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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dive Into a Magical Underwater Adventure with Encore PAA’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Dive Into a Magical Underwater Adventure with Encore PAA’s Disney’s The Little Mermaid

    14 May 2025

    Alley Theatre, Strabane | 20th – 24th May 2025 | Tickets: £19

    Encore Performing Arts Academy (Encore PAA) returns to the Alley Theatre, Strabane, with a spectacular new production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, running from 20th to 24th May. Following their acclaimed productions of Oliver!, The Sound of Music, and Nativity! The Musical, Encore is ready to enchant audiences once again with this timeless underwater tale.

    Set in a magical kingdom beneath the sea, The Little Mermaid follows Ariel, a curious and spirited young mermaid who dreams of life in the human world above. When she falls in love with the dashing Prince Eric, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human—risking everything for the chance to follow her heart.

    Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic Disney animated film, this hauntingly beautiful love story is brought to life with stunning costumes, a live orchestra, and a vibrant cast that rivals any professional production. Featuring unforgettable songs like “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World,” the show promises a magical night for the entire family.

    “We are incredibly proud of the dedication and talent our cast has poured into this production,” said Rebecca Thompson from Encore PAA. “The Little Mermaid is such a beloved story, and bringing it to life with the energy and heart of our young performers has been a joy. We can’t wait for audiences to experience the magic, the music, and the unforgettable journey we’ve created on stage.”

    With music by eight-time Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a book by Doug Wright, this delightful musical will transport audiences to an unforgettable world under the sea.

    Don’t miss your chance to experience this enchanting musical adventure!

    Tickets are £19 and available now from the Alley Theatre website:www.alley-theatre.com or box office 028 71 384444

    This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe). All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor encourages public and employers to choose active travel with launch of 2025 Active Travel Cha

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Mayor encourages public and employers to choose active travel with launch of 2025 Active Travel Cha

    15 May 2025

    Individuals, organisations and businesses can register now to take part in this fun challenge to improve their health and the environment by walking, cycling or using public transport to commute to work, school, or for social and leisure activities.

     

    To support healthier, greener travel choices, Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr was joined by challenge partners to launch the 2025 Active Travel Challenge for participants in the Northwest.

    Throughout June, the initiative encourages people across Northern Ireland to leave the car at home in favour of walking, cycling, public transport or other active travel options.

    Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said: “This challenge is a brilliant way to give people the impetus to consider their active travel options to work. Our Council area’s ever expanding greenway network and Translink’s frequent services around the City and District means there has never been a better time to switch to active travel. 

    “Active travel is a great way to introduce physical activity to your daily routine and reap the health and fitness benefits of regular exercise. You’ll be playing your role in protecting the planet and you’ll be surprised how much money it saves over a month so sign up today and start reaping the rewards.”

     

    Funded by Translink, the Department for Infrastructure and the Public Health Agency (PHA), and delivered in partnership with Sustrans, Western Health and Social Care Trust and Derry City & Strabane District Council, the Active Travel Challenge has also been backed by the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA, highlighting the growing momentum around sustainable travel.

     

    Minister Kimmins commented: “Investing in cleaner and greener transport is one of my department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future.

    “Signing up to the Active Travel Challenge this June is a great way to start making little changes in how we travel. Choosing to walk, wheel or cycle for shorter everyday journeys, and combining this with public transport for longer trips, is good for the environment and helps us build a healthier body and mind.

    “I would like to build on the success of the 2024 challenge which had over 1,400 participants and over 21,000 active journeys logged and would encourage employers and individuals to register and start making a difference today.” 

    Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: “It is great to see this initiative growing year on year encouraging more people to give sustainable and active travel a go. Last year’s challenge saw an impressive collective saving of around 13 tonnes (13,000kg) of CO₂ emissions helping reduce congestion and improve air quality.

     

    Research shows that people who take public transport are more active, clocking up more steps, helping support physical and mental wellbeing. We look forward to playing our part in this annual challenge, working together to create a healthier society and more sustainable future for everyone.”

    Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the PHA, said: “The Active Travel Challenge gives everyone the opportunity to look at ways we can incorporate physical activity into our daily routines. Getting more active can help us maintain a healthy weight, improve sleep quality and help reduce anxiety and the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.

    “As well as all that, it can also boost your mental health and wellbeing. The PHA would encourage everyone across Northern Ireland to take part in the Active Travel Challenge to benefit your mental and physical wellbeing and help our planet by reducing your carbon footprint.”

    Claire Pollock, Head of Sustrans Northern Ireland, added: ”The Active Travel Challenge is a great opportunity for people to leave the car behind and choose walking, cycling and public transport options instead.  We encourage everyone to make the change to a healthier lifestyle that will also benefit the environment.”

    The initiative is open to everyone of all ages across Northern Ireland. It also presents a valuable opportunity for businesses, community organisations, universities, and local authorities to engage staff, students and members, encouraging friendly competition and supporting long-term modal shift.

    Registration is free and is open now online. Participants can register as individuals or teams and simply log their active journeys online, for a chance to win a range of rewards including retail vouchers, travel passes, gym memberships and much more.

    To find out more and get involved in this year’s Active Travel Challenge go to atc.getmeactive.org.uk or email [email protected]. Keep up to date with all the latest ATC action on social media using #GetMeActiveNI

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council launches innovative Access Rider template for artists

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Council launches innovative Access Rider template for artists

    15 May 2025

    Making life easier for artists who are d/Deaf, disabled or neurodiverse is the purpose of an Access Rider template now available on Derry City and Strabane District Council’s website.

    Launched in partnership with a number of cultural venues and disability-led organisations, the innovative template, now available in multiple accessible formats on the Council website (https://www.derrystrabane.com/subsites/inclusion/access-rider), provides artists with a structured framework to clearly outline their access requirements to employers, venues, and collaborators. The Access Rider will help an individual detail their particular needs and identify any reasonable adjustments that may need to be taken to allow them to complete the job. The document will ensure that the individual and the organisation (like a gallery or events team) feel comfortable working together. Once completed the Access Rider can be taken to any venue or organisation.

    The Access Rider is made up of four parts and will collect the artist’s general contact information, their access requirements relating to their job, information required in case of an emergency and any other relevant information the artist wishes to share.

    “Conversations about accessibility can often be challenging, with many artists struggling to fully communicate their needs,” said Caitriona Porter, Council’s Access and Inclusion Project Co-ordinator. “The Access Rider eliminates this barrier by offering a straightforward method for artists to document and share their requirements, ensuring they can perform their roles effectively.

    “This initiative represents a significant step forward in Derry City and Strabane District Council’s commitment to creating an inclusive cultural sector where all artists can participate fully and contribute their talents without unnecessary barriers,” she added.

    Cultural venues and arts organisations throughout the region are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Access Rider concept and incorporate it into their standard operating procedures when working with artists.

    For additional information about the Access Rider template please contact the inclusion team at [email protected].

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council closes Strathfoyle Play Park temporarily following suspected arson attack on equipment

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Council closes Strathfoyle Play Park temporarily following suspected arson attack on equipment

    15 May 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council had to close Strathfoyle Play Park this morning after an arson attack resulted in significant damage to its play equipment. The incident occurred overnight on Wednesday 14th May and is being treated as a deliberate act of vandalism.

    The arson attack has left the slide area of the play park unsafe for public use, prompting the Council to close off the Tower area and slide, until necessary repairs can be carried out. The damage is estimated to be substantial, and the Council is working closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to investigate the incident.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr expressed deep concern over the attack.

    “I am appalled by this senseless act of vandalism. Strathfoyle Play Park is a vital community asset that provides children and families with a safe and enjoyable environment. The Council is committed to restoring the park as quickly as possible and will keep the public informed of progress.

    “I would encourage anyone with information surrounding the incident, to report it to the relevant authorities. We cannot put up with such reckless behaviour in our communities. This play park is such a valuable asset for the children and young people of Strathfoyle and the wider community, and it is such a shame that it will have to be closed over this spell of beautiful weather.” 

    Strathfoyle Play Park is a popular destination for local families and children. The closure has caused disappointment among residents who rely on the park for recreational activities. The Council has urged the community to report any information related to the incident to assist in the investigation.

    The Northern Ireland Fire Service (NIFRS) said they were called to reports of a slide on fire at the park in the Beechwood Park area of Strathfoyle. They also confirmed it had been started deliberately.

    The public are reminded to report any relevant information regarding the incident. You can contact Derry City and Strabane District Council at 028 71 253 253 or the Police Service of Northern Ireland directly.

    The Council appreciates the public’s understanding and cooperation during this challenging time.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship Program now accepting applications

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 15, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Today, the third edition of the Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship opened for applications for the 2025 to 2026 academic year. The scholarship program was created to honour the 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents who were among the 176 people killed in the unlawful downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 by the Iranian regime on January 8, 2020. Among those victims were brilliant minds and dedicated students who made significant contributions to Canadian educational institutions.

    Following the wishes of their loved ones and to honour the legacy of every single victim, Canada’s Flight PS752 Commemorative Scholarship Program is disbursing 176 scholarships over 5 years. International and Canadian students enrolled at colleges and universities in Canada are eligible to apply if their field of study aligns with one of the victims’ academic or professional backgrounds or focuses on the prevention of air disasters.

    Since the scholarship program’s launch in 2023, 68 scholarships have been awarded to eligible recipients, including Canadian and international doctoral, graduate, undergraduate and college students studying at post-secondary institutions across Canada. Recipients come from a wide range of educational programs, from business administration to engineering to health sciences, and some are family members of the victims of Flight PS752. 

    The deadline for applications is June 15, 2025.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Monsters of the Deep come ashore at Aberdeen Art Gallery

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    As Aberdeen gets ready to welcome the Tall Ships fleet to the city from 19 to 22 July, a major new special exhibition opens to the public at the Art Gallery this weekend (Saturday 17 May). 

    Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact or Fiction? invites visitors on a journey from medieval imaginings to modern-day discoveries through a fascinating and sometimes terrifying combination of legend, folklore and science. 

    From a frightening Feegee mermaid, to the spindly legs of a a Japanese spider crab, there are lots of strange and wonderful things to see in Monsters of the Deep. Visitors will come face to face with the skull of the world’s largest warm-blooded predator, the killer whale, and marvel at the tooth of an extinct megalodon and the double-tusked skull of a narwhal. Eerie deep-sea specimens from across the globe are on display, as well as some of the technological tools scientists use today to explore the ocean floor.  

    The exhibition is based on one originated by the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and has been re-imagined for Aberdeen by Helen Fothergill – Service Manager, Aberdeen Archives, Gallery and Museums, and her team of curators and exhibition officers. The many lenders to the exhibition include the University of Aberdeen, Loch Ness Centre, Viktor Wynd’s Museum of UnNatural History, Natural History Museum, National Museums Scotland, National Maritime Museum Cornwall and the University of Southampton.

    There’s a raft of activities to enjoy at the Art Gallery and Maritime Museum, inspired by Monsters of the Deep. From a BSL exhibition tour, talks by intrepid explorers, eminent scientists and the curator of the UnNatural History Museum, to creative sessions, hands-on family fun with Macduff Marine Aquarium and classic monsters-inspired film screenings with the Belmont Cinema, there’s something for all ages to enjoy. Full programme details are on the Art Gallery website at www.aagm.co.uk

    Helen Fothergill, curator of the Aberdeen exhibition, said: “When Aberdeen was confirmed as a destination for the Tall Ships Races, the Archives, Gallery & Museums team immediately set about bringing this amazing exhibition originated by the National Maritime Museum Cornwall to the city. With a fascinating combination of medieval maps, preserved sea creatures and artworks, Monsters of the Deep sets the scene for the city’s summer of maritime celebrations. We have been able to work with some wonderful and supportive people during the development of this project and could not have done without the help of our partners and willing lenders. So when you feel the need to come face-to-face with a mermaid or discover what really lurks beneath the waves, head for Aberdeen Art Gallery!“  

    Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman, said: ”With the opening of Monsters of the Deep we’re just weeks away from welcoming the Tall Ships to Aberdeen. There’s a tremendous sense of organisations pulling together to showcase the best of Aberdeen and we’re grateful to the many partners who have supported the exhibition, including the University of Aberdeen Collections for important objects loans and the Friends of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums for supporting talks by Darren Naish and Viktor Wynd as part of the public programme of events. The summer in Aberdeen is set to be full of exciting maritime-related things to do, including the second year of Festival of the Sea. I hope that as many people as possible will enjoy the celebrations.”

    Monsters of the Deep: Science Fact or Fiction
    17 May – 26 October
    Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen, AB10 1FQ 
    Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm (special extended opening to 8pm on Friday 19, Saturday 20, Sunday 21 July during the Tall Ships weekend)
    Adults £10
    Concessions and Friends of Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums £7
    Exhibition pass £14
    Children aged 12 and under free

    https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM/whats-aberdeen-art-galleries-and-museums/monsters-deep-science-fact-or-fiction

    The programme of associated events begins on Wednesday 21 May at 12.30 with a free lunchtime talk – Can The Law Save the Ocean? – at the Maritime Museum by Dr Mitchell Lennan, Lecturer in Environmental Law, University of Aberdeen.

    Trudi Collier will give a BSL tour of Monsters of the Deep on Thursday 19 June at 2pm – free with exhibition entry,

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Drone technology creates a real buzz across the city

    Source: City of Norwich

    Picture shows rooftops taken from a drone.

    Published on Thursday, 15th May 2025

    Flying high across the city’s rooftops and chimney pots, drones have been used as a creative way to check out the condition of residents’ roofs.

    The drones were deployed to scan the city’s skyline on a mission to collect detailed aerial footage to identify broken tiles, blocked gutters and other defects need repairs.

    This innovative method has proven highly effective, allowing us to carry out detailed inspections of complex roof types without the need for scaffolding or the risks associated with staff working at height.

    The results have been outstanding with many issues being identified and addressed before they could escalate, ensuring the safety of our residents and preventing further damage.

    Importantly, we received only positive feedback from tenants who are informed before the drones are launched, highlighting the success of this initiative.

    The image to the right shows a broken roof tile and a blocked gutter, both of which were unknown to us.

    Cllr Beth Jones, portfolio holder for housing, said: “This innovative use of drone technology demonstrates our commitment to improving services for our residents. By embracing modern methods, we can ensure faster, safer, and more cost-effective repairs, ultimately providing better homes for our residents. We’re excited to expand this project and deliver even greater benefits across our housing stock.”

    Following the success of this trial in October 2024 which involved surveying 10 of our tower blocks, we plan to roll out the drone survey programme with our contractors Elliston Consultancy Ltd, to over 400 blocks, significantly enhancing our stock condition knowledge.

    So, if you hear a buzz above your head whilst walking round our tower blocks look up, it could be one of our drones checking your roof for leaks and damage.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Polytech Dome-2025”: Anti-terrorist training held at the university

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The Polytechnic University held a comprehensive training session on anti-terrorist protection of facilities and the territory “Polytechnic Dome-2025”. Similar training sessions are held at the university regularly, their goal is to practice actions in emergency situations, test the functionality of warning systems, improve interaction with law enforcement agencies, municipal, district and city services, security and law enforcement agencies.

    The training was attended by employees of the Civil Security Department, cadets of the Military Training Center and employees of the security organization “U-Piter”, the student fire and rescue squad “Pyotr Velikiy”, representatives of the Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Kalininsky District, the demining group of the OMON “Bastion” of the Russian Guard for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, the non-departmental security department for the Kalininsky District, representatives of Legion LLC, the rescue corps of the St. Petersburg University of the GPS EMERCOM of Russia named after E. N. Zinichev.

    The training consisted of five stages. The first stage involved a simulated armed attack on the university campus. Suddenly, two people appeared on the platform in front of the NIC – one with a backpack, and the other with a machine gun (their roles were played by activists of the Military History Club “Our Polytechnic”. Then the events developed so quickly that at some point it seemed that this was no longer a training session. The armed criminal fired a burst at a peacefully standing group of students. They rushed into the building. The security guards barricaded the door and reported the attack to the University Security Center. There, the duty officer already knew about what had happened (one of the Polytechnic employees called after noticing the armed men), he pressed the panic button, passed the information to the chairman of the commission for the prevention and elimination of emergency situations and fire safety (KChS and OPB) of the Polytechnic, the vice-rector for security, the head of the Civil Security Department, the head of the civil defense department. The duty unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, the UFSB of Russia for St. Petersburg and Leningrad region and other emergency services.

