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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Africa: TotalEnergies’ Mike Sangster Talks Multi-Energy Strategy at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, May 14, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Mike Sangster, Senior Vice President for Africa at TotalEnergies, outlined the company’s multi-energy strategy in Africa at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris. Speaking during a one-on-one conversation with America Hernandez, Energy Correspondent at Reuters, Sangster said that the company is committed to producing more energy in a sustainable manner.

    In the oil sector, TotalEnergies continues to invest in established markets such as the Republic of Congo and Angola as well as in emerging markets such as Namibia, Uganda and South Africa. According to Sangster, TotalEnergies’ African portfolio constitutes half of the company’s operated production globally. “The largest part of our exploration budget is also in Africa,” he said.

    In South Africa, the company hopes to start drilling in 2026. The company is currently awaiting the requisite permits. In Namibia, the company is spearheading efforts to produce first oil by 2029 through its Venus project. A field development plan is currently underway, with plans to make a final investment decision by Q4, 2026. Given the complexity of the deepwater project, Venus will target oil production.

    “The site is extremely remote, 300 km offshore and at a depth of 1,900 m,” Sangster said, highlighting that much of the associated gas discovered would need to be reinjected.

    Monetizing Africa’s natural gas resources through LNG deployment and flare reduction represents a core part of TotalEnergies’ African strategy. “Part of our growth target is focused on LNG,” Sangster stated, adding that “we finished routine flaring in Nigeria, Gabon and Angola. In the Republic of Congo, we will eliminate flaring this year.”

    In Nigeria, TotalEnergies is ramping up gas investments to support both local energy needs and exports. “It’s important to monetize gas and its reservoirs,” Sangster noted. “In Nigeria, there are significant reserves and we are actively developing this sector. There are high-quality fields that can also serve export markets.”

    Beyond oil and gas investments, TotalEnergies’ broader energy strategy includes the development of renewable energy projects. Sangster reiterated TotalEnergies’ rebranding from an oil major to a multi-energy company, stating that “It makes sense to expand integrated energy activities. We have invested in renewables, green hydrogen and even mining in Africa. The future of our industry is integrated energy combined with new technologies to meet growing demand sustainably.”  

    Meanwhile, TotalEnergies is committed to supporting capacity building across the markets in which it operates. Sangster explained that through projects such as Tilenga, TotalEnergies “has generated around 20,000 direct jobs in Uganda and Tanzania. We are also training 200 local people. These are high-paying jobs that will be there for the next 20 years.”

    In Nigeria, TotalEnergies works closely with local educational institutions to transfer skills and enhance capacity building. “In Nigeria, we have the Petroleum Institute, and we’re fully committed to developing [capacity] in the country,” Sangster said. These initiatives not only support the development of projects, but create tangible opportunities for local communities. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cardiff set for UK Government jobs boost to drive growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Cardiff set for UK Government jobs boost to drive growth

    Cardiff has been named as one of 13 locations where more Civil Service jobs will be moved in a boost for the local economy.

    Tŷ William Morgan House, Cardiff

    Under the shake up, government roles will be shifted outside of London to towns and cities in all four nations of the UK, delivering and developing policy closer to the communities it affects.

    The move is projected to bring £729 million worth of economic benefit to the 13 growth areas by 2030.

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden, said:

    To deliver our Plan for Change, we are taking more decision-making out of Whitehall and moving it closer to communities all across the UK.

    By relocating thousands of Civil Service roles we will not only save taxpayers money, we will make this Government one that better reflects the country it serves. We will also be making sure that Government jobs support economic growth throughout the country.

    As we radically reform the state, we are going to make it much easier for talented people everywhere to join the Civil Service and help us rebuild Britain.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:

    It is great news that Wales will be a major beneficiary of UK Government plans to develop policy closer to the communities it affects.

    This decision builds upon the strong presence that the UK Government already has in Wales while driving growth, boosting jobs and giving opportunity for Welsh talent to thrive.

    Currently, 9,230 civil service roles are based in Cardiff. More than 31,500 full time equivalent roles are based in Wales, with 14 major UK Government departments having a presence in the nation. 

    Thousands more government jobs will be moved to the 13 towns and cities across the UK, which have been named today.

    Government departments now will submit plans for how many roles they plan to move to each of the locations as part of the spending review.

    Changes will be introduced so talented young people from across the UK are able to progress straight from school or university into the Civil Service and rise all the way up to the most senior roles, without ever having worked in Whitehall.

    To ensure those based outside of London have equal professional growth and development opportunities, with full end-to-end careers, the Government will locate 50% of UK-based Senior Civil Servants in regional offices by 2030. 

    This will be supported by a new approach to the Fast Stream programme, which is the Civil Service graduate scheme, with at least 50% of placements offered outside of London. 

    The Prime Minister is keen to further enhance the impact of Government in places across the country, so that the Civil Service has an active presence in communities and contributes to local growth and job creation.

    The plans will see more roles working closer to frontline services, facilitating greater understanding of the real issues facing local services and people, and how central government policy can support them.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global to Release Q1 2025 Operating Results, Conference Call Scheduled for May 15, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. ET

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), (the “Company”), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced that it will report its Q1 2025 operating results on Thursday, May 15, 2025 after the market closes. Management will host a conference call on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. ET to review financial results and provide an update on corporate developments. Following management’s formal remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session.

    Conference call details:

    Date: May 15, 2025
    Time: 4:30 p.m. Eastern / 1:30 p.m. Pacific
    Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1-844-739-3880
    International Dial-In Number: 1-412-317-5716

    Pre-register for the call through this link: https://dpregister.com/sreg/10200046/ff2f9aecc8

    All callers should pre-register for the call through the link above. Please dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time and ask to be joined into the Beam Global call.

    A webcast archive will be available on our website (www.BeamForAll.com) following the call.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Broadview, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit BeamForAll.com, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

    Investor Relations
    Luke Higgins
    +1-858-799-4583
    IR@BeamForAll.com

    Media Contact
    Andy Lovsted
    +1-858-335-8465
    Press@BeamForAll.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: GUU has opened a new Telegram channel for searching and posting vacancies

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The State University of Management has opened a new Telegram channel for the Center for Interaction with Alumni and Career Development (CIECD).

    The channel was created for prompt interaction and expansion of opportunities for publishing vacancies from partner companies and employment of graduates and students of the State University of Management.

    The pinned post contains links where you can post a vacancy or resume.

    We inform you that by filling out the form you agree to the posting on the Internet of data falling under the Federal Law of 27.07.2006 No. 152-FZ “On Personal Data”.

    The channel already has offers for internships, permanent jobs, invitations to a career forum, business camp, and IT school.

    Subscribe and publish your vacancies and resumes.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 05/14/2025

    Telegram channel of the Center for Interaction with Alumni and Career Development (CIECD).

    The channel was created for prompt interaction and expansion of opportunities for publishing vacancies from partner companies and employment of graduates and students of the State University of Management….

    ” data-yashareImage=”https://guu.ru/wp-content/uploads/ЦВВиРК.jpg” data-yashareLink=”https://guu.ru/%d0%b3%d1%83%d1%83-%d0%be%d1%82%d0%ba%d1%80%d1%8b%d0%bb-%d0%bd%d0%be%d0%b2%d1%8b%d0%b9-telegram-%d0%ba%d0%b0%d0%bd%d0%b0%d0%bb-%d0%b4%d0%bb%d1%8f-%d0%bf%d0%be%d0%b8%d1%81%d0%ba%d0%b0-%d0%b8-%d1%80/”>

    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 USA: ICYMI: Senator Mullin Applauds President Trump’s Trip to the Middle East, Slams Democrat Senator Chris Murphy for his Hypocrisy on Fox Business

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    ICYMI: Senator Mullin Applauds President Trump’s Trip to the Middle East, Slams Democrat Senator Chris Murphy for his Hypocrisy on Fox Business

    Washington, D.C. – On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined Fox Business’ “Varney & Company”  to discuss President Trump’s visit to the Middle East and Democrat Senator Chris Murphy’s (D-CT) blatant hypocrisy. Highlights below.

    Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.
    On President Trump possibly attending the upcoming meeting between Russia and Ukraine:
    “The President is being recognized around the world as the chief dealmaker, and Zelensky is very smart by saying he wants him at the table. However, there’s some real differences in what the proposal for a peace deal that Zelensky has put on the table and what Putin has put on the table, and unless there’s actually a path forward to possibly getting a peace deal, I don’t see President Trump getting there. However, if President Trump showed up, I would say that there’s probably a 90% chance that a peace deal would be part of the deal before he left.”
    On Senator Chris Murphy’s hypocrisy:  
    “First of all, I have to address Chris Murphy here, because Chris Murphy is a man that lacks integrity at this point. I could understand if Chris was willing to call out the Bidens when they set up 20 plus shell companies to funnel millions, literally over $25 million through, which had no assets coming from foreign entities, just simply to have access to then, at that time, the Vice President Biden and President Biden when he was in office.”
    “If Chris Murphy wants to actually show that he has integrity, then call it for what it is. The fact is, he’s willing to do and say whatever it takes to actually get the nod from the Democrats to run for President in 2028. That’s all Chris Murphy is doing. He’s auditioning right now. And what can he talk about, right? He can’t talk about the successes of President Trump. He can’t talk the fact that President Trump is actually restructuring the tariff deals that’s going to put our economy and our future workers in the driver’s seat again, which we’ve been neglecting for the last 30 years. He can’t talk about the rally of the stock market. He can’t talk about the foreign affairs that President Trump is taking by peace through strength instead of Biden’s, peace through appeasement.”
    On American leadership returning to the Middle East:
    “And what is happening right now with President Trump going to the Middle East, is the Middle East is begging for a leader. We saw a lackluster leader in Biden when he was president, and after the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, we left a lot of our partners in the Middle East holding a bag saying, ‘Where is the United States?’ Remember, UAE was the only country in the Middle East that actually fought along with us in Afghanistan… And what did the Biden administration do when they got in office? They pulled out of the F-35 bill that President Trump put in place. What did we do to Saudi Arabia? Instead of negotiating with Saudi Arabia with arms deals, we started negotiating with Iran and gave them billions of dollars on a, literally, pallet that we flew there in an Air Force plane. It is absurd.”
    “President Trump, right now is restructuring that order, saying our friends and allies in the Middle East, we’re here for you, and we want to show our gratitude and appreciation for what you’ve done for us and hopefully normalize relationships inside the Middle East, with Israel and Saudi Arabia.”
    On the 747 jet from Qatar:
    “The way the Left is blowing this up is just to distract from the success that President Trump has had in his 120 days in office. This is an absolute nothing burger, as we would say, and the fact that they’re making a big deal out of this is absurd. I want to point out something too that a lot of people isn’t talking about the negotiation on the 747 was actually started underneath the Biden administration, but they couldn’t close the deal. There’s a whole lot more to the story that we can get to at a different point but the fact that they’re wanting to gift it to the United States, we would be absolutely absurd not to take the gift.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Labour’s values are worth less than the paper they are printed on

    Source: Scottish Greens

    14 May 2025 Justice

    Scottish Greens react to Sarwar backing anti-migrant policies

    More in Justice

    Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has backed Keir Starmer’s anti-migrant policy announcements in a move that will “damage Scottish public services” according to Scottish Greens Co-Leader Lorna Slater.

    During a visit to Larkhall, the Scottish Labour leader told journalists, “I think right across the board we need to see our net migration figures come down,” and “I do support the Prime Minister in wanting to reform our immigration system. I do think we have to control our borders.”

    On Monday, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “we risk becoming an island of strangers” in an Enoch Powell-esque speech and asserted that all migrants should “speak English”.

    Reacting to Sarwar’s comments, Scottish Greens Co-Leader Lorna Slater said:

    “Anas Sarwar promised to ‘stand up to Keir Starmer’ ahead of last year’s election, but time and again he’s defended the cynical and cruel actions of this UK Labour Government, against the interests of Scotland.

    “From cutting the winter fuel payment for pensioners, to abandoning WASPI women, and now throwing migrant workers under the bus, this Labour government has proven that they will do just about anything to pander to the far-right and Anas Sarwar will back them all the way.

    “Anas Sarwar must surely know that these latest anti-migrant policies will only serve to damage Scottish public services and legitimise the hateful rhetoric of Nigel Farage.

    “People across the country can see that Scottish Labour’s values are worth less than the paper they are printed on. Sarwar has once again failed Scotland.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preston’s Mayor, Councillor Phil Crowe, bids farewell

    Source: City of Preston

    14 May 2025

    Today, Councillor Philip Crowe, the 696th Mayor of Preston, steps down from his role, making way for Councillor Sue Whittam, who will proudly take on the title of Madam Mayor. 

    “It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve as Mayor of Preston.” 

    To mark the occasion, Councillor Crowe will address fellow councillors and guests at the Mayor Making ceremony in the Council Chamber at Preston Town Hall. 

    Reflecting on his time as Mayor, Councillor Crowe has shared many memorable highlights, from unveiling the Feathers McGraw statue and opening the new Animate Leisure Complex, to meeting famous faces like Nick Park and Paddy McGuinness, and attending the unforgettable Radio 2 in the Park event, where he made a guest appearance on stage in front of thousands with Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox.

    Speaking fondly about that weekend, Councillor Crowe said: 

    “That was brilliant — I was dying to see the Pet Shop Boys. We were taken to this huge tent, filled with screens, surrounded by police, fire and rescue, the ambulance service, and Preston City Council.  

    “Then the head of security announced, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, the Mayor and Mayoress of Preston,’ and everyone stood up. It was incredible.” 

    Throughout his mayoral year, Councillor Crowe has championed several charities, including Furniture for Education Worldwide (FEW), Let’s Grow Preston, and Disability Equality North West.

    He is especially proud of his ongoing work with FEW in The Gambia. 

    Reflecting on his time as Mayor, Councillor Crowe said: 

    “Every day has brought a new highlight. The number of people who volunteer in Preston is phenomenal. In addition to my mayoral duties, I’m also honoured to serve as Honorary President of St Catherine’s Hospice, which alone has more than 600 volunteers.” 

    Though his mayoral chapter is ending, Councillor Crowe will continue to serve as a councillor and remain committed to supporting his community. 

    Councillor Crowe added: 

    “I never imagined becoming a councillor, let alone the Mayor. It’s been an honour and a privilege to represent the city I love.”

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Exciting times ahead for transport in Edinburgh

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Writing in today’s Evening News, Transport and Environment Convener Stephen Jenkinson goes into some of the key transport business of the day.

    At the end of April, I was lucky enough to visit the North Bridge and see firsthand the specialist work that we’re undertaking to restore this structure to its former glory. This site was one of the first places I visited when taking over as Convener last year and I’m very impressed with the progress that the project team has made since then. One particularly striking element was the paintwork being completed by hand on the cast iron façade. This is in addition to resurfacing work, grit blasting structural steelwork, repairing and improving the footway paving and underdrainage amongst a host of other improvements. I’m really excited for the scaffolding to come down and unveil this piece of Edinburgh’s history – restored ready to step into the modern age.

    Regarding modernity, another significant development that is on the way is the Tap On Tap Off (ToTo) launch which is set for next week. This new integrated ticketing system across both Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses will allow residents and visitors to travel more efficiently and at the best value; with ticket prices automatically capped at the cheapest daily and weekly rate.

    Our excellent public transport system is an inclusive form of travel, which provides an alternative to car use for people across the city, but in particular for people with lower incomes or those with mobility issues. Encouraging low carbon travel is also a key element of our wider climate ambitions and I’m sure this development will encourage greater use of our public transport network.

    I’m committed to keeping Edinburgh moving and ToTo is a very welcome addition.  

    In terms of committee business, one key report which we’ll consider next week is on the prioritisation of the City Mobility Plan. This report sets out our proposed capital investment programme over the next decade, including which projects to take forward and which to pause. Prioritising allows us to work smarter with the resources we have available – making sure we have a clear and achievable path to achieving our objectives. 

    These goals include improving how we move around the city, including prioritising public transport, providing safer conditions for walking, wheeling and cycling and reducing harmful emissions.

    When considering prioritisation, we scored projects against 15 separate criteria points which include impact on road safety, public transport, inequality, and capital raising challenges.

    This is a complex and thorough piece of work which allows the City Mobility Plan to be agile, and able to adapt in the future as necessary.

    However, one key element in this conversation is the fact that we remain dependent on external funding for many projects, particularly from the Scottish Government and by extension Transport Scotland.

    Complex projects which take years to plan and complete but which are subject to annual external funding decisions makes this situation inherently difficult, we need commitment and stability from the Scottish Government if we’re to deliver the changes which our city needs and deserves.

    I look forward to debating this important issue with colleagues next week.

    We live in interesting and ever evolving times for transport in Edinburgh. I’m committed to keeping the city moving sustainably as we press ahead with our bold vision for the future.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: England awaits era-defining tournament as new Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy unveiled and further tickets released

    Source: City of Sunderland

    – Government, host locations and teams celebrate 100 days to go to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025’s opening match in Sunderland

     – New Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy introduced to mark an era-defining tournament that will feature representatives from all regional associations for the first time.

    – Unstoppable momentum is building in England with a record 300,000 tickets already purchased and a further wave of tickets released today at 09:00 BST.

    – New trophy to embark on a nationwide tour of the eight host locations bringing fans and communities across England closer to the tournament.

    With just 100 days to go until Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 kicks off in Sunderland, World Rugby has today unveiled a bold new trophy – a symbol of the game’s unstoppable global rise – and announced the release of additional tickets for what promises to be a generational moment for the sport.

    The record-breaking tournament has already surpassed all expectations with 300,000 tickets already sold, more than double the total attendance from RWC 2021 in New Zealand, and is now firmly on course to become the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup in history, not just in scale, but in impact.

    Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Managing Director Sarah Massey said: “We are just 100 days away from welcoming the world to England for what will be the biggest and best Women’s Rugby World Cup yet.

    The excitement is real, and the momentum is building by the day, as this tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone. With more tickets going on sale today, don’t miss out on seeing rugby’s powerful personalities and unstoppable athletes take to the global stage.”

    A  N E W  S Y M B O L  F O R  A  N E W  E R A

    To mark the 100 days to go milestone, World Rugby unveiled the new Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy at London’s Battersea Power Station. The reveal, broadcast live on the BBC Morning Live, brought together senior figures from World Rugby, RWC 2025 LOC, UK Government, host cities, and Rugby World Cup legends to celebrate the progress and energy of the women’s game and look ahead to an era-defining tournament.

    Crafted in sterling silver and plated with 24-carat gold, the newly designed trophy is a modern expression of excellence and ambition. It fuses history and future by retaining the iconic twin handles of the original prize while introducing a sleek, oval silhouette, with names of past champions engraved on its base acknowledging the trailblazers who have shaped the game.

    The world map etched into the surface symbolises the game’s universal reach, celebrating the nations that have competed on the Rugby World Cup stage and the new stars who will carry the game forward. For the first time at RWC 2025, all six World Rugby regions will be represented across the 16 nations involved with a South American team, Brazil, making their debut on the sport’s biggest stage.

    As previous recipients and representatives of future players who may lift it high, a group of Women’s Rugby World Cup champions and legends of the game including Rachael Burford (ENG), Gill Burns (ENG), Monalisa Codling (NZL), Katy Daley-McLean (ENG), Fiao’o Fa’amausili (NZL), Sarah Hunter (ENG), Farah Palmer (NZL), Anna Richards (NZL) and Melodie Robinson (NZL) were involved in the trophy’s design process.

    World Rugby Chief of Women’s Rugby Sally Horrox said: “This trophy represents far more than a tournament; it reflects a movement. A movement fuelled by passion, shaped by trailblazers, and driven by the next generation of women and girls stepping into the game around the world.

    “Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to redefine what’s possible in women’s sport. The new trophy is a worthy emblem of the incredible athletes who will compete in England, and of the legacy we are building together with our partners, starting with the RFU, and through programmes like Impact Beyond 2025.”

    Former English international and Rugby World Cup winner Katy Daley-McLean added: “With the potential on this tournament being the biggest Women’s World Cup yet, it seemed an appropriate time for a new trophy. This trophy hopefully connects the past to the present allowing all to remember the trailblazing of those that came before us.”

    The trophy will now embark on a nationwide tour of England over the next three weeks, bringing fans and communities closer to the tournament in the build-up to kick-off. All eight host locations – Brighton and Hove, Bristol, Exeter, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland and York – are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new trophy and engaging their communities ahead of their first matches.

    A  T O U R N A M E N T  B A C K E D  B Y  L E G A C Y  A N D  P A R T N E R S H I P

    A joint-venture between World Rugby and the RFU, with funding from the UK Government, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is designed not only to deliver a worldclass tournament, but to create a lasting, positive impact for women and girls in sport. This includes investing in programmes that improve access, participation and experiences at all levels of the game.

    At the heart of this domestic legacy is Impact ’25, led by the RFU and supported by UK Sport, which is already delivering strong results across England and the home unions. More than 850 clubs have received support to grow the women’s game, while over 1,400 female coaches and match officials have been newly qualified. Girls’ participation is up 9.3% year-on-year, and £2.7 million has been invested to improve facilities and inclusivity in clubs. Community grants, sanitary provision and skills training have also reached thousands of new participants, with a strong focus on building confidence, connection and opportunity.

    RFU Executive Director of Women’s Game Alex Teasdale said: “2025 is a groundbreaking year for women’s rugby and we are thrilled to be host nation for what is set to be the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup in history. We are already seeing huge strides forward in the women and girls’ game, thanks to the building anticipation for the tournament and our Rugby World Cup legacy programme Impact ’25. We are excited to see the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 encourage and inspire the next generation of women and girls to play and watch rugby.”

    Globally, Impact Beyond 2025 is World Rugby’s strategic legacy programme, designed to harness the power of this tournament to grow the game and promote gender equity worldwide. Focused on three pillars—participation and profile, careers and leadership, and capability and expertise—the programme includes initiatives such as Rugby Rising Play, the sport’s first global participation programme for girls, and a series of six regional summits aimed at strengthening women’s rugby around the world.

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “In just 100 days, we will host the biggest and bestsupported Women’s Rugby World Cup in history. As well as creating unforgettable moments, the tournament will help to inspire the next generation of girls and boys, bring communities together, and grow the game for years to come.

    “But this tournament is about more than what happens on the pitch. Through our Plan for Change and the Impact ’25 legacy programme, we’re investing in 850 clubs across the country — upgrading facilities, opening up access, and inspiring more people to get involved in the game they love.”

    T I C K E T  S A L E S  G A I N  M O M E N T U M  A H E A D  O F  B L O C K B U S T E R  O P E N I N G

    Following recent ticket sales phases, the public response has been overwhelming. With over 300,000 tickets now sold, fans have shown an unprecedented appetite for women’s rugby, reinforcing England 2025 as the must-attend sporting event of the year and breaking the attendance record held by the last edition in New Zealand (150,000).

    More tickets go on general sale today at 09:00 BST on a first come, first served basis, including popular matches such as the opening encounter between England and the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

    With high demand and limited inventory for some matches, fans are reminded to only purchase tickets through official sources to ensure a safe and secure buying experience and guaranteed entry into the venues. An official resale platform will launch on 24 June, enabling fans who can no longer attend to sell their tickets securely at face value to fellow supporters via tickets.rugbyworldcup.com.

    Supporters around the world can also get involved ahead of kick-off by joining the “Road to Twickenham”, a free and fun global fitness challenge powered by Stepathlon. Available now via the Official Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 app, the initiative encourages fans of all ages and abilities to get active, win exclusive prizes, and celebrate the women’s game together as the countdown to the final at Twickenham Stadium on 27 September continues. It’s a powerful way for communities across the world to connect with the tournament and share in the spirit of progress, health and unity

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cllr Carmine Grimshaw appointed new Lord Mayor of Manchester

    Source: City of Manchester

    Miles Platting and Newton Heath councillor Carmine Grimshaw has been appointed the new Lord Mayor of Manchester following a meeting of the full today (14 May). 

