NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: £1 billion BioNTech investment sets way for jobs, growth, breakthroughs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    £1 billion BioNTech investment sets way for jobs, growth, breakthroughs

    Covid-19 vaccine pioneers BioNTech commit to up to £1 billion, 10-year investment in the UK.

    • Covid-19 vaccine pioneers BioNTech commit to up to £1 billion, 10-year investment in the UK.
    • New research and AI centres to be established in London as well as Cambridge – demonstrating the benefits of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor – to develop the next generation of life-changing medicines.
    • Underpinned by up to £129 million of government support, this agreement underscores the government’s commitment to life sciences as a key part of the Plan for Change, driving improvements in healthcare, and delivering economic growth.

    Hundreds of highly skilled jobs will be created, and new research centres will be set up aimed at making new advances in medical science, thanks to a planned investment of up to £1 billion into the UK by world-leading biopharmaceutical company BioNTech announced today (Tuesday 20 May).

    This is one of the biggest investments in the history of UK life sciences, made possible with government backing – all part of plans to support this growth-driving sector as part of the Plan for Change, and our mission to turbo-charge economic growth in every part of the country.

    This historic investment is a testament to the confidence in the UK life sciences – one of the priority sectors of the economy that will form a key part of the forthcoming Industrial Strategy – as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and innovations that could overhaul what’s possible in healthcare. The sector is already thriving, worth £108 billion to the economy and providing more than 300,000 highly skilled jobs across the country. But through measures like our commitment to investing up to £520 million in the sector through the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund, we want to boost UK life sciences to even greater heights, bolstering our ambitions to grow the economy, create jobs, and building on the UK’s position as the second-most attractive destination for international investment.

    BioNTech will invest in the UK over the course of the next 10 years as part of an ambitious plan to significantly expand their presence here. That will see them create two new R&D hubs, the first to be based in Cambridge, as well as an AI hub to be based at BioNTech’s planned UK headquarters in London. These are planned to create more than 400 new highly skilled jobs over the next 10 years, including researchers in clinical and scientific drug development, bioinformatics, and a range of supporting functions. Indirectly, the investment is also likely to create a substantial number of additional jobs in the supply chain.

    BioNTech are the pioneering company behind mRNA vaccines and cancer immunotherapies notably used to tackle COVID-19, and more recently trialled to help patients with cancer.

    According to the Academy of Medical Sciences, every £1 spent on medical research delivers a return of 25p, every year, forever after that, so the long-term economic impact of an investment in research on this scale, speaks for itself. This is the government’s Plan for Change, in action, and shows how our ambitions for the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor are already pulling international investment into the UK.

    BioNTech signed an agreement finalising the investment together with Science Secretary Peter Kyle today. As part of the agreement, the government will contribute up to £129 million in grant funding over a period of 10 years.

    Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:

    This investment will propel the growth-driving life sciences sector to new heights, delivering cutting-edge facilities, building careers in the future-facing jobs we want our children to have, and ultimately unlocking progress in medical science that could save lives.

    This is a clear indication of how we will deliver the government’s Plan for Change: working together with the best and brightest businesses and innovators to unlock their potential, and then reap the benefits for the economy, health and more that their drive and genius can deliver.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    This is another testament to confidence in Britain being one of the world’s top investment destinations and a global hub for life sciences. It will create hundreds of high-skilled, well-paid jobs, as we deliver on our promise to put more money in working people’s pockets through our Plan for Change.

    CEO and co-founder of BioNTech, Uğur Şahin, said:

    This agreement marks the next chapter of our successful strategic partnership with the UK government. Together, we have already made a meaningful difference in expanding access to investigational personalized cancer therapies for patients. Now, we are taking the next step to accelerate and broaden our research and development efforts advancing towards our vision to translate science into survival for patients.

    In Cambridge, BioNTech plans to set up a new R&D centre focused on genomics, oncology, structural biology, and regenerative medicine. In London, BioNTech intends to establish its UK headquarters, which will be home to a new AI hub led by InstaDeep Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of BioNTech SE, and a leading global technology company in the field of AI and machine learning. This hub will enable medical research, using AI, including looking into understanding disease causes, drug target selection and predictive analytics.

    Over time, this work could lead to the discovery and development of new therapies, diagnostics and treatments for a range of diseases that currently cause heartbreak for countless patients and their families – all supporting the mission to rebuild the NHS for the long-term, that sits at the heart of the government’s Plan for Change.

    It also builds on the government’s existing strategic partnership with BioNTech, to provide up to 10,000 patients with investigational personalised cancer immunotherapies by 2030. This is already transforming the experience of patients by broadening access to cancer vaccine trials in the UK.

    The government’s support for BioNTech’s investment is a further example of how we are backing the UK’s thriving life sciences sector to even greater success – following on from the announcement of the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund at the Autumn Budget, and strategic collaborations agreed with other innovative life sciences companies. We will say more about our vision for a thriving future for UK life sciences in the forthcoming Life Sciences Sector Plan.

    Steve Bates, CEO of the UK BioIndustry Association, said:

    BioNTech’s investment demonstrates the UK’s position as a top destination for life sciences innovation and underlines why the government is absolutely right to back our sector as a priority for growth.

    BioNTech is not only a pioneer in mRNA science, but also a visionary partner in building a truly unique public-private collaboration with the UK government and NHS – one that sets a benchmark for the world.

    The UK has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leverage its strong position to attract investment from global investors to create well-paid jobs and scale UK companies, if the upcoming Life Sciences Sector Plan can address long-standing structural challenges in the financing and commercial environment.

    Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the ABPI, said:

    This investment is a testament to the fantastic skills, research capabilities, and scientific infrastructure we have in the UK. It is also a template for how the UK could unlock further life science sector growth by removing the barriers and roadblocks to investment.

    Big investments like this are years in the making and require both sides to have confidence that the other will deliver on their commitments. Trust is slow to build, but this deal shows it is worth the time and the risk.

    Life science companies are already the largest investors in UK R&D – but much of this comes from a handful of companies with deep UK roots. The UK has an opportunity to capture more of the global science pie if we can improve our competitive offering to the sector.

    DSIT media enquiries

    Email press@dsit.gov.uk

    Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 6pm 020 7215 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement by ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s anti-ICE comments

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    May 20, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesStatement

    “On the final day of National Police Week — when those brave enough to put on a badge and a uniform mourn their fallen brothers and sisters — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz referred to my professional, hard-working ICE agents and officers as ‘modern-day Gestapo.’ This abhorrent, dehumanizing and ignorant comment should not be tolerated. 

    It seems that Mr. Walz prefers violent criminal aliens are released into Minnesota’s communities. If the governor doesn’t like the laws, he’s free to advocate that Congress change them, but he should refrain from putting ICE officers in danger by likening them to one of the most appalling groups in history. Assaults against ICE officers are up over 400% from this time period last year, and part of that is because politicians like Gov. Walz are careless with their politically motivated rhetoric. He should issue an immediate apology to the men and women protecting his communities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Culture at the core: examining journalism values in the Pacific

    ANALYSIS: By Birte Leonhardt, Folker Hanusch and Shailendra B. Singh

    The role of journalism in society is shaped not only by professional norms but also by deeply held cultural values. This is particularly evident in the Pacific Islands region, where journalists operate in media environments that are often small, tight-knit and embedded within traditional communities.

    Our survey of journalists across Pacific Island countries provides new insight into how cultural values influence journalists’ self-perceptions and practices in the region. The findings are now available as an open access article in the journal Journalism.

    Cultural factors are particularly observable in many collectivist societies, where journalists emphasise their intrinsic connection to their communities. This includes the small and micro-media systems of the Pacific, where “high social integration” includes close familial ties, as well as traditional and cultural affiliations.

    The culture of the Pacific Islands is markedly distinct from Western cultures due to its collectivist nature, which prioritises group aspirations over individual aspirations. By foregrounding culture and values, our study demonstrates that the perception of their local cultural role is a dominant consideration for journalists, and we also see significant correlations between it and the cultural-value orientations of journalists.

    We approach the concept of culture from the viewpoint of journalistic embeddedness, that is, “the extent to which journalists are enmeshed in the communities, cultures, and structures in which and on whom they report, and the extent to which this may both enable and constrain their work”.

    The term embeddedness has often been considered undesirable in mainstream journalism, given ideals of detachment and objectivity which originated in the West and experiences of how journalists were embedded with military forces, such as the Iraq War.

    Yet, in alternative approaches to journalism, being close to those on whom they report has been a desirable value, such as in community journalism, whereas a critique of mainstream journalism has tended to be that those reporters do not really understand local communities.

    Cultural detachment both impractical and undesirable
     What is more, in the Global South, embeddedness is often viewed as an intrinsic element of journalists’ identity, making cultural detachment both impractical and undesirable.

    Recent research highlights that journalists in many regions of the world, including in unstable democracies, often experience more pronounced cultural influences on their work compared to their Western counterparts.

    To explore how cultural values and identity shape journalism in the region, we surveyed 206 journalists across nine countries: Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Nauru and the Marshall Islands.

    The study was conducted as part of a broader project about Pacific Islands journalists between mid-2016 and mid-2018. About four in five of journalists in targeted newsrooms agreed to participate, making this one of the largest surveys of journalists in the region.

    Respondents were asked about their perceptions of journalism’s role in society and the extent to which cultural values inform their work.

    Our respondents averaged just under 37 years of age and were relatively evenly split in terms of gender (49 percent identified as female) with most in full-time employment (94 percent). They had an average of nine years of work experience. Around seven in 10 had studied at university, but only two-thirds of those had completed a university degree.

    The findings showed that Pacific Islands journalists overwhelmingly supported ideas related to a local cultural role in reporting. A vast majority — 88 percent agreed that it was important for them to reflect local culture in reporting, while 75 percent also thought it was important to defend local traditions and values.

    Important to preserve local culture
    Further, 71 percent agreed it was important for journalists to preserve local culture. Together, these roles were considered substantially more important than traditional roles such as the monitorial role, where journalists pursue media’s watchdog function.

    This suggests Pacific islands journalists see themselves not just as neutral observers or critics but as active cultural participants — conveying stories that strengthen identity, continuity and community cohesion.

    To understand why journalists adopt this local cultural role, we looked at which values best predicted their orientation. We used a regression model to account for a range of potential influences, including socio-demographic aspects such as work experience, education, gender, the importance of religion and journalists’ cultural-value orientations.

    Our results showed that the best predictor for whether journalists thought it was important to pursue a local cultural role lay in their own value system. In fact, the extent to which journalists adhered to so-called conservative values like self-restraint, the preservation of tradition and resistance to change emerged as the strongest predictors.

    Hence, our findings suggest that journalists who emphasise tradition and social stability in their personal value systems are significantly more likely to prioritise a local cultural role.

    These values reflect a preference for preserving the status quo, respecting established customs, and fostering social harmony — all consistent with Pacific cultural norms.

    While the importance of cultural values was clear in how journalists perceive their role, the findings were more mixed when it came to reporting practices. In general, we found that such practices were valued.

    Considerable consensus on customs
    There was considerable consensus regarding the importance of respecting traditional customs in reporting, which 87 percent agreed with. A further 68 percent said that their traditional values guided their behaviour when reporting.

    At the same time, only 29 percent agreed with the statement that they were a member of their cultural group first and a journalist second, whereas 44 percent disagreed. Conversely, 52 percent agreed that the story was more important than respecting traditional customs and values, while 27 percent disagreed.

    These variations suggest that while Pacific journalists broadly endorse cultural preservation as a goal, the practical realities of journalism — such as covering conflict, corruption or political issues — may sometimes create tensions with cultural expectations.

    Our findings support the notion that Pacific Islands journalists are deeply embedded in local culture, informed by collective values, strong community ties and a commitment to tradition.

    Models of journalism training and institution-building that originated in the West often prioritise norms such as objectivity, autonomy and detached reporting, but in the Pacific such models may fall short or at least clash with the cultural values that underpin journalistic identity.

    These aspects need to be taken into account when examining journalism in the region.

    Recognising and respecting local value systems is not about compromising press freedom — it’s about contextualising journalism within its social environment. Effective support for journalism in the region must account for the realities of cultural embeddedness, where being a journalist often means being a community member as well.

    Understanding the values that motivate journalists — particularly the desire to preserve tradition and promote social stability — can help actors and policymakers engage more meaningfully with media practitioners in the region.

    Birte Leonhardt is a PhD candidate at the Journalism Studies Center at the University of Vienna, Austria. Her research focuses on journalistic cultures, values and practices, as well as interventionist journalism.

    Folker Hanusch is professor of journalism and heads the Journalism Studies Center at the University of Vienna, Austria. He is also editor-in-chief of Journalism Studies, and vice-chair of the Worlds of Journalism Study.

    Shailendra B. Singh is associate professor of Pacific journalism at the University of the South Pacific, based in Suva, Fiji, and a member of the advisory board of the Pacific Journalism Review.

    This article appeared first on Devpolicy Blog, from the Development Policy Centre at The Australian National University and is republished under Creative Commons.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nonprofit news media leaders are struggling to stop leaning on the foundations that say they should branch out more

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Katherine Fink, Associate Professor of Media, Communications, and Visual Arts, Pace University

    If the basket falls, at least there are some other eggs on hand that might not break. Iryna Veklich/Moment via Getty Images

    You’ve probably heard the adage about not putting all your eggs in one basket.

    It’s an especially meaningful one for newspapers. For decades, they relied heavily on advertising revenue. That arrangement stopped working about 20 years ago, as audiences moved online and advertisers followed. News media outlets moved online as well, but they found themselves in a losing battle for advertising dollars against new digital competitors such as Craigslist, Facebook and Google. One-third of U.S. newspapers have closed in the past two decades, most of them local.

    As their income from ads and subscriptions has dwindled, some news organizations that used to rely mainly on ad revenue, such as The Salt Lake Tribune and Philadelphia Inquirer, have become nonprofits – opening the door to other sources of revenue. And interest in launching news organizations as nonprofits has been growing. Meanwhile, some for-profit media outlets have begun to obtain some philanthropic support and ask for donations from readers and subscribers.

    I’m a journalism studies researcher and a former journalist myself. To better understand how news leaders were thinking about their future in this ever-evolving landscape, I researched the fundraising approaches of local nonprofit news outlets across the U.S.

    I interviewed 23 local news leaders about their fundraising strategies and their views on the best way to balance their sources of funding in the long term. What I found is that nonprofit news media outlets are finding it necessary to pursue multiple streams of revenue, including from foundations, in the search for sustainable business models. But the ideal revenue mix may look different for each organization.

    Foundations are footing half the bill

    Foundations, especially the Knight Foundation, have become major supporters of nonprofit news media in recent years. According to the Institute for Nonprofit News, foundations provided about half of all revenue for nonprofit news media in 2023. Another 29% came from individual donations. And 17% came from ads and other sources of earned, rather than donated, revenue.

    Money raised through grants from foundations can arrive in larger amounts and be more predictable than advertising revenue. But it often comes with strings attached. For example, in exchange for a grant, a media outlet might be pressured to adjust its editorial priorities or adopt specific technologies.

    The nonprofit news leaders I interviewed also said foundations tend to be more interested in starting new organizations than sustaining media outlets that are already up and running.

    Some foundations are now making that point clearer than ever by telling the nonprofit news organizations they have supported not to depend too much on them anymore. The Knight Foundation and other funders have informed potential applicants they must demonstrate they are pursuing revenue diversity as a condition for getting a grant.

    In other words, nonprofit media shouldn’t put all of their eggs in the foundation basket, either.

    Branching out

    The local news leaders I interviewed said they didn’t necessarily see having a variety of revenue sources as a path to sustainability. And adding new revenue streams comes with costs, such as hiring membership directors or advertising salespeople. Local news leaders said it’s hard to know whether making those investments will pay off.

    Still, under pressure to rely less on foundations and more on other types of revenue, they’ve been branching out in recent years. According to the Institute for Nonprofit News, foundations provided 57% of nonprofit news revenue in 2018; in 2024, that share had declined to 51%.

    But it’s not clear how much more revenue could come from other sources. Donations from readers tend to be provided in small amounts, so news organizations need a lot of them. And individuals donate to news organizations for a variety of reasons, so news organizations need to hire fundraisers who can craft a variety of messages. Getting large numbers of readers to donate is hard, however, because audiences for local news tend to be small.

    Nonprofit news organizations can also accept advertising. However, advertising is a taxable form of revenue, unlike donations. The IRS has also warned organizations that they can lose their tax-exempt status if they accept too much income that is “unrelated” to their nonprofit missions, including advertising.

    Pooling donor funds

    Ultimately, the nonprofit news leaders I interviewed say every type of revenue has its drawbacks. And the more complicated their revenue mix becomes, the more complicated their approach to fundraising has to be.

    Local news organizations already operating on shoestring budgets don’t have the capacity to complicate their fundraising, even though they say they agree with the general principle of revenue diversity.

    The nonprofit news leaders did have encouraging things to say about a newer fundraising trend: pooled donor funds. With pooled donor funds, multiple donors contribute to a single charity that serves as an intermediary that disburses that donated money to a particular kind of nonprofit.

    For the media, examples include the Institute for Nonprofit News’ NewsMatch and Press Forward, a coalition of 20 foundations.

    Pooled donor funds can be considered a form of revenue diversity, since they combine contributions from multiple sources and are used to persuade individual readers to “match” donations from the pooled funds with their own contributions. That can potentially insulate news organizations from major changes as grants from individual foundations come and go.

    Researching the role of ‘earned revenue’

    I plan to publish the results of another study soon. It’s about the role that “earned revenue,” meaning advertising, sponsorships and other entrepreneurial sources of money, is playing in the funding of nonprofit news media.

    The Institute for Nonprofit News has called it “perhaps the most underutilized revenue stream for nonprofit news.”

    But the nonprofit news leaders I interviewed had mixed feelings about earned revenue. In part, that was because of ambiguous guidance about how much of it news organizations may accept without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status.

    Given President Donald Trump’s recent threats against other nonprofits, including universities and hospitals, news organizations may be even more reluctant to test those limits.

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

    – ref. Nonprofit news media leaders are struggling to stop leaning on the foundations that say they should branch out more – https://theconversation.com/nonprofit-news-media-leaders-are-struggling-to-stop-leaning-on-the-foundations-that-say-they-should-branch-out-more-255821

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The one-size-fits-all diversity training model is broken – here’s a better alternative

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Radostina Purvanova, Professor of Management and Organizational Leadership, Drake University

    Diversity training is more effective when it’s personalized, according to my new research in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Psychology.

    As a professor of management, I partnered with Andrew Bryant, who studies social marketing, to develop an algorithm that identifies people’s “personas,” or psychological profiles, as they participate in diversity training in real time. We embedded this algorithm into a training system that dynamically assigned participants to tailored versions of the training based on their personas.

    We found that this personalized approach worked especially well for one particular group: the “skeptics.” When skeptics received training tailored to them, they responded more positively – and expressed a stronger desire to support their organizations’ diversity efforts – than those who received the same training as everyone else.

    In the age of social media, where just about everything is customized and personalized, this sounds like a no-brainer. But with diversity training, where the one-size-fits-all approach still rules, this is radical. In most diversity trainings, all participants hear the same message, regardless of their preexisting beliefs and attitudes toward diversity. Why would we assume that this would work?

    Thankfully, the field is realizing the importance of a learner-centric approach. Researchers have theorized that several diversity trainee personas exist. These include the resistant trainee, who feels defensive; the overzealous trainee, who is hyper-engaged; and the anxious trainee, who is uncomfortable with diversity topics. Our algorithm, based on real-world data, identified two personas with empirical backing: skeptics and believers. This is proof of concept that trainee personas aren’t just theoretical – they’re real, and we can detect them in real time.

    But identifying personas is just the beginning. What comes next is tailoring the message. To learn more about tailoring, we looked to the theory of jujitsu persuasion. In jujitsu, fighters don’t strike. They use their opponent’s energy to win. Similarly, in jujitsu persuasion, you yield to the audience, not challenge it. You use the audience’s beliefs, knowledge and values as leverage to make change.

    In terms of diversity training, this doesn’t mean changing what the message is. It means changing how the message is framed. For example, the skeptics in our study still learned about the devastating harms of workplace bias. But they were more persuaded when the message was framed as a “business case” for diversity, rather than a “moral justice” message. The “business case” message is tailored to skeptics’ practical orientation. If diversity training researchers and practitioners embrace tailoring diversity training to different trainee personas, more creative approaches to tailoring will surely be designed.

    Why it matters

    The Trump administration is leading a backlash against diversity initiatives, and a backlash to that backlash is emerging. This isn’t entirely new: Diversity has long been a contentious issue.

    Organizations like the Pew Research Center, the United Nations and others have consistently reported a conservative-liberal split, as well as a male-female split, around diversity. Diversity training has done little to bridge these gaps.

    For one, diversity training is often ineffective at reducing bias and improving diversity metrics in organizations. Many organizations treat diversity training efforts as a box-checking exercise. Worse, it’s not unusual for such efforts to backfire.

    Our research offers a solution: Identify the trainee personas represented in your audience and customize your training accordingly. This is what social media platforms like Facebook do: They learn about people in real time and then tailor the content they see.

    To illustrate the importance of tailoring diversity training specifically, consider how differently skeptics and believers think. One skeptic in our study – which focused on gender diversity training – said: “The issue isn’t as great as feminists try to force us to believe. Women simply focus on other things in life; men focus on career first.” In contrast, a believer said: “In my own organization, all CEOs and managers are men. Women are not respected or promoted very often, if at all.”

    Clearly, trainees are different. Tailoring the training to different personas, jujitsu style, may be how we change hearts and minds.

    What still isn’t known

    Algorithms are only as good as the data they rely on. Our algorithm identified personas based on information the trainees reported about themselves. More objective data, such as data culled from human resources systems, may identify personas more reliably.

    Algorithms also improve as they learn over time. As artificial intelligence tools become more widely used in HR, persona-identifying algorithms will get smarter and faster. The training itself needs to get smarter. A one-time training session, even a tailored one, stands less of a chance at long-term change compared with periodic nudges. Nudges are bite-sized interventions that are unobtrusively delivered over time. Now, think about tailored nudges. They could be a game changer.

    The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

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

    – ref. The one-size-fits-all diversity training model is broken – here’s a better alternative – https://theconversation.com/the-one-size-fits-all-diversity-training-model-is-broken-heres-a-better-alternative-250495

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE supports coordination meeting of newly elected women parliamentarians and development partners

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE supports coordination meeting of newly elected women parliamentarians and development partners

    On 20 May 2025, the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe facilitated a coordination meeting between the newly elected members of the Alliance of Women Parliamentarians — comprising 23 women — and representatives from government institutions and development agencies.
    The meeting introduced both the new members of the Alliance and the Alliance’s 2025–2026 Work Plan to national and international partners. The OSCE and UNFPA presented examples of successful co-operation with the Alliance from 2021 to 2024, highlighting achievements in gender mainstreaming and legislative reform.
    Development partners also used the opportunity to discuss potential entry points for future co-operation with the Alliance, focusing in particular on gender-sensitive legislation and strengthening institutional capacity for gender mainstreaming in parliamentary processes.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Making the MFF Fit for Purpose

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    Opening Remarks by Alfred Kammer, IMF European Department Director, for the Annual EU Budget Conference

    May 20, 2025

    Thank you for the opportunity to join this important discussion today on the EU budget.

    Europe stands at a transformative crossroads. The global environment is increasingly complex, and structural changes are reshaping the foundations of European economies. The challenges before us are significant: strengthening productivity and resilience amid demographic aging and rising geopolitical and trade tensions while increasing defense spending in a fiscally sustainable way, and enhancing energy security and accelerating the clean energy transition.

    This is an extraordinary combination of challenges, and it will take an extraordinary effort to meet them. The key is to combine (i) a determined push to complete the single market with (ii) national reforms to allow Europe’s firms to grow to scale. The benefits of doing both promise to be much larger than EU-level and national efforts could achieve on their own. For example, dropping “red tape” that holds back firms at the national level will have a significant larger effect on investment when supported by a much deeper and fully integrated European capital market. And (iii) we will need the EU budget to amplify these efforts by enabling the joint provision of European public goods and incentivizing national reforms. Just think of the importance of energy security for the single market—this is just one example of a European public good where the EU budget has an important role to play.

    The Multiannual Financial Framework, or MFF, has proven its strategic importance time and again. It has supported economic convergence through cohesion policy, and, more recently, the ambitious NextGenerationEU package launched in 2020 helped Europe recover from the pandemic with renewed resilience.

    Yet, once again, the scale and nature of the challenges ahead require a fundamental rethink. To remain fit for purpose, the upcoming MFF must undergo a comprehensive overhaul. Our recommendations focus on three critical areas.

    First, a more ambitious budget with a stronger focus on European public goods is needed.

    Over time, the MFF has evolved to reflect emerging needs, but it has not kept pace with the expanding list of challenges that demand a joint EU-level response. Its current size and structure are insufficient to meet the scale of new investments required.

    The budget must prioritize areas where EU action can deliver the greatest value—by generating positive spillovers, leveraging economies of scale, and also avoiding duplication between member states. These are the hallmarks of European public goods. Investments in energy security, defense capabilities, and research and innovation are clear examples where joint EU action is both necessary and efficient.

    To meet these needs, we must consider a significant increase in expenditures targeted at European public goods, from 0.4 percent of GNI currently to at least 0.9 percent, based on various estimates from the Commission and others. Doing so without reducing allocations to existing programs would imply increasing the MFF budget by at least 50 percent for the 2028–2034 period, from 1.1 percent of GNI to 1.7 percent of GNI.

    In the first instance, more EU spending on public goods would reduce the burden on national budgets for the provision of these public goods. But, importantly, this would not simply shift costs from the national to the EU level. With coordinated EU-level investment, greater efficiency will be achieved and, thus, net savings in the provision of these public goods will be generated. For instance, in the case of investments for the clean energy transition, we estimate that improved coordination at the EU level could reduce aggregate costs by approximately 7 percent. At a time when many countries face tight fiscal constraints, such efficiency gains are critical.

    Second, we must ensure the MFF is more performance-based, streamlined, and adaptable.

    At the core of this effort should be a stronger focus on performance. Linking financial support more systematically to outcomes—an approach implemented through the Recovery and Resilience Facility—can significantly improve the effectiveness of EU spending. The performance-based approach should be expanded across more areas of the EU budget, particularly where targeted financial incentives can catalyze national and regional reforms that complement EU objectives. But as we expand this approach, we must also ensure it remains as simple and transparent as possible—complexity can hinder both implementation and accountability. Programs under cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy are clear candidates. Importantly, though, effective implementation will also require leveraging local and regional expertise to tailor solutions to specific contexts.

    Beyond performance, the design of the MFF must be modernized to reduce complexity and increase strategic focus. Consolidating the more than 50 budgetary programs into a smaller number of thematic clusters, organized around key policy priorities, would help streamline the budget. Moreover, harmonizing requirements across programs would reduce the administrative burden for governments, organizations, and beneficiaries, while improving accessibility and implementation.

    The budget also needs to become more adaptable. The events of the past five years have demonstrated the need for greater flexibility to respond to evolving circumstances. Thus, the MFF should be equipped with a greater margin for reallocation within the budget and stronger flexibility instruments—backed by sufficient resources—to address more frequent and intense shocks. A mid-term review process within the regular budget cycle could continue to help respond to changing realities.

    Third, the financing framework of the budget must be strengthened.

    A more ambitious EU budget will require an enhanced financial capacity. Currently, the MFF is predominantly funded through national contributions based on GNI. To support a step-up in European public goods investment, the financing model should be expanded to include borrowing and more robust own resources.

    Borrowing capacity—particularly during the initial investment scale-up—can enable the EU to achieve shared objectives without delay, while smoothing the fiscal impact for member states over time. Moreover, bond-financing can support the further development of a European safe asset, thereby advancing capital market integration and contributing to macro-financial stability.

    At the same time, the long-term sustainability of the EU budget requires solid and predictable revenue sources. Progress on new own resources is essential—not only to finance existing debt obligations under NextGenerationEU, but also to underpin future borrowing. The Commission’s proposals, including revenue based on the Emissions Trading System, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, and potentially a harmonized corporate tax base under the “Business in Europe” initiative, represent a meaningful step forward.

    In the longer term, additional revenue sources linked to European public goods—such as user fees on jointly funded infrastructure—may also play a role as the budget evolves toward supporting more EU-wide investments, even if the scope remains limited for now.

    In conclusion, meeting Europe’s complex challenges requires a more impactful EU budget. The next MFF presents a unique opportunity to scale up ambition, deliver on shared priorities, and transform the budget into a true engine for growth, resilience, and European sovereignty.

    This will not be an easy path. Increasing the budget, improving its design, and broadening its financing base will all require political consensus across member states. But the potential rewards are significant: a more united, more competitive, and more secure Europe.

    Thank you.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER:

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/20/sp052025-ak-making-the-mff-fit-for-purpose

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Heritage Museum’s Hong Kong comedy comics exhibition brings fun for all with classic characters (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is collaborating with the Hong Kong Comics & Animation Federation to present the “Comic Fun for All: The Magic of Hong Kong Comedy Comics” exhibition at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum (HKHM), with funding support from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency. The exhibition will run from tomorrow (May 21) to March 9 next year, with free admission. By presenting manuscripts, comic books, comic byproducts, art installations and multimedia programmes associated with Hong Kong comedy comics, the exhibition will demonstrate to the audience the inspiration of local comic artists and their artistic features, and revisit the important comedy comic works that accompanied readers throughout their formative years, from the 1950s to the present.
     
         Addressing the opening ceremony today (May 20), the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, said that Hong Kong, as a melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures and with a vibrant city life, provides a wide variety of themes and topics for comics. Hong Kong comedy comics are unique and well received by readers in the city and worldwide. Cultural and creative products, such as films, toys, stationery, and figures inspired by Hong Kong comics, are the best testimonies that demonstrate Hong Kong’s soft cultural power.
     
         The Chairman of the Hong Kong Comics & Animation Federation, Mr Tony Wong, added that, this exhibition is a testimony to the inheritance of Hong Kong comics pop culture. Hope that through this exhibition, Hong Kong’s unique sense of humor can continue to be spread and promoted, allowing more people to feel the charm of Hong Kong comics.
     
         Other officiating guests included the Head (Multi-media) of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, Mr Alex So; the Chairman of the History Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Joshua Mok; and the Museum Director of the HKHM, Mr Brian Lam.
     
         Various photo-taking spots are set up in the exhibition gallery and at different locations in the museum, where the public can take photos with 11 comedy comic characters from different eras, namely Old Master Q, My Boy, Sau Sing Chai, Buck Teeth Jane, Q Boy, Old Girl, Din-Dong, Ding Ding Penguin, Taimasing, IT Guy & Art Girl, and Dada & Siumui. The audience can also experience the magic of comedy comics through meticulously designed interactive exhibits, namely the Digital Caricature, the Funny Comics Mirror and the Comics Photo Booth.
     
         Other must-see exhibits include precious manuscripts, comic books and comic byproducts by Hong Kong comic artists from different periods, as well as rarely seen comedy comics manuscripts from comic masters such as Ma Wing-shing, Lee Chi-ching and David Ki, some of which are on display for the first time. A Comics Reading Zone is set up in the exhibition gallery to feature a curated selection of comics collections of the Hong Kong Public Libraries, allowing visitors to rekindle the joy of reading comics.
     
         During the exhibition period, the HKHM will organise a series of free special programmes, such as a series of lectures, film screenings, caricature drawings and workshops. For details, please visit
    hk.heritage.museum/en/web/hm/exhibitions/data/comic_fun.html, or call 2180 8188 for enquiries.
     
         The exhibition is one of the programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025. This year, the LCSD presents the third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, themed “More Than Joy”. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Upcoming US Law Webinars – June 2025

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    We hope you will join us in June for the next offering of our Orientation to Legal Research webinar, focusing on U.S. case law, followed by the next entry into the Introduction to Congress.gov webinars. These webinars are designed to give a basic introduction on how to use Congress.gov and other legal sources when conducting research, as well as to provide updates on the new features available at the Law Library and through Congress.gov. For more information and to register, please visit the links below.

    An Orientation to Legal Research: U.S. Case Law

    Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT

    Content: This webinar is designed to give a basic introduction to legal sources and research techniques. This entry in the series provides an overview of U.S. case law research, including information about the U.S. federal court system, the publication of court opinions, methods for researching case law, and information about locating records and briefs.

    Instructor: Olivia Kane-Cruz. Olivia Kane-Cruz is a legal reference librarian at the Law Library of Congress. Olivia holds a B.A. in political science from Humboldt State University (Cal Poly Humboldt), a J.D. and a master’s of environmental law and policy from Vermont Law School, and an M.L.I.S. from the University of Washington.

    Register here. 

    An Introduction to Congress.gov Webinar

    Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT

    Content: This orientation is designed to give a basic overview of Congress.gov. While the focus of the session will be searching legislation and the congressional member information attached to the legislation, the new features of Congress.gov will also be highlighted.

    Instructors: Barbara Bavis and Robert Brammer. Barbara is the bibliographic and research instruction librarian at the Law Library. She holds a B.A. in history from Duke University, a J.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Law, and a Master of Science in library and information science specializing in law librarianship from Catholic University. Robert is the chief of the Law Library’s Office of External Relations. He holds a B.A. in political science from the University of Kentucky, a J.D. from Wayne State University, and a Master of Library Science from Florida State University.

    Register here.

    To learn about other upcoming classes on domestic and foreign law topics, visit the Legal Research Institute. Please request ADA accommodations at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or [email protected].

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Thrive Launches Compliance Center Offering Unrivaled Expertise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thrive, a global technology outsourcing provider for cybersecurity, Cloud, and IT managed services, today announced its new Compliance Center. The Compliance Center provides mid-market businesses and public sector organizations with valuable content that aligns with industry-specific needs and international regulations, delivering comprehensive support for diverse industries.

    As technology continues to advance, global regulatory expansion continues to advance protections around personal data from cyberattacks or other misuse. With new and evolving standards appearing on the international stage, such as DORA, the EU AI Act, and data privacy laws that differ region to region, maintaining compliance and seamless operations is becoming increasingly complex. With streamlined, compliance-friendly processes and technology in place, mid-market businesses and public sector organizations can focus on growth and innovation. Thrive’s tailored, scalable solutions align with industry-specific needs and international regulations.

    “Whether it’s industry-specific or government-enforced, organizations are facing stricter and ever-changing regulations to ensure they are protecting their users’ data,” said Bill McLaughlin, CEO of Thrive. “Thrive empowers mid-market organizations across the globe to meet regulatory requirements, improve operations, and achieve business goals. By leveraging robust guidelines, best practices, and automation, Thrive optimizes security and mitigates potential fines.”

    Thrive currently supports organizations across various industries – including financial services, healthcare, and government operations – that want to maintain compliance in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Thrive services can effectively help modernize IT infrastructure, managing risk in data protection, business continuity planning, strategic consulting, vCISO services, and secure Cloud operations.

    The Compliance Center builds on Thrive’s teams of subject matter experts, including supporting organizations with DORA regulations, CMMC, CJIS, and more. Thrive experts are also trained to address specific regulatory requirements and policy areas, including HIPAA and SEC. For more information on our newest service, Cyber Essentials (CE) and Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+) consulting, auditing, and certification, see here. To learn more about these offerings, visit Thrive’s website here.

    About Thrive

    Thrive delivers global technology outsourcing for cybersecurity, Cloud, networking, and other complex IT requirements. Thrive’s NextGen platform enables customers to increase business efficiencies through standardization, scalability, and automation, delivering oversized technology returns on investment (ROI). They accomplish this with advisory services, vCISO, vCIO, consulting, project implementation, solution architects, and a best-in-class subscription-based technology platform. Thrive delivers exceptional high-touch service through its POD approach of subject matter experts and global 24x7x365 SOC, NOC, and centralized services teams. Learn more at www.thrivenextgen.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

    Contacts

    Hannah Johnston

    thrive@v2comms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best No Deposit Casino Bonus USA 2025 | Best Crypto Casino No Deposit – SuperSlots

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    Media Contact:

    Project name : Superslots

    Address – 47 W 13th St, New York, NY 10011, USA
    Company Website: https://superslots-ag.com/
    Email: support@superslots-ag.com
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    Contact person name: Ryan
    contact person email: ryan@superslots-ag.com

    Disclaimer
    This information is for general and entertainment purposes only—not legal, financial, or gambling advice. Always verify details and follow your local laws. Gambling carries risks; wager responsibly and only what you can afford to lose, and seek help if you feel out of control. Some links may be affiliate links at no extra cost to you, and will may be unavailable or restricted in certain regions.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0389af05-bcb1-4d56-8a7c-36039fe63aaf

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: SuperSlots Casino : Best Online Casino Bonus In USA 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    This information is for general and entertainment purposes only—not legal, financial, or gambling advice. Always verify details and follow your local laws. Gambling carries risks; wager responsibly and only what you can afford to lose, and seek help if you feel out of control. Some links may be affiliate links at no extra cost to you, and wild may be unavailable or restricted in certain regions.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c26e48bc-821f-438f-aa39-5fbf0515b6a7

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Reaction to 2025 Global Report on Food Crises: Oxfam warns of “a world veering off course, starving by design”

    Source: Oxfam –

    Today’s “2025 Global Report on Food Crises” (GRFC), led by the Food Security Information Network (FSIN), says that 295 million people around the world are now experiencing acute hunger – twice as many as in 2020 and marking the sixth consecutive annual increase. 

    Reacting to the report, Oxfam Global Food and Economic Security Lead, Emily Farr, said:   

    “This evidence presents an unflinching picture of a world veering off course. Hunger is no longer just a tragic byproduct of conflict—it is increasingly being wielded as its very weapon. In Gaza, Israel’s bombing campaign, forced displacement, and siege have engineered the conditions for famine, while in Sudan, food stockpiles spoil at the borders while communities starve. These are not failures of logistics or capacity. They are calculated assaults on civilians through starvation by design, in flagrant violation of international law. 

    “Across the globe, we see the rise of three “lethal Cs”: Cuts, Conflict, and Climate. Together, they’ve fuelled the highest number ever recorded of people experiencing the most severe level of food insecurity. Yet major donor governments continue to gut aid budgets while ramping up military spending and handing tax breaks to billionaires. The world is spending more on bombs than on bread, more on walls than on welfare. The richest grow richer while the poorest are left to starve. 

    “This is not a resource crisis—it’s a political and moral one. And it can be undone. Donor governments must restore life-saving aid, and all States must unequivocally hold those using starvation as a weapon to account. International Humanitarian Law is not optional. This is a test of global leadership and collective conscience.”  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Oxfam reaction to announcement that Israel will allow a limited amount of aid into Gaza

    Source: Oxfam –

    Reacting to the announcement that Israel will allow a limited amount of aid into Gaza, Wassem Mushtaha, Oxfam’s Gaza Response Lead, said:

    “While some aid was allowed into Gaza today, it will only be a trickle amongst a sea of need. For over 70 days Israel has been starving the people of Gaza, depriving them of food, water, medicine and essential supplies while escalating its cruel and indiscriminate bombing campaign. Two million people are on the brink of famine, and they are not just starving, but also traumatised, sick and displaced from their homes. 

    “The limited entry of aid into Gaza cannot be mistaken for meaningful progress, especially alongside the expansion of Israel’s brutal bombing campaign across the Gaza Strip. It is not a turning point, but at best a narrow concession that seems to reflect mounting international pressure.

    “Oxfam is also concerned about Israel’s plan to take over aid operations. Instead of restoring access, this emerging system centres on restrictive border crossings, military-controlled corridors, and opaque conditions that exclude local and experienced humanitarian organisations and hinder the impartial delivery of aid. 

    Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam’s Policy lead in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Gaza, said:

    “What is urgently needed is not new obstacles on the ground, but for all crossings to be opened to allow a full and proper humanitarian response, that allows real access, with safe corridors and respect for international humanitarian law, a call mirrored by 22 donor countries and the EU, in a joint statement released earlier today. These are factors we also hope will be at the forefront of discussions when the EU Foreign Affairs Council meets on Tuesday the 20th to address the need to review the EU IL association agreement based on a lack of compliance with human rights and humanitarian law.

    “A token convoy does not equal progress, only sustained, accountable access through every crossing will end the impunity that keeps aid from flowing. We must also see an end to the relentless bombing and attacks on Palestinian people, with an urgent and permanent ceasefire, alongside justice and accountability for all.”

    Joint donor statement from 25 aid partners published yesterday.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SNP’s Katy challenges opponent to reject Labour’s ‘Jobs Tax’

    Source: Scottish National Party

    Katy Loudon, the SNP’s candidate in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, has called on the Labour candidate to “call out Labour’s tax hike for what it is … another broken promise that will cost the people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse dearly.”

    The Daily Record has reported that Labour peer, Lord Willie Haughey, who has donated over £2 million to Keir Starmer’s Labour, has warned unemployment will rise because of the Westminster Labour government’s decision to increase employer’s National Insurance Contributions to 15%.

    The Labour Lord highlighted how his own customers who are making cuts to afford the National Insurance increase and said “there is nothing that we as Labour can point to that we have got right in the Budget.”

    The tax hike is estimated to cost South Lanarkshire Council over £15 million, and Scotland’s wider public services £700 million.

    Scotland’s third sector also face a £75 million hit, and universities expect to be facing up to £45 million of additional costs.

    Meanwhile GP practices could be forced to close and businesses will have to pay an extra £850 on average, per employee.

    Lord Haughey went on to say “I don’t know what group we haven’t fallen out with yet. So now we are going to fall out with the people who need the most help” regarding Labour’s planned £5 billion worth of cuts to support for disabled people.

    Commenting on Lord Haughey’s remarks the SNP’s Katy Loudon said:

    “Amid a cost-of-living crisis, Labour’s tax hike is the last thing ordinary people and local businesses need. It is yet another example of the Labour Party letting Scotland down.

    “While I’m glad a senior Labour figure is acknowledging the harm being caused by this Labour government, many still remain silent – including Labour’s candidate in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.

    “Anyone seeking to represent this area must be the strongest voice on the issues that matter to the people here, and I know from my conversations with local charities and businesses that there is grave concern about the cost of Labour’s tax on jobs.

    “I am absolutely clear that this tax hike must be scrapped. But will the Labour candidate stand up for Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse and join me in my calls for Labour to u-turn on this preposterous decision?”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PAKISTAN – Cardinal Coutts: “We are brothers and sisters, we are children of one Mother”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Paolo Affatato – Agenzia Fides

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “In a time of tension, we can only call for prayer for peace between India and Pakistan. We must rediscover our roots: we are brothers and sisters because we are children of one Mother, as Mahatma Gandhi used to say,” said Pakistani Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi, who participated in the conclave and the Mass celebrating the beginning of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in an interview with Fides. “Today, we feel the urgency to do something for authentic peace,” the Cardinal continued. “We as citizens and as religious communities in India and Pakistan can and will promote a culture of peace to defuse hatred, disarm hearts, and educate people to forgiveness. Our political leaders should therefore do something concrete in the form of an agreement, because the Kashmir conflict is a political issue, with the governments of the two nations continuing to accuse each other.”Historically, Cardinal Coutts noted, the problem dates back to the time of independence from the British Empire: “Muslims in Kashmir did not want to be part of India. At that time, it was said that citizens had a choice: if they were Muslim, they belonged to Pakistan; if they were Hindu, they belonged to India. However, this was not the case for Kashmir, because the kingdom’s Hindu Raja chose India, even though this went against the wishes of the people and the general situation. This is where the conflict arose.” “Back then,” the Cardinal said, “we were truly brothers and sisters, a people fighting together for liberation from the colonial yoke. This fraternity must be rediscovered today and is the path to building a just and lasting peace for the future. We must return to the words of Mahatma Gandhi, who said: For two thousand years we have lived together as one people, we are all children of one mother, Mother India. But today Gandhi is forgotten and not even taught in schools,” he notes with a certain bitterness.”Political nationalism,” Cardinal Coutts continued, “has complicated the situation over the years; clashes and wars have fueled tensions between peoples with the same history and culture. This makes us realize the senselessness of this war. Back then, the goal was to create two nations that would grant equal rights to all citizens and live in peace. The leaders of the independence process, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Mohandas Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru, envisioned two sister nations. Let us return to that desire. Today, we are called to live together as good neighbors.”Cardinal Coutts recalls his episcopal motto, “Harmony”: “I would like to apply it both to relations within Pakistan, as the fruit of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and the cultivation of benevolent relations between the various communities, and to relations with the outside world, especially with India: Our desire is that we can build bridges, reach out to one another, and reconcile ourselves to live in harmony,” he concludes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 20/5/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/HOLY LAND – Time wasted between betrayed promises of peace and massacres of innocents

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    photo UNRWA

    by Father Ibrahim Faltas, ofm*Jerusalem (Agenzia Fides) – “In Gaza, children, families, and the surviving elderly are reduced to starvation.” With these words, Pope Leo XIV recalled the suffering in Gaza during Sunday’s Regina Caeli in St. Peter’s Square, packed with faithful and in the presence of Heads of State, government leaders, and representatives of numerous countries around the world.Earlier, in his homily, the Holy Father had emphasized that love and unity are the starting point of the mission entrusted by Jesus to Peter. Leo XIV shows us the way: the defense of life, both physical and spiritual, is born from love and unity.In the Holy Land, life remains suspended between betrayed promises of peace and the certainty of death. It is not unforeseeable events or natural disasters that cause this suffering, but rather unscrupulous human hands and minds.In Gaza, 950 children have died in the last month alone. Since the beginning of the war, the death toll has risen to more than 20,000. It is estimated that one million children lack food, medical care, and education.The suffering of the children of the Holy Land moves and saddens the Holy Father, as well as all those who value the life and future of humanity. All the children of this land suffer: Palestinians, Israelis, Lebanese, Syrians, Muslims, Christians, Jews. All are marked by profound physical and moral traumas. The pain of childhood is profound, it leaves deep scars. I know children in the Holy Land who can no longer smile, play, or even eat, because they suffer for their peers in Gaza.Those who have suffered hunger will not forget it: the lack of food leaves a wound of humiliation that persists even when they have food. It will also take a long time to heal the physical wounds and restore serenity to those who have suffered.While children suffer, weapons continue to kill, aid fails to cross the border, and no one can find a solution to stop the violence. The Holy Father suffers for Gaza and reaffirms that love and unity are the missionary commitment of the People of God. The powerful of the Earth have heard, directly, his firm and simple, humble and determined message: love for humanity, unity in the search for peace.Let us not waste time, so as not to lose the possibility of saving lives and the possibility of giving hope to lives. Time is precious. Whoever does not stop violence wastes time without love. (Agenzia Fides, 20/5/2025)*Vicar of the Custody of the Holy Land
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cyabra Report Uncovers Coordinated Disinformation Campaign Targeting Portugal’s 2025 Elections, Featured on CNN

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Cyabra has entered into a business combination agreement with Trailblazer Merger Corp. (TBMC)

    New York, NY, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Cyabra Strategy Ltd. (“Cyabra”), a leading AI platform for real-time disinformation detection, has released a new investigation into coordinated manipulation campaigns aimed at swaying public opinion in the weeks ahead of Portugal’s general election. The findings, based on a comprehensive analysis of social media activity between April 14 and May 14, expose how fake profiles and bot networks are reshaping Portugal’s political discourse and voter sentiment in real time.

    Cyabra’s report – “Fake Voices, Real Votes” – has been widely featured by CNN Portugal in a series of articles highlighting how inauthentic profiles attempted to hijack online conversations to boost the far-right Chega party while discrediting its rivals:

    Exclusive: 58% of Chega’s support on X is fake, new investigation shows
    Cyabra: This was the company that discovered the existence of fake Chega profiles that spread misinformation on social media

    “What’s happening in Portugal is a masterclass in modern influence operations,” said Dan Brahmy, CEO & Co-founder of Cyabra. “This is a deliberate, strategic campaign to undermine democratic institutions, sway public opinion, and manipulate voters during a critical election. We’re proud that CNN is helping shine a light on these threats.”

    Key Findings from the Report:

    • 58% of the accounts commenting on Chega’s official X account were fake, creating the illusion of overwhelming public support.
    • 49% of profiles commenting on posts from the Socialist (PS) and Social Democratic (PSD) parties were also fake, launching coordinated attacks against opposition leaders while promoting Chega in the same threads.
    • Fake profiles amplified false narratives about Socialist leader Pedro Nuno Santos and malicious attacks on PSD’s Luís Montenegro, spreading conspiracy theories, economic discontent, and anti-immigration rhetoric.
    • Many fake accounts engaged in cross-campaign promotion, simultaneously attacking rival parties and praising Chega—further evidence of a coordinated effort.

    This is the latest in Cyabra’s global work supporting election protection. In 2024 alone – the biggest election year in history – Cyabra supported 19 democracies to monitor and safeguard their elections.

    Cyabra has entered into a business combination agreement with Trailblazer Merger Corporation I (NASDAQ: TBMC), a blank-check special-purpose acquisition company.

    Cyabra partnered with Global Vector Group.

    About Cyabra
    Cyabra is a real-time AI-powered platform that uncovers and analyzes online disinformation and misinformation by uncovering fake profiles, harmful narratives, and GenAI content across social media and digital news channels. Cyabra’s AI solutions protect corporations and governments against brand reputation risks, election manipulation, foreign interference, and other online threats. Cyabra’s platform leverages proprietary algorithms and NLP solutions, gathering and analyzing publicly available data to provide clear, actionable insights and real-time alerts that inform critical decision-making. Cyabra uncovers the good, bad, and fake online.

    For more information, visit www.cyabra.com.

    Media Contact:
    Jill Burkes
    Jill@cyabra.com
    Signal Contact: Jillabra.24

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Miri Segal
    MS-IR
    msegal@ms-ir.com 

    About Trailblazer
    Trailblazer is a blank check company formed for the purpose of entering into a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, recapitalization, reorganization, or other similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities. For more information, visit: www.trailblazermergercorp.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to certain products and services that are the subject of a proposed transaction (the “Business Combination”) between Trailblazer and Cyabra. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding Cyabra’s business strategy, products and services, research and development costs, plans and objectives of management for future operations, and future results of current and anticipated product offerings, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, but not limited to, the following risks relating to the proposed transaction: the ability to complete the Business Combination or, if Trailblazer does not consummate such Business Combination, any other

    initial business combination; expectations regarding Cyabra’s strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products and services, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and Cyabra’s ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Trailblazer or Cyabra following announcement of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; the inability to complete the proposed Business Combination due to, among other things, the failure to obtain Trailblazer stockholder approval; the risk that the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination disrupts Cyabra’s current operations and future plans; the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination; unexpected costs related to the proposed Business Combination; the amount of any redemptions by existing holders of Trailblazer’s common stock being greater than expected; limited liquidity and trading of Trailblazer’s securities; geopolitical risk and changes in applicable laws or regulations; the size of the addressable markets for Cyabra’s products and services; the possibility that Trailblazer and/or Cyabra may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; the ability to obtain and/or maintain the listing of the combined company’s common stock on Nasdaq following the Business Combination; operational risk; and the risks that the consummation of the proposed Business Combination is substantially delayed or does not occur.

    Important Information for Investors and Stockholders
    In connection with the Business Combination, Trailblazer Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Trailblazer (“Holdings”) has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), which includes a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, and certain other related documents, which will be both the proxy statement to be distributed to holders of shares of Trailblazer’s common stock in connection with its solicitation of proxies for the vote by its stockholders with respect to the Business Combination and other matters as may be described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus of Holdings relating to the offer and sale of its securities to be issued in the Business Combination. . After the Registration Statement is declared effective, the proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all Trailblazer stockholders so that they may vote on the Business Combination.

    INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF TRAILBLAZER ARE URGED TO READ CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT, PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE, AS THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE BUSINESS COMBINATION AND THE PARTIES INVOLVED.

    Trailblazer stockholders are currently able to obtain copies of the preliminary proxy

    statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that are incorporated by reference therein, and will be able to obtain the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, once available, in all cases without charge, at the SEC’s web site at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to: Trailblazer at 510 Madison Avenue, Suite 1401, New York, NY 10022, Telephone: 646-747-9618.

    Participants in the Solicitation
    Cyabra, Trailblazer, and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Trailblazer stockholders regarding the proposed Business Combination. Information about Trailblazer’s directors and executive officers and their ownership of Trailblazer’s securities is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus pertaining to the proposed Business Combination.

    No Offer or Solicitation
    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval. No sale of securities shall occur in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification under applicable laws.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ancient pollen reveals stories about Earth’s history, from the asteroid strike that killed the dinosaurs to the Mayan collapse

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Francisca Oboh Ikuenobe, Professor of Geology and Geophysics, Missouri University of Science and Technology

    An electron microscope image, colorized, shows different structures of pollen grains, including sunflower, morning glory and primrose. Dartmouth Electron Microscope Facility

    If you are sneezing this spring, you are not alone. Every year, plants release billions of pollen grains into the air, specks of male reproductive material that many of us notice only when we get watery eyes and runny noses.

    However, pollen grains are far more than allergens – they are nature’s time capsules, preserving clues about Earth’s past environments for millions of years.

    Pollen’s tough outer shell enables it to survive long after its parent plants have disappeared. When pollen grains become trapped in sediments at the bottom of lakes, oceans and riverbeds, fossil pollen can provide scientists with a unique history of the environments those pollen-producing plants were born into. They can tell us about the vegetation, climate and even human activity through time.

    Fossil pollen grains of Carya (hickory) have been found in southeastern Missouri that are millions of years old.
    Francisca Oboh Ikuenobe

    The types of pollen and the quantities of pollen grains found at a site help researchers reconstruct ancient forests, track sea-level changes and identify the fingerprints of significant events, such as asteroid impacts or civilizations collapsing.

    As palynologists, we study these ancient pollen fossils around the world. Here are a few examples of what we can learn from these microscopic pollen grains.

    Missouri: Pollen and the asteroid

    When an asteroid struck Earth some 66 million years ago, the one blamed for wiping out the dinosaurs, it is believed to have sent a tidal wave crashing onto North America.

    Marine fossils and rock fragments found in southeastern Missouri appear to have been deposited there by a massive wave generated by the asteroid hitting what is now Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

    Among the rocks and marine fossils, scientists have found fossilized pollen from the Late Cretaceous and Early Paleocene periods that reflects changes in the surrounding ecosystems. The pollen reveals how ecosystems were instantly disrupted at the time of the asteroid, before gradually rebounding over hundreds to thousands of years.

    A University of Michigan-led study using data from the Chicxulub asteroid impact crater modeled how far the resulting tsunami likely would have reached. Ancient pollen grains and marine fossils found in southeastern Missouri and analyzed by scientists at the Missouri University of Science and Technology offer hard evidence of the flooding.
    Molly M. Range, et al., 2022, CC BY

    Pollen from gymnosperms, such as pines, as well as ferns and flowering plants, such as grasses, herbs and palm trees, all record a clear pattern: Some forest pollen disappeared after the impact, suggesting that the regions’ vegetation changed. Then the pollen slowly began to reemerge as the environment stabilized.

    US Gulf Coast: Sequoia pollen and sea-level rise

    Fossilized pollen grains have also helped scientists trace slower but equally dramatic changes along the eastern Gulf Coast states of Mississippi and Alabama.

    During the Early Oligocene, around 33.9 to 28 million years ago, sea levels rose and flooded low-lying conifer forests in the region. Researchers identified a distinct change in pollen released by Sequoia-type trees, giant conifers that once dominated the coastal plains.

    Scientists have been able to use those pollen records to reconstruct how far the shoreline moved inland by tracking the proportion of pollen grains in the geologic record to the rise of marine microfossils.

    The evidence shows how the sea flooded land ecosystems hundreds of miles from today’s coast. Pollen is a biological marker and geographic tracer of this ancient change.

    Western Australia: From swamp to salinity

    In Western Australia, sediment cores from the beds of Lake Aerodrome, Gastropod Lake and Prado Lake reveal how long-term drying can change the ecology of a region.

    During the Eocene, a period from about 55.8 million to 33.9 million years ago, lush swamp forests surrounded freshwater lakes there. That’s reflected by abundant pollen from tropical trees and moisture-loving shrubs and fern spores at that time. However, vegetation changed dramatically as the Australian tectonic plate drifted northward and the climate became more arid.

    The upper layers of the sediment cores, which capture more recent times, contain pollen mostly from wind-pollinated, salt- and drought-tolerant plants – evidence of shifting vegetation under growing environmental stress.

    Magnified images of fossil pollen studied in Australia. Clockwise from upper left, they are pollen from acacia, aglaonema and eucalyptus.
    Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe

    The presence of Dunaliella, a green alga that thrives in very salty water, alongside sparse pollen from plants that could survive dry environments, confirms that lakes that once supported forests became highly saline.

    Guatemala: Maya history and forest recovery

    Closer to the tropics, Lake Izabal in Guatemala offers a more recent archive spanning the past 1,300 years. This sediment record reflects both natural climate variation and the profound impact of human land use, especially during the rise and fall of the Maya civilization.

    Around 1,125 to 1,200 years ago, pollen from crops such as maize and opportunistic herbs surged, at the same time tree pollen dropped, reflecting widespread deforestation. Historical records show political centers in the region collapsed not long afterward.

    Quiriguá was an ancient Mayan city near Lake Izabal, where pollen studies show the rise in deforestation and the recovery. Quiriguá began to decline in the ninth century and was eventually abandoned.
    Daniel Mennerich/Flickr, CC BY-SA

    Only after population pressure eased did the forest begin to recover. Pollen from hardwood tropical trees increased, indicating vegetation rebounded even as rainfall declined during the Little Ice Age between the 14th and mid-19th centuries.

    The fossil pollen shows how ancient societies transformed their landscapes, and how ecosystems responded, providing more evidence and explanations for other historical accounts.

    Modern pollen tells a story, too

    These studies relied on analyzing fossil pollen grains based on their shapes, surface features and wall structures. By counting grains – hundreds to thousands per sample – scientists can statistically build pictures of ancient vegetation, the species present, their abundances, and how the composition of each shifted with the climate, sea-level changes or human activity.

    This is why modern pollen also tells a story. As today’s climate warms, the behavior of pollen-producing plants is changing. In temperate regions such as the U.S., pollen seasons start earlier and last longer due to warming temperatures and rising carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from vehicles, factories and other human activities.

    All of that is being recorded in the fossil pollen record in the sediment layers at the bottoms of lakes around the world.

    So, the next time you suffer from allergies, remember that the tiny grains floating in the air are biological time capsules that may one day tell future inhabitants about Earth’s environmental changes.

    Francisca Oboh Ikuenobe receives funding from the National Science Foundation, American Chemical Society-Petroleum Research Fund, and International Continental Scientific Drilling Program. She is affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Geophysical Union Geological Society of America, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Association for Women Geoscientists, Geological Society of Nigeria, AASP – The Palynological Society, SEPM – Society for Sedimentary Geology, and The Paleontological Society.

    Linus Victor Anyanna receives research support from the National Science Foundation. He is a member of the Geological Society of America, AASP-The Palynological Society, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and the Geological Society of Nigeria.

    – ref. Ancient pollen reveals stories about Earth’s history, from the asteroid strike that killed the dinosaurs to the Mayan collapse – https://theconversation.com/ancient-pollen-reveals-stories-about-earths-history-from-the-asteroid-strike-that-killed-the-dinosaurs-to-the-mayan-collapse-254190

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: An 18th-century rebellion for liberty, equality and freedom − not in France or the United States, but Ireland

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joseph Patrick Kelly, Professor of Literature and Director of Irish and Irish American Studies, College of Charleston

    A sculpture in Wexford, Ireland, by Eamonn O’Doherty, called ‘Fuascailt,’ commemorates the 1798 rebellion. Niall Carson/PA Images via Getty Images

    Shortly before midnight on May 23, 1798, highwaymen just north of Dublin intercepted and set on fire a mail coach headed to Belfast.

    It was the signal meant to ignite revolution across all Ireland.

    At the time, Ireland was a kingdom within the state of Great Britain. The island’s three religious factions had long been divided. Families who belonged to the Anglican Church of Ireland made up the aristocratic landlords and colonial administrators. Presbyterians, concentrated in the north, boasted a robust middle class. But as “dissenters” from the Anglican church, they were second-class citizens.

    And most of the remaining 80% of the population, the “native” Catholics, were near-destitute farmers. For more than a hundred years, they had lived under debilitating penal laws meant to keep Catholics out of economic and political power.

    Portrait of Lord Edward Fitzgerald, painted by Hugh Douglas Hamilton.
    Gallery of the Masters via Wikimedia Commons

    A new organization, the Society of United Irishmen, was established in the early 1890s in Belfast, and chapters quickly spread to Dublin and across the country. Anyone could join, so long as they dreamed of making Ireland a republic, like the United States and France, where the people had dispensed with the monarch and ruled themselves.

    Catholics and Presbyterians flocked to the cause, and even a few Anglicans joined up. The handsome and charismatic Lord Edward Fitzgerald, an Anglican son of a duke, renounced his title and commanded the society’s militia.

    By 1798, a quarter of a million men, many armed with long-handled, iron-tipped pikes, awaited the summons.

    It was the last time Catholics and Presbyterians in Ireland would unite under one banner in a really meaningful way until 1998, when a majority of both factions signed on to the Good Friday Agreement.

    As an Irish studies scholar, I’d argue the nationalist movement was symbolized best by revolutionary Theobald Wolfe Tone, whose father was an Anglican tradesman and whose mother was born and raised a Catholic.

    “I am a Protestant,” Tone wrote in his most famous political pamphlet, but also “a lover of justice and a steady detester of tyranny.”

    Enlightenment ideals

    Ever since King Henry VIII severed his nation’s ties to Roman Catholicism in the 16th century, Irish Catholics had suffered for their faith. Their lands were confiscated. They couldn’t bear arms. They couldn’t run schools or build churches. Though the worst of these laws had been reformed by the end of the 18th century and a small Catholic middle class was emerging, they were still barred from political office.

    Inspired by the American and French revolutions, the United Irishmen wanted a secular republic that separated church from state. They professed the Enlightenment principles of equality, liberty and government by the people – and thought citizens had a duty to abolish any government destructive of their rights.

    Their creed was a secular catechism, often expressed in the form of a question-and-answer text:

    What is in your hand? It is a branch.
    Of what? Of the Tree of Liberty
    Where did it first grow? In America.
    Where did it bloom? In France.
    Where did the seeds fall? In Ireland.

    Transcending sectarian differences, these Irish patriots took green as the color of their national flag. Upon this field they imposed an ancient symbol of Ireland, the harp.

    The rebellion

    The English began to suspect a revolt, and in 1787 they decided to strike first, unleashing a brutal crackdown. Redcoats “dragooned” the country, ransacking and burning homes, and flogging and summarily executing suspects.

    The Irish still sing about it today in the ballad “The Wearing of the Green”:

    I met with Napper Tandy and he took me by the hand,
    He said, “How’s dear old Ireland and how does she stand?”
    “She’s the most distressful country that you have ever seen,

    They’re hanging men and women for the wearing of the green.”

    Young Wolfe Tones singing ‘The Wearing of the Green.’

    Most of the United Irishmen’s leaders, including Fitzgerald, were arrested or killed in the dragnet. As a result, when the signal finally came, the flaming mail coach proved a fizzle rather than a rocket.

    Like guttering candles, the rebellion spent itself in uncoordinated risings at different times in different parts of the country. Help from France, which was then at war with Great Britain, came too little and too late. By October, Ireland’s revolution had been brutally suppressed.

    Historical memory

    Even before the conflict was over, aristocratic Anglican writers such as Sir Richard Musgrave spun the rebellion as an uprising of disgruntled Catholics. Reprisal killings, like rebels’ massacre of government supporters in County Wexford, helped them portray the rebellion as a religious war: Catholics against Protestants.

    Cynical English policies further dissolved the Presbyterian-Catholic alliance. An “Act of Union” in 1800 rewarded Irish Presbyterians with full citizenship – not in an Irish republic, but in the Protestant, monarchical state of Great Britain.

    Catholics, still oppressed and impoverished, had yet to face their most difficult trial: An Gorta Mor, the potato famine of the 1840s. About a million people, nearly all of them Catholic, died of starvation or disease, and another 2 million emigrated. Ireland’s population was reduced by a third.

    Because Irish nationalism became synonymous with Catholic liberation, it was mostly Catholics who celebrated the memory of the United Irishmen. The “Fenians,” a nationalist brotherhood who fought for Irish independence in the 1860s, used the United Irishmen for inspiration. Their famous ballad “The Rising of the Moon” laments, “What glorious pride and sorrow/ Fill the name of Ninety-Eight!”

    A memorial in County Wicklow to mark the 200th anniversary of the 1798 United Irishmen rebellion.
    Hugh Rooney/Eye Ubiquitous/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Religious states

    On Easter Monday 1916, Irish republicans rose up again in Dublin, beginning the revolution that would lead, finally, to Irish independence. One portion of their forces, the Citizen Army, raised the old United Irishmen’s banner above their headquarters in Dublin, Liberty Hall.

    But when the Irish got their “Free State,” they did not build the kind of secular republic envisioned by the United Irishmen. The new country was a decidedly Catholic nation.

    The nation’s new flag, the Irish tricolor, included green for Catholics, orange for Protestants and white to represent peace between them. But it was a largely empty gesture. Today only about 4% of the population of the Republic of Ireland identify as Protestant, while another 15% say they have no religion.

    A parade in Dublin in 1948 commemorates the 150th anniversary of the 1798 rebellion.
    Independent News And Media/Hulton Archive via Getty Images

    That’s mostly because in 1922 the British carved out an enclave of six northern counties where most of the Presbyterians and many Anglicans lived. This political entity, “Northern Ireland,” stayed united to England. Protestants outnumbered Catholics 2-to-1, and the minority faced widespread discrimination.

    Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., Catholics in Northern Ireland began a campaign for equal rights in 1968. But when their acts of civil disobedience were met with violence, peaceful protest devolved into “the Troubles,” a guerrilla war to get the British out.

    Making peace

    A ceasefire was called in 1994, not long before the bicentennial of Ireland’s 1798 rebellion.

    To coincide with the anniversary, historian Kevin Whelan published an influential book, “The Tree of Liberty,” which emphasized the 1798 rebellion’s Enlightenment foundation. Catholics and Protestants together, Whelan argued, had fought to construct a secular nation based on equal rights.

    In 1998, people all over the country commemorated the rebellion, though the sectarian divisions and the violence of the Troubles loomed large.

    Almost exactly 200 years after the United Irishmen rose up, the people of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland voted in favor of the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Though Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom today, the treaty secured the main goal of the 1798 rebellion: equal rights and self-determination for all citizens, no matter their religion.

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

    – ref. An 18th-century rebellion for liberty, equality and freedom − not in France or the United States, but Ireland – https://theconversation.com/an-18th-century-rebellion-for-liberty-equality-and-freedom-not-in-france-or-the-united-states-but-ireland-249817

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • PM Modi chairs key meeting to review, boost tourism sector

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired an important meeting in the national capital to review and improve India’s tourism sector.

    This comes following the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which instilled fear among tourists.

    The central government is pushing for boosting tourism in the valley.

    The government is now working to bring back tourists to the region and encourage travel. The meeting focused on checking current plans and finding new ways to promote tourism across the country.

    Previously, on May 15, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had chaired a meeting on May 15 with the Hoteliers Association at the Civil Secretariat.

    He held the meeting to discuss their concerns after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Chief Minister Abdullah assured the various stakeholders present at the meeting that the government is fully committed to supporting the sector and will carefully consider their valuable suggestions.

    –ANI 

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 May 2025 News release Croatia donates sculpture to WHO

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The World Health Organization (WHO) today welcomed the donation of a sculpture from the government of the Republic of Croatia in a ceremony held at WHO headquarters in Geneva. The bronze sculpture, Shape of Space, created by celebrated Croatian artist Ivan Kožarić, pays tribute to health workers around the world. It also honours Dr Andrija Štampar, the first President of the World Health Assembly (WHA), and a founding figure in modern public health.

    The initiative to install the sculpture was launched by Croatia in 2021, during the International Year of Health and Care Workers, which recognized the essential role of health and care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Speaking at the unveiling, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the sculpture as a powerful symbol of solidarity and resilience. “This donation reflects our shared commitment to honouring the courage and dedication of health workers, and to carrying forward the vision of Dr Štampar, who believed that health is a fundamental human right.”

    The ceremony was attended by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, WHO senior leadership, Member State representatives, and invited guests. In his address, Prime Minister Plenković emphasized Dr Štampar’s global impact and the sculpture’s message: “Open and flowing in form, Shape of Space embodies the compassion and protection that health workers provide. It stands here as a beacon of international cooperation and shared values.”

    The sculpture, which is more than 2.5 metres tall and is situated at the main entrance of the WHO building, will serve as a lasting symbol of the contributions of health and care workers everywhere, and of the Republic of Croatia’s commitment to the global health community.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charity Commission statement on Kids Company Judgment

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Charity Commission statement on Kids Company Judgment

    The collapse of Kids Company was a matter of significant public, media and Parliamentary interest at the time, with ramifications for the wider charitable sector, notably on public trust and confidence in charities.   

    Today’s High Court judgment has upheld our finding of mismanagement of the charity’s finances and has confirmed that it was based on “ample evidence”. Furthermore, the judgment firmly rejected allegations we predetermined the outcome of the inquiry, stating the threshold for this was “not met in this case by a wide margin”.   

    The court has confirmed it was entirely reasonable for the Commission to have drawn independent regulatory conclusions on the demise of Kids Company, based on all the evidence available, in keeping with the role Parliament has set us.   

    The judgment notes we took care in the inquiry report to point out areas in which the charity’s trustees were acting within their duties and responsibilities, and where we found external criticism of the charity was unfounded. Our inquiry report stated clearly there was “no dishonesty, bad faith or inappropriate personal gain in the operation of the charity”.  

    While the court has dismissed the challenge on all but two grounds, and is clear that the overall findings of our report were not ‘irrational’, we acknowledge its finding that we made important errors in relation to two paragraphs of the report and will act to remedy this.

    ENDS

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Loans for Bad Credit: Upstart’s No Credit Check Loans Guaranteed Approval Direct Lender

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Looking for the best loan options for bad credit? Upstart offers personal loans with guaranteed approval and fast funding, ideal for urgent needs like debt consolidation or medical bills. Apply today and take control of your finances.

    SAN CARLOS, Calif., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — When you’re struggling with bad credit, applying for a loan can feel like facing a locked door. Traditional banks often reject applications based solely on credit scores, leaving many people feeling like they’ve run out of options.

    But having a low credit score doesn’t mean you’re out of choices. The lending landscape has evolved, with several companies now using more holistic approaches to evaluate borrowers beyond just their credit scores.

    CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY WITH A SIMPLE APPLICATION

    Here, we’ll explore best loans for bad credit, with a particular focus on Upstart’s AI-powered lending platform. We’ll examine what makes certain loans more suitable for bad credit situations, how to apply, and provide honest comparisons to help you make an informed decision.

    Key Takeaways

    • Bad credit (scores below 580) makes traditional loans difficult but not impossible to obtain
    • Several lenders now use alternative approval factors beyond just credit scores, including no credit check payday loans guaranteed approval.
    • Upstart uses AI technology to consider education, employment history, and income alongside credit
    • Interest rates for bad credit loans typically range from 8.99% to 35.99% APR
    • Understanding the full cost of loans, including origination fees, is essential before applying for no credit check payday loans guaranteed approval.
    • Avoiding predatory lenders with extremely high APRs (above 36%) is crucial

    What Is a “Bad Credit” Score and How Does It Affect You?

    Before diving into the best loans for bad credit, it’s important to understand what lenders mean by “bad credit” and how it affects your borrowing potential. Credit scores typically range from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating better creditworthiness. Here’s how scores are generally categorized:

    Credit Score Range Category Typical Loan Accessibility
    740+ Excellent Easily approved with best rates
    670-739 Good Good approval odds with competitive rates
    580-669 Fair Limited options with higher rates
    Below 580 Poor/Bad Specialized lenders, highest rates

    A score below 580 is typically considered “bad credit” and results from factors such as:

    • Late or missed payments on existing accounts
    • High credit utilization (using most of your available credit)
    • Recent bankruptcies or collections
    • Limited credit history
    • Multiple recent credit applications

    A low score can be a hurdle, but it’s not the end of your options. Many people have successfully rebuilt their credit over time, and some lenders specifically focus on helping borrowers during this rebuilding phase. These include no credit check loans guaranteed approval direct lender options, which help provide access to necessary funds.

    >>> TAKE THE FIRST STEP WITH OUR EASY ELIGIBILITY CHECK <<<

    Upstart: AI-Powered Best Loans For Bad Credit

    After researching multiple lenders that work with bad credit borrowers, Upstart stands out for its innovative approach to loan approvals as the best loan option for bad credit scores.

    How Upstart Differs from Traditional Lenders

    Unlike conventional banks that rely heavily on credit scores, Upstart uses artificial intelligence to evaluate loan applications. Their technology considers over 1,000 data points, including:

    • Education level and field of study
    • Employment history and stability
    • Income and future earning potential
    • Debt-to-income ratio
    • Recent financial behavior

    This means that even if your credit score is below 580, other positive factors in your profile could help you qualify for a loan with more reasonable terms than you might expect.

    FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH WITH OUR QUICK TOOL

    Upstart Loan Details

    Loan amounts $1,000 to $50,000
    APR range 6.70% to 35.99% (rates vary based on creditworthiness and loan terms)
    Repayment terms 36 or 60 months (fixed)
    Origination fee 0% to 12% (deducted from loan proceeds)
    Minimum credit score Officially none, but realistically 300+ for most approvals
    Funding time As soon as one business day after approval
    Prepayment penalty None

    Real Customer Experience: Michael’s Story

    Michael, a 34-year-old electrician from Ohio, faced a tough financial period after a divorce and a medical emergency. His credit score dropped to 540, and he found himself paying high interest rates on credit cards and other debt.

    “I needed $12,000 to consolidate my high-interest debt and stop the cycle of falling behind,” Michael said. “I applied to my local bank, but they rejected me. Payday loan places wanted to charge me insane interest rates.”

    After applying with Upstart, Michael was approved for a $12,000 loan at a 24.5% APR with a 36-month term. While the rate was higher than prime loans, it was significantly lower than the rates he was paying on credit cards and much better than the 400%+ APR payday loans he had considered.

    “The application took just 10 minutes, and the funds were in my account the next day. After eight months of on-time payments, my credit score has already improved by 45 points.

    CHECK HOW MUCH YOU CAN BORROW WITHOUT AFFECTING YOUR CREDIT

    How Upstart Compares to Alternatives

    To help you understand your options, we’ve compared the best loans for bad credit, highlighting Upstart alongside other common lending sources for borrowers with low credit scores.

    As the comparison shows, Upstart offers a middle ground between traditional banks—which often deny applications—and predatory lenders that charge excessive rates. Upstart’s AI-based approach means many borrowers with sub-580 credit scores can secure better rates than with other lenders.

    In contrast, no credit check payday loans guaranteed approval often come with significantly higher interest rates.

    Upstart:

    • Provides some of the best loans for bad credit by using AI to assess your full financial profile, including education and income—not just your credit score.
    • Offers faster approvals and funding, often within 1-2 business days.
    • Has no prepayment penalties and flexible loan amounts tailored to your needs.
    • Is accessible to borrowers with credit scores as low as 300.

    Traditional Banks:

    • Rely heavily on credit scores, typically requiring 630 or higher for approval.
    • Have slower approval processes, often taking several days or weeks.
    • Offer limited options for those with bad credit.
    • Require extensive documentation and stricter eligibility criteria.

    The Application Process: What to Expect

    If you’re considering applying for best personal loan with bad credit, understanding the process can help reduce anxiety and increase your chances of approval.

    Required Documentation

    For an Upstart application, you’ll need:

    • Valid government-issued ID
    • Social Security Number
    • Personal contact information
    • Proof of regular income (pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements)
    • Personal bank account details (for deposit of funds)
    • Details about your education and employment

    TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD YOUR LOAN TODAY

    Step-by-Step Application Process

    1. Pre-qualification check: Upstart offers a “soft pull” pre-qualification that won’t impact your credit score but gives you an estimate of your potential loan terms.
    2. Complete the online application: The full application takes about 10-15 minutes and includes questions about your education, employment, and financial situation.
    3. Verification and approval: Upstart may request additional documentation to verify your information. Most decisions come within minutes, though some applications require 1-2 days for review.
    4. Accepting terms and receiving funds: Once approved, you’ll review the final loan offer, including the interest rate, term, and any origination fee. If you accept, funds are typically deposited within one business day.

    “The application process was much less stressful than I expected,” shared Jamie, a teacher from Florida with a 565 credit score who borrowed $8,000 for home repairs. “I thought I’d need to explain my credit mistakes, but the system seemed more interested in my stable job history and education.”

    CHECK IF YOU QUALIFY WITH NO IMPACT TO YOUR CREDIT SCORE

    Warning Signs of Predatory Lenders

    When searching for loans, it’s important to avoid predatory lenders who charge exorbitant rates. Look out for:

    • APR above 36%: These are considered high-risk loans and should be avoided.
    • Hidden fees: Legitimate lenders disclose all fees upfront.
    • Pressure tactics: If a lender is pushing you to make a quick decision, it’s a red flag.
    • Guaranteed approval claims: No reputable lender guarantees approval before reviewing your application.

    Using Loans to Rebuild Your Credit

    A personal loan isn’t just a way to get money—it’s a tool for financial recovery. When looking for the best loans for bad credit, here’s how to make the most of your loan:

    • Debt consolidation: Combine high-interest debts into one manageable payment.
    • Emergency expenses: Use your loan for medical bills, car repairs, or urgent home repairs.
    • Improve credit: On-time payments can help improve your credit score, making it easier to get better loans in the future.

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    Upstart is a great option if:

    • You have a steady income and are looking to rebuild your credit.
    • You need funds quickly (within 1-2 business days).
    • You’re seeking a loan with no prepayment penalties and the ability to build your credit.

    It may not be ideal if:

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    • You’re borrowing a small amount, and a high origination fee would make it too costly.

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    Final Thoughts: Finding the Right Path Forward

    Bad credit doesn’t have to be a roadblock to financial freedom. With Upstart, you have a chance to access the best loans for bad credit that consider more than just your credit score—an opportunity to rebuild your credit, consolidate debt, and cover emergency expenses.

    Whether you need funds for medical bills, home repairs, or even debt consolidation, Upstart’s AI-powered platform evaluates your full financial picture, offering loan options with fairer terms than traditional lenders. With fast approval and funding within one business day, you’re never left waiting for a lifeline.

    But it’s more than just getting a loan—it’s about regaining control of your financial future. By making timely payments, you can improve your credit score and open doors to better financial opportunities down the road.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: Is Upstart legit?
    A: Yes, Upstart is a legitimate and reputable online lender. Founded in 2012, Upstart is a fully licensed lender that uses an AI-driven model to evaluate loan applicants based on more than just their credit score, including factors like education, income, and employment history. Upstart is a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and operates with transparency, making it a trustworthy option for borrowers with bad credit looking for personal loans.

    Q: Does applying affect my credit score?
    A: The initial pre-qualification uses a soft credit check that doesn’t impact your score. If you proceed with a full application, a hard inquiry will be placed on your credit report, which typically has a small, temporary impact.

    Q: What if I’m self-employed?
    A: Self-employed individuals can qualify, but you’ll need to provide documentation of steady income, typically through tax returns or bank statements showing consistent deposits.

    Q: Can I pay off my loan early to save on interest?
    A: Yes, Upstart has no prepayment penalties, so you can pay extra or pay off the entire balance early without additional fees.

    Q: How does Upstart determine my interest rate?
    A: Rates are determined by analyzing your credit profile, education, employment history, income, and other factors using their proprietary AI algorithm.

    QUICK AND EASY APPLICATION—GET YOUR LOAN APPROVED FAST

    Email: support@upstart.com

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Interest rates, loan terms, and approval criteria mentioned are approximate and may vary based on individual circumstances and market conditions. Always review the full terms and conditions before applying for any loan and consider consulting with a financial advisor regarding your specific situation. This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive compensation if you apply through these links. This compensation does not affect our editorial opinions or recommendations.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dba4f282-d36a-4f65-90a1-9c62b168a010

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f39018e2-3ddc-4056-b1bf-f5573340ac1f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Duos Technologies Appoints Retired Brigadier General Craig Nixon as Chairman of the Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (“Duos” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: DUOT), today announced the appointment of Brigadier General (Ret.) James Craig Nixon as the new Chairman of its Board of Directors, effective immediately.

    Brigadier General Nixon succeeds Kenneth Ehrman, who has served as Chairman since 2020. Mr. Ehrman stepped down from the Board to focus on the continued growth of Halo Collar, a leading provider of smart pet safety solutions. Duos sincerely appreciates his leadership and contributions during a pivotal period in the Company’s development.

    “We are honored to welcome Brigadier General Craig Nixon as our new Chairman,” said Chuck Ferry, CEO of Duos. “Craig brings a distinguished track record of leadership and operational excellence from both the military and private sectors. His strategic mindset and business acumen will be invaluable as we continue scaling our data infrastructure and energy businesses alongside our established AI technology platforms. We are equally grateful to Kenneth Ehrman for his leadership and support during a pivotal phase in Duos’ growth, and we wish him continued success with Halo Collar.”

    Brigadier General Nixon is a decorated special operations veteran with over 29 years of military service, including seven tours in elite units such as the 75th Ranger Regiment and Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). Following his retirement in 2011, he transitioned into business leadership, serving as CEO of ACADEMI and later building Constellis Group into a global leader in security and training with over $1 billion in annual revenue.

    In addition to his military and executive career, Nixon was one of the founding partners of the McChrystal Group, a leadership consultancy, and currently serves as CEO of Nixon Six Solutions, a growth and strategy advisory firm. He is also a board member and advisor to multiple government and technology organizations and a recognized speaker on geopolitics, leadership, and veterans’ issues.

    “I’m honored to step into the role of Chairman at such a transformational time in Duos’ journey,” said Nixon. “The Company’s expansion into critical infrastructure sectors like edge data centers and power generations, coupled with its deep foundation in AI and machine vision, positions it for long-term opportunities. I look forward to supporting Chuck and the entire Duos team as we build on this momentum.”

    Nixon is a graduate of Auburn University, holds two master’s degrees in military art and science and strategic studies, and was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame. He brings a unique combination of decorated military service, entrepreneurial success, and board governance experience to the Company.

    About Duos Technologies Group, Inc.
    Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT), based in Jacksonville, Florida, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Duos Technologies, Inc., Duos Edge AI, Inc., and Duos Energy Corporation, designs, develops, deploys and operates intelligent technology solutions for Machine Vision and Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) applications including real-time analysis of fast-moving vehicles, Edge Data Centers and power consulting. For more information, visit www.duostech.com , www.duosedge.ai and www.duosenergycorp.com.

    Forward- Looking Statements
    This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding, among other things our plans, strategies and prospects — both business and financial. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “should,” “planned,” “will,” “may,” “intend,” “estimated,” and “potential,” among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents that we file from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements attributable to Duos Technologies Group, Inc. or a person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary language.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4bffaa21-c5a2-4fc8-9655-e641c3c76852

    This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Australian Online Casino: Ranked Top Real Money Online Casino with Exclusive Bonuses of 2025 – By Pokie Spins Casino

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    Media Details:

    Project Name: Pokie Spins Casino
    Company Name: Pokie Spins Pty Ltd
    Address: Level 2, 70 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
    Contact Person: Mirri Taylor
    Designation: Public Relations Manager
    Phone Number: +61 2 8006 1234
    Email (Direct): M.taylor@pokiespins.com
    Company Email: info@pokiespins.com
    Website: https://pokiespins.com

    Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

    This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no warranties are provided regarding the content’s completeness or timeliness. Readers should verify information independently. The publisher and affiliates are not liable for errors, losses, or damages resulting from this content.

    Affiliate links may be included, potentially earning a commission at no extra cost to readers. These links do not influence editorial integrity, and evaluations are based on independent research.

    Online gambling is for individuals of legal gambling age (typically 19+). Gambling involves financial risks and may lead to addiction. Please gamble responsibly and seek professional help if needed.

    All trademarks belong to their respective owners. This content is not endorsed or sponsored by any brands unless explicitly stated.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cb1780ed-449f-4968-af93-03c1ccaa0d7c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: “The land is life”: A regional project supported by the African Development Bank boosts rural women’s climate resilience in Djibouti

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, May 20, 2025/APO Group/ —

    “Before,  farming  was  an  unattainable  dream.  Today,  I  feed  my  children  from  the  land.” These words from Assia Obakar Hassan, a mother from the village of Kalaf, epitomize the profound transformation benefiting part of rural northern Djibouti thanks to a regional project implemented by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) with funding from the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) through the Africa Climate Change Fund (ACCF).

    In this region vulnerable to drought, food insecurity and rural poverty, secure access to land represents much more than a right to property: it is a tool for adapting to climate change and a lever for economic emancipation for hundreds of women.

    Regaining dignity through the land

    Living conditions in Kalaf and Dafenaytou have been transformed by the introduction of family vegetable gardens, forage plots, adapted farming tools and practical training. The aim is to make local agriculture a pillar of resilience, starting with those who support it on a daily basis.

    “We had no right to land, no equipment and no training. Today, everything has changed,” explains Fatouma Ali Aden, a mother of three from Dafenaytou. “Our children eat fresh vegetables, and we are no longer dependent on foreign markets.”

    Each household now has its own production area. “Thanks to these gardens, we have regained our autonomy,” adds Djilani Ali Ahmed, a community leader in Kalaf. “The women manage their own production and income and contribute to the village economy.”

    Agricultural governance driven by women

    The project was not confined to production: it also transformed local governance. The agricultural cooperative in Dafenaytou has over 70 members, the majority of whom are women, and 50% of its board members are female.

    “Women are no longer just workers, they are decision-makers,” says Ali Kamil Mohamed, head of the cooperative. “Their practical vision and commitment have improved the effectiveness of all our actions.”

    This change in approach has helped ensure a better match between the needs on the ground and the solutions proposed, consolidating the sustainability of the project.

    Health, security and education: cascading effects

    The social benefits of the project are considerable, from hygiene to nutrition and economic stability. The introduction of resistant seeds, simple irrigation systems and wheelbarrows has reduced the drudgery of the work and secured household food supplies.

    “We now have a supply of grass for our animals, vegetables for our meals and even a small surplus to sell,” says Mohamed Soumbourouh Ibiro. “It’s a source of pride and security.”

    The local school in Dafenaytou has also noted an improvement in attendance and concentration among children, especially girls, who have been freed from the chores of fetching water or food.

    This project is an illustration of the African Development Bank’s strategic priorities, in particular one of the “High 5” pillars: “Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa” by promoting gender equality, ensuring food security and building climate resilience.

    “This project has proved to us that it is possible,” concludes Assia Obakar Hassan. “With a little help, we can transform our villages, feed our families and pass on fertile land to our children.”

    As climate challenges intensify in the Horn of Africa, Kalaf and Dafenaytou are leading the way. The IGAD/AfDB project has not only provided water, seeds and training: it has given dignity, confidence and a voice back to rural women.

    In these villages, where every drop of water counts, the land has become a symbol of life, hope and resilience.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Professor Benedict Oramah honoured with Chad’s prestigious ‘Commander of the National Order of Chad’ award

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    N’DJAMENA, Chad, May 20, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The President of the Republic of Chad, His Excellency Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, has conferred on President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), Professor Benedict Oramah, the prestigious national honours award of Commander by appointing him to the National Order of Chad, under the Ministry of Finance, Budget, Economy, Planning and International Cooperation, for his`1yyyyh outstanding contributions to the Chadian and African economies.

    The rank of Commander (Commandeur) is a high distinction within this order, reflecting significant and sustained achievements while the National Order of Chad is a prestigious state honour awarded by the Republic of Chad to recognize exceptional service or contributions to the nation.

    Reflecting on Chad’s 2022 political transition, President Idriss Derby Itno, expressed profound gratitude to Prof. Oramah and Afreximbank for standing with the country. He noted, “When other international lenders fled at the height of the unfortunate socio-political conflicts, Afreximbank stood firmly behind our country, continuing to push vital investments that now underpin the rapid socioeconomic recovery of our nation.”

    While acknowledging the award, Professor Oramah said: “This honour is not just a recognition of my efforts, but a testament to the collective resolve of Afreximbank and its partners to transform Chad’s economy and empower its people. While I am deeply humbled by this honour, it is a call to duty. It was a reminder to the Bank to do even more to accelerate the structural transformation of the Chadian and the wider African economies.”

    Chad became a member state of Afreximbank during the 36th African Union Summit where Afreximbank pledged to support strategic development projects in agriculture and livestock, two key pillars of Chad’s economy, to drive sustainable growth and economic diversification.

    Afreximbank reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing Chad’s economic development through targeted investments, trade facilitation, and institutional capacity-building, ensuring shared prosperity and resilience in the years ahead.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • From Muridke to Bahawalpur: The revolving-door terror networks of Pakistan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Operation Sindoor, launched by India on the night of 6–7 May to punish the terror masterminds and operatives based in Pakistan who were responsible for the Pahalgam terror incident, significantly destroyed the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke and the Jaish-e-Muhammad headquarters at Bahawalpur in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

    In the heinous terror incident of 22 April in Pahalgam, a group of terrorists, including two Pakistanis, killed 26 civilians. The strike drew widespread condemnation around the world.

    In a swift surgical strike, carried out with precision bombing, nine major terror camps—including those at Muridke and Bahawalpur, were hit hard, inflicting grave damage on Pakistan’s terror infrastructure. Acting on intelligence inputs to avoid collateral damage, the planners selected targets away from civilian areas.

    Although the operation focused only on terror facilities and not Pakistani military installations, Pakistan’s long record of using terrorism as state policy, and of nurturing such groups, casts a shadow of dubious diplomacy. In effect, external terrorism remains an inseparable political tool in Pakistan’s geopolitical strategy.

    Sanctions, Leadership, and the Survival Playbook of Pakistan-Based Terrorist Groups

    Three Pakistan-rooted terrorist organisations dominate violence directed at India, particularly Jammu & Kashmir: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). These organisations are outlawed in India and, and in many other countries across the world, including global organisations like the United Nations. They are designated Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) by the United States, and both LeT and JeM are proscribed even in Pakistan. Their leaders are blacklisted and their bank accounts and assets frozen.

    Yet they endure. Their secret lies in a nimble ability to shed one skin and grow another: when a parent body is proscribed, a “charity”, “relief trust” or freshly minted political outfit swiftly takes its place.

    The pattern is starkest in the case of Sajid Mir, the Lashkar commander who masterminded the 2008 Mumbai attacks. For years, Islamabad insisted he was either dead or untraceable; only when the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) threatened economic pain did the authorities quietly arrest and convict him, on the safer charge of terror financing rather than mass murder. His story captures both the power, and the limits, of external pressure on Pakistan’s counter-terrorism calculus.

    A quick glance at the ban record

    Organisation

    Proscribed in Pakistan

    UN designation

    US FTO designation

    Lashkar-e-Taiba

    Jan 2002

    2 May 2005

    26 Dec 2001

    Jaish-e-Mohammed

    Jan 2002

    17 Oct 2001

    26 Dec 2001

    Hizbul Mujahideen

    ———

    ——-

    16 Aug 2017

    FTO – Foreign Terrorist Organisation

    Lashkar-e-Taiba

    Founded in the late 1980s by Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, LeT styled itself the “Army of the Pure”, determined to wrest Kashmir, and ultimately the whole of India, for Pakistan, and establish a Muslim caliphate across the sub-continent. Its signature atrocities include the 2001 attack on India’s Parliament, the 2006 Mumbai train bombings, and, most infamously, the three-day siege of Mumbai in November 2008 that left 166 people dead.

    Pakistan banned LeT in January 2002, but the movement simply morphed into Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), already registered as a charity. When JuD itself came under pressure, fund-raising flowed through the Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), Idara Khidmat-e-Khalq, Al-Anfal Trust, and a growing list of anodyne-sounding fronts. Newer offshoots, such as The Resistance Front (TRF), dispense with overt religious branding altogether, making them harder to flag under existing sanctions.

    Saeed’s own journey mirrors that agility. Detained, placed under house arrest, and released several times, he was finally handed a 78-year jail term in 2020, largely under FATF pressure. A US$10 million American reward for information leading to his conviction still stands, but few believe he will ever face trial for the Mumbai carnage.

    Jaish-e-Mohammed

    JeM sprang to life in early 2000 when Masood Azhar called for jihad in Kashmir. Within two years Islamabad had proscribed JeM, yet the group enjoyed a rebirth as Khuddam-ul-Islam and, when that alias fell, as the “charitable” Al-Rehmat Trust.

    Azhar’s personal freedom tells its own tale. Detained and under house arrest between December 2001 and December 2002, with Pakistan failing to charge him for the 2001 Parliament attack, he was reportedly confined again after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, only to “vanish” from public view. In 2019 China finally lifted its veto against listing him at the United Nations, but no Pakistani court has yet secured a conviction.

    Hizbul Mujahideen

    HM’s current chief, Syed Salahuddin, continues to broadcast from Muzaffarabad, calling for Kashmiri accession to Pakistan. The United States declared him a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in 2017 and, weeks later, branded HM itself an FTO. Islamabad’s stance remains ambiguous: a 2003 promise to ban the group was never codified; Salahuddin moves unimpeded in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, granting interviews in which he vows fresh attacks on Indian targets.

    The terror leaders at a glance

    Name

    Group

    UN listing

    US sanctions

    Present status

    Hafiz Muhammad Saeed

    LeT

    10 Dec 2008

    SDGT (May 2008) – USD 10 m bounty

    Serving 78-year term for terror financing

    Masood Azhar

    JeM

    1 May 2019

    SDGT (Nov 2010)

    At large; whereabouts officially “unknown”

    Syed Salahuddin

    HM

     

    SDGT (Jun 2017)

    Operates openly in PoK

    Sajid Mir

    LeT

     

    SDGT (Aug 2012) USD 5 m bounty

    Jailed 2022 for 15½ years on financing charges

     

    Sajid Mir: the man Islamabad declared dead — until it didn’t

    Investigators have long described Sajid Mir as the linchpin of the 2008 Mumbai plot. He recruited David Headley, bank-rolled Headley’s “immigration consultancy” cover in Mumbai, and calmly instructed the gunmen by telephone as the massacre unfolded.

    In 2011 a Chicago grand jury indicted Mir for the Mumbai attack. The United States posted a $5 million reward and, in 2012, the US Treasury designated him an SDGT. When queried, Pakistan first claimed Mir could not be traced; later, policy-makers upgraded his status from “absconding” to “confirmed dead”. Nevertheless, successive US reports on terrorism insisted that Mir was in Pakistan.

    In 2022, under FATF pressure, Mir was quietly arrested; in May 2022, a terrorism court sentenced him to 15½ years’ imprisonment. Tellingly, the conviction was for LeT financing, not for masterminding the 26/11 massacre. The timing is clear: Pakistan needed to exit FATF’s “grey list” and duly showcased Mir’s conviction at the watchdog’s plenary.

    Why the bans keep failing

    • Front-of-house charities – Outfits such as JuD, FIF and Al-Rehmat Trust cloak terrorist networks in a veneer of benevolence, complicating the task for regulators and donors alike.
    • Selective enforcement – Convictions arrive only when outside pressure peaks. Saeed’s 2020 sentence, Mir’s 2022 volte-face and the re-banning of JuD and FIF in 2019 all coincided with looming FATF deadlines or worldwide outrage after high-profile attacks. Almost immediately, JuD and FIF adopted yet new identities, continuing their radical activity.
    • Strategic utility – Groups focused on Kashmir retain value for elements within Pakistan’s security establishment; leaders deemed “assets” are seldom pursued with vigour.
    • Name-change game – Each new alias restarts the bureaucratic clock. By the time the UN or Washington designates a fresh front, funds and recruits have already flowed through it — and on to the next incarnation.

    International sanctions, UN blacklists and FATF scrutiny Grey List are not without effect: they put a break on external money flow to the country, freeze bank accounts of terror groups and terrorists, hinder travel, and, in Saeed’s and Mir’s cases, produce prison terms.

    Yet the record that Pakistan maintains reveals a pattern of grudging, piecemeal compliance rather than wholesale dismantling of terrorist infrastructure. Saeed and Mir were jailed on diluted charges, not for the killings they engineered.

    So long as terrorist leaders calculate that they can outwait external pressure; so long as charitable facades provide a revolving door back into business; and so long as the state continues to believe in the notion of “good versus bad” terror, outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen will remain in play.

     

  • MIL-OSI: 1 Hour Payday Loans No Credit Check Direct Lenders Guaranteed Approval | Instant Bad Credit Loan Provider – IOnline Payday Loans

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    Project Name: IOnline Payday Loans

    Registered Office Address: 1095 Sugar View Dr Ste 500 Sheridan, WY 82801

    Company Website: https://ionlinepaydayloans.com/

    Email: mria@ionlinepaydayloans.com

    Phone: 307-777-7311

    Contact person name: Mria

    Disclaimer: This announcement contains general information about Ionline payday loan services and should not be considered financial advice. Ionline Payday Loans does not guarantee loan approval, and loan terms may vary by applicant and lender requirements. Loans are available to U.S. residents only.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cafc4254-796e-4a55-8a46-e32af1821255

    The MIL Network –