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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Aviation sector sees 600% year-on-year increase in cyberattacks

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Aviation sector sees 600% year-on-year increase in cyberattacks

    • 600% increase in ransomware attacks in the aviation sector in one year.
    • 27 major attacks by 22 ransomware groups between January 2024 and April 2025.
    • 71% of incidents involve credential theft or unauthorised access to critical systems.
    • In 2025, the size of the global aviation cybersecurity market is estimated at $5.32 billion.

    Behind any physical turbulence in the skies, a silent cyber war is being waged on the aviation sector. Ahead of the Paris Air Show (16 to 22 June 2025), Thales’s latest report on cyberthreats in the aviation sector warns of a spectacular rise in cyberattacks, which have increased by 600% in the space of a year. From airlines and airports to navigation systems and suppliers, every link in the chain is vulnerable to attack. The report also includes an analysis of the growing convergence between geopolitical confrontations and cyberthreats in a sector that has become strategically important for state sovereignty, global economic stability and the safe movement of people and goods.

    Based on market intelligence data and incident analysis, the Thales report reveals how the stakeholders in the aerospace sector have become prime targets for cyberattacks, which are motivated by a range of factors including financial gain, ideological agendas and state-sponsored influence operations. Between January 2024 and April 2025, 27 attacks were recorded, involving 22 different ransomware groups.

    Strategic, interconnected and exposed

    While the number of attacks is rising, the report also highlights a qualitative shift in the types of threats the aviation sector faces. As well as compromising flight operations, cyberattacks now also have strategic objectives such as industrial cyberespionage, access to sensitive technologies such as avionics and communication systems, disruption of supply chains and capture of high-value data such as diplomatic travel itineraries and confidential freight shipments.

    These increasingly sophisticated attacks are targeting airlines as well as aircraft manufacturers and their suppliers. Notable examples include the denial-of-service attack by a pro-Russian hacktivist group on an airline and the ransomware that paralysed maintenance and supply systems at several strategic air transport hubs. These incidents reveal structural vulnerabilities in a highly interconnected sector, where a single flaw can trigger cascading effects across the entire chain of critical operations.

    This high level of risk is a result of the specific characteristics of the aerospace sector: significant operational complexity with a reliance on critical software and interdependent stakeholders, the intrinsic value of the personal, biometric or strategic data involved, and the immediate consequences of any disruption, such as massive delays, airspace closures and logistical failures.

    “The aviation industry has become a digital battlefield with significant economic and geopolitical interests at stake. The sharp increase in the number of attacks calls for a holistic approach to aviation cybersecurity, further moves to incorporate AI as an ally and closer collaboration between industry and the public sector.” Ivan Fontarensky, CTO, Cyber Detection and Response, Thales.

    The global aviation cybersecurity market is expected to reach $5.32 billion in 2025, with average annual growth estimated at 8.7% by 2029, driven in particular by the increasing digitalisation of the sector and the intensified threat landscape.

    The full report is available here.

     

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

    The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies. Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Adult Social Care a ‘clear priority’ in city as service rated GOOD

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Adult social care services in Stoke-on-Trent have been rated GOOD by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

    It follows a CQC Assurance assessment carried out earlier this year of how well the city council, working with partners, has ensured people have access to adult social care and support under the Care Act (2014).

    In their report published today (Friday, 13 June), CQC inspectors said: “Provision of adult social care was a clear priority within Stoke-on-Trent, and there was a positive energy among staff and members to do the best for people and make Stoke-on-Trent a great place to live and work.

    It added: “There was an open culture that embraced challenges and supported people to take risks and try new things. There were clear and accountable leadership and governance arrangements, and everyone knew what was happening across adult social care and were pulling in the same direction to support people in the community.”

    It also found that there was trusted leadership and that staff were motivated to deliver.

    The assessment focussed on nine areas across four key themes – “Working With People”, “Providing Support”, “How the Local Authority Ensures Safety Within the System” and “Leadership”.

    These were assessed against quality statements, with each being scored from 1 (inadequate) to 4 (outstanding). Across the scoring, no service area in Stoke-on-Trent received a 1, with the majority scoring 3 (good).

    However, the council has said it will not stand still and will continue to add to the improvements that have already been put into place to help enhance the service for residents – particularly in areas such as assessing needs and helping people lead healthier lives.

    Councillor Duncan Walker, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and All Age Commissioning, said: “This is tremendous news for the city and shows a real drive and commitment to deliver safe, effective, caring and responsive services for the people of Stoke-on-Trent.

    “Whilst I am so proud of what we have achieved together, we will not rest on our laurels. Our aim is to always strive for continual improvement. So, we will continue to listen and work with the public, staff and partners so that we can continue to develop and improve.”

    Around 100 frontline staff from across Adult Social Care and All Age Commissioning were involved in the Assurance process – meeting with inspectors and sharing their experiences of working in Stoke-on-Trent.

    The CQC has a new duty under the Care Act to assess how local authorities work with communities and partners to meet their responsibilities. As a result, it was part of the first round of Assurance assessments carried out with local authorities, nationally, in more than a decade.

    In their report, CQC inspectors highlighted several key factors. They said that people’s feedback to the Care Act assessment was positive, and carers said they received good early intervention and support.

    People had access to information and advice in their communities through the council’s Community Lounges service, which were valued, inspectors said.

    Meanwhile, people had a good experience of discharge from hospital and felt supported – and people who used services said they felt safe and felt that the safeguarding process had met their preferred outcomes.

    Councillor Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “The whole Adult Social Care workforce did a fantastic job in demonstrating the pride we have in the city and the services we deliver which make a huge difference to so many members of the community.

    “Adult Social Care is, and always will be, a key priority of this authority and we are continuing to strive to deliver the best services we can – listening to residents and shaping services accordingly.”

    The CQC report can be read here – www.cqc.org.uk/care-services/local-authority-assessment-reports/stokeontrent-0625

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How breast tissue density affects your risk of cancer

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Justin Stebbing, Anglia Ruskin University

    Breast density is a significant yet often overlooked factor in breast cancer awareness, risk assessment and screening practices. Understanding what breast density is, how it affects breast cancer risk and what it means for screening can help women make informed decisions about their health.

    Breast density refers to the proportions of glandular and connective tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast, as seen on a mammogram. Simply put, dense breasts have more glandular and fibrous tissue and less fat.

    On a mammogram, both dense tissue and tumours appear white, making it harder to detect abnormalities in women with dense breasts. This masking effect can lead to cancers being missed during routine screening, which is why breast density is not just a risk factor for developing breast cancer, but also for having it go undetected until it is more advanced.

    Recent large-scale studies have confirmed that women with dense breasts face a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women with less dense, fattier breasts. For example, a major study involving more than 33,000 women found that those with dense breasts were nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer than those with low breast density.

    This increased risk is seen across both pre-menopausal younger women and post-menopausal older women, although the proportion of women with high breast density tends to decrease with age.

    In practical terms, women with the lowest breast density have about a 6% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer after age 50, while those with the highest density face a risk closer to 15%.

    The impact of breast density on cancer detection is also significant. Mammography, the standard screening tool, is less sensitive in women with dense breasts. While mammograms can detect about at least nine out of 10 cancers in women with mostly fatty breasts, the sensitivity drops to about seven out of 10 in women with extremely dense breasts.

    This means that tumours can be missed, leading to what are known as “interval cancers”, cancers that are diagnosed between regular screenings, often at a more advanced stage.

    Supplemental screening methods, such as MRI scanning, can help detect cancers that mammography might miss in women with dense breasts, and some pilot studies have shown that additional cancers are found this way.

    Breast density is now recognised as one of the most important risk factors for breast cancer, even as much as family history or other commonly discussed risk factors.

    About 40% of women fall into the higher density categories, and dense breasts are common in younger women, those taking hormone replacement therapy, and those with certain genetic backgrounds and ethnicities. However, breast density can also be influenced by lifestyle and hormonal factors, and it tends to decrease with age and higher body mass index and obesity.

    Given the importance of breast density, there has been a growing movement to ensure women are informed about their own breast density after mammograms, and to address this appropriately. A recent UK survey showed that most women aren’t aware of their breast density.

    In the US, new regulations require that all women undergoing mammography be notified if they have dense breasts and be advised about the associated risks. This aims to empower women to have more informed discussions with their healthcare providers about their personal risk and the potential need for additional screening.

    Despite the increased risk, it is important to remember that the majority of women with dense breasts will not develop breast cancer. Breast density is just one factor among many, and decisions about screening and risk reduction should be made on an individual basis.

    For women with dense breasts, discussing options for supplemental screening with their doctor is recommended. While there is currently no widely accepted intervention to reduce breast density, in my own research, I’m exploring new ways to address this risk factor.

    In summary, breast density is both a common and significant risk factor for breast cancer, and it can complicate the detection of cancer through standard mammography.

    Women should be aware of their breast density status, understand its implications for both risk and screening, and work with their doctors to determine the best approach for their individual situation. As awareness grows and screening practices evolve, the hope is that more cancers will be detected earlier, improving outcomes for all women.

    Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

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

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

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Advice issued ahead of City Cemetery Blessing of the Graves

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Advice issued ahead of City Cemetery Blessing of the Graves

    13 June 2025

    Preparations are underway for the annual Blessing of the Graves service at the City Cemetery and with thousands of people expected to attend, Council is advising that visitors familiarise themselves with the arrangements for the day.

    The event will take place at 3pm on Sunday June 22nd, and a number of measures are being introduced to ensure the event runs smoothly.

    A limited number of parking spaces are still available on site for blue badge holders who must register their details in advance via www.derrystrabane.com/cemeterysunday Please note that anyone booking will need to provide a Name, Mobile number, Vehicle Registration Number, Blue Badge Number and email address – any submissions without this information will be considered invalid.

    Those who have booked can access their parking via the Lone Moor Road entrance – gates will open at 1pm until 2pm to allow time for cars to park.

    Anyone planning to prepare graves for the service in the coming days are advised that the cemetery will be busy, particularly on Saturday June 21st.   It’s recommended that preparations are made earlier in the week if possible if visitors wish to avoid busier times and any congestion. Please follow the traffic directions and be mindful of other pedestrians and visitors accessing the site. With later opening visits can be spread throughout the day.

    The City Cemetery will be closed to the general public on the day itself, except for burials. Those with a pre-booked parking space must be in place by 2pm, as there will be no access for vehicles after this time. Parking spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis and it will not be possible to reserve a space in a particular area. Please keep in mind that you may still have to walk some distance to reach family graves and make provision for this.

    Once on site, vehicles will remain there until the crowds have dispersed which, it’s estimated, will be approximately 30 minutes after the service finishes. 

    Other car parking is being made available for blue badge holders at St Mary’s Church, Creggan, St Cecilia’s College and Celtic Park. There is no prior booking for these sites, access will only be given to vehicles that display a current Disability Blue Badge Permit on arrival and these too will be filled on a first come basis first served basis. 

    For those who cannot attend the service, a livestream of the Blessing of the Graves can be viewed online at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/9ZS-utqxlfQ?feature=share

    You will find information on the Blessing of the Graves service and blue badge parking here – https://tinyurl.com/mr4ytacu

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Conservation project on part of York’s medieval walls

    Source: City of York

    Conservation works on part of York’s medieval walls are due to start next week.

    City of York Council is one of only a handful of local authorities which has an in-house stonemason’s team, who will be carrying out the works from Monday 16 June, for up to 6 months.

    This includes preserving the lead and timber covering of Bootham Bar’s roof, which has been leaking intermittently.

    Bootham Bar sits on the site of the Porta Principalis Dextra, a gateway to the legionary fortress dating back to 72AD.

    The team will be conserving the principal timber structures by stripping out more modern elements to preserve the more historical parts of the timbers.

    Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member at City of York Council, said:

    “We’re one of only few of local authorities with an in-house stonemason’s team. They will be applying their craft and skills to Bootham Bar over the next few months, maintaining the ancient gateway and preserving our mediaeval walls for the generations to come.

    “We’re working closely with businesses in the area to ensure that any disruption to kept a minimum and to support them where possible. This project is exactly the type of thing that would financially benefit from our upcoming Tap and Donate scheme.”

    Bootham Bar will be wrapped in scaffolding which will require a road closure, just at the section of the walls on High Petergate.

    This section of road which runs through Bootham Bar, will be closed to all users. A diversion for vehicles and cyclists will be in place via Duncombe Place. To support local businesses during this period, access will be provided at all times for vehicles and cyclists to facilitate deliveries

    Pedestrians will be able to continue to use the pedestrian arch under Bootham Bar and this will remain open throughout the duration of the works. A temporary ramp will be but in place for those using wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

    For cyclists who are able, they can choose to dismount and push cycles through the pedestrian access point.

    The works are all part of ongoing efforts to preserve York’s historic monuments.

    It’s hoped that with the upcoming launch of Tap and Donate later this year, that projects like this could be partly funded through public donations going forward. This project will cost circa £300,000, funded from the council’s capital programme.

    The council has spoken to businesses directly affected in the area and will continue to work with them to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

    Watch the video.

    Find out more about York’s City Walls.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Pumping station ready to pump out pints for beer lovers

    Source: City of Leicester

    REAL ale, vegan beers and a range of ciders will all be flowing at the Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival this month.

    Taking place in a marquee in the grounds of the Abbey Pumping Station, the three-day festival will be serving up more than 50 beers from independent brewers from Thursday 26 June.

    Some indoor seating will be provided, with additional picnic tables and gazebos outside, but festival goers can make sure they sit with their friends by bringing their own picnic blankets and camping chairs.

    Tickets – which must be booked online – are available for afternoon sessions or evening sessions each day.

    Prices start at £7 for the Thursday afternoon session and the Saturday evening session, rising to £9.50 on Friday night and Saturday afternoon. Generous discounts are available for CAMRA members and all tickets include a commemorative glass.

    Doors open for the afternoon sessions at 12 noon on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 June, and at 11am on Saturday 28 June, with the evening sessions starting at 5.30pm on 26-27 June and at 6pm on 28 June.

    Festival goers are advised that the Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival is a cashless event and all payments on site must be made by card.

    To book tickets, please visit leicestermuseums.org and follow the link to the CAMRA booking site.

    The Abbey Pumping Station is on Corporation Road, Leicester, LE4 5PX and shares a car park with the neighbouring National Space Centre. Parking is free after 6pm. The pumping station is also served by good walking, cycling and bus routes. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lifesaving partnership wins national award

    Source: City of Leicester

    A LIFESAVING initiative that enables front-line police officers in Leicestershire to carry and administer an antidote to opiate drugs has won a national award.

    The city council’s public health team worked in partnership with the police and local drug and alcohol treatment service Turning Point to develop the initiative, which has potentially already saved 14 lives in its first 12 months of operation.

    Last night they were named as winners of the Public/Public Partnerships category at the 2025 Local Government Chronicle’s Awards, which recognise excellence in local government across the whole of the UK.

    Feedback from the LGC said: “Judges were wowed by a partnership solution which is both innovative and pragmatic. The clarity on the role of each partner and the way they overcame challenges was truly impressive. We could see how all places could apply this model to save lives and strengthen services – amazing outcomes.”

    The partnership was developed in response to a national rising trend in drug deaths. Many of these could have been avoided with the use of the antidote Naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opiate overdose – if given quickly enough.

    Leicester’s Director of Public Health Rob Howard said: “It’s great to see our partnership recognised in this way as it will help to raise awareness of what can be achieved by public bodies working together with the same aim.”

    The scheme saves lives through Naloxone being administered immediately in the event of an opiate overdose. It’s given in the form of a nasal spray which reverses respiratory arrest and allows time for emergency medical services to be called.

    Rob Howard said: “Police officers are most likely to be the first on scene at such incidents, and thanks to years of hard work by all involved, we believe that the Leicestershire police service is now the first in England and Wales to commit to enabling all front-line officers to carry Naloxone.

    “This incredible partnership work has not only saved lives, and will save lives in the future, but is also supporting a broader understanding of the challenges faced by people who use drugs.”

    Grace Strong, Head of Prevention at Leicestershire Police said; “Partnership working is at the heart of prevention and the Naloxone project is an exemplary example of the police joining forces with partners to ensure we prevent harm. We are proud of this ground-breaking  project and to this receive a national award is a very welcome external recognition.”

    Approval for a pilot scheme was given by Leicestershire Police in 2023, after Turning Point and the city council’s public health team had found funding and established pilot sites.

    Initially small groups of police officers were trained in overdose awareness and administering Naloxone, after which almost 200 officers voluntarily agreed to carry it.

    Julie Bass, Turning Point’s Chief Executive said: “Winning this prestigious award is testament to the power of partnership. We have been delighted to work with Leicestershire Police and Leicester City Council on this initiative, which genuinely has saved lives and also strengthened joint working across our organisations.”

    In the first 12 months of the scheme, police officers administered Naloxone on 14 separate occasions, in situations where people were likely to have otherwise died, before calling for ambulance back-up.

    New recruits to Leicestershire Police are now trained in administering Naloxone as part of their core training, and offered the chance to carry at that time.  Since this was introduced, every new recruit has volunteered to carry it.

    Around 1000 entries were submitted to the 2025 LGC Awards, with winners announced at a ceremony on 11 June 2025 in London.

    Picture caption: Leicestershire police officers are trained in the use of Naloxene by Turning Point Leicester.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Successful trial paves the way for improved reconnaissance on Army operations

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    News story

    Successful trial paves the way for improved reconnaissance on Army operations

    Recent trial saw a single operator controlling three uncrewed vehicles, which detected and classified threats.

    Uncrewed air vehicle in successful trial

    • UK first comes as government doubles investment in autonomous defence technology committing an extra £2bn this parliament
    • Next stage of trial will see drone swarms tested for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, delivering on recommendations set out in the Strategic Defence Review, and the Government Plan for Change.

    Soldiers are set to be better protected, and Army surveillance operations enhanced, following a successful trial in which a single operator controlled three uncrewed air and land vehicles.  

    The trials, conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), proved that robotic and autonomous systems (RAS) can be integrated into and controlled from crewed command vehicles, in a UK first.

    Drawing on lessons from Ukraine’s battlefields, this innovative use of RAS will play a vital role in strengthening the Army’s reconnaissance capabilities while reducing risk to personnel, allowing them to operate further from the frontline.

    The live trial took place on Salisbury Plain with a drone operated in tandem with two uncrewed ground vehicles, commanded by a single operator in a crewed vehicle. The autonomous systems were equipped with cameras and automatic target recognition software to detect and classify threats, which were relayed to the mission operator.

    Following recommendations set out in the Strategic Defence Review, this government is doubling investment in autonomous technology – investing an extra £2 billion this Parliament, following the Prime Minister’s historic uplift in defence spending to 2.5% of GDP from 2027. This will see autonomous systems, including drones, improve accuracy and lethality for our Armed Forces, boost UK export potential and drive jobs and growth across the country. 

    Thales designed and developed the trial for Dstl, supported by a number of specialist technology suppliers. Dstl’s work supports thousands of highly skilled jobs across the UK supply chain, including 7,000 staff employed by Thales directly, supporting the government’s Plan for Change.

    Following the success of the trial, Dstl will apply the concept to further missions, including deploying swarming drones in an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance role. 

    Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP said: 

    As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, we plan to use drones, data and digital warfare to ensure our Armed Forces stronger and safer, whilst boosting jobs and innovation across the UK. 

    This trial is an example of our Government’s new partnership with industry; delivering the cutting-edge technology to our front line troops and making defence an engine for growth, as part of our Plan for Change.

    The trial demonstrated the extension of the UK’s Generic Vehicle Architecture standard – which has also been adopted by NATO – to autonomous systems. Through integration into an internationally recognised system, the trial could lead to enhanced interoperability between allies, with the ability to deploy autonomous systems, sensors or software between vehicles at reduced risk and cost. 

    Dr Paul Hollinshead, Dstl’s Chief Executive, said:   

    Dstl identifies and harnesses the emerging technologies that will deliver mission success through science and technology advantage for UK forces.  

    These technologies support highly skilled jobs and create opportunities for growth throughout our specialist industry suppliers.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HYAB Scheme on Corporate Summer Internship on the Mainland and Overseas 2025 officially kicks off (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam, and representatives of participating corporates today (June 13) officiated at the kick-off ceremony of the HYAB Scheme on Corporate Summer Internship on the Mainland and Overseas 2025.
     
         Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan said that the Scheme has been well received by the youth and highly recognised by the participating corporates since its launch in 2018, and has benefited over 1 000 Hong Kong youth so far. The Scheme is dedicated to bringing Hong Kong youth to “go global”. Through participating in summer internships, young people can accumulate work experience, broaden their horizons, gain a better understanding of the country and explore the world, and expand their interpersonal networks, which will help them in planning their future development.
     
         Mr Chan expressed his sincere gratitude to the participating corporates for providing quality internship placements as well as comprehensive training and support to enable the smooth implementation of the Scheme. He highlighted that the Government will continue to rally the efforts of all sectors in society to nurture young people, supporting them to thrive and contribute to the development of the country and Hong Kong in future.
     
         A total of 28 corporates are participating in the Scheme this year (refer to the Annex for the list of participating corporates). They provide internship placements covering multiple industries, including financial services, innovation and technology, logistics, property development, construction, retail, hospitality, entertainment and public utilities, spanning different Mainland provinces and cities and overseas countries, including Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Mongolia and Australia. The recruited interns will depart from June onwards to undertake internship placements of no less than four weeks.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Rowena Fire in Oregon

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Rowena Fire in Oregon

    FEMA Authorizes Funds to Fight Rowena Fire in Oregon

    BOTHELL, Wash

     –  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Rowena Fire burning in Wasco County, Oregon

     The state of Oregon’s request for a declaration under FEMA’s Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program was approved by FEMA Region 10 Acting Administrator Vincent J

    Maykovich on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 8:06 p

    m

    PT

    He determined that the Rowena Fire threatened to cause such destruction as would constitute a major disaster

     This is the first FMAG declaration in 2025 to help fight Oregon wildfires

     At the time of the state’s request, the wildfire threatened homes in and around the community of Rowena

     The fire was also threatening I-84, the Port of The Dalles, Union Pacific Railroad, Mayer State Park, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, private utilities and commercial sites

    FMAGs make funding available to pay up to 75 percent of a state’s eligible firefighting costs for fires that threaten to become major disasters

    Eligible items can include expenses for field camps, equipment use, materials, supplies and mobilization and demobilization activities attributed to fighting the fire

    These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire

      ###Follow FEMA Region 10 on X and LinkedIn for the latest updates and visit FEMA

    gov for more information

    FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters

    mary

    j

    edmon
    Thu, 06/12/2025 – 23:26

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Turkana Food Inc. Recall Flora Dried Apricots with Undeclared Sulfites on Product Labeling Because of Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    June 12, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    June 12, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesAllergens
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Potential or Undeclared Allergen – Sulfites

    Company Name:
    Turkana Food Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Floria

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Dried Apricots

    Company Announcement
    Turkana Food Inc. Kenilworth, NJ is recalling 352 cases of Floria Dried Apricots because the product contains UNDECLARED SULFITES on the package label.
    The recalled Floria Dried Apricots was distributed in the states of FL, KY, VA, NY, NJ, TN, MA, TX, Il, IN, MI, RI, PA, NC, MD, VA, OH, AL, MO, CA.
    The recalled 200 Gram paper packaging Labeled Floria Dried Apricots.
    The product packaging LOT# 440090478-15-333 can be found on the bottom portion of the package. UPC Label 2539560010 marked by a sticker on the top side of package. Expiration Date 11/2026, which can be found on the bottom portion of the package.
    No reported illnesses have been confirmed as of 06/12/2025.
    The recall was the result of a routine sampling performed by the New York State Department of Agriculture and markets which revealed that the finished products contained Sulfites that were not listed on the product labelling. The company has ceased production and distribution of the products as FDA and the company continue their investigation to correct the issue with the manufacturer.
    Consumers who purchased Floria Dries Apricots with the lot code 440090478-15-333 should not consume the product and they are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
    Consumers with questions may contact Turkana Foods Inc. 908-810-8800 Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm EST.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Turkana Foods Inc.
    908-810-8800

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    06/12/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Winter Arrives Early in Lesotho and South Africa

    Source: NASA

    A powerful storm system brought wintry conditions to Lesotho and South Africa in early June 2025. Snow blanketed higher elevations, while strong winds, cold temperatures, and heavy rains affected lower-elevation and coastal areas.
    The severe weather was fueled by a cut-off low, which occurs when an area of low pressure becomes cut off from the jet stream. The weather system parked over central and eastern South Africa and Lesotho on June 9 and 10. The storm had subsided by June 11, when the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite acquired these images.
    The left image shows the area in natural color, while the right image is false-color to help distinguish the snow (light blue) from clouds (white). (Note that small ice crystals in high-level clouds can also display a bluish tinge.) Fresh snow covers much of Lesotho, as well as portions of South Africa’s Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The snow created treacherous driving conditions and prompted closures of several sections of highway, according to news reports.
    Snow is typically sparse during the area’s short winter, although heavy snowfall occasionally occurs. In northern Lesotho, at an elevation of 3,050 meters (10,000 feet), the country’s sole ski resort maintains artificial snow on slopes that might otherwise be bare. But a different look ushered in the 2025 season. On June 9, the resort shared a video of whiteout conditions and a simple message: “We are snowed in.” They later reported accumulations of about 30 centimeters (12 inches).
    To the south and east of snow-affected regions, heavy rain triggered deadly flooding that submerged homes and damaged dozens of schools and hospitals, officials told news outlets. In addition, winds gusting up to 100 kilometers (60 miles) per hour toppled trees and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of homes.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s SLS Rocket: Booster Separation Motors

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket boosters are the largest, most powerful solid propellant boosters to ever fly. Standing 17 stories tall and burning approximately six tons of propellant every second, each booster generates 3.6 million pounds of a thrust for a total of 7.2 million pounds: more thrust than 14 four-engine jumbo commercial airliners. Together, the SLS twin boosters provide more than 75 percent of the total thrust at launch. Each booster houses eight booster separation motors which are responsible for separating the boosters from the core stage during flight.
    At the top of each booster is the frustum—a truncated cone-shaped structure that, along with the nose cone, forms the aerodynamic fairing. This frustum houses four of the separation motors, while the remaining four are located at the bottom within the aft skirt.
    Image Credit: NASA/Kevin O’Brien
    For more information on the Artemis Campaign, visit:

    Artemis

    Jonathan DealMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. 256-544-0034 jonathan.e.deal@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom prevails in blocking Trump’s militarization of Los Angeles

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 12, 2025

    “A win for all Americans”

    What you need to know: Standing up for American citizens and the nation’s foundational ban on martial law in peacetime, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta today secured an emergency restraining order blocking President Trump’s takeover of the state guard and militarization of Los Angeles.

    SAN FRANCISCO – Following President Trump’s doubling down on the militarization of the Los Angeles area through the takeover of 4,000 California National Guard soldiers and the unlawful deployment of the U.S. Marines, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta today succeeded in securing a court order blocking President Trump’s illegal takeover of the California National Guard (CalGuard) and militarization of Los Angeles.

    “Our success today in court is a win for all Americans. The President’s action to turn the military against its own citizens threatened our democracy and moved us dangerously close to authoritarianism. We will continue to stand up for our democracy and the rights of all Americans. The country is watching.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Today’s decision granted Governor Newsom’s emergency request to revert control of Cal Guard personnel back to the governor after being unlawfully and unconstitutionally seized by President Trump and the Department of Defense.

    The request was filed as part of the Governor’s lawsuit against President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the Department of Defense (DOD), charging violations of the U.S. Constitution and the President’s Title 10 authority, not only because the takeover occurred without the consent or input of the Governor, as federal law requires, but also because it was unwarranted. 

    The lawsuit was filed as President Trump declared the federalization of 2,000 Cal Guard servicemembers after community members began protesting violent and widespread Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the Los Angeles region, which began on June 6. 

    Illegal militarization 

    On June 7, one day after the protests began, President Trump issued a memorandum purporting to authorize the DOD to call up 2,000 National Guard personnel into federal service for a period of 60 days, and declaring a “form of rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States” and directing the Secretary of Defense to coordinate with state governors and the National Guard to commandeer state militias. 

    The action puts the sovereignty of every state in the country in danger, as his order was not specific to California and suggests that the President believes he can assume control of any state militia. 

    The U.S. Constitution and the Title 10 authority the President invoked in the memo require that the Governor consent to federalization of the National Guard, which Governor Newsom was not given the opportunity to do prior to their deployment and which he confirmed he had not given shortly after thereafter. The President’s unlawful order infringes on Governor Newsom’s role as Commander-in-Chief of the California National Guard and violates the state’s sovereign right to control and have available its National Guard in the absence of a lawful invocation of federal power.

    Additionally, DOD has expanded Cal Guard’s duties, ordering them to assist ICE agents in civilian law enforcement activities — including arresting and detaining immigrants and others who may be suspected or accused of interfering with ICE — a direct violation of the U.S. Constitution and the rights of American citizens. 

    Cleaning up Trump’s mess

    On Saturday, there were 250+ protesters in the area pre-National Guard deployment. On Sunday, the number of protesters grew to 3,000+ post-deployment by the federal government. Their federalization is inviting and incentivizing demonstrations.

    After President Trump’s impulsive memo and actions to send the military to the Los Angeles region, the state continued to work with local partners to surge 800+ additional state and local law enforcement officers into Los Angeles to clean up President Trump’s mess.  Local and state law enforcement has had to intervene to protect public safety. The National Guard is currently standing sentry outside federal buildings, with local and state law enforcement doing all of the work.

    The President’s actions have not only caused widespread panic and chaos, but have unnecessarily created an additional diversion of resources as the state tries to calm a community terrorized by this reckless federal action. 

    The hypocrisy is on full display

    In 2020, Trump said he wouldn’t federalize National Guard members without the approval of the state’s Governor first. His own Department of Homeland Security leader said just last year that federalizing the National Guard would be a direct attack on state rights. The federal administration is adding more National Guard soldiers and Marines to an already charged situation when they are unneeded. There are 1,600 soldiers waiting for commands at armories in the area. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 12, 2025

    News What you need to know: Former secretaries of the Army and Navy and retired four-star admirals and generals filed an amicus brief in support of the Governor’s motion to block the Trump administration’s illegal militarization of downtown Los Angeles. SACRAMENTO –…

    Jun 12, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom signed an executive order further advancing California’s clean vehicle transition by kickstarting development of next-generation policy to spur innovation, updating state vehicle purchasing requirements, and directing the…

    Jun 12, 2025

    News LOS ANGELES –  President Trump continues efforts to turn the military into his own personal police force against American citizens in Los Angeles.  Prior to this week, President Trump and members of his administration have repeatedly and publicly declared that a…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Baker Hughes Announces Dates for Second-quarter Earnings Release and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON and LONDON, June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) will announce the results of the second quarter ending June 30, 2025, via press release at 5 p.m. Eastern Time (4 p.m. Central Time) on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. A webcast to discuss the results will be held Wednesday, July 23, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (8:30 a.m. Central Time).

    To access the webcast, listeners should visit the Baker Hughes website at: investors.bakerhughes.com. An archived version will be available on the website following the webcast.

    About Baker Hughes
    Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.

    For more information, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Chase Mulvehill
    +1 346-297-2561
    investor.relations@bakerhughes.com

    Media Relations
    Adrienne M. Lynch
    +1 713-906-8407
    media.relations@bakerhughes.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MoneyHero Group Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Adjusted EBITDA loss improved by 49% YoY to US$(3.3) million
    • Improving revenue mix with high-margin insurance and wealth revenue accounting for 25% of revenue, up 11 pp YoY
    • Cost of revenue fell by 55% YoY and accounted for 44% of revenue, down 20 pp

    SINGAPORE , June 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MoneyHero Limited (Nasdaq: MNY) (“MoneyHero” or the “Company”), a leading personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider in Greater Southeast Asia, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Management Commentary:

    Rohith Murthy, Chief Executive Officer, stated:

    “We began 2025 with strong momentum, building on the strategic pivot we initiated last year. In Q1, we made significant financial progress — reducing net loss to US$(2.4) million from US$(13.1) million during the same period last year, improving our Adjusted EBITDA loss to US$(3.3) million, and lowering our cost of revenue by 20-points to 44% of total revenue. These improvements reflect our disciplined focus on enhancing revenue quality, operating leverage, and margin expansion.

    “Our strategy is delivering. By reallocating resources toward higher-margin verticals such as insurance and wealth, we are steering the business toward sustainable, profitable growth. These verticals now account for 25% of total revenue, an increase of 11-points year-over-year. Notably, our car insurance platform, launched in partnership with bolttech, is outperforming our expectations by driving higher conversion rates and recurring revenue with seamless end-to-end journeys and real-time pricing.

    “We have also made substantial operational efficiency gains. Following last year’s restructuring to reset our cost base, we are leveraging AI across the organization to maintain a lean cost structure as we scale. From content creation and service automation to engineering workflows, AI is enhancing workforce productivity, reducing inquiry volumes, and improving user experience — all while keeping expenses flat. Consequently, our unit economics continue to improve quarter after quarter.

    “Our member base is rapidly expanding, with registered MoneyHero Group Members increasing by 38% year-over-year to over 8 million. Leveraging these insights, we have refined our strategy and optimized our marketing spend to deliver highly personalized offers that boost user engagement – achieving stronger results with marketing costs falling 25% year-over-year.

    “We are encouraged to see growing signs of recovery in the Philippines, a key market for us. After a major banking partner exited last year, we recently secured new partnerships with BPI and RCBC, restoring product supply across key verticals. These partnerships significantly strengthen our market position and offerings, and we anticipate a meaningful rebound in our performance during the second half of 2025 as these partnerships scale.

    “Looking ahead, our priority throughout the remainder of the first half of 2025 will be to consolidate our recent operational gains. In the second half, we expect to accelerate topline growth by activating our robust pipeline of banking partnerships, strategically scaling our higher-margin insurance business, and launching Credit Hero Club in collaboration with TransUnion. Credit Hero Club will provide consumers with free credit scores, credit monitoring, and personalized financial product recommendations, thereby driving higher user engagement and conversion rates. This strengthens our confidence in accelerating our revenue growth and reaching positive Adjusted EBITDA in the later part of the year.

    “With no debt and US$36.6 million in cash, we are well-positioned to invest in high-return growth initiatives and capitalize on opportunities as the regional personal finance comparison sector evolves. Our focus on disciplined execution, quality growth, and prudent capital deployment uniquely position us to lead market consolidation, deliver long-term shareholder value, and scale efficiently in a dynamic environment.”

    Danny Leung, interim Chief Financial Officer, added:

    “Our financial performance during the quarter clearly reflects the progress we are making following our strategic pivot in the second half of 2024, with a strong focus on revenue quality and disciplined operational management.

    “While revenue declined 35% year-over-year as part of our strategic focus on improving quality, revenue mix substantially improved with high-margin verticals increasingly accounting for a larger proportion. Personal loans increased from 15% to 17% of total revenue, insurance grew from 8% to 13%, and wealth surged from 6% to 12%, further reducing our reliance on relatively lower-margin credit cards which decreased 13-points to 57%. Cost of revenue also fell by 55% year-over year and accounted for 44% of total revenue, a 20-point decrease. Combined, this significantly improved gross margins and underscores the effectiveness of our strategy to reposition toward higher-quality, sustainable revenue.

    “Our operational efficiency initiatives are already proving to be highly effective, with total operating expenses falling by 26% year-over-year across advertising and marketing, technology, employee benefits, and general administrative costs. We are carefully managing costs while strategically investing in growth areas such as customer acquisition, technology re-platforming, and advanced data infrastructure.

    “As a direct result of expanding gross margins and reduced operating expenses, net loss narrowed substantially to US$(2.4) million this quarter from US$(13.1) million during the same period last year—a significant improvement of over US$10 million. Adjusted EBITDA loss also improved markedly, narrowing from US$(6.4) million to US$(3.3) million year-over-year, underscoring our clear trajectory toward sustainable profitability.

    “Looking ahead, we expect Adjusted EBITDA to improve throughout 2025, supported by steadily expanding margins and sustained operational efficiency. We remain confident in our ability to achieve positive Adjusted EBITDA in the later part of the year. Our strong cash position and disciplined investment strategy will ensure we remain focused on profitable growth and delivering sustained value to our shareholders.”

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

    • Revenue decreased by 35% year-over-year to US$14.3 million in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a strategic shift toward diversifying revenue mix to enhance revenue quality and the high base effect set during the same period last year with significant marketing and customer acquisition spending in the credit card vertical to expand market share.
      • Revenue from insurance products increased by 4% year-over-year to US$1.9 million in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for 13% of total revenue, compared to 8% during the same period last year.
      • Revenue from wealth products increased by 20% year-over-year to US$1.7 million in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for 12% of total revenue, compared to 6% during the same period last year.
    • Cost of revenue decreased by 55% year-over-year to US$6.4 million and accounted for 44% of revenue, a decrease of 20 percentage points from 64% during the same period last year, reflecting improved gross margins through rewards costs optimization.
    • Total operating costs and expenses, excluding net foreign exchange differences, decreased to US$18.3 million in the first quarter of 2025 from US$30.4 million during the same period last year. This reduction was driven by more targeted and cost-efficient marketing campaigns, combined with strategic streamlining of technology costs to simplify workflows, and a comprehensive HR cost restructuring initiative.
    • Net loss for the period narrowed sharply to US$(2.4) million during the first quarter of 2025, compared to US$(13.1) million in the same period last year, supported by lower operating costs as well as lower non-operating expenses including foreign exchange differences and changes in fair value of financial instruments.
    • Adjusted EBITDA loss improved to US$(3.3) million in the first quarter of 2025 from US$(6.4) million in the prior year period.

    First Quarter 2025 Operational Highlights

    • Monthly Unique Users for the three months ended March 31, 2025, of 5.7 million
    • MoneyHero Group Members, to whom the Company provides more tailored product information and recommendations, grew by 38% year-over-year to 8.1 million as of March 31, 2025
    • MoneyHero sourced 399,000 applications and had 155,000 approved applications in the first quarter of 2025

    Capital Structure

    The table below summarizes the capital structure of the Company as of March 31, 2025:

    Share Class Issued and Outstanding
    Class A Ordinary 29,949,1931
    Class B Ordinary 13,254,838
    Preference Shares 2,407,575
    Total Issued Shares 45,611,606
    Employee Equity Options 618,7172
    Issued Class A Ordinary Shares Underlying Employee Equity Options (618,717)3
    Total Issued and Issuable Shares4 45,611,606

    _____________________________________
    1     Includes 618,717 shares issued to Computershare Hong Kong Investor Services Limited (“Computershare”) which are held in trust pending exercise of share options and settlement by Computershare to the underlying exercising option holder.
    2 Includes granted but unexercised options as well as exercised options, pursuant to which the shares have not yet been issued as of March 31, 2025.
    3 Issued in advance to Computershare and held in trust pending exercise of share options and settlement by Computershare to the underlying exercising option holder.
    4 Public Warrants, Sponsor Warrants, Class A-1 Warrants, Class A-2 Warrants and Class A-3 Warrants are excluded since they are out of the money.

    Summary of financial / KPI performance

      For the Three Months Ended
    March 31,    		  
      2025   2024    
      (US$ in thousands, unless otherwise noted)  
    Revenue 14,314   22,175    
    Adjusted EBITDA (3,309 ) (6,440 )  
           
    Clicks (in thousands)5 2,081   N/A    
    Applications (in thousands)6 399   495    
    Approved Applications (in thousands)6 155   206    
           

    Revenue breakdown

      For the Three Months Ended
    March 31,    		  
      2025 2024  
      US$ % US$ %  
      (US$ in thousands, except for percentages)  
    By Geographical Market:          
    Singapore 5,084 35.5 8,944 40.3  
    Hong Kong 6,396 44.7 7,716 34.8  
    Taiwan 1,054 7.4 1,402 6.3  
    Philippines 1,779 12.4 3,979 17.9  
    Malaysia – – 133 0.6  
    Total Revenue 14,314 100.0 22,175 100.0  
               
    By Source:          
    Online financial comparison platforms 12,638 88.3 18,058 81.4  
    Creatory 1,676 11.7 4,117 18.6  
    Total Revenue 14,314 100.0 22,175 100.0  
               
    By Vertical:          
    Credit cards 8,173 57.1 15,426 69.6  
    Personal loans and mortgages 2,495 17.4 3,297 14.9  
    Wealth 1,663 11.6 1,387 6.3  
    Insurance 1,892 13.2 1,827 8.2  
    Other verticals 91 0.6 239 1.1  
    Total Revenue 14,314 100.0 22,175 100.0  
               

    _____________________________________
    5 As of July 1, 2024, we transitioned from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4. Consequently, we are unable to provide comparable click data for this period following the transition. Please refer to the section titled “Key Performance Metrics and Non-IFRS Financial Measures” for more information regarding the change in methodology.
    6 Due to the nature of our business, there is often a delay in receiving confirmation of the number of Applications and Approved Applications by our commercial partners. As a result, the disclosed figures may utilize estimations if data is unavailable.

    Key Metrics

      For the Three Months Ended
    March 31, 2025
      (in millions, except for percentages)
    Monthly Unique Users7  
    Singapore   1.3           22.6 %
    Hong Kong   1.0           17.3 %
    Taiwan   1.8           31.2 %
    Philippines   1.7           29.0 %
    Total   5.7
    		           100.0 %
         
    Total Traffic7    
    Singapore   3.1           17.6 %
    Hong Kong   3.3           18.7 %
    Taiwan   5.9           33.5 %
    Philippines   5.3           30.1 %
    Total   17.5           100.0 %
       
      As of March 31,
      2025
    		 2024
      (in millions, except for percentages)
    MoneyHero Group Members  
    Singapore 1.4 16.7 % 1.2   21.0 %
    Hong Kong 0.9 11.0 % 0.7   12.6 %
    Taiwan 0.4 4.6 % 0.3   4.5 %
    Philippines 5.5 67.7 % 3.4   57.2 %
    Malaysia 0.0 0.0 % 0.3   4.8 %
    Total 8.1 100.0 % 5.9
    		   100.0 %
                   

    Conference Call Details

    The Company will host a conference call and webcast on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time / 8:00 p.m. Singapore Standard Time to discuss the Company’s financial results. The MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) Q1 2025 Earnings call can be accessed by registering at:

    Webcast: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/q7ymzw9v
    Conference call: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI715b6ae9a0fa497a9a90877eaad916ac

    The webcast replay will be available on the Investor Relations website for 12 months following the event.

    _____________________________________
    7 As of July 1, 2024, we transitioned from Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4. Consequently, we are unable to provide comparable monthly unique users and total traffic for this period following the transition. Please refer to the section titled “Key Performance Metrics and Non-IFRS Financial Measures” for more information regarding the change in methodology.

    About MoneyHero Group
    MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) is a leading personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider in Greater Southeast Asia. The Company operates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines. Its brand portfolio includes B2C platforms MoneyHero, SingSaver, Money101, Moneymax and Seedly, as well as the B2B platform Creatory. The Company also retains an equity stake in Malaysian fintech company, Jirnexu Pte. Ltd., parent company of Jirnexu Sdn. Bhd., the operator of RinggitPlus, Malaysia’s largest operating B2C platform. MoneyHero had over 260 commercial partner relationships as at March 31, 2025, and had approximately 5.7 million Monthly Unique Users across its platform for the three months ended March 31, 2025. The Company’s backers include Peter Thiel—co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and the Founders Fund—and Hong Kong businessman, Richard Li, the founder and chairman of Pacific Century Group. To learn more about MoneyHero and how the innovative fintech company is driving APAC’s digital economy, please visit www.MoneyHeroGroup.com.

    Key Performance Metrics and Non-IFRS Financial Measures

    Historically, we utilized data from Universal Analytics (“UA”), Google’s analytics platform, to measure three key business metrics: monthly unique users, traffic, and clicks. Effective July 1, 2024, Google Analytics 4 (“GA4”) replaced UA. The methodologies used in GA4 are different and not comparable to the methodologies used in UA. While Google has provided some guidance on these differences, Google has not made available sufficient information for us to assess the impact (whether positive or negative) of this transition on our key business metrics, nor can we quantify the extent of such impact. Furthermore, due to the adoption of GA4, we have adjusted our definitions of these key business metrics to enhance accuracy and align them more closely with previous definitions under UA. Therefore, we are unable to provide comparable data for monthly unique user, traffic, and clicks for any periods prior to July 1, 2024.

    “Monthly Unique User” means as a unique user with at least one session in a given month as determined by a unique device identifier from GA4. A session begins when a user opens an app in the foreground or views a page or screen while no other session is currently active (e.g., the prior session has ended). A session concludes after 30 minutes of user inactivity. To measure Monthly Unique Users over a period longer than one month, we calculate the average of the Monthly Unique Users for each month within that period. If an individual accesses a website or app from different devices within a given month, each device is counted as a separate unique user. However, if an individual logs in and accesses a website or app using the same login across different devices, they will only be counted as one unique user.

    “Traffic” means the total number of unique sessions in GA4. A unique session is a group of user interactions recorded when a user accesses a website or app within a 30-minute window. The current session concludes when there is 30 minutes of inactivity or users have a change in traffic source.

    “MoneyHero Group Members” means (i) users who have login IDs with us in Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan, (ii) users who subscribe to our email distributions in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines and Malaysia, and (iii) users who are registered in our rewards database in Singapore and Hong Kong. Any duplications across the three sources above are deduplicated.

    “Clicks” means the sum of unique clicks by product item on a tagged “Apply Now”, “Express Buy”, “Buy” or similar button on our website, including product result pages and blogs. We track Clicks to understand how our users engage with our platforms prior to application submission or purchase, which enables us to further optimize conversion rates.

    “Applications” means the total number of product applications submitted by users and confirmed by our commercial partners.

    “Approved Applications” means the number of applications that have been approved and confirmed by our commercial partners.

    In addition to MoneyHero Group’s results determined in accordance with IFRS, MoneyHero Group believes that the key performance metrics above and the non-IFRS measures below are useful in evaluating its operating performance. MoneyHero Group uses these measures, collectively, to evaluate ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. MoneyHero Group believes that non-IFRS information, when taken collectively, may be helpful to investors because it provides consistency and comparability with past financial performance and may assist in comparisons with other companies to the extent that such other companies use similar non-IFRS measures to supplement their IFRS results. These non-IFRS measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with IFRS and may be different from similarly titled non-IFRS measures used by other companies. Accordingly, non-IFRS measures have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of other IFRS financial measures, such as profit/(loss) for the year/period and profit/(loss) before income tax.

    Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS financial measure defined as loss for the year/period plus depreciation and amortization, interest income, finance costs, income tax expenses/(credit), equity-settled share-based payment expenses, transaction expenses, changes in the fair value of financial instruments, non-recurring legal fees, and unrealized foreign exchange differences. Adjusted EBITDA Margin is defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue.

    A reconciliation is provided for each non-IFRS measure to the most directly comparable financial measure stated in accordance with IFRS. Investors are encouraged to review the related IFRS financial measures and the reconciliations of these non-IFRS measures to their most directly comparable IFRS financial measures. IFRS differs from U.S. GAAP in certain material respects and thus may not be comparable to financial information presented by U.S. companies. We currently, and will continue to, report financial results under IFRS, which differs in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP.

      For the Three Months Ended
    March 31,
      2025   2024  
      (US$ in thousands)
    Loss for the period (2,449 ) (13,100 )
    Tax expenses –   52  
    Depreciation and amortization 302   981  
    Interest income (131 ) (595 )
    Finance costs 14   8  
         
    EBITDA (2,265 ) (12,654 )
         
    Non-cash items:    
    Changes in fair value of financial instruments (473 ) 1,346  
    Equity settled share-based payment arising from employee share incentive scheme 441   623  
    Unrealized foreign exchange (gain)/loss, net (1,012 ) 4,036  
         
    Listing and other non-recurring strategic exercises related items:    
    Transaction expenses –   35  
         
    Other non-recurring items:    
    Non-recurring legal fees –   174  
         
    Adjusted EBITDA (3,309 ) (6,440 )
         
    Revenue 14,314   22,175  
    Adjusted EBITDA (3,309 ) (6,440 )
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin (23.1 )% (29.0 )%
             

    Forward Looking Statements

    This document includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States federal securities laws and also contains certain financial forecasts and projections. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this communication, including, but not limited to, statements as to the Group’s growth strategies, future results of operations and financial position, market size, industry trends and growth opportunities, are forward-looking statements. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “predicts,” “intends,” “trends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. All forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and forecasts and reflect the views, assumptions, expectations, and opinions of the Company, which are all subject to change due to various factors including, without limitation, changes in general economic conditions. Any such estimates, assumptions, expectations, forecasts, views or opinions, whether or not identified in this communication, should be regarded as indicative, preliminary and for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results. The forward-looking statements and financial forecasts and projections contained in this communication are subject to a number of factors, risks and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; the Company’s ability to attract new and retain existing customers in a cost effective manner; competitive pressures in and any disruption to the industries in which the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) operates; the Group’s ability to achieve profitability despite a history of losses; and the Group’s ability to implement its growth strategies and manage its growth; the Group’s ability to meet consumer expectations; the success of the Group’s new product or service offerings; the Group’s ability to attract traffic to its websites; the Group’s internal controls; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the Group’s ability to raise capital; media coverage of the Group; the Group’s ability to obtain adequate insurance coverage; changes in the regulatory environments (such as anti-trust laws, foreign ownership restrictions and tax regimes) and general economic conditions in the countries in which the Group operates; the Group’s ability to attract and retain management and skilled employees; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or any other pandemic on the business of the Group; the success of the Group’s strategic investments and acquisitions, changes in the Group’s relationship with its current customers, suppliers and service providers; disruptions to the Group’s information technology systems and networks; the Group’s ability to grow and protect its brand and the Group’s reputation; the Group’s ability to protect its intellectual property; changes in regulation and other contingencies; the Group’s ability to achieve tax efficiencies of its corporate structure and intercompany arrangements; potential and future litigation that the Group may be involved in; and unanticipated losses, write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and impairment or other charges, taxes or other liabilities that may be incurred or required and technological advancements in the Group’s industry. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2024 on Form 20-F (File No.: 001-41838), registration statement on Form F-1 (File No.: 333-275205), and other documents to be filed by the Company from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, there may be additional risks that the Company currently does not know, or that the Company currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations, plans, projections or forecasts of future events and view. If any of the risks materialize or the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause their assessments to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. The inclusion of any statement in this document does not constitute an admission by the Company or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this document. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. In addition, the analyses of the Company contained herein are not, and do not purport to be, appraisals of the securities, assets, or business of the Company.

    For inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations:
    MoneyHero IR Team
    IR@MoneyHeroGroup.com

    Media Relations:
    MoneyHero PR Team
    Press@MoneyHeroGroup.com

    Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Loss and Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income

      For the Three Months Ended
    March 31,
    (US$ in thousands, except for loss per share) 2025   2024  
       
    Revenue 14,314   22,175  
         
    Cost and expenses:    
    Cost of revenue (6,363 ) (14,106 )
    Advertising and marketing expenses (4,584 ) (6,132 )
    Technology costs (816 ) (1,851 )
    Employee benefit expenses (4,354 ) (5,878 )
    General, administrative and other operating expenses (2,190 ) (2,387 )
    Foreign exchange differences, net 954   (4,112 )
         
    Operating loss (3,040 ) (12,291 )
         
    Other income/(expenses):    
    Other income 131   597  
    Finance costs (14 ) (8 )
    Changes in fair value of financial instruments 473   (1,346 )
         
    Loss before tax (2,449 ) (13,048 )
    Income tax expense –   (52 )
    Loss for the period (2,449 ) (13,100 )
         
    Other comprehensive (loss)/income    
    Other comprehensive (loss)/income that may be classified to profit or loss in subsequent periods (net of tax):    
    Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations (1,378 ) 3,713  
         
    Other comprehensive (loss)/income that will not be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods (net of tax):    
    Remeasurement gains on defined benefit plan –   1  
    Other comprehensive (loss)/income for the period, net of tax (1,378 ) 3,714  
         
    Total comprehensive loss for the period, net of tax (3,827 ) (9,386 )
         
    Loss per share attributable to ordinary equity holders of the parent    
    Basic and diluted (0.1 ) (0.3 )
             

    Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

      As of March 31, As of December 31,
    (US$ in thousands) 2025 2024
         
    NON-CURRENT ASSETS    
    Non-current financial asset 600 600
    Intangible assets 1,215 1,018
    Property and equipment 174 215
    Right-of-use assets 1,034 744
    Deposits 36 25
    Total non-current assets 3,059 2,601
         
    CURRENT ASSETS    
    Accounts receivable 14,559 13,538
    Contract assets 12,571 11,825
    Prepayments and other assets 9,413 10,149
    Tax recoverable 108 63
    Pledged bank deposits 188 185
    Cash and cash equivalents 36,634 42,522
    Total current assets 73,472 78,282
         
    CURRENT LIABILITIES    
    Accounts and other payable 29,400 30,209
    Warrant liabilities 920 1,393
    Lease liabilities 625 442
    Tax payable 33 32
    Provisions 30 71
    Total current liabilities 31,007 32,147
         
    NET CURRENT ASSETS 42,465 46,135
         
    TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 45,524 48,736
         
    NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES    
    Lease liabilities 424 294
    Provisions 42 –
    Deferred tax liabilities 30 30
    Defined benefit liabilities 187 185
    Total non-current liabilities 683 509
         
    Net assets 44,841 48,227
         
    EQUITY    
    Issued capital 4 4
    Reserves 44,837 48,223
    Total equity 44,841 48,227
         

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC – 12 06 2025] – (CGAML)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ALPHA GROUP INTERNATIONAL PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 12 JUNE 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 0.2p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,411,400 3.3363    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 1,411,400 3.3363    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    0.2p ORDINARY SALE 25,100 3068.2789p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 13 JUNE 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Oceans British actors, authors, musicians and environmentalists urge UK government to ‘stop failing the ocean’ Photos of some of the signatories available here Some of the UK’s best-loved stars have joined a call on the UK government to stop failing the ocean and sign the… by Alexandra Sedgwick June 11, 2025

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    • Photos of some of the signatories available here

    Some of the UK’s best-loved stars have joined a call on the UK government to stop failing the ocean and sign the Global Ocean Treaty into law, as the pivotal UN Ocean Conference is taking place in Nice this week. 18 more states ratified the Treaty yesterday, bringing the total so far to 49, but embarrassingly there is no sign of action from the UK government. 

    Household names and longtime ocean, climate and nature ambassadors Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, Bonnie Wright (who was in Nice for the summit), Dan Smith, Cel Spellman, Meera Sodha and Mya-Rose Craig are together appealing to the Foreign Secretary David Lammy to urgently sign the Global Ocean Treaty (also known as the High Seas Treaty) into UK law. Prime Minister Keir Starmer must support the legislation being brought to parliament before the summit ends on Friday.

    Their joint statement said: 

    “All life on earth depends on healthy oceans, yet they are under threat like never before. I urge the Foreign Secretary David Lammy to protect the oceans by rapidly passing the Global Ocean Treaty into UK law. It’s high time the UK got onboard. The Treaty is our best chance to achieve protection of 30% of the ocean by 2030, which scientists agree is essential for marine life to survive and thrive. The UK has turned up empty handed to a pivotal UN Ocean Conference where countries are committing to ocean protection right now. The UK must stop failing the ocean and swiftly join the 49 states that have already ratified. David Lammy has to ensure the Treaty legislation is tabled by the end of this vital conference.”

    After a flurry of ratifications on day one of the UN Global Ocean Conference, 49 states (plus the European Union) have now signed the Treaty into law, including 14 EU countries, but the UK is notably absent from this list[1][2]. A total of at least 60 states is required to bring the Treaty into force, and this threshold could be reached as soon as this week, but so far there’s no sign the UK will be included in the leading pack of countries. 

    The UN Ocean Conference (9-13 June) is the most significant political moment about the ocean since the agreement of the Global Ocean Treaty by the UN in 2023. Dozens of Heads of State are attending, according to the organisers. This level of attendance, and the diplomatic efforts of the organisers, provide an opportunity to set a high level of ambition for global ocean protection for the coming years. Ahead of the conference the UK government announced a package of domestic ocean protection measures but international action is also urgently needed to deliver on the commitment to protect at least 30% of the global ocean by 2030.

    Chris Thorne, Greenpeace UK senior oceans campaigner, said:

    “The UK government wants to be a leader on climate and nature, but 49 countries have beaten them to it on ocean protection. This vital international agreement could soon enter into force and begin delivering protection at sea on a scale we’ve never seen before. We’re tantalisingly close to a huge moment for the planet and the UK government could have pushed us closer. Embarrassingly, despite having had 20 months to do it, it hasn’t even begun the parliamentary process to sign the Treaty into UK law. 

    “All life on Earth depends on the ocean. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy must stop failing it, and bring legislation to parliament before the summit concludes on Friday. The government must also loudly support calls for a global moratorium on deep sea mining. Global ocean protection cannot wait, and Starmer’s government shouldn’t either. This historic Treaty can help to protect a third of our blue planet from threats like industrial fishing, which devastates marine life. The UK needs to get onboard.”

    Actress Emma Thompson in Svalbard, Norway as part of a Greenpeace campaign. © Nick Cobbing / Greenpeace

    Mya-Rose Craig, ornithologist, writer, environmentalist and activist, said: 

    “We stand at a crossroads. In my lifetime, I’ll either witness the devastation of marine life and the decimation of coastal communities – or I’ll see a world where the oceans are properly protected, with thriving ecosystems, wildlife and people. Healthy oceans are also fundamental to tackling the climate crisis. I sailed to the Arctic with Greenpeace a few years ago, where I saw the Arctic sea ice shrinking. Each year, the sea ice retreats even further. But this is just one threat – destructive fishing, shipping, oil drilling and deep sea mining all pose a risk. Time is fast running out for governments to protect the oceans and the UK needs to deliver on its promises right now. Foreign Secretary David Lammy must ratify the Global Ocean Treaty immediately. It is the only tool that can help protect 30% of the oceans by 2030.”

    Cel Spellman, actor, writer and presenter, said: 

    “The health and balance of our bountiful oceans are at a critical tipping point. What happens at the UN Ocean Conference will define the future of our oceans; for the plant & wildlife species that call them home, for the communities that rely on them, and for the future of our precious planet. There is no other option than ensuring 30% of our oceans are protected, it’s as simple as that. Nothing less will suffice. The warning signs are there, the science is clear. If you want to understand why this is the case and how we’ve got in this mess, I implore you to watch or read Ocean with David Attenborough.”

    Dan Smith, Bastille playing guitar on board the Arctic Sunrise. © Tavish Campbell / Greenpeace

    Greenpeace UK is calling on the UK government to:

    • Prioritise ratifying the Global Ocean Treaty 
    • Speak out in favour of a global moratorium on deep sea mining and use diplomatic influence to build support for this and the multilateral system
    • Implement a full ban on all forms of destructive fishing, including bottom trawling, in all UK marine protected areas
    • Work with the UK Overseas Territory of Bermuda and other nations to champion one of the world’s first high seas sanctuaries in the Sargasso Sea. This stunning ecosystem supports a plethora of iconic wildlife including humpback whales, sharks, dolphins and sea turtles

    ENDS

    Photos of some of the signatories are available in the Greenpeace Media Library here

    Contact: Alex Sedgwick, Greenpeace UK press officer, alexandra.sedgwick@greenpeace.org, 07739 963301. 

    Notes for editors: 

    1. Palau, Chile, Belize, Seychelles, Monaco, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Cuba, Maldives, Singapore, Bangladesh, Barbados, Timor Leste, Panama, St. Lucia, Spain, France, Malawi, Antigua and Barbuda, Marshall Islands, Republic of Korea, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Finland, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, Slovenia, Dominica, Norway, Romania, Albania, Bahamas, Belgium, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Denmark, Fiji, Greece, Guinea-Bissau, Jamaica, Jordan, Liberia, Malta, Mauritania, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Viet Nam.
    2. The European Union has also ratified the Treaty, in its capacity as an ‘enhanced observer’ at the UN.However, EU ratification does not count towards the total of 60 ratifications by UN member states required for the Treaty to enter into force.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Nigeria: Pardon for executed Ogoni Nine activists ‘falls far short’ of real justice

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the announcement on Wednesday that the Nigerian government has pardoned the Ogoni Nine, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, said:

    “This is welcome news but it falls far short of the justice the Ogoni Nine need and deserve – the Nigerian government must recognise formally that they are innocent of any crime and fully exonerate them.

    “The Ogoni Nine, led by Ken Saro-Wiwa, Nigeria’s leading author and campaigner, were brutally executed by a regime that wanted to hide the crimes of Shell and other oil companies that were destroying – and continue to destroy – the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of people across the Niger Delta as a result of their devastating oil spills and leaks. 

    “The execution of these activists nearly 30 years ago has given the Nigerian government and oil companies, including Shell, licence to crackdown on protests and intimidate people in the Niger Delta who have been demanding justice and an end to their toxic pollution.

    “Full justice for the Ogoni Nine is only a first step – much more needs to be done to get justice for communities in the Niger Delta, including holding Shell and other oil companies to account for the damage they have done and continue to do. They must pay the Niger Delta’s communities full compensation for the devastation their oil spills and leaks have caused and clean up their toxic mess before they leave the region.”

    The Ogoni Nine

    Ken Saro-Wiwa, environmental activist and writer, Barinem Kiobel, John Kpuinen, Baribor Bera, Felix Nuate, Paul Levula, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo and Daniel Gbokoo, were executed after a blatantly unfair trial on 10 November 1995. Officially accused of involvement in murder, the men had in fact been put on trial because they had challenged the devastating impact of oil production by Shell, in the Ogoniland region of the Niger Delta. Shell has been accused of complicity in the unlawful arrest, detention and execution of the nine men.

    Niger Delta devastation

    For 60 years Shell and other oil companies have been responsible for oil spills and leaks due to poorly maintained pipelines, wells and inadequate clean-up attempts that have ravaged the health and livelihoods of many of the 30 million people living in the Niger Delta – most of whom live in poverty. People can’t fish anymore because their water sources, including their wells for drinking water, are poisoned and the land is contaminated which has killed plant life, meaning communities can no longer farm. 

    The Ogale and Bille communities as well as the Bodo community are taking Shell to the UK’s Royal Courts of Justice demanding the oil giant cleans up the oil spills that have wrecked their livelihoods, health and caused widespread devastation to the local environment.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Nigeria: Ogoni Nine pardon ‘falls far short’ of real justice  

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the announcement on Wednesday that the Nigerian government has pardoned the Ogoni Nine, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria’s Director, said: 

    “This is welcome news but it falls far short of the justice the Ogoni Nine need and deserve – the Nigerian government must recognise formally that they are innocent of any crime and fully exonerate them. 

    “The Ogoni Nine, led by Ken Saro-Wiwa Nigeria’s leading author and campaigner, were brutally executed by a regime that wanted to hide the crimes of Shell and other oil companies that were destroying – and continue to destroy – the lives and livelihoods of tens of thousands of people across the Niger Delta as a result of their devastating oil spills and leaks.  

    “The execution of these activists nearly 30 years ago has given the Nigerian government and oil companies, including Shell, licence to crackdown on protests and intimidate people in the Niger Delta who have been demanding justice and an end to their toxic pollution. 

    “Full justice for the Ogoni Nine is only a first step – much more needs to be done to get justice for communities in the Niger Delta, including holding Shell and other oil companies to account for the damage they have done and continue to do. They must pay the Niger Delta’s communities full compensation for the devastation their oil spills and leaks have caused and clean up their toxic mess before they leave the region.” 

    Background 

    The Ogoni Nine 

    Ken Saro-Wiwa, environmental activist and writer, Barinem Kiobel, John Kpuinen, Baribor Bera, Felix Nuate, Paul Levula, Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo and Daniel Gbokoo, were executed after a blatantly unfair trial on 10 November 1995. Officially accused of involvement in murder, the men had in fact been put on trial because they had challenged the devastating impact of oil production by Shell, in the Ogoniland region of the Niger Delta. 

    Shell have been accused of complicity in the unlawful arrest, detention and execution of nine men. 

    Niger Delta devastation 

    For 60 years Shell and other oil companies have been responsible for oil spills and leaks due to poorly maintained pipelines, wells and inadequate clean-up attempts that have ravaged the health and livelihoods of many of the 30 million people living in the Niger Delta – most of whom live in poverty. People can’t fish anymore because their water sources, including their wells for drinking water, are poisoned and the land is contaminated which has killed plant life, meaning communities can no longer farm. 

    The Ogale and Bille communities as well as the Bodo community are taking Shell to the UK’s Royal Courts of Justice demanding the oil giant cleans up the oil spills that have wrecked their livelihoods, health and caused widespread devastation to the local environment. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Italy: New case of journalist targeted with Graphite spyware confirms widespread use of unlawful surveillance   

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the publication of a Citizen Lab report identifying Italian journalist Ciro Pellegrino and another who has chosen to remain anonymous, as the latest targets of Paragon’s spyware in Europe, Elina Castillo Jiménez, Advocacy and Policy Advisor on targeted surveillance at Amnesty International, said: 

    “The discovery that Paragon’s highly invasive Graphite spyware has been unlawfully used against yet another journalist in Italy, Ciro Pellegrino – adding to a list of other targets – confirms the rampant widening and systemic pattern of spyware abuse  in Italy, and elsewhere in Europe.   

    “While the recent Parliamentary Committee for the Security of the Republic (COPASIR) report confirms that Italy’s intelligence services used highly-invasive Graphite spyware to target activists, it sought to justify the use on national security grounds. It also denied the targeting of journalist Francesco Cancellato. This new finding that another Italian journalist has been targeted with Graphite spyware, raises more questions. 

    “The use of spyware against activists and journalists by Italian authorities and the lack of transparency and cooperation undermine international norms that Italy is bound by and raises serious concerns about its commitment to the Pall Mall Process and its Code of Practice for States, which seeks to stop the abuse of commercial spyware which undermine freedom of expression. 

     “We urge Italian authorities to fully disclose the details of these targeting operations and to facilitate pathways for reparation to the victims. When governments fail to respond adequately to credible allegations of surveillance abuse, they send a dangerous message that impunity is the norm” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Opera, ice cream, activism – daughter of jailed Uyghur scholar shares Father’s Day memories

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Jewher Ilham will not see her father, the Uyghur scholar Ilham Tohti, this Father’s Day. In fact, she has not seen him since 2013, when he was detained by the Chinese authorities and later sentenced to life in prison on baseless charges of “separatism”. Here Jewher, who has campaigned tirelessly for her father’s release and against repression of Uyghurs in their homeland in western China, recalls some of her fondest memories of him.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Actor and Director, Maisie Richardson-Sellers becomes Amnesty International UK Ambassador

    Source: Amnesty International –

    ‘I grew up witnessing the impact of Amnesty’s crucial work. It is a true honour to be joining forces in raising awareness and pushing for the protection and implementation of human rights’ – Maisie Richardson-Sellers 

    Amnesty International UK is delighted to announce actor-director Maisie Richardson-Sellers as its newest Ambassador.  

    The actor is a long-standing supporter of Amnesty UK and an outspoken advocate for gender and racial justice. She has worked closely with Amnesty supporting a number of campaigns, particularly highlighting gender justice and the plight of refugees in the UK.  

    Maisie uses her platform to advocate for marginalised communities, and is a passionate advocate for the power of interlacing art and activism. She is the founder of ‘Barefaced Productions’, a production company that seeks to tell the stories of and provide a platform for marginalised voices through both fiction and documentary filmmaking. Maisie also pushes for increased representation behind the camera, in writing rooms, and at every stage of the creative process. 

    She has appeared in a number of leading films and TV programmes including the currently airing season 2 of “Nine Perfect Strangers”, the upcoming new series “Talamasca”, as wel as BBC’s “Wolf Hall” season 2, Channel 4’s “The Undeclared War’, Netflix’s “The Kissing Booth 2+3”, The CW’s “The Originals”, the CW’s  “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”. Her theatrical directorial debut was “for coloured girls who have considered suicide when the rainbow was enuf”, and her screen debut was, “Sunday’s Child” which follows a young queer woman of colour on her journey to self-acceptance. The film’s creative team and crew was deliberately led by women of colour in order to reflect the story being told. 

    Holly Parker-Monks, Amnesty International UK’s Artists and Ambassadors Manager, said: 

    “It’s fantastic having Maisie represent Amnesty as an Ambassador – her passion for social justice, her life-long support and determination to use her profile to help improve the rights of people wherever they are, from gender justice to people seeking asylum in the UK is invaluable.   

    “We look forward to an exciting future of having Maisie at the forefront of some of our key campaigns” 

    Maisie Richardson-Sellers said: 

    “My family have supported Amnesty since I was a child, and I grew up witnessing the impact of Amnesty’s crucial work. It is a true honour to be joining forces in raising awareness and pushing for the protection and implementation of human rights and policy. The current genocide being committed in Gaza shines a horrifying spotlight on just how necessary this work is. I am committed to supporting Amnesty in the fight for racial justice, migrant rights, women’s rights LGBTQAI+ equality and beyond. Every single voice makes a difference, it’s time to unite and demand lasting change.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Satellite imagery reveals total razing of Khuza’a in May 2025 in further evidence of Israel’s wanton destruction and genocide in Gaza

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Amnesty International’s analysis of satellite imagery and verification of video footage reveals how Israeli forces completely razed what remained of the town of Khuza’a in the southern occupied Gaza Strip over the course of two weeks in May 2025.  

    The analysis underscores the urgent need to investigate the Israeli military for the war crimes of wanton destruction and collective punishment. It also provides fresh evidence of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip.  

    The findings of this research indicate a pattern of deliberate destruction of life-sustaining infrastructure, including some of Gaza’s most fertile agricultural land, undertaken by Israel as part of a calculated plan to impose on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life designed to bring about their physical destruction, in whole or in part. Amnesty International’s previous research uncovered a pattern of Israeli destruction of civilian areas between December 2023 and May 2024 without imperative military necessity during efforts to expand a “buffer zone” along the eastern perimeter of Gaza.   

    The latest images from May 2025 illustrate how Khuza’a, a town in the Khan Younis governorate, once home to approximately 11,000 Palestinians, has been entirely reduced to rubble in less than two weeks after a significant part of the town had already been destroyed in 2024. This evidence strongly suggests Israel is continuing its pattern of destroying civilian areas in the absence of imperative military necessity, given that the methodical destruction went significantly beyond tactical engagements. While some destruction may be attributed to shelling, air strikes or fighting during combat, much of the destruction appears to have been deliberately and methodically carried out outside active combat. 

    The annihilation of Khuza’a is a chilling testament to Israel’s ongoing campaign of systematic destruction in Gaza, transforming entire towns into desolate landscapes of dust and rubble.

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International.

    “The annihilation of Khuza’a is a chilling testament to Israel’s ongoing campaign of systematic destruction in Gaza, transforming entire towns into desolate landscapes of dust and rubble,” said Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International.  

    “The scale of this destruction far exceeds any conceivable military necessity and points to a deliberate campaign by Israeli forces to render the area uninhabitable.” 

    The destruction of some of Gaza’s most fertile agricultural land, including land essential to the production of food, must be seen in the context of Israel’s use of starvation as a method of warfare. For 77 days beginning on 2 March 2025, Israeli authorities completely blocked the entry of food and other supplies essential to the survival of the civilian population. While it has recently allowed a trickle of aid in, the militarization of aid distribution has made access to food both extremely deadly and dehumanizing. Coupled with mass displacement and systematic destruction or denial of access to sources of food production, Israel has engineered an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, which is part and parcel of the genocidal conditions of life it has imposed in Gaza. 

    A town erased: May 2025 timeline of destruction  

    The extent of destruction in Khuza’a unfolded rapidly throughout May 2025. Between 14 and 15 May Palestinian media reported Israeli air strikes and artillery shelling in the area, likely in preparation for the deployment of ground troops.  By 17 May, satellite imagery analyzed by Amnesty International’s Evidence Lab showed new heavy vehicle tracks crossing from Israel directly into Khuza’a . It was also on 17 May that the Israeli military announced the launch of operation “Gideon’s Chariots,” signalling an expansion of its offensive in the occupied Gaza Strip. While Palestinian media reported that Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters targeted an Israeli tank in Khuza’a with an RPG on 20 May, the scale of subsequent destruction indicates far more than tactical engagement.  

    Further visual evidence of the devastation emerged swiftly. By 27 May, drone footage circulated on social media and verified by Amnesty International, provided undeniable, detailed visual evidence that large sections of Khuza’a had been completely reduced to rubble over the preceding days. A video posted on social media and verified by Amnesty International showed three unarmoured excavators bringing down what was left of a building in Khuza’a, suggesting that there was no major perceived threat to the soldiers operating them and that this was not a combat zone.  

    In a statement on 25 May Israeli military commander Lt. Col Dor Yoetz declared in a letter to troops they had set out to “eliminate the terrorist nest known as Khirbat Ikhza’a [ a different name used in Hebrew to refer to Khuza’a]”. He said that within a few days they defeated their enemy, and that “Khirbat Ikhza’a no longer exists”.  

    The dire reality was confirmed by the municipality of Khuza’a itself on 31 May, which released a statement on its Facebook page asserting that “the amount of destruction in the town exceeds all estimates, putting the town entirely out of service.” This recent devastation follows earlier reports from the municipality in February 2025, stating that much of the town had already been destroyed. An Israeli displacement order issued in mid-March, forced residents to abandon what little remained. This displacement order was particularly devastating for residents who had attempted to rebuild their lives in Khuza’a and rehabilitate their homes and lands following widespread destruction in late 2023 and early 2024. 

    Mohammed Hamdan Qudaih, a 66-year-old farmer and resident of Khuza’a displaced multiple times, described to Amnesty International how his family’s farmland, once their entire livelihood, and their three-story home were destroyed. He said his four children all work with him on the land where they would plant tomatoes, peppers and molokhiya. They were first displaced in December 2023.  

    “When we returned to Khuza’a in June 2024, most of our crops had been destroyed and most of the land was destroyed, so we started rehabilitating it and repairing the greenhouses,” he said, but he and his family were again forced to flee on 18 March 2025.  

    “Displacement is worse than death, believe me,” he added. “I’ve heard that they [Israeli forces] razed the land, but I refuse to believe that my greenhouses are gone… now I just want to return to see what happened to my land and we just want to go back.” 

    Satellite imagery analyzed by Amnesty International shows the area around where Mohammed Hamdan Qudaih’s home and greenhouses were located was destroyed over the course of a week from 18 to 23 May 2025.   

    A pattern of wanton destruction and collective punishment 

    The recent razing of what had remained of Khuza’a is not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of a systematic and unlawful pattern of destruction by the Israeli military in Gaza.  

    Amnesty International’s previous research analyzed satellite imagery and social media videos between October 2023 and May 2024 and identified newly cleared land along Gaza’s eastern perimeter with Israel, ranging from approximately 1km to 1.8km wide. Over 90% of buildings within this area—more than 3,500 structures—appeared destroyed or severely damaged, and over 20km² of agricultural land showed a significant decline in health and density of crops according to data acquired from UNOSAT 

    In many documented cases, including the initial waves of destruction in Khuza’a itself from late 2023, the destruction occurred after Israeli forces had taken operational control of the areas, meaning they were not a direct result of ongoing combat. The presence of unarmored excavators in May 2025 suggests this was also the case with the recent razing of Khuza’a.  

    While Israel claims such destruction is being carried out for security purposes, they must abide by international humanitarian law. The “imperative military necessity” exception for property destruction is narrowly defined and not applicable to the wholesale razing of civilian areas, especially when alternative measures exist and when the destruction is disproportionate to any legitimate military purpose.  

    “The international community must not stand by while Israel is systematically dismantling essential civilian infrastructure, destroying agricultural land and collectively punishing Palestinians in Gaza,” said Erika Guevara Rosas.  

    This is genocide and it must end now.

    Erika Guevara Rosas.

    “The effective erasure of Khuza’a in May 2025 demands an independent and impartial investigation. This blatant act of wanton destruction, coupled with the ongoing pattern of razing civilian areas across Gaza, represents not only Israel’s brazen disregard for international law and the fundamental rights of Palestinians, but also its calculated plan to transform Gaza into a wasteland, destroy its social fabric and continue inflicting on Palestinians conditions that would lead to their physical destruction. This is genocide and it must end now.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Israel/OPT: Fresh evidence of genocide – satellite imagery reveals total razing of Khuza’a in southern Gaza

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Home to 11,000 Palestinians, Khuza’a has been entirely reduced to rubble

    Evidence suggests the destruction exceeds military necessity and indicates a deliberate campaign by Israeli forces to render the area uninhabitable

    ‘Displacement is worse than death, believe me’ – Mohammed Hamdan Qudaih, repeatedly displaced farmer from Khuza’a

    ‘[This is] a calculated plan to turn Gaza into a wasteland, destroy its social fabric and impose conditions aimed at the physical destruction of Palestinians’ – Erika Guevara Rosas

    Amnesty International’s analysis of satellite imagery and verification of video footage reveals how Israeli forces completely razed what remained of the town of Khuza’a in the southern occupied Gaza Strip over the course of two weeks in May 2025.

    The analysis underscores the urgent need to investigate the Israeli military for the war crimes of wanton destruction and collective punishment. It also provides fresh evidence of Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip.

    The findings of this research indicate a pattern of deliberate destruction of life-sustaining infrastructure, including some of Gaza’s most fertile agricultural land, undertaken by Israel as part of a calculated plan to impose on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life designed to bring about their physical destruction, in whole or in part. Amnesty’s previous research uncovered a pattern of Israeli destruction of civilian areas between December 2023 and May 2024 that didn’t have a military imperative during efforts to expand a “buffer zone” along the eastern perimeter of Gaza. 

    The latest images from May illustrate how Khuza’a, a town in the Khan Younis governorate, once home to approximately 11,000 Palestinians, has been entirely reduced to rubble in less than two weeks after a significant part of the town had already been destroyed in 2024. This evidence strongly suggests Israel is continuing its pattern of destroying civilian areas in the absence of imperative military necessity, given that the methodical destruction went significantly beyond tactical engagements. While some destruction may be attributed to shelling, air strikes or fighting during combat, much of the destruction appears to have been deliberately and methodically carried out outside active combat.

    Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns, said:

    “The annihilation of Khuza’a is a chilling testament to Israel’s ongoing campaign of systematic destruction in Gaza, transforming entire towns into desolate landscapes of dust and rubble.

    “The scale of this destruction far exceeds any conceivable military necessity and points to a deliberate campaign by Israeli forces to render the area uninhabitable.

    “The international community must not stand by while Israel is systematically dismantling essential civilian infrastructure, destroying agricultural land and collectively punishing Palestinians in Gaza.

    “The effective erasure of Khuza’a demands an independent and impartial investigation. This blatant act of wanton destruction, coupled with the ongoing pattern of razing civilian areas across Gaza, represents not only Israel’s brazen disregard for international law and Palestinians rights, but also a calculated plan to turn Gaza into a wasteland, destroy its social fabric and impose conditions aimed at the physical destruction of Palestinians. This is genocide and it must end now.”

    The destruction of some of Gaza’s most fertile agricultural land, including land essential to the production of food, must be seen in the context of Israel’s use of starvation as a method of warfare. For 77 days beginning on 2 March this year, Israeli authorities completely blocked the entry of food and other supplies essential to the survival of the civilian population. While it has recently allowed a trickle of aid in, the militarisation of aid distribution has made access to food both extremely deadly and dehumanising. Coupled with mass displacement and systematic destruction or denial of access to sources of food production, Israel has engineered an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe, which is part and parcel of the genocidal conditions of life it has imposed in Gaza.

    A town erased: Timeline of destruction

    The extent of destruction in Khuza’a unfolded rapidly throughout May. Between 14 and 15 May, Palestinian media reported Israeli air strikes and artillery shelling in the area, likely in preparation for the deployment of ground troops.  By 17 May, satellite imagery analysed by Amnesty’s Evidence Lab showed new heavy vehicle tracks crossing from Israel directly into Khuza’a. It was also on 17 May that the Israeli military announced the launch of operation “Gideon’s Chariots“, signalling an expansion of its offensive in the occupied Gaza Strip. While Palestinian media reported that Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters targeted an Israeli tank in Khuza’a with an RPG on 20 May, the scale of subsequent destruction indicates far more than tactical engagement.

    Further visual evidence of the devastation emerged swiftly. By 27 May, drone footage circulated on social media and verified by Amnesty, provided undeniable, detailed visual evidence that large sections of Khuza’a had been completely reduced to rubble over the preceding days. A video posted on social media and verified by Amnesty showed three unarmoured excavators bringing down what was left of a building in Khuza’a, suggesting that there was no major perceived threat to the soldiers operating them and that this was not a combat zone.

    In a statement on 25 May Israeli military commander Lt. Col Dor Yoetz declared in a letter to troops they had set out to “eliminate the terrorist nest known as Khirbat Ikhza’a [a different name used in Hebrew to refer to Khuza’a]”. He said that within a few days they defeated their enemy, and that “Khirbat Ikhza’a no longer exists”.

    The dire reality was confirmed by the municipality of Khuza’a itself on 31 May, which released a statement on its Facebook page asserting that “the amount of destruction in the town exceeds all estimates, putting the town entirely out of service.” This recent devastation follows earlier reports from the municipality in February, stating that much of the town had already been destroyed. An Israeli displacement order issued in mid-March, forced residents to abandon what little remained. This displacement order was particularly devastating for residents who had attempted to rebuild their lives in Khuza’a and rehabilitate their homes and lands following widespread destruction in late 2023 and early 2024.

    Mohammed Hamdan Qudaih, a 66-year-old farmer and resident of Khuza’a displaced multiple times, described to Amnesty how his family’s farmland, once their entire livelihood, and their three-story home were destroyed. He said his four children all worked with him on the land where they would plant tomatoes, peppers and jute. They were first displaced in December 2023.

    “When we returned to Khuza’a in June 2024, most of our crops had been destroyed and most of the land was destroyed, so we started rehabilitating it and repairing the greenhouses,” he said, but he and his family were again forced to flee on 18 March.

    “Displacement is worse than death, believe me,” he added. “I’ve heard that they [Israeli forces] razed the land, but I refuse to believe that my greenhouses are gone… now I just want to return to see what happened to my land and we just want to go back.”

    Satellite imagery analysed by Amnesty shows the area around where Mohammed Hamdan Qudaih’s home and greenhouses were located was destroyed over the course of a week from 18 to 23 May. 

    A pattern of wanton destruction and collective punishment

    The recent razing of what had remained of Khuza’a is not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of a systematic and unlawful pattern of destruction by the Israeli military in Gaza.

    Amnesty’s previous research analysed satellite imagery and social media videos between October 2023 and May 2024 and identified newly cleared land along Gaza’s eastern perimeter with Israel, ranging from approximately 1km to 1.8km wide. Over 90% of buildings within this area – more than 3,500 structures – appeared destroyed or severely damaged, and over 20km² of agricultural land showed a significant decline in health and density of crops according to data acquired from UNOSAT.

    In many documented cases, including the initial waves of destruction in Khuza’a itself from late 2023, the destruction occurred after Israeli forces had taken operational control of the areas, meaning they were not a direct result of ongoing combat. The presence of unarmored excavators in May suggests this was also the case with the recent razing of Khuza’a.

    While Israel claims such destruction is being carried out for security purposes, they must abide by international humanitarian law. The “imperative military necessity” exception for property destruction is narrowly defined and not applicable to the wholesale razing of civilian areas, especially when alternative measures exist and when the destruction is disproportionate to any legitimate military purpose.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Fine and cool weather conditions for the weekend

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Friday, June 13, 2025

    The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has forecast fine and cold to cool but partly cloudy weather with showers and rain expected in the north-east of the country.

    There are currently no weather alerts on their website.

    Earlier this week, the country was gripped with severe winter weather with the Eastern Cape experiencing snowfall and heavy rain.

    President Cyril Ramaphosa is today visiting flood-affected areas in the Eastern Cape, due to rising casualties and damage to infrastructure in the OR Tambo and Amathole District Municipalities.

    The President will be updated on the search and rescue efforts and support needed to effectively address the devastating disaster across all levels.

    According to the latest reports, the death toll from the floods in the Eastern Cape has risen to 78, with more than 1 000 people displaced. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Yoga Connect 2025: Global Summit on ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’ to be held tomorrow in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a significant lead-up to the 11th International Day of Yoga (IDY), the Ministry of Ayush is set to host ‘Yoga Connect 2025’, a hybrid global summit, on June 14, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Centered around the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” the summit will bring together an esteemed gathering of yoga practitioners, policymakers, health experts, business leaders, and researchers from India and around the world.

    Organized by the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), the event will feature over 1,000 participants attending in person, with many more joining virtually from leading international yoga institutions and wellness communities. Delegates from countries such as Bahrain, the United States, the United Kingdom, and South Korea will be participating, reflecting the growing global influence of India’s yoga movement.

    A major highlight of the summit will be the release of the ‘Yoga Prabhava’ report, a comprehensive nationwide study conducted by CCRYN. This report evaluates the impact of the International Day of Yoga over the past decade, offering valuable insights into the reach, effectiveness, and transformative potential of yoga initiatives across the country. It is expected to be a key resource for academicians, public health professionals, and policy researchers.

    Alongside this report, the summit will also unveil three important publications. The first is an e-book titled “Decadal Impact of Yoga,” capturing the evolution and influence of yoga in India and abroad over the last ten years. The second is a detailed report on the scientometric analysis of yoga research, providing a data-driven perspective on global yoga scholarship. The third, “Bhartiya Vriksha Vaibhavam,” is an illustrative booklet highlighting the significance of native Indian trees and their ecological and cultural relevance.

    The summit will feature a range of thematic sessions addressing yoga’s role in the prevention of non-communicable diseases, research on the Common Yoga Protocol, the impact of IDY, and emerging innovations under the Yoga-Tech domain. Other discussions will explore the applications of yoga in women’s health across life stages, yoga’s growing integration into commerce and industry, and the broader vision of making yoga accessible for all.

    Several renowned figures from the yoga world are expected to attend and share their perspectives, including Swami Baba Ramdevji, Acharya Balkrishna, HR Nagendraji, His Holiness Bikkhu Sanghasena, and Sri Bharath Bhushanji. Their participation will add depth to discussions on yoga’s role in enhancing personal wellness and advancing public health.

    ‘Yoga Connect 2025’ is not just a celebration of yoga’s achievements over the past decade; it is also a forward-looking platform for global collaboration, innovation, and inclusive wellness. The summit marks ten years since the United Nations officially designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, a move that catalyzed India’s global yoga movement. It also commemorates yoga’s recognition by UNESCO as a symbol of India’s intangible cultural heritage.

  • Trump urges Iran to make deal after Israel blasts nuclear and military targets

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel launched large-scale strikes against Iran on Friday, saying it had attacked nuclear facilities and missile factories and killed a swathe of military commanders in what could be a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran building an atomic weapon.

    U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Iran had brought the attack on itself by resisting U.S. demands in talks to restrict its nuclear programme, and urged it to make a deal, “with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal”.

    Washington said it had no part in the operation, however.

    Iran promised a harsh response to a barrage that killed the heads of both its armed forces and the powerful Revolutionary Guards, and Israel said it was trying to intercept about 100 drones launched towards Israeli territory in retaliation.

    But around 0800 GMT, Israeli media said an order to citizens to remain near protected areas had been lifted, suggesting that most or all of the drones had been neutralised.

    The price of crude leapt around 9% on fears of wider retaliatory attacks across a major oil-producing region. 

    An Israeli security source said Mossad commandos had been operating deep inside the Islamic Republic before the attack and the Israeli spy agency and military had mounted a series of covert operations against Iran’s strategic missile array.

    Israel also established an attack-drone base near Tehran, the source added. The military said it had carried out a large-scale strike against Iran’s air defences, destroying “dozens of radars and surface-to-air missile launchers”.

    Iranian media and witnesses reported explosions, including some at the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz. Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation said Natanz had sustained damage but no casualties had been reported.

    Iran said several top commanders and six nuclear scientists had been killed, including the armed forces chief of staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, and Revolutionary Guards chief Hossein Salami. Two sources in the region said at least 20 senior commanders were dead, including the head of the Revolutionary Guards aerospace force.

    An Israeli military official said the strikes had achieved a great deal but assessments were continuing and Israel was prepared to keep the operation going for days. Among the targets were ballistic missiles pointed towards Israel, they added.

    “We are at a decisive moment in Israel’s history,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded video message.

    Just before 6 a.m. Washington time, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

    “I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” he said.

    “There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end. Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left…”

    ISRAEL’S ENEMIES IN LEBANON AND GAZA WEAKENED

    At one time, Israel might have expected a wave of retaliation from Iranian-backed militias around the region.

    Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement that Israel had “unleashed its wicked and bloody” hand in a crime against Iran and that it would receive “a bitter fate for itself”.

    But since the war in Gaza erupted in October 2023, Israel has severely weakened Iran’s allies, notably by assassinating the top leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah and attacking the Houthis who control much of Yemen.

    Some 200 Israeli fighter jets took part in the strikes, hitting more than 100 targets in Iran, military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said. Iran’s Fars news agency reported a strike near the northwestern city of Tabriz.

    The International Atomic Energy Agency said there was no increase in radiation levels at the Natanz nuclear site, citing information provided by Iranian authorities.

    Airlines quit the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan after the Israeli strikes, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers diverting or cancelling flights.

    Israeli airlines El Al, Israir and Arkia said they were moving their planes out of Israel and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was shut.

    Dubai-based Emirates cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Iran as Iran closed its airspace.

    The global crude oil benchmark Brent blend was up almost 9% at $75.37 at 1000.

    The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company said oil refining and storage facilities had not been damaged and continued to operate.

    Israeli military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said tens of thousands of soldiers had been called up and “prepared across all borders”.

    Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi joined global calls for de-escalation and accused Israel of violating international law.

    “At an extremely critical time when the U.S. was negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran that would save the whole region and the world, a new vicious escalation,” he said on X.

    U.S. officials have repeatedly said any new deal – to replace a 2015 accord between Tehran and six world powers from which Trump withdrew – must include a commitment to scrap uranium enrichment, a prerequisite for developing nuclear bombs.

    NUCLEAR TALKS WITH IRAN DUE ON SUNDAY

    The Islamic Republic insists it wants nuclear energy only for civilian purposes.

    But the IAEA’s Board of Governors on Thursday declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations for the first time in almost 20 years.

    Iran is a signatory to the global nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Israel is not, and is believed to have the Middle East’s sole nuclear arsenal.

    Iran said in a statement that Israel’s “cowardly” attack showed why Iran had to insist on enrichment, nuclear technology and missile power.

    Iranian citizens reacted to the strikes with anger and fear.

    Some opponents of the ruling clerics expressed hope that Israel’s attack might lead to their downfall, though one Tehran resident who was not a supporter of clerical rule said Iran must retaliate.

    “We can’t afford not to respond. Either we surrender and they take our missiles, or we fire them. There’s no other option — and if we don’t, we’ll end up surrendering them anyway.”

    The Israeli military said it had been forced to act by new intelligence information showing that Iran was “approaching the point of no return” in the development of a nuclear weapon.

    But a source familiar with U.S. intelligence reports said there had been no recent change in the U.S. assessment that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon and that Khamenei had not authorised a resumption of the nuclear weapons programme that was shut in 2003.

    Trump was convening the National Security Council on Friday morning, the White House said. He had said on Thursday that an Israeli strike on Iran “could very well happen” but reiterated his hopes for a peaceful resolution.

    Iran’s armed forces spokesperson accused Washington of providing support for the operation.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. had not been involved in the strikes and Israel had acted unilaterally in self-defence.

    U.S. and Iranian officials are scheduled to hold a sixth round of talks on Tehran’s escalating uranium enrichment programme in Oman on Sunday.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Underinvestment in endometriosis research – E-002260/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002260/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomasz Froelich (ESN)

    Endometriosis is a disorder that affects an estimated 200 million people worldwide and around 14 million women in Europe.

    Endometriosis is associated with a range of often debilitating symptoms, including severe pelvic pain, bowel symptoms and a risk of infertility[1].

    Endometriosis has a substantial economic impact, with direct healthcare costs, indirect costs related to lost productivity at work, and the financial burden of infertility treatments. Women with endometriosis need multiple medical consultations, diagnostic tests and treatments.

    The cost of endometriosis-associated sick leave for the EU is estimated at EUR 30 billion annually.

    Endometriosis is substantially under-represented in projects funded at EU level. Only 27 out of 145 983 projects funded in total (0.02 %) were related to endometriosis. Other non-malignant disorders received considerably more funds: 735 funded projects for depression, 410 for anxiety, etc. Gender-related autoimmune diseases received more funding than endometriosis. In addition, funding was mainly dedicated to the diagnosis of the disease, while few projects focused on treatment[2].

    • 1.Does the Commission agree that the funding dedicated to endometriosis at EU level is not aligned with the enormous burden attributable to the disease in the EU?
    • 2.What are the reasons for this substantial under-representation of endometriosis among projects funded at EU level?

    Submitted: 4.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s44294-024-00048-6.
    • [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949838423000464.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – New evidence on cancer risks of glyphosate – P-002366/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002366/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy (Renew)

    A recently published peer-reviewed study in Environmental Health has presented new evidence regarding the safety of glyphosate, concluding that two pesticides containing the substance glyphosate that are currently on the market pose a serious risk of developing various forms of cancer, especially in pregnancy and early life stages. In light of these findings, it is essential that the Commission acts swiftly to evaluate the potential risks and subsequently take action to protect public health.

    • 1.What is the Commission’s assessment of this study?
    • 2.Will the Commission take swift action in response to the study, such as a rapid risk assessment with the European Food Safety Authority?
    • 3.What is the Commission’s timeline for reviewing this new scientific evidence and determining whether regulatory action is warranted, and will it consider a precautionary pause in the meantime, given the potential public health implications?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –