Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s labor market shows steady growth amid policy support

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) — China’s labor market has seen moderate and steady development momentum this year thanks to comprehensive efforts including a series of employment protection policies, said Chen Yongjia, an official with the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.

    Employment support plans have been systematically formulated to expand opportunities in key sectors, leading industries, urban and rural grassroots, and micro, small and medium enterprises, he said during the latest edition of the China Economic Roundtable, a multimedia discussion program hosted by Xinhua News Agency.

    According to him, a comprehensive package of policy measures has been implemented, which includes increasing the limit of lending for maintaining and expanding jobs, expanding the coverage of subsidies for creating new jobs, continuing measures such as the return of funds for employment stabilization and subsidies for upgrading skills, to maximize the potential of the policy.

    As for training in needs-oriented skills, large-scale vocational training has been organized to continuously improve the qualification level of the economically active population, he noted.

    China is also focusing on targeted support to ensure full employment for key groups. It has released a new package of 17 measures to promote employment for young people and provide strong unemployment protection for target groups, the official added.

    Chen Yongjia assured that China will promptly take additional measures to expand employment, thereby providing a reliable foundation for strengthening the fundamental foundations of economic development and social stability.

    Official data shows that the number of Chinese college graduates is likely to reach 12.22 million in 2025, up 430,000 from last year.

    China’s labor market has remained generally stable in recent weeks, with the average survey unemployment rate in China’s cities and towns falling from 5.2 percent in March to 5.1 percent in April, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s economy continues to grow steadily amid external challenges – official

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) — China’s economy continues to grow steadily after a positive start in the first quarter of 2025, said Ding Lin, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

    Speaking on the latest edition of the all-media discussion program “China Economic Roundtable” organized by Xinhua News Agency, Ding Lin noted that despite the difficult external environment, China’s economy has withstood the pressure. Notably, industrial production, the service sector, domestic demand and exports have shown faster growth rates.

    Highlighting China’s high innovation activity, Ding Lin said the country’s high-tech manufacturing sector recorded 10 percent growth in April, nearly 4 percentage points higher than the growth rate of overall industrial output.

    Ding Lin also noted the accelerated development of industries such as unmanned aerial vehicles, new energy vehicles, artificial intelligence and humanoid robots.

    “In general, as measures to stimulate economic growth are quickly implemented, their effect will continue to manifest itself, contributing to the high-quality development of the country’s economy,” he concluded.

    Let us recall that according to the results of the first quarter of 2025, China’s GDP grew by 5.4 percent year-on-year. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China steps up legal efforts to combat pollution

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) — In 2024, Chinese courts completed 219,000 cases related to environmental management and ecology as first instance courts, including 4,168 public environmental lawsuits and 246 cases on compensation for ecological damage, the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) said Thursday.

    The courts ordered the liable parties to pay compensation totaling 9.6 billion yuan (about $1.34 billion), according to the annual report of the Supreme People’s Council of China.

    These figures indicate the country’s increasing legal efforts to combat environmental pollution and degradation, as well as strict enforcement of laws on environmental protection and pollution prevention and control.

    From 2019 to 2023, China’s courts at various levels handled more than 1.03 million cases in the field of environmental management and ecology as courts of first instance, an increase of 18.9 percent over the previous five-year period.

    Meanwhile, China has been making significant progress in specializing its handling of cases in this area, establishing 2,424 specialized courts to handle such cases by the end of 2024, staffing them with more than 16,000 judges and assistants. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China and Russia are ready to deepen cross-border cooperation in the field of protection of wild tigers and leopards

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    CHANGCHUN, June 5 (Xinhua) — The first meeting of the Joint Commission for the Implementation of the Agreement between the Governments of China and Russia on the Establishment of the “Land of Big Cats” Transboundary Nature Reserve was held in Changchun, capital of northeast China’s Jilin Province, on Wednesday. The two sides held an in-depth exchange of views on cross-border cooperation in environmental protection, aiming to further integrate the resources and strengths of the two countries in the cross-border protection of tigers and leopards and establish a more effective cooperation mechanism.

    The joint commission includes, on the Chinese side, the Department of International Cooperation of the State Forestry and Grassland Administration of the People’s Republic of China, the administration of the National Park of Manchurian Tigers and Far Eastern Leopards, as well as the relevant departments for nature conservation on the Russian side.

    Working mechanisms such as regular meetings, exchange of information and joint law enforcement will be established.

    At the meeting, an official from the State Forestry and Grassland Administration of China emphasized that in the future, the work of the joint commission will focus on such aspects as strengthening joint monitoring and data exchange, promoting the construction of transboundary ecological corridors, conducting a tough fight against crimes such as transboundary poaching, deepening cooperation in scientific research, holding environmental education events, etc.

    Representatives of the Russian side stated that the Russian side will fully support the work of the joint commission, actively implement various areas of cooperation and jointly protect the home of tigers and leopards.

    Let us recall that the Manchurian Tiger and Far Eastern Leopard National Park was officially established in 2021. According to the latest data, about 70 Manchurian tigers and about 80 Far Eastern leopards currently live in this park. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: South Korean parliament passes bills to appoint special prosecutors to investigate allegations against Yoon Seok-yeol and first lady

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    SEOUL, June 5 (Xinhua) — South Korea’s National Assembly on Thursday passed bills to appoint special prosecutors and investigate allegations of a coup against ousted President Yun Seok-yul and scandals involving first lady Kim Geon-hee.

    Of the 198 National Assembly lawmakers present at the plenary session, 194 supported the bills, three voted against and one abstained.

    Under the bills, new President Lee Jae-myung must appoint an independent prosecutor for each case from two recommended candidates.

    The special investigation will focus on allegations of sedition against Yun Seok-yul, who was removed from office in April after martial law was declared last December.

    Former President Kim Geun-hee’s wife will be investigated for allegedly manipulating stock prices, receiving luxury handbags, interfering with the nomination of candidates for the 2022 by-elections and the 2024 parliamentary elections, and rigging opinion polls during the 2022 presidential election. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine strikes Iskander missile launchers on Russian territory

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Kyiv, June 5 /Xinhua/ — Ukraine on Thursday destroyed the Iskander operational-tactical missile system installations on the territory of the Russian Federation, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) reported on Telegram.

    The operation was carried out by units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine and other components of the defense forces. They launched a missile strike on the 26th missile brigade of the Russian troops. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Afghanistan releases over 1,500 prisoners, reduces sentences of 950 ahead of Eid al-Adha

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    KABUL, June 5 (Xinhua) — Afghanistan has released a total of 1,559 prisoners and reduced the sentences of 950 more in a show of mercy and goodwill ahead of the Eid al-Adha (Eid al-Adha) holiday, the country’s Supreme Court announced on Wednesday.

    According to the statement, the order was issued by Chief Justice and Chairman of the Supreme Court Sheikh Abdul Hakim Haqqani as part of a nationwide initiative to celebrate Eid al-Adha in the spirit of mercy and forgiveness.

    The prisoners were pardoned and released from prisons in the provinces of Kabul, Nangarhar, Laghman, Panjshir, Parwan, Paktia, Khost and Nimroz, the statement said.

    According to a prison official, there are currently 12,000 to 14,000 Afghan citizens, including women and children, held in prisons across the country.

    Eid al-Adha is the biggest religious festival in Afghanistan. This year it will be celebrated from Saturday to Tuesday. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kyiv is engaged in terrorism at the state level – D. Peskov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, June 5 (Xinhua) — Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian trains indicate their terrorist nature. Kyiv is engaged in terrorism at the state level. This was stated at a briefing by the press secretary of the Russian president Dmitry Peskov.

    “The President described the Kiev regime as a terrorist regime. Because it was the regime’s leadership that deliberately gave the order, the command, the order to blow up the passenger train. This is nothing other than terrorism at the state level,” he said.

    According to the press secretary, Russian President Vladimir Putin did indeed tell his American counterpart Donald Trump that Moscow would respond to an attack on Russian airfields.

    “Yes, indeed,” D. Peskov answered the question of whether such a statement really existed. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Russian FSB reported the explosion of a railway track in the Voronezh region

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Moscow, June 5 (Xinhua) — A railway track in the Voronezh Region was damaged on Thursday morning as a result of an explosive device detonation just before a train passed, the Public Relations Center (PRC) of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said.

    “As a result of the professional actions of the driver and the train crew, who noticed the destruction of the track and applied emergency braking, damage to the train was prevented, and thus human casualties were avoided,” the FSB of the Russian Federation said in a statement.

    According to the FSB Public Relations Center, the circumstances of the incident are being investigated. The scene of the incident is being inspected. Based on the initial indications, there are all grounds for initiating a criminal case under the article “terrorism.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Equipment Upgrade Program Effectively Stimulates Domestic Demand

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) — Jiangsu Tengsheng Textile Technology Group Co., Ltd. has been a hub of activity since the beginning of the year. Its participation in the national equipment renewal campaign has opened a promising path to a bright future for the textile manufacturer.

    “After the upgrade is completed, our equipment will reach the leading standards in the domestic industry,” said Chen Guichun, deputy general manager of the company based in east China’s Jiangsu Province. “We expect this upgrade to improve our efficiency by more than 5 percent and increase our unit output by about 20 percent.”

    The company’s efforts are part of China’s massive trade-in program for equipment upgrades and consumer goods replacement, which was launched in March 2024. The program involves various government departments using ultra-long-term special government bonds to accelerate the implementation of related measures to stimulate investment and consumption.

    The People’s Bank of China (PBOC, the central bank) announced last month that it would increase the refinancing quota for technological innovation and technical transformation from 500 billion yuan (about $69.6 billion) to 800 billion yuan. In addition, the regulator also cut the refinancing rate to 1.5 percent from 1.75 percent.

    This innovation is part of the PBOC’s structural monetary instruments aimed at expanding domestic demand, said Ding Zhijie, director of the PBOC Financial Institute. “This will ensure continued support for the implementation of the equipment renewal program and the replacement of consumer goods with new ones under the trade-in scheme,” he stressed in the latest edition of the all-media discussion program “China Economy Roundtable” organized by Xinhua News Agency.

    “It took only four months from the time we applied to receiving government support, which is a very effective indicator for us,” said Xu Guoqiang, assistant manager of Chilwee Group Co., Ltd., a battery manufacturing subsidiary in east China’s Zhejiang Province.

    According to him, the company invested a total of 60 million yuan in upgrading the equipment, of which more than 8 million yuan was provided by the state.

    Likewise, many other companies in the country’s key industries have begun upgrading their equipment and are reaping the benefits. In April, the added value of China’s major high-tech manufacturing and digital products sectors grew 10 percent year-on-year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

    In the year since the campaign was launched, it has successfully identified the huge potential of the country’s domestic market. In the first four months of this year, investments in the acquisition of equipment and devices grew by 18.2 percent year-on-year. According to the State Statistical Service, the share of the indicator in the overall investment growth for the period was 64.5 percent.

    Ding Lin, an official with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), said at a roundtable that China, as the world’s second-largest economy with a population of more than 1.4 billion, has huge potential to expand domestic demand.

    To this end, the country should explore more approaches to increasing household incomes and expanding consumer potential, while continuing to optimize its policies in the area of consumption support, he stressed.

    In addition to accelerating equipment upgrades across the country, Ding Lin said the NDRC will allocate 800 billion yuan in ultra-long-term special government bonds to support the country’s major national strategies and strengthen security capabilities in key areas. Ding Lin called this a “proactive move” to stimulate effective investment.

    “We will accelerate the development of the project and the distribution of funds in order to achieve tangible results as soon as possible,” he concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cumulative gas production at China’s largest coalbed methane field exceeds 3.6 billion cubic meters

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TAIYUAN, June 5 (Xinhua) — The cumulative gas output from the Daning-Jixian coalbed methane field in north China’s Shanxi Province exceeded 3.6 billion cubic meters as of the end of May 2025, coalbed methane producer PetroChina Coalbed Methane Co., Ltd. said Thursday.

    As an unconventional natural gas, coal bed methane is considered a clean energy resource of strategic importance. Its use can help reduce risks in mining operations, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviate gas shortages.

    Shanxi Province has rich coal bed methane resources. The region’s reserves within 2,000 meters underground are estimated at 8.31 trillion cubic meters, accounting for about a third of the country’s total.

    In recent years, thanks to technological advances in coalbed methane production, the production capacity of Daning-Jixian Methane Field has been steadily growing.

    In 2024, the coalbed methane production at the Daning-Jixian field reached 1.96 billion cubic meters. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • Transformative urban development initiatives empower India’s middle class

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Over the past decade, several ambitious government initiatives have significantly reshaped urban living in India, bringing improved housing, transport, and connectivity to millions. These programmes have not only enhanced infrastructure but have also strengthened the sense of security and pride among middle-class and low-income families.

    Since its launch in 2015, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) has emerged as a beacon of hope for many seeking affordable housing. With a central assistance commitment of ₹1.97 lakh crore, of which ₹1.69 lakh crore has been disbursed so far, the scheme has witnessed remarkable progress.

    Between 2014 and May 2025, more than 1.16 crore houses were sanctioned, construction has commenced on over 1.12 crore units, and more than 92.72 lakh homes have been completed or handed over to beneficiaries. Beyond the statistics, these homes represent stability, dignity, and empowerment for families across urban India, marking a significant stride in the nation’s urban welfare agenda.

    Urban transport has also received an unprecedented boost with the rapid expansion of metro rail networks. India’s metro system, now operational in 29 cities, has expanded to 1,013 kilometres by May 2025, a striking increase from just 248 kilometres in 2014. The approval of 34 new metro projects covering 992 kilometres further underscores the Government’s commitment to enhancing urban mobility. Daily ridership has soared from 28 lakh passengers in 2013 to over 1.12 crore today.

    The pace of commissioning metro lines has increased ninefold, with an average of six kilometres of new track becoming operational each month, compared to less than one kilometre monthly before 2014. The annual budget allocation for metro rail projects has also surged more than six times, reflecting the prioritisation of urban transport in the national development agenda.

    The Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) scheme, introduced in 2016, has revolutionised regional air travel by making it affordable and accessible to the common citizen. With 88 airports, including two water aerodromes and thirteen heliports, connected through 625 routes, UDAN has facilitated over 1.49 crore passengers to fly at economical rates. The scheme has played a pivotal role in boosting tourism, enhancing healthcare access, and fostering trade in tier 2 and tier 3 cities. India’s airport network has more than doubled, growing from 74 airports in 2014 to 160 in 2025, supported by ₹4,023.37 crore in Viability Gap Funding to sustain connectivity in underserved regions.

    Ensuring transparency and consumer protection in the housing sector has been a key priority with the enactment of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) in 2016. The legislation mandates every state and union territory to establish regulatory authorities that maintain public portals detailing registered real estate projects. As of March 2025, these authorities have addressed over 1.4 lakh consumer complaints, thereby enhancing accountability and rebuilding trust in the real estate market.

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, April 2025 and Annual Revision

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    The U.S. monthly international trade deficit decreased in April 2025 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit decreased from $138.3 billion in March (revised) to $61.6 billion in April, as exports increased and imports decreased. The goods deficit decreased $75.2 billion in April to $87.4 billion. The services surplus increased $1.5 billion in April to $25.8 billion. Full Text

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mining in Motion 2025: Niger Eyes Economic Development Fund

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ACCRA, Ghana, June 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Colonel Ousmane Abarchi, Minister of Mines of Niger, announced plans to establish a national economic development fund during the Mining in Motion 2025 summit – held in Accra. The fund aims to redirect revenues from the mining sector to strengthen other industries while tackling illicit mining.