    While the criminals were unsuccessfully tugging at the door handle, a Rosgvardia car appeared in the distance. Noticing it, one of the guys dropped his backpack and ran away. The second, left alone, started shooting back – only the cartridges flew off to the sides. But the patrol group of the Kalininsky District Rosgvardia Non-Departmental Security Department managed to twist him quite harshly, search him and disarm him. Then the hypothetical terrorist was put in the car and driven away.

    But the abandoned backpack remained and aroused suspicion. The National Guard assumed that it contained a homemade explosive device. The OMON Bastion group was called in to defuse the mines, and the dangerous area was cordoned off.

    A mobile device for localizing explosive objects, “FONTAN-2”, was taken out of the NIK and installed to prevent fragments from flying apart. At this time, employees of the engineering and technical department of the OMON “Bastion” arrived with a dog handler and a mine-detection dog Chiba. To prevent a possible remote detonation, the group deployed a “Pelena-12” radio jammer. Based on the dog’s behavior, the dog handler realized that there really was an explosive device in the backpack. It was detonated using the ETsV-14 destroyer installed on the MRK-15 mobile robotic complex.

    For reliability, the explosion site was also examined by a specialist in a special protective suit “Kupol”, which can withstand an explosion of up to 1.5 kg in TNT equivalent. After that, forensic experts could begin the case.

    The second and third stages of the training involved practicing actions in the event of a drone threat and attack. FPV drones suddenly appeared over the heads of the training participants and spectators. The duty administrator of the CBU turned on the alert: “Attention! Threat of attack by an unmanned aerial vehicle!” A siren wailed over the campus. But the signal about the attack had already been conveyed to law enforcement agencies.

    The police squad that arrived managed to suppress one of the drones with an electronic warfare system – an anti-drone gun, and the second one managed to drop a grenade on a specially parked old passenger car before being destroyed. An explosion was heard, and a fire started, and with it the fourth stage of the training.

    A combat fire brigade arrived to put out the fire – two units of the 34th fire and rescue unit. Soon only foam remained from the flames and smoke.

    At the final stage of the exercise, representatives of the rescue corps of the E. N. Zinichev University of the Russian Emergencies Ministry in St. Petersburg showed off their skills. Before the ambulance arrived, they treated wounds and applied bandages to victims of gunshot and high-explosive shrapnel wounds.

    At the end of the training, SPbPU Vice-Rector for Security Alexander Airapetyan thanked all the participants, noted the high organizational level of the event and emphasized the importance of practical preparation for emergency situations.

    Photo archive

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU invests in researchers and invites them to ‘Choose Europe for science’

    Source: European Union 2

    New calls worth over €1.25 billion under the EU’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions open doors for new research talent and will support cutting edge research. The EU has also launched the ‘Choose Europe for Science’ pilot, which is open to researchers from around the world to develop their careers.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Phillips 66 announces agreement to divest majority interest in Germany and Austria retail marketing business

    Source: Phillips

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) announced today that its subsidiary, Phillips 66 Continental Holding GmbH, has entered into a definitive agreement to divest a 65 percent interest in its Germany and Austria retail marketing business, including JET-branded sites, to a consortium owned by subsidiaries of investment firms Energy Equation Partners and Stonepeak. Phillips 66 will retain a non-operated 35 percent interest in the business through a newly formed joint venture.
    “This transaction advances our strategy to optimize our portfolio and enhances long-term shareholder value,” said Mark Lashier, chairman and CEO of Phillips 66. “The newly formed joint venture allows us to monetize this non-core asset while retaining the ability to benefit from its future growth.”
    The transaction values the Germany and Austria retail marketing business at an enterprise value of approximately €2.5 billion (approximately $2.8 billion), representing an implied Enterprise Value/EBITDA multiple of 9.1x based on expected 2025 EBITDA. Phillips 66 expects to receive pre-tax cash proceeds of approximately €1.5 billion (approximately $1.6 billion), after customary purchase price adjustments. The proceeds will be used to support the company’s strategic priorities, including debt reduction and shareholder returns.
    In connection with the transaction, Phillips 66 will enter into a multi-year agreement to continue to supply the business with products from the Mineraloelraffinerie Oberrhein GmbH & Co. KG (MiRO) Refinery.
    The Germany and Austria retail business includes 970 sites, of which 843 are JET-branded sites. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
    Cautionary Statement for the Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 — This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as “anticipated,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies,” “priorities” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: the possibility that Phillips 66 may not fully realize the expected benefits of the announced transaction; the risk of any unexpected costs or expenses resulting from the announced transaction; changes in governmental policies relating to NGL, crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum or renewable fuels products pricing, regulation or taxation, including exports; the company’s ability to timely obtain or maintain permits, including those necessary for capital projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum products, renewable fuels, renewable feedstocks and natural gas prices, and refined product, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for the company’s products; changes to government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for biofuels; liability resulting from pending or future litigation or other legal proceedings; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs or technical requirements for constructing, modifying or operating the company’s facilities or transporting its products; the company’s ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that it may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected technological or commercial difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting the company’s products, including chemical products; the level and success of producers’ drilling plans and the amount and quality of production volumes around the company’s midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; changes in the cost or availability of adequate and reliable transportation for the company’s NGL, crude oil, natural gas and refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; failure to complete definitive agreements and feasibility studies for, and to complete construction of, announced and future capital projects on time or within budget; the company’s ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to the company’s credit profile or illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets; damage to the company’s facilities due to accidents, weather and climate events, civil unrest, insurrections, political events, terrorism or cyberattacks; domestic and international economic and political developments including armed hostilities, such as the war in Eastern Europe, instability in the financial services and banking sector, excess inflation, expropriation of assets, and changes in fiscal policy, including interest rates; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and properties, plants and equipment and/or strategic decisions or other developments with respect to the company’s asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; substantial investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of existing or future environmental rules and regulations, including greenhouse gas emissions reductions and reduced consumer demand for refined petroleum products; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates) applicable to our business; political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to the company’s business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of joint ventures that the company does not control; the potential impact of activist shareholder actions or tactics, and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting the company’s businesses generally as set forth in Phillips 66’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information — This news release includes the term “EBITDA,” which, as used in this release, is a forward-looking non-GAAP financial measure. EBITDA is defined as estimated net income plus estimated net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. Net income is the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. EBITDA estimates depend on future levels of revenues and expenses, which are not reasonably estimable at this time. Accordingly, we cannot provide a reconciliation between projected 2025 EBITDA to net income without unreasonable effort.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Mayor of Winchester elected at 2025 mayor-making

    Source: City of Winchester

    Councillor Sudhakar Achwal has been elected as the 826th Mayor of Winchester.

    A ceremony took place in the King Charles Hall of Guildhall Winchester last night, Wednesday 14 May 2025. 

    Cllr Achwal, who is a councillor in the Whiteley and Shedfield ward, was born and raised in India before first coming to the UK in 1974 to complete a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Salford. He later travelled across Europe, the Middle East, India, the Far East, and the Americas as part of his work.

    He met his wife Vivian Achwal, who is a fellow councillor in the same ward, in Newcastle. The couple, who now live in Whiteley, returned to the UK permanently in 1997. They have been together for 45 years and have one daughter and one grandson. Cllr Vivian Achwal was Mayor of Winchester in 2021-2.

    Cllr Sudhakar Achwal said: “Beyond my career, I’ve found deep fulfilment in volunteering. I believe in giving back to the community that welcomed me so warmly. I’m also passionate about the environment, and I try to stay active. My shelves are always full, especially with history books, which continue to fuel my curiosity.

    “Family remains at the heart of everything. My journey continues, filled with gratitude for the many experiences, lessons, and people that have shaped it.”

    Cllr Achwal has selected his Mayoral Charities for 2025-6: Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis (WinACC); Home-Start Winchester & Districts; and Trinity Winchester. 

    At the mayor-making, Cllr Jamie Scott was elected as Deputy Mayor.

    Taking the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, the Mayor said: “I Sudhakar Achwal, having been elected to the office of Mayor of the City of Winchester, hereby declare that I will take the said office upon myself and will duly and faithfully fulfil the duties thereof to the best of my judgement and ability.”

    Read the full biography of the new mayor. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: West Acre Park application to be brought back to Planning Committee 15 May 2025 West Acre Park application to be brought back to planning committee following legal decision

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    The proposed West Acre Park development in Ryde has reached a new stage following a recent decision by the Court of Appeal.

    Last month the court upheld an appeal by Greenfields (IOW) Ltd on a single procedural point.

    The court found that the Isle of Wight Council had acted unlawfully by failing to publish a key draft legal agreement — known as a Section 106 agreement — before granting planning permission in August 2023.

    As a result, the planning permission has now been officially quashed. However, the planning application itself remains live and valid and is once again under consideration by the council.

    The court dismissed three other grounds of appeal, including claims of bias and procedural irregularities.

    The ruling means the application will now return to the local authority’s Planning Committee for fresh determination.

    A spokesperson for the council confirmed that the application has been reclassified as “under consideration” on the planning portal and that a fresh application does not need to be made.

    A revised draft Section 106 agreement will be published shortly, and people will have the opportunity to comment on it.

    The developer is currently reviewing its original submission to ensure it aligns with current planning policy. Council officers will also assess whether any new or updated information is required before the application is brought back to committee.

    If there is new or updated information, or the developer proposes any changes, these will be available to view on the planning website and comments can be submitted to the local planning authority.

    Once ready, the application will return to the Planning Committee (which is made up of elected councillors) in the form of an update paper. This update paper will include previous reports and an officer recommendation.

    The committee may choose to revisit the entire application or focus only on any material changes since the last decision.

    The site remains a proposed allocation in the draft Island Planning Strategy. Planning inspectors have acknowledged the court’s ruling but have not requested the site be removed from the draft plan.

    No date has yet been set for the application’s return to committee, but officers say it will be brought forward at the earliest opportunity.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China-Singapore Joint Maritime Exercise Promotes Cooperation, Enhances Joint Capabilities: Chinese Defense Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) — The ongoing joint maritime exercise between China and Singapore is of great significance to further deepening practical cooperation and enhancing joint maritime capabilities, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Jiang Bin said Thursday.

    The exercise, dubbed China-Singapore Cooperation 2025, runs from May 9 to 16 at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base and in the waters and airspace east of Singapore.

    Under the joint command and planning of the two sides, the tasks of firing at sea targets from naval artillery, replenishing supplies at sea, joint search and rescue and other operations were practiced, Jiang Bin said.

    He added that the exercises allowed testing the ability of the participating forces to carry out military-tactical command coordination and joint actions.

    The exercises, the fourth in a row, also included seminars, ship visits, and cultural and sports events. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China International Fair for Trade in Services to be held in Beijing in September

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) — The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services will open in Beijing on Sept. 10, Zhao Qizhou, an official with the Beijing Bureau of Commerce, announced at a press conference on Thursday.

    Starting this year, the fair will be held annually on the second Wednesday of September, he added.

    The upcoming fair will be held in the 3 square kilometer Shougang Park, the venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

    The fair’s honorary guest country will be Australia. The event will last only five days – the first three days are for professional visitors, and the last two – for the general public.

    The fair is organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Beijing. The event covers sectors such as finance, culture, tourism, education, sports, supply chain and medical services.

    The China International Fair for Trade in Services, which was first held in 2012, brings together enterprises from all over the world.

    Last year, it was attended by representatives of more than 450 Fortune 500 companies, other leading global companies, representatives of 85 countries and international organizations. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Beijing and Minsk connected by regular freight service as part of China-Europe railway transportation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) — A train carrying 55 containers departed from Beijing for Minsk on Thursday morning, marking the opening of regular rail service between the capitals of China and Belarus.

    The train carries 293 tons of auto parts and other goods manufactured in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region from Beijing to Minsk

    The train will cross the Chinese-Mongolian border at the Ereenhot checkpoint and reach its destination in 15 days.

    The launch of the new Beijing-Minsk flight is expected to facilitate the entry of large Chinese-made goods into the global market and enhance their influence in the international market. At the same time, it will also contribute to ensuring smooth trade in the Belt and Road countries and promoting their economic prosperity. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The world’s largest ro-ro vessel was delivered to a customer in China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    SHANGHAI, May 15 (Xinhua) — The world’s largest ro-ro vessel Anji Ansheng was delivered to its customer in Shanghai on Thursday.

    The vessel, which can carry up to 9,500 cars, was built by SAIC Anji Logistics Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited. The giant car carrier features high load-carrying capacity and high energy efficiency.

    Later on Thursday evening, the Anji Ansheng, loaded with more than 7,000 SAIC MG passenger cars and other new energy vehicles (NEVs), will set off for Europe. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China urges US to suspend Section 232 tariffs

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) — China has called on the United States to suspend its tariff measures imposed as a result of the Article 232 investigation as soon as possible, He Yongqian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, said Thursday.

    Speaking at a press conference, He Yongqian noted that the US’s Section 232 tariff measures on imported automobiles, steel and aluminum, as well as its Section 232 investigation into imported pharmaceuticals, are typical manifestations of unilateralism and protectionism.

    Such actions not only harm the rights and interests of other countries and undermine the rules-based multilateral trading system, but also do not benefit the US’s own industry, the spokeswoman for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said.

    China calls on the US to end the Article 232 tariff measures as soon as possible and properly address the concerns of all parties concerned through equal dialogue, He Yongqian concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Zelensky arrived in Turkey, while V. Putin decided not to participate in peace talks in Istanbul

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    ANKARA, May 15 (Xinhua) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived here on Thursday to meet his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.

    His visit to Turkey follows calls from Russian President Vladimir Putin to resume stalled peace talks in Istanbul.

    V. Zelensky stated that he is ready to take part in direct peace talks with Russia in Istanbul, but only on the condition that V. Putin also takes part in them.

    “I am waiting for who will arrive from Russia, and then I will determine what steps Ukraine should take. The signals from them in the media are not convincing yet,” V. Zelensky said late on Wednesday.

    However, the Kremlin announced that Putin would not join the Russian delegation at the talks in Istanbul on Thursday, and Russia would be represented by presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky.

    Speaking at an informal NATO meeting in Antalya, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said: “The talks that will take place in Istanbul will probably allow us to open a new page.”

    The last direct talks between Ukraine and Russia took place in Istanbul in March 2022, but the parties failed to agree on a cessation of hostilities. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xi Jinping congratulates Togolese President on taking office

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday congratulated Jean-Lucien Savy de Tove on his assumption of office as president of Togo.

    Also on Wednesday, the Chinese leader sent a congratulatory message to Faure Gnassingbe on his assumption of office as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Togo.

    Xi Jinping noted that the friendly relations between China and Togo were jointly established and carefully nurtured by generations of leaders from both countries.

    For more than half a century, both sides have always adhered to sincerity, friendship, equality, mutual trust and mutually beneficial cooperation, the message said.

    Xi also noted that the two countries have always firmly supported each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, and have become a model of equality among countries regardless of size, as well as a model of unity and cooperation among countries in the Global South.

    At the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FCAC) summit held in Beijing, China and Togo elevated their bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening a new chapter in bilateral ties, Xi noted.

    He stated that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Togolese relations and expressed his readiness to work with the leaders of Togo to use the implementation of the results of the Beijing FCAS Summit as an opportunity to promote traditional friendship, expand cooperation in various fields and continuously enrich the content of the comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries.

    Also on Wednesday, Chinese State Council Premier Li Qiang sent a congratulatory message to F. Gnassingbe on his assumption of office as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Togo. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Taobao in Russian launched in Kazakhstan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 15 (Xinhua) — Major Chinese online trading platform Taobao, which topped the ranking of the most downloaded mobile apps in 16 foreign countries, has taken another step in expanding its business overseas. As it became known to the Xinhua news agency correspondent on Thursday, the Taobao platform has already started operating in Kazakhstan, allowing consumers to receive information about goods and their prices in Russian, as well as pay for purchases in the national currency without resorting to online translators.

    In recent years, the fast-growing Central Asian e-commerce market has attracted increasing interest from global e-commerce merchants. For many Chinese companies looking to enter the Central Asian market, Kazakhstan is the first port of call.

    This is the first time that Taobao has launched a multilingual app in a non-English speaking country. Using a more iconic language improves the consumer experience and increases the desire to make a purchase, as confirmed by the first week of Taobao’s Russian language operation in Kazakhstan. According to Taobao’s Kazakhstan division, over 70 percent of its new users who made their first order were native Russian speakers.

    “For a long time, the bulk of our overseas customers were members of the Chinese diaspora and students from China. But since last year, we have noticed that Taobao has become popular with a large number of local consumers as well,” the division said, emphasizing that improving the consumer experience for this category of customers will be one of the key areas of work this year.

