NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stoke-on-Trent Centenary ‘Stokie Ware’ pottery range launched

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Friday, 9th May 2025

    A range of plates and mugs celebrating Stoke-on-Trent landmarks have been designed and made by Moorland Pottery to mark the city’s Centenary.

    Jon Plant, the co-founder of the Burslem-based business, was a guest judge in an episode of the latest series of Channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throw Down.  

    He teamed up with the city council and designed and manufactured the ceramics in the unique style of Moorland Pottery’s ‘Stokie Ware’, a range featuring eye-catching drawings that have been sold around the world.  

    The special Centenary mug features a miner’s wheel, a duck, the canal, and the Stoke Knotty Train.  

    Both mugs and plates include the words: “Celebrating 100 years of our city: Stoke-on-Trent Centenary.” 

    Moorland Pottery is housed within the same Chelsea Works premises that renowned art deco designer Susie Cooper rented from Royal Doulton for two years – and it still boasts one of the city’s surviving bottle kilns. 

    The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Lyn Sharpe, visited Moorland Pottery to launch the range. 

    Cllr Sharpe said: “It was an honour to meet Jon at Moorland Pottery and see the new range of centenary ceramics that they’ve produced to mark our city’s centenary year.  

    “The detailed designs help tell the story of Stoke-on-Trent through the industry that has made The Potteries famous across the world. Their latest mugs and plates are wonderful mementos to remember this special year for a long, long time.” 

    Jon explained more about his designs. He said: “When asked to design a mug to celebrate the Centenary, I thought what are the key elements that enabled Stoke on Trent to get City status. What were the catalytic components to spark the creation of a special and unique place. What binds it all together and makes it possible. 

    “The answer is quite simple. Clay, coal and water and of course not forgetting the wonderful people of Stoke on Trent who made it all possible.” 

    The Centenary mugs and plates will be on sale soon alongside other specially designed merchandise, including tea towels, posters, tote bags and pin badges at both the Gladstone Pottery Museum and Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. 

    All proceeds from the sales will used to support centenary events throughout 2025.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major improvement scheme at Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass planned to start this month

    Source: City of Leeds

    In February 2025, the Department for Transport gave the green light for £35.709 million funding to enable the council to deliver essential maintenance work, improving safety and reliability for people and businesses using Dawsons Corner and Stanningley Bypass.

    This forms part of a £44.179m total package with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority funding of £8.470m.

    Dawsons Corner connects the A647 Stanningley Road and the A6120 Ring Road, two of the most important routes in the city. Around 57,000 vehicles and 1,200 pedestrians and cyclists use Dawsons Corner every day. The scheme forms part of the Connecting Leeds strategy to maintain and improve Leeds’ Inner and Outer Ring Roads.

    Road users are now being urged to prepare as significant enabling work begins this month to make improvements to the A647/A6120 Dawsons Corner junction and complete joint replacement and resurfacing works on the Stanningley Bypass.

    Works involve substantial enlargement and realignment of the junction ahead of construction.

    The council work hard to prioritise, plan and co-ordinate complex schemes to ensure as least disruption as possible across our busy city. To help minimize disruption, part of the works are planned during the school summer holidays to take advantage of reduced traffic levels.

    Changes to the junction will reduce congestion and delays, helping to support economic growth across Leeds and Bradford. The reduction in congestion will also lead to a better environment in terms of improved air quality. Improvements are also planned to see better traffic flow, with bus journey times also reduced and improved safer crossing facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

    The scheme will:
    • Improve safety for people walking, wheeling, and cycling
    • Improve connectivity in key areas by providing pedestrian and cycling facilities at the Dawsons Corner junction linking in with the Leeds Bradford Cycle Superhighway
    • Make bus journeys more reliable with improved bus facilities and dedicated bus lanes on the A647 Bradford Road
    • Widen the carriageway on the A6120 Ring Road to improve the junction and accommodate a shared pedestrian / cycle route
    • Improve connectivity between Leeds and Bradford, supporting economic growth, and improved access to jobs, education, healthcare, and leisure opportunities
    • Enhanced landscaping and planting features

    The council’s appointed contractor John Sisk are set to construct the scheme, which is scheduled to take up to 18 months to complete.

    Find out more
    Attend a drop-in event, see the plans and chat to a member of the team:
    • Thursday 15 May between 11am-7pm at Pudsey Civic Hall, Dawsons Corner, LS28 5TA

    Sign up to project updates and find out more by visiting this link.

    Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:
    “I am delighted to see works are set to commence this month – the need to improve the Dawsons Corner junction has been a major priority for some time. It’s important not only to improve traffic flow and air quality, but also support essential links to future housing growth and developments and for people to be able to access jobs more easily with consistent travel times.”

    “On Thursday 15 May 11am-7pm the council will hold a drop-in event at Pudsey Civic Hall, with your chance to view the plans and speak with the project team. We will keep residents regularly updated as the works progress and have set up a website https://dawsonscorner.commonplace.is/ with information about the project, along with plans and timescales. Local residents and businesses have been sent a letter to help them learn more about how the construction will impact them.”

    Sisk’s regional director Robin Metcalf said: “We’re delighted to be starting work on this important project and proud to be continuing our strong relationship with Leeds City Council. We’ve made commitments not only to deliver the scheme in a way that causes as little disruption as possible, but also to support the local economy by offering employment opportunities and using local businesses wherever we can. Our local teams will be on hand throughout the works to help keep things running smoothly and to work closely with the public as the project progresses.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Clatto Blue-Green Algae Warning

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    Visitors to Clatto Reservoir in Dundee have been warned to avoid contact with the water.  

    Recent monitoring has identified high levels of blue-green algae and until the all clear is given people are being asked to avoid contact with the water and keep their pets away.  

    Blue-green algae are tiny organisms which develop naturally in lochs, ponds, reservoirs, rivers and in the sea. They are a common seasonal occurrence and waters which have been affected by agricultural, domestic or industrial discharges are most at risk of developing the algae. 

    The algae can multiply during the summer months and discolour the water which then appears green, blue-green or greenish brown and, occasionally they clump together to form a scum on the surface of the water. At the shoreline, algal crusts may appear brown to almost black in colour. 

    Contact with algal scum or water close to it can cause skin rashes. More serious health effects can include stomach upsets, eye irritations and pain in muscles and joints. These symptoms are usually mild, but in some cases can be severe. 

    The risk to small animals like dogs is significant over the summer months as they tend to drink more water in the heat and may eat shoreline algal crusts. Dog owners should keep an eye on their pets, especially if they come in to contact with water which could be affected. 

    If anyone has been in contact with the water and experiences health problems they should contact their GP or NHS 24 on 111.

    Notices are being posted at the reservoir. Dundee City Council’s Neighbourhood Services can provide further information on blue-green algae on 01382 433710.   

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Solidarity and dedication in response to devastating Myanmar earthquake

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    On 28 March, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar. From the epicentre in the city of Sagaing, the tremors were felt across Thailand, Bangladesh, China and Laos. Our teams already in the country immediately mobilised to travel to the affected areas in Sagaing, Mandalay, Naypyitaw and Southern Shan states to assess initial needs, while our emergency teams prepared to arrive in Myanmar as earlier as possible.

     

    Jessa Pontevedra, emergency coordinator based in southeast Asia was one of them. She shares her experiences from the first week of our emergency response in Myanmar.

    Jessa Pontevedra, medical coordinator in Myanmar What I witnessed in Naypyidaw deeply affected me as a public health professional, but the devastation in Mandalay touched me to my core as humanitarian.

    Jessa Pontevedra, Switzerland, 2024.
    © Pierre-Yves Bernard/MSF

    We landed in Yangon in the middle of the night on 1 April and headed directly to the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) office for briefings. After a few hours of rest, we set out the next morning on the 6.5-hour long drive to Naypyitaw, mainly along the highway to join the team who had already gone there on 30 March.

    But about 100 kilometres from the city we started seeing the impact of the earthquake – cracks marred the road, a stark reminder of the disaster’s reach. We entered this well-designed city, Myanmar’s capital, and checked into a hotel, where some displaced families who could afford it had taken refuge.

    In the evening, we met the rest of the emergency team to set the objectives for the coming days. As a medical coordinator, my role is to assess the health situation: evaluating both the condition of medical facilities and the urgent needs of affected people.

    A maternity ward in a jewellery museum

    Before the earthquake, Naypyidaw boasted major medical institutions: a 1,000-bed hospital, a 500-bed paediatric hospital, 500-bed orthopaedic hospital, 500-bed maternity, and more. Yet, all of these large, specialised hospitals couldn’t operate to their full capacity due to structural damage to the facilities.

    One of the more striking examples of adaptation was the repurposing of a 500 beds-obstetric-children’s hospital. The patients, staff and some of the equipment relocated to an unoccupied private jewellery museum that was untouched by the earthquake. The owner, eager to help, welcomed the maternity in his building and compound. The museum, originally intended to be a high-end tourist attraction, had become an emergency healthcare space. Inside the grand rooms, there were rows and rows of beds set up for pregnant women about to give birth.

    A metal detector at the entrance now served as the triage point, with desks further inside used for antenatal and postnatal consultations. Other rooms were transformed into emergency wards, and an operating theatre was already performing caesarean sections. Staff, who were themselves displaced, had set up tents to sleep in the compound, as well as the families of patients. A brick building in the back of the compound which looked like a train station, was used as the administration offices and kitchen for the staff. 

    The express road connecting Mandalay to Sagaing was cracked by the earthquake on 28 March and parts of it are still unusable. Myanmar, April 2025.
    Lena Pflueger/MSF

    I saw a lot of solidarity and dedication

    There, I met the superintendent of the hospital, who took the time to speak with us despite the challenging situation. Amid the hectic environment, she was still smiling. Staff and patient’s families were sharing the place, sharing meals, offering donations to the ones in need, supporting each other… acting as a big community. Everyone was coping as best they could… collectively.

    A paediatric hospital, originally another 500-bed facility, had been relocated across the city and was now operating as a 32-bed township hospital – without any operating theatre. Looking at the community’s needs – pregnant women give birth, and kids get sick even amidst a natural disaster –, a 500-bed hospital becoming a 32-bed hospital, the math was not adding up.

    The encounter with the superintendent at this facility, deeply touched me. The healthcare professionals were so dedicated, trying their best. The community spirit everywhere and coming together really resonated with me as I am southeast Asian, and this is a big part of our culture. Coming together in times of needs… They were also appreciative that MSF is with them in this emergency.

    Many people experiencing homelessness in an urban space

    Five days later, I left Naypyidaw, taking the old highway instead of the express road. As we approached Mandalay city, we saw makeshift shelters of plastic sheeting on one side of the road, housing perhaps 1,000 people. On the other side, buildings lay in ruins. The following days, as we moved around the city to assess the hospitals, we saw similar damages – collapsed homes and communities in disarray. Many affected people were quite vulnerable, without access to water and sanitation, lacking the basic requirement to preserve their dignity. 

    A patient receives medication at an MSF mobile clinic set up inside a monastery, which is currently sheltering about 80 families from the neighbourhood whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged and are no longer safe to live in. Myanmar, April 2025.
    Lena Pflueger/MSF

    In Mandalay, families who chose to stay close to their damaged or collapsed houses were staying at the gates or front yard, or along the street – some even re-entering their damaged houses, risking further injury just to access basic facilities like bathrooms. The hospitals were partially functional and able to attend to the injured – although oftentimes outside barely shielded from the elements by simple tarps.

    Throughout these assessments, our teams have already been providing basic health consultations, psychological first aid to the affected communities and distributed essential items such as hygiene kits in cooperation with local civil society organisations. The logistics teams have been working tirelessly to restore water and sanitation facilities, setting up latrines in monasteries where many displaced families sought refuge.

    More challenges may come

    With the rainy season approaching, the challenges are mounting. The situation might become increasingly precarious. If thousands of people are experiencing homeless in urban areas, and with the risk of disease outbreaks, responding to their needs will be incredibly challenging.

    What I witnessed in Naypyidaw touched me to my core as a public health professional, but what I saw in Mandalay touched to my core as humanitarian.

    For now, the communities are finding ways to support one another. I remember one couple staying at the same hotel in Naypyidaw, that I met when I was out for my usual run. They were also doing their morning exercise. It was the man’s birthday that day. But given the situation, the celebration would not be a party. “We have lost our home too,” he said, “But we are bit more blessed, so we want to give back.” And they did so by doing food, water and essential item distributions in one of the most affected neighbourhoods of Naypyidaw.

    I also keep in mind this doctor I met. He was from a less affected town who had rallied a group of healthcare colleagues to set up a free clinic. They quickly began receiving donations from people abroad – food, essential items, and more. This spirit of community in Myanmar is powerful, but I can’t help but wonder: how long can it last?

    Our emergency teams continue to work almost around the clock, further assessing and anticipating the needs, supporting the relief efforts wherever possible along with the communities that are so engaged. The recovery from this massive earthquake will be long for the affected people, no matter where they live, they need to have access to life-saving humanitarian assistance. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Burlison Joins Push to Scrap Biden’s $1 Trillion Energy Scam

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Eric Burlison (R-Missouri 7th District)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Eric Burlison (MO-07) joined fellow House Republicans in calling for the full repeal of the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) costly green energy subsidies. In a letter sent to Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, the lawmakers warned that keeping even a single subsidy undermines conservative energy principles and jeopardizes America’s return to energy dominance.

    “Republicans were elected on a promise to dismantle Biden’s Green New Scam,” said Rep. Burlison. “These subsidies are distorting the energy market, driving up costs, and threatening our grid. We must follow through—no half-measures, repeal it all.”

    The letter emphasizes that the IRA’s nearly $1 trillion in subsidies for solar, wind, EVs, hydrogen, and more are not only fiscally irresponsible but also weaken national security, destabilize the energy grid, and betray Republican commitments to free-market energy policy.

    Read the full letter below.

    Dear Chairman Smith:
    As fellow Members of the House Republican Conference, we write to underscore the urgent need to fully repeal the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its green energy subsidies, which will cost taxpayers approximately $1 trillion over the next decade. We are deeply concerned that President Trump’s commitment to restoring American energy dominance and ending what he calls the “green new scam” is being undermined by parochial interests and short-sighted political calculations. 
     

    The IRA contains eight major energy subsidies, each of which burdens taxpayers, inflates energy costs, and threatens the reliability of our power grid. Each of these subsidies props up unreliable energy sources while displacing dependable, proven energy like coal and natural gas.

    Republicans ran—and won—on a promise to completely dismantle the IRA and end the left’s green welfare agenda. The first chapter of our 2024 platform reaffirms our commitment to “terminating the Socialist Green New Deal.” Despite our previously unified stance, some Members of our conference now feel compelled to defend wind and biofuel credits, advocate for carbon capture and hydrogen subsidies, or protect solar and electric vehicle giveaways. Keeping even one of these subsidies opens the door to retaining all eight. How do we retain some of these credits and not operate in hypocrisy? The longstanding Republican position has been to allow the market to determine energy production. If every faction continues to defend their favored subsidies, we risk preserving the entire IRA because no clearly defined principle will dictate what is kept and what is culled. 

    Leaving IRA subsidies intact will actively undermine America’s return to energy dominance and national security. In 2024 alone, solar represented 61% of all new electricity generation in our nation, with more expected this year. By the end of this year, wind generation in the U.S. is expected to increase 11% from 2023 because of these subsidies.These numbers do not reflect a natural market shift. They are the result of government subsidies that distort the U.S. energy sector, displace reliable coal and natural gas and the domestic jobs they produce, and put the stability and independence of our electric grid in jeopardy.

    To see the consequences of this path, we need only to look at Europe’s overreliance on renewables, which has left them vulnerable and reliant on Russian oil and gas. Meanwhile, China gladly sells us solar panels and electric vehicle components while expanding its own coal capacity to maintain grid stability and economic advantage. If we do not course correct, we will trade American energy
    dominance for dependence on hostile regimes.

    Our path forward is clear. We must fully repeal the IRA’s green subsidies. Doing so will:
     

    • Save Taxpayers $1 trillion. Estimates project the Inflation Reduction Act will cost
      between $825 billion—according to the Congressional Budget Office as of January 2025—
      and over $1 trillion, per analysts at Goldman Sachs, over the next decade.4 Eliminating
      these subsidies will allow us to rein in the debt and reallocate funds to genuine national
      priorities.
    • Ease inflation and spur economic growth. IRA subsidies exacerbate inflation and push
      up interest rates, making it harder for Americans to buy homes and cars and start
      businesses. Repealing them will provide immediate financial relief and create a stronger
      economic environment.
    • Restore energy affordability and security. IRA subsidies force utilities to overbuild
      solar and wind capacity, weakening grid reliability and increasing energy costs. Ending
      these subsidies will restore affordability and stability to our energy supply.

    This is our only opportunity for an IRA repeal. Without effectively fully repealing all IRA subsidies, as envisioned under the House reconciliation framework, we would jeopardize America’s return to energy dominance and passage of an extension of the expiring Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provisions, as well as the President’s other tax priorities. Failure to act undermines the mandate given to us by the American people.

    We urge our colleagues to stand firm in the upcoming reconciliation process. We must reject half-measures and deliver a full repeal of the IRA’s energy subsidies for the sake of American taxpayers and for the future of American energy. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: East Yorkshire Solar Farm development consent decision announced

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    East Yorkshire Solar Farm development consent decision announced

    The East Yorkshire Solar Farm application has today been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

    The application will comprise of the construction, operation (including maintenance) and decommissioning of ground mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panel arrays which will generate electrical energy from the Sun. The Scheme includes underground cabling to connect to the national electricity transmission network at National Grid’s Drax Substation; underground cabling between the areas of solar PV panels; areas of landscaping and biodiversity enhancement; and other associated development. 

    The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by East Yorkshire Solar Farm Limited on 21 November 2023 and accepted for examination on 19 December 2023.  

    Following an examination during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 17 February 2025.   

    This is the 93rd energy application out of 156 applications examined to date and was again completed by the Planning Inspectorate within the statutory timescale laid down in the Planning Act 2008.   

    Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in this six-month examination.   

    The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.  

    The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.  

    Journalists wanting further information should contact the Planning Inspectorate Press Office, on 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or email:   Press.office@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Violent man’s sentence increased after fatal stabbing

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Violent man’s sentence increased after fatal stabbing

    A violent man who helped his friend fatally stab Harleigh Hepworth to death has had his sentence increased after the Solicitor General intervened.

    Jovarn Esterine (18), from Wolverhampton, has had his sentence increased by two years after the Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP referred his case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.  

    The court heard that on 7 March 2024, Harleigh Hepworth and Harleigh’s friend travelled to Wolverhampton where they met Esterine and another teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons.  

    Harleigh, who was from Rugeley, Staffordshire, and his friend were taken to a park by Esterine and the other teenager before being asked to hand over their phones.  

    When Harleigh asked for his phone back, he was stabbed by the teenager. At the same time, Esterine held Harleigh’s friend at knifepoint, preventing him from helping Harleigh.  

    After the fatal stabbing, Esterine held a knife to the friend’s chest, threatening to kill him unless he handed over the passcode to his phone, which the pair then stole. 

    Esterine and his accomplice fled the scene, leaving Harleigh to die in the park.   

    In a Victim’s Impact Statement, Harleigh’s family said they now don’t have the opportunity to see Harleigh grow up and start his adult life.  

    The court also heard that Esterine has previous convictions for theft and other offences.  

    The Solicitor General Lucy Rigby KC MP said: 

    I was shocked by the brutal violence in this case. Jovarn Esterine played an important role in Harleigh’s killing before callously leaving him to die on the ground. Harleigh had his whole life ahead of him and I would like to offer my sympathies to Harleigh’s family and friends. 

    The court has quite rightly increased Jovarn Esterine’s sentence. This government will not tolerate mindless violence and I will intervene to ensure justice is served.

    On 28 January 2025 at Manchester Crown Court, Jovarn Esterine was sentenced to seven years’ detention after he was convicted of one count of manslaughter, one count of carrying a bladed weapon and two counts of robbery. 

    On Friday 9 May, the Court of Appeal quashed Jovarn Esterine’s sentence and substituted it for a total of nine years detention.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General welcomes Germany’s new Chancellor to NATO headquarters

    Source: NATO

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz to NATO headquarters on Friday (9 May 2025) for bilateral talks, and to discuss preparation of the NATO Summit in The Hague.

    Mr Merz visited NATO in his first week in office as German chancellor. Secretary General Rutte emphasised Germany’s central role in the Alliance. “Germany is a leading power in Europe. And you play a crucial role within NATO. Your contributions to our collective security are substantial.”

    He commended Germany’s increased defence spending as we “build a stronger, fairer and more lethal NATO.” 

    “We need to ensure our militaries have the capabilities they need to deter and defend – and keep our one billion people safe,” Mr Rutte said at a joint press conference.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: 100x Leverage, No KYC, $50 Welcome Bonus, and Double Deposit Bonus — Trade Crypto Futures on BexBack

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin breaking past the $100,000 milestone and Ethereum surging over 20% in just 24 hours, many analysts agree that a new crypto bull market has officially begun. In this environment, smart investors are turning to high-leverage futures trading to amplify their gains with minimal capital.
    Recognizing this shift, BexBack is doubling down on its trader-first approach by offering powerful promotional incentives: a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and up to 100x leverage on over 50 major cryptocurrencies. These tools are designed to help traders capture the full potential of the bull cycle with precision and flexibility.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $60,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $63,000, your profit will be (63,000 – 60,000) * 100 BTC / 60,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

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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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    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d8756246-a0d7-43d5-8997-7ba914797447

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8749dbbd-c9f1-4f84-875c-b0a2c4b74344

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e07e5d3-9447-497a-9fa1-738d3cab6c36

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9303617e-2546-4ca1-8a3f-e7b2f0406d6a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi attends Russia’s Victory Day celebrations

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

    MOSCOW, May 9 — Chinese President Xi Jinping attended here on Friday celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.

    Leaders from more than 20 countries and international organizations were invited to the events.

    Xi was welcomed by Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Friday morning. The leaders then walked to the Red Square together and took their seats at the main reviewing stand.

    At 10:00 a.m. local time (0700 GMT), as the chimes of the Kremlin clock rang out, the celebrations began. As the military band played The Sacred War, the honor guards marched in.

    Delivering a speech at the event, Putin said that the Soviet Union defended peace and freedom for all humanity at the cost of tens of millions of lives. “We will forever remember the moment of victory, carry forward the legacy of our forefathers, stand united, and always uphold the sacred glory,” he said.

    Putin noted that the Chinese people fought bravely in World War II (WWII), and highly commended their contribution to forging a shared future for mankind.

    “We remember the history of WWII and draw lessons from it,” said Putin. “Victory is sacred, history must not be distorted, and the victors must not be defamed. History and justice are always on our side.”

    Following Putin’s speech, the grand military parade began as the military band played the Russian national anthem and gun salutes echoed across the Red Square. Marching in unison, the formations passed through the square one after another.

    In the “historical” part of the parade, Russian service members, dressed in uniforms from the era of the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, proudly carried the military flags and weapons of that time, evoking memories of the years of resistance against fascism.

    In the “modern” part, formations of Russia’s various military branches and modern weaponry units passed by the reviewing stand. The Russian Aerospace Forces’ flight formations roared overhead, soaring across the skies above the Red Square.

    Armed forces formations from more than 10 countries, including China, were also invited to participate in the parade.

    Following the celebrations, Xi, along with other leaders, walked from the Red Square to Alexander Garden, where they laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and observed a moment of silence.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines: Sarah Hulton

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Philippines: Sarah Hulton

    Mrs Sarah Hulton OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines and His Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Palau

    Mrs Sarah Hulton OBE has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines and His Majesty’s non-resident Ambassador to the Republic of Palau in succession to Ms Laure Beaufils.  Mrs Hulton will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae

    Full name: Sarah Anne Pascale Hulton

    Year Role
    2024 to present Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Interim Director Overseas Territories and Polar Directorate
    2024 FCDO, Deputy Director Human Resources
    2023 to 2024 FCDO, Interim Director Geopolitics & Deputy Political Director 
    2019 to 2023 Colombo, British High Commissioner
    2018 to 2019 FCO, Deputy Director Human Resources
    2017 to 2018 FCO, Head of DPRK Department
    2015 to 2017 FCO, Head of Pacific Department
    2012 to 2015 Harare, Head of Political Section
    2010 to 2010 FCO, Head of Conflict Prevention Team
    2008 to 2010 FCO, Head of Weapons of Mass Destruction Controls
    2005 to 2008 Manila, Second Secretary Political PPA
    2004 to 2005 FCO, Full time language training, Tagalog
    2003 to 2004 FCO, Counter Terrorism Desk Officer
    2002 to 2003 FCO, Head of Child Abduction Unit, Consular Human Rights
    2002 Joined FCO

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: HTX DeepThink: Liquidity Window Confirmed — Bitcoin Hits $100K Again, What’s Next?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HTX DeepThink is a flagship market insights column created by HTX, dedicated to exploring global macro trends, key economic indicators, and major developments across the crypto industry. In a world where volatility is the norm, HTX DeepThink aims to help readers “Find Order in Chaos.”

    Last week, Chloe (@ChloeTalk1) from HTX Research accurately predicted that a liquidity window could emerge in early May, driving capital back into crypto markets. On May 8, Bitcoin surged past $100,000 for the first time in three months—confirming her forecast. How long can this momentum last, and what are the implications of the latest U.S.-UK tariff deal? In this bonus update, Chloe provides fresh analysis of the evolving landscape.

    UK–U.S. Tariff Agreement Signals Reduced Risk and Policy Support

    On May 8, the United Kingdom and the United States reached a breakthrough trade agreement. The UK agreed to open its agricultural market for U.S. products in exchange for a reduction in U.S. tariffs on British automobile exports. Tariffs on British steel and aluminum exports to the U.S. were reduced to zero, while a 10% “reciprocal tariff” remains in place on U.S. imports.

    Although the UK already runs a trade deficit with the U.S. and the economic impact of the deal may be modest, it signals a willingness by the U.S. government to re-engage diplomatically and release policy tailwinds.

    U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick further indicated that the next major trade agreement could involve a large Asian economy, suggesting that the U.S. administration is preparing to offer structural trade incentives on a broader geopolitical scale.

    Bitcoin’s Market Structure Shifts From Speculative Trading to Institutional Capital Allocation

    Concurrently with these easing policy conditions, Bitcoin’s capital flow dynamics have undergone a fundamental shift. Over the past three weeks, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs have recorded substantial net inflows totaling $5.3 billion——the highest quarterly inflow since their launch.

    Notably, this increase has been driven by institutional participants, including the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, the Swiss National Bank (via MicroStrategy equity purchases), and increased allocations by BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF. This signals a structural transition in Bitcoin’s pricing logic—moving from short-term, volatility-driven speculation towards long-term capital allocation. BTC is evolving beyond a high-risk asset; it is gradually forming an independent capital ecosystem, increasingly viewed by institutional investors as a “supra-sovereign asset”—somewhere between gold and U.S. Treasuries.

    Bitcoin Volatility Remains Contained; Market Awaits Macroeconomic Catalysts

    Despite BTC’s recent rally to $100,000, the market has not yet exhibited signs of speculative exuberance. Implied volatility (IV) in Bitcoin options remains stable in the 50%–55% range, far below the extreme levels of 80%+ typically seen at the peak of past bull markets. CME Bitcoin futures open interest currently stands at $14.8 billion, well below the $20 billion peak observed during the 2020 U.S. presidential election period, indicating that leverage is still manageable. Meanwhile, the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield has repeatedly failed to break above 4.60%, now hovering around 4.40%, which remains a neutral-to-supportive zone for risk assets.

    Overall, as long as yields do not climb back above 4.8% and ETF inflows remain steady, Bitcoin is likely to consolidate in the $105,000–$115,000 range while awaiting the next breakout trigger.

    Hidden Risk: Breakdown in China–U.S. and EU–U.S. Trade Talks Could Reignite Tariff Battles

    Nevertheless, investors should remain vigilant about geopolitical risk. While U.S. negotiations with China and the EU are ongoing, significant unresolved tensions persist—particularly over tariffs, export controls, and industrial subsidies.

    President Trump has explicitly stated he has no intention of lowering the current 145% tariff on Chinese goods as a prerequisite for restarting trade negotiations. Meanwhile, EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič warned that if discussions with the U.S. fail, the EU is prepared to launch retaliatory tariffs, potentially targeting up to €100 billion worth of American goods.

    A breakdown in these negotiations could lead to the re-imposition of aggressive tariffs, reigniting global trade friction. This would likely dampen investor sentiment and place renewed pressure on risk assets, including Bitcoin. As such, the hidden risk of renewed tariff wars remains a key macro variable that should be incorporated into all forward-looking risk assessments.

    *The above content is not investment advice and does not constitute any offer or solicitation to offer or recommendation of any investment product.

    About HTX Research

    HTX Research is the dedicated research arm of HTX Group, responsible for conducting in-depth analyses, producing comprehensive reports, and delivering expert evaluations across a broad spectrum of topics, including cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, and emerging market trends.

    Connect with HTX Research Team: research@htx-inc.com

    Contact:
    Ruder Finn Asia
    glo-media@htx-inc.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by HTX. 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.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5c15cb3-3c1d-450c-9226-e9a09951388a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Procedure for the payment of AB Amber Grid dividends for 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The general meeting of AB Amber Grid shareholders held on 30th April 2025 adopted a decision on the distribution of the company profit for 2024 and the payment of an EUR 0,0599 dividend per share.

    Dividends are paid out from 26th May 2025 in the following order: 

    •    to the shareholders, whose AB “Amber Grid” shares are accounted by a financial brokerage company or credit institutions, which provide securities accounting services, the dividend amount, after deduction of Personal or Corporate withholding income tax applicable by the laws of Lithuania, will be transferred to the shareholders’ accounts held with a respective financial brokerage company or credit institution;
    •    to the shareholders, whose AB Amber Grid shares on behalf of the company are accounted by the authorized custodian AB SEB bankas, the dividend amount, after deduction of Personal or Corporate withholding income tax applicable by the laws of Lithuania, will be transferred to the shareholders’ accounts with AB SEB bankas or the accounts (IBAN) with other bank or financial institution as indicated by the shareholders (requests with account indications should be submitted to any branch of AB SEB bankas).

    Dividends paid in 2025 will be taxed as follows: 

    •    dividends paid to natural persons–residents of the Republic of Lithuania and natural persons–residents of foreign countries are subject to withholding Personal income tax of 15 per cent;
    •    dividends paid to legal entities of the Republic of Lithuania and legal entities–residents of foreign countries are subject to withholding Corporate income tax of 16 per cent, unless otherwise provided for by the laws.
    Residents of the foreign countries, which have concluded agreements on Avoidance of Double Taxation with the Republic of Lithuania, could take advantage of reduced tariffs provided by such agreements by submitting Claim for Reduction or Exemption from the Anticipatory Tax Withheld at Source, form FR0021 (DAS-1). The form should be completed following the law requirements and presented to AB Amber Grid together with the broker’s confirmation by 19th May 2025.

    For additional information on pay out of the dividends please contact AB SEB bankas, phone number +370 5 268 28 00 (web page: www.seb.lt).

    More information:
    Laura Šebekienė
    Head of Communications  
    ph. +370 699 61 246
    e-mail: l.sebekiene@ambergrid.lt  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Psychopaths would spark a financial crisis for profit

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    By Clive Roland Boddy, Anglia Ruskin University

    Would you want a psychopath looking after your pension? Or what about your shares? In a recent talk at the Cambridge Festival, I spoke about the latest research relating to a psychopath’s love of money, greed for power, and willingness to harm other people financially for personal gain.

    Since I began researching corporate psychopaths and the global financial crisis, the idea of the financial psychopath, an employee in the financial sector acting ruthlessly, recklessly, greedily and selfishly with other people’s money, has gained traction.

    The theory won support because psychopaths are more commonly found in financial services than in other sectors. It has even been argued that up to 10% of employees in financial services could be psychopathic. That is to say they have no empathy, care for other people, conscience or regrets for any damage they do.

    These traits make them ruthless in pursuit of their own agendas and entirely focused on self-promotion and self-advancement.

    But my ongoing research goes even further. It has found that psychopaths are willing to knowingly cause financial harm to the entire global community, in order to receive a financial bonus for themselves. Personal greed outweighs the immense social and community costs of implementing that greed.

    This aligns with earlier perceptions of some captains of finance or leading politicians as psychopaths. Previous research found they are freed by their selfish philosophy of life and their trivialising of other people from the restraints of being evenhanded, truthful or generous.

    This new research also shows that a majority of psychopaths would even be willing to cause a global financial crisis – if they personally would profit from, for example, falling stock prices. This willingness holds true even when they could be personally identified as being the source of the crisis. Only a tiny minority of non-psychopaths would be willing to do this.

    Race to the top

    Financial insiders appear to agree with the assumption that psychopaths have always been prevalent in the sector. Many psychologists and other management commentators have come to the same conclusion.

    Researchers have also found that interpersonal-affective psychopathic traits – such as deceitfulness, superficial charm and a lack of remorse – were associated with success in the finance sector.

    Employees at financial institutions in New York scored significantly higher on these traits than people in the wider community. They also had significantly lower levels of emotional intelligence (as would be expected of psychopaths).

    What’s more, having psychopathic traits has also been linked to higher annual incomes – as well as a higher rank within the corporation.

    In other words, it looks like the more psychopathic an employee is, the further up the corporate finance ladder they will go. This corresponds with findings that show there are more psychopaths at the top of organisations than at the bottom.

    Creating destruction

    This is not to say that personal success in climbing the corporate ladder equates to professional success when someone reaches the top job. Quite the opposite. In fact, my research has shown that psychopathic leadership is associated with organisational destruction.

    This includes a greater propensity to take risks with other people’s money, a greater willingness to gamble with someone else’s money and lower returns for shareholders.

    In one study over a 10-year period, psychopathic fund managers were found to generate annual returns that were 30% lower than their less psychopathic peers.

    The research team concluded that among elite financial investors, psychopathy and its appearance of personal dominance and competence, may enable people to rise to the top of their profession. But this does not translate into improved financial performance at the organisational level, where the presence of the psychopathic is actually counterproductive.

    Fraud has always been associated with the psychopathic – so much so that in one study 69% of auditors believed they had encountered corporate psychopaths in relation to their investigations.

    Years ago, one bank reportedly used a psychopathy measure to recruit staff. But I would advise against hiring people who score very highly, because they are totally concerned with personal success. They are not bothered about long-term organisational growth or sustainability. As such, decisions will be made to suit the psychopathic worker, and not the organisation.

    For example, new hires would be likely to be people who can help the psychopath achieve their personal aims and objectives rather than aid the company. Anyone astute enough to potentially be a challenge to the psychopathic employee would not be hired by them in the first place.

    Without exception, psychopathic people love money and they are more motivated by it than other people are.

    Unlike the rest of the population, psychopaths are uninterested in higher values such as close emotional connections with family and friends, and much more focused on money and materialism. Seen through this lens, the appeal of the corporate banking sector – and the salaries and bonuses it offers – to people with these traits soon becomes clear.

