NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Thimerosal discouraged in US flu vaccines, breaking with WHO guidance

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Edward Beamer, Lecturer, Pharmacology, Sheffield Hallam University

    A federal vaccine panel, recently reshaped by US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has voted to discourage the use of flu vaccines containing thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative. The decision marks a dramatic shift in vaccine policy, as thimerosal has long been considered safe by health agencies worldwide, with its use already limited to a few multi-dose flu shots.

    RFK Jr. has long linked thimerosal to autism – a connection that extensive scientific research has thoroughly debunked.

    Thimerosal is an organic chemical containing mercury, used as a preservative in vaccines since the 1930s. Its effect comes from the mercury that disrupts the function of enzymes in microbes, such as bacteria and fungi. This prevents contamination of vaccines while they are stored in vials. Mercury, however, is also well-known as a potent toxin acting on cells the brain.

    Much of mercury’s toxicity to brain cells stems from the same attributes that make thimerosal such a useful preservative. It disrupts the basic biological function of cells by changing the structure of proteins and enzymes.

    In the brain, this can lead neurons to become excessively active, can impair the way they use energy, it can increase inflammation and lead to the death of neurons. While mercury poisoning can damage brain function in adults, babies are even more vulnerable.

    People have long understood that mercury is toxic. But in the latter half of the 20th century, scientists discovered that industrial mercury entered rivers and seas, accumulating in the tissues of fish and shellfish. The neurological consequences of consuming too much contaminated seafood could be severe. This led environmental scientists to determine safe levels of mercury exposure.

    Anxiety about mercury in vaccines intensified when it was noticed that some children receiving multiple vaccines could exceed established safety limits for mercury exposure. These limits were based on environmental toxicity studies. How mercury affects the brain, though, depends very much on the chemical form in which it is ingested.

    In the 20th century, scientists discovered that mercury accumulates in the fish that we eat.
    J nel/Shutterstock.com

    Methylmercury v ethylmercury

    The form of mercury that contaminates the environment as a consequence of industrial processes is methylmercury. The form that is part of thimerosal is ethylmercury.

    The structure of these molecules differs in subtle but important ways. Methylmercury has one more carbon atom and two more hydrogen atoms than ethylmercury. These small differences significantly affect how each compound behaves in the body, particularly, in how easily they dissolve in fats.

    Fat solubility is a key consideration in pharmacokinetics – the science of how drugs and other molecules travel through the body. Briefly, because cell membranes are made of fatty substances, a molecule’s ability to dissolve in fats strongly influences how it crosses these membranes and moves through the body.

    It affects how a molecule is absorbed into the blood, how it is distributed to different tissues, how it is broken down by the body into other chemicals and how it is excreted.

    Methylmercury from environmental contamination is more fat-soluble than ethylmercury from thimerosal. This means that it accumulates more easily in tissues, and is excreted from the body more slowly.

    It also means that it can more easily cross into the brain and accumulate at greater concentrations for longer. For this reason, the safety guidelines that were established for methylmercury were unlikely to accurately predict the safety of ethylmercury.

    Global policy shift amid public fear

    Nevertheless, concerns about vaccine hesitancy, rising autism diagnoses and fears of a potential link to childhood vaccines led to thimerosal being almost entirely removed from childhood vaccines in the US by 2001 and in the UK between 2003 and 2005.

    Beyond biological considerations, policymakers were also responding to concerns about how vaccine fears could undermine immunisation efforts and fuel the spread of infectious diseases.

    Denmark, which removed thimerosal from childhood vaccines in 1992, provided an early opportunity to study the issue. Researchers compared the rates of autism before and after thimerosal’s removal as well as compared with similar countries still using it. Several large studies demonstrated conclusively that thimerosal was not causing autism or neurodevelopmental harm.

    Despite the overwhelming evidence that thimerosal is safe, it is no longer widely used in childhood vaccines in high-income countries, replaced by preservative-free vaccines, which must be stored as a single dose per vial.

    Storing multiple doses of a vaccine in the same vial, however, is still an extremely useful approach in resource-limited settings, in pandemics and where diseases require rapid, large-scale vaccination campaigns – common with influenza.

    International health bodies, including the World Health Organization, continue to support thimerosal’s use. They emphasise that the benefits of immunisation far outweigh the theoretical risks from low-dose ethylmercury exposure.

    Edward Beamer 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. Thimerosal discouraged in US flu vaccines, breaking with WHO guidance – https://theconversation.com/thimerosal-discouraged-in-us-flu-vaccines-breaking-with-who-guidance-259609

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Sixteenth-century tennis was a dangerous sport played with balls covered in wool

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Penny Roberts, Professor of Early Modern European History, University of Warwick

    Portrait of a young boy with a paletta and a ball, late 16th century, artist unknown. Wiki Commons/Canva

    In 1570, a Frenchman was arrested for smuggling clandestine correspondence between France and England. A passing comment in his interrogation document reveals that he also happened to be carrying a leather bag “in which there were three or four dozen balls of wool for playing tennis”.

    The French term used was jeu de paume. This sport was played with the hand (palm), often gloved, rather than a racquet. This developed into the game that in English we usually refer to as “real tennis” (a different beast to the lawn tennis played at Wimbledon).

    The interrogator believed that this cheap merchandise was simply a ruse for the man’s true purpose of communicating with Huguenot exiles. I have written a book, Huguenot Networks, based on this interrogation document, which will be published by Cambridge University Press later this year. But, as a historian, I was intrigued by both the number and makeup of the goods he was transporting. The wool, if wrapped tightly, could certainly have made these balls bouncy.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    By chance, I encountered similar objects in a small display in the Palazzo Te in Mantua in Italy. These balls had apparently been retrieved from the palace roof and several others had come from a nearby church. They were variously made of leather, cloth and string rather than wool, probably stuffed with earth or animal hair. Just like the handmade “real tennis” balls of today, they were harder and more variable in size than regular tennis balls, and usually not so colourful, although sometimes having a simple painted design on the outside.

    Today, “real tennis” is known as the “sport of kings”, praised for testing agility and athletic prowess. The most famous court in England is at Hampton Court, but many others survive in the UK. For instance, there is one down the road from where I work at the University of Warwick, at Moreton Morrell in Warwickshire.

    Louis X of France popularised the sport.
    Gallica

    In the 16th century, real tennis attracted gamblers, meaning it became a later target for Puritans. Anne Boleyn is said to have placed a wager on a match she was watching on the day of her arrest. And Henry VIII, fittingly, supposedly played a match on the day Boleyn was executed.

    And if there is any doubt about how dangerous tennis could be, several royal deaths in France are attributed to it. King Louis X of France was a keen player of jeu de paume. He was the first ruler to order enclosed indoor courts to be constructed. This later became popular across Europe.

    In June 1316, after a particularly exhausting game, Louis X is said to have drunk a large quantity of chilled wine and soon afterwards died – probably of pleurisy, although there was some suspicion of poisoning.

    Likewise, in August 1536, the death of the 18-year-old dauphin, eldest son of Francis I, was blamed on his Italian secretary, the Count of Montecuccoli, who had brought him a glass of cold water after a match. The count was subsequently executed despite a post-mortem suggesting that the prince had died of natural causes.

    By the 16th century, there were two courts at the Louvre and many more around the city of Paris as well as at other royal residences. Ambassadors’ accounts describe frequent games between high-ranking courtiers and the king which could sometimes result in injury, especially if struck by one of the hard balls.

    Our man carrying many tennis balls in 1570 had probably spotted a lucrative opportunity in response to rising demand. The French game had become increasingly popular in England under the Tudors.

    By the Tudor period, no self-respecting European court was without its own purpose-built tennis courts where monarchs and their entourages tested their prowess and skill. They often did so before ambassadors, who could report back to their own rulers, making it a truly competitive international sport.

    Thankfully, today’s game has far fewer dangers – there’s no risk of being hit by a ball full of earth or the fear of mortal retribution after beating an exhausted high-ranking opponent.

    This article features references to books that have been included for editorial reasons, and may contain links to bookshop.org. If you click on one of the links and go on to buy something from bookshop.org The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

    Penny Roberts 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. Sixteenth-century tennis was a dangerous sport played with balls covered in wool – https://theconversation.com/sixteenth-century-tennis-was-a-dangerous-sport-played-with-balls-covered-in-wool-255643

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement on Myanmar

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement on Myanmar

    UK Statement for the Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s report and oral update of the Special Rapporteur on Myanmar. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, High Commissioner, Special Rapporteur and all speakers for your update.

    As you and others have noted, the devastating earthquake in Myanmar on 28 March has compounded an already dire humanitarian crisis. Over 22 million people across the country are now in need of assistance, many forced to flee across borders in search of safety.

    The deliberate blocking of humanitarian access to areas outside military control during the earthquake was unacceptable. The UK provided £25 million through local delivery partners capable of overcoming access restrictions and reaching the most vulnerable.

    The conflict in Rakhine State continues, driving mass displacement and humanitarian crisis, impacting all communities. Reports of human rights abuses and violations continue to emerge, including of arbitrary detention and forced recruitment. Since 2017, the UK has provided over £108 million to support communities in Rakhine with humanitarian aid.

    The military’s airstrikes continue across the country targeting civilian infrastructure including schools and hospitals; this must stop. All parties must protect civilians.

    Meanwhile, courageous journalists and activists continue to document human rights abuses and violations in Myanmar. The UK supports organisations like Myanmar Witness to collect independent, verifiable data, for future prosecution.

    High Commissioner,

    What more can the international community do to support accountability mechanisms to achieve justice for the people of Myanmar?

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: Nimanode AI Agent Marketplace Nears Launch as Presale Surges Through Major Investors Demand

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEEDS, United Kingdom, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Something surreal has been rumbling inside the XRP ecosystem and early participants and major investors are currently taking advantage of it. Nimanode, the pioneering no-code AI agent platform built natively on the XRP Ledger, is nearing the launch of its Zero-Code AI Agent Builder and AI Agent Marketplace.

    Quickly becoming one of the hottest opportunities in the DeFi space this year, the in native $NMA token has quickly filled almost 30% of it’s Presale allocation which has given investors confidence in the potential DeFi breakout of the year.

    Why the Hype about Nimanode

    Nimanode agents aren’t just simple bots.Their agents think, analyze, and execute on-chain tasks ranging from:

    Smart Contract Generation: AI that turns plain-English prompts into executable XRPL Hook contracts.

    DeFi Yield Optimization: Self-directed agents that shift capital between pools to maximize APY.

    Risk Monitoring: Agents that scan wallets and contracts to flag malicious activity in real-time.

    Web3 Customer Support: Deployable support agents that run 24/7 across DAO forums, dApps, and more.

    RWA Compliance: Regulatory agents that keep tokenized assets aligned with local frameworks.
    And all of it can be created from a zero-code interface, allowing creators, DAOs, or institutions to launch an entire automated ecosystem in minutes.

    $NMA Token: Offering Real Utility

    At the heart of the Nimanode ecosystem lies $NMA, the platform’s native utility token. $NMA will be used for:

    • Activating and deploying AI agents
    • Accessing customized modules and agent logic
    • Participating in DAO governance for platform upgrades
    • Powering transactions within the agent marketplace
    • Rewarding top-performing and widely-used agents

    Early Participants are already getting positioned in one of the most talked about DeFi opportunities, expected to deliver exceptional returns as a 25% return on DEX Listing is already planned for $NMA.

    $NMA Presale

    What’s Next for Nimanode

    The launch of its Zero-Code AI Agent Builder and AI Agent Marketplace will be coming shortly after the Presale has been concluded. Community members will be granted first perks as platform creators, earn staking bonus, and gain rewards for beta testing their protocol.

    Nimanode’s emergence offers a timely opportunity to capture investor interest who missed out on early rally of FET, RNDR and AGIX. Nimanode is building an ecosystem that thrives on its infrastructure to rival top AI platforms.

    Don’t miss out! Head to the Nimanode Presale Page now and claim your $NMA tokens before this early opportunity slips away! Participation details are easy and can be clearly seen on their page.

    Stay Connected with Nimanode

    Website: https://nimanode.com

    Twitter/X: https://x.com/nimanodeai

    Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI

    Documentation: https://docs.nimanode.com

    Contact:
    Nick Lambert
    contact@nimanode.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. 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/081e3ace-c939-4cfa-9321-9a2fe4244ec0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: Nimanode AI Agent Marketplace Nears Launch as Presale Surges Through Major Investors Demand

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEEDS, United Kingdom, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Something surreal has been rumbling inside the XRP ecosystem and early participants and major investors are currently taking advantage of it. Nimanode, the pioneering no-code AI agent platform built natively on the XRP Ledger, is nearing the launch of its Zero-Code AI Agent Builder and AI Agent Marketplace.

    Quickly becoming one of the hottest opportunities in the DeFi space this year, the in native $NMA token has quickly filled almost 30% of it’s Presale allocation which has given investors confidence in the potential DeFi breakout of the year.

    Why the Hype about Nimanode

    Nimanode agents aren’t just simple bots.Their agents think, analyze, and execute on-chain tasks ranging from:

    Smart Contract Generation: AI that turns plain-English prompts into executable XRPL Hook contracts.

    DeFi Yield Optimization: Self-directed agents that shift capital between pools to maximize APY.

    Risk Monitoring: Agents that scan wallets and contracts to flag malicious activity in real-time.

    Web3 Customer Support: Deployable support agents that run 24/7 across DAO forums, dApps, and more.

    RWA Compliance: Regulatory agents that keep tokenized assets aligned with local frameworks.
    And all of it can be created from a zero-code interface, allowing creators, DAOs, or institutions to launch an entire automated ecosystem in minutes.

    $NMA Token: Offering Real Utility

    At the heart of the Nimanode ecosystem lies $NMA, the platform’s native utility token. $NMA will be used for:

    • Activating and deploying AI agents
    • Accessing customized modules and agent logic
    • Participating in DAO governance for platform upgrades
    • Powering transactions within the agent marketplace
    • Rewarding top-performing and widely-used agents

    Early Participants are already getting positioned in one of the most talked about DeFi opportunities, expected to deliver exceptional returns as a 25% return on DEX Listing is already planned for $NMA.

    $NMA Presale

    What’s Next for Nimanode

    The launch of its Zero-Code AI Agent Builder and AI Agent Marketplace will be coming shortly after the Presale has been concluded. Community members will be granted first perks as platform creators, earn staking bonus, and gain rewards for beta testing their protocol.

    Nimanode’s emergence offers a timely opportunity to capture investor interest who missed out on early rally of FET, RNDR and AGIX. Nimanode is building an ecosystem that thrives on its infrastructure to rival top AI platforms.

    Don’t miss out! Head to the Nimanode Presale Page now and claim your $NMA tokens before this early opportunity slips away! Participation details are easy and can be clearly seen on their page.

    Stay Connected with Nimanode

    Website: https://nimanode.com

    Twitter/X: https://x.com/nimanodeai

    Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI

    Documentation: https://docs.nimanode.com

    Contact:
    Nick Lambert
    contact@nimanode.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. 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/081e3ace-c939-4cfa-9321-9a2fe4244ec0

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Broadband target exceeded

    Source: Scottish Government

    R100 delivers more than 27,000 faster, ultra-reliable connections in a year. 

    The Scottish Government has surpassed it’s commitment to deliver gigabit-capable broadband connections to 20,000 homes and businesses last year.

    A record 27,000 premises were equipped with faster broadband in 2024-25 through the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme, exceeding a Programme for Government commitment by more than a third.  

     Connections have been made right across the country, from the Killantringan Lighthouse in Dumfries and Galloway to Stornoway in the Western Isles and Baltasound on Shetland.  

     The R100 contracts, being delivered by Openreach, have now enabled more than 80,000 faster broadband connections across the country, with 80% of all R100 contract build to take place in rural areas.  

    Business Minister Richard Lochhead visited Loch Katrine in the Trossachs to hear how access to faster broadband speeds is helping transform opportunities for local businesses.  

    He said:  

    “Fast, reliable broadband is a fundamental building block for economic growth. The Scottish Government’s R100 programme is one of the most ambitious and complex digital infrastructure programmes in Europe, rolling out connections in some of the most challenging locations in the country to help businesses and communities prosper.

    “Despite telecommunications being reserved to the UK Government, our commitment to the R100 programme illustrates this government’s commitment to delivering the digital connectivity people and businesses need to succeed.

     “Exceeding our 2024-25 delivery target was helped by record Scottish Government funding and an ongoing partnership with Openreach maximising the opportunities to deliver fast broadband to even more homes and businesses.”  

    CEO and Lead Trustee of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust, James Fraser said:   

    ”The impact of the introduction of fibre cable connections at Loch Katrine has been transformative for many aspects of our core business and our tenants. With an increasing trend to digital bookings for cruises, eco lodges, cycle hire and meals out, having high speed digital connections is critical to the success of our business and other businesses on the lochside.  

    “Previously our digital speeds were very poor leading to customer dissatisfaction, loss of bookings and customer complaints, particularly from guests staying overnight in our eco lodges or in campervans in our car parks. With the higher speeds now available there has been a marked improvement in digital services with increased customer satisfaction levels.”  

    Openreach Partnership Director for Scotland, Robert Thorburn, said:   

    “It’s brilliant to see businesses like the Steamship Sir Walter Scott benefitting from full fibre. We’re committed to making sure that the hardest-to-reach homes and businesses in Scotland are connected to the latest generation of broadband technology, giving them access to the same fast, reliable services available in our cities.

    “While building new full fibre networks in rural areas throws up many challenges, our engineers have the skills and experience to overcome these and deserve an enormous amount of credit for their work. We’re proud of the role we’ve played, working alongside the Scottish Government, in hitting this significant milestone – but we know that our work isn’t done yet, and we’ll continue to connect communities across the country.”  

    Background  

    The commitment to connect over 20,000 premises to gigabit capable broadband in areas of market failure by March 2025, through delivery of three regional, multi-year contracts with Openreach is set out in the Programme for Government 2024-25: Serving Scotland  

    Originally conceived as a superfast broadband programme, R100 is now providing a gigabit-capable connection – a speed more than 30 times faster than superfast broadband – in around 99% of cases. Building to some of the hardest-to-reach parts of Scotland, a total of 78,000 connections have enabled access to faster broadband as a result of the R100 contracts.      

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: West End LIVE celebrates 20 years of show-stopping performances in Trafalgar Square | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    West End LIVE returned to Trafalgar Square for its 20th anniversary on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 June, drawing thousands of theatre lovers to the heart of Westminster to enjoy world-class musical performances. 

    Organised by Westminster City Council in partnership with the Society of London Theatre, West End LIVE has grown over two decades to become Europe’s largest free musical theatre festival. Over the weekend, 70,000 people attended and there have been 1.46 million views on the YouTube videos from the event. 

    This year’s line-up featured over 60 performances with a mix of beloved classics and recent hits, delivering an unforgettable showcase of the most iconic songs across all West End musicals. A special performance celebrating two decades of West End LIVE took centre stage on Sunday afternoon with memorable songs from musicals of the last 20 years, some of which are no longer running in West End.

    For the first time, working alongside our power provider, Film and TV Services, the entire event was powered by 100% green energy using grid-supplied electricity, Battery Energy Storage Systems, and state-of-the-art Stage V backup generators. 

    This year, we also made improvements to our pre-allocated accessibility viewing area and worked with Nimbus Disability to provide guests with greater clarity on the documentation they needed. 

    In addition to showcasing the very best of the West End to visitors from across the world, the event was a community celebration and attended by guests from community organisations across Westminster in line with our aim of increasing cultural access for local residents. 

    Cllr Ryan Jude, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology and Culture, said:  

    “West End LIVE is one of the highlights of Westminster’s cultural calendar, and it was fantastic to see Trafalgar Square filled with so much energy, talent, and thousands of theatre lovers.

    “This year, we’re especially proud that the event was powered by 100% green energy, reflecting our commitment to creating a Fairer Environment by reducing the carbon footprint of large-scale cultural events.

    “Through our partnership with the Society of London Theatre, the impact of West End LIVE reaches far beyond a single weekend.  Working together, we’re proud to be increasing access to cultural opportunities for residents and young people in Westminster. West End LIVE is a wonderful example of how we are ensuring everyone has the chance to experience the amazing cultural opportunities we have on offer in our city.” 

    Emma De Souza, Executive Director (Audiences & Commercial) at Society of London Theatre & UK Theatre, said:  

    “Our 20th West End LIVE was truly memorable, welcoming so many brilliant shows to the stage from the West End and beyond. International stage and screen celebrities such as Corbin Bleu, Kevin McHale, Keala Settle, Vanessa Williams and Rachel Zegler took to the stage, alongside some of our best-loved West End and Broadway stars including Carrie Hope Fletcher, Lee Mead, Andy Nyman, Orfeh and Marisha Wallace, and an abundance of home-grown talent including acclaimed singer Fleur East. 

    “This event would not be possible without the unique relationship we have forged with Westminster City Council over the past 20 years, and we are very grateful to them, to all of the shows involved, and to our sponsors for their ongoing support.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council to work with partners to improve outdoor sports facilities across the city

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Friday, 27th June 2025

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council is set to strengthen its commitment to improving outdoor sports facilities as it approves the latest version of its Playing Pitch Strategy.

    The updated strategy will be discussed at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday 24 June and sets out where sports provision across the city currently meets demand, alongside where improvements are needed.

    The council will continue to work closely with national governing bodies, Sport England, local clubs and schools to deliver improvements.

    The strategy focuses on making the most of existing facilities, investing in those that need attention, and creating new ones where they are needed.

    This work supports the council’s wider aim to improve people’s physical and mental health and help communities connect through sport and physical activity.

    Key recommendations include:

    • Protecting existing sports facilities
    • Improving the quality of facilities, especially those that are overused or in poor condition
    • Working with schools and others to open up more spaces for community use
    • Helping clubs secure long-term access to the places they play
    • Exploring opportunities to transfer suitable sites to clubs to manage
    • Upgrading changing rooms and other support facilities, especially to support mixed-gender use
    • Adding more sports lighting to increase access and extend playing times
    • Using funding from new housing developments to improve sports provision
    • Maintaining strong partnerships to help secure funding and deliver the improvements

    Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Playing sports has so many benefits for our physical and mental health and it also fosters a sense of community by connecting with residents through the power of sport.

    “That is why it is so important that the city’s outdoor facilities are fit for purpose and available to use, which is why we are looking at measures to ensure they are continually improved.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement for the Special Rapporteur on Burundi

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement for the Special Rapporteur on Burundi

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Burundi. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr. President.

    We thank the Special Rapporteur for his timely update and again recognise the ongoing importance of his mandate. We reiterate our call on Burundi to grant him full access to the country.

    Mr President, the UK welcomes the peaceful conduct of Burundi’s recent legislative elections, as reported by the African Union observer mission.

    However, we are concerned by reports of serious irregularities, including voter intimidation, duplicate and fraudulent registrations and the early opening of polling stations without the presence of officials. Opposition parties must be allowed to engage meaningfully in democratic processes.

    We call on the government of Burundi to address these issues transparently, to enable the people of Burundi to fully exercise their civil and political rights.

    We also remain deeply concerned by ongoing restrictions on human rights defenders and journalists. We urge Burundi to take further steps to protect civic space, and to ensure inclusive governance and political pluralism.

    Special Rapporteur,

    How can the international community best support Burundi in strengthening its existing democratic processes?

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement on the Situation of Human Rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement on the Situation of Human Rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

    UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue on the High Commissioner’s Report on the Situation of Human Rights in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Delivered by the UK’s Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

    Thank you, Mr Vice President.

    Nearly a year has passed since the July 2024 presidential elections, yet instead of transparency, Venezuelan authorities have deepened repression. An alarming cycle of human rights violations continues to take place.

    Over 900 Venezuelans remain arbitrarily detained, with reports of enforced disappearances targeting opposition members, human rights defenders and the independent media. Many detainees are held incommunicado, denied access to legal counsel and subjected to due process violations. The justice system, far from protecting victims, has become a tool of repression. Civil society has been stifled, worsened by the so-called ‘anti-NGO’ law, which undermines the ability of organisations to operate freely. 

    The UK strongly condemns the continued erosion of human rights and calls for an immediate end to the repression. 

    We commend the OHCHR’s vital work. We remain deeply concerned by the limited return of its office in Venezuela. Now more than ever, its presence in Caracas is essential: to monitor the worsening human rights situation, ensure accountability, and uphold fundamental freedoms.

    We are keen to hear any assessment the OHCHR has made of the impact of arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances on families in Venezuela, especially on women and girls.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets Under-Secretary of State for Africa at UK Foreign Ministry

    Source: Government of Qatar

    London, June 26, 2025

    HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Thursday with HE Under-Secretary of State for Africa at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Lord Collins of Highbury, on the sidelines of the World Humanitarian Forum, held in London, UK.

    During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enhance them, in addition to several topics of mutual interest.

    HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani attended the meeting.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State for International Cooperation Meets British Officials

    Source: Government of Qatar

    London, June 26, 2025

    HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Thursday with HE CEO of the World Humanitarian Forum Feraye Ozfescioglu, HE Lord of Wimbledon, former Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia and United Nations at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Lord Tariq Ahmad, and member of the Advisory Board of the World Humanitarian Forum Richard Hawkes, on the sidelines of the World Humanitarian Forum, held in London, UK.

    During the meeting, cooperation relations were discussed, as well as ways to support and enhance them, in addition to several topics of mutual interest.

    HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani attended the meeting.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Statement by President Meloni on International Day against Drug Abuse

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    Drugs destroy people’s lives, enslaving them and making them powerless. Addiction doesn’t have the last word, and those who have fallen into it can find hope again. We do not intend to give in to indifference, and will do everything necessary to give dignity and a future back to those who have fallen into the abyss of drug abuse.

    These are some of the key messages we intend to reiterate today, on the International Day against Drug Abuse established by the United Nations.

    This Government has undertaken extraordinary efforts to combat drugs and prevent addiction, accompanying this work with a record financial investment of approximately EUR 165 million, around double what was available in previous years.

    We still have a lot of work to do in order to overcome this challenge but, as Pope Leo XIV highlighted during today’s audience with Italy’s anti-addiction system, the key word is “together”.

    Together with communities, third sector entities, scientific organisations, doctors, healthcare professionals, public addiction services, regional and local authorities. Together with all those who pursue the common good, and care about the dignity of each and every person. This has been the spirit behind the Government’s work ever since it took office, and it will continue to drive its efforts. 

    [Courtesy translation]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Michelin Guide scrutiny could boost Philly tourism, but will it stifle chefs’ freedom to experiment and innovate?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jonathan Deutsch, Professor of Food and Hospitality Management, Drexel University

    Chef Phila Lorn prepares a bowl of noodle soup at Mawn restaurant in Philadelphia. AP Photo/Matt Rourke

    The Philadelphia restaurant scene is abuzz with the news that the famed Michelin Guide is coming to town.

    As a research chef and educator at Drexel University in Philadelphia, I am following the Michelin developments closely.

    Having eaten in Michelin restaurants in other cities, I am confident that Philly has at least a few star-worthy restaurants. Our innovative dining scene was named one of the top 10 in the U.S. by Food & Wine in 2025.

    Researchers have convincingly shown that Michelin ratings can boost tourism, so Philly gaining some starred restaurants could bring more revenue for the city.

    But as the lead author of the textbook “Culinary Improvisation,” which teaches creativity, I also worry the Michelin scrutiny could make chefs more focused on delivering a consistent experience than continuing along the innovative trajectory that attracts Michelin in the first place.

    Ingredients for culinary innovation

    In “Culinary Improvisation” we discuss three elements needed to foster innovation in the kitchen.

    The first is mastery of culinary technique, both classical and modern. Simply stated, this refers to good cooking.

    The second is access to a diverse range of ingredients and flavors. The more colors the artist has on their palette, the more directions the creation can take.

    And the third, which is key to my concerns, is a collaborative and supportive environment where chefs can take risks and make mistakes. Research shows a close link between risk-taking workplaces and innovation.

    According to the Michelin Guide, stars are awarded to outstanding restaurants based on: “quality of ingredients, mastery of cooking techniques and flavors, the personality of the chef as expressed in the cuisine, value for money, and consistency of the dining experience both across the menu and over time.”

    The criteria do not mention innovation.

    It’s possible the high-stakes lure of a Michelin star, which awards consistent excellence, could lead Philly’s most vibrant and creative chefs and restaurateurs to pull back on the risks that led to the city’s culinary excellence in the first place.

    Local food writers believe Vernick Fish is a top contender for a Michelin star.
    Photo courtesy of Vernick Fish

    The obvious contenders

    Philadelphia’s preeminent restaurant critic Craig LaBan and journalist and former restaurateur Kiki Aranita discussed local contenders for Michelin stars in a recent article in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

    The 19 restaurants LaBan and Aranita discuss as possible star contenders average just over a one-mile walk from the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

    Together they have received 78 James Beard nominations or awards, which are considered the “Oscars” of the food industry. That’s an average of over four per restaurant.

    And when I tried to book a table for two on a Wednesday and Saturday before 9 p.m., about half were already fully booked for dinner two weeks out, in July, which is the slow season for dining in Philadelphia.

    If LaBan’s and Aranita’s predictions are right, Michelin will be an added recognition for restaurants that are already successful and centrally located.

    Black Dragon Takeout fuses Black American cuisine with the aesthetics of classic Chinese American takeout.
    Jeff Fusco/The Conversation, CC BY-SA

    Off the beaten path

    When the Michelin Guide started in France at the turn of the 19th century, it encouraged diners to take the road less traveled to their next gastronomic experience.

    It has since evolved into recommendations for a road well traveled: safe, lauded and already hard-to-get-into restaurants. In Philly these could be restaurants such as Vetri Cucina, Zahav, Vernick Fish, Provenance, Royal Sushi and Izakaya, Ogawa and Friday Saturday Sunday, to name a few on LaBan and Aranita’s list.

    And yet Philadelphia has over 6,000 restaurants spread across 135 square miles of the city. Philadelphia is known as a city of neighborhoods, and these neighborhoods are rich with food diversity and innovation.

    Consider Jacob Trinh’s Vietnamese-tinged seafood tasting menu at Little Fish in Queen Village; Kurt Evans’ gumbo lo mein at Black Dragon Takeout in West Philly; the beef cheek confit with avocado mousse at Temir Satybaldiev’s Ginger in the Northeast; and the West African XO sauce at Honeysuckle, owned by Omar Tate and Cybille St.Aude-Tate, on North Broad Street.

    I hope the Michelin inspectors will venture far beyond the obvious candidates to experience more of what Philadelphia has to offer.

    The Michelin Guide announced it will include Philadelphia and Boston in its next Northeast Cities edition.
    Matthieu Delaty/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images

    Raising the bar

    In the frenzy surrounding the Michelin scrutiny, chef friends have invited me to dine at their restaurants and share my feedback as they refine their menus in anticipation of visits from anonymous Michelin inspectors.

    Restaurateurs have been asking my colleagues and me for talent suggestions to replace well-liked and capable cooks, servers and managers whom owners perceive to be just not Michelin-star level.

    And managers are texting us names of suspected reviewers, triggered by some tell-tale signs – a solo diner with a weeknight tasting menu reservation, no dietary restrictions or special requests, and a conspicuously light internet presence.

    In all, I am excited about Philadelphians being excited about Michelin. Any opportunity to spotlight the city’s restaurant community and tighten its food and service quality raises the bar among local chefs and restaurateurs and makes the experience better for diners. And the prospect of business travelers and culinary tourists enjoying lunches and early-week dinners can help restaurants, their workers and the city earn more revenue.

    But in the din of the press events and hype, let’s not forget that Philadelphians don’t need an outside arbiter to tell us what we already know: Philly is a great place to eat and drink.

    _Read more of our stories about Philadelphia.

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

    – ref. Michelin Guide scrutiny could boost Philly tourism, but will it stifle chefs’ freedom to experiment and innovate? – https://theconversation.com/michelin-guide-scrutiny-could-boost-philly-tourism-but-will-it-stifle-chefs-freedom-to-experiment-and-innovate-256752

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Scandinavia has its own dark history of assimilating Indigenous people, and churches played a role – but are apologizing

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Thomas A. DuBois, Professor of Scandinavian Studies, Folklore, and Religious Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison

    A church in Kiruna, Sweden, designed by architect Gustaf Wickman to resemble a Sami hut. Apolline Guillerot-Malick/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    In May 2025, Tapio Luoma, archbishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, delivered an apology to the Sámi, the only recognized Indigenous people in the European Union.

    Speaking on behalf of the church to which more than 6 in 10 of the Finnish populace belong, including most Sámi, Luoma acknowledged its role in past activities that stigmatized Sámi language and culture.

    The church “has not respected the rights to self-determination of the Sámi people,” his address began. “Before God and all of you here assembled, we express our regret and ask forgiveness of the Sámi people.”

    Luoma’s words were the latest in a series of apologies through which the former state churches in Scandinavia have sought to reset their relations with the Indigenous population of Sápmi, the natural and cultural area of Sámi people. Today, the region is divided between Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia.

    As a scholar of Sámi culture, and as a researcher of Nordic folklore and religion, I have studied the difficult, often painful, relations between Sámi and the various Nordic state churches.

    Church’s power

    For thousands of years, the Sámi population lived by hunting, fishing and reindeer husbandry along the northern edges of Scandinavia. The Sámi possessed their own languages and maintained distinctive spiritual traditions and healing practices, drawing on traditional ecological knowledge that they had accrued over countless generations. In times of crisis or uncertainty, for example, communities used ceremonial drums to communicate with the spirit world and divine the future.

    Conflicts emerged by the 13th century, however, as Christian realms expanded north. Christian clerics condemned Sámi spiritual traditions as “heathen devilry.”

    An 18th-century carving of a Sámi shaman with his drum.
    Beskrivelse over Finnmarkens Lapper, deres Tungemaal, Levemaade og forrige Afgudsdyrkelse/O. H. von Lode/Wikimedia Commons

    During the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, Scandinavian rulers shifted from Catholicism to Lutheranism. In addition to tending to the souls of their flocks, ministers were tasked with keeping track of the comings and goings of congregation members, collecting taxes, and administering justice for lesser crimes.

    They aimed to stamp out the spiritual practices that many Sámi continued to practice alongside Christianity. Church authorities arrested, fined and sometimes even executed practitioners, while confiscating sacred drums to be destroyed or sent to distant museums.

    The church’s ritual of confirmation, which marks the passage from adolescence into adulthood, also acquired legal status. Being confirmed required the ability to read and interpret the Bible and Martin Luther’s Catechism, a summary of the Lutheran Church’s beliefs. As the church became part of the state, people who had not received confirmation could not represent themselves in court, own land or even marry.

    Lake Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church, the oldest Sami church still in use, in Inari Municipality, Lapland, Finland.
    VW PICS/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    And where Luther had called for religious instruction to occur in one’s native language, most Nordic clergy provided catechesis only in the majority language, considering Sámi language and traditions impediments to true conversion.

    Assimilation efforts

    During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the new “nation states” of Finland, Norway and Sweden emerged on the world stage. In each country, political leaders conflated what the ancient Greeks called the “demos” – members of a political nation – with an “ethnos,” a cultural group. In order to belong to the Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish political nations, political and cultural leaders of these new states asserted that it was necessary to belong to the majority linguistic and cultural community.

    Finland’s 1919 constitution made provision for Swedish, which is still used by about 5% of the population, as a national language alongside Finnish. However, the government accorded no such status to Sámi.

    Both state-run residential boarding schools and schools run by churches included Lutheranism as a subject and strove relentlessly to assimilate Sámi into the majority culture, language and worldview, teaching children to see their culture as backward and shameful. Some church and school authorities cooperated with pseudoscientific racial researchers measuring students’ heads and excavating Sámi graves.

    A ‘nomad school’ for Sami children in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle, in 1956.
    John Firth/BIPs/Getty Images

    As a result, many students ceased to identify as Sámi and adopted the majority language as their primary mode of communication. Today, only about half the people who identify as Sámi have any facility in Sámi languages, which are considered endangered.

    After World War II, church attendance in all the Nordic countries began to plummet. Where 98% of the Finnish population belonged to the state church in 1900, by 2024 that percentage had dropped to 62%. The bulk of defections consisted of people who registered as having no religious affiliation. Membership in the national church shifted from compulsory to voluntary.

    Yet as anthropologist David Koester shows, some elements of Lutheran tradition remain extremely popular in all the Nordic countries, particularly Confirmation. The ritual remains a key rite of passage for most Sámi today, yet many of them wrestle with whether they should remain faithful to a church that had worked to suppress their community’s language and culture.

    Reconciliation today

    Searching for a path forward, contemporary Sámi artist and Lutheran catechist Lars Levi Sunna began to produce church art that incorporated and celebrated pre-Christian Sámi symbols – some of the very traditions that had been demonized by clergy of the past.

    For example, in a church in the northern Swedish town of Jukkasjärvi, an image of the sun as it appeared on Sámi ceremonial drums now faces the altar, providing a vivid reminder of the spiritual history and past worldview of the church’s Sámi congregation. The symbol now encloses an image of a communion wafer carved of reindeer antler.

    In 2005, Sunna created a traveling art exhibit that portrayed Sámi Christianization as an act of cultural violence. The exhibit, designed for temporary installation in church sanctuaries, aimed to provoke discussion and encourage open dialogue about the past.

    Similarly, in 2008, Norwegian Sámi filmmaker Nils Gaup produced “Kautokeino Rebellion,” a film recounting clergy’s role in suppressing religious activism among followers of a Swedish Sámi minister, Lars Levi Laestadius. The so-called uprising in 1852 led to the imprisonment of several dozen Sámi and the execution of two men – whose skulls were deposited in a research institute and did not receive proper burial until 1997.

    Descended from one of the punished families, Gaup reminded his audience of past injustice shrouded in shame and silence.

    Since church attendance is infrequent in Nordic countries, art and film serve as important vehicles for raising awareness of the church’s past. In November 2021, the archbishop of Sweden, Antje Jackelén, issued a formal apology to the Sámi. Sámi artist and activist Anders Sunna was invited to temporarily redecorate the sanctuary of the Cathedral of Uppsala for the occasion. His decorations included reminders of past Sámi sacrificial traditions that took place both outdoors and around hearth fires. In place of a grand altar, Sunna erected a simple table, surrounded by an octagon of benches where the bishop and members of the Sámi community would sit face to face with a sense of equality and respect.

    As Sámi theologian Tore Johnsen notes, formal apologies are necessary first steps in a process of reconciliation. But only once they are followed by concrete acts of “restoration” can real reconciliation occur.

    When the Finnish archbishop apologized in May 2025, Sámi in attendance at the Turku Cathedral were appreciative, but they were eager to see what actions might follow, according to reporters at the ceremony. The same wait-and-see attitude characterizes Sámi responses to state-run Truth and Reconciliation processes, which occurred in Norway in 2023 and are currently ongoing in Sweden and Finland.

    The process of healing a society injured by colonialism is difficult and slow, requiring extensive discussion – much of it uncomfortable. With Luoma’s words of apology and the arrival of Sámi to listen and witness, an important step in that process occurred.

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

    – ref. Scandinavia has its own dark history of assimilating Indigenous people, and churches played a role – but are apologizing – https://theconversation.com/scandinavia-has-its-own-dark-history-of-assimilating-indigenous-people-and-churches-played-a-role-but-are-apologizing-255827

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Jews were barred from Spain’s New World colonies − but that didn’t stop Jewish and converso writers from describing the Americas

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Flora Cassen, Senior Faculty, Hartman Institute and Associate Professor of History and Jewish Studies, Washington University in St. Louis

    An auto-da-fé − a public punishment for heretics − in San Bartolome Otzolotepec, in present-day Mexico. Museo Nacional de Arte via Wikimedia Commons

    Every few years, a story about Columbus resurfaces: Was the Genoese navigator who claimed the Americas for Spain secretly Jewish, from a Spanish family fleeing the Inquisition?

    This tale became widespread around the late 19th century, when large numbers of Jews came from Russia and Eastern Europe to the United States. For these immigrants, 1492 held double significance: the year of Jews’ expulsion from Spain, as well as Columbus’ voyage of discovery. At a time when many Americans viewed the explorer as a hero, the idea that he might have been one of their own offered Jewish immigrants a link to the beginnings of their new country and the American story of freedom from Old World tyranny.

    The problem with the Columbus-was-a-Jew theory isn’t just that it’s based on flimsy evidence. It also distracts from the far more complex and true story of Spanish Jews in the Americas.

    In the 15th century, the kingdom’s Jews faced a wrenching choice: convert to Christianity or leave the land their families had called home for generations. Portugal’s Jews faced similar persecution. Whether they sought a new place to settle or stayed and hoped to be accepted as members of Christian society, both groups were searching for belonging.

    Jewish religious items at the Museo Metropolitano in Monterrey, Mexico.
    Thelmadatter/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    We are scholars of Jewish history and have been working on the first English translations of two texts from the 16th century. “The Book of New India,” by Joseph Ha-Kohen, and the spiritual writings of Luis de Carvajal are two of the earliest Jewish texts about the Americas.

    The story of the New World is not complete without the voices of Jewish communities that engaged with it from the very beginning.

    Double consciousness

    The first Jews in the Americas were, in fact, not Jews but “conversos,” meaning “converts,” and their descendants.

    After a millennium of relatively peaceful and prosperous life on Iberian soil, the Jews of Spain were attacked by a wave of mob violence in the summer of 1391. Afterward, thousands of Jews were forcibly converted.

    Synagogue of El Tránsito, a 14th-century Jewish congregation in Toledo, Spain.
    Selbymay/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    While conversos were officially members of the Catholic Church, neighbors looked at them with suspicion. Some of these converts were “crypto-Jews,” who secretly held on to their ancestral faith. Spanish authorities formed the Inquisition to root out anyone the church considered heretics, especially people who had converted from Judaism and Islam.

    In 1492, after conquering the last Muslim stronghold in Spain, monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella gave the remaining Spanish Jews the choice of conversion or exile. Eventually, people who converted from Islam would be expelled as well.

    Among Jews who converted, some sought new lives within the rapidly expanding Spanish empire. As the historian Jonathan Israel wrote, Jews and conversos were both “agents and victims of empire.” Their familiarity with Iberian language and culture, combined with the dispersion of their community, positioned them to participate in the new global economy: trade in sugar, textiles, spices – and the trade in human lives, Atlantic slavery.

    Yet conversos were also far more vulnerable than their compatriots: They could lose it all, even end up burned alive at the stake, because of their beliefs. This double consciousness – being part of the culture, yet apart from it – is what makes conversos vital to understanding the complexities of colonial Latin America.

    By the 17th century, once the Dutch and the English conquered parts of the Americas, Jews would be able to live there. Often, these were families whose ancestors had been expelled from the Iberian peninsula. In the first Spanish and Portuguese colonies, however, Jews were not allowed to openly practice their faith.

    Secret spirituality

    One of these conversos was Luis de Carvajal. His uncle, the similarly named Luis de Carvajal y de la Cueva, was a merchant, slave trader and conquistador. As a reward for his exploits he was named governor of the New Kingdom of León, in the northeast of modern-day Mexico. In 1579 he brought over a large group of relatives to help him settle and administer the rugged territory, which was made up of swamps, deserts and silver mines.

    A statue in Monterrey, Mexico, of Luis Carvajal y de la Cueva.
    Ricardo DelaG/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    The uncle was a devout Catholic who attempted to shed his converso past, integrating himself into the landed gentry of Spain’s New World empire. Luis the younger, however, his potential heir, was a passionate crypto-Jew who spent his free time composing prayers to the God of Israel and secretly following the commandments of the Torah.

    When Luis and his family were arrested by the Inquisition in 1595, his book of spiritual writings was discovered and used as evidence of his secret Jewish life. Luis, his mother and sister were burned at the stake, but the small, leather-bound diary survived.

    A 19th-century depiction of the execution of Luis de Carvajal the Younger’s sister.
    ‘El Libro Rojo, 1520-1867’ via Wikimedia Commons

    Luis’ religious thought drew on a wide range of early modern Spanish culture. He used a Latin Bible and drew inspiration from the inwardly focused spirituality of Catholic thinkers such as Fray Luis de Granada, a Dominican theologian. He met with the hermit and mystic Gregorio López. He discovered passages from Maimonides and other rabbis quoted in the works of Catholic theologians whom he read at the famed monastery of Santiago de Tlatelolco, in Mexico City, where he worked as an assistant to the rector.

    His spiritual writings are deeply American: The wide deserts and furious hurricanes of Mexico were the setting of his spiritual awakenings, and his encounters with the people and cultures of the emerging Atlantic world shaped his religious vision. This little book is a unique example of the brilliant, creative culture that developed in the crossing from Old World to New, born out of the exchange and conflict between diverse cultures, languages and faiths.

    A glimpse of Luis de Carvajal’s spiritual writings, photographed in New York City.
    Ronnie Perelis

    More than translation

    Spanish Jews who refused to convert in 1492, meanwhile, had been forced into exile and barred from the kingdom’s colonies.

    The journey of Joseph Ha-Kohen’s family illustrates the hardships. After the expulsion, his parents moved to Avignon, the papal city in southern France, where Joseph was born in 1496. From there, they made their way to Genoa, the Italian merchant city, hoping to establish themselves. But it was not to be. The family was repeatedly expelled, permitted to return, and then expelled again.

    Despite these upheavals, Ha-Kohen became a doctor and a merchant, a leader in the Jewish community – earning the respect of the Christian community, too. Toward the end of his life, he settled in a small mountain town beyond the city’s borders and turned to writing.

    After a book on wars between Christianity and Islam, and another one on the history of the Jews, he began a new project. Ha-Kohen adapted “Historia General de las Indias,” an account of the Americas’ colonization by Spanish historian Francisco López de Gómara, reshaping the text for a Jewish audience.

    A 1733 edition of ‘Divrei Ha-Yamim,’ Ha-Kohen’s book about wars between Christian and Muslim cultures.
    John Carter Brown Library via Wikimedia Commons

    Ha-Kohen’s work was the first Hebrew-language book about the Americas. The text was hundreds of pages long – and he copied his entire manuscript nine times by hand. He had never seen the Americas, but his own life of repeated uprooting may have led him to wonder whether Jews would one day seek refuge there.

    Ha-Kohen wanted his readers to have access to the text’s geographical, botanical and anthropological information, but not to Spain’s triumphalist narrative. So he created an adapted, hybrid translation. The differences between versions reveal the complexities of being a European Jew in the age of exploration.

    Ha-Kohen omitted references to the Americas as Spanish territory and criticized the conquistadors for their brutality toward Indigenous peoples. At times, he compared Native Americans with the ancient Israelites of the Bible, feeling a kinship with them as fellow victims of oppression. Yet at other moments he expressed estrangement and even revulsion at Indigenous customs and described their religious practices as “darkness.”

    Translating these men’s writing is not just a matter of bringing a text from one language into another. It is also a deep reflection on the complex position of Jews and conversos in those years. Their unique vantage point offers a window into the intertwined histories of Europe, the Americas and the in-betweenness that marked the Jewish experience in the early modern world.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Jews were barred from Spain’s New World colonies − but that didn’t stop Jewish and converso writers from describing the Americas – https://theconversation.com/jews-were-barred-from-spains-new-world-colonies-but-that-didnt-stop-jewish-and-converso-writers-from-describing-the-americas-258278

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Jews were barred from Spain’s New World colonies − but that didn’t stop Jewish and converso writers from describing the Americas

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Flora Cassen, Senior Faculty, Hartman Institute and Associate Professor of History and Jewish Studies, Washington University in St. Louis

    An auto-da-fé − a public punishment for heretics − in San Bartolome Otzolotepec, in present-day Mexico. Museo Nacional de Arte via Wikimedia Commons

    Every few years, a story about Columbus resurfaces: Was the Genoese navigator who claimed the Americas for Spain secretly Jewish, from a Spanish family fleeing the Inquisition?

    This tale became widespread around the late 19th century, when large numbers of Jews came from Russia and Eastern Europe to the United States. For these immigrants, 1492 held double significance: the year of Jews’ expulsion from Spain, as well as Columbus’ voyage of discovery. At a time when many Americans viewed the explorer as a hero, the idea that he might have been one of their own offered Jewish immigrants a link to the beginnings of their new country and the American story of freedom from Old World tyranny.

    The problem with the Columbus-was-a-Jew theory isn’t just that it’s based on flimsy evidence. It also distracts from the far more complex and true story of Spanish Jews in the Americas.

    In the 15th century, the kingdom’s Jews faced a wrenching choice: convert to Christianity or leave the land their families had called home for generations. Portugal’s Jews faced similar persecution. Whether they sought a new place to settle or stayed and hoped to be accepted as members of Christian society, both groups were searching for belonging.

    Jewish religious items at the Museo Metropolitano in Monterrey, Mexico.
    Thelmadatter/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    We are scholars of Jewish history and have been working on the first English translations of two texts from the 16th century. “The Book of New India,” by Joseph Ha-Kohen, and the spiritual writings of Luis de Carvajal are two of the earliest Jewish texts about the Americas.

    The story of the New World is not complete without the voices of Jewish communities that engaged with it from the very beginning.

    Double consciousness

    The first Jews in the Americas were, in fact, not Jews but “conversos,” meaning “converts,” and their descendants.

    After a millennium of relatively peaceful and prosperous life on Iberian soil, the Jews of Spain were attacked by a wave of mob violence in the summer of 1391. Afterward, thousands of Jews were forcibly converted.

    Synagogue of El Tránsito, a 14th-century Jewish congregation in Toledo, Spain.
    Selbymay/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    While conversos were officially members of the Catholic Church, neighbors looked at them with suspicion. Some of these converts were “crypto-Jews,” who secretly held on to their ancestral faith. Spanish authorities formed the Inquisition to root out anyone the church considered heretics, especially people who had converted from Judaism and Islam.

    In 1492, after conquering the last Muslim stronghold in Spain, monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella gave the remaining Spanish Jews the choice of conversion or exile. Eventually, people who converted from Islam would be expelled as well.

    Among Jews who converted, some sought new lives within the rapidly expanding Spanish empire. As the historian Jonathan Israel wrote, Jews and conversos were both “agents and victims of empire.” Their familiarity with Iberian language and culture, combined with the dispersion of their community, positioned them to participate in the new global economy: trade in sugar, textiles, spices – and the trade in human lives, Atlantic slavery.

    Yet conversos were also far more vulnerable than their compatriots: They could lose it all, even end up burned alive at the stake, because of their beliefs. This double consciousness – being part of the culture, yet apart from it – is what makes conversos vital to understanding the complexities of colonial Latin America.

    By the 17th century, once the Dutch and the English conquered parts of the Americas, Jews would be able to live there. Often, these were families whose ancestors had been expelled from the Iberian peninsula. In the first Spanish and Portuguese colonies, however, Jews were not allowed to openly practice their faith.

    Secret spirituality

    One of these conversos was Luis de Carvajal. His uncle, the similarly named Luis de Carvajal y de la Cueva, was a merchant, slave trader and conquistador. As a reward for his exploits he was named governor of the New Kingdom of León, in the northeast of modern-day Mexico. In 1579 he brought over a large group of relatives to help him settle and administer the rugged territory, which was made up of swamps, deserts and silver mines.

    A statue in Monterrey, Mexico, of Luis Carvajal y de la Cueva.
    Ricardo DelaG/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    The uncle was a devout Catholic who attempted to shed his converso past, integrating himself into the landed gentry of Spain’s New World empire. Luis the younger, however, his potential heir, was a passionate crypto-Jew who spent his free time composing prayers to the God of Israel and secretly following the commandments of the Torah.

    When Luis and his family were arrested by the Inquisition in 1595, his book of spiritual writings was discovered and used as evidence of his secret Jewish life. Luis, his mother and sister were burned at the stake, but the small, leather-bound diary survived.

    A 19th-century depiction of the execution of Luis de Carvajal the Younger’s sister.
    ‘El Libro Rojo, 1520-1867’ via Wikimedia Commons

    Luis’ religious thought drew on a wide range of early modern Spanish culture. He used a Latin Bible and drew inspiration from the inwardly focused spirituality of Catholic thinkers such as Fray Luis de Granada, a Dominican theologian. He met with the hermit and mystic Gregorio López. He discovered passages from Maimonides and other rabbis quoted in the works of Catholic theologians whom he read at the famed monastery of Santiago de Tlatelolco, in Mexico City, where he worked as an assistant to the rector.

    His spiritual writings are deeply American: The wide deserts and furious hurricanes of Mexico were the setting of his spiritual awakenings, and his encounters with the people and cultures of the emerging Atlantic world shaped his religious vision. This little book is a unique example of the brilliant, creative culture that developed in the crossing from Old World to New, born out of the exchange and conflict between diverse cultures, languages and faiths.

    A glimpse of Luis de Carvajal’s spiritual writings, photographed in New York City.
    Ronnie Perelis

    More than translation

    Spanish Jews who refused to convert in 1492, meanwhile, had been forced into exile and barred from the kingdom’s colonies.

    The journey of Joseph Ha-Kohen’s family illustrates the hardships. After the expulsion, his parents moved to Avignon, the papal city in southern France, where Joseph was born in 1496. From there, they made their way to Genoa, the Italian merchant city, hoping to establish themselves. But it was not to be. The family was repeatedly expelled, permitted to return, and then expelled again.

    Despite these upheavals, Ha-Kohen became a doctor and a merchant, a leader in the Jewish community – earning the respect of the Christian community, too. Toward the end of his life, he settled in a small mountain town beyond the city’s borders and turned to writing.

    After a book on wars between Christianity and Islam, and another one on the history of the Jews, he began a new project. Ha-Kohen adapted “Historia General de las Indias,” an account of the Americas’ colonization by Spanish historian Francisco López de Gómara, reshaping the text for a Jewish audience.

    A 1733 edition of ‘Divrei Ha-Yamim,’ Ha-Kohen’s book about wars between Christian and Muslim cultures.
    John Carter Brown Library via Wikimedia Commons

    Ha-Kohen’s work was the first Hebrew-language book about the Americas. The text was hundreds of pages long – and he copied his entire manuscript nine times by hand. He had never seen the Americas, but his own life of repeated uprooting may have led him to wonder whether Jews would one day seek refuge there.

    Ha-Kohen wanted his readers to have access to the text’s geographical, botanical and anthropological information, but not to Spain’s triumphalist narrative. So he created an adapted, hybrid translation. The differences between versions reveal the complexities of being a European Jew in the age of exploration.

    Ha-Kohen omitted references to the Americas as Spanish territory and criticized the conquistadors for their brutality toward Indigenous peoples. At times, he compared Native Americans with the ancient Israelites of the Bible, feeling a kinship with them as fellow victims of oppression. Yet at other moments he expressed estrangement and even revulsion at Indigenous customs and described their religious practices as “darkness.”

    Translating these men’s writing is not just a matter of bringing a text from one language into another. It is also a deep reflection on the complex position of Jews and conversos in those years. Their unique vantage point offers a window into the intertwined histories of Europe, the Americas and the in-betweenness that marked the Jewish experience in the early modern world.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Jews were barred from Spain’s New World colonies − but that didn’t stop Jewish and converso writers from describing the Americas – https://theconversation.com/jews-were-barred-from-spains-new-world-colonies-but-that-didnt-stop-jewish-and-converso-writers-from-describing-the-americas-258278

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Further update: Genta-Equine 100 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses – Adverse events

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Further update: Genta-Equine 100 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses – Adverse events

    Actions following the identification of the cause of an increase of adverse event reports following the use of Genta-Equine 100 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses.

    As a result of the identification of elevated concentrations of histamine as the likely cause of adverse event reports relating to the use of Genta-Equine 100 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses, as detailed within our initial notification on 18 December 2024 and update notification on 14 March 2025, it has been agreed that the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH) will implement a maximum limit for histamine in the active substance used within the product. 

    Due to the critical nature of Genta-Equine to equine veterinary surgeons in the UK, a recall has not been initiated in the UK and the MAH will be allowed to release one or more new batches of finished product which have been shown to contain levels of histamine below the maximum permissible limit. These will be released via the national Specific Batch Control scheme.

    We would like to remind veterinary professionals that Dechra (UK distributor) has advised that where there are concerns around using the affected batches of Genta-Equine, treatment with an alternative appropriate antibiotic should be considered. They have also advised that a refund can be received for any unopened bottles.   

    We will continue working with the MAH to monitor reports and ensure appropriate actions are carried out as required. 

    Symptoms included in adverse event reports 

    Reports received include signs of abdominal pain/colic, pawing, restlessness/agitation, groaning, shaking/shivering/fasciculation, Flehmen response, lying down or attempting to lie down, staggering, increased sweating and increased respiratory rate. 

    Adverse event reports received may include reports where more than one product was used, the product was used off-label and/or where, on further evaluation, it is considered that there is no causal association between the product and event. 

    Reporting of adverse events 

    We strongly encourage anyone who is aware of an adverse event to report directly to the MAH. Please provide all relevant information, including the batch number. 

    Contact details for the MAH or their local representative can found be on the product leaflet or on the Product Information Database.

    The reporting of adverse events is critical to our ongoing monitoring activities in order to protect animal health, public health, and the environment. Find out more about pharmacovigilance at VMD Connect – Adverse Events and Pharmacovigilance.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Decisions taken by the Governing Council of the ECB (in addition to decisions setting interest rates)

    Source: European Central Bank

    June 2025

    27 June 2025

    External communication

    ECB Convergence Report 2025

    On 4 June 2025 the ECB published its Convergence Report, prepared following a request by Bulgaria on 25 February 2025. The report examines Bulgaria’s state of economic convergence and the compatibility of its national legislation with the Treaties. It was approved by the General Council and published simultaneously with the report prepared by the European Commission as foreseen by the provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The report is available on the ECB’s website, together with a related press release.

    Monetary policy

    Climate-related disclosures of the Eurosystem’s corporate bond holdings

    On 30 May 2025 the Governing Council authorised the publication of the third ECB report on the climate-related financial disclosures of Eurosystem assets held for monetary policy purposes and the ECB’s foreign reserves. The report provides information on the Eurosystem portfolios’ carbon footprint and exposure to climate risks, as well as on climate-related governance, strategy and risk management. A second report also provides information on the ECB’s euro-denominated non-monetary policy portfolios, including its own funds portfolio and its staff pension fund. Both reports, together with a related press release, were published on the ECB’s website on 12 June 2025.

    Market operations

    Postponement of reporting requirements of monetary policy counterparties for the first quarter of 2025

    On 6 June 2025 the Governing Council decided to postpone, on a one-off basis, the reporting requirements of counterparties for the first quarter of 2025 as spelled out in Article 158(3) of Guideline (EU) 2015/510 of the European Central Bank (General Documentation Guideline) with the transitional periods of the new supervisory reporting regime introduced by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/3117. More specifically, the Governing Council decided to set the date for an automatic suspension on the grounds of prudence mentioned in Article 158(3) to 7 October 2025. The reporting requirements concerned relate to the transmission of own funds and leverage ratio data by eligible counterparties. A related announcement is available on the ECB’s website.

    Amendments to the third covered bond purchase programme (CBPP3) and pandemic emergency purchase programme (PEPP) Decisions

    On 11 June 2025 the Governing Council adopted Decision ECB/2025/20 amending Decision ECB/2020/8 on the implementation of the CBPP3, and adopted Decision ECB/2025/21 amending Decision ECB/2020/17 on a temporary PEPP. The amendments reflect the decisions taken by the Governing Council in April 2025 to amend, first, the provisions on counterparties eligible for the CBPP3 to allow Eurosystem central banks to participate in standard market transactions such as repurchase transactions by issuers of covered bonds (“buybacks”), and, second, the rules applicable to securities lending transactions of covered bonds held by the Eurosystem under the CBPP3 and the temporary PEPP to reflect risk management considerations.

    Market infrastructure and payments

    Decision confirming the go-live of the Eurosystem Collateral Management System (ECMS)

    On 16 May 2025 the Governing Council confirmed, following a positive assessment conducted by the Market Infrastructure Board, that the ECMS would go live on 16 June 2025. A related announcement was published on the same day on the ECB’s website. The ECB also issued a press release on 17 June 2025 confirming the successful launch over the weekend of 13-15 June 2025.

    Launch of a public consultation on a possible extension of T2 operating hours

    On 30 May 2025 the Governing Council decided to launch a public consultation on a possible extension of T2 operating hours and approved the related consultation paper and its publication on the ECB’s website. The primary objective of this consultation, which runs until 30 September 2025, is for the Eurosystem to understand current and upcoming market needs and identify any constraints that may arise if T2 operating hours were extended. Based on this feedback and a thorough analysis of the responses received, in the course of 2026 the Governing Council will discuss possible follow-up actions.

    Decision amending Decision (EU) 2025/222 on access by non-bank payment service providers to Eurosystem central bank operated payment systems and central bank accounts (ECB/2025/2)

    On 2 June 2025 the Governing Council adopted Decision (EU) 2025/1148 amending Decision (EU) 2025/222 on access by non-bank payment service providers to Eurosystem central bank operated payment systems and central bank accounts (ECB/2025/2) (ECB/2025/18). The amendment follows from the decision taken by the Governing Council to postpone amendments to the TARGET Guideline in order to avoid the legal uncertainty that would have ensued in relation to access by non-bank payment service providers to Eurosystem central bank operated payment systems, including TARGET components, as a result of delays in some euro-area Member States in transposing relevant amendments to Directive 98/26/EC on settlement finality in payment and securities settlement systems and Directive (EU) 2015/2366 on payment services in the internal market into national legislation.

    Progress report on the digital euro project

    On 3 June 2025 the Governing Council discussed the progress made on key digital euro design aspects (e.g. the sourcing of potential providers, preparation of the rulebook, experimentation and further analysis) and took note of the envisaged next steps, concluding that the project remained on track in terms of both budget and timing. More detailed information on the digital euro project is available on the ECB’s website.

    Eurosystem roadmap regarding distributed ledger technology (DLT) for wholesale central bank money settlement

    On 23 June 2025 the Governing Council approved a high-level roadmap for its two-track approach on DLT for wholesale central bank money settlement which the Eurosystem embarked on with its exploratory work in 2024. Under the first track, referred to as Pontes, the Market Infrastructure Board is mandated to deliver an operational short-term offering to settle DLT-based transactions in central bank money, for which a pilot is expected to be launched by the end of the third quarter of 2026. The second track, referred to as Appia, will focus on identifying a potential long-term approach for an innovative and integrated ecosystem in Europe that also includes international operations. A related press release with more detailed information will be published in due course on the ECB’s website.

    Report on Eurosystem’s exploratory work on new technologies for wholesale central bank money settlement

    On 25 June 2025 the Governing Council took note of a report, prepared by the Market Infrastructure and Payments Committee, on the Eurosystem’s exploratory work on new technologies for wholesale central bank money settlement. The report consolidates the key findings of this initiative, which attracted high interest with a total of 64 eligible participants, across nine jurisdictions, and almost €1.6 billion settled in 27 trials, and it showcases the various use cases identified. The report will be published in due course on the ECB’s website.

    Advice on legislation

    ECB Opinion on the composition of the decision-making bodies of the Magyar Nemzeti Bank, the treasury accounts managed by the Magyar Nemzeti Bank and the permitted activities of foundations established by the Magyar Nemzeti Bank

    On 27 May 2025 the Governing Council adopted Opinion CON/2025/12 prepared on the ECB’s own initiative.

    ECB Opinion on the pensions of the Nationale Bank van België/Banque Nationale de Belgique

    On 10 June 2025 the Governing Council adopted Opinion CON/2025/13 at the request of the Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finances and Pensions.

    ECB Opinion on access to cash and a constitutional right to payment in cash

    On 25 June 2025 the Governing Council adopted Opinion CON/2025/14 at the request of Magyar Nemzeti Bank. The Opinion will be available in due course on EUR-Lex.

    Corporate governance

    ECB Recommendation on the external auditors of the Deutsche Bundesbank

    On 2 June 2025 the Governing Council adopted Recommendation ECB/2025/19 to the Council of the European Union on the external auditors of the Deutsche Bundesbank.

    Membership of the ECB Audit Committee and the ECB Ethics Committee

    On 4 June 2025 the Governing Council appointed Gaston Reinesch as Governing Council member to the ECB Audit Committee to succeed Klaas Knot, whose mandate comes to an end on 1 July 2025. The Governing Council also appointed Federica Mogherini, the current Rector of the College of Europe, Director of the European Union Diplomatic Academy and former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, as a new member of the ECB Ethics Committee, to succeed Virginia R. Canter, whose mandate comes to an end at the beginning of August 2025. These appointments, which start on 1 July and 1 August 2025, respectively, are for an initial term of three years, renewable once.

    Statistics

    Recommendation for amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2533/98 concerning the collection of statistical information by the ECB

    On 22 May 2025 the Governing Council adopted Recommendation ECB/2025/17 for a Council Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 2533/98 concerning the collection of statistical information by the European Central Bank. The main objective of amending Regulation (EC) No 2533/98 is to address the significant changes in the collection, compilation, dissemination and use of statistical information by the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) owing to the digital transformation. These changes have led to demands for timelier, more frequent and more detailed statistical information but have also offered new possibilities for a more efficient collection of statistical information, therefore improving its cost-effectiveness and minimising the reporting burden.

    International and European cooperation

    Report on the international role of the euro

    On 15 May 2025 the Governing Council approved the June 2025 edition of the report on the international role of the euro and authorised its publication on the ECB’s website. The report, which presents an overview of developments in the use of the euro by non-euro area residents in 2024, is available, together with a related press release, on the ECB’s website.

    ESCB response to the European Commission targeted consultation on the integration of EU capital markets

    On 4 June 2025 the Governing Council, with the benefit of the observations received from members of the General Council, approved an ESCB response to the European Commission’s targeted consultation on the integration of EU capital markets. The ESCB response, which provides detailed views of the ESCB on specific aspects regarding simplification and burden reduction, trading, post-trading, horizontal barriers to trade and post-trade infrastructures, asset management and funds, topics for consultation on supervision, as well as horizontal questions on the supervisory framework, is available on the ECB’s website.

    ECB Banking Supervision

    Compliance with the European Supervisory Authorities’ (ESA) Joint Guidelines for the exchange of information relevant for fit and proper assessments

    On 16 May 2025 the Governing Council did not object to a proposal by the Supervisory Board to notify the European Banking Authority (EBA) that, for the significant institutions under its direct supervision, the ECB already complies with the Joint Guidelines on the system established by the ESAs for the exchange of information relevant to the assessment of the fitness and propriety of holders of qualifying holdings, directors and key function holders of financial institutions and financial market participants by competent authorities (JC/GL/2024/88). The Joint Guidelines aim at establishing consistent, efficient and effective supervisory practices within the European System of Financial Supervision, and at ensuring the common, uniform and consistent application of Union law with regard to the use of the system established by the ESAs for the aforementioned exchange of information.

    Compliance with the ESA Joint Guidelines on the estimation of aggregated annual costs and losses caused by major ICT-related incidents under Regulation (EU) 2022/2554

    On 19 May 2025 the Governing Council did not object to a proposal by the Supervisory Board to notify the EBA that, for the significant institutions under its direct supervision, the ECB intends to comply by 30 November 2025 with the Joint Guidelines on the estimation of aggregated annual costs and losses caused by major ICT-related incidents under Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 (JC/GL/2024/34).

    Compliance with the EBA Guidelines on environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks

    On 28 May 2025 the Governing Council did not object to a proposal by the Supervisory Board to notify the EBA that, for the significant institutions under its direct supervision, the ECB intends to comply by 11 January 2026 with the Guidelines on the management of ESG risks (EBA/GL/2025/01). These guidelines aim at enhancing the identification, measurement, management and monitoring of ESG risks by institutions, and at supporting their safety and soundness as they are confronted with the short, medium and long-term impact of ESG factors. They contain requirements as to the internal processes and ESG risk management arrangements that institutions should have in place, including specific plans to address the risks arising from the transition and process of adjustment to relevant sustainability legal and regulatory objectives.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man arrested for murder following death of a woman in east London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the death of a woman in Tower Hamlets.

    On Thursday, 26 June at 23:01hrs, police were called to an address in Monier Road, Tower Hamlets to reports of a stabbing.

    Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service, who treated a woman in her 40s for stab wounds.

    Sadly, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Her next of kin have been made aware and are currently being supported by specialist officers.

    A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of murder and he remains in police custody. It’s believed he was known to the victim.

    A murder investigation has been launched.

    Detective Superintendent Mike Cagney, who leads policing in Tower Hamlets, said: “We are currently supporting the family of a woman who was sadly killed in the early hours of this morning.

    “I understand the local community will feel understandably shocked by this news, but I want to reassure residents we believe this to be an isolated incident, with no wider threat to the public.

    “Although we have made significant progress by making an arrest, I would like to make it clear that our investigation does not stop here. Specialist officers are working at pace to make enquiries and understand exactly what took place.

    “Local people may notice a higher police presence within the area today and would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to officers.”

    Anyone with information which could assist with the investigation is asked to call 101 stating CAD9509/26JAN. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by submitting an online form.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plans submitted to transform city’s iconic Cables Wynd House and Linksview House

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    The City of Edinburgh Council’s retrofit project has taken a major step forward this month with the submission of a planning application by Collective Architecture.

    Built in the 1960s and now designated as Category A listed buildings, Cables Wynd House and Linksview House collectively provide 310 homes, the majority of which are owned by the Council for social rent.

    These landmark buildings have served generations of residents, and this project represents a significant investment in securing their future as safe, high-quality homes.

    The proposed works are being driven by the need to meet the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing – EESSH2.

    Achieving compliance will require substantial upgrades to both the building fabric and mechanical systems. Alongside this, the Council has identified the opportunity to deliver wider improvements that will bring the buildings in line with modern new-build standards.

    Key elements of the proposal include:

    • Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Improved insulation, window replacements, and energy-efficient heating systems to meet EESSH2 standards.
    • Fire Safety Enhancements: Installation of sprinkler systems, smoke ventilation, a new fire-fighting lift, and improved fire compartmentalisation in communal areas. The removal of legacy bin chutes and inclusion of internal waste management facilities will also contribute to enhanced fire safety.
    • Resident Safety and Security: Upgraded internal and external lighting, a comprehensive review of CCTV systems, and improved access control throughout the buildings.
    • Landscape and Placemaking Improvements: The refurbishment project presents a unique opportunity to reimagine the outdoor environment surrounding both towers. Proposals include new play areas, external seating, wildflower meadows, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS), and a full review of parking and waste facilities.

    Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said:

    I am delighted that the proposals for the Council’s £69 million investment in Cables Wynd House and Linksview House have now been submitted to the CEC Planning Service, setting out our plans to make our residents’ homes safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient.  

    Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents have long campaigned for this much needed and substantive investment in their homes to happen.  Their influence and input into our consultation sessions have shaped these proposals and is hugely valued.  I look forward to continuing this positive engagement with Cables Wynd and Linksview House residents and Leith Ward Councillors as the project progresses.

    Carl Baker, Architect, Certified Passivhaus Designer – Collective Architecture said:

    Collective Architecture is proud to be working with The City of Edinburgh Council on the retrofit of Cables Wynd House and Linksview House. Our proposals place residents at the heart of the process, aiming to provide greener, warmer homes, while celebrating and sensitively enhancing the unique character of the Category A listed buildings.

    As part of a just transition, our carefully considered interventions will improve the thermal and environmental performance of the iconic structures – boosting energy efficiency and alleviating the risk of fuel poverty.

    As with many of our projects, meaningful resident engagement has been central to the design process and will remain a key focus through the final design stage and into construction.

    Subject to planning approval, the Council will continue to engage closely with residents throughout the design and construction process, ensuring their needs remain at the heart of the project.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: 0 equipment, 0 skills, 0 threshold, RICH Miner allows you to earn while playing!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In traditional concepts, mining means investing thousands of mining machines, spending huge electricity bills, and understanding complex mining machine configuration and maintenance. For ordinary users, this high threshold almost makes the possibility of mining out of reach. But now, RICH Miner breaks this barrier and realizes true “0 equipment, 0 skills, 0 threshold” cloud mining, allowing you to easily start the cryptocurrency passive income mode with just a few clicks.

    Platform highlights

    1. 0 equipment: All mining machines are borne by the platform
    Global green mines: RICH Miner has self-built or cooperative mines in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, all of which use clean energy (wind, solar, and hydropower), without the need for users to purchase, deploy, or maintain any hardware.

    Centralized operation and maintenance: Professional teams monitor 24/7 to ensure stable computing power output and avoid any downtime or performance degradation.

    2.0 Skills: AI fully automatic mining
    Intelligent computing power scheduling: The built-in AI algorithm monitors the income status of major mining pools in real time, and automatically allocates your computing power to the mining pool with the highest output, without manual switching.

    One-click start: After registration, click “Start mining”, and the system will run immediately, without command line or server setup.

    3.0 Threshold: Free experience + flexible contract
    Register for benefits: New users can get a $15 reward and experience the mining process at zero cost.

    Multiple contracts: short-term daily settlement, 7 days, 30 days, multiple options; how much computing power to invest, freely decide, flexibly meet different budgets and needs.

        Contract Potential Profit Table
    Contract Price Contract duration Daily income Total revenue
    $100  2 $3  $100.00 + $6
    $700  8 $8.68  $500.00 + $69.44
    $1,600  15 $21.60  $1600.00 + $324
    $3,300  18 $46.20  $3300.00 + $831.60
    $5,600  22 $84.00  $5600.00 + $1848
    $8,800  28 $140.80  $8800.00 + $3942.40

    All contract income is fair and open-control your wealth freedom anytime, anywhere, and download the official APP with one click.

    (Click to download mobile APP)

    RICH Miner provides a trustworthy, transparent and environmentally friendly way to accumulate wealth with minimal effort.

    Deposits support multiple currencies: BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, USDT and other mainstream currencies are available.

    Revenue mechanism and user benefits
    Daily automatic settlement: The system will settle daily income in seconds according to the computing power held, without manual claiming.

    Flexible withdrawal: After reaching the minimum withdrawal threshold, you can withdraw the currency to your personal wallet or exchange with one click, and the funds flow freely.

    Invitation reward: Share the exclusive invitation link, and after your friends register and start mining, you can also get an additional 3% reward, realizing the dual benefits of “playing and earning + team”.

    User Voice
    “I have never been involved in mining before. It took less than five minutes to register RICH Miner and I didn’t even have to worry about the electricity bill. I received dozens of dollars on the first day. After a month, my side income exceeded 2,000 US dollars. It was a surprise!”
    – Laura, a user from Mexico

    “The platform can see the increase in income every day. It is much more stable than speculating in coins, and it can be operated with a mobile phone. Instead of leaving the coins in your wallet idle, it is better to use it to help you make money!”
    – Markus, a user from Germany

    Conclusion: Everyone can become a “digital miner”
    In RICH Miner, mining is no longer exclusive to technical gods, but an easy game that anyone can participate in. 0 equipment, 0 skills, 0 threshold, so that every user can enjoy the fun of passive income. Don’t let your digital assets lie in your wallet in vain, register RICH Miner now, receive your free computing power, and start a new experience of earning while playing!

    Act now: Click here to register and start your smart cloud mining journey now!
    Official website: https://richminer.com
    Official email: info@richminer.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Turbo Energy Announces Results of 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VALENCIA, Spain, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Turbo Energy, S.A. (NASDAQ:TURB) (“Turbo Energy” or the “Company”), a leader in the field of photovoltaic energy storage, today announced that the following resolutions were approved at its 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on June 24, 2024 in Valencia, Spain:

    1. To elect eight persons to the Board of Directors of the Company, each to serve until the next annual general meeting of shareholders, or until such person’s successor is duly elected and qualified or until his or her earlier death, resignation, retirement, disqualification or removal;
      1. To ratify the appointment of TAAD, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025;
        1. To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton, SLP Sociedad Unipersonal as the Company’s Spanish public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025;
          1. To assess and, where appropriate, approve of the individual annual accounts (balance sheet, profit and loss account, statement of changes in equity for the year, cash flow statement and notes to the annual accounts), as well as the management report, as required under the Spanish law;
            1. To examine and, where appropriate, approve the individual annual accounts’ proposed results allocation, as required under the Spanish law;
              1. To examine and, where appropriate, approve the management of the Company by the Board of Directors (the Board”) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, as required under the Spanish law;
                1. To examine and, where appropriate, approve the delegation to the Board of the power to carry out capital increases, within the limit provided for in Article 297.1.B of the Spanish Companies Act, up to half of the share capital at the date of the authorization, within the legal period of one year from the date of this Annual Meeting, with the possibility of carrying out the increase on one or more occasions and with the power to exclude the right of subscription in whole or in part, in accordance with the provisions of Article 506 of the Spanish Companies Act. This delegation to increase the share capital excluding subscription rights may not exceed twenty percent of the Company’s share capital;
                  1. To examine and, where appropriate, approve to authorize, as the case may be, the Board for a non-extendable period of one year, pursuant to the provisions of Article 319 of the Commercial Registry Regulations and 511 of the Spanish Companies Act, and on one or more occasions, to issue bonds or bonds convertible and/or exchangeable for shares of the Company, including instruments of a similar nature, convertible or exchangeable for shares of the Company, or which may directly or indirectly entitle the Board to subscribe shares of the Company, including warrants, with express powers to exclude pre-emptive subscription rights in issues, with the Board being empowered to set the conditions thereof, in accordance with the conversion bases agreed by the shareholders’ meeting, and to proceed with the capital increases required for their conversion, excluding the shareholders’ pre-emptive rights, provided that when exercising the delegation, the mandatory reports required by current legislation are submitted, both by the Board itself and by the Independent Auditor appointed if necessary. The maximum amount of the issues authorized under said delegation may not exceed the global amount of 60,000,000 Euros, nor may the individual issue in each case require the simultaneous approval of a capital increase of more than twenty percent of the total capital resulting therefrom. Furthermore, in the event that the pre-emptive subscription right is excluded from the issues, the maximum number of shares into which the bonds issued or instruments of a similar nature may be converted may not exceed twenty percent of the number of shares comprising the share capital at the time of the authorization;
                    1. To grant powers for the execution and notarization of resolutions. To execute such public documents as may be necessary for the due formalization and registration in the Mercantile Registry of the resolutions adopted at this Annual Meeting, including the correction or rectification, if necessary; and
                      1. To read and approve, where appropriate, the general shareholders meeting minutes.

                        2. The complete text of the resolutions and related background are set forth in the proxy statement filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on June 9, 2025.

                        About Turbo Energy, S.A.

                        Founded in 2013, Turbo Energy is a globally recognized pioneer of proprietary solar energy storage technologies and solutions managed through Artificial Intelligence. Turbo Energy’s elegant all-in-one and scalable, modular energy storage systems empower residential, commercial and industrial users expanding across Europe, North America and South America to materially reduce dependence on traditional energy sources, helping to lower electricity costs, provide peak shaving and uninterruptible power supply and realize a more sustainable, energy-efficient future. A testament to the Company’s commitment to innovation and industry disruption, Turbo Energy’s introduction of its flagship SUNBOX represents one of the world’s first high performance, competitively priced, all-in-one home solar energy storage systems, which also incorporates patented EV charging capability and powerful AI processes to optimize solar energy management. Turbo Energy is a proud subsidiary of publicly traded Umbrella Global Energy, S.A., a vertically integrated, global collective of solar energy-focused companies.  For more information, please visit www.turbo-e.com.

                        Forward-Looking Statements

                        Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the business of the Company, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control, including the risks described in our registration statements and annual report under the heading “Risk Factors” as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and Turbo Energy, S.A. specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

                        For more information, please contact:
                        At Turbo Energy, S.A.                                                 
                        Dodi Handy, Director of Communications                       
                        Phone: 407-960-4636                                                   
                        Email: dodihandy@turbo-e.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Free IQ Test Online with Instant Results – Fast, Accurate & Free: QuickIQTest.org Launches Updated 2025 Free IQ Testing Service

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — QuickIQTest.org launches free IQ test with Instant results and no registration required. The company is proud to announce the official release of its updated free IQ test online, offering instant results through a scientifically designed, user-friendly platform. The new version allows users worldwide to complete an accurate cognitive assessment in under 10 minutes, entirely free and without requiring any personal information or registration.

    ⇒ Take the Free IQ Test Online – No Delay, No Cost!

    QuickIQTest.org is a leading online resource for cognitive self-assessment. Focused on accessibility, scientific accuracy, and honest reporting, the platform has helped millions of users worldwide better understand their cognitive skills without fees, sign-ups, or invasive data practices.

    Already used by millions, QuickIQTest.org’s latest IQ testing tool provides a fast, accessible way to evaluate fluid intelligence, logical reasoning, numerical comprehension, and spatial pattern recognition. Whether accessed from a smartphone, tablet, or desktop, the test offers a seamless experience across devices.

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    “We created this test to be practical, honest, and available to everyone without barriers,” said a spokesperson for QuickIQTest.org. “With the 2025 update, we’ve focused on delivering speed and scientific accuracy, without compromising user privacy or simplicity.”

    Unlike many free IQ test online service providers that rely on gimmicks or upsells, QuickIQTest.org delivers immediate IQ scores along with a basic breakdown of performance across core cognitive areas. For users seeking a deeper understanding, an optional advanced analysis provides further interpretation of results.

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    This release reinforces the platform’s mission to offer a credible, no-cost tool for individuals looking to understand their cognitive strengths and thinking style better. The test is ideal for:

    • Students exploring their learning profile
    • Educators seeking classroom-ready assessment tools
    • Professionals curious about their problem-solving abilities
    • Anyone interested in how they process and analyze information

    ⇒ Take a Free IQ Test with Instant Results on QuickIQTest.org

    Key Features of the Updated Free IQ Test at QuickIQTest.org:

    • ✅ 100% Free IQ Test Online
    • ✅ Instant Results with No Sign-Up Required
    • ✅ Mobile & Desktop Friendly
    • ✅ Scientifically Designed Questions
    • ✅ Basic and Advanced Score Interpretation Options
    • ✅ No Data Collection to View Results

    As global demand grows for free IQ tests with instant results, QuickIQTest.org sets itself apart by offering a transparent, science-based testing experience without distractions, ads, or misleading scoring tactics.

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    What Is an IQ Test?

    IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient. It is a score derived from standardized tests to measure a person’s ability to reason, solve problems, and recognize patterns. An IQ score reflects how someone performs compared to others in their age group. The average IQ is typically set at 100, with most people scoring between 85 and 115.

    These tests are often used in academic and professional settings to assess cognitive performance. While they don’t measure creativity or emotional understanding, they are a common method for evaluating specific mental skills.

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    The Purpose of IQ Testing

    The primary function of an IQ test is to evaluate how effectively a person processes information. These assessments focus on areas such as:

    • Logical reasoning
    • Pattern recognition
    • Numerical analysis
    • Visual-spatial awareness
    • Short-term memory

    IQ tests are used in education, research, career planning, and personal development. Many people also take them out of curiosity, looking for a clearer picture of how their thinking compares to others.

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    A Brief History of IQ Tests

    The first modern IQ test was created in France in the early 1900s. Psychologist Alfred Binet developed a method to identify students who needed additional academic support. Lewis Terman later adapted his system in the United States at Stanford University, resulting in the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale.

    This version introduced the idea of comparing mental age to actual age, which became the foundation for the IQ scoring model that is still in use today. Over the years, new tests have been developed to include broader types of reasoning and improved scoring accuracy.

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    IQ Testing Today

    Modern IQ tests are often taken online. These tests typically use timed multiple-choice questions designed to measure core thinking abilities. Thanks to digital platforms, users can now take a free IQ test online and receive their score within minutes without needing an in-person appointment or long wait times.

    One widely used option is the test offered at QuickIQTest.org. It provides a science-based format that includes logical and visual tasks. No registration is required, and results are available immediately.

    IQ Tests for Children

    IQ testing is not limited to adults. There are versions specifically designed for children that use age-appropriate questions and scoring. A free IQ test for kids can help parents better understand how their child approaches problem-solving and which tasks they respond to most effectively. The test at QuickIQTest.org offers this option using the same standard of accuracy as the general version.

    ⇒ Try a Proven Free IQ Test Online – Instant Results Included!

    How Do Free IQ Test Online Work?

    Online IQ tests are built around structured tasks that aim to measure specific areas of cognitive function. The most common formats include:

    • Logic puzzles: Identify relationships between shapes or sequences
    • Visual reasoning: Complete or match patterns using spatial awareness
    • Numerical sequences: Find missing values or detect number patterns
    • Short-term memory tasks: Recall and manipulate sets of information

    These formats are designed to measure fluid reasoning and problem-solving ability under controlled conditions.

    The test questions are usually multiple-choice. Users are asked to select the correct answer based on the data presented. Each question is intended to be objective and free from cultural or language bias.

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    Structure of the Test on QuickIQTest.org

    The online IQ test at QuickIQTest.org uses a clear layout and simple instructions. The test begins immediately after the user starts. No login or email is required to initiate or see the results.

    The structure includes a series of progressively challenging tasks. The sequence of questions has been designed by cognitive assessment professionals. All items are displayed one at a time to reduce distractions.

    Most users complete the test in 10 minutes or less. The design allows for fast processing without sacrificing test quality.

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    Timed vs. Untimed Tests

    QuickIQTest.org uses a timed model. Each question must be answered within a certain period. This helps measure how quickly a user can recognize patterns or solve problems. A consistent time limit also allows scores to be compared across various users.

    Some IQ tests allow unlimited time. While this format may reduce pressure, it can produce less reliable results. Users may perform better or worse depending on test-taking habits rather than cognitive processing speed when speed is not controlled.

    The timed approach used at QuickIQTest.org is consistent with most standardized IQ assessments. It helps provide a balanced view of both accuracy and pace.

    ⇒ Get Trusted Instant Results with a Free IQ Test Online

    Scoring and Instant Results

    Once the test is complete, scores are generated immediately. This is one of the main advantages of using an online IQ test that is free from QuickIQTest.org.

    The platform uses a proprietary scoring system based on established intelligence testing models. The user’s performance is compared to normative data to produce an IQ score. That score represents where a person falls relative to others in their age group.

    The user receives performance feedback across specific questions along with the overall result. This includes reasoning accuracy, speed, and problem type. No additional sign-up is needed to access these details.

    This format provides a quick and reliable assessment that reflects real cognitive ability for users looking for a free IQ test with instant results.

    ⇒ Take Your IQ Test Free with QuickIQTest.org – Fast & Accurate

    Benefits of Taking a Free IQ Test Online

    Immediate Access to Results

    One of the main reasons people choose to get a free IQ test online is speed. After completing the test on QuickIQTest.org, results are provided instantly. There is no waiting period, and users do not need to provide personal information to receive their scores. This makes the process efficient for anyone seeking immediate feedback.

    For those comparing options, a free accurate IQ test that delivers real-time scoring offers a practical solution. The structure used by QuickIQTest.org allows for quick test completion while maintaining consistency in how answers are evaluated.

    ⇒ Free IQ Test with Free Results – Reliable and No Cost!

    No Registration Required

    QuickIQTest.org does not require users to create an account or submit contact information. The test can be accessed directly from the homepage, and users receive their results immediately after completion.

    This approach appeals to individuals who prefer to keep testing private. There are no follow-up emails or prompts to share results. The focus remains on allowing users to measure their cognitive ability without added steps.

    ⇒ Take the Free IQ Test Online – No Credit Card Needed!

    Practical Use Cases

    IQ tests are used for a variety of reasons. Some take them to evaluate personal strengths. Others use the results to support academic or professional planning.

    • Students may use IQ scores to identify areas of strength or prepare for standardized testing.
    • Professionals may take a test to assess their problem-solving ability in preparation for interviews or advancement opportunities.
    • Parents may use a test to better understand their child’s learning style or reasoning skills.

    A free IQ test and results allow exploring these areas without cost or commitment.

    ⇒ QuickIQTest.org’s Free IQ Test with Instant Results Available

    Compatible Across Devices

    The test at QuickIQTest.org works on most devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The interface is built for responsive access, with no downloads required.

    This level of access makes it easy for users to complete the test when it is most convenient for them. Whether at home or on a break at work, the platform supports a flexible testing experience.

    Focused Format

    Online testing also removes some of the obstacles found in traditional assessments. There is no need to travel, schedule an appointment, or complete paperwork. Instead, the test is available anytime, and users can begin as soon as they are ready.

    Since the test follows a simple, focused layout, users are not distracted by unrelated content or advertising interruptions.

    ⇒ Free Online IQ Test – Trusted and Fast, Try Now

    Free vs. Paid Online IQ Tests

    What Free Tests Typically Provide

    A free IQ test online usually offers a short series of timed questions to give a basic overview of a person’s reasoning ability. These questions often cover visual patterns, logic, and numerical sequences. Many users try free versions to get a general sense of how they perform these tasks.

    At QuickIQTest.org, the free IQ test includes a full set of questions and provides an immediate score once the test is completed. Registering or entering an email is not required to see the result. The structure allows users to complete the assessment without delays or access issues.

    The free IQ test with free results includes a performance summary across different types of reasoning. While more detailed reporting is available through the platform’s paid option, the basic score is presented clearly and without restriction.

    ⇒ Get a Free IQ Test with Results – Easy and Quick

    How Paid Versions Compare

    Some users may choose to upgrade for a more detailed breakdown of their score. Paid versions typically offer extended insights into cognitive categories, including logic, spatial awareness, numerical reasoning, and timing accuracy.

    Paid IQ tests can also include downloadable reports, percentile rankings, and score interpretation guides. These may be helpful for individuals using their test results for academic or professional purposes.

    QuickIQTest.org offers this option, but it does not restrict the free version in a way that forces users to pay. The full test and core results remain free to access.

    ⇒ Take an IQ Test Free Online – No Waiting, Instant Results

    When Paid Upgrades Make Sense

    A paid test may be helpful in the following situations:

    • When a user needs a full cognitive profile for documentation or planning
    • When applying for certain academic programs or training institutions
    • When preparing for high-level job assessments that include aptitude testing

    The extended score analysis can provide more detailed insight than the basic version in these cases.

    For casual users or those looking to test their ability quickly, the free IQ test online free from QuickIQTest.org is often sufficient.

    ⇒ Reliable Free IQ Test Online with Free Instant Results!

    Warning Signs to Watch For

    While many free IQ test sites claim to offer value, not all follow transparent practices. Some common issues include:

    • Requiring payment before showing the score
    • Showing inflated results with no explanation of how the score was calculated
    • Redirecting users to unrelated offers or subscriptions
    • Requiring full personal information to unlock any results

    These signs suggest that the test is focused on data collection or marketing, not accurate scoring.

    QuickIQTest.org avoids these tactics by providing a free IQ test with free results that are accessible, clear, and independent of promotional pressure.

    ⇒ IQ Test Free Results – Take It Today for Proven Accuracy

    How to Prepare for a Free IQ Test Online

    One of the most effective ways to prepare for a free IQ test online is to become familiar with the questions you will likely encounter. These usually include:

    • Number sequences
    • Visual pattern recognition
    • Logical reasoning tasks
    • Short-term memory questions
    • Word problems or analogies

    Practicing similar formats can help reduce hesitation during the actual test. These question types can be found in logic puzzle books or educational apps. Reviewing examples in advance can help build confidence.

    ⇒ Try the IQ Test Free Online at QuickIQTest.org

    Set Up a Focused Environment

    Taking the test in a quiet and comfortable space can help reduce distractions. Before beginning, it’s recommended to:

    • Choose a time of day when you feel alert
    • Turn off phone notifications or close other browser tabs
    • Use headphones if background noise is a concern
    • Have a pen and paper nearby if you prefer to make notes

    The test at QuickIQTest.org is timed, so being prepared before starting allows you to focus on answering questions without interruptions.

    Manage Test Anxiety

    Some users may feel pressure when taking a timed test, especially if unfamiliar with the format. Keeping expectations realistic can reduce unnecessary stress.

    Here are a few basic strategies to manage test anxiety:

    • Take a few minutes to breathe deeply before starting
    • Remember that the score reflects performance at one moment, not overall intelligence
    • Stay focused on one question at a time
    • Move on if a question takes too long, and return to it later if possible

    Staying calm often leads to better performance than over-preparing or worrying about the outcome.

    ⇒ Fast & Accurate Free IQ Test with Free Results

    Rest and Mental Warmups

    Being well-rested can improve concentration and reduce mistakes. Try to get adequate sleep the night before and avoid taking the test when tired or distracted.

    Before starting the test, consider doing a short mental warmup. This could include:

    • Solving a few basic math problems
    • Looking at a sample logic puzzle
    • Reading a short article to get your mind working

    These steps help activate the thinking processes used during the test without causing fatigue.

    Use the Test as a Self-Check

    An IQ test is one way to observe how you approach problem-solving under time pressure. It does not require weeks of preparation. Reviewing question types and setting up a calm space can be enough for most users to feel ready.

    For those looking to take a free IQ test and free results, QuickIQTest.org offers a format that requires no registration and gives results immediately. You can take the IQ test for free and repeat it later to see how consistent your scores are over time.

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    Most Accurate Free IQ Test Online With Instant Results in 2025


    What Accuracy Means in IQ Testing

    Accuracy in an IQ test refers to how well it measures the abilities it is designed to assess. A well-designed test should reflect actual reasoning skills, not test-taking tricks or memorized answers. This includes clear questions, controlled timing, and scoring models based on extensive sample data.

    Tests that adjust difficulty, apply consistent time limits, and avoid bias tend to produce more dependable scores. Randomized question order, structured answer formats, and logic-based scoring models help reduce user inconsistencies.

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    Key Features That Contribute to Accuracy

    Several technical factors improve the reliability of an online IQ test:

    • Standardized scoring: Results are calibrated against age-based norms
    • Balanced question design: Covers a wide range of reasoning tasks
    • Time control: Limits help reduce inflated scores caused by prolonged thinking
    • Adaptive feedback: Some platforms tailor scores based on speed and accuracy

    These features help prevent results from being skewed by guessing, overthinking, or external interference.

    ⇒ Free IQ Test and Results – Take Yours Instantly

    Why QuickIQTest.org is Considered a Leading Option

    QuickIQTest.org is often recommended by users who want a reliable, fast, and unbiased cognitive test. It includes:

    • A fixed set of logic-based tasks
    • A consistent, timed format
    • Instant scoring based on data models that reflect a broad user base
    • No registration or user tracking required to access the results

    Each score uses established test theory principles modeled after long-standing IQ frameworks in education and psychology. This positions the site as a strong option for users seeking the most accurate IQ test available for free.

    The test has been used by students, professionals, and teachers across different fields. Many have cited its simplicity and fairness as reasons they recommend it to others.

    ⇒ Try a Free IQ Test with Instant Results – Trusted Platform

    Understanding Your IQ Score

    How Scores Are Calculated

    An IQ score is a number used to indicate how a person performed on a structured reasoning ability test compared to others in the same age group. Most modern IQ tests use a scale where the average score is 100.

    This number does not change significantly between test platforms that follow recognized standards. A proper scoring system compares individual results to a large sample of test-takers. Scores are then grouped into categories for interpretation.

    General Score Ranges

    IQ scores are often organized into bands that reflect different types of performance. While specific labels can vary by test, the general breakdown is as follows:

    • Below 85: Below average
    • 85 to 99: Low average
    • 100 to 114: Average range
    • 115 to 129: Above average
    • 130 and above: High ability or gifted range

    QuickIQTest.org uses this common structure to present scores clearly. After finishing the test, users receive their number score and an explanation of the performance range.

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    What the Score Means

    The score reflects how well the user completed reasoning tasks under controlled conditions. It does not measure creativity, motivation, knowledge, or communication skills. It is also not a prediction of future success. Instead, it shows how someone performed on a specific type of problem-solving under time pressure.

    For this reason, scores may change slightly between attempts, especially if a user is more familiar with the format the second time. Consistency across attempts is one way to check for reliability.

    How QuickIQTest.org Presents Results

    After completing the free IQ test with results, users are shown:

    • Their overall IQ score
    • A basic breakdown of task types (e.g., logic, patterns, numbers)
    • A brief interpretation of the score range

    There is no requirement to register to access these details. The feedback is available immediately after completing the test.

    The platform also allows users to try the test again at any time. This can help track progress or compare scores across different days or devices.

    ⇒ Get Your IQ Test Free Results at QuickIQTest.org

    Free IQ Tests for Kids, Teens, and Adults

    Why Age Matters in IQ Testing

    IQ scores reflect how a person performs with others in the same age group. This is why age is a key factor in the test format and the interpretation of results. A test that does not account for age can produce misleading outcomes.

    Children, teens, and adults often process information differently. The types of tasks they handle best and the time needed to complete them may vary. An accurate IQ test should use a scoring model that adjusts for these differences.

    Use Cases by Age Group

    IQ tests are used for different purposes depending on the age of the person taking them:

    • Kids: Educators and parents may use test results to understand learning strengths or to determine if further evaluation is needed for gifted programs or academic support.
    • Teens: Testing during high school can help students explore their problem-solving skills before choosing courses or college plans.
    • Adults: Some adults take IQ tests to assess their general reasoning ability or prepare for assessments in employment or training programs.

    Each group benefits from a structured test and scores according to typical performance ranges for that age.

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    How QuickIQTest.org Accommodates All Age Groups

    QuickIQTest.org offers a consistent testing format appropriate for a wide range of users. The questions reflect general reasoning ability without relying on specific academic knowledge. This makes the test suitable for children, teens, and adults.

    For younger users, a version of the free IQ test for kids includes simpler language and visual-based questions. The scoring is adjusted to reflect developmental benchmarks rather than adult standards. Parents can use this version to get a general understanding of their child’s reasoning style.

    Teens and adults use the standard version, which includes a broader mix of logic, pattern, and number-based tasks. All users receive a clear score at the end of the test, and the process remains the same across devices.

    QuickIQTest.org provides an IQ test online free of charge with no registration needed. The test is timed, results are given instantly, and users can retake it to check consistency.

    Whether used in a school setting, at home, or during career planning, the platform supports access for users at different stages of learning and development.

    ⇒ Free IQ Test with Free Results – No Sign Up Needed!

    Is a Free Online IQ Test Legitimate?

    Traditional IQ assessments are often administered by licensed psychologists in a controlled setting. These tests may take one to two hours, involve verbal interviews, and include subtests scored manually. They are sometimes used in academic placement, psychological evaluations, or legal matters.

    Online IQ tests, by comparison, are self-directed and usually shorter. While they do not replace a full clinical evaluation, they can still offer valid feedback when built on recognized test design principles.

    The key difference is scope. A clinical test may assess more variables. An online test focuses on speed, logic, and pattern-based reasoning.

    ⇒ Take the Reliable Free IQ Test Online – Instant Results

    What Makes a Free Online IQ Test Credible

    A legitimate online IQ test follows specific practices that support fair scoring and user trust. These include:

    • Standardized test structure
    • Clear question formatting
    • Time limits for each section
    • Results based on sample population scoring models
    • No requirement to pay or register to access scores

    A site that uses inconsistent timing, does not explain scores, or inflates results without justification should be viewed cautiously.

    A real IQ test online also avoids advertising pressure or unrelated offers during test-taking. If a user is constantly redirected or asked for irrelevant information, it may not be a trustworthy source.

    ⇒ Try an Accurate IQ Test Free with Instant Results

    Why QuickIQTest.org Is Considered Reliable

    QuickIQTest.org is a legit and accurate free IQ test online used by individuals seeking a fast, structured way to evaluate basic reasoning ability. It uses a fixed test format, applies a consistent time frame for each user, and presents results immediately after the test.

    The scoring model is based on standard cognitive testing practices. The test includes logical reasoning, visual sequencing, and numeric analysis, all scored against a baseline designed to reflect average performance ranges.

    Users do not need to sign up or pay to access their scores. The platform does not collect personal data in exchange for results. This approach supports transparency and reduces barriers to testing.

    QuickIQTest.org has been used by students, job applicants, educators, and others looking to check cognitive problem-solving ability quickly. While it is not a substitute for a full clinical exam, it provides accurate feedback in a short format.

    ⇒ Get Proven Results with a Free Online IQ Test

    Conclusion

    QuickIQTest.org offers a free IQ test with instant results that is accurate, fast, and easy to access. The test follows a standardized structure, uses time-based scoring, and does not require registration. Users of all ages can complete the test on any device and receive immediate results backed by a real scoring model.

    Whether you’re looking for a legit IQ test online, a free accurate IQ test, or a iq test free online for kids, the platform provides a reliable option without unnecessary steps.

    FAQs

    What is the best free IQ test online with instant results?

    If you’re looking for a free IQ test with instant results, QuickIQTest.org offers one of the most trusted and scientifically designed options. It delivers fast scoring and immediate feedback without requiring registration.

    Can I really get an accurate IQ test for free?

    Yes, many platforms now offer an IQ test for free that is both reliable and informative. QuickIQTest.org provides a free IQ test online that evaluates core cognitive skills with a validated scoring model.

    Is there an IQ test free online with no registration needed?

    Absolutely. QuickIQTest.org offers a free IQ test online free of sign-ups. You can take the test instantly and receive results in under 10 minutes without creating an account or providing personal data.

    Where can I find a free IQ test with free results?

    You can access a free IQ test with free results at QuickIQTest.org. It’s completely free to take, and your score breakdown is available right after completion—no hidden fees or upsells.

    How long does it take to complete a free online IQ test?

    Most free online IQ test options take between 8 to 12 minutes. The one on QuickIQTest.org is designed to be efficient and accurate, offering a fast way to test your intelligence from any device.

    Do free IQ tests provide reliable results?

    While not all IQ test online free platforms are created equal, some like QuickIQTest.org use standardized question patterns and deliver credible results. It’s a free IQ test with results that reflect core aspects of intelligence.

    Are free IQ tests suitable for students and professionals?

    Yes, a high-quality free IQ test with results can be valuable for students, professionals, and anyone curious about their cognitive abilities. It helps identify strengths in logic, reasoning, and problem-solving.

    Can I take a free IQ test on my phone or tablet?

    Definitely. QuickIQTest.org offers a free IQ test online that’s fully optimized for mobile and desktop. You can complete the test on any device without downloading anything.

    What’s included in a free IQ test with instant results?

    typical free IQ test with instant results includes a score summary and performance breakdown across areas like pattern recognition, logic, and numerical reasoning—all delivered immediately after the test.

    Is there a free IQ test and free results option with no hidden costs?

     Yes. Platforms like QuickIQTest.org provide a free IQ test and free results with no hidden fees or tricks. You can test your IQ and view your score instantly without entering payment information.

    Media Contact
    Company: Quick IQ Test
    Contact Person: Sean C. Bailey
    Email: support@quickiqtest.org
    Address: 3445 Canterbury Drive, New York, NY 10016, USA
    URL: https://quickiqtest.org/
    Phone: +1 646-598-0584
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DAO 03/25 – Government investment and strategic support

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    DAO 03/25 – Government investment and strategic support

    ‘Dear Accounting Officer’ letters provide advice on accountability, regularity, propriety, value for money and annual accounting exercises.

    Documents

    DAO 03/25 Guidance on Government investment and strategic support

    PDF, 185 KB, 7 pages

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email digital.communications@hmtreasury.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    DAO 03/25 Guidance on Government investment and strategic support

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    Details

    When considering investment or strategic support, accounting officers should consider their duties in the context of the strategic policy objectives that ministers are seeking to achieve by virtue of the investment, as well as having regard to their other accounting officer duties. This letter provides additional guidance on how to approach strategic investment decisions in support of ministers policy objectives.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Director appointed to the Scotland Office

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New Director appointed to the Scotland Office

    A new Director is to take the helm at the Scotland Office this summer

    Fiona Mettam, currently Director for Energy Development at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, will lead a team of around 80 civil servants across sites in London and Edinburgh. 

    She will work closely with Scottish Secretary Ian Murray to deliver on his key departmental priorities of growth, Brand Scotland, green energy and tackling poverty. 

    Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray said:

    “I am delighted that Fiona Mettam is joining the Scotland Office. Her very significant skills and experience will be a huge asset to the Office. I’m very much looking forward to having her on board, helping to deliver my four key priorities.”

    Fiona Mettam said:

    “It is a real privilege and honour to be taking up this important role to support the Scotland Office Ministerial team in delivering their priorities for the UK Government in Scotland. I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

    Fiona has previously worked in Defra, HMT, the European Commission and the South Downs National Park Authority in a range of policy, delivery and corporate roles.  Fiona is also joint Head of Place for Scotland for UKG, a role she fulfils jointly with Craig Ogilvie from HMRC. She will join the Scotland Office in August.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New expertise joins NI Public Sector Transformation Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New expertise joins NI Public Sector Transformation Board

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP welcomes the news of the appointment of two new members to the Public Sector Transformation Board.

    • The expansion of the Board follows a productive agreement with the Finance Minister John O’Dowd MLA to update the Terms of Reference for the Transformation Board.
    • The two new expert board members are; Gareth Hetherington, Director of Ulster University Economic Policy; and, Professor Helen McCarthy, the NI Executive’s Chief Scientific Officer.
    • The Second Call has now launched to allocate the remaining £102 million of UK Government funding which will help improve public services, and address many of the challenges faced by people across Northern Ireland.

    Hilary Benn MP said:

    The significant progress made since the establishment of the Board has been really important. I was delighted to welcome the first tranche of funding in March this year when £129m was confirmed to help fund six transformation projects across the Departments of Health, Justice, Education and Infrastructure.

    The appointment of Gareth Hetherington and Professor Helen McCarthy will bolster the expertise of the Board as it assesses projects eligible for the remaining £102m allocation for transformation of public services in Northern Ireland. This funding will help build more resilient and responsive public services that better meet the needs of people across Northern Ireland.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New expertise joins NI Public Sector Transformation Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New expertise joins NI Public Sector Transformation Board

    Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn MP welcomes the news of the appointment of two new members to the Public Sector Transformation Board.

    • The expansion of the Board follows a productive agreement with the Finance Minister John O’Dowd MLA to update the Terms of Reference for the Transformation Board.
    • The two new expert board members are; Gareth Hetherington, Director of Ulster University Economic Policy; and, Professor Helen McCarthy, the NI Executive’s Chief Scientific Officer.
    • The Second Call has now launched to allocate the remaining £102 million of UK Government funding which will help improve public services, and address many of the challenges faced by people across Northern Ireland.

    Hilary Benn MP said:

    The significant progress made since the establishment of the Board has been really important. I was delighted to welcome the first tranche of funding in March this year when £129m was confirmed to help fund six transformation projects across the Departments of Health, Justice, Education and Infrastructure.

    The appointment of Gareth Hetherington and Professor Helen McCarthy will bolster the expertise of the Board as it assesses projects eligible for the remaining £102m allocation for transformation of public services in Northern Ireland. This funding will help build more resilient and responsive public services that better meet the needs of people across Northern Ireland.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Onyx Meets Golden Globes® Winner Matīss Kaža, Producer of Flow

    Source: Samsung

    Visual and immersive storytelling is central to how a film is experienced on the big screen by moviegoers. As more people seek premier theatre experiences, filmmakers are increasingly embracing cinema LED screens over projectors to deliver their creations in a way audiences haven’t experienced before, fully immersing the viewer in the worlds they create.
     
    Following the launch of the latest Samsung Onyx (ICD), Matīss Kaža, Golden Globes® winner, Academy Award® winner, and producer of the film ‘Flow’, shared his insights on how Onyx is pushing the boundaries in cinema.
     
    Matīss Kaža is a Latvian director, writer, and producer, renowned for co-writing and co-producing the animated film Flow (2024), which won a Golden Globe® Award for Best Motion Picture – Animated, an Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, a Toronto International Film Festival – Best Animated Film, a European Film Awards for European Animated Feature Film, and more. His projects have a strong sense of authorship and cinematic vision that resonates beyond national borders.
     
    

    Q: Could you tell us a bit about what the film Flow is about?
     
    Flow is an animated film, without any dialogue, telling the story of a solitary, individualist cat who likes to be by himself. Then suddenly comes this huge flood, destroying the cat’s home and forcing it upon a boat with other animals. On this boat, the cat learns to collaborate and become friends with these animals to survive this new, beautiful and humanless world.
     
    Matīss Kaža shares his experience of watching his work on Samsung Onyx (Poster: Courtesy of Sideshow and Janus Films)
     
     
    Q: As a dialogue-free film, how does a Cinema LED screen enhance the viewing experience for the audience?
    One of the goals of Flow as a dialogue-free film is to essentially have the audience come as close to the cat’s experience as possible, since the film is built around the contrast between the main protagonist and the world around it. Cinema is all about detailing in the visual storytelling, and this comes through on Onyx very well. The world is vividly colourful with the yellows, greens, and blues—and then the cat is dark gray. There’s a huge contrast that shines through when watching on the Onyx screen, with its vivid colours and deep blacks.
     
     
    Flow, played on Samsung Onyx
     
     
    Q: How did the team work through the movements of each of the animals?
     
    We studied the movements of these real animals, down to the most meticulous detail, to make sure our approach to the film was naturalistic for the audience. For example, when something attracts the cat’s attention, rather than twisting its head to look, it would just twist the ear.
     
    Each animal moves in different ways and has different silhouettes, weights, and verticality. It was important for us to nail this process when making the film for the audience to feel fully immersed in this world.
     
    Q: How did it feel to watch Flow on the Samsung Onyx Cinema LED screen?
     
    Many scenes in the film feature foreground and background interactions, and the audience can fully enjoy and experience exactly how we wanted the film to look. The movements are also very clear, and you can see how all the different characters have their particularities, down to the most subtle interactions. From the smallest twitching in the ear and the smallest gaze of the eye, or any little interaction, the level of detail on Onyx makes these perfectly visible for the audience.
     
    “I would have to say that Flow on the Onyx screen really flows.”
     
     
    Q: Did you notice anything new or different about Flow after seeing it on Samsung Onyx?
     
    How vivid the colour was in the beginning – where the cat is still in its home, which is a lovely sculpture garden – really stood out to me. The finer details, like the little butterflies and critters flying around, give this emotion of calmness that might not be noticeable on other screens. The Onyx truly shows the film for what it is—there is very crisp detail and clarity—and it displays things that would go unnoticed in other situations.
     
    “On the Onyx, these little details were perfectly visible –
    details which give a lot to the atmosphere, to the peaceful tone of the scene,”
     
     
    Flow, played on Samsung Onyx
     
     
    Q: Water is a core element of the film. Can you tell us more about its purpose and how the team uses it to add to the story?
     
    The most difficult part of making this movie is the water effect. The dynamics of the water in the storytelling is really important because it’s one of the central metaphors of the film.
     
    On an Onyx screen, you can explicitly see the difference between the little waves in the puddle at the beginning and end of the film. These details are so important to the storytelling, and it really comes through here on the Onyx.
     
    Courtesy of Sideshow and Janus Films
     
    Q: How do the colour, image details, and storytelling jump out more on a screen like Onyx compared to other traditional methods?
     
    Because there is no dialogue in this film, we relied solely on visual storytelling. In terms of visual storytelling, colour is essential—setting the right levels of contrast and the exact color palette—for the scene. It’s what creates the mood and the atmosphere.
     
    These aspects are fundamental to the film and are captured precisely, just as we intended. Every detail and colour really shines on the Onyx screen.
     
     
     
    “Cinema is all about the detail in the storytelling, It always comes through in the detail. And that comes through on the Onyx” says Matīss Kaža, co-writer and co-producer of animated film Flow (2024)
     
     
     
    Q: As a filmmaker, do the capabilities of Onyx help inspire your creative direction for upcoming projects?
     
    I love it when the theatrical experience has me in the middle of the experience, trying to decode what is going on. Filmmakers can do a lot of interesting things using environments, visuals, and powerful storytelling to put audience members in an active relationship with the film. The crispness and range of colours offered on the Onyx bring us back to why we love seeing motion pictures on the big screen. It’s super immersive, and the level of detailing is just incredible.
     
     
    Q: Anything else you would like us to know?
     
    “I do filmmaking for the cinema-going experience;
    that’s where the film really shines.”
     
    Cinemas are where you see the picture as you’re supposed to see it. Every cinematographer and director, I think, has had to come to terms with different cinemas showing different images when using traditional projection. With the uniform approach that the Onyx has, I think that problem might be solved.
     
     
    “Every detail and color really shines on the Onyx screen,” says Matīss Kaža, co-writer and co-producer of animated film Flow (2024)

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Update: Progressing friendship arrangement with city of Hebron, Palestine

    Source: City of Preston

    In March 2025, Preston City Council Cabinet Members chose the City of Hebron in Palestine to explore the possibilities of an informal friendship agreement between the two cities.

    The Council wants to extend the hand of friendship as a symbol of our support for the people of Palestine, through the wider Middle East and those of all faiths and communities who are suffering through conflict across the globe.

    At full council today (26 June 2025), members passed the recommendation to enter into a friendship arrangement with the City of Hebron facilitated by the Britain Palestinian Friendship and Twinning Network.

    The network is a voluntary organisation with no political ties, made up of a network of different groups with different activities, constitutions, sizes, locations and members.  

    Preston is a City of Sanctuary, offering a safe place of refuge to those fleeing war and persecution across the world, and an early adopter of the Faith Covenant, respecting differing beliefs and faiths, working together for the common good.

    The progression of the friendship will be supported by an informal network of representatives of interested parties and initially chaired by the Council’s Champion for Communities. All representatives of the Faith Covenant will be invited to sit on this network, as will other key representatives from public, civic, education and private business organisations.

    Hebron is considered one of the oldest cities in the Middle East, located in the southern part of the Occupied West Bank, 30 kilometres (19 miles) south of Jerusalem. It has a population of more than 201,000 and is believed to have lots of commonalities with Preston including a multi-cultural and diverse population.  Hebron is a chief commercial and industrial centre in the region with its main trade in limestone from nearby quarries and with a local reputation for grapes, figs, ceramics, plastics and pottery.  

    Councillor Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council said:

    “A friendship arrangement with Hebron is not merely a symbolic gesture. We will do what we can to offer practical support and aid, and seek to build links between local schools, churches, mosques, community centres and other types of organisations. We will promote the need for peace to prevail and hopefully after the conflict in the region ends, we can arrange visits to both Palestine and Preston to promote greater understanding, lasting peace and friendship for all.”

    Councillor Nweeda Khan, Champion for Communities added:

    “We appreciate the complexity and emotive nature of this proposal but feel we owe it to our local communities to recognise the plight of people in the Middle East caught up in the current conflict. The spirit in which we would like to progress our friendship with Hebron is that by building bonds and strengthening ties, lasting relationships built on understanding, openness, tolerance and inclusion will eradicate hate and division between communities.”

    The Council also remains committed to exploring a similar friendship with an Israeli town or city, should a similar body to the Palestinian Friendship Association can be indentified to help guide and support our work.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –