NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Share your views to help develop and protect Smestow Valley for the future

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The online consultation is looking at the reasons why people visit the nature reserve, why it is important to them and how it can be improved to benefit all communities across the city.

    It is also exploring how to best protect and promote the unique historic features at the valley and how to improve signage and information about all aspects of heritage across the site.

    As well as the online survey, in person consultations are gathering opinions on improving access into and throughout the site. The results will then help inform the next phase of the ongoing project to Explore, Enhance, Protect and Promote Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve.

    Last year, City of Wolverhampton Council, together with partners Canal & River Trust and Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, secured funding of £217,000 from The Heritage Lottery Fund to develop plans for a full application of around £2million to be submitted in 2026.

    If the application for this delivery phase is successful, renovation of the much loved Meccano bridge is planned, along with other structures linked to the disused railway line which forms the main path through Smestow Valley.

    Gathering views and opinions through the consultation will be essential in helping to secure funding to deliver these future improvements. It will also help to share the heritage of the valley with a wider audience.

    During the initial development phase, the council has worked with partners Canal & River Trust and Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust as well as the Wildside Activity Centre, Friends of Smestow Valley and Waterside Care.

    This partnership approach has seen a wide range of activity at the site, including improvements to the canal towpath, planting wildflower meadows, restoring historic ponds and hedges and planting native flowers including bluebells and wild garlic.

    These activities, which were funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, helped develop a range of volunteering opportunities as well as an approach to volunteering for the future.

    Over time, the whole project at Smestow Valley aims to increase engagement through school visits, heritage focused volunteering opportunities, biodiversity enhancements, community events, artwork and interpretation as well as online information.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Smestow Valley is a real hidden gem in the city and we’d love anyone who enjoys visiting it to come forward and give their thoughts on how it can be developed and protected for the future.

    “The nature reserve has a unique place in the region’s industrial heritage, and we’ve been delighted to have the opportunity to work with a range of committed partners and local people during the development phase.

    “But now we need residents to give their thoughts on how we can further improve Smestow Valley. By completing the survey, people will be able to share with us how they use the valley and what they would like to see in the future.

    “Please take a few minutes to complete this important survey to help us develop this historical open space for a wide variety of plants and wildlife, improve access for local residents and open up the site for everyone to enjoy.”

    Complete the survey and enter the prize draw to win one of three Enjoy Wolverhampton gift card (terms and conditions apply). Take the survey at Explore, Enhance, Protect and Promote Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve Consultation.

    To find out about the latest activities at the valley and how to get involved visit the Facebook page or sign up to the newsletter.

    To request a guided tour of the site, contact Enquiries.Parks@wolverhampton.gov.uk

    Smestow Valley and rail network is a 4.5km long site, which forms part of the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark and has a rich history dating back to Anglo Saxon times. It provides visitors with opportunities for healthy activities including walking, cycling and boating.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Stack Capital Group Inc. Reports Q1-2025 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Stack Capital Group Inc., (“Stack Capital” or the “Company”) (TSX:STCK; TSX:STCK.WT.A) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025. Stack Capital reports all amounts in Canadian Dollars unless otherwise stated.

    Company Commentary:

    • As at March 31, 2025, Book Value per Share (BVpS) of the Company was $12.06, compared with $12.29 as at December 31, 2024.
    • Stack Capital had its first portfolio investment, CoreWeave (an AI hyper-scaler) go public on March 28, 2025, an exciting milestone for both the Company and CoreWeave. During the quarter, and prior to the IPO, Stack invested an additional US$2.2 million into CoreWeave.
    • As of March 31, 2025, the Company wrote down its investment in CoreWeave by US$2.4 million to reflect its closing price of US$37.08. Since then, however, CoreWeave’s share price has increased to US$53.60 (as of close on May 7, 2025), representing a 45% gain from March 31, 2025, equating to an estimated $0.45 increase to Stack Capital’s BVpS since quarter end. The Company believes that CoreWeave’s share price has the potential to increase over the next several months as it reports its initial quarterly results, announces potential new business deals, and general market sentiment improves with anticipated resolutions to global trade/tariffs and other geo-political issues.
    • During Q1, Shield AI raised US$240 million at a US$5.3 billion valuation, resulting in an increase to the position value within the portfolio. Shield AI also recently announced significant strategic partnerships with both Boeing (March 2025) and Airbus U.S. Space & Defense (April 2025). Shield AI’s Hivemind solution will be used to improve and expand unmanned capabilities across the aerial programs at both companies, serving to further validate Shield AI’s leadership position in AI pilot technology.
    • Following quarter-end, SpaceX received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to increase the number of its Starship launches to 25 times per year, up from 5 times per annum under its previous license. This increase in launch cadence for future Starship test flights is significant and will eventually benefit Starlink (SpaceX’ satellite communications business) through the faster deployment of its next generation satellites, once Starship becomes fully operational.
    • In March, Locus Robotics unveiled its brand new ‘Array’ autonomous mobile robot at LogiMat in Stuttgart, Germany, and at ProMat in Chicago. As the industry’s most advanced AI-powered, zero-touch fulfillment system, Array eliminates 90% of manual labour for picking, putaway, and returns of merchandise within warehouse and third-party logistics facilities. Leveraging the latest advances in AI vision technology, Array delivers ultra-efficient order picking, unmatched cost per pick, along with the unique ability to pick and consolidate multiple orders simultaneously.
    • Following quarter-end, Omio, a leading multi-modal travel booking platform, announced its expansion into Southeast Asia, unlocking over 14,000 bus routes from over 1,800 transportation providers across Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Cambodia, adding to its existing flight options in the region. Omio also plans to add ferry and rail services over the coming months and is aiming to be a comprehensive multi-modal travel provider by Q4-2025, in time for peak season of Southeast Asian travel. Following the announcement, the Omio app now unifies transportation across 3 continents and 45 countries.
    • As at March 31, 2025, the Book Value of the Company was $129.7 million, and the Book Value per Share was $12.06. A detailed summary of Book Value per Share is as follows:
    Breakdown of Book Value per Share as at March 31, 2025:  
    SpaceXi(space exploration & satellite communications) $ 2.18  
    Locus Robotics, Inc. (autonomous robots)   1.32  
    Canva, Inc. (graphic design)   1.29  
    Omio, Inc.ii(travel & leisure)   1.11  
    Hopper, Inc. (travel & leisure)   1.07  
    Newfront Insurance, Inc. (insurance & benefits)   1.07  
    Prove Identity, Inc.iii(cyber-security)   1.02  
    CoreWeave, Inc. (AI hyper-scaler)   1.01  
    Bolt Financial, Inc. (e-commerce)   0.50  
    Shield AI, Inc.iv(military defence)   0.39  
    Varo Money, Inc. (neo-banking)   0.13  
    Cash   1.00  
    Net other assets   (0.03 )
    Book Value per Share $ 12.06  

    i the Company is invested in Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (“SpaceX”) through a Special Purpose Vehicle, Space LP.
    ii the Company invested in shares of GoEuro Corp. which carries on business as Omio.
    iii the fair value of Prove Identity Inc. includes an unrealized deferred gain of $1,021,025
    iv the Company is invested in Shield AI through a Special Purpose Vehicle, Defence AI LP

    About Stack Capital

    Stack Capital is an investment holding company and its business objective is to invest in equity, debt and/or other securities of growth-to-late-stage private businesses. Through Stack Capital, shareholders have the opportunity to gain exposure to a diversified private investment portfolio; participate in the private market; and have liquidity due to the listing of the Common Shares & Warrants on the TSX. At the same time, the public structure also allows the Company to focus its efforts on maximizing long-term performance through a portfolio of high growth businesses, which are not widely available to most Canadian investors. SC Partners Ltd. acts as the Company’s administrator and is responsible to source and advise with respect to all investments for the Company.

    For more information, please visit our website at www.stackcapitalgroup.com or contact:
    Brian Viveiros
    VP, Corporate Development, and Investor Relations
    647.280.3307
    brian@stackcapitalgroup.com

    Non-IFRS Financial Measures

    This press release may make reference to the following financial measures which are not recognized under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”), and which do not have a standard meaning prescribed by IFRS:

    • Book Value – the aggregate fair value of the assets of the Company on the referenced date, less the aggregate carrying value of the liabilities, excluding any deferred taxes or unrealized deferred gains or losses if applicable, of the Company; and
    • Book Value per Share (BVpS) – the Book Value on the referenced day divided by the aggregate number of Common Shares that are outstanding on such day.

    The Company’s Book Value and Book Value per Share is a measure of the performance of the Company as a whole. The Company’s method of determining this financial measure may differ from other issuers’ methods and, accordingly, this amount may not be comparable to measures used by other issuers. This financial measure is not a performance measure as defined under IFRS and should not be considered either in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net earnings per share prepared in accordance with IFRS.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release contains forward-looking information. Such forward-looking statements or information are provided for the purpose of providing information about management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as “proposed”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “will”, and similar expressions. Forward-looking information contained or referred to in this press release includes but may not be limited to the business of Stack Capital and the risks associated therewith, including those identified in the Annual Information Filing under the heading “Risk Factors”.

    Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Stack Capital believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because Stack Capital can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, the ability to capitalize on investment opportunities. The forward-looking information in this press release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of Stack Capital based on information currently available to Stack Capital.

    Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Stack Capital disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or results or otherwise. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster City Council commemorate VE Day 80 | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Today, Thursday 8 May, Cllr Adam Hug, Leader of Westminster City Council, was joined by The Lord Mayor, Cllr Robert Rigby, Chief Executive of the council, Stuart Love, Chaplain to Parliament, Father Christopher Colven, and fellow councillors, Cllr David Boothroyd, Cllr Ellie Ormsby, Cllr Paul Swaddle, and Cllr Mark Shearer to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe. 

    The Lord Mayor, Cllr Robert Rigby, said:

    ”I’ve just raised a special VE Day flag to commemorate what is today the 80th anniversary.

    ”Westminster is full of military connections, so it’s great that I’ve been here to raise a special flag on what is a very special day.”

    The flag raising is just one of many ceremonies that has taken place in Westminster and across the country over the last week including a thanksgiving service at Westminster Abbey, the VE Day 80 procession and fly past on The Mall, and many street parties hosted by residents celebrating to honour those who served in the Second World War, the children who were evacuated, and those who took on essential roles on the Home Front.

     

    Related content

    Support from The Royal British Legion

    Information and advice for current or past serving members of the Armed Forces and their families

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU – 193 years old!

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering celebrates its 193rd birthday. By decree of Emperor Nicholas I, the university was founded on April 27 (May 9, new style), 1832 as the School of Civil Engineers under the Main Directorate of Communications and Public Buildings.

    For almost two centuries, our university has been successfully fulfilling its mission. During this time, a whole galaxy of outstanding architects, engineers, and scientists have emerged from its walls, who have made a great contribution to the development of science and education, and left beautiful architectural monuments to their descendants.

    Preserving and enhancing traditions, SPbGASU confidently moves forward: it introduces digital technologies into the educational process, conducts scientific research relevant to modern society, and implements innovative projects, thanks to which it has been awarded the status of a federal innovation platform. Industry partners provide our students with opportunities for internships and practical training, offer topics for writing final qualifying papers, which contributes to the training of in-demand specialists with modern knowledge and competencies.

    We congratulate SPbGASU on its birthday and wish you new successes and achievements!

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK pledges support to strengthen Ukraine’s justice system

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK pledges support to strengthen Ukraine’s justice system

    On the eve of Victory in Europe day Minister Sackman and Minister Suhak, Deputy Justice Minister of Ukraine, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in Kyiv.

    • Memorandum of Cooperation signed by Minister Sackman in Kyiv
    • Agreement made as Minister Sackman attends United for Justice conference in Kyiv to condemn Russian aggression on the eve of VE day
    • Sharing of best practice to help develop modern justice systems

    On the eve of Victory in Europe day, the UK has pledged greater assistance and expertise to strengthen Ukraine’s justice system to help it forge a bright future as a free and democratic state as part of an agreement signed by Minister Sackman and Minister Suhak, Deputy Justice Minister of Ukraine, in Kyiv.

    The long-term agreement, which came as Minister Sackman attended the United for Justice Conference and Ministerial Dialogue Group in Kyiv to set out the international community’s continued support for Ukraine, will mean that the UK will provide its extensive expertise to help strengthen the rule of law.

    The Memorandum of Cooperation will build on the already strong judicial co-operation that exists between the two countries – including the development of training programmes to help bolster the role of an independent, transparent and effective judiciary.  It will also share best practice on ensuring vulnerable victims, especially women, are supported throughout the justice system.

    The agreement comes after the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer visited Kyiv in January to launch the 100 Year Partnership with Ukraine. This partnership will harness the innovation, strength and resilience that Ukraine has shown in its defence against Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion. It will foster long-term security and growth for both countries and shows the UK’s steadfast commitment to support its allies and the people of Ukraine.

    Minister for Courts and Legal Services, Sarah Sackman KC, said:

    I have heard first-hand testimonies of the devastation and pain caused by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and the need to bring those responsible to account.

    As our Ukrainian friends fight to secure their independence, their battlefield victories must be bolstered by support to rebuild – including a resilient justice system.

    We will share best practice to advance vital justice reforms to help Ukraine strengthen its rule of law, underpin economic prosperity and safeguard its democracy. 

    The Memorandum of Cooperation will focus on a number of areas.  This includes:

    • Developing sustainable modern justice systems – including exchanging expertise on the effective management of courts and the use of online platforms and artificial intelligence.  

    • Sharing expertise on how to accommodate vulnerable people throughout the justice system including the use of legal aid and appropriate trauma-based support.

    • Sharing best practice on how to manage prisons and probation services and effective procedures to inspect these services.  

    • Supporting the role of an independent, transparent and effective judiciary in Ukraine.  

    • Developing the availability of dispute resolution in Ukraine and best practice on the use of arbitration and mediation as alternatives to court hearings.  

    • Building collaboration between the UK and Ukrainian legal services sectors.  

    Alongside this agreement the United Kingdom continues to fund and support Ukraine. In total, £18 billion has been spent to support the Ukrainian people through the war with £13 billion provided in military assistance and close to £5 billion in humanitarian and non-military aid.

    The agreement was signed in the week after Ukrainian troops joined an array of British, Commonwealth and NATO troops to mark VE Day in London. It served as a reminder of the need for continued global support for Ukraine and its people in their fight for freedom against Russia’s war of aggression.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Help us improve Park and Ride sites across York

    Source: City of York

    Published Thursday, 8 May 2025

    City of York Council has today begun a month-long public consultation to help inform the design of future improvements at five of York’s Park and Ride sites.

    The planned works aim to attract new customers to use the Park & Ride, and will provide more accessible, easier to use facilities and greater transport options such as improved cycling parking.  Five of York’s six Park and Ride sites are included in the project; Poppleton Bar, Grimston Bar, Askham Bar, Rawcliffe Bar and Monks Cross. The Designer Outlet Park and Ride site is not owned by the council, so will not be affected by the planned upgrades.