    A lifelong Mancunian, Carmine’s journey from the streets of Ancoats to the halls of local government is a testament to his dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the community.  

    Born and raised in Ancoats, Carmine grew up in a close-knit family, experiencing first hand the transformative changes in the city. He attended Saint Michael’s RC Primary School and later Saint Luke’s Secondary School in Beswick before embarking on his career as a sewing machine mechanic.  

    Following the closure of his employer Raffles & Co in the 1980s, he transitioned into street trading, earning his license in 1983 and becoming a familiar presence on Thomas Street in what is now known as the Northern Quarter. His advocacy for fellow traders led to the formation of the Manchester Street Traders Association in 1990, reinforcing his commitment to safeguarding local businesses.  

    Throughout the years, Carmine has continually worked to support Manchester’s communities. His tenure as chair of the A-5 Off-Licence Forum shows his concerns for responsible licensing and community safety.

    He and his twin brother Brian opened a convenience store in Newton Heath in 1993. The ambitious move was made possible with the help of their friend and former Lord Mayor the late Cllr Hugh Barrett and was a further nod to his service to the local community.  

    In 2012, his passion for civic engagement led him to public office, where he has tirelessly represented the residents of Miles Platting and Newton Heath for more than a decade. His leadership on various committees, including the Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee and the Licensing Policy Committee, has been instrumental in shaping policies that benefit Manchester’s citizens.  

    Throughout his tenure as Lord Mayor, Carmine will have the support of Lady Mayoress, Elaine Grimshaw and a Consort, Councillor June Hitchen. 

    Carmine is the proud father of twin sons, Carmine and Louis, along with youngest son, Jack, as well as three grandchildren, Zara and twins Honey and Rico. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leeds welcomes the announcement that more Civil Service roles will be moved to the city

    Source: City of Leeds

    Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

    “We welcome the Government’s continued recognition of Leeds as a key hub for Civil Service roles. With over 14,000 civil servants already based in Leeds, this announcement builds on our role as a major centre for government outside London.

    “Relocating more roles will bring decision-making closer to the communities it serves, support the creation of good jobs, and provide long-term whole career opportunities including for our talented apprentices, graduates and professionals.

    “The Leeds Health and Social Care Hub, which brings together the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS, local government, universities and other partners exemplifies how central government can work hand-in-hand with local delivery organisations to improve outcomes for patients and residents.

    “This move adds to the momentum we’re already seeing in Leeds as a leading financial centre, with major organisations like the Financial Conduct Authority, the Bank of England and the National Wealth Fund choosing to locate roles here – reinforcing the city’s growing national importance as a centre for public service and economic opportunity.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Final Government response to the Infected Blood Inquiry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Final Government response to the Infected Blood Inquiry

    The government publishes its final response to the Infected Blood Inquiry’s May 2024 report.

    • Government’s final response to the Infected Blood Inquiry’s May 2024 report highlights progress delivering Inquiry’s twelve recommendations.

    • Progress includes nearly £100 million so far in compensation to victims and over £1.2 billion in interim payments, committing £500,000 to advocacy charities, and greater support for patients with liver damage.

    • Sir Robert Francis KC, Interim Chair of Infected Blood Compensation Authority, will also continue his role for another 18 months.

    Nearly £100 million in compensation has been paid to victims of the Infected Blood Scandal so far, alongside over £1.2 billion in interim payments, as the government publishes its final response to the Infected Blood Inquiry’s May 2024 report – highlighting progress delivering the Inquiry’s twelve recommendations.

    Recognising the unspeakable suffering of victims, the government accepts all twelve of the Inquiry’s recommendations, with some accepted in full, and others accepted in principle. There are no recommendations that the government has not accepted. 

    Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office, Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, said:

    Today is an important milestone, nearly one year on from the publication of the Inquiry’s report.  

    The victims of this scandal have suffered unspeakably. We remain fully committed to cooperating with the Inquiry, are acting on its twelve recommendations, and are grateful for its work to date.

    We have paid nearly £100 million in compensation so far, and have set aside £11.8 billion to deliver what is one of the most comprehensive compensation schemes in modern history.

    The government is delivering Recommendation 1, to set up a compensation scheme. Compensation is paid through the Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA), an independent organisation that was set up on the Inquiry’s recommendation in its Second Interim Report. IBCA has paid out £96.6 million in compensation so far to victims of the Infected Blood Scandal, building on over £1.2 billion already paid out by the government in interim payments.

    Government is delivering Recommendation 10, to empower the voices of infected blood patients, by paying £500,000 to patient advocacy charities. These funds will be paid to specific charities that have been recommended by the Inquiry, and meetings are underway to agree on awards. 

    Government is also delivering Recommendation 6, to monitor patients with liver damage, by ensuring that all patients with liver damage will have their care overseen by a medical consultant. Patients with a Hepatitis C diagnosis will receive greater follow-up and monitoring, and NHS England will also be proactively identifying patients with bleeding disorders to ensure they receive appropriate testing, treatment and ongoing monitoring.

    Today, the Government is also announcing that Sir Robert Francis KC, Interim Chair of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority, will remain in his role for another 18 months. The decision to extend his term was taken to provide continuity for the organisation and the infected blood community, and ensure compensation continues to be delivered without delay.

    The Inquiry has set out its intention to publish a further report on compensation, and the Government remains committed to cooperating with the Inquiry.

    Commenting on his extension, Sir Robert Francis KC said:

    I am honoured to continue serving as ​Interim ​Chair of the Infected Blood Compensation Authority.

    My priority remains to ensure that we pay compensation to those impacted by the scandal as quickly as possible, while maintaining transparency and compassion throughout our work.​

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Expanding NHS orthopaedic services

    Source: Scottish Government

    Major increase in surgical procedures

    Health Secretary Neil Gray visited Gartnavel General Hospital today to see first-hand how Scottish Government investment is supporting increased capacity in orthopaedic services to deliver faster care for patients.

    The visit follows the Programme for Government announced by the First Minister last week,  which committed to the delivery of more than 150,000 additional NHS appointments and procedures, including in surgical procedures such as hip and knee replacements compared to last year.

    This investment is part of the government’s commitment to strengthening the NHS and ensuring timely access to essential treatments.

    During his visit, Mr. Gray toured Gartnavel’s state-of-the-art theatre complex, where he met with frontline staff involved in the expanded orthopaedic services. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde will be allocated funding to support the delivery of additional orthopaedic procedures through extra elective theatres at the hospital.

    Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

    “The Scottish Government is determined to increase capacity in our NHS – making sure people can get the quality care they need when they need it. 

    “Increasing orthopaedic capacity here means faster, more efficient care for those who need it most, allowing patients to regain mobility and quality of life without unnecessary delays.

    “We have seen real progress in the last year, with more than 105,000 appointments and procedures delivered through an additional £30 million of targeted investment in 2024-25. Now we want to build on that momentum through the additional £200 million set out in this year’s Budget to reduce waiting lists and to help support reduction of delayed discharge.”

    Background

    The Programme for Government 2025-26 includes a wide range of measures to support the NHS and improve public health, including:

    • Over 150,000 additional NHS appointments and procedures, with a 50% increase in surgical procedures such as hip and knee replacement compared with last year.
    • 100,000 enhanced GP appointments by March 2026 for high-risk conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, obesity, and smoking.
    • Enhanced diagnostic pathways, including targeted cancer pathways, to help tackle backlogs and achieve the 62-day referral to treatment standard.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Life and legacy’ of Spitfire designer Reginald Mitchell to be celebrated on 130th anniversary of his birth

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Wednesday, 14th May 2025

    The “life and legacy” of Reginald Mitchell will be celebrated in a day of events on the 130th anniversary of his birth.

    The Supermarine Spitfire designer was born on 20 May 1895 in Kidsgrove and moved to Normacot shortly after he was born.   

    Invited guests will gather in the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery at 10.30am on Tuesday 20 May for an event to remember his lasting contribution to engineering and the aeronautical industry.   

    A host of speakers have been arranged, including Julian Mitchell, Reginald’s great nephew and Paul Beaver, Trustee of the National Spitfire Project and the author of Spitfire People, Spitfire Evolution and Mitchell – Father of the Spitfire. 

    The event is by invitation and tickets are limited. Residents of Stoke-on-Trent can request tickets by contacting karen.convey@stoke.gov.uk 

    In the afternoon, the staff at the Reginald Mitchell pub in Hanley have organised an event for guests and veterans including the Tri-Services.  

    The team at the JD Wetherspoon pub on Parliament Row is inviting veterans to attend from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and enjoy a hot drink and a slice of a large Spitfire cake being made for the occasion.  

    Mr Mitchell will host a quiz for customers from 4.30pm with the winning team receiving a 12-piece vintage prints dinner set from Churchill China, the same tableware used by Wetherspoons, valued at over £150. 

    The pub will have a display of aeroplanes designed by children from Reginald Mitchell Primary School. The bar will be stocked with a range of beer featuring names all linked to aviation and the city’s centenary.   

    Guests will be encouraged to make paper aeroplanes to take part in a fun competition for charity. Entrants will launch their plane off the top bar balcony to see which one flies the furthest. Entry is £2 with proceeds going to the Young Lives vs Cancer charity.   

    A series of events to celebrate Reginal Mitchell’s birthday week are planned in the pub.   

    Cllr Steve Watkins, Deputy Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, said: “This special day will look back at the life of Reginald Mitchell and how his work has inspired generations of engineers since he passed away at 42. He and his team led the world in aircraft design. It’s part of our centenary celebrations and will tell his story and look at how his legacy is encouraging young engineers to take up a career in the industry today.  

    “It’s been great to work with the staff at the Reginald Mitchell pub who are making plans to mark this occasion throughout the week with other events.  They’re keen to encourage veterans to pop in and enjoy a chat and catch-up over tea and cake while learning more about Reginald.” 

    Julian Mitchell said: “130 years on and RJ is still making a real impact on our local community and beyond. Celebrating his engineering genius and design creativity is at the heart of our Operation Spitfire for Schools project. 

    “We’re helping students understand what is possible in their futures and highlight examples of local people who have done amazing things.” 

    Debbie Whittingham, Regional Manager and Employee Director at JD Wetherspoons, said: “It is fantastic to have the opportunity to join in the celebrations for both the centenary of Stoke-on-Trent and Reginald Mitchell’s birthday celebrations. The Reginald Mitchell is a beautiful and historic building, and we are very proud to be able to honour his name and legacy. 

    “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to share a fun week of events and to celebrate this legend of a man. We want to show our pride in Stoke-on-Trent and its incredible legacy to the world as one of the great cities of the industrial revolution.  

    “This was thanks to the creative, hardworking and spirited people of this city who made it all happen.” 

    Events in The Reginald Mitchell pub  

    • Monday 19 May: 7pm – History talk with local social media star ‘Jenna the Red Haired Stokie’. Small charge, all going to charity.  
    • Wednesday 21 May: 11am –  History talk in the upstairs bar area from local historian Mervyn Edwards. £5 entry ‘The lost pubs of Hanley’. ‘Why were they built and how did they survive so long?  Who were the landlords and patrons associated with them – and how many do you remember?’  
    • 7pm – Film night. Battle of Britain to be shown on the big screen with a 1940s fancy dress competition. Prize for the best dressed.  
    • Thursday 22 May: 7pm-9pm Pottery in the Pub. A pottery workshop hosted by the Clay Rooms. £30 per person (£5 going to Young Lives vs Cancer charity). Visit theclayrooms.co.uk to book. Free tea and coffee. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Rising heat, rising risk: managing forest fires in a warming world

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Wildfires are becoming more intense, more frequent, and more destructive, stretching across continents, ecosystems, and communities.