    Clive Roland Boddy, Deputy Head, School of Management, Anglia Ruskin University

    This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

    The opinions expressed in VIEWPOINT articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARU.

    If you wish to republish this article, please follow these guidelines: https://theconversation.com/uk/republishing-guidelines

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU appoints new Director to manage its estates

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    John Iveson, ARU’s new Director of Estates and Facilities

    Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has appointed John Iveson as its new Director of Estates and Facilities to take responsibility for buildings and infrastructure across its campuses.

    John joins ARU from Queen Mary University of London, where he led the engineering, operations and commercial teams as Director of Campus & Commercial Services, overseeing significant investment in the areas of residential and infrastructure.

    After graduating from the University of Central Lancashire in 1993, John had a successful early career at the De Vere hotels group and Jockey Club Racecourses, leading to a role in strategic operational planning for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

    John then joined the estates team at King’s College London, where he successfully transformed commercial and operational performance through the ‘Fit for King’s’ programme, as Director of Customer & Commercial Services up until 2019.

    John will take responsibility for the operation and upkeep of buildings and facilities at ARU’s campuses in Cambridge and Chelmsford, as well as ARU Writtle and ARU Peterborough.

    “I am delighted to be joining ARU as the new Director of Estates and Facilities. We are lucky to have diverse and welcoming campuses and I look forward to working with colleagues across the university, ensuring our buildings and infrastructure provide the best possible environment for our students and staff to achieve their goals.”

    John Iveson, ARU’s Director of Estates and Facilities

    “John has an extensive and varied background and joins us with a track record of delivering successful projects.

    “With campuses across the East of England, this is a key role in the university and I am delighted to welcome John to ARU.”

    Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Notice to Improve: Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    Notice to Improve: Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School

    A notice to improve issued to Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School by the Department for Education.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Notice to Improve: Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School

    PDF, 240 KB, 7 pages

    Details

    This letter and its annex serve as a written notice to improve financial management at Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – Chinese bishops congratulate Pope Leo XIV

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 9 May 2025

    Beijing (Agenzia Fides) – The Chinese bishops congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his election. As reported by the Chinese state news agency “Xin Hua” (New China), the Patriotic Association of the Chinese Catholic Church “Yi Hui Yi Tuan,” and the Chinese Bishops’ Conference, the congratulatory message to the new Pope is dated today, Friday, May 9, 2025.This morning, Chinese bishops and priests pronounced the Pope’s name during Mass and prayed for him as usual during the Eucharistic liturgy.The Chinese press and social media, both Catholic and non-Catholic, followed the Conclave and the period leading up to it step by step, reporting extensively and publishing accounts of the death of their beloved Pope Francis and his funeral, right up to the first black smoke. The white smoke arrived when it was already night in China, but despite the late hour, Chinese Catholics and the people waited in front of their computers, tablets, and smartphones for the announcement and the first words of the new Pope.Awaiting the “Habemus Papam”, a Chinese bishop told Fides: “I am happy because soon I will be able to pronounce the Pope’s name at morning Mass and pray for the new Pontiff.”When the name was announced, an article by Father Paul Han (https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/KAO2BN-FsKZAxllRTPNUmA), published on WeChat on May 6, immediately circulated on the Chinese internet. In this article, the priest not only predicted the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, but also the possible choice of the name “Leo XIV”, with a detailed biography.Following the announcement of the new Pope’s election, congratulations and prayers of thanks poured in, both online and during the first morning Masses of Chinese Catholics, who prayed “for a world and Church blessed by God through the pastoral ministry of Pope Prevost.”The choice of the name “Leo” was also highly appreciated by Chinese Catholics. It is a name that encompasses history, but at the same time also looks to the present and the future.His pastoral ministry will not only be a leadership role, but also a testimony of faith, love, and truth. The name represents continuity with his predecessors: in the midst of the storm, he wants to be the one who stands firm on the boat of Saint Peter, not only preserving the faith, but also leading us to hope! (N.Z.) (Agenzia Fides, 9/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – “Before each meeting and pastoral activity, he spent a long time in Eucharistic adoration”: Augustinians remember the Prior Provost in India

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Verapoly diocese

    New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – “Pope Leo XIV is remembered in India with affection and gratitude. He visited our nation twice as Prior General of the Augustinian Fathers, he is remembered as a simple man, who knew how to adapt to the local context, his attitude of listening and dialogue, and his spirituality rooted in an intense life of prayer. What was most striking was the prolonged time he dedicated to silent Eucharistic adoration,” Father Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the Conference of Latin Rite Bishops of India and Founding Director of “Communio,” an initiative of the Latin Episcopate of India (CCBI) to support dioceses and religious congregations in rural areas, told Fides.Father Alathara recalls the two visits the then Prior Provost made during his tenure as head of the Order of Saint Augustine: “In 2004 and 2006, he visited several Augustinian communities in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, leaving everyone with an impression of profound spirituality and closeness.” During his first visit, in 2004, he spent more than a week at the Augustinian houses in Mariyapuram, in the Archdiocese of Verapoly and Edakochi, in the Diocese of Cochin, both in the state of Kerala, in southern India. “He celebrated the Eucharist at the Parish of Mary Queen Help of Christians in Mariyapuram and at the Shrine of Saint Anthony in Edakochi. They were celebrations experienced with great fervor and hope,” the faithful recall. In particular, on April 22, 2004, he concelebrated with the then Archbishop of Verapoly, Monsignor Daniel Acharuparambil, the ordination Mass of six Augustinian deacons at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in Kathrikadavu (Kaloor). “His gestures of welcome and fraternal charity toward the new priests are engraved in our hearts,” Father Alathara emphasizes. The second visit took place in October 2006, when he returned to the Augustinian house in Mariyapuram to participate in the Asia-Pacific meeting organized by the Order. “During that trip, despite having to attend to important matters for the Order in the region, he found time to visit the Shenbagam School in Pollachi (Tamil Nadu), run by the Augustinian Fathers in the Diocese of Coimbatore, where he met with children and young people. “He also celebrated the Eucharist at the parish of St. Thomas in Thalapuzha, in the Archdiocese of Calicut, Kerala,” adds Father Alathara. “These gestures reveal his human sensitivity and his pastoral heart. He always wanted to be in touch with the concrete reality and with the people of the communities: this is how we remember him, and we hope to be able to welcome him back to India as Pope Leo XIV.”The Indian Augustinians also remember him fondly. “When he was here, we knew him as an extraordinarily simple person, down-to-earth, always ready to face the difficulties of everyday life,” notes Father Jacob Mullassery, OSA, who accompanied him on both visits. “He never asked for privileges: he traveled with us and accepted lodging in humble rooms, provided with the bare essentials. His humility deeply impressed us.”Father Metro Xavier, OSA, who had several personal encounters with the Prior Provost, describes him as “a deeply spiritual man.” And he adds: “Before each meeting or pastoral activity, he spent a long time in silent Eucharistic adoration. He demonstrated a profound love for the Church and total reverence for her Magisterium. His spiritual life gave us a testimony of prayer and simplicity.” For his part, Father Wilson Injerappu, OSA, Regional Vicar of the Order in India, joyfully expresses: “We are filled with immense gratitude. Having an Augustinian brother as Pope is a great blessing. It is also a reminder of our responsibility: we must constantly pray for him and support his mission with our daily prayer.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 9/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA – He has visited the continent several times: Pope Leo XIV knows Africa well

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 9 May 2025  

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – Pope Leo XIV knows Africa well, having visited several African countries in recent years in his capacity as Cardinal Prefect of the Diacstery of Bishops and, before that, primarily as Prior General of the Order of Saint Augustine (OSA). His last visit to Kenya was in 2024. On that occasion, he presided over the dedication of the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Counsel at the Augustinian Monastery in Karen (Nairobi County) on December 10, 2024. In his address, the then Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost emphasized the importance of the Word of God and the need for the faithful to remain in His presence: “Christ is the door through which we all pass to find salvation; the door of the Church is open so that everyone can find a place, be welcome, and become part of this great community. We must learn to open the doors of our hearts in love.” “I hope that you are all deeply aware of the great expectations placed on the Church and the Order, and that the Spirit of the Lord continues to fill everyone with fidelity to continue on this great path we have all embarked on,” he affirmed.The future Pope Leo XIV also used this opportunity to recall that he had been to Kenya several times, most recently visiting the country in 2011. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the faithful remember the 2009 visit of the then Prior General of the Augustinian Order to the Bas-Uele Province and the capital, Kinshasa, where he inaugurated the Augustinian University. The appeal for peace that the newly elected Pope made in his address to the faithful from the Loggia delle Benedizioni was welcomed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “It is a joy to hear the Pope’s first words, which reflect the need for peace in the world. And for us Congolese, this message should comfort us” said the Secretary General of the Bishops’ Conference of Congo, Msgr. Donatien Nshole, in his message of congratulations on the election of Pope Leo XIV. “We expect him to continue speaking the language of Pope Francis and to pay special attention to building lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.” The President of the Bishops’ Conference of Madagascar and Bishop of Morondava, Marie Fabien Raharilamboniaina, also emphasized that Pope Leo XIV’s first words were “Peace be with you.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 9/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The new Bishop of Rome: Missionary and son of Saint Augustine

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 9 May 2025

    Vatican Media

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “I am a son of Saint Augustine,” said Pope Leo XVI in his first address from the central Loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, to the people gathered in St. Peter’s Square following his election as the 267th Bishop of Rome. In other passages, he recalled that “together we seek how to be a missionary Church, always anxious to work fearlessly, proclaiming the Gospel and evangelizing as men and women faithful to Jesus Christ.” “We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The world needs His light,” said the new Pope.In the few personal references, the new successor of Peter, in his first brief public address, hinted at two essential characteristics that have marked his path: his belonging to the spiritual family of Saint Augustine, his belonging to the “Church in a state of mission,” which is also expressed in the greeting he delivered in Spanish to his “querida diocesis” of Chiclayo, “where a faithful people accompanied their bishop.” Two characteristics that have become interwoven in the life story of Pope Leo and that the entire Church of Rome can gradually recognize on the path begun with its new Bishop.A missionary son of Saint Augustine Robert Francis Prevost was born on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and entered the novitiate of the Order of Saint Augustine in the Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel in St. Louis at the age of 22. He made his solemn profession on August 29, 1981. He studied at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and graduated in Theology. At the age of 27, the Order sent him to Rome to study Canon Law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, of the Dominican Fathers. He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, in Rome by Belgian Archbishop Jean Jadot (1909-2009), then Vice President of the Secretariat for Non-Christians. He earned his Licentiate in 1984 and was then sent to the mission in Chulucanas, Piura, Peru.In 1987, he received his Doctorate with a thesis on the role of the local prior of the Augustinian Order. That same year, he was elected Director of Vocations and Missions for the Augustinian Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Olympia Fields, Illinois.In 1988, he was sent to the Trujillo Mission, where he was responsible for the joint formation project for Augustinian aspirants of the Vicariates of Chulucanas, Iquitos, and Apurmac. In his missionary work, he held various offices at the service of his Order and the local Church: Prior of the Community (1988-1992), Director of Formation (1988-1998), and Teacher of the Professed (1992-1998). In the Archdiocese of Trujillo, he also served as Judicial Vicar (1989-1998) and Professor of Canon Law, Patristics, and Morals at the Major Seminary of San Carlos and San Marcelo. In 1999, he was elected Provincial of the Province of Our Lady of Good Counsel (Chicago). After two and a half years, the Ordinary General Chapter elected him Prior General, a position the Order entrusted to him again in the 2007 Ordinary General Chapter. In October 2013, he returned to his Order’s province in Chicago to become Teacher of the Professed and Provincial Vicar. On November 3, 2014, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Chiclayo, in Peru and elevated him to Titular Bishop of the Diocese of Sufar. He received episcopal ordination on December 12, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, in the Cathedral of his diocese. On January 30, 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, assigning him the Title of the Suburbicarian Church of Albano. At the consistory of September 30, 2023, Pope Francis created him a Cardinal and conferred on him the titular church of Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine. (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 9/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press statement by President António Costa following the Europe day Celebration – 75th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration in Luxembourg

    Source: Council of the European Union

    European Council President António Costa took part in the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration in Luxembourg. In his statement, he recalled the historical significance of Schuman’s vision for peace and European unity, stressing the need for renewed efforts in the face of current challenges, notably the war in Ukraine.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: AB Amber Grid Operating Results for the 1st Quarter of 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AB Amber Grid, legal entity code: 303090867. Address: Laisvės pr. 10, LT-04215 Vilnius, Lithuania.

    AB Amber Grid delivers results for the 1st quarter of 2025 prepared according to the International Financial Reporting Standards:
    • Revenue for the 1st quarter of 2025 EUR 20.8 million (the 1st quarter of 2024 EUR 20.6 million);
    • Net profit for the 1st quarter of 2025 EUR 4.2 million (the 1st quarter of 2024 EUR 4.0 million);
    • EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) for the 1st quarter of 2025 EUR 8.9 million (the 1st quarter of 2024 EUR 9.0 million);
    • Average return on equity (ROE) for the last 12 month as of 31 March 2025 4.6% (as of 31 March 2024 8.3%).

    AB Amber Grid adjusted financial indicators for the 1st quarter of 2025:
    • Adjusted net profit for the 1st quarter of 2025 EUR 3.8 million (the 1st quarter of 2024 EUR 3.4 million);
    • Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) for the 1st quarter of 2025 EUR 8.3 million (the 1st quarter of 2024 EUR 8.2 million);
    • Average return on equity (ROE) for the last 12 months as of 31 March 2025 5.6% (as of 31 March 2024 4.7%).

    The adjustment of regulated income, costs and profitability indicators is carried out due to temporary regulatory difference from the regulated profitability approved by National Energy Regulatory Council (NERC). When calculating adjusted indicators, the correction of income is assessed due to previous periods, which is already approved by the decision of NERC in determining the regulated prices of transmission services for the reporting period. Also, the indicators are adjusted by the deviation of the NERC approved (regulated) and actual profitability of the reporting period, which NERC will evaluate when determining the transmission service prices for the coming period. Non-recurring (one-off) transactions are also eliminated.

    Attached:
    1. AB Amber Grid condensed interim financial statements for 3 months period ended 31 March 2025;
    2. Press release.

    More information:
    Laura Šebekienė, Head of Communications  
    ph. +370 699 61 246, e-mail: l.sebekiene@ambergrid.lt  

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Isle of Wight Council issues warning following unlawful tree felling 9 May 2025 Isle of Wight Council issues warning following unlawful tree felling

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Two people charged with cutting down trees within a conservation area were told by a crown court judge that their actions had caused a “blot on the landscape”.

    The Isle of Wight Council mounted the prosecution after trees were felled within the Totland Conservation Area on or before 16 March 2023, without prior notice or the consent of the Local Planning Authority.

    Nearly 90 per cent of the trees in an area measuring around 31 by 32 metres — which is just smaller than four tennis courts — were either felled or reduced to stumps. Formal permission should have been sought before the work was carried out, but this was never obtained.

    Following an investigation that involved planning enforcement, tree and legal teams from the council, a prosecution was brought against Timothy Royston-Parry, of Rosetta Gardening, which carried out the work, and Kim Stapley, who instructed it.

    They appeared at Newport Crown Court last Friday for sentencing, after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing. A third defendant, the landowner, will appear in court later this year for sentence and confiscation proceedings.

    Mr Royston-Parry and Ms Stapley each received a fine of £2,000. Additionally, they were both ordered to pay prosecution costs of £2,689.62.

    The prosecution case was that it caused substantial environmental damage in a prominent position in a conversation area and visible for miles from the beach and promenade.

    In his sentencing remarks, Recorder Gibney said: “The Island is a beautiful place and canopies of this nature are well respected and protected. This is now a blot on the landscape brought about by your actions.”

    The council welcomed the result, saying it should serve as a reminder that it is ready to take necessary and proportionate action to protect its tree stock.

    Ollie Boulter, strategic manager for planning and infrastructure, said: “This case highlights the importance of adhering to environmental regulations.

    “The illegal removal of trees not only damages the landscape but also disrupts local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

    “This case also underscores our commitment to protecting the environment and serves as a stern warning to those considering similar actions.

    “We are actively investigating several other cases of illegal tree removal, emphasising that such activities can cause irreparable harm to trees, the character of the countryside, and local wildlife.”

    Councillor Chris Jarman, the Isle of Wight councillor for Totland and Colwell ward, said: “Our local community strongly values the essential contribution that our trees and associated wildlife bring to our landscape and to the natural beauty of our West Wight environment.

    “This applies particularly to our various protected areas including those along the coast where they can reduce erosion. There was great dismay at these unauthorised works which so decimated a beautiful area and vista.

    “We trust the view expressed by the judge in his findings and sentence will serve as a clear reminder to all that permission must be sought prior to such felling.”

    Councillor Paul Fuller, Cabinet member for planning, coastal protection and flooding, added: “These are matters that local communities take very seriously. Conservation areas are designated to protect the natural and historic environment.

    “This kind of environmental vandalism is wholly unacceptable, and we will continue to take firm action against those who breach these important safeguards.”

    •    If you are considering tree works, please refer to our website for further information.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Windsor soldier of World War 1 buried with Full Military Honours

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Windsor soldier of World War 1 buried with Full Military Honours

    The remains of Private (Pte) John Tame of 2nd Battalion The Royal Berkshire Regiment were laid to rest on 8 May in Belgium, nearly 108 years after his death.

    The coffin of Private Tame is carried into New Irish Farm Cemetery by serving soldiers of 2nd Battalion The Rifles (Crown Copyright)

    The burial service for Pte Tame was organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the War Detectives, and took place at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) New Irish Farm Cemetery. 

    The service was supported by serving soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Rifles and was attended by Keith Brooks, the great nephew of Pte Tame, who aided JCCC by providing the DNA sample used to identify him. 

    Keith Brooks said: 

    John and his brothers Alfred and William have been remembered by the family from just photographs and vague memories from those who have now long passed. Now, after finding John’s remains, he is more than just a distant photograph. This has made him more real along with his story for future generations.

    This has all been achieved because of the excellent work the MOD do with all the research and investigations, giving missing people who have served their country the funeral they all greatly deserve. 

    Pte Tame was identified after his remains were found during road works at Zonnebeke near Ypres in May 2018. Nearby artefacts included a cap badge and shoulder title of The Royal Berkshire Regiment. The body also appeared to have been previously wounded around his left shoulder, which led to DNA matching confirming his identification.

    Pte Tame was from Windsor, Berkshire, and the third-eldest of 7 children. His elder brothers Alfred and William George also enlisted and served with 2nd Battalion The Royal Berkshire Regiment which, though stationed in India at the outbreak of the World War 1, arrived on the Western Front on 5 November 1914. 

    John’s brothers Lance Corporal Alfred Tame and Corporal William George Tame were both killed on 9 May 1915 during the Battle of Aubers Ridge. They are still missing and are commemorated on the Ploegsteert Memorial. 

    On Friday 9 May, the 110th anniversary of their deaths, the family of Pte Tame and a party from 2nd Battalion The Rifles visited the Ploegsteert Memorial to remember his missing brothers. 

    Soldiers of 2nd Battalion The Rifles visited the Ploegsteert Memorial with Keith Brooks to remember Private Tame’s brothers, killed 110 years ago today (Crown Copyright)

    JCCC Caseworker, Rosie Barron said: 

    It has been an honour to work with The Rifles to give Pte Tame the full military funeral that he deserves and to have conducted the research which led to his identification. It has also been a privilege to meet Keith, and to have shared this experience with him and his family.  

    The grave will now be cared for in perpetuity by CWGC. Commemorations Casework Manager at the CWGC, David Royle, said:

    It is an honour to have been involved in the research that led to the formal identification of Private Tame and to have assisted his family with their choices for his Commission headstone. He is now at rest alongside his comrades in New Irish Farm Cemetery, where we will care for his grave in perpetuity.

    The service was conducted by the Reverend Stephen Cassells CF, Chaplain to 2nd Battalion The Rifles. Reverend Cassells said: 

    I count it a privilege to be involved in the proper burial of Pte Tame. It is right that his remains should be laid to rest with dignity and in a place where his service will be properly honoured. I pray that his family will find peace in knowing that their relative has been found and buried properly and that those connected with his army regiment would draw renewed commitment through his service for King and country.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Contact details for urgent legal aid queries this weekend

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Contact details for urgent legal aid queries this weekend

    Emergency contact details for Saturday 10 May and Sunday 11 May.

    For urgent criminal and civil legal aid queries over this weekend, providers should call the LAA Customer Service Team on our general enquiries line:

    0300 200 2020

    For more information about contacting the LAA:
    Legal Aid Agency – GOV.UK

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Export bar placed on £10 million Botticelli painting

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Export bar placed on £10 million Botticelli painting

    A temporary export bar has been placed on a painting of the Virgin Mary by Italian painter, Sandro Botticelli

    • The work has been valued at £10.2 million 
    • The export bar will allow time for a UK gallery or institution to acquire the painting for the nation

    An export bar has been placed on a painting by Italian master, Sandro Botticelli, which is at risk of leaving the UK.

    Botticelli was one of the leading Florentine painters of the second half of the fifteenth century and one of the most recognisable names in art history. Botticelli became well-known for his mythological and religious paintings, often with a focus on beauty and harmony. His most famous works include The Birth of Venus and Primavera. 

    Valued at more than £10.2 million (£9,960,000 + £272,000 VAT) the painting depicts an image of the Virgin Mary enthroned with the Christ Child and is believed to have been painted in the 1470s, early in Botticelli’s career. If saved by a cultural institution, the painting would represent a significant addition to the body of work by Botticelli in UK collections. Very few early Botticelli’s remain in the UK and it would provide a richer and more detailed understanding of his work and the development of Florentine painting in the later fifteenth century.

    The Virgin and Child Enthroned exemplifies Botticelli’s ability to combine radiant humanity and powerful spirituality. The shape and angle of the Virgin’s face bear similarities to the central Venus in Botticelli’s celebrated Primavera, painted in the late 1470s or early 1480s. 

    The artist has also given exceptional attention to the Virgin’s features, with the light catching her upper eyelids, the tip of her nose and the cupid’s bow of her lips.

    Arts Minister, Sir Chris Bryant said: 

    This painting is a perfect example of Botticelli’s genius and a unique part of history. 

    I hope that a UK gallery is able to save this work so that it can be enjoyed by the public for generations to come.

    Christopher Baker, Committee member:

    Dating from the early 1470s, this affecting devotional work, demonstrates the sophistication of Botticelli’s painting early in his career in Florence. Probably intended to inspire private prayer in a domestic setting, it is an image that has a wider resonance as it delicately explores the power of maternal love.

    The cult of, or enthusiasm for Botticelli, of which it formed a part, had grown during the Victorian era and the painting arrived in Britain in 1904; it was acquired by Lady Wantage and entered the renowned Lloyd collection.

    Further research on the placement of Botticelli’s work in his career and the organisation of his workshop, as well as links with the wider context of Florentine Renaissance art would all be of enormous benefit. In view of these intriguing possibilities every effort should be made to try and secure this beguiling painting for a British collection.

    The Minister’s decision follows the advice of the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest.

    The RCEWA Committee found that The Virgin and Child Enthroned painting met the third Waverley criterion for its outstanding significance for the study of western art and its reception in later periods, Botticelli, the process and practice of Florentine workshops, and the history of collecting in the UK. 

    The decision on the export licence application for the painting will be deferred for a period ending on 8 August 2025 inclusive. At the end of the first deferral period owners will have a consideration period of 15 business days to consider any offer(s) to purchase the painting at the recommended price of £9,960,000 (plus VAT of £272,000, which can be reclaimed by an eligible institution). The second deferral period will commence following the signing of an Option Agreement and will last for six months.

    Offers from public bodies for less than the recommended price through the private treaty sale arrangements, where appropriate, may also be considered by the Minister. Such purchases frequently offer substantial financial benefit to a public institution wishing to acquire the item.

    Notes to editors

    1. Organisations or individuals interested in purchasing the panel should contact the RCEWA on 02072680534 or rcewa@artscouncil.org.uk.
    2. Details of the item are as follows: Alessandro di Mariano Filipepi, called Sandro Botticelli (1444/5–1510) The Virgin and Child enthroned, early 1470s Tempera on panel, 83.3 x 44.9 cm
    3. Provenance: Oratorio of San Giuliano, in the Convent of San Giuliano, which was later bought and rebuilt by the Calasanzian order, via Faenza, Florence, by the early 19th century; Placed in the chapel of a convalescent home for the sick bretheren of the Calasanzian Order or Scuole Pie of Florence, Comezzano, near Vaggio, Figline Valdarno, Province of Florence; By inheritance with the property to the Graziani family, remaining in situ until about 1900; Giovanni Magherini Graziani (1852–1924), Poggitazzi, Terranove Bracciolini, near Arezzo, and via Pinti, Florence; By whom sold, in November 1903, to the dealer Elia Volpi, Florence; From whom bought by Harriet Sarah Jones Loyd, Lady Wantage (1837–1920), in May 1904; Thence by descent at Lockinge House, Wantage, and after 1944 at Betterton House, near Wantage, Berkshire.
    4. The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest is an  independent body, serviced by Arts Council England (ACE), which advises the Secretary of State for  Culture, Media and Sport on whether a cultural object, intended for export, is of national importance under specified criteria.

    Updates to this page

    Published 9 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Economic Review: German manufacturers struggle under US tariffs amid growing global uncertainty

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BERLIN, May 9 (Xinhua) — Germany’s manufacturing sector, long the backbone of Europe’s largest economy, is feeling the impact of new U.S. tariffs, with small and medium-sized exporters sounding the alarm over rising costs, shrinking profits and growing uncertainty.

    At the medium-sized gearbox manufacturer Tornado Antriebstechnik GmbH in northern Berlin, the production lines are running non-stop. In 2024, the company delivered 160,000 custom-made units, of which around 15 percent were destined for the US market. However, the recent tariff hikes have disrupted this flow, increasing cross-border costs and complicating investment planning.

    “We simply cannot cover these costs indefinitely,” said CEO Norbert Mensing, noting that the company has been forced to shift some of the burden onto its customers. “We were planning to develop in the American market, but now we are moving in a different direction,” he explained.

    Despite having a subsidiary in the US, some key components of the Tornado were subject to high tariffs, significantly increasing the overall cost of production. The company’s plans to expand production in the US are now on hold.

    “Due to the unpredictability of US trade policy, we are considering the possibility of curtailing our activities in this country and reorienting investments to the domestic market,” explained N. Mensing.

    Tornado’s predicament reflects broader concerns among German manufacturers, many of whom see unpredictable trade policies as a major threat to stability. The latest tariffs, dubbed “equivalence tariffs” by the Donald Trump administration, have introduced new risks into long-established transatlantic supply chains. German companies say the tariffs, intended to address trade imbalances, have actually increased uncertainty and dampened investment appetite.

    LOWER MARGINS, SLOWER GROWTH

    Germany’s export-oriented economy remains highly vulnerable to external shocks. While industrial giants like Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz have the flexibility to shift production around the world, smaller manufacturers like Tornado have far less ability to cope with the fallout.

    The fears are spreading across Germany’s industrial heartland. The country has a vast ecosystem of so-called “hidden champions” – small and medium-sized companies that have succeeded in niche markets. These companies thrive on precision engineering, long-term strategic planning and robust cross-border supply chains.

    For many of them, massive tariff hikes by the US and increasingly unpredictable trade policies are not just a blow to profits. They are shaking the foundations of the global production and supply chains on which these companies rely to remain competitive.

    Economist Hermann Simon, who coined the term “hidden champions,” noted that in today’s world, tariffs are no longer just price mechanisms — they have become structural disruptors. “Supply chains are so tightly intertwined that even small disruptions can have far-reaching consequences,” he told Xinhua.

    For companies built on trust, stability and global connectivity, uncertainty itself is more damaging than regulation, Simon warned.

    BREAKING TRUST

    Recent data confirms the growing concerns. In April, 28.3 percent of German companies surveyed by the Ifo Institute for Economic Research reported a deterioration in business conditions, the highest figure since late 2022. US trade policy was cited as the main external risk.

    That same month, Germany’s federal government cut its 2025 GDP growth forecast to zero, after falling in 2023 and 2024. If confirmed, it would mark the country’s first three-year economic contraction since World War II. Officials cited U.S. tariffs as a major factor in the revised forecast.

    According to estimates by the Institute of German Economy, if current tariffs remain in place until 2028, Germany’s total losses could reach 290 billion euros (about 325.48 billion US dollars), which is about 1.2 percent of annual GDP.

    The report notes that such tariff policies are becoming a catalyst for global economic turmoil, undermining investment confidence and hindering the coordinated development of industrial ecosystems around the world.

    “Many companies’ investment projects are being postponed or cancelled,” says G. Simon. “When companies stop expanding and start waiting, it sets off a chain reaction that can become a systemic brake.”

    INTERDEPENDENCE AND RISK

    Despite rising tensions, economic ties between the United States and Germany remain strong. In 2024, the United States accounted for 10.4 percent of German exports, the highest level since 2002. Last year, Germany also posted a record trade surplus with the United States of €69.8 billion.

    But German executives warn that unpredictable trade policy is undermining trust in the global rules-based trading system. In a world of tightly interconnected supply chains, sudden changes not only cause disruptions, they threaten the foundations of long-term industrial cooperation.

    This is particularly acute for mid-sized manufacturers like Tornado, which are often referred to as the “backbone” of the German economy. Unlike global multinationals, such firms cannot easily relocate production or overcome geopolitical upheavals. Their competitiveness depends on a stable environment, long-term investments and deeply integrated supplier networks.

    In the current circumstances, Germany faces significant challenges: it must uphold open market principles, restore confidence in industry and support its manufacturing sector in a world where economic certainty is increasingly difficult to find.

    While the US justifies its “equivalence tariff” policy on the principle of fairness, critics argue that this approach puts national interests above global stability. This could have the opposite effect, disrupting supply chains and harming American consumers. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Six killed in gas-air explosion in Uzbekistan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Tashkent, May 9 (Xinhua) — Six people were killed in a gas-air explosion in Samarkand, the Uzbek regional emergency department said on Friday.

    It is reported that on the night of May 8-9 in the city of Samarkand, a gas-air mixture flashed in one of the houses. The explosion caused by the ignition of the mixture led to the collapse of the reinforced concrete structures of the building.

    As a result of the actions carried out, the bodies of six citizens were discovered under the rubble.

    It is noted that fire and rescue teams arrived at the scene and began to eliminate the consequences of the accident.

    The incident is currently under investigation. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Security Council extends South Sudan mission amid rising instability

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    The Security Council has extended the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for another year, as the world’s youngest nation teeters on the brink of renewed conflict.

    Introduced by the United States and supported by 11 other Council members, the resolution extended the mandate of UNMISS until 30 April next year.

    This action follows a short nine-day “technical rollover” approved by the Council on 30 April to allow more time for negotiations.

    Through the text – adopted on Thursday – the Security Council authorized the peacekeeping mission to “use all necessary means” to implement its mandate – including the protection of civilians, assisting aid delivery, supporting implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, and investigating violations of international law.

    Three nations – China, Pakistan, and Russia – abstained.

    Continue reading on UN News.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fancy letting off steam with a beer before the sauna? Here’s why that might be a bad idea

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol

    Nick Mayorov/Shutterstock

    Saunas have long been spaces for rest, recovery, and even the occasional business deal. Personally, though, they’re not my cup of tea: too claustrophobic, too stifling and always with that distinct sensation that my nasal hairs have been singed away by the heat.

    Watching that episode of The Simpsons where Homer gets trapped in a sauna and emerges looking like a steamed clam – miraculously alive – was the final nail in the coffin. I haven’t stepped into one since.

    Despite my reservations, sauna culture is rich and diverse, transcending borders and histories. While they’re an integral part of Scandinavian life, especially in Finland, saunas also appear in the traditions of Japanese, Mexican and Native American cultures. There are many variations to experience – from yoga and life drawing sessions, to being gently flogged with birch branches. To each their own.

    In recent years, the concept of refreshment in sauna culture has taken on altogether different dimensions. In the UK, more are now hot-footing their way to the sauna instead of the pub than ever before.

    As a new social and wellbeing hub, fusing elements of bar and sauna cultures, it makes sense. But what of going the whole hog and drinking alcohol – before, during and after sauna sessions?

    Why mix booze with 80°C heat in the first place? Perhaps it’s the natural fusion of two social rituals: relaxing in a sauna and enjoying a drink with friends. Or maybe it appeals to the hedonist seeking novel pleasures and euphoria.

    Still, the question remains: what are the effects – and risks – of drinking alcohol in the sauna?

    To steam, or not to steam? That is the question

    First, let’s consider the benefits. Surely, there must be more to it than just clearing out a few pores? In fact, there’s a saying that describes the sauna as “a poor man’s pharmacy.”

    Numerous studies have explored the potential health benefits of sauna use. For instance, Japanese researchers have studied Waon therapy, literally, soothing warm therapy, (a lower-temperature sauna treatment) in patients with ischaemic heart disease, where narrowed arteries increase the risk of heart attacks.

    Their findings showed evidence of clinical improvement in these patients. Other studies have reported benefits in conditions such as peripheral arterial disease and even in recovery after a heart attack.

    Sauna use may also help manage high blood pressure and certain lung diseases. Some research also suggests benefits such as improved wound healing and even lower risks of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

    The heat is on

    But it’s not all steam and serenity. To understand the risks, especially when alcohol is involved, we need to look at how the body responds to heat – and to booze.

    The hypothalamus, a region deep in the brain, regulates our core temperature. In response to heat, it boosts blood flow to the skin and ramps up sweating, helping us cool down. But this also increases the risk of dehydration. Combine that with alcohol, a diuretic that further depletes fluids, and the risk rises significantly.

    Both alcohol and high temperatures can affect cardiovascular function, often lowering blood pressure and increasing heart rate. This can lead to dangerous heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias).

    Then there’s the impact on the brain. Alcohol of course impairs judgement and coordination – two things you’d definitely want intact in a room full of heat, slippery surfaces and scalding water.

    Put all this together and what do you get? A dehydrated, overheated, intoxicated subject with a racing heart and plummeting blood pressure. Dizziness, fainting and confusion may follow, raising the risk of falls, burns, or even drowning.

    Collapsing or falling unconscious in the sauna can prove dangerous. One sobering example comes from a case reported in the American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, where a person sustained severe injuries, including burns, in just seven minutes of sauna exposure – tragically resulting in death. Another study from Finland found a growing link between accidental sauna deaths and alcohol intoxication.

    The key takeaway here? If you’re going to drink, do it after your sauna session – not before or during. Those who are intoxicated should avoid saunas altogether, or at the very least, be closely supervised.

    Basic safety advice still applies: limit sauna sessions to short durations, cool down afterwards (via swimming or showering) and rehydrate with non-alcoholic beverages.

    While the science behind saunas is still evolving, their millennia-long appeal speaks for itself. They offer real benefits – but mixing heat with alcohol could be a cocktail that burns more than it soothes.

    Dan Baumgardt 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. Fancy letting off steam with a beer before the sauna? Here’s why that might be a bad idea – https://theconversation.com/fancy-letting-off-steam-with-a-beer-before-the-sauna-heres-why-that-might-be-a-bad-idea-255703

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –