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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Banking: As of today: free online chatting on all Lufthansa long-haul flights

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    Lufthansa is now also offering unlimited free chatting on its intercontinental flights. Passengers can send and receive any number of messages from their own smartphone or tablet via the familiar apps, regardless of their travel class during the flight, including photos.

    Many passengers would like this free service to be introduced because they want to stay in touch with family and friends via text messages even on long flights.

    The new free service is offered with the support of Mastercard. To use it, passengers have to log in to FlyNet with a Miles & More service card number or an email address registered with Lufthansa Group Travel ID. They can also sign up or register during their flight.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA approves aumolertinib to treat non-small cell lung cancer

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    MHRA approves aumolertinib to treat non-small cell lung cancer

    As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 3 June 2025, approved aumolertinib (Aumseqa) for adult patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

    Aumolertinib can be used in patients who have tested positive for a mutation in a gene called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and who have not yet received treatment for their cancer which has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic cancer). In certain circumstances it can be used even if the metastatic cancer has been treated before.

    This medicine is administered in tablet form, to be taken orally.

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said: 

    “Patient safety is our top priority, and I’m pleased to confirm that aumolertinib has met the MHRA’s standards for safety, quality and effectiveness.

     “This approval offers a new treatment option for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who have tested positive for EGFR mutations – a group for whom targeted therapies can be particularly important.

     “As with all products, we will keep aumolertinib’s safety under close review.”

    Aumolertinib works by blocking EGFR and may help to slow or stop the lung cancer from growing. It may also help reduce the size tumour.

    In a Phase 3 clinical trial, aumolertinib was found to reduce the risk of disease progression or death by 54% in patients with advanced or metastatic NSCLC who had specific EGFR mutations, when compared to an already-approved cancer treatment called gefitinib.

    Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects in some people. A full list of side effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) or the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), available on the MHRA website within 7 days of approval.  

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine should talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Cardv scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.    

    Notes to editors    

    • The new marketing authorisation was granted on 3 June 2025 to SFL Pharmaceuticals Deutschland GmbH.

    • This product was submitted and approved via a national procedure.  

    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.  

    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.  

    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.  

    • For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.  

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SFO investigates alleged multi-million-pound council fraud

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    SFO investigates alleged multi-million-pound council fraud

    Serious Fraud Office announces investigation into Rockfire Investment Finance Plc

    The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has today issued a series of Section 2 notices compelling financial institutions to provide information on its newly opened investigation into alleged fraud committed against Thurrock Council.

    Between 2016 and 2020, Thurrock Council invested millions into solar farms, via a bond scheme sold by the UK-based Rockfire Investment Finance Plc and other companies operating within the Rockfire Group.

    Rockfire offered multiple investment opportunities in solar farm bonds, offering a return on investment between 3-6% as well as the return of the initial bond purchase cost. The group has since entered administration.

    Thurrock Council was effectively declared bankrupt in December 2022 impacting local residents through council tax rises and cuts to services.

    Director of the Serious Fraud Office, Nick Ephgrave QPM, said:

    Today’s action is a significant step in our investigation concerning this suspected criminality.

    We are grateful for the assistance of Essex Police, Thurrock Council and others in the early stages of this enquiry.

    Press Office

    Email news@sfo.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number +44 (0)7557 009842

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Brace of inclusive opportunities to achieve your best

    Source: City of Winchester


    Two inspiring days of inclusive sport and achievement are set to take place in the district. 

    Winchester Personal Bests will take place in Winchester Sport & Leisure Park and the University of Winchester sports stadium on Thursday 4 September 2025.

    The event, which was previously known as Paralympic Personal Bests, is for adults with a wide range of learning and physical disabilities. It offers them the opportunity to try accessible sports and challenge themselves while creating connections and having fun in a supportive environment. 

    Each participant will have an opportunity to try a range of different sports including squash, athletics, low level circuits, rugby, football, cricket, yoga and boxing, and they will receive a T-shirt, reusable water bottle, certificate and a medal for taking part.

    Winchester Personal Bests is the first event of its kind to be officially recognised as Autism Friendly by the National Autistic Society.  

    Then on Thursday 30 October 2025, brand-new event Winchester Aqua Bests in Winchester Sport & Leisure Park will offer adults with learning disabilities an opportunity to take part in various inclusive and fully accessible water-based activities.

    Betty Chadwick, Executive Director of Active LD, said: “We know how important being active is for people with learning disabilities. Taking part in regular physical activity builds confidence, grows social networks and supports good physical and mental health. Access to inclusive and enjoyable physical activity is absolutely key to having a happy, healthy life.

    “We’re so excited about this year’s event, and that Personal Bests continues to grow. Aqua Bests has come about because of valued feedback from our past participants, and we can’t wait to witness the achievements in the pool.

    “We’d like to send huge thanks to all the coaches, participants, volunteers and event management team for making these events happen.” 

    Winchester City Council’s Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities Cllr Kathleen Becker said: “Personal Bests helps its participants to build lasting connections with different sports and their coaches, highlighting pathways to, and encouraging people with learning disabilities to engage in, regular physical activity.

    “By championing them for taking part and doing their best, it also helps to build confidence, grow their social networks, and support their mental health. I’d encourage anyone thinking about signing up to join in and give it a go – you’ll have a great time!”

    Alison Lewis, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “Winchester Sport & Leisure Park is proud to host the upcoming events, Personal Bests and Aqua Bests, reflecting our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessible sport. These events embody our dedication to providing meaningful opportunities for individuals of all abilities to participate, achieve, and thrive.”

    Register for a place now via the Active LD website.

    To volunteer at the events, visit https://www.activeld.org/volunteers

    Further information can be found at https://www.winchester.gov.uk/winchester-personal-bests.   

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint anti-scam operation a success

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with its counterparts in Macau, Malaysia, the Maldives, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand, conducted the first joint operation of FRONTIER+, a cross-boundary anti-scam platform.

    During the month-long operation that began on April 28, 1,858 individuals were arrested, involving 9,268 cases of online shopping scams, telephone deceptions, investment scams, rental scams and employment scams, with a total loss amounting to US$225 million.

    Moreover, 32,607 bank accounts were frozen and approximately US$20 million in fraudulent funds were intercepted, effectively disrupting criminal cash flows.

    At a press conference this afternoon, Hong Kong Police Force Commercial Crime Bureau Chief Superintendent Wong Chun-yue said investigations revealed that scams across different jurisdictions showed notable similarities.

    For instance, the impersonation of customer service representatives emerged as a widespread scam tactic in Hong Kong in 2024, and became less prevalent in 2025 after police intervention. Also in 2025, similar fraudulent schemes employing identical scripts and excuses began to appear in Singapore and Macau.

    This observation underscores the critical need for cross-jurisdictional collaboration and intelligence sharing to combat scam syndicates effectively, Mr Wong pointed out.

    Established by various anti-scam centres in October 2024, FRONTIER+ now comprises 10 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Indonesia, the Macao SAR, Malaysia, the Maldives, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.

    By strengthening intelligence exchange and co-ordinated actions, the platform aims to combat scams, cyber-related crimes and money laundering. It will continue to conduct real-time intelligence analysis and sharing, carry out cross-boundary joint operations, and expand its network by inviting more countries and regions to join, in order to enhance enforcement efficiency.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Hyperscale Data Reports Approximately $8.7 Million In Bitcoin Mining Revenue Year to Date, Including Approximately $1.9 Million for May 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hyperscale Data, Inc. (NYSE American: GPUS), a diversified holding company (“Hyperscale Data” or the “Company”), today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Inc. (“Sentinum”) received approximately 17.4 Bitcoin in the month of May 2025 and approximately 90 Bitcoin year to date from the mining pool to which Sentinum provides hash calculation services. Revenue is calculated daily based upon the number of Bitcoin earned that day at the value of Bitcoin on such date.

    Milton “Todd” Ault III, Founder and Executive Chairman of Hyperscale Data, commented, “These results reflect strong execution from the Sentinum team as they continue to focus on operational excellence. Further, the recent increase in the price of Bitcoin has given the Company greater optionality in the deployment of its mining fleet. It is my belief that we have an opportunity to capitalize on the price increase through selective miner deployment as opposed to the selling of miners in the secondary market, which has recently been strongly considered. The Company is thrilled with the current price of Bitcoin and is happy with the current contributions from Sentinum.”

    The Company would also like to remind its stockholders that Sentinum plans to resume Bitcoin mining operations at its Montana facilities in the month of June. This site is expected to increase Bitcoin mining capacity with approximately ten megawatts of power capacity coming online, which is sufficient to operate approximately 3,200 S19j Pro Antminers (“Antminers”).   Sentinum will initially recommence mining operations on approximately 2,600 Antminers and expects to increase operations to full capacity of approximately 3,200 Antminers, during July 2025.

    For more information on Hyperscale Data and its subsidiaries, Hyperscale Data recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read Hyperscale Data’s public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at hyperscaledata.com or available at www.sec.gov.

    About Hyperscale Data, Inc.

    Through its wholly owned subsidiary Sentinum, Hyperscale Data owns and operates a data center at which it mines digital assets and offers colocation and hosting services for the emerging artificial intelligence (“AI”) ecosystems and other industries. Hyperscale Data’s other wholly owned subsidiary, Ault Capital Group, Inc. (“ACG”), is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact.

    Hyperscale Data expects to divest itself of ACG on or about December 31, 2025 (the “Divestiture”). Upon the occurrence of the Divestiture, the Company would solely be an owner and operator of data centers to support high-performance computing services, though it may at that time continue to mine Bitcoin. Until the Divestiture occurs, the Company will continue to provide, through ACG and its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including an AI software platform, social gaming platform, equipment rental services, defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, medical/biopharma and hotel operations. In addition, ACG is actively engaged in private credit and structured finance through a licensed lending subsidiary. Hyperscale Data’s headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 190, Las Vegas, NV 89141.

    On December 23, 2024, the Company issued one million (1,000,000) shares of a newly designated Series F Exchangeable Preferred Stock (the “Series F Preferred Stock”) to all common stockholders and holders of the Series C Convertible Preferred Stock on an as-converted basis. The Divestiture will occur through the voluntary exchange of the Series F Preferred Stock for shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of ACG (collectively, the “ACG Shares”). The Company reminds its stockholders that only those holders of the Series F Preferred Stock who agree to surrender such shares, and do not properly withdraw such surrender, in the exchange offer through which the Divestiture will occur, will be entitled to receive the ACG Shares and consequently be stockholders of ACG upon the occurrence of the Divestiture.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “potential,” or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties.

    Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company’s business and financial results are included in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company’s Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company’s website at hyperscaledata.com.

    Hyperscale Data Investor Contact:
    IR@hyperscaledata.com or 1-888-753-2235

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Viper Energy, Inc., a Subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, Inc., to Acquire Sitio Royalties Corp. in All-Equity Transaction; Increases Base Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDLAND, Texas, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Viper Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:VNOM) (“Viper” or the “Company”), a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:FANG) (“Diamondback”), and Sitio Royalties Corp. (NYSE:STR) (“Sitio”) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Viper will acquire Sitio in an all-equity transaction valued at approximately $4.1 billion, including Sitio’s net debt of approximately $1.1 billion as of March 31, 2025. The consideration will consist of 0.4855 shares of Class A common stock of a new holding company (“pro forma Viper”) for each share of Sitio Class A common stock, and 0.4855 units of Viper’s operating subsidiary, Viper Energy Partners LLC, for each unit of Sitio’s operating subsidiary (along with a corresponding amount of Class B common stock of pro forma Viper for each share of Sitio Class C common stock), representing an implied value to each Sitio stockholder of $19.41 per share based on the closing price of Viper common stock on June 2, 2025. The transaction was unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of each company and has been approved by the written consent of Diamondback as Viper’s majority stockholder. Stockholders holding an aggregate of approximately 48% of Sitio’s outstanding voting power, including Kimmeridge, its largest stockholder, have agreed to vote in favor of the transaction. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025.

    The Company today also announced that the Board of Directors of Viper approved a 10% increase to its base dividend to $1.32 per share annually ($0.33 per share quarterly).

    STRATEGIC RATIONALE

    • Size and Scale: Adds substantial scale and inventory depth that will support pro forma Viper’s durable production profile and free cash flow growth over the next decade
    • Meaningful Financial Accretion and Higher Cash Returns: Expected to be approximately 8 – 10% accretive to cash available for distribution per Class A share immediately upon closing
    • Lower Breakeven: Lowers pro forma Viper’s base dividend breakeven by approximately $2 per barrel to <$20 WTI; increased base dividend of $1.32/share represents approximately 45% of cash available for distribution at $50 WTI
    • Significant Synergies: Estimated to be in excess of $50 million annually, primarily attributable to general and administrative and cost of capital savings
    • Access to Capital: Pro forma Viper is expected to maintain its Investment Grade status; pro forma leverage expected to be approximately 1.2x at closing at strip pricing and decreasing thereafter; near-term net debt target of $1.5 billion which equates to less than 1.0x leverage at $60 WTI
    • Diamondback Relationship: Diamondback is expected to own approximately 41% of pro forma Viper’s outstanding common stock after closing and will continue to drive meaningful long-term oil production growth from the Company’s acreage

    SITIO HIGHLIGHTS

    • Approximately 25,300 net royalty acres in the Permian Basin, plus an additional ~9,000 net royalty acres in other major basins (DJ, Eagle Ford, Williston); total acreage of approximately 34,300 net royalty acres
    • Roughly 50% overlap with existing Viper gross producing horizontal wells in the Permian Basin
    • Q1 2025 average production of 18.9 mbo/d (42.1 mboe/d); Q1 2025 average Permian production of 14.5 mbo/d (31.9 mboe/d)
    • Approximately 16.1 existing net DUCs and permits with an average lateral length of ~9,500 feet

    PRO FORMA HIGHLIGHTS

    • Approximately 85,700 net royalty acres in the Permian Basin; ~43% operated by Diamondback
    • Pro forma Viper owns an average 1.8% NRI in approximately 33,300 gross producing horizontal wells (~608 net wells)
    • Approximately 75.4 existing net DUCs and permits with an average lateral length of ~10,800 feet; Diamondback is the largest operator of these net locations with 41.1 DUCs and permits with an average lateral length of ~12,400 feet
    • Estimated Q4 2025 average production of 64 – 68 mbo/d (122 – 130 mboe/d); expect full year 2026 average production to increase by a mid-single digit percentage from these levels assuming current commodity prices, line of sight trajectory, and industry activity levels

    “The combination of Viper and Sitio signifies an important moment for mineral and royalty interests,” stated Kaes Van’t Hof, Chief Executive Officer of Viper. “This combination creates a leader in size, scale, float, liquidity and access to investment grade capital in the highly fragmented minerals industry. Pro forma Viper is now clearly a must-own public mineral and royalty company in North America, with attractive size and scale in the Permian Basin. This transaction positions Viper to compete for capital with mid and large cap North American E&Ps; except with higher margins, minimal operating costs, and the lowest dividend breakeven in the space.”

    Mr. Van’t Hof continued, “While this transaction will reduce Diamondback’s ownership in pro forma Viper to 41%, it does not reduce the significance of the relationship between Diamondback and Viper. The Diamondback drillbit remains Viper’s biggest competitive advantage and the most visible source of long-term production growth at Viper. Mineral interests offer the highest form of security and upside in the oil field, and any and all benefits an operator manages to unlock accrues directly to the mineral holder without any capital risk, forever.”

    “We are excited to announce the combination of two leading minerals companies with a shared strategic vision of integrating the highest quality assets to create a truly differentiated investment opportunity for shareholders,” said Sitio CEO Chris Conoscenti. “This transaction provides Sitio’s shareholders with exposure to an entity with significantly greater size, future development visibility, and all of the benefits of the economies of scale unique to the minerals business – higher margins, lower cost of capital, strong positioning for future M&A opportunities, and the ability to return more capital to shareholders. I want to thank all of the Sitio team members, whose innovation and relentless pursuit of continuous improvement made building Sitio such an amazing and rewarding experience.”

    “This transaction is the next logical step in Sitio’s evolution,” stated Noam Lockshin, Chairman of the Sitio Board of Directors. “By adding Sitio’s coverage of the Delaware Basin to Viper’s position in the Midland Basin, the combined company will be well positioned in the Permian for years to come.”

    Advisors

    Moelis & Company LLC is serving as financial advisor to Viper and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as its legal advisor.

    J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor to Sitio and Vinson & Elkins LLP is serving as its legal advisor.

    Conference Call

    Viper will host a conference call and webcast for investors and analysts to discuss this transaction on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. CT. Access to the webcast, and replay which will be available following the call, may be found here. The live webcast of the conference call will also be available via Viper’s website at www.viperenergy.com under the “Investor Relations” section of the site.

    About Viper Energy, Inc.

    Viper is a corporation formed by Diamondback to own, acquire and exploit oil and natural gas properties in North America, with a focus on owning and acquiring mineral and royalty interests in oil-weighted basins, primarily the Permian Basin. For more information, please visit www.viperenergy.com.

    About Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    Diamondback is an independent oil and natural gas company headquartered in Midland, Texas focused on the acquisition, development, exploration and exploitation of unconventional, onshore oil and natural gas reserves primarily in the Permian Basin in West Texas. For more information, please visit www.diamondbackenergy.com.

    About Sitio Royalties Corp.

    Sitio is a shareholder returns-driven company focused on large-scale consolidation of high-quality oil & gas mineral and royalty interests across premium basins, with a diversified set of top-tier operators. With a clear objective of generating cash flow from operations that can be returned to stockholders and reinvested, Sitio has accumulated approximately 34,300 net royalty acres through the consummation of over 200 acquisitions, as of March 31, 2025. More information about Sitio is available at www.sitio.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This communication relates to a proposed business combination transaction (the “Mergers”) between Viper and Sitio and the information included herein includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, which involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause the results to differ materially from such statements. All statements, other than historical facts, that address activities that Viper or Sitio assumes, plans, expects, believes, intends or anticipates (and other similar expressions) will, should or may occur in the future, or statements regarding the proposed Mergers, the likelihood that the conditions to the consummation of the Mergers will be satisfied on a timely basis or at all, Viper’s and Sitio’s ability to consummate the Mergers at any time or at all, the benefits of the Mergers and the post-combination company’s future financial performance following the Mergers, the post-combination company’s strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues, and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management, are forward-looking statements. When used herein, the words “may,” “could,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project” and similar expressions and the negative of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. The forward-looking statements are based on Viper’s and Sitio’s management’s current beliefs, based on currently available information, as to the outcome and timing of future events.

    Factors that could cause the outcomes to differ materially include (but are not limited to) the following: the risk associated with Sitio’s ability to obtain the approvals of its stockholders required to consummate the Mergers; risks related to the timing of the closing of the Mergers, including the risk that the conditions to the Mergers are not satisfied on a timely basis or at all or the failure of the Mergers to close for any other reason or to close on the anticipated terms, including the anticipated tax treatment; the risk that any regulatory approval, consent or authorization that may be required for the Mergers is not obtained or is obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; the post-combination company’s ability to successfully integrate Sitio’s and Viper’s businesses and technologies; the risk that the expected benefits and synergies of the Mergers may not be fully achieved in a timely manner, or at all; the risk that Sitio or Viper will not, or that following the Mergers, the post-combination company will not, be able to retain and hire key personnel; unanticipated difficulties or expenditures relating to the Mergers, the response of business partners and retention as a result of the announcement and pendency of the Mergers; Viper’s ability to finance the combined company on acceptable terms or at all; uncertainty as to the long-term value of the post-combination company’s common stock; the diversion of Sitio’s and Viper’s management’s time on transaction-related matters; and those risks described in Viper’s periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including in Item 1A of Viper’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2025, subsequent Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings Viper makes with the SEC, which can be obtained free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and Viper’s website at www.viperenergy.com/investors/overview, and in Sitio’s periodic filings with the SEC, including in Item 1A of Sitio’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2025, subsequent Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings Sitio makes with the SEC, which can be obtained free of charge on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov and Sitio’s website at investors.sitio.com.

    In light of these factors, the events anticipated by Viper’s and Sitio’s forward-looking statements may not occur at the time anticipated or at all. Moreover, Viper and Sitio conduct their businesses in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and new risks emerge from time to time. Viper and Sitio cannot predict all risks, nor can they assess the impact of all factors on their businesses or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by any forward-looking statements they may make. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this communication or, if earlier, as of the date they were made. Viper and Sitio do not intend to, and disclaim any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements unless required by applicable law.

    Additional Information and Where to Find It

    In connection with the Merger, New Cobra Pubco, Inc. (“New Parent”) will file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4, which will include a proxy statement of Sitio, an information statement of Viper and a prospectus of New Parent. The Mergers will be submitted to Sitio’s stockholders for their consideration. Viper, Sitio and New Parent may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the Mergers. After the registration statement has been declared effective by the SEC, a definitive joint information statement/proxy statement/prospectus will be mailed to the stockholders of Viper and Sitio. This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement and joint information statement/proxy statement/prospectus that will be filed with the SEC or any other documents that Viper, Sitio or New Parent may file with the SEC or send to stockholders of Viper or Sitio in connection with the Mergers. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF SITIO AND VIPER ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND JOINT INFORMATION STATEMENT/PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE MERGERS AND RELATED MATTERS.

    Investors and stockholders will be able to obtain free copies of the registration statement and the joint information statement/proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and all other documents filed or that will be filed with the SEC by Viper, Sitio or New Parent, through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    Viper, Sitio, New Parent and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Sitio stockholders in connection with the Mergers.

    Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Viper, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in Viper’s definitive proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, including under the headings “Proposal 1: Election of Directors”, “Executive Officers”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Compensation Tables”, “Stock Ownership” and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions,” which was filed with the SEC on April 10, 2025 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1602065/000119312525077960/d884560ddef14a.htm, To the extent holdings of Viper’s securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in Viper’s definitive proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statement of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3, Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 4, or Annual Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 5 filed with the SEC, which are available at EDGAR Search Results https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&CIK=0001602065&type=&dateb=&owner=only&count=40&search_text=.

    Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Sitio, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth (i) in Sitio’s definitive proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, including under the headings “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors”, “Executive Officers”, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management”, “Certain Relationships and Interested Transactions”, “Compensation Discussion and Analysis”, “Summary Compensation Table” and “2024 Director Compensation”, which was filed with the SEC on March 28, 2025 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1949543/000162828025015343/str-20250328.htm. To the extent holdings of Sitio’s securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in Sitio’s definitive proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statement of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3, Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 4, or Annual Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 5 filed with the SEC, which are available at EDGAR Search Results https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?action=getcompany&CIK=1949543&type=&dateb=&owner=only&count=40&search_text=.

    Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the joint information statement/proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. You may obtain free copies of these documents through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This communication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, pursuant to the Mergers or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Adjusted EBITDA is a supplemental non-GAAP financial measure that is used by management and external users of our financial statements, such as industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies. Viper defines Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) attributable to Viper Energy, Inc. plus net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest (“net income (loss)”) before interest expense, net, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, depletion expense, non-cash (gain) loss on derivative instruments, and instruments, (gain) loss on extinguishment of debt, if any, other non-cash operating expenses, other non-recurring expenses and provision for (benefit from) income taxes, if any. Management believes Adjusted EBITDA is useful because it allows it to more effectively evaluate Viper’s operating performance and compare the results of its operations from period to period without regard to its financing methods or capital structure. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income, royalty income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented as determined in accordance with GAAP. Certain items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA are significant components in understanding and assessing a company’s financial performance, such as a company’s cost of capital and tax structure, as well as the historic costs of depreciable assets, none of which are components of Adjusted EBITDA. Viper defines cash available for distribution generally as an amount equal to its Adjusted EBITDA for the applicable quarter less cash needed for income taxes payable, debt service, contractual obligations and fixed charges and reserves for future operating or capital needs that the Board may deem appropriate, lease bonus income, net of tax, dividend equivalent rights payments and preferred dividends, if any. Management believes cash available for distribution is useful because it allows them to more effectively evaluate Viper’s operating performance excluding the impact of non-cash financial items and short-term changes in working capital. Viper defines free cash flow margin as cash flow from operations less capital expenditures divided by total barrels of oil equivalents. Viper defines cash margins as unhedged realized price per Boe less production and ad valorem taxes, cash G&A, and interest expense divided by unhedged realized price. Viper defines pre-tax income attributable to Viper as income (loss) before income taxes less net income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest. Viper believes this measure is useful to investors given it provides the basis for income taxes payable by Viper, which is an adjustment to reconcile Adjusted EBITDA to cash available for distribution to Viper’s shareholders. Viper defines net debt as debt (excluding debt issuance costs, discounts and premiums) less cash and cash equivalents. Net debt should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, total debt, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Management uses net debt to determine Viper’s outstanding debt obligations that would not be readily satisfied by its cash and cash equivalents on hand. Viper believes this metric is useful to analysts and investors in determining Viper’s leverage position because Viper has the ability to, and may decide to, use a portion of its cash and cash equivalents to reduce debt. Viper’s computations of Adjusted EBITDA, cash available for distribution, pre-tax income attributable to Viper, free cash flow margins, cash margins, and net debt may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies or to such measure in its credit facility or any of its other contracts. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, cash available for distribution and net debt to the most comparable GAAP measures, please refer to the materials furnished by Viper to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Furthermore, this communication includes or references certain forward‐looking, non‐GAAP financial measures, such as estimated free cash flow for 2025, distributable cash flow per Class A shareholder for 2025 and certain related estimates regarding future performance, results and financial position. Because Viper provides these measures on a forward‐looking basis, it cannot reliably or reasonably predict certain of the necessary components of the most directly comparable forward‐looking GAAP measures, such as any future impairments and future changes in working capital. Accordingly, Viper is unable to present a quantitative reconciliation of such forward‐looking, non‐GAAP financial measures to the respective most directly comparable forward‐looking GAAP financial measures. The unavailable information could have a significant impact on our ultimate results. However, Viper believes these forward‐looking, non‐GAAP measures may be a useful tool for the investment community in comparing Viper’s forecasted financial performance to the forecasted financial performance of other companies in the industry.

    Oil and Gas Reserves

    The SEC generally permits oil and gas companies, in filings made with the SEC, to disclose proved reserves, which are reserve estimates that geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions, and certain probable and possible reserves that meet the SEC’s definitions for such terms. Viper discloses only estimated proved reserves in its filings with the SEC. Viper’s estimated proved reserves as of December 31, 2024 contained in this communication were prepared by Viper’s internal reservoir engineers and audited by Ryder Scott Company, L.P., an independent petroleum engineering firm, and comply with definitions promulgated by the SEC. Additional information on Viper’s estimated proved reserves is contained in Viper’s filings with the SEC. In this communication, Viper may use the terms “resources,” “resource potential” or “potential resources,” which the SEC guidelines prohibit Viper from including in filings with the SEC. “Resources,” “resource potential” or “potential resources” refer to Viper’s internal estimates of hydrocarbon quantities that may be potentially discovered through exploratory drilling or recovered with additional drilling or recovery techniques. Such terms do not constitute reserves within the meaning of the Society of Petroleum Engineer’s Petroleum Resource Management System or SEC rules and do not include any proved reserves. Actual quantities that may be ultimately recovered by the operators of Viper’s properties will differ substantially. Factors affecting ultimate recovery include the scope of the operators’ ongoing drilling programs, which will be directly affected by the availability of capital, drilling and production costs, availability of drilling services and equipment, drilling results, lease expirations, transportation constraints, regulatory approvals and other factors; and actual drilling results, including geological and mechanical factors affecting recovery rates. Estimates of potential resources may change significantly as development of our properties by our operators provide additional data. In addition, our production forecasts and expectations for future periods are dependent upon many assumptions, including estimates of production, decline rates from existing wells and the undertaking and outcome of future drilling activity, which may be affected by significant commodity price declines or drilling cost increases.

    Investor Contact

    Viper Energy:
    Chip Seale
    +1 432.247.6218
    cseale@viperenergy.com

    Sitio Royalties:
    Alyssa Stephens
    +1 281.407.5204
    IR@sitio.com

    Source: Viper Energy, Inc.; Diamondback Energy, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MoS Defence Sanjay Seth announces expansion of NCC by 3 lakh cadets at Bhopal Conference

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, on Tuesday announced a major expansion of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), with plans to add three lakh new cadets across the country.

    The announcement came during the inauguration of a conference of Special Joint State Representatives and Additional/Deputy Directors General (JS R&A/D) of the NCC in Bhopal.

    Speaking at the event, Seth emphasized the NCC’s role in nation-building and youth development. “The NCC instills a spirit of nationalism and service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resolved to raise the number of cadets to between 17 and 20 lakh. With support from all states, we will soon achieve this target,” he said.

    According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, several states have already expressed support for the initiative and have committed to fast-tracking the development of training infrastructure.

    Seth also highlighted new initiatives such as the recruitment of ex-servicemen as instructors, noting that it creates employment opportunities for military veterans.

    He lauded the NCC’s active participation in national missions such as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Naya Savera scheme, and the Nasha Mukti Abhiyan. The minister also congratulated the NCC’s Mount Everest Expedition team, which successfully reached the summit on May 18, calling it “a powerful example of cadet courage and resilience.”

    Underscoring the importance of centre-state cooperation, Seth urged state governments to fulfill their commitments in terms of manpower, infrastructure, and funding to ensure the success of the NCC expansion plan.

    During the event, Director General of NCC, Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh, outlined the organisation’s achievements and future plans. He stressed the need for robust training and camping infrastructure nationwide and emphasized efforts to boost youth participation and enhance cadet performance.

  • Break big smuggling syndicates, curb narcotics trade: FM Sitharaman tells DRI

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday asked the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to adopt a holistic and technology-driven approach to tackle smuggling and narcotics trade amid increasingly complex geopolitical environment and security threats.

    In her address at the inaugural event of the DRI’s new headquarters, the Finance Minister said there was a need to go beyond surface-level enforcement and focus on uncovering deeper systemic threats.

    “Investigate holistically, keeping the big picture in mind, leverage all available resources to uncover deeper systemic risks and threads by connecting the dots,” she said.

    She emphasised that dismantling the entire smuggling syndicates must be the end-goal of any investigation, which must not stop at peripheral seizures.

    “It’s no good if you catch the small fish. The bigger smuggling chain has to be tracked and acted upon. We must take down those nefarious chains,” she added.

    Sitharaman identified narcotics as the most serious national threat and called for urgent coordination with state law enforcement agencies to prevent schools and colleges from being targeted by drug traffickers.

    She also underlined the importance of internal collaboration: “Internal coordination, when well managed, makes outcomes better.”

    The Finance Minister cited PM Modi’s ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’ mantra as the spirit with which the enforcement agencies should move forward.

    She spelt out three guiding principles for the agency’s approach: the rules must be applied fairly, public confidence in the trade system must be maintained, and the enforcement must be intelligent and high-impact.

    “Value- and trust-based compliance is important, not fear-induced compliance,” Sitharaman pointed out.

    She highlighted the need for deeper and faster integration of modern technology into enforcement frameworks. “There’s a lot of talk around AI, but I now want to see concrete output using AI,” she said, pressing for data-driven, intelligence-led action. “More modern technology use needs to be deeply and well integrated into the system – data analytics and so on,” she added.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s video message at the Ninth Austrian World Summit

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Download the video:
    https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/downloads2.unmultimedia.org/public/video/evergreen/MSG+SG+/SG+21+May+25/3399096_MSG+SG+AUSTRIAN+WORLD+SUMMIT+21+MAY+25.mp4

    Excellencies, friends,

    President Van der Bellen, thank you for your leadership.

    And my thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

    It is fitting that the world’s one and only Terminator is focussing our attention on terminating pollution – continuing his history of political leadership and action.

    Unfortunately, our world looks less like an action hero movie and increasingly more like a horror show.

    We face a triple-whammy of woe:

    Pollution clogging rivers, contaminating land, and poisoning our ocean;

    Biodiversity destroyed at record pace; 

    And record levels of greenhouse gases catastrophically disrupting our climate. 

    We salute the real-life heroes on the front-lines when these crises strike:

    The firefighters taking-on infernos…

    The rescuers saving lives as floods sweep communities…

    And the United Nations staff providing food, shelter, and care when crops fail, hurricanes hit, or people are forced from their homes.

    No country – whether rich or poor – can escape these crises.

    And no country can solve them alone. 

    But together, we can reap the rewards of action – from cheap, secure power, to better health.

    The science is on our side. The economics are behind us.

    Almost everywhere, solar and wind are the cheapest source of new electricity.

    The world now invests almost twice as much in clean energy as it does in fossil fuels.

    An energy revolution is underway across the globe. 

    We must unite for action to accelerate it, and drive down global emissions:

    With new national climate plans from countries this year and new transition plans from business.

    These must align with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius – to avoid the worst of climate change.

    We must unite in action to drive finance to developing countries so they can make the leap to renewables, adapt to our changing climate, and respond to disasters.

    And we must unite in action to end biodiversity loss and pollution.

    Particularly, countries must agree a new global treaty this year to end plastic pollution. 

    Friends,

    United in action we can terminate pollution and protect people and planet.

    Let’s come together and make that a reality.

    Thank you.

    ***
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New issue of the newspaper “For construction personnel”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    Download the May issue

    A new issue of the SPbGASU newspaper “For Construction Personnel” has been published. In the latest issue, read:

    How to become a highly paid specialist in a year and a half

    SPbGASU graduate and practicing expert Veronika Zamaeva shared her personal experience. She gave advice that will be useful to all students regardless of their field of study.

    The initiative of a master’s student may reach the State Duma

    A graduate student at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Alexandra Polyanskaya, talks about how she initiated changes to the federal law that will eliminate a legal gap in regulating the activities of zoos located on the territories of cultural heritage sites.

    Defense of a final qualifying work project as a real work process

    We tell you first-hand how defending a final qualification work in the format of TIM projects helps students acquire practical skills and build interactions with related specialists.

    Why is it beneficial to be a target?

    Students are guaranteed work, industries are in-demand personnel. We discuss all the positive effects of targeted training with the participants of this program.

    Construction is a great place to work

    We provide feedback from students who work, do practical training and internships at construction sites. The guys told us what is interesting about their work and why adaptation to production is easy and successful.

    New functionality for textile factories

    Olga Tsepilova, a lecturer at the Department of Urban Development at SPbGASU, suggested giving a second life to the objects, preserving their historical value but changing their functionality in accordance with modern regulatory requirements. Read more about the scientific justification in our article.

    Read the newspaper on the university website!

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Magic Forest, the “Sunny Circle” and Krylov’s Fables: How Creativity Helps People with Mental Disabilities

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A young man in a tailcoat and shirt front sits at a table with a goose feather in his hand and watches the Dragonfly flutter across a forest clearing, and the Fox coaxes a piece of cheese from the Crow: this is what the production of Ivan Krylov’s fables looks like at the Special Theatre. All the actors are people with mental disabilities, wards of the daytime employment resource centre “House under the Sun” in Yasenevo. The project was created by the charitable foundation for the promotion of social and cultural initiatives and guardianship “Lifestyle”, helps them develop their thinking, memory and speech, adapt to society, feel busy with something important, write a story about their own life. In 2024, the project of the Special Theatre Foundation won the competition “Moscow is a kind city”, and its authors received financial assistance for its implementation.

    mos.ru correspondents visited the Special Theatre and found out how children learn to transform into fairy tale characters, what talents they display and what they dream about.

    All in leading roles

    The Special Theatre operates in the House Under the Sun resource centre located on Golubinskaya Street (31, building 1), next to the Bitsevsky Forest natural and historical park. The Lifestyle Charity Foundation received this two-storey building free of charge from the Moscow Government, having won a competition for premises in 2020.

    Inside the “House in the Sun” we see painted houses on a bright green forest background, wicker balls similar to nests are hung from the ceiling. There are flowers in pots everywhere, stands with drawings of the wards, shelves with toys. And in one of the rooms, a wall is occupied by a felt glade-carpet “Magic Forest”: you can attach multi-colored oaks, frogs, swallows, squirrels on Velcro to it, creating your own universe. At the same time, visitors to the center try to remember the names of animals and plants.

    In the hall there is a motivational sign “Rules of the House in the Sun”: “Make each other happy. Believe in yourself. Always move forward. Do what you love.” Here all this works out.

    When we came to the Special Theatre, the guys were preparing for a performance based on Ivan Krylov’s fables. 30-year-old Igor Kotelnikov plays a fabulist. According to the plot, he has to observe his characters and then read a moral, for example: “How many times have we told the world that flattery is vile, harmful, but it’s all to no avail…” Despite his mental peculiarities, the young man was able to learn the text by heart.

    “This is not my first production. I used to play the bear in “Teremok”, the king in “The Bremen Town Musicians”, and the cat Basilio in “Buratino”. I also write a column called “Igor’s Chronicles” in our wall newspaper. I tell you what I have achieved here, how I help my mother clean the house, and how I take care of my family. In general, I can do a lot. I graduated from college, learned how to make notebooks, and won prizes in various nominations of the Abilympics competition,” admits Igor Kotelnikov, an actor at the Special Theatre and a protégé of “House Under the Sun”.

    Another young man, 29-year-old Ivan Pronin, has also achieved success. It is difficult for him to speak, but in the role of the host he recites from memory a philosophical text written by the teachers of the House under the Sun: “Each of us chooses which road to walk or drive, what good deeds to do.” These words have meaning: they concern, first of all, the guys from the House under the Sun. Any of them can choose a role in the Special Theater depending on their abilities and interests.

    Thus, 18-year-old Sergey Rogov is interested in zoology and takes excellent photographs of nature, but he has difficulty speaking and avoids people. In the play, he is a silent and serious Ant: he collects plastic fruits in a basket, drags a beanbag along the floor, where, according to the script, provisions for the winter are stored. And his peer Alisa Popova is fluent in written Russian and writes fairy tales, but has difficulty communicating – she is close to the roles of the Crow, Dragonfly and Cuckoo. To play such characters, the girl does not need to pronounce many words. For example, in a dialogue with the Rooster, she says only: “I am ready to listen to you, my godfather, forever.” And Ilya Shragin cannot speak, but he also found a role: he portrays a tree in an excerpt from the fable “The Pig Under the Oak.”

    “The theatrical project allows the wards to feel confident, needed, overcome shyness, learn the text as much as possible. They are very nervous before each performance and are happy when they are applauded,” says Inga Zhgenti, deputy director of the charitable foundation “Lifestyle”.

    Children from the special family centers “Rose of the Winds” and “Sem-Ya” came to the show. They laugh and clap their hands, watching the heroes of Ivan Krylov’s fables replace each other on stage. After the show, which lasts only 20 minutes, so as not to tire the actors and spectators, the guests are invited to a disco, and the little ones, together with the adults, happy and satisfied, dance.

    “We recently went on an excursion to the educational center of the Moscow Art Theater School. On the way back, the guys asked: when will their plays be shown on the big stage? Of course, we cannot promise them this, but we plan to hold such meetings regularly. In addition, we will continue to invite guests to us. We want to show the world that people with mental disabilities are just a little different. They are cheerful and sincere. It is easy with them,” says Olga Stukalova, head of the Dom pod Solntsem center and deputy director for educational programs at the Obraz Zhizni charity foundation.

    Creativity and play as ways to understand the world

    Currently, 55 Muscovites from their teens to 40s are studying at the House Under the Sun. About 20 people come here every day. In addition to rehearsals and performances, the center’s guests learn to draw, make felt dolls, dance, sing, and cook simple dishes at the Special Theater. This is how they develop fine motor skills, learn new words, and learn to take care of themselves.

    “Creativity helps people with mental disabilities to open up and learn to communicate. Most of our wards have poor speech, some can only count to 10, not everyone is able to move around the city independently. But here they have a goal – creation, they feel like real artists, musicians, actors,” says Olga Stukalova.

    A lesson in the creative studio lasts 45 minutes. As Inga Zhgenti explains, to make it easier for participants to understand what lessons they have today, the staff makes a personal visual schedule for each person every day. These are cards with images of what they have to do today (for example, a treble clef and the word “Music”), which are placed under the students’ photos on the board. After the lesson, each participant puts the card in a basket.

    We enter the music classroom. There are green and yellow paper ribbons with red carnations hanging from the ceiling: they set a positive mood. The students at their desks try to answer the teacher’s questions: “What kind of instrument is this? That’s right: spoons! And this? A tambourine! Well done!” Then everyone sings the songs “Sunny Circle, Sky Around” and “Let’s Go to the Garden to Pick Raspberries” in chorus.

    In another class, young people are making pictures out of plasticine; one makes a boat, another a peacock. Each person chooses the theme of the picture themselves. One young man is blind and has almost no memory or speech; he recognizes people by putting their hands to his face. However, he managed to make a pink screwdriver and a capybara out of plasticine.

    One of the favorite activities of the wards of “House under the Sun” is cooking. It is both creativity and acquisition of basic household skills.

    “I’ve been coming here since the center opened. I sculpt, draw, play music, and attend a book club. I love cooking. I’ve already baked a pie, made scrambled eggs, shawarma, salad, pizza, and pancakes in an electric pancake maker,” Ivan Pronin shares.

    According to Inga Zhgenti, the most effective way to teach people with mental disabilities is through play. At the same time, teachers make it clear that they value and respect their students and are happy to communicate with them. “Our main rule is let’s be friends,” the mos.ru interlocutor clarifies.

    You can support “Lifestyle” and other Moscow non-profit organizations (NPOs) with the help of charity service on mos.ru. In category “For people with disabilities” 13 verified NPOs are presented that help children and adults with special needs, including mental disabilities. To make a donation, simply select a program of assistance and indicate the amount of the transfer. You can support one organization, several, or all programs in a category at once: in this case, the amount will be equally distributed between the NPOs of the selected section.

    Quickly find out the main news of the capital inofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Bright life: how a capital NGO helps people with Down syndromeSign language interpreters, Braille and special transport: how VDNKh takes care of guests with disabilitiesDiagnostics of special children in Moscow is now fully available online

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154701073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Namtso: Lake Opening Festival Attracts Guests to Cultural Feast

    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

    On May 19, the opening ceremony of the lake was held on the shore of Lake Namtso as part of the cultural and tourist festival “Ancient City of the Snowy Land – Sacred Lhasa-2025”. The event presented unique activities: a mass wedding ceremony “100 newlywed couples”, an exhibition of intangible cultural heritage, master classes on folk traditions. This attracted many tourists and local residents, strengthening the influence of the cultural and tourist brand of Namtso.

    12  3  4  5  6  >  

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Over 28,000 people applied to participate in the 4th China-Africa Trade and Economic Expo

    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

    CHANGSHA, June 3 (Xinhua) — More than 28,000 people representing 48 African countries, nine international organizations, 27 Chinese provincial-level regions and more than 4,700 Chinese and African enterprises, chambers of commerce and financial institutions have applied to participate in the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, according to a press conference held by the Information Office of the People’s Government of Hunan Province, central China.

    Held every two years, the expo will be held from June 12 to 15 under the theme “China and Africa: Together for Modernization” in Changsha, capital of Hunan Province. As an important platform for implementing the agreements reached at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in economic and trade, the expo will host 30 related events in areas including industrial chain cooperation, green mining, infrastructure, traditional medicine and pharmaceuticals, cultural industries and trade in cultural products, and innovation and youth entrepreneurship.

    According to the organizers, the number of specific exhibitions will increase significantly during the upcoming EXPO. For the first time, such events as the exhibition of famous Chinese and African brands, the exhibition of high-quality African goods, the China-Africa cultural and tourism exhibition, the exhibition dedicated to the cooperation of China and Africa in the field of traditional Chinese medicine will be held. 25 African countries and 23 Chinese regions will set up stands with their symbols.

    During the exhibition, agreements are expected to be signed on the implementation of 199 projects for a total amount of USD 16.032 billion. Presentations of 36 results in various profiles will also take place.

    According to the data, 336 cooperation projects worth a total of US$53.32 billion were signed during the first three EXPOs.

    China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. In 2024, trade between China and African countries set a new record and reached US$295.6 billion, up 4.8 percent from 2023. In particular, China’s imports from Africa amounted to US$116.8 billion, up 6.9 percent, and China’s exports to Africa amounted to US$178.8 billion, up 3.5 percent. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first passengers arrived from Uzbekistan to the Chinese city of Urumqi since the visa waiver agreement came into force

    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

    URUMQI, June 3 (Xinhua) — A plane carrying 160 passengers landed at Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi at 7:00 a.m. Sunday. They became the first passengers from Uzbekistan to visit China since the Agreement on Mutual Exemption from Visa Requirements between China and Uzbekistan came into force.

    The flight time from Tashkent to Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region /Northwest China/, is about five hours. According to an Uzbek citizen named Tadjibayev, he plans to take a tourist trip around Xinjiang for 21 days. He is extremely interested in visiting Lake Sairam-Nur, the ancient city of Kashi /Kashgar/ and other picturesque areas.

    Currently, every week, planes of the two countries’ airlines operate 18 flights on routes connecting Urumqi and Uzbek cities.

    The local customs service promised to do everything necessary to help passengers resolve any problems they may encounter during inspection.

    Under the agreement, citizens of both countries are exempt from visa requirements when entering, leaving or transiting through the territories of the two countries for a period of no more than 30 days for each individual stay and for a total period of no more than 90 days within any 180-day period.

    Moreover, the duration of each entry and stay on the territory of the states of both parties must not exceed 30 days.

    If citizens need to stay for more than 30 days, they must obtain an entry visa in advance. The visa-free regime does not apply to work, education, and media activities, as well as other activities that require prior approval from the competent authorities of the other party. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Trump administration appeals to Supreme Court over mass layoffs of federal employees

    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

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 3 (Xinhua) — The Trump administration on Monday filed an appeal with the Supreme Court seeking to overturn a federal court’s ban on massive staff cuts and reorganization of federal agencies.

    On appeal, U.S. Solicitor General John Sauer argues that “control over federal agency personnel is fundamental” to the president’s powers, and “the Constitution does not create a presumption against presidential control over agency personnel, and the president does not require specific congressional authorization to exercise” his core constitutional powers.

    On May 30, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit rejected the Trump administration’s appeal, upholding a temporary injunction issued earlier by Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The judge’s order prevents federal agencies and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) from making sweeping cuts and reorganizations.

    The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that the massive layoffs and reorganizations would cause serious harm to many areas, including the nation’s food safety system and veterans’ health care, and should therefore be stayed pending litigation.

    On May 9, S. Illston issued a two-week injunction requiring federal agencies to cease enforcing the executive order signed by President Donald Trump in February and a subsequent memorandum issued by OMB. The court ordered agencies to cancel all notices of termination issued pursuant to the order, reinstate employees placed on administrative leave, and compensate them appropriately.

    In her ruling, S. Illston said that D. Trump must get congressional approval to reform federal agencies, which in turn cannot carry out massive reorganizations or layoffs without congressional permission.

    On May 22, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ordered the ban extended indefinitely. The next day, the Justice Department appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 1 June 2025 Donors making a difference: tobacco control

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing over 8 million people a year globally.

    In February 2025, WHO marked the 20th anniversary of its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), providing a legal framework and comprehensive package of tobacco control measures. The WHO FCTC now has 182 Parties covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

    In 2007, WHO introduced a practical, cost-effective initiative to scale up implementation to reduce tobacco use called MPOWER. Today, 5.6 billion people are covered by an MPOWER measure which includes: monitor tobacco use and prevention policies; protect people from tobacco use; offer help to quit tobacco use; warn about the dangers of tobacco; enforce bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; and raise taxes on tobacco.

    MPOWER has helped to reduce global deaths from tobacco use and created a global partnership on tobacco control focused on supporting the highest burden countries in the world, with WHO recognized as a global leader.

    Thanks to commitment and powerful action in countries, and with support from key donors, tobacco use is declining across all WHO regions. Here are some stories from across the WHO regions demonstrating the impact of WHO’s work in this area.

    Tobacco free farms in Kenya and Zambia

    Tobacco free farmer from Migori County, Kenya. Photo by: WHO

    A record 349 million people are facing acute food insecurity globally. Food insecurity is further exasperated by tobacco production. Tobacco is grown in over 124 countries, taking up 3.2 million hectares of fertile land that could be used to grow food. Tobacco farmers often lack the confidence to shift away from tobacco due to market variability for alternative crops.

    WHO, in collaboration with partners, launched the Tobacco-Free Farms initiative in 2021 in Kenya and 2023 in Zambia.

    The initiative has supported over 8 600 farmers in Kenya and over 500 farmers in Zambia.

    The initiative seeks to move smallholder farmers away from tobacco growth and into nutritious food crops, by creating an ecosystem which could improve household food security and income generation. It may simultaneously add value to farmers’ land through rehabilitation of climate smart and other good agricultural practices.

    Read more about the initiative

    First ever WHO treaty marks 20 years of saving millions of lives worldwide

    Since the entry into force of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) and the MPOWER technical package that supports it, global tobacco use prevalence has dropped by one-third. The WHO FCTC has helped to save millions of lives through strengthened tobacco control measures around the world.

    Up to 5.6 billion people are now covered by at least one tobacco control policy and studies have shown a decline in global smoking rates. 138 countries require large pictorial health warnings on cigarettes packages because of the Convention and dozens more countries have implemented plain packaging rules on cigarette packages. Both measures serve as powerful tools to reduce tobacco consumption and warn users about the dangers of tobacco use.

    Over a quarter of the world’s population is now covered by smoke free policies which require bans in indoor and workspaces, saving millions of lives from the dangers of the second-hand smoke.

    More than 66 countries have implemented bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship which include bans on tobacco advertising in the media and sponsorship deals.

    Read the story

    Uganda’s anti-tobacco initiative yields results

    In 2022, WHO trained 157 law enforcement officers and 15 national trainers from five districts in Uganda to raise awareness and help enforce the smoking ban in public places. Photo by: WHO

    In 2007, Uganda signed the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, a legally binding treaty that requires countries to implement evidence-based measures to reduce tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. In 2015, the country passed its Tobacco Control Act, which regulates tobacco products and their use, including in public places.

    These dual interventions have delivered notable results. Between 2014 to 2022, Uganda saw a 51% drop in the prevalence of tobacco use.

    WHO played a key role in supporting the Ugandan government’s efforts, building the capacity of tobacco control focal people in government entities since 2015.

    Read the story

    Legal measures drive down rates of tobacco use in Mauritania

    “Quitting smoking is the best decision I’ve ever made for my health and I’m very proud of it,” says Ifrah. “Giving up smoking is difficult, but not impossible. With willpower and determination, it can be done.” Photo by: WHO

    In 2018, Mauritania introduced legislation in line with WHO recommendations stipulating that all tobacco products on sale in Mauritania must carry a health warning covering at least 70% of the surface area of both sides of the packaging.

    These legal steps to introduce graphic health warnings on tobacco packaging are changing the status quo. The 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) shows that between 2012 and 2021, tobacco use in Mauritania has declined by 8%, from 18% to 10%. Nearly 25% of smokers in Mauritania first noticed health warnings on cigarette packages, while 14% of smokers thought about quitting because of warning labels.

    With WHO support, Mauritania’s Health Ministry has provided tobacco control training to 15 regional governors. Mauritania is also implementing awareness campaigns around the dangers of tobacco consumption, a ban on smoking in public places, and the introduction of tobacco taxes.

    Read the story

    Pan American Health Organization hosts regional workshop to implement effective tobacco tax policies

    Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in Latin America, contributing to high rates of non-communicable diseases. Despite clear evidence that tobacco taxation is one of the most effective public health interventions to reduce consumption, its use is still limited in many Latin American countries.

    PAHO/WHO, with partners brought together policymakers from 15 countries to participate in the 3-day workshop, “Advancing Tobacco Taxes in Latin America”.

    The meeting focused on addressing the ongoing public health and economic challenges posed by tobacco consumption in Latin American countries, emphasizing the potential of tobacco taxes as a cost-effective tool to reduce the burden of tobacco use. Participants included delegates from ministries of health and finance from Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

    Read the story

    Ministry of Health and WHO release Global Adult Tobacco Survey Indonesia Report

    The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) Indonesia Report 2021 presents detailed information on tobacco use and key tobacco control indicators, using globally standardized protocols and methodologies. The report found that 34.5% of adults – 70.2 million people – used tobacco. Use of electronic cigarettes increased by 10 times in the last 10 years, from 0.3% in 2011 – when the last GATS was conducted – to 3% in 2021.

    Across Indonesia, WHO continues to advocate for implementation of strong tobacco control measures. This includes increased taxation of tobacco products, expansion of subnational bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, and stronger, more effective implementation and enforcement of smoke-free policies.

    WHO encourages policy makers and public health researchers in Indonesia and globally to access and utilize the GATS Indonesia Report 2021, to better control tobacco and achieve a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

    Read the story

    World No Tobacco Day 2024 in Thailand: protecting children from tobacco industry interference

    Every year on 31 May, World No Tobacco Day highlights the dangers of tobacco use, exposes harmful business practices of tobacco companies, and empowers individuals to claim their right to health and protect future generations.

    In Thailand, a troubling trend is rising among the youth: the growing popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping, driven by aggressive marketing and appealing designs. A sharp rise in e-cigarette use was observed amongst Thai school-aged children (13–15 years), with prevalence increasing from 3.35% in 2015 to 17.6% in 2022, despite the sale of e-cigarettes being banned in Thailand. Children and young people are aggressively targeted through marketing that relies heavily on social media and influencers.

    The campaign exposed the tobacco industry’s deceptive practices and the real dangers of e-cigarettes, aiming to empower Thai youth to resist the lure of smoking and vaping. WHO urged all stakeholders – readers, parents, educators, policymakers – to unite in this fight, support anti-smoking campaigns, advocate for strict regulations, and educate communities to protect youth and secure a smoke-free future.

