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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI: Soitec and PSMC collaborate on ultra-thin TLT technology for nm-scale 3D stacking

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Soitec and PSMC collaborate on ultra-thin TLT technology for nm-scale 3D stacking

    Bernin (France), June 3, 2025 – Soitec (Euronext – Tech Leaders), a world leader in the design and production of innovative semiconductor materials, today announced a strategic collaboration with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC).

    Under the collaboration, Soitec will supply PSMC 300mm substrates incorporating a release layer, Transistor Layer Transfer (TLT) ready, to support a new demonstration of advanced 3D chip stacking at the wafer level. This marks the first public announcement of Soitec’s TLT technology.

    The technology is an enabler for next-generation semiconductor designs that allow for more powerful, compact and energy-efficient chips – with potential applications ranging from smartphones, tablets and AI devices to autonomous driving systems.

    Soitec’s Chief Technology Officer and Senior EVP Innovation, Christophe Maleville said: “At Soitec we are proud to pioneer semiconductor materials that unlock new possibilities in chip design and performance. Our collaboration with PSMC reflects a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of 3D integration and supporting the global shift toward more efficient and compact computing architectures. Together we are laying the groundwork for the next generation of semiconductor innovation.”

    PSMC Chief Technology Officer SZ Chang said: “With our longstanding presence in memory and logic foundry, PSMC consistently drives advancements in 3D stacking. In the two-year collaboration, PSMC has demonstrated an innovative wafer-stack integrated process by leveraging Soitec’s advanced substrate technology. The innovation significantly broadens the 3D technology from chip-level stacking – optimizing power performance in computing architecture, to transistor-level stacking – extending Moore’s law, with a remarkable reduction in stacking wafer thickness from micrometer to nanometer level. This achievement, by pushing the boundaries of 3D stacking, reaffirms our position at the forefront of the semiconductor industry.”

    To meet growing industry demand for faster and more energy-efficient chips, Soitec has developed a new substrate stack enabling high-speed transfer of ultra-thin transistor layers onto different types of wafers—a key requirement in heterogeneous integration, where diverse chip components are combined in a single package.

    The stacking process enables multiple transistor layers to be built vertically to support 3D transistor architectures including vertical field-effect transistors (FETs) with backside power delivery networks (PDNs).

    This TLT substrate leverages Smart Cut™ technology together with infrared (IR) laser release processing. The proprietary Soitec technology enables the formation of an ultra-thin semiconductor layer, ranging from 5nm to 1µm in thickness, on top of the TLT substrate. Once devices are fabricated on the TLT wafer, the IR laser process facilitates the lift-off of the ultra-thin layer from the substrate to the target wafer, without introducing thermal stress or damaging the devices.

    The Soitec-PSMC collaboration builds on existing France-Taiwan cooperation initiatives in AI and other semiconductor-related domains.

    *****

    About Soitec

    Soitec (Euronext – Tech Leaders), a world leader in innovative semiconductor materials, has been developing cutting-edge products delivering both technological performance and energy efficiency for over 30 years. From its global headquarters in France, Soitec is expanding internationally with its unique solutions, and generated sales of 0.9 billion Euros in fiscal year 2024-2025. Soitec occupies a key position in the semiconductor value chain, serving three main strategic markets: Mobile Communications, Automotive and Industrial, and Edge and Cloud AI. The company relies on the talent and diversity of its 2,300 employees, representing 50 different nationalities, working at its sites in Europe, the United States and Asia. Soitec has registered over 4,000 patents.

    Soitec, SmartSiC™ and Smart Cut™ are registered trademarks of Soitec.

    For more information: https://www.soitec.com/en/ and follow us on LinkedIn and X: @Soitec_Official

    Media Relations: media@soitec.com

    Investor Relations: investors@soitec.com

    *****

    About Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC)

    Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) is the world’s seventh-largest pure-play foundry, with four 12-inch and two 8-inch fabs in Taiwan, capable of producing over 2.1 million 12-inch equivalent wafers annually. Since its establishment in 1994, the company transitioned successfully from DRAM manufacturing to advanced foundry services for memory and logic chips. Ranked seventh in global semiconductor ESG evaluations, PSMC demonstrates strong governance and environmental commitment. In May 2024, PSMC’s new 12-inch fab in Taiwan’s Tongluo Science Park began operations with a planned capacity of 1.2 million wafers annually, using advanced 28nm and wafer stacking technologies.   

    For more information, visit https://www.powerchip.com/en-global

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: RIBER receives an order in Asia for an MBE 412 research system

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RIBER receives an order in Asia for an MBE 412 research system

    Bezons (France), June 3, 2025 – 8:00am (CET) – RIBER, the global leader in Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) equipment for the semiconductor industry, announces the sale of an MBE 412 research system to a leading Asian university institute.

    This acquisition is part of the development of advanced research on laser sources emitting at 1650 nm, used for methane detection. The system will be dedicated to the study of GaAs- and InP-based materials, with the objective of exploring new growth processes to optimize strained heterogeneous and multilayer structures, thereby improving the performance of optoelectronic devices in critical applications.

    A compact and versatile platform, the MBE 412 stands out for its high flexibility in growth protocols. It enables the implementation of complex processes thanks to its compatibility with a wide range of effusion cells, while ensuring excellent deposition uniformity and stability.

    This new order highlights the growing interest among research institutes in MBE technologies for the development of specialized lasers and innovative nanoscale materials.

    About RIBER

    Founded in 1964, RIBER is the global market leader for MBE – molecular beam epitaxy – equipment. It designs and produces equipment for the semiconductor industry and provides scientific and technical support for its clients (hardware and software), maintaining their equipment and optimizing their performance and output levels. Accelerating the performance of electronics, RIBER’s equipment performs an essential role in the development of advanced semiconductors that are used in numerous applications, from information technologies to photonics (lasers, sensors, etc.), 5G telecommunications networks and research, including quantum computing. RIBER is a BPI France-approved innovative company and is listed on the Euronext Growth Paris market (ISIN: FR0000075954).
    www.riber.com

    Contacts

    RIBER
    Annie Geoffroy | tel: +33 (0)1 39 96 65 00 | invest@riber.com
    Justine Dauvisis | tel: +33 (0)6 67 93 38 40 | communication@riber.fr  

    ACTUS FINANCE & COMMUNICATION
    Cyril Combe | tel: +33 (0)1 53 67 36 36 | ccombe@actus.fr

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: JLT Mobile Computers showcases JLT6015 at TOC Europe, June 17-19, 2025 – a new innovative rugged vehicle-mount computer enabling container terminal automation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Image description: TOC Europe 17-19 June 2025
    Image available: pr@jltmobile.com

     Växjö, Sweden, 3rdJune, 2025 * * * JLT Mobile Computers, a leading developer and supplier of reliable computers for demanding environments, invites media to experience its latest rugged vehicle-mount computers at TOC Europe on June 17-19, 2025. The annual conference in Rotterdam, Netherlands, brings together global port and terminal supply chain leaders.

    JLT will be at stand E:32 alongside Visy, a pioneer in optical character recognition (OCR) that integrates AI and deep learning into its vision-based terminal automation solutions.

    JLT’s rugged computers support thousands of critical tasks every day and are essential for executing routines in container terminals. For example, Visy’s latest user applications for crane operations run on JLT computers – helping terminal personnel work more efficiently and maintain the planned sequence of operations.

    At TOC Europe, JLT will showcase its portfolio of rugged vehicle-mount computers, spearheaded by JLT6105, the industry’s first rugged vehicle-mount computer with a 15-inch full high-definition (HD) widescreen, alongside the field-proven Navis Ready validated VERSO Series. Designed specifically for container terminals, these rugged computers enable 24/7 container throughput and optimize productivity in even the harshest environments.With over 25 years of experience in container handling environments, JLT’s rugged devices are trusted by leading container terminals worldwide. They serve as the digital backbone for real-time data capture and reliable communications.

    Together, JLT’s rugged hardware and Visy’s smart automation solutions create value across the terminal – from wharf and yard to gates and parking areas.”

    Introducing JLT6015: engineered to boost productivity and maximize TEU capacity
    JLT6015 is the industry’s first to combine a superior full HD display, 1920 x 1080, with a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. It delivers exceptional clarity and performance in harsh, constrained terminal environments. JLT6015 is future-ready with 5G (in Europe) and Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, split-screen capabilities, and a rugged, dock-free design. JLT6015 gives operators the visibility and computing performance to keep terminals productive and connected.

    Peter Lundgren, Container Terminal Business Development Manager at JLT Mobile Computers, says, “JLT6015 harnesses the full potential of the latest software applications from Visy and opens new opportunities to optimize container terminal productivity and throughput.”

    VERSO Series: Navis Ready validated for N4 Terminal Operating System
    Built for 24/7 operations in the most challenging terminal environments, VERSO Series is the optimal rugged computer for container terminals. Engineered to withstand salt, sand, or harsh weather, constant vibration, and round-the-clock shifts, it provides reliable performance throughout the terminal. It is designed to keep terminal operations moving, enhancing capacity, productivity, and container throughput. It is Navis Ready, allowing terminal operators to benefit from seamless integration, as compliance with the container terminal operating system is pre-verified.  

    On display also the latest developments of JLT Insight, a software tool to assist in real time location and tracing of CHE:s, hence optimizing the use of the CHE fleet.

    Visit us at TOC Europe
    Be the first to experience JLT6015, explore VERSO Series and JLT’s rugged vehicle-mount computers at TOC Europe at Visy’s stand E:32. Peter Lundgren, Business Development Manager Ports and Terminals Container Terminals, will be onsite to demonstrate.

    Book a meeting with Peter Lundgren.

    To learn more about JLT Mobile Computers, and the company’s products, services and solutions, visit jltmobile.com. Financial information is available on JLT’s investor page.

    About JLT Mobile Computers

    JLT Mobile Computers is a leading developer and supplier of rugged mobile computing devices and solutions for global and local port operators, in particular container terminals. Almost 30 years of development and manufacturing experience have enabled us to set the standard in rugged computing, combining outstanding product quality with expert service, support, and solutions. Operators depend on JLT computing devices in all their container handling equipment (CHE) to ensure trouble-free business operations 24/7. JLT participates in the Navis Ready Validation program to ensure interoperability with Navis N4. JLT operates globally from offices in Sweden, France and the US, complemented by an extensive network of sales partners in local markets. The company was founded in 1994 and its shares have been listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market stock exchange since 2002 under the symbol JLT. Eminova Fondkommission AB acts as Certified Adviser. Learn more at www.jltmobile.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Viridien sets new seismic data acquisition standard with launch of Sercel Accel – the world’s first onshore drop node solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, France – June 3, 2025

    Viridien has launched the Sercel Accel – the industry’s first onshore drop node solution – which will revolutionize land seismic data acquisition.

    Unveiled at the EAGE Annual Conference and Exhibition in Toulouse, France, Accel is designed to overcome the challenges of today’s complex, high-density seismic operations by accelerating survey deployment, increasing operational efficiency gains and consistently delivering the highest quality data.

    Accel sets a new standard for onshore seismic data acquisition by eliminating the need for nodes to be buried or planted in the field and thereby drastically reducing deployment time and labor requirements. With its unique droppable design, compact size, and integrated smart portable deployment system, Accel streamlines logistics, improves in-field agility and helps to reduce operational costs by up to -30% and significantly lower HSE risk.

    At its core, Accel is powered by the industry-leading Sercel QuietSeis® MEMS sensor, a long-standing benchmark of total data integrity. Built-in, field-proven Sercel Pathfinder QC technology also provides near real-time quality control status monitoring and ensures reliable node retrieval.

    Accel also brings a new level of flexibility to land seismic data acquisition with the introduction of modular Accel Solution Packs which combine nodes, software and services. These are designed to meet wide-ranging survey needs, from initial exploration to large-scale mega-crews. With this approach, customers can tailor and scale their required Accel Solution Packs based on project duration, complexity and strategic goals, bringing unmatched agility to their field operations.

    Jerome Denigot, Head of Sensing & Monitoring, Viridien, said: “For many decades, our high-end Sercel geophysical solutions have led the industry, ensuring acquisition of the highest-quality seismic data. With the launch of Accel, we have drawn on our expertise to take a bold leap forward – revolutionizing how data is captured, managed, and ultimately trusted by our customers for its total integrity and accuracy. Thanks to its seamless integration with our other acquisition systems, our Accel drop node solution enhances both crew productivity and safety. Scalable and supported by our flexible Accel Solution Packs, including software and services, it heralds the start of a new era in fast, high-resolution land seismic acquisition – accelerating projects of any size.”

    About Viridien:

    Viridien (www.viridiengroup.com) is an advanced technology, digital and Earth data company that pushes the boundaries of science for a more prosperous and sustainable future. With our ingenuity, drive and deep curiosity we discover new insights, innovations, and solutions that efficiently and responsibly resolve complex natural resources, digital, energy transition and infrastructure challenges. Viridien employs around 3,400 people worldwide and is listed as VIRI on the Euronext Paris SA (ISIN: FR001400PVN6).

    Contacts

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Independent Water Commission publishes interim findings

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Independent Water Commission publishes interim findings

    Interim report sets out scale of change needed to reform water sector

    The interim findings from the Independent Water Commission have been published today (Tuesday 3 June) ahead of its final report this summer.

    Sir Jon Cunliffe, Chair of the Commission, has set out five areas where he believes wide-ranging and fundamental change is needed to reset the water sector in England & Wales.  

    These include clearer direction from government, stronger regulation of water companies, bringing decisions on water systems closer to local communities, and greater focus on responsible, long-term investors.

    The Commission’s full conclusions and detailed recommendations will be published later in the summer.  This interim report sets out the Commission’s preliminary conclusions and direction of travel; several key decisions will be covered in the final report.

    The findings are informed by the Commission’s Call for Evidence, which ran from 27 February – 23 April and received more than 50,000 responses from the public, campaigners, industry, the regulators and many others.

    Sir Jon Cunliffe said:

    “There is no simple, single change, no matter how radical, that will deliver the fundamental reset that is needed for the water sector.

    “We have heard of deep-rooted, systemic and interlocking failures over the years – failure in Government’s strategy and planning for the future, failure in regulation to protect both the billpayer and the environment and failure by some water companies and their owners to act in the public, as well as their private, interest. 

    “My view is that all of these issues need to be tackled to rebuild public trust and make the system fit for the future. We anticipate that this will require new legislation.”

    The five areas are:

    1.Strategic Direction & Planning

    • At a government level, there needs to be clearer, long-term direction on what it wants from the water system. We want clean and healthy waterways and we need to balance the different pressures on water – from the water industry, agriculture, energy, transport and development – and take account of cost.  This requires government to set out its priorities and timescales for the system much more clearly than it does at present.

    • Our water systems – rivers, aquifers and coasts – need much better planning and coordination at a regional level. The Commission is considering options to move from the complex planning process we have now to a regional “systems planning” approach in England, bringing better coordination with local authorities and a stronger voice for local communities. It means bringing decisions on water systems, such as where new infrastructure is built or how pollution from different sources should be tackled, closer to the communities who depend on them.

    2.Legislative framework

    • Water legislation has evolved in a piecemeal fashion over a long period of time – there are currently around 80 pieces of legislation covering the sector. As a result, the legislative framework for water is complex, inconsistent in places and very difficult to navigate.  
    • The Commission sees a strong case for review, rationalisation and consolidation of existing legislation, to simplify the framework, to create greater flexibility for regulators, and to update standards and broaden objectives. This could include new objectives around public health given the growing recreational use of water.

    3.Regulatory reform

    • The Commission believes a fundamental strengthening and rebalancing of Ofwat’s regulation is needed with the introduction of a ‘supervisory’ approach, as found in sectors such as financial services. The current model relies heavily on ‘comparability’ – benchmarking companies against one another to assess efficiency and justify customer bills.  A ‘supervisory approach’ means a deeper understanding of circumstances and finances to enable intervention early before issues arise, as well as supporting companies when they are going in the right direction.
    • On environmental regulation, the Commission is clear that we need to equip a more capable regulator, with the right technology and skills, a stable and consistent approach to funding, and the flexibility to enable innovative solutions that deliver the greatest environmental benefits. 
    • Much of the friction, cost and complexity in the regulatory system comes from the way in which economic and environmental regulators with different remits interact. The Commission is considering options for significant streamlining and alignment of the regulators to address this. It will make its recommendations in its final report.

    4.Company Structures, Ownership, Governance and Management

    • The Commission is looking at the ownership, governance and management of private water companies and whether more needs to be done to support transparency and accountability, which could include stronger duties for management. Further recommendations will follow in the final report.
    • On ownership, the Commission is clear that the water industry should aim to attract and retain long-term investors seeking low risk, low return investment. This will require restoring investor confidence in the predictability and stability of the regulatory system.

    5.Infrastructure & Asset Health

    • There is not sufficient understanding of the health and resilience of the water industry’s asset base – its pipes, water treatment plants and pumping stations. Assets have not been, and have not been required to be, fully mapped and there is variation between companies in how they assess asset health.
    • The Commission is considering new infrastructure resilience standards at a national level, as well as requiring companies to assess and report asset health, at set intervals, to regulators. This means companies do not just fix failures when they fail, but responsibly plan for the long-term condition and resilience of these critical assets.

    Sir Jon Cunliffe continued:

    “I have heard a strong and powerful consensus that the current system is not working for anyone, and that change is needed. I believe that ambitious reforms across these complex and connected set of issues are sorely needed.  

    “I have been encouraged to see, on all sides of the debate, that people have been prepared to engage constructively with our work; I look forward to that continuing as we enter the final stages.”

    The Independent Water Commission was announced by the UK and Welsh governments in October 2024. It is operating independently of UK and Welsh Ministers.

    It is supported by an advisory group, with leading voices from areas including the environment, public health and investment.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Vale Nick Trandos

    Source: South Australia Police

    The Cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo offer their sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Nick Trandos OAM JP, who has passed away, aged 90.

    Nick leaves a legacy of leadership and service to Wanneroo and Joondalup, highlighted by his prominent roles in the development of Hillarys Boat Harbour and the Mitchell Freeway extension to Ocean Reef Road in 1988.

    His fundraising and lobbying played a large part in securing two major projects that would transform the district.

    Born in Kefalari, Greece in 1934, Nick came to rural Wanneroo in 1949 with his family, where he finished his schooling before working in the family vegetable garden.

    He started in local government in 1960 on the Wanneroo Road Board and served 24 years as an elected member in Wanneroo between 1960 – 1966 and again from 1970 to 1988.

    The last President of the Shire of Wanneroo and the first Mayor of the City of Wanneroo, Nick represented the Council on the Joondalup Development Corporation, which was established in 1976 to oversee the development of Joondalup City Centre.

    Nick was a staunch advocate of the Joondalup City Centre concept and closely involved in Wanneroo Council decisions that would impact the future direction of Joondalup.

    Active outside of local government, he founded Olympic Kingsway Sports Club and was twice club President and served as President of the WA Market Gardeners’ Association for 25 years and National President of the Australian Vegetable Growers’ Federation (1983-85).

    An Honorary Freeman of both Joondalup and Wanneroo, Nick was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for community service in 1988.

    Remembered as a man with great vision and community spirit, Nick’s first and deepest love was always his family.  He will be sorely missed.

    Vale Nick Trandos. Thank you for all you have done for our region. May you rest in peace.  

    Linda Aitken, Wanneroo Mayor

    Albert Jacob, Joondalup Mayor

    MIL OSI News –

  • Djokovic hits French Open ton, Sinner sublime, Bublik stuns Draper

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Three-times champion Novak Djokovic reached a century of wins at the French Open in a straight sets victory against Cameron Norrie on Monday and top seed Jannik Sinner produced another masterclass to also blaze into the quarter-finals.

    Men’s fifth seed Jack Draper bowed out though, as did women’s third seed Jessica Pegula who was stunned by world France’s world number 361 Lois Boisson.

    Serbian Djokovic, the sixth seed, looked serene in outclassing Britain’s Norrie 6-2 6-3 6-2 to edge closer to a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

    Djokovic became the second man to win 100 matches at the Paris Grand Slam after retired 14-times champion Rafael Nadal (112), to set up a last-eight clash against Alexander Zverev.

    “It’s a number which is very good and nice, but a 101st win is even better,” Djokovic, who won the Olympic gold medal last year in Paris to complete his trophy cabinet, told the appreciative crowd in fluent French.

    “It’s not finished for me here the tournament and I feel very good and good to make history here. I hope there will be another win here in two days.”

    His German opponent in the last eight spent even less time on the court, third seed Zverev punching his ticket when Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor retired midway through the second set with an abdominal injury.

    Zverev has reached his seventh French Open quarter-final in the last eight years and is still looking to secure a maiden Grand Slam title.

    “From now on I have the toughest draw in the tournament,” Zverev said. “I’m looking forward to the battles ahead, and I’m looking forward to playing the best in the world.”

    SUBLIME SINNER

    World number one Sinner lit up the night session with a sublime display to beat Andrey Rublev 6-1 6-3 6-4 and stretch his winning streak in Grand Slam play to 18 matches.

    Italian Sinner, the U.S. and Australian Open champion, has won all 12 sets he has played this year on Parisian clay and looks in ominous form as he closes on a first French Open title.

    While Djokovic, Sinner and Zverev were all smiles, Britain’s dark horse Draper was heading for home after succumbing to a mesmeric display by Kazakh Alexander Bublik, who a few months ago questioned his future having dropped down the pecking order.

    The 27-year-old, among the most naturally gifted players on tour who has admitted to lacking the commitment of other top professionals, seized his moment to drop shot his way past young gun Draper to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.

    Bublik, who had never got past the second round in Paris, hit a staggering 37 drop shots in his 5-7 6-3 6-2 6-4 win.

    “Standing here is the best moment of my life, period,” Bublik, in tears, told the crowd.

    “I’m standing here like I won the thing. I can’t cry here, let me be in peace, I’m a professional tennis player, I’ve got one more match, I’ve got to get ready.”

    Bublik’s victory was the second upset of the day after unheralded Boisson shook up the women’s draw with a shock 3-6 6-4 6-4 win over Pegula.

    Wild card Boisson outplayed the American favourite with the aid of a fierce forehand that had the Chatrier crowd on their feet.

    As if that was not enough for the home crowd, they also got to see the Champions League soccer trophy minutes later, after Paris St Germain’s victory over Inter Milan on Saturday.

    PSG forward Ousmane Dembele carried it onto the court to ear-splitting cheers as his team became the second French outfit to lift the European Cup after Olympique de Marseille in 1993.

    Second seed Coco Gauff was in no mood for surprises, however, as she brushed aside Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0 7-5 to stay on course for her first title in Paris.

    Gauff, who got to the final in 2022 and semis last year, is the youngest American to reach at least the fourth round at seven straight Grand Slams since Venus Williams from 1997-1999.

    The Americans are guaranteed a semi-finalist with Gauff next facing Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who eased past Hailey Baptiste.

    Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva also booked a last-eight spot by overcoming Australian 17th seed Daria Kasatkina 6-3 7-5 to become the youngest player to reach back-to-back French Open quarter-finals in nearly three decades.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: Tiny dancers, timeless rhythms: children move to China’s cultural beat

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

    At only six years old, Zhuang Enqi is already on the road to mastering a centuries-old art — even if it means a long ride beneath the starry skies in Chaoshan, a region in south China’s Guangdong Province.

    Zhuang Enqi practices Yingge dance in Yujiao Village of Guiyu Township, Shantou City, south China’s Guangdong Province, May 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

    The journey often lulls the little girl to sleep in the back seat of her father’s car, but as soon as they arrive, she perks up with excitement. “Yingge is fun,” she said.

    At the Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday, Zhuang is set to perform Yingge — or “dance to the hero’s song” — in her home province. Dating back over 300 years, it blends theater, dance, and martial arts. With its forceful moves and bold, unrestrained style, Yingge remains one of the most festive and iconic traditions in the region.

    Zhuang’s enthusiasm mirrors a growing trend among the youngest generation in the country, who are increasingly discovering joy and a sense of identity in the rhythm of traditional culture.

    China has created a splendid civilization over millennia, but the hundred years following its military defeat in the 19th century were marked by humiliation, suffering, and a cultural decline.

    In recent years, as China strives for national rejuvenation, the country has elevated its cultural confidence to an unprecedented level. True rejuvenation, it is believed, requires not only material strength, but also spiritual strength — with fine traditional culture seen as the root and soul of the nation.

    The world’s second-largest economy has since poured resources into the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage. More museums and libraries have been built to preserve and showcase the nation’s rich legacy.

    With International Children’s Day falling within the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival holiday, which runs through Monday, more children are likely to explore traditional culture with curiosity and wonder.

    Children race “dragon boats” at a kindergarten in Nanning, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 28, 2025. (Photo by Ma Huabin/Xinhua)

    On Friday, in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province — the birthplace of a story behind the Dragon Boat Festival — more students tried their hand at crafting miniature dragon boats from wooden pieces.

    Dragon boats are a hallmark of the festival in the region, celebrated with spirited races and the sharing of zongzi — sticky rice dumplings — in honor of Qu Yuan, a loyal statesman and patriotic poet from the State of Chu during the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.)

    While adults prepare their long, narrow boats for races, kids scurry nearby, lending their small hands and big cheers. Nearby, middle schoolers rehearse their paddle strokes in sync, gearing up for their turn on the water.

    Chinese travel platform Tuniu predicts a boom in “traditional culture-plus-family” tourism during the three-day holiday. In Xi’an, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, ticket sales for classical operas and puppet shows at one theater have surged 12.6-fold compared to the same period last year, according to another tourism platform Tongcheng Travel.

    STRONGER IDENTITY

    Generation Alpha, those born after 2010, is being raised in a time when traditional culture is more robustly preserved and proudly celebrated, said Xu Junxian, a member of Guangdong’s intangible cultural heritage protection panel.

    From a young age, they immerse themselves in traditions like Yingge dance and dragon boat racing, forging a deep identification with their cultural heritage, Xu added. Zhuang is one notable example of this.

    Born into a family with a legacy of Yingge, Zhuang often followed her father to rehearsals, where she watched the dancers leap, spin, and roar with infectious energy. At home, the living room tells its own story: a toy drum, a black-and-white miniature snake prop, and tiny sticks — all playful versions of Yingge dance props — are strewn about, shared between her and her younger sister.

    In April 2024, the little girl charmed millions online as she was filmed spontaneously joining a Yingge parade on a street in Shantou — waving two sticks, dancing confidently, and roaring along to the beat of the drums.

    Her cool gaze and sharp moves captivated the Yingge dancers, who exchanged handshakes and fist bumps with her. Later, she was invited to train on Friday or Saturday evenings with a prestigious troupe.

    In Lixian County, Hunan, 11-year-old Jie Yutong joins his peers in chanting songs that local boatmen sang 500 years ago. Originally sung to rally the oarsmen braving rocky rapids, the songs have been adapted in pitch and technique for young singers.

    Why sing these songs today, when engines have long replaced manual paddling? Jie offers a simple answer: “Before engines, boatmen had to paddle. Their hard work deserves to be remembered.”

    Sometimes, children prove to be reliable custodians of traditional culture.

    Jin Chenle, a fifth-grader from east China’s Zhejiang Province, recently made headlines after spotting a typo in an exhibition on a classical opera at a local museum.

    He wrote to the provincial official in charge of cultural and tourism affairs, who not only corrected the mistake, but also sent Jin a handwritten letter of thanks. “I was surprised and excited,” Jin said. “They took it seriously.”

    The new generation, growing up in the era of mobile internet, are not passive recipients in global cultural exchanges, but active participants and communicators, said Lian Si, vice president of the Central School of the Communist Youth League of China.

    They are able to embrace diverse cultures from around the world while developing a keener appreciation for the unique appeal of Chinese culture, he added.

    At the Suzhou Archaeological Museum in Jiangsu, east China, nine-year-old Xu Xuhan marveled at a delicate hairpin from an ancient tomb recreated to full scale. “I want to know how our civilization began,” said the third-grader.

    Though she has yet to study history in school, her visits to exhibitions with her parents, including one on ancient Greece, have fueled her dream: “I hope to be an archaeologist.”

    INNOVATIVE PRESENTATIONS

    Lin Lunlun, former president of Hanshan Normal University in Guangdong and a scholar on cultural inheritance, attributed children’s fascination with cultural heritage to innovative presentation and interpretation.

    Immersive festivals, digital museum tours, and trendy cultural programs have opened vibrant gateways for young audiences to connect with their roots, he noted.

    Yingge exemplifies this transformation. Chen Pingyuan, a Guangdong native and Boya Chair Professor at Peking University, said, “When I was a kid, the dance wasn’t nearly as cool as it is now — they’ve mixed in elements from street dance.”

    Modern-day Yingge dazzles with dynamic choreography, bold formations, and striking costumes and props — far surpassing its past iterations.

    The troupe training Zhuang Enqi, for example, stands out with its vibrant branding and inclusive approach. Breaking from tradition, it welcomes members from outside the village and even provides free instruction.

    In Zhuang’s hometown, a women’s Yingge troupe is redefining the traditionally male-dominated art form, drawing inspiration from legendary heroines like Hua Mulan. Their graceful yet powerful routines radiate a fierce spirit that rivals any warrior’s.

    “I’ll dance until I’m 100,” Zhuang declared.  

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As government cuts bite, public service unions can use ‘soft power’ as well as strikes to win support

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jim Arrowsmith, Professor, School of Management, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

    Cuts to the public service, the decision to halt all pay equity claims, and the tight 2025 budget mean public service workers are facing an uncertain future.

    Nowhere is this more apparent than in the health sector. Since the 2024 budget, Health NZ has faced several reductions across its workforce. Nurses and rest home workers were also among the 33 pay equity cases stopped to save nearly NZ$13 billion over four years.

    Last week, doctors at Gisborne Hospital announced plans to strike due to staffing shortages.

    Industrial unrest could well be a feature of the next 18 months and an influence on the current government’s fortunes.

    My ongoing research with union leaders, to be published later this year, maps out how they could emerge as a major force mobilising public opinion ahead of the 2026 general election – and how using “soft power” rather than just strikes could be key to success.

    This research is part of an international project looking at health sector union strategies in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

    The power of unions

    Public sector unions have the power to influence change thanks to their concentrated membership in certain sectors, and their ability to cause significant disruptions with strikes. The New Zealand Nurses Organisation, for example, represents 77% of the registered nurse workforce.

    But the potential power of New Zealand’s public service unions is tempered by their members’ commitment to the needs of the people they serve – for example, ensuring sick people still receive care.

    Public service unions also need support from the public, given the state is their ultimate employer. This means unions first have to use the soft power available to them before deciding to strike.

    For unions, soft power includes using employment rules and laws (“institutional” sources of power), alliances with groups representing people who use the sector’s services (“coalitional” sources), and messaging (“ideational”).

    In the fight over pay equity, for example, unions are using institutional means (equal pay legislation) to fight for increased wages. They are also building coalitions with groups that use their services, and are articulating a clear case of fairness and efficiency to build wider support.

    Even some lobby groups, such as Aged Care Association which represents aged-care facilities, have publicly supported union efforts towards pay equity, recognising the need for higher wages to address labour shortages.

    Many people in the public service such as nurses face a tension between industrial action while still meeting their commitment to caring for New Zealanders.
    Hannah Peters/Getty Images

    Healthcare is a political frontline

    In healthcare, the government pledged $8.2 billion in funding over four years in its first budget in 2024. In 2025, it set aside an extra $447 million for primary and out-of-hours care.

    But unions representing doctors and nurses say the government is “just treading water”, identifying 4,800 vacancies in the current plan.

    According to the unions, gaps include one in five senior hospital doctor positions and a quarter of hospital shifts lack sufficient nurses or midwives (the government has disputed these figures).

    The situation is exacerbated by Australia and other countries actively recruiting for healthcare staff. Rising living costs also make New Zealand a less attractive proposition to new migrants.

    Recent surveys by other major health unions focus on the impact of staff shortages on worker wellbeing and patient care. The scientific and technical union APEX reports a “workforce in survival mode” and the Public Service Association talks of “healthcare in crisis”.

    In the care sector, members of trade union E tū have detailed how chronic understaffing leads to work intensification and insufficient time to care for residential or home-based clients.

    A battle of messaging

    The unions’ message is one of a vicious circle where staff shortages increase workloads in already demanding jobs, accelerating the number of departures and damaging the provision of care.

    Addressing this, unions argue, requires better pay and more staff, including investment to grow the domestic pipeline of healthcare staff over the longer term.

    The government’s message, however, refers to past blowouts, fiscal discipline and the need for more private sector involvement, and longer hours to meet its targets.

    The question for unions is whether they will be able to get their messaging out to voters more effectively than the government.

    In general, the profile of healthcare workers in people’s lives can create a more sympathetic message. Unions have also begun a coordinated strategy to unify and actively engage members as a platform for political outreach.

    Campaigns such as the nurses union “Marangi Mai” (Rise Up) and E tū’s “Transforming Care” speak to workers more effectively than remote and protracted equal pay negotiations.

    Finally, legal action and protests marshal media attention.

    Cases filed under employment and health and safety laws expose “good employer” obligations and the need to ensure safe working conditions. “Informational pickets”, market stalls and alliances with user groups also get the message out, as do short sharp work stoppages.

    Amid the ongoing debate around healthcare and what the sector needs, it is clear unions will need to use soft power tactics as well as strikes to advocate for workers. The strategies implemented in the public sector may also provide a road map for private sector workers considering their own actions.

    Jim Arrowsmith 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. As government cuts bite, public service unions can use ‘soft power’ as well as strikes to win support – https://theconversation.com/as-government-cuts-bite-public-service-unions-can-use-soft-power-as-well-as-strikes-to-win-support-257006

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why do our pupils dilate when we’re aroused? Anatomy experts explain

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Amanda Meyer, Senior Lecturer, Anatomy and Pathology in the College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University

    His gaze softens as he draws closer to you. With one hand around your waist and the other cradling your jaw, he pulls you in. You look into his eyes, and notice his pupils have grown large and hungry.

    So the story goes in every other romance novel, where enlarged pupils are commonly enlisted as imagery to indicate sexual arousal. And it’s not unusual to read advice online suggesting dilated pupils are a sure sign someone you like also likes you back.

    But what does the science say?

    In fact, it’s true: our pupils really do tend to grow large when we’re aroused. Here’s why.

    What is the pupil?

    The pupil is an opening in the iris (the coloured part of the eye) which directs light through the eyeball and onto the retina.

    Typically this opening is 2-4 millimetres in diameter in bright light, and 4-8 millimetres in darkness.

    The black colour of the pupil is the colour of the inside of your eye. Surrounding the pupil are two tiny muscles of the iris which are under separate control.

    The muscle around the edge of the pupil acts like a sphincter. When stimulated by the parasympathetic nervous system (sometimes known as the “rest and digest” system), it contracts to close down the pupil.

    On the outside of the sphincter, another muscle acts like the springs holding the trampoline mat.

    When stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system (the “fight or flight” system), it shortens to enlarge the pupil.

    The pupil is an opening in the iris.
    rtem/Shutterstock

    Your pupils and the six ‘fs’

    There are two different mechanisms to make the pupils dilate.

    The first is by direct sympathetic nervous system stimulation causing the pupil to dilate (enlarge). This is triggered when you need or want to:

    1. fight
    2. flee
    3. feed
    4. fornicate
    5. get a “fix” (of illicit drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine)

    The second is by stopping the signals of the parasympathetic nerves going to the sphincter muscle of the pupil. This is triggered when you need or want to focus (number 6).

    Together, these are sometimes known as “the six f’s”.

    So, is it the same for all of us?

    A meta-analysis of 550 heterosexual men, 403 heterosexual women, 132 lesbian women, 124 bisexual men and 65 gay men reported that pupil dilation is related to your sex and your sexual preferences.

    Overall, the study found men’s pupils dilate strictly according to their sexual preferences, and women’s pupils dilate more variably.

    The study found that heterosexual men’s pupils dilated more in response to erotic imagery of women, and gay men’s pupils dilated more in response to erotic imagery of men.

    However, lesbian women’s pupils also dilated more in response to erotic imagery of men, and heterosexual women’s pupils dilated for erotic imagery of men and women.

    Pupil dilation triggers can be different for different people.
    Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

    Are large pupils more attractive?

    Interestingly, a study of 60 young adults (aged between 18 and 26) found pupils of 5 millimetre diameter most attractive.

    A pupil of 5 millimetres is abnormal for situations in bright light. Could it be that we’re attracted to the types of pupils we’ve seen before in the relative darkness of an intimate setting?

    The idea of large pupils being attractive isn’t new. During the Renaissance in Italy, women used eye drops made from a poisonous plant called Atropa belladonna (belladonna means “beautiful woman” in Italian) to make their pupils dilate. This gave them a wide-eyed, “seductive” look (it also, unfortunately, was rather dangerous).

    The plant contains a chemical called atropine, which is still (safely) used today by ophthalmologists and optometrists to dilate the pupils for eye exams or surgery.

    Getting in sync

    Pupil dilation also plays a role in social and interpersonal interactions. Studies have found administration of oxytocin (a hormone associated with bonding and trust) enhances pupil responses to emotional expressions, suggesting increased sensitivity to social cues.

    Pupil dilation synchrony between people has been linked to better teamwork and mutual attraction, reflecting shared arousal states.

    This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “pupil mimicry” or “pupil contagion”, aligns with other autonomic synchronisations such as heart rate.

    It all goes to show that so much of connection and attraction is subconscious.

    So much of attraction is subconscious.
    RZ Images/Shutterstock

    What else can make the pupils dilate?

    Various substances and medical conditions can also affect pupil size. Stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall, anticholinergics (often used to treat Parkinson’s disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and certain medications such as phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), and benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) can all cause pupil dilation.

    So too can illicit drugs such as cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, LSD and cannabis.

    Some neurological conditions or closed angle glaucoma, as well as stressful situations, can cause the pupils to stay dilated (a condition known as mydriasis).

    If you have prolonged dilation of your pupils, you should speak to your doctor.

    Does intellectual or emotional arousal cause pupil dilation?

    When you are trying to solve a mathematics problem, listening carefully as you take notes, or listening to your favourite singer’s music, your pupils will enlarge.

    Anticipation of rewards, emotional conflict, and processing of emotionally charged stimuli – such as scary movies or certain trigger sounds – also lead to increased pupil size.

    Anxiety, pain, and even conditions such as fibromyalgia have also been linked to dilated pupils.

    Context is everything

    It is crucial to emphasise pupil dilation doesn’t automatically mean someone is aroused. Interpreting pupil dilation requires context, and you can’t assume big pupils means the person is attracted to you.

    Verbal consent and other behavioural cues are essential.

    If you’re wondering if the other person likes you, why not just ask?

    Amanda Meyer is affiliated with the Australian and New Zealand Association of Clinical Anatomists, the American Association for Anatomy, and the Global Neuroanatomy Network.

    Monika Zimanyi is affiliated with the Global Neuroanatomy Network

    – ref. Why do our pupils dilate when we’re aroused? Anatomy experts explain – https://theconversation.com/why-do-our-pupils-dilate-when-were-aroused-anatomy-experts-explain-257452

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 3, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 3, 2025.

    In her memoir, Jacinda Ardern shows a ‘different kind of power’ is possible – but also has its limits
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grant Duncan, Teaching Fellow in Politics and International Relations, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Imagine getting a positive pregnancy test and then – just a few days later – learning you’ll be prime minister. In hindsight, being willing and able to deal with the

    Google’s SynthID is the latest tool for catching AI-made content. What is AI ‘watermarking’ and does it work?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By T.J. Thomson, Senior Lecturer in Visual Communication & Digital Media, RMIT University HomeArt/Shutterstock Last month, Google announced SynthID Detector, a new tool to detect AI-generated content. Google claims it can identify AI-generated content in text, image, video or audio. But there are some caveats. One of them

    What parents and youth athletes can do to protect against abuse in sport
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fanny Kuhlin, PhD candidate in Sport Management (Sport Science), Örebro University Ron Alvey/Shutterstock From the horrific Larry Nassar abuse scandal in United States gymnastics to the “environment of fear” some volleyball athletes endured at the Australian Institute of Sport, abuse in sport has been well documented in

    Astronomers thought the Milky Way was doomed to crash into Andromeda. Now they’re not so sure
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ruby Wright, Forrest Fellow in Astrophysics, The University of Western Australia Luc Viatour / Wikimedia, CC BY-SA For years, astronomers have predicted a dramatic fate for our galaxy: a head-on collision with Andromeda, our nearest large galactic neighbour. This merger – expected in about 5 billion years

    Is the private hospital system collapsing? Here’s what the sector’s financial instability means for you
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yuting Zhang, Professor of Health Economics, The University of Melbourne lightpoet/Shutterstock Toowong Private Hospital in Brisbane is the latest hospital to succumb to financial pressures and will close its doors next week. The industry association attributes the psychiatric hospital’s closure to insufficient payments from and delayed funding

    Trump’s steel tariffs are unlikely to have a big impact on Australia. But we could be hurt by what happens globally
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Scott French, Senior Lecturer in Economics, UNSW Sydney Shestakov Dymytro/Shutterstock Just one day after the US Court of Appeals temporarily reinstated the Trump Administration’s Liberation Day tariffs of between 10% and 50% on nearly every country in the world, Trump announced tariffs on all US imports of

    Tax concessions on super need a rethink. These proposals would bring much needed reform
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Chris Murphy, Visiting Fellow, Economics (modelling), Australian National University fizkes/Shutterstock The federal government has proposed an additional tax of 15% on the earnings made on super balances of over A$3 million, the so-called Division 296 tax. This has set off a highly politicised debate that has often

    The surprising power of photography in ageing well
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tricia King, Senior Lecturer in Photography, University of the Sunshine Coast Marcia Grimm Older adults are often faced with lifestyle changes that can disrupt their sense of place and purpose. It may be the loss of a partner, downsizing their home, or moving to residential aged care.

    What birds can teach us about repurposing waste
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Farrier, Professor of Literature and the Environment, University of Edinburgh Some birds use deterrent spikes to make their nests. Chemari/Shutterstock Modern cities are evolution engines. Urban snails in the Netherlands and lizards in Los Angeles have developed lighter shells and larger scales to cope with the

    Human Rights Watch warns renewed fighting threatens West Papua civilians
    Asia Pacific Report An escalation in fighting between Indonesian security forces and Papuan pro-independence fighters in West Papua has seriously threatened the security of the largely indigenous population, says Human Rights Watch in a new report. The human rights watchdog warned that all parties to the conflict are obligated to abide by international humanitarian law,

    Will surging sea levels kill the Great Barrier Reef? Ancient coral fossils may hold the answer
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jody Webster, Professor of Marine Geoscience, University of Sydney marcobriviophoto.com In the 20th century, global sea level rose faster than at any other time in the past 3,000 years. It’s expected to rise even further by 2100, as human-induced climate change intensifies. In fact, some studies predict

    Pro-Trump candidate wins Poland’s presidential election – a bad omen for the EU, Ukraine and women
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adam Simpson, Senior Lecturer, International Studies, University of South Australia Poland’s presidential election runoff will be a bitter pill for pro-European Union democrats to swallow. The nationalist, Trumpian, historian Karol Nawrocki has narrowly defeated the liberal, pro-EU mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, 50.89 to 49.11%. The Polish

    Australia’s latest emissions data reveal we still have a giant fossil fuel problem
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Emma Lovell, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering, UNSW Sydney According to Australia’s Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, the latest emissions data show “we are on track to reach our 2030 targets” under the Paris Agreement. In 2024, Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions were “27% below 2005

    What is retinol? And will it make my acne flare? 3 experts unpack this trendy skincare ingredient
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laurence Orlando, Senior Lecturer, Product Formulation and Development, Analytical Methods, Monash University Irina Kvyatkovskaya/Shutterstock Retinol skincare products suddenly seem to be everywhere, promising clear, radiant and “youthful” skin. But what’s the science behind these claims? And are there any risks? You may have also heard retinol can

    Pasifika recipients say King’s Birthday honours not just theirs alone
    By Teuila Fuatai, RNZ Pacific senior journalist, Iliesa Tora, and Christina Persico A New Zealand-born Niuean educator says being recognised in the King’s Birthday honours list reflects the importance of connecting young tagata Niue in Aotearoa to their roots. Mele Ikiua, who hails from the village of Hakupu Atua in Niue, has been named a

    Eugene Doyle: Writing in the time of the Gaza genocide
    COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle I want to share a writer’s journey — of living and writing through the Genocide.  Where I live and how I live could not be further from the horror playing out in Gaza and, increasingly, on the West Bank. Yet, because my country provides military, intelligence and diplomatic support to Israel

    Decades of searching and a chance discovery: why finding Leadbeater’s possum in NSW is such big news
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Lindenmayer, Distinguished Professor of Ecology, Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University Until now, Victorians believed their state was the sole home for Leadbeater’s possum, their critically endangered state faunal emblem. This tiny marsupial is clinging to life in a few pockets of mountain

    In Bradfield, the election is not yet over. What happens when a seat count is ultra close?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Graeme Orr, Professor of Law, The University of Queensland Election day was over four weeks ago. Yet the outcome in one House of Representatives remains unclear. That is the formerly Liberal Sydney electorate of Bradfield. In real time, you can watch the lead tilt between Liberal hopeful,

    Is there a right way to talk to your baby? A baby brain expert explains ‘parentese’
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jane Herbert, Associate Professor in Developmental Psychology, University of Wollongong 2p2play/Shutterstock You might have seen those heartwarming and often funny viral videos where parents or carers engage in long “talks” with young babies about this and that – usually just fun chit chat of no great consequence.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What is retinol? And will it make my acne flare? 3 experts unpack this trendy skincare ingredient

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Laurence Orlando, Senior Lecturer, Product Formulation and Development, Analytical Methods, Monash University

    Irina Kvyatkovskaya/Shutterstock

    Retinol skincare products suddenly seem to be everywhere, promising clear, radiant and “youthful” skin.

    But what’s the science behind these claims? And are there any risks?

    You may have also heard retinol can increase your risk of sunburn and even make acne worse.

    For some people, retinol may help reduce the appearance of fine lines. But it won’t be suitable for everyone. Here’s what you need to know.

    What is retinol?

    Retinol is part of a family of chemical compounds called retinoids. These are derived from or related to Vitamin A, a nutrient essential for healthy skin, vision and immune function.

    All retinoids work because enzymes in our skin convert them into their “active” form, retinoic acid.

    You can buy retinol in creams and other topical products over the counter.

    These are often promoted as “anti-ageing” because retinol can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and even out skin tone (for example, sun spots or acne scars).

    It also has an exfoliating effect, meaning it can help unclog pores.

    Stronger retinoid treatments that target acne will require a prescription because they contain retinoic acid, which is regulated as a drug in the United States, European Union, United Kingdom and Australia.

    How is retinol used in skincare?

    One of the most common claims about retinol is that it helps to reduce visible signs of ageing.

    How does this work?

    With age, the skin’s barrier becomes weaker, making it more prone to dryness, injury and irritation.

    Retinol can help counteract this natural thinning by stimulating the proliferation of keratinocytes – cells that form the outer skin layer and protect against damage and water loss.

    Retinol also stimulates the production of collagen (a key protein that creates a scaffolding that keeps skin firm and elastic) and fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen and support skin structure).

    It also increases how fast the skin sheds old cells and replaces them with new ones.

    Over time, these processes help reduce fine lines, fade dark spots and even out skin tone. It can also make skin appear clearer.

    While effective, this doesn’t happen overnight.

    You may have also heard about a “retinol purge” – a temporary flare of acne when you first start using topical retinoids.

    Studies have found the skin may become irritated and acne temporarily worsen in some cases. But more research needs to be done to understand this link.

    The idea of a retinol purge is popular on social media.
    TikTok, CC BY-NC-ND

    So, is retinol safe?

    At typical skincare concentrations (0.1–0.3%), side effects tend to be mild.

    Most people who experience irritation (such as redness, dryness, or peeling) when starting retinol are able to build tolerance over time. This process is often called “retinisation”.

    However, retinol increases the skin’s sensitivity to UV radiation (known as photosensitivity). This heightened reactivity can lead to sunburn, irritation and an increased risk of hyperpigmentation (spots or patches of darker colour).

    For this reason, daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF30 or higher) is strongly recommended while using retinol products.

    Who should avoid retinol?

    Teenagers and children generally don’t need retinol unless specifically prescribed by a doctor, for example, for acne treatment.

    People with sensitive skin or conditions such as eczema (dry, itchy and inflamed skin) and rosacea (chronic redness and sensitivity) may find retinol too irritating.

    Using retinol products alongside other skincare treatments, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, can over-exfoliate your skin and damage it.

    Importantly, the active form of retinol, retinoic acid, is teratogenic (meaning it can cause birth defects). Over-the-counter retinol products are also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

    Choose and store retinol products wisely

    Since retinol is classified as a cosmetic ingredient, companies are not required to disclose its concentration in their products.

    The European Union is expected to introduce new regulations that will cap the concentration of retinol in cosmetic facial products to 0.3%.

    These are precautionary measures aimed to limit exposure for vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, given the risk of birth defects.

    It’s therefore recommended to use products that clearly state the retinol concentration is between 0.1% and 0.3%.

    Retinol is also a notoriously unstable molecule that degrades with exposure to air, light or heat.

    Choosing a product with airtight, light-protective packaging will help with potential degradation problems that could lead to inactivity or harm.

    What’s the safest way to try retinol?

    The key is to go low and slow: a pea-sized amount of a low-concentration product (0.1%) once or twice a week, preferably at night (to avoid UV exposure), and then the frequency and concentration can be increased (to a maximum of 0.3%) as the skin adjusts.

    Using a moisturiser after retinol helps to reduce dryness and irritation.

    Wearing sunscreen every day is a must when using retinol to avoid the photosensitivity.

    If you experience persistent redness, burning, or peeling, it’s better to stop using the product and consult your doctor or a dermatologist for personalised advice.

    Laurence Orlando is affiliated with the Australian Society of Cosmetic Chemists.

    Professor Ademi currently serves as a member of the Economics Sub Committee of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee within the Department of Health, Australia which assesses clinical and economic evaluations of medicines submitted for listing on the PBS. She leads the global economics initiative for the Lp(a) International Task Force and Member of Professional Advisory Board of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Australia. Zanfina Ademi receives funding from FH Europe Foundation to understand the population screening for LP(a), globally. Received funding from National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund not in relation to to this work, but work that relates to health economics of prevention and cost-effectiveness.

    Zoe Porter 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. What is retinol? And will it make my acne flare? 3 experts unpack this trendy skincare ingredient – https://theconversation.com/what-is-retinol-and-will-it-make-my-acne-flare-3-experts-unpack-this-trendy-skincare-ingredient-256074

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK demonstrates commitment to high-quality education for all as ASEAN ministers convene at London forum

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    UK demonstrates commitment to high-quality education for all as ASEAN ministers convene at London forum

    The roundtable highlighted country-led reforms and global lessons that can support inclusive and lasting progress.

    The UK co-hosted the ASEAN Ministerial Roundtable on Foundational Learning during the Education World Forum 2025, bringing together education ministers and experts from Southeast Asia to address the urgent challenges in foundational learning.

    Participants shared practical, evidence-based strategies to improve early literacy and numeracy.

    UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, said:

    This expert-level discussion builds on Southeast Asia’s progress and helps ensure every child has the opportunity to master foundational skills. The UK is proud to work with ASEAN to tackle this issue head-on. This aligns with our commitment to gender equality and inclusive development.

    We’re proud to support ASEAN partners in delivering real results on the ground, such as our co-investment in the Southeast Asia Primary Learning Metrics (SEA-PLM), a regional collaboration aimed at assessing and improving learning outcomes.

    Former UK Prime Minister and UN Special Envoy for Global Education, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown, praised ASEAN’s achievements but called for urgent action to address the ongoing issue, especially among disadvantaged children. He stressed the importance of using proven approaches and innovative financing to scale up impact.

    Experts from the Gates Foundation, University of Oxford, SEAMEO, and others shared insights on what works in foundational learning. The event also featured contributions from ASEAN Member States’ representatives and the ASEAN Secretariat, who reinforced the importance of peer learning and regional cooperation.

    The Roundtable was organised by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the What Works Hub for Global Education, and the Global Coalition for Foundational Learning—including UNICEF and the Gates Foundation. It was held under the ASEAN-UK Supporting the Advancement of Girl’s Education (SAGE) Programme, which supports foundational learning for girls and marginalised groups across ASEAN and Timor-Leste.

    Through the ASEAN-UK SAGE programme, the UK has helped to getting more children, especially girls and the most vulnerable, in school and learning the basics – with a focus on reading by age 10 or the end of primary school.

    This event marks another step in strengthening ASEAN-UK cooperation under the health and education pillars of the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action, reaffirming the UK’s commitment as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner to inclusive and high-quality education for all.

    For more information on the ASEAN–UK SAGE Programme, please visit: https://www.britishcouncil.id/en/programmes/education/sage   

    For media inquiries, please contact:  
    UK Mission to ASEAN at Annissa.Mutia@fcdo.gov.uk
    ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme at naomi.nunn@britishcouncil.org               

    Editor note:

    Education World Forum is the world’s largest annual gathering of education and skills ministers and provides an unparalleled opportunity for knowledge sharing and ensuring best practice in education is disseminated globally.  

    About the ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme

    The ASEAN-UK Supporting the Advancement of Girls’ Education Programme or ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme is a five-year UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) funded programme for ASEAN and Timor-Leste running between 2023 and 2028 with funding up to GBP 30 million.   

    The UK’s Dialogue Partner status with ASEAN was formalised in August 2021. A five-year ASEAN – UK Plan of Action (PoA) 2022–2026 was agreed in August 2022. The ASEAN-UK SAGE Programme is the first ASEAN-UK cooperation programme implemented under the PoA.   

    The ASEAN–UK SAGE Programme aims to provide evidence-based technical input that enables key players in the region including the ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC), Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), and ASEAN Member States (AMSs) to develop effective policies and programmes that improve foundational learning for all and that tackle exclusion and constraints limiting the achievement of girls and marginalised groups. The Programme is delivered through the following workstreams/pillars:  

    • Foundational learning   

    • Out-of-school girls and marginalised groups  

    • Gender barriers to digital skills and employment  

    Integration of education technology will crosscut the three pillars.  

    The ASEAN–UK SAGE Programme is implemented by the British Council (www.britishcouncil.org), SEAMEO Secretariat (www.seameo.org), Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) (www.acer.org), and EdTech Hub (www.edtechhub.org).

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Griezmann signs on until 2027 at Atletico Madrid

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

    French international forward Antoine Griezmann has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Atletico Madrid until the end of June 2027.

    Inter Milan’s Matteo Darmian (R) vies with Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st leg match between Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid in Milan, Italy, Feb.20, 2024. (Photo by Alberto Lingria/Xinhua)

    “Antoine Griezmann and Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement for the French footballer to renew his contract until June 30th, 2027,” explained the Atletico website.

    The news means that Griezmann will stay at the club he originally joined from Real Sociedad in 2014, until he is 36 years old.

    Griezmann has played 442 games for Atletico in two spells, with a two-year hiatus at FC Barcelona between 2019 and 2021.

    He has also scored a club record 197 goals and is the non-Spanish player with the third-highest number of appearances for the club after team-mates Jan Oblak and Angel Correa.

    This season saw his performances drop slightly in comparison with previous years, but Griezmann still scored eight goals in La Liga and 16 in all competitions, as well as giving nine assists in 53 appearances in Liga, Copa and Champions League.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Man City’s Kovacic out of Club World Cup after Achilles surgery

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

    Manchester City has confirmed that midfielder Mateo Kovacic will miss the Club World Cup, which kicks off in just under two weeks.

    Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic (1st R) celebrates scoring with teammates during the English Premier League match between Manchester City and Luton Town in Manchester, Britain, April 13, 2024. (Xinhua)

    The team coached by Pep Guardiola starts its campaign against Moroccan side Wydad AC in Philadelphia on June 18th, but Kovacic won’t be in the starting 11 after an announcement from the club on Monday that he has had an operation on an Achilles tendon injury.

    “The Croatian midfielder is now set to miss the FIFA Club World Cup as City head to the USA in June. Mateo will spend the summer rehabilitating from the operation, and everyone at the club wishes him a speedy recovery,” confirmed the club website.

    Guardiola will be hoping that Rodrigo Hernandez is able to return to full fitness and form in the United States.

    Rodrigo made a brief appearance against Bournemouth at the end of the campaign after missing nearly all of last season with a cruciate knee ligament injury, but is still short of match fitness after not previously playing since September.

    Meanwhile, the club is reported in the British press to be interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Algeria defender Rayan Ait Nouri, although whether the move will happen in time for the Club World Cup is not certain.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What parents and youth athletes can do to protect against abuse in sport

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fanny Kuhlin, PhD candidate in Sport Management (Sport Science), Örebro University

    Ron Alvey/Shutterstock

    From the horrific Larry Nassar abuse scandal in United States gymnastics to the “environment of fear” some volleyball athletes endured at the Australian Institute of Sport, abuse in sport has been well documented in recent years.

    This abuse in elite sport sport has been particularly visible but it is not just happening at the top level. Abusive and harmful practices are happening in all sports, at all ages and at all competition levels.

    While sport can have many wonderful benefits for young people, it can also have a dark side, one where abuse can flourish, leading to serious psychological and physical harm.

    How can parents ensure their children are safe?



    Read more:
    The 3 changes Australian sport must make after Volleyball Australia’s shocking abuse report

    Abuse in sports

    A 2022 Australian study showed 82% of children had experienced physical, psychological or sexual abuse during their time participating in community sport. This makes the abuse prevalence similar to that found in elite sport environments.

    The line between abuse and acceptable behaviour is blurred more in sport than in many other environments.

    For example, in school, it would be unacceptable for a teacher to scream at a child who performed poorly on a test but in sports, screaming is a commonly used strategy by a coach to correct a young athlete’s behaviour.

    Research from earlier this year shows athletes often justify the behaviours of their coaches.

    The following quote from an elite-level gymnast in an ongoing research project demonstrates how athletes often learn to accept abusive behaviours as necessary for their performance:

    (He) was a strict coach. He spoke loudly […] but I’m a gymnast, I need that. I don’t know if everybody needs that but if I did something really bad, he screamed at me and this kind of gave me motivation to push myself more, so for me this type of coaching style was really good.

    Challenges and changes

    The “win-at-all-costs” mentality in many sports is also problematic.

    When winning is everything, abusive practices are not seen as a problem to be stamped out but rather as legitimate strategies to motivate and toughen up the participants.

    Athletes are not the only ones who normalise these practices. Parents, coaches and administrators might also come to tolerate, accept or even celebrate abusive behaviours and cultures as a “natural” part of sport.

    This means experiences of abuse may flourish in such environments.

    Thankfully, some sports organisations have in recent years made significant changes to reduce the likelihood of abuse and deal with cases as soon as they arise.

    Sport Integrity Australia (SIA), for example, is implementing national policies for safeguarding and whistleblowing, where abuse and harmful behaviour can be reported.

    SIA has also recently co-developed a course with other leading sport agencies to help coaches working with young athletes better navigate the complexities of physical, emotional and psychological development.

    While these are potentially steps in the right direction, researchers have pointed out that similar efforts have achieved mixed results and there are no guarantees of athlete safety.

    Parents may therefore rightly ask what they might do to protect their child(ren) from abuse and maximise the positive gains from participating in sport.

    Tips for parents and caregivers

    Firstly, parents and caregivers have the right to be included in their childrens’ sporting participation.

    This involves being informed about training times and competition schedules, training content, coaching style and behavioural expectations.

    Parents should also be welcomed to watch their children’s training sessions at any time and unannounced.

    Denying parents information or access to facilities have been identified as a potential risk factors.

    The right for inclusion also refers to decision-making. Sport is often hierarchical with authoritarian leadership styles, which are significant risk factors for abuse in sports.

    So it is important children and their parents are provided with spaces and opportunities to have a say in matters related to their (child’s) sporting participation.

    Secondly, young athletes and their parents/caregivers should be made aware of the policies and safety measures put in place to keep children safe.

    If these are not clearly communicated, parents/caregivers are encouraged to ask what actions a club has put in place.

    If protection and prevention are not developed, or considered limited or ineffective, parents are recommended to raise their concerns.

    Lastly, parents should be conscious of the “win-at-all-costs” mentality found in many sports and consider how this can lead to abusive practices being accepted as a “natural” part of sport.

    By staying informed, involved and attentive, parents can play a powerful role in supporting safer sporting environments for all children.

    Natalie Barker-Ruchti is affiliated with Safesport Sweden.

    Fanny Kuhlin, Jessica Lee, and Steven Rynne do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. What parents and youth athletes can do to protect against abuse in sport – https://theconversation.com/what-parents-and-youth-athletes-can-do-to-protect-against-abuse-in-sport-255614

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking: Magnitude 6.2 earthquake hits Greek Dodecanese islands – GFZ

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    NEW YORK, June 2 (Xinhua) — A magnitude 6.2 earthquake jolted Greece’s Dodecanese islands at 23:17:28 GMT on Monday, the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said.

    According to initial data, the epicenter of the earthquake was located at a point with coordinates of 36.59 degrees north latitude and 28.30 degrees east longitude. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 64.4 km –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Is Investigating The Merger – PRA, AXL, SWTX and VIGL

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • ProAssurance Corporation (NYSE: PRA), relating to the proposed merger with The Doctors Company. Under the terms of the agreement, ProAssurance stockholders will receive $25.00 per share in cash.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for June 24, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/proassurance-corporation-pra/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AXL), relating to the proposed merger with Dowlais Group plc. Under the terms of the agreement, Dowlais shareholders will be entitled to receive, per share of Dowlais’ common stock, 0.0863 shares of new AAM common stock, 42 pence per share in cash and up to a 2.8 pence of Dowlais FY24 final dividend prior to closing.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/american-axle-manufacturing-holdings-inc-axl/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • SpringWorks Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: SWTX), relating to the proposed merger with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Under the terms of the agreement, SpringWorks shareholders will have the right to receive $47.00 in cash per share of SpringWorks stock held.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/springworks-therapeutics-inc-swtx/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Vigil Neuroscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: VIGL), relating to the proposed merger with French company, Sanofi. Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi will acquire Vigil for an upfront payment of $8.00 per share of common stock in cash. Vigil shareholders will also receive a non-tradeable contingent value right entitling the holder to potentially receive an additional $2.00 per share in cash payable following the first commercial sale of VG-3927 if achieved within a specific period. The total equity value of the transaction, including the potential CVR payment, represents approximately $600 million on a fully diluted basis.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/vigil-neuroscience-inc-vigl/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court.

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government protects thousands of miles of bus services from being scrapped

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government protects thousands of miles of bus services from being scrapped

    Bus Services Bill will give local leaders the power to shape the bus services their communities rely on.

    • bus passengers across the UK – particularly the vulnerable – will be protected from sudden cuts to their services thanks to the Bus Services Bill, which has passed its second reading
    • Local Transport Minister visits Blackpool, seeing first-hand how locally controlled bus routes are restoring trust in public transport
    • empowering local leaders, government invests recent record £1 billion to improve bus services and drive up living standards by delivering the Plan for Change

    Thousands of bus passengers who rely on vital routes to get to work, school or the doctors will be protected from sudden and uninformed cuts to services thanks to the government’s Bus Services Bill.

    In a move that will protect thousands of miles of vital bus routes, the Bus Services Bill will end the plight of bus routes being scrapped at short notice, tightening requirements for cancelling vital bus routes – especially those used by vulnerable or disadvantaged passengers.

    Councils will identify socially necessary local services, and working with bus operators, put in place strict requirements before these services can be changed or cancelled.

    As the Bus Services Bill reached its second reading in the House of Commons yesterday (2 June 2025), the Transport Secretary called for greater accountability and reliability for bus services. MPs have also begun to have their say on proposals to protect vital services and empower local authorities to make the decisions that will benefit their communities.

    The bill, which has already passed through the House of Lords, will improve access to opportunities that drive up living standards and so grow the economy, as part of the Plan for Change.

    Buses remain the most used form of public transport across England, but approximately 300 million miles of bus services operating outside London were slashed from 2010 to 2024, with passengers left frustrated at the lack of accountability. 

    MPs also debated how the bill will allow local authorities to emulate the success of locally controlled bus networks.

    To mark the milestone, the Local Transport Minister, Simon Lightwood, visited Blackpool last week to hear first-hand from passengers how the locally controlled Blackpool Transport buses have put their needs first to deliver services that allow them to access jobs and social opportunities that drive up their quality of life.  

    Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:  

    We’re committed to giving local leaders the power to shape the bus services their communities rely on. Our Bus Services Bill is a big step forward, protecting vital services that people depend on to get to work, school, or essential appointments.

    We have taken a decisive step towards better buses, building on our £1 billion investment to improve and maintain bus services, keeping people connected, driving up living standards and growing the economy in line with our Plan for Change.

    The plans will lift the ban on local authorities establishing their own bus companies, making it easier for them to control services and shape routes to work better for local people. 

    As part of this, the government will also reduce some of the complexities and red tape involved in bus franchising, including reducing the minimum period between local areas taking control and being allowed to run services.

    The bill will also empower local authorities to work alongside private operators to improve bus services if they choose not to pursue full ownership.  

    The government is also investing a near £38 million to bring 319 new zero emission buses to communities across England, while nearly £1 billion is being invested in England to improve bus infrastructure with new bus stops and digital timetables, introduce more frequent and more reliable buses and expand fare discounts.   

    The bill will also improve safety for both passengers and staff by mandating that staff, including drivers, undertake training to recognise and respond to incidents of criminal and anti-social behaviour, including acts of violence against women and girls. 

    Mayor for Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said:

    Deregulation of buses came at the expense of passengers, with a shrinking network, high fares and a service not fit for the rapid growth and scale of ambition we are seeing in Greater Manchester.

    As the first area to bring buses back under local control, our Bee Network is putting people and businesses before profit, reversing decades-long decline in buses with rapidly growing numbers of passengers served by a more reliable, affordable and integrated network. This is central to supporting economic growth, higher productivity, access to new jobs, homes and public services and opening up opportunity for all.

    This bill is vital to reforming transport networks across the country, putting power back in the hands of locally accountable leaders to ensure services work for the communities they serve.

    North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, said:

    On my first day as mayor, I started the legal process to bring buses back under public control because good public transport is how we unlock growth and opportunity for local people. I hear every day from people fed up with poor bus services.

    This can’t go on, so I’m pleased the government is working with mayors and local authorities to bring in legislation that will support our effort to improve bus networks across the country. It is crucial we fix the broken bus market so we can provide the reliable, affordable public transport people need.

    Professor Karen Lucas, Director of Manchester Urban Institute, said:

    The new buses bill will finally put a halt to the decimation of socially necessary services after years of unregulated cuts that have left many vulnerable people and low-income and rural communities stranded. This is a good first step in the right direction, but more local action is needed.

    Lydia Horbury, Bus Users UK Director for England, said:

    The protection of socially necessary bus services is vital to ensuring that everyone – regardless of age, income, or ability – can access education, employment, healthcare and their wider community. For too long, communities have been left stranded by sudden cuts to lifeline routes.

    Strengthening the framework around these services, as proposed in the Bus Services Bill, is a crucial step toward building a truly inclusive and reliable transport network outside London. We support any measures which empower local authorities to safeguard these routes and the passengers who depend on them.

    Ben Plowden of Campaign for Better Transport said:

    Buses are the most used form of public transport, connecting millions of people to jobs and education, shops and services, friends and family. Preserving vital bus services has long been central to our campaigning, so the new protections in the Bus Services Bill are very welcome indeed.

    Protecting existing services and identifying and filling gaps in the network is the way to ensure everyone can access opportunities and stay connected.

    Jason Prince, Director of the Urban Transport Group, said:

    The government has moved rapidly to bring about better buses by providing local leaders with the right tools to improve services for their communities. We welcome the Bus Services Bill and its commitment to back passengers and the services they rely upon.

    Roads media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

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    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bank on the UK in volatile times’ Trade Secretary tells G7 and European businesses

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Bank on the UK in volatile times’ Trade Secretary tells G7 and European businesses

    Trade Secretary’s message comes after UK sealed landmark deals with India, the US and EU

    • Jonathan Reynolds to meet G7 and EU counterparts in Paris and Brussels to discuss economic security and global trade.
    • Trade Secretary targets economic growth and jobs, saying deals with India, US and EU make UK the most connected economy for global business.
    • Visit shows how Plan for Change is reducing trade barriers that will boost exports to the EU.

    The UK is a country that counterparts and businesses can bank on in increasingly uncertain and volatile times, Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will tell G7 and EU ministers and commissioners on a three-day visit to Paris and Brussels.

    He will deliver the message at a G7 Trade Ministerial Meeting in Paris before travelling to Brussels for talks with EU counterparts and a speech to business representatives, policymakers, and diplomats at the European Policy Centre’s Economic Security Forum.

    The Trade Secretary’s message comes after the UK sealed landmark deals with India, the US and the European Union, positioning the UK as a global champion of free trade, delivering for British businesses and putting money in the pockets of working people.

    This will be delivered through the expected GDP increase by £4.8 billion thanks to the India deal, nearly £9 billion added to the UK economy by 2040 through the EU deal and the thousands of jobs saved across the country because of the deal with the US.

    He is also expected to meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and EU Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Šefčovič to progress implementation of the trade deals and ensure businesses feel the benefits as soon as possible.

    Jonathan Reynolds will use the visit to reinforce that Britain is open for business as part of this Government’s Plan for Change to deliver on its core mission to grow the economy, raise living standards and put more money in people’s pockets.

    Ahead of the visit, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    Our deals with the US, EU and India are proof that the UK is the most connected country in the world to do business. Along with our modern Industrial Strategy, our Plan for Change is making the UK a safe, stable bet in uncertain times.

    We recognise our relationship with G7 allies and EU counterparts must continue to evolve and deliver a better trading environment for our businesses and exporters.

    That’s why we want to wipe away costly, business-blocking barriers and open up opportunities to grow our economy, create jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.

    The Business Secretary will use his visit to call for the UK’s new relationship with the EU to help businesses, and with almost 100,000 UK businesses exporting goods to the EU last year, and the upcoming Trade Strategy, the UK is continuing its work to build on the recent deals and tear down barriers to doing business around the world.

    As part of the trip the Business and Trade Secretary will also discuss the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy being published this Spring in his first ever in person meetings with the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for the Industrial Strategy Stephane Séjourné and Executive Vice-President for the Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera.

    The Business and Trade Secretary will also use the visit to hold in-person meetings with Laurent Saint-Martin, Don Farrell and Maninder Sidhu, the Trade Ministers of France, Australia and Canada respectively.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In January-May 2025, more than 2,000 freight trains passed along the “eastern corridor” of China-Europe railway freight routes

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HARBIN, June 2 (Xinhua) — More than 2,000 freight trains passed through the “eastern corridor” of China-Europe international rail freight transportation in both directions in the first five months of 2025, according to the Harbin branch of China Railways.

    According to the data, the number of China-Europe trains passing through this corridor during the reporting period reached 26.3 percent of the country’s total.

    There are three China-Europe rail freight corridors in China. In particular, the “eastern corridor” passes through the Manzhouli checkpoint /Manchuria, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, North China/, Suifenhe /Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China/ or Tongjiang /Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China/.

    Currently, there are 27 flights through the “eastern corridor”, which connect more than 60 Chinese cities, including Changsha, Zhengzhou, Chengdu and Suzhou, with 14 countries, including Poland, Germany and the Netherlands.

    Let us recall that at the end of May, a new tunnel appeared on one of the sections of this corridor. In the city of Suifenhe, located on the Chinese-Russian border, the construction of a new tunnel was completed as part of a project to improve the quality and modernize the railway section from Suifenhe to the state border of the Harbin-Suifenhe railway line.

    The total length of the tunnel is 602 m, the distance from its exit to the border in a straight line is less than 400 m. It meets the needs of trains with different track gauges. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Former German Foreign Minister A. Baerbock elected as Chairman of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    UNITED NATIONS, June 2 (Xinhua) — The United Nations General Assembly (GA) on Monday elected former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock as the president of its 80th session.

    In a speech after her election, A. Baerbock promised to defend the fundamental purposes and principles of the UN Charter and to help Member States find consensus.

    A. Baerbock will take up her new position in September this year, replacing the Chairman of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Philemon Young. Her term of office will be one year.

    A. Baerbock was born in December 1980 in Hanover, Germany. From December 2021 to May 2025, she served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany. Since 2013, she has been a member of the Bundestag /parliament/, and from 2018 to 2022, she served as co-chair of the Green Party. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Bucharest Nine summit was held in Vilnius

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    VILNIUS, June 2 (Xinhua) — The Bucharest Nine (B9) summit was held in Lithuania’s capital Vilnius on Monday, where leaders of the B9 and Nordic countries announced their intention to gradually increase defense spending.

    A joint statement released by the Lithuanian President’s Office said the leaders were “moving towards the goal of allocating at least 5 percent of GDP” to defense and defense-related investments.

    The document, which enshrines the relevant commitment, was published following a meeting that was held under the joint chairmanship of the Presidents of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, Poland Andrzej Duda and Romania Nicusor Dan.

    The next Bucharest Nine summit is expected to take place next year in Romania. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks on the Election of the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly [bilingual as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations

    Let me begin by congratulating Her Excellency, Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly. 

    And to our current President of this 79th session — His Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon — thank you for your leadership.

    From day one, you have presided over the General Assembly with wisdom, vision and skill.

    You hit the ground running with the Summit of the Future.

    And, since then, you have carried that work forward, taking on critical global issues, preparing for numerous milestone events in this 80th anniversary year, working to strengthen our institution, and serving as a powerful voice and advocate for Africa and its enormous potential.

    President Yang, thank you for your advice, guidance and deep commitment to the United Nations and multilateral solutions.

    Excellencies,

    President-elect Baerbock, as you prepare to lead the 80th General Assembly, you do so at a difficult and uncertain moment for the multilateral system.

    Conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality continue to challenge the human family.

    Mistrust and divisions are rife.

    The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track.

    Aid and development funding are drying up.

    And our institutions and structures still reflect the world of yesterday, not a vision of tomorrow.

    This is a moment for us to unite, to forge common solutions, and to take action to confront these challenges.

    President-elect Baerbock’s vision — “Better Together” — is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address these challenges.

    Her priority issues range from peace and development to reform and transparency in the United Nations. 

    She brings a wealth of government and diplomatic experience to this task — including serving as her country’s Foreign Minister.

    And let us not forget the historic significance of her being only the fifth woman to be elected President of the General Assembly.

    President-elect Baerbock, you can count on my full support as you take on this important responsibility.

    Excellences,

    Depuis 80 ans, l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies joue un rôle indispensable pour bâtir des consensus, trouver des solutions, et agir pour un monde meilleur, plus pacifique et plus égalitaire.

    Alors que nous approchons de la fin de la 79ème session et nous préparons à l’ouverture de la 80ème, engageons-nous à faire vivre les valeurs de solidarité et de collaboration qui définissent notre Organisation depuis sa création.

    Je vous remercie.

    ****
    [all-English]

    Let me begin by congratulating Her Excellency, Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly. 

    And to our current President of this 79th session — His Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon — thank you for your leadership.

    From day one, you have presided over the General Assembly with wisdom, vision and skill.

    You hit the ground running with the Summit of the Future.

    And, since then, you have carried that work forward, taking on critical global issues, preparing for numerous milestone events in this 80th anniversary year, working to strengthen our institution, and serving as a powerful voice and advocate for Africa and its enormous potential.

    President Yang, thank you for your advice, guidance and deep commitment to the United Nations and multilateral solutions.

    Excellencies,

    President-elect Baerbock, as you prepare to lead the 80th General Assembly, you do so at a difficult and uncertain moment for the multilateral system.

    Conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality continue to challenge the human family.

    Mistrust and divisions are rife.

    The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track.

    Aid and development funding are drying up.

    And our institutions and structures still reflect the world of yesterday, not a vision of tomorrow.

    This is a moment for us to unite, to forge common solutions, and to take action to confront these challenges.

    President-elect Baerbock’s vision — “Better Together” — is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address these challenges.

    Her priority issues range from peace and development to reform and transparency in the United Nations. 

    She brings a wealth of government and diplomatic experience to this task — including serving as her country’s Foreign Minister.

    And let us not forget the historic significance of her being only the fifth woman to be elected President of the General Assembly.

    President-elect Baerbock, you can count on my full support as you take on this important responsibility.

    Excellencies,

    For 80 years, the United Nations General Assembly has played an indispensable role in forging consensus, finding solutions and taking action to build a better, more peaceful and equal world.

    As we look ahead to the end of the 79th session, and prepare for the start of the 80th, let us strive to live up to the values of solidarity and collaboration that have defined this organization from the very start.

    Thank you.

    *****
    [all-French]

    Permettez-moi tout d’abord de féliciter Madame Annalena Baerbock, de l’Allemagne, qui vient d’être élue Présidente de la 80e session de l’Assemblée générale.

    Quant à vous, Monsieur Philemon Yang, du Cameroun, qui présidez actuellement la 79e session, je tiens à vous remercier de votre leadership.

    Dès le premier jour, vous avez présidé l’Assemblée générale avec sagesse, hauteur de vue et compétence.

    Le Sommet de l’avenir a été votre baptême du feu.

    Depuis lors, vous avez poursuivi sans relâche l’action engagée, vous emparant des grandes questions internationales, organisant les nombreuses manifestations qui ont jalonné le 80e anniversaire de l’Organisation, œuvrant au renforcement de notre institution et vous faisant le porte-voix et le défenseur de l’Afrique et de son énorme potentiel.

    Monsieur le Président, je vous remercie des orientations et de la direction données, ainsi que de votre profond attachement à l’Organisation des Nations Unies et aux solutions multilatérales.

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Madame la Présidente, alors même que vous vous préparez à diriger la 80e Assemblée générale, le système multilatéral vit un moment difficile et incertain.

    Les conflits, la catastrophe climatique, la pauvreté et les inégalités continuent de fragiliser la famille humaine.

    La méfiance et les divisions s’enracinent.

    Les objectifs de développement durable sont encore très loin d’être atteints.

    Le financement de l’aide et du développement se tarit.

    Enfin, nos institutions et nos structures sont toujours le reflet du monde d’hier et n’incarnent aucune vision pour demain.

    Le moment est venu pour nous de nous unir, de trouver des solutions communes et d’agir ensemble pour relever ces défis.

    La vision portée par Madame la Présidente et qu’incarnent ces mots – « Mieux ensemble » – est à même de rallier et d’inspirer le monde d’aujourd’hui et le système international de règlement des problèmes qu’est l’ONU et de leur permettre de remédier aux difficultés.

    Ses priorités vont de la paix et du développement à la réforme et à la transparence à l’ONU.

    Elle apportera à sa tâche une riche expérience gouvernementale et diplomatique, ayant notamment été la Ministre des affaires étrangères de son pays.

    Enfin, n’oublions pas la dimension historique que revêt son élection, puisqu’elle n’est que la cinquième femme à être élue Présidente de l’Assemblée générale.

    Madame la Présidente, vous pouvez compter sur mon appui total dans l’exercice de cette lourde responsabilité.

    Excellences,

    Depuis 80 ans, l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies joue un rôle indispensable pour bâtir des consensus, trouver des solutions, et agir pour un monde meilleur, plus pacifique et plus égalitaire.

    Alors que nous approchons de la fin de la 79ème session et nous préparons à l’ouverture de la 80ème, engageons-nous à faire vivre les valeurs de solidarité et de collaboration qui définissent notre Organisation depuis sa création.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks on the Election of the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly [bilingual as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    et me begin by congratulating Her Excellency, Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly. 

    And to our current President of this 79th session — His Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon — thank you for your leadership.

    From day one, you have presided over the General Assembly with wisdom, vision and skill.

    You hit the ground running with the Summit of the Future.

    And, since then, you have carried that work forward, taking on critical global issues, preparing for numerous milestone events in this 80th anniversary year, working to strengthen our institution, and serving as a powerful voice and advocate for Africa and its enormous potential.

    President Yang, thank you for your advice, guidance and deep commitment to the United Nations and multilateral solutions.

    Excellencies,

    President-elect Baerbock, as you prepare to lead the 80th General Assembly, you do so at a difficult and uncertain moment for the multilateral system.

    Conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality continue to challenge the human family.

    Mistrust and divisions are rife.

    The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track.

    Aid and development funding are drying up.

    And our institutions and structures still reflect the world of yesterday, not a vision of tomorrow.

    This is a moment for us to unite, to forge common solutions, and to take action to confront these challenges.

    President-elect Baerbock’s vision — “Better Together” — is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address these challenges.

    Her priority issues range from peace and development to reform and transparency in the United Nations. 

    She brings a wealth of government and diplomatic experience to this task — including serving as her country’s Foreign Minister.

    And let us not forget the historic significance of her being only the fifth woman to be elected President of the General Assembly.

    President-elect Baerbock, you can count on my full support as you take on this important responsibility.

    Excellences,

    Depuis 80 ans, l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies joue un rôle indispensable pour bâtir des consensus, trouver des solutions, et agir pour un monde meilleur, plus pacifique et plus égalitaire.

    Alors que nous approchons de la fin de la 79ème session et nous préparons à l’ouverture de la 80ème, engageons-nous à faire vivre les valeurs de solidarité et de collaboration qui définissent notre Organisation depuis sa création.

    Je vous remercie.

    ****
    [all-English]

    Let me begin by congratulating Her Excellency, Annalena Baerbock of Germany on her election as the President of the 80th Session of the General Assembly. 

    And to our current President of this 79th session — His Excellency Philemon Yang of Cameroon — thank you for your leadership.

    From day one, you have presided over the General Assembly with wisdom, vision and skill.

    You hit the ground running with the Summit of the Future.

    And, since then, you have carried that work forward, taking on critical global issues, preparing for numerous milestone events in this 80th anniversary year, working to strengthen our institution, and serving as a powerful voice and advocate for Africa and its enormous potential.

    President Yang, thank you for your advice, guidance and deep commitment to the United Nations and multilateral solutions.

    Excellencies,

    President-elect Baerbock, as you prepare to lead the 80th General Assembly, you do so at a difficult and uncertain moment for the multilateral system.

    Conflicts, climate catastrophe, poverty and inequality continue to challenge the human family.

    Mistrust and divisions are rife.

    The Sustainable Development Goals are alarmingly off-track.

    Aid and development funding are drying up.

    And our institutions and structures still reflect the world of yesterday, not a vision of tomorrow.

    This is a moment for us to unite, to forge common solutions, and to take action to confront these challenges.

    President-elect Baerbock’s vision — “Better Together” — is an inspiring rallying cry for today’s world and the global problem-solving system embodied by the United Nations to address these challenges.

    Her priority issues range from peace and development to reform and transparency in the United Nations. 

    She brings a wealth of government and diplomatic experience to this task — including serving as her country’s Foreign Minister.

    And let us not forget the historic significance of her being only the fifth woman to be elected President of the General Assembly.

    President-elect Baerbock, you can count on my full support as you take on this important responsibility.

    Excellencies,

    For 80 years, the United Nations General Assembly has played an indispensable role in forging consensus, finding solutions and taking action to build a better, more peaceful and equal world.

    As we look ahead to the end of the 79th session, and prepare for the start of the 80th, let us strive to live up to the values of solidarity and collaboration that have defined this organization from the very start.

    Thank you.

    *****
    [all-French]

    Permettez-moi tout d’abord de féliciter Madame Annalena Baerbock, de l’Allemagne, qui vient d’être élue Présidente de la 80e session de l’Assemblée générale.

    Quant à vous, Monsieur Philemon Yang, du Cameroun, qui présidez actuellement la 79e session, je tiens à vous remercier de votre leadership.

    Dès le premier jour, vous avez présidé l’Assemblée générale avec sagesse, hauteur de vue et compétence.

    Le Sommet de l’avenir a été votre baptême du feu.

    Depuis lors, vous avez poursuivi sans relâche l’action engagée, vous emparant des grandes questions internationales, organisant les nombreuses manifestations qui ont jalonné le 80e anniversaire de l’Organisation, œuvrant au renforcement de notre institution et vous faisant le porte-voix et le défenseur de l’Afrique et de son énorme potentiel.

    Monsieur le Président, je vous remercie des orientations et de la direction données, ainsi que de votre profond attachement à l’Organisation des Nations Unies et aux solutions multilatérales.

    Mesdames et Messieurs,

    Madame la Présidente, alors même que vous vous préparez à diriger la 80e Assemblée générale, le système multilatéral vit un moment difficile et incertain.

    Les conflits, la catastrophe climatique, la pauvreté et les inégalités continuent de fragiliser la famille humaine.

    La méfiance et les divisions s’enracinent.

    Les objectifs de développement durable sont encore très loin d’être atteints.

    Le financement de l’aide et du développement se tarit.

    Enfin, nos institutions et nos structures sont toujours le reflet du monde d’hier et n’incarnent aucune vision pour demain.

    Le moment est venu pour nous de nous unir, de trouver des solutions communes et d’agir ensemble pour relever ces défis.

    La vision portée par Madame la Présidente et qu’incarnent ces mots – « Mieux ensemble » – est à même de rallier et d’inspirer le monde d’aujourd’hui et le système international de règlement des problèmes qu’est l’ONU et de leur permettre de remédier aux difficultés.

    Ses priorités vont de la paix et du développement à la réforme et à la transparence à l’ONU.

    Elle apportera à sa tâche une riche expérience gouvernementale et diplomatique, ayant notamment été la Ministre des affaires étrangères de son pays.

    Enfin, n’oublions pas la dimension historique que revêt son élection, puisqu’elle n’est que la cinquième femme à être élue Présidente de l’Assemblée générale.

    Madame la Présidente, vous pouvez compter sur mon appui total dans l’exercice de cette lourde responsabilité.

    Excellences,

    Depuis 80 ans, l’Assemblée générale des Nations unies joue un rôle indispensable pour bâtir des consensus, trouver des solutions, et agir pour un monde meilleur, plus pacifique et plus égalitaire.

    Alors que nous approchons de la fin de la 79ème session et nous préparons à l’ouverture de la 80ème, engageons-nous à faire vivre les valeurs de solidarité et de collaboration qui définissent notre Organisation depuis sa création.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major £5 billion technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Major £5 billion technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first

    More than £4 billion drive towards autonomous systems to shape UK military future and boost export potential, supporting the Plan for Change

    UK troops and warships will be protected by drone and laser weapon technology through a major £5 billion investment, as the UK seeks to become the leading edge of innovation in NATO under the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) and driven by lessons from Ukraine. 

    The major funding package includes more than £4 billion for autonomous systems and a further investment of nearly £1 billion for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) this Parliament – including the iconic DragonFire laser – boosting frontline capabilities while creating 300 skilled jobs across the country. 

    DragonFire is set to be the first high power laser capability entering service from a European nation, with the first Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer due to be fitted in 2027.  

    The SDR recommends that an immediate priority for force transformation should be a shift towards greater use of autonomy. To help achieve this, it says Defence must incorporate uncrewed and autonomous systems in high numbers over the next five years and make targeted investment in the development of novel directed energy weapons.  

    Today’s autonomous systems investment – of which more than £2 billion is new funding following the Government‘s historic uplift in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027– will see autonomous systems, including drones improve accuracy and lethality for our Armed Forces, and boost UK export potential. 

    It comes after major announcements ahead of the SDR publication, including: the building of up to a dozen new attack submarines for the Royal Navy; up to 7,000 new UK-built long-range weapons to procured; at least six new munitions and energetics factories in the UK; more than £1.5 billion to improve the state of military housing; and more than £1 billion for pioneering technology to spearhead battlefield engagements.

    The new DEW capabilities will give the UK an edge, creating low cost and sustainable alternatives to missiles to shoot down targets, such as drones, at the speed of light, reduce collateral damage and have a low-cost per shot, reducing reliance on expensive ammunition.   

    The systems will be tailored to the conditions in which they will operate – whether at sea, on land, or in the air – and will work alongside crewed assets, such as current and future fighter jets.  

    Both investments reflect the SDR’s vision for UK innovation to be driven by the lessons from Ukraine – harnessing drones, data and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. 

    The SDR sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform defence and make the UK secure at home and strong abroad. It ends the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and will also drive innovation, jobs and growth across the country, allowing the UK to lead in a stronger NATO as part of this Government’s Plan for Change.  

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

    These investments will mean the most significant advance in UK defence technology in decades. We will ensure our Armed Forces have the cutting-edge capabilities they need to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

    We are delivering the Strategic Defence Review’s vision to put the UK at the leading edge of innovation in NATO, by backing British industry and fast-tracking the kit of the future into the hands of frontline troops.

    This Government’s Plan for Change will harness the benefits of technology, create hundreds of new jobs and make defence a powerful engine for economic growth.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:  

    A strong economy needs a strong national defence. That’s why we are delivering the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War—putting innovation and industrial strength at the centre of our national security strategy.

    Additional funding for autonomous systems maximises the defence industry’s potential to drive long term economic growth and productivity – helping us deliver our Plan for Change while keeping the UK safe.

    A new DEW will be created for the British Army this decade, alongside DragonFire being integrated on four Royal Navy warships, with the first ship due to be fitted in 2027, forming part of a layered air defence system to better protect UK forces while reducing collateral damage and reducing reliance on expensive ammunition. 

    DEW technology already supports 200 high-skilled UK jobs, with a further 300 positions to be created across the Ministry of Defence and industry partners. It’s another example of defence as an engine for UK economic growth, delivering on the Plan for Change.  

    In addition, a new Drone Centre will be established to accelerate exploitation of small, uncrewed air systems across all three military services, helping to deliver them to the front line faster.   

    The Centre will provide a central knowledge base to tackle any emerging legislative changes, develop best practice and better manage the interaction with industry. Crucially, it will apply battlefield lessons from Ukraine where drones now kill more people than traditional artillery. Detailed organisational arrangements will be developed over the coming months. 

    During the SDR process, 1,700 individuals, political parties, and organisations submitted more than 8,000 responses. 200 companies provided written contributions, more than 120 senior experts took part in the review and challenge panels, and nearly 50 meetings took place between the Reviewers and our senior military figures.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Nimanode Positions To Become The OpenSea of AI Agents On XRP Blockchain – Presale Momentum Accelerates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEEDS, United Kingdom, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Excitement is building across the XRP community as Nimanode ($NMA), the first AI agent platform on the XRP Ledger, positions itself as the premier destination for intelligent automation within the Ripple ecosystem.

    Amid growing bullish sentiment around XRP — driven by XRP Futures trading going live seasoned investors from major ecosystems like Cardano ($ADA) and Solana ($SOL), are turning their attention to the Nimanode Presale, eager to secure early exposure to what many see as a foundational layer for on-chain AI infrastructure.

    Pioneering AI Agents on XRP

    Nimanode is strategically emerging as the leading marketplace and launch platform for autonomous AI agents on the XRP Ledger. Just as OpenSea redefined digital ownership through NFTs, Nimanode is redefining utility through AI agents that work, evolve, and earn on-chain.

    Designed specifically to offer a no-code gateway to intelligent, on-chain automation at scale. Nimanode offers services from solo builders to enterprises — to deploy intelligent agents that automate smart contracts, optimize DeFi strategies, assess protocol risk, and manage tokenized real-world assets (RWAs).

    This transformative model brings a new dimension to DeFi and AI adoption in the XRP ecosystem, by combining modular AI technology with XRPL’s unmatched speed and low transaction costs, opening up a new era of AI x Blockchain, with real monetization potential built into every deployment.

    Join Nimanode Presale

    Why Investors are Flocking to The Nimanode Presale

    The presale surge has captured the attention of prominent crypto investors including notable whales from the BNB, ADA and SOL communities. All looking to position themselves early in what many believe could be the next DeFi breakout project.

    From the desk of the development team at Nimanode, they are set to deliver an Agentic workforce handling various tasks autonomously. Features of these ecosystem include but not limited to

    Zero-Code Agent Builder – Easily create and configure AI agents through a drag-and-drop interface

    Autonomous Execution – Agents perform on-chain tasks, react to data feeds, and interact across dApps

    Agent Marketplace – Build, deploy and monetize AI agents within a Nimanode ecosystem

    XRPL Integration – High-speed, low-cost, and eco-friendly infrastructure to power scalable agent activity

    $NMA Token – Powering the Nimanode Ecosystem

    The native $NMA token is the backbone of the Nimanode platform, unlocking utility and benefits across their ecosystem through:

    • Agent Deployment: Lower fees for launching and customizing AI agents.
    • Staking Rewards: Earn passive income by staking $NMA tokens.
    • Marketplace Access: Use $NMA to buy, license, or upgrade agents.
    • Governance: Participate in DAO proposals and help shape platform evolution.

    At the end of the presale, $NMA will list on DEXs at a 25% higher price, offering early participants immediate upside on their investments.

    How to Join The Nimanode Presale

    Joining in the NimaNode Presale is quite straightforward for anyone seasoned investors and newbies alike.

    Setup an XRP-Compatible Wallet: Ensure you have a non-custodial wallet capable of receiving XRP native tokens like Xaman Wallet.

    Purchase XRP: Acquire XRP from reputable exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Bybit.

    Participate in the Presale: Visit the NimaNode presale page (https://nimanode.com/presale), send your XRP to the provided presale address, and secure your $NMA tokens.

    The last cycle gave us DeFi protocols and NFTs. This cycle is shaping up to be about autonomous infrastructure and Nimanode is at the heart of it.

    Don’t Miss Out – Secure your $NMA Tokens

    Learn more about Nimanode

    Website: https://nimanode.com

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

    Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI

    Whitepaper: 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/675f22df-2345-47a3-9ac2-1187fab5183a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Reducing American antisemitism requires more than condemning opposition to Israel and targeting elite universities

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By David Mednicoff, Associate Professor of Middle Eastern Studies and Public Policy, UMass Amherst

    Law enforcement officials dress in protective gear to investigate after an attack on a march in Boulder, Colo., on June 1, 2025, calling for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. AP Photo/David Zalubowski

    Violent antisemitism in the U.S. isn’t limited to the far right wing of the political spectrum. This was tragically obvious in two recent events – the June 1, 2025, attack using Molotov cocktails to burn participants in a Boulder, Colorado, march supporting Israeli hostages in Gaza, and the murders of two Israeli embassy staffers, an American Jew and an Israeli, on May 21, 2025, outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.

    As an expert on the Middle East, including Israel, my research and administrative work have included contributing to a global effort to define antisemitism and addressing antisemitism on my own campus.

    Antisemitism can be defined simply as “discrimination, prejudice, hostility or violence against Jews as Jews (or Jewish institutions as Jewish).” What actually constitutes it is more contested, especially with respect to links between Jews and the state of Israel.

    President Donald Trump claims he is taking “unprecedented” steps to combat antisemitism.

    American Jews perceive antisemitism as rising since 2016, largely because, as one study put it, “people who hold anti-Semitic views now feel more free to express them.” But the current federal fight against antisemitism in the U.S. may have more to do with the agendas of members of the American and Israeli governments than with the concerns of most American Jews.

    First, the Trump administration’s attacks on antisemitism center on elite universities, where the president claims antisemitism runs rampant. Second, the current Israeli government tries to blur the lines between pro-Palestinian activism and antisemitism.

    These factors polarize and complicate the landscape for combating antisemitism effectively.

    GOP nominee for president Donald Trump speaks to prominent Jewish donors at an event called Fighting Anti-Semitism in America on Sept. 19, 2024, in Washington, D.C.
    Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

    Targeting speech at universities by charging ‘antisemitism’

    Trump’s administration has taken dramatic actions in the name of curbing antisemitism. Yet, his policies are notable for what they ignore as well as what they target.

    Right-wing antisemitism was responsible for the deadliest attack on a Jewish community in U.S. history in Pittsburgh in 2018. Yet the administration’s model for fighting antisemitism is not based in fighting white supremacist hatred toward Jews, which relates back to the Nazis in Germany.

    In fact, members of Trump’s administration, including senior adviser Stephen Miller and former Department of Government Efficiency chief Elon Musk, have supported white supremacist ideas or groups. Trump’s own words have evoked right-wing antisemitic tropes, such as assuming American Jews are loyal to Israel or adept at making money.

    Trump administration policies on antisemitism are most vocal around punishing leading American universities as unsafe for Jews. As the leading target of the president’s ire, Harvard University has acknowledged that some activism against Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza has contributed to antisemitism on campuses.

    However, federal actions targeting Harvard ostensibly seek to punish antisemitism by demanding sweeping federal oversight of Harvard’s curriculum and self-governance. Billions of dollars in research funds have been cut. Neither action connects clearly to Harvard’s patterns or policies around antisemitism.

    Given this, Harvard sued the government in April.

    Many American Jews believe that Trump’s true purpose is to use the antisemitism issue as one means to curb free expression at universities.

    Defending Israeli policy by charging ‘antisemitism’

    National governments naturally seek political and material support from powerful allies. Israel’s efforts to encourage Americans to champion that support fit this pattern.

    Israel receives more U.S. aid than any other country. Thus, its government has an interest in enlisting diverse people and organizations in a sustained way to support its policies.

    The Israeli intervention has grown because Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government is unpopular in both Israel and the U.S. Its war in Gaza, provoked by Hamas, is highly destructive and globally unpopular.

    Most experts and policymakers now argue that Israel, along with Hamas, has committed international war crimes.

    The Israeli government recently increased its funding to US$150 million for global public relations efforts. This is a major acceleration of policies that Israeli has pursued for decades known in Hebrew as “hasbara,” which translates to “explanation.”

    Documenting specific links between Israel’s government and groups promoting its agenda in the U.S. can be difficult. This may be a deliberate strategy by Israeli leaders to conceal their efforts.

    Yet, mainstream Israeli-run organizations such as the Jewish Agency have played up links between pro-Palestinian activism and antisemitism since Hamas triggered the war in Gaza. Groups whose funding and leadership are hard to trace maintain public blacklists labeling vocal pro-Palestine activists as antisemites. Those lists have been used by Israeli government bureaucrats to bar visitors to the country.

    U.S.-based groups aligned with Israeli government messaging engage in persistent strategies to discredit opposition voices. Some attack publicly vocal activists, including some American Jews. Others press organizations, political bodies and institutions to adopt a definition of antisemitism that makes it easy to conflate criticism of Israeli policy with antisemitism.

    Anti-Israel behavior in the U.S. can be antisemitic, such as asserting that American Jews, because they are Jews, are responsible for Israeli state actions. And some American Jews support crackdowns on pro-Palestinian activists.

    However, characterizing antisemitism in the U.S. mostly in terms of speech and activism against the Israeli government augments the Trump administration’s neglect of dangerous right-wing antisemitism.

    Presidential adviser Elon Musk interviews via video the German right-wing party AfD leader Alice Weidel at AfD’s election campaign launch on Feb. 23, 2025.
    Hendrik Schmidt/picture alliance via Getty Images

    Polarization and antisemitism in the US

    Taken together, the politics pursued by Trump and the Netanyahu government combine to target legally protected speech in the U.S. more than they deter antisemitism.

    By contributing to polarization, the conflation of antisemitism with a wide range of speech critical of Israel could add to threats faced by Jews and other religious minorities. Those who wish to undermine work toward Palestinian-Israeli coexistence benefit from the charge that most pro-Palestinian activists are antisemitic. This worsens already visible divides among American Jews over how Israel’s mistreatment of Palestinians squares with their Jewish identities.

    Supported by the most aggressive pro-Netanyahu groups, the Trump administration links concerns against antisemitism to efforts to deport immigrants who have expressed pro-Palestine views, such as Tufts doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk. Deporting people in the name of policing speech critical of Israel also runs a risk that Jews will be blamed for government actions many Americans find objectionable.

    Let’s be clear. Some pro-Palestinian activism embraces Jew-hatred, as the attacks in Washington and Boulder highlight. But lumping together as antisemitic most pro-Palestinian speech, as current American and Israeli leaders do, complicates seeing antisemitism clearly and countering it.

    In addition, most Americans – and Israelis – seek an end to the war, mounting deaths and humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Any potential to blur this with antisemitism augments the few, loud American voices that support one side in the conflict by dehumanizing the other side.

    Americans believe other minority groups face greater discrimination than Jews. Yet, antisemitism from diverse directions is the worst I have seen in my lifetime.

    As with any policy problem, the way to deal with this issue is to focus on all facets of the problem, including right-wing racism and Christian nationalism.

    Current national politics around antisemitism may serve many purposes. Yet most American Jews doubt that these policies actually protect them.

    David Mednicoff 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. Reducing American antisemitism requires more than condemning opposition to Israel and targeting elite universities – https://theconversation.com/reducing-american-antisemitism-requires-more-than-condemning-opposition-to-israel-and-targeting-elite-universities-257290

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Internet-enabled orgasms: How teledildonics are changing the way we have sex

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Madison E. Williams, PhD Student, Experimental Psychology, University of New Brunswick

    Sex toys are no longer limited to the analogue dildos and masturbators of the past. Today, they have become increasingly sophisticated.
     (Shutterstock)

    Sex toys are fairly common in people’s sex lives, and broadly accessible both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. In the United States, more than 40 per cent of heterosexual women and men have incorporated vibrators into the bedroom.

    More than three-quarters of Canadians have used a sex toy with a partner at least once, including vibrators, anal toys and penile masturbators. Reported rates also vary widely across western countries — for instance, 16 per cent of Australians say they’ve used sex toys while up to 52 per cent of people in Germany say they have.

    However, sex toys are no longer limited to the analogue dildos and masturbators of the past. Today, they have become increasingly sophisticated.

    Internet-connected toys, known as teledildonics, are novel devices designed to enhance sexual experiences by mimicking elements of real human intimacy — such as genital touch, body warmth, synchronized movements or orgasmic sensations — without a partner being physically present.

    They can be synced with online pornography, integrated with virtual reality or even controlled remotely by a partner, allowing for intimacy at a distance.

    One question remains as this burgeoning technology becomes integrated in individuals’ lives: Can teledildonics promote sexual well-being?

    Why people use sex toys

    Research reveals that using sex toys, whether on their own or with a partner, is linked with greater sexual satisfaction. One study also found that using a vaginal vibrator helped women experience stronger arousal, better lubrication and reach orgasm more easily.

    People use sex toys for all sorts of reasons. In one Canadian study, the most popular reason people used sex toys was to spice up their sex life with a sexual partner.

    Other commonly reported motivations included wanting to boost sexual arousal during masturbation and partnered sex, and to reach orgasm more easily. For a smaller proportion, sex toys also served to help them relax or release tension.

    What about teledildonics?

    In one survey, nine per cent of U.S. adults reported they’ve used teledildonics, with more men (15 per cent) reporting usage than women (five per cent) and gender-diverse individuals (13 per cent).

    Although more and more people are turning to teledildonic devices, we still know relatively little about why they use them or how they relate to well-being — especially compared to the growing body of research on traditional, non-connected sex toys.

    Our research team at the Université du Québec à Montréal surveyed 617 men between the ages of 19 and 75 years old. They were customers of the teledildonics company, Kiiroo, which specializes in interactive, app-connected sex toys, particularly for men, such as masturbatory sleeves and strokers. Kiiroo’s marketing team helped recruit participants for the survey.

    This industry collaboration allowed us to explore, for the first time, who uses these devices, why they use them, and how certain usage patterns like using it alone or with a partner may support greater sexual well-being.

    More than three-quarters of Canadians have used a sex toy with a partner at least once, including vibrators, anal toys and penile masturbators.
    (Interactive Life Forms/Wikimedia), CC BY-SA

    Most of our participants resided in North America (74 per cent) and Europe (22 per cent), while a minority were in Australia, Asia and Central America (three per cent combined). They primarily identified as white (75 per cent), Asian (17 per cent), Latin American (10 per cent) and Black (four per cent).

    In our study, nearly all the men used their teledildonic devices alone, but 21 per cent of them also reported incorporating them into partnered sex.

    We found that people who use teledildonics with a partner tend to own a greater number of these devices compared to those who use them solely for solo play.

    Partnered use was also associated with a higher number of previous sexual partners, which may suggest that greater sexual experience increases one’s comfort in sharing sex toy use with a partner.

    Finally, partnered use was associated with greater sexual well-being in men. Those who used their toys with a partner reported having greater sexual desire, more ease in reaching orgasm with a partner and increased confidence as a sexual partner.

    In other words, men who use their teledildonics with a partner may experience greater sexual well-being than men who only use their devices alone.

    Research reveals that using sex toys, whether on their own or with a partner, is linked with greater sexual satisfaction.
    (Shutterstock)

    Why do men use teledildonics?

    Our study was the first to uncover the motivations behind men’s teledildonic sex toy use.

    For 57 per cent of the men in our study, teledildonics were used primarily to relax or relieve tension. Just over half also reported using teledildonics to fantasize about sexual activities that are not possible in real life and to increase sexual arousal during masturbation.

    More than one third of participants (38 per cent) shared that their teledildonics usage was specifically motivated by the ability to connect their toys with other technologies (like virtual reality headsets or online pornography).

    Other motivations for using teledildonics appear to mirror many of those that drive traditional sex toy use, notably relaxation and tension relief and to increase arousal.

    What’s next for teledildonics?

    Taken together, these findings offer promising evidence that using teledildonics, particularly with a partner, can have sexual benefits. They also invite us to reflect on how such technologies could improve the sex lives of people facing challenges such as sexual dysfunction, physical disabilities or a lack of access to sexual partners — although further research is needed to understand how teledildonics can meet their specific needs.

    In addition, this growing industry raises important questions around data security, ethics and digital consent, including how to address concerns about the devices being hacked or remotely controlled without permission.

    Ensuring that these technologies are developed with privacy and safety in mind is essential to maximizing their impact as tools that support sexual well-being in a rapidly changing sexual landscape.

    As teledildonics and other sex technologies become more sophisticated, they will continue to transform the future of sex, intimacy and well-being.

    Madison E. Williams consults for Kiiroo.

    David Lafortune received funding from Kiiroo to conduct this study.

    Éliane Dussault consults for Kiiroo.

    – ref. Internet-enabled orgasms: How teledildonics are changing the way we have sex – https://theconversation.com/internet-enabled-orgasms-how-teledildonics-are-changing-the-way-we-have-sex-252856

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxbridge / SurancePlus to Attend Money20/20 Europe in Amsterdam

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: OXBR) (“Oxbridge Re”), together with its subsidiary SurancePlus, is engaged in the tokenization of Real-World Assets (“RWAs”), initially with tokenized reinsurance securities and in providing reinsurance solutions to property and casualty insurers in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. The company today announced its participation in Money20/20 Europe 2025, taking place June 3–5, 2025, in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

    Money20/20 Europe 2025

    Recognized as one of the world’s most important gatherings in blockchain, digital assets, and Web3 innovation, Money20/20 Europe brings together leading builders, capital allocators, protocol teams, tokenization platforms, and infrastructure providers to define the future of decentralized finance.

    With over 2,000 participating companies, 370+ sponsors, and 340+ expert speakers, the event offers a high-density environment for strategic meetings, deal-making, and ecosystem advancement.

    While at Money20/20 Europe, Oxbridge and SurancePlus will be advancing conversations with both long-standing partners and new ecosystem players – supporting our long-term vision of democratizing access to high-yield institutional-grade reinsurance investment opportunities.

    Oxbridge / SurancePlus 2025 Offering:

    Learn more at SurancePlus.com/invest

    Jay Madhu, CEO of Oxbridge, commented, “Money20/20 Europe brings together many of the leaders shaping the future of digital finance. The conference offers an ideal setting to advance conversations with partners and ecosystem players as we pursue our mission to democratize access to high-yield, institutional-grade reinsurance investments.”

    Meet Oxbridge / SurancePlus at Money20/20 Europe – Amsterdam

    Investors and potential partners interested in Oxbridge and SurancePlus’ tokenized reinsurance offerings are encouraged to connect with the team during the event. Contact details are provided below.

    Disclaimer: This press release does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the EtaCat Re or ZetaCat Re tokenized reinsurance securities (the “Securities”). The Securities are not required to be, and have not been, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in reliance on the exemptions provided by Regulation S and SEC Rule 506(c) thereunder. Offers and sales of the Securities are made only by, and pursuant to, the terms set forth in the Confidential Private Placement Memorandum relating to the Securities. The offering of the Securities is not being made to persons in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky, or other laws of such jurisdiction.

    About Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited 

    Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: OXBR, OXBRW) (“Oxbridge”) is headquartered in the Cayman Islands. The company offers tokenized Real-World Assets (“RWAs”) as tokenized reinsurance securities and reinsurance business solutions to property and casualty insurers, through its wholly owned subsidiaries SurancePlus Inc., Oxbridge Re NS, and Oxbridge Reinsurance Limited.

    Insurance businesses in the Gulf Coast region of the United States purchase property and casualty reinsurance through our licensed reinsurers Oxbridge Reinsurance Limited and Oxbridge Re NS.

    Our Web3-focused subsidiary, SurancePlus Inc. (“SurancePlus”), has developed the first “on-chain” reinsurance RWA of its kind to be sponsored by a subsidiary of a publicly traded company. By digitizing interests in reinsurance contracts as on-chain RWAs, SurancePlus has democratized the availability of reinsurance as an alternative investment to both U.S. and non-U.S. investors. 

    Company Contact:
    Oxbridge Re Holdings Limited
    Jay Madhu, CEO
    +1 345-749-7570
    jmadhu@oxbridgere.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project” and other similar words and expressions are intended to signify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and conditions but rather are subject to various risks and uncertainties. A detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section entitled “Risk Factors” contained in our Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on 26th March 2024. The occurrence of any of these risks and uncertainties could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. Any forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this press release, even if the Company’s expectations or any related events, conditions or circumstances change.

    The MIL Network –