    In the 2023-2024 season, 3.9 million km² of land burned globally, with carbon emissions 16% above average. Major wildfire events included Canada’s worst season, with 150,000 km² burned and 232 thousand people evacuated, Greece’s largest wildfire on record (900 km²), and deadly fires in Hawaii and Chile, claiming over 200 lives, according to the State of Wildfires 2023-24: CAMS data support assessment – Copernicus. As we approach the 2025 fire season in the Northern Hemisphere, which typically runs from June to October, California has already faced devastating fires in January, outside the usual fire season.

    This growing trend of longer and more intense fire seasons highlights that wildfires are no longer confined to a specific time of year, but are now a year-round global threat.

    Wildfires are escalating into a global crisis, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, public health, and the climate. They worsen air pollution, increase carbon emissions, disrupt water supplies, and increase the risk of floods and landslides, compounding vulnerabilities in both rural and urban areas.

    Recognizing this urgency, the UNECE/FAO Working Party on Forest Statistics, Economics and Management, a UN expert body that facilitates technical cooperation on forest data, management, and policy, and oversees expert teams working on these topics, brought together country delegates and experts to explore what is driving this crisis, what it is doing to our forests, and what can be done to manage it.

    Fire is not always an enemy. It has long played a vital role in many forest ecosystems, clearing dead vegetation, recycling nutrients, and fostering diversity. Some forest types even depend on periodic burns to regenerate. When strategically managed, including through practices like controlling and prescribed burning, fire becomes a powerful tool to maintain healthy forests and reduce the risk of larger, more destructive wildfires.

    The balance, however, is shifting. Driven primarily by climate change, wildfires are now pushing ecosystems to their limits. Longer dry seasons, hotter temperatures, and erratic weather are turning manageable fires into landscape-scale disasters.

    As countries prepare for the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP30) in Belém, Brazil, the session emphasized that wildfire risk must be integrated into climate strategies. Forests are a key line of defense against global warming, but only if they are protected and managed sustainably.

    The session concluded with a clear message: a proactive, data-driven, and climate-smart approach is essential.

    Stronger forest resilience measures are needed, including sustainable management, landscape restoration, and fuel load reduction through prescribed burns. Increased investment in firefighting capacity and improved land-use planning are also crucial to protect communities in fire-prone areas.

    Experts highlighted the importance of cross-border collaboration, citing initiatives like the Global Fire Management Hub and tools such as EFFIS and INForest to support data collection and evidence-based policies.

    The path forward must recognize fire’s dual role: as both a threat and a tool in building resilient forest landscapes.

    Resources and further reading

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boat Stations Open Across Ontario

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    May 14, 2025

    Sarnia, Ontario – The Canadian Coast Guard’s Inshore Rescue Boat stations on the Great Lakes, Georgian Bay, and St. Lawrence are now open.

    Inshore Rescue Boat stations are crewed by post-secondary students hired and trained by the Canadian Coast Guard. They provide additional maritime search and rescue service during the busy summer recreational boating season. The stations are located at Britt on Gereaux Island (Georgian Bay), Brebeuf Island (Georgian Bay), Hill Island (St. Lawrence River), Corunna (St. Clair River), Mitchell’s Bay (Lake St. Clair) and Long Point (Lake Erie).

    They are open from May 14, 2025, at 12 p.m. ET until September 3, 2025.          

    Ashore, Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services centres provide marine safety communications, while the response to each search and rescue case is coordinated by the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Trenton, Ontario.

    Waterways remain very cold at this time of year and take much longer to warm up compared to the air. Transport Canada’s Safe Boating Guide is an excellent source of information in preparation for the recreational boating season.

    On water emergencies can be reported 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, toll-free (within Canada) at 1-800-267-7270, or via marine VHF radio – channel 16.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Combined Third and Fourth Reviews of Bangladesh’s Extended Credit Facility, Extended Fund Facility, and Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangements

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 14, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • IMF staff and the Bangladesh authorities have reached staff-level agreement on the policies needed to complete the combined third and fourth reviews of the authorities’ reform program supported by the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility, Extended Fund Facility, and Resilience and Sustainability Facility. The staff-level agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, contingent on the completion of prior actions.
    • The Bangladeshi economy remains under pressure from ongoing challenges and rising external financing requirements. As announced in December 2024, the authorities have requested an augmentation of IMF support of about US$760 million to help preserve macroeconomic stability and enhance the country’s resilience to external shocks.
    • The authorities reiterated their commitment to the objectives of the reform program including fiscal reforms to address the emerging external financing gap, calibrating monetary policy to bring down inflation, and fully implementing exchange rate reforms to enhance flexibility. They have also pledged to foster a sound and competitive financial sector and are advancing their climate agenda to support sustainable, inclusive, and green growth.

    Washington, D.C.:  Following constructive discussions with Bangladesh authorities in Dhaka, continued engagement during the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., and subsequent virtual follow-up discussions, Mr. Papageorgiou, the IMF Mission Chief for Bangladesh, issued the following statement:

    “IMF staff and the Bangladesh authorities have reached a staff-level agreement on the policies needed to complete the combined third and fourth reviews under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), Extended Fund Facility (EFF), and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The staff-level agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board and is contingent on the completion of prior actions related to tax revenue mobilization and full implementation of exchange rate reforms.

    “Amid significant macroeconomic challenges, the authorities requested an augmentation of SDR 567.2 million (approximately US$762 million) in IMF financial support to Bangladesh under the ECF and EFF arrangements. This increase would bring the total financial assistance under the ECF and EFF arrangements to SDR 3,035.65 million (about US$4.1 billion), alongside concurrent RSF arrangements of SDR 1 billion (about US$1.3 billion). Upon completion of the combined third and fourth reviews, SDR 983.8 million (about US$1.3 billion) will be made available, comprising SDR 650.5 million (about US$874 million) under the ECF and EFF and SDR 333.3 million (about US$448 million) under the RSF.

    “Impacted by disruptions from the popular uprising, real GDP growth slowed to 3.3 percent year-on-year (y-o-y) in the first half of FY25; however, it is projected to rebound in the second half reaching 3.8 percent for the full fiscal year. Inflation, which has approached double digits, has begun to decline and is projected to be around 8 ½ percent (y-o-y) by end of FY25. Nonetheless, domestic factors such as stress in the banking sector and elevated global uncertainty tilt risks to the downside.

    “To address the emerging external financing gap and support a continued decline in inflation, near-term policy tightening is essential. Fiscal consolidation should focus on the prompt implementation of additional revenue measures—such as streamlining of tax exemptions—while containing non-essential expenditures. Alongside monetary tightening, enhanced exchange rate flexibility and reinforced foreign exchange reserve buffers will bolster the economy’s resilience to external shocks. In this regard, steadfast implementation of the new exchange rate regime will remain critical.

    “Bangladesh’s low tax-to-GDP ratio underscores the urgent need for tax reforms to build a fairer, more transparent, and simpler system while sustainably boosting revenues. Key priorities include streamlining exemptions, enhancing compliance, and delineating tax policy from administration. In parallel, a comprehensive approach is required to rein in subsidy expenditures in the electricity sector. Increased revenues will also provide more fiscal resources to support the most vulnerable. 

    “A carefully designed strategy for dealing with weak banks is essential to ensuring stability. Swift action is needed to operationalize new legal frameworks that facilitate orderly bank restructuring while safeguarding small depositors. Robust asset quality reviews for all large and systemic banks, bank restructuring aimed at forward-looking viability, strengthened risk-based supervision, and enhanced governance and transparency will be key to rebuilding trust and supporting the sector’s soundness. At the same time, institutional reforms to bolster the independence and governance of Bangladesh Bank will be essential for ensuring long-term macroeconomic and financial stability and for the effective implementation of broader financial sector reforms.

    “Strengthening governance and promoting greater transparency are essential to improving the business environment, attracting foreign direct investment, and broadening the export base beyond the ready-made garment sector.

    “Enhancing resilience to climate change is crucial for mitigating macroeconomic and fiscal risks. Investing in institutional capacity and improving the efficiency of public spending will support progress toward climate objectives. The government should prioritize climate-responsive fiscal reforms and channel investments into sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure. In addition, effective management of climate-related risks will help safeguard financial sector stability.

    “The team thanks the authorities for the productive discussions and excellent collaboration.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/14/pr25145-bangladesh-imf-reaches-sla-on-combined-3rd-and-4th-reviews-ecf-eff-and-rsf-arrangements

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary speech in Lviv on the Special Tribunal

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Foreign Secretary speech in Lviv on the Special Tribunal

    David Lammy outlines UK support for the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine during a visit to Lviv, Ukraine.

    It is a fitting time and place for this discussion.   

    It is remarkable that eighty years ago, Allied governments were dealing with detained Nazis, and thinking about accountability for the atrocities.  

    Some considered simple revenge.   But others favoured a different approach.   

    Holding those criminals accountable under international law.   

    Drawing in part on work by two great sons of this great city, Rafael Lemkin Sir Hersch Lauterpacht. 

    The resulting Nuremberg trials were a milestone in building a global order rooted in the rule of law and human rights.   

    Today, the pursuit of such a global order again seems a tall order.  

    Russia is waging a war of aggression, with mounting evidence that Russian soldiers are committing atrocities we would have hoped to consign to history – attacks which rain down on civilians, the deportation of children, torture and sexual abuse of civilians and prisoners of war.   

    Russian leaders show not the slightest concern for the lives of individuals or the laws of war.   

    But we need to remember figures like Lemkin were not naïve idealists.  Indeed, Sir Hersch wrote about anchoring his philosophy of international law in the ‘realities of international life’.  

    Precisely our task today.   

    We have it in our hands to hold those responsible for the invasion of Ukraine to account.  The UK is proud to have supported the idea of a Special Tribunal since the outset. 

    A Tribunal is an essential part of the armoury of justice, alongside the efforts of Ukrainian authorities to bring prosecutions inside Ukraine, and the work of the ICC.   

    As the country where Sir Hersch made his home, we are proud to support the Lviv Joint Statement and endorse the legal foundations for this Tribunal.  

    It will take time for a Tribunal to become operational. We support using the framework of the Council of Europe. But also believe we must expand the Core Group to more partners from beyond Europe.   

    The whole world is outraged at Russian crimes. The whole world should now come together to hold Russia to account. We must rally all countries in support of justice.  

    Our friends in Ukraine are staying true to the legacy of VE Day.  

    The legacy of Lemkin and Sir Hersch. 

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 May 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change needed at sheltered plus schemes say councillors

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Change needed at sheltered plus schemes say councillors

    Change is desperately needed at Canterbury City Council’s Sheltered Plus housing schemes to save it and its tenants money and boost the quality of people’s homes. 

    That the is the conclusion of councillors from all political parties who took part in the Older Persons’ Accommodation Working Group after carefully examining the evidence. 

    Its report will be discussed by the Overview Committee at its meeting on 22 May. 

    The working group’s report says: “Sheltered Plus was put in place in 2018 with a large financial subsidy from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and a guarantee that it would remain unaltered for two years. 

    “The council has honoured that commitment and more. Six years have passed and the environment in which the council’s housing operates has changed dramatically and the status quo is not financially sustainable.” 

    The HRA is the dedicated account the council uses to pay for council housing and which tenants pay their rent into. 

    The report goes on: “The buildings are ageing and require significant capital investment for repairs, maintenance and modernisation. 

    “Many are dated with limited space [for tenants], no Wi-Fi or electric vehicle charging points.  

    “Society has changed dramatically since the schemes were designed and they no longer meet the needs or aspirations of many of today’s over-60s, which is reflected in limited demand.   

    “However, housing need in general is increasing and the council must make the best use of its scarce supply of affordable homes for the benefit of local households of all ages that desperately need a home. 

    “This review has conducted extensive research and the findings are clear.   

    “The full cost of the Sheltered Plus service is unaffordable to many because key elements of the service, such as night reassurance cover and the laundry service do not qualify for Housing Benefit, as they are personal care and not related to the provision of accommodation.   

