NewzIntel.com

Category: Latin America

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Co-Leads Multistate Effort to Protect Abortion and Gender-Affirming Care Providers from Dangerous Certification Requirements

    Source: US State of California

    Attorneys general call on AMA to ensure reproductive health care and gender-affirming care providers can get board-certified without unnecessary risk

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced co-leading a coalition of 20 attorneys general in urging the American Medical Association (AMA) to take stronger action to protect health care providers from potentially dangerous medical board certification requirements. In testimony submitted to AMA, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition argue that requiring abortion and gender-affirming care providers to travel to states that restrict those forms of care in order to get board-certified puts them at legal and physical risk. The coalition warns that mandating in-person testing in states that have aggressively criminalized or penalized reproductive and gender-affirming health care endangers providers and threatens access to essential care nationwide.

    “Right now, health care providers can only obtain OB-GYN board certification if they travel to Dallas for an in-person examination. Texas, of course, has some of the most restrictive abortion and gender-affirming care laws in the country,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The American Medical Association itself has previously acknowledged the physical and legal risk that this can pose to health care providers — my fellow attorneys general and I are now calling for concrete action. We have shared specific recommendations, and we hope the American Medical Association will expeditiously consider adopting those changes.” 

    Earlier this year, AMA acknowledged the risks posed to health care providers by state laws that restrict abortion and gender-affirming care, adopting a policy encouraging medical boards to provide alternative testing options in states with such restrictions. However, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition assert that AMA’s current stance does not go far enough to protect examinees – it lacks sufficient urgency and fails to provide policy guidance to the specialty boards on concrete steps they should take to protect candidates. The coalition calls for AMA to go further by recommending such steps, including:

    1. Relocating testing sites to non-restrictive states;
    2. Shifting to remote testing to eliminate the need for travel to hostile environments; or
    3. Granting individual exemptions from in-person exams in restrictive states for those facing heightened legal or physical risks.

    The coalition’s testimony highlights the increasingly hostile legal landscape for health care providers in the aftermath of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Following the decision, several states implemented draconian restrictions on abortion and have since taken steps to criminalize patients and providers. Many of the same states have followed by passing a wave of restrictions on gender-affirming care. The coalition argues that officials in these anti-choice states have made it clear their goal is to intimidate and punish reproductive health and gender-affirming care providers, no matter where the care was provided.

    Attorney General Bonta and the coalition warn that mandating in-person board certification testing in states that penalize these forms of health care could have far-reaching and harmful consequences. In particular, the coalition highlights the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ABOG), which requires OB/GYNs seeking board certification to travel to Texas for in-person testing. Texas has implemented some of the most severe anti-abortion legislation in the country and similarly restricts access to gender-affirming care for young people. Despite these restrictions, ABOG continues to require in-person certification exams for all obstetricians and gynecologists in Texas. The coalition asserts that ABOG’s refusal to provide accommodations for candidates who fear prosecution or physical harm in Texas places providers at needless risk and endangers access to essential care nationwide. 

    The coalition emphasizes that ensuring the safety of health care providers is essential to maintaining access to reproductive and gender-affirming care in states like California. The coalition is urging AMA to act urgently and forcefully to ensure medical specialty boards adopt concrete, actionable policies that protect providers, warning that failure to act could exacerbate the national health care crisis.  

    The submission of this testimony was co-led by Attorney General Bonta, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. They were joined by the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia. 

    A copy of the testimony can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “It’s a great joy to be able to discuss your scientific ideas with interested people.”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Created in Nizhny Novgorod campus of HSE International Laboratory of Dynamic Systems and Applications conducts deep theoretical research and applied studies, including the study of ocean waves, solar corona reconnections, volcanic phenomena and ship stability. Its scientists, who have won more than 20 significant scientific grants over the past 5 years, actively collaborate with Russian and foreign colleagues from China, Spain, the USA, Great Britain, Brazil and other countries. The Vyshka.Glavnoe news service spoke with its head, Professor Olga Pochinka, about the work of the laboratory.

    — When was the laboratory created?

    — Let’s start with 2014, when colleagues from the Mathematics Department of the Moscow HSE suggested creating a department on the Nizhny Novgorod campus, and we were fired up by the idea. Together with five colleagues, we moved from the Nizhny Novgorod State University to the HSE in Nizhny Novgorod, and in 2015 we opened the first intake of undergraduate students for the Mathematics educational program, a total of eight people.

    Then the recruitment began to expand, and I began inviting people from UNN. We worked as research fellows at the Laboratory of Theory and Practice of Decision Support and simultaneously taught students.

    In 2017, we separated into the Laboratory of Topological Methods of Dynamics, and in 2019, we won a mega-grant from the Government, and this was the only mega-grant in fundamental mathematics won in the Nizhny Novgorod region in the entire history of projects. Our leading scientist Dmitry Turaev is also a former Nizhny Novgorod resident, now a professor at the British Imperial College, a renowned specialist in the field of dynamic systems.

    The laboratory began to grow rapidly, and in parallel with the increase in scientific work, we also expanded our educational areas: we created a postgraduate program, a master’s program, and this year we are opening a new bachelor’s program in applied mathematics.

    — Tell us about the priority areas of the laboratory’s work.

    — Initially, our laboratory was created primarily as a center for fundamental scientific research. Mathematics is a self-sufficient science, and there are always people who are interested in learning its own laws. An equally important activity is to explain how these laws work in practice. Recently, the laboratory team has noticeably expanded with researchers actively engaged in applied developments.

    — What applied areas would you highlight?

    — We have problems that come from physics. For example, we studied the effects of reconnection in the solar corona. From the point of view of deep mathematical theory, we explained the mechanism of solar flares. If we imagine the surface of the Sun as a two-dimensional sphere, then the magnetic charges on the surface create domes that change their location depending on the configuration of the charges. When the domes collide, so-called separators appear, visually manifesting themselves in the occurrence of a solar flare. The mechanisms of dome reconnection were explained using the bifurcation of the birth of a heteroclinic curve, widely known in the theory of dynamic systems.

    We also managed to explain the pattern recognition algorithm by the existence of an energy function in a dynamic system. In general, tasks related to the construction of such functions are very important. All dynamic systems are largely dissipative, that is, they lose energy over time. We managed to establish the relationship between the energy function and the dynamics of the system. That is, a scientist, even without knowing the system, can measure the indicators of its energy function and say a lot about the dynamics of the system.

    These are just the applications I have worked with personally. But there are many employees in the lab developing other applied areas.

    Efim Pelinovsky and his student Ekaterina Didenkulova conducted a theoretical analysis of internal waves that arise in the ocean during an explosive eruption of an underwater volcano. They calculated the characteristics of the wave field for different ratios between the radius of the explosion source and the depth of the basin. And they showed that the field of internal waves has the form of frequency-modulated groups, of which the head group has the maximum amplitude. The wave of maximum height in this train arrives significantly later than the weak head wave, which makes it possible to prepare for the approach of dangerous waves.

    Ioann Melnikov studies the dynamics of waves in both linear and nonlinear weakly dispersive models. In his work with shallow water equations, there is an interesting question about finding non-reflective bottom profiles, due to which a wave can propagate freely over large distances (with conservation of energy), which is important for applications. Together with Efim Pelinovsky, he obtained a countable family of limited bottom profiles and a continuous family in the form of underwater slides. Research into weakly nonlinear and weakly dispersive models (described by Korteweg-de Vries type equations) is also aimed at finding and studying waves that propagate with a constant speed and unchanged shape (in particular, soliton solutions). In this way, a classification of soliton solution shapes was obtained in the generalized Korteweg-de Vries equation, and now the question arises of how this classification can change with a different account of nonlinearity and dispersion.

    Fedor Peplin studies computational fluid dynamics, motion dynamics and stability of high-speed vessels. New criteria for the stability of hovercraft have been obtained. A model of the dynamics of an hovercraft with flexible skegs has been constructed, allowing for the design of amphibious vehicles for use in hard-to-reach regions. Issues related to the damping of various types of high-speed vessels have been studied. Work is currently underway to obtain new, more precise criteria for the stability of promising amphibious vehicles, taking into account the design features and operating conditions of the vehicles. Methods for modeling the dynamics of flexible pneumatic structures in a fluid flow are also being developed.

    — There are several scientific groups within the laboratory, conducting research in different directions. How did you manage to unite them?

    — The forming direction is dynamic systems, but almost all phenomena in the world fall under the definition of “dynamic systems”. Thus, Natalia Stankevich uses them for research in biology and medicine, and Alexey Kazakov is engaged in numerical calculation for specific systems of differential equations describing such phenomena as turbulence, Celtic stone, Chaplygin’s top, etc.

    Under the umbrella of dynamic systems in the laboratory, specialists in such fundamental mathematical areas as algebra, geometry, topology, function theory, etc., which are not directly related to dynamic systems, also feel great. There is a very strong group of physicists involved in fluid mechanics. Often, such scientific symbiosis brings unexpected results at the junction of research areas.

    — How do you attract such diverse specialists?

    — As a rule, a young or established scientist appears in the laboratory as a participant in some won grant or project. The laboratory management does everything possible to create comfortable conditions for the employees, welcoming any creative initiative. People appreciate this and in most cases remain in the team after the end of the project, some even move to Nizhny Novgorod for permanent residence.

    Another source of promising researchers is educational activity. Since the laboratory serves several educational programs, the range of which is expanding every year, the number of professors and teachers naturally increases. Due to the presence of a scientific department, teachers have a smaller workload than in their previous places of work. The newly arrived employees are happy to devote their free time to scientific research.

    The main source of influx of personnel, of course, are students of our program “Fundamental and Applied Mathematics”.

    We try not only to attract students to scientific research, but also to track their emerging interest in a timely manner. We offer to work as an intern, some come in the first year of the bachelor’s degree. We involve them in active scientific life, grants, schools, conferences. The overwhelming majority stay in the laboratory, and this is a huge driving force

    We have now reached a staff of 60 employees, almost like a small research institute.

    — How important do you consider mentoring and personal example to be in science?

    — Extremely important. Specifically for our team, we managed to ensure the continuity of generations. In our laboratory, we have employees who are over 75–80 years old, very experienced scientists, some of whom studied with Academician Alexander Andronov, his closest associates and students. There are not so many middle-aged scientists (like me), but we managed to show young people scientists with a high academic culture, such as my scientific supervisor Vyacheslav Grines and his colleagues from the school of nonlinear oscillations.

    Let me remind you that the scientific school of nonlinear oscillations was created in Gorky (now Nizhny Novgorod) by young scientists who moved to the then closed city, headed by the future academician Alexander Andronov. A physicist by profession, he sought to describe mathematical models of physical processes and phenomena, to translate them into mathematical language. He created the radiophysics department at Gorky University, then the Institute of Applied Mathematics and Cybernetics was organized, and a scientific school was formed, known in the world as the school of dynamic systems.

    — How do you manage to find resources for research?

    — We constantly apply for grants and development programs — for established researchers, young people, external and internal to HSE. Over the past 5 years, we have won 21 grants — that’s a lot for a relatively small team. Thanks to young and experienced colleagues who go through the very labor-intensive application process. In general, the main rule of an ambitious team is to never stop at what has been achieved. Even if it seems that today you already have everything you wanted, you must constantly set new goals for yourself.

    — How was the international academic cooperation project formed and how does it work?

    — The project with Shanghai Tongji University is a joint Russian-Chinese grant, it began in 2024 and is designed for three years. The project mainly involves fundamental research in the qualitative theory of dynamic systems. We met the Chinese co-director of the project, Bin Yu, back in 2010 in France, where we worked together with world-class dynamist Christian Bonatti. To date, we have already written several joint articles.

    International scientific cooperation, exchange of ideas is always great. Our young employees went to China, and everyone really liked the atmosphere at the partner university. It is a great joy to have the opportunity to discuss your scientific ideas with interested people.

    — Do the laboratory and its staff work outside the university, implementing the educational function of HSE?

    — The annual international conference “Topological Methods in Dynamics” has been gathering like-minded scientists from all over the world within the walls of the Nizhny Novgorod HSE for 9 years now.

    This year we are holding another scientific conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Nizhny Novgorod Mathematical Society, of which I am currently the president.

    For 6 years now, every March we have been holding a school for students called “Mathematical Spring”, inviting different lecturers and speakers, and judging by the students’ feedback, this is a very interesting format for them.

    For the second year in a row, we are organizing a student school at the Sirius Mathematical Center together with colleagues from Moscow State University and Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology.

    A good initiative was the holding of the All-Russian review of students’ diploma works, which will be held for the fifth time this year.

    In June-July we hold a thematic shift for schoolchildren called “Intellectual”. The children are immersed in mathematics, including applied mathematics, computer science, and artificial intelligence. It has been held for the tenth time, in recent years – in the “Salut” camp in the Nizhny Novgorod region.

    Throughout the school year, we have a “Mathematical Academy”, where schoolchildren gain their first experience working with scientific research. Our scientists generously share interesting tasks with young talents, and under their guidance, students annually become winners of the “Scientific Society of Students” research paper competition.

    I would like to emphasize once again that all this would be impossible without our youth with their energy and enthusiasm. It is great that we have them and that there are more and more of them.

    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 USA: Attorney General James Leads Multistate Effort to Protect Abortion and Gender-Affirming Care Providers from Dangerous Certification Requirements

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 19 other attorneys general in urging the American Medical Association (AMA) to take stronger action to protect health care providers from potentially dangerous medical board certification requirements. In testimony submitted to AMA, Attorney General James and the coalition argue that requiring abortion and gender-affirming care providers to travel to states that restrict those forms of care in order to get board-certified puts them at legal and physical risk. The attorneys general warn that mandating in-person testing in states that have aggressively criminalized or penalized reproductive and gender-affirming health care endangers providers, especially those who are pregnant or transgender, and threatens access to essential care nationwide.

    “As states weaponize their legal systems to punish doctors for providing essential health care, the American Medical Association must stand strong in defense of providers,” said Attorney General James. “Reproductive health care and gender-affirming care providers should not have to risk their safety or freedom just to advance in their medical careers. Forcing providers to travel to states that have declared war on reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ rights is as unnecessary as it is dangerous. I urge AMA to act swiftly to prevent these requirements from becoming a tool for harassment and intimidation.”

    Earlier this year, AMA acknowledged the risks posed to health care providers by state laws that restrict abortion and gender-affirming care, adopting a policy encouraging medical boards to provide alternative testing options in states with such restrictions. However, Attorney General James and the coalition assert that AMA’s current stance does not go far enough to protect examinees because it lacks sufficient urgency and fails to provide policy guidance to the specialty boards on concrete steps they should take to protect candidates. The attorneys general call for AMA to go further by recommending such steps, including:

    • Relocating testing sites to non-restrictive states;
    • Shifting to remote testing to eliminate the need for travel to hostile environments; or
    • Granting individual exemptions from in-person exams in restrictive states for those facing heightened legal or physical risks.

    The attorneys general’s testimony highlights the increasingly hostile legal landscape for health care providers in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Following the decision, several states implemented draconian restrictions on abortion and have since taken steps to criminalize patients and providers. Many of the same states have followed by passing a wave of restrictions on gender-affirming care. The attorneys general argue that officials in these anti-choice states have made it clear their goal is to intimidate and punish reproductive health and gender-affirming care providers, no matter where the care was provided.

    Attorney General James and the coalition warn that mandating in-person board certification testing in states that penalize these forms of health care could have far-reaching and harmful consequences. In particular, the attorneys general highlight the American Board of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ABOG), which requires OB/GYNs seeking board certification to travel to Texas for in-person testing. Texas has implemented some of the most severe anti-abortion legislation in the country – criminalizing abortion at all stages of pregnancy, classifying it as a first-degree felony punishable by life imprisonment, and allowing private citizens to sue providers for up to $10,000 per abortion performed after six weeks into the pregnancy.

    Despite these restrictions, ABOG – which oversees all gynecologists and obstetricians, and even evaluates doctors’ ability to perform abortions as part of the certification process – continues to require in-person certification exams in Texas. The attorneys general assert that ABOG’s refusal to provide accommodations for candidates who fear prosecution or physical harm in Texas places providers at needless risk and endangers access to essential care nationwide. Attorney General James and the coalition note that their offices have engaged with ABOG to identify safer testing alternatives, but ABOG has refused to grant exemptions for candidates who are pregnant or who provide reproductive health care to patients from hostile states, including for the upcoming testing cycle beginning in October.

    Attorney General James and the coalition warn that anti-abortion state officials have publicly stated their intent to prosecute providers who assist patients from Texas in obtaining abortion care in other states. Additionally, Texas recently classified gender-affirming care as “child abuse,” opening the door to additional investigations and potential criminal charges against providers. The attorneys general assert that requiring reproductive health providers to travel to anti-abortion states for certification could result in them being targeted under these laws, even if they are legally providing care in other states.

    The attorneys general emphasize that ensuring the safety of health care providers is essential to maintaining access to reproductive and gender-affirming care in states like New York. The attorneys general are urging AMA to act urgently and forcefully to ensure medical specialty boards adopt concrete, actionable policies that protect providers, warning that failure to act could exacerbate the national health care crisis.

    Joining Attorney General James in submitting this testimony are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

    Attorney General James has been a leading voice in defending reproductive rights and opposing efforts to restrict abortion care. Earlier this month, Attorney General James and 20 other attorneys general called on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to immediately reinstate tens of millions of dollars in federal reproductive health funds. In March 2025, Attorney General James won a lawsuit against an anti-abortion group, Red Rose Rescue, for invading reproductive health care clinics and interfering with access to care. Also in March, Attorney General James filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to defend Medicaid recipients’ right to choose their own health care providers, including reproductive health care clinics like Planned Parenthood. In October 2024, Attorney General James filed an amicus brief urging a federal court to maintain access to emergency abortion care. Also in October, Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general filed an amicus brief in support of access to mifepristone. In May 2024, Attorney General James sued an anti-abortion group and 11 crisis pregnancy centers for promoting unproven abortion reversal treatment. In April 2024, Attorney General James led a coalition of attorneys general in urging Congress to expand access to reproductive health services and pass the Access to Family Building Act. In January 2024, Attorney General James led a coalition of 24 attorneys general urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect access to mifepristone. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Call for rebranding of TVET colleges to unlock full potential

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, has called for the rebranding of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, to help them realise their full potential.

    Gondwe made the call during an Education World Forum (EWF), held recently in London, United Kingdom (UK).

    The Deputy Minister led the South African delegation from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) at the EWF, which was held under the theme: “From stability to growth; building stronger, better, bolder education together.”

    The Education World Forum is the world’s largest annual gathering of education and skills ministers. The event provides excellent networking and peer learning opportunities for ministers from around the world to discuss the most pressing issues in the education space.

    This year’s Education World Forum explored a wide spectrum of critical issues surrounding the development of inclusive, responsive, and resilient education systems that drive equitable and sustainable socio-economic growth.

    It also facilitated reflection on innovative solutions to tackle today’s pressing global challenges, with a focus on leveraging technology, public-private partnerships, and international collaboration.

    The Deputy Minister participated in key discussions and engagements regarding themes, including girls’ education, fostering public-private partnerships to drive innovation in education, and promoting vocational education and skills development, as pathways to youth employment and economic growth.

    During a parallel session on vocational education and skills development, which included insights from Mauritius and Macedonia countries, Gondwe stressed a need for rebranding of TVET and community colleges, in order to make vocational education the first choice for students.

    “In South Africa, TVETs and community colleges are often the second or third choice for students, and I think this is due to the fact that universities obtain a lion’s share of our budget. Many students still wish to enrol at universities instead of technical colleges and our community colleges.

    “Therefore, I think we need to ensure that TVETs provide future skills that will contribute to economic growth and job creation, such as robotics, AI [Artificial Intelligence], and coding,” the Deputy Minister said.

    Strengthening public-private partnerships

    In another key parallel session on public-private partnerships in education, which included contributions from Paraguay, Botswana, and Hungary education ministers, Gondwe advocated for the strengthening of public-private partnerships within the higher education sector to enhance the absorption of students in the economy.

    She said her office has been working towards trying to leverage public-private partnerships, to ensure that students from the higher education sector can be absorbed into the economy as employees or create their own opportunities.

    “I believe it is important to strengthen public-private partnerships in order to tackle the high rate of youth unemployment in our country, which aligns with the priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which include job creation and reducing poverty levels,” the Deputy Minister said.

    Insights from UK vocational colleges

    While in the UK, Gondwe visited Richmond upon Thames College – a public academic and vocational training college in London, to gain first-hand insights into how vocational training colleges operate in the UK.

    The college, which has over 2000 students, offers a variety of courses, including Forensic Science, Carpentry, Aviation, Computing and Information Technology Installation, and Medical Sciences.

    The college also boasts more than 1 500 engagements and partnerships with employers and its various courses designed by employers.

    The visit to the college provided valuable lessons and insights on how close collaboration between vocational training colleges and industries, can ensure that young people are equipped with skills that are in demand and needed by the economy. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Firearms Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Mexican National Purchased More Than 150 Firearms to Be Smuggled from the United States to Mexico

    ATLANTA – Edson Aregullin has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for unlawfully purchasing firearms for transport from Georgia to Mexico. 

    “Illegal firearms trafficking wreaks havoc in communities within and outside our district,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “We are proud to stand alongside our federal law enforcement partners in helping to stem the unlawful flow of firearms to criminals.”

    “Every illegal firearm that crosses our border becomes a weapon of destruction in the wrong hands,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “ATF is committed to shutting down these criminal pipelines with precision and force. Our communities – here and abroad – deserve nothing less.”

    According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Edson Aregullin conspired with several individuals in Mexico to purchase more than 150 firearms from various firearms dealers in the Northern District of Georgia.  Those firearms included 9mm pistols and AR-style rifles.  Aregullin’s contacts in Mexico sent him detailed instructions concerning the makes and models of the firearms to buy.  Aregullin bought the firearms with funds received from the actual buyer in Mexico and then facilitated transportation of the weapons to Mexico.

    The guns Areguillin purchased illegally were used to commit violent crimes. For example, on April 21, 2022, Aregullin bought a .223 caliber rifle that law enforcement officers in Guanajuato, Mexico recovered just a few months later after a deadly encounter between municipal police and armed combatants. During the ensuing melee, eight people were killed, and four were injured.

    On May 22, 2025, United States District Judge Steven D. Grimberg sentenced Edson Aregullin, 47, a Mexican national previously residing in Atlanta, Georgia, to 71 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. On November 19, 2024, Aregullin pled guilty to Conspiracy to Traffic in Firearms, three counts of Trafficking in Firearms, and three counts of False Statements to a Federal Firearms Licensee.   

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

    Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Gabay-Smith prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Sentenced To Two Years In Federal Prison For Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara has sentenced Dodi Garcia Flores (45, Guatemala) to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. Garcia Flores pleaded guilty on March 3, 2025. 

    According to court documents, Garcia Flores is a native and citizen of Guatemala. He was previously removed from the United States on three occasions—October 15, 2008, May 15, 2009, and February 5, 2020. Prior to these removals, Garcia Flores was convicted of two felony offenses: (1) resisting an officer with violence and assault in the second degree, and (2) intent to cause physical injury with a weapon.

    This case was investigated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Schmidt. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Expands Sei Campaign to Gaming as Trading Volume Jumps 150-Fold

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial crypto wallet, has launched another phase of its Sei Ecosystem Month campaign, introducing a $75,000 rewards pool dedicated to Sei-based gaming applications. The update comes as earlier phases of the campaign helped drive over $25 million in total value locked (TVL) and a 150-fold increase in Sei’s onchain trading volume within just a week of launch.

    Powered by Bitget Wallet’s full integration with the Sei network, users can trade, bridge, and interact with Sei-native DApps directly in-app. The wallet supports cross-chain transfers from 30 blockchains into Sei EVM and aggregates liquidity across 130+ chains through its Super DEX. These tools have helped simplify user onboarding and accelerate ecosystem engagement across DeFi, trading, and now GameFi and AI verticals.

    Previous phases of the campaign featured collaborations with Takara Lend and Sailor Finance, focusing on DeFi participation and trading activity across the Sei network. The newly launched phase running from May 27 to June 27, features five interactive projects: Archer Hunter, Dive Diary, Fishwar, Hot Spring, and Kawaii Puzzle. Each project offers unique gameplay and task-based rewards. Users participating through Bitget Wallet can complete specific missions across these applications to earn SEI rewards, with participation tracked through verified wallet interactions.

    “By aligning cross-chain infrastructure with real utility in DeFi, trading, and now gaming, we’re seeing Sei ecosystem adoption scale week by week,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “The following phase opens the door to a wider user base, giving people more ways to engage with Sei through games and social interactions.” Additional campaign phases spotlighting more projects are set to follow in the coming weeks.

    For more information, visit Bitget Wallet blog and the official X channel.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple and secure for everyone. With over 80 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, DApp exploration, and payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets.

    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook

    For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d663d71f-de3a-4168-b6cc-4a4694f4e1e1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Europeans are concerned that the US will withdraw support from NATO. They are right to worry − Americans should, too

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By John Deni, Research Professor of Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational Security Studies, US Army War College

    American soldiers join 3,000 troops from other NATO member countries in a four-week exercise in Hohenfels, Germany, in March 2025. Sean Gallup/Getty Images

    The United States has long played a leadership role in NATO, the most successful military alliance in history.

    The U.S. and 11 other countries in North America and Europe founded NATO in 1949, following World War II. NATO has since grown its membership to include 32 countries in Europe and North America.

    But now, European leaders and politicians fear the United States has become a less reliable ally, posing major challenges for Europe and, by implication, NATO.

    This concern is not unfounded.

    President Donald Trump has repeatedly spoken of a desire to seize Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO member. He has declared that Canada, another NATO member, should become “the 51st state.” Trump has also sided with Russia at the United Nations and said that the European Union, the political and economic group uniting 27 European countries, was designed to “screw” the U.S.

    Still, Trump – as well as other senior U.S. government officials – has said that the U.S. remains committed to staying in and supporting NATO.

    For decades, both liberal and conservative American politicians have recognized that the U.S. strengthens its own military and economic interests by being a leader in NATO – and by keeping thousands of U.S. troops based in Europe to underwrite its commitment.

    President Donald Trump speaks at a NATO Summit in July 2018 during his first term.
    Sean Gallup/Getty Images

    Understanding NATO

    The U.S., Canada and 10 Western European countries formed NATO nearly 80 years ago as a way to help maintain peace and stability in Europe following World War II. NATO helped European and North American countries bind together and defend themselves against the threat once posed by the Soviet Union, a former communist empire that fell in 1991.

    NATO employs about 2,000 people at its headquarters in Brussels. It does not have its own military troops and relies on its 32 member countries to volunteer their own military forces to conduct operations and other tasks under NATO’s leadership.

    NATO does have its own military command structure, led by an American military officer, and including military officers from other countries. This team plans and executes all NATO military operations.

    In peacetime, military forces working with NATO conduct training exercises across Eastern Europe and other places to help reassure allies about the strength of the military coalition – and to deter potential aggressors, like Russia.

    NATO has a relatively small annual budget of around US$3.6 billion. The U.S. and Germany are the largest contributors to this budget, each responsible for funding 16% of NATO’s costs each year.

    Separate from NATO’s annual budget, in 2014, NATO members agreed that each participating country should spend the equivalent of 2% of its gross domestic product on their own national defense. Twenty two of NATO’s 31 members with military forces were expected that 2% threshold as of April 2025.

    Although NATO is chiefly a military alliance, it has roots in the mutual economic interests of both the U.S. and Europe.

    Europe is the United States’ most important economic partner. Roughly one-quarter of all U.S. trade is with Europe – more than the U.S. has with Canada, China or Mexico.

    Over 2.3 million American jobs are directly tied to producing exports that reach European countries that are part of NATO.

    NATO helps safeguard this mutual economic relationship between the U.S. and Europe. If Russia or another country tries to intimidate, dominate or even invade a European country, this could hurt the American economy. In this way, NATO can be seen as the insurance policy that underwrites the strength and vitality of the American economy.

    The heart of that insurance policy is Article 5, a mutual defense pledge that member countries agree to when they join NATO.

    Article 5 says that an armed attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against the entire alliance. If one NATO member is attacked, all other NATO members must help defend the country in question. NATO members have only invoked Article 5 once, following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the U.S., when the alliance deployed aircraft to monitor U.S. skies.

    A wavering commitment to Article 5

    Trump has questioned whether he would enforce Article 5 and help defend a NATO country if it is not paying the required 2% of its gross domestic product.

    NBC News also reported in April 2025 that the U.S. is likely going to cut 10,000 or more of the nearly 85,000 American troops stationed in Europe. The U.S. might also relinquish its top military leadership position within NATO, according to NBC.

    Many political analysts expect the U.S. to shift its national security focus away from Europe and toward threats posed by China – specifically, the threat of China invading or attacking Taiwan.

    At the same time, the Trump administration appears eager to reset relations with Russia. This is despite the Russian military’s atrocities committed against Ukrainian military forces and civilians in the war Russia began in 2022, and Russia’s intensifying hybrid war against Europeans in the form of covert spy attacks across Europe. This hybrid warfare allegedly includes Russia conducting cyberattacks and sabotage operations across Europe. It also involves Russia allegedly trying to plant incendiary devices on planes headed to North America, among other things.

    President Joe Biden speaks during a NATO summit in Washington in July 2024.
    Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images

    A shifting role in Europe

    The available evidence indicates that the U.S. is backing away from its role in Europe. At best – from a European security perspective – the U.S. could still defend European allies with the potential threat of its nuclear weapon arsennal. The U.S. has significantly more nuclear weapons than any Western European country, but it is not clear that this is enough to deter Russia without the clear presence of large numbers of American troops in Europe, especially given that Moscow continues to perceive the U.S. as NATO’s most important and most powerful member.

    For this reason, significantly downsizing the number of U.S. troops in Europe, giving up key American military leadership positions in NATO, or backing away from the alliance in other ways appears exceptionally perilous. Such actions could increase Russian aggression across Europe, ultimately threatening not just European security bu America’s as well.

    Maintaining America’s leadership position in NATO and sustaining its troop levels in Europe helps reinforce the U.S. commitment to defending its most important allies. This is the best way to protect vital U.S. economic interests in Europe today and ensure Washington will have friends to call on in the future.

    John Deni does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Europeans are concerned that the US will withdraw support from NATO. They are right to worry − Americans should, too – https://theconversation.com/europeans-are-concerned-that-the-us-will-withdraw-support-from-nato-they-are-right-to-worry-americans-should-too-253907

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 15 suspected gang members indicted for drug trafficking scheme

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    HOUSTON — A 29-count indictment was unsealed May 22 following the arrest of nine individuals for their alleged roles in a drug trafficking scheme that delivered illicit narcotics using a taco truck and the U.S. mail.

    The investigation that led to the indictments was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Houston and the Houston Police Department, with assistance from the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Texas Board of Criminal Justice – Office of the Inspector General.

    Houston residents James Michael Brewer aka ‘Creeper’, 33, Jonathan Alvarado aka ‘Joker’, 28, Alexis Delgado aka ‘Chino’, 28, Hector Luis Lopez aka ‘Capulito’, 23, Kylie Rae Alvarado, 24, Ruby Mata, 31, Victor Norris Ellison, 35, Mexi Dyan Garcia aka ‘Mexi’, 31, and Jesus Gomez-Rodriguez aka ‘Jr.’, 33, made their initial appearances in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas May 22 when the indictment was unsealed.

    Also charged are Enzo Xavier Dominguez aka ‘Smiley’, 32, William Alexander Lazo aka ‘Miclo’, 21, and Alfredo Gomez aka ‘Fredo’, 26. They are currently in custody and expected to make their initial appearances in the near future.

    Three other individuals who were allegedly involved in the scheme are considered fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests — Mexican national Jose Francisco Garcia-Martinez aka ‘Paco’, 29, Guatemalan national Marcos Rene Simaj-Guch aka Taco Man, 41, and Jose Eduardo Morales aka ‘Primo’, 22.

    “For years, the transnational criminal organization allegedly operated by these gang members has brazenly flooded our local communities with deadly narcotics,” said ICE HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “Working in conjunction with the Houston Police Department and our Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces partners, we were able to expose and dismantle their drug trafficking scheme, eliminating a significant contributor to violent crime in the area and saving an untold number of Houstonians from becoming addicted.”

    “As alleged, this drug trafficking organization imported methamphetamine directly from Mexico and used the U.S. mail, a taco truck, and homes in different Houston neighborhoods to distribute and sell methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Several of the defendants are also alleged to have used firearms in furtherance of their narcotics trafficking and illegally possessed firearms despite having previously been convicted of felonies. The Criminal Division, along with our federal, state, and local partners, will continue to work tirelessly to combat the scourge of drug trafficking in communities.”

    The indictment, returned under seal May 14, alleges all were members of a drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, Xanax, psylocibin mushrooms, and marijuana. They are alleged to have used several drug houses and a food truck to store illegal drugs and conduct drug transactions. In one notable instance in June 2023, authorities seized 29 kilograms of methamphetamine that one defendant was attempting to transport into the United States, according to the charges.

    With the exception of Simaj-Guch who faces up to 40 years, the rest could receive up to life, upon conviction. Brewer, Alvarado, Lopez, Gomez and Ellison are further charged with firearms offenses which carry up to another 15 years.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Rodriguez is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorneys Ralph Paradiso and Amanda Kotula of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.

    For more news and information on ICE’s efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking, transnational gangs and illegal firearms in Southeast Texas follow us on X @HSIHouston.

    An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Paraguay’s President Pena to hold bilateral talks with PM Modi during state visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Paraguay President Santiago Pena Palacios will pay a state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from June 2 to 4. This will be Pena’s first visit to India and marks only the second-ever visit by a Paraguayan President to the country, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

    During his visit, Pena is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi on June 2 in New Delhi. The discussions will focus on reviewing the full spectrum of bilateral relations, covering key sectors such as trade, agriculture, health, pharmaceuticals, and information technology. Prime Minister Modi is also set to host a lunch in honour of the visiting dignitary, the MEA said.

    He is expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu, who will host a ceremonial banquet in his honour. Pena will also be called on by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar and External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, the MEA added.

    The Paraguayan President will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising ministers, senior officials, and business representatives. His itinerary includes a visit to Mumbai before returning to Paraguay on June 4.

    India and Paraguay established diplomatic relations on 13 September 1961 and have since enjoyed warm and friendly ties. The two countries have developed strong cooperation in various sectors and share common positions on numerous global issues, including United Nations reforms, climate change, renewable energy, and the fight against terrorism.

    Paraguay has emerged as an important trading partner for India in the Latin American region. Several Indian companies, particularly in the automobile and pharmaceutical sectors, operate in Paraguay. Likewise, Paraguayan firms—often through joint ventures—have a presence in India, contributing to the strengthening of economic relations.

    While in Mumbai, President Pena is scheduled to meet Maharashtra’s political leadership and engage with key representatives from the business, industry, start-up, and technology sectors.

  • MIL-OSI USA: EIA counts U.S. electricity generation in different ways

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    Filter by article type:

    In-brief analysis

    May 27, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Hourly Electric Grid Monitor

    At EIA, we publish U.S. electricity net generation from two different perspectives:

    Read More ›

    In-brief analysis

    May 22, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
    Note: Real prices are adjusted to May 2025 dollars.

    The retail price for regular-grade gasoline in the United States on May 19, the Monday before Memorial Day weekend, averaged $3.17 per gallon (gal), 11% (or 41 cents/gal) lower than the price a year ago. After adjusting for inflation (real terms), average U.S. retail gasoline prices going into Memorial Day weekend are 14% lower than last year, largely because crude oil prices have fallen.

    Read More ›

    In-brief analysis

    May 21, 2025

    Data source: United Nations Statistics Division, UN Comtrade
    Note: Excludes trade within regions.

    China has a major role at each stage of the global battery supply chain and dominates interregional trade of minerals. China imported almost 12 million short tons of raw and processed battery minerals, accounting for 44% of interregional trade, and exported almost 11 million short tons of battery materials, packs, and components, or 58% of interregional trade in 2023, according to regional UN Comtrade data.

    Read More ›

    In-depth analysis

    May 20, 2025

    Colorado State University’s hurricane forecast estimates the 2025 hurricane season will exceed the 1991–2020 average, with an estimate of 17 named storms, compared with a historical average of 14 storms. Meteorologists expect 13–18 named storms, including 3–6 storms with direct impacts on the United States, during this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, according to reports from AccuWeather in April.

    Read More ›

    In-brief analysis

    May 19, 2025

    We expect U.S. hydropower generation will increase by 7.5% in 2025 but will remain 2.4% below the 10-year average in our May Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO). Hydropower generation in 2024 fell to 241 billion kilowatthours (BkWh), the lowest since at least 2010; in 2025, we expect generation will be 259.1 BkWh. This amount of generation would represent 6% of the electricity generation in the country.

    Read More ›

    In-brief analysis

    May 15, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), May 2025, and Oxford Economics
    Note: Excludes 2020 and 2021 as outlier years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    We forecast consumption growth of crude oil and other liquid fuels will slow over the next two years, driven by a slowdown in economic growth, particularly in Asia, in our May Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO).

    Read More ›

    In-depth analysis

    May 14, 2025

    Retail electricity prices have increased faster than the rate of inflation since 2022, and we expect them to continue increasing through 2026, based on forecasts in our Short-Term Energy Outlook. Parts of the country with relatively high electricity prices may experience greater price increases than those with relatively low electricity prices.

    Read More ›

    In-brief analysis

    May 13, 2025

    In our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast U.S. annual electricity consumption will increase in 2025 and 2026, surpassing the all-time high reached in 2024. This growth contrasts with the trend of relatively flat electricity demand between the mid-2000s and early 2020s. Much of the recent and forecasted growth in electricity consumption is coming from the commercial sector, which includes data centers, and the industrial sector, which includes manufacturing establishments.

    Read More ›

    In-brief analysis

    May 12, 2025

    The average electric monthly bill for U.S. residential customers was $144 in 2024, but average costs for customers in some states were much higher or lower. Customers in states such as Hawaii and Connecticut, where retail electricity prices are relatively high, paid more than $200 per month for electricity, or more than twice as much as customers in states such as New Mexico and Utah.

    Read More ›

    In-brief analysis

    May 7, 2025

    Data source: FracFocus
    Note: To calculate the number of wells completed per location, we grouped wells within a 50-foot radius into single locations. We then identified wells completed by their completion start and end dates, counting concurrent completions when their completion periods overlapped.

    We estimate that the average number of wells completed simultaneously at the same location in the Lower 48 states has more than doubled, increasing from 1.5 wells in December 2014 to more than 3.0 wells in June 2024. By completing multiple wells at once rather than sequentially, operators can accelerate their production timeline and reduce their cost per well. The increasing number of simultaneous completions reflects significant technological advances in hydraulic fracturing operations, particularly in equipment capabilities and operational strategies.

    Read More ›

    In-brief analysis

    May 6, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly; company announcements and trade press
    Note: Other Biofuels includes sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable heating oil, renewable naphtha, renewable propane, renewable gasoline, and other emerging biofuels that are in various stages of development and commercialization. SAF production capacity is an estimate based on company announcements and trade press and only includes hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) SAF. We do not publish SAF production capacity data.

    Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production is growing in the United States as new capacity comes online. U.S. production of Other Biofuels, the category we use to capture SAF in our Petroleum Supply Monthly, approximately doubled from December 2024 to February 2025.

    Read More ›

    In-brief analysis

    May 5, 2025

    Data source: AAA

    Retail prices for regular grade gasoline in California are consistently higher than in any other state in the continental United States, often exceeding the national average by more than a dollar per gallon. Several factors contribute to this high price, including state taxes and fees, environmental requirements, special fuel requirements, and isolated petroleum markets.

    Read More ›

    In-brief analysis

    May 1, 2025

    Data source: CME Group, Bloomberg L.P.
    Note: Refinery margin is calculated as the 3-2-1 crack spread on the U.S. Atlantic Coast, which represents two barrels of gasoline and one barrel of distillate fuel oil minus three barrels of Brent crude oil. 1Q25=first quarter of 2025

    During the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25), crude oil prices generally decreased while U.S. refinery margins initially increased before decreasing in the final month of the quarter. In this quarterly update, we review petroleum markets price developments in 1Q25, covering crude oil prices, refinery margins, biofuel compliance credit prices, and natural gas plant liquids prices.

    Read More ›

    In-brief analysis

    Apr 30, 2025

    Data source: Evaluate Energy
    Note: Production expenses include costs of goods sold, operating expenses, and production taxes from company income statements. Interest expenses are in 2024 dollars and deflated using the Consumer Price Index.

    Higher oil prices, increased drilling efficiency, and structurally lower debt needs have contributed to lower interest expenses for some publicly traded U.S. oil companies over the past decade, despite the level of interest rates across the economy being relatively high.

    Read More ›

    In-brief analysis

    Apr 29, 2025

    U.S. imports of petroleum products decreased by 210,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2024 to average 1.8 million b/d. Imports of all major transportation fuels, such as motor gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, as well as other products, such as unfinished oils, decreased.

    Read More ›

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ormat Technologies Announces $62 Million Hybrid Tax Equity Partnership for Two Energy Storage Facilities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ORA) (the “Company” or “Ormat”), a leading geothermal and renewable energy company, today announced the signing of a $62 million Hybrid Tax Equity partnership with Morgan Stanley Renewables, Inc. The partnership’s transaction covers the Lower Rio 60MW/120MWh storage facility and the Arrowleaf 35MW/140MWh storage and 42MW solar projects, which are expected to achieve COD by the end of 2025.

    “This Hybrid Tax Equity partnership is the first of its kind for our Energy Storage portfolio and highlights the innovative efforts we are taking to optimize the projects’ economics and the Company’s profitability to ensure that we have the funding we need to support our long-term growth, while simultaneously helping advance our explicit goal of monetizing $160 million of tax benefits this year,” said Doron Blachar, Chief Executive Officer of Ormat Technologies. “By continuing to effectively monetize the benefits of ITCs for our growing Energy Storage project portfolio through 2026, we are strengthening our ability to further invest in our development pipeline and ensure that we remain well-positioned to support the growing demand for energy storage projects.”

    Ormat was represented in the transaction by Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton, LLP and Morgan Stanley Renewables Inc. was represented in the transaction by Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP.

    ABOUT ORMAT TECHNOLOGIES

    With six decades of experience, Ormat Technologies, Inc. is a leading geothermal company, and the only vertically integrated company engaged in geothermal and recovered energy generation (“REG”), with robust plans to accelerate long-term growth in the energy storage market and to establish a leading position in the U.S. energy storage market. The Company owns, operates, designs, manufactures and sells geothermal and REG power plants primarily based on the Ormat Energy Converter – a power generation unit that converts low-, medium- and high-temperature heat into electricity. The Company has engineered, manufactured and constructed power plants, which it currently owns or has installed for utilities and developers worldwide, totaling approximately 3,400MW of gross capacity. Ormat leveraged its core capabilities in the geothermal and REG industries and its global presence to expand the Company’s activity into energy storage services, solar Photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage plus Solar PV. Ormat’s current total generating portfolio is 1,538MW with a 1,248MW geothermal and solar generation portfolio that is spread globally in the U.S., Kenya, Guatemala, Indonesia, Honduras, and Guadeloupe, and a 290MW energy storage portfolio that is located in the U.S.

    ORMAT’S SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

    Information provided in this press release may contain statements relating to current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about future events that are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future, including such matters as our projections of annual revenues, expenses and debt service coverage with respect to our debt securities, future capital expenditures, business strategy, competitive strengths, goals, development or operation of generation assets, market and industry developments and the growth of our business and operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words “may”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “expects”, “plans”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “estimates”, “predicts”, “projects”, “potential”, or “contemplate” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such words or expressions. These forward-looking statements generally relate to Ormat’s plans, objectives and expectations for future operations and are based upon its management’s current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Although we believe that our plans and objectives reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we may not achieve these plans or objectives. Actual future results may differ materially from those projected as a result of certain risks and uncertainties and other risks described under “Risk Factors” as described in Ormat’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 27, 2025, and in Ormat’s subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q that are filed from time to time with the SEC.

    These forward-looking statements are made only as of the date hereof, and, except as legally required, we undertake no obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Ormat Technologies Contact:
    Smadar Lavi
    VP Head of IR and ESG Planning & Reporting
    775-356-9029 (ext. 65726)
    slavi@ormat.com    		 Investor Relations Agency Contact:
    Joseph Caminiti or Josh Carroll
    Alpha IR Group
    312-445-2870
    ORA@alpha-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: New Study Reveals Agriculture as Largest, Most Resource-Intensive Industry on Earth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RA Capital Management’s Planetary Health Team and The Nature Conservancy have released a groundbreaking analysis that exposes agriculture as the most resource-intensive industry on Earth: it’s the leading contributor to methane emissions, a key driver of water pollution, and it uses roughly half of viable land on Earth. As agriculture is often viewed in silos, its $15T scale and opportunity are often overlooked. The just-released Agriculture Map by RA Capital Management’s Planetary Health team and The Nature Conservancy calls for a systems-level approach to address the urgent risks and transformative opportunities within agriculture through innovation, incentives to change, and direct investment.

    A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available in this link.

    The Agricultural Map highlights:

    • Agriculture’s massive footprint means high ROI for broader adoption of best practices: optimizing global yields of staple grains, fruits, and vegetables would allow the world to produce the same amount of food with much less land – freeing up a land area the size of Mexico (~3x the size of Texas).
    • Agriculture produces more methane (a potent greenhouse gas) than any other human activity: Cattle alone produce as much methane as oil, coal, and bioenergy; rice paddies produce more methane than the natural gas industry.
    • Agriculture consumes more water than any other human activity and also causes the most water pollution. Investment in on-field and edge-of-field systems can significantly improve water quality and use. 
    • Fertilizer is important for optimizing crop yields, but fertilizer runoff causes hundreds of billions of dollars worth of losses each year, mostly due to impacts on commercial fishing, tourism, and property values, and creates aquatic dead zones the size of the United Kingdom.

    “Agriculture is the backbone of our global economy, but it’s also the most resource-intensive and environmentally demanding industry on Earth. If we are serious about tackling climate change, water pollution, and food security, we must rethink how we grow, produce, and manage our resources. Sustainable solutions are not just an option – they are a necessity to transform agriculture into a cleaner, more efficient, and resilient industry that can feed the world for generations to come,” noted Kyle Teamey, managing partner, RA Capital Planetary Health.

    Details within the Agriculture Map provide decision-makers with the knowledge they need to navigate the future of agriculture, from sustainable investment strategies to policy reform and innovation in farming technologies. The findings challenge conventional wisdom and call for urgent and coordinated attention from businesses, investors, governments, and philanthropic organizations. The map is a culmination of extensive research led by RA Capital and The Nature Conservancy. It combines proprietary data analysis with a systems-level approach to visualize and communicate the scale and interconnectedness of global agriculture’s planetary impacts while highlighting a range of potential solutions for select problems.

    “The environmental and human health challenges posed by the food system are well-understood in some circles but making this information material and actionable to stakeholders can be a real challenge,” said Stephen Wood, Senior Scientist of Agriculture and Food Systems at The Nature Conservancy. “This map makes it possible for non-experts to quickly understand the scope and scale of the problem, as well as the solutions.”

    The full map is available for download at Agriculture: Hiding in Plain Sight. 

    About RA Capital Management 

    Founded in 2004, RA Capital Management is a multi-stage investment manager dedicated to evidence-based investing in public and private healthcare, life sciences, and planetary health companies. RA Capital creates and funds innovative companies, from private seed rounds to public follow-on financings, allowing management teams to drive value creation from inception through commercialization and beyond. RA Capital’s knowledge engine is guided by its TechAtlas internal research division, and Raven, RA Capital’s healthcare incubator, offers entrepreneurs and innovators a collaborative and comprehensive platform to explore the novel and the re-imagined. RA Capital has more than 150 employees and over $10 billion in assets under management. 

    RA Capital’s Planetary Health team focuses on creating and funding companies that commercialize scalable, profitable solutions to reduce emissions, increase resource availability, and restore environmental quality, because solutions that heal the planet will yield both healthy people and healthy profits. 

    About The Nature Conservancy

    The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.

    Media Contact:

    Alex Banat for RA Capital

    racapital@v2comms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Axi launches ‘Tunnel of Triumph’ campaign with Manchester City star, John Stones

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Leading online FX and CFD broker Axi has unveiled their second activation with Man City star and Brand Ambassador, John Stones. Their latest campaign, Tunnel of Triumph, builds on the success of last year’s Axi spread-betting campaign, once again featuring John Stones. This year, the City star relives some of his biggest moments on the pitch and reveals what those experiences have meant to him and the team.

    Hannah Hill, Head of Brand and Sponsorship at Axi, expressed her enthusiasm for their new campaign, stating, “We’re thrilled to be launching the Tunnel of Triumph campaign featuring our Brand Ambassador, John Stones. John is a remarkable player who brings relentless edge, ambition, and never settles for less on the pitch – qualities that perfectly mirror our own. When it comes to what we deliver for our clients, we continually aim to excel, whether it’s through our super competitive trading conditions, our excellent customer service, or our offerings. Focusing exclusively on the UK audience, our latest campaign promotes our Spread Betting account, highlighting how our clients can trade the markets tax-free*.”

    Axi’s Tunnel of Triumph campaign complements the broker’s ‘Four Years’ campaign, launched in March 2025, which featured City star players Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and John Stones. The campaign celebrated four remarkable years of collaboration, shared achievements, and reaching new heights together.

    Further to the broker’s long-term partnership with Manchester City and having John Stones as their Brand Ambassador, Axi is also the Official LATAM Online Trading Partner of LaLiga club, Girona FC, and the Official Online Trading Partner of Brazilian club, Esporte Clube Bahia.

    https://youtu.be/ThJDNXKddac

    CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 71.4% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

    *Applies to UK spread betting. Tax laws are subject to change and depend on individual circumstances. Tax law may differ in a jurisdiction other than the UK. Axi does not provide tax advice.

    About Axi 

    Axi is a global online FX and CFD trading brand, with thousands of customers in 100+ countries worldwide. Axi offers CFDs for several asset classes including Forex, Shares, Gold, Oil, Coffee, and more. 

    For more information or additional comments from Axi, please contact: mediaenquiries@axi.com. 

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/08aae059-82a9-4097-921e-3fb8c451ea98

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 27, 2025 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    May 27, 2025 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Updated: Tue May 27 07:21:34 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 270721

    Day 3 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0221 AM CDT Tue May 27 2025

    Valid 291200Z – 301200Z

    …THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
    THE SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS…SOUTHERN ROCKIES AND SOUTHEAST…

    …SUMMARY…
    A marginal severe threat is expected on Thursday over parts of the
    southern High Plains, southern Rockies, and Southeast.

    …Southern High Plains/Southern Rockies…
    Northwesterly mid-level flow will be in place across much of the
    High Plains on Thursday, as a trough moves southeastward through the
    central Plains. At the surface, an axis of low-level moisture will
    likely be located from eastern New Mexico northward into southern
    Colorado. As surface heating takes place, isolated to scattered
    thunderstorms are expected to develop in the higher terrain, with
    the storms moving eastward into the lower elevations in the
    afternoon. Although instability is forecast to remain weak, lapse
    rates will be steep, and deep-layer shear could be strong enough for
    a marginal severe threat. Hail and isolated severe wind gusts will
    be possible.

    …Southeast…
    A broad low-amplitude cyclonic flow pattern is forecast across the
    Southeast on Thursday. At the surface, a moist airmass will be
    located along the Gulf Coast from Texas to Florida. Model forecasts
    suggest that scattered thunderstorms will develop in the Gulf Coast
    states early in the day as surface temperatures warm. The greatest
    convective coverage should be located along or near zones of focused
    low-level convergence. In spite of a lack of large-scale ascent, a
    few marginally severe storms could develop as low-level lapse rates
    become steep during the day. Severe gusts would be the primary
    threat.

    ..Broyles.. 05/27/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS03 PTSDY3 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 3 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1930Z

    Top/Latest Day 1 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 27, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 270558

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1258 AM CDT Tue May 27 2025

    Valid 281200Z – 291200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
    THE SOUTHERN HIGH PLAINS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Isolated large hail and severe wind gusts will be possible in parts
    of the southern High Plains Wednesday afternoon and evening.
    Marginally severe storms will be possible over part of the central
    High Plains, and from the southern Plains into the Southeast.

    …Southern High Plains…
    At mid-levels, convergent flow from the northwest and west will be
    place across the southern Plains on Wednesday. At the surface, an
    area of high pressure is forecast over the central Plains. To the
    south of the anticyclone, a post-frontal airmass will gradually
    modify as moisture begins to return northward over parts of the
    southern Plains. Moderate instability is expected to develop over a
    few areas from central and east Texas into western Louisiana. Over
    this modifying airmass, any severe threat is expected to be
    marginal.

    Further west into parts of the southern High Plains, convective
    initiation is expected during the early afternoon in the higher
    terrain of eastern New Mexico and far west Texas. The storms will
    gradually move eastward toward an axis of moderate instability.
    Forecast soundings early Wednesday evening near the instability axis
    have 0-6 km shear near 30 knots, with 700-500 mb lapse rates
    approaching 8 C/km. This could be enough for isolated large hail and
    severe wind gusts, associated with strong updrafts that develop in
    the afternoon and evening.

    Northward into central and eastern Colorado, thunderstorms are
    expected to develop in the higher terrain and move eastward into the
    central Plains. Weak instability, sufficient deep-layer shear and
    steep lapse rage could be enough for a marginal severe threat.

    …Southeast…
    West-southwesterly flow at mid-levels is forecast over the Southeast
    on Wednesday. At the surface, a moist airmass will likely be in
    place from the lower Mississippi Valley eastward into the eastern
    Gulf Coast states. As surface temperatures warm, isolated to
    scattered thunderstorm development is expected along zones of
    maximized heating, and near focused areas of low-level convergence.
    Although large-scale ascent and deep-layer shear should be weak, the
    thermodynamic environment may be enough for marginally severe wind
    gusts with the stronger multicells.

    ..Broyles.. 05/27/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 27, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

     For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

    May 27, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Click to see valid 1Z – 12Z Day 1 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Tue May 27 05:42:56 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 270542

    Day 1 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1242 AM CDT Tue May 27 2025

    Valid 271200Z – 281200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
    THE SOUTHERN PLAINS AND SOUTHEAST…

    …SUMMARY…
    Scattered strong to severe storms are expected across parts of the
    southern Plains and over portions of the Southeast. Hail and wind
    are the primary threats.

    …Southern Plains…

    Large-scale pattern will change little through the upcoming day1
    period, and remains bifurcated with a distinct southern stream
    extending from northern Mexico into the Gulf States. Latest model
    guidance suggests at least one notable weak short-wave trough will
    approach the Big Bend later this evening. Water-vapor imagery
    depicts this feature near the northern Baja Peninsula. As this
    feature approaches far west TX, southeasterly boundary-layer flow
    will force higher moisture deep into the Big Bend. Ongoing
    convection across south central TX should also contribute to this
    westward push of low-level moisture. Strong surface heating west of
    this returning moisture will allow convective temperatures to easily
    be breached and isolated robust convection is expected to develop
    after 21z, both across the higher terrain of west TX into northeast
    Mexico west of DRT. While 500mb flow is not forecast to be that
    strong, forecast soundings suggest slow-moving supercells are
    possible. Very large hail is the most likely severe threat. Some
    increase in the LLJ is expected during the latter half of the
    period. This may encourage one or more MCS-type complexes near the
    international border.

    …Southeast…

    Slow-moving MCS has matured over south central into southeast TX.
    This complex will forward propagate into the lower MS Valley by
    sunrise. A weak short-wave trough is likely affiliated with this MCS
    and some increase in mid-level flow is expected across MS into GA by
    mid day, which should aid potential convective organization. While
    some weakening may be noted early in the period, boundary-layer
    heating will aid destabilization and new updrafts should develop
    along the leading convective outflow. A few weak supercells are
    possible, but the primary storm mode should be mixed with clusters
    and line segments. This favors damaging winds, though some hail can
    not be ruled out.

    ..Darrow/Thornton.. 05/27/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cardano Foundation and Switzerland for UNHCR cooperate in Industry-First ETP That Funds Refugee Support Through Crypto Staking, Geneva, Switzerland

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

     With over 100 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, the humanitarian system faces unprecedented challenges in funding essential services. In response, an innovative financial product—the Cardano Impact for UNHCR ETP (CASL)—launches on 28 May on the SIX Swiss Exchange, creating a bridge between institutional capital and humanitarian relief through blockchain.

    The CASL ETP (Ticker: CASL | ISIN: CH1327686056) is the first-ever regulated exchange-traded product that converts blockchain staking rewards into continuous funding for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. The product offers investors exposure to Cardano (ADA), while automatically donating 100% of staking rewards—not principal—toward field operations supporting refugees across over 135 countries, including Syria, Sudan, and Venezuela.

    “This launch represents a world first in sustainable finance and humanitarian aid,” said Oliver Anselmo, Deputy Executive Director at Switzerland for UNHCR. “It transforms passive investment returns into a recurring, scalable stream of support for people who have lost everything.”

    Quantifying Impact

    Based on current ADA staking yields (~3.5% APY) and projections of initial fund inflows, the CASL ETP could generate $1.5 to $2 million in annual donations with $50 million in assets under management—funds that directly power UNHCR’s emergency response and innovative refugee programs.

    Industry-First Technical and Regulatory Design

    Structured by issuance.swiss AG and operated under Swiss regulatory approval, CASL is physically backed 1:1 by ADA, with a 1.5% management fee. It bypasses crypto-native complexities through a familiar ISIN, allowing institutions to invest using USD, EUR, or CHF—with no wallets, private keys, or blockchain knowledge required.

    “CASL is an industry-first that merges full regulatory compliance, institutional-grade staking infrastructure, and humanitarian aid in one product,” said Laurent Kssis, CIO at issuance.swiss AG. “We’ve eliminated the operational barriers—from fiat on-ramps to staking—and embedded impact at the protocol layer of capital allocation.”

    Powered by Trusted Partners

    Custody and staking are operated by Taurus SA, a FINMA-regulated securities firm and leader in digital asset infrastructure, based in Geneva, Switzerland. ADA contributions to the underlying stake pool include 3.5 million ADA from the Cardano Foundation, alongside more than 200 delegations of holdings from the HOSKY team and their fans for a total amount of 6.3 million ADA, underscoring community trust and sustainability.

    “Our infrastructure secures the ADA and operates staking pools to maximize both yield and impact,” said Lamine Brahimi, Managing Partner at Taurus SA. “We are extremely proud to extend our partnership with UNHCR for Switzerland and with Cardano, and to demonstrate how innovation can be a force for good by providing support to forcibly displaced people.”

    Why Cardano? Why UNHCR?

    “From funding streams to digital ID, one thing is clear: blockchain has the potential to be a great leveler, providing innovative ways of solving some of the administrative problems that make seeking refuge even harder. With the technology and use cases now at a stage where they have the capacity to substantially facilitate daily operations, the widespread adoption of humanitarian blockchain solutions must become one of the industry’s key priorities,” said Frederik Gregaard, CEO of the Cardano Foundation.

    Cardano currently ranks among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market cap (~$22 billion), with ADA priced at approximately $0.62 as of May 2025. Its proof-of-stake consensus, peer-reviewed architecture, and environmental efficiency make it uniquely suited for mission-critical applications.

    The Bigger Picture

    This model is already drawing attention from other humanitarian and philanthropic entities.

    “We believe this model can and should be replicated,” added Pavel Izmaylov, CEO of issuance.swiss AG. “Discussions are already underway to launch additional impact-linked ETPs supporting education, climate resilience, and public health within the next 6 to 12 months.”

    An early institutional investor Florian Volery, Liqwid.Finance, commented: “CASL gives us ADA exposure, recently included in US Fed Reserve digital assets and the only blockchain never experienced any technical outage, while automatically contributing to one of the most urgent causes of our time—it’s smart capital at its best.”

    Product Summary

    • Name: Cardano Impact for UNHCR ETP (CASL)
    • Ticker: CASL | ISIN: CH1327686056
    • Launch Date: May 28, 2025
    • Exchange: SIX Swiss Exchange
    • Management Fee: 1.5%
    • Custodian & Staking Operator: Taurus SA
    • Currency: USD / EUR / CHF
    • Underlying: 100% physically backed Cardano (ADA)

    About UNHCR
     UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, protects and assists people forced to flee due to conflict and persecution. Operating in over 135 countries, UNHCR delivers life-saving aid and solutions to refugees and stateless people.

    About Switzerland for UNHCR

    Switzerland for UNHCR is the national partner of the UN Refugee Agency for Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Its mission is to support UNHCR’s mission by mobilizing essential resources and raising awareness on behalf of those who are forced to flee.   

    About Cardano Foundation
     The Cardano Foundation advances Cardano’s global adoption and is committed to unlocking blockchain for good. It stewards the development of the Cardano protocol and ecosystem.

    About issuance.swiss AG
     issuance.swiss AG is a Swiss-based issuer of regulated digital asset products, pioneering accessible, transparent, and socially impactful investment structures.

    About Taurus SA
     Taurus SA provides regulated infrastructure for digital assets, enabling custody, tokenization, and staking services trusted by top-tier institutions.

    For media inquiries:
     press@issuance.swiss
     media@cardanofoundation.org
     UNHCR/Switzerland for UNHCR: alvaro.cosi@unrefugees.ch
    press@taurusgroup.ch

    Disclaimer 
    This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful. This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan.This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities in the United States. This document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iv) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (v) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The approval of the 2024 Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the FMA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the 2024 Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Busted: 14 cocaine traffickers arrested in joint operation in Belgium and Italy

    Source: Europol

    The operation took place in April 2025 and led to:14 arrests (11 in Belgium, 2 in Germany, 1 in Italy)11 house searches in Belgium and ItalyThe seizure of over 780 kg of cocaineThe dismantlement of an underground laboratoryCocaine paste shipped from Colombia to the EUIn the framework of intelligence activities underway with its operational counterparts in the framework of the…

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Bangladesh and New Development Bank Co-Host High-Level Seminar on Accountability and Learning in Development

    Source: New Development Bank

    Dhaka, Bangladesh, 26 May 2025: The Economic Relations Division (ERD) of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Finance and the New Development Bank’s (NDB) Independent Evaluation Office (IEO), Internal Audit Department and Compliance and Investigations Department co-hosted a high-level seminar in Dhaka focused on embedding accountability, evaluation, and integrity at the heart of development projects—key pillars for delivering on Bangladesh’s growth priorities.

    The seminar, titled “Transforming Development: Building a Culture of Accountability through Evaluation, Auditing, and Ethics” highlighted NDB’s approach to sustainable development through integrated evaluation, audit, and compliance systems. With over 150 participants—including senior level policymakers, development experts, private sector leaders and others—it served as a dynamic platform for cross-learning among emerging economies.

    Opening the event, His Excellency Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed, Honourable Adviser of the Ministry of Finance, underscored Bangladesh’s commitment to strengthening governance in public investment: “The foundation of sustainable development rests on three pillars: accountability, transparency, and ethical governance. These are not abstract ideals-they are practical necessities. Evaluation, auditing, and compliance are the tools that help us build these pillars. They ensure that our policies and projects do not merely exist on paper, but deliver real, tangible benefits to our citizens.”

    Mr. Md. Shahriar Kader Siddiky, Secretary of the Economic Relations Division, added: “We must learn from international experiences and adapt global best practices to our own context. The presence of distinguished experts and partners from the New Development Bank, as well as from key ministries and agencies, is a valuable opportunity for dialogue and knowledge exchange.”

    The one-day event featured keynote addresses from global leaders in development policy. Nobel Laureate Professor Abhijit Banerjee, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, emphasised the value of evidence-based policymaking and timely impact evaluations in ensuring that development investments deliver real results.

    H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, and NDB Governor, shared her country’s efforts to strengthen project transparency through digital monitoring platforms, offering insights relevant to fast-growing economies like Bangladesh.

    Participants also explored key themes including the role of evaluation in accelerating the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), private sector engagement in development interventions, risk-based internal auditing, and ethical standards in development finance. These sessions were led by senior officials from NDB and enriched by perspectives from international partners such as the Asian Development Bank, the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation of South Africa, the Ministry of Finance, Brazil, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

    “Good development isn’t just about how much is built, but how well it lasts—economically, socially, and institutionally,” said Mr. Henrique Pissaia, Principal Professional Specialist at NDB’s Independent Evaluation Office. “This seminar showed that accountability and learning are catalysts for better results. Bangladesh’s leadership in this space reflects our shared commitment to making learning, ethics, and South-South knowledge exchange central to impact-driven development.”

    The seminar signalled growing cooperation between NDB and Bangladesh, which joined the Bank in 2021 – the first non-BRICS country to do so. As the Government of Bangladesh continues to scale up its infrastructure ambitions, today’s discussions underscored the importance it places on good governance, evaluability and long-term sustainability, as well as NDB’s commitment to working closely with Bangladesh, financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects that support its national development objectives and commitments under the SDGs.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Local content in the Clean Industrial Deal – E-002005/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002005/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez (Renew)

    The European renewable energy industry is facing a structural crisis. While global manufacturing of clean tech components has grown rapidly, European manufacturers are steadily losing market share and competitiveness. Lower-cost imports from Asia and market barriers in the United States are accelerating the decline. Recent months have seen closures and lay-offs across the wind, solar and storage sectors, affecting at least France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Austria, Spain and Sweden. Meanwhile, non-EU products – mainly from Asia – are increasingly dominating the European market.

    The industry welcomes the Clean Industrial Deal’s inclusion of local manufacturing as a strategic pillar. However, to be effective, measures must be sufficiently broad and impactful. Countries such as the United States, India and Brazil already apply 50-60 % local content requirements across much of the value chain.

    Therefore:

    • 1.What measures will ensure that EU content requirements are broad and effective across the full renewable energy supply chain?
    • 2.Will the Commission consider drawing on current international models, such as those implemented in the United States, India or Brazil?
    • 3.How will local content be defined and monitored to ensure the manufacturing of high-value components in the EU, guaranteeing a true ‘Made in Europe’ approach – not merely ‘Assembled in Europe’?

    Submitted: 20.5.2025

    Last updated: 27 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Integrates with LINE Dapp Portal to Enhance Access to Mini Dapps on LINE

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial crypto wallet, is now officially supported on LINE’s Mini Dapps, following a recent software update by LINE NEXT Inc.. The update allows users to connect Bitget Wallet directly to games and services built on the Dapp Portal — LINE NEXT’s Mini Dapp platform.

    Mini Dapp powered by Kaia is growing its ecosystem of digital applications, including games, rewards platforms, and interactive tools. Built with a focus on mobile-first design, LINE NEXT aims to bring Web3 experiences to LINE’s over 196 million monthly active users. “Our goal with Bitget Wallet integration is to broaden user bases and give them more choice and better tools within Mini Dapp.” said Youngsu Ko, CEO of LINE NEXT.

    With Bitget Wallet, users can buy, trade, and manage Kaia-based assets within Mini Dapp, including using real-time charts, cross-platform trading features, and direct purchase options. This means users can more easily join popular Mini Dapps and interact with the ecosystem without needing separate tools or apps.

    The integration is designed for ease of use, especially for mobile-first users. Bitget Wallet supports more than 130 networks, including Kaia, and helps users access digital games and apps with fewer steps. It also simplifies how users handle transactions and rewards inside these games — without needing to manually adjust settings or switch between platforms.

    Bitget Wallet will launch a large-scale user rewards campaign in June, including fee discounts and game-related bonuses for early users. A broader collaboration between Bitget Wallet and LINE NEXT is also in the works. “We’re making it easier for people to join and enjoy the digital experiences offered on LINE,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “By giving users more control and flexibility, we’re helping make these technologies feel familiar and useful in everyday life.”

    For more information, visit Bitget Wallet’s official channel and LINE Dapp Portal.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple and secure for everyone. With over 80 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, DApp exploration, and payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets.

    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook

    For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com

    About LINE NEXT Inc.
    LINE NEXT Inc., LINE’s venture dedicated to developing and expanding the Web3 ecosystem, providing new digital experiences, and leading Web3 innovation.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/79db1694-3084-4e86-9261-cd2cc25830d1

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: WTO Secretariat briefs members on Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, Fish Fund

    Source: WTO

    Headline: WTO Secretariat briefs members on Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, Fish Fund

    WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
    Opening the information session on 22 May, Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard said: “This session has been organized in response to the calls from many members for collaborative efforts to facilitate the Agreement’s entry into force and support its implementation. The Agreement represents a significant achievement in our global efforts to promote the economic and environmental sustainability of ocean resources. Members’ commitment to ratify and implement this Agreement is crucial for protecting our oceans and supporting those most dependent on marine resources.”
    By adopting the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies by consensus at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in Geneva in June 2022, ministers set new binding multilateral rules to prohibit subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, fishing overfished stocks, and fishing on the unregulated high seas.
    Welcoming the acceptances of the Agreement by Georgia on 19 May and Lesotho on 21 May, DDG Ellard added: “This momentum signals a growing commitment among members to the Agreement.”
    The WTO Ambassador of Barbados, Matthew Wilson, said: “More than 50 African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) member states are coastal countries, most of them with very important coastal fishing communities that have been exposed to IUU fishing. ACP economies are the most at risk from illegal fishing, given that they often do not have the capacity to police oceans and waters.” Barbados formally accepted the Agreement on 14 February 2024.
    Malaysia’s WTO Ambassador, Syahril Syazli Ghazali, said: “The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies supports our national efforts to combat harmful practices, and at the same time provides the extra push for policymakers and stakeholders to accelerate and improve our efforts in sustainable fishing.” He highlighted the importance for governments to find “a balance between economic, social and environmental interests”. Malaysia formally accepted the Agreement on 26 February 2024.
    Sierra Leone’s WTO Ambassador, Lansana Gberie, highlighted the role the Agreement will play in “supporting efforts by the Economic Community of West African States to develop a regional roadmap to modernize fisheries and information-sharing for surveillance and coordination.” However, he underlined that: “Nineteen African countries have accepted this Agreement — this is still very small.” Noting that West Africa loses billions of dollars annually in IUU fishing, Ambassador Gberie stressed that: “IUU fishing is a transparency challenge and it requires a global response.” Sierra Leone formally accepted the Agreement on 19 July 2024.
    Benedicte Fleischer, Special Trade Policy Representative of Norway, talked about the importance of implementing the Agreement’s disciplines, including notifications of subsidy measures, and of development assistance. She said: “Because of our fisheries management measures, which increasingly focus on control and enforcement, Norway is well prepared to ensure the underlying objectives of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies are met.” Norway formally accepted the Agreement on 26 February 2024.
    Members welcomed the progress already made in ratifications, and called for further ratifications as soon as possible. The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies will enter into force upon receipt of formal acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members, representing 111 members. A total of 99 instruments of acceptance has been received so far.
    WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism
    At MC12, ministers also established the Fisheries Funding Mechanism  to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to help developing economies and least-developed countries (LDCs) that have formally accepted the Agreement to implement the new obligations. It was the focus of the information session for members held on 23 May.
    Commerijn Plomp (Netherlands), Co-Chair of the Fisheries Funding Mechanism Steering Committee, noted that once operational, the Fund will be key to incentivize ratifications from more WTO members, as well as implementation of Agreement’s disciplines. She said: “Wide implementation will be crucial for generating a meaningful impact on our shared oceans.”
    Representing the Steering Committee, Olga Lukashevich (Peru) stressed that: “It is essential to remember that the Fund is conceived as a vehicle to support those that require it in complying with the Agreement’s disciplines, providing tools, knowledge and technical cooperation according to each member’s needs.”
    DDG Ellard concluded the session by recalling that: “With 99 members now having deposited their instruments, we are not only approaching the threshold for the Agreement’s entry into force, but we are within striking distance from launching the first Call for Proposals — as the Steering Committee agreed on 20 May — when we reach 101 deposits. As this moment approaches, it is important that members have a clear picture of the tools available to support implementation.”
    Information about the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies can be accessed here.
    Information on the Fisheries Funding Mechanism is available here.
    Information for members on how to accept the Protocol of Amendment can be found here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Golar LNG Limited Interim results for the period ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Highlights and subsequent events

    • Golar LNG Limited (“Golar” or “the Company”) reports Q1 2025 net income attributable to Golar of $8 million, Adjusted EBITDA1 of $41 million and Total Golar Cash1 of $678 million.
    • Concluded the 20-year charter of FLNG Hilli for Southern Energy S.A. (“SESA”) in Argentina.
    • Signed definitive agreements for a 20-year charter for the MKII FLNG to SESA. Combined with the FLNG Hilli charter, the project will be for 5.95 mtpa of nameplate capacity – one of the world’s largest FLNG development projects.
    • FLNG Gimi in final stages of commissioning on the GTA field, Commercial Operations Date (“COD”) expected within Q2.
    • MKII FLNG conversion vessel Fuji LNG arrived at the shipyard for conversion works, conversion project on schedule for Q4 2027 delivery.
    • FLNG Hilli maintained market-leading operational track record and delivered its 132nd LNG cargo since contract start-up.
    • Sold minority shareholding in Avenir LNG Limited.
    • Completed exit from LNG shipping segment with sale of Golar Arctic.
    • Declared dividend of $0.25 per share for the quarter.
    • Progressed FLNG growth opportunities with commercial leads, shipyard availability and long lead equipment timing.

    FLNG Hilli: Maintained leading operational track record with 132 cargoes offloaded to date and over 9 million tons of LNG produced since operations commenced.

    Final Investment Decision (“FID”) for the 20-year redeployment of FLNG Hilli to Southern Energy in Argentina concluded (further details provided in the SESA charter agreements section). A dedicated team has progressed detailed work on Hilli’s re-deployment scope, vessel upgrade and transit to her new location.

    Following the conclusion of FLNG Hilli’s re-deployment contract, we will initiate discussions for debt optimization that reflects the strong earnings visibility for the FLNG unit.

    FLNG Gimi: In January 2025, the bp operated FPSO provided feedgas from the GTA field allowing for full commissioning to commence, triggering the final upward adjustment to the commissioning rate under the commercial reset agreed in August 2024. First LNG was achieved in February and in April 2025, FLNG Gimi completed the offload of its first full LNG cargo. This introduced Mauritania and Senegal as LNG exporters to the international gas market and triggered the final pre-COD milestone bonus payment to Golar under the terms of the commercial reset. COD, which remains on schedule for Q2 2025, triggers the start of the 20-year Lease and Operate Agreement that unlocks the equivalent of around $3 billion of Adjusted EBITDA backlog1 (Golar’s share) and recognition of contractual payments comprised of capital and operating elements in both the balance sheet and income statement.

    As of May 2025, Golar has invoiced $195.9 million of pre-COD fees under the commercial reset arrangements, with this amount currently recognized on the balance sheet.

    On March 20, 2025, a $1.2 billion debt facility to refinance FLNG Gimi was signed with a consortium of leading Chinese leasing companies. The contemplated sale and leaseback facility features a tenor of 12 years and a 17-year amortization profile. Upon closing and repayment of the existing debt facility, Gimi MS Corporation is expected to generate net proceeds of approximately $530 million. This amount includes the release of existing interest rate swaps. Golar stands to benefit from 70% of these proceeds, equivalent to approximately $371 million. The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and third party stakeholder approvals. Golar has also progressed a rating process to further evaluate debt optimization alternatives for the vessel during the quarter.

    MKII FLNG 3.5 MTPA conversion: Conversion work on the $2.2 billion MKII FLNG is proceeding to schedule. The conversion vessel Fuji LNG entered CIMC’s Yantai yard in February 2025 and in April the vessel was successfully separated into forward and aft sections. A mid-ship section housing the liquefaction unit will be inserted between and attached to the refurbished forward and aft sections later in the conversion process. Fabrication of the topsides for the mid-ship section is also underway. As of March 31, 2025, Golar has spent $0.7 billion on the MKII FLNG conversion, all of which is equity funded. The MKII FLNG is expected to be delivered in Q4 2027.

    With a definitive agreement that contemplates a 2H 2025 FID now secured, Golar will consider alternatives for asset level MKII FLNG financing.

    Southern Energy charter agreements: On May 2, 2025, Golar announced a FID for the 20-year charter of FLNG Hilli. The vessel will be chartered to SESA offshore Argentina. Golar and SESA also signed definitive agreements for a 20-year charter of the MKII FLNG. The MKII FLNG charter remains subject to FID and the same regulatory approvals as those granted to the FLNG Hilli project, expected within 2025.

    Key commercial terms for the respective 20-year charter agreements include:

    • FLNG Hilli (nameplate capacity of 2.45mtpa): Expected contract start-up in 2027, expected  Adjusted EBITDA1 to Golar of $285 million per year, plus a commodity linked tariff component of 25% of Free on Board (“FOB”) prices in excess of $8/MMBtu; and,
    • MKII FLNG (nameplate capacity of 3.5mtpa): Expected contract start-up in 2028, expected  Adjusted EBITDA1 to Golar of $400 million per year, plus a commodity linked tariff component of 25% of FOB prices in excess of $8/MMBtu.

    The two FLNG agreements are expected to add $13.7 billion in Adjusted EBITDA backlog1 to Golar over 20 years, before inflationary adjustments (30% of U.S. CPI from year 6) to the charter hire, and before the commodity linked tariff upside. Where achieved FOB prices exceed the $8/MMBtu reference price, Golar will receive 25% of the excess amount (this reference price is subject to the same 30% US CPI adjustment from year 6). The commodity linked element in the FLNG charter provides an upside of $70 million per year to Golar for every $ 1/MMBtu the achieved FOB price is higher than the USD 8/MMBtu reference price. The upside calculation is based on monthly achieved FOB prices.

    While the commodity linked tariff component is upside oriented, the Company has also agreed to a mechanism where the charter hire can be partially reduced for FOB prices below $7.5/MMBtu, down to a floor of $6/MMBtu. Under this mechanism, the maximum accumulated discount over the life of both contracts has a cap of $210 million, and any outstanding discounted charter hire amounts will be recovered through additional upside sharing if FOB prices return to levels above $7.5/MMBtu. Golar is not exposed to further downside in the commodity linked FLNG charter mechanism. The upside calculation is based on monthly achieved FOB prices, whilst the downside adjustment is based on annual average achieved FOB prices. The downside mechanism is based on annual average achieved FOB prices.

    SESA, a company formed to export Argentinian LNG, is owned by a consortium of leading Argentinian gas producers including Pan American Energy (30%), YPF (25%), Pampa Energia (20%), Harbour Energy (15%) and Golar (10%). The four gas producers have committed to supply their pro-rata share of natural gas to the FLNGs under Gas Sales Agreements at a fixed price per MMBtu. Golar’s 10% shareholding in SESA provides additional commodity exposure. The 10% equity stake equates to approximately $28 million in annual additional commodity exposure to Golar for every $1/MMBtu change in achieved FOB prices versus SESA’s cash break even.

    With the combination of the fixed charter hire with 30% of U.S. CPI inflation from year 6, operating expenses pass through, 25% commodity exposure in the FLNG tariff for FOB prices above $8/MMBtu and Golar’s 10% shareholding in SESA, Golar believes it has secured a highly attractive risk-reward in the SESA charters. For every $1 FOB price above $8/MMBtu, Golar’s total commodity upside is approximately $100 million, versus approximately $28 million in downside for every $1/MMBtu that realized FOB prices are below SESA’s cash break even.

    Located offshore in close proximity of each other in Rio Negro’s Gulf of San Matias, the FLNG’s will monetize gas from the Vaca Muerta formation, the world’s second largest shale gas resource, located onshore in Argentina’s Neuquen province. FLNG Hilli will initially utilize spare volumes from the existing pipeline network. SESA intends to facilitate the construction of a dedicated pipeline from Vaca Muerta to the Gulf of San Matias to supply gas to the FLNGs and the project expects to benefit from significant operational efficiencies and synergies from two FLNGs in the same area.

    The charters are also subject to strong legal and regulatory protections including:

    • both charter agreements are subject to English Law with dispute resolution pursuant to ICC arbitration in Paris, France;
    • hire and other payments under both contracts are fully paid in U.S. dollars;
    • SESA has obtained Argentina’s first ever 30-year non-interruptible LNG export license for FLNG Hilli, providing security of exports, necessary for the significant upstream and midstream investments, as well as securing offtake contracts; and
    • MKII FLNG is expected to obtain a similar term export license within 2025.

    FLNG Hilli has been approved for adherence to the Large Investments Incentive Scheme (“RIGI”), as a Long-Term Strategic Export project. The RIGI was implemented by the current administration of President Milei to incentivize large investments in Argentina. Under the RIGI, there are incentives and protections granted to the project company (SESA), with Golar benefiting as an international asset provider and investor, mostly notably:

    • guaranteed legal certainty and regulatory stability for the duration of the project, covering taxes, customs, duties, and foreign exchange controls;
    • any new national, provincial, or municipal taxes or restrictions would not apply to RIGI projects beyond those existing when the project was approved; and
    • freedom to repatriate profits, dividends, and capital including exemption from potential Central Bank restrictions on access to foreign exchange for repatriation purposes.

    If Argentina breaches the RIGI framework (e.g. by purporting to change the regime unilaterally), the beneficiary of the RIGI status can:

    • bring legal action against the National or Provincial Government (as applicable) under ICC arbitration, or elect to challenge the revocation through administrative channels; and
    • challenge the constitutionality of enacted law which breaches the RIGI protections.

    Business development: Detailed discussions for FLNG opportunities continue. With limited yard capacity for FLNG delivery before the 2030s, and with the current Golar fleet committed, we see firming demand for the remaining available 2020s deliveries. Progress is being made on FLNG projects ranging from MKI, MKII and MKIII FLNG developments. We target FLNG opportunities with competitive wellhead gas to secure attractive base tariff and commodity upside participation. We are also in commercial negotiations with potential charterers seeking equity participation in the FLNG to align project stakeholders.

    On the back of the recent commitments for the existing fleet and with ongoing detailed commercial discussions, we are working with shipyards and topside equipment providers to firm-up prices and schedules for potential ordering of additional unit(s) within 2025. Any growth initiatives are planned to be funded with recycled liquidity from debt optimization of the existing FLNG fleet on the back of their long term charters.

    Corporate/Other: Operating revenues and costs under corporate and other items are comprised of two FSRU operate and maintain agreements in respect of the LNG Croatia and Italis LNG together with the  Golar Arctic up to her point of sale in March 2025, for $24 million, and the Fuji LNG, up to the point she entered CIMC’s yard in February 2025 for FLNG conversion.

    In February 2025, Golar also closed the sale of its non-core 23.4% interest in Avenir LNG Limited, for $39 million.

    Shares and dividends: As of March 31, 2025, 104.7 million shares are issued and outstanding. Golar’s Board of Directors approved a total Q1 2025 dividend of $0.25 per share to be paid on or around June 10, 2025. The record date will be June 3, 2025.

    Financial Summary

    (in thousands of $) Q1 2025 Q1 2024 % Change Q4 2024 % Change
    Net income 12,939 66,495 (81)% 15,037 (14)%
    Net income attributable to Golar LNG Ltd 8,197 55,220 (85)% 4,494 82%
    Total operating revenues 62,502 64,959 (4)% 65,917 (5)%
    Adjusted EBITDA 1 40,936 63,587 (36)% 59,168 (31)%
    Golar’s share of Contractual Debt 1 1,494,615 1,209,407 24% 1,515,357 (1)%

    Financial Review 

    Business Performance:

      2025 2024
    (in thousands of $) Jan-Mar Oct-Dec Jan-Mar
    Net income        12,939        15,037        66,495
    Income taxes              179            (504)              138
    Net income before income taxes        13,118        14,533        66,633
    Depreciation and amortization        12,638        13,642        12,476
    Impairment of long-term assets                —        22,933                —
    Unrealized loss/(gain) on oil and gas derivative instruments        25,001        14,269        (2,148)
    Other non-operating loss                —          7,000                —
    Interest income        (8,699)        (9,866)      (10,026)
    Loss/(gain) on derivative instruments, net          6,795        (8,711)        (6,202)
    Other financial items, net          2,292          1,153          2,640
    Net (income)/loss from equity method investments      (10,209)          4,215              214
    Adjusted EBITDA 1        40,936        59,168        63,587
      2025 2024
      Jan-Mar Oct-Dec
    (in thousands of $) FLNG Corporate and other Total FLNG Corporate and other Total
    Total operating revenues        55,688          6,814        62,502        56,396          9,521        65,917
    Vessel operating expenses      (18,785)        (9,685)      (28,470)      (19,788)        (8,121)      (27,909)
    Voyage, charterhire & commission expenses                —                —                —                —           (446)           (446)
    Administrative expenses           (588)        (8,999)        (9,587)           (264)        (7,241)        (7,505)
    Project development expenses        (2,351)           (968)        (3,319)        (3,624)        (1,236)        (4,860)
    Realized gain on oil and gas derivative instruments (2)        21,213                —        21,213        33,502                —        33,502
    Other operating income                —        (1,403)        (1,403)             469                —             469
    Adjusted EBITDA 1        55,177      (14,241)        40,936        66,691        (7,523)        59,168

    (2) The line item “Realized and unrealized (loss)/gain on oil and gas derivative instruments” in the Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations relates to income from the Hilli Liquefaction Tolling Agreement (“LTA”) and the natural gas derivative which is split into: “Realized gain on oil and gas derivative instruments” and “Unrealized (loss)/gain on oil and gas derivative instruments”.

      2024
      Jan-Mar
    (in thousands of $) FLNG Corporate and other Total
    Total operating revenues               56,368                  8,591               64,959
    Vessel operating expenses              (18,784)                (7,078)              (25,862)
    Voyage, charterhire & commission expenses                       —                (1,770)                (1,770)
    Administrative expenses                   (471)                (6,604)                (7,075)
    Project development expenses/(income)                (1,085)                     273                   (812)
    Realized gain on oil and gas derivative instruments               34,147                       —               34,147
    Adjusted EBITDA 1               70,175                (6,588)               63,587

    Golar reports today Q1 2025 net income of $13 million, before non-controlling interests, inclusive of $32 million of non-cash items1, comprised of:

    • TTF and Brent oil unrealized mark-to-market (“MTM”) losses of $25 million; and
    • A $7 million MTM loss on interest rate swaps.

    The Brent oil linked component of FLNG Hilli’s fees generates additional annual cash of approximately $3.1 million for every dollar increase in Brent Crude prices between $60 per barrel and the contractual ceiling. Billing of this component is based on a three-month look-back at average Brent Crude prices. During Q1 2025, we recognized a total of $21 million of realized gains on FLNG Hilli’s oil and gas derivative instruments, comprised of a: 

    • $12 million realized gain on the Brent oil linked derivative instrument; and
    • $9 million realized gain in respect of fees for the TTF linked production.

    We also recognized $25 million of non-cash losses in relation to FLNG Hilli’s oil and gas derivative assets, with corresponding changes in the fair value in its constituent parts recognized on our unaudited consolidated statement of operations as follows:

    • $13 million loss on the Brent oil linked derivative asset; and
    • $12 million loss on the TTF linked natural gas derivative asset. 

    Balance Sheet and Liquidity:

    As of March 31, 2025, Total Golar Cash1 was $678 million, comprised of $522 million of cash and cash equivalents and $156 million of restricted cash. 

    Golar’s share of Contractual Debt1 as of  March 31, 2025 is $1,495 million. Deducting Total Golar Cash1 of $678 million from Golar’s share of Contractual Debt1 leaves a net debt position of $817 million. 

    Assets under development amounts to $2.5 billion, comprised of $1.8 billion in respect of FLNG Gimi and $0.7 billion in respect of the MKII FLNG. The carrying value of LNG carrier Fuji LNG, previously included under Vessels and equipment, net in Q4 2024 was transferred to Assets under development in Q1 2025.

    Non-GAAP measures

    In addition to disclosing financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP), this earnings release and the associated investor presentation contains references to the non-GAAP financial measures which are included in the table below. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors with useful supplemental information about the financial performance of our business, enable comparison of financial results between periods where certain items may vary independent of business performance, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in operating our business and measuring our performance.

    This report also contains certain forward-looking non-GAAP measures for which we are unable to provide a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile those non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future events some of which are outside of our control, such as oil and gas prices and exchange rates, as such items may be significant. Non-GAAP measures in respect of future events which cannot be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are calculated in a manner which is consistent with the accounting policies applied to Golar’s unaudited consolidated financial statements.

    These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures and financial results calculated in accordance with GAAP. Non-GAAP measures are not uniformly defined by all companies and may not be comparable with similarly titled measures and disclosures used by other companies. The reconciliations as at March 31, 2025 and for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from these results should be carefully evaluated.

    Non-GAAP measure Closest equivalent US GAAP measure Adjustments to reconcile to primary financial statements prepared under US GAAP Rationale for adjustments
    Performance measures
    Adjusted EBITDA Net income/(loss)  +/- Income taxes
    + Depreciation and amortization
    + Impairment of long-lived assets
    +/- Unrealized (gain)/loss on oil and gas derivative instruments
    +/- Other non-operating (income)/losses
    +/- Net financial (income)/expense
    +/- Net (income)/losses from equity method investments
    +/- Net loss/(income) from discontinued operations    		 Increases the comparability of total business performance from period to period and against the performance of other companies by excluding the results of our equity investments, removing the impact of unrealized movements on embedded derivatives, depreciation, impairment charge, financing costs, tax items and discontinued operations.
    Distributable Adjusted EBITDA Net income/(loss)  +/- Income taxes
    + Depreciation and amortization
    + Impairment of long-lived assets
    +/- Unrealized (gain)/loss on oil and gas derivative instruments
    +/- Other non-operating (income)/losses
    +/- Net financial (income)/expense
    +/- Net (income)/losses from equity method investments
    +/- Net loss/(income) from discontinued operations
    – Amortization of deferred commissioning period revenue
    – Amortization of Day 1 gains
    – Accrued overproduction revenue
    + Overproduction revenue received
    – Accrued underutilization adjustment    		 Increases the comparability of our operational FLNG Hilli from period to period and against the performance of other companies by removing the non-distributable income of FLNG Hilli, project development costs, the operating costs of the Gandria (prior to her disposal) and FLNG Gimi.
    Liquidity measures
    Contractual debt 1 Total debt (current and non-current), net of deferred finance charges  +/-Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) consolidation adjustments
    +/-Deferred finance charges    		 During the year, we consolidate a lessor VIE for our Hilli sale and leaseback facility. This means that on consolidation, our contractual debt is eliminated and replaced with the lessor VIE debt.

    Contractual debt represents our debt obligations under our various financing arrangements before consolidating the lessor VIE.

    The measure enables investors and users of our financial statements to assess our liquidity, identify the split of our debt (current and non-current) based on our underlying contractual obligations and aid comparability with our competitors.
    Adjusted net debt Adjusted net debt based on
    GAAP measures:
    -Total debt (current and
    non-current), net of
    deferred finance
    charges
    – Cash and cash
    equivalents
    – Restricted cash and
    short-term deposits
    (current and non-current)
    – Other current assets (Receivable from TTF linked commodity swap derivatives)    		 Total debt (current and non-current), net of:
    +Deferred finance charges
    +Cash and cash equivalents
    +Restricted cash and short-term deposits (current and non-current)
    +/-VIE consolidation adjustments
    +Receivable from TTF linked commodity swap derivatives    		 The measure enables investors and users of our financial statements to assess our liquidity based on our underlying contractual obligations and aids comparability with our competitors.
    Total Golar Cash Golar cash based on GAAP measures:

    + Cash and cash equivalents

    + Restricted cash and short-term deposits (current and non-current)

    		 -VIE restricted cash and short-term deposits We consolidate a lessor VIE for our sale and leaseback facility. This means that on consolidation, we include restricted cash held by the lessor VIE.

    Total Golar Cash represents our cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and short-term deposits (current and non-current) before consolidating the lessor VIE.

    Management believe that this measure enables investors and users of our financial statements to assess our liquidity and aids comparability with our competitors.

    (1) Please refer to reconciliation below for Golar’s share of contractual debt

    Adjusted EBITDA backlog (also referred to as “earnings backlog”): This is a non-GAAP financial measure and represents the share of contracted fee income for executed contracts or definitive agreements less forecasted operating expenses for these contracts/agreements. Adjusted EBITDA backlog should not be considered as an alternative to net income / (loss) or any other measure of our financial performance calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    Non-cash items: Non-cash items comprised of impairment of long-lived assets, release of prior year contract underutilization liability, MTM movements on our TTF and Brent oil linked derivatives, listed equity securities and interest rate swaps (“IRS”) which relate to the unrealized component of the gains/(losses) on oil and gas derivative instruments, unrealized MTM (losses)/gains on investment in listed equity securities and gains on derivative instruments, net, in our unaudited consolidated statement of operations.

    Abbreviations used:

    FLNG: Floating Liquefaction Natural Gas vessel
    FSRU: Floating Storage and Regasification Unit
    MKII FLNG: Mark II FLNG
    FPSO: Floating Production, Storage and Offloading unit

    MMBtu: Million British Thermal Units
    mtpa: Million Tons Per Annum

    Reconciliations – Liquidity Measures

    Total Golar Cash

    (in thousands of $) March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 March 31, 2024
    Cash and cash equivalents             521,434           566,384           547,868
    Restricted cash and short-term deposits (current and non-current)           172,879           150,198             92,159
    Less: VIE restricted cash and short-term deposits            (16,745)            (17,472)            (17,933)
    Total Golar Cash           677,568           699,110           622,094

    Contractual Debt and Adjusted Net Debt

    (in thousands of $) March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 March 31, 2024
    Total debt (current and non-current) net of deferred finance charges        1,418,816        1,452,255        1,195,063
    VIE consolidation adjustments           251,728           241,666           213,042
    Deferred finance charges             20,946             22,686             22,337
    Total Contractual Debt        1,691,490        1,716,607        1,430,442
    Less: Keppel’s and B&V’s share of the FLNG Hilli contractual debt                     —                     —            (32,035)
    Less: Keppel’s share of the Gimi debt         (196,875)         (201,250)         (189,000)
    Golar’s share of Contractual Debt        1,494,615        1,515,357        1,209,407

    Please see Appendix A for a capital repayment profile for Golar’s Contractual Debt.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements (as defined in Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) which reflects management’s current expectations, estimates and projections about its operations. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address activities and events that will, should, could or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Words such as “if,” “subject to,” “believe,” “assuming,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “expect,” “could,” “would,” “predict,” “propose,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Unless legally required, Golar undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include but are not limited to:

    • our ability and that of our counterparty to meet our respective obligations under the 20-year lease and operate agreement (the “LOA”) with BP Mauritania Investments Limited, a subsidiary of BP p.l.c. (“bp”), entered into in connection with the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Project (the “GTA Project”), including the commissioning and start-up of various project infrastructure. Delays to FLNG commissioning works and the start of operations for our FLNG Gimi (“FLNG Gimi”) could result in incremental costs to both parties to the LOA;
    • our ability to meet our obligations under our commercial agreements, including the liquefaction tolling agreement (the “LTA”) entered into in connection with the FLNG Hilli Episeyo (“FLNG Hilli”);
    • our ability to meet our obligations to SESA in connection with the recently signed agreement to deploy FLNG Hilli in Argentina, and SESA’s ability to meet its obligations to us;
    • our ability to meet our obligations to SESA in connection with the recently signed definitive agreement to deploy our FLNG in conversion, MKII FLNG in Argentina, including reaching a final investment decision, and SESA’s ability to meet its obligations to us;
    • our ability to obtain additional financing or refinance existing debt on acceptable terms or at all including the satisfaction of the conditions precedent to the consummation of the FLNG Gimi sale leaseback transaction;
    • global economic trends, competition, and geopolitical risks, including U.S. government actions, trade tensions or conflicts such as between the U.S. and China, related sanctions, a potential Russia-Ukraine peace settlement and its potential impact on liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) supply and demand;
    • a material decline or prolonged weakness in tolling rates for FLNGs;
    • failure of shipyards to comply with schedules, performance specifications or agreed prices;
    • failure of our contract counterparties to comply with their agreements with us or other key project stakeholders;
    • an increase in tax liabilities in the jurisdictions where we are currently operating, have previously operated, or expect to operate;
    • continuing volatility in the global financial markets, including commodity prices, foreign exchange rates and interest rates and global trade policy, particularly the recent imposition of tariffs by the U.S. government;
    • changes in general domestic and international political conditions, particularly where we operate, or where we seek to operate;
    • changes in our ability to retrofit vessels as FLNGs, including the availability of vessels to purchase and in the time it takes to build new vessels or convert existing vessels;
    • continuing uncertainty resulting from potential future claims from our counterparties of purported force majeure under contractual arrangements, including our future projects and other contracts to which we are a party;
    • our ability to close potential future transactions in relation to equity interests in our vessels or to monetize our remaining equity method investments on a timely basis or at all;
    • increases in operating costs as a result of inflation or trade policy, including salaries and wages, insurance, crew provisions, repairs and maintenance, spares and redeployment related modification costs;
    • claims made or losses incurred in connection with our continuing obligations with regard to New Fortress Energy Inc. (“NFE”), Energos Infrastructure Holdings Finance LLC (“Energos”), Cool Company Ltd (“CoolCo”), and Snam S.p.A. (“Snam”);
    • the ability of NFE, Energos, CoolCo, and Snam to meet their respective obligations to us, including indemnification obligations;
    • changes to rules and regulations applicable to FLNGs or other parts of the natural gas and LNG supply chain;
    • rules on climate-related disclosures promulgated by the European Union, including but not limited to disclosure of certain climate-related risks and financial impacts, as well as greenhouse gas emissions;
    • actions taken by regulatory authorities that may prohibit the access of FLNGs to various ports and locations; and
    • other factors listed from time to time in registration statements, reports or other materials that we have filed with or furnished to the Commission, including our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2025 (the “2024 Annual Report”).

    As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

    Responsibility Statement

    We confirm that, to the best of our knowledge, the unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2025, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States give a true and fair view of Golar’s unaudited consolidated assets, liabilities, financial position and results of operations. To the best of our knowledge, the report for the three months ended March 31, 2025, includes a fair review of important events that have occurred during the period and their impact on the unaudited consolidated financial statements, the principal risks and uncertainties and major related party transactions.

    May 27, 2025
    The Board of Directors
    Golar LNG Limited
    Hamilton, Bermuda
    Investor Questions: +44 207 063 7900
    Karl Fredrik Staubo – CEO
    Eduardo Maranhão – CFO

    Stuart Buchanan – Head of Investor Relations

    Tor Olav Trøim (Chairman of the Board)
    Benoît de la Fouchardiere (Director)
    Carl Steen (Director)
    Dan Rabun (Director)
    Lori Wheeler Naess (Director)
    Mi Hong Yoon (Director)
    Niels Stolt-Nielsen (Director)

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Sabalenka, Zheng ease into French Open second round

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

    World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen of China both cruised into the second round of the French Open on Sunday.

    Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, dominanted the match with a 6-1, 6-0 win over Russia’s Kamilla Rakhimova. Her best result at Roland Garros was a semifinal appearance two years ago.

    Eighth seed Zheng defeated former French Open finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4, 6-3 in the opening round.

    “I’m happy to win this match, especially as I think she is a great opponent, playing really aggressively,” Zheng said afterwards.

    “The first match of the tournament is never easy, so I’m happy today and I’m really happy to be back at Roland Garros. Thanks to the crowd who supported me today,” she added.

    Zheng has now reached the second round at Roland Garros for the fourth straight year and extended her winning streak at the venue to seven matches, dating back to her gold medal run at Paris 2024. Zheng will next face Colombia’s Emiliana Arango.

    Elsewhere, China’s Yuan Yue fell to fourth-seeded Jasmine Paolini of Italy 6-1, 4-6, 6-3.

    Jasmine Paolini returns a shot during the women’s singles first round match between Jasmine Paolini of Italy and Yuan Yue of China at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, May 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

    Last year’s runner-up Paolini had to work harder for the win. Yuan led 3-2 in the deciding set before Paolini, fresh off her Italian Open victory, broke back and reeled off four straight games to close out the match.

    In the men’s draw, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, seeded eighth, advanced to the second round with a 7-5, 6-2, 6-0 victory over German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann.

    “I feel ready to try to go for the trophy,” said Musetti. “I think clay probably is the surface which I feel the most comfortable.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025: AI Empowers Education and Talent Growth

    Source: Huawei

    Headline: Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025: AI Empowers Education and Talent Growth

    [Shenzhen, China, May 26, 2025] On May 24, the Closing & Awards Ceremony of the Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final took place in Shenzhen. In its 9th edition, the event has reached a record-breaking scale, attracting over 210,000 students and instructors from more than 2,000 colleges and universities in over 100 countries and regions. Following national and regional competitions, 179 teams from 48 countries and regions made it to the Global Final.
    Through intense competition across three major tracks (Practice, Innovation, and Programming), top honors were awarded to 18 outstanding teams from 9 countries: Algeria, Brazil, China, Morocco, Nigeria, Philippines, Serbia, Singapore, and Tanzania.
    To recognize outstanding contributions beyond technical excellence, the competition also presented special honors. The Women in Tech Award was granted to four all-female teams from Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Kenya. The Green Development Award went to a team from Ghana. The Most Valuable Instructor Award recognized 18 distinguished instructors from 10 countries – Algeria, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, and Türkiye – for their contributions to ICT education.

    Huawei ICT Competition 2024–2025 Global Final Closing & Awards Ceremony

    In his opening speech, Ritchie Peng, Director of the ICT Strategy & Business Development Dept at Huawei, said: “To achieve the goal of learning through competition and inspiring innovation through competition, we have continuously evolved the design of competition topics. The Practice Competition aligns with our vision for an Intelligent World 2030 and encourages students to master cloud computing, big data, and AI to drive social progress. The Innovation Competition focuses on green development and digital inclusion, motivating participants to solve real-world challenges in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education through ICT.”

    Ritchie Peng Delivering the Opening Speech at the Closing & Awards Ceremony

    As digital transformation accelerates globally, demand for skilled professionals in fields such as AI, big data, and cybersecurity continues to grow. However, the shortage of talent in these critical areas is becoming increasingly evident. To help tackle this challenge, the Huawei ICT Competition features multiple tracks — notably Practice, Innovation, and Programming — alongside initiatives such as industry-academia collaboration and tailored curriculum development. These efforts aim to equip students with in-demand skills and foster the next-generation tech talent who will stand out in an increasingly intelligent and digital world.
    During this year’s competition, Huawei also hosted the AI Accelerating Education Transformation Summit, where experts explored the pivotal role of AI in smart education. In addition, Huawei officially announced the AI Capability of the Huawei ICT Academy Intelligent Platform, making it easier and more efficient for educators and students to use. This marks another step forward in advancing educational digitalization.
    For more details about the Huawei ICT Competition, visit us at https://www.huawei.com/minisite/ict-competition-2024-2025-global/en/index.html.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China grab 4 golds at world table tennis finals

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

    Despite a gold-laden campaign at the world championships, China’s once invincible national table tennis team has left the prestigious tournament in Doha, Qatar, with alarm bells ringing for its Olympic ambitions.

    Winning four of the five events at the world championships finals, it seemed like business as usual for China’s table tennis squad to have proved its mighty prowess again in the Qatari capital. However, the surging challenge from the rest of the world, underlined by the squad’s early exit in men’s doubles, has triggered a sense of urgency for the celebrated program.

    Table tennis ace Wang Chuqin competes in the men’s singles final at the World Table Tennis Championship in Doha, Qatar, on Sunday. Wang beat Brazil’s Hugo Calderano 4-1 to add another gold to his collection. XIAO YIJIU/XINHUA

    The men’s doubles final, the first event on Sunday, proceeded without a Chinese pair for the first time in 50 years, with two Chinese teams eliminated in the quarterfinals. Japan’s Hiroto Shinozuka and Shunsuke Togami won the final after beating Chinese Taipei’s Kao Cheng-jui and Lin Yun-ju 3-2 in the best-of-five format.

    Women’s World No 1 Sun Yingsha and men’s World No 2 Wang Chuqin, both from China, then held court at the Lusail Sports Arena, delivering in top form to each claim a singles title, adding to their golden harvest after bagging the mixed doubles title together on Saturday.

    “It felt like a huge burden relieved in my heart,” Wang said after beating Brazil’s reigning World Cup winner Hugo Calderano 4-1 in the best-of-seven final to win his first world championship singles gold medal.

    “It was a tough battle and I am so happy to pull it off, driven by the pride representing my country and the team,” said Wang, who also successfully avenged his semifinal loss to the same opponent at the Macao World Cup last month.

    The recent surge of Calderano, dubbed by fans as the “Thrill from Brazil”, saw the world No 3 edge out Chinese players at major events two times in a row after he beat world No 5 Liang Jingkun with a gripping semifinal win on Saturday to set up a clash with Wang. Calderano’s meteoric rise has pushed Team China’s best to dig harder and stay more cautious in future events.

    “To face him again, I tried to position myself as a challenger. He’s definitely a big threat for us in future tournaments,” Wang said after helping China collect its 11th consecutive men’s singles title at the worlds.

    In the women’s singles final, Sun retained her crown by outplaying teammate and 2021 singles world champion Wang Manyu 4-3 in a seesaw battle.

    It was also the 16th consecutive women’s singles final at the world championships to feature two Chinese finalists since 1995, serving as testament to the program’s dominance in this event.

    After a break during the men’s singles final, Wang Manyu suited up again in the women’s doubles final with partner Kuai Man and ended her Doha outing with a gold, after the world No 2 Chinese pair routed the Austria-Romania duo of Sofia Polcanova and Bernadette Szocs 3-0 in less than 22 minutes to cap off Team China’s campaign in style.

    Team China’s apparent decline of dominance on the men’s side, measured by its own standards, at the world championships has raised concerns over its prospects for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where the two team events have been replaced by men’s and women’s doubles on the Games’ program.

    The adjustment is expected to pose a tougher threat for China’s ambition of a clean sweep of all golds at LA 2028, where international contenders are more competitive in doubles than in team events.

    “We are definitely facing much more pressure now following the change in the Olympic program. The world is ready to go harder at us, and we should be prepared better as well,” newly elected Chinese Table Tennis Association president Wang Liqin told Xinhua News Agency after taking office last month.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Port State Control inspection campaign promotes fair crew conditions at sea

    Source: Maritime New Zealand

    New Zealand recently led an inspection campaign to assess seafarers’ employment conditions on board ships of various flag states subject to Port State Control. The campaign was a collaboration between both the Tokyo and Paris Memoranda of Understanding, with Maritime NZ staff participating throughout.

    The memoranda focus on eliminating substandard shipping, enhancing maritime safety, protecting the marine environment, and ensuring good working and living conditions on ships.

    The campaign was conducted from September to November 2024 and focused on crew wages and employment agreements in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006.

    During the three-month period, 8,134 inspections were carried out, with 6,580 specifically addressing the campaign’s focus areas that promote fair treatment and enhance the welfare of seafarers globally. The campaign resulted in 297 ship detentions, including 20 directly related to MLC violations, accounting for 7% of all detentions.

    Common deficiencies included the absence of signed seafarer employment agreements (16%) and seafarers being unable to access information about their employment conditions on board (28%).

    Ships from Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands were most frequently inspected – 39% of the total. Some ships from Panama, Liberia, Mongolia, and Gambia were detained more than once.

    A comprehensive report detailing the findings will be published later this year.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese director Bi Gan wins Special Prize at Cannes

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

    Chinese director Bi Gan won the Special Prize on May 25 at the 78th Cannes Film Festival for his epic fiction feature “Resurrection.”

    Director Bi Gan (center) poses with cast members of “Resurrection” on the red carpet at the film’s premiere during the 78th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 22, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Lima Media]

    Visionary auteur Bi’s “Resurrection” premiered on Thursday at Cannes to a 10-minute standing ovation and widespread critical acclaim. The art house sensation, starring Yi Yangqianxi, Shu Qi, Mark Chao and Li Gengxi, represents the sole Chinese-language contender in the main competition.

    In his acceptance speech, Bi expressed gratitude to the festival, jurors and all those who contributed to his film’s creation on behalf of the cast and crew. 

    The film has not yet set a release date, but it has sold widely following its world premiere, with companies from Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, Switzerland, South Korea and others acquiring distribution rights.

    “Resurrection” unfolds through labyrinthine-like six sensory chapters of “visual,” “auditory,” “gustatory,” “olfactory,” “tactile” and “consciousness,” mirroring the Buddhist philosophy of the six senses. Set in a world where humanity has lost the ability to dream, one creature remains entranced by fading illusions — until a woman with the rare gift of perception appears, and she ventures into the monster’s dreams to uncover their hidden truth. The director uses this two-hour-and-forty-minute film to showcase his love for cinema, while framing a century-spanning fever dream through sensory and mental dimensions.

    On May 23, Bi Gan and the creative team took part in a Cannes press conference to discuss the film’s creative process. When addressing his signature long takes, Bi called them his “most familiar technique,” while Yi Yangqianxi revealed their pivotal sequence took 15 consecutive days of midnight-to-sunrise filming, completed with “ideal weather conditions.” Bi elaborated on the leads: “Yi’s character Fantasmer drifts frenziedly through time and space, while Shu Qi’s embodies absolute rationality — yet becomes mesmerized by his character.”

    Within the film’s setting, Yi portrays five distinct roles across the chapters — marking his first multi-character performance. He meticulously crafted their unique voices, postures and movements to embody the director’s vision, creating instantly recognizable traits for these multiple identities.

    Renowned Chinese sci-fi writer Chen Qiufan, who served as script consultant for “Resurrection,” described the film as “sci-fi poetry cinema” at a Cannes event on May 19 and revealed his frequent discussions with the director about consciousness.

    The film is Bi Gan’s first feature since the 2018 festival sensation “Long Day’s Journey into Night,” a groundbreaking 3D experiment. Festival organizers described his work as a showcase of his evolving creativity that maintains the sensory and poetic qualities defining his style. They also noted that at just 35 years old, he has established himself as a major force in shaping China’s new generation of art house cinema since his directorial debut “Kaili Blues” a decade ago.

    At the post-closing ceremony press conference on May 25, jury president Juliette Binoche revealed the jury unanimously created this special award for Bi because of the film’s singular creativity, stating, “‘Resurrection’ is like a UFO — an amazing invention.”

    Binoche also remarked on the film’s uniqueness. “Visually, it really moved me. I found it extraordinary. This film allows for dreams, subtexts that we feel and that are real. It’s full of poetry and allows us to feel something within ourselves,” she said.

    Bi added, explaining his inspiration: “There should be a film about the cinema that can comfort people in this world full of changes.”

    This year’s Cannes Film Festival featured 22 films competing for its top honor — the Palme d’Or. The competition section awards were announced at the festival’s closing ceremony. The Palme d’Or went to Iranian director Jafar Panahi’s “Un Simple Accident.” Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value” received the Grand Prix, while the Jury Prize was shared by Oliver Laxe’s “Sirat” and Mascha Schilinski’s “Sound of Falling.” The night’s big winner was Brazil’s “The Secret Agent,” earning best director for Kleber Mendonça Filho and best actor for Wagner Moura. Best actress went to Nadia Melliti for “The Little Sister,” and Belgium’s Dardenne brothers claimed best screenplay for “Young Mothers.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – WTO Agreement on Agriculture – 23-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The domestic support systems in agriculture are governed by the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), which entered into force in 1995 and was negotiated during the Uruguay Round (1986-1994). The long-term goal of the AoA is to establish a fair and market-oriented agricultural trading system and to initiate a reform process through the negotiations of commitments on support and protection, and through the establishment of strengthened and more operationally effective rules and discipline. Agriculture is therefore special because the sector has its own agreement, whose provisions prevail.

    MIL OSI Europe News –