    “We seek to develop an economic development fund so that revenues from mining bolster other industries. We are also seeking community development, as illicit mining damages the environment. By addressing illegal mining, we are ensuring the purification of water bodies,” Minister Arbachi stated.

    Minister Arbachi emphasized that addressing the widespread challenges of illegal mining across the continent must begin with the inclusion of local communities in decision-making and direct benefits.

    The proposed fund would aim to reinvest mining profits into local companies – supporting sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and education – to create alternatives to illegal mining and enhance long-term development.

    The initiative aligns with the broader themes of the Mining in Motion summit, which focuses on sustainable resource governance, responsible mining practices and cross-border collaboration.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: Military Drone Market Size Expected to Reach $15.16 Billion In 2030 as Cutting-Edge Innovations Improve Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – According to industry experts, the Military Drone market is expected to continue substantial growth in the years to come. The market is characterized by a complex interplay of drivers, restraints, and a spectrum of opportunities collectively shaping its trajectory, especially in the military market. Military drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are advanced technological systems used by military forces for various purposes. These drones are designed to operate without a human pilot on board, and they are remotely controlled or autonomously programmed to carry out a range of tasks. Military drones come in various sizes and configurations, from small hand-launched models to more prominent, long-endurance aircrafts. They serve many roles, including reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, intelligence gathering, communication relays, and combat operations. Their ability to operate in challenging environments, gather real-time data, and execute missions with reduced risk to human personnel has made them valuable assets in modern warfare strategies. However, their use raises ethical and legal considerations concerning civilian safety, privacy, and potential misuse. A report from Verified Market Research said that: “The Military Drone market is characterized by a complex interplay of drivers, restraints, and a spectrum of opportunities collectively shaping its trajectory. Technological advancement stands as a prominent driver, propelling the market forward with cutting-edge innovations that enhance the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These advancements encompass a range of functionalities, from improved surveillance and reconnaissance to combat capabilities, all of which contribute to the drones’ strategic significance on the battlefield. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of Military Drone compared to manned aircraft is a compelling driver, enabling military forces to achieve operational objectives with reduced financial burdens.”   Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV), Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC).

    Verified Market Research continued: “A range of opportunities beckons the Military Drone market. One such opportunity lies in intelligent swarming, where multiple drones collaborate seamlessly to achieve intricate missions, providing enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Additionally, the development of counter-drone technologies represents a growing niche within the market, as the increasing proliferation of drones necessitates robust defenses against hostile UAVs. The convergence of commercial and military sectors offers a unique avenue for collaboration, fostering cross-pollination of technologies and innovative solutions. Integrating artificial intelligence and automation further widens the scope of Military Drone applications in the realm of technological advancement. These capabilities enable drones to execute complex tasks autonomously, reducing the burden on human operators and opening doors to entirely new mission profiles. Moreover, exploring hybrid power systems and stealth technology holds promise for extending drone endurance and elevating their covert capabilities, expanding the range of potential operations.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Launches Drone as a Service (DaaS) for US Defense and Government Agencies with New Partnerships – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”) a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), Enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces the launch of Drone as a Service specifically for US Defense and Government agencies, and two new partnerships with consulting and government relations firms to assist in selling these services.

    ZenaTech’s ZenaDrone subsidiary has retained the services of Bromelkamp Government Relations and Winning Strategies Washington to provide Congressional lobbying and defense business development consulting services. Bromelkamp is a defense-focused business development consulting firm to small and medium technology companies that are growing their business with the US Department of Defense and other security-related federal agencies. Winning Strategies is an independent bipartisan federal government relations and grants procurement firm.

    “These partnerships will be instrumental in building relationships with the various agencies as we launch our DaaS service and expand our sales efforts in this sector,” said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., CEO of ZenaTech. “Bromelkamp and Winning Strategies have decades of defense industry experience and understand the complexities and culture of the military. As defense priorities shift toward autonomy, resilience, and secure supply chains, ZenaTech is uniquely positioned to deliver scalable, mission-ready drone solutions that align with the US military and the defense industry. Our Drone as a Service model is designed to accelerate adoption, lower barriers, and support operational agility.”

    With a growing demand for advanced drone solutions in security, logistics and tactical operations, the DaaS model allows defense customers to deploy mission-specific drone solutions without the need for capital equipment purchases. To accelerate market entry, ZenaTech has onboarded two seasoned military consultants to lead business developments, identify pilot programs, and secure funding partnerships within the defense sector.

    The ZenaDrone 1000 is an autonomous, military grade aerial solutions built for multi-mission flexibility, featuring a patented foldable-wing design, 40 kg payload capacity, and 1 hour flight time. Its onboard AI, thermal imaging, LiDAR, and multi spectral sensors enable real-time ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), border patrol, and base surveillance with minimal operator input. The modular cone enables fast swapping of mission-specific payloads like HD Cameras and sensors, making it ideal for tactical resupply, SAR (search and rescue), infrastructure inspection, and operations in high-risk restricted environments. Rugged, AI-powered and rapidly deployable, the ZenaDrone 1000 enhances situational awareness and operational reach for defense forces.

    The ZenaDrone IQ Nano and IQ Square are compact, high-performance drone solutions engineered for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), indoor security, and tactical inspection in complex military environments. The IQ Nano, excels in GOS-denied environments like military warehouses or confined infrastructure, offering obstacle avoidance, and precise maneuverability. The IQ Square, with extended flight time and payload options, supports ISR, CBRN monitoring and perimeter patrols. Lightweight and field-ready, both drones deliver rapid situational awareness for mission-critical deployments.

    ZenaTech is actively pursuing Green UAS and Blue UAS certifications to meet stringent federal standards. With recent restrictions on Chinese-made drones in military and government operations, these certifications are mandatory for vendors aiming to participate in DoD and allied agency contracts. ZenaTech’s compliant drone solutions open access to high-value defense contracts and align with increasing demand for secure aerial solutions.

    The DaaS business model offers customers reduced upfront costs and convenience ─ there is no need to purchase drone hardware and software, find a drone pilot, manage maintenance and operation, or acquire regulatory approvals. The model also offers scalability to use more often or less often based on business needs. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/.

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 and provides a corporate update.

    “Red Cat’s momentum continues to build as we execute on our strategy to deliver advanced, AI-enabled unmanned systems across air, land, and sea,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “Our partnership with Palantir to deploy Warp Speed is optimizing our manufacturing and cost efficiency, while our expansion into maritime autonomy with Unmanned Surface Vessels significantly expands our Family of Systems. A strong balance sheet bolstered by a recent $30 million capital raise positions us strongly to meet growing domestic and international demand in the second half of 2025.”

    “Our balance sheet remains strong as we transition to production and delivery of our new Black Widow drones,” said Chris Ericson, Red Cat CFO. “We have bolstered our quarter-end cash and receivables of $9 million with an additional $30 million from a capital raise executed soon after quarter-end. This liquidity has given us ample strength and ability to expand manufacturing to meet the impending demands of the U.S. Army’s SRR program and international opportunities for the second half of 2025.”

    Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a Technology Company in the Defense, National Security and Global Markets, and GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE) recently announced a formal teaming agreement to advance propulsion technologies for the next generation of affordable unmanned aerial systems and Collaborative Combat Aircraft-type (CCA-type) aircraft.

    Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said, “Kratos’ strategically important Teaming Agreement with GE Aerospace continues to rapidly advance and expand, with the GEK family of engines targeting certain of the most important, mission critical and highest priority needs and requirements of United States National Security. At Kratos, affordability is a technology and delivering more capability for less cost as quickly as possible are key contributions we are bringing for truly industry leading GEK offerings with our partner and global leader GE Aerospace.”

    Tomahawk GCS, an AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) product line specializing in autonomous and intelligent multi-domain systems, has recently been awarded a $5.1 million contract to support the U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) Human-Machine Integrated Formations (HMIF) rapid prototyping project. Following a rigorous selection process, AV’s Tomahawk’s Grip TA5 was selected as the Dismounted Common Controller (DCC) to significantly enhance human-machine teaming for battlefield operations.

    The HMIF initiative, led by the U.S. Army RCCTO, is accelerating the integration of autonomous and robotic systems into formations to enhance situational awareness, lethality, and survivability. With its modular architecture and multi-platform compatibility, the Grip TA5 provides operators command-and-control of multiple robotic assets in real-time, enhancing mission adaptability and response speed.

    Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has recently invested $50 million into Firefly Aerospace to further advance production of their co-developed medium launch vehicle, now known as Eclipse™. The companies continue to make progress in the development of Eclipse flight hardware with qualification testing underway and more than 60 Miranda engine hot fire tests performed to date.

    “Firefly is incredibly grateful for Northrop Grumman’s investment that further solidifies our first-of-its-kind partnership to build the first stage of Antares 330 and jointly develop Eclipse,” said Jason Kim, CEO of Firefly Aerospace. “Eclipse represents two powerful forces coming together to transform the launch market with decades of flight heritage, a rapid, iterative approach, and bold innovation. With a 16 metric ton to orbit capability, Eclipse is a sweet spot for programs like NSSL Lane 1 and a natural fit to launch proliferated constellations in LEO, MEO, GEO, and TLI.”

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    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: ARKO Corp. Named to Fortune 500 List for Fourth Consecutive Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RICHMOND, Va., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO) (“ARKO” or the “Company”), one of the largest convenience store operators and fuel wholesalers in the United States, today announced it was named to the 2025 Fortune 500 list for the fourth consecutive year. The yearly ranking highlights companies based on total revenue in the United States. ARKO ranked at No. 488.

    “We are proud to be recognized by Fortune for our leadership for the fourth consecutive year,” said Arie Kotler, Chairman, President, and CEO of ARKO Corp. “We believe this accomplishment is a testament to the strength of our business model and the team’s ability to focus on customer engagement and delivering value to our customers. We remain committed to further laying the foundation for continued long-term growth, driving further value to our customers and optimizing our store portfolio.”

    Inclusion on the Fortune 500® is based on total revenue for respective fiscal years. Eligible businesses include U.S.-incorporated private companies and cooperatives that file financial statements with government agencies, along with mutual insurance companies that file with state regulators.

    In 2024, the Company began development of a multi-year transformation plan. As part of this plan, the Company converted 153 company operated stores to dealer sites, while making strategic investments in our retail segment in high-growth areas, including food service and other tobacco products. Since its founding in 2003, ARKO has grown from 169 stores to nearly 3,600 locations, as of March 31, 2025. As of March 31, 2025, the Company is comprised of approximately 1,330 company-operated stores, more than 1,960 independent dealer sites to which it supplies fuel, and approximately 280 unmanned fleet fueling locations.

    Learn more about ARKO Corp. and its family of community of brands here.

    About ARKO Corp.

    ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO) is a Fortune 500 company that owns 100% of GPM Investments, LLC and is one of the largest operators of convenience stores and wholesalers of fuel in the United States. Based in Richmond, VA, our highly recognizable Family of Community Brands offers delicious, prepared foods, beer, snacks, candy, hot and cold beverages, and multiple popular quick serve restaurant brands. We operate in four reportable segments: retail, which includes convenience stores selling merchandise and fuel products to retail customers; wholesale, which supplies fuel to independent dealers and consignment agents; fleet fueling, which includes the operation of proprietary and third-party cardlock locations, and issuance of proprietary fuel cards that provide customers access to a nationwide network of fueling sites; and GPM Petroleum, which sells and supplies fuel to our retail and wholesale sites and charges a fixed fee, primarily to our fleet fueling sites. To learn more about GPM stores, visit: www.gpminvestments.com. To learn more about ARKO, visit: www.arkocorp.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This document includes certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements may address, among other things, the Company’s expected financial and operational results and the related assumptions underlying its expected results. These forward-looking statements are distinguished by use of words such as “accretive,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “guidance,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and the negative of these terms, and similar references to future periods. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these expectations due to, among other things, changes in economic, business and market conditions; the Company’s ability to maintain the listing of its common stock and warrants on the Nasdaq Stock Market; changes in its strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects and plans; expansion plans and opportunities; changes in the markets in which it competes; changes in applicable laws or regulations, including those relating to environmental matters; market conditions and global and economic factors beyond its control; and the outcome of any known or unknown litigation and regulatory proceedings. Detailed information about these factors and additional important factors can be found in the documents that the Company files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company does not undertake an obligation to update forward-looking information, except to the extent required by applicable law.

    Media Contact
    Jordan Mann
    ARKO Corp.
    investors@gpminvestments.com

    Investor Contact
    Sean Mansouri, CFA
    Elevate IR
    (720) 330-2829
    ARKO@elevate-ir.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Alaris Equity Partners Announces Full Exercise of Over-Allotment Option and Issuance of an Additional $12 Million of Convertible Unsecured Senior Debentures

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES.
    FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Unless otherwise stated, all numbers in this press release are presented in Canadian dollars. Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust (“Alaris” or the “Trust“) (TSX: AD.UN) is pleased to announce that further to its previously announced closing of the offering (the “Offering“) of $80 million aggregate principal amount of convertible unsecured senior debentures of the Trust (“Debentures“), the syndicate of underwriters led by National Bank Financial, CIBC Capital Markets and Desjardins Capital Markets, and including Acumen Capital Partners, Raymond James Ltd., RBC Capital Markets, Scotiabank, and Cormark Securities Inc. have exercised their over-allotment option (the “Over-allotment Option“) in full, resulting in the issuance today of an additional $12 million aggregate principal amount of Debentures, bringing the total Offering to $92 million aggregate principal amount of Debentures.

    The Debentures bear interest at a rate of 6.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 30 and December 31 of each year commencing on December 31, 2025 and mature on June 30, 2030. The Debentures are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “AD.DB.B”.

    The Trust intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering, including the Over-Allotment Option, to partially repay outstanding indebtedness under Alaris’ subsidiary’s senior debt facility which may be subsequently redrawn and used to fund future investments in new Partners (as defined below) investments or general trust purposes.

    ABOUT ALARIS

    The Trust, through its subsidiaries, invests in a diversified group of private businesses (“Partners”) primarily through structured equity. The primary goal of our structured equity investments is to deliver stable and predictable returns to our unitholders through both cash distributions and capital appreciation. This strategy is enhanced by common equity positions, which allow us to generate returns in alignment with the founders of our Partners.

    This news release is not an offer of securities of Alaris for sale in the United States. The Debentures have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Debentures may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an applicable exemption from such registration. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This news release contains forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of “safe harbor” provisions under applicable securities laws (“forward-looking statements“). Statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this news release may be forward-looking statements including, without limitation, management’s expectations, intentions and beliefs concerning the use of proceeds of the Offering and the use of the senior debt facility. Many of these statements can be identified by words such as “believe”, “expects”, “will”, “intends”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “estimates”, “continues” or similar words or the negative thereof. There can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations on which these forward-looking statements are based will occur.

    By their nature, forward-looking statements require Alaris to make assumptions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Key assumptions include, but are not limited to, assumptions that: Alaris will use the net proceeds from the Offering in the manner described herein and that Alaris will use the senior debt facility as set forth herein.

    Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions and should not be read as guarantees or assurances of future performance. The actual results of the Trust and the Partners could materially differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of certain risk factors, including, but not limited to: the use of proceeds from the Offering in a manner that differs than as set forth herein and the use of the senior debt facility in a manner different than set forth herein. Additional risks that may cause actual results to vary from those indicated are discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” and “Forward Looking Statements” in the Trust’s Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, which is filed under the Trust’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on its website at www.alarisequitypartners.com.

    Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information contained in this news release as a number of factors could cause actual future results, conditions, actions or events to differ materially from the targets, expectations, estimates or intentions expressed in the forward-looking statements. Statements containing forward-looking information reflect management’s current beliefs and assumptions based on information in its possession on the date of this news release. Although management believes that the assumptions reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

    The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and Alaris does not undertake or assume any obligation to update or revise such statements to reflect new events or circumstances except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.

    Neither the TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    For further information please contact:

    ir@alarisequity.com
    P: (403) 260-1457
    Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust
    Suite 250, 333 24th Avenue S.W.
    Calgary, Alberta T2S 3E6
    www.alarisequitypartners.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Bullet Blockchain, Inc. to Present at Blockchain and Digital Assets Virtual Investor Conference on June 5, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bullet Blockchain, Inc. (OTC: BULT), a leading innovator in blockchain technology and digital asset management, today announced that its management will present live at the Blockchain and Digital Assets Virtual Investor Conference, hosted by VirtualInvestorConferences.com, on June 5, 2025, at 2:30 PM ET.

    Event Details for BULT presentation:        

    • Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025
    • Time: 2:30 PM Eastern Time
    • Location: REGISTER HERE

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

    Learn more about the event at www.virtualinvestorconferences.com

    Recent Company Highlights

    Attended the Bitcoin2025 Conference – Furthered opportunities across many key aspects of operations including: wallet security partnerships, expansion and implementation of hardware/software capabilities, negotiating new hires and strategic partnerships with crypto focused companies.

    New C-Suite Executive – Appointed Eric Noveshen as the company’s Executive Vice President and interim-Chief Financial Officer.

    Exclusive Cybersecurity Solution for Crypto ATMs – Executed exclusive partnership with Sailo Technologies CY Ltd., to integrate next-generation digital wallet security solutions into crypto ATMs—preventing fraud and affording users a seamless transaction experience.

    Continued Growth – Began operations in QT2 2023 acquiring 26 ATM Kiosks; ending year with 74 crypto ATMs and $1.68M in Revenue (exceeding year’s projections). Closed 2024 year with 200 Crypto ATM Kiosks, operational in 6 states, and $2.21M in Revenue.

    About Bullet Blockchain, Inc.
    Bullet Blockchain, Inc. (OTC: BULT), based in Las Vegas, Nevada, is a diversified blockchain and Web 3.0 technology company. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, First Bitcoin Capital LLC, Bullet holds exclusive rights to two foundational U.S. patents for Bitcoin ATMs—positioning it as the only U.S.-based company with this IP. Its Bitcoin ATMs, operated by licensed third parties, support real-time cash-to-Bitcoin transactions and are part of a growing national network focused on expanding crypto access across diverse communities.

    The company is committed to accelerating blockchain innovation and driving shareholder value through strategic software development, licensing, and decentralized platform solutions. Material updates are shared via Bullet Blockchain’s website, OTC Markets disclosures, press releases, and social media channels.

    Follow us at:
    Website: https://www.bulletblockchain.com/      
    X (f/k/a Twitter): @BULT_stock
    Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/BULT/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BulletBlockchainInc/
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bullet-blockchain-inc

    Find investor and general information at https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/BULT/profile
    For investor and general information, please email  contact@BulletBlockchain.com

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors. 

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    Forward-Looking Statements:
    Statements in this press release that are not statements of historical or current fact constitute “forward-looking statements.” Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other unknown factors that could cause the Company’s actual operating results to be materially different from any historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors, including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company’s views as of the date of this press release, and these views could change at some point in the future. However, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. In addition to statements that explicitly describe these risks and uncertainties, readers are urged to consider statements that contain terms such as “believes,” “belief,” “expects,” “expect,” “intends,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “plan,” to be uncertain and forward-looking.

    CONTACTS:

    Investor Relations
    Bullet Blockchain, Inc.
    Email: ir@bulletblockchain.com
    Tel: (775) 237-8856

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, June 2025: UK and Canada joint statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Report by OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, June 2025: UK and Canada joint statement to the OSCE

    UK and Canada thank the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities for his active start in the role and urge continued prioritisation of support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.

    Thank you, Mister Chair.  I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada and the UK. 

    High Commissioner, dear Christophe, welcome back to the Permanent Council.  Since this is your first report in this capacity, allow us officially to congratulate you on your appointment and for hitting the ground running.  You have had a very active start to your tenure, as demonstrated by your comprehensive report today.

    The UK and Canada are strong supporters of your mandate and the work of your office in promoting the rights of persons belonging to national minorities. 

    We commend your extensive engagement with – and visits to – a number of our participating States, including Moldova and Central Asia.  We welcome the transparency around your activities, which you have achieved without undermining the “quiet diplomacy” that is an important characteristic of your mandate.

    The UK and Canada greatly value your Office’s continued attention to the intersectionality of gender and national minorities.  It is in all our interests that we fully support women’s and girls’ full, equal and meaningful participation in all aspects of public life, including in peace and security.  We agree with you, High Commissioner, that greater gender equality in societies contributes to greater comprehensive security for us all.

    We also welcome that you have prioritised support to Ukraine, including an early visit.  We commend the strides that the Ukrainian authorities have made in strengthening the legal and policy frameworks for protecting national minorities and preparing the ground for inclusive education reforms.  This progress provides a promising foundation for Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery.

    High Commissioner, your office plays a crucial role which is as important today as it was when created more than 30 years ago. But like most of the OSCE’s tools, it can only play this role when the political will exists to permit it. 

    The situation in Ukraine is a case in point.  Your predecessor noted prior to the full-scale invasion that Ukraine was “working to maintain the delicate balance between the interests and rights of all groups in society”.  Rather than engage in good faith dialogue, Russia has weaponised the issue of minorities. And the irony is that those Ukrainians who Russia claimed to be protecting, have suffered greatly from its invasion. 

    The UK and Canada support your office’s continued focus on the situation in the areas of Ukraine’s sovereign territory temporarily under Russian control.  We condemn Russia’s systematic attempt to erase Ukrainian identity in these areas, including forced passportisation and the deportation of children.  The deeply concerning situation in Crimea, including widescale repression of Crimean Tatars, has been well documented by numerous independent organisations.

    High Commissioner, dear Christophe, we thank you and your team for your considerable efforts in the period covered by your report.  You can rely on the UK and Canada’s continued support for your institution in the years ahead.  Thank you.

    And thank you, Mister Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recruitment for an Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Co-ordinator

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Recruitment for an Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Co-ordinator

    Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Co-ordinator, working on the UK’s programmes of AMR surveillance in animals.

    We have a vacancy for an Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Co-ordinator.

    Job Title

    Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Co-ordinator

    Grade

    HSO

    Salary & Pension

    £37,480 per annum with Pension Scheme

    Annual Leave entitlement

    Commencing at 25 days

    Role

    This is a fantastic opportunity to join the team to cover a period of maternity leave.

    You will work with another HSO AMR co-ordinator to support the AMR surveillance manager in delivery of the surveillance programmes, including the interpretation and reporting of results. You will also co-ordinate important AMR activities across government and provide scientific input into, and generate outputs from, a diverse range of AMR surveillance initiatives.

    How to apply

    You must make your application via Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Co-ordinator – Civil Service Jobs – GOV.UK where you will find a full job description.

    Closing Date

    2 July 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI: authID Integrates with Ping Identity’s DaVinci to Provide Passwordless, Privacy-Preserving Biometrics

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Denver, Colorado, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — authID, a leading provider of identity proofing and biometric authentication, today announced a new integration with Ping Identity, a leader in securing digital identities for the world’s largest enterprises. authID will leverage PingOne DaVinci™, a no-code identity orchestration service, enabling organizations to quickly and easily adopt privacy-preserving biometrics, which will help them eliminate the need for passwords and mitigate account takeover fraud.

    authID’s integration of its Verified platform and PrivacyKey™ solution with PingOne DaVinci empowers companies to easily incorporate biometrics into their onboarding and authentication workflows for both workforce and consumer use cases. With authID and PingOne DaVinci, enterprises can eliminate the friction and vulnerabilities of passwords, improve user experience, and decrease account takeover fraud. authID’s privacy-preserving biometric authentication solution ensures enterprises truly know who is behind the device, while maintaining compliance with government regulations.

    “At authID, our mission is to eradicate identity fraud by delivering secure, frictionless biometric authentication at scale,” said Rhon Daguro, CEO of authID. “This integration with PingOne DaVinci accelerates the path to passwordless security for Ping’s enterprise customers. By embedding our privacy-first biometrics into DaVinci’s orchestration platform, organizations can rapidly deploy biometrics into their existing authentication workflows, effectively strengthening identity assurance, stopping account takeover attacks, and ensuring that only the right person is able to access sensitive systems.”

    authID joins a growing network of technology partners developing integrations with DaVinci through the Ping Identity Global Technology Partner Program. Partner solutions that integrate with DaVinci deliver an improved customer experience in a fraction of the time, through easy drag-and-drop design of digital user journeys across multiple applications and ecosystems.

    “Ping Identity is committed to expanding our technology partner ecosystem to deliver better, more frictionless customer experiences,” said Loren Russon, SVP of Product Management at Ping Identity. “Our collaboration with authID leverages DaVinci’s seamless orchestration to ensure dynamic user journeys are delivered quickly and efficiently at every stage of the user journey.”

    For more information on authID’s work with Ping Identity visit the Integration Directory.

    About authID
    authID (Nasdaq: AUID) ensures enterprises “Know Who’s Behind the Device™” for every customer or employee login and transaction through its easy-to-integrate, patented biometric identity platform. authID powers biometric identity proofing in 700ms, biometric authentication in 25ms, and account recovery with a fast, accurate, user-friendly experience. With our ground-breaking PrivacyKey™ solution, authID provides a 1-to-1-billion false match rate, while storing no biometric data. authID stops fraud at onboarding, blocks deepfakes, prevents account takeover, and eliminates password risks and costs, through the fastest, most frictionless, and most accurate user identity experience demanded by today’s digital ecosystem. For further information please visit authid.ai.

    About Ping Identity
    Ping delivers unforgettable user experiences and uncompromising security. We make crafting digital experiences simple for any type of user—partners, customers, employees, and beyond. We are anti-lock-in. That means integration with existing ecosystems, clouds, and on-prem technologies is simple. Out-of-the-box templates let businesses leverage our identity expertise to give their users frictionless experiences. Whether they’re building a foundation of modern digital identity, or out-innovating their competitors with cutting-edge services like digital credentials, AI-driven fraud prevention and governance, Ping is the one-stop shop for game-changing digital identity.

    ###

    Media Contacts

    authID
    NextTech Communications
    Walter Fowler
    1-631-334-3864
    wfowler@nexttechcomms.com

    Investor Relations Contacts
    Investor-Relations@authid.ai

    Join us on LinkedIn: authID

    Ping Identity Media Relations
    press@pingidentity.com

    Follow Us on Twitter: @PingIdentity
    Join us on LinkedIn: Ping Identity
    Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: PingIdentityTV
    Like Us on Facebook: PingIdentityPage

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: CPA Canada and FP Canada™ partner to strengthen professional financial services for Canadians

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) and FP Canada will strengthen comprehensive financial guidance for Canadians by allowing stronger collaboration between the accounting and financial planning professions.

    This relationship will offer professional accountants who are part of CPA Canada with opportunities to enhance their credentials, along with improved access to FP Canada courses and conferences. The two organizations will also collaborate on continuing education, research and thought leadership initiatives.

    “The landscape of financial services is evolving quickly, and clients are looking for holistic advice that integrates tax, retirement, investment and estate planning,” says CPA Canada president and CEO Pamela Steer. “This agreement will allow CPAs to deepen their value to clients through greater access to financial planning credentials at FP Canada—and aligns with the professional rigour and ethical standards CPAs are known for.”

    CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals and QUALIFIED ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals will benefit from improved access to select CPA Canada programs, including accredited continuing education and national events. FP Canada will also share and amplify information, research and other updates from CPA Canada, helping financial planners stay current and competitive.

    “This partnership represents a significant opportunity to leverage the strong reputations of two esteemed professional organizations in Canada’s financial services sector,” says Tashia Batstone, President and CEO of FP Canada. “By working together, we can more effectively support the professionals who serve the public every day. This will ultimately help to strengthen the financial services ecosystem, for the benefit of all Canadians.”

    For Canadians, this agreement means greater access to trusted financial expertise from professionals held to the highest standards of ongoing education, ethics and certification. In an era of economic uncertainty and growing skepticism, credentialed advisors matter more than ever.

    By combining the strengths of both professions, Canadians will benefit from comprehensive advice that spans everything from complex tax strategies to long-term financial planning—leading to more informed, confident decisions about their financial futures.

    About CPA Canada

    CPA Canada works on behalf of the Canadian CPA profession in the public interest, promoting transparency, preparing CPAs for an evolving business environment and contributing to the development of accounting and financial policy nationally and globally.

    About FP Canada

    FP Canada is a national not-for-profit education, certification and professional oversight organization working in the public interest. FP Canada is dedicated to championing better financial wellness for all Canadians by leading the advancement of professional financial planning in Canada.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Magnite Integrates Anoki ContextIQ Platform and AI Copilot to Bring Scene Level Targeting to CTV

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Magnite (NASDAQ:MGNI), the largest independent sell-side advertising company, today announced the integration of Anoki ContextIQ, the industry-leading multimodal AI platform for contextual video intelligence at scale. As the first SSP to adopt ContextIQ, Magnite is helping bring the benefits of the platform and its AI copilot to CTV advertising. The collaboration unlocks exclusive access to ContextIQ through Magnite SpringServe, giving buyers access to scene-level contextual targeting and planning tools.

    Anoki ContextIQ is a purpose-built AI engine that analyzes scene content, sentiment, and brand safety in CTV environments. Integrating the technology within Magnite SpringServe helps unlock greater transparency for buyers and resonance with the scene and emotions ahead of the ad break. This allows campaigns to be aligned with content and helps unlock the full potential of scene-level buying. Publishers can gain deeper insight into the contextual value of their content, helping them to surface high-value inventory that aligns with brand objectives, improves yield and unlocks new monetization opportunities.

    “At Magnite, we’ve long been focused on building and enabling tools that help our clients optimize across every screen, and this integration with Anoki takes that commitment to the next level,” said Kristen Williams, SVP, Partnerships at Magnite. “By embedding AI-powered scene analysis into our CTV stack, we’re equipping advertisers with smarter, more scalable tools to reach their audiences in the most relevant moments, all while maintaining transparency and control.”

    “The integration of ContextIQ within SpringServe allows the industry to reimagine the ad break by opening up a complete picture of scene level analysis across CTV. We partnered with Magnite for their deep leadership in CTV and shared commitment to innovation,” said Abbey Thomas, Chief Commercial Officer at Anoki. “ContextIQ leverages multimodal AI to capture the full emotional, visual, and auditory context of every scene. That allows publishers and advertisers to unlock more precision, brand safety, and emotional resonance in CTV.”

    “At A+E, we’re continually exploring ways to deliver enhanced value for our advertisers,” said Roseann Montenes, Head of Audience Innovation & Digital at A+E Global Media. “This integration allows us to marry the power of A+E’s best-in-class entertainment portfolio with state-of-the-art contextual tech, enriching viewers’ experience with ads far more relevant, resonant, and aligned with the content on screen.”

    About Magnite
    We’re Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising company. Publishers use our technology to monetize their content across all screens and formats including CTV, online video, display, and audio. The world’s leading agencies and brands trust our platform to access brand-safe, high-quality ad inventory and execute billions of advertising transactions each month. Anchored in bustling New York City, sunny Los Angeles, mile high Denver, historic London, colorful Singapore, and down under in Sydney, Magnite has offices across North America, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC.

    About Anoki AI
    Anoki AI is a pioneering AI company revolutionizing the world of connected TV (CTV), from content discovery to advertising and engagement. Anoki AI empowers content partners, CTV platforms, and advertisers to connect with their target audiences with unparalleled precision for maximum impact. Our suite of innovative solutions – Live TVx (AI-enhanced native FAST service), ContextIQ (AI-powered contextual CTV advertising), and AdMagic (GenAI for video ad creation and personalization) – harnesses the power of cutting-edge AI to deliver hyper-personalized viewing experiences that seamlessly integrate high-quality content and contextually relevant and dynamically customized ads that resonate deeply with viewers. Learn more at anoki.ai.

    Media Contact:

    Purpose Worldwide
    Alexis Gold
    alexis.gold@purposenorthamerica.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: SeekOut Appoints Veteran B2B Executive Bala Vishwanath as Chief Marketing Officer to Lead Talent Acquisition’s Agentic AI Revolution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SeekOut, the Agentic AI talent acquisition platform, today announced Bala Vishwanath as Chief Marketing Officer, positioning the company to lead recruiting’s most fundamental transformation since the dawn of the internet. This strategic appointment comes as enterprises have an unprecedented opportunity to embrace Agentic AI and gain significant competitive advantages in securing top talent.

    The talent acquisition industry stands at a critical inflection point. While many organizations celebrate basic AI-powered tools that assist recruiters, a seismic shift to autonomous AI agents is already underway. These agents work continuously, sourcing across platforms, conducting deep research and managing personalized campaigns with superhuman scale and precision. Organizations that embrace this evolution early will gain tremendous competitive advantages in securing exceptional talent.

    “We’re witnessing the emergence of Vertical AI with specialized autonomous agents built for specific functions,” said Anoop Gupta, co-founder and CEO of SeekOut. “Just as AI transformed finance and healthcare, it’s now redefining talent acquisition. Bala understands how to evangelize category-defining transformations. He’ll ensure every enterprise leader grasps a simple truth: Agentic AI isn’t coming. It’s here, and it’s creating incredible opportunities for forward-thinking organizations.”

    SeekOut bridges the transformation gap with two revolutionary approaches. SeekOut Recruit represents the “you do it” solution, empowering internal teams with AI superpowers, including semantic search across one billion profiles and intelligent automation. For organizations ready to leap forward, SeekOut Spot delivers the “we do it” experience through true Agentic AI, where autonomous agents work alongside expert advisors to deliver qualified, interested candidates in 3 to 14 days, versus the industry’s 60- to 80-day standard.

    “Every filled position with exceptional talent becomes a competitive advantage for your organization,” said Bala Vishwanath. “SeekOut Spot doesn’t just accelerate hiring. It fundamentally breaks the speed-quality paradox that has plagued recruiting forever. When AI agents evaluate thousands of candidates in parallel while human experts ensure nuance and fit, you don’t get incremental improvement. You get transformation. My mission is simple: help every talent leader understand the incredible opportunities this transformation creates and how they can lead the way in their industry.”

    With over 25 years leading B2B marketing transformations, including establishing CoreStack as the definitive enterprise cloud governance leader, Vishwanath will spearhead SeekOut’s market expansion as enterprises worldwide embrace Agentic AI.

    About SeekOut

    SeekOut is the Agentic AI talent acquisition platform transforming how enterprises discover and hire exceptional talent. The company’s dual approach includes SeekOut Recruit, the “you do it” AI-powered platform trusted by over 1,000 enterprises, and SeekOut Spot, the “we do it” Agentic AI service where autonomous agents and expert advisors deliver complete hiring outcomes. Founded in 2018, SeekOut has raised $189 million from Tiger Global, Madrona and Mayfield, achieving a $1.2 billion valuation. Learn more at www.seekout.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3465e8d9-343d-4a62-b643-53a05cadaf6e

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Poornawadi Nagarik Sahakari Bank Maryadit Beed, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated June 3, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on Poornawadi Nagarik Sahakari Bank Maryadit Beed, Maharashtra (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Management of Advances – UCBs’ and ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by the RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, additional submissions made by it and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had:

    1. sanctioned certain gold loans in excess of prescribed ceiling of Loan to Value (LTV) ratio; and

    2. failed to upload the KYC records of certain customers onto Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed time.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/485

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Adilabad District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Telangana

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated June 4, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on The Adilabad District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Telangana (the bank) for contravention of provisions of Section 20 read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the BR Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of contravention of statutory provisions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said provisions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had sanctioned loans to its directors.

    This action is based on deficiencies in statutory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/486

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia continues to frustrate peace efforts while trying to convince the world it is taking them seriously: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Russia continues to frustrate peace efforts while trying to convince the world it is taking them seriously: UK statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Holland calls out Russia’s latest tactics to frustrate efforts to end its war in Ukraine while trying to convince the world it is serious about peace. He confirms that the Kremlin’s delay tactics will only redouble the UK’s resolve to support Ukraine to secure a just and lasting peace

    Thank you, Mister Chair.  The UK welcomes the second round of bilateral negotiations that took place earlier this week in Istanbul.  We thank Türkiye for again hosting the discussions and the United States for creating the momentum that got everybody to this point.  The agreement to a further large-scale prisoner exchange and the return of fallen soldiers is a further step towards building confidence.

    We regret, however, that Russia limited the progress that could be made at Monday’s talks by refusing to send, in advance, the memorandum setting out its position on ending this illegal war.  The memorandum, when it arrived, revealed no movement away from the maximalist terms that we have all heard before.  We also regret that the Kremlin continues to reject a complete, unconditional and immediate 30-day ceasefire.

    This is consistent with the tactics that Russia has employed for weeks over peace talks: to draw out the process and refuse to engage in a meaningful way; all while trying to convince the world that it is serious about peace.  We see it in this Council and at the United Nations where Russia makes nonsensical claims.  Among these is the allegation that those who materially support Ukraine’s sovereign right to defend itself from unprovoked aggression, are undermining peace efforts.

    Nobody in this room is fooled; we know who started this war, and we know who is resisting efforts to end it.  The UK is committed to securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.  Delay tactics from the Kremlin will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine defend itself and to use our sanctions to restrict Russia’s war machine.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Arrangements confirmed for City Cemetery Blessing of the Graves

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Arrangements confirmed for City Cemetery Blessing of the Graves

    5 June 2025

    Members of the public wishing to attend the Annual Blessing of the Graves at the City Cemetery scheduled to take place at 3pm on Sunday June 22nd, are asked to check traffic and parking arrangements to help plan their visit.

    130 car parking spaces will be made available for Blue Badge holders within the Cemetery.  The places will be allocated on a first come first served basis to current Blue Badge holders and can be booked at www.derrystrabane.com/cemeterysunday

    When booking online for the City Cemetery spaces users are advised that they must provide a NameMobile numberVehicle Registration NumberBlue Badge Number and email address – any submissions without this information will be considered invalid. The people using these spaces can access them via the Lonemoor Road entrance and they are to arrive before 2pm as the gates will close promptly at this time.

    The City Cemetery will be closed to the general public on Sunday, June 22nd, except for burials and for those who have a parking space booked. Those who secure a 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. Access to the cemetery for vehicles will be from the lower gate of the Cemetery at the Lone Moor Road.

    Other car parking is being made available and again are for blue badge holders at St Mary’s Church, Creggan, St Cecilia’s College and Celtic Park. There is no prior booking to 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. 

    Please note that for those unable to attend or anyone with accessibility issues, the Service will also be live streamed and can be viewed from home.

    In a joint statement from the Council, as owners of the Cemetery, and the Church, as event organisers, people were asked to follow the guidance and plan their visit in advance. “The Blessing of the Graves is always well attended with thousands of people expected at the City Cemetery on June 22nd. In order to ensure the smooth running of the event and in the interests of health and safety a number of measures will be put in place. These are necessary to reduce the volume of traffic and keep pedestrian safe. We would appeal to everyone to follow this guidance and cooperate with the stewards there to manage the event on the day.

    “Visitors parking outside the cemetery are asked to please park in appropriate areas and be considerate of people living in the area. Be mindful of residents living in the area and do not block roadways, footpaths, or gateways when parking. This is an important time of prayer for families who are remembering loved ones, and we ask that everyone is respectful of other visitors during the service. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in delivering this event.”

    There will be no vehicle access to the cemetery from 12pm to facilitate preparations for the service. Access will only be given to those who have registered with gates remaining open until 2pm.

    You can view the livestream of the Blessing of the Graves as follows: https://youtube.com/live/9ZS-utqxlfQ?feature=share

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: DRC: Victims still waiting for justice, truth and reparations 25 years on from Kisangani war 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Twenty-five years since the six-day war in Kisangani in Democratic Republic of Congo in which hundreds of civilians were killed and thousands more injured, victims are still waiting for truth, justice and, for the most part, reparations, Amnesty International said in a new briefing today. 

    The briefing Is anyone moved by Congo’s pain? 25 years without justice for the six-day war in Kisangani, documents how there has not been a single criminal investigation or trial since the bloody conflict between Rwandan and Ugandan forces. During the fighting in the north-eastern city, which started on 5 June 2000, both armies engaged in intense and indiscriminate shelling of heavily populated civilian areas, intentionally killed civilians, raped women and pillaged houses.  

    It is utterly unacceptable that for 25 years, not a single person has been held to account for crimes perpetrated in Kisangani, not one.

    Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

    With the DRC courts’ failure to pursue justice and the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) lack of jurisdiction over crimes committed in DRC before 2002, those suspected of criminal responsibility for these crimes have never been prosecuted and punished. 

    “It is utterly unacceptable that for 25 years, not a single person has been held to account for crimes perpetrated in Kisangani, not one,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. “This lack of criminal accountability for past crimes has led to a cycle of violence in the DRC, with similar actors, similar weapons and similar suffering. Justice cannot wait another 25 years. It is the responsibility of Congolese judicial authorities to investigate and, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, prosecute those suspected of criminal responsibility for crimes committed on DRC territory.” 

    In 2022, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Uganda to pay reparations, following a case brought by the DRC against Uganda and Rwanda. The ICJ did not have jurisdiction over Rwanda. In 2024, some victims finally started to receive compensation, but the process by been wrought by complaints of mismanagement and embezzlement. 

    Amnesty International interviewed over 50 people, mostly survivors, as well as civil society organizations and justice sector officials. 

    The “Three-Day, One-Day and Six-Day wars” in Kisangani 

    The six-day war was one of a series of conflicts between the Ugandan and Rwandan armies in Kisangani between August 1999 and June 2000 that left behind a trail of death and destruction. 

    The first war – “the three-day war”, started on 14 June 1999, with the two armies exchanging indiscriminate fire and shelling, which killed more than 30 civilians  and wounded more than 100.  

    After close to a year of relative quiet, fighting started again on 5 May 2000 and lasted only one day. Exactly a month later, the “six-day war”, which was more intense, started. Without differentiating between civilians and combatants, the two armies indiscriminately shelled Kisangani, killing several hundred civilians and injuring thousands. 

    A civil society activist who survived and reported on the three wars in Kisangani recounted:  

    “For six days there were only bombs falling, we did not know if we were going to live. There were a lot of fatalities…” 

    A woman who was seven at the time of the war, recalled: 

    “I was walking with my grandmother when I was struck by a bomb in my leg. I didn’t know how to get to hospitals, it was dangerous, so we were dealing with the injury at home, but the foot was rotting. On the fifth day I went to the hospital, but it was too late, they cut off my leg.  

    For six days there were only bombs falling, we did not know if we were going to live. There were a lot of fatalities.

    Survivor, Kisangani

    “A gentleman who could not go home until the war ended, returned at the end of the six days and found his wife and three children dead, their corpses decomposing. The house had been hit by bombs. “He went mad and died shortly after.”  

    People want truth, justice and reparations 

    Despite the lack of judicial criminal proceedings either in the DRC or internationally, the people’s demands for justice and reparations remain strong decades later. 

    A man, who also survived the wars, said: “My dearest wish was the establishment of courts. This is the wish of the Congolese people. Now we have a sense of frustration in the population. Why were there blockages? It is unclear why crimes that have already been documented have not been tried. Is there nobody emotionally moved by the crimes committed in Congo?” 

    At least 40 people interviewed told Amnesty International that there was no political will to institute criminal proceedings or deliver justice. Lack of judicial independence has also meant that without the support of political leaders, some of whom are former belligerents, judicial officials could not open investigations. 

    The complete lack of prosecutions has led to a loss of trust in the country’s justice system and the government. 

    With regards to reparation programmes, the Special Fund for the Distribution of Compensation to Victims of Uganda’s Illicit Activities in the DRC (FRIVAO), tasked to manage the millions of dollars Uganda has been ordered to pay for reparations by the ICJ, has been criticised for lack of transparency and adequate consultations with victims of the Kisangani wars.  

    Justice cannot wait another 25 years. It is the responsibility of Congolese judicial authorities to investigate and, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, prosecute those suspected of criminal responsibility for crimes committed on DRC territory

    Tigere Chagutah

    One activist said: “People have no decency; there has been bloodshed… and they are embezzling funds that were intended for public interest work and victims! That is not what we fought for.”  

    Tigere Chagutah said: “Amnesty International reminds DRC of its obligations to investigate and, if enough admissible evidence is found, to prosecute in fair trials those suspected of criminal responsibility for the serious crimes committed in the territory of the DRC for over 30 years, including the Kisangani war.”  

    “The government must also offer adequate, effective and prompt reparations to victims following genuine consultations with survivors and civil society.” 

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: USA: Veto of UN resolution on lifting Gaza aid restrictions and unconditional release of hostages is inhumane and shameful amid Israel’s ongoing genocide

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the US government’s decision to veto a draft UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the occupied Gaza Strip, the release of hostages, and the “immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid”, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, said:  

    “This latest shameful US veto – one in a long list – gives Israel the green light to continue its genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. It allows Israel to continue starving Palestinian civilians and creating conditions of life meant to bring about their destruction. 

    “The US has squandered yet another crucial opportunity to demand that Israel ends civilian bloodshed. What possible justification can there be for blocking action by the UN Security Council that could help to end the harrowing starvation and suffering, free hostages and lift Israel’s suffocating aid restrictions? 

    “The lives of more than 2 million Palestinians are at stake: babies and children hospitalized for malnutrition-related symptoms; tens of thousands of children sleeping on empty stomachs; families unable to access flour for weeks; mothers too malnourished to breastfeed their infants; injured civilians deprived of life-saving medical supplies; and starved and emaciated fathers walking for hours under inhumane conditions to collect a parcel of food, not knowing if they’d even return home to their children.  

    The US can and must do its part to put an end to this manmade catastrophe, which it has contributed to.

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

    “As the occupying power, Israel has a clear obligation under international law to ensure the population in the territory it controls has adequate access to food, medicine and other supplies essential to their survival. It has repeatedly refused to do so. All states, including the United States, have an obligation to prevent genocide, cooperate to bring it to an end and punish perpetrators.

    “Israel’s newly established militarized humanitarian aid scheme, run by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, is not the answer as it is at odds with humanitarian principles and international law. The danger, ineffectiveness and utter depravity of this scheme became painfully clear as dozens of Palestinians, many of whom are sole providers for their families, were killed or injured while trying to access food. Nothing short of lifting all restrictions on entry of humanitarian aid will do. 

    “The US can and must do its part to put an end to this manmade catastrophe, which it has contributed to. It must immediately halt arms transfers and military assistance, press Israel to lift all aid restrictions and push for an immediate ceasefire by all parties. The survival of 2.2 million Palestinians in Gaza depends on it.” 

    MIL OSI NGO