    In addition to the Russian-language app, the company also introduced free delivery for orders over 99 yuan and returns to the place of residence for the first time in Kazakhstan. Thus, a resident of Almaty who bought a Chinese-made down jacket on Taobao can expect the order to be delivered within 10 days and, if something is not right, can return it to a nearby pick-up point. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Force used to detain man reasonable

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has determined that force used by two officers during an incident in Fulham was reasonable.

    The officers, who are both attached to the Met’s Specialist Firearms Command, will not face any disciplinary action following the mistaken arrest of a man in Fulham Palace Road, SW6 on 4 September 2024.

    The man was later de-arrested as soon as officers were able to confirm that he was not involved in the matter they were dealing with.

    The incident was investigated by the IOPC following a voluntary referral by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards and a public complaint.

    Having carefully examined all the available evidence, the IOPC found no case to answer for any officer for misconduct.

    They also found no evidence the officers treated the man differently due to his race.

    Commander Owain Richards said: “We are pleased the IOPC was able to determine the officers acted in good faith and appropriately. This was a fast-moving incident during which they were trying to detain three men who had fled from police during a pursuit. Their use of force was reasonable in the circumstances.

    “Mr Richards was swiftly de-arrested as soon as officers confirmed he was not a suspect, but we absolutely acknowledge how distressing it must have been to be caught up in such an incident.

    “We would be happy to meet him to discuss what happened should he wish to do so.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Threat landscape for industrial automation systems in Q1 2025

    Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

    Headline: Threat landscape for industrial automation systems in Q1 2025

    Relative stability from quarter to quarter. The percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked remained unchanged from Q4 2024 at 21.9%. Over the last three quarters, the value has ranged from 22.0% to 21.9%.

    The quarterly figures are decreasing from year to year. Since Q2 2023, the percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked has been lower than the indicator of the same quarter of the previous year. Compared to Q1 2024, the figure decreased by 2.5 pp.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked, Q1 2022–Q1 2025

    In January–March 2025, the figures were the lowest compared to the same months of the previous four years.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked, Jan 2021–Mar 2025

    The biometrics sector continues to lead the selected industries / OT infrastructure types. This is the only OT infrastructure type where the percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked increased during the quarter.

    Threat levels in different regions still vary. In Q1 2025, the percentage of affected ICS computers ranged from 10.7% in Northern Europe to 29.6% in Africa. In eight out of 13 regions, the figures ranged from 19.0% to 25.0%.

    The percentage of ICS computers on which denylisted internet resources were blocked continues to decrease. It reached its lowest level since the beginning of 2022. In the first three months of 2025, the corresponding figures were lower than those in January–March of the previous three years.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which denylisted internet resources were blocked, Jan 2022–Mar 2025

    Changes in the percentage of ICS computers on which initial-infection malware was blocked lead to changes in the percentage of next-stage malware. In Q1 2025, the percentage of ICS computers on which various types of malware spread via the internet and email were blocked increased for the first time since the beginning of 2023.

    The internet is the primary source of threats to ICS computers. The main categories of threats from the internet are denylisted internet resources, malicious scripts and phishing pages.

    The main categories of threats spreading via email are malicious documents, spyware, malicious scripts and phishing pages.

    The percentage of ICS computers on which malicious scripts and phishing pages, and malicious documents were blocked increased in Q1 2025. In January–March, the monthly values in these two categories of threats were higher than in the same months of 2024.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked, Jan 2022–Mar 2025

    The leading category of malware used for initial infection of ICS computers (see below) is malicious scripts and phishing pages.

    Most malicious scripts and phishing pages act as droppers or loaders of next-stage malware (spyware, crypto miners and ransomware). The strong correlation between the values for malicious scripts and phishing pages, and spyware is clearly visible in the graph below.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked, Jan 2023–Mar 2025

    Similar to malicious scripts and phishing pages, the percentage of ICS computers on which spyware was blocked was higher in the first three months of 2025 than in the same months of 2024.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which spyware was blocked, Jan 2022–Mar 2025

    The percentage of ICS computers on which miners (web miners and miners in the form of executable files for Windows) were blocked in Q1 2025 also increased.

    Statistics across all threats

    In Q1 2025, the percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked remained at the same level as in the previous quarter: 21.9%.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked, Q1 2022–Q1 2025

    Compared to Q1 2024, the percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked decreased by 2.5 pp. However, it increased from January to March of 2025 when it reached its highest value in the quarter.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked, Jan 2023–Mar 2025

    Regionally, the percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked ranged from 10.7% in Northern Europe to 29.6% in Africa.

    Regions ranked by percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked, Q1 2025

    In six of the 13 regions surveyed in this report, the figures increased from the previous quarter, with the largest change occurring in Russia.

    Changes in percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked,
    Q1 2025

    Selected industries

    The biometrics sector led the ranking of the industries and OT infrastructures surveyed in this report in terms of the percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked.

    Ranking of industries and OT infrastructures by percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked, Q1 2025

    The biometrics sector was also the only OT infrastructure type where the percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked increased slightly. Despite this, the long-term trend is clearly downward.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects were blocked in selected industries

    Diversity of detected malicious objects

    In Q1 2025, Kaspersky security solutions blocked malware from 11,679 different malware families in various categories on industrial automation systems.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which the activity of malicious objects from various categories was blocked

    The largest proportional increase in Q1 2025 was in the percentage of ICS computers on which web miners (1.4 times more than in the previous quarter) and malicious documents (1.1 times more) were blocked.

    Main threat sources

    Depending on the threat detection and blocking scenario, it is not always possible to reliably identify the source. The circumstantial evidence for a specific source can be the blocked threat’s type (category).

    The internet (visiting malicious or compromised internet resources; malicious content distributed via messengers; cloud data storage and processing services and CDNs), email clients (phishing emails), and removable storage devices remain the primary sources of threats to computers in an organization’s OT infrastructure.

    In Q1 2025, the percentage of ICS computers on which threats from the internet and email clients were blocked increased for the first time since the end of 2023.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which malicious objects from various sources were blocked

    The rates for all threat sources varied across the monitored regions.

    • The percentage of ICS computers on which threats from the internet were blocked ranged from 5.2% in Northern Europe to 12.8% in Africa.
    • The percentage of ICS computers on which threats from email clients were blocked ranged from 0.88% in Russia to 6.8% in Southern Europe.
    • The percentage of ICS computers on which threats from removable media were blocked ranged from 0.06% in Australia and New Zealand to 2.4% in Africa.

    Threat categories

    Typical attacks blocked within an OT network are a multi-stage process, where each subsequent step by the attackers is aimed at increasing privileges and gaining access to other systems by exploiting security flaws in industrial enterprises, including OT infrastructures.

    It is worth noting that during the attack, intruders often repeat the same steps (TTP), especially when they use malicious scripts and established communication channels with the management and control infrastructure (C2) to move laterally within the network and advance the attack.

    Malicious objects used for initial infection

    In Q1 2025, the percentage of ICS computers on which denylisted internet resources were blocked decreased to its lowest value since the beginning of 2022.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which denylisted internet resources were blocked, Q1 2022–Q1 2025

    The decline in the percentage of denylisted internet resources since November 2024 was likely influenced not only by proactive threat mitigation at various levels, but also by techniques used by attackers to circumvent the blocking mechanisms based on the resource’s reputation, thus redistributing the protection burden to other detection technologies.

    A detected malicious web resource may not always be added to a denylist because attackers are increasingly using legitimate internet resources and services such as content delivery network (CDN) platforms, messengers, and cloud storage. These services allow malicious code to be distributed through unique links to unique content, making it difficult to use reputation-based blocking tactics. We strongly recommend that industrial organizations implement policy-based blocking of such services, at least for OT networks where the need for such services is extremely rare for objective reasons.

    The percentage of ICS computers on which malicious documents as well as malicious scripts and phishing pages were blocked increased slightly, to 1.85% (by 0.14 pp) and 7.16% (by 0.05 pp) respectively.

    Next-stage malware

    Malicious objects used to initially infect computers deliver next-stage malware – spyware, ransomware, and miners – to victims’ computers. As a rule, the higher the percentage of ICS computers on which the initial infection malware is blocked, the higher the percentage for next-stage malware.

    In Q1 2025, the percentage of ICS computers on which spyware and ransomware were blocked decreased, reaching 4.20% (by losing 0.1 pp) and 0.16% (by losing 0.05 pp) respectively. Conversely, the indicator for miners increased. The percentage of ICS computers on which miners in the form of executable files for Windows and web miners were blocked increased to 0.78% (by 0.08 pp) and 0.53% (by 0.14 pp), respectively. The latter indicator reached its highest value since Q3 2023.

    Percentage of ICS computers on which web miners were blocked, Q1 2022–Q1 2025

    Self-propagating malware

    Self-propagating malware (worms and viruses) is a category unto itself. Worms and virus-infected files were originally used for initial infection, but as botnet functionality evolved, they took on next-stage characteristics.

    To spread across ICS networks, viruses and worms rely on removable media, network folders, infected files including backups, and network attacks on outdated software, such as Radmin2.

    In Q1 2025, the percentage of ICS computers on which worms and viruses were blocked decreased to 1.31% (by losing 0.06 pp) and 1.53% (by losing 0.08 pp), respectively.

    AutoCAD malware

    AutoCAD malware is typically a low-level threat, coming last in the malware category rankings in terms of the percentage of ICS computers on which it was blocked.

    In Q1 2025, the percentage of ICS computers on which AutoCAD malware was blocked continued to decrease (by losing 0.04 pp) and reached 0.034%.

    You can find more information on industrial threats in the full version of the report.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Aptean Apparel Shop Floor Control Wins Best New Concept at the 2025 Texprocess Innovation Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ALPHARETTA, Ga., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aptean’s Apparel Shop Floor Control has been awarded Best New Concept at the 2025 Texprocess Innovation Awards. This real-time production management solution provides apparel manufacturers with instant access to critical data and insights, enhancing efficiency, visibility and increasing workforce productivity. The recognition reinforces Aptean’s commitment to delivering enterprise solutions that drive smarter decision making for manufacturers.

    To further support apparel manufacturers in navigating today’s challenges, Aptean has introduced AI-powered tools that streamline troubleshooting, making the process faster and more intuitive for customers.

    The Texprocess award spotlights Aptean Shop Floor Control, alongside Aptean’s ERP and PLM solutions, and its revolutionary, new AI-driven platform, AppCentral. Custom-built to streamline operations and integrate Aptean tools seamlessly, AppCentral is designed to support the apparel industry stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic market.

    “Aptean is honored to receive the Best New Concept award,” said TVN Reddy, CEO of Aptean. “Aptean Shop Floor Control empowers manufacturers to take control of their operations with the right solutions to optimize performance, reduce costs and improve efficiency – all in real time. As an AI-first company, we believe AI generates the most value when integrated across a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to the industry’s needs. Aptean’s offerings span ERP, Product Lifecycle Management, (PLM), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and Shop Floor Control, ensuring an end-to-end approach that goes beyond what traditional ERPs provide. Now with AppCentral at the core of our AI strategy, we are committed to delivering exponentially greater value for our apparel customers.”

    Texprocess Americas 2025 is the premier event of the year for the apparel industry and showcases the entire global textile value chain, from high-tech textiles and smart art fabrics, to processing technologies like design, cutting, sewing and logistics. The 2025 Texprocess Innovations Awards honor exceptional performance in the fields of new materials products and technologies as well as applications and concepts. The awards have been designed to make innovative developments visible, promote unconventional thinking and intensify dialogue between researchers, manufacturers and users. A key criterion is that an innovation must have been discovered or invented, developed, introduced and institutionalized.

    Taking the Next Step with Aptean
    Companies seeking to accelerate their operations with tailored AI-driven intelligence can connect with an Aptean specialist for a discussion on how this purpose-built ERP solution can transform their apparel business. Personalized demos are available and Aptean provides regular webinars to view the technology in action.

    Act now and move into the future of Apparel with tailored intelligence.

    About Aptean: Aptean is one of the world’s leading providers of purpose-built, industry-specific software that helps manufacturers and distributors effectively run and grow their businesses. With both cloud and on-premises deployment options, Aptean’s products, services and unmatched expertise help businesses of all sizes to be Ready for What’s Next, Now®. Aptean is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, USA, and has offices in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
    To learn more about Aptean and the markets we serve, visit www.aptean.com.
    Aptean and Ready for What’s Next, Now are Registered Trademarks of Aptean, Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

    For Media Inquiries Please Contact
    MediaRelations@Aptean.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Drone as a Service Market Well Poised for Sustained Growth in Commercial, Industrial and Civic Usage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Industry experts are expecting the Drone Service market to flourish. One such report from FACT.MR projected that the drone services market is valued at USD 8.66 billion in 2025 and the industry will grow at a CAGR of 14.3% and reach USD 32.96 billion by 2035. The report said: “In 2024, the drone services industry recorded dynamic shifts fueled by regulatory clarity, commercial adoption, and end-user digitization efforts. Fact.MR analysis found that demand surged notably in the precision agriculture segment, particularly across North America and Western Europe, as growers adopted drone-based imaging and multispectral analysis to improve field-level decision-making. In the mining as well as construction sectors, companies increased use of aerial mapping, which provided real-time volumetric analysis as well as site safety compliance. At the same time, drone-enabled monitoring made substantial progress in city policing and border security, with large pilot schemes initiated in the Middle East and South Asia. Commercial media organizations, event producers, and property agents also ramped up drone-based photography as well as filming in anticipation of increasing visual content needs. These trends reinforced a larger move away from use-case limitations toward operational adoption across industries.”   Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC), NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA), Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR).

    FACT.MR continued: “As the sector moves into 2025, the environment is on the cusp of increased scalability. Business drone fleets are moving from pilot to standard operations, particularly in logistics and asset inspection. Fact.MR indicates that increasing adoption of AI-driven navigation, enhanced battery density, and BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) capabilities will drastically enhance service accuracy and cost-effectiveness. Valued at USD 8.66 billion in 2025 and expected to reach USD 32.96 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 14.3%, the industry is well placed for sustained growth in industrial and civic usage. To stay ahead, companies must immediately pivot toward building integrated drone service platforms that combine AI-enabled flight autonomy, sector-specific analytics, and BVLOS capabilities. This intelligence highlights a shift from isolated deployments to enterprisescale drone ecosystems, requiring the client to reprioritize R&D toward modular, scalable solutions for logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure sectors.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Reports Nearly Double Revenue Year-Over-Year for the First Quarter of 2025 – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces financial results for the first quarter 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights:

    • Total revenues for the first quarter of 2025 were $1.13 million, up 92% compared to $591,379 for the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to acquisitions and organic growth.
    • ZenaTech’s new Drone as a Service or DaaS segment grew from completing two acquisitions of land survey drone servicing companies ─ Oregon-based Weddle Surveying and Florida-based KJM Land Surveying. The Company also signed five LOIs (Letter of Intent) for additional acquisitions during the quarter.
    • The company acquired Othership, a UK workplace management software company supporting its enterprise SaaS software segment, where it plans to leverage workplace AI and quantum computing productivity solutions targeting business and government customers.
    • The company made investments in longer term growth and in new segment development that caused general and administrative expenses to increase to $5.75 million in Q1 2025 versus about $0.7 million in Q1 of 2024. This primarily consisted of sales and marketing activities, new hires, professional services, and finance expenses.
    • ZenaTech made investments in its subsidiary ZenaDrone’s UAE manufacturing capabilities during the quarter, including hiring 35 new engineers and technicians. Also announced was the opening of a drone testing facility in Turkey for beyond-the-line-of-sight drone testing.
    • Drone product highlights in Q1 include finalizing the third-generation design and “production model” of the ZenaDrone 1000 drone that will enable the start of scaling up of production. The company also announced the IQ Square drone has moved from prototype to manufacturing stage.
    • The commence of work on a heavy-lift gas-powered ZD 1000 model for longer fight times for US defense applications took place during the quarter. Testing also commenced on a new high-density drone battery and a proprietary communications system for this drone.
    • The company reported that ZenaDrone is preparing for Green UAS followed by Blue UAS certification required to sell to the US Military. Additionally, it is reviewing and putting in place cybersecurity practices, documentation, and internal controls necessary to apply for this certification.
    • ZenaTech further expanded its Taiwan drone component manufacturer─ Spider Vision Sensors, adding additional engineering and business development staff. It also announced the first Blue UAS-certifiable drone sensors are under development.

    “The first quarter of 2025 was a very strong and encouraging start to the year as revenue nearly doubled, up 92% primarily due to acquisitions and organic growth across both our software and drone segments,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. “During the first quarter we launched our Drone as a Service or DaaS business segment with a vision to have a national footprint in the US and globally.”

    “Although expenses increased during the first quarter, these are investments intended to grow the company over the long-term, namely in marketing, manufacturing, product development and testing capacity, which we believe will yield future rewards.

    “We believe that this quarter’s performance demonstrates that our strategy to disrupt legacy businesses like land surveys via a DaaS business model is on track. Our momentum is strong, and we are well positioned to expand our range of drone services with a pipeline of over 20 acquisitions over the next 12 months,” concluded Dr. Passley. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) Expands Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) Exterior Building Power Washing to Dubai Tapping into a Global Drone Cleaning Services Market Growing to USD 13 Billion by 2030 – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announced it is expanding its United Arab Emirates (UAE) presence by establishing a new office to sell Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) offerings based in Dubai. Initially this office will focus on delivering drone-powered cleaning services for building exteriors using the IQ Square drone tethered to a water pipe and electrical cord. The company is currently obtaining a permit from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to begin power wash testing and operations. Supporting this expansion, ZenaTech will hire two business development managers and up to four additional drone pilots, with drones supplied from its subsidiary ZenaDrone which has a manufacturing hub in nearby Sharjah.

    The global drone power washing market falls under a broader drone cleaning services market category that was valued at approximately USD 4.36 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13.2 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 17% according to market analyst Valuates Reports , fueled by increasing demand for safe, efficient and cost-effective maintenance solutions.

    “With rising demand for tech-enabled and efficient maintenance solutions, whether for power washing buildings, renewable energy assets, or public spaces, we believe AI-powered drones will bring new safety standards, cost-efficiency, and greater environmental sustainability to maintenance tasks. UAE’s openness to innovative technology makes it an ideal launchpad for these DaaS solutions that we hope to expand to all seven emirates in addition to the US and Europe,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, recently provided an operating update and released financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. The first quarter 2025 results filing is accessible on the Company’s investor relations website.

    Stuart Simpson, CEO at Vertical, said: “2025 is on pace to be a transformational year for Vertical as we advance our piloted flight test programme and move into the final flight test phases. With the announcement of our hybrid-electric programme – opening up new high-value markets – and the expansion of our partnership with Honeywell to certify critical flight systems, we are deepening our technical and commercial edge. With growing regulatory confidence in the VX4 and a strong team behind us, we’re well positioned to deliver a scalable, certifiable aircraft to the global market.”

    Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC) (“Unusual Machines” or the “Company”), a leading U.S. manufacturer of drone components, recently announced it will exhibit at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2025, the premier event for autonomy and uncrewed systems, taking place May 20-22, 2025, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

    Unusual Machines will host a booth on the expo floor, where the Company will feature its new U.S.-made FPV motors and its growing portfolio of Blue UAS Framework-approved drone components. These offerings underscore Unusual Machines’ commitment to delivering high-performance, NDAA-compliant drone technology for defense, commercial, and public safety applications.

    Attendees are invited to visit the booth for product demonstrations and to meet with representatives from Unusual Machines. The Company will be actively engaging with integrators, OEMs, and procurement professionals throughout the event and will be ready to take orders on-site.

    Vision software company Foresight Autonomous Holdings has integrated NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) Jetson Orin generative AI computing modules into its 3D-perception system.

    Foresight is using Nvidia’s Jetson Orin Nano and Jetson AGX Orin modules to improve the capabilities of its perception systems deployed in various use cases, with a major focus on autonomous drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.

    The Jetson modules, which are used in generative AI, computer vision and advanced robotics, upgrade Foresight’s vision system with the computing power needed for autonomous drones and UAVs, according to Foresight.

    Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE: ACHR) recently announced operating and financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. The Company issued a shareholder letter discussing those results, as well as its second quarter 2025 estimates.

    Commenting on first quarter 2025 results, Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO, said: “Archer’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and reshaping the future of aviation for years to come. This quarter, the team made strong progress across our civil and defense efforts as we continue to deepen our strategic partner relationships and prepare for commercialization in the UAE later this year.”

    About FN Media Group:

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK government must immediately close Wethersfield mass containment site for asylum seekers

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • A new report released by MSF shows how people staying in Wethersfield mass containment site in the UK are experiencing severe mental health distress.
    • Wethersfield continues to be used as an accommodation site for asylum seekers despite the government promising to end its use.
    • We call on the UK government to end the use of mass containment sites for asylum seekers and encourage the use of dignified and safe accommodation within communities. 

    For over one year, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), in partnership with Doctors of the World (DOTW) UK, ran a general healthcare mobile clinic outside the main gates of the former Royal Air Forces base at Wethersfield, in the United Kingdom (UK). Between November 2023 and December 2024, we documented how the isolated site, which accommodates up to 800 men aged between 18 and 65, causes immense harm.

    A new report based on medical data and interviews with the men held at Wethersfield in 2024 highlights mental health distress amongst our patients and protection concerns at the site.

    “A Lonely Place” How Wethersfield is harming asylum seekers pdf — 1.6 MB Download

    “When I first saw the military camp, it was a reminder of the military camps in my home country. Very isolated atmosphere. You can’t socialise and you can’t learn,” says a resident at Wethersfield in 2024.

    The top five countries of nationality of patients attending our mobile clinic were Iran, Eritrea, Afghanistan, Syria, and Sudan. As such, many have fled violence, persecution and conflict and will go on to be recognised as refugees by the UK government.

    “Most of the consultations were for psychological problems. Many people felt anxious and stressed and said Wethersfield reminds them of previous difficult experiences such as imprisonment, torture or living in areas of conflict,” says Emma Withycombe, MSF’s medical activities manager. “It seems very cruel that people who have experienced so much hardship are now living here. The government has chosen to accommodate people in a place that causes harm.”

    In the absence of safe alternatives, many people seeking safety are forced to risk their lives and take dangerous journeys to reach the UK.

    The report reveals:

    A lack of safe routes to the UK

    Everyone who accessed our services had crossed the Channel by small boat. In interviews, participants described dangerous journeys to get to the UK. Three quarters of patients disclosed previous experiences of violence or abuse in their countries of origin and on their journeys to the UK.

    Mental health impacted by the site

    The men we interviewed spoke about the major impact the site was having on their mental health, as well as on the mental health of those around them. 62 per cent of those accessing our service presented with severe mental distress and 30 per cent reported suicidal ideation.

    Serious failures to protect and safeguard

    Our medical team observed that many individuals were accommodated onsite despite being ‘unsuitable’ according to the Home Office’s own guidance. We made a total of 226 safeguarding referrals due to concerns about individual patient safety and wellbeing.

    “People are dying at the UK borders, dying in camps and hotels. Our patients in Wethersfield have survived conflict, persecution, and harrowing journeys to the UK with no safe route to asylum. The government should not be putting refugees into camps once they arrive here,” says Simon Tyler, Executive Director of DOTW.

    Despite evidence that mass containment causes immense psychological harm and suffering, and the government’s own promises to end its use, Wethersfield remains open. In April 2025, Prime Minister Starmer refused to set a date for when the site would close.

    “It is beyond comprehension that Wethersfield remains open, a site which has been the source of intense suffering for people who came to the UK in search of safety. From MSF’s work at the site, we know many of the individuals accommodated here have experienced violence and trauma and will have complex psychological needs,” says Jacob Burns, project manager for MSF. “We had hoped this Labour government would establish a dignified and compassionate asylum system. Instead, we are witnessing a continuation of the same inhumane and restrictive policies, that are fundamentally failing those who are most in need of care and protection.”

    MSF calls on the UK government to:

    • Close Wethersfield immediately and end the policy of mass containment for people seeking safety in the UK.
    • Place people seeking safety in the UK in dignified and safe accommodation in the community.
    • Ensure access to specialist mental health support for asylum seekers in the UK.
    • Home Office accommodation sites must have clear and transparent safeguarding pathways in place before opening.
    • Open new and expand existing safe routes for people seeking safety to reach the UK.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mexican national and convicted child molester sentenced for immigration fraud

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    RALEIGH, N.C. — On May 6, Marcelo Soto-Luna, a Mexican citizen and convicted child molester, was sentenced to seven months in prison for immigration fraud. He pleaded guilty to the charge Jan. 14. Upon completion of his state and federal sentences, Soto will be transferred to ICE custody for removal from the United States.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, on Aug. 29, 2020, Soto knowingly made a false statement under penalty of perjury on an application for immigration benefit as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. In response to the question “Have you EVER engaged in, ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in any of the following: [any kind of sexual contact or relations with any person who was being forced or threatened?” he answered “No.”

    On Oct. 25, 2023, in the Superior Court of North Carolina in Wake County, Soto was convicted of three counts of indecent liberties with a child. He was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of between 45 and 81 months and ordered to register as a sex offender. Soto confessed to having committed the crimes on Jan. 1, 2019. The victim was a 7-year-old girl.

    “This conviction underscores ICE’s unwavering commitment to upholding the integrity of our nation’s immigration system,” said LaDeon Francis, director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Atlanta Field Office. “Those who attempt to manipulate or defraud the immigration process will be held accountable. Our officers work diligently to investigate and bring to justice individuals who seek to undermine lawful immigration procedures.”

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina prosecuted the case. It was investigated by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations division in Raleigh as part of Operation False Haven, an ongoing national initiative designed to identify and prosecute child molesters and other egregious felons who fraudulently obtained immigration benefits. The operation has successfully produced criminal and civil cases against defendants convicted of murder, serial rape, child molestation, incest, sodomy, child pornography, kidnapping, sex trafficking, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, tax fraud, pill mill prescription fraud, embezzlement, aggravated identity theft, and elder abuse.

    Learn more at ICE’s Immigration Fraud Prosecutions web page.

    For more news and information on how ERO Atlanta carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @EROAtlanta.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: What Trump Means for Europe: A Discussion Between Luis Vassy and Zaki Laïdi

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    On 28 April, a round table of the monthly “LUNDIS DU CEVIPOF” (Sciences Po’s Centre for Political Research) brought together Zaki Laïdi, Director of Research at CEVIPOF and Former Special Adviser of the High representative of the European Union (2020-2024), Luis Vassy, President of Sciences Po and Kevin Arceneaux, Director of CEVIPOF.

    The event was titled “What Trump Means for Europe“.

    By its very nature, the Trump project aims to build, beyond the United States, a new world order dominated by illiberal powers. Those who, in spite of their differences, agree on a certain number of values, which clash head-on with those promoted by the European Union. 

    This is why Trump sees Europe as a major political obstacle in his path. This is one of the reasons why he shows a thinly veiled hostility towards it. That involves political support for illiberal forces, economic retaliation and a potential strategic abandonment for which Europe is not really prepared. 

    Will this project really see the light of day? Does Europe have the means to face it in order to defend its values, its economic interests and build its strategic autonomy? Are EU countries really unified to face this challenge?

    > Watch the video replay now:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Participation by the NATO Secretary General in the 6th meeting of the European Political Community

    Source: NATO

    On Friday, 16 May 2025, the NATO Secretary General, Mr Mark Rutte, will visit Tirana, Albania, to participate in a meeting of the European Political Community.

    The Secretary General will have multiple bilateral meetings, including with the Prime Minister of Albania, Mr Edi Rama.

    Media advisory

    +/-10:00 (CEST) Doorstep by the NATO Secretary General

    Media Coverage 

    • A transcript of the Secretary General’s remarks, as well as pictures, will be available on the  NATO website.

    For more information:

    For general queries: contact the NATO Press Office

    Follow us on X: @NATO, @SecGenNATO and @NATOPress

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms and motto reveal about his dedication to the ideals of St. Augustine − an art historian explains

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Virginia Raguin, Distinguished Professor of Humanities Emerita, College of the Holy Cross

    A 17th-century stained glass image of St. Augustine. Artist Tobias Müller, 1622. Michel M. Raguin, with the permission of the Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton NJ, U.S.

    Pope Leo XIV has announced his motto and coat of arms – a long-held tradition for those in the ranks of bishops, cardinals and popes. The choice of symbols and words reflects the person’s experience.

    Leo’s shield is divided diagonally: The upper half shows a white lily on a blue background, and the lower shows the emblem of the Order of St. Augustine – an order to which he belongs. His motto reads, “In Illo uno unam,” translated as “In the One, we are one,” which are words of St. Augustine from his Exposition on Psalm 127, Paragraph 2: “I understand one in the One Christ. You are therefore many, and you are one; we are many, and we are one. ”

    In choosing this motto, Leo includes the identifying symbol of Augustine, a heart pierced by an arrow.

    Coat of Arms of Pope Leo XIV.
    Photo courtesy of the Holy See Press Office

    As an art historian, I explain how Renaissance artists portrayed Augustine’s humility – and what the choice of the motto might tell us about the new pope.
    .

    The Order of St. Augustine

    Augustine lived in the late fourth century, ultimately serving as bishop of Hippo in northern Africa for 34 years. The Augustinian order was founded in 1244 after several communities of hermits living in the region of Tuscany, Italy, petitioned Pope Innocent IV to form a single order. The pope gave them the Rule of Saint Augustine as a code of living, which stated: “Call nothing your own, but let everything be yours in common; [do] not seek after what is vain and earthly.”

    Augustine’s status as a scholar, theologian and administrator made him a widely depicted saint. For example, he appears in a stained glass window commissioned by a pastor in 1622, in which he holds his symbol of the heart pierced with the arrow resting on a book on his lap.

    The image relates to a phrase from Augustine’s book “The Confessions”: “Thou hadst pierced our heart with thy love, and we carried thy words, as it were, thrust through our vitals.”

    In this stained-glass image, the saint is seen speaking to a child. The 1483 translation of the “Golden Legend,” a collection of saints’ lives, explains that while struggling to write his treatise “On the Trinity,” Augustine was walking at the seashore and saw a child filling a tiny pit with water.

    When the child explained that he was bringing the ocean into the pit, Augustine scolded him for being silly. The child answered that he would sooner fit all the water of the sea into the pit than Augustine could bring the mystery of the Trinity into his limited human understanding. The Trinity is the Christian concept that God is not a single person but three – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – united in a single divine and eternal nature.

    This lesson in humility became widely depicted across the centuries. In 1482, an altarpiece by the painter and sculptor Michael Pacher shows Augustine with a child at his feet holding a spoon.

    Augustine’s scholarship

    Augustine’s legacy includes not only “The Confessions,” one of the most widely read books of medieval and early modern times, and “On the Trinity,” but many others, including “The City of God,” a monumental work of over 1,000 pages.

    Fresco of St. Augustine.
    Sandro Botticelli via Wikimedia Commons

    Sandro Botticelli’s 1480 painting of Augustine in his study shows the saint searching for clarity of thought as he pauses his writing.

    Dressed simply in a long white garment and a cloak, he has set aside his bishop’s miter, an official hat – also a gesture of humility. His study is crowded with books; on the right, behind his head, a book is open to a study of geometry.

    Botticelli tries to show the saint as a scholar in ancient times by placing on the left an old and discredited celestial model that depicts the Earth at the center of the universe, with the Sun, Moon, planets and stars revolving around it. We, with modern knowledge, understand that despite his intelligence, Augustine cannot know everything.

    Leo has been both a scholar and pastor. He served as a professor of canon law and early Christian theology at San Carlos y San Marcelo, a seminary in Peru.

    Yet, like the founder of his order, his words at this first Mass reflected his humility when he said that his appointment as pope was “both a cross and a blessing” and spoke of the responsibility he and the cardinals have in the world.

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

    – ref. What Pope Leo XIV’s coat of arms and motto reveal about his dedication to the ideals of St. Augustine − an art historian explains – https://theconversation.com/what-pope-leo-xivs-coat-of-arms-and-motto-reveal-about-his-dedication-to-the-ideals-of-st-augustine-an-art-historian-explains-256539

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 05/15/2025, 14:57 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A0JXSS1 (Akron B1P2) were changed.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    05/15/2025 14:57

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and the deposit market of PJSC Moscow Exchange by NCO NCC (JSC) on 15.05.2025, 14-57 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 85.05) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 915.51 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 12.5%) of the security RU000A0JXSS1 (Akron B1P2) were changed

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

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

    HTTPS: //VVV. MOEX.K.MO/N90254

    MIL OSI Russia News –