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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Petralon Energy Set to Shape Conversations on Nigeria’s Oil Future at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

    African Energy Week (AEW) 2025: Invest in African Energies is honored to welcome Ahonsi Unuigbe, Founder and CEO of Petralon Energy, as a distinguished speaker at this year’s edition in Cape Town. A driving force behind one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous upstream oil and gas companies, Unuigbe will offer valuable perspectives on the role of independent operators in Africa’s energy future, as well as the opportunities arising from sector reforms, new fiscal incentives and major IOC divestments.

    Since its founding, Petralon Energy has positioned itself at the forefront of Nigeria’s upstream sector, with a mission to create value through indigenous ownership and technical excellence. In 2025, the company continues to make significant strides at the Dawes Island Field, where drilling and completion of a new well added 2,500 barrels of oil per day to Nigeria’s daily production, directly supporting national energy security and economic growth. Petralon is also pursuing strategic offshore investments through its non-operated interests in OML 127 and OML 130, part of a broader plan to strengthen its asset portfolio amid the shifting dynamics of Nigeria’s upstream sector.

    Beyond its operational achievements, Petralon Energy is focused on long-term capacity building. The company launched its Future Leaders Program in 2024, aimed at equipping young Nigerian engineers with the technical, leadership and problem-solving skills necessary to drive the sector forward. Petralon’s strategic partnership and joint investment agreement with engineering firm Julius Berger Nigeria, announced earlier this year, further reflects its commitment to delivering infrastructure solutions that support sustainable field development and enhance project delivery.

    At AEW 2025, Unuigbe will join key discussions on how African independents can leverage new fiscal frameworks, attract investment and form partnerships that maximize the potential of both mature and frontier assets. His participation will contribute to high-level dialogue around indigenous firms’ expanding role in shaping the continent’s energy landscape.

    “Companies like Petralon Energy represent the future of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector — a future where African companies take the lead in driving production, creating jobs and delivering energy security. We are proud to welcome them at AEW 2025, where we will celebrate and support the success of local firms like Petralon that are building Africa’s energy industry from the ground up,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

    Petralon Energy’s participation in AEW 2025 embodies the conference’s core theme of African solutions for African energy challenges, and reflects the growing leadership of indigenous companies in delivering the continent’s energy future.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    About African Energy Week (AEW):
    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Elio: Disney’s enjoyable new animation may be an original story – but it’s also a forgettable one

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laura O’Flanagan, PhD Candidate, School of English, Dublin City University

    In a summer cinema release schedule filled with sequels, remakes and franchise instalments, Disney’s latest animation Elio is a rare original story.

    Recently, much has been written and hands been wrung about the lack of original films in Hollywood. Indeed, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced in 2024 that the studio’s output would primarily be sequels, saying: “There’s a lot of value in the sequels obviously because they’re known and it takes less in terms of marketing”. At least he’s honest.

    Elio is an unknown entity for the studio and indeed for 2025’s cinema goers. Fittingly, the film tackles the most unknown entities of all: outer space and life beyond Earth. What does this new story have to offer today’s cinema audiences who are accustomed to characters they already know and onscreen worlds that they have already visited?

    Elio tells the story of Elio Solis (Yonas Kibreab), a lonely newly orphaned boy who is fascinated with space and aliens. He lives in California with his Aunt Olga (Zoe Saldana), a major in the US Air Force.

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    When aliens make contact one night, Elio secretly answers their call and is brought to the “Communiverse” in outer space, a brightly coloured world that is populated with aliens. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s leader, Elio is tasked with solving an intergalactic crisis in this new alien world – a world in which he increasingly feels he belongs. Elio needs to decide whether to leave Earth forever, or if there is no place like home.

    Characteristic of Disney (Pixar), the film’s visuals are audaciously stunning. Space is depicted as a twinkling magical canvas upon which Elio can dream, and sweeping, majestic images of Earth beg to be seen on a large cinema screen. The Communiverse is depicted beautifully in iridescent colours. But, against this spectacular setting, the characters ring a little hollow.

    Elio is given little emotional depth, and in the Communiverse there are simply too many aliens for an audience to connect with. Elio’s new friend Glorgon is the exception here, and his open-hearted comedic wonder will certainly appeal to younger viewers. Aunt Olga is disappointingly underdeveloped and her status as a military major is presented as at odds with her new role as Elio’s caregiver.

    The film forgoes much of Olga’s story in favour of a zany subplot between Glorgon and his alien father who need to reconnect. This feels like a missed opportunity and a superficial effort to depict a female character of high military rank that falls short of giving her any real agency or power in the film.

    Strikingly, the filmmakers use audio clips of Carl Sagan’s Cosmos to amplify the film’s message about life and connection. These are accompanied with spectacular visuals of space and constellations. But these audio clips have a solemnity that seems out of place alongside an alien blob called Glorgon who has daddy issues.

    This oddness of tone is woven throughout the film, laced with peril that feels unthreatening, comedic moments which stop before the belly laugh, and sentimental scenes that cut before the tears flow. Characters and plotlines are plentiful but consequently, the film spreads itself too thin, leaving the entire story feeling underdeveloped and somewhat shallow.

    There is a lot of everything in this film, and certainly something for everyone. And maybe that’s the point. In the past two decades, we’ve moved from a shared cultural canon to a stratified ecosystem of personalised content streams.

    In this entertainment landscape, a film like Elio could appeal to everyone a little bit, rather than become anyone’s firm favourite. Everyone in the family will enjoy a part of this film, albeit different parts. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where Elio’s clone is living on Earth.

    This may well be Disney’s strategy: to release an original story with broad appeal in order to mitigate the risks associated with untested stories and characters. This may prove financially viable initially, but will it create films with enduring legacies that generate franchises and spawn sequels?

    I fear Elio will not. The film provides little more than a passable afternoon at the cinema. It is pleasant, forgettable and safe – unlikely to live in the memory to “infinity and beyond”, like previous Disney releases.

    Laura O’Flanagan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Elio: Disney’s enjoyable new animation may be an original story – but it’s also a forgettable one – https://theconversation.com/elio-disneys-enjoyable-new-animation-may-be-an-original-story-but-its-also-a-forgettable-one-259213

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Trump’s first term lies at the heart of escalation between Iran and Israel

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christian Emery, Associate Professor in International Politics, UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies, UCL

    The US president, Donald Trump, is weighing up whether to join Israel in attacking Iran. The fact he is even contemplating such a move is, in my opinion, a direct consequence of his 2018 decision to tear up the agreement negotiated during Barack Obama’s presidency that limited Iran’s nuclear capabilities in return for sanctions relief.

    Trump not only squandered the opportunity to constrain Iran’s nuclear ambitions severely. He also shut the door on showing Iran that diplomacy and economic development could offer a more promising path than proxy warfare.

    The Obama administration’s core strategic rationale behind the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, or joint comprehensive plan of action (JCPOA), was that amid several devastating regional wars and an American public weary of costly military interventions, a war with Iran would be disastrous. This was especially true given the growing US desire to pivot toward containing China.

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    Obama challenged opponents of the deal to propose a credible alternative. And Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, addressed US Congress to make the case against the JCPOA. He argued that it would not prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

    But Obama ultimately succeeded in persuading the American public that the only real alternative to a negotiated agreement with Iran was yet another war in the Middle East.

    Trump believed that exiting the JCPOA and crushing the Iranian economy would either force the regime to accept major restrictions on its nuclear programme and moderate its regional behaviour, or cause the entire theocratic system to collapse.

    What followed instead was a sharp escalation of tensions in the Persian Gulf. Iran exercised greater reliance on its regional proxy network, with attacks on US personnel increasing. It simultaneously increased its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

    When Trump took office in 2017, the JCPOA had already eliminated 98% of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. It also capped enrichment at 3.7%, well below the level required for a nuclear bomb.

    The situation has changed since Trump’s withdrawal. Israel’s central justification for launching its attack against Iran on June 15 was the International Atomic Energy Agency’s determination that Iran had now amassed over 408kg of uranium enriched up to 60%. Netanyahu claimed that Iran could be “within a few months” of producing a nuclear weapon.

    However, even with these serious violations, US intelligence has consistently stated that Iran is not actively pursuing such a weapon. It recently assessed that, even if Iran decided to do so, it was up to three years away from being able to produce a nuclear weapon that it could deliver to a target of its choosing.

    Netanyahu may have wanted to attack Iran anyway. He has repeatedly claimed over the past 15 years that immediate military action was needed to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb.

    But it would have been harder to justify an attack on Iran if it possessed no highly enriched uranium and was verifiably complying with the JCPOA. Iran had stuck to the JCPOA for four years, including one year after the US withdrew, and there is no evidence to suggest it wouldn’t have kept to a deal that Iran clearly saw as being in its interests.

    Maximum pressure campaign

    Iran’s developing nuclear programme may be the immediate pretext for the current escalation. But Iran’s proxy warfare strategy, using regional militant groups to fight Israel and serve as pressure points it can activate when threatened, forms the other essential backdrop.

    This strategy pre-dates the Trump administration. But Trump’s so-called “maximum pressure” campaign clearly escalated tensions in the Middle East, making direct confrontation between Israel and Iran more likely.

    When Trump enacted sanctions aiming to eliminate Iran’s oil and gas exports, Tehran retaliated by using its strategic position in the Strait of Hormuz to harass Gulf shipping. In September 2019, an Iranian drone attack on a Saudi oil processing facility temporarily took out 50% of Saudi oil production.

    Iran would normally have zero interest in disrupting Gulf shipping. This is because its own gas and oil must travel through the Strait of Hormuz. But its strategy was to deter Trump’s economic warfare by showing that it would not be the only one to suffer.

    Tehran unsurprisingly viewed Trump’s policy as an attempt to deliver regime change and responded by doubling down on its “forward defence” strategy. Iran increased its military, financial and political backing of proxy groups in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. And it also continued development of its ballistic missile programme.

    Before 2018, the US estimated that Iran was sending about US$200 million (£148 million) annually to the Lebanese armed group, Hezbollah. By 2020, it was sending US$700 million.

    Trump’s repudiation of the JCPOA also critically damaged more moderate voices in Iran. In 2017, the success of the JCPOA helped propel reformist president Hassan Rouhani to a second term in office. However, in 2021, the regime prevented key moderate figures from standing.

    Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner who had lost against Rouhani in 2017 and was already under US sanctions, was elected as Iran’s president. Raisi and his faction demanded tougher terms for any future nuclear deal – more sanctions relief upfront and binding guarantees against another US withdrawal.

    This frustrated attempts to revive the agreement under Joe Biden’s presidency, as only Congress could offer such guarantees. This was an improbable prospect amid escalating tensions with a more hostile, nuclear-advanced Iran that was increasingly aligning with Russia.

    None of this absolves Iran of its own intransigence, support for terrorism or brutalisation of its own citizens. Nor does it free the Islamic Republic of criticism over its decision to abandon the nuclear limits agreed under the JCPOA – even if it was the US that first broke the deal.

    Ultimately, though, the conditions that led to this war would almost certainly not have arisen without Trump’s mishandling of Iran policy in his first administration. It was a precursor to the abysmal leadership he’s demonstrating in this war.

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

    – ref. Trump’s first term lies at the heart of escalation between Iran and Israel – https://theconversation.com/trumps-first-term-lies-at-the-heart-of-escalation-between-iran-and-israel-259199

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How mice ‘listen’ with their whiskers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tommi Anttonen, Postdoctoral research associate, University of Oxford

    Bilanol/Shutterstock

    Oh no! You dropped your keys on the ground, and it is too dark to see them. You might have to feel the ground with your hands, but a mouse could use its whiskers to find the keys.

    Mouse whiskers, also known as the vibrissa system, are long facial hairs which are sensitive to touch and allow mice to feel around their environment. As a whisker touches something, the sensory neurons at the hair follicle activate. These neurons send electrical signals to the animal’s central nervous system, which interprets them into information about the features of the environment.

    But a recent study by neuroscience PhD candidate Ben Efron and his colleagues suggested that mice may use their whiskers to explore their surroundings in ways other than the sense of touch.

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    The sensory system of mice is especially useful for nocturnal animals like mice that navigate in lightless burrows and in the dark corners of our houses. Mice can use specialised muscles to move their whiskers in patterns. They can also do this by turning their head. This behaviour is called whisking. Rodents use various whisking patterns depending on whether it is running, turning or examining an object. The faster the mouse runs, the faster the whisker movements are.

    The researchers behind the new study noticed that mouse whiskers make subtle sounds when they touch surfaces. They measured the electrical activity of neurons in the auditory cortex (a brain area that processes sound) of whisking mice and discovered that these sounds induce brain activity.

    This happened even when the nerve connection that conveys touch sensation from the whiskers to the brain was cut, suggesting that mice can detect these sounds as a separate sensory input with their auditory system. The researchers also trained mice to recognise specific surfaces solely based on the sounds that their whiskers produced.

    Scientists generally have believed that whiskers only help mice explore their surrounding via touch. But these results indicate whiskers provide sound information to mice too. Whether other animals with whiskers can do this too remains to be studied.

    Integrating information from several senses in this way may help animals make a more accurate interpretation of the world around them. Like mice with their whiskers, you can acquire multisensory information about the location of your lost keys with your hands. You might not identify them based on how they feel when you tap them but the familiar sound of the keys jingling would tell you that you have found them.

    Every animal perceives the world differently through the unique combination of the senses that they have. There is a secret world of sounds and vibrations around us that we cannot experience.

    The way mice in the recent study identified objects based on sounds resembles, in part, echolocation that some bats and aquatic mammals like dolphins use for navigation. Echolocating bats produce ultrasounds – meaning that they are too high in frequency for humans to hear them – which reflect from surrounding surfaces. Bats can navigate their way in total darkness and detect prey such as moths by listening to these echoes.

    Moths in turn have evolved acoustic defenses against echolocating bats which include the ability to detect ultrasounds, acoustic camouflage (wing scales that reduce ultrasonic echoes), decoy structures (elongated wingtips that misguide the bats to attack away from the body of the moth) and emitting ultrasounds that compromise bat echolocation.

    Lunar moth tails make an acoustic signal that seems to make bats zero in on the tail rather than more vital body parts.
    Jay Ondreicka/Shutterstock

    Elephants make vocalisations known as rumbles that are infrasonic, meaning that they are too low in frequency for humans to hear them. Elephants, however, seem to use rumbles for long distance communication. Rumbles travel through air as sound signals and through the ground as seismic signals which can travel up to 6km.

    It’s not completely clear how elephants detect seismic signals. Detection may happen through vibration-sensitive organs in their feet and/or through bone conduction hearing. During bone conduction hearing, vibrations do not enter the inner ear as airborne sounds but as vibrations of bones and tissues. You can experience this by placing a vibrating tuning fork on the bony part of your head behind your ear or on your tooth. Suddenly, you can hear the tuning fork vibrating loudly.

    Why should we be interested in this secret world that cannot be detected by human senses? First, human-generated environmental change, which includes noise pollution, poses significant threats to many species and ecosystems.

    For example, maritime noise interferes with sound communication of whales and dolphins while human-made noise on land disturbs nesting birds. To protect animals from these harmful effects, we need to understand how their sensory systems are affected.

    Secondly, bio-inspired innovations are waiting to be discovered. So keep in mind next time when parking a car with ultrasound-based parking sensors that echolocating bats have had access to this navigation technique for more than tens of millions of years.

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

    – ref. How mice ‘listen’ with their whiskers – https://theconversation.com/how-mice-listen-with-their-whiskers-257650

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: What is an ‘alpha’ male?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jwana Aziz, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham

    AS Inc/Shutterstock

    The recent success of the Netflix show Adolescence has drawn attention to misogynistic rhetoric and how it spreads online. Safeline, an organisation supporting survivors of sexual abuse, has warned that terms like “high-value” and “low-value men” (also described as “alpha” and “beta” men) are being used to radicalise boys, drawing them into embracing such rhetoric.

    Last year, Elon Musk shared a post that argued only “high T alpha males” – men with high testosterone levels – can think freely and are most qualified to lead and govern. Relevant here is the reach of influencers like Andrew Tate, a self-described misogynist who, with his brother, is now facing 21 charges in the UK including rape and human trafficking, all of which they deny.

    What do these terms mean, and how harmful are they?

    The terms alpha and beta male are pseudoscientific terms used to push a concept of masculinity as necessarily hierarchical and aggressive. The theory frames the ideal of a man as someone who is financially successful, assertive, strong, logical and a “natural” leader.


    Boys and girls are together facing an uncertain world. But research shows they are diverging when it comes to attitudes about masculinity, feminism and gender equality.

    Social media, politics, and identity all play a role. But what’s really going on with boys and girls? Join The Conversation UK and Cumberland Lodge’s Youth and Democracy project at Newcastle University for a discussion of these issues with young people and academic experts. Tickets available here.

    Acquiring high-value status is not viewed merely as key to success in life, but also for attracting what are seen as high-value – namely virtuous and physically attractive – women, as well.

    Common and serious use of terms like alpha or high-value male were once largely confined to niche internet subcultures like the manosphere and incel (involuntary celibate) forums. But they have broken into the mainstream through influencers like Tate, whose followers describe him as “Top G”.

    Changing norms?

    There are also signs that the ideas around what it means to be “high value” are changing from the traditional, hegemonic view of masculinity. An interesting case study is Ashton Hall, whose morning routine video recently garnered millions of views on TikTok, and was widely discussed online.

    The male self-improvement influencer’s meticulously structured day comprises a series of self-optimisation tasks, starting with push-ups at 4am, journalling by 4.40am, and dunking his face in ice water before hitting the gym at 6.20am. After another ice-water face plunge and some hours of work, the video ends with a woman presenting him with his evening meal.

    It is interesting to see Hall take practices traditionally seen as feminine, like journalling and skincare, and embrace them as part of an otherwise very traditionally masculine morning routine.

    Another hypermasculine influencer, Hamza, also blends his tough man demeanour with practices like meditation, nutrition and wellness. He frames these habits as “warrior training”. Such practices, then, are not viewed as feminine or emasculating.

    Face masks and self-care have been rebranded by some as part of a masculine routine.
    G-Stock Studio/Shutterstock

    Masculinity today is influenced by neoliberal ideals, where a man’s value is measured by his productivity and success. Practices like self-care are branded as discipline and performance-enhancing tools, used to construct the most optimised, competitive version of the male self.

    Ashton Hall may not describe himself as an “alpha male”, but in many respects he embodies the idealised neoliberal archetype of masculinity: physical strength, wealth and material possessions.

    While Tate’s displays of wealth and women are clear performances of masculine dominance, Hall’s more restrained approach fits within the same hierarchy. In both, “value” is defined by discipline, social ascendancy and power, especially over women. In Hall’s video, it is a woman’s hands that can be seen preparing and serving his food, reinforcing traditional gender roles.

    Why is it harmful?

    It’s important to note that not all hypermasculine influencers are necessarily bad role models for young men and boys.

    But, as we have explored in a recent report, self-improvement content can be a key gateway into the misogynistic digital space of the manosphere.

    In our analysis of online discussions, we found that many of those drawn to hypermasculine influencers reported struggling with various offline vulnerabilities. These included experiencing big life changes, anxiety, depression, bullying and social isolation, and also being neurodiverse. Young followers described motivational content as having “saved” them. Others came across this content through otherwise innocuous searches about getting better abs or finding a girlfriend.

    One 15-year-old in our research, for example, recalled being severely bullied at school. He said that after adopting a strict routine inspired by Tate (waking at 6 am, pursuing fitness, cutting out social media), “Now people respect me.”

    Initially, what young men find may boost their confidence. But in encountering the promotion of unrealistic standards for self-improvement and a “hustle culture” mentality, they may be indoctrinated into an online world of rigidity and misogyny.

    Assigning worth to men based on social and economic status has personal and societal consequences. It presents failure to meet these standards as a path to loneliness and suffering, and frames following self-improvement influencers as the only solution.

    The appeal of self-improvement lies in its promise of transformation – from a state of dissatisfaction and unfulfillment to one of abundance, empowerment and power. Even followers of Tate’s who say they don’t agree with his views of women are drawn to his financial and business success.

    While presented as aspirational, being “high-value” is typically reserved to those with privileges of time and wealth, making it inherently exclusive and inaccessible to most. More importantly, it encourages a worldview where people are judged not for who they are, but for rather how much they produce and what they can offer.

    Such rhetoric reduces human relationships to metrics-based transactions based on a hierarchical order where only those who have accumulated the most power, wealth, and success rise to the top. Andrew Tate’s “Top G” persona rests on this understanding of human relations, resulting in a hyper-competitive transactional model of masculinity.

    More concerning is the ease through which this discourse lends itself to misogynistic narratives. In one video, Tate describes how a “body count [the number of sexual partners] is the easiest way to judge the value of a woman”.

    This metric, which men are exempted from, becomes the standard that men can use to asses and demean women. It reveals the true intentions behind concepts such as “high value” – a way to rank men and justify the control and devaluation of women, further reinforcing systems of power and male dominance.

    Jwana Aziz receives funding by University of Birmingham QR Policy Support Funding and a donation from the Barker Family Trust.

    Anna Lavis has previously received funding for research into online harms from Wellcome, Samaritans and the ESRC, and the work on which this article draws was funded by University of Birmingham QR Policy Support Funding and a donation from the Barker Family Trust.

    Anna sits on Meta’s Eating Disorders and Body Image Global Experts Advisory Board, but receives no payment for this work.

    – ref. What is an ‘alpha’ male? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-an-alpha-male-254503

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The light triad: psychology’s answer to our darkest fears about people

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christian van Nieuwerburgh, Professor of Coaching and Positive Psychology, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    Are you losing faith in humanity because of everything that is going on right now? If so, that is no surprise. Our habit of “doomscrolling” convinces us that people are inherently self-centred and uncaring.

    According to the American Psychological Association, many of us are suffering from “headline stress disorder”. We all know from experience that exposure to negative news shapes a darker view of humanity.

    Psychologists have been interested in the darker side of human personality for decades. The so-called dark triad of Machiavellianism, narcissism and sociopathy have attracted intense scrutiny. People high in these darker traits tend to be manipulative, self-centred and lacking in empathy.

    Between our doomscrolling habit and our natural negativity bias, we start to doubt the goodness of human beings.

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    In response to this, American psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman and his colleagues have highlighted positive aspects of humanity with their research into the “light triad”.

    The light triad emphasises the positive aspects of human nature – Kantianism (treating people as inherently valuable rather than as means to an end), humanism and faith in humanity. Those who score high on the light triad see the inherent value in others, believe in human goodness and treat people with dignity and respect.

    In his blog for Scientific American, Kaufman argues that these positive aspects of personality are “just as worthy of research attention and cultivation in a society that sometimes forgets that not only is there goodness in the world, but there is also goodness in each of us”.

    (Anyone curious about where they fall on the light triad scale can find out for free online by completing a questionnaire.)

    By taking a balanced view of personality, we remind ourselves of the breadth of possibility within each of us. Human beings are capable of performing wonderful, heartwarming acts of kindness, just as they are capable of acts of selfishness and cruelty.

    We all have traits from both the dark and light triads. When we’re at our best, we’re sociable, positive, supportive and forgiving. Human nature isn’t black and white. Embracing this complexity can help us to be more compassionate to ourselves and others.

    With all the challenges we face today, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lose sight of our shared humanity. But it is especially now that we should avoid that. Let’s remember the potential for kindness, altruism and compassion that exists within all of us. Here are five simple ways to boost our hopefulness.

    Engage in small acts of kindness

    Try simple everyday gestures such as letting someone go ahead of you in line, allowing a car to merge in traffic or simply offering a warm smile. These small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day, boost your mood and encourage others who witness them.

    Show compassion

    Compassion is crucial. Start by being gentle with yourself. Practise self-compassion by going easy on yourself during tough moments. Extend that same compassion to others. Remember that everyone is always in the middle of something. A bit of patience, a few kind words or a genuine acknowledgement can make a big difference.

    Spread positivity

    Instead of sharing negative news in your WhatsApp groups, make a conscious effort to highlight positive and uplifting stories from within your network or community. Share articles or videos that inspire hope and celebrate human kindness. By spreading positivity, you can play your part in counterbalancing our negativity bias and create a more hopeful narrative about the world we live in.

    Listen intentionally

    In a world full of distractions, offering someone your full, undivided attention can be a powerful act. Take the time to really listen to others, making them feel seen, valued and heard.

    By being present in your conversations and engaging in “radical listening”, you not only strengthen your connection with the other person but also create a more humanising environment.

    Robert Biswas-Diener and I have written a book called Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection. To learn more about the concept, listen to one of the many podcasts out there.

    Radical listening explained.

    Connect through community

    As human beings, we thrive through social connections. Get involved by participating in community events. Join a litter-picking group, offer to volunteer at the local school, get involved in charity fundraisers or even set up a casual coffee morning. These activities will help you feel more connected while reinforcing the idea that we all belong to something bigger and can make a difference together.

    Every positive action and enriching conversation counts. By doing these small things, you will be playing your part in reigniting hope in our shared humanity. It starts with each of us choosing to be compassionate, listening radically and seeing the good in others.

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

    – ref. The light triad: psychology’s answer to our darkest fears about people – https://theconversation.com/the-light-triad-psychologys-answer-to-our-darkest-fears-about-people-258050

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: At Chelsea Town Hall, Pressley Reaffirms Solidarity with Immigrant Neighbors, Condemns Minnesota Lawmaker Assassinations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Pressley Also Condemned Trump’s March Toward Authoritarianism, and More

    “I come here today to reaffirm my commitment to protect and to support our immigrant neighbors, and to do that work with my colleagues at every level of government.. You are not just constituents. You are family, and I will never stop fighting for you like that.”

    Video (YouTube) | Photos (Dropbox)

    CHELSEA – At a town hall in Chelsea, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) reaffirmed her solidarity with immigrant families under threat from the Trump Administration and condemned the harrowing assassination and assassination attempts targeting elected officials and their families that took place over the weekend in Minnesota. Congresswoman Pressley also denounced Donald Trump’s march toward authoritarianism, including his North Korea-style military parade in Washington, DC, and more.

    Joined by community leaders at La Colaborativa in Chelsea, including La Colaborativa leadership, Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez, the Chelsea Black Community, and elected officials from across the Massachusetts 7th, Rep. Pressley addressed constituents impacted by the Trump Administration’s cruel and unlawful mass deportation agenda.

    A transcript of the Congresswoman’s opening remarks is available below and the video is available here. Photos from the town hall are available here.

    Transcript: Rep. Pressley’s Opening Remarks at Chelsea Town Hall
    La Colaborativa, Chelsea, MA
    June 16, 2025

    Good evening, Chelsea. It is so good to be home. 

    It is so good to be in Chelsea, the city that I often refer to as tiny but mighty, a city that models community in every way, that leads with love and with solidarity. 

    …

    Before I go any further, I just want to address the violence that we witnessed this past weekend in Minnesota. The targeted shootings of Minnesota Senator John Hoffman, Representative Melissa Hortman and their spouses, the tragic deaths of Rep. Hortman and her husband. Truly devastating that we find ourselves at a time simply because people disagree, that we are seeing an escalating political violence. 

    These are public servants, people who dedicated their lives to building stronger, safer communities. And there must be outcry, there must be outrage, and strong condemnation for what happened to them.

    That being said, these horrifying acts are not occurring in isolation and because of the moment we find ourselves in, and their strategy is to flood the zone and overwhelm us. It can be difficult to keep up with the injustices, but let me just do a quick recap. 

    In the last week, Donald Trump unlawfully deployed the National Guard to attack peaceful protesters in California, then a sitting United States Black Congresswoman was indicted simply for doing her job and conducting federal oversight of an ICE detention facility in her district. Then, a Latino United States Senator was manhandled, thrown to the floor and handcuffed for daring to ask a question of this administration. And then, a North Korea-style military parade marched through our nation’s capital in an appalling display of authoritarianism. 

    These events are not disconnected. They are just the latest in a pattern of violent escalation and assaults on our democracy designed to intimidate and to silence. I remember when I went to conduct oversight and traveled to rural Louisiana to check on the well being of Mahmoud Khalil, and when I met with Mahmoud, and it’s important that we tell the truth– there are not mass deportations happening, there are mass kidnappings happening.

    That is what happened to Mahmoud Khalil, and when I met with him, he said, “I grew up in Syria under Assad. I know what it is to live under an authoritarian regime, and this is it.”

    Donald Trump wants a country where its people are ignorant and uninformed. Donald Trump wants a country where its people are indifferent to the suffering of their neighbors. Donald Trump wants a country where its people are inactive. 

    The fact that you chose to be here tonight is in opposition to all three of those things. You are choosing to be informed, you are choosing to be empathetic, you are choosing to be active. 

    I’m so grateful for the courageous people of Chelsea that are here tonight. Because remember, courage is not the absence of fear. Truth be told, we’re all carrying some fear in this moment, but the courage is that you are pushing beyond and through that to show up here today and every day, and we need to just acknowledge that. So clap for yourselves, the courageous people of Chelsea.

    You know, in Donald Trump’s America, again, we’re in the midst of this extremist march towards fascism, it’s an America where anyone who he disagrees with is criminalized. 

    I have to remind those who think that they might be exempt from the harm of a fascist state. It is coming for everyone. True enough, this is discriminate harm. So some of us are bearing these harms more than others in this moment. 

    But your wealth will not protect you from fascism. Whiteness will not protect you from fascism. This is a harm coming for everyone. 

    And when people asked me, why would I journey all the way to Louisiana to check on my constituent, Rumeysa Ozturk, and to fight for her freedom, I said it is Rumeysa today for co-authoring an op-ed, and it will be you tomorrow for reading a banned book. It will be you tomorrow for teaching Black history. It will be you tomorrow for suffering a miscarriage. It could be you tomorrow for practicing diversity, equity, and inclusion and accessibility. That includes that, yes. 

    So he wants anyone that he disagrees with to be criminalized. He wants the work of oversight to be punished. He wants peaceful protest to be met with military force and political violence to be encouraged. 

    So we have to condemn these acts, and we have to call out — this is the season of call a thing a thing. We have to call out Donald Trump’s dangerous march towards authoritarianism for what it is. It is a threat to our freedoms. 

    Republicans like to talk a good game about freedom, but this is the anti-freedom agenda when people want to control your body and what you can do with it. They want to control your free speech. They want to control what books you can read. They want to control where you go. That is an anti-freedom agenda. 

    Those are the actions of a dictator, and the only way to beat a dictator is with defiance, and we must because this authoritarianism is a threat to our freedoms, our rights, and our democracy itself, and to the people in Massachusetts and everywhere across this country and our world. 

    But I do want to take a moment to speak directly to the crisis being felt right here in Chelsea, where our immigrant neighbors are being terrorized by this administration, and the community is carrying deep fear and trauma. 

    People have had their homes raided, property destroyed, families torn apart, rights trampled on by racist rogue ICE agents. Well, we think they’re ICE agents. We don’t really know, because they’re masked, but they’re operating with little to no accountability. 

    Community members have spoken to me of being targeted without warrants, detained without due process, and living every day in fear that they or their loved ones could be taken without warning from the only home they’ve ever known. 

    What is the point of all of this? The cruelty is the point. 

    The cruelty experienced by our Chelsea neighbor Kenia and her three children driving to a Mother’s Day church service with her husband Daniel, when ICE agents in unmarked vehicles ambushed them, broke the passenger side window, forcefully pulled Daniel from the car, and slammed his face on the sidewalk while their children watched on in horror. 

    High school students, children like Belizario Benito Vasques and recent graduate Geovani de la Cruz Catalan are being abducted and detained without due process, despite having no criminal records. 

    Children, real people, children and adults alike, traumatized whose lives have been disrupted and forever harmed.

    Donald Trump and ICE claim that they are committing these assaults on our communities in the name of safety — laughable that the most lawless occupant of the Oval Office would say anything about law and order. 

    This is not what safety looks like, but this is what terror feels like, and terror makes no one safe. It does the opposite. It shows chaos. It breeds fear and it fosters unrest. 

    This administration has openly vowed to bring hell to our immigrant communities and for too many of our neighbors, they already have. 

    In my opinion, these actions are godless, lawless and a complete violation of our constitutional rights to due process, void of common sense and compassion. And what this moment demands is solidarity, resistance and rejection of these attacks on our immigrant communities, because an attack on our immigrant neighbors is an attack on all of us.

    That’s why I’ve been unapologetic and calling for the end of ICE’s unchecked power, for the closure of these for-profit detention centers and these policies rooted in cruelty. Because no matter your immigration status, your zip code, or your country of origin, you deserve to live in dignity and freedom without fear. 

    So I come here today to reaffirm my commitment to protect and to support our immigrant neighbors, and to do that work with my colleagues at every level of government. That means pushing for real accountability. That means providing legal protections and a pathway to citizenship. 

    That means investing in communities instead of criminalizing them. I really do believe that we’re one human family, and our destinies are tied, and when one of us is targeted, all of us must rise in defense. So to our neighbors, know that I see you today and every day. 

    Donald Trump has made it clear that his election was never about improving your quality of life or lowering the cost of groceries or your rent. He’s coming after Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, this Big, Ugly Bill would rip away healthcare, food assistance and other essential needs from 16 million people. Donald Trump is not cutting costs. He’s cutting lifelines. 

    They’re coming after our neighbors in the LGBTQ community. Black folks, they’re coming after us. This administration is anti-Blackness on steroids. They’re coming after our bodily autonomy. 

    And even though we live in Massachusetts, do not for one second believe that we are completely safe as a result. They are coming after our federal workers who administer these essential services and programs to our communities. They are coming after NIH funding and our schools. 

    They want to overwhelm us and my Republican colleagues across the aisle in the House, they are not operating as a party at all. They are operating as a cult of cowards, complicit in wholesale harm, more concerned with keeping a job than doing it. 

    The but family, you know, I’ve given the occupant enough oxygen. Know that I get up every day compelled and fueled not to fight Donald Trump, but to fight for, with and alongside you,

    Because the fact of the matter is that this is not about how do we survive the next four years. Truthfully, some days it feels like we’re just trying to survive the next four minutes. But this moment, I believe, will determine and shape the next 100 years. It’s not about surviving four it’s about shaping the next 100. 

    And so that work, because when we get to the other side, and we will, we’ll have to do the work of reconstruction. It’s a lot easier to tear down than it is to rebuild, and it is going to take all of us in the resistance and in the rebuilding. 

    Now, you don’t have to be a congresswoman, you don’t have to head a nonprofit, you don’t have to be a council president or a school board member. You just need to bring your gift, whatever it is, because some of us are going to speak on the mic, and someone else is going to make sure it works. Somebody’s going to read the speech, but someone else is going to write it.

    Someone is going to march and hold a sign, and someone else made that sign. Someone else is going to march and have the stamina to do so because they’re well fed, because somebody made sure they were. Someone else is going to send a prayer up. 

    You just need to bring your gift, but you need to bring it and summon the courage in this moment. 

    So before I close, I want everyone here to know that myself and my office are here to serve you. Please use us as a resource. We are ready to support with federal casework on everything from immigration to housing to Social Security checks and more. 

    So if your neighbor or your loved one is detained, do not hesitate to reach out to my office please. We have one-pagers. Take one or more with you and pass them along. Stay in touch with me and my staff. We are also here to help you with any federal agency. 

    This is a time when we must show up for each other, where we double down on mutual aid, where we keep each other safe. I am my brother’s keeper. I am my sister’s keeper. 

    It is truly the honor of my life to serve the Massachusetts 7th, a district that reflects the best of who we are. And know this, you are not just constituents. You are family, and I will never stop fighting for you like that.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA to Survey Cattle Operations

    Source: US National Agricultural Statistics Service

    WASHINGTON, June 20, 2025 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) mailed the July cattle survey to about 18,000 cattle operations nationwide to provide an up-to-date measure of U.S. cattle inventories. This is the first July cattle survey mailed to producers since the reinstatement of key reports was announced earlier this year.

    “This information helps producers make timely, informed business decisions and plan for herd expansion or reduction,” said NASS Livestock Branch Chief Travis Averill. “It also helps packers and government leaders evaluate expected slaughter volume for future months and determine potential supplies for export. Obtaining the current count of cattle will serve as an important decision-making tool for the entire agriculture industry.”

    During the first two weeks of July, U.S. cattle producers will have the opportunity to report their beef and dairy cattle inventories, calf crop, death loss and cattle on feed information. To make it as easy as possible for producers to participate in the survey, NASS offers the option of responding via the website agcounts.usda.gov, telephone, mail or a personal interview with a local NASS representative.

    The July Cattle report will be released on July 25, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET. This and all NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov/publications.

    For more information about this survey, visit nass.usda.gov/go/cattle. If you need assistance, please contact us at 888-424-7828..

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The Secretary-General of ASEAN Graces Event Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Indian Mission to ASEAN

    Source: ASEAN

    JAKARTA, 20 June 2025 – The Indian Mission to ASEAN convened a commemorative event marking a decade of its establishment today at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, graced the event as Chief Guest and delivered congratulatory remarks, underscoring the important role of the Indian Mission to ASEAN in facilitating the advancement of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
     
    The Indian Mission to ASEAN was established in April 2015 as a testament to the growing significance of the ASEAN-India relations and cooperation. The Mission was inaugurated by the then Minister of External Affairs of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, and has since played a pivotal role in enhancing diplomatic, economic, and cultural links between ASEAN and India. Over the past decade, the Mission has facilitated a range of initiatives aimed at bolstering cooperation in various sectors, including political-security cooperation, socio-cultural cooperation, trade, investment, and people-to-people connections.
     
    The event was organised as the initiative of the Indian Mission to ASEAN in Jakarta, and participated by Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, P. Kumaran, and Ambassador of India to ASEAN, Jayant N. Khobragade, as well as members of the Committee of Permanent of Representatives to ASEAN or their representatives, the ASEAN Secretariat, representatives from Timor-Leste, staff of the Indian Mission to ASEAN and other invited guests.
     
     
    ***

    The post The Secretary-General of ASEAN Graces Event Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Indian Mission to ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why some elite athletes face a higher risk of developing motor neurone disease – and what we’re doing about it

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Johnathan Cooper-Knock, Senior Lecturer in Neurology, School of Medicine and Population Health, University of Sheffield

    Mural of Rob Burrow, former Leeds Rhinos rugby league star by Jonathan Long, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Motor neuron disease (MND) is a devastating condition that causes progressive muscle weakness by damaging the motor neurons, the nerve cells that connect the brain to muscles. These neurons allow us to move, breathe, eat and ultimately, stay alive.

    Unlike many chronic conditions linked to lifestyle, where being “unhealthy” increases risk, MND doesn’t follow the usual rules. In fact, some of the highest profile cases of MND in recent years have involved elite athletes: rugby legends Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow are two well known examples. Previous research from Italy also found an increased incidence of MND in former professional footballers.

    But wait – these are elite sportsmen. The healthiest of the healthy. We’re always told that exercise protects against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and many forms of cancer. So why would it be associated with something as devastating as MND?

    That’s the question we’re investigating at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), part of the University of Sheffield, where we’re exploring how strenuous physical activity might play a role in triggering MND.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    One of the first questions we asked was whether this link could simply be down to survivorship bias. In other words, do people who exercise more develop MND only because they’re protected from more common causes of death?

    To explore this, we turned to genetics. Specifically, we looked at the connection between MND, exercise, and genetic mutations – changes in DNA that are fixed from birth and unaffected by lifestyle or survival.

    We found that a small proportion of people who are genetically predisposed to engage in high levels of physical activity also carry a genetic risk for MND, but only when it comes to very intense anaerobic exercise. Other forms of exercise, like weightlifting, had no effect. Crucially, this link appeared to be independent of head injury, which has also been suggested as a potential cause of exercise-associated MND.

    How much is too much?

    It’s important to emphasise that most athletes never develop MND. There is no simple one-to-one relationship between intense exercise and the disease.

    What we observed in our genetic study was a dose effect; risk was only apparent in people performing extreme levels of activity, such as more than 12 hours of intense exercise per week. Even then, most did not go on to develop MND. But in this group, the risk of MND was higher than in the general population.

    This echoes findings from a Swedish study involving cross-country skiers who took part in the Vasaloppet, a gruelling 90km race. The fastest skiers, those at the very top of the performance spectrum, were four times more likely to develop MND than the general population. However, skiers who finished in the middle of the pack had a 50% lower risk than average.

    Why? We believe that extreme levels of physical activity may switch off protective mechanisms within motor neurons. These mechanisms act like safety switches, preventing neurons from becoming overexcited and wearing out. Turn them off, and you may improve performance – but at a potential long-term cost. We’re now exploring whether we can reactivate these safety mechanisms to prevent or delay the onset of MND.

    To develop treatments, we first need a reliable model of the disease – and that’s where fruit flies come in. We’ve engineered flies that carry a known genetic risk factor for MND.

    In healthy flies, exercise improves strength and extends lifespan – just like in humans. But in MND-prone flies, exercise does the opposite: it makes them weaker and accelerates motor neuron loss. We’ve seen similar patterns in human studies.

    Now we’re testing interventions that could protect against this damage. Early results suggest the key may lie in tweaking the electrical signals between motor neurons and muscles; potentially allowing us to retain the benefits of exercise while eliminating the risks.

    Should athletes be worried?

    There’s no need for alarm, just awareness. Exercise is overwhelmingly beneficial and should be encouraged for almost everyone. Most professional athletes remain in exceptional health throughout their lives.

    But for a small proportion of people, extreme anaerobic training may carry a hidden risk. By identifying those individuals early and better understanding the underlying biology, we aim to develop targeted strategies for prevention and treatment – without discouraging the countless benefits of an active life.

    The science is still evolving. But the goal is clear: to make sport safer and motor neuron disease rarer.

    Johnathan Cooper-Knock receives funding from TargetALS, the ALS Association, the MND Association and the Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine.

    Pamela J. Shaw has received funding from The Motor Neurone Disease Association, The Medical Research Council, LifeArc, NIHR, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, European Union and Pharmaceutical partners

    – ref. Why some elite athletes face a higher risk of developing motor neurone disease – and what we’re doing about it – https://theconversation.com/why-some-elite-athletes-face-a-higher-risk-of-developing-motor-neurone-disease-and-what-were-doing-about-it-258452

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Clarke praises emergency services in aftermath of Carrickfergus incident

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV Carrick councillor David Clarke:

    “The incident at Carrickfergus Marina has shocked and concerned our entire community. A group of nine children and one adult found themselves in serious danger when a boat capsized near the marina.

    “Thanks to the remarkable response of our emergency services, a potentially tragic situation was quickly brought under control. I want to place on record my deepest gratitude to the RNLI crews, paramedics, air ambulance staff, and police officers who responded with speed, professionalism, and care. In the most critical moments, they did what they are trained to do. The coordinated effort between land, sea, and air responders exemplifies the very best of our public service. We owe them a great debt.

    “I know the thoughts and prayers of the entire community are with the child who was taken to hospital and their family.

    “This incident is a sobering reminder of the importance of water safety, especially as we enter the summer season.“

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Fiji

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 20, 2025

    Washington, DC: On June 17, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Fiji, and considered and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting.

    The economic recovery continued in 2024. Staff estimates aggregate GDP growth in 2024 to have reached 3.7 percent. While employment has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, investment has recently been held back by labor shortages and supply-chain challenges. Inflation decelerated though 2024 as the impact of the 2023 value-added tax increase faded and the nominal exchange rate appreciated. The public debt-to-GDP ratio has continued to decline from the peak reached in 2022, but remains elevated, at 80 percent. Likewise, the current account balance has improved, but the deficit in 2024 is estimated to be around 6.7 percent.

    Monetary and financial conditions remain accommodative, while the fiscal stance has tightened. The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) has maintained the policy rate at 0.25 percent since early 2020. The fiscal stance tightened in FY2024, with the overall deficit declining from 7.2 percent of GDP in FY2023 (August-July) to 3.5 percent of GDP in FY2024, compared to a budgeted deficit of 4.8 percent of GDP.

    Executive Board Assessment

    In concluding the 2025 Article IV consultation with Fiji, Executive Directors endorsed staff’s appraisal, as follows:

    The economy has been recovering from the pandemic but is facing new setbacks. Growth is expected to fall in 2025, to about 2.6 percent, mostly because of slowing external demand, and to take a couple of years to recover to its medium-term potential rate. The baseline projection implies that public debt would remain elevated. In addition, FX reserve coverage would fall, implying that the external position remains moderately weak. Growth would be higher with successful structural reforms, or should the external environment be more favorable than assumed. But the balance of risks appears to be mostly to the downside, both in the near term, if trade tensions were to worsen or their effects be more severe than assumed in the baseline, or over the medium term, mostly given vulnerabilities to natural disasters.

     

    Fiscal and monetary policies should focus on addressing macroeconomic imbalances.

    • Fiscal policy should focus on lowering public debt while continuing with growth-friendly fiscal consolidation, oriented toward capital spending. Significant progress has been achieved in recent years, but additional adjustment measures are needed to put public debt on a clear downward path. Targeted and temporary social protection measures should be used to protect the vulnerable. Fiscal tightening would also contribute to reducing external imbalances.
    • Over the medium term, given potential pressures on the exchange rate peg, monetary conditions should be gradually tightened, raising the policy rate and reducing excess liquidity.
    • Financial policy should be attentive to emerging credit risks and to safeguard against money laundering risks.
    • The authorities should avoid using exchange rate restrictions and CFMs in place of macroeconomic adjustment and focus on a gradual, sequenced capital account liberalization to support high long-run growth objectives.

    Raising potential growth calls for sustained structural reforms.

    • Progress has been achieved in enhancing the business environment and addressing near-term constraints to growth. Immediate concerns include addressing ageing infrastructure in electricity, water, and waste utilities, and improving the transport network and digital connectivity. Ongoing concerns include training and human capital. Successful measures would also encourage more foreign investment, ease external imbalances, and reduce “brain drain.”
    • As for other Pacific states, Fiji faces ongoing challenges from natural disasters and climate change. Increasing resilience adds to the motivation to shift away from current toward capital spending.

    Such issues require sustained political consensus and good governance. The government’s recognition of the importance of institutional reform, commitment to the rule of law, and reducing corruption and bribery is welcome. Recent legislative progress will need to be matched by proper enforcement and addressing capacity constraints in the civil service.

    Fiji: Selected Economic Indicators, 2022–30

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    Est.

    Proj.

    Output and prices (percent change)

    Real GDP

    19.8

    7.5

    3.7

    2.6

    2.8

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

    3.2

    GDP deflator

    2.4

    4.1

    6.3

    3.2

    3.1

    3.2

    3.3

    3.4

    3.5

    Consumer prices (average)

    4.3

    2.3

    4.5

    3.2

    3.1

    3.2

    3.3

    3.4

    3.5

    Consumer prices (end of period)

    3.1

    5.1

    1.3

    3.1

    3.2

    3.3

    3.4

    3.5

    3.5

    Central government budget on fiscal-year basis (percent of GDP)

    Revenue and Grants

    21.4

    23.2

    27.4

    27.1

    27.1

    26.8

    26.8

    26.6

    26.5

    Expenditure

    33.5

    30.3

    31.0

    31.5

    31.2

    31.0

    31.0

    30.9

    30.9

    Overall balance

    -12.1

    -7.2

    -3.5

    -4.4

    -4.2

    -4.2

    -4.2

    -4.3

    -4.4

    Primary balance

    -8.5

    -3.3

    0.5

    -0.3

    -0.3

    -0.6

    -0.6

    -0.7

    -0.8

    Central government debt 

    90.4

    83.3

    79.5

    77.7

    77.7

    77.6

    77.3

    77.0

    76.8

    Central government external debt

    33.3

    30.6

    28.7

    26.5

    26.5

    26.4

    26.1

    25.8

    25.6

    External sector (percent of GDP)

    Current account balance

    -17.3

    -7.7

    -6.7

    -7.0

    -7.7

    -7.5

    -7.2

    -6.9

    -6.9

    Trade balance

    -32.9

    -32.7

    -30.0

    -29.1

    -27.7

    -27.3

    -27.3

    -26.9

    -26.4

    Services balance

    11.8

    20.4

    20.0

    19.9

    18.4

    17.8

    17.3

    17.1

    16.5

    Primary Income balance

    -5.3

    -5.7

    -6.4

    -6.8

    -6.6

    -6.4

    -6.0

    -5.9

    -5.9

    Secondary Income balance

    9.2

    10.3

    9.6

    9.0

    8.2

    8.5

    8.8

    8.9

    9.0

    Capital account balance

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    0.1

    Financial account balance (-= inflows)

    -14.0

    -4.9

    -6.6

    -4.1

    -5.3

    -5.7

    -6.9

    -6.5

    -6.5

    FDI

    -1.8

    -1.1

    -1.6

    -4.5

    -5.4

    -6.1

    -7.3

    -7.1

    -7.2

    Portfolio investment

    0.5

    1.0

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    Other investment

    -12.7

    -4.8

    -6.7

    -1.3

    -1.5

    -1.3

    -1.3

    -1.1

    -1.0

    Errors and omissions

    5.1

    4.2

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Change in reserve assets (-=increase)

    -2.1

    0.3

    0.1

    2.9

    2.3

    1.7

    0.3

    0.3

    0.4

    Gross official reserves (in months of prospective imports)

    5.5

    5.3

    5.2

    4.4

    3.7

    3.1

    2.9

    2.6

    …

    Money and credit (percent change)

    Net domestic assets of depository corporations

    4.9

    12.1

    8.0

    6.4

    6.1

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Claims on private sector

    6.7

    7.5

    11.4

    10.0

    8.0

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Broad money (M3)

    5.1

    9.1

    6.6

    4.1

    4.1

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Monetary base

    15.8

    -4.0

    7.5

    3.6

    1.4

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Central Bank Policy rate (end of period)

    0.25

    0.25

    0.25

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Commercial banks deposits rate (end of period)

    0.4

    0.4

    0.3

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Commercial banks lending rate (end of period)

    5.2

    4.8

    4.6

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Memorandum items

    Exchange rate, average (FJD/USD)

    2.2

    2.3

    2.3

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Real effective exchange rate, average

    108.2

    106.4

    108.3

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    GDP at current market prices (in millions of Fiji dollars)

    10,940

    12,245

    13,494

    14,286

    15,148

    16,130

    17,193

    18,342

    19,594

    GDP at current market prices (in millions of U.S. dollars)

    4,970

    5,442

    5,949

    6,257

    6,564

    6,913

    7,284

    7,674

    8,089

    GDP per capita (in U.S. dollars)

    5,450

    5,933

    6,447

    6,740

    7,030

    7,359

    7,707

    8,072

    8,508

    Sources: Reserve Bank of Fiji; Ministry of Finance; and IMF Staff Estimates and Projections.

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Pemba Sherpa

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/20/pr-25208-fiji-imf-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Syncfusion® Partners with Evrotrust to Offer Qualified Electronic Signatures in BoldSign™

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Syncfusion, Inc.®, the enterprise technology provider of choice, today announced a partnership with Evrotrust, a premier qualified trust service provider (QTSP), to deliver qualified electronic signatures (QES) directly inside Syncfusion’s e-signature platform, BoldSign™. The integration enables BoldSign customers to request and apply Evrotrust QES for legally binding signatures across the European Union (EU), without disrupting existing workflows.

    “We believe every team, no matter its size or location, deserves signing workflows that inspire confidence,” said Daniel Jebaraj, CEO of Syncfusion. “Partnering with Evrotrust lets us bring the highest assurance level of e-signatures to BoldSign, helping customers close deals faster while staying fully compliant across Europe.”

    The Evrotrust integration builds on BoldSign’s recent investments in regional data centers and advanced compliance features, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to secure, affordable, and globally trusted e-signing.

    “By combining Evrotrust’s eIDAS-notified qualified electronic signatures with BoldSign’s intuitive experience, organizations can protect their most important agreements without adding friction,” said Konstantin Bezuhanov, CEO of Evrotrust. “Together, we deliver the legal certainty and user simplicity modern businesses expect.”

    Key benefits of the partnership for BoldSign users include:

    • Qualified provider: Evrotrust is an eIDAS-notified QTSP; its QES carries automatic legal validity throughout the EU, strengthening stakeholder trust.
    • Seamless workflow: Enable QES with a single toggle in BoldSign or via API, reducing administrative overhead
    • Compliance and risk management: Remote ID checks, AI-powered liveness tests, tamper-evident audit trails, and end-to-end encryption help organizations meet eIDAS, GDPR, and SOC 2 requirements while guarding against fraud and/or data breaches.
    • Pan-European reach: One integration covers every EU member state and select non-EU jurisdictions that recognize eIDAS standards, enabling businesses to confidently expand their reach across markets.
    • Cost-effective add-on: Pay only when a qualified signature is requested; existing BoldSign plans remain unchanged.

    For more information on BoldSign’s QES capabilities, visit boldsign.com/qes.

    About Syncfusion, Inc.
    Headquartered in the technology hub of Research Triangle Park, N.C., Syncfusion, Inc.® delivers an award-winning ecosystem of developer control suites, embeddable BI platforms, and business software. Syncfusion was founded in 2001 with a single software component and a mission to support businesses of all sizes—from individual developers and start-ups to Fortune 500 enterprises. Though its pilot product, the Essential Studio® suite, has grown to over 1,900 developer controls, its mission remains the same. With offices in the U.S., India, and Kenya, Syncfusion prioritizes the customer experience by providing feature-rich solutions to help developers and enterprises solve complex problems, save money, and build high-performance, robust applications.

    About Evrotrust
    Evrotrust is an electronic identity and qualified trust service provider certified under the eIDAS regulation. The company’s mission is to help businesses and governments transform their processes and develop sustainable digital channels. The Evrotrust platform is an end-to-end solution for digital onboarding and electronic signing that enables users to remotely register and authenticate for any service using only their smartphone. It is easily integrated into third party backend systems and mobile applications. Working with Evrotrust empowers any organization to provide excellent user experience while staying compliant with regulations and keeping fraud away.

    Contact: Brittany Kearns
    Phone: 571-271-7211
    Email: brittany@crossroadsb2b.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of UK Special Envoy to Afghanistan

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Appointment of UK Special Envoy to Afghanistan

    Mr Richard Lindsay has been appointed the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy to Afghanistan. Mr Lindsay will take up his appointment during June 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae           

    Full name                                Richard Stephen Lindsay

    Year Role
    2022 to Present FCDO, Deputy Director, Afghanistan and Pakistan
    2020 to 2021 FCDO, Head of Strategic Engagement Department
    2017 to 2020 Brunei Darussalam, British High Commissioner
    2014 to 2016 FCO, Head of Security Policy Department
    2014 FCO, Head of Crisis Management Department
    2013 to 2014 Brasilia, Prosperity Counsellor
    2010 to 2013 FCO, Deputy Head, Security Policy Department
    2009 to 2010 FCO, Conflict Group
    2006 to 2009 Canberra, First Secretary, Foreign and Security Policy
    2003 to 2005 FCO, Head, Pakistan and India-Pakistan Relations Team, South Asia Group
    2001 to 2003 FCO, Head, Economic Summits (G8) and Institutions (OECD) Team, Economic Policy Department
    2001 FCO, Political/Military Team, Afghanistan Emergency Unit
    1998 to 2001 Harare, Second Secretary, Political
    1996 to 1998 FCO, Resource Planning Department

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA approves UK’s first anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody for treatment of aggressive form of lung cancer

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    MHRA approves UK’s first anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody for treatment of aggressive form of lung cancer

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

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 20 June 2025, approved serplulimab (Hetronifly) to treat adults with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), which has not previously been treated, and has spread within the lungs or to other parts of the body. 

    SCLC is a fast-growing cancer that typically develops in the airways of the lungs. It accounts for 10-15% of lung cancer cases and is often diagnosed at a late stage when the cancer has already spread. 

    Serplulimab is a monoclonal antibody (a targeted therapy) that supports the immune system by blocking PD-1, a receptor some cancer cells use to avoid detection. By inhibiting PD-1, it helps immune cells recognise and destroy cancer cells more effectively. 

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

    “Patient safety is our top priority, which is why I am pleased to confirm approval of serplulimab to treat extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.  

    “As the first and only anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody approved in the UK for small cell lung cancer, this marks an important new treatment option for patients with this aggressive type of lung cancer who currently have limited choices and face a poor prognosis. 

    “We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and efficacy for the approval of this medicine have been met. As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.” 

    Serplulimab is given by intravenous infusion (into a vein) once every three weeks, in combination with chemotherapy (carboplatin and etoposide). Treatment can continue for as long as there is deemed clinical benefit. 

    Approval is based on results from a randomised, double-blind clinical trial involving 585 adults with extensive-stage SCLC who had not received prior treatment. Participants received either serplulimab or placebo, alongside chemotherapy. 

    Patients given serplulimab with chemotherapy lived on average for 15.4 months, compared with 10.9 months for those receiving chemotherapy and placebo.  

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

    As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of serplulimab under close review.  Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine are encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.  

    Notes to editors    

    • The new marketing authorisation was granted on 20 June 2025 to Accord Healthcare Limited. 

    • This product was submitted and approved via an international recognition procedure.  

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

    • For more information about small cell lung cancer, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lung-cancer/ 

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

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

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Extreme Heat to Impact New York State

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the high outdoor temperatures that will impact most of the State beginning on Sunday. The National Weather Service is forecasting that major to extreme risk of heat-related impacts are possible starting on Sunday through at least Wednesday across New York State. On Sunday, “feels-like” temperatures may reach up to or above 100 degrees especially in the Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Mid-Hudson Regions. On Monday, “feels-like” temperatures will be 95-110 degrees across all of NYS, with overnight temperatures ranging from 70-85 degrees and may be higher in urban areas. On Tuesday, “feels-like” temperatures will range from 85-110 degrees statewide. Feels like temperature will remain high Wednesday, but will decline into the 90s.

    “The number one cause of weather-related death is extreme heat, but preparation, communication and other precautions can save lives,” Governor Hochul said. “That is why we are deploying a whole of government approach to keep New Yorkers safe, working to protect our most vulnerable populations, and encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting ahead of the June 24 Primary Election Day.”

    Voters in New York City, Albany, Syracuse, and elsewhere can expect high temperatures on Primary Election Day, Tuesday June 24. To beat the heat, take advantage of early voting or request an early mail ballot in person at your local county board of elections office.

    Extreme heat is dangerous and is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States. The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke (sun stroke), heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Learn more about heat related illness, including signs and symptoms and when to take action on the State Health Department’s extreme heat advice webpage.

    New Yorkers should also plan accordingly for pet care to ensure pet safety during periods of extreme heat:

    • Provide ample water indoors and outdoors.
    • Limit outdoor activity, and if outdoors, rest in shaded areas regularly.
    • Be mindful of pavement temperatures — hot surfaces may cause burns on paws, so consider walking on grass or using pet boots.
    • Never leave pets in vehicles unattended when heat is a risk.
    • Know the signs of heatstroke in pets including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting and stumbling.

    New York State agencies are taking the actions and making recommendations to respond to the forecasted heat. These include:

    New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
    The Office of Emergency Management is in regular contact with county emergency managers to ensure cooling centers are available, and to offer support and advise on extreme heat risks. In addition, the agency is facilitating preparations and coordinating guidance and communications with State agency partners. Information on how to manage extreme heat can be found online. To receive real time weather and emergency alerts, New Yorkers are encouraged to text the name of their county or borough to 333111.

    New York State Department of Public Service
    The Department of Public Service (DPS) is tracking electric system conditions and overseeing utility response to any situations that may arise as a result of this week’s extreme heat and potential thunderstorm activity. DPS has been in direct contact with utility leaders to ensure they are preparing their systems for the extreme heat and will be tracking system conditions throughout the event. New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available, as necessary, to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this heat event. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

    During heat waves, increased usage of electric devices such as air conditioners place a considerable demand on the state’s electricity system and instances of low voltage or isolated power outages can result. The record for such usage was set on July 19, 2013, when it reached 33,956 MWs (one megawatt of electricity is enough to power up to 1,000 average-sized homes).

    DPS is tracking electric system conditions and overseeing utility response to any situations that may arise as a result of the incoming thunderstorms and extreme heat. DPS has been in direct contact with utility leaders to ensure they are preparing their systems for the extreme heat and will be monitoring system conditions throughout the event.

    Department staff, as a part of annual summer preparation activities, work with all utilities to confirm that they will reliably meet customer demands for the summer operating period. Based on staff review and assessment of utility data, meetings with each of the individual utilities and the New York Independent System Operator, staff found that the state’s electric transmission and distribution systems are prepared to reliably meet forecasted 2025 summer electric demands.

    If necessary during next week’s expected heat, DPS will activate its standard peak load reduction program for all New York State agencies; NYISO will activate their voluntary Emergency Response Demand Program to curtail load if needed.

    New York State Department of Health
    The State Health Department is taking a number of steps to promote the safety of all New Yorkers in periods of extreme heat, especially those most at risk. The Department has distributed guidance to all hospitals and nursing homes and will issue additional guidance to hosts of any scheduled public events with over 5,000 people in attendance. The Department is working with DSHES and local health departments and emergency managers to ensure access to cooling centers and safe spaces during this extreme heat.

    The New York State Department of Health’s interactive Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard allows the public and county health care officials to determine the forecasted level of heat-related health risks in their area and raise awareness about the dangers of heat exposure.

    New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
    Many New York State Park beaches and pools are open for the season. Prior to making a trip, potential visitors should call ahead to the park they plan to visit or check https://parks.ny.gov/parks/ for park hours and operations. Changes in weather and water conditions may affect swimming status. Park status updates are also available on the free New York State Parks Explorer mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

    New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
    The agency has compiled important information, including preventative measures, to help mitigate the effects of extreme heat on farm workers and farm animals. The Department will also be working closely with partners at The New York Extension Disaster Education Network (NY EDEN) at Cornell University to monitor any potential impacts of the extreme heat expected this week. NY EDEN is also a resource for farmers and farm workers during a heat wave, and additional information can be found at https://eden.cce.cornell.edu/natural-hazards/heat-wave/.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
    The Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, and both central office and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to heavy rainfall and flooding.

    Unpredictable weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and other backcountry areas can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for rain, mud, and warmer temperatures to ensure a safe outdoor experience.

    Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails, as well as trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures, and general recreation information.

    Hiking Safety
    Hiking in the heat is always risky. New Yorkers and visitors should review the following tips to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

    • Slow your pace.
    • Drink water and rest often.
    • Seek shade and avoid long periods in direct sunlight.
    • Bring at least 2 liters of water for any hike.
    • Bring a water filter, especially for longer hikes.
    • Bring salty snacks to keep your electrolytes in check.
    • Wear sunscreen.
    • Leave your pets at home — the heat is harder on them, especially walking on hot rocks.
    • Consider staying home yourself and rescheduling for another day when weather conditions improve.

    Even if the weather is forecast to be high heat all day, there’s always a chance of hypothermia due to a sudden storm or drop in temperatures. This can increase dramatically if you’re sweating and not wearing sweat-wicking clothing made of fabrics such as wool or polyester. Many cases of hypothermia are in the summer when people least expect it.

    Whether you are hiking, mountain biking or paddling, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip with safety and sustainability in mind. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.

    Air Quality
    DEC is continuing to monitor air quality across the State and will issue air quality health advisories as necessary. New Yorkers are encouraged be “Air Quality Aware” and check airnow.gov for accurate information on air quality forecasts and conditions. To view the latest DEC air quality forecasts, visit the DEC website.

    Extreme Heat
    DEC recently released preliminary Urban Heat Island maps to help communities better understand, plan for, and adapt to extreme heat exposures on the neighborhood level. Links to the maps, as well as additional information and data, can be found on DEC’s Extreme Heat Action Plan webpage  and posted at nys-heat.daveyinstitute.com/hottest-hour. The project advances a key action in the Extreme Heat Action Plan and advances a 2022 law signed by Governor Hochul directing DEC to study the impacts of disproportionate concentrations of extreme heat in disadvantaged communities across the state.

    The New York State Department of Labor has released comprehensive guidance to help employers better protect outdoor workers during extreme heat and advises workers and employers to engage in extreme heat best practices such as:

    • Ensure access to clean drinking water at no cost to workers, available at all times and as close to the worksite as possible.
    • Provide shade and paid rest when the heat index reaches 80 degrees Fahrenheit or above, and more frequent rest breaks once the heat index exceeds 90 degrees.
    • Wear proper PPE so long as they do not interfere with safety equipment, including sunscreen, cooling vests, wide-brim hats, and lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

    More information on best practices for working in extreme heat can be found here.

    Thruway Authority maintenance crews will be conducting standard daily operations during times where temperatures are lowest and will enhance patrols monitoring the highway. Motorists are reminded and encouraged to take breaks at one of 26 service areas, or three Welcome Centers located on the Thruway system.

    New York State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will conduct most outdoor work during morning hours and follow established hydration and rest protocols to help mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures.

    New York State Office of Children and Family Services
    The agency is taking a number of actions to ensure activities at residential centers, detention programs and congregate care programs are conducted in a safe manner during the heat. This includes checking cooling equipment, ensuring proper amounts of water are available and consumed, rescheduling activities and meetings, and identifying staff and clients who may be affected by heat. They are also providing guidance to child care programs and groups associated with the Commission for the Blind statewide.

    New York State Office of Mental Health
    In advance of the hot conditions, New Yorkers should be aware of the impact high heat may have on individuals receiving antipsychotic medications, who are at particular risk of heat stroke and neuroleptic malignant syndrome during periods of extreme heat, which is more likely in poorly ventilated areas. Children and the elderly are at increased risk.

    In addition to monitoring individuals at risk, such conditions are best prevented by a heightened attention to hydration, particularly those at high risk, including individuals taking antipsychotic medications, the elderly, children and those with poor fluid intake. Also, individuals at high-risk should remain in cooler areas; be monitored for temperature elevations; avoid direct exposure to sunlight and wear protective clothing and sunscreen. Anticholinergic medications may interfere with sweating and should be minimized.

    New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
    The agency is reminding local departments of social services and emergency homeless shelter operators of the need to provide fans to help maintain reasonable air circulation during times of extreme heat and humidity. Also, shelter providers should provide a cooling room in the facility for residents, if feasible.

    Metropolitan Transportation Authority
    To reduce potential impacts to service and reduce response times to heat-related events, NYC Transit will implement heat patrols to proactively increase track inspections and stage extra personnel in key risk areas including power substations, machine rooms, generators, cables, and connections. To ensure functioning air conditioning, subway railcars and buses will be inspected before being placed in service. Paratransit service providers are reminded vehicles must have functioning air-conditioning. Buses and operators will be on standby for any support needed with subways or emergency service. NYC Transit also completes a continuous welded rail watch when rail temperatures exceed 100 degrees to be vigilant of rail kinks or other issues.

    Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad crews will be staged at key locations to be able to respond quickly to weather-related issues. The railroads will monitor rail temperatures, deploy heat patrols to inspect the rails for any kinks, and stage additional Power Department personnel to protect power substations and overhead aerial lines. Train crews have been instructed to report any rail conditions that need attention.

    The Port Authority Office of Emergency Management coordinates with facility teams to monitor weather conditions and operational impacts and maintains communication with regional partners to support response readiness during periods of elevated temperatures.

    For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Holds Press Conference on Energy Choice Act, Vows to End Blue-State Wars on American Energy

    Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

    ELMIRA, N.Y. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) held a press conference in Elmira, NY, on the Energy Choice Act to prohibit states or local governments from banning an energy service’s connection, reconnection, modification, installation, or expansion based on the type or source of energy to be delivered.

    “Governor Kathy Hochul and Democrats in Albany are hurting New Yorkers with their relentless war on American energy,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Her effort to ban the use of gas in buildings across the state will not only increase energy costs for families, but it will also eliminate a reliable and necessary source of energy that keeps homes heated and people safe. As this is becoming a dangerous trend in blue states across the country, the Energy Choice Act would end these costly bans and secure our nation’s energy future.”

    Watch the livestream here.

    “The Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York (IOGANY) fully supports the passage of the proposed Energy Choice Act. IOGANY is an association of oil and gas producers, pipeline companies, and associated support industries that provide safe, reliable, cost-effective energy in New York State. We are also New York State business owners and homeowners that are experiencing the same inflationary costs as NY citizens. 

    “During the past decade, New York has implemented policies to improve New York’s air quality through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Both of these policies are focused on reaching emission reduction goals by reducing the use of fossil fuels and increasing the use of green energy (wind and solar). These efforts have resulted in increased electric and natural gas utility bills as costs of these green energy programs are passed through to the business community and homeowners. Everyone knows the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow all the time, so this transition is impacting energy reliability.  

    “In addition to increased utility bills, these policies will force home and business owners to pay to convert buildings and homes to use primarily electric energy (new electric appliances and heating systems), as well as, purchase electric vehicles and pay for charging stations installation. This is increasing the cost of living in New York State at a time when we already have a high tax burden and people are leaving the state.

    “IOGANY members, as citizens and business owners in New York, want clean air but question what this effort will cost citizens and will reliable energy be available to support our current standard of living. We also question if the current established emission goals can be reached while still providing safe, reliable, cost-effective energy. Cleaner air is a wonderful objective but at what cost and impact on our standard of living. This is why as individuals and members of the oil and gas industry, we support the Clean Energy Choice Bill passage,” said the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York.

     

    “This Energy Choice legislation is of key importance to all New Yorkers. This bill gives the ability to adequately power and heat our homes, businesses, and institutions that make New York the Empire State. The plumbing and heating contractors of the NYS PHCC have members throughout the entire state, employing thousands of technicians, many union plumbers, who see firsthand how ill-conceived but well-intentioned local and state restrictive energy laws are jeopardizing our energy usage and supply in our great state.  Everyone wants to have efficient, environmentally friendly and reliable energy.  This law would allow for the use of not only renewable gas and hydrogen but also other fuels like bio biodiesel, all made in New York. The NYS PHCC fully supports Congress member Langworthy’s Energy Choice Act,” said Terence O’Brien Co-Executive Director; NYS PHCC.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: State of Asylum Conference: Implementing the Pact, together with credible entry and return policies, are key to restoring public trust in migration management

    Source: European Asylum Support Office

    On 18 June 2025, the EUAA hosted the EU’s first annual State of Asylum Conference. Discussions centred around a key question: is EU Asylum at a Crossroads? To answer, the Conference brought together high-level European policy makers including Ministers of Interior, senior officials, and representatives of international and civil society organisations to debate the past, present and future of the EU’s evolving migration  policy agenda, in the face of a challenging international security environment.

    This week, the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) hosted the EUAA’s first State of Asylum Conference. The event brought together around 1 000 online and in-person attendees to debate the evolving EU migration and asylum policy agenda. Opening the Conference, the EUAA’s Executive Director, Ms. Nina GREGORI, framed its central, titular question by asking participants to reflect on whether the EU’s migration and asylum systems are at a crossroads and, if they are, what choices are available to policy makers. With evidence-based policy-making being a core principle of democratic societies, she stressed the value of the Agency’s work and most notably, the recently-published Asylum Report 2025 as a factual basis that set the stage for the day’s discussions.

    Looking to the future, the first panel discussion, entitled “Migration and Asylum at a Crossroads: Where do we go from here?” invited high level European policymakers to reflect on where European migration policy might go next. Mr. Makis VORIDIS, Minister of Migration and Asylum in Greece noted the evolution of the EU’s migration policy as one headed in a stricter direction, concluding that a return policy needs to be a cornerstone of any serious migration strategy. He stressed the need for such a policy to be developed in parallel with the ongoing implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, welcoming the recent Commission proposal for a Regulation for a Common European System on Returns (CESR).  Ms. Mari RANTANEN, Minister of Interior of Finland distinguished between labour migration, international protection and the instrumentalisation of migrants, stressing the need for clear rules that address all three phenomena, as well as the need to strengthen European efforts at cooperation with third countries on migration management.

    In the same panel, Mr. Andi MAHILA, Deputy Minister of Interior in Albania, stressed the need for European countries to remain united and work together, noting that “migration and asylum are not mere challenges, they reflect the values we uphold”. Mr. Michael SPINDELEGGER, Director-General of the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) concluded by reflecting on the decreasing trend in asylum applications lodged in the EU+. This was the result of intense work by EU Institutions and Agencies, national administrations and other stakeholders he noted, but also geopolitical shifts that have driven the recent decrease in Syrian applications and, conversely, the increase in Venezuelan applications – stressing the need for cooperation with the US authorities.

    Turning to the present, a second panel discussion, entitled “EU Working Together: Stepping up EU Migration and Asylum Management, in the face of mounting European and international challenges” saw senior European officials, together with the UNHCR and IOM, reflect on the Pact on Migration and Asylum and its ongoing implementation. The EUAA’s Executive Director, Ms. Nina GREGORI stressed the need for ongoing political commitment for the implementation of the Pact, an observation that Ms. Beate GMINDER, recently appointed as Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs at the European Commission and Mr. Kim FREIDBERG, Director for Home Affairs at the Council of the EU, reiterated in their own comments. Ms. Gregori called for the allocation of sufficient resources to Pact implementation on a national level, including within judiciary bodies, and emphasised the plethora of Agency and European support available to make optimal use of finite resources. As the Pact enters into application in mid-2026, Ms. Gminder reflected on the ongoing transition to the new rules and the need to fine-tune some elements, referencing recent Commission legislative proposals on the Safe Country concepts. She nevertheless called for balanced ways to address irregular migration, including with stepped up efforts on legal pathways and integration into host communities.

    With international organisations being key partners, Mr. Philippe LECLERC, Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe at the UNHCR, urged both panellists and attendees not to lose sight of the human aspects of migration; stressing that refugees contribute to EU Member States’ GDP. Against the UNHCR Global Trends Report showing over 122 million forcibly displaced people, he emphasised the need for a protection-sensitive implementation of the Pact, ensuring effective solidarity between Member States and with people seeking safety. He also acknowledged the need for a routes-based approach to international protection, one that ensures protection closer to countries of origin. Mr. Lukas GEHRKE, IOM Director of the Global Office in Brussels, observed that displacement drivers are worsening, referencing several examples. All agreed that Pact implementation is going well so far, and Member States will be ready, as failing to implement is simply not an option.

    A final panel discussion reflected on the past and how it draws lessons for the future, notably the increasing role the EUAA has played in helping Member States manage their international protection obligations, and what this means for the Agency’s future. The panel featured notable actors from the Agency’s past, including its first Executive Director Mr. Robert VISSER, two former Chairpersons of its Management Board, including Dr. David COSTELLO and Mr. Wolfgang TAUCHER. Together with the current Chair of the EUAA Management Board, Ms. Evelina GUDZINSKAITĖ, they reflected on the challenges the Agency has faced, particularly in getting Member States to a place where they were able to accept European support in the field of asylum. In fact, Ms. Gudzinskaitė observed that while asylum may be at a crossroads, “the Agency is not at a crossroads, it’s on a highway” to building trust and solidarity between European countries.

    Closing the panel, Mr. Mikael RIBBENVIK CASSAR, the EUAA’s Deputy Executive Director, also a former Chair of both the-then EASO and current EUAA Management Boards, reflected on the Agency’s journey to unquestioned and critical relevance in the field of migration. However, he stressed that the path to restoring public trust in asylum management runs through recalling a basic principle in international protection: “Asylum is a binary system: Protection or return. Both outcomes must lead to different doors. Too often that is not the case.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Service Workers Rally Behind President Trump’s NO TAX ON TIPS

    Source: US Whitehouse

    Hourly workers in the service, hospitality, and retail industries overwhelmingly back President Donald J. Trump’s bold NO TAX ON TIPS plan in the One Big Beautiful Bill, according to a new survey — saying tax-free tips would bring them needed financial stability and relief.

    In fact, 83% of hourly workers want to see NO TAX ON TIPS become law — with just four percent saying otherwise: “These results suggest that any measure increasing the amount of immediately available income — such as untaxed tips — would provide meaningful, stabilizing support for a large segment of the hourly workforce,” the report says.

    As one Nevada food service worker put it: “I don’t know what the holdup is. I don’t know what the politics are, but if we can cut the BS now … it can help out a lot of people.”

    The NO TAX ON TIPS plan is just one aspect of President Trump’s Day One commitment to deliver relief to Americans ravaged by years of Bidenflation. In his first five months, President Trump has overseen the largest increase in blue-collar wage growth in 60 years, lower costs, and explosive job growth for native-born Americans.

    That progress will be supercharged by the One Big Beautiful Bill, which will deliver the largest tax cut in history for working and middle-class Americans, tax cuts for seniors, No Tax on Overtime, and much more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: National Indigenous Peoples Day: Minister Sawhney

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kemp Announces Second Round of Rural Site Development Grants

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced today the second round of grants in the OneGeorgia Authority’s Rural Site Development Initiative. This program enables Georgia’s rural communities to identify, assess, and develop new, ready-for-development industrial sites, further growing the state’s capacity for economic growth. Eligible activities for use of grant funds include, but are not limited to, site studies, land grading, and other essential community infrastructure efforts that support site development.

    “Georgia offers the workforce, connectivity, and business-friendly environment for companies to be successful in every corner of the state, which is why we’ve been named the top state for business for over a decade,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “The Rural Site Development Initiative helps us maintain that competitive edge over other states by empowering communities to build on that success and turn fields of dreams into sources of good-paying jobs for rural Georgians. I want to congratulate all of these communities on receiving these awards and thank our legislative partners who helped make this program possible through strategic funding.”

    For site improvement grants, grantees demonstrated substantive plans for industrial site development while meeting OneGeorgia Authority eligibility requirements. Total funding for this round of grants is $8 million, marking more than $18 million in grants distributed to rural site development since the program’s launch.

    “Georgia’s historic economic development success has not happened by accident. It is the direct result of our leadership’s decades-long dedication to strengthening our workforce, investing in our infrastructure, and building a better, brighter future for Georgians across the state,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “The OneGeorgia Authority’s Rural Site Development Grants represent our state’s unwavering commitment to bringing new opportunities for economic success to every corner of the state, and I look forward to seeing the impact these awards will have on rural Georgia communities and citizens for generations to come.” 

    “The Rural Site Development Initiative is critical for our rural communities across the state, where a business-friendly environment is not only critical, but growing at a record pace,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “The approved funding will help current projects grow and future projects begin, while keeping Georgia’s business environment a model for the rest of the nation.” 

    “Georgia’s economic development success is the result of strong leadership and strategic investment,” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “This tool enables communities to remain attractive for future prospects and achieve their vision of economic prosperity.”

    “The Rural Site Development Initiative empowers communities to proactively shape economic growth that aligns with their long-term goals,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “GRAD-certified sites offer speed-to-market advantages for companies and strengthen Georgia’s competitive site portfolio. As we build on years of economic success, investing in new site development ensures we sustain and accelerate that momentum.”

    In addition to meeting OneGeorgia Authority requirements, applicants leveraged other funding sources to demonstrate community commitment. Use of funds is subject to all applicable state laws and regulations, as well as to the policies and requirements of the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs. OneGeorgia funds must be expended within the timeframe specified in the grant award documentation, which is generally two years from the date of the award.

    Site Improvement Grants

    Development Authority of the City of Milledgeville and Baldwin County
    The Development Authority of the City of Milledgeville and Baldwin County in middle Georgia was awarded $2 million for site readiness improvements, including the construction of an entry road and other road improvements, at the 1,500-acre, GRAD-certified Sibley Place. The total project costs are $2,193,982.

    Development Authority of Bulloch County
    The Development Authority of Bulloch County in coastal Georgia received a grant of $1,518,920 for site grading and sewer improvements at the 69-acre, GRAD-certified Cannady Site. The Development Authority of Bulloch County is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $2,024,960.

    Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority
    The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority in middle Georgia was awarded a grant of $2 million for sewage and drainage improvements at the 250-acre, “GRAD Select” Georgia Highway 257 Rail Site. The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $6,039,671.

    Worth County Economic Development Authority
    The Worth County Economic Development Authority in southwest Georgia received a grant of $2 million for water, drainage, road, and other infrastructure improvements at the 196-acre, “GRAD Select” Worth County Industrial Complex. The Worth County Economic Development Authority is contributing to the total project cost, which is expected to be $2,248,723.

    GRAD-Certification Scholarships

    Development Authority of Burke County
    The Development Authority of Burke County in east Georgia was awarded $35,278 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 150-acre Waynesboro-Burke Industrial Park. The total project costs are $39,198.

    Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority
    The Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority in southeast Georgia was awarded $75,000 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 72-acre Douglas Aviation Industrial Park. The total project costs are $90,050.

    Development Authority of Jefferson County
    The Development Authority of Jefferson County in east Georgia was awarded $75,000 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 230-acre Louisville Airport Industrial Park. The total project costs are $82,500.

    McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority
    The McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority in coastal Georgia was awarded $192,745 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 247-acre Tidewater East Industrial Park. The total project costs are $260,345.

    Pulaski County-Hawkinsville Development Authority
    The Pulaski County-Hawkinsville Development Authority in middle Georgia was awarded $31,455 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 170-acre Hawkinsville-Pulaski County Industrial Park. The total project costs are $34,950.

    Washington-Wilkes Payroll Development Authority
    The Washington-Wilkes Payroll Development Authority in east Georgia was awarded $142,450 to assist with the costs of seeking GRAD certification for the 455-acre Washington-Wilkes Industrial Park Expansion. The total project costs are $167,450.

    About GDEcD
    The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state’s sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for arts, film, and digital entertainment projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. Visit georgia.org for more information.

    About Department of Community Affairs  

    The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to build strong, vibrant neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions, and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified Georgians with low to moderate incomes buy homes, rent housing and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit www.dca.ga.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Economic Shifts in Focus as Madrid Professor Addresses SPIEF 2025 Opening Session

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOSCOW, RUSSIA, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, held in Russia from June 18 to 21, began with a high-level session titled *”Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth.”* The session marked the presentation of the final report from the International Open Dialogue of the Russia National Centre and featured expert insights into global economic and geopolitical shifts. Among the key speakers was Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga, a doctor of economics and professor at Complutense University of Madrid, who addressed the evolving role of the global majority in transforming international systems.

    The session was dedicated to the current challenges of modernity: economic and political fragmentation, demographic changes, the consequences of breakthrough technology implementation, and social and technological gaps within and between countries.

    A speaker from Spain, Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga, a doctor of economics and professor at Complutense University of Madrid, delivered a report on how the global majority of countries are changing reality.

    “Today, most countries are not just participating in global processes—they are changing reality. We see how an increasingly flexible and multipolar world order is forming. World trade is becoming fragmented, fast, and technological, while the international system is becoming a network of preferential agreements, which distorts the principles laid down in the foundation of GATT and WTO,” noted Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga.

    In his opinion, the world is becoming increasingly fragmented and unpredictable—this applies to politics and economics.

    “The international trade architecture is breaking down into nodes and blocks, which requires new approaches. We must be able to respond to these challenges, understanding that the old rules no longer work in the new dynamics,” emphasised Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga.

    “It is important to conduct an open dialogue about how we build the world of the future and form a new platform for global growth. In which countries will this global growth occur, on which technologies will it be built, and on which principles and cultural code? Our task is to ensure that forward movement benefits people in all countries that, like Russia, are working on the future. It is through open dialogue that our future and its understanding are built,” noted Maxim Oreshkin.

    At the session organised by the National Centre, speakers discussed, among other things, the report on the results of the Open Dialogue prepared by the Centre for Cross-Industry Expertise “Third Rome.” Key issues included factors shaping the new economic wave, technologies driving economic development, and ways to achieve human well-being.

    The session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth” results became the foundation for the subsequent business program of SPIEF-2025. The session recording can be viewed on the Russia National Centre website.

    Social Links

    https://t.me/gowithrussia

    https://vk.com/gowithrussia

    https://ok.ru/gowithrussia

    https://dzen.ru/gowithrussia

    Contact for the media

    Brand: Russia National Centre

    Contact: Media team

    Email: Pressa@russia.ru

    Website: https://russia.ru

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Economic Shifts in Focus as Madrid Professor Addresses SPIEF 2025 Opening Session

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MOSCOW, RUSSIA, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) 2025, held in Russia from June 18 to 21, began with a high-level session titled *”Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth.”* The session marked the presentation of the final report from the International Open Dialogue of the Russia National Centre and featured expert insights into global economic and geopolitical shifts. Among the key speakers was Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga, a doctor of economics and professor at Complutense University of Madrid, who addressed the evolving role of the global majority in transforming international systems.

    The session was dedicated to the current challenges of modernity: economic and political fragmentation, demographic changes, the consequences of breakthrough technology implementation, and social and technological gaps within and between countries.

    A speaker from Spain, Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga, a doctor of economics and professor at Complutense University of Madrid, delivered a report on how the global majority of countries are changing reality.

    “Today, most countries are not just participating in global processes—they are changing reality. We see how an increasingly flexible and multipolar world order is forming. World trade is becoming fragmented, fast, and technological, while the international system is becoming a network of preferential agreements, which distorts the principles laid down in the foundation of GATT and WTO,” noted Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga.

    In his opinion, the world is becoming increasingly fragmented and unpredictable—this applies to politics and economics.

    “The international trade architecture is breaking down into nodes and blocks, which requires new approaches. We must be able to respond to these challenges, understanding that the old rules no longer work in the new dynamics,” emphasised Juan Antonio de Castro de Arespacochaga.

    “It is important to conduct an open dialogue about how we build the world of the future and form a new platform for global growth. In which countries will this global growth occur, on which technologies will it be built, and on which principles and cultural code? Our task is to ensure that forward movement benefits people in all countries that, like Russia, are working on the future. It is through open dialogue that our future and its understanding are built,” noted Maxim Oreshkin.

    At the session organised by the National Centre, speakers discussed, among other things, the report on the results of the Open Dialogue prepared by the Centre for Cross-Industry Expertise “Third Rome.” Key issues included factors shaping the new economic wave, technologies driving economic development, and ways to achieve human well-being.

    The session “Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth” results became the foundation for the subsequent business program of SPIEF-2025. The session recording can be viewed on the Russia National Centre website.

    Social Links

    https://t.me/gowithrussia

    https://vk.com/gowithrussia

    https://ok.ru/gowithrussia

    https://dzen.ru/gowithrussia

    Contact for the media

    Brand: Russia National Centre

    Contact: Media team

    Email: Pressa@russia.ru

    Website: https://russia.ru

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Call for Entries: Africa Property Investment Awards 2025 Submit Your Applications by 30 June!

    The countdown is on for the prestigious 9th Africa Property Investment (API) Awards 2025, part of the highly anticipated API Summit themed “Growth Through Adventure” taking place on 18 and 19 September 2025 at The Westin Hotel, Cape Town.  

    The deadline for submissions has been extended to 30 June 2025, giving developers, consultants, suppliers, professional teams, and property owners across Africa an exciting opportunity to showcase their excellence in the continent’s dynamic real estate sector. 

    Why enter the API Awards? 

    The API Awards are the continent’s definitive recognition platform celebrating outstanding achievements in African real estate. Open to a wide range of participants —from developers and consultants to suppliers and property owners— the awards highlight innovation, sustainability, and impactful growth in the industry.  

    Judged by a distinguished panel of over 20 industry experts and thought leaders, the awards ensure impartiality and credibility, making being named a finalist or winner a coveted accolade that significantly boosts brand exposure and credibility. This year, the judges will evaluate submissions across three key categories: Development; Personnel; Service, Technology, and Innovation.  These categories reflect the multifaceted nature of the real estate ecosystem. 

    Spotlight on 2024 winners: Success stories that inspire 

    The impact of winning an API Award is profound and far-reaching. Last year’s winners have not only gained industry recognition but have leveraged their awards to accelerate growth, attract investment, and amplify their influence across Africa’s property landscape. 

    AlleyRoads: Best Affordable Housing Development 2024 

    AlleyRoads, a South Africa-based developer, won the Best Affordable Housing Development award for their innovative Inkanyezi Village project in Katlehong, Gauteng. Ivan Pretorius, Founder and CEO of AlleyRoads, shared how the award has been transformative: 

    “Winning the Best Affordable Housing Development award has highlighted that AlleyRoads plays an important and instrumental role in affordable housing development across South Africa. It has attracted select investors to invest in our group and demonstrated our dedication to improving all aspects of affordable housing.” 

    Pretorius also emphasized the broader social impact of the Inkanyezi Village project that was recognised by the API Awards. Inkanyezi Village in Katlehong boasts 378 apartments that cater to lower-to-middle income households. The apartments are powered by solar panels and a battery system, ensuring supply of electricity even during load-shedding.  

    “The award raised significant awareness about affordable housing in Katlehong, particularly the innovative use of off-grid power systems. Traditionally a feature of high-end residential projects, off-grid power solutions designed for affordability have improved quality of life in the lower end of the affordable housing market,” says Pretorius.  

    This recognition has not only enhanced AlleyRoads’ reputation but also underscored the potential for sustainable, affordable housing solutions across the continent. 

    REdimension Capital: Dealmakers of the Year 2024 

    REdimension Capital, led by Peter Clark and Matt Marshall, was honoured as Dealmakers of the Year for their outstanding deal-making prowess in the South African property investment market. REdimension Capital is a South Africa based investment firm that funds early-stage technology companies improving real estate through innovation and sustainability. The API accolade has had a tangible impact on REdimension Capital.  

    Says Clark and Marshall:  

    “Receiving the Dealmakers of the Year award was a meaningful milestone recognizing the significant work we have undertaken. It has enhanced our visibility and credibility within the property and venture investment ecosystem, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner for real estate stakeholders and technology founders.” 

    The pair says the award has also opened new doors for REdimension Capital, helping the company with its capital-raising efforts and expansion of strategic networks.   

    “Since receiving the award, we have executed additional deals, deepened our pipeline, and been able to provide credible support for our portfolio companies as they add scale. It has also helped strengthen our position as a leader in driving innovation in the built environment—something we are deeply committed to as we continue to bridge the gap between traditional real estate and the next generation of technology-enabled solutions.” 

    Submit Your Entry Today – Deadline Extended to 30 June 2025 

    The API Awards 2025 are your platform to showcase excellence and innovation in African real estate. Whether you are a developer pushing boundaries in sustainable housing, a consultant delivering cutting-edge solutions, or a supplier enabling transformative projects, your achievements deserve to be celebrated on the continent’s biggest stage.   

    Don’t miss this chance to join the ranks of Africa’s most respected property leaders. Visit the official API Summit Awards page for detailed criteria and submission guidelines: https://apo-opa.co/45xWg1g

    The API Summit is Africa’s premier real estate investment event, bringing together industry leaders, investors, government officials, and innovators to explore opportunities and challenges shaping the continent’s property market.  

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.

    Distributed for API Events by Dmix:  
    API Events  
    Murray Anderson-Ogle  
    Email: Murray@apievents.com   
    Contact: +27 71 890 77 39  

    Social Media: 
    Website: https://www.APIEvents.com/ 
    Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4e6RtG4
    Instagram: @ APIsummit 
    LinkedIn: API Events 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NB8++ joint statement on the shadow fleet

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    NB8++ joint statement on the shadow fleet

    Statement from the Nordic-Baltic 8++ on joint action to further counter Russia’s shadow fleet.

    We, the Foreign Ministers and government representatives of Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom have met today to address the challenge posed by the Russian shadow fleet. We call for further joint and coordinated action to effectively address Russian attempts to circumvent international sanctions.   

    Russia’s destabilising actions have strengthened our resolve to protect maritime security, safety, the marine environment and freedom of navigation in accordance with international law. We are particularly concerned about stateless vessels and falsely flagged vessels. Stateless vessels, including those falsely claiming to fly a flag, do not have a responsible flag state and are not entitled to rights under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), including freedom of navigation. If vessels fail to fly a valid flag in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, we will take appropriate action within international law.   

    Today, we have agreed to further strengthen our cooperation and ensure a joint and coordinated approach by our national authorities to address Russia’s shadow fleet. We intend to compile a common set of guidelines in line with international law to promote responsible behaviour at sea, strengthen compliance with international law, and ensure transparency across maritime operations.   

    We recall that the risks posed by the shadow fleet, including potential environmental damage as well as risks to maritime safety and security, the integrity of international seaborne trade, critical undersea infrastructure and respect for international maritime rules and standards, extend far beyond the Baltic and North Seas and could have global impact. We call on others to join our efforts.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of British High Commissioner to Jamaica: Alicia Herbert

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Change of British High Commissioner to Jamaica: Alicia Herbert

    Ms Alicia Herbert OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to Jamaica in succession to Ms Judith Slater. Ms Herbert will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum Vitae           

    Full name                                Alicia Jacinta Herbert

    Year Role
    2021 to 2025 FCDO, Director Education, Gender and Equality and UK Gender Envoy
    2016 to 2020 DFID/FCDO, Head, Children Youth and Education
    2012 to 2016 Maputo, Country Director, DFID Mozambique
    2009 to 2012 Abuja, Deputy Country Director, DFID Nigeria
    2006 to 2009 Khartoum, Head, Governance, Security and Development, DFID Sudan
    2002 to 2006 Maputo, Social Development Adviser, DFID Mozambique
    1999 to 2002 DFID, Social Development Adviser, Climate and Environment Department

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKAEA welcomes UK-Japan fusion partnership

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UKAEA welcomes UK-Japan fusion partnership

    UK-Japan partnership to further collaboration in key fusion areas, including R&D, regulation, skills and workforce

    Kerry McCarthy, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Climate) and Hiroshi Masuko, Senior Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, signing the Memorandum of Cooperation on fusion energy.

    UKAEA welcomes the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between UK and Japan, to strengthen our already close bond on developing fusion energy.

    Fusion is a global challenge with global solutions and UKAEA looks forward to working with Japanese scientists and innovators to advance fusion energy.

    More information can be found here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada marks World Refugee Day with solidarity

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Statement

    Ottawa, June 20, 2025—The Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), today issued the following statement:

    “On World Refugee Day, Canada reaffirms its commitment to meet humanitarian needs, address the root causes of forced displacement and find lasting solutions for refugees and other displaced people. We honour their strength and resilience, and recognize the important contributions they make in the communities that welcome them.

    In 2024, the number of people forcibly displaced due to escalating conflicts, emerging crises, persecution and the effects of climate change rose to 123.2 million—the highest number ever recorded. Canada welcomed more than 49,000 refugees last year through resettlement programs, including government-assisted, privately sponsored and blended support.

    We work with experienced and trusted international partners like the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration to prioritize support for the most vulnerable forcibly displaced populations. From 2024 to 2026, under the government-assisted refugees program, Canada will resettle 12,000 refugees from Africa, the Middle East and Asia, 4,000 from the Americas and 4,000 from Sudan. This includes women and girls, LGBTQI+ people, religious minorities and those affected by conflict or displacement.

    In November, Canada announced $50.4 million in flexible, multi-year funding to UNHCR over the next four years. This complements Canada’s ongoing humanitarian assistance to UNHCR, which provides immediate, life-saving support to refugees and other displaced populations worldwide, addressing their urgent humanitarian and protection needs.

    Canada continues to support those affected by conflict, including in Sudan. In February 2025, Canada expanded its immigration measures to resettle up to 4,000 Sudanese government-assisted refugees by 2026 and an additional 700 refugees through private sponsorship. We are also increasing family-based permanent residence spaces from 3,250 to over 5,000 applications. These efforts will help about 10,000 individuals find safety and opportunity in Canada.

    By welcoming refugees, we reaffirm Canada’s values of compassion, human rights and inclusion. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient country—one where everyone can thrive in safety and peace.”

    For further information (media only), please contact:

    Media Relations
    People and Communications Sector
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    613-952-1650
    media@cic.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PRESS RELEASE: Congresswoman Barragán Holds Tele-Town Hall on the Ongoing ICE Raids and Deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles County

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 18, 2025

    Contact: Jin.Choi@mail.house.gov


    Congresswoman Barragán Holds Tele-Town Hall on the Ongoing ICE Raids and Deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles County

    Long Beach, CA — This evening, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) hosted a Tele-Town Hall to address the ongoing ICE raids and Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles County. Congresswoman Barragán spoke to nearly 8,000 participants about the Trump administration’s decision to target immigrant families and entire communities —not serious criminals— and how this has sparked fear, anxiety, and protests across the region. She raised concerns about the use of federal troops in neighborhoods where local officials had already confirmed the situation was under control, calling it an unnecessary public show of force and political theater.

    Congresswoman Barragán was joined by representatives from the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA) and Immigrant Defenders Law Center, who helped answer questions and share resources. 

    “Donald Trump and Stephen Miller are terrorizing immigrant families and communities in my district and throughout Los Angeles County,” said Rep. Barragán. “We’re seeing ICE agents gathering near our schools and the recent raids forcing communities to cancel local events because people are too afraid to gather in public spaces. And when our communities spoke up through protest, Trump responded by sending in the National Guard and Marines. This isn’t just about immigration. It’s about democracy. It’s about whether the federal government will protect people’s rights or punish them for speaking out.”

    “This moment demands both clear understanding and united effort,” said Angelica Salas, Executive Director for CHIRLA. “We’ve spent decades creating systems to help immigrants. This work is incredibly pertinent now – immigrants and community members should know they are not alone in this process.”

    “Misinformation is more dangerous now than ever, in light of ICE’s presence in Los Angeles,” said Matthew Toyama, Managing Attorney at CHIRLA. “People are being detained and deported because they don’t know they have options when interacting with immigration officers and attorneys willing to protect their rights. These are times that test the fabric of our Constitution and our consciences.”

    “Fear is spreading through our immigrant communities,” said Kristen Hunsberger, Managing Attorney at Immigrant Defenders Law Center. “Now is an essential time for people to know there are resources and information available to them – and we are here to help with that. Immigrant rights are human rights, and should be defended just as strongly.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sprott Physical Uranium Trust Closes Upsized US$200 Million Bought Deal Financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

    This press release constitutes a “designated news release” for the purposes of the Trust’s amended and restated prospectus supplement dated December 6, 2024 to its base shelf prospectus dated January 3, 2024.

    TORONTO, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sprott Inc. (NYSE/TSX: SII) (“Sprott”) on behalf of the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust (TSX: U.UN) (TSX: U.U) (“SPUT” or the “Trust”), is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced upsized bought deal public offering (the “Offering”), pursuant to which 11,600,000 units of the Trust (the “Units”) were issued at a price of US$17.25 per Unit for total gross proceeds of approximately US$200 million. Canaccord Genuity Corp. (the “Underwriter”) acted as sole underwriter for the Offering.

    The net proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Trust to acquire physical uranium in the form of uranium oxide in concentrates and related fees and expenses in accordance with the Trust’s objective and subject to the Trust’s investment and operating restrictions. The net proceeds per Unit received by the Trust were not less than 100% of the most recently calculated net asset value of the Trust per Unit prior to the determination of the pricing of the Offering.

    “We are very pleased to have completed this Offering with the strong support from both current and new SPUT unitholders,” said John Ciampaglia, CEO of Sprott Asset Management. “This transaction, the non-brokered private placement completed in May and the Trust’s at-the-market equity program demonstrate the Trust’s ability to continue to raise capital through a variety of methods.”

    “The long-term investment thesis for uranium continues to improve as a nuclear renaissance unfolds globally with announcements around plant life extensions and new builds accelerating, supported by new government policies,” continued Mr. Ciampaglia. “We are pleased to provide investors the opportunity to participate in this long-term secular trend through access to the world’s largest physical uranium fund1.”

    The Trust suspended its at-the-market equity program to facilitate the Offering and agreed with the Underwriter not to issue any Units, including under the at-the-market equity program, for a period of 30 days from the closing of the Offering without the prior written consent of the Underwriter, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

    No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved the contents of this press release. This press release is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The Units have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or the securities laws of any state of the United States, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.

    _______________________________________
    1 Based on Morningstar’s universe of listed commodity funds. Data as of December 31, 2024.


    About Sprott

    Sprott is a global asset manager focused on precious metals and critical materials investments. We are specialists. We believe our in-depth knowledge, experience and relationships separate us from the generalists. Our investment strategies include Exchange Listed Products, Managed Equities and Private Strategies. Sprott has offices in Toronto, New York, Connecticut and California and the company’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “SII”. For more information, please visit www.sprott.com.

    About the Trust

    Important information about the Trust, including its investment objectives and strategies, applicable management fees, and expenses, can be found on its website at www.sprott.com. Commissions, management fees, or other charges and expenses may be associated with investing in the Trust. The performance of the Trust is not guaranteed, its value changes frequently and past performance is not an indication of future results.

    Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities laws (collectively. “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the Offering, including the intended use of proceeds from the sale of Units under the Offering, the Trust’s ability to raise capital, including through numerous methods, and the investment thesis and trends related to uranium. With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, the Trust has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things, investor demand the uranium market. While the Trust considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors that could cause the Trust’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. A discussion of risks and uncertainties facing the Trust appears in the Offering Documents, each as updated by the Trust’s continuous disclosure filings, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Trust disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

    Contact

    Glen Williams
    Senior Managing Partner, Investor and Institutional Client Relations
    Sprott Inc.
    Telephone: 416.943.4394
    Email: gwilliams@sprott.com

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