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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Data Protection Supervisor – P10_TA(2025)0085 – Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its decision on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor,

    –  having regard to Rule 102 of and Annex V to its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs,

    –  having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgetary Control (A10-0053/2025),

    A.  whereas, in the context of the discharge procedure, the discharge authority wishes to stress the particular importance of further strengthening the democratic legitimacy of the Union institutions by improving transparency and accountability, and implementing the concept of performance-based budgeting and good governance of human resources (HR);

    B.  whereas data protection is a fundamental right, protected by Union law and enshrined in Article 8 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union;

    C.  whereas Article 16 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union provides that compliance with the rules relating to the protection of individuals, with regard to the processing of personal data concerning them, is to be subject to control by an independent authority;

    D.  whereas Regulation (EU) 2018/1725 provides for the establishment of an independent authority, the European Data Protection Supervisor (the ‘EDPS’), responsible for protecting and guaranteeing the right to data protection and privacy, and tasked with ensuring that the institutions and bodies, offices and agencies of the Union embrace a strong data protection culture;

    E.  whereas the EDPS carries out its functions in close cooperation with fellow Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) as part of the European Data Protection Board (EDPB), and it serves the public interest while being guided by principles of impartiality, integrity, transparency, pragmatism and respects Union legislation;

    1.  Notes that the budget of the EDPS falls under MFF Heading 7 ’European public administration’, which amounted to a total of EUR 12,3 billion, i.e. 6,4 % of Union budget spending, in 2023; notes that the budget of the EDPS represented 0,18 % of MFF Heading 7 appropriations;

    2.  Notes that the Court of Auditors (the ‘Court’), in its Annual Report (the ‘Court’s report’) for the financial year 2023, examined a sample of 70 transactions under MFF Heading 7, of which 21 (30 %) contained errors; further notes that for five of those errors, which were quantified by the Court, the Court estimated a level of error below the materiality threshold;

    3.  Notes from the Court’s report its observation that administrative expenditure comprises expenditure on HR including pensions, which in 2023 accounted for about 70 % of the total administrative expenditure, and on buildings, equipment, energy, communications and information technology; welcomes the Court’s renewed opinion that, overall, administrative spending is low risk;

    4.  Notes from the Court’s report that in 2023 it audited a salary payment of an official who had last made a declaration concerning rights to family and child allowance in 2020; echoes the Court’s concern that delays in receiving and verifying such declarations increase the risk of ineligible payments;

    Budgetary and financial management

    5.  Notes that the final adopted budget for the EDPS was EUR 22 711 559 in 2023, which represents an increase of 12,06 % compared to 2022; notes that the budget of the EDPS also covers the work of the independent Secretariat of the EDPB; notes from the Annual report of the EDPS for 2023 (the ‘Annual Report’) that the adopted budget of the EDPB was EUR 7,67 million in 2023, including EUR 300 000 granted by means of an amending budget which was needed due to an increase in litigation activities in 2023;

    6.  Acknowledges that the budget monitoring and planning efforts of the EDPS in the financial year 2023 resulted in a budget implementation rate of current year commitment appropriations of 96 % in 2023 (slightly lower than in 2022 when that rate was 98 %); further notes from the report on the EDPS annual accounts for 2023 that the current year payment appropriations execution rate was 84 % (lower than 88 % in 2022); notes in addition, from EDPS replies to the questionnaire submitted by the Committee on Budgetary Control for the 2023 budgetary discharge (the ‘Questionnaire’), that the execution rate of payment appropriations overall was 91,33 % in 2023 (lower than 94,09 % in 2022);

    7.  Notes further that the amount of carry-overs (C8) from 2023 to 2024 was EUR 2 517 942,67 or 11,08 % of the total budget for 2023, compared to EUR 1 827 354,23 or 9,01 % of the total budget for 2022; notes that the execution rate of the C8 budget in 2023 was 76,65 % (higher than 73,77 % in 2022);

    8.  Welcomes an improvement in the average time to pay from 25 days in 2022 to 19 days in 2023, with 97,50 % of payments processed on time; notes that that improvement is also due to the EDPS having solved an old bug with the electronic payment system for invoices linked to mission costs; notes further a significant increase in the number of payments from 799 in 2022 to 1335 in 2023; observes in that context that the number of transactions is still lower than pre-pandemic levels due to changes in the way of working (such as hybrid meetings or virtual events for experts);

    9.  Notes that the effects of illegal Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine continued to create budgetary pressure on the EDPS in 2023, including through rising inflation and the consequent increase in energy costs, with the most affected budget lines being staff salaries, building security and rental costs, mission costs and services provided by external staff; commends in that context the EDPS for having re-adjusted its priorities and having implemented internal reallocation within budget chapters; understands that budgetary optimisation was necessary in order to successfully manage the indexation of staff salaries and rental costs, as well as an increase in the costs of external lawyer support services due to an increased number of EDPS binding decisions which led to a bigger number of cases to be defended before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) with the help of external legal assistance; regrets in that context that the EDPS had to postpone some of its activities, such as a feasibility study on artificial intelligence; calls on the EDPS to abide to the competences of its mandate with a collaborative approach with the Union institutions and agencies and to avoid initiating any legal action, especially those which are manifestly inadmissible, in order to avoid negative repercussions on the management of resources, which do not allow the EDPS to carry out its activities as an Institution;

    10.  Expresses concern about the significant increase in EDPS staff mission costs, from EUR 28 789 in 2021 and EUR 176 903 in 2022, to EUR 284 580 in 2023; calls on the EDPS to assess whether the resources spent on missions are being used appropriately and effectively; notes that the EDPS ceased making public the number of missions funded by organisers, as well as information on which unit or sector participated in each mission, thus reducing transparency regarding mission expenses; calls on the EDPS to reinstate this practice; encourages the EDPS to promote the use of video-conferencing tools where suitable, as this could contribute to lowering the number of missions and reducing costs; calls on the EDPS to assess whether the resources spent on missions are being used appropriately and effectively;

    Internal management, performance and internal control

    11.  Notes that the EPDS used nine key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor its performance in 2023, in alignment with the main objectives of the EDPS Strategy 2020-2024 which is implemented through the Annual Management Plan; notes from the Annual Report that the EDPS over-delivered in almost all areas, as indicated by the results of KPIs for 2023, except for one KPI (the number of EDPS followers on some social media accounts); notes with concern that the EDPS encountered considerable challenges due to a growing workload and intricate data protection issues arising from the rapidly evolving digital landscape, as well as due to the extension of the EDPS mandate to supervisory activities (such as audits and investigations) and replies to consultations and prior consultations, all in the context of a limited budget; notes from the EDPS’ follow-up report to Parliament’s resolution on the implementation of the EDPS’ budget for 2022 (the ‘Follow-up Report’) that several legislative developments in the last two years have impacted the work and resources of the EDPS, due to the extension of Eurojust’s mandate, new information to be received by Europol under the Digital Services Act, the roll out of the new Union’s large-scale databases and interoperability framework in the justice and home affairs field and the entry into force of the Artificial Intelligence Act (the ‘AI Act’); calls on the Commission and on the budgetary authority to take those matters into consideration during the annual budgetary procedure;

    12.  Welcomes the fact that, in 2023, the EDPS strengthened its ability to assess and prepare for emerging technological trends and their potential impact on privacy and data protection; notes that this was achieved through a foresight-based approach, with a focus on monitoring developments in areas such as large language models, digital identity wallets, the internet of behaviours, extended reality, and deep fake detection; welcomes in that context the publication by the EDPS of its third TechSonar initiative on emerging technologies; congratulates moreover the EDPS for having been awarded the GPA Global Privacy and Data Protection Awards 2023 in the category of innovation;

    13.  Notes that 2023 was marked by several organisational changes or updates that were needed in order to respond and adapt to the evolving data protection challenges; welcomes in this context the appointment of a Secretary-General from 1 July 2023; notes in addition the transition of two sectors into units such as ‘Information and Communication’ and ‘Governance and Internal Control’ and the creation of three new specialised sectors under the ‘Technology and Privacy’ (T&P) unit: ‘Systems Oversight and Audit’, ‘Technology Monitoring and Foresight’ and ‘Digital Transformation’;

    14.  Emphasises the role of the EDPS in supervising the processing of personal data by Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies; notes with concern the length of proceedings before the EDPS, as the EDPS did not close a single investigation in 2023, but in comparison to the previous year, in 2023, the number of notifications beyond the 72 hours significantly decreased;

    15.  Notes that the EDPS received 420 complaints, i.e. 53 more than in 2022, out of which 73 were admissible and 347 inadmissible in 2023; notes that the EDPS issued a final decision, opinion or reply in 31 out of 73 complaint cases received in 2023 within 44 days on average and responded to all 347 inadmissible complaints received; notes that, out of all admissible complaints (ongoing and received in 2023), 55 cases were finalised in 2023, which represents an increase of 17 % compared to 2022; acknowledges the efforts made by the EDPS to reduce the high number of complaints by developing a dynamic tool on the EPDS’ website, although the volume of complaints remained challenging due to limited resources in 2023; notes with satisfaction that the EDPS developed various procedural tools and policies to enhance its investigatory processes in 2023; commends in that context the EDPS for having amended its Rules of Procedure, whereby the “review procedure” is replaced by a “preliminary assessment” in order to safeguard the right to be heard of all the involved parties, thus contributing to a fair and timely handling of complaints and investigations;

    16.  Underlines the important role of consultation and advice of EDPS in the legislative process; notes that, pursuant to Article 42(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, the EDPS responded to 80 formal legislative consultations and its advice took the form of 54 opinions (27 in 2022), 26 formal comments (49 in 2022) and 34 informal comments (30 in 2022) to the Commission and to the co-legislators in response to legislative consultation requests in 2023; commends the EDPS for its input with regard to the AI Act, in particular EDPS’ own-initiative opinion on the AI Act and advice on the AI liability rules, as well as for EDPS’ input to the GPA resolution on generative AI systems; acknowledges a significant increase (+93 %) of consultation requests over the last five years;

    17.  Notes that, in 2023, the EDPS carried out eight investigations and five pre-investigations, marking a significant increase compared to previous years; notes that in 2023 the EDPS was actively involved in a total of 13 investigations and seven pre-investigations, either launched in 2023 or carried over from prior years; notes that the EPDS continued two complex and resource-intensive formal investigations from 2021 into the use by European Union Institutions, Bodies and Agencies (EUIBAs) of cloud services from non-EU/EEA entities, including a focus on the Commission’s use of Microsoft 365; urges the finalisation of those investigations on time because of their significant impact on the working of institutions; notes further that the EDPS also launched five investigations based on complaints about EUIBAs’ websites, focusing in a broad way on privacy and data protection issues, with preliminary assessments expected in 2024;

    18.  Urges the EDPS to prioritise and enhance procedures for handling the personal data of minors under 15, particularly in the context of Europol’s systems, where such individuals may be marked as suspects; recognises the heightened vulnerability of that group and the need for robust safeguards;

    19.  Notes that the EDPS investigated the Commission’s alleged use of micro-targeting on platform X and continued two pre-investigations: one case concerning EUIBAs’ use of Trello cloud service, which was closed in 2023 and another one on EUIBAs’ use of profiling, which was carried out in 2024; notes that a total of six investigations and four pre-investigations (one pre-investigation in 2022) were launched in the Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice (FSJ), reflecting a significant increase from 2022; notes the EDPS’ concerns with regard to the challenges that may arise in the case of investigations where joint action between national authorities and EUIBA’s is needed; notes in addition that, as part of its audit plan for 2023, the EDPS audited the following bodies: the European Personnel Selection Office, the European Investment Bank, the European Central Bank, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Medicines Agency;

    20.  Recalls that in 2022 the EDPS brought an action for annulment of two provisions of the amended Europol Regulation before the General Court, which was later rejected; notes that meanwhile the EDPS decided to appeal the order of the General Court in case T-578/22(1), believing the issues raised should be addressed at the highest level; regrets that the EDPS did not realise the manifest inadmissibility of its appeal, even if the institution did not intend to challenge an act by Europol, but a retroactive change in the legal framework aimed at neutralising the effects of the EDPS’ enforcement actions; calls on the institution to cooperate with Union institutions and agencies, before initiating legal proceedings that prevent the fulfilment of its mandate and the use of its resources for purposes for which they were intended; notes further that the EDPS also followed up on the implementation of its Order of 3 January 2022, including checks on Europol’s reporting; regrets that the final report on that matter was communicated by the EDPS only on 22 July 2024;

    21.  Notes that, after the pilot implementation of the new risk management framework at the EDPS in late 2022, an anonymous satisfaction survey was conducted in May 2023 to assess its effectiveness and gather additional suggestions; notes further that the survey results were positive, leading to the formal adoption of the framework on 26 June 2023;

    22.  Notes that the internal audit service (IAS) carried out an audit on the methodology for the planning of EDPS audits in the EDPS in 2023; notes that the audit was concluded with two recommendations for which the EDPS submitted an action plan to the IAS; calls on the EDPS to keep the discharge authority informed on a regular basis on the progress made in that matter;

    23.  Recalls the Treaty on the European Union that the EU and its institutions shall promote solidarity and equality between women and men;

    HR, equality and staff well-being

    24.  Notes that, at the end of 2023, the EDPS had 129 members of staff, compared to 127 in 2022; notes that the EDPS employed 50 contract staff (CA) under Article 3(b) of the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants (52 CA in 2022), 7 temporary agents (TA) under Article 2(b) and 2(c) (6 TA in 2022) and used the services of 12 external services providers (EXT) working intra-muros in 2023 (8 EXT in 2022); encourages the EDPS to continue its efforts towards a more balanced geographical representation among all Member States specifically at managerial level; welcomes the increased diversity of nationalities represented, but notes with regret the continued underrepresentation of women in senior management positions; calls for the adoption of a gender parity roadmap, including proactive recruitment measures and leadership training programs for female staff members;

    25.  Notes that the EDPS had 23 nationalities (from the Member States) represented among its staff in 2023, which is an improvement in comparison with 22 nationalities in 2022; notes with dissatisfaction the over-representation of five nationalities and an underrepresentation of other nationalities; urges the EDPS to continue its efforts to achieve a balanced geographical distribution of nationals from all Member States within its staff, by improving communication, fostering visibility, and enhancing job conditions to attract underrepresented nationalities;

    26.  Observes that, in 2023, the EDPS maintained a workforce comprising 65 % women and 35 % men, consistent with trends from previous years; regrets the absence of women in senior management roles, despite achieving gender parity among the six middle management positions; urges the EDPS to intensify its efforts to ensure gender-balanced representation across all staff levels, and invites the EDPS to promote the application of women also with a view to the next election of the Supervisor by Parliament;

    27.  Notes a high occupancy rate of the establishment plan of 95,65 % but also a high turnover rate of 13 % in 2023; notes that most of the unfilled positions were a result of candidates being unsuitable, given the EDPS’ need for highly specialised profiles and the small pool of eligible candidates; welcomes the addressing of those challenges through republication with a wider or more targeted dissemination of the vacancy or by redrafting the requirements; welcomes the steps taken by the EDPS regarding the hiring process; calls on the EDPS to continue to address the challenges in finding suitable candidates and to keep the discharge authority informed about improvements on staff recruitment and turnover;

    28.  Notes that, in the second half of 2023, the EDPS’ HR team launched a pilot for a new on-boarding process for newcomers, with sessions that cover, inter alia, presentations of core units’ work, ethics, procurement procedures and information security, whereas three on-boarding sessions were offered in 2023; invites the EDPS to continue offering to newcomers “on-boarding” and to all members of staff mandatory sessions that remind the importance of principles such as ethics, conflicts of interest, transparency, internal control and anti-fraud, as they have become the standard in the Union institutions; notes moreover that 12 individual sessions were offered for EDPS and EDPB staff, six sessions of group coaching in which participants (manager level) learned from each other, as well as a one-year team coaching with a designer for leadership development at the European School of Administration in 2023;

    29.  Notes, from the Questionnaire, that the EDPS offers flexible and hybrid working arrangements, that are well-received by members of staff who can benefit, inter alia, from parental leave, time credits, part-time work or working from abroad for a limited number of days per year; notes that, in 2023, the majority of staff made use of those working conditions, whereas 86,30 % of staff made use of teleworking arrangements in 2023; considers that the building infrastructure should be optimised to reflect that high rate of teleworking, which could contribute to reducing operational costs and ensuring more efficient use of office space; welcomes the EDPS’ continued efforts to actively improve physical and mental well-being of its staff;

    30.  Commends the EDPS for carrying out several awareness-raising actions during the year 2023 with information sharing on elimination of racial discrimination, International Women’s Day, EU diversity month and learning about neurodiversity; notes that currently the EDPS does not employ staff with disabilities but has an equal opportunities clause included in all EDPS vacancy notices and actively encourages applications from candidates with disabilities;

    31.  Notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS considers confidential any information on burnout cases, including the number thereof; disagrees with that opinion and calls the EDPS to provide the discharge authority with the number of burnout cases on a yearly basis; notes with satisfaction that, in 2023, there were no harassment cases reported at the EDPS; welcomes the fact that, in 2023, the EDPS continued to provide an anti-harassment presentation delivered by one of the EDPS’ confidential counsellors, as part of the induction training called the ‘EDPS Welcome Day’; commends the publication of the decision on anti-harassment and the role of the confidential counsellors on the EDPS’ intranet;

    Ethical framework and transparency

    32.  Notes that, in 2023, the EDPS focused its efforts on increasing staff awareness of the EDPS/EDPB ethical framework by organising mandatory dedicated training sessions for all staff and induction trainings for EDPS/EDPB newcomers, appointing a new ethics officer and participating in the ‘Comité Paritaire des Questions Statuaries’ working group on ethics; welcomes the establishment of a mailbox by the EPDS, where members of staff can submit their requests regarding any ethics related inquiries, as well as the use of Commission’s Ethics module in Sysper; encourages the EDPS to continue raising awareness and organising surveys to assess the level of staff awareness of the EDPS/EDPB ethical framework;

    33.  Welcomes the overall high level of transparency achieved by the EDPS concerning its activities, in particular as regards the publication of the agenda and the declaration of interests of the Supervisor and of the Head of EDPS Administration, in line with the Supervisor’s code of conduct of 2019; notes from the Follow-up Report that the EDPS has adopted two codes of conduct, whereas one of them applies to the Supervisor and the other one applies to the EDPS staff; understands that in cases when the Secretary-General is called to replace the Supervisor, the latter’s code of conduct also applies to the Secretary-General;

    34.  Notes with satisfaction that the EDPS has never been involved in any investigations by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) since its establishment;

    35.  Notes that, out of five inquiries opened by the Ombudsman in 2023 concerning the EDPS, four were closed without any further inquiry; notes that, for one enquiry, the decision was still pending and expected for Q4 2024; calls on the EDPS to keep the discharge authority informed as to the outcome of this enquiry;

    36.  Regrets that the EDPS has still not formally joined the Union’s Transparency Register (TR); nevertheless notes from the Follow-up Report that, with a view to formally joining the TR, the EDPS has launched an internal assessment on transparency measures, whereas, in 2023, exploratory meetings and exchanges of the EDPS with secretariat of the TR took place; calls on the EDPS to inform the discharge authority of the outcome of that assessment exercise; reiterates its call on the EDPS to join and use the TR, including for the proactive disclosure of meetings with any third parties, to ensure transparency in EDPS’ regulatory and advisory functions;

    37.  Notes with satisfaction that, in 2023, the EPDS established internal rules applicable to the hearing of persons that could be affected by an EDPS final decision adopted in own-initiative investigations and inquiries in order to ensure the proper exercise of their fundamental right to be heard in such proceedings; commends the EPDS for publishing a new factsheet on EDPS Investigations and a new EDPS Investigation Policy as well as for ensuring that all financial reports, including annual budgets, accounting and audit reports, are made publicly accessible through a Union institution website and other official channels, as the EPDS takes a leading role in enhancing the cybersecurity preparedness of the Union institutions;

    38.  Notes with satisfaction from the Questionnaire that no cases of conflicts of interest, whistleblowing or fraud were reported in the EDPS in 2023; notes that the EDPS has set up a framework to prevent conflicts of interest at the level of senior management and staff through codes of conduct, awareness raising and declarations of absence of conflicts of interest and confidentiality; notes that, in addition to the mandatory introduction to the ethical framework of the EDPS for all new members of staff, new members of staff are also introduced to the EDPS’ anti-fraud strategy;

    39.  Notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS has internal rules on whistleblowing, which define safe routes and channels through which staff may raise concerns about fraud, corruption or any other serious wrongdoing, without prejudice to the confidentiality of the identity of the whistleblower and of the information reported; notes that, so far, there has never been a whistleblowing case reported to the EDPS;

    40.  Urges the EDPS to publicly disclose any recusals due to conflicts of interest in its enforcement decisions, ensuring full transparency in regulatory oversight and decision-making;

    Digitalisation, cybersecurity and data protection

    41.  Notes from the Questionnaire that the 2023 budget for IT equipment and projects was 9,5 % lower compared to 2022; notes that that decrease was primarily because no new IT feasibility studies were being commissioned in 2023, as opposed to 2022 where such studies represented a substantial portion of the IT budget; notes further that other cost elements remain relatively stable between the two years, including general IT services and maintenance;

    42.  Notes from the Follow-up Report and the Questionnaire the conclusions of the IT feasibility study carried out in 2022, whereby there are gaps between what the IT tools and services provided by the Commission and Parliament can offer and the specific needs of the EDPS; notes that those gaps should be addressed by developing in-house capabilities and applications for which a minimum of five IT staff and partial outsourcing EDPS was deemed necessary; regrets that, due to budgetary constraints, implementation of the recommendations of the study remained on hold; calls on the EDPS to consider a step-by-step approach by starting with those recommendations and projects that would require fewer resources;

    43.  Commends the progress made in 2023 by the EDPS in digitalising its workflows and processes, with the introduction of ARES, the qualified digital signature (e-IDAS) and a collaborative platform (Nextcloud) for drafting documents and video-conferencing, as well as updates to the tool (Website Evidence Collector) that automates the collection of personal data processing on websites of data controllers and processors, the adoption of the acceptance environment of EU Send Web, a service/channel to exchange sensitive non-classified information with other EUIBAs and further progress made towards implementing services that cannot be outsourced, such as the form and the electronic workflow to manage data breach notifications; notes nevertheless issues with regard to the use and maintenance of the e-procurement system;

    44.  Welcomes the EDPS’s focus on ensuring that external contractors meet the necessary moral and ethical standards expected of all Union institutions, bodies, offices and agencies, particularly in light of the previous use of external companies by EDPS that, according to Yale University’s ranking, continue to operate in Russia;

    45.  Acknowledges that the EDPS successfully relies on many of the administrative systems used by the Commission, particularly in the field of HR and business administration processes, as well as on some of Parliament’s services, including the provision of laptops, network infrastructure and video-conferencing; commends the fact that the project to improve the quality and performance of the computers provided to EDPS staff, in collaboration with Parliament, with a view to the generalisation of hybrid work, has been completed;

    46.  Acknowledges the leading role of EDPS in enhancing the cybersecurity preparedness of the Union institutions, while working closely with bodies such as European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and cybersecurity hubs such as CERT-EU; urges it to develop a structured audit framework for cybersecurity risks within Union bodies; notes that, in 2023, the EDPS continued to improve its readiness to protect personal data and sensitive information against cyber-attacks in view of the rapidly changing cybersecurity threat landscape; commends in that context the EDPS for reviewing its security policies and methodologies in preparation for the impact of the Cybersecurity Regulation (Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841(2)); notes from the Questionnaire that the EDPS introduced a request for two additional full-time equivalents to cover cybersecurity infrastructure in connection with EDPS’s obligations under that Regulation as well as the EDPS’ role as a member of the Interinstitutional Cybersecurity Board (IICB); notes further with appreciation that the EPDS upgraded its Information Security Policy and the EDPS Acceptable Use Policy to address specific cybersecurity threats in relation to teleworking, use of personal mobile devices and banning of dangerous applications (TikTok); notes that the EDPS did not encounter any cyber-attacks in 2023; calls for annual public reporting on detected threats, response measures, and institutional cyber resilience;

    47.  Commends the EDPS for updating cybersecurity training for all staff and revamping the security training model for newcomers; appreciates that the EPDS has been proactive in raising awareness about cyber security risks, for instance by preparing fact sheets, conducting surveys with EUIBAs and running awareness campaigns; encourages the EDPS to ensure that staff receives compulsory training on the safe and ethical use of AI tools to enhance their understanding and mitigate potential risks;

    Buildings

    48.  Notes that in 2023, as in 2022, the EDPS and EDPB were the sole tenants of Parliament’s building where they were located, following the move of the Ombudsman at the end of 2021 and that by renting their premises from the Parliament rather than the private market the EDPS intends to keep the rental and maintenance costs at a reasonable level; notes that the EDPS had to request an additional EUR 81 856,84 for paying rental costs to Parliament, given that the indexation rate was 8,82 % and thus higher than the 2 % ceiling for administrative expenditures;

    49.  Notes that, in terms of accessibility of its building, the EDPS relies on the decisions taken and implemented by Parliament, as part of their building policy; notes from the Follow-up Report that the EDPS employs staff with physical impairments due to serious illness; welcomes the commitment of the EDPS to explore the possibilities of hiring trainees with reduced mobility or disabilities;

    Environment and sustainability

    50.  Notes that the EDPS has not joined the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) but has implemented several measures to reduce its environmental footprint, such as regulating the temperature automatically and centrally, turning lights off automatically when there is no movement in the room, purchasing eco-friendly products and services and automating the workflows with the introduction of ARES; notes from the Follow-up Report that according to the information received by Parliament’s Directorate-General for Infrastructure and Logistics, responsible for the management of the building rented by the EDPS, solar panels are installed on that building; asks the EDPS to inform the discharge authority to report on the share (%) of the solar-panel produced electricity in the EDPS’ total energy consumption needs per year; calls further on the EDPS to inform the discharge authority of any new developments regarding the EMAS certification process;

    51.  Notes that the EPDS has not assessed its carbon footprint in 2023; welcomes, however, that the EDPS continues to apply measures that reduce the carbon footprint by reducing the travel of journey to the office through teleworking possibilities, reimbursing 50 % of staff’s monthly/annual subscriptions for the use of public transport, encouraging the staff to favour videoconferencing and train travel for short distances, managing the cycle for invoices electronically and achieving an entirely paperless selection procedure and appraisal exercise as regards HR;

    52.  Urges the EDPS to adopt the EMAS to systematically monitor and improve its environmental footprint, particularly in terms of energy consumption, waste reduction, and sustainable office policies;

    53.  Notes that the EDPS addresses sustainability-related risks (such as environmental, social and governance risks) in a comprehensive way through an annual risk assessment exercise; welcomes in that context that the EDPS adopted its new risk management process in 2023, which should help the EDPS to target and better analyse those risks and consequently better calibrate mitigating actions;

    Interinstitutional cooperation

    54.  Welcomes the budgetary and administrative savings achieved by the EDPS through inter-institutional cooperation, particularly the conclusion of service-level agreements with Parliament for the rental of its premises and the use of IT system applications, hardware supplies and maintenance and with the Commission for HR and business administration processes, as well as through participation in large interinstitutional framework contracts in areas such as IT consultancy, interim services and office supplies; commends in addition the EDPS for maintaining a structured cooperation with the Ombudsman, the Agency for Fundamental Rights and CERT-EU through memorandums of understanding;

    55.  Notes that the EDPS participates in meetings of various interinstitutional bodies; welcomes in this context the participation of the EPDS in meetings of the Heads of Administration and the Interinstitutional Online Communication Committee, led by Parliament’s Directorate-General for Communication; acknowledges that interinstitutional cooperation with EDPS, in his supervisory role, is of key importance for the other Union institutions to enhance their level of compliance with the data protection legal framework;

    56.  Calls for closer cooperation between the EDPS, the Court of Auditors, OLAF, and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) to develop common protocols for fraud detection in digital data and financial transactions within EU institutions; stresses the need for joint audits on AI-based fraud risks;

    57.  Welcomes the pivotal role played by the EDPS in 2023 in the coordination of the Data Protection Authorities of the Member States (DPAs) to promote consistent data protection across the Union; notes that the EDPS joined 26 DPAs in a coordinated enforcement action on the role and tasks of data protection officers (DPOs), assessing their compliance with Regulation (EU) 2018/1725; notes the continued active involvement of the EPDS in the Coordinated Supervision Committee (CSC) within the area of FSJ addressing issues such as handling complaints against Europol and enhancing cooperation processes; appreciates furthermore all the other steps taken to improve cooperation between the EDPS and the DPAs such as the conduction of a joint Europol inspection with national authorities (Poland and Lithuania) and the participation in the coordinated supervisory action on processing minors’ data in Europol systems, the participation in an operational visit to the European Delegated Prosecutor’s office in Lisbon under a Working Arrangement with Portugal’s DPA and the coordination of an onsite inspection in Lesvos with Greece’s DPA to verify data collection practices during Joint Operations by Frontex; acknowledges that those interinstitutional engagements help the EDPS align with best practices of Union institutions and benefit from the exchange of information with peer departments;

    Communication

    58.  Notes that the budget for public communication and promotional activities in 2023 amounted to EUR 468 000, which represented an increase of 54 % compared to 2022;

    59.  Notes with satisfaction that the EDPS organised several communication events online as well as in person in 2023, aimed at raising awareness of EDPS’ role and mission among a wider public and the importance of respecting Union data protection rules, such as Data Protection Day, the EDPS Trainees’ conference (twice a year), the EDPS Seminar on the essence of the fundamental rights to privacy and data protection, and other international events;

    60.  Notes that the EDPS communicates online via its website and its social media accounts on X (ex-twitter) (29 400 followers), LinkedIn (71 000 followers), YouTube (2 900 followers), EU-Voice (5 900 followers) and EU-Video (750 followers);

    61.  Notes that the pilot project of the platforms EU Voice and EU Video (free and open-source social media networks, privacy-oriented and based on Mastodon and PeerTube software) continued in 2023; welcomes in that context the EDPS’ contribution to the Union’s strategy on data and digital sovereignty in order to promote the Union’s independence in the digital world and compliance with the data protection legal framework.

    (1) Order of the General Court of 6 September 2023, EDPS v Parliament and Council, T-578/22, ECLI:EU:T:2023:522.
    (2) Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2023/2841 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2023 laying down measures for a high common level of cybersecurity at the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union (OJ L, 2023/2841, 18.12.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/2841/oj).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese engineers have extracted a 38-metre-long concrete core sample from the structure of a hydroelectric dam under construction

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    LHASA, May 12 (Xinhua) — Chinese engineers on Sunday successfully extracted a 38.1-meter-long concrete core sample from a dam structure of a hydroelectric power plant under construction, setting a new national standard for concrete core sampling at similar arch dams and demonstrating the country’s advanced concrete pouring and quality control capabilities in challenging high-altitude conditions.

    The cylindrical sample was extracted from the structure of the Yebatan hydroelectric dam, a project located at the junction of Sichuan Province and the Xizang Autonomous Region in southwest China.

    The Yebatan Dam is being built on the upper reaches of the Jinsha River (the name of the Yangtze River in its upper reaches). Situated at its highest altitude of nearly 2,900 meters above sea level, the dam is one of the largest hydropower projects in the country, with a maximum dam height of 217 meters and a total installed capacity of 2.24 million kW.

    The lifespan of any dam depends on how well the concrete was poured. The developer of the project reported that a massive concrete core sample, approximately the height of a 12-story building, remained intact when removed, which directly reflects the quality of the concrete pour and demonstrates that in a high-altitude region with a freezing climate, the technology of building an arch dam from concrete is at the leading level in the world. The concrete core, 245 mm in diameter, was drilled vertically through 13 sections of the arch dam, cutting through 12 horizontal joints and 80 layers of poured concrete.

    The high altitude location of this project created extreme technical challenges during construction. With temperatures fluctuating from 37.1 degrees Celsius during the day to minus 23.5 degrees Celsius at night, the project team, in collaboration with scientists and experts, successfully extracted concrete core samples using intelligent construction technologies, including an AI temperature control system and a method for heat conservation and thermal insulation for pouring in winter conditions.

    Construction of the main structure of the mentioned hydroelectric power station began in September 2018, and its first batch of power units should be put into operation by the end of 2025.

    Once operational, the plant, a key part of China’s west-to-east power transmission program, is expected to generate about 10.2 billion kWh of electricity per year.

    This will save almost 4 million tons of conventional fuel in coal equivalent and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 7.4 million tons per year.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Seven Chinese Nurses Awarded Florence Nightingale Medal

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 12 (Xinhua) — Seven Chinese nurses have been awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal, one of the highest international awards for nurses, for their outstanding contributions to health care.

    A total of 35 nurses from 17 countries have received the award this year, with China leading the way. The announcement was made by the Chinese Red Cross Society as the world celebrates International Nurses Day on May 12.

    The Chinese laureates include a nurse from the Wuhan AIDS Clinical and Training Centre, a senior volunteer nurse from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Red Cross Society and a nurse from the emergency department of the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army, the International Committee of the Red Cross said.

    The Florence Nightingale Medal is an international award given to outstanding nurses around the world.

    Since China first took part in the selection in 1983, 97 Chinese nurses have received the prestigious award. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The hidden health risks of lip fillers

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    A woman undergoing a lip filler procedure

    By Jim Frame, Anglia Ruskin University

    Plump, pouty lips are everywhere – from social media filters to celebrity red carpets. But behind the glossy aesthetic of lip fillers lies a growing concern among medical professionals.

    While increasing numbers of people in the UK – often young women – are opting for dermal fillers to achieve a fuller look without surgery, the rise of overfilled “trout pouts” and stiff “duck lips” has sparked a wave of alarm, even among those who might typically support cosmetic treatments.

    Lip fillers are far from risk-free – and in some cases, the health consequences are permanent.

    Unlike surgical procedures, lip fillers are not legally considered medical treatments. That means they are largely unregulated, and in many cases, are being injected by people with little or no medical training.

    This is a problem, because lips are delicate and highly mobile. They contain very little natural fat and rely on a ring of tiny muscles to express everything from joy to concern. Injecting too much filler, or using the wrong kind, can interfere with these muscles – leaving the lips stiff, unnatural, or even immobile.

    While some patients seek lip fillers for genuine medical reasons, such as facial palsy or disfigurement, these are exceptions. For most, the health risks can outweigh the cosmetic benefits.

    What are fillers made of?

    The substances used in lip fillers have changed over time. Older materials such as liquid silicone were eventually phased out due to serious complications, including scarring and migration of the product to other parts of the body.

    Today, most lip fillers are made from hyaluronic acid (HA) – a substance that naturally exists in our bodies, particularly in connective tissue. HA attracts water, giving the skin volume and keeping it hydrated. As we age, our natural levels of HA decrease, which is why skin becomes drier and loses firmness.

    The HA used in fillers is either extracted from animal tissue, such as rooster combs, or produced synthetically using bacteria. While this modern version is safer than older fillers, it still carries risks including allergic reactions, reactivation of cold sores (herpes simplex virus), infections and inflammation.

    There have also been rare, but severe, cases of vascular complications such as blindness and tissue death, when fillers accidentally enter blood vessels.

    The risk to kidneys

    Less widely known – but equally concerning – is how repeat filler use may affect internal organs, particularly the kidneys.

    Hyaluronic acid isn’t just a skin plumper – it also plays a role in the immune system. When the body detects inflammation, such as from repeated filler injections, it can respond by producing HA in the kidneys. This triggers a chain reaction: first, the kidneys produce high-molecular weight HA, which increases inflammation. Later, they switch to low-molecular weight HA, which reduces inflammation but causes fibrosis, or scarring of the tissue.

    This double-edged response has been linked to chronic kidney disease and, in severe cases, even renal failure. Researchers are still exploring these links, but the risks become more significant with each repeated injection – especially in people who are genetically or medically vulnerable.

    HA can also contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate crystals in the kidneys. These can lead to kidney stones and further tissue damage, potentially causing lifelong complications.

    Who should avoid lip fillers?

    Given these risks, some people should approach fillers with extreme caution – or avoid them entirely. These include people with a history of kidney problems or allergic reactions to filler ingredients, recurrent cold sores, autoimmune conditions (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), diabetes or blood clotting disorders, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

    Despite the risks, lip fillers remain widely accessible and heavily promoted – particularly to young people influenced by social media trends. Many undergo these treatments without fully understanding what they’re putting into their bodies.

    So, what needs to change? First, better regulation. If lip filler injections were treated as medical procedures, stricter controls could help reduce botched treatments and serious complications.

    Second, more education. Patients need to understand that just because something is “non-surgical” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Fillers are still foreign substances being injected into the body. They come with risks – and these risks can increase over time.

    Lip fillers can offer subtle, beautiful enhancements when used sparingly and professionally. But when misused or overused, they can lead to lasting disfigurement, loss of function, and even serious internal health issues like kidney damage.

    Beauty trends should never come at the cost of your health.

    Jim Frame, Professor, School of Medicine, Anglia Ruskin University

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

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

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

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Aerospike Automates Database 8 Deployment on Amazon EKS

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aerospike, Inc. today delivered a new Terraform blueprint that quickly deploys Database 8 on Amazon EKS in under 30 minutes.

    The Aerospike Kubernetes Operator (AKO) automates the deployment and management of Aerospike databases, both in the cloud and on-premises. With the new Terraform blueprint, users don’t need deep Aerospike or AWS expertise to quickly start and scale a full-stack Aerospike Database on EKS with production defaults, tested patterns, infrastructure provisioning, and other critical configuration settings.

    “Amazon EKS is one of the most popular managed Kubernetes services,” said Subbu Iyer, CEO of Aerospike. “We’ve reduced all the friction to make it easier than ever to start and scale a production-ready Aerospike Database with Kubernetes — in the cloud and on-prem.”

    The new Terraform blueprint delivers a complete Aerospike deployment by provisioning the EKS cluster, configuring the underlying infrastructure like the VPC, and deploying both the AKO and Aerospike server with recommended defaults. It’s built on AWS’s Data on EKS (DoEKS), an open source project that accelerates building, deploying, and scaling data workloads on Amazon EKS.

    Get started with the Terraform blueprint on GitHub.

    Aerospike Multi-model Database

    Aerospike makes it easy to launch in the cloud and choose the right data model for the job—whether document, graph, key-value, or vector search—all within a single, massively scalable real-time database. Developers can build high-performance applications on top of these models using 80% less infrastructure than legacy or point solutions. A three-time winner of the Data Breakthrough Awards, Aerospike simplifies deployment, cluster management, and monitoring of streamlined operations, freeing developers to focus on innovations rather than operational complexity.

    About Aerospike

    Aerospike is the real-time database built for infinite scale, speed, and savings. Our customers are ready for what’s next with the lowest latency and the highest throughput data platform. Cloud and AI-forward, we empower leading organizations like Adobe, Airtel, Criteo, DBS Bank, Experian, PayPal, Snap, and Sony Interactive Entertainment. Headquartered in Mountain View, California, our offices are also located in London, Bangalore, and Tel Aviv.

    Aerospike is a registered trademark of Aerospike, Inc.

    Contact:
    Chris Poisson
    Look Left Marketing
    aerospike@lookleftmarketing.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: PageUp Unifies Brands to Strengthen Market Leadership and Enhance Customer Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PageUp, a global leader in talent acquisition software, announced the consolidation of its portfolio of brands – PageUp, eArcu, and Clinch – under the singular PageUp brand. This milestone follows PageUp’s recent acquisition by EQT, a leading global investment organization. The strategic move is designed to create a more cohesive brand and deliver best-in-class solutions to customers worldwide.

    Founded in 1997, PageUp has expanded its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, incorporating eArcu’s cutting-edge recruitment solutions and Clinch’s world-class recruitment marketing technology. By bringing these solutions together under the PageUp brand, the company reinforces its commitment to providing a seamless, end-to-end talent acquisition and management experience while amplifying its investment in product innovation and accelerating international expansion.

    Strengthening market leadership and innovation

    PageUp’s rebrand marks an exciting new chapter, positioning the company as the most complete and scalable talent acquisition solution in the market. By combining Clinch’s cutting-edge recruitment marketing – featuring content management, automation, and candidate relationship tools – with a powerful ATS, seamless onboarding, and end-to-end talent management, PageUp supports every stage of the talent journey. Backed by robust analytics and a thriving partner ecosystem, it’s built to grow with today’s ambitious organizations.

    Customers will continue to benefit from the same robust products and world-class customer support they have come to trust, with the added advantage of a more streamlined experience and increased investment in future-forward innovations.

    “By unifying our brand under PageUp, we’re simplifying our identity while amplifying our impact,” said Eric Lochner, CEO of PageUp. “This strategic evolution enables us to better serve our customers by delivering a seamless, integrated experience that drives hiring success across industries and regions. We remain committed to ongoing product development, AI-driven innovation, and customer success, ensuring our customers stay ahead in the rapidly evolving talent landscape.”

    A future focused on growth and excellence

    PageUp will continue to invest in AI-driven automation, deeper analytics capabilities, and user-centric enhancements that empower organizations to attract, hire, and retain top talent more effectively, as part of its commitment to delivering unparalleled value.

    “Our purpose is to create connections – between employers and top talent, between technology and human potential,” added Lochner. “With this consolidation and EQT’s investment, we’re better positioned than ever to drive innovation, expand our global reach, and provide our customers with the industry’s most advanced talent acquisition technology.”

    To learn more about the new PageUp, visit www.pageuppeople.com.

    About PageUp

    PageUp is a global leader in SaaS talent acquisition and management solutions. Powering the hiring strategies of leading enterprises, PageUp’s solutions streamline the recruitment process, enhance candidate experiences, and drive business success. With operations in Australia, North America, and Europe, PageUp continues to lead the way in transforming talent acquisition through technology and innovation.

    Customers choose PageUp for its deep functionality and ability to be custom-configured for various workflows and industries, all accompanied by outstanding customer service. Used in over 190 countries, PageUp is a genuinely global solution with offices in Melbourne, Sydney, New York, London, and Paris.

    For more information, visit www.pageuppeople.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: Harnessing Digital Technologies for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Integrating autonomous vehicles and AI in precision crop management

    Ex Machines, a robotics company based in Hyderabad, has developed the X100, a robotic platform designed to perform a variety of agricultural tasks. Resembling a compact tractor, the X100 operates using a range of specialized attachments for activities such as planting, weeding, and pesticide application. It is fully electric, can be remotely operated, and offers autonomous functionality once the field perimeter is defined.

    The platform supports precision agriculture by identifying crop-related issues and aiming to reduce input costs. This contributes to more efficient resource use and environmentally sustainable farming practices. Ex Machines also seeks to improve accessibility by offering rental services through rural micro-entrepreneurs, helping lower the cost barrier for small-scale farmers.

    Drone-based imaging solutions for real-time crop monitoring

    Point of Beat is a drone services company that utilizes advanced imaging technologies—including multispectral, hyperspectral, and thermal imaging—to monitor crop health. Integrated with drone systems, these technologies help detect issues such as diseases, pests, and nutrient deficiencies.

    By capturing high-resolution images and applying detailed data analysis, the company delivers actionable insights to farmers. Its approach also supports more sustainable agricultural practices by enabling targeted interventions, thereby reducing the use of chemicals, minimizing water pollution, and limiting environmental impact.

    AI-powered pest and disease detection through the Plantix app

    Plantix is a mobile application that leverages artificial intelligence to assist farmers in identifying plant diseases and pests. Available in 18 languages, the app has been downloaded over 10 million times. It enables users to upload photographs of plants, which are then analyzed using AI to detect and diagnose issues. The app can identify over 120 diseases and pests across 30 different crop types.

    Participants of the tour testing the Plantix mobile app. Photo credit: Landell Mills.

    Beyond diagnostics, Plantix offers treatment recommendations and guidance for managing identified issues. It also includes a community forum where users can ask questions and receive responses from both fellow farmers and agricultural experts. Additional features such as growth tracking and irrigation management are available to support users in optimizing their farming practices.

    Digital platforms enhancing market access for agri-producers

    Kalgudi is a startup incubator that develops digital platforms aimed at addressing rural and agricultural challenges. The company operates two main platforms: Outputs, which facilitates the marketing of agricultural produce with a focus on traceability, and Inputs, which provides access to agricultural inputs through a network of onboarded suppliers. Both platforms offer detailed information on sellers, crop varieties, cultivation methods, and packing and drying processes, supporting targeted connections between traders and farmers.

    Through its emphasis on traceability and product information, Kalgudi aims to address challenges related to market access, particularly in the context of exports. The documentation of cultivation practices, production methods, and processing standards aligns with the requirements of international markets.

    The company also serves as an aggregator for government programs by supporting women’s self-help groups in listing their products on mainstream e-commerce platforms such as Amazon. This support includes guidance on compliance, labeling, packaging, and brand representation. Currently, Kalgudi works with approximately 50,000 self-help groups—each with around ten members—and manages a digital inventory of about 500,000 products.

    FarmRobo’s Minibot: Smart machinery for smallholder farming

    FarmRobo is an agricultural technology company that focuses on designing and manufacturing agricultural products suited to local farming conditions, with attention to cost-effectiveness.

    One of its key developments is the Minibot, an unmanned ground vehicle designed for various agricultural applications, including inter-cultivation, rotavating, and spraying. The Minibot features a high-resolution camera system, a lithium-ion battery pack capable of operating for up to eight hours on a single charge, and multiple attachments for different tasks.

    Demonstration of FarmRobo’s Minibot. Photo credit: Landell Mills.

    The Minibot uses artificial intelligence and its camera system to navigate fields autonomously, maintain row alignment, and avoid obstacles. It is designed for use with both dry and row crops, and can be applied across a range of agricultural contexts in India.

    Incubation model for scaling agri-food innovations

    The Agribusiness Innovation Platform (AIP) supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of agricultural startups and agribusiness ventures. Its Innovation and Partnership Program spans entire value chains and engages with large companies, farmer producer organizations, and communities. The program offers a range of services, including strategic business consultation, training, capacity building, and participation in relevant events. It also supports primary and secondary processing units for crops such as groundnut and millets, enabling farmers to take part in value addition.

    The program emphasizes product development, particularly in the creation of innovative and nutritious food products. These are developed in collaboration with entrepreneurs, refined through consumer feedback, and introduced to the market in partnership with retailers, dealers, and distributors. AIP also provides training on food safety standards and regulatory compliance, helping startups align with the quality and safety requirements set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casinos UK: Find Out The Top Crypto Casino Of 2025! – JackBit Casino

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After thoroughly assessing several options and setting up strict criteria to evaluate the best crypto casino in the UK, our expert team identified the top platforms excelling in game variety, bonuses, security, and user experience. Through our research and interactions with local players, we’ve narrowed it down to reveal the best crypto casinos in the UK that truly stand out, providing a remarkable and secure online gambling experience.

    VISIT JACKBIT CRYPTO CASINO NOW!

    Among them, JACKBIT stands out as a top contender for 2025, earning a 4.9/5 rating. Launched in 2022, this Bitcoin casino UK combines a no KYC policy, instant crypto transactions, and a vast library of over 6,600 games, making it a premier choice for online casino real money play. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore why JACKBIT is likely the best crypto casino UK, detailing its features, bonuses, games, and more. Ready to dive in? Join JACKBIT Casino to claim your welcome bonus and start playing!

    JACKBIT: The Best Crypto Casino UK

    JACKBIT satisfies all the criteria for the best crypto casino UK, making it our top recommendation for 2025. Established in 2022, JACKBIT operates under a Curacao eGaming license, ensuring compliance with international standards for fair play and security. Its no KYC policy allows UK players to register and play anonymously, a significant advantage for those prioritizing privacy in crypto gambling UK. Instant crypto withdrawals, processed in seconds, align with the expectations of a high-payout UK crypto casino, enabling players to access winnings without delay.

    The platform’s welcome bonus—a 30% Rakeback + No KYC + 100 free spins with no wagering requirements—provides immediate value, allowing players to explore its extensive game library. Ongoing promotions, including VIP rakeback and tournaments, further enhance the Bitcoin casino bonus offerings. With over 6,600 games from 91 top providers and a comprehensive sportsbook, JACKBIT caters to every gaming preference, solidifying its position as a leading Bitcoin casino UK.

    JACKBIT – The Top Crypto Casino UK for Fast Payouts

    Since its launch in 2022, JACKBIT has likely redefined the best crypto casino UK experience with its innovative features and player-focused design. The no KYC policy is a game-changer, enabling UK players to sign up and play without submitting personal details, ensuring maximum privacy. As a crypto casino UK, JACKBIT processes cryptocurrency transactions instantly, allowing players to deposit, play, and withdraw winnings in minutes—a hallmark of new crypto casinos.

    New players are greeted with a 30% Rakeback + No KYC + 100 free spins with no wagering requirements on select promotions, making it one of the most attractive Bitcoin casino bonuses available. Ongoing promotions include a VIP Rakeback Club with up to 30% rakeback, weekly giveaways with $10,000 prize pools, and Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins tournaments featuring a €2,000,000 prize pool, adding significant value for crypto gambling UK enthusiasts.

    JACKBIT’s game library, powered by industry leaders like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and Play’n GO, includes over 6,600 titles, from high-RTP slots to live dealer tables and a sportsbook covering 140+ sports. The platform’s sleek, intuitive interface, available in 10 languages including English, ensures accessibility for UK players. Advanced SSL encryption protects player data, and 24/7 customer support via live chat and email provides prompt assistance, making JACKBIT a standout UK crypto casino.

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    Pros and Cons of JACKBIT Casino

    To provide a balanced perspective, here are the advantages and potential drawbacks of JACKBIT as a crypto casino UK:

    Pros:

    • Operates as a no KYC crypto casino, ensuring maximum privacy for UK players
    • Offers instant crypto deposits and withdrawals, ideal for crypto gambling UK
    • Features over 6,600 games, including slots, live dealers, and sports betting
    • Provides a 30% Rakeback + No KYC + 100 free spins with no wagering requirements
    • Supports 16+ cryptocurrencies for seamless, secure transactions
    • Delivers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat and email
    • Mobile-optimized platform for the best crypto casino UK gaming on the go
    • Includes high-payout games with competitive RTPs for online casino real money play

    Cons:

    • As a relatively new platform (launched in 2022), it may lack the long-term reputation of older Bitcoin casinos UK
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    How to Join JACKBIT – The Best Crypto Casino UK

    Joining JACKBIT, likely the best crypto casino UK, is a quick and user-friendly process designed to get UK players gaming in minutes:

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    Pro Tip: Verify your email and check the promotions page for the latest bonus codes to ensure seamless activation. Save your wallet address for quick future deposits to enhance your crypto casino UK experience.

    How We Selected JACKBIT as the Best Crypto Casino UK

    Our selection of JACKBIT as the best crypto casino UK involved a rigorous evaluation process tailored to the needs of UK players seeking crypto gambling UK. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key criteria we considered, each thoroughly assessed to confirm JACKBIT’s superiority:

    Licensing and Regulation

    JACKBIT likely holds a Curacao eGaming license, a respected authority ensuring compliance with fair play and security standards. We verified licensing details to confirm its legitimacy as a legitimate online casino.

    Security Measures

    Advanced SSL encryption and provably fair games protect player data and ensure transparent outcomes, critical for a crypto gambling site. Regular third-party audits by independent agencies verify game fairness, enhancing trust.

    Game Variety and Quality

    A diverse, high-quality game library is essential. JACKBIT’s 6,600+ games from 91 providers, including slots, table games, live dealers, and a comprehensive sportsbook, cater to all preferences, making it a versatile best online crypto casino.

    Bonuses and Promotions

    Generous, fair bonuses enhance value. JACKBIT’s welcome bonus 30% Rakeback + 100 free spins, with no wagering on select promotions, outshines competitors. Ongoing offers like VIP rakeback, weekly giveaways, and Drops & Wins tournaments add significant value.

    Other Promotions

    • 3+1 FreeBet
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    • NBA Playoffs Cashback

    Tournaments and Prize Pools
    JACKBIT thrives on competition, offering exciting opportunities for players to join casino and sports tournaments with prize pools often reaching six figures. Key tournaments include:

    • Daily Tournament – 1,000 Free Spins
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    Payment Methods

    Support for multiple cryptocurrencies and traditional options ensures flexibility. JACKBIT’s 16+ cryptos (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) offer instant, fee-free transactions, while Visa, PayID, and bank transfers provide alternatives. We evaluated transaction speeds, fees, and limits to confirm alignment with instant withdrawal casino standards.

    Customer Support

    Prompt, accessible support is vital. JACKBIT’s 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages ensure quick resolution of queries, from payment issues to bonus clarifications. We tested response times and support quality to verify reliability.

    User Experience

    A mobile-optimized, intuitive interface is key. JACKBIT’s responsive design, available in 10 languages, offers seamless navigation across devices, enhancing accessibility for online crypto casino play. We evaluated site performance, mobile compatibility, and user feedback.

    Player Feedback and Reputation

    Community insights from platforms like Trustpilot (4.4/5) highlight JACKBIT’s strengths in payout speed and game variety, though some note bonus term complexity (Trustpilot). We cross-referenced feedback to ensure alignment with the best Bitcoin casino claims.

    Responsible Gambling Measures

    Tools like deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion are essential for player safety. JACKBIT likely provides these, ensuring a responsible crypto gambling UK environment. We assessed these measures to confirm ethical practices, critical for legit online casinos.

    Market Position and Innovation

    As a new crypto casino, JACKBIT’s adoption of emerging cryptocurrencies like Solana and provably fair games positions it as forward-thinking. We evaluated its technological advancements to ensure it meets modern online crypto casino demands.

    JACKBIT’s likely exceptional performance across these criteria, particularly its no KYC crypto casino policy and instant withdrawals, solidifies its status as the best crypto casino UK for 2025, offering a secure, rewarding experience for UK players.

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    Best Crypto Casino UK Games at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s game library is likely a cornerstone of its best crypto casino UK status, offering over 6,600 titles from 91 providers, catering to every gaming preference. Below is a comprehensive overview of its offerings, optimized for online casino real money play:

    Online Slots:

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    Table Games:

    • Blackjack: Variants like Classic Blackjack, Multi-Hand, and European Blackjack offer low house edges (0.5% with optimal strategy), ideal for strategic online casino real money play. Players aim to beat the dealer with a hand close to 21 without busting.
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    • Poker: Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, and Texas Hold’em offer skill-based gameplay with high payout potential, enhancing the best online crypto casino experience.
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    Live Dealer Games: Over 250 live tables from Evolution Gaming, including:

    • Lightning Roulette: Multipliers up to 500x add excitement, with instant payouts via crypto, ideal for UK crypto casino players (Evolution Gaming).
    • Infinite Blackjack: Unlimited players with side bets for enhanced win potential, offering an immersive Bitcoin casino UK experience.
    • Crazy Time: A vibrant game show with interactive bonus rounds, perfect for online gambling for real money entertainment.
    • Baccarat Squeeze: Real-time dealer interaction with suspenseful card reveals, catering to online casino real money enthusiasts.

    Sportsbook:

    Covers 140+ sports, with 82,000+ monthly live events and 75,000+ pre-match events, including major leagues (NFL, NBA, Premier League), niche sports (table tennis, darts), and esports (CS:GO, Dota 2). Features like live betting, cash-out options, and 4,500+ betting types (e.g., over/under, parlays, player props) offer diverse online gambling for real money opportunities.

    Specialty Games:

    • Scratch Cards: Quick-win games like Scratch Dice with instant payouts, ideal for casual online casino real money play.
    • Keno: Lottery-style games with customizable bets, offering simple crypto gambling UK fun.
    • Virtual Sports: Simulated events like virtual football or horse racing, providing fast-paced betting options for UK crypto casino users.

    START WINNING NOW WITH A HUGE SELECTION OF GAMES AT JACKBIT!

    This extensive, high-quality selection, regularly updated with new releases, likely positions JACKBIT as a leading best crypto casino UK, offering endless entertainment and winning opportunities for online casino real money players.

    Best Crypto Casino UK Payment Methods at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s payment system is likely designed for speed, security, and flexibility, making it a top no KYC crypto casino for online casino real money play in the UK. Below is a detailed overview of its payment options, emphasizing their benefits for crypto gambling UK users:

    Payment Method Type Processing Time Minimum Deposit Notes
    Bitcoin (BTC) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 Fee-free, anonymous
    Ethereum (ETH) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 High security, smart contracts
    Tether (USDT) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 Stablecoin, low volatility
    Solana (SOL) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 Low fees, fast transactions
    Binance Coin (BNB) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 Versatile, ecosystem support
    Visa/MasterCard Traditional Instant (deposits), 1-3 days (withdrawals)   $10 Familiar, widely accepted
    PayID Traditional Instant (deposits), 1-3 days (withdrawals)   $10 Fast, linked to bank accounts
    Bank Transfer Traditional 1-5 days   $50 Suitable for high rollers
    Skrill/Neteller E-Wallet Instant (deposits), 1-2 days (withdrawals)   $10 Secure, private transactions


    Cryptocurrencies    :

    JACKBIT likely supports 16+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, Binance Coin, and more, offering:

    • Instant Transactions: Deposits and withdrawals are processed in seconds, aligning with instant withdrawal casino standards.
    • Privacy: No KYC for crypto users ensures anonymity, a hallmark of no KYC crypto casinos.
    • Security: Blockchain technology provides transparent, tamper-proof transactions, reducing fraud risks.
    • Low Fees: Minimal or no transaction fees compared to traditional methods, maximizing returns for Bitcoin casino UK players.
      For example, depositing Bitcoin involves selecting BTC in the cashier, scanning a QR code or copying the wallet address, and confirming the transaction, with funds appearing instantly.

    Traditional Methods:

    • Visa/MasterCard: Instant deposits with a $10 minimum, widely accepted for online casino real money players. Withdrawals take 1-3 days, standard for traditional options, ensuring accessibility for those not using crypto.
    • PayID: A fast, secure method linked to bank accounts, offering instant deposits and withdrawals within 1-3 days, popular for PayID casino Australia transactions, though available globally where supported.
    • Bank Transfers: Suitable for larger transactions, with withdrawals taking 1-5 days and potential fees, less ideal for instant withdrawal casino needs, but reliable for high rollers seeking online gambling for real money.

    E-Wallets:

    Skrill and Neteller likely provide secure, private transactions without sharing bank details, with instant deposits and withdrawals within 1-2 days, enhancing the online casino real money experience. These are ideal for players preferring alternatives to crypto or cards.

    JACKBIT’s crypto-centric approach, combined with traditional and e-wallet options, ensures flexibility and speed, making it a top best crypto casino UK for seamless online casino real money transactions. The no KYC policy for crypto users further streamlines the process, allowing UK players to focus on gaming rather than paperwork.

    ENJOY FAST, SECURE TRANSACTIONS AND BIG WINS AT JACKBIT!

    Why Choose Crypto Casinos UK?

    Crypto casinos offer distinct advantages over traditional online casinos, making them a preferred choice for crypto gambling UK:

    • Privacy and Anonymity: No KYC crypto casinos like JACKBIT allow anonymous play, protecting player identities, a major draw for UK crypto casino enthusiasts.
    • Speed and Efficiency: Cryptocurrency transactions are near-instant, with deposits and withdrawals processed in seconds, compared to days for traditional methods, aligning with instant withdrawal casino expectations.
    • Enhanced Security: Blockchain technology ensures secure, transparent transactions, reducing fraud risks and enhancing trust in Bitcoin casinos UK.
    • Lower Transaction Costs: Crypto transactions typically have minimal or no fees, maximizing player returns compared to credit card or bank transfer fees, a key benefit for crypto casinos UK players.
    • Innovative Features: Crypto casinos often integrate provably fair games, allowing players to verify outcomes, a feature that enhances trust in the best online crypto casino platforms.
    • Global Accessibility: Cryptocurrencies bypass regional banking restrictions, making online crypto casinos accessible to UK players, subject to local regulations.

    These advantages, coupled with JACKBIT’s robust offerings, position it as a leading new crypto casino for 2025, catering to the evolving needs of UK gamblers.

    The Rise of Crypto Gambling UK: Why JACKBIT Leads

    The crypto gambling market in the UK is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing cryptocurrency adoption and demand for privacy-focused gaming. Industry reports suggest the global crypto gambling market could reach $65 billion by 2027, with the UK contributing significantly due to its robust gambling culture. UK players are drawn to crypto gambling sites for their ability to offer fast, secure, and anonymous transactions, bypassing some of the restrictions associated with traditional banking methods.

    JACKBIT likely leads this trend by combining cutting-edge technology with player-centric features. Its no KYC policy addresses privacy concerns, while support for emerging cryptocurrencies like Solana positions it as a forward-thinking Bitcoin casino UK. The 100% welcome bonus and extensive game library surpass industry standards, providing unmatched value. As cryptocurrency adoption continues to rise, JACKBIT’s innovative approach makes it a go-to UK crypto casino for players seeking a secure, rewarding experience.

    Tips for Winning Big at JACKBIT

    To maximize your success at JACKBIT, likely the best crypto casino UK, consider these expert strategies tailored for UK players seeking crypto gambling UK rewards:

    Choose High-RTP Games:

    Return to Player (RTP) percentages indicate a game’s long-term payout potential. Opt for slots like Gates of Olympus (96.50% RTP) or Book of Dead (96.21% RTP) available at JACKBIT, as they offer better odds for consistent returns, enhancing your Bitcoin casino UK winnings (Pragmatic Play).

    Leverage Bonuses Wisely:

    JACKBIT’s 30% rakeback and 100 free spins welcome bonus, with no wagering requirements, provide extra value. Use free spins on high-RTP slots to boost your crypto casino UK bankroll without risking your own funds. Check the promotions page regularly for exclusive Bitcoin casino bonus offers (JACKBIT Promotions).

    Manage Your Bankroll:

    Set a budget for each gaming session and stick to it. For example, allocate £50 per session and avoid exceeding it, ensuring prolonged playtime and better chances of hitting a win at this UK crypto casino.

    Learn Game Strategies:

    For skill-based games like blackjack or poker, study basic strategies to reduce the house edge. Online resources can help UK players improve their gameplay, increasing online casino real money returns at JACKBIT.

    Participate in Tournaments:

    Engage in Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins tournaments, offering a €2,000,000 prize pool. These events add excitement and potential rewards to your crypto gambling UK experience, with random cash drops and weekly competitions (Pragmatic Play Drops & Wins).

    Bet Smart on Sports:

    JACKBIT’s sportsbook covers 140+ sports, including football and esports. Research teams and use live betting options like over/under or parlays for higher payouts, leveraging the platform’s 4,500+ betting types (Silentbet).

    Use Responsible Gambling Tools:

    Set deposit, loss, and session time limits using JACKBIT’s tools to maintain control, ensuring a sustainable online gambling for real money experience.

    Stay Informed:

    Follow JACKBIT’s social media or subscribe to newsletters for exclusive Bitcoin casino bonus offers, such as additional free spins or cash rewards, to enhance your crypto casinos UK play (JACKBIT Twitter).

    By applying these strategies, UK players can optimize their crypto casino UK experience at JACKBIT, increasing their chances of winning big while enjoying a safe and responsible gaming environment.

    JACKBIT Conclusion: The Best Crypto Casino UK for 2025

    After an exhaustive review of numerous crypto casinos UK, JACKBIT emerges as the best crypto casino UK for 2025. Its no KYC policy ensures maximum privacy, allowing UK players to enjoy anonymous gaming without compromising security. Instant crypto transactions, processed in seconds, provide unparalleled convenience, enabling players to deposit and withdraw funds swiftly, a hallmark of top Bitcoin casinos UK.

    With an impressive library of over 6,600 games from 91 leading providers, JACKBIT offers something for every UK player, from high-RTP slots like Sweet Bonanza to live dealer tables and a comprehensive sportsbook covering 140+ sports, including Premier League football and esports like CS:GO. The generous welcome bonus of 30% rakeback and 100 free spins, with no wagering requirements, delivers immediate value, while ongoing promotions like VIP rakeback, weekly giveaways, and Drops & Wins tournaments enhance the crypto gambling UK experience.

    JACKBIT’s support for 16+ cryptocurrencies, alongside traditional methods like Visa and PayID, ensures flexibility for UK players. Advanced SSL encryption and provably fair games guarantee a secure and transparent environment, while 24/7 customer support in English provides prompt assistance. The mobile-optimized platform allows seamless gaming on smartphones and tablets, making it accessible anywhere, anytime.

    Moreover, JACKBIT’s commitment to responsible gambling, with tools like deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion, ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all UK players. For those seeking the ultimate UK crypto casino experience, JACKBIT stands out as the top choice. Join JACKBIT Casino today to start your online casino real money journey with the best crypto casino UK!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What makes JACKBIT the best crypto casino UK?

    JACKBIT combines no KYC privacy, instant crypto withdrawals, over 6,600 games, and a 30% rakeback bonus, making it ideal for UK players seeking crypto gambling UK.

    Is JACKBIT legal for UK players?

    Licensed by Curacao eGaming, JACKBIT is accessible to UK players, but users should verify compliance with local gambling laws for crypto casinos UK.

    What cryptocurrencies does JACKBIT accept?

    JACKBIT supports 16+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, and Binance Coin, offering flexibility for Bitcoin casino UK transactions.

    How fast are withdrawals at JACKBIT?

    Crypto withdrawals are instant, while traditional methods like Visa or bank transfers take 1-3 days, ensuring quick access for UK crypto casino players.

    Does JACKBIT offer a welcome bonus?

    Yes, new players receive 30% rakeback and 100 free spins with no wagering requirements, enhancing the Bitcoin casino bonus experience.

    What games are available at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT offers slots, table games, live dealers, and a sportsbook with 140+ sports, catering to diverse crypto gambling UK preferences.

    Is there customer support at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT provides 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, ensuring prompt assistance for crypto casino UK players.

    How does the no KYC policy work at JACKBIT?

    Crypto users can register and play anonymously without identity verification, a key feature of no KYC crypto casinos.

    Are there fees for transactions at JACKBIT?

    Crypto transactions are fee-free, while traditional methods may incur standard banking fees, typical for Bitcoin casinos UK.

    What responsible gambling tools does JACKBIT provide?

    JACKBIT offers deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion to promote safe crypto gambling UK practices.

    Legal Disclaimer

    This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or gambling advice. All information is presented “as is,” with no warranties regarding accuracy or completeness. Readers are responsible for verifying information and ensuring compliance with local gambling laws. Gambling involves financial risk and potential addiction. Gamble responsibly, only wagering what you can afford to lose. Seek help from organizations like GamCare or BeGambleAware if needed. Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no cost to you. JACKBIT is licensed outside the UK and may be restricted in certain regions.

    Email: support@jackbit.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f6f4697c-5f86-443e-90cf-e416c3e025ef

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7d57038b-4d8b-40e3-8425-fc69ecdfa1e4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia enhances Optus’s 5G network with improved capacity and coverage across regional Australia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia enhances Optus’s 5G network with improved capacity and coverage across regional Australia

    • Nokia to deploy its high-performance, energy-efficient Habrok Massive MIMO radios and Levante baseband solutions to boost the coverage and capacity of Optus’s 5G network. 
    • Partnership advances Optus’s goal of providing faster speeds and improving service quality for regional communities and businesses.

    12 May 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia will support Optus’s network evolution by boosting its 5G network capabilities and modernizing sites in regional parts of Australia, the company announced today. Nokia will deploy its latest generation of Habrok Massive MIMO radios and its Levante ultra-performance baseband solutions from its AirScale portfolio to enhance the performance of Optus’ network. This strategic upgrade follows Optus’s Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) RAN-sharing agreement with TPG Telecom last year, reinforcing its commitment to providing broader coverage, faster data speeds, and a superior customer experience.  

    Powered by Nokia’s cutting-edge ReefShark System-on-Chip (SoC) technology, the compact, lightweight, and high-performance Habrok 32 massive MIMO radios offer a 33 percent boost in output power, helping Optus deliver coverage and capacity while significantly reducing power consumption. These flexible, easy-to-install solutions are ideal for new deployments and site modernization. Habrok 32 enables Optus to maximize the use of shared spectrum assets in the RAN-sharing areas, enabling higher data rates and enhanced coverage.  

    For enhanced energy efficiency, Optus will also be able to take advantage of Habrok’s ‘Extreme Deep Sleep’ power-saving mode, which switches off unused resources and reduces radio cell energy consumption. While saving energy, this feature does not have any negative impact on network performance. Optus will also benefit from Levante, Nokia’s AI-ready 5G baseband capacity card that delivers ultra-performance and enhanced scalability while cutting energy consumption to half compared to earlier product generations. Nokia will also supply Ponente its ultra-performance, energy efficient baseband control card to support increased traffic growth.

    Nokia’s AirScale base stations are AI-ready and equipped with ReefShark SoCs, which incorporate advanced AI acceleration capabilities. They also scale up to support extended AI workloads. 

    “Our deployment with Nokia’s new Habrok massive MIMO radio and new Levante and Ponente baseband modules marks an important step in meeting the growing demand from our customers for enhanced connectivity in Australia’s regional areas. We know connectivity is vital for our customers so they can stream their favourite content, download TV shows and movies, or upload pictures and videos onto their favourite social media platforms. The Habrok 32 massive MIMO radios bring the right balance of performance and cost efficiency for upgrading our 5G network to elevate consumer experiences and drive business productivity. Through this partnership, we are expanding our reach for customers and bringing them high-speed, reliable connectivity to more customers, communities, and enterprises,” said Kent Wu, Optus Vice President Access Network Strategy, Planning and Quality at Optus.

    “The introduction of Nokia’s latest solutions in this deal strengthens our long-term partnership with Optus.Our AirScale Massive MIMO radios and ultra-performance baseband solutions enable fast network modernization, providing a boost in 5G coverage and speeds for enhanced user experience while maximizing spectral efficiency. We are also helping Optus drive network sustainability through software innovations such as the extreme deep sleep energy-saving mode and the energy-saving capabilities enabled by Nokia’s ReefShark SoC chipset,” said Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia.

    The Habrok 32 massive MIMO radios and Levante baseband cards are part of Nokia’s comprehensive AirScale portfolio of 5G RAN solutions, offering operators like Optus a future-proof, high-performance ecosystem to build next-generation, energy-efficient networks with enhanced scalability and reliability. 

    Multimedia, technical information and related news 
    Product Page: AirScale Radio Access
    Product Page: AirScale Massive MIMO radios
    Product Page: AirScale baseband solutions
    Web Page: Zero-emission mobile networks

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

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

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

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

    Follow us on social media
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Alation Launches Data Products Builder Agent to Power AI-Ready Data

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alation Inc., the data intelligence company, today announced the launch of its Data Products Builder Agent, an AI-powered tool that helps data teams turn messy, raw data into trusted, reusable data products. It removes the busywork of data teams, enabling them to deliver the data products that business users and AI need.

    Today’s business users demand faster access to trusted data. Yet, enterprise data teams struggle with a deluge of under-documented data and backlogs of duplicate requests from analyst teams. These organizations are overwhelmed, making it difficult to identify what data is valuable and ready for use. Now, with the rise of AI initiatives, data teams are also under increasing pressure to deliver data fit for not only human, but machine consumption as well.

    The Data Products Builder Agent addresses these challenges by transforming raw data into productized, AI-ready assets that are easy to find and use in the Alation Data Products Marketplace. By automating the data product lifecycle, the Data Products Agent streamlines curation, packaging, and publishing processes. Based on user prompting, the agent identifies the right data to answer the user’s business question. It then auto-generates and documents the data product design specification and ensures data products meet marketplace and governance standards, all while keeping a human in the loop. This enables data teams to focus on strategic work while empowering the business with trusted, ready-to-use data products.

    Alation is the most open and extensible agentic data intelligence platform and is committed to providing customers with continued independence and interoperability of metadata. Alation-built data products are governed and machine-readable across any platform. The Alation Data Product definitions build on the Open Data Products Specification (ODPS), a YAML-based standard that enables open, portable, and extensible metadata for data products. Alation has also joined the Open Data Product Technical Steering Committee (TSC), furthering its support and commitment to help partners unlock the full potential of their data in an open and interoperable manner.

    “Alation’s decision to join ODPS is a significant milestone in advancing the standardization of data products. As the leader in data intelligence, Alation brings deep expertise and practical insight that will further strengthen our mission to build open, interoperable, business-ready data ecosystems,” said Jarkko Moilanen, Founder of ODPS. “We are excited to partner with Alation and welcome them to the ODPS Technical Steering Committee, where together we can help drive the development, direction, and innovation of ODPS.”

    “AI will soon be the primary consumer of data. Organizations that invest in building AI-ready reusable data products will get massive leverage as AI tooling takes off,” said Jake Magner, Sr. Director, Product Management, Alation. “The biggest challenge with building data products is the time and cost of ownership, and even knowing how to make them AI-ready. The Data Products Builder agent helps solve this problem.”

    Unlike legacy catalogs or manual workflows, Alation offers co-pilot editing, intelligent recommendations, and a governed data marketplace, all powered by real usage signals. These capabilities help data teams deliver trusted, reusable data products faster and at scale.

    Key capabilities of the Alation Data Products Builder Agent include:

    • Effortless data product creation: Automate and accelerate the creation of trusted, high-value data products with AI-powered intelligent recommendations for data products based on user-defined use cases and popular data assets, leveraging active metadata.
    • Built-in trust: Scale data product management with built-in governance, data contracts, defined owners, certification, and reusability, while ensuring open interoperability.
    • Business-aligned relevance: Drive adoption and value by aligning data products with business and AI-demand based on data asset usage, dependencies, and value attribution. Products are published to the Alation Data Products Marketplace, enabling discoverability by data product consumers: humans and AI agents. Dashboards for data product managers and stewards track usage and feedback, helping teams iterate and continuously improve data offerings.

    The release of the Data Products Builder Agent, which will be generally available in Q3 2025, follows the company’s recent announcement of its Agentic Data Intelligence Platform and agents that automate and guide data discovery, governance, and compliance, including the Documentation Agent, Data Quality (DQ) Agent, and AI Agent SDK.

    Learn More:

    • Today, the BBC, an Alation customer, will take the stage at the Gartner Data & Analytics Summit 2025 in a session titled, “Building the Digital First BBC by Transforming into a Data Product Organization.” The BBC is on a Digital First mission and transforming into a data product organization. The session, which features the BBC’s Head of Data & AI Governance, Nathalie Berdat, will explore how the company’s data strategy is driving a cultural and organizational shift that is evolving its data architecture and embedding data capabilities company-wide. Click here to learn more about the session and visit Alation at booth #319.
    • Register for the webinar, “What is a Data Product—and How Do You Build One?” on May 22, 2025. The webinar will discuss how to build data products that deliver business value and feature insights from Dr. Jarkko Moilanen, Founder, ODPS, Jake Magner, Product Leader at Alation, and David Chao, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer at Alation.

    About Alation
    Alation is the data intelligence company. More than 600 global enterprises — including 40% of the Fortune 100 — rely on Alation to realize value from their data and AI initiatives. Customers such as Cisco, DocuSign, Nasdaq, Pfizer, and Samsung trust Alation’s platform for self-service analytics, cloud transformation, data governance, and AI-ready data, fostering data-driven innovation at scale. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, Alation has been recognized five times by Inc. Magazine as one of the Best Workplaces. To learn more, visit www.alation.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Thompson Announces Federal Grants to Improve Local Airports Across Mississippi’s Second Congressional District

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Bennie G Thompson (D-MS)

    May 8, 2025

    BOLTON, MS – Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded more than $2.4 million in federal funds to support airport improvement projects in communities across Mississippi’s Second Congressional District. The grants, awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) FY25 Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, will fund critical upgrades to improve safety, efficiency, and operations at six local airports.

    “These grants are meaningful investments in our district’s infrastructure,” said Congressman Thompson. “They help ensure our local airports can continue serving travelers, businesses, and emergency responders effectively while supporting jobs and economic growth right here at home.”

    The following airports will receive FAA funding:

    • Indianola Municipal Airport– $448,310
      Rehabilitates 5,000 feet of the existing access road to extend its useful life.
      (Applicant: City of Indianola)
    •  
    • Vicksburg Municipal Airport– $76,000
      Replaces an aging emergency generator to ensure reliable airport power and prevent outages.
      (Applicant: City of Vicksburg)
    •  
    • John Bell Williams Airport – $855,000
      Constructs three new 3,900 sq. ft. box hangars for aircraft storage to generate airport revenue and support self-sufficiency.
      (Applicant: Hinds Community College-Raymond)
    •  
    • Greenville Mid-Delta Airport– $380,000
      Installs new cured-in-place pipes to improve structural integrity and bring the airport up to code.
      (Applicant: City of Greenville)
    •  
    • Cleveland Municipal Airport– $282,000
      Supports Phase 3 construction of a 12,000 sq. ft. aircraft hangar and reimburses work completed in June 2024.
      (Applicant: City of Cleveland)
    •  
    • Yazoo County Airport  – $409,450
      Reconstructs sod shoulders on Runway 17/35 to improve drainage and meet federal safety grading standards.
      (Applicant: County of Yazoo)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: BPMSoft and GUU agreed on the development of IT education

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    The company “BPMSoft” (part of the IT holding LANSOFT), the developer of the domestic low-code platform BPMSoft, and the State University of Management (SUM) signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of IT education.

    The partnership is aimed at developing competencies in the field of process management among students of the Institute of Industrial Management. Joint work will be carried out within the framework of the discipline “Fundamentals of Process Management” of the Department of Theory and Organization of Management, as well as in the implementation of student projects under the auspices of the project office of the State University of Management. In the future, it is planned to deepen cooperation – this is about including the courses “Business Process Engineering” and “Business Process Modeling” in the educational tracks for senior students.

    The university’s lecturers have already begun to master the functionality of the BPMSoft platform. The training is conducted according to a program developed specifically for academic partners.

    Yulia Golyakina, head of the BPMSoft Education initiative: “Today’s students are tomorrow’s architects of the digital economy. We want them to enter the market with relevant knowledge and the ability to apply modern tools in real projects. Cooperation with the State University of Management is an important step in the formation of strong practice-oriented IT education in the country.”

    Dmitry Bryukhanov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at the State University of Management: “We see great potential in integrating modern platforms into the educational process. Working with BPMSoft will allow students not only to study the theory of process management, but also to apply it in practice – in the language of business, technology and project work.”

    The partnership with the State University of Management became part of a large-scale academic initiative called “BPMSoft Education”. Over the past year and a half, more than two dozen leading universities in the country have joined the project. Its goal is to train a new wave of IT specialists with practical skills in working with domestic digital solutions that are in demand in public administration and business.

    About GUU

    The State University of Management is the first educational institution that has been specializing in management education in the USSR and Russia for over 100 years. More than 12 thousand students study at the SUM in 16 bachelor’s degree programs, 13 master’s degree programs, including economics, management, business informatics, state and municipal management, transport process technology, personnel management, statistics and others, as well as postgraduate students in 14 scientific specialties. The SUM implements a unique project-based education program, starting from the 1st year and focused on practical classes throughout the year. Every year, about 4 thousand specialists and business managers undergo retraining and improve their qualifications at the SUM.

    Over the years of its existence, the university has trained about 200 thousand highly qualified managers for various sectors of the economy. Among the graduates of the State University of Management are members of the Government of the Russian Federation, deputy ministers, governors, mayors of cities, heads of municipal structures and businesses.

    About BPMSoft

    “BPMSoft” (part of the IT holding LANSOFT) is the developer of its own low-code platform BPMSoft for automation and management of business processes in a single digital environment. BPMSoft contains tools for flexible configuration and customization, ready-made business applications for managing CRM, SRM, HRM, ITSM, connectors and extensions for effective adaptation to any IT infrastructure. The BPMSoft partner network includes 100 companies engaged in the implementation of the platform and the development of their own products based on it. BPMSoft’s clients include 500 major customers: banks and insurance, fuel and energy complex and industry, retail and FMCG, IT and development, and others.

    BPMSoft is included in the register of Russian software (registry entry No. 17372), belongs to the field of artificial intelligence, has FSTEC certification for 4 UD, and is also included in the list of 520 IT solutions that can be used at critical information infrastructure facilities from January 1, 2025, in accordance with Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 166 dated March 30, 2022.

    About LANSOFT

    IT holding LANSOFT unites leading platform solutions in the corporate software segment into a single product portfolio: TURBO, LDM, BPMSoft, Goodt. The products complement each other and cover key business needs: from budgeting, enterprise management, working with clients and suppliers to talent management and creating advanced analytical reports. All solutions of the brand are included in the register of Russian software.

    LANSOFT has an extensive network of over 170 authorized partners for sales and implementation of products. The LANSOFT team consists of over 1,400 employees.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 12.05.2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • UAE university team develops improved non-surgical blood flow monitoring device

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Researchers from United Arab Emirates University have created an enhanced technology for monitoring blood flow without surgery, using piezoelectric pressure sensors. The innovation measures crucial physiological parameters including blood flow velocity and viscosity by utilizing materials that generate electric fields when subjected to mechanical stress.

    The improved version delivers greater accuracy in data interpretation while being more cost-effective than existing alternatives, making it suitable for deployment in both clinical and home environments. The technology provides real-time monitoring capabilities that can help detect potentially dangerous conditions such as blood clots.

    “Our goal is to improve an existing technology to make it more accurate and user-friendly, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers,” said Professor Mahmoud Al Ahmad, who supervised the research team. “It is worth mentioning that this project provided a training opportunity for four undergraduate students in scientific research.”

    The team plans to incorporate artificial intelligence in future iterations to further enhance the system’s capabilities and expand its applications. This development aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision to advance medical technology and reduce dependence on imported healthcare solutions.

    The innovation strengthens the local medical device manufacturing sector and supports the UAE’s ongoing transition toward a knowledge-based economy. By creating more accessible diagnostic tools, the research contributes to promoting health equity and providing accurate, affordable medical diagnostics globally.

  • Centre expands credit guarantee scheme for startups

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Centre on Friday notified an expansion of the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS). The revised scheme significantly enhances guarantee coverage and reduces associated fees, in a bid to ease access to debt funding for early-stage and innovation-driven enterprises.

    The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, announced that the ceiling on guarantee cover per borrower under the CGSS has been raised from ₹10 crore to ₹20 crore. Simultaneously, the extent of guarantee coverage has been revised to 85% of the amount in default for loan amounts up to ₹10 crore and 75% for amounts exceeding that limit.

    The scheme also offers a reduced Annual Guarantee Fee (AGF) for startups operating within 27 identified Champion Sectors. The AGF for these sectors has been halved from 2% per annum to 1%, in a move designed to encourage innovation in areas critical to India’s manufacturing and services ambitions under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. These Champion Sectors were earlier recognised by the Government to help accelerate industrial self-reliance and technological advancement.

    “The expanded scheme will further reduce the perceived risks associated with lending to startups in established financial institutions, enabling greater financial flow and runway for startups to undertake research and development, experimentation, and create cutting-edge innovation and technologies,” the DPIIT said in a statement.

    The CGSS expansion is in line with the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to transform India into a self-reliant, innovation-led economy. The Government anticipates that the increased guarantee cover and enhanced risk-sharing mechanism will incentivise more financial institutions to extend debt support to startups. This, in turn, is expected to increase the overall volume of startup financing in the country.

    The CGSS was first notified on October 6, 2022, following the launch of the Startup India initiative by the Prime Minister on January 16, 2016. The scheme provides guarantee coverage against credit instruments offered to eligible startups by Scheduled Commercial Banks, All India Financial Institutions (AIFIs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). The primary aim is to make collateral-free debt funding more accessible through instruments such as working capital, term loans, and venture debt.

    The DPIIT noted that several operational reforms and enabling measures, developed in consultation with stakeholders from the startup ecosystem, have also been incorporated in the updated CGSS framework. These additions are intended to make the scheme more appealing both to lenders and to startups seeking financial support.

    The announcement follows proposals made in the Union Budget 2025–26, which called for enhanced credit availability with a broader guarantee cover as part of the Government’s efforts to deepen the startup ecosystem. With the latest revisions, the Government hopes to position CGSS as a key pillar in building a “Viksit Bharat” — a developed India rooted in innovation and economic inclusion.

  • Traders vow to keep goods flowing amid tensions with Pakistan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), representing over 90 million traders across the country, on Friday expressed unwavering support for the Indian government and armed forces amid the ongoing tensions with Pakistan.

    Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT Secretary General and Member of Parliament from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, stated, “Just as our brave soldiers are guarding the borders, the traders of the nation are committed to acting as soldiers on the economic front, ensuring an uninterrupted supply chain under all circumstances.”

    He lauded the Indian armed forces for responding to Pakistan’s “nefarious actions” with “exemplary courage and strength,” calling it a matter of national pride. Describing the current scenario as akin to a state of war, Khandelwal said every citizen is standing in full solidarity with the government to ensure that Pakistan receives a “strong and lasting lesson.”

    Khandelwal also clarified that there is no shortage of foodgrains or essential commodities in the country. “All goods are abundantly available in the markets, and the government has sufficient reserves. Citizens should not resort to hoarding or panic buying,” he said. He assured that traders would, as they did during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintain the supply chain and, if necessary, ensure doorstep delivery of essential items.

    He further pledged that CAIT traders would strictly follow all government advisories and would not allow panic, misinformation, or unrest to spread under any circumstances.

    Appealing to the trader community, Khandelwal said patriotism is not just an emotion but also a practice rooted in discipline, patience, and faith in the nation’s leadership. “Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps. At such a time, the trading community must act in an organised and responsible manner in the national interest,” he said.

    CAIT also urged traders to refrain from making any independent market-related decisions and to wait for official guidance. “This is the time to demonstrate unity, prudence, and patriotic commitment,” Khandelwal said.

    “Devotion to the motherland is not just an emotion—it is a responsibility. And this responsibility will be fulfilled with full discipline and dedication by over 90 million traders across the country,” he added.

    ––IANS

  • UDAI successfully conducts Face Authentication pilot for NEET Exam

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA), has successfully completed a pilot project exploring the use of Aadhaar-based face authentication for candidate verification during the NEET UG 2025 examination.

    The proof-of-concept (PoC) exercise was carried out at select examination centres in the national capital during this year’s National Eligibility cum Entrance Test — one of India’s largest entrance exams. The initiative marks a step forward in the adoption of contactless biometric technologies to enhance transparency and prevent impersonation in high-stakes public examinations.

    According to officials, the face authentication was conducted in real-time using Aadhaar’s biometric database, with seamless integration into NIC’s digital infrastructure and NTA’s examination protocols. The system enabled instant verification of candidate identity without physical contact, making the process both secure and efficient.

    The UIDAI said the pilot demonstrated a high degree of accuracy and operational ease, reinforcing the potential of face authentication as a scalable and student-friendly solution for identity verification in large-scale examinations.

    In addition to streamlining the entry process, the initiative is expected to bolster exam integrity by reducing the risk of impersonation and other fraudulent practices. The technology may also find future applications in other public service delivery systems requiring remote or contactless verification.

     

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Future of Work in Focus as HRD Ministers Meet in Jeju Jeju, Republic of Korea | 12 May 2025 Issued by the 7th APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting APEC employment and labor ministers kicked off critical discussions in Jeju on Monday, calling for overhauls in employment systems and skills strategies as economies grapple with the dual disruption of technology and aging.

    Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

    APEC employment and labor ministers kicks off critical discussions in Jeju on Monday, calling for overhauls in employment systems and skills strategies as economies grapple with the dual disruption of technology and aging.

    Chaired by Min-suk Kim, Acting Minister of Employment and Labor of the Republic of Korea, the 7th APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting underscores the urgency of adapting workforce systems to new realities shaped by artificial intelligence, demographic shifts and the growing complexity of employment types.

    “Around the world, we are witnessing profound shifts in the way we work. New forms of employment are becoming more common and accordingly policies to protect workers are evolving. In this context, labor market increasingly face job disparities and polarization,” Acting Minister Kim said in his opening remarks.

    “To turn these challenges into opportunities, our collective action to enhance the adaptability and the resilience of labor market is more important than ever.”

    Held under the theme “Sustainable Labour Markets and Jobs for the Future,” the meeting marked the first gathering of APEC labor ministers in more than a decade with the last ministerial meeting held in Ha Noi, Viet Nam in 2014.

    Acting Minister Kim urged member economies to retool institutional frameworks to meet the demands of a modern workforce. He called for flexible wage and work-hour systems, tailored to performance and job roles, highlighting that a more flexible system “will enable us to respond more effectively to changing conditions and support smoother transitions for workers across sectors.”

    He also urged his counterparts to strengthen and expand more high-quality employment opportunities in labor markets, including investing in education and training so young people can acquire the skills they need to thrive in the future workforce.

    “At the same time, we must ensure broader participation in the labor force, particularly among women and older workers,” Acting Minister Kim said. “This requires re-skilling and upskilling workers with digital capacities throughout their life cycle, with a focus on digital competencies such as AI.“

    The Chair emphasized the importance of enhancing institutional and financial support to safeguard the rights of workers in diverse forms of employment, including platform workers, stressing that “no one should fall through the cracks.”

    “Of course, these are not challenges that any single economy can solve alone. They require deeper cooperation and shared responsibility,” Acting Minister Kim added.

    “Closer collaboration is required to make sure that all workers can benefit equally from future transformations,” he continued. “Despite our different economic and social contexts, all 21 APEC member economies are united by a common goal: building sustainable labor markets and jobs.”

    Acting Minister Kim proposed the regular convening of a Sustainable Jobs Forum to bring together government and business stakeholders from across the Asia-Pacific to translate policy dialogue into action.

    The full-day ministerial program continued with plenary sessions focused on labor flexibility and active workforce strategies, featuring presentations from member economies and international institutions such as the International Labour Organization and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

    For media inquiries, please contact:
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Indians show strong trust in AI, far ahead of global average: report

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 76% of Indians trust and feel confident in using Artificial Intelligence (AI), significantly higher than the global average of 46%, according to a new report by KPMG.

    The report, titled “Trust, Attitudes and Use of Artificial Intelligence: A Global Study 2025”, surveyed over 48,000 people across 47 countries, identifying India as a global frontrunner in public trust and adoption of AI technologies.

    According to the findings, 90% of Indian respondents believe AI has enhanced accessibility and effectiveness in various domains, underlining its transformative impact on the country. Furthermore, 97% said they intentionally use AI in their workplace, and 67% admitted they couldn’t complete their tasks without it. In contrast, globally, only 58% of respondents reported actively using AI at work, and just 31% said they use it regularly.

    The study was led by Professor Nicole Gillespie and Dr. Steve Lockey of Melbourne Business School in collaboration with KPMG.

    Akhilesh Tuteja, Partner at KPMG India, stated that the findings highlight India’s readiness to lead the world in ethical and innovative AI usage. However, he stressed the need for robust governance and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible deployment.

    Professor Gillespie echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that trust and transparent governance are vital to achieving widespread acceptance and sustainable use of AI technologies.

    The report also found that 86% of Indian respondents have personally witnessed positive outcomes from AI, including increased productivity, greater innovation, and reduced time on repetitive tasks.

    AI literacy is also higher in India compared to many advanced economies. About 78% of respondents said they feel confident in their AI skills, 64% reported having received formal AI training, and 83% believe they can effectively use AI tools.

    The study positions India as a promising global leader in AI integration, not just in usage but also in public sentiment, education, and workplace applications. 

    (With IANS inputs)

  • OpenAI dials back conversion plan, nonprofit to retain control

    Source: Government of India (4)

    OpenAI has dialed back a significant restructuring plan, with its nonprofit parent retaining control in a move that is likely to limit CEO Sam Altman’s power over the pioneering maker of ChatGPT.
     
    The announcement follows a storm of criticism and legal challenges, including a high-profile lawsuit filed by rival and co-founder Elon Musk, who has accused OpenAI of straying from its founding mission to develop artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity.
     
    “OpenAI was founded as a non-profit, is today a non-profit that oversees and controls the for-profit, and going forward will remain a non-profit that oversees and controls the for-profit. That will not change,” Altman said in a blog post on Monday.
     
    OpenAI had outlined plans in December to convert its for-profit arm into a public benefit corporation, a structure designed to balance shareholder returns with social goals, unlike nonprofits, which are solely focused on the public good. Under that proposal, the nonprofit parent would have been a big shareholder in the PBC but would cede control over the startup.
     
    On Monday, OpenAI said the nonprofit parent would continue to control the PBC and become a big shareholder in it. The company will push ahead with plans to change the structure of its for-profit arm to allow more capital-raising to keep pace in the AI race.
     
    The move to an outright for-profit was intended to help OpenAI raise more capital and ease restrictions tied to its nonprofit parent. But it sparked concerns over whether the company would fairly allocate assets to the nonprofit and how it would balance profit-making with its mission to develop AI for the public good.
     
    “We made the decision for the nonprofit to stay in control after hearing from civic leaders and having discussions with the offices of the Attorneys General of California and Delaware,” Bret Taylor, chairman of OpenAI’s board, said in a blog post, adding that the new announcement meant the startup would continue to have a structure “extremely close” to the current one.
     
    Altman called the move a compromise “that (works) well enough for investors that they’re happy to continue to fund us to a degree we think we will need.” He said OpenAI would work with major backer Microsoft, regulators and newly appointed nonprofit commissioners to finalize the updated plan, and decide how much equity stake in the for-profit business each party would receive.
     
    “We believe this is well over the bar of what we need to be able to fundraise,” Altman said, adding there were “no changes to any existing investor relationships” and that the company would proceed with the earlier plan to remove caps on the profit that investors can earn.
     
    But questions remain over what exactly was changing, and what level of control the non-profit will have under the newly proposed plan, which lacks details. Currently, OpenAI’s nonprofit fully owns the for-profit entity, and the nonprofit board’s mission is ensuring that “artificial general intelligence benefits all of humanity,” instead of providing value for shareholders.
     
    “We’re glad that OpenAI is listening to concerns from civil society leaders … but crucial questions remain,” said Page Hedley, OpenAI’s former policy and ethics adviser, and lead organizer of the group Not For Private Gain.
     
    “Will OpenAI’s commercial goals continue to be legally subordinate to its charitable mission? Who will own the technology that OpenAI develops? The 2019 restructuring announcement made the primacy of the mission very clear, but so far, these statements have not,” he said. He added he was concerned that in the PBC structure, the board would be obligated to maximize shareholder value.
     
    MUSK SUIT TO PROCEED
     
    As the expensive pursuit of artificial general intelligence, or AI that surpasses human intelligence, heats up, OpenAI has been looking to make changes to attract further investment.
     
    It announced in March it would raise up to $40 billion in a new funding round led by SoftBank Group at a $300 billion valuation. The round was contingent on the AI firm transitioning to for-profit status by the end of the year, a structure that drew attention in November 2023 during one of the biggest boardroom dramas in Silicon Valley, where members of the nonprofit board ousted Altman over a breakdown in communication and loss of trust. He was reinstated after five days, following an outpouring of support from employees and investors.
     
    Altman said OpenAI would still be able to receive funding from the Japanese tech investor after Monday’s move.
     
    SoftBank did not immediately respond to a request for comment, while Microsoft declined to comment.
     
    The announcement also came amid a bitter legal battle brought by OpenAI co-founder Elon Musk, which sought to block OpenAI’s transition away from nonprofit control, among other claims. A jury trial had been scheduled for March 2026.
     
    Musk’s lawyer said there was no plan to drop the lawsuit against OpenAI.
     
    “The announcement obscures critical details about the supposed ‘non-profit control’ arrangement, and particularly the sharply reduced ownership stake the non-profit will receive in Altman’s for-profit enterprise – where the non-profit currently holds majority equity.”
     
    A consortium led by Musk had also made an unsolicited $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI earlier this year that was swiftly rebuffed by Altman with a “no thank you.”
     
    –Reuters

  • Tobacco, Cannabis use may raise heart disease deaths by 50% in five years: studies

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Tobacco and cannabis consumption could significantly raise heart disease-related deaths in the coming years, with recent studies predicting a 50 per cent surge in mortality over the next five years.

    Presented at the ongoing Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) 2025 annual scientific sessions in Washington, DC, the twin studies revealed alarming links between substance use and cardiovascular complications.

    One study projected that tobacco use alone could increase coronary heart disease deaths by 40 per cent. In contrast, individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (CUD) were found to be 50 per cent more likely to suffer from cardiogenic shock, acute myocardial infarction, and arrhythmias.

    “Despite major public health campaigns to raise awareness about the harms of tobacco and cannabis, usage remains widespread, and we continue to witness its impact on cardiovascular health,” said James B. Hermiller, President of SCAI.

    Ischemic heart disease, also known as coronary heart disease, occurs when reduced blood flow due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries weakens the heart.

    Researchers from Wayne State University in the U.S. analysed data from 1999 to 2020, focusing on tobacco-related ischemic heart disease mortality among individuals aged 25 and older. The analysis projected a 43.7 per cent rise in tobacco-related deaths by 2030. While mortality rates among females showed a decline, deaths among males registered a sharp increase.

    “Tobacco-related ischemic heart disease is not merely a problem of the past; it continues to be a leading cause of death. Targeted interventions are essential, especially as vulnerable groups remain disproportionately affected,” said Roopeessh Vempati, lead researcher from Wayne State University.

    In a separate study, researchers from Sinai Hospital in the U.S. examined data from over 1.3 million patients admitted with heart failure. Findings indicated that patients with both heart failure and CUD were significantly more prone to severe cardiovascular events. The risk of cardiogenic shock was 27 per cent higher, acute myocardial infarction 50 per cent higher, and arrhythmias 48 per cent higher in this group.

    Interestingly, the study noted that patients with CUD had a slightly lower risk of mortality compared to those without the disorder. However, researchers cautioned that the overall cardiovascular risks remained considerably elevated.

    “Even if the chance of death is slightly lower, the risk of developing severe cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks or irregular heartbeat is substantially greater. It is essential for physicians and public health professionals to educate individuals on these risks early, even before heart failure sets in,” said Dr. Syed Ishaq, Internal Medicine resident at Sinai Hospital.

    – IANS

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SLW at plenary session of Seventh APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting (English only) (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, at the plenary session themed “Flexible and Vibrant Labour Market” at the Seventh Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting in Jeju, Korea, today (May 12):
     
         Good morning, chair and distinguished fellow Ministers.
     
         Let me start off first of all by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to Korea for your warm hospitality and the very thoughtful arrangement over every detail this meeting. Flexibility and vibrancy have long been embedded in the DNA of Hong Kong, China. However, in the face of changing landscapes, we cannot stand still and must evolve and improve.
     
         In a world where social media and artificial intelligence keep on reshaping the scope and meaning of work, it is all the more important for policymakers to focus on making employment more flexible, boosting labour productivity, and putting in place sustainable protection for workers. Today I will highlight Hong Kong, China’s initiatives to address the challenges posed by the platform economy, and our efforts to enhance protection for employees across various sectors.
     
         The platform economy is developing rapidly around the world. In Hong Kong, China, platform workers engaging in food and goods delivery services are common. Similar to other economies, their mode of co-operation with platform providers involves complex and various modes of work, which are not entirely akin to the traditional employment relationship.
     
         Hong Kong, China attaches great importance to protecting the rights and benefits of platform workers. We have set up a tripartite liaison group to explore possible measures for strengthening protection for platform workers in collaboration with platform companies and labour organisations. We are glad to see that members of the liaison group are working together to forge consensus. The general directions are to enhance communication between platform companies and workers, increase the level of compensation for work-related accidents, and crack down on illegal workers. The aim is to enhance protection for platform workers through tripartite consultation while at the same time facilitating the sustainable development of the industry to achieve win-win outcome.
     
         In parallel, the Government of Hong Kong, China has conducted a thematic household survey to collect major data of local platform workers. We have also conducted an opinion survey and focus groups among platform workers. Platform workers in Hong Kong, China are mostly concerned about the protection for work-related accidents and urged platform providers to provide them with protection comparable to the work injury compensation offered to employees in general. Capitalising on the work of the liaison group and the survey findings, we will map out the way forward within this year and enact necessary legislation once we have decided on the direction.
     
         At the same time, we are addressing broad concerns through refining the scope of the Employment Ordinance in Hong Kong, China. At present, all employees covered by the Employment Ordinance are entitled to basic protection, including wage payment and granting of statutory holidays. Employees who are employed under a continuous contract are further entitled to benefits such as holiday pay, paid annual leave, sickness allowance, maternity leave, etc.
     
         Under the current law, an employee is required to work at least 18 hours a week for four weeks in a row so as to remain engaged in continuous contract. This means an employee who occasionally works less than 18 hours in a week will fall short of the continuous contract requirement.
     
         We have recently introduced legislative amendment to revise the threshold of the continuous contract requirement. First of all, we lower the weekly work hour threshold from 18 to 17 hours. More importantly, we make it clear that even if an employee works less than 17 hours a week, the continuous contract still remains valid if the aggregate work hours reach 68 hours or more in a designated four week period including the week in issue.
     
         We expect that the legislative amendment will soon be passed into law. The expanded coverage of continuous contract will enable more employees with shorter and flexible work hours to enjoy full employment benefits. We believe the relaxation will also encourage more people to join the labour market.
     
         Hong Kong, China is facing a shrinking workforce against our ageing population. To sustain the development of our workforce, we have been incentivising older people to rejoin the labour market and employers to hire older people.
     
         First of all, we have introduced a Re-employment Allowance Pilot Scheme for three years. The aim is to encourage persons aged 40 or above who have not been employed for three months or more to work again. Eligible participants will be given an allowance of HK$10,000, which is equivalent to around US$1,300, if they remain employed for six months in a row. If they remain employed for a full year, they will receive an additional allowance of HK$10,000. Up to March this year we have received 38 000 participants with 16 000 placements recorded.
     
         Turning to employers, we are rewarding those who hire and provide on-the-job training to older people. Eligible employers will receive a monthly allowance of HK$5,000 per employee per month for six to 12 months if they hire persons aged 60 or above. A smaller allowance and shorter period will be given to those employing persons aged 40 to 59.
     
         To conclude, Hong Kong, China remains steadfast in its commitment to enhance the protection for the workforce and raise labour productivity. We will continue to explore innovative solutions and engage in meaningful and pragmatic dialogue with all stakeholders to create a fair and equitable labour market that empowers all individuals to thrive.
     
         Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • UAE schools to teach AI starting in kindergarten

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United Arab Emirates will introduce artificial intelligence as a mandatory subject across all government schools beginning next academic year, positioning the nation at the forefront of educational innovation in preparation for an increasingly technology-driven future.

    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the comprehensive curriculum initiative on social media, emphasizing the country’s commitment to equipping its youth with both technical AI knowledge and ethical understanding of the technology.

    “Our responsibility is to equip our children for a time unlike ours, with conditions different from ours, and with new skills and capabilities that ensure the continued momentum of development and progress in our nation for decades to come,” Sheikh Mohammed stated.

    The program will span the entire educational journey from kindergarten through Grade 12, making the UAE one of the first nations globally to implement such extensive AI education. The Ministry of Education has developed a curriculum that balances technical proficiency with ethical considerations, teaching students about data, algorithms, applications, and potential risks. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of cultivating a technologically advanced workforce capable of navigating and leading in an AI-dominated landscape. By starting AI education at such an early age, the country aims to normalize technological fluency and critical thinking about emerging technologies among its youngest citizens. The announcement reflects the UAE’s proactive approach to educational reform, recognizing that tomorrow’s economic and social challenges will require fundamentally different skill sets than those of previous generations. Through this curriculum, the nation hopes to maintain its developmental momentum and competitive edge in the global knowledge economy.

     

  • JNUSU elections: ABVP shatters decade-long drought with joint secretary post

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has secured one of the top posts in the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU), marking a comeback after a decade, according to results of the students’ union elections declared on Monday.

    ABVP’s Vaibhav Meena won the post of Joint Secretary with 1,518 votes. Nitish Kumar of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) was elected President, securing 1,702 votes, while Manisha and Munteha Fatima, both from the Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF), clinched the Vice-President and General Secretary posts, respectively. Manisha garnered 1,150 votes, while Munteha Fatima won with 1,520 votes, further strengthening DSF’s presence in the central panel.

    Although the ABVP fell short of winning the President, Vice-President, and General Secretary posts, the narrow margins of defeat underscored a palpable shift in campus dynamics.

    Describing the outcome as an “unprecedented performance,” Amit Malviya, head of the BJP’s IT cell, said in a post on X: “Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) conquered: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) candidate Vaibhav Meena has been elected as Joint Secretary. And it doesn’t stop there. ABVP has delivered an unprecedented performance in the JNUSU elections, winning 23 out of 42 councillor seats across 16 schools and special centres — the highest number of seats won by any student organization.”

    Nitish Kumar of the All India Students’ Association (AISA) emerged as President, garnering 1,702 votes, while Manisha and Munteha Fatima, both from the Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF), claimed the posts of Vice-President and General Secretary, respectively. Manisha secured 1,150 votes, while Munteha Fatima’s victory further solidified DSF’s presence in the central panel, with 1,520 votes.

    Shikha Swaraj, Nittu Goutham, Kunal Rai, and Vaibhav Meena represented the ABVP in the key positions of President, Vice-President, General Secretary, and Joint Secretary, respectively, as part of their ambitious campaign to challenge the status quo and alter campus politics.

    The contest was marked by intense competition among strategic alliances: the All India Students’ Association (AISA) allied with the Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF), while the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) joined forces with the Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students’ Association (BAPSA), the All India Students’ Federation (AISF), and the Progressive Students’ Association.

    The ABVP contested the election independently.

    This year’s turnout of 68.3 per cent, though slightly lower than the record-breaking 73 per cent participation in the 2024 elections, still reflected strong voter engagement.

  • MIL-OSI China: Uber eyes Chinese firms for robotaxi expansion

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

    Uber has deepened its ties with China’s leading autonomous driving companies as the US-based ride-hailing giant prepares to deploy robotaxi services across international markets.

    Analysts said the move underscores how Chinese firms are emerging as key players in the race to commercialize driverless mobility on a global scale.

    In a series of strategic announcements, Momenta, Pony.ai and WeRide have each struck deals with the US ride-hailing group to bring self-driving vehicles onto the Uber platform, with services slated to launch in regions including Europe and the Middle East.

    Momenta, backed by investors such as Mercedes-Benz and SAIC, said on May 3 it would begin rolling out robotaxi services on the Uber network in early 2026, starting in Europe.

    The initial deployments will include safety operators onboard. “This partnership completes a critical piece of our global scaling puzzle,” said Cao Xudong, Momenta’s founder and CEO.

    “We will integrate our autonomous technology into mass-production vehicles and deliver it efficiently to international markets,” said Cao.

    Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi described the deal as a significant step toward delivering “more reliable and affordable autonomous mobility” to users worldwide, adding that the companies will combine Momenta’s AI-driven driving stack with Uber’s global reach and operational experience.

    Just days later, Toyota-backed Pony.ai announced a similar agreement. Its robotaxis will begin operating on Uber’s platform in the Middle East from the second half of this year.

    “This is a key milestone in Pony.ai’s global strategy,” said CEO James Peng.

    Pony.ai, which unveiled its seventh-generation automotive-grade system at the Shanghai auto show in April, said the Uber collaboration would allow it to scale operations while maintaining cost efficiency.

    The seventh-generation robotaxi solution, with a designed life of 10 years or 600,000 kilometers, features a 70 percent reduction in hardware costs compared with the previous edition, said the autonomous driving firm.

    According to the companies, Uber users in selected markets will soon be able to book Pony.ai robotaxis directly through the app.

    WeRide, another major player in China’s autonomous driving ecosystem, announced on May 6 that it would expand its existing cooperation with Uber to 15 additional cities outside China and the US over the next five years.

    The two companies started their cooperation in September 2024, then launched commercial robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi in December, with the fleet to include 50 vehicles by mid-2025.

    WeRide and Uber expanded their partnership to cover Dubai in April.

    “We are taking this partnership to a new level,” said Tony Han, CEO of WeRide. “This reflects our joint ambition to make autonomous mobility accessible and affordable across the globe.”

    The flurry of announcements signals a new phase in the globalization of China’s autonomous driving sector, said analysts.

    For Uber, which has wound down its own in-house autonomous driving unit, the partnerships represent a strategic bet on outsourcing core technology while focusing on network scale and user engagement.

    According to the McKinsey Center for Future Mobility, robotaxis are expected to become commercially available on a large scale by 2030.

    “First, it must be affordable for consumers, but at the same time, it also needs to be profitable for service providers,” said Philipp Kampshoff, a senior partner at McKinsey.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fresh & Ready Foods Voluntarily Recalls Ready-to-Eat Sandwiches and Snack Items Sold in Arizona, California, Nevada and Washington Due to Possible Listeria monocytogenes Contamination

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Fresh & Ready Foods Breakfast Bistro Box
    4oz
    1-FRBIST001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Antipasto Bistro Box
    4oz
    1-FRBIST002
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Artisan Cheese Bistro Box
    4oz
    1-FRBIST003
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Veggie Snack Bistro Box
    4oz
    1-FRBIST005
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Protein Snack
    3oz
    1-FRESLSNK001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Caprese Baguette
    6.5oz
    1-FRSLBBG001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Italian Ciabatta Sandwich
    8oz
    1-FRSLBCB003
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Thai Chicken on Ciabatta Sandwich
    9oz
    1-FRSLBCB004
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Turkey & Cheese Croissant Sandwich
    6oz
    1-FRSLBCR001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Ham & Cheese Croissant Sandwich
    6.5oz
    1-FRSLBCR002
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich
    6oz
    1-FRSLBCR003
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Dark Wheat Sandwich
    7oz
    1-FRSLBDW001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Ham & Cheese Dark Wheat Sandwich
    7oz
    1-FRSLBDW002
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods El Cubano Sandwich
    8oz
    1-FRSLBEC001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Turkey & Cheese Focaccia Sandwich
    8oz
    1-FRSLBFO001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Turkey & Cheese Mega Sandwich
    7.5oz
    1-FRSLBME001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Ham & Cheese Mega Sandwich
    7.5oz
    1-FRSLBME002
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Mega Italian Sandwich
    7.5oz
    1-FRSLBME003
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Turkey Cranberry Multigrain Sandwich
    7oz
    1-FRSLBMG001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Turkey & Cheese Multigrain Sandwich
    7oz
    1-FRSLBMG002
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Tuna Salad Multigrain Sandwich
    6.5oz
    1-FRSLBMG004
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Chicken Salad Multigrain Sandwich
    6oz
    1-FRSLBMG005
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Roasted Chicken Multigrain Sandwich
    5oz
    1-FRSLBMG006
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Turkey & Bacon Club Multigrain Sandwich
    6oz
    1-FRSLBMG007
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Petzel Bun Sandwich
    8oz
    1-FRSLBPRZ001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Mike’s Tuna Mac Pasta
    9oz
    1-FRSLBPS001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Garlic Pesto Pasta
    9oz
    1-FRSLBPS002
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Almonds & Chocolate Snack
    3oz
    1-FRSLBSNK019
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Street Corn Dipper Snack
    4oz
    1-FRSLBSNK020
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Turkey & Cheese Sub Sandwich
    6oz
    1-FRSLBSR001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Ham & Cheese Sub Sandwich
    6oz
    1-FRSLBSR002
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Italian Hoagie Sandwich
    6oz
    1-FRSLBSR004
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Sub Club Supreme
    6oz
    1-FRSLBSR005
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/14/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Beef Cheesesteak Sub Sandwich
    7oz
    1-FRSLBSR009
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/14/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Turkey & Cheese on Wheat Sandwich
    5oz
    1-FRSLBTR001WW
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Ham & Cheese on Wheat Sandwich
    5oz
    1-FRSLBTR004WW
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Tuna Salad on Wheat Sandwich
    4.5oz
    1-FRSLBTR005WW
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Roast Beef on Wheat Sandwich
    5oz
    1-FRSLBTR006WW
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Egg Salad on Wheat Sandwich
    4.5oz
    1-FRSLBTR007WW
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods PB&J on White Sandwich
    5oz
    1-FRSLBTR008W
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Club Sandwich on Wheat Sandwich
    5oz
    1-FRSLBTR011WW
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Chicken Salad on Wheat Sandwich
    4.5oz
    1-FRSLBTR012WW
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Roasted Chicken on Wheat Sandwich
    8.5oz
    1-FRSLBTR013WW
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Ham Torta Sandwich
    4.5oz
    1-FRSLBTS001
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Chicken Torta Sandwich
    9oz
    1-FRSLBTS002
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Turkey & Cheese Croissant Sandwich
    6oz
    6-COSSLBCR001-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/12/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Turkey & Cheese Multigrain Sandwich
    7.5oz
    6-COSSLBMG002-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/12/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Turkey & Cheese Multigrain Sandwich
    7oz
    6-COSSLBMG003-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/12/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Turkey & Bacon Club Multigrain Sandwich
    6.5oz
    6-COSSLBMG007-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/12/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Garlic Pesto Pasta
    9.5oz
    6-COSSLBPS002-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/12/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh & Ready Foods Egg Salad on Wheat Sandwich
    5oz
    6-COSSLBTR007WW-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/12/2025 – 05/12/2025

    City Point Market Fresh Food to Go Turkey & Cheese on Wheat Sandwich
    5.5oz
    6-CPM024-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/18/2025

    City Point Market Fresh Food to Go Ham & Cheese on Wheat Sandwich
    5oz
    6-CPM025-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/18/2025

    City Point Market Fresh Food to Go Caprese Baguette
    6.5oz
    6-CPM030-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/11/2025 – 05/11/2025

    City Point Market PB&J Crunch on Country White
    6oz
    6-CPM032-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/11/2025 – 05/11/2025

    City Point Market Fresh Food to Go Protein Snack
    3oz
    6-CPM041-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/13/2025 – 05/13/2025

    City Point Market Fresh Food to Go Turkey & Bacon Multigrain Sandwich
    6oz
    6-CPM045-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/18/2025

    City Point Market Fresh Food to Go Club Supreme Sub Sandwich
    6oz
    6-CPM046-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/18/2025

    City Point Market Fresh Food to Go Italian Hoagie Sub Sandwich
    6oz
    6-CPM047-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/10/2025 – 05/18/2025

    City Point Market Fresh Food to Go Turkey & Cheese Sub Sandwich
    6oz
    6-CPM048-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/18/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Turkey & Bacon Multigrain Sandwich
    6oz
    6-FTESLMG001-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Protein Snack
    3oz
    6-FTESLSNK001-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/14/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Club Supreme Sub Sandwich
    6oz
    6-FTESLSR001-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Italian Hogie Sub Sandwich
    6oz
    6-FTESLSR002-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Turkey & Cheese Sub Sandwich
    6oz
    6-FTESLSR003-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Beef Cheesesteak Sub Sandwich
    6oz
    6-FTESLSR004-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Turkey & Cheese Croissant
    6oz
    6-FTSLBCR001-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Chicken Salad Croissant
    6.5oz 
    6-FTSLBCR003-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away BPB&J on Country White
    6oz
    6-FTSLBCW002-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away El Cubano Sandwich
    8oz
    6-FTSLBEC001-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Turkey & Cheese Focaccia
    8oz 
    6-FTSLBFO001-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Turkey & Cheese Mega
    8.5oz 
    6-FTSLBME001-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Ham & Cheese Mega
    8.5oz
    6-FTSLBME002-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Italian Mega
    9.5oz 
    6-FTSLBME003-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Turkey Cranberry Multigrain Sandwich
    6.5oz
    6-FTSLBMG001-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Chicken Salad Multigrain Sandwich
    6oz
    6-FTSLBMG005-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Turkey & Bacon Club Multigrain Sandwich
    6.5oz 
    6-FTSLBMG007-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Mike’s Tuna Mac Pasta
    9.5oz
    6-FTSLBPS001-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Garlic Pesto Pasta
    9.5oz
    6-FTSLBPS002-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Street Corn Dipper
    4oz
    6-FTSLBSNK020-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/12/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Ham & Cheese Sub
    6oz
    6-FTSLBSR002-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/14/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Turkey & Cheese On Wheat Sandwich
    5.5oz
    6-FTSLBTR001WW-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Ham & Cheese on Wheat Sandwich
    5oz
    6-FTSLBTR004WW-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Tuna Salad on Wheat Sandwich
    5oz
    6-FTSLBTR005WW-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Egg Salad on Wheat Sandwich
    5oz
    6-FTSLBTR007WW-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    Fresh Take Crave Away Chicken Salad on Wheat Sandwich
    4.5oz
    6-FTSLBTR012WW-CS
    PLASTIC CONTAINER
    05/09/2025 – 05/19/2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: WuBlockchain Interviews BitMart’s New CEO Nenter (Nathan) Chow: Technological Innovation, Global Expansion, and Community Empowerment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mahe, Seychelles, May 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an exclusive interview conducted by WuBlockchain, one of the cryptocurrency industry’s leading media platforms, BitMart’s newly appointed CEO, Nenter (Nathan) Chow, shares the key factors behind his transition from traditional finance to Web3, and how his background strengthens BitMart’s core competitiveness. He also outlines the platform’s strategic plans in technological innovation, global market expansion, and community building, while offering insights into emerging trends at the intersection of AI and blockchain.

    With over 17 years of experience in traditional finance, Chow was motivated to transition to the Web3 space due to a strong belief in the transformative potential of decentralized technologies to reshape global financial systems. Having spent years in investment banking at institutions like JP Morgan and Mitsubishi UFJ, Chow observed both the strengths and limitations of traditional finance, including inefficiencies in cross-border transactions and barriers to financial inclusion. Web3, with its foundation in blockchain, provided a decentralized, transparent, and accessible alternative that empowered individuals and communities worldwide. His transition was further supported by his experience in leveraged finance, M&A, and debt capital markets, which provided a deep understanding of capital flows and institutional needs, critical for scaling Web3 adoption. Joining Animoca Ventures gave Chow the opportunity to immerse himself in the Web3 space, forge connections with innovators and governments, and now, as BitMart’s CEO, he aims to leverage his expertise to build a platform that acts as a gateway to this new financial frontier.

    Chow’s previous role as a partner at Animoca Ventures also significantly influenced his strategic vision for BitMart’s future development. At Animoca, he led global expansion efforts, built relationships with top project founders and investors, and secured premium deal allocations, such as being one of the only Asian venture funds on Monad’s cap table. This experience underscored the value of bridging regional ecosystems, particularly between Asia and the West, to unlock unique opportunities. For BitMart, Chow envisions a platform that facilitates not only trading but also serves as a cornerstone of the Web3 ecosystem. His investment background guides his strategy of fostering innovation through strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Paxos and Banxa, and supporting emerging projects via the platform’s Launchpad. Furthermore, Chow’s work with Web3 support and accelerator programs in the MENA region reinforced the power of collaborating with governments and accelerators to drive adoption, positioning BitMart as a trusted partner for both institutional and retail users.

    In discussing BitMart’s positioning in today’s highly competitive exchange market, Chow emphasized that BitMart stands out due to its global, user-centric approach. Serving over 10 million users across 200 regions, BitMart’s core competitive advantages lie in its robust security framework, technological innovation, and localized engagement. BitMart’s security, highlighted by its multi-layered defense system and partnerships with firms like Fireblocks and Cobo, is critical in maintaining trust in a market facing heightened scrutiny. BitMart differentiates itself through empowering users, notably with its “Stake to Vote” mechanism, where users can stake BMX tokens to influence token listings, turning them into stakeholders. Additionally, BitMart’s third-generation trading system, capable of processing 80,000 orders per second with a 2-millisecond latency, sets an industry standard for speed and reliability. With support for 90 fiat currencies and 11 languages, BitMart ensures local relevance across diverse regions such as the EU, MENA, and LATAM, combining global reach with tailored experiences.

    Looking toward BitMart’s strategic goals for the next phase, Chow highlighted three key priorities: enhancing technological innovation, expanding global reach, and empowering communities. The platform is prioritizing AI integration and blockchain convergence, planning to roll out smart analytics and automated tools in 2025. BitMart also aims to strengthen its presence in both regulatory-mature markets, such as the EU, and high-growth regions like MENA and LATAM, leveraging localized strategies and partnerships. Additionally, BitMart is committed to transforming users into active stakeholders through initiatives like the decentralized wallet strategy, set to launch in Q3 2025, and the “Stake to Vote” program, aligning with its mission to build a sustainable and inclusive crypto ecosystem.

    In terms of BitMart’s latest global growth strategy, Chow explained that initiatives like the “Slippage Protection Program” and the “Global Community Partner Program” reflect the platform’s commitment to empowering users and promoting community participation. The Slippage Protection Program compensates users within one hour for slippage exceeding 0.05%, reinforcing BitMart’s position as a user-first platform that values transparency and reliability. Meanwhile, the Global Community Partner Program encourages decentralized engagement by empowering local ambassadors to host events and share insights. This initiative strengthens BitMart’s global-local balance and elevates its brand as a trusted, innovative exchange.

    Chow also noted that BitMart’s Slippage Protection Program stands apart from similar mechanisms in the market due to its speed, transparency, and user-centric design. Unlike other programs that may involve delays or complex processes, BitMart’s program compensates users quickly and efficiently, ensuring immediate relief for slippage exceeding 0.05%. The program’s seamless integration with BitMart’s third-generation trading system allows for real-time monitoring and rapid resolution of slippage issues, setting a new standard for trust in the trading environment.

    The launch of the Elite Trader Program was another significant initiative designed to attract top traders. The program offers substantial incentives, including a 50% share of followers’ profits, making it one of the most lucrative in the industry. BitMart attracts top traders by providing advanced tools such as its third-generation trading system, which ensures low-latency, high-throughput trading, as well as exclusive benefits like access to premium market insights and personalized support.

    Chow also discussed the delicate balance BitMart maintains between decentralized community building and a consistent brand image. Through programs like the Global Community Partner Program, BitMart empowers local ambassadors to engage with users while ensuring alignment with core values of security, transparency, and innovation. Regular training and clear communication guidelines help maintain brand consistency across diverse markets, while initiatives like “Stake to Vote” further engage the community and reinforce BitMart’s user-centric approach.

    Drawing from his experience with Web3 support and accelerator programs in the MENA region, Chow offered insights into the differences in Web3 ecosystem development across global regions. In MENA, government-backed initiatives prioritize institutional integration and public-private partnerships, providing fertile ground for Web3 innovation. In contrast, regions like North America and Asia rely more heavily on private sector innovation, with ecosystems built around venture capital and grassroots projects. These regional insights inform BitMart’s global strategy, allowing the platform to engage with governments in MENA, leverage venture capital networks in the West, and tap into Asia’s vibrant community for adoption.

    Chow expressed his strong belief in the convergence of AI and blockchain technology as a transformative force for finance, enhancing efficiency, transparency, and personalization. BitMart is actively exploring this convergence, with plans to roll out AI-powered smart analytics, automated trading tools, and personalized investment strategies in 2025. BitMart’s commitment to these technologies aims to position it as an industry leader in delivering intelligent, user-centric solutions for the Web3 ecosystem.

    Finally, Chow provided his perspective on the current trends in the broader cryptocurrency market. He pointed out the increasing adoption of stablecoins, the tokenization of real-world assets, and the rise of AI-blockchain integration as key developments to watch. BitMart is focused on capitalizing on these trends by advancing its technological capabilities, expanding its global footprint, and fostering community-driven initiatives, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the cryptocurrency industry.

    This interview was conducted by WuBlockchain. Read the full article here: https://www.wublockchain.xyz/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=show&catid=35&id=1320 

    About BitMart

    BitMart is a premier global digital asset trading platform with more than 10 million users worldwide. Consistently ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, BitMart offers over 1,700 trading pairs with competitive fees. Committed to continuous innovation and financial inclusivity, BitMart empowers users globally to trade seamlessly. Learn more about BitMart at Website, follow their X (Twitter), or join their Telegram for updates, news, and promotions. Download BitMart App to trade anytime, anywhere.

    Disclaimer:

    The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any financial assets. All information is provided in good faith. However, we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of such information.

    All crypto investments, including earnings, are highly speculative in nature and involve substantial risk of loss. Past, hypothetical, or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The value of digital currencies can go up or down and there can be a substantial risk in buying, selling, holding, or trading digital currencies. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital currencies is suitable for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. BitMart does not provide any investment, legal or tax advice.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 and the Republic of Korea Navy’s Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit conclude SALVEX Korea 2025 [Image 2 of 3]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    JINHAE NAVAL BASE, Republic of Korea (April 11, 2025) U.S. Navy Divers assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, pose for a photo with the Republic of Korea Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit during a joint dive and salvage exercise at Jinhae Naval Base, Republic of Korea, April 11, 2025. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 sustains the U.S. Navy’s maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 04.11.2025
    Date Posted: 04.18.2025 01:49
    Photo ID: 8981204
    VIRIN: 250411-N-YV347-1145
    Resolution: 5894×4051
    Size: 10.27 MB
    Location: JINHAE, KR
    Web Views: 13
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 and the Republic of Korea Navy’s Sea Salvage and Rescue Unit conclude SALVEX Korea 2025 [Image 3 of 3], by PO2 Jordan Jennings, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Visits COMLOG WESTPAC, May 8, 2025 [Image 1 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    SINGAPORE (May 8, 2025) The Hon. Dr. Andrew Byers, center left, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, is given a tour of the Joint Logistics Operations Center (JLOC) by Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, during a scheduled visit to Sembawang Naval Installation, May 8, 2025. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed maritime forces, along with regional Allies and partners, to sustain Western Pacific operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 05.07.2025
    Date Posted: 05.11.2025 21:44
    Photo ID: 9028649
    VIRIN: 250508-N-ED646-1028
    Resolution: 6434×3735
    Size: 1.84 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 0
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Visits COMLOG WESTPAC, May 8, 2025 [Image 5 of 5], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Visits COMLOG WESTPAC, May 8, 2025 [Image 4 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    SINGAPORE (May 8, 2025) Rear Adm. Todd Cimicata, right, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73, and the Hon. Dr. Andrew Byers, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia, pose for a photo during a scheduled visit to Sembawang Naval Installation, May 8, 2025. COMLOG WESTPAC supports deployed maritime forces, along with regional Allies and partners, to sustain Western Pacific operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 05.07.2025
    Date Posted: 05.11.2025 21:44
    Photo ID: 9028656
    VIRIN: 250508-N-ED646-1021
    Resolution: 7029×5021
    Size: 2.79 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 0
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  • MIL-OSI China: China showcases high-altitude engineering prowess with 38-meter core sample extracted

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

    Workers operate at the construction site of Yebatan Hydropower Station in southwest China, Nov. 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese engineers extracted a 38.1-meter-long concrete core sample from a dam on Sunday. While setting a new national benchmark for core sampling in similar arch dam types, it also showcased the country’s advanced concrete pouring and quality control capabilities in challenging high-altitude environments.

    The cylinder was drilled from the Yebatan Hydropower Station, a project located at the junction of Baiyu County in southwest China’s Sichuan province and Konjo County in Xizang autonomous region, which is also in the southwest of China.

    The Yebatan station is being built on the upper reaches of the Jinsha River, which form the upper mainstream section of the Yangtze River. With a highest elevation of nearly 2,900 meters — the dam will stand 217 meters tall and have an installed capacity of 2.24 million kilowatts, placing it among the country’s largest hydropower projects.

    Notably, the lifespan of a dam depends on how well its concrete was poured. The project’s developer said that the massive core sample, roughly the height of a 12-story building, remained intact as it was extracted, indicating that the dam’s concrete was laid to a high standard. The 245-millimeter-wide core was drilled vertically through 13 sections of the arch dam, cutting across 12 horizontal joints and 80 layers of poured concrete.

    This project’s high-altitude location posed extreme technical construction challenges. With temperature swings from 37.1 degrees Celsius in the day to minus 23.5 degrees Celsius at night, the project team, collaborating with academicians and experts — successfully extracted the concrete core by using smart construction technologies including AI-assisted temperature control and winter pouring insulation systems.

    Construction of the hydropower station’s main structure began in September 2018, and its first generating units are set to be online by late 2025.

    As a key part of China’s west-to-east power transmission program, the station is expected to generate roughly 10.2 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, once it is fully operational.

    It will save almost 4 million tonnes of standard coal and cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 7.4 million tonnes annually, contributing to the country’s strategy to curb greenhouse gas output, as it aims to peak emissions by 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060.

    MIL OSI China News –