Health Informatics, UCL, said:

    “Direct-to-consumer, self-tests are increasingly used by people with and without disease for screening and are widely available from high street vendors.  In these rigorous, real-world studies led by the University of Birmingham, we see two main findings.  First, across 30 self-tests in 19 conditions from infertility and menopause to raised cholesterol and anaemia, there is a not enough information for consumers to judge when and why to do the test, and how to interpret or how to act on the results.  Second, the evidence and the support from clinical guidelines to use these tests is often lacking, suggesting that regulatory oversight needs to be improved.

    “Sometimes people use self-tests because they “feel it is better to know” and they are trying to inform their health and healthcare decisions.  This research shows that these self-tests are often not providing relevant knowledge or information and they are not informing decisions in the right way.  Therefore, all stakeholders need to consider the quality of self-tests and information available to members of the public or health professionals before recommending their use, whether in the health and wellness space or in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.”

    Rachel Richardson, Acting Head of Methods Support, Evidence Production and Methods Directorate, The Cochrane Collaboration, said:

    “This well-conducted research shines a welcome light on an area of healthcare which appears to be inadequately regulated.”

    Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of Applied Statistics, The Open University, said:

    “I think the findings of these new studies on self-tests for health conditions, available (at a cost) in supermarkets, high street chemists and online, are scary and concerning.  I don’t doubt the findings of the researchers, that many of the available tests don’t make it clear who could make good use of them, how accurate the results might be, or what someone should do in the light of their results.

    “These are good studies in my view.  The researchers do list some limitations in the discussion sections of the papers, in particular that their samples of tests were obtained two years ago and were not specifically intended to be a sample of what was available across the country, but given what they do say about where they got the tests, I’d be surprised if they aren’t pretty much the same anywhere nowadays.  Also, the researchers didn’t check with representatives of the public whether the instructions were as unhelpful to understanding as they believe they were, but I don’t think this affects their conclusions.

    “I’m certainly not saying that tests like this should be banned, or even radically discouraged.  The authors of these research papers aren’t saying that either.  Experience during the heights of the Covid pandemic showed how useful home testing could be, particularly when access to other information about one’s health might not be easily available (as can still be the case at some GP practices, for instance).  And, generally as a default position, I don’t like telling people they can’t do something that they want to do – though only in the light of clear, transparent and easily available information on the pros and cons, and in the presence of adequate regulation.  These studies make it clear that users of many self-tests aren’t given easy access to relevant information, and that the regulation isn’t appropriate at present.

    “I’ll just mention one particular aspect, because it’s one that I have studied and written about myself.  This is about why the findings are important, not about the quality of the research.  No diagnostic or screening test for a health condition can be 100% accurate.  There will inevitably be false positives – people with a positive test result for the condition who actually don’t have the condition – and false negatives – people with a negative test result for a condition who actually do have the condition.  These are aspects of accuracy, though discussions of that word don’t always make it clear enough that there are two different ways in which a test result can be wrong.

    “You probably recall some of the interest and media discussion about these things in relation to Covid testing.  Not all of the discussion was logical or well argued, but it clearly and correctly drew attention to the fact that test results can be wrong sometimes.

    “Fewer than half of the self-tests examined by the researchers gave any information at all on the box about accuracy of the results.  Even when they did give information about accuracy on the box or in the instructions inside, the information was sometimes itself not accurate, or was based on the results of laboratory studies under careful conditions, not on findings on use of the tests by people who are not health professionals.

    “But even if all the tests had given information about accuracy, and all that information was reliable, there can still be problems. I’ll describe how.

    “Because there are two kinds of wrong results from tests – false positives and false negatives – we need to look at two aspects of the chance of making an error.  One common way of doing this, that was used in some of the self-test instructions, is as follows.  Findings from the development and use of the test can estimate the probability that someone, who is known to have the health condition in question, will have a true positive test result rather than a false negative result.  (In the jargon, that probability is called the test sensitivity – but trust me, knowing the jargon doesn’t help understanding.)  Another finding from test development and use is an estimate of the chance that a person, who is known not to have the condition on question, will have a true negative test result rather than a false positive result.  (That’s called the test specificity.)

    “The trouble is that these two probabilities are the probability of the person having a positive or a negative test result, in the position where we know whether they really have the health condition.  But you don’t do these tests if you know already whether you have the health condition.  So these probabilities are the wrong way round.  What people (and health professionals) want to know is, for example, if we know someone has a positive test result, what’s the chance that they really have the health condition that is being tested for.  Or, if we know someone has a negative test result, what’s the chance that they really don’t have the health condition?  (There are jargon names for those too – the positive predictive value and the negative predictive value, but again I don’t think those names help much, as there’s too much risk of confusion.)  And I’m sure that’s the kind of thing someone would want to know if they buy a self-test and see what result it gives for them.

    “However, the first lot of probabilities, the sensitivity and specificity, are different from the second lot, the predictive values.  If I tell you that the chance that a person, known already to have the health condition, will have positive test result is 98%, that doesn’t tell you what the chance is that a person, who has a positive test result, actually has the health condition.  That second probability is almost certainly not 98%, and in many circumstances it would be very much less than 98%.  To get from one set of probabilities to the other, you would need more information, such as how likely it is that the person has the condition if we don’t yet know the test result.

    “Just to rub in that these two probabilities aren’t the same, consider the following silly story.  You find a man in the street in London.  You happen to know he is the Pope.  What’s the chance that he is a Roman Catholic?  Obviously, 100%.  But now suppose the thing you know ,and the thing you want to know the chance of, are the other way round.  You know, somehow, that a different man in the London street is a Roman Catholic.  What’s the chance that he is the Pope?  Well, very much less than 100%.  It matters, a lot, which thing you already know and which thing you want the probability for.

    “So, in testing you get different probabilities if you know whether the person being tested has the health conditions, and want the probability that the test will be positive, from if you know what the person’s test result is, and want the probability that they have the health condition.  And only one of these probabilities – the second one – tells you what a test result is really saying about the chance of having the health condition.

    “There has been a lot of research in the past on how people, including health professionals and also non-professionals that might buy one of these self-tests, understand the findings, when they are given some information about the probabilities.  Several studies, for instance, found that many doctors and health professionals weren’t using the information on probabilities when the person’s health status is already known (the sensitivity and specificity) properly in trying to answer the question of how likely it is that someone, with a positive test result, actually has the health condition.  And if doctors might not be getting it right, how could a non-expert be expected to interpret their own test results properly?

    “The position on that maybe isn’t as grim as it sounds, though.  Other research has indicated that there are ways of getting the information across so that it’s useable by non-experts.  That has been done by several groups, including the Winton Centre for Risk and Evidence Communication in Cambridge (which has now closed, though its findings are still available), groups led by the psychologist Gerd Gigerenzer in Berlin, and many others.  Somehow, those communication findings need to be incorporated, as well as they can be, in the instructions for these tests.  But that will require more and better regulation.

    “Also, some doctors in primary health, including Jessica Watson and Margaret McCartney, who wrote the editorial accompanying these two new research papers in the BMJ, have worked on ways of helping people to understand test results – though you’d need to ask them how much of their findings could transfer easily to something that could be written clearly in test instructions rather than used in direct communication between health professionals and patients.”

    Paper 1: ‘Direct-to-consumer self-tests sold in the UK in 2023: cross sectional review of information on intended use, instructions for use, and post-test decision making’ by Clare Davenport et al. was published in the BMJ at 23:30 UK time on Wednesday 23 July 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2025-085546

    Paper 2: ‘Direct-to-consumer self-tests sold in the UK in 2023: cross sectional review of regulation and evidence of performance’ by Bethany Hillier et al. was published in the BMJ at 23:30 UK time on Wednesday 23 July 2025. 

    DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2025-085547

    Declared interests

    Prof Amitava Banerjee: “AB declares no relevant conflicts of interest.”

    Prof Kevin McConway: “I have no conflicts of interest to declare.”

    Rachel Richardson: “I have no interests to declare.”

    This Roundup was accompanied by an SMC Briefing. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Papers assessing off-the-shelf health tests sold in UK shops

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists from the University of Birmingham have reviewed a number of direct-to-consumer health tests that are available for members of the public to buy from supermarkets, pharmacies and shops in the UK, such as tests for vitamin deficiency, blood cholesterol and the menopause.

    The scientists assessed the evidence available for the basis of levels of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity that the tests reported. They also looked at how useable the tests were in terms of equipment, instructions and interpretation of the results.

    They published their findings in two papers in the BMJ.

    Journalists came to this briefing to hear some of the authors of the papers discuss their findings, and to ask their questions.

    Speakers included:

    Prof Jon Deeks, Professor of Biostatistics and head of the Biostatistics, Evidence Synthesis and Test Evaluation Research Group, University of Birmingham

    Dr Clare Davenport, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Birmingham (joining online)

    Prof Alex Richter, Professor of Clinical Immunology and Director of the Clinical Immunology Services, University of Birmingham

    Bethany Hillier, Medical Statistician, University of Birmingham

    This Briefing was accompanied by an SMC Roundup of comments. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to systematic review and meta-analysis of daily step count and risk of chronic diseases, cognitive decline and death

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A systematic review and meta analysis published in The Lancet Public Health looks at daily steps and health outcomes in adults.

    Prof Steven Harridge, Professor of Human & Applied Physiology at the Centre for Ageing Resilience in a Changing Environment (CARICE) at King’s College London, said:

    “This is a systematic review of a large number of studies looking at the relationship between increasing step count and multiple health outcomes – as opposed to just all-cause mortality.

    “The paper shows clear effects of increasing physical activity (through increasing step count) on reducing disease risk.  There has been debate about the amount of activity an individual should be doing with 10,000 steps as a generalised target, not well evidenced. This paper shows that 7,000 steps is sufficient for reducing the risk for most diseases covered, and 10 000 steps does not confer much additional benefit.  But further risk reduction might be possible for some diseases.

    “Simply put, the paper supports bodies of evidence that increasing levels of physical activity are associated with positive health outcomes.  Importantly, increasing to 10,000 streps seems to confer no negative effects!

    “Studies of this kind are helpful in the large number of studies and participants combined into the analysis but it lacks mechanistic insight as to how these benefits arise.  The likelihood is that increasing step count increases cardiorespiratory fitness, well known to be positively associated with better health and all-cause mortality outcomes.

    “There is also another interpretation of these data. Humans are designed to be physically active (our evolutionary heritage as hunter gatherers), so the question could be posed the other way.  Let’s say the default is to walk 10,000 or 7,000 steps, what are the negative health outcomes that might be expected of going below this level?  Clearly, they are not good.  Thus is all depends on the perspective of what should be considered “normal”.  

    “Whilst step count is a very basic measure of activity (e.g.it does not capture intensity), this study adds to the body of knowledge that shows physical activity is vitally important for health and anything that encourages people to be more active is a good thing for both physical and mental health.  This is in the context of most people not adhering to the guidelines for physical activity as set out by the Chief Medical Officer.”

      

    Dr Andrew Scott, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology, University of Portsmouth, University of Portsmouth, said:

    “The press release gives an accurate account of the study. The article is written by an excellent author team, leading to a coherent article summarising the evidence of daily step count and various health outcomes.

    “There’s been little research on steps per day, with most research focussing on characterising the exercise in frequency per week, time per day and intensity per minute of exercise. This research does fit the usual narrative of a logarithmic dose-response to exercise of a range of health conditions. This is not surprising; a dose-response is evident in many relationships between interventions/activities and health outcomes, including medications. This dose (amount of intervention) to outcome (health benefit) determines the dose required of particular medications to improve a particular health condition. In this case this information can be used to indicate the number of steps per day should be performed to reduce the risk of developing a health condition by a particular percentage. In most cases the 10,000 steps per day will still be better than 7,000 steps, just by decreasing margins of health benefit return.

    “More important than the exact number of steps, it demonstrates that overall more is always better and people should not focus too much on the numbers, particularly on days where activity is limited. The steps per day is useful when people’s exercise is weight-bearing, however cycling, swimming and rowing are not well-represented by the steps per day model.

    “This is a meta-analysis so it is representative of a range of studies, but there is a range of ways to be active for health benefit, beyond just steps per day. The team also analysed the rate or cadence of stepping, where faster rates of stepping per 30 minutes were further associated with health benefits, but not everybody can step at this rate to benefit with. There are other ways of exercise that are beneficial for older people, including balance exercise and higher intensity resistance training that can provide benefits beyond walking or jogging.

    “The compelling finding is that whilst such walking does not mitigate cancer incidence there is a decrease in cancer mortality, illustrating that enhanced physical activity levels leading to enhanced physical and psychological fitness enhances the resilience of people to deal with cancer and its associated treatments.

    “These findings are important for providing a public health message, where targeted exercise intervention, as opposed to discouraging inactivity is not as prevalent compared to medical intervention. So, while these findings have real world implications, the specific number should not receive too much reverence; it just means that 10,000 steps per day is not the only number to aim for, enhancing achievability.”

    Dr Daniel Bailey, Reader – Sedentary Behaviour and Health at Brunel University of London, said: 

    “The press release does accurately reflect the study, showing that walking 7000 steps per day is associated with significantly lower risk of a number of health outcomes like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, depression and falls. 

     “The researchers assessed the strength of evidence in their review of studies. The strength of evidence was moderate for most of the health outcomes, meaning that we can be confident the findings in this paper are true, but there is a possibility they may not be completely accurate. 

    “This study adds to existing evidence by showing that the more steps people do, the less their risk of developing different health conditions. The finding that doing 5000-7000 steps per day is an important addition to the literature which helps to debunk the myth that 10,000 steps per day should be the target for optimal health.  

     “This study suggested that 5000-7000 steps per day can significantly reduce the risk of many health outcomes, but that does not mean you cannot get benefits if you don’t meet this target. The study also found that health risks were reduced with each 1000 extra steps per day, up to a maximum of 12,000 steps per day. So just adding more steps from your starting point can have important benefits for health. 

     “An important limitation is that many of the findings from this review were based on a small number of studies, meaning that the results may not be accurate for some of the health outcomes measured. Also, the findings cannot be easily applied to people living with a chronic condition as the studies in this reviewer were in generally healthy people. 

    “The real-world implications are that people can get health benefits just from small increases in physical activity, such as doing an extra 1000 steps per day. To achieve the best reductions in risk, aiming for 5000-7000 per day can be recommended, which will be more achievable for many people than the unofficial target of 10,000 steps that has been around for many years.”  

    ‘Daily steps and health outcomes in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis’ by Ding Ding et al. was published in The Lancet Public Health at 23:30 UK time on Wednesday 23rd July.

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00164-1

    Declared interests

    Prof Steven Harridge: I am Professor of Human and Applied Physiology at King’s College London, with a research interest in healthy human ageing and have no funding from manufacturers of physical activity monitors.

    Dr Andrew Scott: I do not have any conflicts of interest.

    Dr Daniel Bailey: No interests

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Maxim Reshetnikov: Investments in SEZ reached 2.7 trillion rubles over 20 years

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On Wednesday, July 23, the Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Maxim Reshetnikov, presented the main results of the work of special economic zones (SEZ) over the 20 years since the mechanism was created at a meeting of the President with members of the Government.

    “Exactly 20 years ago, on your instructions, a law was adopted on Special Economic Zones to create new growth points in the regions and stimulate investment,” the minister noted, addressing the head of state.

    Since the mechanism was launched, 59 SEZs have been created in Russia. More than 1,300 resident companies have invested 2.7 trillion rubles and created 110 thousand jobs. Today, the zones are developing in various sectors – from industry, science and logistics to tourism.

    “Special economic zones respond to key business needs. It is within the framework of SEZs that production facilities are launched that ensure technological sovereignty and replace imports,” emphasized Maxim Reshetnikov.

    The development of SEZs has accelerated especially in the last five years. Since 2020, more than half of the zones operating today — 34 — have been created. The influx of residents during this period was a record — 561 companies. Recent examples include the production of trailers in Tatarstan, medical furniture in the Tula region, pet food in the Lipetsk region, air filters and polymer products in the Novgorod region.

    The head of the department separately noted the contribution of SEZs to the development of regional economies. The zones become drivers of diversification and create highly skilled jobs. According to the Ministry of Economic Development, the level of wages at resident enterprises is often 30-50% higher than the regional average.

    In 2025, six new economic zones were created in Russia, and five more were expanded. Among the new ones are a tourist zone in Kuzbass, a machine-building cluster in the Chelyabinsk region, and an industrial and logistics hub in the Novosibirsk region. Applications for opening new sites are being developed, including a tourist SEZ in Mineralnye Vody.

    According to the minister, the effectiveness of the mechanism is also confirmed from the point of view of the return of state investments: “The costs of benefits and the creation of infrastructure are recouped by the growth of the tax base. As of today, the budgetary effect from the work of the SEZ has exceeded 122 billion rubles,” the head of the Ministry of Economic Development reported.

    During his speech, the minister outlined further priorities for the development of the mechanism. Among them are the simplification of procedures for investors, the integration of infrastructure support measures, the expansion of tourism formats, and the active attraction of foreign companies. Today, more than 100 foreign investors from 34 countries work in Russian SEZs.

    “The Institute of Special Economic Zones has become an effective mechanism for the country’s economic development. This is the result of the work of regional teams, constant improvement of legislation and, of course, your support,” Maxim Reshetnikov noted in conclusion, addressing the President.

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ministry of Economic Development: The Strategy for the Development of the Creative Economy will take into account business developments

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The Ministry of Economic Development of Russia continues to work on implementing the decisions taken at the strategic session on the development of the creative economy in the Government of the Russian Federation. One of the key documents will be the Strategy for the Development of the Creative Economy until 2036. It will be based, among other things, on the opinions and practices of the business community. For this purpose, the Center for Strategic Research is conducting a business survey.

    Representatives of companies, industry associations, public and expert organizations, as well as individual entrepreneurs and the self-employed can take part in the survey. The best regional practices for developing the creative economy will also be analyzed.

    An open dialogue with business is a key part of preparing a strategy, says Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Tatyana Ilyushnikova.

    “Systematic work on developing the creative economy is already underway. In 2024, a federal law on the development of creative industries was adopted, and since 2025, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia has been officially vested with the functions of a regulator in this area. Developing a long-term strategy is the next logical step. Already during the strategic session, we received proposals from State Duma deputies, specialized associations and experts. But the key part of this work is an open dialogue with businesses and the professional community. The survey conducted by the Center for Strategic Research is one of the most important feedback tools. Its results will form the basis for decisions and mechanisms aimed at creating conditions for the sustainable growth of creative industries in Russia,” Tatyana Ilyushnikova emphasized.

    To take into account proposals and initiatives onsurvey page It is necessary to fill out a questionnaire and describe the project in detail, including its uniqueness, innovativeness and potential impact on the development of the industry. Information on possible economic effects and social significance will be of particular value. The questionnaire also includes an indication of current/required support measures (tax incentives, subsidies, grant support, educational programs, etc.).

    Upon completion of the survey, CSR specialists will collect, summarize and submit proposals to the Russian Ministry of Economic Development for work on the text of the strategy.

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: About the current price situation. July 23, 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    About the current price situation. July 23, 2025

    23 July 2025 19:01

    Date of publication: July 23, 2025

    Link: https://economy.gov.ru/material/directions/makroec/ekonomicheskie_obzory/o_tekushchey_cenovoy_situacii_23_iyulya_2025_goda.html

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vitaly Savelyev discussed the socio-economic development of the region with the head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Working meeting of Vitaly Savelyev with the head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov

    July 23, 2025

    Working meeting of Vitaly Savelyev with the head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov

    July 23, 2025

    Rustam Minnikhanov awarded Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev with the Order of Friendship (Duslyk)

    July 23, 2025

    Rustam Minnikhanov awarded Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev with the Order of Friendship (Duslyk)

    July 23, 2025

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    Working meeting of Vitaly Savelyev with the head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov

    For many years of fruitful cooperation and significant contribution to strengthening the socio-economic potential of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov awarded Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev with the Order of Friendship (“Duslyk”).

    The Deputy Prime Minister noted the significant dynamics of the main economic indicators of the Republic of Tatarstan in 2024, as well as the systematic development of the transport complex of the subject.

    The total number of passengers served at all airports of the republic in 2024 amounted to more than 6 million people (Kazan International Airport – 5.3 million, other airports – 0.7 million).

    In 2024, 8.7 million passengers were transported by rail. The volume of transported cargo in 2024 remained generally at the 2023 level and amounted to 16.4 million tons.

    As part of the program for the development of unmanned cargo transport, 18 unmanned KamAZ trucks are being used on the M-11 and Central Ring Road highways.

    In turn, in the territory of Innopolis, as part of the development of unmanned transport technologies, an experimental legal regime is in effect for Yandex unmanned taxis.

    “First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the President of Russia and the Federal Government for their systematic support of our initiatives. Tatarstan is a region with unique tourism and transport-logistics potential, and its development requires comprehensive infrastructure development. We pay special attention to air traffic: the modernization of the Kazan airport, including the construction of a new terminal, will not only increase capacity, but will also give impetus to the economy and tourism development. Water transport is no less important. The length of Tatarstan’s inland waterways exceeds 1,000 km. The main rivers – the Volga, Kama and Vyatka – have the status of water bodies of federal significance. We are implementing projects to update the fleet, including the construction of modern high-speed passenger hydrofoils “Meteor-2020″. This will create a modern, efficient transport system that meets the challenges of the time,” said Rustam Minnikhanov.

    “The Republic of Tatarstan has traditionally been one of the leaders in the development of transport infrastructure in the country. The regional leadership and personally Rustam Minnikhanov are consistently working in this direction. According to the results of 2024, growth is observed in all main areas: air transportation, rail transportation, and water transportation. Today, we visited the Kazan Aviation Plant named after Gorbunov, a strategic enterprise for the aviation industry, which produces and maintains the Tu-214 airliner. A number of airlines are interested in purchasing this aircraft. It is important to note that Tatarstan enterprises are participating in the implementation of transport megaprojects. For the construction of the Moscow-St. Petersburg high-speed highway, Natsproektstroy will purchase more than 400 units of special equipment from KAMAZ,” said Vitaly Savelyev.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: On the dynamics of industrial production. June 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On the dynamics of industrial production. June 2025

    23 July 2025 20:01

    Date of publication: July 23, 2025

    Link: https://economy.gov.ru/material/directions/makroec/ekonomicheskie_obzory/o_dinamike_promyshlennogo_proizvodstva_iyun_2025_goda.html

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Research – Study of ancient sea creature’s DNA links New Zealand to oceans around the world

    Source: New Zealand Institute for Earth Science Limited (Earth Sciences New Zealand)

    A world-first study of marine life, including sea creatures found in New Zealand’s dark, cold, pressurised ocean depths, has revealed that deep-sea life is surprisingly more connected than previously thought. The research, led by Australia’s Museums Victoria Research Institute and just published in Nature, found that while marine life in shallow waters is regionally unique, deeper ocean life shows more global connectivity, with some deep-sea species found across vast distances, even on opposite sides of the world.
    A previous lack of global data meant that the connections of deep-sea species weren’t fully known, but the researchers from 19 different institutions, including Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA), were able to discover how marine life is connected across the sea floor. The landmark study mapped the global distribution and evolutionary relationships of brittle stars (Ophiuroidea), an ancient, spiny animal found from shallow coastal waters to the deepest abyssal plains, and from the equator to the poles.
    In the most comprehensive study of its kind, brittle star DNA from four dozen collections, including from Earth Sciences New Zealand’s invertebrate collection in Wellington, was examined. By analysing over 2,500 DNA samples collected from over 300 research voyages in all oceans and at various depths, the researchers were able to uncover how the deep-sea invertebrates have evolved and migrated across the oceans over the past 100 million years, linking ecosystems from Iceland to Tasmania.
    ‘You might think of the deep sea as remote and isolated, but for many animals on the seafloor, it’s actually a connected superhighway,’ said study lead Dr Tim O’Hara, Senior Curator of Marine Invertebrates at Museums Victoria Research Institute. ‘Over long timescales, deep-sea species have expanded their ranges by thousands of kilometres. This connectivity is a global phenomenon that’s gone unnoticed, until now.’
    The brittle star was chosen because the animals, which have lived on Earth for over 480 million years, are found on all ocean floors, including at depths of more than 3,500 metres, says Dr O’Hara. “These animals don’t have fins or wings, but they’ve still managed to span entire oceans. The secret lies in their biology; their larvae can survive for a long time in cold water, hitching a ride on slow-moving deep-sea currents.”
    With the yolk-rich larvae able to drift on deep ocean currents for extended periods, the brittle stars have been able to colonise far-flung regions. Unlike marine life in shallow waters, which is restricted by temperature boundaries, deep-sea environments are more stable and allow species to disperse over vast distances, the study found. “The research shows that deep-sea communities, particularly at temperate latitudes, are more closely related across regions than their shallow-water counterparts. This may be due to historic ocean currents and temperature patterns that allowed species to spread over time. For example, marine animals found off southern Australia share close evolutionary links with those in the North Atlantic, on the other side of the planet.”
    However, the deep sea is not uniform, and while species can spread widely, factors such as extinction events, environmental change, and geography have created a patchwork of biodiversity across the seafloor.
    Deep-sea ecosystems are more connected than first thought, says study co-author Sadie Mills, invertebrate collection manager at Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA). “Understanding how species are related and their connections in the ocean at different depths and different latitudes is key to protecting marine biodiversity across the entire planet. These global links should be taken into account in planning.”
    As threats from deep-sea mining and climate change increase, this new appreciation of how life is distributed and moves through this vast environment is essential if we want to protect it, says Dr O’Hara. “It’s a paradox. The deep sea is highly connected, but also incredibly fragile.”

    (Ref. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09307-1 )

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Fetterman Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Crack Down on Art Market Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) today introduced the Art Market Integrity Act. The bipartisan legislation would require art dealers and auction houses to comply with existing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations.

    “For decades, criminal enterprises have used America’s multibillion-dollar art industry as a personal piggy bank for money laundering schemes, terrorist financing and other nefarious activities. By requiring our nation’s art market to comply with existing anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws, this bipartisan legislation would keep art, and millions of dollars, out of the wrong hands,” Grassley said.

    “Art should be for art-lovers, not terrorists and criminals,” Fetterman said. “For too long, loopholes have allowed Russian criminal kingpins to evade sanctions and terrorists like Hezbollah to funnel money through art deals. I’m grateful to Senators Grassley, Whitehouse, and McCormick for working across the aisle to require art dealers and auction houses to perform basic due diligence. This needs to stop now.”

    The Art Market Integrity Act would:

    • Require art dealers and auction houses to maintain records and report on high-value art market transactions, exempting artists and businesses with under $50,000 in annual art transactions;
    • Align the United States with international standards adopted by the United Kingdom, European Union, Switzerland and China; and
    • Protect the United States’ national security, economic integrity and multibillion-dollar art market from criminals, terrorists, cartels and other bad actors.

    Grassley and Fetterman are joined by Sens. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.).

    Download the full bill text HERE.

    Background:

    The United States’ art industry is valued at around $25 billion and is the largest of its kind globally. Despite this, our art market is not currently bound by the anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards set by the Bank Secrecy Act.

    In 2024, the Treasury Department identified America’s art market as being particularly susceptible to money laundering and sanctions evasion. High-profile cases have further highlighted the urgent need for art market reform, including the indictment of Hezbollah financier, Nazem Ahmad, who used art to evade terrorism-related sanctions to the tune of $160 million.

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    MIL OSI USA News –