    Read the story

    Towards a tobacco-free Jordan: launch of national strategy to combat tobacco and smoking

    Minister of Health in Jordan delivering speech at the National Strategy to combat tobacco and smoking in all its forms launch. Photo by: WHO

    Jordan’s Ministry of Health, with support from WHO, officially launched the National Strategy to Combat Tobacco and Smoking in All Its Forms 2024–2030 and an accompanying action plan for 2024–2026. The landmark launch event was held on 6 June 2024 under the patronage of His Excellency Prime Minister of Jordan Dr Bisher Khasawneh.

    A startling 66.1% of males in Jordan are smokers, according to the 2019 Jordan National Stepwise Survey. A further 15.9% of males use electronic cigarettes. According to the WHO global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000–2030, published in 2023, Jordan is one of just 6 countries globally where tobacco use is still growing.

    The Ministry of Health developed the strategy in collaboration with the WHO Country Office in Jordan and incorporated contributions from various ministries, nongovernmental organizations and international experts. This approach has ensured that the strategy is a comprehensive, evidence-based road map tailored to the Jordanian context.

    Read the story

    WHO Director-General congratulates the Philippines on its progress in tobacco control, 10 years since the signing of the Sin Tax Reform Law

    In January 2023 in Manila, legislators of the Philippine Government, members of the Action for Economic Reforms and the Sin Tax Coalition, and representatives from WHO, development partners and civil society organisations marked the 10th anniversary of the passage of Republic Act 10351 or the Sin Tax Reform Law.

    WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated the Philippines on putting this tax reform and other measures in place for tobacco control. As a result of the many measures taken, tobacco use has dropped from 30% in 2009 to 20% in 2021.

    “The taxes are having a clear impact. More smokers are trying to quit because of the high price of cigarettes. The Philippines is a great example for other countries of how raising tobacco taxes can save lives, reduce health costs, and raise revenues”, said Dr Tedros.

    Read the story

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Heritage New Zealand – New education resource on Ōtūmoetai Pā released

    Source: Heritage New Zealand
    A new multi-media education resource highlighting the unique heritage features of Tauranga’s Ōtūmoetai Pā has been launched and is now available to check out.
    The learning module can be found on the LEARNZ website (see link below) and features video interviews and a wealth of historical and other information that will be useful for students and those who have an interest in the history of Ōtūmoetai Pā and its surrounding area. It also covers the role of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga with archaeology.
    The series of videos include interviews with kaumatua Koro Des Tata (Ngāi Tamarāwaho), kaitiaki Barry Ngatoko (Ngāi Tamarāwaho) and Dean Flavell, the Pouarahi for the Tauranga Heritage Collection. Together they look after an important archaeological collection including taonga from excavations at Ōtūmoetai and the wider Tauranga Moana district until the new museum is built.
    Tauranga-based archaeologist Ken Phillips is also interviewed along with Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga staff based in Tauranga, including archaeologists Dr Rachel Darmody (Ngāi Tahu) and Eleanor Sturrock; and Pouarahi Te Haana Jacob (Te Arawa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui).
    “This is a teaching resource that is perfect for the classroom as well as home research and learning,” says Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Director Regional Services Pam Bain, who coordinated the education initiative.
    “The content relates to different strands of the curriculum including Te Ao Tangata – Social Science; Pūtaio – Science; Ngā Toi – Arts; and Hangarau – Technology, to name a few. The stories are readily accessible and targeted to students, though people who may not have been in a classroom for many years should check out the link for sheer interest value. The material is fascinating.”
    Every year LEARNZ offers a variety of online field trips allowing students to connect with people and places around New Zealand and beyond. The online trips incorporate video, audio and written materials providing interactive experiences for students that aim to spark curiosity, activate prior knowledge and build learning.
    The LEARNZ online field trips have generated a huge amount of interest according to Clive Francis, LEARNZ Project Manager at Tātai Aho Rau Core Education.
    “It shows there is a real appetite for schools and kura to learn about Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories,” he says.
    “We are very grateful to the interviewees, the Ministry of Education and Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga for their support to enable the field trip to happen.”
    Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga cares for 46 historic places around the country – many of which are open to the public and tell diverse stories. These range from New Zealand’s oldest building, Kemp House in Kerikeri to Totara Estate near Ōamaru, the farm that sent the first shipment of frozen lamb to Britain in 1882 – and almost everything in between.
    “Ideally students are able to visit these places for themselves, though realistically not everyone can do that,” says Pam.
    “LEARNZ provides wonderful alternative learning epxeriences for students that are the next best thing to being there.”
    The most recent Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga field trip organised through LEARNZ reached about 12,000 students through 98 educators around the country – an amazing result that shows the power of online learning and the widespread interest in heritage.
    “Tapping into this technology can bring our history alive and straight into classrooms around New Zealand – and even the world,” she says.
    Check out the Ōtūmoetai Pā learning experience for yourself: https://www.learnz.org.nz/Otumoetai251

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government Cuts – Government guts WorkSafe – CTU

    Source: New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi

    The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety’s announcement today on gutting WorkSafe’s enforcement capability signals a return to a failed approach, that will weaken our health and safety system, said the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi.

    “A soft approach to poor health and safety was a critical failing that led to the Pike River mine disaster, one of the worst health and safety failings in New Zealand history,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

    “Brooke van Velden continues to systematically gut WorkSafe to help protect businesses from enforcement of breaches of the law, rather than protecting the workers who suffer huge rates of injury and fatality as a result of work.

    “WorkSafe was established in the wake of the Pike River mine disaster. It was clear that we needed a well-resourced, effective, and strong regulator, that was prepared to prosecute where necessary, as this was clearly lacking.

    “Every week a worker is killed on the job on average in New Zealand, and 17 more are killed from the impact of work-related illnesses and diseases. Every year there are over 30,000 injuries suffered that require more than a week away from work. Nothing in these announcements will have a positive effect on these numbers.

    “In the past few years, WorkSafe has endured cuts to the tune of millions of dollars, resulting in fewer staff. Since it was established the WorkSafe inspectorate has reduced from 8 per 100 thousand employees to 6.5, amongst cuts to the wider WorkSafe staffing levels.

    “The Minister’s decision to gut WorkSafe is a reflection of a government that is prioritising profits over people,” said Wagstaff.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Privacy Commissioner – Supermarket trial of FRT: Inquiry results announced

    Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner

    Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster has found that the live facial recognition technology model trialled by Foodstuffs North Island is compliant with the Privacy Act.
    However, his Inquiry report released today, shows that any business considering or using FRT needs to make sure it sets things up right to stay within the law.
    “While the use of FRT during the trial was effective at reducing harmful behaviour (especially reducing serious violent incidents) it has also shown that there are many things that need to be taken into account.
    “FRT systems have potential safety benefits, but they do raise significant privacy concerns, including the unnecessary or unfair collection of people’s information, misidentification, technical bias which can reinforce existing inequities and human bias, or the ability to be used for surveillance”.
    “These issues become particularly critical when people need to access essential services such as supermarkets. FRT will only be acceptable if the use is necessary and the privacy risks are successfully managed”.
    The purpose of the Privacy Commissioner’s Inquiry into Foodstuffs North Island’s trial use of live FRT was to understand its privacy impacts, its compliance with the Privacy Act, and to evaluate if it was an effective tool in reducing serious retail crime compared with other less privacy intrusive options.
    The Inquiry found while the level of privacy intrusion was high because every visitor’s face is collected, the privacy safeguards used in the trial reduced it to an acceptable level.
    “Foodstuffs North Island designed the privacy safeguards used in the trial with feedback from my Office. This has provided some useful lessons for other businesses which may be considering using FRT.”
    The main privacy safeguards in place during the trial were:
    – Images that did not result in a positive match were deleted immediately, as recommended by OPC – this meant there was very little privacy impact on most people who entered the trial stores
    – The system was set up to only identify people who had engaged in seriously harmful behaviour, particularly violent offending
    – Staff were not permitted to add images of children or young people under 18, or people thought to be vulnerable, to the watchlist
    – There was no sharing of watchlist information between stores
    – During the trial, the operational threshold that triggered an FRT alert was raised from 90% to 92.5% likelihood of the images matching, reducing the chances that people would be misidentified while managing down the “computer says yes” risk
    – Match alerts were verified by two trained staff, ensuring that human decision making was a key part of the process
    – Access to the FRT system and information was restricted to trained authorised staff only
    – Images collected were not permitted to be used for training data purposes
    – Systems were reviewed and improved during the trial where misidentifications or errors occurred.
    “There is still some work to do to increase the safety and effectiveness of FRT software use in the New Zealand context, as FRT technology has been developed overseas and has not been trained on the New Zealand population.
    “As a result, we can’t be completely confident it has fully addressed technical bias issues, including the potential negative impact on Māori and Pacific people. This means the technology must only be used with the right processes in place, including human checks that an alert is accurate before acting on it.”
    “Some improvements will also need to be made by FSNI before the use of FRT is made permanent or expanded to more stores. These focus on ensuring the documented processes and system settings are updated to match what happens in practice, including ongoing review of the use of FRT to make sure its use is justified as an effective tool for reducing serious harm offending.
    “I also expect that Foodstuffs North Island will put in place monitoring and review to allow it to evaluate the impact of skin tone on identification accuracy and store response, and to provide confidence to the regulator and customers that key privacy safeguards remain in place.
    “The trial findings will help other businesses to ask the right questions about whether FRT is necessary and appropriate for them and to understand what they would need to do to set FRT up and run it in a privacy protective way.”
    The report sets out my expectations for the use of FRT across nine key areas, says the Privacy Commissioner.
    The FRT trial started on 8 February and ended on 7 September 2024 and ran in 25 supermarkets. During the trial, 225,972,004 faces were scanned (includes multiple scans of the same person), with 99.999% of these deleted within one minute, and there were 1742 alerts of which 1208 were confirmed matches.
    OPC is currently developing a Biometric Processing Privacy Code, which applies to biometric information, including a photo of someone’s face used in a Facial Recognition System. The new Code is expected to be published in mid-2025. The Biometrics Code is designed to provide guardrails for the safe use of biometrics generally, including FRT, in New Zealand.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Education – Kilikiti bats bring Ara campuses together for Samoa Language Week

    Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

    Samoan kilikiti pate (cricket bats) specially hand crafted and decorated by students will be at the centre of Gagana Samoa (Samoa Language Week) celebrations at Ara Institute of Canterbury.
    In a first for Ara, a tournament will take place bringing together teams from across the institute to play the Pacific nation’s favourite sport.
    The event is the vision of Ara’s Te Whatu Ora funded Pacific lead in Mental Health and Wellbeing, Greg Galovale, who wanted to involve trades students in a community project with a fitness focus.
    “I was seeking to promote joinery in the Pacific space but also health, wellbeing and community,” Golavale said. “Our Level 3 Pre-Trade joinery tutors Tim and Jody saw the prototype and got right behind the idea. The end result is fantastic!” he said.
    Kilikiti bats were also made, decorated and gifted to key community groups who participated in Moana Health workshops to launch Gagana Samoa on campus. The event followed the 2025 theme ‘Ia malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā – a well-grounded self is a successful self.’
    The Wednesday kilikiti tournament will see teams from Ara’s Woolston, City and Manawa (nursing) campuses line up alongside a team made up of the joinery students who crafted the bats.
    Joinery student Theresa Desouza said it had been a rewarding project and she was looking forward to the event.
    “I’ve lived in a lot of different countries, so I grew up very multiculturally. This opportunity to engage in another culture and build community has been beautiful,” Desouza said.
    Student Advisor Pacific (Fautua ma So’oupu) Rev. Fitifiti Luatua visited the Woolston campus to share insights and first-hand experience of the game with the class.
    Fergus Gaughan said he’d enjoyed learning about the history of kilkiti and the stories behind the bat design.
    “This project has also brought me back to why I started getting interested in woodworking. I enjoy working with raw timbers and shaping them. Being able to take something unrecognisable and turning it into art resonates with me,” he said.
    Joinery tutor Tim Melker said incorporating the project into coursework had been straightforward as the skills involved in making the three-sided bat were similar to aspects of furniture making.
    “Our learners started with a square block. We used a jig and other machinery to cut off the bulk and then hand tools to fine tune it,” he said. “But the standout aspect has been the cultural awareness we’ve gained through learning about the sport, having Rev share insights into the design of the bats and his experiences of playing in Samoa.”
    Tutor Jody Pehrson added the class had created a legacy item through the project and the energy in the workshop told its own story.
    “The proof is in the engagement. Everyone has been focused on creating a bat worthy of the sport and now they want to go and play the game. We’ve all learned a lot,” he said.
    Once the bats left the hands of the trades learners, they were decorated and embellished by a team led by third-year Bachelor of Design (Applied Visual Art) student Lydia Iosefo.
    “I do a lot of stencil work in my study, so this drew on that with some traditional patterning,” Iosefo said. “As a bonus, this will count towards my professional practice hours which tests our ability to work with clients and deliver projects on deadline.”
    Golavale said he was pleased the project had resonated with all those involved and he was looking forward to the inaugural kilikiti tournament – rain or shine.
    “If the weather doesn’t play ball we’ll head to the Whareora. We’ll be ready for some fun and expect plenty of banter,” he said. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cash Advance Apps No Credit Check Provide Relief as Online Loan Approval Rates Decline in 2025 – Viva Payday Loans

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As traditional borrowing channels become more difficult to access for millions of Americans, mobile-based cash advance apps are emerging as one of the most sought-after alternatives for short-term financial support in 2025. Viva Payday Loans, a US based online loan connection platform, reports strong year-over-year growth in demand for mobile lending options that do not rely on credit scores or lengthy paperwork.

    About Viva Payday Loans

    Viva Payday Loans is a US based online cash advance service that helps consumers find access to regulated short-term lending options. The platform connects users to licensed lenders through a single, secure, and mobile-friendly application process. Viva Payday Loans does not charge users to apply and does not perform hard credit checks to display available loan offers.

    This trend reflects a larger shift in consumer behavior, where speed, accessibility, and flexibility are increasingly prioritized over conventional banking criteria.

    “Borrowers today are looking for solutions that align with how they live and work—digitally, independently, and without rigid credit requirements,” said a spokesperson for Viva Payday Loans. “We’re seeing consistent demand from individuals who may not qualify for traditional loans but still need fast access to emergency funds.”

    Cash Advance Apps Gain Momentum Across the U.S.

    Mobile cash advance apps which connect borrowers with short-term lending options are quickly becoming a mainstream solution for users with limited or no credit history. These platforms typically rely on soft credit checks and focus more on current income and financial activity, rather than past borrowing behavior.

    Among the key reasons users are turning to cash advance apps in 2025:

    • Speed: Most applications can be completed in minutes, with funds disbursed same-day in many cases.
    • Accessibility: Accepted income sources often include freelance work, gig economy earnings, or government benefits.
    • Convenience: The process is fully online, secure, and requires no in-person visits.

    Viva Payday Loans Role in the Mobile Lending Landscape

    Viva Payday Loans serves as a digital gateway, helping users navigate a growing ecosystem of licensed, short-term lenders across the U.S. Through a single online form, borrowers are matched with potential lenders based on their state, income, and requested loan amount. While Viva itself does not issue loans, its platform is designed to streamline access and promote informed borrowing decisions.

    The service is free to use and does not require a hard credit inquiry to view available offers. Loan amounts typically range from $100 to $5,000, depending on state regulations and individual qualifications.

    Growing Need for Flexible Financial Solutions

    The evolving nature of work in the U.S. from remote jobs to gig-based income has made traditional lending models increasingly incompatible for many consumers. At the same time, inflation and economic uncertainty have increased the demand for quick-turnaround financing to cover expenses such as rent, utilities, medical bills, or auto repairs.

    Cash advance apps, as enabled by platforms like Viva Payday Loans, are helping to meet this demand by offering access to time-sensitive funding options without the roadblocks of conventional credit systems.

    Looking Ahead

    As financial technology continues to evolve, digital platforms are expected to play an even larger role in shaping the future of personal lending. Viva Payday Loans will continue to invest in improving user experience, lender transparency, and access to regulated financial products that meet modern consumer needs.

    Media Contact
    Mukesh Bhardwaj
    Email: mukesh@paydayventures.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is intended for informational purposes only. Viva Payday Loans is not a direct lender. All lending decisions are made by independent third-party providers in accordance with local laws and eligibility requirements. Availability and approval are subject to verification and state regulations.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Preventing the next pandemic: One Health researcher calls for urgent action

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Hung Nguyen-Viet, Program Leader (ai), HEALTH at ILRI / CGIAR, International Livestock Research Institute

    The world is facing daunting health challenges with the rise of zoonotic diseases – infections that are transmissible from animals to humans. These diseases – which include Ebola, avian flu, COVID-19 and HIV – show how the health and wellbeing of humans, animals and ecosystems are closely connected.

    Zoonotic diseases have become more and more common due to factors such as urbanisation, deforestation, climate change and wildlife exploitation. These dangers are not limited by borders: they are global and demand a coordinated response.

    By looking at health holistically, countries can address the full spectrum of disease control – from prevention to detection, preparedness, response and management – and contribute to global health security.

    The World Health Organization has a basis for such an approach: One Health. This recognises the interdependence of the health of people, animals and the environment and integrates these fields, rather than keeping them separate.

    I lead the health programme at the International Livestock Research Institute, where we are looking for ways to effectively manage or eliminate livestock-related diseases, zoonotic infections and foodborne illnesses that disproportionately affect impoverished communities.

    My work focuses on the link between health and agriculture, food safety, and infectious and zoonotic diseases.

    For example in Kenya we are part of an initiative of the One Health Centre in Africa to roll out canine vaccination and have so far vaccinated 146,000 animals in Machakos county.

    In Ethiopia and Vietnam we worked in a programme to improve the hygiene practices of butchers in traditional markets.

    In another project we work in 11 countries to strengthen One Health curricula in universities.

    The lessons from the One Health projects implemented with partners across Asia and Africa are that there’s an urgent need for action on three fronts. These are: stronger cross-sectoral collaboration; greater engagement with policymakers to translate research findings into actionable strategies; and the development of adaptable and context-specific interventions.

    But, having been active in this area for the last decade, I am impatient with the slow pace of investment. We know that prevention is better than cure. The cost of prevention is significantly lower than that of managing pandemics once they occur. Urgent steps, including much higher levels of investment, need to be taken.

    What’s in place

    In 2022 the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Organisation for Animal Health developed a joint One Health plan of action. They identified key areas to respond more efficiently to health threats. These included:

    • Reducing risks from emerging and re-emerging zoonotic epidemics. Actions include, for example, tightening regulations around farming and trade in wildlife and wild animal products.

    • Controlling and eliminating endemic, zoonotic, neglected tropical and vector-borne diseases by understanding the attitudes and knowledge of communities bearing the greatest burdens of these diseases. And boosting their capacity to fight them.

    • Strengthening action against food safety risks by monitoring new and emerging foodborne infections.

    • Curbing the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance, one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.

    Other collaborations include the Prezode (Preventing Zoonotic Disease Emergence) initiative to research all aspects of diseases of animal origin. This was launched in 2021 by French president Emmanuel Macron.

    The Africa One Health University Network operates in ten African countries to address One Health workforce strengthening in Africa.

    One Health has gained traction globally. But there’s still a great deal to be done.

    The cost of inaction

    According to a 2022 World Bank estimate, preventing a pandemic would cost approximately US$11 billion per year, while managing a pandemic can run up to US$31 billion annually. So the investment return of 3:1 is an important reason to call for investment in One Health.

    The Pandemic Fund was launched in November 2022 by leaders of the Group of 20 nations and hosted by the World Bank Group to help low- and middle-income countries prepare better for emerging pandemic threats. US$885 million has been awarded to 47 projects to date through the two rounds in the last three years.

    However, relative to the US$11 billion per year required for prevention, this investment is modest. Urgent investment in One Health needs to be made by countries themselves, in particular low- and middle-income countries.

    The last two World One Health congresses (in Singapore in 2022, and in Cape Town in 2024) called for investment in One Health. There were also calls for investment in One Health at regional level to prevent zoonotic diseases and the next pandemic.

    At the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) formally adopted by consensus the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    This is major global progress in One Health and disease prevention.

    But the lessons of COVID-19 have shown us that the cost of inaction is incalculable in terms of lives lost, economic turmoil and societal disruption. To date, there have been over 777 million cases of COVID-19, including more than 7 million deaths worldwide.

    According to estimates by the International Monetary Fund, COVID will have caused a cumulative production loss of US$13.8 trillion by 2024.

    The choice is clear: invest today to prevent tomorrow’s pandemics, or pay a heavy price in the future.

    – Preventing the next pandemic: One Health researcher calls for urgent action
    – https://theconversation.com/preventing-the-next-pandemic-one-health-researcher-calls-for-urgent-action-255229

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: The National Youth Development Agency lead the launch of the 2025 Youth Month.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    The National Youth Development Agency lead the launch of the 2025 Youth Month at Hector Peterson Memorial.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbbQvZQLuUg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greenhouse gas emissions statistics for 2023 now published03 June 2025 Jersey’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 48% between 1990 and 2023, but there was no reduction between 2022 and 2023. The latest dataset, which estimates emissions from a wide range of activities,… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    03 June 2025

    Jersey’s greenhouse gas emissions fell by 48% between 1990 and 2023, but there was no reduction between 2022 and 2023. 

    The latest dataset, which estimates emissions from a wide range of activities, found Jersey emitted 357,626 tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2023. 

    Transport and heating buildings continue to be the biggest causes of Jersey’s emissions; with transport accounting for 43% of Jersey’s total emissions, and car fuel journeys specifically accounting for 26%. Heating and cooling homes and businesses account for almost 33% of Jersey’s total emissions. 

    The figures in the inventory are produced by independent organisation, Aether. The inventory provides estimates for historical emissions of greenhouse gases from 1990 until the most recent submission year, minus two. Therefore the 2025 inventory covers the period 1990 to 2023. 

    For more information and to see the full report, visit: Greenhouse gas emissions​.​​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Workwise training programme to support workplace entry to be led by Council

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    An innovative programme of activity designed to grow the North East workforce is to be led by Aberdeen City Council.

    Workwise will see the Council, alongside NESCol and Aberdeenshire Council combine efforts to support school leavers and adults to enter the job market through a combination of virtual work experience and illustrative online content.

    The unique project has been made possible by grant funding from Ufi VocTech Trust, an independent charity focused on unlocking the full potential of technology to help adults improve skills for work and open up access for those furthest from opportunity.

    The £250,000 grant  will see the partners work collaboratively to develop a range of resources for North East residents to help them into work.

    This includes virtual work experience modules which could lead to in-person placements, confidence building and skills development, and a series of videos of local people showcasing their jobs. The programme is being developed with wider partnerships and will grow skills, awareness, and confidence and understanding of the opportunities in the local labour market and strengthen the regional economy.

    This includes creating digital programmes with real people from the region speaking about their roles, filmed within their workplaces; online confidence building covering study and digital skills, funding, support networks and progression pathways, and a digital work experience platform, for those lacking in experience or confidence, to use to build key skills and experience matched to their needs.

    Aberdeen City Council’s Education and Children’s Services Convener, Councillor Martin Greig, said: “The generous funding offer from Ufi VocTech Trust will provide welcome support for young people and adults with limited work experience to help them develop their knowledge and skills in preparation for the job market.

    “This new programme involves partnership collaboration with the aim of increasing individuals’ understanding of the work environment and feeling prepared for it. The approach uses technology and digital innovation to enhance their employment choices and opportunities.”

    Caroline O’Donnell, Grants Programme Manager, Ufi VocTech Trust said: “We are proud to support this programme of work led by Aberdeen City Council, which reflects our ambition to support the adoption and deployment of technology to ensure every adult in the UK can gain the skills they need to participate in and benefit from our transitioning economy.

    “By combining digital learning with in-person experience, the programme addresses key barriers to employment, particularly in communities furthest from opportunity, helping people build the confidence and skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce.”

    The flexibility of the digital approach allows even those living in rural communities for whom travel is a barrier to employability activity to access these upskilling opportunities.

    Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee Cllr David Keating said: “This is an exciting programme which has the potential to transform people’s lives by getting them into work with the skills they need.

    “With the support of  Ufi VocTech Trust, this approach, utilising technology and innovation will open doors for young people and adults alike.  The scheme will not just help people understand the world of work, but grow their confidence and ambition. 

    “I’m especially pleased that we have been able to work together with our neighbouring council for the benefit of all our constituents.”

    Robert Laird, Head of Planning and Academic Partnerships at NESCol, said: “We look forward to working with our project partners to develop and deliver this initiative. The course will be a 40-hour interactive programme covering personal development, personal organisation and time management, study skills, digital skills, finance options for students and progression pathways.

    “In addition to both local authorities there will be input from SWAP East, Skills Development Scotland, Developing the Young Workforce North East, and both of the city’s universities. It is a very powerful example of the collaborative work being undertaken in the North East as partners come together to broaden the options available for all those who are keen to pursue opportunities in education and employment.”

    The Workwise project will support the partners to build the region’s skilled workforce for the future, aligning with the Regional Economic Strategy’s Draft Skills Action Plan and the area’s growth and volume sectors, while simultaneously tackling poverty by supporting local people into quality employment. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Youngsters asked to name new baby goats

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    The Council isn’t ‘kidding’ around – two cute new baby goats have arrived at Pets’ Corner in Hazlehead Park and primary school-aged youngers can enter a competition to name them.

    They are both pygmy type of goats with one female who is mostly black with small white patches and the other is a male tan and white one with small black patches. Both have a patch of white ‘hair’ on their heads.

    Aberdeen City Council Operational Delivery vice convener Councillor Miranda Radley said: “I’m sure people visiting Pets’ Corner will eat up seeing these cute new additions faster than a billy goat with their breakfast!

    “We are not ‘kidding’ around when we say we look forward to seeing the entrants for the naming competition.”

    Other animal attractions at Pets’ Corner include alpacas, crossbred pigs, geese, turkey, silkie chickens, sheep, goats, Shetland pony, miniature donkeys, fish, reptiles, budgies, ducks, peacock, meerkats, tortoise, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, emus, Princess Leia the Burmese python, and Lulu the pygmy goat.

    Entry forms for the naming competition are available from the pay hut at Pets’ Corner until Monday 30 June. Primary school aged youngsters are eligible to enter.

    Pets’ Corner is open in April to October from 10am to 5.30pm, October from 10am to 4.15pm, and November to March from 10am to 3.15pm. It is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day on January 1, and January 2.

    Admission prices are £5.04 for an adult, £1.56 for a child aged 3 to 16, Free for children under 3, £9.48 for a family pass of 2 adults and 3 children or 1 adult and 4 children, £2.88 for concessions, £58.20 for a yearly family pass, and for educational groups, adult are £2.88, and a child aged 3 to 16 is 72p.

    Dogs are allowed entry and must be kept on leads.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Samaraneftegaz increases drilling volumes using new technologies

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    At Samaraneftegaz (part of the oil production complex of NK Rosneft), the drilling meterage in production drilling in 2024 amounted to 216 thousand meters of rock, which is 4% higher than the 2023 figure.

    The increase in penetration was achieved by implementing a set of measures to increase productivity in well drilling using new technologies. The actual commercial drilling speed exceeded the standard by almost 13%.

    Time costs have been reduced by using technology that has eliminated a number of drilling operations. A significant effect has been achieved by including logging devices in the working assembly, which makes it possible to conduct geophysical surveys simultaneously with the preparation of the wellbore.

    The introduction of modern drilling fluids has allowed, depending on the field, to reduce the time of drilling a well to seven days. The solutions have highly effective inhibiting properties that increase the stability of the well walls and eliminate the sticking of the drilling tool.

    During the construction of three wells, Samaraneftegaz tested a new Russian automated drilling control system with precise execution of the set parameters. The system’s characteristics allow for a reduction in well construction time due to an increase in the drilling speed by 10%. Vibration and wear of drill string elements are also reduced.

    Rosneft prioritizes innovation and defines technological leadership as a key factor in competitiveness in the oil market. The company systematically introduces new technological solutions throughout the entire production chain.

    Reference:

    JSC Samaraneftegaz, a subsidiary of NK Rosneft, carries out production activities in the Samara and Orenburg regions. Cumulative production since the beginning of development in 1936 exceeds 1.3 billion tons of oil

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft June 3, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill published

    Source: Scottish Government

    New legislation to support crofters.

    The Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill will simplify legislation to make crofting regulation less onerous.

    The Bill, published today, will strengthen the role of grazing committees sharing common land and give farmers, and their communities, a greater say in how the land they work on is used.

    The Bill will also amalgamate the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland to create one cohesive body, the Scottish Land Court, retaining the statutory requirement for a Gaelic speaking member.

    Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said:

    “Crofting is at the heart of communities across many parts of the Highlands and Islands and Argyll. Crofters across these areas are cultivating land, tending livestock, protecting the environment and biodiversity. In the last ten years, more than £31 million in Crofting Agricultural Grant Scheme funding has been committed and, since 2007, the Scottish Government has approved £26 million of Croft House Grant payments.

    “Existing crofting legislation is complex and difficult to navigate. This Bill allows us to make a range of simplifications and improvements to the way crofting is administered, which will benefit crofters and the Crofting Commission to better recognise the vital contribution they make to their communities and maintain unique local heritage and culture.

    “The merger of the Scottish Land Court and the Lands Tribunal for Scotland into the expanded Scottish Land Court will provide a more efficient administration of the services offered at present and result in greater simplicity, coherence and flexibility.”

    Background

    Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill | Scottish Parliament Website

    The crofting proposals were developed through extensive engagement and close cooperation with stakeholders, with the consultation proposals receiving support from the majority of respondents.

    Crofting Consultation 2024: Proposals for Crofting Law Reform – Analysis of Responses – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    The decision to unify the Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal for Scotland was taken following a public consultation. Scottish Ministers committed to bringing forward legislation to enact the merger during the life of this Parliament.

    Scottish Land Court and Lands Tribunal for Scotland to be unified – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New vision for transport unveiled for Stoke-on-Trent

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Tuesday, 3rd June 2025

    A new vision for transport has been launched to help ‘build a system that works for the people of Stoke-on-Trent’.

    The transport prospectus, titled ‘On the Move: Transport for Thriving Communities’, outlines transport priorities for the future which focus on bus, rail and active travel.

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s vision includes developing a reliable and affordable bus network, investing in roads to make them safer and smoother for everyone and ending gridlock by making major improvements to the city’s busiest roads.

    Other priorities include the installation of more cycle lanes, dropped kerbs and better crossings to make walking and cycling safer for pedestrians, investing in more electric vehicle charging points, promoting the switch to greener vehicles and continuing to improve the links between buses and trains.

    Residents, partners and stakeholders are now being asked for their views on the document, which will help to inform the development of the Local Transport Plan 2026-2040, and a six-week consultation is now underway.

    Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, regeneration and infrastructure, said: “We know that, right now, our transport system is not working as it should. It’s not working for older people, workers, families, students and small businesses.

    “Our vision sets out a bold, practical plan to fix our transport system, built around a core belief that everyone deserves access to safe, reliable, affordable and green transport.

    “That means better buses that actually go where people need them, when they need them. It means fixing our roads and pavements. It means making it safe and easy to walk, cycle or use a wheelchair. It means making greener travel the most convenient option – and giving people a real choice.

    “Real change takes all of us, so we want to hear your ideas, your frustrations and your hopes. Please have your say and help us to shape the future of transport in our city.”

    The launch of the transport prospectus comes just months after Stoke-on-Trent City Council gave the green light to its Joint Strategic Transport Statement. It was drawn up in partnership with senior leaders from Staffordshire County Council, to ensure we build a transport network that doesn’t stop at the city lines.

    The statement sets out a series of shared priorities which, like the prospectus, range from improving public transport, making the road network work more efficiently and promoting active travel.

    Residents, businesses and partners are now being encouraged to have their say on Stoke-on-Trent’s latest vision for transport. The survey and the transport prospectus can be viewed online at www.stoke.gov.uk/transportvision until Thursday 10 July.

    Alternatively, email publictransport@stoke.gov.uk with any detailed feedback or suggestions.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –