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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homegrown seed to kickstart new generation of Douglas fir trees

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    Groundbreaking breeding programme to develop new generation of British grown Douglas fir trees after decades of research.

    Credit: Forestry Commission

    Douglas fir is native to North America and has been used in British forestry for over 100 years. Demand is rising rapidly and currently; we import much of our seed from the USA or France and there is a need to develop a strain that is specialised for British conditions.

    For decades there have been incomplete attempts to develop British Douglas fir seed sources suited to our conditions, but now a government funded project led by the Conifer Breeding Cooperative has overcome this and will grow the next generation of Douglas fir from British tree seeds.

    The project involved the selection of 200 visually superior trees from the best Douglas fir plantations in Britain, as well as 40 genetically superior trees from long-term experiments managed by Forest Research.

    This selection of outstanding Douglas firs will now be used by the Conifer Breeding Cooperative and Forest Research as breeding stock to produce British Douglas Fir seed. The chosen trees will be copied by grafting cuttings onto rootstocks, after the grafted plants will go into seed orchards. In several years, once seeds are available, they will be supplied to forest nurseries to grow the first genetically improved British Douglas fir trees. 

    Richard Whittet, Head of Tree Breeding at Forest Research and Chair of the Conifer Breeding Cooperative, said:  

    “We have selected a new generation of Douglas fir trees for breeding, based on their adaptation to the British climate and timber properties which is an important step forward for the resilience of our nation’s trees. 

    “This achievement is the result of decades of work by Forest Research and our domestic and international partners. Collaboration has enabled us to get things done on the ground and harness new technologies, such as the low-cost DNA marker array for quality assurance.”

    Sir William Worsley, Chair of the Forestry Commission, said:

     “We are facing a changing climate and biodiversity decline, with trees playing a significant role in mitigating some of the worst impacts.

    “We rely too heavily on timber imports in the UK and if we are to strengthen own domestic supply then this type of science will play a huge role in the future. Therefore, there has never been a more crucial time to invest in domestic tree-planting”.

    A DNA fingerprint – which shows the genetic make-up of each tree – has also been taken of each tree by Oxford University. This is the first time this technique has been used at such an early stage of a tree breeding programme in Great Britain. The DNA fingerprint is used as a quality-control tool to track and evaluate the tree’s parentage and enable traceability. This important data will help advance the project. 

    Douglas fir is a desirable timber-producing tree for Britain and this step forward to develop a resilient British population will ensure better yield for our domestic timber industry. Fast growing conifers such at this sequester carbon more quickly than slower growing species.  Using timber in construction, in place of other non-renewable materials, is one of the best ways to reduce emissions from buildings. It also ensures that carbon is locked up long-term.

    Today’s development will help bolster the domestic timber industry as part of the Government’s critical mission to make the UK clean energy superpower and ensure we are resilient to a changing climate. This is the latest government innovation in the fight to protect our nation’s trees and woodlands.

    The project partners involved are Conifer Breeding Coop, University of Oxford, and Forestart and it has been funded by the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs.

    Additional Information: 

    • The trials were first established in the 1990s as part of a European Commission project with several international partners including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Belgium

    Updates to this page

    Published 21 December 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Virturo Elite Club: Unlock Exclusive Wealth-Building Opportunities for High-Net-Worth Individuals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, UK, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virturo announced that through its Elite Club, it offers personalized wealth-building strategies that maximize returns, optimize tax efficiency, and protect assets against inflation, all while ensuring investments align with long-term goals. For those who hold significant wealth, traditional investments like stocks, bonds, and real estate might seem secure, but inflation poses a silent threat to their lasting worth. Over the years, these investments have provided steady returns of 3-5%, yet many high-net-worth individuals are now seeking ways to boost returns without taking on excessive risk.

    Addressing Inflation: Diversify Beyond Traditional Investments

    Many affluent individuals have portfolios that are heavily reliant on traditional investments, which often yield moderate returns in the range of 3-5%. While these returns may have seemed sufficient in the past, inflation can diminish their purchasing power over time, leaving investors searching for better growth opportunities.

    Virturo understands this challenge. The platform provides access to  HYPERLINK “https://virturo.com/”alternative investments—such as cryptocurrencies, high-growth stocks, and real estate funds—that have the potential for higher returns while maintaining strategic risk management. Virturo’s investment strategies are designed to outpace inflation and deliver superior returns, giving investors the tools to protect and grow wealth in an uncertain economic environment.

    Revitalize Dormant Assets and Achieve Greater Growth

    Many wealthy individuals have underutilized or dormant assets—such as low-interest savings or stagnant equities—that fail to keep pace with inflation. Virturo specializes in helping investors revitalize these dormant assets and transform them into high-performing investments. By leveraging advanced technologies and a team of financial experts, Virturo ensures that assets work harder, providing higher returns than traditional investment vehicles while keeping risk manageable.

    Optimizing Portfolios with Tax-Efficient Investments in the UK and Netherlands

    Whether clients are in the UK or the Netherlands, Virturo offers expert guidance on structuring investments in the most tax-efficient manner. UK clients benefit from ISAs, which allow for tax-free growth, while Dutch clients have access to options like the belastingvrije beleggingsrekening (tax-free investment accounts) and pensioenbeleggingen (pension investments). These options enable investors to grow wealth while minimizing tax liabilities—critical for protecting returns in the face of inflation.

    Why Virturo’s Elite Club is the Ultimate Investment Solution

    Virturo’s Elite Club offers numerous advantages for affluent investors:

    • Diversified Investment Opportunities: Access to cryptocurrencies, high-growth equities, real estate funds, and more, helping clients diversify away from traditional investments with low returns.
    • Inflation-Proof Strategies: Virturo provides inflation-resistant strategies that protect wealth, ensuring investments continue to grow at a pace that outstrips inflation.
    • Tax-Efficient Growth: Whether in the UK or the Netherlands, Virturo helps clients invest in tax-efficient vehicles, such as ISAs or belastingvrije beleggingsrekening, to maximize returns and minimize tax burdens.
    • Revitalizing Dormant Assets: Unlock the potential of underperforming assets, turning them into high-growth investments with the help of Virturo’s expert guidance.
    • Comprehensive Wealth Management: Elite Club members receive personalized financial strategies, ensuring portfolios are optimized for both growth and risk management.
    • Sustainable and Impactful Investments: Align wealth-building efforts with values through impact investing, allowing clients to grow wealth while supporting sustainability initiatives.

    Join Virturo’s Elite Club Today

    For wealthy individuals looking to expand and diversify portfolios, Virturo’s Elite Club offers exclusive access to high-return, inflation-beating investments. With expert guidance, personalized service, and access to a wide range of tax-efficient options, Virturo ensures that wealth is protected against inflation and continues to grow—while maintaining an appropriate level of risk.

    Investors ready to secure their financial future can experience the benefits of wealth management that truly works. Virturo’s Elite Club provides an unparalleled opportunity to unlock the full potential of investments.

    Media Contact

    Company: Virturo

    Contact: Media Team

    Email: support@virturo.com

    Website: https://virturo.com/

    SOURCE: Virturo

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN Disarmament Chief Calls Out ‘Unacceptable Levels’ of Civilian Fatalities in Ukraine, as Security Council Debates Western Arms Supplies to Kyiv, Moscow’s Ongoing Attacks

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Meeting again today to discuss Western arms supplies to Ukraine, the Security Council heard that civilians there continue to be killed and injured by a panoply of deadly munitions, while the organ’s members alternately urged a diplomatic end to the violence and condemned Moscow’s initial — and continued — aggression.

    “More than 1,000 days have passed since the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched on 24 February 2022 in violation of the UN Charter and of international law,” observed Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs.  Since the Council last met on this topic on 31 October, the world has continued to witness “unacceptable levels” of civilian deaths and injuries, she noted, also spotlighting Moscow’s “systematic and deliberate” targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

    Transfers of arms and ammunition, and the provision of other forms of military assistance to Ukraine’s Armed Forces, have also continued, she said.  Additionally, there have been reports of States transferring — or planning to transfer — weapons and ammunition to the Russian Federation.  Further reports refer to an increase in military cooperation between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation, including troop deployment by the former into the latter’s Kursk region.

    “I urge all concerned to refrain from any steps that may lead to further spillover and intensification of the conflict, as well as any further harm to civilians,” she said, citing reports by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) of over 12,340 civilians killed — and more than 27,836 injured — between 24 February 2022 and 30 November 2024.  She also noted reports of cross-border strikes by Ukraine inside the Russian Federation – with some reportedly resulting in damage to civilian objects.

    Expressing particular concern over the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, the use and transfer of cluster munitions and recent announcements regarding the transfer of non-persistent anti-personnel landmines, she called on States to abide by their international obligations and become parties to disarmament treaties “as a matter of priority”.  Further, universal participation in arms-control instruments is essential to prevent the diversion of conventional arms and to regulate the international arms trade.

    Concluding, she reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for “a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in Ukraine, consistent with the UN Charter”.

    United States’ Speaker:  Permanent Council Member Violating UN Charter

    “This document has meaning,” stressed the representative of the United States, Council President for December, as he took the floor in his national capacity.  For 80 years — “through thick and thin”, he noted — the Council has worked to uphold the Charter’s principles and to oppose territorial conquest.  Now, today, one of the organ’s permanent members is openly, unashamedly violating the Charter, as well as Council resolutions — that it voted for — to prevent a rogue nation from acquiring nuclear weapons.

    He went on to detail Beijing’s continued supply of dual-use items to Moscow’s war-industrial base, stating that China “telegraphs tacit approval for Russia’s war” by doing so.  “Russia listens only to strength and action — something we collectively lacked when Russia invaded Crimea, and when it invaded Georgia before that,” he noted, adding:  “Appeasement didn’t work then, and it won’t work now.”  Therefore, the United States and its partners will continue supporting both Ukraine and the UN Charter.

    Russian Federation’s Speaker:  Ukraine ‘Gold Mine’ for Military-industrial Complex of ‘Anglo-Saxon Countries’

    Meanwhile, the representative of the Russian Federation said that there would have been no war “if the United States had not supported the coup d’état in Kyiv in 2014” and had not “made Ukraine into anti-Russia”.  Noting that Ukraine has become a “gold mine” for the military-industrial complex of “Anglo-Saxon countries”, he said that half of all weapons sales went to 41 United States corporations.  In 2023, the revenue of 100 major weapons manufacturers reached $632 billion, he added.

    “It would be naïve to think that these unprincipled traders will give up on their huge profits for the benefit of the helpless Ukrainians,” he emphasized.  Further, he said that the Pentagon had to admit that the whereabouts of more than half of the Javelin and Stinger missiles sent to Ukraine were unknown, highlighting the corruption that “accompanies Western supplies”.  He concluded:  “My advice to all of those who are hoping that military activities will stop:  don’t have any illusions about the real intent of the comedian Zelenskyy.  We never had them.”

    Ukraine’s Speaker:  Kyiv Strikes Legitimate Military Targets on Its Occupied Territory and in Russian Federation

    “Ukraine never wanted this war and — more than any country across the globe — Ukraine wants the war to end,” stressed that country’s representative.  Noting that the Russian Federation again prefaced today’s meeting “with air terror against Ukrainian cities”, he described Moscow’s behaviour as:  “A — plan a strike; B — call a Security Council meeting; C — carry out a strike; D — call a meeting to complain about Western weapons supplies”.  This correlation has been registered in at least 18 cases, he emphasized.

    Against this backdrop, Ukraine strikes legitimate military targets on its occupied territories and in the Russian Federation, he went on to say, stressing that “it is more than easy” for Moscow to stop the war it launched.  Instead, Russian Federation President Vladimir V. Putin called for a “high-tech duel” between his country and the West, in which Moscow would strike Kyiv with medium-range ballistic missiles while Western missile-defence systems would attempt to protect it.  “Yesterday’s revelations from Putin leave no room for doubt:  his regime must be neutralized as soon as possible,” he urged.

    Council Members Weigh In

    Throughout the meeting, several Council members also pointed out that it was Moscow who originated the war.  “It is quite clear that this conflict began with Russia’s invasion of a neighbouring country in violation of the UN Charter,” stressed the representative of the Republic of Korea.  “Today’s meeting on the issue of weapons transfers to Ukraine is irrelevant,” he added, underscoring:  “The world knows the difference between an aggressor and a victim.”  He also expressed concern over the future of the “illegal coalition” between Moscow and Pyongyang, which is internationalizing the conflict.

    Similarly, Japan’s representative — noting today’s “shamefully familiar topic” — underscored that “there is only one aggressor in this conflict”.  The Russian Federation launched this unprovoked war of aggression, and that country is the one systematically violating international law.  Also expressing concern over Moscow’s military cooperation with Pyongyang and Tehran, he stressed:  “We must focus on Russia’s violations of international law and not fall prey to its disinformation or malicious tactics.”

    Echoing that was France’s delegate, who said that today’s “umpteenth meeting” on arms transfers requested by the Russian Federation was merely “a smokescreen to mask” its treatment of Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence.  “There is one aggressor:  Russia,” he underscored.  Moscow can choose to cease its aggression at any time without harming its own security, but Ukraine’s right to defend itself includes striking Russian Federation military targets.

    “Every country has an inalienable right to defend itself in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter,” observed Slovenia’s representative, adding:  “By extension, every country has the right to procure the means to defend themselves.”  As others, he said that “it is worth pointing to the source of inconsistencies with international law during this war — it is Russia that illegally invaded Ukraine”.  Also expressing concern over the extent of mine use in Ukraine, he stressed that these weapons will “pose a threat to the civilian population for years to come”.

    Ukraine Most Mined Country in the World 

    On that, Guyana’s delegate observed that Ukraine is now considered “the most-mined country in the world”, as potentially 23 per cent of its land is at risk of contamination with likely clearing costs of over $34 billion.  Emphasizing that such weapons “have no place in our world”, she called on all States transferring weapons and ammunition into the conflict area to do so within the existing international legal framework — including Council resolutions – and with adequate controls in place to prevent their irregular transfer. 

    In that vein, Mozambique’s delegate called on weapons-exporting States to refrain from transferring arms where risks of human-rights violations or breaches of international humanitarian law exist.  Similarly, recipient States must ensure that the arms transferred are used in a manner consistent with applicable international legal instruments and are not diverted or transferred to other destinations.  Ecuador’s representative concurred, urging States to act responsibly at every stage of the chain of transfer to prevent the diversion or misuse of arms.

    Algeria’s representative, citing the use of modern medium- and long-range missiles in Ukrainian and Russian Federation territory, called on both parties to ensure that these weapons do not fall into the hands of criminals, terrorists or extremist groups — who often use such weapons against defenceless civilians.  Adding to that, the representative of Sierra Leone urged all parties to “refrain from further escalation in pursuit of the option of winning battles at all costs”.  For his part, the representative of Malta stressed:  “The people of Ukraine deserve better.  The people of Russia deserve better.  Both nations deserve a peaceful future.”

    “Weapons may help win a war, but cannot bring about lasting peace,” observed China’s representative, recalling that Beijing has called on the parties to cease hostilities and restore peace for the past three years.  “The United States is the only country that has chosen to turn a blind eye to China’s efforts,” he said, adding that one country’s security cannot be achieved at the expense of another’s.  He also expressed hope that the United States will abandon the “zero-sum mentality of the cold war”.

    Switzerland’s representative, meanwhile, noted that today’s meeting was one of approximately 70 so far dedicated to Ukraine.  “And, for the seventieth time, I repeat that Russia must immediately withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine,” she said, adding:  “This repetition is important, however; we cannot — and must not — normalize what has happened in Ukraine.”

    “This Christmas, I suggest the Russian delegation reads How Much Land Does a Man Need? by Leo Tolstoy,” said the representative of the United Kingdom.  Noting that this is a story about a man who — in his greed to acquire more and more land — exhausts himself and dies, he said that the man is then buried in a six-foot grave — “which is all the land he ends up with”.  “The moral is quite clear,” he observed, adding: “The Russians would do well to heed the wisdom of their forebears.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plans for new provisions to support pupils with complex Additional Support Needs

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Perth and Kinross Council’s Learning and Families Committee will be asked to consider the plans when it meets on Wednesday, January 29.

    Almost 7000 children and young people in Perth and Kinross Council schools have been identified as having additional support needs, almost four out of every 10 pupils (39%). 

    This is an increase of over 750 children and young people since 2021.

     Currently, PKC has fifteen Intensive Support Provisions (ISPs) across nine primary and six secondary schools, serving 300 children aged 5 to 18.

    A feasibility study highlighted the need for more ISP placements and better geographical distribution to improve educational and social experiences for children and young people and reduce travel costs.

    A report to the committee recommends creating eight new ISPs through recently announced Scottish Government funding and redistribution of existing Perth and Kinross Council resources.

    This will mean all children and young people who need this type of education provision will be able to do so closer to their homes, enabling them to build better community connections for the future.

    Other options for consideration include maintaining existing provision or creating additional ISPs through the redistribution of existing resources. Both options would maintain ISP placements at current levels.

    If the proposed plan to create eight new ISPs is approved, it will be implemented in three phases over the next four years.

    The first will see the development of ISPs at Kinross High School, Perth High School and a primary school within the Perth Academy catchment area once statutory consultations are completed.

    Phases two and three will see the creation of a further five ISPs.

    Councillor John Rebbeck, convener of Perth and Kinross Council’s Learning and Families Committee said: “Many of our ISPs are over-capacity and we know the number of children with complex additional support needs who require intensive-level learning opportunities is rising.

    “We want to give every child the best start in life so they can fulfil their potential and creating new ISPs will help ensure all our children receive the education they need and deserve.

    “The development is part of our Additional Support Needs (ASN) Transformation Programme which aims to significantly improve the educational experience for children and young people with additional support needs in Perth and Kinross.

    “We know there are still many challenges ahead but I believe this is an important and necessary step in the right direction. The programme’s vision is to help these children thrive, gain independence, and lead fulfilling lives by ensuring they can access the best possible learning environment and support whilst in Perth and Kinross Council Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings or schools.

    “Access to education and learning close to their home communities will help our children and young people with complex needs to reach their potential”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Tina Smith Join Colleagues to Introduce Bill to Award Congressional Gold Medals to Members of the “Miracle on Ice” Olympic Hockey Team

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) joined their colleagues to introduce the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act, legislation to award three Congressional Gold Medals to members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team to recognize the 45th anniversary of their extraordinary achievement at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games.
    “A team that made us believe in miracles,” said Senator Klobuchar. “With 12 players and the legendary head coach Herb Brooks being native Minnesotans, we are working across the aisle to award the 1980 Olympic hockey team the Congressional Gold Medal.”
    “The ‘Miracle on Ice’ hockey game was an upset that nobody saw coming – but one that showcases the strength and resilience of Americans in the face of adversity,” said Senator Smith. “More than half of the team was from Minnesota, so I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to honor the achievement and the contributions to American pride by those Minnesotans.”
    In February 1980, the United States Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team defeated the Soviet Union 4-3 in the first game of the medal round of the 1980 Winter Olympic men’s hockey tournament in Lake Placid, New York. Team USA, including 12 hockey players born in Minnesota and coached by University of Minnesota championship winning hockey coach Herb Brooks, defied expectations by defeating the four-time Olympic champion Soviet Union team in a game referred to as the “Miracle on Ice.” At a time when the United States was struggling with rampant stagflation, high gas prices, hostages held in Iran, and increased tensions with the Soviets after their invasion of Afghanistan, the Miracle on Ice was a welcome reprieve and a critical moment for American patriotism. Following the stunning victory against the Soviets, the Americans beat Finland 4-2 to secure the gold.
    The three awards will be displayed at the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth, Minnesota, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum in Colorado, and the Lake Placid Olympic Center in New York. 
    The bill was led by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND). Additional cosponsors of the Miracle on Ice Congressional Gold Medal Act include U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), John Curtis (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Gary Peters (D-MI). House cosponsors include U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Lisa McClain (R-MI-09), and Bill Keating (D-MA-09). 
    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ghana Armed Forces and US Army medics build partnerships through training

    Source: United States Army

    1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ghana Armed Forces Capt. Emmanuel Oti Boateng and U.S. Army Spc. Danielle Soberanis, a medic assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, (SETAF-AF), assess a simulated casualty during the Partner Medical Training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 15, 2025. SETAF-AF strengthens interoperability with African partners through focused security cooperation exchanges such as the Partner Medical Training. The Partner Medical Training enables teams from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Dental Health Activity – Italy, and the Ghana Armed Forces to share medical best practices, strengthening readiness and interoperability between partners, while challenging medics to conduct their duties under the stress of simulated combat scenarios and preparing teams for the upcoming U.S. Army Best Medic Competition in Texas. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL
    2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Sgt. Nathan S. Nance, a combat medic assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, fills a syringe during the Partner Medical Training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 15, 2025.U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, (SETAF-AF), strengthens interoperability with African partners through focused security cooperation exchanges such as the Partner Medical Training. The Partner Medical Training enables teams from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Dental Health Activity – Italy, and the Ghana Armed Forces to share medical best practices, strengthening readiness and interoperability between partners, while challenging medics to conduct their duties under the stress of simulated combat scenarios and preparing teams for the upcoming U.S. Army Best Medic Competition in Texas. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL
    3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ghana Armed Forces Capt. Emmanuel Oti Boateng, prepares to insert a syringe into a simulated casualty during the Partner Medical Training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 15, 2025.U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, (SETAF-AF), strengthens interoperability with African partners through focused security cooperation exchanges such as the Partnered Medical Training. The Partner Medical Training enables teams from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Dental Health Activity – Italy, and the Ghana Armed Forces to share medical best practices, strengthening readiness and interoperability between partners, while challenging medics to conduct their duties under the stress of simulated combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Back to 

    U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

    VICENZA, Italy — Augustine Akagri had never felt anything like the biting cold of the Italian Alps. As a warrant officer class II in the Ghana Armed Forces with 15 years of combat medical experience and a Ghana Jungle Badge, he believed he was ready for any challenge — until he faced the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) in subzero temperatures.

    “When I was going through it [ACFT] I felt the cold in my ribs and my tongue was numb,” said Akagri.

    What carried him through wasn’t his medical training, but the resilience skills he had learned during a session with U.S. Army Chaplain Capt. Allen Hoskyn the day before.

    “The resilience training helped a lot, I told myself ‘forget this cold and this numbness, I need to finish this,” said Akagri.

    1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ghana Armed Forces Warrant Officer Class 2 Emmanuel Adarkwa, left, and U.S. Army Sgt. Heith E. Walston, a combat medic assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade, treat a simulated casualty during the Partner Medical Training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 15, 2025. U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, (SETAF-AF), strengthens interoperability with African partners through focused security cooperation exchanges such as the Partner Medical Training. The Partner Medical Training enables teams from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Dental Health Activity – Italy, and the Ghana Armed Forces to share medical best practices, strengthening readiness and interoperability between partners, while challenging medics to conduct their duties under the stress of simulated combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL
    2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ghana Armed Forces Warrant Officer Class 2 Augustine Akagri, a combat medic, simulates reacting to contact during the Partner Medical Training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 15, 2025. U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, (SETAF-AF), strengthens interoperability with African partners through focused security cooperation exchanges such as the Partner Medical Training. The Partner Medical Training enables teams from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Dental Health Activity – Italy, and the Ghana Armed Forces to share medical best practices, strengthening readiness and interoperability between partners, while challenging medics to conduct their duties under the stress of simulated combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL
    3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ghana Armed Forces Capt. Emmanuel Oti Boateng, a combat medic, prepares to fire an M-4 Carbine in a simulated stress shoot during the Partnered Medical Training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 15, 2025. U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, (SETAF-AF), strengthens interoperability with African partners through focused security cooperation exchanges such as the Partnered Medical Training. The partnered Medical Training enables participants from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Dental Health Activity – Italy, and the Ghanaian Armed Forces to share medical best practices, strengthening readiness and interoperability between partners. The event also challenges medics to conduct their duties while under the stress of simulated combat scenarios, preparing teams for the upcoming Best Medic Competition Feb. 2025 in Texas. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL

    The ACFT was just the beginning of Akagri’s experience. Alongside two other medics from the Ghana Armed Forces, he participated in the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force-Africa (SETAF-AF) Partner Medical Training exercise, designed to strengthen medical readiness and interoperability between partners.

    The three-day event brought together U.S. Army medics and medical professionals from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, and Dental Health Activity-Italy to train with the Ghana Armed Forces team. Participants underwent intensive medical training over the first two days, followed by a final day dedicated to testing. During the testing phase, participants were divided into three mixed teams, with each team comprising members from all participating units. The teams tackled 12 challenging lanes which included tactical combat casualty care, stress shooting and K9 tactical combat casualty care.

    1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Sgt. Heith E. Walston, a combat medic assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, checks the breathing pattern on a simulated casualty during the Partner Medical Training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 15, 2025.U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, (SETAF-AF), strengthens interoperability with African partners through focused security cooperation exchanges such as the Partner Medical Training. The Partner Medical Training enables teams from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Dental Health Activity – Italy, and the Ghana Armed Forces to share medical best practices, strengthening readiness and interoperability between partners, while challenging medics to conduct their duties under the stress of simulated combat scenarios and preparing teams for the upcoming U.S. Army Best Medic Competition in Texas. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL
    2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ghana Armed Forces Warrant Officer Class 2 Augustine Akagri, a combat medic, places a litter with a simulated casualty in a medical vehicle during the Partner Medical Training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 15, 2025. U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, (SETAF-AF), strengthens interoperability with African partners through focused security cooperation exchanges such as the Partner Medical Training. The Partner Medical Training enables teams from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Dental Health Activity – Italy, and the Ghana Armed Forces to share medical best practices, strengthening readiness and interoperability between partners, while challenging medics to conduct their duties under the stress of simulated combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL
    3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ghana Armed Forces Warrant Officer Class 2 Augustine Akagri, a combat medic, assesses a simulated casualty during the Partner Medical Training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 15, 2025.U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, (SETAF-AF), strengthens interoperability with African partners through focused security cooperation exchanges such as the Partner Medical Training. The Partner Medical Training enables teams from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Dental Health Activity – Italy, and the Ghana Armed Forces to share medical best practices, strengthening readiness and interoperability between partners, while challenging medics to conduct their duties under the stress of simulated combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Not only did the training provide valuable experience for both Ghanaian and American medics, but it also created an opportunity to exchange medical knowledge.

    “They [Ghanaian medics] have much more clinical medical knowledge, whereas we focus more on trauma,” said Sgt. Brayden Chapman, a combat medic from the 1-503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. “I saw different ways of treating wounds because they use a different set of medications than we do, based on what’s available to them versus what’s available to us.”

    Chapman added, “Overall, the training was of deep value.”

    1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ghana Armed Forces Warrant Officer Class 2 Augustine Akagri, a combat medic, left, and U.S. Army Sgt. Brayden J. Chapman, a combat medic assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, discuss how to approach a simulated casualty during the Partner Medical Training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 15, 2025. U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, (SETAF-AF), strengthens interoperability with African partners through focused security cooperation exchanges such as the Partner Medical Training. The Partner Medical Training enables teams from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Dental Health Activity – Italy, and the Ghana Armed Forces to share medical best practices, strengthening readiness and interoperability between partners, while challenging medics to conduct their duties under the stress of simulated combat scenarios and preparing teams for the upcoming U.S. Army Best Medic Competition in Texas. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL
    2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ghana Armed Forces Capt. Emmanuel Oti Boateng, left, and U.S Army Spc. Danielle Soberanis, right, a medic assigned to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, (SETAF-AF), listen to instructions given by a lane grader during the Partner Medical Training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 15, 2025. SETAF-AF strengthens interoperability with African partners through focused security cooperation exchanges such as the Partnered Medical Training. The Partner Medical Training enables teams from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Dental Health Activity – Italy, and the Ghana Armed Forces to share medical best practices, strengthening readiness and interoperability between partners, while challenging medics to conduct their duties under the stress of simulated combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla)
    3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Ghana Armed Forces Warrant Officer Class 2 Emmanuel Adarkwa, left, Ghana Armed Forces Warrant Officer Class 2 Augustine Akagri, center, Ghana Armed Forces Capt. Emmanuel Oti Boateng, right, fire M-4 Carbines in a simulated stress shoot during the Partner Medical Training exercise at Caserma Del Din, Vicenza, Italy, Jan. 15, 2025. U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa, (SETAF-AF), strengthens interoperability with African partners through focused security cooperation exchanges such as the Partner Medical Training. The Partner Medical Training enables teams from SETAF-AF, the 173rd Airborne Brigade, the Dental Health Activity – Italy, and the Ghana Armed Forces to share medical best practices, strengthening readiness and interoperability between partners, while challenging medics to conduct their duties under the stress of simulated combat scenarios. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) (Photo Credit: 1st Lt. Katherine Sibilla) VIEW ORIGINAL

    Like Chapman, Akagri gained a wealth of medical knowledge during the three-day training, which he hopes to share with his unit back in Ghana.

    “It’s been an amazing experience. We’ve learned a lot of things, and we were also able to share our ideas with the other participants,” Akagri said.

    Most of all, Akagri will remember the cold weather — and that he’ll think twice before turning off the AC at home.

    “When I turned off the AC in my house, my wife told me, ‘How are you going to cope when you’re out there [in Italy]?’ So when I got here and felt the cold, I kept remembering her words.”

    About SETAF-AF

    SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

    Follow SETAF-AF on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark £9 billion contract for British business to boost jobs, growth and nuclear deterrent

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A major deal, worth approximately £9 billion, has been struck with British firm Rolls-Royce to bolster support to the Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear submarines, boosting national security and economic growth and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

    Vanguard-Class nuclear submarine at sea.

    • Deal with Rolls-Royce to support Royal Navy submarine fleet and bolster national security.
    • Major boost for economic growth, creating and maintaining 5,000 long-term UK jobs.
    • New contract ensures more efficient Government spending and delivers on nuclear ‘triple-lock’ commitment.

    A major deal, worth approximately £9 billion, has been struck with British firm Rolls-Royce to bolster support to the Royal Navy’s fleet of nuclear submarines, boosting national security and economic growth and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change 

    Creating more than 1,000 UK jobs and safeguarding 4,000 other roles, the contract with Rolls-Royce Submarines Ltd – dubbed ‘Unity’ – will deliver the design, manufacture and support services to nuclear reactors to power our submarines. 

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP will announce the deal today on a visit to Rolls-Royce’s nuclear reactor production facility in Derby. Alongside backing thousands of UK roles, the agreement also streamlines previous contracts and incentivises more efficient delivery, resulting in better value for money for the taxpayer through savings of more than £400 million over the eight-year contract. As part of our national endeavour to maintain a continuous at-sea deterrent, this agreement will help streamline decision-making and foster the kind of close partnership between industry and government that is essential to our success. 

    The announcement bolsters Britain’s security as a foundation of the Government’s Plan for Change, and strengthens the historic AUKUS partnership with the USA and Australia. In line with the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, Unity will drive significant UK economic growth over many years. 

    In Derby today, John Healey will speak with staff and apprentices, and use the visit to reinforce the Government’s commitment to the ‘triple-lock’ on the nuclear deterrent, which includes: building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, in Cumbria; maintaining our continuous at sea nuclear deterrent; and delivering all future upgrades needed. 

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

    This investment in Britain’s defence will deliver a long-term boost to British business, jobs and national security. 

    In line with our Plan for Change, this deal with Rolls-Royce, a historic British success-story, will support high-skilled UK jobs who equip the thousands of submariners that keep us all safe. We are showing defence can be an engine for growth, while also driving better value for taxpayer money. 

    National security is a foundation of our government’s plan for change, and this is a clear demonstration of our commitment to the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which is our ultimate insurance policy in a more dangerous world.

    The eight-year contract represents long-term certainty for a major British business, building in resilience and capability across the supply-chain. This will generate more efficiency and allow for effective risk and opportunity management, providing incentives to produce more for no increase in cost, including on work such as the building of Dreadnought Class submarines.  

    The agreement will also help streamline decision-making and foster close partnership with industry, supporting the aims of the new Defence Industrial Strategy.    

    Steve Carlier, President Rolls-Royce Submarines said:   

    We’re delighted to announce the Unity Contract, which confirms our commitment to the Royal Navy and the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. This long-term contract enables us to invest in the right skills, equipment, and facilities to play our part in protecting UK interests at home and overseas.

    The Government is committed to the nuclear deterrent triple Lock:  

    • Building four new nuclear submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, supporting high-quality, high-status apprenticeships and jobs, with the supply chain benefits being felt right across the country.   
    • Britain maintaining its continuous at-sea deterrent, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – securing protection for both the UK and NATO allies.   
    • The delivery of all future upgrades needed for those submarines to patrol the waters and keep our country safe.

    Sir Chris Gardner KBE, CEO Submarine Delivery Agency said:

    The signing of the Unity contract is a key milestone in the SDA and Rolls-Royce partnership, building resilience, collaboration, and capability.       Bringing together existing commercial arrangements, it is a clear signal of our commitment to deliver greater effectiveness, efficiency, and agility to meet the needs of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and support the Royal Navy’s submarines now and into the future.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ex-high street chief to keep Britain working with review into business support for disabled and long-term sick

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A new “Keep Britain Working” review has been launched today [Friday 24 January] to explore how to urgently support people with long-term illnesses or disabilities back into work, and to stay in work.

    • Independent review led by former John Lewis boss, Sir Charlie Mayfield, officially underway.
    • Review to investigate how government and businesses can work together to support ill and disabled people into work, boost living standards and grow the economy as part of Plan for Change.
    • Intervention comes as government is expected to publish major health and disability benefit reforms this Spring.

    Former chairman of John Lewis Partnership, Sir Charlie Mayfield, will lead the Keep Britain Working Review to investigate the factors behind spiralling levels of inactivity, and how government and businesses can work together to turn this around, to get Britain working again. 

    The review will be the first of its kind, and following the launch of the Get Britain Working White Paper, will be one part of the government’s Plan for Change to kickstart economic growth in partnership with businesses, drive up prosperity and raise living standards across the UK.

    With over a third of working age people reporting a long-term health condition and around a quarter classed as disabled, the latter group being three times more likely to be not in work or looking for work, the scale of the challenge is stark.

    Beginning today, the review will move at pace concluding in the Autumn, with Sir Charlie Mayfield meeting businesses and health and disability organisations across the country to identify the scale, trends, obstacles and opportunities for companies when recruiting and retaining ill and disabled people. 

    This phase will conclude in Spring with a report based on the findings from his conversations with company bosses, employees who have been supported to stay in work, and organisations who help those out of work, to inform wider engagement. Recommendations to the government are expected later this year.

    This will be part of the government’s plan to boost employment by breaking down barriers to opportunity and improving people’s living standards through work and life-changing support, building on the latest data this week showing real earnings have increased by 2.5% on the year.

    Sir Charlie Mayfield, who was also Chair of the British Retail Consortium and Chair of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, said: 

    Losing people from the workforce because of ill-health or disability is bad for many of the individuals, for the businesses employing them, and for the wider economy.

    It’s a growing problem for us all and it’s one that’s more likely to be resolved by business and government working together.

    I’m looking forward to engaging closely with businesses, government departments and the many organisations committed to improving our performance here.

    The review, which will identify measures to help ill and disabled people get into work and stay in work, comes ahead of significant reforms to health and disability benefits expected in the Spring. 

    Work and Pensions Secretary, Rt Hon Liz Kendall MP, said: 

    Millions of people have been left without support to get into work and on at work, and completely held back from reaching their potential for far too long, and the record-high cost of long-term sickness benefits is evidence of that fact.

    That’s why I am pleased to have Sir Charlie leading this review, bringing a wealth of experience and helping us to get people into work, and most importantly keep them in work, so we can boost living standards and get our economy growing.

    Business and Trade Secretary, Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, said: 

    It isn’t right that too many businesses are missing out on the people they need, while those who want to work can’t because of long-term sickness. 

    Solving this problem is one of the greatest challenges facing the labour market, with years of poor support blocking those with great talent from helping drive our economy forward.

    The government is on the side of working people and is unashamedly pro-business. That’s why this review will be critical in getting businesses the people they need to unlock their full potential.

    Rain Newton-Smith, CEO of the CBI, said: 

    Lower rates of employment for people with long-term health conditions or disabilities is a tragic waste of potential that holds back economic growth and impacts on well-being. 

    It denies people the opportunity to improve their personal financial security through work and prevents businesses from using their valuable skills and experience to grow the economy. 

    Sir Charlie’s review is a welcome opportunity for business and government to co-design solutions that have a real impact.

    This business engagement is part of the government’s Get Britain Working White Paper which is currently progressing the biggest employment reforms in a generation so the UK can reach an ambitious 80% employment rate. 

    As part of the plan, Jobcentre’s are to change their focus from monitoring and managing benefit claims to skills and careers, mental health support will be expanded to reduce waiting lists in areas with the highest levels of economic inactivity, and mayors will be empowered to join up local work, health and skills support to tackle the root causes of inactivity in their areas.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Xbox Developer_Direct 2025 recap: Everything we announced

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Xbox Developer_Direct 2025 recap: Everything we announced

    In addition to Xbox Cloud Gaming, all the games in our show also support Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning when you buy them through the store on Xbox or Windows, they’re yours to play on Xbox and Windows PC at no additional cost, and your game progress and achievements are saved across Xbox and Windows PC.

    Here’s a summary of everything we announced and covered during Developer_Direct today:

    DOOM: The Dark Ages – Launching May 15, 2025

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, and play it day one with Game Pass*

    [embedded content]

    The team at id Software shared a deep dive into DOOM: The Dark Ages and revealed that the cinematic, epic first-person shooter will launch on May 15, 2025.

    DOOM: The Dark Ages, a prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal, is set in a dark fantasy/sci-fi world with DOOM’s immediately recognizable hellish twist. In the segment, three core pillars of the game were explored: Combat, which dug into deadly new weapons of mass destruction the Slayer can wield; Exploration, which offered a glimpse at an incredible new medieval-inspired setting that will take players to never-before-seen dark and sinister realms; and Story, which gave an overview of the characters and stakes the Slayer will face in his journey to turn the tides of a war.

    This is the most ambitious DOOM game to date. id Software is seizing the chance to present both newcomers and long-time fans alike with an epic adventure as the super weapon in a medieval war against hell itself. Find out more about the game, with extra information from the developers in our Xbox Wire article.

    South of Midnight – Launching April 8, 2025

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, cloud, and play it day one with Game Pass*

    [embedded content]

    Compulsion Games took us behind the scenes at their studio in Montreal, Canada to learn more about South of Midnight, their new third-person action adventure game which releases on April 8, 2025.

    In Compulsion’s segment, we learned more about the journey of Hazel, the game’s protagonist, which leads her into a darkly magical world where she discovers her new abilities as a Weaver. Her story is filled with macabre Southern Gothic folklore and encounters with mythical larger-than-life creatures that shape her growth and understanding of her newfound powers.

    You can see more of South of Midnight’s hand-crafted art style, world building, and combat in South of Midnight’s new story trailer and get ready to explore the American Deep South with Hazel by pre-ordering today – and play up to five days early with the South of Midnight Premium Edition. Find out more about the game’s story in our exclusive Xbox Wire article here.

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – Launching April 24, 2025

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, and play it day one with Game Pass* (see developer website for other platforms)

    [embedded content]

    We visited Montpellier, France, home of Sandfall Interactive, as they develop their first game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This turn-based RPG is set in a fantasy version of late 19th Century France, where the world is facing an existential threat, one year at a time. The developer shared a deeper look at the game’s innovative mechanics, such as the “Reactive Turn-Based” system, and the unique art direction that brings the game’s world to life. We even got a first look at Expedition 33’s expansive overworld map.

    As the coup de grace, Sandfall Interactive confirmed the game’s release date: our journey to stop the Paintress begins April 24. For more on the team’s creative vision and deep customization options, we’ve got more on Xbox Wire here.

    NINJA GAIDEN 4 – Launching Fall 2025

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, Steam, cloud, PlayStation 5, and play it day one with Game Pass*

    [embedded content]

    Team NINJA announced the return of a beloved franchise with the reveal of NINJA GAIDEN 4. After more than a decade, the masters of action at Team NINJA and PlatinumGames have partnered with Xbox Game Studios Publishing to bring us an exciting new chapter in the NINJA GAIDEN series, a series with a long history on Xbox.

    We were introduced to Yakumo, a new protagonist whose objective lies at the heart of a devastated Tokyo. On his mission, Yakumo will not only encounter fiends and demons , but also the legendary master ninja himself: Ryu Hayabusa. Gameplay footage showed that Yakumo will introduce players to a stylish new take on ninja action with Bloodbind Ninjutsu, alongside legacy techniques like the Flying Swallow and Izuna Drop. Ryu will also return as a playable character with a revamped arsenal that stays true to his signature brutality and precision.

    During the segment, developers from both PlatinumGames and Team NINJA shared details about the game’s story, the setting in a near-future Tokyo, and its action-packed combat mechanics. We also got a glimpse into the creative process behind this highly anticipated title, which will be released in Fall 2025, and can be wishlisted on Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5. For the latest information, follow Team Ninja on social media (YouTube, X, Facebook, Instagram). Check out an exclusive interview with the developers on Xbox Wire.

    NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black – Available Today!

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox App for Windows PC, and play it day one with Game Pass*

    [embedded content]

    The highly-acclaimed and legendary game from 2008 returns graphically remastered! NINJA GAIDEN 2 Black features the high-speed ninja action of iconic hero Ryu Hayabusa and his deadly Dragon Sword. Embark on a global battle against formidable foes, engage in relentless combat, and play as additional characters Momiji, Ayana and Rachel.

    Looking Ahead

    As with every Developer_Direct, today’s show marks just a selection of the games coming to Xbox this year. Next up is Avowed, Obsidian Entertainment’s upcoming fantasy RPG, which launches on February 18, 2025 for Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox app for Windows PC, Battle.net, Steam, cloud, and will be available on day one with Game Pass. With our own studios and incredible partners working on new experiences, stay tuned to Xbox Wire and Xbox social channels this year to see why there’s never been a better time to be an Xbox player.

    *Game catalog varies by plan – Xbox.com/gamepass.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-Evening Report: China has invested billions in ports around the world. This is why the West is so concerned

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Claudio Bozzi, Lecturer in Law, Deakin University

    Shutterstock

    On his way to the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte to officially open a new US$3.6 billion (A$5.8 billion) deepwater mega-port in Peru called Chancay.

    China’s state-owned Cosco shipping giant had purchased a 60% stake in the port for US$1.6 billion (A$2.6 billion), which gave the company exclusive use of the port for 60 years.

    Days later, the first ship departed for Shanghai loaded with blueberries, avocados and minerals.

    Chancay is part of China’s vision of a 21st century maritime Silk Road that will better connect China’s manufacturing hubs with its trading partners around the world. This has involved a heavy investment in ports in many countries, which has the West concerned about China’s expanding influence over global shipping routes.

    Newly re-elected US President Donald Trump made clear these concerns when he claimed China was “operating” the Panama Canal and the US intended to take it back.

    China does not operate the canal, though. Rather, a Hong Kong company operates two ports on either side of it.

    A booming port expansion

    The scale and scope of the maritime Silk Road is impressive. China has invested in 129 ports in dozens of countries through its state-owned enterprises, mostly in the Global South. Seventeen of these ports have majority-Chinese ownership.

    According to one estimate, Chinese companies invested US$11 billion (A$17.7 billion) in overseas port development from 2010–19. More than 27% of global container trade now passes through terminals where leading Chinese firms hold direct stakes.

    China has entered Latin America aggressively, becoming the region’s top trading partner. Its port strategy has clearly signalled a long-term goal to access the exports essential to its food and energy security: soybeans, corn, beef, iron ore, copper and battery-grade lithium.

    Last year, for example, Portos do Paraná, the Brazilian state-owned enterprise that acts as the port authority in the state of Paraná, signed a letter of intent with China Merchants Port Holdings to expand Paranaguá Container Terminal, the second-largest terminal in South America. China may invest in even more Brazilian ports, as 22 terminals are scheduled to be auctioned before the end of 2025.

    In Africa, Chinese investment grew from two ports in 2000 to 61 facilities in 30 countries by 2022.

    And in Europe, Chinese enterprises have complete or majority ownership of two key ports in Belgium and Greece – the so-called “dragon’s head” of the Belt and Road Initiative in Europe.

    What’s driving this port strategy?

    China’s emergence as a maritime and shipping power is central to Xi’s ambition for global economic dominance.

    For one, China requires stable access to key trading routes to continue meeting the demand for Chinese exports globally, as well as the imports Beijing needs to keep its economy humming.

    Controlling ports also enables China to create economic zones in other countries that give port owners and operators privileged access to commodities and products. Some fear this could allow China to disrupt supplies of certain goods or even exert influence over other countries’ politics or economies.

    Another key driver of this strategy is the metals and minerals needed to fuel China’s rise as a tech superpower. Beijing has concentrated its port investment in regions where these critical resources are located.

    For example, China is the world’s largest importer of copper ore, mainly from Chile, Peru and Mexico. It is also one of the world’s major lithium carbonate importers.), mainly from Chile and Argentina. And its port deals in Africa give it access to rare earths and other minerals.

    In addition, tapping into Latin America counteracts the trade tensions China has experienced recently with Europe. It also preempts concerns about possible US tariffs imposed on Chinese goods by Trump.

    Military concerns

    These moves have prompted concern in Washington that China is challenging US influence in its own backyard.

    China maintains that its seaport diplomacy is market oriented. However, it has established one naval base in the strategically located African nation of Djibouti. And it is believed to be building another naval base in Equatorial Guinea.

    According to a recent report by the Asia Society Policy Institute, strategy analysts believe China is seeking to “weaponise” the Belt and Road Initiative.

    One way it is doing this is by requiring the commercial ports it invests in to be equally capable of acting as naval bases. So far, 14 of the 17 ports in which it has a majority stake have the potential to be used for naval purposes. These ports can then serve a dual function and support the Chinese military’s logistics network and allow Chinese naval vessels to operate further away from home.

    US officials are also concerned China could leverage its influence over private companies to disrupt trade during a time of war.

    How is the West responding?

    While China’s investments are raising suspicions, the West’s willingness to invest in ports at this scale is limited. The US International Development Finance Corporation, for instance, has a much slower, rigorous process for its investments, which generally leads to fairer outcomes for both investors and host nations.

    However, some Western companies are acquiring stakes in established and newly built ports in other countries, albeit not to the extent of Chinese enterprises.

    The French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM’s global port development strategy, for example, includes investments in 60 terminals worldwide. In 2024, it acquired control over South America’s largest container terminal in the Port of Santos, Brazil.

    Trump has threatened tariffs as one way of countering China’s global sea power. An advisor on his transition team has proposed a 60% tariff on any product transiting through the Chancay port in Peru or any other Chinese-owned or controlled port in South America.

    Rather than making nations reluctant to sign port deals with Beijing, however, this kind of action just erodes Washington’s regional influence. And China is likely to take retaliatory measures, like banning the export of critical minerals to the US.

    Host nations like Peru and Brazil, meanwhile, are using the competition for port investment to their advantage. Attracting interest from both the West and China, they are increasingly asserting their autonomy and adopting a strategy of using ports to “play everywhere” on the global stage.

    Claudio Bozzi 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. China has invested billions in ports around the world. This is why the West is so concerned – https://theconversation.com/china-has-invested-billions-in-ports-around-the-world-this-is-why-the-west-is-so-concerned-244733

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Enabling communities to thrive

    Source: Scottish Government

    Funding for regeneration.

    A scheme helping pupils to learn in a football environment is one of a range of regeneration projects set to share £62 million from the 2025-26 draft Scottish Budget.    

    The funding would help Spartans Community Foundation in Pilton, Edinburgh, complete construction of a permanent classroom. This would replace temporary cabins where students who may struggle in school receive lessons in literacy, numeracy, entrepreneurship, art and physical education. The project also assists young people to access jobs, apprenticeships and college placements as they leave school.

    Other regeneration schemes earmarked for support in the draft Budget include:

    • clearing three derelict sites in the Lochee area of Dundee to make way for affordable homes
    • restoring Arbroath’s Courthouse as a centre offering careers advice and skills training
    • redeveloping Glen Urquhart Public Hall into a community hub

    Visiting Spartans to hear about the organisation’s work within the local community, Employment and Investment Minister Tom Arthur said:

    “Regeneration is a key priority for the Scottish Government – as it contributes to growing the economy and creating jobs.

    “This inspiring scheme run by Spartans illustrates how local people can identify the issues they want tackled and then come up with the solution, at which point the Scottish Government is able step in with support.

    “The new classroom will help more young people leave school with qualifications, find jobs and further education opportunities, as well as enjoy free football sessions. It is an example of delivering economic growth and tackling poverty at the grassroots.

    Background

    Recent projects to regenerate northern Edinburgh include the transformation of derelict industrial units at Granton Waterfront into communal spaces and the ongoing development of a community hub with an early years centre, library and space for North Edinburgh Arts on Pennywell Road.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Expressing Firm Determination to Solve Global Environmental Problems and Promote Business Transformation Using AI

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Expressing Firm Determination to Solve Global Environmental Problems and Promote Business Transformation Using AI

    He introduced the example of Panasonic HX, which efficiently supplies renewable energy by controlling the coordination of pure hydrogen fuel cells, solar cells, and storage batteries using an advanced energy management system while responding to changes in electric power demand and weather conditions. This solution is already in operation at the Kusatsu site in Japan and a manufacturing site in the UK, and it will be deployed in an office building in Munich, Germany, this spring.
    Kusumi also spoke about the OASYS residential central air conditioning system to be released in the US market, which air conditions and ventilates an entire house using a combination of a mini split air conditioner, an energy recovery ventilator, and transfer fans using a DC motor-driven ventilation system. He pointed out that it is at least 50% more energy efficient*1 than conventional air-conditioning systems.
    ＊1: Conventional air-conditioning systems use a heat pump cooling system (14.2 SEER2) and a gas furnace (80% AFUE) for houses that are performance-compliant with IECC 2015. OASYS uses Panasonic’s mini split air conditioners and transfer fans for both cooling and heating functions in houses that are performance-compliant with OASYS-required specifications (estimated by converting gas energy consumption to electricity).
    In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have taken the spotlight for their contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. Regarding automotive cylindrical lithium-ion batteries that support the widespread use of EVs, Kusumi mentioned that Panasonic has supplied a total of 15 billion cells to power over 3 million EVs. He also introduced the 2170 cell with the world’s highest energy density,*2 the high-capacity 4680 cell, whose mass production will begin soon, and the company’s collaboration with major carmakers. Furthermore, he mentioned the partnership with Redwood Materials Inc. in the US for the purchase of recycled cathode active materials and copper foil. JB Straubel, CEO of Redwood Materials, joined Kusumi and offered words of encouragement, “Panasonic is an incredible leader when it comes to technology and their commitment to sustainability.”
    ＊2: As of January 8, 2025, survey by Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd.
    Upcoming issues will introduce key figures engaged in Panasonic HX, OASYS, and the automotive cylindrical lithium-ion battery business.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two new councillors elected in Edinburgh as by-election result announced

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Neil Cuthbert (left) and Conor Savage

    The Colinton/Fairmilehead by-election result has been announced at Waverley Court in Edinburgh.

    Neil Cuthbert of the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party and Conor Savage of the Scottish Labour Party have been duly elected to serve in the City of Edinburgh Council as members for the Colinton/Fairmilehead Ward.

    The declaration was made in the early hours of Friday, 24 January by Returning Officer for Edinburgh, Paul Lawrence.

    Returning Officer for Edinburgh Paul Lawrence, said:

    Thanks to everyone who took part in the by-election to elect two new councillors to represent their communities on matters affecting their ward and the wider city. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Neil and Conor as new councillors and look forward to working with them.

    I would also like to thank our elections team and council colleagues who have worked so hard on this by-election in recent months – not least given the extremely challenging circumstances of rescheduling the count at such short notice due to Storm Eowyn.

    The turnout for the by-election was 31.9%.

    For further details of the results, please visit the Elections section of the Council website.

    Published: January 24th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Europe gravitates to greater self-reliance as Trump begins new term

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Dec. 18, 2024 shows a view of the Voelklingen Ironworks in Saarland, Germany. [Photo/Xinhua]

    U.S. President Donald Trump’s first days in the White House have sent ripples of unease through Europe. Accusing the EU of unfair treatment, Trump has vowed to impose tariffs to address trade imbalances.

    In response, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met in Paris on Wednesday, describing Trump as “a challenge” for Europe while stressing Europe’s strength and unity.

    Trump’s policies are poised to affect not just U.S.-Europe trade relations but also Europe’s territorial integrity, defense priorities and economic outlook.

    “President Trump’s initial statements and executive orders put transatlantic relations under pressure, not only because of their unpredictability, but also because raw power seems to be more important than legality and international cooperation,” said Philippe Monnier, former executive director of the Greater Geneva Berne Area’s Economic Development Agency.

    Bleak economic outlook

    The specter of U.S. tariffs on EU imports threatens to send shockwaves through the European economy. Although many EU countries have taken lessons from Trump’s first term and braced themselves for such scenarios, the potential impact remains significant.

    Yannis Stournaras, governor of the Bank of Greece, warned that the projected eurozone economic growth of 1.1 percent in 2025 could decline by 0.5 percentage point within two years if the United States imposes 10-percent tariffs.

    The effects are expected to be more pronounced in European economies with substantial exports to the United States. Export-oriented countries like Germany are likely to bear the brunt first.

    Germany’s exports to America could decline by 10-15 percent in the long term, potentially reducing its GDP by 0.3 percent, said Moritz Schularick, president of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. “It might not sound like much, but we’ve barely had any growth beyond that level recently.”

    “Trump isn’t concerned with the interests of the Old Continent. He just wants to squeeze more money out of Europeans,” Francois Heisbourg, special advisor at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Austrian newspaper Der Standard.

    Italy, a close U.S. ally notwithstanding, is also expected to face challenges. With its significant trade surplus with the United States and relatively low defense spending, Italy is likely to be targeted by Trump’s tariff policies, according to the Italian Institute for International Political Studies.

    Speaking at the Handelsblatt Energy Summit in Berlin on Tuesday, German Vice Chancellor and Economy Minister Robert Habeck said that while Germany should engage with the new government under Trump with “an outstretched hand… We should not crawl in submission.”

    He warned that Germany is ready with countermeasures should tariffs be imposed. “We do not need to be pushed around.”

    Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU’s economy commissioner, also affirmed the EU’s readiness to respond in “a proportionate way” to any U.S. actions.

    Monnier cautioned that strained transatlantic ties could escalate further.

    Pushback in Europe

    On top of trade, Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization (WHO) has deepened rifts with his European counterparts, who remain strong advocates of climate action and global health initiatives.

    Addressing the 54th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “The world is not at a single inflection point; it is at multi-inflection points.” She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and urged countries to “deepen global collaboration more than ever before.”

    In an interview on Tuesday with Bel RTL, a local media outlet, Belgian Foreign Minister Bernard Quintin voiced concerns over Trump’s isolationist tendencies, viewing them as a culmination of a longstanding trend of U.S. unilateralism.

    Critics argue that Trump’s withdrawals allow the United States to evade its financial responsibilities toward global climate protection and public health initiatives.

    “This is certainly not a good sign for international climate protection” if the United States is not included, climate researcher Niklas Hoehne from the NewClimate Institute told Germany’s dpa news agency, saying such moves made global climate achievements “more difficult.”

    An analysis by Climate Action Tracker, a Berlin-based non-profit climate science and policy institute, estimates that the U.S. withdrawal alone could add 0.04 degree Celsius to global warming by the end of the century.

    Europe’s sense of urgency

    Trump’s “America First” agenda has galvanized European leaders to advocate for greater autonomy from Washington.

    In the realm of defense, Macron has called for a reevaluation of Europe’s defense spending. He said on Monday that Europe’s military budgets of billions of euros should not be directed toward purchasing American weapons.

    A report on Europe’s future competitiveness authored by Mario Draghi, former Italian prime minister and former European Central Bank president, revealed that between June 2022 and June 2023, nearly two-thirds of the EU’s defense spending was directed to U.S. companies.

    During a joint press conference with Scholz on Wednesday, Macron stressed the need for Europeans “to play their full part in consolidating a united, strong and sovereign Europe.” France and Germany should ensure that Europe is capable of defending its interests while maintaining transatlantic ties, he said.

    The recent revelation of Trump’s interest in acquiring Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has further alarmed European nations.

    French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has warned of the resurgence of “might makes right” policies, calling on Europe to bolster its strength. Speaking to France Inter radio recently, Barrot noted that Greenland is a “territory of the European Union and of Europe.”

    “It is undoubtedly no way that the European Union would let other nations of the world, whoever they are, attack its sovereign borders,” he said.

    Schularick, the Kiel Institute president, said: “What is certain is that Trump is more interested in deals than in a rules-based global economy. The era of faster globalization, lower tariffs and dispute resolution within the framework of the World Trade Organization is now temporarily over.”

    “Europeans cannot remain passive at the risk of disappearing tomorrow,” Jordan Bardella, president of France’s National Rally party and member of the European Parliament, said at the European Parliament on Tuesday.

    With Trump’s comeback, Europe faces a critical juncture — whether to remain tethered to Washington or chart its own course in the face of renewed challenges.

    “The EU needs to make changes, and this is a good opportunity to get rid of its dependence on Washington and implement its own independent policies by cooperating with other countries in Asia, South America and Africa,” said Croatian political analyst Robert Frank.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: WEF calls for global cooperation

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    This photo taken on Jan. 20, 2025 shows the logo of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Amid unprecedented global uncertainty and rising protectionism, the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting has emphasized the urgent need for an open, inclusive global economy and strengthened international cooperation to address economic challenges and ensure a sustainable recovery.

    Weak recovery

    The global economy is poised for another year of uncertainty and uneven growth, according to the WEF’s latest Chief Economists Outlook, which was launched ahead of the annual meeting that is themed “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” this year.

    The outlook said 56 percent of surveyed chief economists expected the global economy to weaken in 2025, compared to only 17 percent anticipating improvement. In addition, key discussions at the annual meeting were dominated by phrases such as “extremely high uncertainty” and “at a crossroads.”

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released an update to its global outlook on Jan. 17 projecting the global economic growth at 3.3 percent both in 2025 and 2026. However, the figure is below the average of 3.7 percent during the period from 2000 to 2019.

    Global solution for global problems

    The escalation of geopolitical conflicts and regional instability have brought the level of global cooperation to a low point, according to the Global Cooperation Barometer 2025 report released by the WEF on Jan. 7.

    Speaking at the WEF annual meeting on Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted that the world has entered a new era of harsh geostrategic competition. “We will need to work together to avoid a global race to the bottom, because it is in no-one’s interest to break the bonds in the global economy,” she said.

    While acknowledging the current climate of competition and inward-looking tendencies in many countries, WEF President Borge Brende has reiterated that cooperation remains the only way to address the world’s common challenges. “For global problems, you have to find global solutions,” he told Xinhua in an interview.

    The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also issued a stark warning about mounting global crises, including the climate crisis and geopolitical divisions. Calling the challenges a “Pandora’s box of troubles,” Guterres urged the international community to prioritize collaboration. “As a global community, we must live up to these responsibilities,” he said, echoing the WEF’s call for unity.

    Free trade, no protectionism

    Protectionism emerged as a focal point of concern at the meeting. The WEF’s Chief Economists Outlook report warned that rising trade barriers and geopolitical conflicts could cause lasting disruptions to trade patterns. Over half of surveyed economists foresee a grim future driven by trade barriers, soaring public debt and uneven recovery.

    The IMF also warned against unilateral measures such as tariffs, non-tariff barriers or subsidies that could hurt trading partners and spur retaliation.

    Brende warned that decoupling would have a significant negative impact on the global economy. The IMF estimates that severe decoupling, combined with high tariffs, could shrink the global economy by as much as 7 percent. He urged all countries to engage in dialogue, address tariff issues constructively, and avoid the pitfalls of decoupling and protectionism.

    The World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala also voiced strong opposition to protectionism. “We do not want tariffs. We do not want a tariff war,” she said during the “Finding Growth in Uncertain Times” panel on Tuesday.

    “This will not really benefit anyone, the U.S. and the rest of the world. It’s going to be inflationary in many cases,” she noted, “We still need try to work together to make sure we keep open and predictable markets.”

    In his speech at the WEF annual meeting, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that Germany would be defending free trade as the basis of prosperity, including in cooperation with other partners.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: On Senate Floor, Shaheen Raises National Security Concerns with Nomination of Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense, Announces She Will Vote Against His Confirmation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), took to the Senate floor to outline her concerns for our national security ahead of the possible confirmation of Pete Hegseth as the next U.S. Secretary of Defense. Specifically, Shaheen addressed Hegseth’s inconsistencies on various foreign policy issues, including respect for the norms of armed conflict, support for our alliances like NATO and Putin’s war on Ukraine. At the conclusion of her remarks, Senator Shaheen announced she will vote against the Secretary of Defense nominee—the first time she’s done so since joining the U.S. Senate. You can watch the Senator’s full remarks here.

    Key quotes from Senator Shaheen:

    • “The almost three million men and women who serve our nation in uniform deserve a Secretary of Defense who will not needlessly throw them in harm’s way or seek to divide them with partisan politics.”
    • “Just as America’s national security interests are not to be trifled with, neither is our commitment to defending democracy and the international world order. And any inconsistency in our commitment to support our allies and partners, to support democracy around the world, to support the international world order is going to be seen and exploited by our adversaries.”
    • “And again, I think it’s very important that we stand by our ally Ukraine, because of the message it sends not just to the Russians and Vladimir Putin, but because of the message it sends to Xi in China, to the Iranians, to the North Koreans, to anyone who is an adversary of the United States. If they think we’re going to walk away from our allies, they’re going to do everything they can to divide us.”
    • “He [Mr. Hegseth] has a documented history of supporting individuals who have violated military and international law by committing war crimes […] I don’t think we can afford to entrust the safety and success of our men and women in uniform to a man who would himself disregard the laws of armed conflict and leave American credibility and moral authority in tatters on the world stage.”  
    • “I am very concerned that Mr. Hegseth lacks the consistency and the moral clarity to lead the most combat-credible military in the world […] Our men and women in uniform deserve better. And therefore, the first time since I was elected to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate, I plan to vote against this nominee for Secretary of Defense.”   

    Remarks as delivered can be found below:

    Mr. President, I come to the floor today to address some of my concerns about the qualifications of the President’s nominee to lead the Department of Defense, Mr. Pete Hegseth. 

    Like many of my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee, I left Mr. Hegseth’s hearing last week with a number of unanswered questions and some real concerns about his qualifications and abilities to serve in the role of Secretary of Defense. 

    Now, every single nominee for Secretary of Defense—from both Democrat and Republican administrations—have met with me and other members from both sides of the aisle on the committee before their confirmation hearings.  

    And I voted for every one of those nominees from both Democrat and Republican administrations: Secretaries Panetta, Hagel, Carter, Mattis, Esper and Austin.  

    I didn’t always agree with their views or their policies, but I felt that they had the qualifications and the temperament to be Secretary of Defense, so I supported their confirmations. 

    But Mr. Hegseth chose not to meet with me or any other Senate Democrats, except the Ranking Member, Jack Reed. And he broke with strong, longstanding tradition to ensure that our work on national security remains free from partisanship.

    And I think that’s the important point: we are stronger as Senators, as Congress, as a nation if we are acting together.

    The Committee unfortunately was not afforded the opportunity to ask a number of rounds of questions, and so there were a number of questions about his views, particularly regarding foreign policy and military policy that we did not get an answer to.

    I’ve become the Ranking Member on the Foreign Relations Committee, and so I’m very concerned about the role of the United States in the world.

    I think the American people expect transparency regarding Mr. Hegseth’s ability to stand by our allies and partners, to uphold international agreements, to abide by rules of engagement and the bottom line—support the men and women in the military in a way that not only keeps us safe, but protects them as well.

    The almost three million men and women who serve our nation in uniform deserve a Secretary of Defense who will not needlessly throw them in harm’s way or seek to divide them with partisan politics. 

    So, I’d like to address a few issues now that we were not able to get to at the hearing, because we were not able to ask more than one round of questions. And I want to start with the role alliances and that our allies and partners play in our own national security.

    I believe – and we’ve seen it many times since the start of this nation – that we are stronger and safer when we lead together with our allies. 

    And we’re fortunate, because we have strong allies and partners. We don’t see that coming from Vladimir Putin, from Xi in China, we don’t see it from the North Koreans or the Iranians, but the United States has strong allies who can stand with us.

    The most important security agreement we’ve had, I think any time in our nation’s history, is NATO.

    It is a critical, indispensable part of our national security, and yet, the President’s nominee for Secretary of Defense wrote in his book, American Crusade, that NATO is quote “a relic” and quote that it “should be scrapped.”

    Now since his nomination, Mr. Hegseth has tried to walk back his opposition to one of our key international alliances, to NATO. 

    In advance policy questions for the Committee, he calls NATO a quote, “vital U.S. interest” in defending Europe and American interests from Russia and Vladimir Putin. 

    This sudden reversal is welcome, because I think it’s very important that our Secretary of Defense understand how critical NATO is, and that it’s stronger now than it was any time since it was formed, probably. We now have 32 members of NATO.

    But Mr. Hegseth’s 11th hour conversion to understanding the importance of our allies and partners raises questions about what he really believes.

    We asked on our questions for the record about NATO, and we didn’t get much of a response.

    Now, if I had had the opportunity, I would have brought up Ukraine and Mr. Hegseth’s head-spinning contradictions on this matter.

    Just as America’s national security interests are not to be trifled with, neither is our commitment to defending democracy and the international world order. 

    And any inconsistency in our commitment to support our allies and partners, to support democracy around the world, to support the international world order, that is going to be seen and exploited by our adversaries. 

    So again, I’m puzzled about how we should think about Mr. Hegseth’s contradictory positions on a variety of national security and foreign policy issues.

    For example, he was critical of the Biden administration—as have many of us on both sides of the aisle been in this chamber—for not moving fast enough to aid Ukraine. But then question the wisdom of sending any U.S. assistance to Ukraine at all. 

    In 2022, Mr. Hegseth called Vladimir Putin a “war criminal” and called for faster U.S. aid to Ukraine. Now, he says the idea of Russia launching a nuclear war is “over-inflated” and plays down the severity of the conflict as merely Putin’s “give-me-my-shit-back war.”

    Well, I don’t think that our NATO allies, those in the Baltics and Poland and Eastern Europe, think Vladmir Putin’s nuclear ambitions are “over inflated.”

    They know the threat he poses to their countries and the world.

    And to be flippant about the threat of nuclear war, I think is beneath the office of the Secretary of Defense, who will have to engage with those partners on a regular basis. 

    Now, I agree with President Trump that the American people want to see a resolution to this years-long war. I’m sure that’s true of the Ukrainians as well.

    But Mr. Hegseth has not, either in his hearing nor in response to the questions that we submitted to him for the record, expanded on what the Department of Defense’s role should be with respect to Ukraine, even though we have already invested $66 billion in military assistance.

    And again, I think it’s very important that we stand by our ally Ukraine, because of the message it sends not just to the Russians and Vladimir Putin, but because of the message it sends to Xi in China, to the Iranians, to the North Koreans, to anyone who is an adversary of the United States.

    If they think we’re going to walk away from our allies, they’re going to do everything they can to divide us.

    Now, on Afghanistan, Mr. Hegseth has also been inconsistent on his views of the President’s foreign policy.

    Actually, he’s been inconsistent in general on the President’s foreign policies.

    In the lead up to the 2016 election, Mr. Hegseth was highly critical of then-candidate Trump’s foreign policy stances, particularly on Iraq and Afghanistan. 

    Mr. Hegseth called Mr. Trump, who was a candidate at the time, and I quote “all bluster, very little substance” and again quoting, “an armchair tough guy.” 

    He criticized then-candidate Trump in 2015 for advocating for the withdrawal of forces from Afghanistan, but then he took the criticism back. 

    He sharply criticized the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, as did I, but he’s failed to publicly comment on President Trump’s 2020 deal with the Taliban, which is what set the date certain for withdrawal in 2021 that then the Biden administration was actually tied to.

    Now, I agree. I agree that that withdrawal was not what I wanted to see. I didn’t support it.

    But they were terms that President Trump, in his first term, set with the Taliban. 

    Terms that I thought gave away the store to the Taliban. Because there were no concessions from them, on what we were to get from the United States. The Government of Afghanistan was not at the table and now we’re seeing the fallout from that.  

    And I know that no one is watching for gaps in U.S. national security policy more closely than President Xi and the People’s Republic of China. 

    Now Mr. Hegseth identifies China as our peer competitor, something that I think all of us on the Armed Services Committee and probably everyone this chamber agree with.

    But if Mr. Hegseth is so concerned about China, then he should realize that nothing will encourage President Xi’s aggression more than seeing America abandon our allies and partners. 

    Mr. Hegseth sees China’s ambitions as, quote, “a fait accompli,” and yet, he does not seem to recognize that his own inconsistencies on all these foreign policy positions could contribute to this.

    A question I would like Mr. Hegseth to attempt to answer is: What message would it send to our adversaries if the U.S. ceases its support not just for Ukraine, but for the international rules and norms that underpin the global order?

    Now, I’m also concerned about that with respect to the conduct of conflict. In his book “The War on Warriors,” Mr. Hegseth argued, and again I’m quoting, “our boys should not fight by rules written by dignified men in mahogany rooms eighty years ago. America should fight by its own rules.”  

    Well, the rules that he’s talking about are the Geneva Conventions—which established bare minimum protections against violence, torture and inhumane treatments.

    And they don’t just protect those people we’re fighting on the battlefield, they protect American soldiers.

    During his hearing, he even doubled down to say, quote, “restrictive rules of engagement” have “made it more difficult to defeat our enemies,” and that it would be his priority, quote, “that lawyers aren’t getting in the way.”

    Unfortunately—and dangerously—this appears to be the few issues that Mr. Hegseth is consistent on. 

    He has a documented history of supporting individuals who have violated military and international law by committing war crimes.  

    These are individuals who were turned in not by our enemies, but by members of their own units who were convicted of crimes by military juries. Individuals for whom Mr. Hegseth lobbied to get pardons.  

    I don’t think we can afford to entrust the safety and success of our men and women in uniform to a man who would himself disregard the laws of armed conflict and leave American credibility and moral authority in tatters on the world stage.  

    Now, while embracing officers convicted of war crimes, Mr. Hegseth has stated it is his intent to review all general officers currently serving in the Department of Defense. 

    And when asked if he would remove the current chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mr. Hegseth responded, on the record, that, quote, “all senior officers will be reviewed.”

    So, let’s just think about what that means – subjecting our general officers, in our military that is not politicized, to a political litmus test is not only unprecedented, it is dangerous. 

    It will convey to the American public that their leadership is political. 

    One of the most important roles of the Secretary of Defense is to seek out and consider open, honest and direct military advice from the senior officers in charge of our forces.  

    I don’t know how Mr. Hegseth expects to receive open and honest advice from his commanders when he is advocating for a purge of anyone who disagrees with him. 

      

    And I am also deeply troubled by the idea that Mr. Hegseth would act as a “yes man” himself, putting his own personal political interests above the wellbeing of our military men and women.

    At Mr. Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, when asked what he would do if he received orders from President Trump that he knew to be illegal or unconstitutional, Mr. Hegseth wouldn’t give a straight answer. All he could do was deny that President Trump was capable of giving an illegal order.

    And just for the record, to be clear: in his first term, President Trump did give an illegal order that then-Secretary Esper refused to follow. 

    And for that, Secretary Esper was fired by the President. 

    So, Mr. President, I am very concerned that Mr. Hegseth lacks the consistency and the moral clarity to lead the most combat-credible military in the world. 

    And I’m very disappointed that this body would put a nominee on the floor without the due process of advise-and-consent that the position of the Secretary of Defense deserves. 

    Our men and women in uniform deserve better. 

    And therefore, the first time since I was elected to represent the people of New Hampshire in the United States Senate, I plan to vote against this nominee for Secretary of Defense.  

    Thank you, I yield the floor.

    As the second-ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Shaheen is instrumental in helping to accomplish top national security objectives and enhancing New Hampshire’s role in support of America’s national defense. A member of the Committee since 2011, Shaheen has voted to confirm multiple nominees from both parties under multiple administrations. During his confirmation hearing, Shaheen questioned Hegseth about his support for women service members and the Shaheen-led Women, Peace and Security law. The bipartisan Women, Peace and Security Act, was signed into law by President Donald Trump, which Shaheen leads with Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), was signed into law in 2017 and requires the U.S. Government to strengthen the meaningful participation of women in conflict prevention and peace negotiations. 

    Senator Shaheen is the top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and also serves on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs and Defense. In 2018, Shaheen re-established the bipartisan U.S. Senate NATO Observer Group with U.S. Senator Tillis (R-NC). Senator Shaheen believes that a strong and active United States is fundamental to securing our national interests at home and abroad. She also believes that U.S. global leadership is directly tied to the strength of our ideals, our alliances and our diplomacy, and she is constantly working to ensure our national security policies reflect our broader democratic values. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Postal services to Greece return to normal

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Postal services to Greece return to normal
    Postal services to Greece return to normal
    ******************************************

         ​Hongkong Post announced today (January 24) that, as advised by the postal administration of Greece, mail delivery services previously impacted by a local strike have returned to normal.

     
    Ends/Friday, January 24, 2025Issued at HKT 10:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Historian Dr Toby Boraman announced as 2025 JD Stout Fellow – Vic

    Source: Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington

    Historian Dr Toby Boraman has been appointed as the 2025 JD Stout Fellow by the Stout Research Centre for New Zealand Studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.

    As the JD Stout Fellow, Dr Boraman will continue his in-depth research for his upcoming book, provisionally titled Knocking Off: A History of Strikes in Aotearoa New Zealand from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s.  

    Dr Boraman says this was the most popular and lengthy period of strike action in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history, yet it has been often overlooked.

    “It was a time of profound strike activity, yet it has remained largely unexplored in historical scholarship.

    “This project will explore the extent to which the period under study was a key transitional phase that has profoundly shaped the present. Much like today, it also demonstrates how political polarisation, and right-populism, can develop rapidly in response to major crises and conflict.”

    A specialist in the labour history and social movements of Aotearoa New Zealand, Toby has published numerous articles and chapters on the political and social turbulence of the 1970s and 1980s. He has also worked as a historian at the Waitangi Tribunal and served as a politics lecturer at Massey University. His international experience includes a fellowship at the re:work International Research Centre studying the global history of work at Humboldt University in Germany.

    His research aims to uncover the hidden history of strikes, amplifying voices that have long been excluded—Māori workers, migrant Pasifika workers, women workers, and rank-and-file unionists—while offering a comprehensive, multi-dimensional history of workplace conflict, combining critical analysis of the causes, reactions, lasting impacts, and contested legacies of these disputes.

    “This research project will close a significant gap in our knowledge of the period in question. I am very much looking forward to hosting Toby at the centre,” says Professor Brigitte Bönisch-Brednich, Director of the Stout Research Centre.

    The JD Stout Fellowship is funded from the legacy of John David Stout and stewarded by Perpetual Guardian. It awards a scholar of high standing the opportunity to research an area of New Zealand society, history, or culture.  

    The Fellowship, which was established in 1985, has resulted in a body of influential publications in the field of New Zealand studies.

    Dr Boraman will take up the Fellowship on 1 March 2025.

    Learn more about the Fellowship on the Stout Research Centre’s website: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/stout-centre/research-opportunities/the-john-david-stout-fellowship-in-new-zealand-studies/jd-stout-info

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Experience Zone Excitement All Around: Galaxy Unpacked 2025 Strikes Awe in Guests With New AI-Powered Possibilities

    Source: Samsung

    Galaxy Unpacked 2025 in San Jose, California, saw Samsung Electronics unveil the next generation of mobile AI with the Galaxy S25 series.
     
    [Galaxy Unpacked 2025] Highlights From Galaxy Unpacked: A New Era of AI Integration
     
    ▲ Galaxy enthusiasts crowd the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 Experience Zone as they try the Galaxy S25 series out for themselves.
     
    At the end of the hour-long visual spectacle at the SAP Center, Samsung opened the floor to welcome guests into the Experience Zone hidden behind the main stage. Excitement buzzed throughout the space as attendees explored the innovative technologies packed into Samsung’s latest flagship smartphones. They shared their first impressions, praising the upgraded devices and advanced AI features.
     
    ▲ Andrea and Geraldine Tshibuabua, an influencer duo of twin sisters from Belgium known as the Angetwins
     
    “I’m really impressed with the Now Brief feature. If I’m scheduled to go somewhere in the morning, all I need to do is take a quick look at my phone to be informed on what I have planned for the day,” said Andrea and Geraldine Tshibuabua (@angetwins), an influencer duo of twin sisters from Belgium. “We also love the Galaxy S25’s AI-powered photo editing features, especially the Best Face feature that allows us to pick our best shots in case we blink in some of them. It’s also amazing that we can remove unwanted objects in the backgrounds of photos as well.”
     
    ▲ Pawel Warzecha, a Polish content creator and magazine reporter known as Mobzilla
     
    “Audio Eraser is a really great feature that is useful not just for content creators like me, but ordinary people who want to film their kids playing in the playground or themselves singing a silly song,” said Pawel Warzecha (@MobzillaTV), a tech content creator from Poland. “It was fascinating to catch a glimpse of the Galaxy S25 Edge as well,” added the influencer, who also reports for Lounge Magazyn, a Polish lifestyle magazine.
     
    ▲ Samsung Members Stars Mica Moreno from Argentina
     
    The praise was echoed by a delighted young Samsung Members Star who just graduated from university, majoring in actuarial science. “It’s always an honor to be part of these great events organized by Samsung. As a Samsung Member, it’s such a pleasure for me to be creating content for Samsung and many young Argentinians,” said Mica Moreno from Argentina.
    Explore more behind-the-scenes moments and watch the full replay of Galaxy Unpacked 2025 below.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: skainetsystems.com: BaFin investigates the company Cermak LLC

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    The Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) warns consumers about the company Cermak LLC and the services it is offering. BaFin has information that the company is offering banking business and/or financial services on its website skainetsystems.com without the required authorisation. The company is not supervised by BaFin.

    Banking business and financial services may only be offered in Germany with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the required authorisation. Information on whether particular companies have been authorised by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    The information provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Deepfield to provide London Internet Exchange members with advanced DDoS protection

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Nokia Deepfield to provide London Internet Exchange members with advanced DDoS protection

    • The London Internet Exchange (LINX) becomes the first UK-based internet exchange point (IXP) to offer advanced DDoS protection with high performance and scale, ensuring minimal impact on member connectivity and services.
    • Nokia Deepfield Defender provides crucial service when network operators can experience more than 100 DDoS attacks in a day.
    • Nokia 2024 report found DDoS traffic continues to grow at a higher rate than any other type of network traffic, increasing 166% between June 2023 and June 2024.

    27 January 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia has been selected by global Internet Exchange Point, the London Internet Exchange (LINX), to deliver advanced network protection capabilities against the latest and future generations of DDoS threats and attacks. With Nokia Deepfield DDoS security, LINX becomes the first UK-based IXP to offer advanced DDoS protection with trusted performance, scale and mitigation granularity, ensuring minimal impact on member connectivity and services.

    DDoS is malicious traffic that aims to deny access, degrade services or stop connectivity for individual users, internet hosts and service provider network infrastructure. The Nokia Threat Intelligence Report, released in October 2024, found that the number and frequency of DDoS attacks have grown from one or two a day to well over 100 per day in many networks, with botnet DDoS continuing to be the primary source of DDoS attacks. To combat sophisticated DDoS attacks, service and cloud providers need a more intelligent, cost-effective, scalable and adaptable defense strategy.

    Deepfield Defender is a software-based DDoS detection and mitigation solution that combines real-time network telemetry with Nokia’s patented Deepfield Secure Genome®, a continuously updated data feed that tracks the security context of the global internet. Using AI-driven, automated DDoS detection by Deepfield Defender and the dynamically configured, high-scale DDoS mitigation performed by 7750 Defender Mitigation System (DMS), attacks are blocked before they can impact LINX’s members or services. Introducing Deepfield Defender will also equip LINX with advanced network security analytics and reporting capabilities.

    Mike Hellers, Head of Product Development at LINX, said: “With Nokia Deepfield, LINX will gain significant cyber security capabilities. We are proud to be the first UK IXP to deliver this next generation of advanced DDoS protection to our members, which, in turn, will be providing essential or critical services to their customers.”

    Paul Alexander, VP and Country General Manager UK&I, Nokia, said: “The past year has accelerated massive and transformative changes to the internet, bringing with it an incredible rise in DDoS attacks – they are more potent, frequent, and sophisticated than ever. With Nokia, LINX will obtain critical DDoS security-related visibility, leveraging Nokia Deepfield’s big data approach and using Deepfield Defender and 7750 DMS to access a more intelligent, cost-effective, scalable and adaptable defence strategy.”

    LINX will initially offer the advanced DDoS service to any network connected to their LON1 interconnection fabric in London.

    Resources and additional information
    Webpage: Nokia Deepfield Defender
    Webpage: Nokia Deepfield Genome
    Webpage: Nokia 7750 Defender Mitigation System
    Webpage: Nokia FP Network Processor Technology
    Webpage: DDoS Security
    Webpage: Nokia Deepfield Global DDoS Threat Alliance (GDTA)
    Webpage: Nokia Threat Intelligence Report 2024

    About Nokia 
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. 

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.  

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About The London Internet Exchange (LINX)
    The London Internet Exchange (LINX) is one of the world’s leading Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), enabling networks to interconnect and exchange network traffic efficiently. Founded in 1994, LINX operates a mutually owned membership organisation, providing a neutral and reliable environment for its members to connect, keeping traffic local.

    With robust, state-of-the-art infrastructure spanning multiple locations in the UK, LINX also operate interconnection hubs in the US and Africa, while also powering facilities in the Middle East for strategic partner Center3.

    LINX facilitates high-performance peering services, cloud connect and more for over 850 global networks, including internet service providers (ISPs), content delivery networks (CDNs), gaming, and large enterprise and financial networks. Members benefit from seamless traffic exchange, reduced latency, and cost efficiencies, all while contributing to the growth of an open and collaborative internet ecosystem.

    As a leader in the industry for over 30 years, LINX is committed to innovation, transparency, and maintaining its position as a critical hub for the global internet community.

    www.linx.net

    # # #
    Media inquiries
    Nokia Communications, Corporate
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Municipality Finance issues EUR 1.25 billion benchmark under its MTN programme

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Municipality Finance Plc
    Stock exchange release
    27 January 2025 at 10:00 am (EET)

    Municipality Finance issues EUR 1.25 billion benchmark under its MTN programme

    Municipality Finance Plc issues EUR 1.25 billion benchmark on 28 January 2025. The maturity date of the benchmark is 14 December 2029. The benchmark bear interest at a fixed rate of 2.625% per annum.

    The benchmark is issued under MuniFin’s EUR 50 billion programme for the issuance of debt instruments. The offering circular, the supplemental offering circular and the final terms of the benchmark are available in English on the company’s website at https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/for-investors.

    MuniFin has applied for the benchmark to be admitted to trading on the Helsinki Stock Exchange maintained by Nasdaq Helsinki. The public trading is expected to commence on 28 January 2025.

    Danske Bank A/S, Citigroup Global Markets Limited, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank and Landesbank Baden-Württemberg acts as the Joint Lead Managers for the issue of the benchmark.

    MUNICIPALITY FINANCE PLC

    Further information:

    Joakim Holmström
    Executive Vice President, Capital Markets and Sustainability
    tel. +358 50 444 3638

    MuniFin (Municipality Finance Plc) is one of Finland’s largest credit institutions. The company is owned by Finnish municipalities, the public sector pension fund Keva and the Republic of Finland.
    The Group’s balance sheet totals over EUR 50 billion.

    MuniFin builds a better and more sustainable future with its customers. MuniFin’s customers include municipalities, joint municipal authorities, wellbeing services counties, corporate entities under their control, and non-profit organisations nominated by the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland (ARA). Lending is used for environmentally and socially responsible investment targets such as public transportation, sustainable buildings, hospitals and healthcare centres, schools and day care centres, and homes for people with special needs.

    MuniFin’s customers are domestic but the company operates in a completely global business environment. The company is an active Finnish bond issuer in international capital markets and the first Finnish green and social bond issuer. The funding is exclusively guaranteed by the Municipal Guarantee Board.

    Read more: https://www.kuntarahoitus.fi/en/

    Important Information

    The information contained herein is not for release, publication or distribution, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, in or into any such country or jurisdiction or otherwise in such circumstances in which the release, publication or distribution would be unlawful. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, any securities or other financial instruments in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This communication does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The notes have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) or under the applicable securities laws of any state of the United States and may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except pursuant to an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia upgrades ESpanix’s IXP infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and complexity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release

    Nokia upgrades ESpanix’s IXP infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and complexity

    • First 400G IXP network in Spain.
    • Solution reduces complexity, lowers costs, and consumes less power than bonded 100G connections.
    • Supports ESpanix’s expansion into new locations to capture larger customers.

    27 January 2025
    Madrid, Spain – Nokia has been selected by ESpanix to provide Spain’s first 400G connectivity for IXP customers. The 400G upgrade uses Nokia’s Interconnect routers to deliver a more efficient and sustainable alternative to bundling multiple 100GE connections, reducing complexity, power consumption, and operational costs for ESpanix and its customers.

    ESpanix will also leverage Nokia’s Photonic Service Switch to optimize bandwidth across its optical transport network, allowing the IXP to select the most optimized solution for its customer needs.

    The layered network approach ensures scalability for larger customers and supports ESpanix’s goals of expanding its footprint and evolving its infrastructure. All ESpanix’s Points of Presence have been upgraded to 400G and are operational as of today.

    The upgrade project addresses the increasing demand for high-capacity and sustainable network services among ESpanix’s 180+ connected networks, including Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Content Service Providers, and national and international carriers.

    Amedeo Beck Peccoz, Head of Strategy, ESpanix, commented: “Our customers demand technology that is reliable and future-proof. Nokia’s solutions deliver the capacity and scalability we need to meet growing demand, enabling us to offer 400G connectivity to our members. With the support of Nokia, we not only become the most advanced IXP in the South Europe region, but our work together also aligns with our commitment to sustainability by reducing power consumption compared to traditional solutions.”

    Matthieu Bourguignon, Senior Vice President and head of Europe for Network Infrastructure business at Nokia, said: “Offering 400G connectivity is a testament to ESpanix’s forward-thinking approach to interconnection services. As the leading provider of IXP services, our work together ensures they can meet rising demand in a simple, efficient, and sustainable manner. By leveraging Nokia’s high-capacity IP networking technologies, ESpanix is paving the way for a new standard in IXP services across Southern Europe.”

    Resources and additional information
    ESpanix is one of the busiest Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across the entire South Europe region, and operates facilities across Madrid and Barcelona, offering interconnection, data center, and value-added services. Across its network, ESpanix relies on Nokia technologies for Edge Routing, Data Center Interconnect and Metro links as well as customer-facing switches.

    Product page: Nokia 7250 Interconnect Routers
    Product page: Nokia 7750 Service Routers
    Product page: Nokia 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS)

    About Nokia 
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together. 

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.  

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About ESpanix
    ESpanix is the largest Digital Hub in Southern Europe and the oldest one in Spain. The company operates across three business areas: interconnection, data centre and value-added services. ESpanix services are available in calle Mesena building in Madrid as well as in five POPs within the metropolitan areas of Madrid and Barcelona. ESpanix Datacentre is a Tier IV compliant building and allows for direct connection with all the major national and international fibre and capacity providers. The majority of Spanish ISPs are connected to ESpanix Node.

    # # #
    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    ESpanix Press Office
    Email: press@espanix.net

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day with ceremony and temporary exhibition

    Source: European Central Bank

    27 January 2025

    • ECB and City of Frankfurt honour Holocaust victims, particularly those deported from Grossmarkthalle between 1941 and 1945
    • Opening of exhibition entitled “Survivors: Faces of Life after the Holocaust” by photographer Martin Schoeller at ECB from 29 January to 26 February 2025

    The European Central Bank (ECB) is hosting a commemorative event on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, 27 January 2025, at its main building in Ostend, Frankfurt. This year’s ceremony holds particular significance as it marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp. The event will feature addresses by ECB President Christine Lagarde; Mike Josef, Lord Mayor of the City of Frankfurt am Main; and Professor Mirjam Wenzel, the Director of the Jewish Museum Frankfurt.

    “In today’s world, where rising populism and intolerance pose significant challenges, commemorating the Holocaust serves as an indispensable reminder of the need for vigilance and unity against hate and antisemitism,” said President Lagarde.

    “Remembering the crimes perpetrated by the Nazis during the Second World War is both our duty and our obligation. It is our responsibility to remember and visualise the reality of Jewish communities in Germany and Europe today. Let us together protect Jewish life now and in the future, and take a firm stand against antisemitism and racism,” said Lord Mayor Mike Josef.

    As part of the commemoration activities, the ECB is hosting a temporary photo exhibition by photographer Martin Schoeller in its main building, entitled “Survivors: Faces of Life after the Holocaust”. Maurice Gluck is one of the 56 Holocaust survivors featured in the exhibition. He will be present at the opening to share his personal story of how he survived the Holocaust after he was separated from his parents and hidden by a Catholic family in Brussels. The exhibition will be open to the public from 29 January until 26 February 2025, with a limited number of guided tours available.

    For more information on the temporary exhibition and to book a tour, please visit the Kulturothek website.

    Photos of the event can be found on the ECB’s Flickr account.

    For media queries, please contact Lena-Sophie Demuth, tel.: + 49 1622952316.

    Notes

    • The ECB’s location at the Grossmarkthalle carries deep historical significance. From 1941 to 1945, the basement of its eastern wing was used as a gathering point for carrying out the deportation of over 10,000 Jewish people to concentration camps. Working with the Jewish Community Frankfurt and the City of Frankfurt am Main, the ECB has established a memorial designed by architects KatzKaiser. The memorial is engraved with testimonies from victims and observers, creating a story that symbolises the extent of the deportations without diverting attention from the actual site.
    • Every year the ECB honours the memory of the Holocaust victims, including those deported from Frankfurt’s Grossmarkthalle, with a solemn ceremony at the memorial site.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: BTCC Exchange Unveils Spot Trading Fiesta to Celebrate Altcoin Season

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VILNIUS, Lithuania, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BTCC, one of the world’s longest-serving cryptocurrency exchanges, is excited to announce the launch of its Spot Trading Fiesta, a campaign celebrating the altcoin season to come. This highly anticipated campaign allows crypto enthusiasts to earn rewards through social media giveaways, deposit rewards, and trading prizes.

    The Spot Trading Fiesta will feature one popular altcoin each week, offering users a chance to dive deeper into altcoin trading while enjoying exciting rewards. Kicking off the campaign is fan-favorite DOGE (Dogecoin), with a social media giveaway awarding DOGE to lucky participants. To join, participants can visit BTCC’s X post and enter by February 2, 2025.

    The campaign follows the success of BTCC’s OG Week, which celebrated trending meme coins like FLOKI, SHIB, and PEPE and garnered overwhelming community support. Spot Trading Fiesta aims to build on this momentum, coinciding with increasing excitement around altcoins.

    “We are thrilled to launch Spot Trading Fiesta at such a pivotal moment in the crypto space,” said Aaryn Ling, Head of Branding at BTCC Exchange. “With altcoin season potentially around the corner and Bitcoin making headlines, now is the perfect time to explore the potential of all those popular altcoins. BTCC’s growing portfolio of spot trading pairs ensures our users can access some of the most popular cryptocurrencies. We invite everyone to join this campaign, trade their favorite altcoins, and earn incredible rewards.”

    BTCC has been adding to its diverse selection of spot trading pairs, now offering over 240 cryptocurrencies to meet the growing demand for altcoin trading. This campaign reinforces BTCC’s mission to make crypto trading accessible, secure, and rewarding.

    About BTCC

    Founded in 2011, BTCC is one of the longest-standing cryptocurrency exchanges globally, trusted by millions of users. Known for its robust features and cutting-edge platform, BTCC Exchange remains committed to providing a seamless crypto trading experience for crypto traders worldwide.

    For more information on Spot Trading Fiesta, visit the campaign page: https://www.btcc.com/market-promotion/bonus2/Spot-Trading-Fiesta/en-US

    Contact: press@btcc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from Goleniów District of Zachodniopomorskie Region in Poland suspended

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Import of poultry meat and products from Goleniów District of Zachodniopomorskie Region in Poland suspended
    Import of poultry meat and products from Goleniów District of Zachodniopomorskie Region in Poland suspended
    ******************************************************************************************

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (January 27) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Goleniów District of Zachodniopomorskie Region in Poland, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.     A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 3 480 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland in the first nine months of last year.     “The CFS has contacted the Polish authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

     
    Ends/Monday, January 27, 2025Issued at HKT 15:25

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives investigating a rape in Westminster release E-FIT of man they want to identify

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating a rape in Westminster have released an E-FIT image of a man they are working to identify.

    On Tuesday, 14 June 2022, a woman reported walking alone along Bradiston Road, W9, when a car, believed to be a dark coloured Audi A3, stopped at the junction ahead of her.

    An unknown man pushed the woman from behind into the vehicle, then drove away with her inside before raping her.

    After the assault the woman was pushed back out of the vehicle not far from where she’d been picked up.

    The incident happened at 21:00hrs one evening in March 2022.

    Detectives have released an e-fit of the man they urgently need to trace.

    He was described as speaking with a Jamaican accent and believed to be in his late 30s, tall with short dreadlocks, and a significant facial scar.

    Detective Constable, Leon Riley, from the policing team covering Westminster, said:

    “If you recognise the man in the image please contact us without delay.

    “We have been carrying out extensive enquiries since the incident and we continue to support the victim who, as far as possible, has been trying to live her life as normal since it happened.

    “It was a horrifying ordeal for her and we thank her for supporting the investigation to trace the man responsible for assaulting her, and now helping us build an e-fit of the suspect.

    “Women should be able to walk alone without fear and we are dedicated to protecting women and girls from predatory offenders such as this.

    “Anyone who recognises the man, or has information, please contact police on 101 quoting 6533840/22.

    “Or, to remain completely anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government to clean up communities with deposit return scheme for plastic bottles and cans

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Introduction of deposit return scheme will be a step forward in ending the throwaway society and cleaning up Britain

    The Government has today (Monday 27 January) pledged to end the throwaway society and clean up Britain, as it implements legislation for the deposit return scheme for drinks containers in England and Northern Ireland. 

    Once the scheme launches in October 2027, consumers will have a financial incentive to return empty containers to a collection point, such as at their local supermarket, so that the bottle or can will be recycled. 

    Used in more than 50 countries worldwide as a common-sense means of encouraging people to recycle more single-use bottles and cans, a DRS sees people being paid back for returning the container.  

    Countries such as Germany, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland have successfully implemented schemes, ensuring valuable materials are collected, recycled and made back into new drinks containers – a truly circular approach easily grasped by the public. The average return rate for European countries with a DRS is 90%, according to global eNGO Reloop, with Germany showing the best results at 98%. 

    Introducing such a scheme in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland is a simple yet hugely effective way of addressing problems with rubbish building up on our streets and in our rivers and oceans, while also ensuring the public gets money back on their bottle.  

    Across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, consumers buy an estimated 30 billion single-use drinks containers each year – including 12 billion plastic drinks bottles and 13 billion drinks cans. An estimated 6.5 billion single-use drinks bottles and cans per year go to waste rather than being recycled, with many ending up littered. Research from the Marine Conservation Society shows 97% of surveyed beaches were polluted with drinks-related items in 2023. 

    Encouraging everyone to get involved in recycling, the DRS will be introduced in October 2027, with 150ml to three-litre single-use drinks containers made from plastic and metal included in the scheme. 

    Delivering these reforms and driving investment in the recycling sector delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change through kickstarting growth, ensuring economic stability, greater efficiency, and jobs fit for the future. 

    Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said:

    This Government will clean up Britain and end the throwaway society.  

    This is a vital step as we stop the avalanche of rubbish that is filling up our streets, rivers and oceans and protect our treasured wildlife. Turning trash into cash also delivers on our Plan for Change by kickstarting clean growth, ensuring economic stability, more resilient supply chains, and new green jobs.

    Northern Ireland’s Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir said:

    I have ambitious goals to protect our climate, drive green growth and reduce unnecessary waste. The creation of a Deposit Return Scheme plays a key part in delivering those goals.   

    The introduction of the new parliamentary regulations is a significant step in that process and signals our commitment to move forward together to make those ambitions a reality.

    New legislation for England and Northern Ireland has now come into force, enabling the appointment of the scheme administrator – known as the Deposit Management Organisation – in April 2025. This will be a not-for-profit, industry-led body responsible for the administration and day-to-day running of the scheme.    

    With Scotland’s own regulations also progressing, this marks a major step forward for the introduction of the scheme across the three nations.   

    The three governments will ensure the scheme is implemented effectively, working closely with businesses to provide the infrastructure and investment to make it a success.   

    Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive of environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, said:

    A Deposit Return Scheme really is a silver bullet that will get plastic drinks bottles and aluminium cans out of our parks, off our streets and away from our rivers and seas.  

    Depressingly we litter, burn or bury millions of drinks containers each and every day. This legislation will end all that, save the taxpayer millions in clean-up costs and give recycling a real shot in the arm.  

    Backed and paid for by producers, this method of retrieval and recycling is tried and tested the world over so at Keep Britain Tidy we are putting out the bunting that this government is committed to make it happen, for us all.

    Stephen Moorhouse, Vice President and General Manager of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners GB Business Unit, said:

    We’ve been supportive of launching a DRS across the UK for a number of years as they are a proven way of increasing recycling, reducing waste and tackling litter. Therefore, we welcome the clarity provided by the regulation for England and Northern Ireland and are encouraged by recent developments that will ensure an aligned scheme with Scotland, despite wider challenges around a UK-wide approach. 

    Delivering to the timelines will be challenging but achievable, and now is the time for industry to roll up its sleeves to create a well-designed system that works for businesses, shoppers and the environment.

    Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said:  

    We are pleased to have certainty on the DRS regulations so local shops can start to prepare for October 2027 and our communities can realise the benefits of reduced litter and higher quality recycled materials.  

    Now the real work begins to make the deposit return scheme a success through cross-industry partnership and a planned network of return points that work for customers.

    Sandy Luk, Chief Executive at the Marine Conservation Society, said:

    Today marks a fantastic win for our seas, as MPs voted in favour of a deposit return scheme in England and Northern Ireland. With plans already in motion in Scotland and the Welsh Government exploring an ambitious scheme to include reuse, this is a great step towards schemes starting across the UK in October 2027.  

    Last year, 97% of surveyed UK beaches were polluted with bottles and cans, posing threat to marine life like seabirds and seals. Deposit return schemes will not only boost recycling and move us towards a circular economy where nothing is thrown away but also significantly reduce this kind of beach pollution.  

    We’re excited to support governments and industry in launching these schemes as soon as possible.

    Hitting this milestone is another big step forward for the Government’s collection and packaging reforms, which together will support 21,000 new jobs and stimulate more than £10 billion of investment in recycling over the next decade. 

    The action to clean up Britain doesn’t end there – there is more to come as the Government moves to ensure the throwaway society is ended for good.  

    Legislation has been laid to ban the sale of single-use vapes from 1 June 2025 and prevent the waste of precious resources – eNGO Material Focus estimates almost five million single-use vapes were either littered or thrown away in general waste every week in 2023.  

    In December 2024, the Government moved to stop recycling rates stagnating and the reliance on the burning of household waste by announcing that new waste incinerators will only receive planning approval if they meet strict new local and environmental conditions.  

    The Government has also announced that a £15 million government fund will help deliver thousands of tonnes of food from farms which would otherwise go to waste to those who need it most.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese records worst Newspoll ratings this term; Victorian Labor’s primary plunges

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

    A national Newspoll, conducted January 20–24 from a sample of 1,259, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, a one-point gain for the Coalition since the previous Newspoll in early December. Primary votes were 39% Coalition (steady), 31% Labor (down two), 12% Greens (up one), 7% One Nation (steady) and 11% for all Others (up one).

    In three of the last four Newspolls, the Coalition has had a 51–49 lead. This is the consensus of the polls at the moment, as can be seen from the graph below. The federal election is not due until May, and this position is recoverable for Labor, but they would probably lose now. I had more comments on this last Thursday.

    The worst news from Newspoll for Labor was Anthony Albanese’s ratings, which slumped six points since December to a term-low net approval of -20, with 57% dissatisfied and 37% satisfied.

    Peter Dutton’s net approval increased one point to -11. Albanese led Dutton by 44–41 as better PM (45–38 in December). This three-point margin for Albanese is a term low.

    The graph below shows Albanese’s Newspoll ratings this term. The individual polls are marked with plus signs and a smoothed line has been fitted.

    There have been five polls in January of leaders’ ratings from Freshwater, YouGov, Resolve, Essential and Newspoll. On average, Albanese is at -15 net approval and Dutton at -3.2. If not for a net zero approval from Essential, Albanese’s ratings would be worse.

    Additional Resolve questions

    I previously covered the mid-January Resolve poll for Nine newspapers that gave Dutton a 39–34 preferred PM lead over Albanese. In additional questions, by 61–24, voters supported keeping Australia’s national day on January 26 over changing to another date (47–39 in January 2023).

    The thumping defeat of the October 2023 Voice referendum has damaged the push to change the date. By 52–24, voters supported legislating so that January 26 is enshrined in law as Australia’s national day.

    By 54–9, respondents thought there had been more antisemitism over more Islamophobia in recent months (32–14 in October). By 51–24, they thought the conflict in the Middle East had made Australia a less safe place (45–26 in October).

    Victorian Resolve poll: Labor’s primary plunges to 22%

    A Victorian state Resolve poll
    for The Age, conducted with the federal December and January Resolve polls from a sample of over 1,000, gave the Coalition 42% of the primary vote (up four since November), Labor 22% (down six), the Greens 13% (steady), independents 17% (up three) and others 6% (down one).

    Resolve doesn’t usually give a two-party estimate, but The Age’s article said that on 2022 election preference flows, the Coalition would have a 55.5–44.5 lead. Independents would be unlikely to get 17% at an election, but they are on the readout everywhere in Resolve polls until after nominations close.

    In late December, Brad Battin was elected Liberal leader in a party room vote, replacing John Pesutto. From just the January sample, Battin led Labor incumbent Jacinta Allan as preferred premier by 36–27 (30–29 to Pesutto in November).

    Victorian Labor’s unpopularity is hurting federal Labor in Victoria. The Poll Bludger’s BludgerTrack has a 5.3% swing against Labor in Victoria, with swings in the other mainland states at 2% or less.

    By the November 2026 election, Labor will have governed in Victoria for 12 successive years and for 23 of the 27 years since 1999. An “it’s time” factor is probably contributing to Labor’s woes.

    State byelections will occur on February 8 in Labor-held Werribee and Greens-held Prahran. At the 2022 election, Labor won Werribee by a 60.9–39.1 margin against the Liberals, while the Greens won Prahran by 62.0–38.0 against the Liberals.

    In Prahran, which Labor is not contesting, Tony Lupton, who was the Labor MP from 2002 to 2010, is running as an independent. The Liberals and Lupton will swap preferences on their how to vote material. Voters can choose their own preferences instead of following their candidate’s recommendations, but many will follow those recommendations.

    Germany and Canada

    I covered German and Canadian electoral developments for The Poll Bludger on Saturday. The German federal election is in about four weeks, on February 23. Polls are bleak for the left, with big gains likely for the far-right AfD.

    Justin Trudeau announced he would resign as Canadian Liberal leader and PM on January 6 once a new Liberal leader had been elected, which will occur on March 9. The Conservatives had a big lead in last Monday’s update to the CBC Poll Tracker, but there’s a new poll that gives the Conservatives just a 3.8-point lead. Trudeau promised to reform Canada’s electoral system before he won the October 2015 election, but did nothing.

    Adrian Beaumont 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. Albanese records worst Newspoll ratings this term; Victorian Labor’s primary plunges – https://theconversation.com/albanese-records-worst-newspoll-ratings-this-term-victorian-labors-primary-plunges-248222

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier holds symposium with foreign experts in China

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

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds a symposium with representatives of foreign experts who have won the 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award and those who are working in China ahead of the Chinese New Year at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 26, 2025. Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the symposium. [Photo/Xinhua]

    BEIJING, Jan. 26 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday held a symposium at the Great Hall of the People with representatives of foreign experts who have won the 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award and those who are working in China.

    Li extended Chinese Lunar New Year wishes and sincere greetings to the foreign experts, and thanked them for their long-term concern and support for China’s modernization efforts. He also listened to their opinions and suggestions on China’s reform, development and government work.

    Experts from countries including the United Kingdom, Poland, Mali, Romania, Germany and Pakistan delivered speeches on topics such as scientific and technological innovation, economic and trade cooperation, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, international communication and talent development.

    Foreign experts have made positive contributions to China’s new achievements in development in the past year, Li said. Their experiences of working and living in China exemplify the positive interaction and deep integration between China and the world, he said.

    Noting that the world needs communication and the process of globalization is irreversible, Li said China consistently advocates strengthening international dialogue and will continue to uphold openness and inclusiveness while actively promoting international exchanges in various fields.

    The premier stressed that innovation requires cooperation, and as the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation deepens, scientific research has become increasingly complex and systematic, making open cooperation both a trend and an inevitable choice.

    China will continue to expand openness in science and technology, broaden and deepen joint research, actively participate in global technology governance, collaborate with all nations to solve practical problems and jointly address global challenges, he said.

    He said China’s doors will always remain open to talents from all countries. The Chinese government will further optimize relevant policies, enhance service guarantees, and build more international exchange and cooperation platforms, continuously creating favorable conditions for foreign talents to work in China, said the premier.

    Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang attended the symposium.

    MIL OSI China News –