    The changes proposed include:

    • The introduction of overnight car parking at Rawcliffe Bar and Askham Bar Park and Ride sites to support the city’s residents and visitors, plus our thriving overnight economy.
    • Better located dedicated parking for oversized vehicles at Askham Bar, Rawcliffe Bar and Grimston Bar (daytime only). A new building will also be delivered to replace outdated facilities at Grimston
    • Improvements to the accessibility of the sites and parking areas; new waiting facilities, lighting, pathways, refurbished toilets including Changing Places facilities
    • Improved facilities for multi-modal trips. The improvements included will vary by site (e.g. long-distance bus and coach routes, car club vehicles, improved cycle parking and lockers).

    Overnight parking will offer greater flexibility to both residents taking trips away from York (e.g. using Park and Ride to connect to train services for commuting or a weekend away) as well as visitors coming into the city for overnight stays. It will be offered at Askham Bar and Rawcliffe Bar – chosen because they are most easily reached from major towns and cities such as Leeds.

    Some of the main principles of offering overnight parking are:

    • Drivers will have access to their cars 24 hours a day, so you can drop off or collect your car at any time
    • Offering a viable option for longer stays that avoids the need to drive into and pay for parking in the city centre, helping reduce congestion
    • The sites will have improved CCTV, security and lighting
    • Bus services won’t be running through the night. Taxis or cycles can be used to get to either site and collect your car during hours when buses aren’t running
    • The service will not be offered to vehicles higher than a small van – so will not be available for campervans or caravans. No facilities will be offered and no one will be able to stay in their vehicle overnight.

    The project is fully funded by the UK Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). York was allocated over £17m to improve the city’s bus network and £4m of this has been allocated to improving the Park and Ride sites. Alongside the Park and Ride project, BSIP funding is being used to deliver an on-going programme of works to install new real-time information screens across the city and surrounding villages; improved lighting and shelters, plus reducing fares for young people to just £1.

    Last year saw a considerable increase in Park and Ride usage, with over 4.5m passenger journeys – the highest number since the Covid pandemic.

    Cllr Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said:

    “York’s Park and Ride is already a huge success story, offering excellent services for York’s residents, commuters and visitors. This project will increase transport options for everyone, making the sites themselves more accessible, encouraging even greater use. By introducing overnight parking at two sites we will offer a convenient alternative to driving and parking in the city centre, helping to reduce traffic congestion, improve bus reliability and free up the roads for those who need to drive.

    “I’d encourage everyone, whether you live in York or further afield, and whether you use the Park and Ride or not, to feedback on our proposals and help us maximise the benefits of the Park & Ride site upgrades”.

    The consultation is open between Thursday 8 May and Monday 9 June.

    To take part people can:

    • Read and complete the online survey at ourbigconversation.york.gov.uk
    • Email us at ourbigconversation@york.gov.uk, or write to us via freepost: Park and Ride Consultation, Freepost RTEG-TYYU-KLTZ, City of York Council, West Offices, Station Rise, York, YO1 6GA
    • Phone customer services on 01904 551550 and they will pass a message to the project team

    To find out more visit ourbigconversation.york.gov.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Court upholds CMA’s £99m fine on pharma over excessive NHS thyroid drug prices

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Court upholds CMA’s £99m fine on pharma over excessive NHS thyroid drug prices

    The Court of Appeal has unanimously upheld the CMA’s finding that Advanz broke the law by overcharging the NHS for essential thyroid drug liothyronine.

    • CMA secures important win in the Court of Appeal after Advanz and Cinven sought to appeal
    • Court of Appeal also reinstated the CMA’s original fine of £51.9 million on Cinven after the CAT reduced the figure to £37.1 million in 2023
    • Total amount in fines stands at £99 million, divided amongst Advanz’s owners across the infringement period: £6.2m for HgCapital; £51.9m for Cinven; and £40.9m for Advanz

    In a unanimous judgment, the Court of Appeal has confirmed the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) finding of excessive and unfair pricing in the supply of liothyronine tablets in the UK; and has reinstated the full penalty of £51.9 million imposed by the CMA on private equity firm Cinven.

    Liothyronine is an essential medicine used to treat thyroid hormone deficiency. In 2006, the total NHS annual spend on the tablets was £600,000. Between 2009 and 2017, Advanz, the sole supplier of liothyronine tablets in the UK, increased the price it charged from £20 to £248 per box – an increase of over 1,110%. As a result, NHS annual spending on liothyronine jumped from over £2.3 million in 2009 to more than £30 million by 2016.

    After an extensive investigation, in July 2021, the CMA found that Advanz had broken the law by this level of pricing to the NHS, without justification: the cost of producing the tablets did not increase significantly; and there was no evidence of meaningful innovation or investment by the supplier. The CMA fined Advanz Pharma (the current owner of the Advanz business) together with two former owners (HgCapital and Cinven) for their part in the infringement over their ownership periods.  

    All three companies originally appealed the CMA’s decision before the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT). In August 2023, the CAT fully upheld the CMA’s findings, but reduced the penalties imposed on HgCapital and Cinven.

    HgCapital decided not to pursue its appeal further, instead agreeing with the CMA to pay its fine of £6.2 million. Advanz and Cinven both sought permission to appeal the CAT’s decision to the Court of Appeal and the CMA, in turn, sought to overturn the CAT’s reduction in Cinven’s penalty.

    Following a 3-day hearing in December 2024, the Court of Appeal unanimously refused Advanz Pharma and Cinven permission to appeal the CAT judgment, ruling that they had no arguable basis upon which to challenge the CAT’s decision to uphold the CMA’s findings.

    The Court of Appeal also agreed that the CMA’s original penalty for Cinven was appropriate and reinstated it in full to £51.9 million.

    Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:

    This is another resounding win for the CMA in this case – and a vote of confidence for the work we do to protect consumers and tackle illegal behaviour.

    Prices charged to the NHS, and ultimately taxpayers, must be fair. We will continue to stand up for patients and take action against companies that abuse their market power, thereby harming consumers and the wider economy.

    For more information on the CMA’s investigation, visit the Liothyronine tablets: suspected excessive and unfair pricing case page.

    Notes for editors:

    1. For media queries, please contact the press office on press@cma.gov.uk or on 020 3738 6460.
    2. Advanz Pharma and Cinven both appealed against the CAT’s judgment. The CMA cross-appealed against the CAT’s reduction of Cinven’s penalty from £51.9 million to £37.1 million.
    3. HgCapital did not appeal the CAT’s judgment.
    4. A three-day hearing took place in December 2024 to hear all parties’ appeals. The Court of Appeal had adjourned all applications for permission to appeal the CAT’s judgment into a ’rolled-up’ hearing of both those applications for permission and the substantive appeals.
    5. Previous action taken by the CMA in relation to the pharmaceutical sector and the fines imposed:
      •      Fludrocortisone (2019): £2.3 million in fines and £8 million redress to the NHS for market-sharing.
      •       Nortriptyline (2020): £3.4 million in fines and £1 million redress to the NHS for illegal arrangements including market-sharing and information exchange.
      •       Paroxetine (2021): £27.1 million in fines for anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominance.
      •       Hydrocortisone (2021): £260 million in fines for excessive and unfair pricing and market sharing (currently under appeal).

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Secretary of State marks 80th anniversary of VE Day

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Secretary of State marks 80th anniversary of VE Day

    The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn MP marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day by opening a special World War II exhibition at Antrim Castle Gardens.

    Secretary of State with the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly, Deputy Mayor Councillor Paul Dunlop BEM, and World War II expert and tour guide Mike Gilmore.

    VE Day is an occasion to remember the huge sacrifice made by that great generation so that we might live in peace and freedom.

    That is the message from the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn, who has commemorated VE Day with a number of visits around Northern Ireland.
    Today, (Thursday 8 May), marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day when the Second World War came to an end in Europe. The long anticipated news resulted in millions celebrating the end of the war, with street parties, dancing and singing across the country.

    Mr Benn marked VE day by officially opening a special World War II exhibition at Antrim Castle Gardens, hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. He then travelled to the Ulster Aviation Society, where he met with Fred Jennings, a World War II Veteran.

    The Secretary of State also took time to visit the NI War Memorial Museum, which focuses on Northern Ireland’s role in the Second World War and the impact that the war had on its people.

    He finished his day of VE Day commemorations by attending a Service of Remembrance with Thanksgiving at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh.

    At the end of his engagements, Mr Benn said:

    VE Day 80 is our opportunity to remember and to honour the extraordinary courage of that great generation of World War Two veterans.

    Today should remind us all that the cost of peace must never be forgotten. As we hear the stories of those who served and express our profound gratitude to them, let us remember that it was their sacrifice that enabled us to live in peace and freedom.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China, Cambodia to hold joint military exercises

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 8 (Xinhua) — The armed forces of China and Cambodia will hold joint exercises in Cambodia in the second and third ten days of May this year, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said Thursday.

    The joint military exercises of the two countries, codenamed “Golden Dragon 2025,” will focus on practicing joint anti-terrorist operations, as well as operations to provide humanitarian aid and eliminate the consequences of natural disasters, Zhang Xiaogang said at a departmental press conference.

    According to him, the maneuvers will be conducted on land, at sea and in the air. In addition, cultural and sports exchange events, as well as “Open Days” on ships, etc. are also planned.

    This joint exercise will be the seventh of its kind between the Chinese and Cambodian armed forces.

    “The exercise will play a positive role in strengthening practical cooperation between the two sides and advancing the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era,” the Chinese defense ministry spokesman said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: /Economic Review/ New Professions Fuel China’s Booming Cultural and Tourism Sector

    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

    CHANGCHUN, May 8 (Xinhua) — As dawn broke over Mount Taishan in east China’s Shandong Province, 26-year-old Wang Yang packed his backpack with essentials such as a first aid kit, trekking poles and sugar candies to replenish his energy.

    He is preparing to lead a family of five on a six-hour climb to the summit, his seventh tour group over the five-day May Day weekend that ended Monday.

    Wang Yang is part of a growing trend of “climbing guides” – people who keep company as they explore China’s scenic beauty spots. The new profession, which attracts students, mountaineering enthusiasts and guesthouse owners, offers personalized services such as route planning, photography and even “encouraging verbal therapy” to hikers along the way.

    Charging service fees ranging from 400 to 1,500 yuan (US$55 to US$208) depending on the difficulty of the route, some such guides manage to earn up to 30,000 yuan a month.

    The emergence of the new profession reflects a broader boom in tourism. For example, in the first quarter of 2025, Taishan was visited 1.27 million times, up 12.6 percent year-on-year. In 2023 and 2024, the mountain was visited more than 8 million times annually.

    “The move towards personalized and specialized services also reflects a significant increase in consumer demand,” said Wang Yang, who, thanks to his newfound knowledge of emergency medical care, was able to help revive a tourist suffering from hypoglycemia.

    About 1,000 kilometers away in northeast China’s Jilin Province, 50-year-old Yu Wei sat in a ski resort cabin, studying a thick stack of work notes. A technician by training, he played a key role in developing China’s first national standards for “ski patrol rescuers,” a newly recognized national profession.

    When Yu Wei entered the industry in 1995, China’s ski resorts relied on equipment donated by foreign countries and had few active holidaymakers. But that all changed after Beijing won the 2022 Winter Olympics in 2015, and ski visits to the country’s ski slopes increased to 234 million in 2024-25.

    “Now that 70 percent of skiers are snowboarding and trying difficult tricks, rescue work requires new skills,” said Yu Wei, whose team has developed protocols such as the “18-minute golden patrol cycle” to meet the changing demands of the sport.

    The emergence of new roles in the tourism industry, from food reviewers to sports technicians, reflects broader changes in society. Song Zhiqiang, a popular content creator from Yanbian Korean Autonomous Region (Jilin Province, northeast China), has turned food vlogging into a powerful marketing tool, increasing local sales and consumption by more than 10 million yuan. Industry data shows that social media influencers like Song Zhiqiang will help the country’s entrepreneurs earn 133.3 billion yuan in 2024.

    Since 2019, China has officially recognized 93 new occupations, with the total number of “new economy” workers reaching 84 million people, accounting for 21 percent of the country’s total workforce.

    “These occupations are not just jobs; they are indicators of rising consumption levels,” said Zhou Guangxu, an associate professor at the Institute of Labor Affairs at Renmin University of China. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Huawei to Unveil First HarmonyOS-Based PC Lineup on May 19

    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

    SHENZHEN, May 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese tech giant Huawei on Thursday said it will launch its first line of personal computers (PCs) based on its HarmonyOS operating system on May 19.

    The upcoming release marks a significant expansion of the HarmonyOS ecosystem across the smartphones and tablets it already supports.

    By launching computers equipped with the country’s first domestically produced operating system for the general public, Huawei is set to challenge the long-standing dominance of Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS in the personal computer market.

    Huawei’s HarmonyOS-based computers are one of the company’s R&D achievements over the past 5 years. Huawei emphasized that HarmonyOS includes robust security features, including a dedicated encryption security chip, secure access mechanisms, and encrypted data exchange.

    Huawei said the new computers will enable seamless interaction between Huawei-branded devices, allowing users to control and navigate between the screens of their phones, tablets and computers using a keyboard and mouse.

    HarmonyOS, or Hongmeng in Chinese, is an open-source operating system designed for a variety of devices and scenarios, including smart screens, tablets, wearables, and cars. It was first launched in August 2019.

    According to insiders, Huawei will have to put more effort into attracting users in the initial marketing phase, as the mainstream Windows and macOS operating systems offer a more mature and rich application ecosystem in the existing market.

    Huawei HarmonyOS-based computers support connectivity with over 1,000 external devices and currently have over 150 dedicated PC apps and over 300 ecosystem-compatible apps. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Coast Guard dislodges Japanese vessel that illegally entered Chinese territorial waters near Diaoyu Island /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 8 (Xinhua) — The China Coast Guard (CCG) has dislodged a Japanese vessel that illegally entered China’s territorial waters near Diaoyu Island, CCG spokesman Liu Dejun said Thursday.

    According to him, the BOC ships took necessary control measures in accordance with the law, issued warnings and forced the Japanese vessel to leave China’s territorial waters after it illegally entered the aforementioned waters between May 7 and 8.

    Stressing that the Diaoyu Islands and their adjacent islands are China’s original territory, Liu Dejun called on the Japanese side to immediately stop all illegal activities in these waters.

    “The BOC will continue to regularly conduct law enforcement activities in China’s territorial waters near Diaoyu Island to protect the country’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” Liu Dejun added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Egyptian air forces complete joint exercises in Egypt

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 8 (Xinhua) — China’s Air Force sent aircraft including J-10C, KJ-500 and YY-20 to participate in a recent joint exercise with the Egyptian army at an Egyptian air base, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said Thursday.

    From April 17 to May 4, 2025, the air forces of the two countries held the first joint exercise, codenamed “Eagles of Civilization-2025,” Zhang Xiaogang informed the media.

    According to him, this is the first time that China has sent a group of military personnel to Africa to participate in joint exercises.

    During the exercise, the two sides conducted training in disciplines such as air superiority operations, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), battlefield search and rescue and combined forces, Zhang Xiaogang said, adding that discussions and exchanges of views on training models, air combat tactics and air refueling were also held.

    The joint exercise enhanced the tactical and technical capabilities of the troops participating in the exercise and strengthened the friendship, mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two armies, and effectively tested the PLA’s long-range force projection, rapid deployment and systemic operations capabilities, Zhang Xiaogang stressed. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: Xi Jinping and V. Putin took part in the ceremony of signing and exchanging documents on cooperation

    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

    Xinhua | 08. 05. 2025

    Keywords: Xi Jinping, Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, signing ceremony, exchange of documents, participation, cooperation, Putin, accepted, urgently, anniversary of victory, state visit, Jinping, Thursday, participation, celebrations, Wednesday

    Moscow, May 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended a ceremony on Thursday to sign and exchange cooperation documents.

    Xi Jinping arrived in Russia on Wednesday for a state visit and to attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. –0–

    Source: Xinhua

    Breaking: Xi Jinping and V. Putin attended the ceremony of signing and exchanging cooperation documents Breaking: Xi Jinping and V. Putin attended the ceremony of signing and exchanging cooperation documents

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lightning: Xi Jinping and V. Putin signed a joint statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on deepening relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction, entering a new era

    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

    Xinhua | 08. 05. 2025

    Keywords:

    Source: Xinhua

    Flash: Xi Jinping and V. Putin signed a joint statement of the Russian Federation and China on deepening relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction, entering a new era Flash: Xi Jinping and V. Putin signed a joint statement of the Russian Federation and China on deepening relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction, entering a new era

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: Xi Jinping and V. Putin signed a joint statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on deepening relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction, entering a new era

    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

    Xinhua | 08. 05. 2025

    Keywords: Xi Jinping, PRC, Chairman of the PRC, deepening relations, strategic interaction, new era, statement of the Russian Federation, Putin, signed, partnership, urgent, Thursday, Jinping

    Moscow, May 8 /Xinhua/ — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday signed a joint statement of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China on deepening relations of comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction, entering a new era. –0–

    Source: Xinhua

    Breaking News: Xi Jinping and V. Putin Signed a Joint Statement by Russia and China on Deepening Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Interaction, Entering a New Era Breaking News: Xi Jinping and V. Putin Signed a Joint Statement by Russia and China on Deepening Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Interaction, Entering a New Era

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: Xi Jinping and V. Putin Meet with the Press

    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

    Xinhua | 08. 05. 2025

    Keywords: Xi Jinping, Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, Putin, press, met, urgently, anniversary of victory, state visit, Jinping, Thursday, participation, celebrations, Wednesday, occasion, Russia, arrived

    Moscow, May 8 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the press here on Thursday.

    Xi Jinping arrived in Russia on Wednesday for a state visit and to attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. –0–

    Source: Xinhua

    Breaking: Xi Jinping and V. Putin Meet with the Press Breaking: Xi Jinping and V. Putin Meet with the Press

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Ministry of Commerce: China is ready to cooperate with all countries to promote healthy development of cross-border e-commerce

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 8 (Xinhua) — China is willing to work with all countries to strengthen cooperation and promote the healthy and sustainable development of cross-border e-commerce, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson He Yadong said at a regular press conference on Thursday.

    Cross-border e-commerce meets the individual needs of consumers around the world with advantages such as high efficiency, fast delivery and cost savings, the department official said.

    The comments came after the United States formally ended duty-free treatment for small packages from China on May 2.

    “Abolishing the duty-free treatment for small parcels from China will harm the interests of enterprises and consumers in both countries,” He Yadong said, adding that China firmly opposes it.

    He stressed that this move by the US will not change the trend of rapid development of cross-border e-commerce.

    China is willing to work with all countries to strengthen cooperation, jointly create a fair and predictable policy environment, and promote the healthy and sustainable development of cross-border e-commerce, the MOC spokesman said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: This Is Your Brain On Music: Groundbreaking UConn-led Study Shows How the Brain Keeps the Beat

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The most sophisticated musical instrument in the world is the human brain, according to a paradigm-shifting new paper in Nature Reviews Neuroscience. 

    Led by UConn psychological sciences and physics professor Edward W. Large, the research introduces neural resonance theory (NRT). NRT explains how physical structures in the brain and nervous system resonate with the structures of music, turning sequences of sounds into profound physiological and emotional experiences. 

    “In physics, resonance is everywhere,” explains Large, who directs the Music Dynamics Laboratory. “The heart is an oscillator. Circadian rhythms are oscillators, and they synchronize to the light and dark cycles of the earth.” 

    His research shows that human brain activity can also sync to various rhythms – from reggae to R&B to rhapsodies. 

    “A long-standing puzzle in music research is the presence of common features as well as variations across musical cultures,” says Ji Chul Kim, a co-author on the paper and assistant research professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences. “NRT explains this nature/nurture problem in terms of natural constraints and neural plasticity.” 

    Music, Meet Math

    Large carries himself like someone who has spent some time on stage. He’s a smart dresser, accessorizing on a Monday afternoon video interview with a small silver earring. He does have a musical past, he tells me – after double-majoring in math and classical guitar in college, he spent some time performing – but when he learned it was possible to study the science of music in graduate school, he was hooked. 

    “As soon as I saw that, I knew that’s what I was meant to do,” he says. 

    When Large transitioned from making music to studying it, he noticed that the scientific world understood music very differently than he did. 

    The prevailing understanding was that humans enjoy music because its patterns enable a pleasurable system of prediction based on learned expectations. The human brain works like autocomplete, it was thought, predicting which notes and chord shifts will come next in a sequence – and feeling rewarded when it guesses correctly. 

    But Large’s research shows that this is only part of the story. His pioneering neural resonance theory offers a new explanation: oscillations (rhythms) in the brain’s neural activity actually synchronize with the pitches and rhythms of music. This synchronization is what creates the sense of expectation or anticipation. 

    According to NRT, people can keep time, dance, and effectively improvise music because human biological processes can sync with music, from simple tunes to complex melodies. 

    “This is about embodiments – physical states of the brain that have lawful relationships to external events [like sounds],” Large says. “They’re not abstract. It’s literally the sound causing a physical resonance in the brain.” 

    This means that the human body is very much part of the music-making process. Neurons vibrate like a plucked guitar string. Seen on an EEG, brainwaves dance to drumbeats.  

    “I have always been fascinated by music and physics,” Kim says. “I am excited about the way NRT brings them together and describes the perception and performance of music as dynamic patterns formed within and between listeners and performers.” 

    Volume Up

    Large’s paper explains that this function of music is responsible for many of its uplifting qualities, like its mood- and memory-boosting properties, as well as its most universally recognized side effect: the urge to dance. (The paper refers to this phenomenon as “groove.”) 

    “This is the way I always intuitively understood music, before I went into science,” Large says. “But people wanted to talk about the brain as a computer, and its computing input/output functions. It just didn’t seem like how I experience music, or how people in general experience music. But this idea of resonance? I thought that was really compelling. 

    “So, what I set out to do was make it science,” he continues. “Instead of just New Age terminology — ‘oh, I’m resonating to this music, man’ — I wanted to ask whether, scientifically, this really does happen.” 

    Large demonstrates a form of combined light and music therapy at Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum in East Hartford on Oct. 7, 2019. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

    Even before the publication of this latest research, Large recognized the healing potential of music. In 2016, he founded Oscillo Biosciences (named for the neural oscillations that synchronize with music) with Kim, who had recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at UConn.

    The healthcare startup uses music and light therapy to help mitigate disease progression among Alzheimer’s patients. It is a highly promising application of NRT. 

    “We’re in a clinical trial right now, and we are showing that by listening to music and watching lights in a certain frequency relationship to the music, we can cause resonance in the brain that actually improves memory,” Large says. 

    NRT has other promising potential applications, ranging from AI to education. Machines trained on neural resonance could produce more emotionally intelligent and culturally aware music. Learning tools could leverage NRT to help people better grasp rhythm and pitch. 

    In the meantime, NRT offers a scientific explanation for one of the most mysterious human experiences — how and why music moves us. 

    In addition to Large, the multi-institutional collaboration featured other researchers at the University of Connecticut and at the University of Groningen (Netherlands), the University of Illinois Chicago, Queen Mary University of London, and McGill University (Canada). The other UConn authors on the paper were Ji-Chul Kim, who is now an assistant research professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, and Parker Tichko ‘19 Ph.D. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Parliament backs extension of trade liberalisation measure for Ukrainian imports

    Source: European Parliament 3

    MEPs voted on Thursday to renew the suspension of import duties and quotas for certain imports from Ukraine, such as iron and steel, due to expire on 5 June 2025.

    With the adoption of the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATM) Regulation, the EU liberalised trade with Ukraine by suspending trade defence measures on 4 June 2022. This exemption has since been renewed, with the most recent extension due to expire on 5 June.

    MEPs have now approved the proposed prolongation of these trade liberalisation measures, which focus steel, to provide Ukraine with vital export revenues.

    Quote

    Parliament’s rapporteur Karin Karlsbro (Renew, SE) said: ”Ukraine’s steel industry is the backbone of the Ukrainian economy. It continues to deliver, despite many workers having left the steel plants to fight on the front lines and factories being subjected to severe attacks by Russia. The deepening of trade relations between the EU and Ukraine is not a matter of charity, but a mutually beneficial exchange that strengthens both parties.”

    The proposal was adopted by 354 votes in favour and 147 against, with 53 abstentions. The new regulation will enter into force for three years, until June 2028, once an agreement has been reached with the Council.

    The Commission is currently working on a longer-term solution to offer economic certainty for EU-Ukraine trade.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Gas storage: refill flexibility to bring down prices

    Source: European Parliament 3

    The draft law adopted on Thursday seeks to address speculation on the gas market and bring down prices, by introducing greater flexibility in rules on gas storage refilling.

    With 425 votes in favour, 106 against and 43 abstentions, Parliament has approved the Commission proposal to extend the EU’s 2022 gas storage scheme until 31 December 2027, it would otherwise have expired at the end of 2025. The provision is designed to ensure gas supply security ahead of the winter season.

    MEPs introduced several amendments to ease tensions in the gas market, as speculation surrounding the existing mandatory 90% fill rate target by 1 November each year was driving the cost of refilling during the summer.

    Refilling flexibilities

    MEPs propose reducing the filling target from 90% to 83%, to be met at any point in time between 1 October and 1 December each year. Member states would be allowed to deviate by up to four percentage points from the filling target in the event of unfavourable market conditions, such as supply disruptions or high demand. The Commission may further increase this deviation by up to an additional four percentage points if these market conditions persist.

    Member states would however have to ensure that the cumulative effects of flexibilities and derogations do not bring down overall storage filling obligations below 75%, MEPs say.

    Full embargo on Russian gas “both necessary and feasible”

    MEPs say that in light of Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, member states should refrain from storing gas of Russian origin. The European Union should also, they say, pursue immediate sanctions on Russian gas imports, including LNG. A full embargo is both necessary and feasible, they add.

    Quote

    “It’s very important that Europe was able to protect its citizens in a situation where Russia was using gas as a weapon of blackmail” rapporteur Borys Budka (EPP, Poland) said during the debate. Parliament wants to “provide for more flexibility and less bureaucracy but above all to bring Europe’s gas prices down” he added.

    Next steps

    MEPs will now enter into negotiations with the Polish presidency of the Council. A first round of talks is scheduled for 13 May.

    Background

    The EU’s energy security has been a critical concern in recent years, not least in light of its dependence on non-EU countries for primary energy supplies. The 2022 energy crisis, exacerbated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent weaponisation of gas supplies, highlighted the urgent need for additional measures to ensure stable and affordable energy supplies.

    In response, the EU introduced new gas storage rules. However, the global gas market remains tight, with increased competition for liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and persistent price volatility.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says China, Russia to shoulder special responsibility as major countries

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

    MOSCOW, May 8 — China will work with Russia to shoulder the special responsibility as major countries of the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday.

    Xi made the remarks while holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his state visit to Russia.

    At present, in the face of the countercurrent of unilateralism and the act of power politics and bullying in the world, the two sides should take a clear stand to jointly promote the correct historical perspective on World War II, safeguard the authority and status of the United Nations, resolutely defend the rights and interests of China, Russia and the vast number of developing countries, and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, Xi said.

    Noting that he was glad to visit Russia again at the invitation of Putin and attend the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War, Xi said that history and reality have fully proved that continuing to develop and deepen China-Russia relations is integral to carrying forward the friendship between the two peoples from generation to generation.

    It is an inevitable choice for both sides to achieve mutual success and promote their own development and revitalization, Xi said, adding that it is also the call of the times for safeguarding international fairness and justice and promoting the reform of the global governance system.

    Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victories of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War and the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi said that 80 years ago, peoples of China and Russia made tremendous sacrifices and won great victories, making remarkable historic contributions to maintaining world peace and the cause of human progress.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Lucinity Featured in Chartis Research FinCrime and Compliance 50 Ranking for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    REYKJAVIK, Iceland, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lucinity has been listed among the top 50 Financial Crime and Compliance (FCC) companies in the 2025 FCC50 ranking by Chartis Research. This recognition reflects Lucinity’s continued ability to deliver impactful, practical AI-driven solutions that help financial institutions address compliance challenges efficiently and consistently. Lucinity was selected from over 300 vendors evaluated for their innovation, client value, and measurable market impact. 

    The Chartis FCC50 report showcases leading companies shaping the $22 billion Regtech market at a time when demand for automation, scalable tools, and reliable AI is rising. The FCC50 ranking highlights vendors who demonstrate product maturity, successful GenAI integrations, and support for real-time, typology-specific workflows.  

    The 2025 report highlights how vendors like Lucinity, a leading company in AI and automation for financial crime, are shaping the compliance landscape. “Being included once again in the FCC50 validates our focus on improving the productivity and consistency of FinCrime investigations for compliance teams,” said Gudmundur Kristjansson, Founder and CEO of Lucinity. “We’ve always believed in delivering intelligent automation with a clear return on investment—tools that save time, cut costs, and improve compliance.” 

    Lucinity’s placement in this year’s FCC50 highlights its strong performance in innovation, case management functionality, and strategic execution. A key differentiator is the Luci AI Agent embedded within its Case Manager. Luci is an AI agent that autonomously executes complex tasks—like generating narratives, updating workflows, or escalating alerts—based on user intent or system events, driving real-time, proactive automation in financial crime operations. The platform allows institutions to reduce average case review times from 2.5 hours to just 25 minutes—a reduction validated by tier 1 financial institutions. 

    Another key differentiator is that Lucinity’s modular SaaS offering requires no system overhaul and integrates easily with third-party tools, enabling institutions to consolidate fragmented compliance efforts into a unified investigative workflow. The launch of Luci’s plugin further extended Lucinity’s reach, allowing financial institutions to deploy AI functionality across enterprise apps like Excel and CRM systems, delivering ROI from day one. 

    This achievement marks another milestone in a strong year for Lucinity, which follows previous recognition in Gartner’s Cool Vendors report, awards from Datos Insights, Microsoft Azure listing, and last year’s FCC50 ranking. Lucinity now continues to focus on expanding its AI software and scaling cost-efficient compliance solutions across North America and Europe.  

    About Lucinity 
    Lucinity is a SaaS company specializing in artificial intelligence for financial crime compliance with headquarters in Reykjavik, Iceland. Its platform accelerates investigations, reduces review times, and simplifies compliance through tools like the Luci AI Agent, Case Manager, Customer 360, Transaction Monitoring, and Regulatory Reporting. The company operates globally and serves major financial institutions across North America and Europe.

    Contact:
    celina@lucinity.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Everyone lives in fear’: trapped between two warring nuclear giants, the people of Kashmir continue to suffer

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Leoni Connah, Lecturer in International Relations, Flinders University

    Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated this week after India launched missile strikes on its long-time rival, killing more than 30 people.

    India was retaliating for a terror attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 civilians, most of them Indian. New Delhi has blamed a Pakistan-based militant group for the incident.

    Pakistan has vowed revenge for the airstrikes, calling them an “act of war”.

    If a full-scale war does break out between the two nuclear powers, it wouldn’t be the first time they have fought over the disputed region of Kashmir. In fact, the two sides have been in conflict over Kashmir since 1947.

    The people of Kashmir, meanwhile, are stuck in the middle of this geopolitical rivalry, trapped in a security state with little hope for the future.

    Life before the April 22 terror attack

    Before the attack on the tourists last month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had made repeated claims that “normalcy” was returning to the region.

    However, Kashmir remains one of the most heavily militarised zones in the world and the people have long suffered human rights abuses the Indian government has justified on the grounds of counter-terrorism.

    In 2019, the Modi government revoked Article 370 of the Indian constitution, which had granted a special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, along with a high degree of autonomy.

    The revocation of this article brought Jammu and Kashmir, now a “union territory”, under the full control of the Modi government in New Delhi.

    This decision was made on behalf of Kashmiris, not in consultation with them. Speaking with Kashmiris in 2020 as part of my ongoing research on the region, there was a huge sense of betrayal at the move.

    One of my interview subjects claimed Indian security forces were “instilling fear and psychological warfare” in Kashmir. Another said “it’s no exaggeration to say after every three kilometres, there’s a checkpoint” manned by Indian security forces. The situation worsened during the COVID pandemic, with increased lockdowns and curfews.

    Some hope did return last September when Kashmiris were able to vote in regional assembly elections for the first time in a decade.

    The election meant the new local assembly would have the power to make and amend laws, debate local issues and approve decisions for the territory, particularly in education and culture.

    However, this doesn’t mean “normalcy” had returned, nor was Kashmir peaceful and tranquil.

    In February of this year, there were reports that Indian security forces had conducted operations against suspected militants, resulting in a lockdown and 500 people being detained.

    A young Kashmiri man died by suicide after allegedly being tortured by police in February. The next day, another man was shot dead by the army.

    These are just two incidents that are part of a wider cycle of violence that has become a part of everyday life in Kashmir.

    Life after April 22

    After the April 22 tourist attack, the central government has doubled down on its heavy-handed approach to Kashmir under the guise of counter-terrorism.

    Kashmiris have been subjected to an increased security presence, new lockdowns, “cordon and search operations”, social media surveillance, house demolitions and other draconian measures.

    Police say some 1,900 Kashmiris have been detained and questioned since the attack. This number will no doubt continue to rise.

    It is no wonder Kashmiris were saying “everyone lives in fear”, even before India launched missile strikes on its neighbour.

    Possible retaliation from Pakistan – or a wider war – now looms, with Kashmiris again on the front lines.

    Calls for India to follow Israel’s lead

    There is a very big concern that right-wing Indian media outlets and social media posts are now encouraging the Indian government to respond to the terror attack in the same way Israel has retaliated against Hamas in Gaza.

    Some commentators are portraying the April 22 attack as India’s version of the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which could become a dangerous precedent for what the future holds for Kashmir.

    Israel also recently announced its support for India’s right to “self-defence”.

    In addition, the rise in right-wing rhetoric increases the likelihood of Islamophobic attacks taking place against Kashmiris, as well as Muslims in India more broadly.

    Pathways to peace?

    Each war fought between India and Pakistan over Kashmir has ended with negotiations and treaties.

    Bilateral relations have been attempted numerous times over the years and would be a preferable option to increased escalation in the current conflict.

    Ultimately, it is the Kashmiris who suffer the most whenever tensions boil over between the two nuclear powers. As one young man recently said:

    My parents don’t allow me to step outside. Every time I get a call, I feel a wave of anxiety, fearing it might be the police.

    Kashmir might be a wonderland, a mini-Switzerland or a paradise for others, but for us, it is an open prison. Everyone lives in fear. What future do we have?

    Leoni Connah 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. ‘Everyone lives in fear’: trapped between two warring nuclear giants, the people of Kashmir continue to suffer – https://theconversation.com/everyone-lives-in-fear-trapped-between-two-warring-nuclear-giants-the-people-of-kashmir-continue-to-suffer-256085

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA – Archbishop Nwachukwu: “Africa is no longer a little child”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Luca Mainoldi

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “Africa is often seen as a little child in a cradle, whose voice is perceived as a disturbing cry and who needs to be calmed by giving her some ‘milk’ in the form of development aid,” said Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches), in his speech at the Colloquium “The Church in Africa: general perspectives in view of the Conclave and the future of the Church,” held on Tuesday, May 6, at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.Archbishop Nwachukwu emphasized that at the international political level, there are those “who see Africa only as a baby in a cradle: They say, ‘Please go and calm the child so she does not disturb the adults who are talking.’ And then they give the baby a little milk in the form of a subsidy so she will be quiet and the adults can talk. That is why Africa is often viewed as a child who has no voice to be taken into consideration.” “Unfortunately, in the political world, Africa is still only either a mine from which minerals are extracted for one’s own production or a deposit for one’s own waste,” said the Secretary of the Missionary Dicastery. “And when Africans try to raise their heads to change this situation, there are those who set fires to prevent any change.”That is why,” Archbishop Nwachukwu continued, “Africa is internationally viewed either as a baby in a cradle, as a mine, or as a landfill.” “We therefore need a new way of thinking, including in the Church,” he emphasized. “Africa finds itself in a situation it did not want, but it is working to respond and rise again,” he emphasizes. “And the Lord is with Africa, the continent that Jesus sought to bind to himself since he was a child and sought refuge there when he was in danger.”Archbishop Nwachukwu reminds us that there is also a kind of new Herod in Africa, such as “the modern ideology that wants to destroy the Church.” It is above all the ideology of easy money that captivates the young African generation, says Archbishop Nwachukwu. “That is the real challenge: how to convey to young people where true happiness can be found, the true meaning of life,” he says. “In search of quick money, so many fall victim to scams or join criminal gangs or sects. What worries me about these phenomena is that efforts are being made to destroy the Church’s image. The Church, which came to save, is portrayed as having come to exploit people and destroy what was there before. When a young person grows up with these ideas, they reject the Church, forgetting that they only received an education because a missionary sacrificed himself to build the school where he went to study.” According to the Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, it is necessary to “strengthen the memory of our missionaries.” “And thanks be to God that in Africa we have received the faith from Westerners whom I call heroes of the faith, those missionaries who left for other continents when leaving meant death, also because today’s means were not available,” he emphasizes. “These missionaries were the best export product of the West, and it is time to reap the fruits of what they sowed,” concludes Archbishop Nwachukwu. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 7/5/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN – The Gospel read “in a missionary key” in the “Missionary Biblical Commentary on the Sunday Gospel – Year C” by Fr. Anh Nhue Nguyen

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 7 May 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – “Rethinking” the Gospel to help everyone experience their own “missionary conversion.” This is the goal of the volume by Father Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen (OFMConv), Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union (PUM), entitled “Missionary Biblical Commentary on the Sunday Gospel – Year C,” published just over a week ago and available in both print and e-book formats.The volume, currently available in Italian (although editions in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese will also be published), collects the commentaries on the Sunday Gospel of Year C, written in 2021-2022, and sent to the National Directors of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) for missionary animation and formation activities in their countries. Each commentary also includes several quotations from ecclesiastical documents or from the writings of saints and missionaries.Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle writes in the book’s preface: “It is an important tool for the formation of the missionary spirit of believers, for deepening and enriching their knowledge of the Word of God, proclaimed every Sunday in the Church’s Eucharistic celebration. In this context, the importance of communion and constant personal growth with the Word of God for the life and mission of every disciple of Christ should be emphasized once again, as Pope Francis also recalled in his message for World Mission Day 2023.Referring to the episode in which the Risen Lord reveals the hidden meaning of Sacred Scripture to the two disciples on the way to Emmaus (cf. Luke 24:27), the Pope emphasized: “Jesus is indeed the living Word, who alone can ignite, illuminate, and transform the heart.” The simple and experiential language used in this book makes it a suitable resource for all who wish to deepen their understanding of the Gospel proclaimed in Sunday Mass from a missionary perspective for their personal spiritual life and, at the same time, for the proclamation of the Gospel.”On this journey of weekly encounter with the Gospel proclaimed in Sunday Mass,” Cardinal Tagle said, “readers recognize the inherent power of the Word of God, the living Word of God, which is ‘effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). This power then proves to be fundamentally missionary, because it enlightens, inspires, and impels attentive listeners to the divine Word to transmit it to others, just as Jesus, the Incarnate Word of God, was sent by the Father to proclaim, through teaching and deeds, the message of God’s love and salvation.”Finally, the Secretary General of the Pontifical Missionary Union reminds readers of the introduction of the missionary character of every Eucharistic celebration by illustrating the salient moments of the Mass, where the connection between the Mass celebrated and the mission of the Church becomes clear. (EG) (Agenzia Fides, 07/5/2025)

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Human rights and democratic principles in Tunisia: the EU’s response to the imprisonment of Rached Ghannouchi and other political prisoners – E-000687/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms constitutes a key element of EU-Tunisia relations, as enshrined in the Association Agreement[1].

    Since 2021, the EU has regularly raised matters of concern with the Tunisian authorities, mainly in direct conversations with them, but also publicly through statements and declarations of the High Representative/Vice-President on behalf of the 27 Member States and EU statements in multilateral human rights fora.

    The EU maintains a keen interest in the continued strengthening of its strategic partnership with Tunisia and it is in the shared interest of both parties to continue effective and comprehensive cooperation in various sectors within the framework of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in July 2023.

    The Commission has taken note of the European Ombudsman’s decision (EO)[2] to close its own-initiative inquiry on how the Commission intends to guarantee the respect for human rights in the context of the EU-Tunisia MoU and welcomes that the EO has recognised that the ‘various monitoring measures described by the Commission, should produce periodic assessment of the human rights impact of actions under the MoU’ with Tunisia. On 18 February 2025[3], the Commission replied to the European Ombudsman suggestions for improvements.

    The EU will continue to stand by the Tunisian people and their legitimate aspirations in terms of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and sustainable development. The EU is committed to do so in the framework of the Association Agreement, which governs its relations with Tunisia.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A21998A0330%2801%29
    • [2] https://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/en/decision/en/193851
    • [3] C(2025) 982 final.
    Last updated: 8 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – CO2 emissions: EP adopts flexibility measures for carmakers

    Source: European Parliament

    On Thursday, Parliament adopted a targeted change to CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans.

    With 458 votes for, 101 against and 14 abstentions, MEPs supported the Commission’s proposal to support Europe’s automotive sector, which is experiencing the impact of rapid technological changes and increasing competition.

    The proposed change offers manufacturers the possibility to comply with their obligations for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027 by averaging their performance over the three-year period, rather than each individual year. This approach would allow them to balance any excess annual emissions by outperforming the target in subsequent year(s).

    The current rules set annual targets, covering five-year periods, for reducing average CO2 emissions from new cars and vans across the EU fleet. From 2025, an annual CO2 emission reduction target of 15% compared to 2021 values will be in application for the 2025-2029 period.

    Next steps

    To speed up its adoption, Parliament agreed on Tuesday to deal with the file under its urgent procedure. To enter into force, the draft law now requires formal approval by the Council, which endorsed the same text on 7 May 2025.

    Background

    The proposal is part of the Commission’s industrial action plan for the European automotive sector, announced on 5 March 2025. It followed the strategic dialogue on the future of the automotive industry launched by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 30 January 2025, which involved an open public consultation and discussions with industry and stakeholders to address the most pressing challenges facing the sector.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Classification of extra virgin and virgin olive oils under EU law – P-001388/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The products of the olive oil and table olives sector listed in Part VII of Annex I of Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013[1] are agricultural products covered by the scope of that regulation.

    Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 on olive oil marketing standards[2] further defines olive oil categories included in Regulation (EU) 1308/2013 by several physico-chemical characteristics, to ensure a smooth functioning of the EU market. The Commission has not been informed of any market distortion resulting from the above classification.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and repealing Council Regulations (EEC) No 922/72, (EEC) No 234/79, (EC) No 1037/2001 and (EC) No 1234/2007; ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1308/2023-01-01
    • [2] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 of 29 July 2022 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards marketing standards for olive oil, and repealing Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 29/2012; ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2022/2104/oj
    Last updated: 8 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Human rights breaches in Tanzania, Russia and Tibet

    Source: European Parliament

    On Thursday, Parliament adopted human rights resolutions on Tanzania, Russia and Tibet.

    Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, leader of Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party

    In their resolution, MEPs condemn the arrest of the leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema, and express great concern regarding the politically motivated accusations that could lead to Tundu Lissu being sentenced to death.

    They urge the Tanzanian authorities to restore Chadema’s full participation in the October 2025 elections, engage in dialogue with all political parties on electoral reform, respect the political parties’ rights and guarantee free and fair elections.

    The resolution denounces the escalation of repression in Tanzania, with arbitrary arrests and the harassment of opposition politicians, human rights defenders, LGBTQI+ activists, journalists and civil society organisations.

    Tanzania must abolish the death penalty and commute all death sentences, say MEPs, and the EU must ensure its development cooperation with Tanzania, not least under the Global Gateway initiative, is compatible with the promotion of human rights, freedom of expression and fair trial standards.

    The resolution was adopted by show of hands.

    Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia

    MEPs strongly condemn the “genocidal strategy” carried out by Russia, with the support of Belarus, designed to erase Ukrainian identity. The forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children, their illegal adoption, their assassination, and the forced Russification and militarisation must stop.

    Russia must report the identities and whereabouts of all deported Ukrainian children and ensure their well-being and safe and unconditional return. The Russian authorities must also allow international organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF, access to all deported Ukrainian children, argue MEPs.

    The EU must continue to support the Ukrainian authorities and international and non‑governmental organisations in their efforts to document the deported children. . MEPs also call on the EU and the member states to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The international community must meanwhile hold Russia accountable by reinforcing coordination through the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the Special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. “Any genuine peace deal must include the repatriation of these children and accountability for forcible transfers and deportations, ” MEPs conclude.

    The resolution was adopted by 516 votes in favour, 3 votes against and 34 abstentions.

    Violations of religious freedom in Tibet

    MEPs strongly condemn China’s repressive assimilation policies and violations of human rights, which seek to eliminate Tibet’s religious and cultural traditions and heritage. They express deep concern regarding the death in suspicious circumstances of Tulku Hungkar Dorje in March 2025 in Vietnam and call for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation, with international oversight, access to evidence and witnesses, and the immediate return of his remains.

    China’s authorities must put an end to discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities, allow peaceful religious practice, and release all religious and political prisoners, including the rightful Panchen Lama and Ilham Tohti.

    Parliament also condemns the transnational repression practices of the Chinese authorities and their interference in the selection of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama. It calls on the EU to impose sanctions on officials and entities responsible for human rights violations in Tibet.

    The resolution was adopted by 478 votes in favour, 30 votes against and 41 abstentions.

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