    “The unfunded costs have been met by the HRA, which is not what it is intended for and, with the other financial pressures on the HRA, the situation is unsustainable. 

    “If the council is to survive as a social landlord, this hole in the finances must be addressed and services must adapt to changes in society to ensure they remain relevant for current and future generations.” 

    The working group recommendations include: 

    • standardising the service in sheltered housing and Sheltered Plus to provide a consistent service across the whole sheltered housing portfolio including removing the laundry service and stopping the provision of night reassurance cover 
    • reducing the number of Independent Living Managers 
    • improving the support provided by the Lifeline service 
    • expanding provision, including telecare and telehealth 
    • installing modern CCTV equipment, monitored by the council’s Central Control room 

    In its report, the working group recognises the current Sheltered Plus arrangements give tenants and their families peace of mind and make them feel secure. 

    It wants to listen closely to their views and concerns so we can take these fully into account before a decision is taken. 

    The same applies to those council staff members that would be affected. 

    The working group is recommending a comprehensive 12-week consultation.  

    This will include personal one-to-one meetings with tenants and their families as well as gathering the views of the Resident Engagement Panel and Independent Living Forum which represent tenants and meetings with key stakeholders. 

    The working group says each tenant would need a personalised support plan if the transition were to go ahead so residents are able to be carefully helped into the new arrangements. 

    The current Sheltered Plus service is unique and not found anywhere else in Kent.  

    It is provided at 127 properties across four schemes: 

    • Lang Court in Whitstable  
    • Cranmer House in Canterbury  
    • Collard House in Canterbury  
    • Whitgift Court in Canterbury  

    The service was designed through consultation with tenants and their families after Kent County Council withdrew its Supporting People Grant in March 2018. 

    They voted to keep and pay for services beyond standard sheltered housing including: 

    • an on-site, non-residential Independent Living Manager during weekday office hours 
    • a supported laundry service during weekdays because the kitchens of individual flats are too small to install a domestic washing machine, and tenants sometimes find the controls of the commercial-style machines in the communal laundry too heavy to operate 
    • on-call night reassurance service, seven nights a week, in case of emergency 
    • signposting to taking up activities, training, work or engaging with the community   
    • advice about accessing health care and social care.   

    At Whitgift Court and Lang Court there is a dedicated member of staff, whereas Collard House and Cranmer House share a member of staff and pay commensurately less.  

    The night reassurance service does not provide a hands-on response in an emergency but contacts the relevant service or family member.  

    The full cost of the Sheltered Plus service is too expensive for most tenants and a commitment was given by the council to subsidise the service for two years before it was reviewed, with the deficit underwritten by the HRA. 

    Both sheltered housing and Sheltered Plus are supported by the council’s Lifeline service which enables tenants to raise an alarm in an emergency. 

    The Overview Committee will meet at the Guildhall, St Peter’s Place, at 7pm on Thursday 22 May. 

    You can view the agenda and the working group’s full report here. 

    Published: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Win a free wedding package with Go CV for Valentine’s Day 2026!

    Source: City of Coventry

    Coventry couples planning or thinking about marriage, can have the chance of winning a wedding package with Go CV, to take place on Valentine’s Day.

    The fantastic prize, worth over £5,000, includes a marriage ceremony hosted in the Black Prince Room at Cheylesmore Manor House (Coventry Register Office), a wedding reception venue at Drapers’ Hall including buffet, dining set-up and service staff, plus overnight accommodation in a Junior Suite at the Telegraph Hotel with breakfast.

    The lucky winners will also have flower bouquets provided by Isabel’s Flower Studio, photographs by UR Rosa Photography, precious moments you could share on social media by Electric Joy Moments Content Creator and Brody Swain as Wedding Toastmaster at the ceremony and reception.

    To have the chance of winning this amazing prize, complete the form on the Go CV website and tell us in no more than 300 words why you deserve to win.  Entrants for this wonderful prize need to be a Coventry resident and also hold a fully validated Go CV card.

    Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member, Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, said:

    “Being a Go CV cardholder brings many benefits to our city residents so if you are already a member, check out to see how you can enter. If you’re not already a member, then I’d encourage you to sign up and get the chance to enter the competition.”

    “I’m sure there are Coventry couples out there who would love the opportunity to win this prize, especially as for many people, the costs involved in having a wedding or ceremony are a challenge.

    “It’s really important that we continue to promote through Go CV the amazing cultural venues and attractions we have in the city. Through the funding we’ve attracted, this is a really exciting and creative way to raise the profile of the city’s cultural assets and, of course, provide a brilliant opportunity for a Coventry couple.

    “Good luck to all entrants and I look forward to hearing more about the lucky couple.”

    Full details on what the package includes, how to apply, terms and conditions and lots more information with details about the  partners’ offers included in the prize, are available at go-cv.co.uk/winawedding .

    Deadline for entries are 23.59, on Sunday 15 June 2025.   Winners will be notified by the end of June and must consent to publicity of their special day.

    Wednesday, 14th May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Discussions on Common Policies of Member Countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 6, 2025

    • Economic growth continues to be strong in the WAEMU. Inflation has fallen back to its target range, and recent improvements in regional external imbalances are supporting a strong recovery in reserves.
    • The Council of Ministers has agreed to submit for approval by Heads of State a proposal by the WAEMU Commission for a revised Convergence Pact maintaining the previous fiscal deficit and public debt ceilings of 3 and 70 percent of GDP, respectively.
    • Rapid adoption of this pact would signal a stronger commitment to debt sustainability and help guide sound fiscal policies. The WAEMU’s institutions should also continue to promote regional integration.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the annual discussions on common policies of member countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)[1]. The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]

    Economic growth continues to be strong in the WAEMU, with heterogeneity across countries, while inflation has fallen. Economic growth rose above 6 percent in 2024, near the average of the past decade, although gaps in per capita income among member countries have continued to widen due to significant variations in economic growth. After rising above target for much 2024, inflation has also fallen back within its target range since November 2024, due to easing regional food price inflation and an appropriately tight monetary policy. The banking system remains resilient, although it maintains large exposures to regional sovereigns.

    Recent progress in reducing the WAEMU’s external imbalances, albeit with notable divergence among members, is supporting a strong recovery in reserves. After widening in 2021-2023, the WAEMU’s current account deficit narrowed significantly in 2024. The Central Bank of West African States’ (BCEAO) response to external reserves pressures has also been broadly appropriate, by tightening monetary policy via raising rates and containing the quantities of liquidity injected into the regional banking system. Reserves rebounded in late 2024 and early 2025, and are back above minimum adequate levels due mainly to windfall revenues from the annual cocoa harvest, high commodity prices, several IMF disbursements, and exports of new hydrocarbon resources in Niger and Senegal. The WAEMU’s external position is assessed to have been moderately weaker than fundamentals and desirable policy settings in 2024.

    Public debt ratios have increased significantly and heterogeneously in recent years due to large fiscal deficits and stock-flow adjustments. Ongoing progress in union-wide fiscal consolidation is welcome, although it is proceeding at a slower pace than anticipated mainly because of large data revisions in Senegal. Public debt continued to increase in 2024 beyond the level projected during the previous discussions on common policies, with considerable variation across the WAEMU (and particularly high debt in Senegal). Higher debt issuances are leading to heavier reliance on financing on the regional market, which has limited absorptive capacity and relatively high costs, and could pose a risk to external reserves.

     

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They welcomed that the WAEMU is benefitting from strong growth, inflation within the target range, and progress in reducing fiscal and external imbalances, while also noting the significant divergence within the region. Highlighting that the region remains vulnerable to a wide range of shocks, Directors stressed the importance of prudent policies to ensure macroeconomic and financial stability and structural reforms to foster inclusive growth. They looked forward to the Fund’s continued support through tailored policy advice and financial and capacity development assistance.

    Directors stressed the importance of a commitment to debt sustainability, grounded in progress towards fiscal consolidation, measures to contain debt‑creating stock‑flow adjustments, and close monitoring of regional financing capacity. In that context, they commended the proposed reintroduction of the WAEMU Convergence Pact with the previous fiscal deficit and debt ceilings and called for its rapid adoption with a well‑designed escape clause, a correction mechanism, and credible enforcement. Fiscal adjustment should be driven by revenue mobilization to protect priority spending. Directors also stressed the importance of transparent and accurate reporting of fiscal data and enhanced debt transparency.

    Directors welcomed BCEAO’s tight monetary stance which helped bring inflation back to the target range and support reserves. Directors agreed that monetary policy should continue to be closely calibrated to external buffers and inflation developments, and that a cautious stance remains appropriate until there is a sustained recovery in reserve adequacy.

    Directors welcomed the resilience of the financial system but noted that the sovereign‑bank nexus continues to pose risks to financial stability. They encouraged the introduction of macroprudential regulatory measures to help restrain sovereign exposures, and capital surcharges to manage concentration risk. Directors stressed the importance of closely monitoring bank soundness indicators, addressing the remaining FSAP recommendations to strengthen financial stability and deepening, and taking the necessary additional steps to facilitate the removal of WAEMU members currently on the FATF grey list.

    Directors agreed that prosperity in the WAEMU will depend on progress on political cohesion, economic integration, and strengthening the regional institutional framework and infrastructure. A planned stabilization fund to support members impacted by idiosyncratic shocks could demonstrate regional solidarity, but contingent liability risks through leveraging should be avoided. Directors welcomed progress on the new fast payment system, which would promote efficiency, inclusion, and regional integration. Policies to diversify the economy and strengthen resilience would also be important.

    The views expressed by Executive Directors today will form part of the Article IV consultations with individual member‑countries that take place until the next Board discussion of WAEMU common policies. It is expected that the next regional discussions with the WAEMU authorities will be held on the standard 12‑month cycle.

    Table 1. WAEMU: Selected Economic and Social Indicators, 2021–29

    		    
                               

    Social Indicators

    		  
     
                               

    GDP

    		      

    Poverty (2021, latest available)

    		            

    Nominal GDP (2024, millions of US Dollars)

    219,784

    		    

    Headcount ratio at $1.90 a day (2011 PPP, percent of population)

    23.1

    		    

    GDP per capita (2024, US Dollars)

    1,447

    		    

    Undernourishment (percent of population)

    		    

    12.5

    		    
                               

    Population characteristics

    		      

    Inequality (2021, latest available)

    		            

    Total (2023, millions)

    145.3

    		    

    Income share held by highest 10 percent of population

    		  

    28.4

    		    

    Urban population (2023, percent of total)

    40.6

    		    

    Income share held by lowest 20 percent of population

    		  

    7.7

    		    

    Life expectancy at birth (2022, years)

    61.1

    		  

    Gini index

    		          

    35.4

    		    
                               
                               

    Economic Indicators

    		      
               
                       
     

    2021

    2022

    		  

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    		    

     

     

     

    Act.

    SM/24/90. 1

    Est.

    Projected

     

     

     

    		    
                               
     

    (Annual Percentage Change)

    		      

    National income and prices

    		                          

      GDP at constant prices 2

    6.2

    5.9

    		  

    5.3

    6.8

    6.3

    6.4

    5.8

    5.9

    6.0

    5.9

    		    

      GDP per capita at constant prices

    3.2

    2.9

    		  

    2.4

    3.8

    3.3

    3.4

    2.8

    2.9

    3.0

    2.9

    		    

      Consumer prices (average)

    3.6

    7.6

    3.7

    3.2

    3.5

    2.9

    2.3

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    		  

      Terms of trade

    -6.3

    -12.3

    7.9

    4.2

    12.4

    9.3

    3.6

    -1.3

    -1.0

    -0.7

    		  

      Nominal effective exchange rate

    1.2

    -2.3

    		  

    6.3

    3.5

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    		    

      Real effective exchange rate

    1.5

    -3.6

    		  

    3.9

    3.0

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    		    
                               
     

    (Percent of GDP)

    		      

    National accounts

    		                          

      Gross national savings

    20.4

    18.8

    		  

    18.8

    22.4

    20.8

    21.7

    23.1

    23.2

    23.4

    23.8

    		    

      Gross domestic investment

    26.5

    28.8

    		  

    28.7

    27.5

    26.9

    26.2

    26.3

    26.7

    27.3

    27.7

    		    

          Of which: public investment

    6.8

    7.8

    		  

    7.7

    8.8

    6.8

    6.7

    7.2

    7.5

    7.8

    8.2

    		    
                               
     

    (Annual changes in percent of beginning-of-period broad money)

    Money and credit

    		                      

       Net foreign assets

    1.7

    -7.9

    		  

    -7.2

    0.5

    6.1

    2.7

    2.1

    3.2

    3.2

    2.2

       Net domestic assets

    16.9

    20.7

    		  

    10.0

    12.6

    3.4

    9.9

    10.3

    9.9

    9.7

    10.2

       Broad money

    18.0

    11.4

    		  

    3.5

    12.4

    8.9

    11.4

    12.4

    12.8

    12.6

    12.1

    Credit to the economy

    8.1

    9.0

    		  

    6.8

    6.7

    2.7

    7.2

    7.0

    6.6

    6.5

    6.3
                           
     

    (Percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)

    Government financial operations

    		                      

      Government total revenue, excl. grants

    16.1

    15.8

    		  

    16.5

    17.3

    16.6

    17.3

    17.7

    18.2

    18.5

    18.8

      Government expenditure

    23.9

    24.7

    		  

    23.8

    22.6

    22.4

    22.0

    21.8

    21.9

    22.2

    22.5

      Overall fiscal balance, excl. grants

    -7.8

    -9.0

    		  

    -7.3

    -5.3

    -5.8

    -4.6

    -4.1

    -3.7

    -3.7

    -3.7

      Overall fiscal balance, incl. grants

    -6.3

    -7.8

    		  

    -6.3

    -4.2

    -5.2

    -3.8

    -3.3

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.0
                           

    External sector

    		  

      Exports of goods and services 3

    20.0

    19.6

    		  

    17.7

    21.4

    18.8

    21.3

    21.8

    21.4

    20.9

    20.7

      Imports of goods and services 3

    25.9

    29.7

    		  

    27.5

    26.5

    24.6

    24.4

    23.8

    23.4

    23.3

    23.2

      Current account, excl. grants

    -6.6

    -10.7

    		  

    -10.2

    -5.4

    -6.5

    -4.9

    -3.5

    -3.7

    -4.1

    -4.1

      Current account, incl. grants

    -5.9

    -9.8

    		  

    -9.5

    -4.8

    -6.1

    -4.5

    -3.3

    -3.5

    -3.9

    -3.8

      External public debt

    36.3

    37.0

    		  

    38.9

    36.1

    39.9

    37.8

    36.6

    35.5

    33.8

    32.6

      Total public debt

    58.5

    61.5

    		  

    64.0

    59.6

    65.0

    63.4

    61.9

    60.4

    58.8

    57.5
                           

    Broad money

    40.7

    40.8

    		  

    39.1

    40.6

    38.8

    39.4

    41.0

    42.8

    44.6

    46.3
                           
                             

     

    Memorandum items:

    		                        

       Nominal GDP (billions of CFA francs)

        100,963

    112,343

    		  

    121,414

    131,429

    133,227

    145,965

    157,833

    170,313

    183,993

    198,973

    		  

       Nominal GDP per capita (US dollars)

    1,308

    1,259

    		  

    1,356

    1,436

    1,446

    1,508

    1,588

    1,663

    1,744

    1,831

    		  

       CFA franc per US dollars, average

    554.2

    622.4

    		  

    606.5

    606.2

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    		  

    Gross international reserves

    		                        

     In months of next year’s imports (of goods and services)

    5.0

    4.1

    		  

    3.5

    3.5

    4.6

    4.7

    4.8

    4.9

    5.1

    5.2

    		  

     In percent of current GDP

    13.9

    10.1

    		  

    7.8

    8.2

    10.1

    10.0

    10.1

    10.3

    10.6

    10.7

    		  

     In percent of the BCEAO’s sight liabilities

    79.7

    63.8

    		  

    56.9

    58.1

    66.9

    67.1

    66.5

    66.0

    66.2

    66.0

    		  

     In millions of US dollars

    24,172

    18,398

    		  

    15,764

    17,872

    21,593

    24,165

    26,254

    28,967

    32,156

    35,185

    		  

      Sources:  IMF, African Department database; World Economic Outlook; World Bank World Development Indicators; IMF staff

    estimates and projections.

    		  

      All projections presented were prepared in April 2025.

    		                                          

    1 Shows data from the IMF Country Report 24/90 issued on March 1, 2024.

    		                          

    2 The acceleration in GDP growth in 2024 is due to the start of production of large hydrocarbon projects in Niger and Senegal.

    		                          

    3 Excluding intraregional trade.

    		                                          
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Julie Ziegler

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/06/pr25130-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-discussions-common-policies-member-countries-waemu

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Hola Prime and Pro Basketball Player Karl-Anthony Towns Team up for ‘Speed is Success’ Campaign, Redefining Prop Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, NY, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Hola Prime, a leading global proprietary trading firm, is proud to announce Basketball Champion, Karl Anthony Towns as its first-ever brand ambassador. This partnership marks a significant moment in Hola Prime’s journey, highlighting its commitment to reshaping modern prop trading around what truly matters – speed, performance, discipline, and fairness.

    The announcement coincides with the launch of Hola Prime’s new brand campaign, ‘Speed is Success’, produced by one of the top agencies. The campaign draws a compelling parallel between elite sports and trading – in both, speed is not just an advantage, but the edge. The cinematic film captures how success depends on reacting swiftly, thinking clearly under pressure, and executing with discipline, whether on the court or in the market.

    “At Hola Prime, we have always believed that trading, at its core, is a performance profession,” said Somesh Kapuria, Founder and CEO of Hola Prime. “It’s not about luck or shortcuts. It’s about building skill, managing risk, staying calm under pressure, and performing when it matters most. Karl-Anthony Towns personifies these values. His career reflects what we encourage in our traders – consistency, resilience, and the courage to keep improving every day. And Hola Prime compliments their skills with a fair and transparent trading environment, and super fast payouts.” Explaining his decision to collaborate with Hola Prime, Karl-Anthony Towns said, “What drew me to Hola Prime is how they’re flipping the script – not just in finance, but in how people see trading,” said Karl-Anthony Towns. “As a pro athlete, I know what it means to bet on yourself, and that’s exactly what Hola Prime is about, so I’m happy to be their first ambassador and to help bring that mindset to the next generation.”

    Hola Prime’s decision to collaborate with an elite athlete reflects its belief that trading, like sports, rewards those who move fast, think fast, and execute fast. It’s a natural extension of its trader-centric approach – creating a platform where individuals thrive through speed, strategy, and discipline.

    With innovations like transparent pricing, under-one-hour payouts, one-on-one mentorship, and clear trading rules, Hola Prime is redefining trading speed from execution to earnings. The ‘Speed is Success’ campaign champions a new era of fair, fast, and performance-driven trading – empowering individuals to thrive through agility, skill, and accountability.

    The partnership with Towns positions Hola Prime as a standout in a saturated market – more than just a platform, it is a movement. With the star power of a professional basketball giant and the soul of a fintech disruptor, Hola Prime is redefining what trading looks like in 2025 and beyond.

    Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/yE0Mj3BIBhc?si=ie_IEyAYMRbh471N

    About Hola Prime

    Hola Prime is a global proprietary trading firm with offices in the UK, Hong Kong, Cyprus, Dubai, and India. It supports a diverse community of traders across 175+ countries, offering access to over 150 financial instruments across multiple trading platforms. The firm is known for its structured approach to risk management, transparency, and trader-centric operations. Learn more at holaprime.com.

    Social Links

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holaprime_global/

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    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hola-prime/?viewAsMember=true

    X: https://x.com/HolaPrimeGlobal

    Discord: https://discord.gg/TJ7TcHPXBf

    Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/HolaPrime/

    Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/HolaPrime/

    Medium: https://medium.com/@social_46267

    Media Contact

    Company: Hola Prime

    Contact: Media Team

    Email: marketing@holaprime.com

    Website: https://holaprime.com/

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Crypto Bull Market Heats Up — BexBack Launches No KYC, 100x Leverage & Double Bonus Campaign to Maximize Trader Profits

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin breaks above $100,000 and Ethereum posts rapid gains, the cryptocurrency market is roaring back into a full-fledged bull run. In response, leading derivatives exchange BexBack has launched a new campaign offering powerful trading incentives to help users seize opportunities during this high-volatility cycle.

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    Why Traders Are Choosing BexBack

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    About BexBack

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    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e888da51-f612-41b5-9c42-3b3ae7d36997

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Social platform Stocktwits and other sources of ‘alternative data’ may be hurting financial analysts’ long-term forecasts

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Thierry Foucault, Professeur de Finance, HEC Paris Business School

    Since the beginning of the century, the number of satellites orbiting Earth has increased more than 800%, from less than 1,000 to more than 9,000. This profusion has had a number of strange and disturbing repercussions. One of them is that companies are selling data from satellite images of parking lots to financial analysts. Analysts then use this information to help gauge a store’s foot traffic, compare a retailer to competitors and estimate its revenue.

    This is just one example of the new information, or “alternative data”, that is now available to analysts to help them make their predictions about future stock performance. In the past, analysts would make predictions based on firms’ public financial statements.


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    According to our research, the plethora of new sources of data has improved short-term predictions but worsened long-term analysis, which could have profound consequences.

    Tweets, twits and credit card data

    In a paper on alternative data’s effect on financial forecasting, we counted more than 500 companies that sold alternative data in 2017, a number that ballooned from less than 50 in 1996. Today, the alternative data broker Datarade lists more than 3,000 alternative datasets for sale.

    In addition to satellite images, sources of new information include Google, credit card statistics and social media such as X or Stocktwits, a popular X-like platform where investors share ideas about the market. For instance, Stocktwits users share charts showing the evolution of the price of a given stock (e.g. Apple stock) and explanations of why the evolution predicts a price increase or decrease. Users also mention the launch of a new product by a firm and whether it makes them bullish or bearish about the firm’s stock.

    Using data from the Institutional Brokers’ Estimate System (I/B/E/S) and regression analyses, we measured the quality of 65 million equity analysts’ forecasts from 1983 to 2017 by comparing analysts’ predictions with the actual earnings per share of companies’ stock.

    We found, as others had, that the availability of more data explains why stock analysts have become progressively better at making short-term projections. We went further, however, by asking how this alternative data affected long-term projections. And we found that over the same period that saw a rise in accuracy of short-term projections, there was a drop in validity of long-term forecasts.

    More data, but limited attention

    Because of its nature, alternative data – information about firms in the moment – is useful mostly for short-term forecasts. Longer-term analysis – from one to five years into the future – is a much more important judgment.

    Previous papers have proved the common-sense proposition that analysts have a limited amount of attention. If analysts have a large portfolio of firms to cover, for example, their scattered concentration begins to yield diminishing returns.

    We wanted to know whether the increased accuracy of short-term forecasts and declining accuracy of long-term predictions – which we had observed in our analysis of the I/B/E/S data – was due to a concomitant proliferation of alternative sources for financial information.

    To investigate this proposition, we analyzed all discussions of stocks on Stocktwits that took place between 2009 and 2017. As might be expected, certain stocks like Apple, Google or Walmart generated much more discussion than those of small companies that aren’t even listed on the Nasdaq.

    We conjectured that analysts who followed stocks that were heavily discussed on the platform – and so, who were exposed to a lot of alternative data – would experience a larger decline in the quality of their long-term forecasts than analysts who followed stocks that were little discussed. And after controlling for factors such as firms’ size, years in business and sales growth, that’s exactly what we found.

    We inferred that because analysts had easy access to information for short-term analysis, they directed their energy there, which meant they had less attention for long-term forecasting.

    The broader consequences of poor long-term forecasting

    The consequences of this inundation of alternative data may be profound. When assessing a stock’s value, investors must take into account both short- and long-term forecasts. If the quality of long-term forecasts deteriorates, there is a good chance that stock prices will not accurately reflect a firm’s value.

    Moreover, a firm would like to see the value of its decisions reflected in the price of its stock. But if a firm’s long-term decisions are incorrectly taken into account by analysts, it might be less willing to make investments that will only pay off years away.

    In the mining industry, for instance, it takes time to build a new mine. It’s going to take maybe nine, 10 years for an investment to start producing cash flows. Companies might be less willing to make such investments if, say, their stocks may be undervalued because market participants have less accurate forecasts of these investments’ impacts on firms’ cash flows – the subject of another paper we are working on.

    The example of investment in carbon reduction is even more alarming. That kind of investment also tends to pay off in the long run, when global warming will be an even bigger issue. Firms may have less incentive to make the investment if the worth of that investment is not quickly reflected in their valuation.

    Practical applications

    The results of our research suggest that it might be wise for financial firms to separate teams that research short-term results and those that make long-term forecasts. This would alleviate the problem of one person or team being flooded with data relevant to short-term forecasting and then also expected to research long-term results. Our findings are also noteworthy for investors looking for bargains: though there are downsides to poor long-term forecasting, it could present an opportunity for those able to identify undervalued firms.

    Thierry Foucault a reçu des financements du European Research Council (ERC).

    – ref. Social platform Stocktwits and other sources of ‘alternative data’ may be hurting financial analysts’ long-term forecasts – https://theconversation.com/social-platform-stocktwits-and-other-sources-of-alternative-data-may-be-hurting-financial-analysts-long-term-forecasts-244102

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Do people really want to know their risk of getting Alzheimer’s?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Claudia Cooper, Professor of Psychological Medicine, Queen Mary University of London

    Tricky Shark/Shutterstock.com

    A new study has highlighted the complex emotions and ethical dilemmas of learning your future risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Among 274 healthy research participants from the US aged 65 and over, 40% declined to receive their personal risk estimates – despite having initially expressed an interest in doing so.

    These risk estimates were based on demographic data, brain imaging and blood biomarkers, offering an 82 to 84% accuracy in predicting the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease within five years. By comparison, age alone can predict this risk with 79% accuracy.

    So the value of these tests is modest in people without any cognitive symptoms, and there are potential risks to disclosing them. People told they are at increased risk of dementia describe how this can feel like an illness in itself – or being in limbo between health and disease – and cause distress.

    Participants who did not want to be tested cited the uncertainty of the result, the burden of knowing, and their negative experiences of witnessing Alzheimer’s disease in others. Those with a family history of Alzheimer’s were less likely to want to know their results – perhaps because of greater exposure to these negative experiences.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Black participants were less likely to want to know, too, which the researchers suggest could relate to greater experiences of stress, stigma and discrimination, making the prospect of a positive test result feel more threatening.

    Perhaps the question here is not why more people didn’t want to know the result, but whether researchers should routinely offer them at all, given the lack of certainty of the results and the potential for distress.

    Another issue is their limited usefulness for people without symptoms. Addressing lifestyle risk factors, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, can reduce cognitive decline, a message the public is increasingly aware of. But knowing your risk doesn’t change the advice.

    In contrast to areas like breast cancer, where people at high risk of the disease can be offered preventative measures, such as drugs, surgery or enhanced screening, there are no comparable interventions to reduce dementia risk in people without symptoms.

    The authors of the new study explain that researchers used to be cautious about not sharing test results with participants in Alzheimer’s studies. But now there’s a growing expectation that people will be given their results. A proposed “bill of rights” for dementia research participants includes the right to get their results and have them clearly explained.

    It’s hard to explain how uncertain these results can be. People often worry about getting dementia in general, not just Alzheimer’s, which makes up about two-thirds of all cases. Some people who are told they have a low risk of Alzheimer’s may still develop another form of dementia, such as vascular dementia.

    The wider science that produced these future risk estimates has enabled the development of new diagnostic technologies unimaginable ten years ago. Similar blood tests can detect Alzheimer’s disease pathology in people with cognitive symptoms with over 90% accuracy, potentially enabling more accurate and timely dementia diagnoses.

    Blood tests

    Two major UK research programmes are piloting these blood tests in the NHS to support the more accurate diagnoses of some forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Improved and earlier detection is needed: a third of people with dementia in England and Northern Ireland are never diagnosed.

    The benefits of the first drugs to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease are modest. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence hasn’t yet been convinced that these drugs are worth the cost for the NHS.

    The NHS is trialling blood tests to spot early signs of Alzheimer’s.
    AntonSAN/Shutterstock.com

    Some might question a focus on identifying future risks for dementia before we have good treatments. But developing better treatments depends on the new scientific discoveries that are helping us detect Alzheimer’s earlier. Finding a treatment for an illness requires a detailed understanding of how that illness develops.

    We are closer to delivering accurate detection of Alzheimer’s disease than curative treatment. This presents a dilemma of how much to know about personal risk. Rights-based approaches situate this dilemma with the participant, to decide whether to know rather than researchers to decide whether to tell.

    For researchers, disclosing results compassionately and clearly is difficult and for some, the knowledge will cause distress, however well it is conveyed. The option to receive results should come with warnings.

    Claudia Cooper receives funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Dementia and Neurodegeneration Policy Research Unit (NIHR206110) and is supported by an NIHR Senior Investigator award (NIHR205009). The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the NIHR, the NHS or the Department of Health and Social Care. She received funding from ESRC/NIHR for the APPLE-Tree secondary dementia prevention programme from 2019-24 (ES/S010408/1). She works as a Professor of Psychological Medicine at Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London.

    – ref. Do people really want to know their risk of getting Alzheimer’s? – https://theconversation.com/do-people-really-want-to-know-their-risk-of-getting-alzheimers-256340

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Bitter Honey by Lola Akinmade Åkerström explores how mothers carry their histories into their daughters’ lives

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Olumayokun Ogunde, PhD Candidate in English, City St George’s, University of London

    In Bitter Honey, novelist Lola Akinmade Åkerström explores the emotional undercurrents of motherhood and daughterhood. The novel reflects on how the past bears down on the present. How mothers carry their histories into their daughters’ lives – often uninvited, sometimes unrecognised.

    My research is concerned with narratives that crack open the heart of African motherhood, stories that strive not only to expose pain, but to understand it. Bitter Honey gestures towards this emotional terrain.

    One particular line is emblematic of this exploration: “‘When I was your age, I moved to Sweden without my mother. With nobody.’ Tina has heard this story a million times.” It captures both the weariness of inherited trauma and the fragility of the desire for understanding that threads through the novel.

    Bitter Honey begins with the promise of protagonist Tina’s rising stardom. Alone in a dressing room, navigating fame and the sudden reappearance of her absentee father, Tina’s story has all the markings of a Bildungsroman (a coming-of-age novel shaped by psychological and moral growth). But the novel’s emotional nucleus is not fame, nor even fatherhood – it’s Tina’s mother, Nancy. Or at least, it wants to be.

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    Nancy’s story is one of deep and curdled regret. Akinmade crafts a portrait of a woman who once stood at the cusp of a glamorous new world, having fallen in love with Malik, an ambassador’s son who offers her access to elite circles, state dinners and the Swedish prime minister. But it is Lars, her white Swedish professor, who slowly unpicks the seams of her life.

    The novel promises a sense of romantic tension, inviting the reader to feel torn between Malik’s genuine warmth and Lars’s sophistication. But no such ambivalence materialises.

    Lars is not charming. He is jealous, controlling and ultimately predatory. Akinmade’s portrayal of Lars makes it clear: he is not a romantic dilemma, he is a colonising force. Nancy’s life with him is one of slow suffocation, and her daughter Tina is born of that rupture.

    Throughout the novel, there are subtle allusions and at times more overt depictions of Tina’s struggle with her mixed heritage. However, these moments feel overwritten, particularly in lines such as Tina’s desire to “fully wear her mixed skin”.

    While the phrasing may aim for poetic resonance, for me, it comes across as reductive. The metaphor inadvertently simplifies a complex and embodied experience, raising uneasy questions. Can identity be worn? Is it something that can be adorned, removed or chosen at will?

    Akinmade appears to be engaging with the constructedness of race and the illusion of agency within African diasporic identity. But Tina’s exploration of these themes lacks depth. There remains a striking incongruity between how she understands herself and how the world perceives her.

    At times her lack of critical self-awareness is jarring. Particularly when set against the more richly developed and emotionally layered portrayal of Nancy.

    Love and regret

    Where Akinmade excels is in her rendering of Nancy. Her character is more vividly drawn, more emotionally accessible than Tina’s. We see her consumed by grief and fear, mothering from a place of survival rather than nurture.

    “She would have resisted him. Even if it meant Tobias and Tina vanishing into thin air, never existing.” This is the agonising truth of Nancy’s lifetime: that her children are reminders of her own loss of agency. Her love is knotted with regret.

    There’s an urgent question running through Bitter Honey. What does it mean to parent when your life has been violently derailed by structures beyond your control?

    This legacy of cultural dislocation is a theme Akinmade touches on but stops short of fully exploring. Nancy, as an immigrant mother, carries a kind of preemptive grief. Her decisions are shaped not just by personal trauma but by a constant anticipation of harm. The immigrant mother often exists in survival mode, where care is expressed not through softness, but vigilance.

    “You figured I have no agency without him?” A line Tina delivers in a moment of confrontation typifies the novel’s uneven dialogue. Akinmade at times stumbles into phrasing that feels stilted or overwrought, reducing what could be moments of real emotional depth into awkward exchanges. Yet her broader ambition, to map generational wounds and diasporic complexity, is clear.

    The novel’s scope is wide. We move between Sweden and the United States, from the 70s to 2006, witnessing how each locale produces different shades of diasporic identity.

    Akinmade is particularly attuned to how Gambian communities shift across contexts – Gambians in Sweden are not like those in London or in New York. This specificity highlights that place informs not only experience but the perception of self.

    Ultimately, Bitter Honey is at its most compelling when it slows down, when it allows Nancy’s grief to speak plainly. One of the novel’s most poignant lines arrives when Nancy warns Tina before she signs with an American label that brands her the “Swedish siren”.

    “The world gives you your heart’s desires, then violently rips it away from your hands when you’re most vulnerable. Please stay vigilant.” Here, Akinmade captures the cruel irony of diasporic ambition, the way success can echo colonial exploitation, offering visibility at the cost of safety.

    Through Tina, the reader is kept at a remove from the raw reality of Nancy. The moments where we begin to glimpse the true texture of her life, her regret, her protectiveness, her survival, are all too fleeting.

    What would their lives look like without this fear? This is the novel’s quiet, unanswered question. Are these maternal guardrails protection or shackles? Bitter Honey doesn’t offer a resolution. But in asking, it reveals the aching legacy that mothers like Nancy pass down: not just trauma, but the impossible task of surviving without softness.

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

    – ref. Bitter Honey by Lola Akinmade Åkerström explores how mothers carry their histories into their daughters’ lives – https://theconversation.com/bitter-honey-by-lola-akinmade-akerstrom-explores-how-mothers-carry-their-histories-into-their-daughters-lives-254527

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: From boomers to Gen Z: How to solve the public sector succession crisis

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By W. Dominika Wranik, Professor, Faculty of Management, Dalhousie University

    Public servants are the backbone of Canadian government. Canadians expect them to act in the best interest of society, to uphold Canadian democratic institutions, to steward public monies and to deliver programs and services.

    But as retirements surge, how can governments attract young people to work for them? It’s difficult when governments suffer from poor reputations, low public trust and offer working conditions that may not appeal to young people.

    What do young Canadians want from their careers, and what will it take for public service to win them over?

    This issue, among others concerning Canadian public servants, are currently being studied at the Professional Motivations Research Lab at Dalhousie University. The lab is led by the lead author of this piece, Dominika Wranik, whose work focuses on measuring and explaining the motivations of professionals in the public service.

    The lab’s insights shed light on the factors that influence how young people make decisions about whether to work for the public sector.

    Looming labour shortage

    In 1966, there were 7.7 working-age individuals for every senior in Canada. But in 2022, the ratio dropped to 3.4 and is projected to drop further over the next decade.

    A labour shortage will create increased competition for top talent between the public and private sector, an issue for governments as research has shown a growing disinterest among youth in pursuing civil service careers.

    Recruitment to the public service is further complicated by declining perceptions of competence and trust in Canadian public institutions. With studies demonstrating that applicants’ perceptions of an organization’s competence affect their attraction to working there, Canadian governments also run the risk of losing potential applicants who don’t view Canada’s public institutions as being competent or trustworthy.

    These challenges come as young Canadians enter the workforce with more career options than ever before, and different expectations from previous generations.

    Salary not the sole motivator

    Young Canadians are not solely interested in high incomes, but also in workplaces that provide a healthy work/life balance and align with their values.

    Data collected in 2024, for example, shows that 87 per cent of British Columbians between the ages of 18 and 34 prefer employers that are socially and environmentally responsible, with 61 per cent stating they would only work for such companies.

    This means Canadian governments are currently finding themselves in a perilous situation, where rising suspicion about their trustworthiness and competence, paired with growing disinterest in the public sector as a whole, means they’re not positioned well to navigate an impending labour shortage.

    Strengthening their capacity to attract and recruit the next generation of workers is therefore imperative, not only for upholding public institutions, but also for rebuilding trust in government.

    In the effort to resolve this issue and enhance recruitment to the public service, Canadian government officials must pore over existing research into the factors that determine why youth and those just entering the labour market — people between the ages of 13 to 27, known as Gen Z — pursue or refrain from pursing public service jobs.

    Some research suggests the three variables that potentially predict whether a member of Gen Z is inclined to pursue a career in the public sector are:

    Perceptions

    In terms of perceptions of the public sector, a recent study found that when choosing between the public and private sectors, university students in Norway and Poland were most influenced by their views of the public sector.

    The more positive the outlook — for example, that public sector work is considered less bureaucratic and less inefficient — the higher the preference to work in the public sector, and vice versa.

    This finding was echoed by racialized minorities in the United States. A 2022 study found that Black, Asian and Latinx young adults between the ages of 18-36 were largely turned off by government work due to perceptions that they weren’t represented or well-served by their “largely white, male and wealthy” local, state or federal government representatives.

    In Canada, a study led by the Public Policy Forum discovered that perceptions of the nature of government work also had a significant impact on a student’s decision to pursue a career in the public sector. Students who chose to enter the public service cited “opportunities to examine a wide range of complex challenges and help create policy solutions that can have a positive impact on many communities.”

    Motivations

    In terms of having public service motivation (PSM) — which refers to an individual’s inclination to serve the public interest — studies have found that members of Gen Z are more likely to be drawn to the public sector if they are high in PSM.

    Specifically, a study of Gen Z students in criminal justice programs found that those who identified with PSM tenets — such as “meaningful public service is very important to me” and “making a difference in society means more to me than personal achievements” — had a significantly higher likelihood of choosing the public sector over the private sector.

    Similarly, an interdisciplinary sample of undergraduate students with higher levels of PSM — and who therefore identified with the PSM dimensions of self-sacrifice, compassion and commitment to public values — were more likely to have a preference for the public sector.

    Job attributes

    Preferred job attributes also influence the employment choices of members of Gen Z. The aforementioned research on Norwegian and Polish youth and another 2017 study by Canada’s Public Policy Forum (2017) find that when Gen Z students are interested in public sector work, it’s due to the semblance of financial and job security.

    Given the growing disinterest among the Canadian population in pursuing employment in the public sector, new insights about what attracts Gen Z workers to the public sector should be required reading by governments across Canada.



    Read more:
    Public service reflections: Why the role of civil servants must evolve to ensure public trust

    Understanding Gen Z’s misgiving about public sector work will help better position governments to compete with the private sector to recruit the next generation of employees.

    With perceptions of government competence and trustworthiness continuing to fall, it is imperative that Canadian public policymakers take significant steps to engage with Gen Z students and workers to create employment conditions that are attractive and aligned with their values.

    The next generation of government leaders in Canada are currently in high school, college or university classrooms across the country, meaning that research centred in educational institutions is uniquely positioned to uncover valuable regarding how public sector employment is perceived.

    Therefore, government-led engagement that is conducted through town halls, workshops and focus groups can help strengthen trust in government while familiarizing Gen Z students with government careers.

    W. Dominika Wranik receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. In the past, she has held funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Mitacs, Research Nova Scotia, and the EU Horizon 2020, as well as short-term funding from several provincial and federal government departments. Dr. Wranik serves as an expert consultant for Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC).

    Alec Brooks and Payton Nicol do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. From boomers to Gen Z: How to solve the public sector succession crisis – https://theconversation.com/from-boomers-to-gen-z-how-to-solve-the-public-sector-succession-crisis-255077

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s tariff threat to foreign films overlooks the value of multilingual cinema

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Gaelle Planchenault, Associate Professor of French Media, Culture, and Applied Linguistics, Simon Fraser University

    With the 78th Cannes International Film Festival underway this week, there is little doubt that one topic will be central to conversations among filmmakers, sales agents and journalists: United States President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 100 per cent tax on foreign-made films.

    Amid an ongoing tariff war, Trump’s proposal — which may ultimately remain an empty threat — goes beyond economic protectionism. It is cultural protectionism. It also reflects language ideologies that have long constrained the American film industry and American engagement with multilingual cinema.

    Experts have offered various theories about the motivations behind this threat, as well as why it may ultimately prove unwise. In the rush to brace for impact, we often forget the values behind these extreme positions aren’t new. More importantly, we must also remember why it’s vital to protect these cultural expressions.

    As a linguist, I see a clear connection between this proposal and one of the administration’s actions earlier this year, when Trump signed an executive order designating English as the country’s sole official language. This move reflected a deeply rooted monolingual ideology that has long influenced both the U.S. language policy and education systems.



    Read more:
    Trump’s English language order upends America’s long multilingual history

    Monolingual ideology

    Such language ideology reflects a belief in the superiority of monolingualism, a view that American linguist Rosina Lippi-Green links to the “myth of Standard American English.”

    This myth is grounded in the subordination by one dialect, believed to be of higher quality and status, over other languages and dialects. According to Lippi-Green, the enforcement of this ideology follows a systematic process: language is mystified, authority is claimed and a series of negative consequences ensue. Misinformation is generated, targeted languages are trivialized, non-conformers are vilified or marginalized and threats are made.

    Such authority and threats are recognizable in this most recent threat to make access to foreign films difficult. The issue is not just about the economic dimension of foreign-made films. It is also about the perceived threat posed by the presence and influence of other languages. At its core, this reflects a fear or rejection of linguistic diversity.

    In the film industry, this monolingual ideology is closely tied to glottophobic attitudes, also referred to by some scholars as linguicism. These terms define the misrepresentation and negative stereotyping of speakers of languages other than English.

    Hollywood, in particular, has a long history of portraying foreign or heritage languages in stereotypical and often derogatory ways. Consider, for instance, the German-speaking characters in Second World War films, or more recent depictions of Arabic, Mexican Spanish or Russian speakers.

    These portrayals illustrate a tendency to depict other languages as menacing — a point that was also made in the American president’s claim that foreign films pose a “threat” because they constitute “messaging and propaganda.”

    Linguistic stereotyping

    It’s not just characters who speak other languages who have been misrepresented in American films. Those who speak English as a second language — that is with an accent or with a syntax that is marked by their first language — were often played by white actors and subject to similar derogatory stereotypes.

    Linguists have identified patterns in these linguistic representations, referring to them as Injun English, Mock Spanish or yellow voices, among others.

    Lippi-Green has famously argued that such linguistic depictions are ways to reinforce standard language ideologies through linguistic stereotyping in media, including popular Disney cartoons. They effectively teach American children how to discriminate.

    In my work, I examined French-accented English to demonstrate that these representations reflect broader cultural anxieties. Ultimately, this rhetoric reveals more about the U.S. relationship with linguistic diversity than it does about the communities being portrayed.

    Trump has made reference to “any and all movies coming into our country that are produced in foreign lands.” But it remains unclear how such measures would impact streaming platforms and the diverse range of films they currently offer.

    Hollywood has come a long way since the heydays of linguicism, gradually embracing a more inclusive and multilingual cinematic landscape. Today, films that present a more diverse linguistic landscape are increasingly common. And audiences are accustomed to having access to a wide selection of international content.

    The global success of the French series Call My Agent is just one example. Among others are popular French spy thrillers and romances, Swedish thrillers, Japanese anime and Korean dystopian series.

    The pleasure of watching foreign films

    For years, foreign language films have been recognized as an invaluable resource for language learning. This fact is supported by language learning apps that increasingly recommend users to view TV programs or movies to support learning. Movies and TV provide access to a variety of dialects as well as authentic forms of language.

    As a professor of French media and linguistics, I often use films to teach students about French language and culture. But beyond their educational benefits, foreign-language films offer unique esthetic and emotional pleasures.

    A press image for the show Call My Agent.
    Netflix

    Watching a film is to engage with sound and image. The language itself enhances the immersive experience, contributing to the authenticity of the storytelling. For example, one of my students told me he enjoys turning on closed captions in French. These are also known as SDH: Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing. He does this not just for the dialogue but because they capture the full cinematic experience, including the naming of sounds.

    Restricting access to these cultural products would trap viewers in an ideological echo chamber, where only one language is heard and validated.

    Fictional representations play a powerful role in shaping and reinforcing real-world attitudes. Monolingual representations potentially foster linguistic discrimination and intolerance toward any word uttered with an accent or in another language. In short, such restrictions could pave the way for a partial and stunted society.

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

    – ref. Trump’s tariff threat to foreign films overlooks the value of multilingual cinema – https://theconversation.com/trumps-tariff-threat-to-foreign-films-overlooks-the-value-of-multilingual-cinema-256323

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • India, Austria reaffirm strong bilateral ties, discuss Ukraine conflict and regional security

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger held a telephonic conversation on Tuesday, reaffirming their commitment to deepening India-Austria bilateral relations and addressing pressing global challenges.
     
    Dr. Jaishankar, in a post on X, said he appreciated the conversation with Minister Meinl-Reisinger and congratulated her on her recent appointment. The two leaders expressed mutual agreement on the need for zero tolerance towards terrorism and firmly rejected any form of nuclear blackmail.
     
    In a separate post on X, Minister Meinl-Reisinger described the exchange as a “very good phone call,” noting that both countries are committed to elevating their already strong partnership. She reiterated Austria’s condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and welcomed the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling it a “vital step toward de-escalation.”
     
    The Austrian minister also emphasized the need for a collective global effort to end the war in Ukraine. “Now is the time for Russia to stop the killing and agree to the ceasefire,” she said, underscoring Austria’s continued call for peace.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Wang Huning Meets with Colombian President

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, May 14 (Xinhua) — Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Colombian President Gustavo Petro in Beijing on Wednesday.

    At the meeting, Wang Huning noted that Chinese President Xi Jinping and Colombian President Gustavo Petro had a fruitful meeting and jointly witnessed the signing of important documents on bilateral cooperation, in particular regarding Colombia’s accession to the Belt and Road Initiative.

    This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, Wang Huning said, noting that China is willing to work with Colombia to comprehensively implement the important agreements reached by the heads of state of the two countries, promoting the deepening and consolidation of the bilateral strategic partnership for the benefit of the two peoples.

    The CPPCC National Committee is also willing to play an active role in this regard, Wang Huning added.

    Gustavo Petro, who is in Beijing to attend the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), noted that Colombia intends to intensify cooperation with China in all areas and promote the continuous development of relations between Colombia and China, as well as between CELAC and China. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –