NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two killed in landslides in southwest China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    GUIYANG, May 22 (Xinhua) — Two people were killed in landslides in southwest China’s Guizhou Province on Thursday, the provincial government said.

    It should be recalled that two landslides on the same day hit Changshi Township and Gowa Township in Dafang County, administratively subordinate to Bijie City, leaving 2 and 19 people trapped under the rubble, respectively.

    The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Commission has activated a Level 4 emergency response in response to the recent severe floods and geological disasters in Guizhou Province, especially the landslides in Bijie City.

    The Committee sent a working group to the affected areas to assess the situation, provide recommendations and assist local authorities in meeting the basic needs of people affected by the disaster.

    Guizhou provincial authorities activated Level 2 geological disaster response at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, while the Ministry of Natural Resources decided to raise the geological disaster response level from Level 3 to Level 2 at 11 a.m. on the same day, sending a task force to the area to lead the search and rescue operation.

    The ministry called on local agencies to quickly dispatch task forces to assist the search and rescue operation and provide technical support for the rescue work. It also called for enhanced monitoring and early warning. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair serves as a platform for promoting regional cooperation between China and Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HARBIN, May 22 (Xinhua) — The 34th Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair, which recently concluded in the city of Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, has injected new impetus into cooperation between the Chinese border province and Russian regions.

    One of the main topics of the event, which took place from May 17 to 21, was regional cooperation between China and Russia.

    The Heilongjiang Province is separated from some Russian regions only by the Heilongjiang River /Amur/. “The Amur does not simply divide us, but on the contrary, connects us. This is a connection of two neighbors,” noted the acting governor of the Jewish Autonomous Region /JAR/ Maria Kostyuk, calling the Heilongjiang Province the only such strategic partner for the JAR.

    M. Kostyuk participated in the Harbin International Trade and Economic Fair for the first time in the capacity of the head of the region. Previously, she had visited the exhibition many times when she worked in the mayor’s office of the city of Birobidzhan.

    “We worked together with our sister city Hegang in Heilongjiang Province not only on exchanging businessmen, but also introducing businesses to each other’s territory so that we could have very proper cooperation. For the second year in a row, Birobidzhan and Hegang have presented a joint exposition at the Harbin International Trade and Economic Fair,” she noted.

    In addition to Hegang and Birobidzhan, sister city relations have been established between Chinese and Russian cities such as Heihe and Blagoveshchensk, as well as Tongjiang and Bogdanovich, which helps to unlock the potential for cooperation between the border areas of the two countries.

    “In terms of humanitarian cooperation, the Amur Region is the leader among other regions of Russia in terms of the number of Russian-Chinese joint events, just as the Heilongjiang Province is among Chinese regions,” emphasized the Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov in an interview with the media on the sidelines of the 34th Harbin International Trade and Economic Fair.

    “We have more than 200 events. They are held annually, there are very bright, iconic ones that have become the calling card of our cities – Blagoveshchensk and Heihe, as well as the Amur Region and Heilongjiang Province,” he explained, expressing hope that in the future the level of these events will increase through the involvement of additional partner regions on both sides.

    Both leaders of Russian regions also noted the dynamics of development of cooperation with Heilongjiang Province in such areas as agriculture, logistics and tourism.

    On the sidelines of the current Harbin International Trade and Economic Fair, the Russian Export Center (REC) organized another festival-fair “Made in Russia.” It featured products from over 100 Russian manufacturers from 50 regions of the country.

    During the festival-fair, specialized negotiations on the B2B model were also held between Chinese and Russian companies, which, according to REC General Director Veronika Nikishina, provided a unique opportunity to establish important business contacts and expand the horizons of cooperation.

    REC is organizing a similar festival-fair on the sidelines of the Harbin International Trade and Economic Fair for the second time. As part of the event, a Made in Russia retail store also opened in Harbin.

    “I think that candies and chocolates made in Russia have a unique and rich taste, and they are inexpensive. Our whole family likes them very much,” said one shopper surnamed Sun.

    “We opened the first warehouse distribution center in Suifenhe, Heilongjiang Province, with an area of over 4,500 square meters, to supply and continuously provide the Made in Russia retail chain with original and high-quality Russian products,” explained V. Nikishina, noting that from the point of view of the extensive development of the national brand, the Chinese market is one of the most important and promising in the world.

    According to M. Kostyuk, residents of China and Russia are always interested in communicating with each other as neighbors and close people. “We already have experience of long-term cooperation with border cities of Heilongjiang Province. We must also go together today along one path in order to develop our mutual cooperation,” she summarized. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: France: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Paris, France – May 22, 2025

    An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Manuela Goretti and comprising Florian Misch, Rasmane Ouedraogo, Maryam Vaziri, and Torsten Wezel, conducted discussions during May 12-22 for the 2025 Article IV Consultation with France. At the end of the visit, the mission issued the following statement:

    The French economy has demonstrated resilience despite high uncertainty, with disinflation progressing well and the labor market remaining robust. However, high and rising public debt, combined with significant domestic and external headwinds to the recovery, highlights the need to strengthen public finances and pursuing structural reforms to foster sustainable growth. The French authorities’ commitment to bring the deficit below 3 percent of GDP by 2029 is welcome and should be supported by a credible and well-designed package of measures. Advancing France’s structural reform agenda will be crucial to boost productivity and facilitate fiscal consolidation. While the financial sector remains resilient, strong supervisory practices need to continue adapting to an increasingly complex financial landscape. France’s sustained efforts to deepen the European single market remain critical to support the economy and strengthen its ability to withstand shocks.

    Economic Outlook

    High domestic and external uncertainty is expected to continue weighing on the short-term economic outlook. Real GDP growth is projected to slow to 0.6 percent in 2025 and reach 1 percent in 2026. These projections reflect a delayed recovery in private consumption and investment due to weak confidence and fiscal tightening this year, despite some uplift from monetary policy easing. Weaker external demand, amid trade tensions, market volatility, and geo-economic uncertainty, is expected to further dampen exports and investment prospects. These projections are based on the April World Economic Outlook global assumptions and do not reflect the latest trade policy announcements. Over the medium term, growth is projected to converge to around 1.2 percent, before decelerating towards its long-term potential of 1 percent reflecting both demographic trends and need for further structural reforms. The disinflationary process is progressing well, with average headline inflation projected at 1.2 percent in 2025, due to base effects and lower energy prices, and core inflation at 1.9 percent.

    The outlook remains subject to significant downside risks, notwithstanding potential upsides. Deepening geoeconomic fragmentation and rising trade tensions could disrupt trade and financial flows and dampen economic activity. In such an environment, uncertainty would increase, and financial conditions could tighten further, reducing domestic demand and worsening debt dynamics. Political fragmentation and social tensions could delay fiscal consolidation and reform efforts, further weighing on confidence and the outlook, raising fiscal risks. On the upside, easing trade tensions and renewed structural reform momentum could improve growth prospects over the medium term. Domestic reforms could be strengthened through deeper coordination and integration at the EU level. Consumption could be stronger if household saving rates eased more rapidly on the back of dissipating uncertainty. Business investment and export performance could also surprise on the upside, driven by higher demand—in France and in the rest of Europe—including for defense as well as digital and green technologies.

    Fiscal Policy: Reducing Debt while Refocusing Spending Priorities

    Building on the 2025 budget, the authorities are committed to implementing their Medium-term Fiscal Structural Plan (MTFSP) to bring the deficit below 3 percent of GDP by 2029. While the envisaged adjustment is appropriate to improve debt dynamics and strengthen France’s resilience to shocks, it needs to be supported by a credible and well-designed package of measures and remains subject to implementation risks, as evidenced by recent setbacks. Under staff’s current policy baseline scenario, which incorporates only legislated and clearly specified measures, the deficit is projected to decline to 5.4 percent of GDP in 2025, in line with the budget target. However pending approval of significant additional measures, it would remain around 6 percent of GDP in the medium-term, keeping debt on an upward trend until 2030. While short-term risks remain manageable, debt dynamics have weakened significantly, following consecutive fiscal slippages in 2023 and 2024, and remain highly sensitive to the real interest rate and growth path. In this context, France’s commitment to undertake further fiscal consolidation, as per EU rules, represents an important mitigating factor.

    Significant additional fiscal efforts will be crucial to preserve fiscal space and create room to absorb rising spending demands, while placing debt on a downward path. Staff recommends a frontloaded structural fiscal effort of 1.1 percent of GDP in 2026, followed by an average of about 0.9 percent of GDP per year over the medium term, broadly in line with the authorities’ plans. The recommended adjustment would allow the country to exit the excessive deficit procedure by end-2029, as targeted. Staff’s debt sustainability analysis indicates that the recommended fiscal path would markedly reduce medium-term debt sustainability risks, with the debt-stabilizing primary balance being reached in 2027.

    Achieving this substantial fiscal consolidation will require decisive actions and difficult decisions to ensure equity and fairness amid challenging trade-offs:

    • Given France’s already high tax-to-GDP ratio, any new tax measures should be focused on reducing inefficient tax expenditures and tackling tax avoidance while improving equity. While exceptional temporary revenue measures can help kickstart much needed fiscal adjustment, France’s level of taxation—among the highest in the EU—indicates that sustained tax-based fiscal consolidation, of the magnitude necessary to advance France’s medium-term plans, would hamper business confidence, household consumption, and growth potential. Building on recent experiences, the authorities should continue to monitor and evaluate tax expenditure programs to address inefficiencies vis-à-vis intended objectives and generate savings. This approach would also simplify the tax system and facilitate revenue forecasting.

    • The authorities should focus on rationalizing spending and strengthening its efficiency, with concerted action across all government levels: central government, social security, and local governments. France has the highest spending-to-GDP ratio among EU countries. There are several avenues to rationalize spending and improve its quality, while preserving growth-enhancing investment in key priority areas and mitigating distributional impacts on the most vulnerable. The planned expansion of spending reviews and efforts to minimize overlaps across government entities, including local governments, can streamline spending by addressing inefficiencies and reducing red tape. There is also scope to further improve the targeting of social benefits, including by reviewing eligibility and duration of unemployment benefits, to better target active labor market initiatives, as well as to further simplify and harmonize pension schemes, while ensuring a balanced system, building on the 2023 pension reform. These efforts would foster less fragmented and longer careers while enhancing the sustainability and intergenerational equity of the social security system. Enhanced monitoring and financial coordination can also generate savings at the local and national levels.

    The authorities’ initiatives to reinforce public finances forecasting and budget controls, in response to recent fiscal slippages, are welcome. The March 2025 Action plan by the authorities aims at enhancing monitoring of tax revenue, fostering greater transparency, and reinforcing the role of the High Council for Public Finances. Sustained efforts in these areas are essential to identify and proactively address fiscal risks, strengthen public finance management, and enhance fiscal policy credibility. Contingency plans will be also needed to ensure that pressing priority spending needs, including in defense, are met without compromising public finances.

    Macrostructural Policies to Support Jobs and Productivity Growth

    Raising weak productivity growth is critical for sustaining France’s economic prospects, in the face of substantial fiscal consolidation needs. The per capita income gap between France and the US has increased since the early 2000s and now exceeds 20 percent, primarily due to lower productivity and employment in France. Macro-structural reforms can play a critical role in lifting potential output, while facilitating fiscal consolidation efforts. For example, an increase in potential GDP growth of 0.3 percentage points could help reduce public debt by nearly 10 percent of GDP over the long term.

    France is well-positioned to capitalize on the green and digital transitions through greater efforts to support innovation and access to capital. France’s comparative advantage in low-carbon technologies and its potential to become a European hub for Artificial Intelligence can foster the development of new technologies and support growth. Ongoing efforts by the authorities to review and rationalize state aid and R&D tax expenditures by focusing on the most impactful schemes and better targeting eligibility criteria can boost innovation and help close gaps with peers. Enhancing access to finance and reducing financing costs for productive but credit-constrained firms is crucial and should be supported by advancing the EU Savings and Investment Union which can increase the availability of capital and its efficient allocation.

    To support entrepreneurship, policies should focus on easing entry barriers and reducing the regulatory burden. France performs relatively well in terms of product market regulation, but reducing administrative market entry barriers for firms, especially in some services sectors, is crucial for boosting business dynamism and productivity growth. The Simplification Bill, currently under discussion, would be an important step towards further reducing the regulatory burden and streamlining requirements, particularly for small and medium size firms. At the European level, deepening the single market through the removal of remaining intra-EU trade barriers and greater harmonization of regulations can help firms achieve economies of scale and incentivize innovation by expanding market size.

    Sustained efforts to promote employment and job quality remain critical to facilitate green and digital transitions, amid an aging workforce, and boost productivity growth. While employment rates have increased, they remain low in segments of the population compared to other countries. Possible areas for policy intervention include further social benefit reforms to enhance work incentives and reduce career fragmentation, particularly among younger and older individuals. These measures can be complemented by efforts to further raise labor force participation of women, including through recent initiatives to support STEM careers, and better integrate migrants into the labor market. Promoting workforce skills and healthy aging would also contribute to job quality.

    Adapting to a Complex Financial Landscape

    The banking sector has demonstrated resilience to recent shocks, supported by prudent lending standards and strong precautionary buffers. While profitability remains below the EU average, banks’ solvency and liquidity positions are robust, with adequate buffers. Sound prudential measures are mitigating housing market risks as property prices stabilize, while risks to the banking sector from corporate indebtedness and sovereign exposures remain manageable. Notwithstanding high uncertainty, financial stability risks remain contained, with French banks showing resilience under severe geopolitical and recessionary stress test scenarios, applied in the context of the IMF’s 2025 Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP).

    The connections between the banking system, insurance firms, and domestic funding markets warrant continued close monitoring. The FSAP stress test indicates that investment funds possess sufficient liquidity to withstand large redemption shocks, and French banks’ liquidity buffers can absorb potential market shocks from associated fixed-income sell-offs. Moreover, liquidity management tools to contain redemption risks have been widely adopted. Nevertheless, amid global uncertainty and episodes of high market volatility, there is scope to further strengthen oversight through greater monitoring and data sharing on fund liability structures as well as closer collaboration among non-bank financial institutions supervisors in France and at the EU level.

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/22/CS-France-2025

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SWEARING IN OF NEW CITIZENS

    Source:

    Share this:

    KEYNOTE ADDRESS by the Prime Minister Hon. Fiame Naomi Mataafa – (Thursday 24th April 2025)

    Deputy Prime Minister and Cabinet

    The cohort of new Samoan citizens who have taken oaths this morning

    Families and friends.

    Talofa lava,

    Today marks a significant milestone of your journey by virtue of taking your oaths as citizens of our country. It reflects your commitment, loyalty, and devotion to serve Samoa and her people.

    On behalf of the government and the people of Samoa, I extend to you our congratulations, and am very pleased to welcome you as fellow citizens of Samoa.

    The wake of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 caused delays in the processing of citizenship applications in accordance with requirements of the Citizenship Act 2004.

    We have not had a swearing in ceremony for new Samoan citizens since 2020.

    I am aware that some of you have qualified for Samoan citizenship by virtue of years of your marriage to Samoan citizens, and some by virtue of your permanent residency status. To many of you, it has been a long wait, but as you will appreciate, these things take time.

    The Samoan citizenship is dear to us for it is our identity and freedom to live harmoniously and peacefully in our lands. But it comes with responsibility. Responsibility to care and to love, to be law abiding, to respect others, and to use God given talents, wisdom and knowledge to work together for the common good of Samoa. Today, you have been entrusted with that responsibility as citizens of Samoa to serve your country.

    I thank you for years of your contribution to Samoa in various sectors you are working in. Do continue to excel in what you do to serve our people. We have our own challenges as a small island state, but our resilience as people of the Blue Pacific begins with us.

    At the heart of our progress is the recognition of our shared responsibilities as citizens. Our strength lies in our unity, for it is the cornerstone of our identity, people to people linkages, and our culture and traditions.

    We are duty bound to build a country where Samoans want to live in the future, and to nurture responsible future custodians of our scarce resources.

    Today, I urge you to serve Samoa with humility, integrity, and dedication. Let us never lose sight of our duties as Samoan citizens, nor take for granted the trust of our fellow countrymen.

    As a nation founded on the Christian faith, we proclaim our dependence on God. He has been faithful to Samoa, and we trust that He will continue to guide us through His grace and abundance.

    God bless you and your families, God bless Samoa.

    Soifua ma ia manuia.

    Photos by : Leota Marc Membrere

    Share this:

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FOR YOUTH, FOR SAMOA AND CHINA-SAMOA RELATIONS

    Source:

    Share this:

    REMARKS by H.E. Fei Mingxing at Alo Paopao Academy (April 19 2025)

    Reverend Tuia Peseta,

    Hon Minister of Sports and Recreation Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell,

    Hon Tuuu Anasii Leota,

    President Schuster of Alo Paopao Academy,

    Parents, boys and girls and friends,

    My colleagues and I are very pleased to join you on the beautiful beach on such a lovely day. First of all, my arm congratulations on the opening of Le Miti Aito International 2025. We are proud to be associated with the return of the international solo paddling competition and the official launch of the Village and Va’a Scholarship Program.

    Seeing so many young faces today, I cannot help quoting Chairman Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China: “The world is yours, as well as ours, but in the last analysis, it is yours. You young people, full of vigor and vitality, are in the bloom of life, like the sun at eight or nine in the morning. Our hope is placed on you.” This has inspired generations and generations of young Chinese. I hope it could

    be inspirational to our young Samoans too.

    Actually, young people have been the backbone for China-Samoa relations. The first Chinese arrived in Samoa was a young sailor in 1876. Early 1900s, thousands young Chinese laborers were employed by owners of coconut plantations in Samoa.

    Some of them stayed and married with local girls. That is why 20% Samoan population could trace their roots to China and our relations runs deep and sound.

    In 1975, Samoa and China established diplomatic ties. Since then, our young people of both countries have been builders of our close relations. In 2024 for example, more than 20 young Samoans went to China for study under the Chinese government scholarship scheme; most of 110 plus officials and professionals who traveled to China for training are young men and women.

    In Samoa, all Chinese medical specialists working in the national hospital are young ones. So are teachers of the Confucius Institute in NUS and most of SCATAP experts.

    This year, while celebrating the 50th anniversary of establishment of our diplomatic ties, we count on our young Samoan and Chinese people, to bring our two countries closer and more benefits to our two peoples. President Xi Jinping said, “I care about young people wherever I go.”

    This is why since my arrival in Samoa early last year, I have been trying my best to work with the Samoan government and institutions, to help young people in Samoa whenever possible. The sports is strength of individuals and the nation. The youth is the wealth of the community and the country.

    When young people are more capable, our countries have better hope, and China-Samoa relations are more promising. I wish Alo Paopao Academy and the Siumu community as well as wider regions of Samoa good luck.

    I wish you all a nice day.

    Thank you.

    Fa’afetai!谢谢！

    Share this:

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Syria: Sanctions eased, but economic recovery demands global support – Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    The Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, today (21 May) “warmly” welcomed last week’s announcement by United States President Donald Trump on the cessation of sanctions on Syria, as well as similar steps recently announced by the European Union and the United Kingdom.

    Briefing the Security Council remotely from Damascus, Pedersen said, “I have long called for bold steps on sanctions, as have millions of Syrians in and outside the country.”

    The Special Envoy said there “are indeed historic developments,” which “hold major potential to improve living conditions across the country and to support the Syrian political transition,” as well as giving the Syrian people “a chance to grapple with the legacy of misrule, conflict, abuses and poverty from which they are trying to emerge.”

    Pedersen said, “we also know that Syria faces significant structural challenges, with an economy ravaged by over a
    decade of war and conflict, and a host of other destabilizing factors. Revitalizing a devastated economy will require from the interim authorities sustained actions including on overall economic reform and governance standards across the financial system, and this will need international support.”

    He also noted “alarm at renewed Israeli airstrikes in Syria in the reporting period, including during the violence in Druze areas and close to the presidential palace.”

    Such attacks, Pedersen said, “are unacceptable and must cease,” and Syria’s “sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity must be respected.”

    He said, “there are clearly diplomatic possibilities and these must be prioritized.”

    Also briefing remotely, the Geneva Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva (OCHA) Director, Ramesh Rajasingham, said, “16.5 million Syrians need protection and humanitarian assistance. Over half of the population is food insecure. Nearly 3 million people face severe food insecurity.”

    Rajasingham noted that “more than 670,000 men, women and children have been displaced since November last year. This includes some 15,000 people displaced between 30 April and 6 May from Rural Damascus due to the violence in Druze-majority areas.”

    At the same time, he said, “since December, over 1 million internally displaced people have returned to their areas of origin, including some 330,000 people from camps in north-west Syria.”

    Highlighting the alarming funding situation, he warned that as of today, only 10 percent has been funded of the $2 billion needed to reach 8 million people from January through June of this year.

    United States representative John Kelley told the Council that President Trump pledged sanctions relief, will give Syrians, “a chance at greatness,” adding that Trump “wants to see Syria and the entire region thrive.”

    Kelley said, “that’s why he’s made a bold decision on Syria with the hope the new government will take this opportunity to rebuild and take the country from being a source of instability to a source of stability.”

    For his part, Syria’s representative Riyad Khaddour said, “today, we are witnessing the international community’s eagerness to embrace this pivotal moment re-opening its doors to Syria and engaging actively with it. This clearly culminated with the visit of the President of the United States to the region in which included key milestones and constructive decisions, most notably, President Trump’s courageous decision announced from Riyadh – a location of great symbolic significance – to lift sanctions on Syria.”

    Khaddour said, “the new Syria is in sincere pursuit of becoming a state of peace and partnership, not a battleground for conflicts or a platform for foreign ambitions. The new Syria welcomes constructive cooperation initiatives based on mutual interests and mutual respect.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JJTPqnrGoE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Gazans go hungry as displacement pressures limited supplies | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Despite the Israeli government’s announcement of allowing limited humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip following more than two months of closed crossings, obtaining food remains a daily struggle for the population amid escalating displacement and acute shortages of essential supplies.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-KbI_9Jwsc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – DEVE delegation to Mauritania on 24-26 February 2025 – 26-05-2025 – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    Mauritania is a solid and priority partner for the European Union in the region of West Africa and the Sahel. The EU’s Global Gateway Strategy and the response to drivers of fragility combining humanitarian-development-peacebuilding will be the focus of a DEVE mission to the country.

    The DEVE delegation’s main focus is:

    · the investments cooperation and Global Gateway especially in the sectors of digitalisation and the green transition in energy and agriculture.

    · human development including Mauritania’s promising universal health coverage programme and progress in good governance and human rights.

    · the fragile regional situation and response to the displacements from the Sahel and Mali,

    Members will exchange with representatives of government, Parliament, civil society, UN agencies, Team Europe actors, and other development stakeholders.

    The mission will feature 2 days on a field visits to EU-funded projects in the easter region to assess first-hand the response in combining humanitarian-development-peacebuilding efforts.

    The mission underpins DEVE Committee role in scrutinising the EU’s financing instrument (NDICI-Global Europe) as EU cooperation programmes in Mauritania have increased recently.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Health partnerships are key

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Recognising the imperative to be even better prepared for the next pandemic, we have continued to build on this previous success. The EIB is providing Gavi with €1 billion in liquidity to accelerate access to vaccines for viruses with pandemic potential (such as Ebola), and to support routine vaccination against preventable diseases like measles, malaria, and the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a leading cause of cervical cancer. (A new vaccine against tuberculosis could also be on the horizon.)

    This innovative approach has also inspired others and catalysed their efforts. For example, the G7 development-finance institutions, together with the EIB, MedAccess, and the International Finance Corporation, are working on a new surge-funding instrument to mobilise vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other medical goods that low- and lower-middle income countries will need to respond to future pandemics.

    Boosting regional vaccine production is a critical priority. Africa accounts for 20% of the world’s population, but produces just 0.1% of the world’s supply of vaccines. Building the continent’s vaccine-manufacturing base is a key part of any strategy to strengthen overall pandemic preparedness.

    Here, too, the EIB’s partnership and financial innovation are a game changer. Gavi’s $1.2 billion African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator – backed by over €750 million from European governments, as well as institutions including the EIB – is designed to dismantle barriers to local vaccine production. To help Africa achieve vaccine sovereignty, the EIB is also directly financing production facilities in Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal, through the Institut Pasteur de Dakar.

    Africa accounts for 20% of the world’s population, but produces just 0.1% of the world’s supply of vaccines.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Embryo research funded under the Horizon Europe programme – E-001947/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001947/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR), Fernand Kartheiser (ECR), Margarita de la Pisa Carrión (PfE), Stephen Nikola Bartulica (ECR)

    Under the Horizon Europe funding programme, 47 projects involving human embryonic stem cells or human embryos have been funded by the EU for approximately EUR 14 million[1]. Article 18 of Regulation (EU) 2021/695[2] sets clear limitations on the types of activities that are eligible for funding under Horizon Europe, including creating human embryos solely for the purpose of research or stem cell procurement. Furthermore, under Article 19, all research activities must comply with ethical principles and relevant Union, national and international law.

    With regards to these principles, we would like to ask the following questions:

    • 1.Available information on the 47 listed projects is very limited. How does the Commission ensure that these projects fully comply with the above-mentioned regulation and how does it ensure public access to this information?
    • 2.Several listed projects aim to improve embryo selection during in vitro fertilisation. How does the Commission ensure that these projects do not promote or normalise eugenic practices in contradiction to the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights?
    • 3.Some listed projects mention that human embryos are used to replace animal testing. Does the Commission consider this ethically acceptable and how is human dignity safeguarded in these cases?

    Submitted: 14.5.2025

    • [1] Written answer by Commissioner Iliana Ivanova as a follow-up to the hearing of 4 November 2024.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013, OJ L 170, 12.5.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/695/oj.
    Last updated: 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Non-evaluation of FATCA agreements by Member States and protection of fundamental rights of EU citizens – E-001950/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001950/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    François-Xavier Bellamy (PPE)

    On 13 April 2021, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) invited Member States to re-evaluate their international agreements involving transfers of personal data, in particular agreements struck with the United States under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), in order to make these agreements compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Four years later, and not a single Member State has published the required evaluation. This inaction constitutes a blatant violation of the obligation of responsibility laid down in Article 24 of the GDPR. During this time, the data of thousands of EU citizens continues to be passed on to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the US tax authority, without demonstrated legal safeguards.

    In France, the Finance Act for 2022 required the French Government to submit a report on the implementation of its information exchange commitments, in line with the GDPR and the recommendations of the EDPB. This report has never seen the light of day. The lack of political will to protect fundamental rights is clear.

    At the same time, the IRS publicly asserts its right to collect data outside the United States, in total disregard of EU legislation.

    • 1.Does the Commission consider it acceptable that this situation persists?
    • 2.Does the Commission plan to launch infringement proceedings against the Member States that are failing to fulfil their obligations under EU law?
    • 3.And, above all: is the Commission finally ready to guarantee that EU citizens’ data will be duly protected, even from non-EU powers?

    Submitted: 14.5.2025

    Last updated: 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – 27-29 May: INTA Delegation to Washington, D.C. – Committee on International Trade

    Source: European Parliament

    A delegation of eight Members of the Committee on International Trade (INTA) will travel to Washington, D.C. from 27 to 29 May 2025 to discuss political, trade and investment relations between the US and the EU.

    The delegation will be led by INTA Chair and standing rapporteur for EU-US trade relations, Bernd Lange.

    INTA Members are set to hold meetings with different departments of the US administration and with lawmakers. The meetings will also include US business organisations as well as major EU businesses active in the US. Members will also meet with US trade union representatives, consumer organisations, think tanks and academia.

    Members will hear from different interlocutors and stakeholders how the tariffs imposed by the US administration are being applied, how business is adapting to the tariffs and how can EU-US trade tensions be eased moving forward.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Deal on patent rules exception to ensure the supply of critical products

    Source: European Parliament

    The new rules will ensure that the EU will be able to secure the necessary supply of crisis-relevant products and technologies that are otherwise protected by patents.

    European Parliament and EU government negotiators reached an agreement on new legislation ensuring availability of crisis-relevant products, such as vaccines or chips, during emergencies. According to the new bill, the EU will be able to issue special permission for the production of patent-protected goods during cross-border emergencies, without needing the authorisation of the rights-holder. This would allow the immediate production, for example, of vaccines or therapeutics also by other companies than the one holding the patent.

    This special permission, known as compulsory license, can be issued by the European Commission in clearly defined emergencies, such as a cross-border health crisis or internal market emergency, with specified scope, territorial coverage and duration. It would be used only as a last resort and only in cases where a voluntary agreement between rights-holder and licensee could not be reached. The new law will not apply to defence-related products. In the process of launching the compulsory license procedure, the Commission will have to identify all related intellectual property rights and their holders.

    Right to compensation and fines for breaches

    The rights-holder would also be entitled to appropriate remuneration for the use of their patent by the licensee. The amount and timeframe for payment would be determined by the Commission and specified in the compulsory license. The regulation does not require the disclosure of trade secrets.

    The new rules also clarify obligations for licensees, e.g. not to produce more products than a set maximum amount and to label the products manufactured under compulsory license. Should a licensee breach the agreed obligations, such as producing more products than allowed or exporting them from the EU, the Commission can impose a fine not exceeding €300,000 and in the case of small or medium-sized enterprise not exceeding €50,000.

    Consulting advisory body, rights-holders and licensees

    A competent advisory body, or if such an organisation does not exist, an ad-hoc advisory body will issue its non-binding opinion on the need to grant an EU compulsory license. Rights-holders and licensees will also be consulted during the process and notified of the termination or expiry of a compulsory license.

    Quote

    Following the negotiations, rapporteur of the Legal Affairs Committee Adrián Vázquez Lázara (EPP, ES) said: “I am proud to see this regulation adopted. It strikes a crucial balance between protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring that, in times of crisis, essential technologies and products can be made available swiftly across the Union. This framework enhances our collective preparedness and reinforces the EU’s commitment to both innovation and public welfare.”

    Next steps

    Once formally approved by the Parliament as a whole and the member states, the regulation will enter into force one day after its publication in the Official Journal.

    Background

    The European Commission presented its proposal on compulsory licensing in April 2023, as part of the EU patent package focusing on completion of the Single Market for patents. It was its reaction to the European Parliament resolution of November 2021, where it called on the Commission to analyse the possibility of compulsory licencing at the EU level.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 10 new Joint Cadet Centres delivered in Wales

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    10 new Joint Cadet Centres delivered in Wales

    10 new Joint Cadet Centres are being delivered in Wales as part of a national effort to modernise the reserve and cadet estate.

    Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers outside their new Joint Cadet Centre in Caldicot. Copyright: RFCA for Wales.

    Under the Secretary of State-directed Reserve Estates Optimisation Programme (REOP), a number of sites across Wales were identified for development as new shared Joint Cadet Centres. As a result, 10 new centres are being created either as refurbished sites or brand-new modular builds, e.g. Caldicot in the south.

    The project is RFCA for Wales’ contribution to the government’s drive to improve the cadet and reserve estate across the UK. This comes after a national review of the reserve and cadet estate in 2020, which examined the reach, condition, suitability and value-for-money of every cadet and reserve building in the UK.

    While the initiative is being led by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the council of RFCAs, regional RFCAs and Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) are closely involved. The REOP has so far delivered 59 out of 88 planned projects, which will amount to c. £45 million invested once complete, and just over £5 million invested across the 10 sites in Wales.

    RFCA for Wales Head of Estates, Mr Phil Young, said:

    We are adapting and improving our estate to ensure we have the right buildings in the right locations to meet the needs of cadets in the future.

    The programme in Wales has meant that 12 cadet and reserve sites are being disposed of, contributing to a more efficient estate. One of the latest developments is a new Joint Cadet Centre in Penarth, where 2 existing air cadet buildings were extended and reconfigured to create one building. The local army cadets also make use of the new shared accommodation.

    In Caldicot, the old Army Cadet Force building in Mill Lane was razed to the ground to make way for a bespoke £1.2 million building which opened its doors last summer, with space for collaborative training between the army and air cadets.

    Kerris Drew, Staff Sergeant Instructor of Caldicot ACF, said:

    This new state-of-art building is great – it’s so much bigger than the old one with better facilities, including more classrooms which allow us to carry out more efficient and targeted training with the cadets. Outside there is a parade area for drill practice and a garden with wildlife boxes. It also has a spacious stores room, offices and even air conditioning.

    5 new centres have already been created at Blaina, Blackwood, Caldicot, Penarth and Pengam-Cascade, and a further 5 are in the works at Tredegar, Bangor, Bridgend, Ammanford and Ebbw Vale.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: April 2025 Transaction Data

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    April 2025 Transaction Data

    This data provides information about the number and types of applications that HM Land Registry completed in April 2025.

    NicoElNino/Shutterstock.com

    Please note this data shows what HM Land Registry has been able to process during the time period covered and is not necessarily a reflection of market activity.

    In April:

    • HM Land Registry completed over 1,811,920 applications to change or query the Land Register 
    • The South East topped the table of regional applications with 408,047

    HM Land Registry completed 1,811,924 applications in April compared with 1,974,155 in March 2025 and 1,953,642 last April 2024, of which: 

    • 285,129 were applications for register updates compared with 295,653 in March
    • 1,058,989 were applications for an official copy of a register compared with 1,097,576 in March
    • 158,279 were search and hold queries (official searches) compared with 263,960 in March
    • 78,380 were transactions for value compared with 83,730 in March * 14,592 were postal applications from non-account holders compared with 15,564 in March

    Applications by region and country 

    Region/country February applications March applications April applications
    South East 401,605 444,651 408,047
    Greater London 340,916 370,483 336,247
    North West 207,672 227,167 208,094
    South West 175,173 191,416 174,721
    West Midlands 156,886 169,372 155,674
    Yorkshire and the Humber 143,216 157,393 145,196
    East Midlands 133,701 145,134 133,700
    North 88,757 96,664 90,391
    East Anglia 76,081 84,604 77,323
    Isles of Scilly 64 77 53
    Wales 82,335 87,088 82,370
    England and Wales (not assigned) 94 106 108
    Total 1,806,500 1,974,155 1,811,924

    Top 5 local authority areas 

    April 2024 applications

    Top 5 Local authority areas April applications
    Birmingham 29,015
    City of Westminster 23,624
    Leeds 20,615
    North Yorkshire 20,400
    Buckinghamshire 18,668

    March 2025 applications

    Top 5 local authority areas March applications
    Birmingham 31,179
    City of Westminster 26,760
    North Yorkshire 22,416
    Leeds 21,919
    Cornwall 21,623

    Top 5 customers 

    April 2024 applications

    Top 5 customers April applications
    Infotrack Limited 195,556
    Enact 33,159
    O’Neill Patient 30,861
    Landmark Information Group Ltd 29,905
    Orbital Witness Limited 28,157

    March 2025 applications

    Top 5 customers March applications
    Infotrack Limited 212,489
    Enact 35,812
    O’Neill Patient 30,751
    Landmark Information Group Ltd 29,962
    Orbital Witness Limited 28,718

    Access the full dataset on our Use land and property data service.

    Next publication 

    Transaction Data is published on the 15th working day of each month. The May 2025 data will be published at 11am on Friday 20 June 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Legal academic says Samoa’s criminal libel law should go after charge

    By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist

    An Auckland University law academic says Samoa’s criminal libel law under which a prominent journalist has been charged should be repealed.

    Lagi Keresoma, the first female president of the Journalists Association of Samoa (JAWS) and editor of Talamua Online, was charged under the Crimes Act 2013 on Sunday after publishing an article about a former police officer, whom she asserted had sought the help of the Head of State to withdraw charges brought against him.

    JAWS has already called for the criminal libel law to be scrapped and Auckland University academic Beatrice Tabangcoro told RNZ Pacific that the law was “unnecessary and impractical”.

    “A person who commits a crime under this section is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 175 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months,” the Crimes Act states.

    JAWS said this week that the law, specifically Section 117A of the Crimes Act, undermined media freedom, and any defamation issues could be dealt with in a civil court.

    JAWS gender representative to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said Keresoma’s arrest “raises serious concerns about the misuse of legal tools to independent journalism” in the country.

    Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson called on the Samoan government “to urgently review and repeal criminal defamation laws that undermine democratic accountability and public trust in the justice system”.

    Law removed and brought back
    The law was removed by the Samoan government in 2013, but was brought back in 2017, ostensibly to deal with issues arising on social media.

    Auckland University’s academic Beatrice Tabangcoro . . . reintroduction of the law was widely criticised at the time. Image: University of Auckland

    Auckland University’s academic Beatrice Tabangcoro told RNZ Pacific that this reintroduction was widely criticised at the time for its potential impact on freedom of speech and media freedom.

    She said that truth was a defence to the offence of false statement causing harm to reputation, but in the case of a journalist this could lead to them being compelled to reveal their sources.

    The academic said that the law remained unnecessary and impractical, and she pointed to the Samoa Police Commissioner telling media in 2023 that the law should be repealed as it was used “as a tool for harassing the media and is a waste of police resources”.

    Tonga and Vanuatu are two other Pacific nations with the criminal libel law on their books, and it is something the media in both those countries have raised concerns about.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Kenyan farmers, civil society, and advocates take seed fight to court in landmark case for food sovereignty

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Soundbytes: Click here, Photos: Click here

    In the quiet court corridors of Machakos, a storm has been brewing—one not about legal technicalities, but about seeds, sovereignty, and the survival of a farming culture.

    On 20 May, fifteen smallholder farmers from across Kenya stepped into the High Court to challenge the constitutionality of Kenya’s Seed and Plant Varieties Act (Cap. 326), a law they say criminalises their very way of life. The case, supported by Greenpeace Africa, Seed Savers Network, and the Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya (BIBA), could redefine the country’s agricultural future.

    At the centre of the petition is a clause that forbids the exchange, sale, or use of uncertified seeds, including traditional and indigenous varieties. Farmers argue that these laws, enforced with steep fines and even jail time, target the country’s poorest growers and sever ties to centuries-old seed practices.

    “This law criminalises the legacy of our grandmothers,” said Justus Mwololo, one of the petitioners. “We’re not just defending seeds—we’re defending a whole history of resilience.”

    The courtroom was packed with advocates and farmers alike, many in traditional attire, bearing placards that read: “Our grandmothers fed nations, now you call them criminals?” Outside, the air was charged with chants and song as a peaceful procession marched through Machakos town.

    Inside, the arguments were precise and passionate.

    “The Constitution guarantees the right to culture and food,” said Alvin Munandick, appearing on behalf of Greenpeace Africa. “Seed sharing is not a crime. It’s an ancestral practice.”

    “What these provisions allow is shocking,” added Wambugu Wanjohi, representing the Law Society of Kenya. “Seed inspectors are empowered to raid farmers’ homes and seize property. This is a violation of privacy, property rights, and human dignity.”

    The case has rallied broad support from civil society. According to Ann Maina, National Coordinator of BIBA, this legal battle is about much more than seeds.

    “It’s about food security. About biodiversity. About resisting a top-down system that tries to put our food under lock and key,” she said.

    Daniel Wanjama, from the Seed Savers Network, pointed out that over 80% of seeds used by Kenyan farmers come from informal, farmer-managed systems.

    “To criminalise this is to criminalise the backbone of our food system,” he warned. “And it puts us all at risk of hunger.”

    The government has yet to formally respond to the petitioners’ claims, but the stakes are already clear. If the court rules in favour of the farmers, it could upend a seed policy landscape long dominated by private agribusiness and shift the power back to communities.

    “This case is a fight for the right to exist as a farmer,” said Penninah Ngahu, another petitioner. “If the government wants more seeds, why not invest in us? We’ve been growing food for generations.”

    As the court adjourned, the date of judgment, 27 November 2025, was etched into the minds of everyone present. For the farmers, it marks not just a legal verdict but a test of Kenya’s constitutional commitment to cultural heritage, food rights, and ecological justice.

    “Seed is life,” said Claire Nasike Akello, food scientist and food sovereignty advocate. “And life cannot be patented, regulated out of reach, or stolen from the hands that feed us.”

    For further information, interviews, or media inquiries, please contact:

    Ferdinand Omondi, Communication and Story Manager, Greenpeace Africa, Email: [email protected], Cell: 0722 505 233

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Professor Beth Lord appointed to REF role The University of Aberdeen’s Professor Beth Lord has been appointed as deputy chair of an expert sub-panel that will assess research in REF 2029.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Professor Beth Lord

    The University of Aberdeen’s Professor Beth Lord has been appointed as deputy chair of an expert sub-panel that will assess research in REF 2029.
    The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is a process of academic review. UK institutions make submissions into units of assessment (UoAs) each of which is assessed by an expert sub-panel , working under the guidance of four main panels.
    Professor Lord is deputy chair of the Philosophy sub-panel (UoA 30) working with Professor Bill Child from the University of Oxford as chair.
    They are now working to appoint a team of sub-panellists, ensuring that membership reflects the full range of required expertise. These appointments will be announced in summer 2025.
    The sub-panel chairs and deputy chairs will lead their members through the criteria-setting phase, beginning later this year, and on through to the assessment phase in 2029 when sub-panellists will evaluate submissions from universities across the UK.
    Professor Lord, Head of the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy & Art History, said: “I’m honoured to have been invited to serve as deputy chair for the Philosophy sub-panel.
    “REF is an important exercise in assessing the quality of UK university research and provides governments, funders and the public with confidence that research is world-class and impactful.
    “Leading this process is a great opportunity to serve the profession, and I am looking forward to getting started.”
    REF Director Rebecca Fairbairn said: “I’m delighted to welcome this outstanding group to lead the REF 2029 sub-panels. Their deep expertise and broad perspectives will be central to building an assessment process that is fair, rigorous, and trusted by the research community. We have been working in partnership with the sector throughout this process, and I’m grateful to everyone who expressed interest – your engagement is what strengthens the credibility and value of the REF across our research landscape.”
    The list of appointed chairs and deputy chairs can be found on the REF webpages.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sunderland welcomes a new Mayor and Mayoress – Councillor Ehthesham Haque and Councillor Lynda Scanlan.

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Sunderland’s new Mayor and Mayoress were officially sworn in at the meeting of full council yesterday (Wednesday 21 May).

    They took over the ceremonial chains of office from the retiring Mayor and Consort, Councillor Allison Chisnall and Consort Mr Alistair Thomson.

    Sunderland’s new Mayor Councillor Ehthesham Haque is the cities youngest Mayor at 28-years-old and first Mayor of Asian descent.

    Cllr Haque has lived in Sunderland since the age of 10, after relocating with his family from London. A former pupil of Richard Avenue Primary and Thornhill Comprehensive, he continued his studies at Sunderland College, the University of Sunderland, and later Cambridge University.

    Elected as a Ward Councillor for Barnes in 2023, he works as a Civil Servant and has a strong passion for politics and community service. He served on the Health and Scrutiny Committee and was Governor at his former primary school prior to becoming Deputy Mayor.

    Cllr Haque lives with his wife and family in Sunderland and is committed to working hard for his constituents and the wider city.

    New Mayor, Cllr Haque said: “To have been elected Mayor of Sunderland is the proudest achievement of my life so far and I am honoured to serve the City of Sunderland. I am looking forward to celebrating the people of this city and its businesses, charities and communities.”

    Cllr Haque’s Chaplain will be The Reverend Canon Clare MacLaren, Provost of Sunderland Minster, High Street West, Sunderland.

    Sunderland’s new Mayoress Cllr Scanlan has served in both Millfield and Hendon Wards after first being elected councillor for Millfield in 2011. She also served as Mayor in 2018 to 2019 and is no stranger to mayoral duties.

    New Mayoress, Cllr Scanlan said: “I have been a member of council for over a decade, and I am thrilled to be elected Mayoress of Sunderland. There are so many fantastic opportunities coming up in the year ahead to showcase this city, and support events such as Active Sunderland sports events, the Christmas light switch on, and Remembrance Day parades.”

    The new Mayor and Mayoress, will be supporting Love, Amelia and Hopespring charities, which both support children and families.

    Also sworn in by full Council as Deputy Mayor for 2025-2026 is Councillor Melanie Thornton and the Deputy Mayoress will be Councillor Thornton’s mother, Carol Hopps.

    Cllr Thornton has lived in Sunderland’s Coalfield area all her life, growing up in East Rainton and Hetton. She now lives in Hetton Downs and supports local groups including Friends of Hetton Lyons Country Park and Coalfields Pride, which she chairs. Elected as a City Councillor for Copt Hill in 2019, she previously chaired the Planning and Highways Committee and is honoured to now serve as Deputy Mayor of Sunderland.

    The outgoing Mayor, Cllr Chisnall said: “It has been an honour and privilege to serve as Mayor of Sunderland. I have enjoyed working with Councillor Haque as Deputy Mayor and Councillor Scanlan. I wish the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor the best of luck for this coming year.

    “I will look back at my time in office with such fondness. Taking part in events like the Mayor’s Civic Ball, The Christmas Light Switch On, and VE Day has been an honour.

    “We are also incredibly grateful to have been able to raise around £20,000.00 for our chosen charities Castletown Scouts Group, Hylton Castle Trust, and The Royalty Theatre.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemns warship accident as ‘criminal’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A major accident occurred on Wednesday during the launch of a new North Korean warship while Kim Jong Un was attending the event, with the isolated state’s leader calling it a “criminal act” that could not be tolerated, state media KCNA reported.

    Kim, who witnessed the failed launch of the 5,000-ton destroyer, excoriated the accident as caused by “carelessness” that tarnished national dignity, and ordered the ship restored before a ruling party meeting in June, KCNA said on Thursday.

    The report did not say whether there were any casualties.

    The accident happened when the destroyer was being eased into the water in a so-called side launch, a manoeuvre that was risky for a ship that size given the technical and financial challenges the North faced, military analysts said.

    The mishap likely occurred in front of a large crowd at the northeastern port of Chongjin, increasing the public humiliation for Kim, they said.

    KCNA said the incident was caused by a loss of balance while the vessel was being launched and sections of the bottom of the warship were crushed, but did not give more details of damage sustained.

    “Kim Jong Un made stern assessment saying that it was a serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism … and could not be tolerated,” KCNA reported.

    The accident “brought the dignity and self-respect of our state to a collapse”, Kim said, adding an immediate restoration of the destroyer was “not merely a practical issue but a political issue directly related to the authority of the state.”

    South Korea’s military said the ship was now lying on its side in the water.

    The North fired multiple cruise missiles from an area south of the port around the time the accident was reported, Seoul’s military said.

    “DEEPLY HUMILIATING”

    The rare public disclosure of an accident follows a report of the launch of another destroyer of a similar size in April, also attended by Kim, at the west coast shipyard of Nampho.

    North Korea has previously experienced accidents such as a satellite launch failure and apartment building collapse that have been subsequently used to promote the role of the leadership in correcting the problems.

    The 5,000-ton destroyers launched by North Korea this year are the country’s largest warships yet, part of leader Kim’s push to upgrade its naval power with vessels capable of carrying and launching dozens of missiles.

    In a report last week on preparations for the latest launch, U.S.-based 38 North said it appeared the ship would be side-launched from the quay.

    Such a method has not been previously observed in launching warships in North Korea, but it was likely chosen because the shipyard did not have enough space or an incline to direct the vessel’s stern first into the water, military analysts said.

    The North also lacked floating or dry docks that are common in advanced shipbuilding states, with a stern launch normally requiring more sophisticated equipment, retired South Korean submarine commander Choi Il said.

    “Pushing from the side is the most basic, simplest and cheapest” if done right, he said.

    Yang Wuk, an Asan Institute for Policy Studies military expert, said the botched launch of the country’s largest warship was embarrassing for the country.

    “The fact that this kind of accident occurred and became public would be deeply humiliating for North Korea,” Yang said.

    Commercial satellite imagery of the shipyard the day before the launch showed the destroyer positioned on the quay with support vessels by its side and its missile tube magazines exposed.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI: America First Healthcare Reviews: What Clients Are Saying About Their Coverage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ORLANDO, Fla., May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Americans praise transparency, compassion, and real savings in a marketplace plagued by confusion and mistrust.

    More than ever, they’re turning to private health insurance solutions that prioritize honesty, affordability, and clarity as the U.S. healthcare landscape changes. One Florida-based company, America First Healthcare, is gaining traction for doing just that, and verified reviews from both the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot suggest that clients are noticing the difference.

    Founded by entrepreneur Jordan Sarmiento after a personal medical crisis left him with $95,000 in hospital bills, America First Healthcare was built to give Americans a straightforward, trustworthy path to health coverage. Sarmiento says, “I created this company so no one else would have to go through what I did. I used to feel helpless, overwhelmed, and unprotected.”

    And according to dozens of clients, that mission is succeeding.

    Customers have shared detailed accounts of exceptional service on the Better Business Bureau, where America First Healthcare is BBB-accredited with an A rating. In one verified five-star review, a customer wrote:

    “Daniel was extremely helpful and answered every question I had. He thoroughly explained my coverage options and was very pleasant. Would definitely recommend America First Healthcare.” – BBB Verified Reviewer, December 2024

    Based on verified reviews, America First Healthcare holds a TrustScore of over four stars with more than 90% positive reviews on Trustpilot. One recent reviewer enjoyed their experience with the company:

    “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Alejandro Ustariz for his outstanding service and support in helping me secure excellent dental insurance coverage. From the very beginning, he was knowledgeable, patient, and attentive to my specific needs. He spent ample amount of time to explain all the available options in a clear and understandable way, ensuring I made an informed decision.” – Verified Trustpilot Review, May 1 2025

    Another client wrote:

    “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Alejandro Ustariz for his outstanding service and support in helping me secure excellent dental insurance coverage. From the very beginning, he was knowledgeable, patient, and attentive to my specific needs. He spent ample amount of time to explain all the available options in a clear and understandable way, ensuring I made an informed decision.” – Verified Trustpilot Review, February 2024

    Sarmiento, who founded the company with a belief in small government and free-market healthcare solutions, has made it clear that America First Healthcare’s goal is not just to sell policies, but to rebuild trust in private insurance.

    The founder, Sarmiento, says “Our advisors aren’t taught to close deals, they’re taught to care,” said Sarmiento. “We listen before we recommend. We explain without jargon. And we serve people like they matter. Because they do.”

    With a growing footprint nationwide and a client base that includes families, small business owners, and independent contractors, the company is quickly becoming a voice for Americans seeking health insurance without the games.

    Jordan Sarmiento and America First Healthcare are changing the tone of health insurance, one honest conversation at a time.

    ABOUT AMERICA FIRST HEALTHCARE
    America First Healthcare is a private health insurance agency headquartered in Orlando, Florida. It is dedicated to helping Americans find honest, affordable healthcare coverage that works for their needs, not against them. Founded in 2021, the company believes in transparency, values-first service, and putting people over profits.

    MEDIA CONTACT
    Jordan Sarmiento
    Founder & CEO, America First Healthcare
    Email: info@americafirsthealthcare.com
    Address: 7700 Southland Blvd, Orlando, FL 32809
    Website: https://americafirsthealthcare.com

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales Reinforces Commitment to Malaysia at LIMA 2025 with New Leadership and Contracts Awarded

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales Reinforces Commitment to Malaysia at LIMA 2025
    with New Leadership and Contracts Awarded

    • As a strategic partner in helping Malaysia achieve air sovereignty, Thales has been awarded the role to supply two additional Ground Master 400 Alpha (GM400α) radars by the Ministry of Defence for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), following the previous contract for the first radar at the end of 2023.
    • Thales will enhance tactical communications for land forces and reinforce its radio communications capabilities through the signing of a strategic MoU with Malaysian defence partner, ADS, to collaborate on radio projects.
    • Thales has also been selected to deploy the AW139 flight simulator to the Royal Malaysian Police with local partner Novatis Resources through the LOA signed in presence of Thales.
    • To drive the Thales business forward, Florian Riou has been appointed Country Director for Thales in Malaysia, effective 1 July 2025.
    Thales’s GM400α radar © Thales” id=”image-a30cd6be-5247-44f2-87e6-7e1b9bfd9e1d” data-id=”a30cd6be-5247-44f2-87e6-7e1b9bfd9e1d” data-original=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/a30cd6be-5247-44f2-87e6-7e1b9bfd9e1d/-/inline/no/ABC.jpg” data-mfp-src=”https://cdn.uc.assets.prezly.com/a30cd6be-5247-44f2-87e6-7e1b9bfd9e1d/-/format/auto/” alt=”Thales’s GM400α radar © Thales”/>
    Thales’s GM400α radar © Thales

    On the occasion of the LIMA 2025 exhibition in Langkawi, Thales’ commitment to Malaysian defence is once again recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces. With a steady economic growth outlook, the Malaysian government is keen to advance the country’s military modernisation and Thales remains at the forefront of this, with the Memorandum of Understanding & Letter of Award received for equipment ranging from radars to radios.

    I. Two additional GM400α long-range radars for superior situational air awareness

    To strengthen the air surveillance and air defence capabilities of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Thales will supply two additional long-range air surveillance GM400α radars, following the ceremony held on Day 3 of LIMA 2025, in presence of Francois-Xavier Boutes, Country Director of Thales Malaysia and YBhg Datuk Lokman Hakim bin Ali, Secretary General from the Ministry of Defence, and witnessed by YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Minister of Defence. The award of these two additional radars underscores the trust held by the RMAF in Thales’ radar technology, following the first GM400α contract signed at the end of 2023. Thanks to its high mobility, high availability, easy upgradeability and seamless integration, the GM400α offers armed forces with a valuable tool to gain tactical advantage, detecting all types of threats early and providing precious minutes for decision-making and action (515km range). Today more than 270 Ground Master field-proven family air surveillance radars have been sold worldwide.

    In Malaysia, Thales will partner Weststar Group once again to deploy the radars in line with the operational requirements of the RMAF. Thales will also engage in the Transfer of Knowledge and Train-the-Trainer courses delivered under the Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP), while strengthening its installed base in Malaysia for long-range surveillance radars. By building local expertise, Thales will enhance the efficiency of radar maintenance, enhance the autonomy of the RMAF and ensure timely on-ground maintenance support close to the end-users. Thales’ radar expertise in Malaysia runs deep, as the country was also the launch customer for the precursor GM400 radar in 2009.

    II. Enhancing tactical and radio communications for Malaysia

    To further deepen its expertise in radio and tactical communications, Thales has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with partner ADS Sdn. Bhd. Signed on Day 2 of LIMA between Brig Gen Dato’ Abdul Hadi bin Abdul Razak (R), ADS and Nicolas Bouverot, VP Thales Asia, the collaboration will see both parties working on the latest digital technologies for handheld radios and other tactical communications.

    III. A helicopter training simulator marks a first contract with Royal Malaysian Police (RMP)

    Pascale Sourisse, CEO, Thales International witnessed the signing of an LOA, together with Malaysian partner Novatis Resources to deliver a Reality-H® AW139 Full Flight Simulator (FFS) to be used for pilot training with the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP). The Thales Reality H Full Flight Simulator is the world’s most advanced commercial helicopter simulator, and will be qualified to meet Level D standard, the highest level of qualification for a simulator. This marks a first engagement with the RMP, where pilots of the Police Air Wing Training Academy and other government agencies including the fire brigade and coast guard can benefit from realistic and immersive training, customised to the Malaysian environment and terrain.

    IV. New leadership for Thales in Malaysia

    To drive the growing business in Malaysia, Florian Riou has been appointed Country Director for Thales in Malaysia and Brunei and will effectively take on the role on 1st of July 2025. Florian brings close to 18 years of professional experience in foreign trade policy and trade compliance, with roles held in the French Ministry of Economics and Finance and Safran Group. With Thales since 2017, Florian’s most recent role was as Group Trade Compliance Director for Thales, based in France.

    “These latest agreements are recognition of how Thales’ solutions are supporting the needs of the Malaysian government and Malaysian forces. Our air surveillance radars are bringing air superiority to the Royal Malaysian Air Force in some of most challenging tropical environments. In addition, our history in tactical radio communications dates back several decades in Malaysia and looks set to continue as we collaborate with strong local partners to develop home-grown expertise and joint solutions to support the Army. We appreciate the renewed trust established with Thales to help drive the modernisation of its armed forces.” Pascale Sourisse, CEO, Thales International.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Proactive planning enforcement transforms Newport’s high street 22 May 2025 Community Council reveals that financial support has seen a large section of Newport’s high street restored

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council has revealed that its financial support has seen a large section of Newport’s high street buildings restored, transforming the look and feel for residents and visitors alike.

    The Isle of Wight Council’s Planning Enforcement Strategy allows parish, town and community councils to fund additional planning enforcement in their patch to target specific areas. In the case of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council, the priorities were buildings along Carisbrooke High Street and Newport High Street that were untidy and falling into a state of disrepair.

    With the extra capacity, the Isle of Wight Council has been able to work with property owners and occupiers to tackle over 50 untidy buildings. This partnership approach has seen 39 buildings being successfully restored through remedial works, with many more lined up for the same treatment. There has also been a ripple effect, where properties are now being restored without the need for intervention from the Council.

    The improved visual appearance of the high street has been positive and such changes are known to help improve civic pride and wellbeing too.

    Councillor Paul Fuller, cabinet member for planning, coastal protection and flooding, said: “the success of proactive planning enforcement action in Newport has been wonderful to see.”

    “It is positive to see landowners voluntarily taking measures to maintain and restore their buildings and shop frontages.”

    “Using proactive planning enforcement action to restore the appearance of buildings will help regain a sense of community and respect for the town which will hopefully create a socioeconomic benefit by drawing business back to the high street.”

    “This change will not only be visible to local residents, but to visitors and tourists visiting the Isle of Wight.”

    Councillor Vix Lowthion, chair of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council said: “the visible improvements in our town centre and beyond have been remarked upon by visitors and locals alike.”

    “Our community council could only achieve these results through working in partnership with the IW Council, who have listened closely to the priorities of local ward councillors throughout.” 

    “I know I can speak for us all when I say it has certainly been money well spent.”

    Any parish or town councils who are interested in joining Lake Parish Council, Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council, Ryde Town Council and Sandown Town Council in funding additional planning enforcement capacity for their area should contact enforcement.team@iow.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Creative industry figures urge Starmer to act against Gaza genocide- ‘you know what is happening’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    116 leading UK and Irish creatives have urged Keir Starmer to act over Israel’s escalating atrocities in Gaza, criticising UK arms exports, settlement trade, and lack of ICC support – open letter 

    Riz Ahmed, Dame Harriet Walker, Maxine Peake, Nish Kumar, Paloma Faith and others condemn UK government inaction on Gaza 

    The Prime Minister must ‘stand up for justice and human rights’ and ‘words are no longer enough; we need to see action’ – Creatives 

    Artists gather outside Downing Street to hold placards urging the PM to act to stop the genocide and human rights abuses in Gaza 

    Over 100 leading voices from across the UK and Ireland’s film, television, and creative industries including Riz Ahmed, Dame Harriet Walker, Maxine Peake, Nish Kumar, Paloma Faith, Juliet Stevenson and many more have united to call on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to take urgent action in response to Israel’s escalating atrocities in Gaza and the wider Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).   

    In a public letter, the group condemn “all attacks on civilians” but emphasise that as well as Israel’s decades-long military occupation, expansion of illegal settlements, and system of apartheid, Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, as described by Amnesty International in its report “You feel Like You Are Subhuman”.  

    “We are deeply troubled by your lack of meaningful action to help deter Israel’s horrifying and calculated violations of Palestinian rights,” the letter states to the Prime Minister. 

    Since October 2023, more than 20,000 children have reportedly been killed in Gaza. The group point to the use of 2,000lb bombs dropped from F-35 fighter jets – supplied with UK-made components – as part of a devastating campaign that includes siege tactics blocking access to food, water, electricity, and medicine for over two million civilians. 

    “You know what is happening,” they write to the Prime Minister, and state “your Government is failing to fulfil its obligation to prevent the ongoing genocide in Gaza.” 

    The letter also highlights a stark double standard in UK policy: banning imports from Russian-occupied Crimea, while allowing trade with Israeli settlements in the illegally Occupied Palestinian Territory. The International Court of Justice has made clear that countries must not support illegal occupations – including through trade.

    In addition to arms and trade, the group call on the UK government to fully support the International Criminal Court’s investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region. 

    Their demands include: 

    • An immediate suspension of all UK arms exports to Israel 
    • A ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory 
    • Compliance with international legal rulings, including those of the ICJ and ICC 

    The group implores the Prime Minister “to stand up for justice and human rights” and that “words are no longer enough; we need to see action”. 

    Artists gather outside Downing Street to deliver the letter and hold placards urging the PM to act to stop Israel’s genocide and human rights abuses in Gaza. 

    The artists held placards bearing messages from residents of Gaza that capture the urgency and human toll of the crisis: 

    • “I don’t want my child to die hungry” – Gaza Resident, Occupied Gaza 
    • “You may send your child to bring water only for him to return in a body bag” – Gaza Resident, Occupied Gaza 

    These statements are a stark reminder of the daily reality for civilians under Israel’s illegal blockade.  

    About the Signatories 

    This statement by Amnesty International has been endorsed by a coalition of UK-based professionals across the creative industries – filmmakers, actors, writers, artists and cultural leaders – who believe in the power of art, law, and collective voice in the face of injustice. 

    Ahmed Masoud; Aisling Bea; Aiysha Hart; Alan Moore; Alexander McKinnon; Alexei Sayle; Alice Roberts; Alisdair Beckett; King Amrita Acharia; Andrea Arnold Anjli; Mohindra Anneika; Rose Annie Mac; Sir Anish Kapoor CBE; Anoushka Shankar; Dr Ariel Caine; Bernadette O’Brien; Bertie Carvel; President of the Bianca Jagger Human Rights Foundation; Brian Eno; Briony Hannah; Brona C Titley; Charlotte Church; Chipo Chung; David Morrissey; Deborah Frances-White; Declan McKenna; Denise Gough; Emma D’Arcy; Esther Freud; Esther Manito; Fionn O’Loinsigh; Francesca Martinez; Frankie Boyle; Frederico Gaggio; Grace Petrie; Dame Harriet Walter; Himesh Patel; Ian Rickson; Imran Yusuf; Indeyarna Donaldson-Holness; Inua Ellams MBE; Ivor Graeme; Jackie Clune; James Acaster; Jan Pearson; Janie Dee; Jason Fleming; Jay Griffiths; Jen Brister; Jessica Fostekew; Jim Loach; John Higgs; Josie Long; Jolyon Rubinstein; Juliet Stevenson CBE; Kathy Lette; Kerry Godliman; Khalid Abdalla; Ken Loach; Lise Meyer; Lolly Adefope; Louisa Young; Love Ssegga; Mae Martin; Mahtab Hussain; Manjinder Virk; Mariam Haque; Marnie Dickens; Max Porter; Maxine Peake; Dr Michael Hrebeniak; Misan Harriman; Mystery Jets; Nadia Sawalha; Nicola Thorp; Nikesh Patel; Nikesh Shukla; Nikita Gill; Nimmi Harasgama; Nish Kumar; Paapa Essiedu; Paloma Faith; Paul Laverty; Penny Woolcock; Peter Wyer; Rebecca O’Brien; Rida Hamidou; Riz Ahmed; Robin Ince; Robin Morrissey; Roger Hartley; Roisin O’Loughlin; Ruth Lass; Salena Godden; Sam Spruell; Sara Masry; Sarah Agha; Sasha Behar; Selma Dabbagh; Shazia Mirza; Simon Rix; Sonali Bhattacharyya; Stewart Lee; Steve Coogan; Susan Lynch; Suzi Ruffell; Thomas Browne; Thomas Combes; Thusitha Jayasundera; Tobias Menzies; Dame Tracey Emin; Tracey Seaward; Vijay Mistry; Vivian Munn; Young Fathers (all members); Zainab Hassan 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding for Major City Projects Welcomed

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    Funding from the Scottish Government to assist major projects in Dundee is being welcome by senior councillors.

    Awards will be used to support development of the Dundee Museum of Transport at the former Maryfield tram depot and assist efforts to improve the Lochee area of the city.

    £1 million is coming from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund for the museum of transport. (link to museum news release on website)

    Meanwhile, the Scottish Government’s Vacant & Derelict Land Investment Programme is awarding £695,000 towards the ongoing Lochee Placemaking Project.

    This will support work to improve and unlock a number of vacant sites along Lochee High Street.

    Scottish Government investment will allow the addition of a major new water and drainage system in the High Street to allow development of social housing.

    Councillor Steven Rome, Dundee City Council convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure, said: “I am delighted that the Dundee Museum of Transport is receiving another major award to help in the journey to redevelop the former tram depot into a new attraction..

    “There is real excitement building around the project and I would like to congratulate all connected with the museum for this significant step forward.”

    Depute convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure Cllr Siobhan Tolland, added: “I welcome funding from the Scottish Government which will help us to invest in the future of Lochee.

    “This will assist in transforming currently derelict sites making them viable for the development of much needed social housing in the area.”

    “The Lochee Placemaking project, which will be taken forward with Scottish Water, will provide drainage solutions at locations on Lochee High Street, Bank Street and the former Bright Street church.

    “It will allow us to take forward positive projects for the area and its people.”

    The Lochee Placemaking Project is already underway with refurbishment of two shop units, while preparation work is taking place for a major new mural at Bank Street.

    A new landscaped area will be provided at the corner of Bank Street and High Street and a heritage trail will be established.

    Construction works are expected to start in autumn and will continue into early next year.

    Support has come from the Lochee Residents and Tenants association and Love Lochee who have raised funds for the heritage trail and mural and assisted the council in efforts to attract funding.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • PM Modi inaugurates and lays foundation for Rs 26,000 crore development projects in Bikaner, Rajasthan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated, laid the foundation stone, and dedicated development projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore in Bikaner, Rajasthan, emphasizing transformative infrastructure growth and a resolute stance against terrorism. The event, attended by dignitaries including Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Kisanrao Bagade, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, and Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Arjun Ram Meghwal, saw participation from 18 states and union territories, both in-person and online.

    Addressing the gathering, PM Modi highlighted the unprecedented pace of infrastructure development over the past 11 years, noting that India now invests six times more in infrastructure compared to previous years. He cited iconic projects like the Chenab Bridge, Sela Tunnel, Bogibeel Bridge, Atal Setu, and Pamban Bridge as symbols of India’s modernization drive. The Prime Minister also emphasized railway advancements, including the operation of Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat trains, the elimination of unmanned level crossings, and the modernization of over 1,300 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. Over 100 such stations, reflecting local art and heritage, have been completed, with examples like Mandalgarh in Rajasthan and Thawe in Bihar showcasing regional culture.

    PM Modi underscored that these infrastructure projects drive employment and economic growth, benefiting workers, farmers, and youth. In Rajasthan, Rs 70,000 crore has been invested in road infrastructure over the past decade, with Rs 10,000 crore allocated for railway development this year alone. He flagged off a new Bikaner-Mumbai train and highlighted projects in health, water, and electricity to boost urban and rural progress. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana has benefited over 40,000 Rajasthan households, eliminating electricity bills and enabling income through solar power.

    The Prime Minister also praised Rajasthan’s industrial growth, driven by Chief Minister Sharma’s policies, positioning the state as a hub for petroleum and food processing industries. He noted the near-completion of the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and the Amritsar-Jamnagar economic corridor, which will enhance connectivity and industrial development.

    On water management, PM Modi recalled Maharaja Ganga Singh’s legacy and emphasized ongoing irrigation and river-linking projects like the Parvati-Kalisindh-Chambal Link, which will benefit multiple districts. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation for 25 state government projects, including 750 km of state highways, nursing colleges, and water supply initiatives under AMRUT 2.0.

    Addressing national security, PM Modi condemned the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, reaffirming India’s zero-tolerance policy. He detailed Operation Sindoor, a swift response that destroyed nine terrorist hideouts within 22 minutes, showcasing the armed forces’ “Chakravyuh” strategy that forced Pakistan to its knees. The Prime Minister outlined three principles: India’s response to terrorism will be decisive, nuclear threats will not intimidate, and no distinction will be made between terrorists and their state sponsors. He warned that Pakistan would face severe military and economic consequences for any further attacks, emphasizing that trade and talks would focus solely on Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Six Inches of Soil documentary screening in Ashgabat

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Six Inches of Soil documentary screening in Ashgabat

    The United Kingdom and Turkmenistan explore sustainable agriculture through “Six Inches of Soil” screening and panel discussion.

    Discussion after the screening of the British documentary Six Inches of Soil.

    On 15 May, the British Embassy in Turkmenistan hosted another successful screening of the British documentary Six Inches of Soil as part of the official visit of Dr Undala Alam, FCDO’s Regional Central Asia Climate Adviser.

    Discussion with Dr Undala Alam, FCDO’s Regional Central Asia Climate Adviser, after the screening of the documentary Six Inches of Soil.

    The event brought together experienced farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, senior government officials, academics, and researchers to discuss the critical role of regenerative agriculture in addressing today’s environmental and agricultural challenges.

    Screening of the British documentary Six Inches of Soil in Ashgabat.

    Following the film, Dr Alam led an interactive and thought-provoking discussion where participants raised insightful questions, shared local expertise, and expressed great interest in applying regenerative practices in Turkmenistan.

    Discussion with Dr Undala Alam, after the screening of the British documentary.

    This discussion underlined the region’s growing concern for climate resilience and food security. The UK Government remains committed to supporting the countries of Central Asia in their transition towards more sustainable and climate-friendly agricultural systems.

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulator to investigate Seven Dials Playhouse over financial concerns

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Regulator to investigate Seven Dials Playhouse over financial concerns

    The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into Seven Dials Playhouse due to ongoing concerns over its long-term financial viability.

    Seven Dials Playhouse’s purpose is to advance education and the arts for public benefit through research, discussions, seminars and vocational training. It also has a purpose to provide facilities for the arts (especially theatre), and to produce educational plays.  

    The Commission has been engaging with the charity since 2024 regarding its decision to sell its Central London property, wider concerns around its finances, and how the charity is being managed. 

    The Commission continued its engagement to further assess financial concerns as part of a regulatory compliance case. As part of this engagement, the charity has provided several revised drafts of a business plan to the Commission. However, this has failed to reassure the regulator of the charity’s long-term financial viability and has therefore raised concerns about significant risks to the charity’s funds. 

    The regulator has now launched a statutory inquiry, enabling it to use its full suite of regulatory powers to investigate Seven Dials Playhouse. 

    The Inquiry will examine if the trustees have complied with their legal duties in respect of the administration, governance and management of the charity, and in particular:  

    • the charity’s financial management, including the trustees’ plans for its future financial sustainability  

    • whether the charity is being managed in accordance with its governing document and is operating in furtherance of its objects  

    • whether there has been misconduct and/or mismanagement by the trustees 

    The scope of the inquiry may be extended if additional regulatory issues emerge during the Commission’s investigation.   

    Ends

    Notes to editors: 

    1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society. Find out more.  

    2. On 6 May 2025, the Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into the charity under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011(‘the Act’) as a result of its regulatory concerns that there is or has been misconduct and/ or mismanagement in the administration of the charity. 

    3. A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets, or reputation.  

    4. An inquiry will investigate and establish the facts of the case so that the Commission can determine the extent of any misconduct and/or mismanagement; the extent of the risk to the charity, its work, property, beneficiaries, employees or volunteers; and decide what action is needed to resolve the concerns.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 22 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE and Sichuan University Sign Cooperation Agreement

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    On May 20, a delegation from Sichuan University headed by Rector Mr. Wang Jinsong paid an official visit to HSE. During the meeting, an agreement on cooperation between the universities was concluded.

    Participants discussed key areas of partnership, including the launch of a joint double degree program in Eurasian studies, as well as prospects for cooperation in the fields of international relations, mathematics, pedagogy, teaching Russian language and academic mobility.

    The meeting was attended by representatives of Sichuan University and HSE in relevant areas – faculties world economy and world politics, mathematicians, Humanities, Institute of Education and others.

    The agreement was discussed in a constructive atmosphere. The parties confirmed their mutual interest in developing cooperation and emphasized the need to move to the substantive implementation of the agreements reached.

    Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Head BRICS-Russia Expert Council Victoria Panova noted the high international status of Sichuan University, one of the oldest universities in southwestern China, and emphasized the symbolism of the meeting against the backdrop of the recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow. During this visit, 28 bilateral agreements were signed, three of which were concluded between HSE and leading Chinese universities.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Computer Modelling Group Announces Year-End Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Computer Modelling Group Ltd. (“CMG Group” or the “Company”) announces its financial results for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025, and the approval by its Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the payment of a cash dividend of $0.05 per Common Share for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    FOURTH QUARTER 2025 CONSOLIDATED HIGHLIGHTS

    Select financial highlights

    • Total revenue increased by 4% (13% Organic decline(1) and 17% growth from acquisitions) to $33.7 million;
    • Recurring revenue(2) increased by 16% (7% Organic decline and 23% growth from acquisitions) to $24.2 million;
    • Adjusted EBITDA(1) increased by 2% to $10.5 million;
    • Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1) was 31%, compared to 32% in the comparative period;
    • Earnings per share was $0.06, a 33% decrease;
    • Free Cash Flow(1) decreased by 26% to $7.0 million; Free Cash flow per share decreased to $0.08 from $0.12.

    FISCAL 2025 CONSOLIDATED HIGHLIGHTS

    Select financial highlights

    • Total revenue increased by 19% (1% Organic decline and 20% growth from acquisitions) to $129.4 million;
    • Recurring revenue increased by 13% (1% Organic growth and 12% was growth from acquisitions) to $86.8 million;
    • Adjusted EBITDA increased by 2% to $44.0 million;
    • Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 34%, compared to 40% in the comparative period;
    • Earnings per share was $0.27, a 16% decrease;
    • Free Cash Flow decreased by 22% to $27.6 million; Free Cash flow per share decreased to $0.33 from $0.44.

    (1) Organic growth/decline, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA Margin and Free Cash Flow are not standardized financial measures and might not be comparable to measures disclosed by other issuers. For more description see under “Non-IFRS Financial and Supplementary Financial Measures” heading.
    (2) Recurring revenue includes Annuity/maintenance licenses and Annuity license fee, and excludes Perpetual licenses and Professional Services.

    OVERVIEW

    Macroeconomic factors and political instability, combined with a low oil price environment, resulted in challenged organic growth this year, particularly in reservoir and production solutions, where lengthened deal cycles and cautious customer spending prevailed. Despite these challenges, we continued to execute on our strategic M&A roadmap, and revenue growth during the quarter and year-to-date, was supported by meaningful contributions from acquisitions. Adjusted EBITDA increases during the quarter and year-to-date were also supported by growth from acquisitions. Free Cash Flow decreased during the quarter and year-to-date due to pressures on top-line-growth, however, during the prior year period, Free Cash Flow also benefited from the tax deduction of approximately $4.6 million as a result of the acquisition of intellectual property. We generated $27.6 million of Free Cash Flow during fiscal 2025, maintaining our strong liquidity position and enabling us to invest in strategic acquisitions.

    As we look forward to fiscal 2026, excluding any impact from future acquisitions, we anticipate a reduction of between $6 – $7 million in professional services revenue compared to fiscal 2025 which may make it challenging to demonstrate total revenue growth. It is a goal of the company to shift the revenue mix towards a higher percentage of software revenue and the reduction in professional services is a natural part of the shift. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin may also show limited growth due to anticipated delays in cost-saving measures in taking effect, but this impact is expected to be limited to fiscal 2026.

    To ensure long-term resilience, we remain committed to evolving our business model through carefully targeted strategic acquisitions. Our acquisitions to date position us well by expanding our capabilities and helping to support long-term growth by complementing our core offering.

    SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

         
      Three months ended March 31, Year ended March 31,
    ($ thousands, except per share data) 2025 2024 % change   2025 2024 % change  
    Annuity/maintenance licenses 19,436 19,661 (1 %) 77,525 71,530 8 %
    Annuity license fee 4,728 1,142 314 % 9,280 5,146 80 %
    Recurring revenue(1) (2) 24,164 20,803 16 % 86,805 76,676 13 %
    Perpetual licenses 554 2,130 (74 %) 5,617 5,739 (2 %)
    Total software license revenue 24,718 22,933 8 % 92,422 82,415 12 %
    Professional services 8,965 9,358 (4 %) 37,024 26,264 41 %
    Total revenue 33,683 32,291 4 % 129,446 108,679 19 %
    Cost of revenue 6,749 6,470 4 % 24,940 17,224 45 %
    Operating expenses                
    Sales & marketing 5,094 4,361 17 % 18,617 14,957 24 %
    Research and development 8,129 7,607 7 % 30,142 23,679 27 %
    General & administrative 4,876 5,576 (13 %) 21,599 18,835 15 %
    Operating expenses 18,099 17,544 3 % 70,358 57,471 22 %
    Operating profit 8,835 8,277 7 % 34,148 33,984 – %
    Net income 5,104 7,229 (29 %) 22,437 26,259 (15 %)
    Adjusted EBITDA (1) 10,500 10,295 2 % 44,009 43,345 2 %
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin (1) 31% 32%     34% 40%    
                     
    Earnings per share – basic & diluted 0.06 0.09 (33 %) 0.27 0.32 (16 %)
    Funds flow from operations per share – basic 0.10 0.13 (23 %) 0.38 0.47 (19 %)
    Free Cash Flow per share – basic (1) 0.08 0.12 (33 %) 0.33 0.44 (25 %)

    (1) Non-IFRS financial measures are defined in the “Non-IFRS Financial Measures” section. 
    (2) Included in the number is a reduction of $0.5 million and $0.8 million for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025, respectively ($0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months and year ended March 31, 2024, respectively), attributed to the amortization of a deferred revenue fair value reduction recognized on acquisition.

    Q4 2025 Dividend

    Computer Modelling Group’s Board approved a cash dividend of $0.05 per Common Share. The dividend will be paid on June 13, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 5, 2025.

    All dividends paid by Computer Modelling Group Ltd. to holders of Common Shares in the capital of the Company will be treated as eligible dividends within the meaning of such term in section 89(1) of the Income Tax Act (Canada), unless otherwise indicated.

    NON-IFRS FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RECONCILIATION OF NON-IFRS MEASURES

    Free Cash Flow Reconciliation to Funds Flow from Operations

    Free cash flow is a non-IFRS financial measure that is calculated as funds flow from operations less capital expenditures and repayment of lease liabilities. Free Cash Flow per share is calculated by dividing free cash flow by the number of weighted average outstanding shares during the period. Management believes that this measure provides useful supplemental information about operating performance and liquidity, as it represents cash generated during the period, regardless of the timing of collection of receivables and payment of payables, which may reduce comparability between periods. Management uses free cash flow and free cash flow per share to help measure the capacity of the Company to pay dividends and invest in business growth opportunities.

      Fiscal 2024 Fiscal 2025
    ($ thousands, unless otherwise stated) Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4   Q1   Q2   Q3   Q4  
    Funds flow from operations 7,920   11,491   8,477   10,367   6,515   7,101   9,937   8,227  
    Capital expenditures (45 ) (51 ) (459 ) (95 ) (93 ) (236 ) (432 ) (661 )
    Repayment of lease liabilities (412 ) (412 ) (728 ) (803 ) (743 ) (769 ) (689 ) (549 )
    Free Cash Flow 7,463   11,028   7,290   9,469   5,679   6,096   8,816   7,017  
    Weighted average shares – basic (thousands) 80,685   80,834   81,067   81,314   81,476   81,887   82,753   83,064  
    Free Cash Flow per share – basic 0.09   0.14   0.09   0.12   0.07   0.07   0.11   0.08  
    Funds flow from operations per share- basic 0.10   0.14   0.10   0.13   0.08   0.09   0.12   0.10  

    Free Cash Flow decreased by 26% and 22%, respectively, for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025 from the same periods of the previous fiscal year. These decreases are primarily due to lower funds flow from operations, higher capital expenditures, and increased repayment of lease liabilities as a result of office leases in acquired entities. During year ended March 31, 2024, Free Cash Flow benefited from the tax deduction of approximately $4.6 million as a result of the acquisition of the BHV intellectual property.

    Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

      Three months ended
    March 31,    		 Year ended
    March 31,
    ($ thousands) 2025   2024   2025   2024  

    Net income (loss)

    5,104

    		  

    7,229

    		  

    22,437

    		  

    26,259

    		  
    Add (deduct):                
    Depreciation and amortization 2,368   2,151   8,465   5,688  
    Acquisition costs 216   186   2,567   1,456  
    Stock-based compensation (435 ) 922   2,625   6,292  
    Loss on contingent consideration 88   –   2,151   –  
    Deferred revenue amortization on acquisition fair value reduction 535   76   845   188  
    Income and other tax expense 2,154   1,935   10,448   8,963  
    Interest income (313 ) (658 ) (2,605 ) (3,096 )
    Interest expense 189   –   189   –  
    Foreign exchange loss (gain) 1,143   (743 ) (363 ) (50 )
    Repayment of lease liabilities (549 ) (803 ) (2,750 ) (2,355 )
    Adjusted EBITDA (1) 10,500   10,295   44,009   43,345  
    Adjusted EBITDA Margin (1) 31 % 32 % 34 % 40 %

    (1) This is a non-IFRS financial measure. Refer to definition of the measures above.

    Adjusted EBITDA increased by 2% during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period of the previous year, of which 20% was growth from acquisitions, partially offset by an Organic decline of 18%, primarily attributable to lower revenue in the quarter partially offset by lower expenses.

    Adjusted EBITDA increased by 2% for the year ended March 31, 2025, compared to the same period of the previous year, of which 3% of the increase was due to growth from acquisitions, partially offset by a 1% Organic decline due to higher expenses.

    Organic Growth

    Organic growth is not a standardized financial measure and might not be comparable to measures disclosed by other issuers. The Company measures Organic growth on a quarterly and year-to-date basis at the revenue and Adjusted EBITDA levels and includes revenue and Adjusted EBITDA under CMG Group’s ownership for a year or longer, beginning from the first full quarter of CMG Group’s ownership in the current and comparative period(s). For example, BHV was acquired on September 25, 2023 (Q2 2024). September 25, 2024, marked one full year of ownership under CMG Group and on October 1, 2024 (Q3 2025), which is the first full quarter under CMG Group’s ownership in the current and comparative period, started being tracked under Organic growth. Any revenue and Adjusted EBITDA generated by BHV prior to October 1, 2024, would not be included in Organic growth. Sharp was acquired on November 12, 2025 (Q3 2025) and will start contributing to Organic growth on January 1, 2026 (Q4 2026).

    For further clarity, current statements include Organic growth from the following:

    • CMG revenue and Adjusted EBITDA; and
    • BHV revenue and Adjusted EBITDA generated beginning on October 1, 2024.

    Recurring Revenue
    Recurring revenue represents the revenue recognized during the period from contracts that are recurring in nature and includes revenue recognized as “Annuity/maintenance licenses” and “Annuity license fee”. We believe that Recurring revenue is an indicator of business expansion and provides management with visibility into our ability to generate predictable cash flows.

    The table below reconciles Recurring revenue to total revenue for the periods indicated.

      Three months ended March 31, Year ended March 31,
      2025 2024 % change   2025 2024 % change  
    ($ thousands)                
    Annuity/maintenance licenses 19,436 19,661 (1% ) 77,525 71,530 8 %
    Annuity license fee 4,728 1,142 314 % 9,280 5,146 80 %
    Recurring revenue(1) (2) 24,164 20,803 16 % 86,805 76,676 13 %
    Perpetual licenses 554 2,130 (74 %) 5,617 5,739 (2 %)
    Total software license revenue 24,718 22,933 8 % 92,422 82,415 12 %
    Professional services 8,965 9,358 (4 %) 37,024 26,264 41 %
    Total revenue 33,683 32,291 4 % 129,446 108,679 19 %

    (1) This is a non-IFRS financial measure.
    (2) Included in the number is a reduction of $0.5 million and $0.8 million for the three months and year ended March 31, 2025, respectively ($0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months and year ended March 31, 2024, respectively), attributed to the amortization of a deferred revenue fair value reduction recognized on acquisition.

    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

      March 31, 2025   March 31, 2024   April 1, 2023  
    (thousands of Canadian $)            

    Assets

    		            
    Current assets:            
    Cash 43,884   63,083   66,850  
    Restricted cash         362   142   –  
    Trade and other receivables 41,457   36,550   23,910  
    Prepaid expenses 2,572   2,321   1,060  
    Prepaid income taxes 1,641   3,841   444  
      89,916   105,937   92,264  
    Intangible assets 59,955   23,683   1,321  
    Right-of-use assets 28,443   29,072   30,733  
    Property and equipment 10,157   9,877   10,366  
    Goodwill 15,814   4,399   –  
    Deferred tax asset 471   –   2,444  
    Total assets 204,756   172,968   137,128  

    Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

    		            
    Current liabilities:            
    Trade payables and accrued liabilities 18,452   18,551   11,126  
    Income taxes payable 2,667   2,136   33  
    Acquisition holdback payable 188   2,292   –  
    Acquisition earnout 3,864   –   –  
    Deferred revenue 40,276   41,120   34,797  
    Lease liabilities 2,278   2,566   1,829  
    Government loan 310   –   –  
      68,035   66,665   47,785  
    Lease liabilities 34,668   34,395   36,151  
    Stock-based compensation liabilities 256   624   742  
    Government loan 1,319   –   –  
    Acquisition earnout –   1,503   –  
    Acquisition holdback payable 1,257   –   –  
    Other long-term liabilities 212   305   –  
    Deferred tax liabilities 13,102   1,661   –  
    Total liabilities 118,849   105,153   84,678  

    Shareholders’ equity:

    		            
    Share capital 94,849   87,304   81,820  
    Contributed surplus 15,460   15,667   15,471  
    Cumulative translation adjustment 4,326   (367 ) –  
    Deficit (28,728 ) (34,789 ) (44,841 )
    Total shareholders’ equity 85,907   67,815   52,450  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 204,756   172,968   137,128  

    Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income

    Years ended March 31,
    (thousands of Canadian $ except per share amounts)

    		 2025  

    2024

    		  
    Revenue
    129,446    		   108,679  
    Cost of revenue 24,940   17,224  
    Gross profit 104,506   91,455  

    Operating expenses

    		        
    Sales and marketing 18,617   14,957  
    Research and development 30,142   23,679  
    General and administrative 21,599   18,835  
      70,358   57,471  
    Operating profit 34,148   33,984  

    Finance income

    2,968

    		  

    3,146

    		  
    Finance costs (2,080 ) (1,908 )
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration (2,151 ) –  
    Profit before income and other taxes 32,885   35,222  
    Income and other taxes 10,448   8,963  

    Net income

    22,437

    		  

    26,259

    		  

    Other comprehensive income:    		        
    Foreign currency translation adjustment 4,693   (367 )
    Other comprehensive income 4,693   (367 )
    Total comprehensive income 27,130   25,892  
    Net income per share – basic
    0.2    7    		   0.32  
    Net income per share – diluted 0.27   0.32  
    Dividend per share 0.20   0.20  

    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

    Years ended March 31,
    (thousands of Canadian $)

    2025

    		  

    2024

    		  

    Operating activities

    		        
    Net income 22,437   26,259  
    Adjustments for:        
    Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment, right-of use assets 4,756   4,187  
    Amortization of intangible assets 3,709   1,501  
    Deferred income tax expense (recovery) (776 ) 3,518  
    Stock-based compensation (1,297 ) 2,795  
    Foreign exchange and other non-cash items 800   (5 )
    Change in fair value of contingent consideration 2,151   –  
    Funds flow from operations 31,780   38,255  
    Movement in non-cash working capital:        
    Trade and other receivables (527 ) (6,697 )
    Trade payables and accrued liabilities (818 ) 2,618  
    Prepaid expenses and other assets (169 ) (1,183 )
    Income taxes receivable (payable) 2,421   (1,826 )
    Deferred revenue (2,770 ) 4,910  
    Change in non-cash working capital (1,863 ) (2,178 )
    Net cash provided by operating activities 29,917   36,077  

    Financing activities

    		        
    Repayment of acquired line of credit –   (2,012 )
    Repayment of government loan (141 ) –  
    Proceeds from issuance of common shares 5,597   4,193  
    Repayment of lease liabilities (2,750 ) (2,355 )
    Dividends paid (16,376 ) (16,207 )
    Net cash used in financing activities (13,670 ) (16,381 )

    Investing activities

    		        
    Corporate acquisition, net of cash acquired (27,292 ) (22,814 )
    Repayment of acquisition holdback payable (9,247 ) –  
    Property and equipment additions, net of disposals (1,422 ) (650 )
    Net cash used in investing activities (37,961 ) (23,464 )

    Decrease in cash
    (21,714    		 ) (3,768 )
    Effect of foreign exchange on cash 2,515   1  
    Cash, beginning of year 63,083   66,850  
    Cash, end of year 43,884   63,083  

    Supplementary cash flow information

    		        
    Interest received 2,605   3,096  
    Interest paid 1,891   1,908  
    Income taxes paid 11,370   7,201  

    CORPORATE PROFILE 

    CMG Group (TSX:CMG) is a global software and consulting company that combines science and technology with deep industry expertise to solve complex subsurface and surface challenges for the new energy industry around the world. The Company is headquartered in Calgary, AB, with offices in Houston, Oslo, Stavanger, Kaiserslautern, Oxford, Dubai, Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Bengaluru, and Kuala Lumpur. For more information, please visit www.cmgl.ca.

    ANNUAL FILINGS AND RELATED ANNUAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) and consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended March 31, 2025, can be obtained from our website www.cmgl.ca. The documents will also be available under CMG Group’s SEDAR profile www.sedarplus.ca.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “goal”, “seek”, “believe”, “project”, “estimate”, “expect”, “strategy”, “future”, “likely”, “may”, “should”, “will”, and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements include, among others, statements we make regarding the benefits of the acquired technology, the ongoing development thereof; and the ability of data analytics to improve efficiency, cut costs and reduce risks.

    Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements are detailed in the companies’ public filings.

    Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –