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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

    • Date：2025-04-30
    • Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 30, 2025 

    The Czech Senate on April 29 adopted a resolution on the misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In the resolution, the Czech Senate opposed China’s mischaracterization of UNGA Resolution 2758, emphasizing that it did not substantiate the “one China principle,” and rejected China’s related claim that Taiwan was part of China. The resolution also reiterated its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the resolution and expresses its sincere appreciation.

     

    The resolution stated that when UNGA Resolution 2758 was adopted on October 25, 1971, it made no mention of Taiwan, the Taiwanese people, or Taiwan’s political status; did not establish PRC sovereignty over Taiwan; and did not discuss Taiwan’s status or participation in UN agencies. Moreover, the resolution pointed out that China’s deliberate distortion of UN resolutions endangered the legitimacy of the United Nations and infringed on the basic principles of international law. It called on China to respect the content of UNGA 2758 and stop misusing it for its own political ends.

     

    In addition, the resolution supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in multilateral organizations and fora such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization. It urged the Czech government to address China’s misrepresentation and misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 in the UN system and support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations and other international organizations.

     

    The Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution on December 12, 2024, opposing China’s improper linking of UNGA Resolution 2758 with the “one China principle.” The new Czech Senate resolution therefore once again demonstrates the Czech Parliament’s staunch backing of Taiwan and underscores the close and cordial relations between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.

     

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude to the Czech Senate for supporting Taiwan through concrete action and calls on the international community to likewise counter China’s false narratives regarding UNGA Resolution 2758. Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with like-minded partners worldwide to resist the efforts of authoritarian regimes seeking to undermine the international order and to jointly safeguard the core values shared by the global democratic community.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Three Trustees appointed to the Imperial War Museum

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Three Trustees appointed to the Imperial War Museum

    The Prime Minister has appointed Professor Dame Janet Beer, Emma Loxton and Sheena Wagstaff as Trustees of the Imperial War Museum for a four year term from 1 March 2025 to 31 October 2028.

    Professor Dame Janet Beer

    Professor Dame Janet Beer was the Vice-Chancellor at Oxford Brookes 2007-2015 and at the University of Liverpool 2015-2022. She was President of Universities UK 2017-2019 and was awarded a Damehood in the New Years Honours list 2018 for services to higher education and equality and diversity. She is Chair of the Sport and Recreation Alliance; a Member of the Board of the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, Newcastle; an Independent Governor of Northumbria University; a Trustee of the Imperial War Museum; Trustee of the Royal Anniversary Trust and serves on the National Leadership Advisory Board, Cabinet Office. She is also Patron of the Mark Evison Foundation which exists to provide opportunities for young people to undertake personally designed challenges.

    Emma Loxton

    Emma Loxton is a partner at McKinsey & Company where she co-leads McKinsey’s work with defence, transport, and industrial companies in the UK. Emma has over 15 years’ experience advising institutions in the private sector on strategy and transformation. She has provided extensive pro bono support to arts institutions and homelessness charities in the UK on strategy and financial sustainability.

    Sheena Wagstaff

    Sheena Wagstaff is former Chair of Modern and Contemporary Art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, honored in 2022 as Chair Emerita. Her tenure was distinguished by leading The Met Breuer, establishing a transnational collection of modern and contemporary art, initiating an acclaimed exhibition program plus two series of artist commissions within the context of the museum’s global collections spanning 5,000 years. As Chief Curator of Tate Modern (2001-12), she commissioned artists for the Turbine Hall and devised the exhibition program. Working at leadership level for 30 years for institutions with strong civic values, she was previously Head of Exhibitions & Displays at Tate Britain, and Director of Collections, Exhibitions & Education at the Frick Art Museum, Pittsburgh. Wagstaff has extensive experience collaborating with architects on capital design projects, including David Chipperfield Architects, Herzog & De Meuron, Selldorf Architects, and others. She serves on the Professional Fine Arts Committee of the Foundation for Art & Preservation in Embassies, Washington DC; the International Advisory Committee of Istanbul Modern; the Advisory Board of Delfina Foundation, London.

    Remuneration and Governance Code

    Trustees of the Imperial War Museum are not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments.

    The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. Dame Janet Beer declared that she canvassed on behalf of the Labour Party in 1997. Emma Loxton is married to Gareth Davies CB, who is the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Business and Trade. Sheena Wagstaff has not declared any significant political activity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The CMA’s approach to the new consumer enforcement regime

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    The CMA’s approach to the new consumer enforcement regime

    Speech delivered by Emma Cochrane, Acting Executive Director, Consumer Protection at the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

    Introduction

    As everyone here will know, now is a pivotal time in consumer enforcement with direct enforcement. Today I want to talk about how we at the CMA are implementing our consumer protection work under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act (DMCCA).  

    This is a time of change and that’s exciting, including for me personally, as I take on the leadership of our consumer function. But importantly, what hasn’t changed is the CMA’s purpose, and our statutory mandate to promote competition and protect consumers.

    Those fundamentals remain. The protection of consumers – people – in the UK underpins everything that we do. The consumer welfare standard is central to competition policy and with the changes brought in by the DMCCA we have the opportunity to do our consumer protection work more effectively, more quickly and – hopefully – with even better outcomes for people in the UK.  

    In its steer the government emphasised the importance of the CMA using its consumer enforcement powers under the DMCCA. And, in particular, that the CMA should use its consumer enforcement functions to help to support economic growth and investment. 

    The CMA’s ambition for consumer protection

    The CMA’s ambition is an effective and independent consumer protection regime, which safeguards UK consumer interests and gives people the confidence they need that the CMA is standing up for them.   

    An effective consumer protection regime should also give fair dealing businesses the confidence to grow and invest on a level playing-field, knowing that their competitors cannot gain an unfair advantage by breaking the law. 

    We, together with other regulators, have been called upon to support the government’s push to unlock barriers to growth. Growth which will improve quality of life and ultimately support long-term prosperity for everyone in the UK.  

    To me, it is absolutely clear that free and fair competition and effective consumer protection support growth. And consumer protection does this in two ways.  

    First, enforcing consumer protection law protects people from harmful and unfair treatment. Protected consumers are confident consumers. When consumers are confident about spending money, markets thrive. Consumers need clear, accurate information about price and the other key features of products and services they buy so they can shop confidently and find the best deal for them. They need to be able to trust reviews of products on which they rely. They shouldn’t be misled into paying for goods or services they don’t want or would not choose if they had the full picture. And they need to be able to exercise their legal rights when things go wrong – when something they buy online doesn’t look how they expect or when goods or services simply are not fit for purpose. 

    Second, consumer protection supports growth when it levels the playing field on which businesses compete. Businesses can compete vigorously on the prices and quality of their products and services confident that their competitors are playing by the same rules and can’t gain an advantage by breaking the law. That way, businesses are incentivised to become more productive and innovative, rather than relying on unfair practices. As with competition enforcement, business and investor confidence in the level playing field is strengthened, with wider benefits across the economy. 

    Priorities in our first 12 months of direct enforcement

    With that ambition in mind, the CMA has 2 core priorities over the next 12 months. First to support compliance and help businesses to do the right thing. And second, to take action to protect consumers from harm where we see egregious breaches of the law.   

    On compliance, we will be continuing our extensive engagement with stakeholders across the business and advisory community as well as with consumer groups and other enforcers. We want to continue the dialogue that we have been building with business including through the CMA’s new Growth and Investment Council.  

    And we also want to make clear that we have listened to and acted upon the feedback we have received so far. In our consultation process, we heard that our guidance was overly long and too complex – making it difficult for non-lawyers to understand. So, we responded. Our unfair commercial practices guidance includes over 50 examples of how the law will apply in real life scenarios. And we published shorter, more digestible guides for businesses on unfair commercial practices and fake reviews.  

    Now, we are looking for views on how to further develop our guidance. We want to hear from you about the areas where you – or your clients – are still unclear about how to comply with consumer law. Where is there a need for further clarity? Where is there a need for greater predictability on how the CMA will take enforcement action? We want to hear from you and we will take these views into account when deciding which areas to prioritise because it is in everyone’s interests for businesses to get it right. When businesses comply, everyone benefits.    

    In terms of our priorities for the first 12 months our early enforcement action is likely to focus on more egregious practices where the law is clear. We have set out examples in our approach document, so that businesses have transparency on how the CMA intends to operate in the early days. We will focus on the more serious cases of consumer harm, for example: 

    • aggressive sales practices that prey on consumers especially those in vulnerable position
    • where information has been provided to consumers that is objectively false
    • where contract terms are in place that are clearly imbalanced and unfair

    In choosing which cases to pursue, we will continue to apply our public prioritisation principles – looking at whether we are best placed, whether we can be effective and really shift behaviour to create better outcomes for consumers.

    We will also continue to focus on areas of essential spend, to help people struggling with pressure on household budget. It’s always important that consumers are protected, but even more so when they have no choice but to engage with particular sectors. Our recent work in essential spend sectors includes heating, groceries and housing. We will be listening to what consumers say – including by engaging closely with consumer groups – to ensure we tackle issues the most important issues that matter to real people.

    New cases may well come out of the monitoring work we have been carrying out in the past few months. We have been monitoring business compliance with the new DMCCA provisions. It’s really positive to see that a number of businesses have changed their practices in response to the new regime coming into force. For those that haven’t changed their practices yet,we are continuing to monitor, and we will be making decisions about the cases which we will prioritise over the coming weeks.

    Approach to price transparency and fake reviews

    I wanted to talk briefly about the two main areas of change to substantive consumer law – the changes to the law on price transparency (or drip pricing) and the law on fake reviews. 

    Price transparency 

    On price transparency, section 230 of the DMCCA tells us that certain information has to be included in an invitation to purchase, including information about the total price of a product, which includes mandatory taxes, charges and other payments which the consumer will necessarily incur.  

    This provision has the effect of prohibiting drip pricing, which is where customers see a headline price and then, as they go through the transaction process, additional charges are added on, which means the final price ends up looking quite different to the advertised price. Government has published research estimating these unavoidable fees cost consumers £2.2 billion a year. It can also harm businesses that compete with a business that is drip pricing, because we know customers put a lot of weight on headline prices and so a business that complies with the law and presents a more expensive upfront price, may get fewer click throughs that one that conceals additional mandatory fees. We don’t think this is fair. 

    In our initial draft of the unfair commercial practices guidance, we set out guidance on how businesses could think about the requirement and could think about whether fees are mandatory or optional. We also provided guidance on particular types of contract such as fixed term monthly contracts.  

    We’ve received a lot of very helpful feedback from stakeholders who have asked questions about how this will work, often in an industry specific way, and who have suggested that some of the points we made in the guidance could result in unintended consequences. We want to reflect really carefully on how to answer those questions, on whether there are other ways to do things and to think about how to provide really clear guidance – noting of course that our remit covers all sectors across the economy.  

    For this reason, we have adopted a phased approach to the guidance. So what is set out in the recently published unfair commercial practices guidance is a slimmed down version of what the original draft provided, focusing on the core of drip pricing – untrailed, unexpected charges through the purchase process.  

    We will reflect on the feedback on some of the other aspects trailed in the draft Guidance and plan to re-consult on these in the summer, with new finalised guidance expected in the autumn. And we won’t take any enforcement cases on issues to be covered in this later guidance until it is published in its finalised form. 

    To round up on drip pricing, we were monitoring the pricing practices of a number of businesses as the DMCCA came into force. I am really pleased to say that many of the most serious and harmful examples of drip pricing were changed at the beginning of this month. This is a great outcome for consumers who will no longer be misled into clicking on a headline price that isn’t what they will ultimately pay. And it is also a great outcome for competitors of those businesses who can now compete fairly on price/on a LPF. But not all businesses have changed their practices and of those that did change their practices, not all will have come far enough so we are continuing to look at pricing practices across the economy, and where we have concerns about compliance, businesses can expect to hear from us.  

    Fake reviews 

    Turning now to fake reviews, which are covered in a new banned practice introduced in the DMCCA. Various practices involved in the supply chain for fake reviews are now prohibited including, creating reviews that conceal the fact they have been incentivised, and publishing reviews in a misleading way. It also imposes a duty on anyone who publishes reviews or review information to take effective steps to prevent and remove from publication fake and concealed incentivised reviews and false or misleading review information. 

    This is a new banned practice – but it is worth noting the CMA has been active in this space for a while. You may have seen that the CMA recently agreed undertakings with Google relating to its reviews practices and has an open investigation into Amazon. That followed undertakings signed with Facebook and eBay in relation to the sale of fake reviews on those platforms. And the CMA has previously taken action against sixteen influencers for not labelling endorsements as advertisements on social media, as well as the Instagram platform for not doing enough to tackle these practices on its platforms.

    Although we could already, and have already, tackled fake reviews under our existing powers, we recognise that the new provisions create very specific obligations on businesses that need to be operationalised and these may require changes to systems and compliance programmes.

    During our engagement with stakeholders, we have heard that businesses need time to bed these in, and so for the first 3 months of the new regime we will focus primarily on supporting businesses with their compliance efforts rather than taking enforcement action straight out the gates.

    But that is, of course, not to say that we won’t be doing anything until July. Our fake reviews enforcement strategy mirrors the new banned practice. We are looking across the fake reviews value chain and thinking about when and how to take enforcement action all across it. We are using the most up to date tech to help us to identify potential infringements at scale. We know customers rely on review data when taking decisions about which products to buy and the law now gives us the tools to hold to account those that fail to comply.

    Implementing the 4Ps

    I will now talk about a bit about the how – how we intend to use our DMCCA powers. You may have heard that the CMA has recently introduced ‘the 4Ps’ – a programme of meaningful changes to how the CMA will go about all our work, including consumer protection focusing on delivering good processes at pace, proportionately and predictability. The 4Ps framework reflects feedback we sought and heard clearly from businesses and investors, as well as themes from the draft government steer. 

    The 4Ps will enable businesses and investors to have confidence in UK’s competition and consumer protection regimes, providing a regulatory environment which is conducive to growth. 

    Pace 

    The CMA is committed to reaching decisions under its consumer enforcement regime as swiftly as possible – we aim to bring consumer harm to an end quickly and secure redress for consumers where appropriate. Of course, we must ensure decisions are robust, that processes are fair and that we respect the rights of defense of those we investigate.  

    To achieve this – first – we plan to publish timetables at the outset of investigations, so businesses are clear on what to expect and when. Our new case management system means that we will be able to administer cases more efficiently. We will use our information gathering powers in a targeted way, minimising the burden for businesses wherever possible whilst also being mindful of the need for our teams to have a full understanding of the conduct we are investigating and the context in which that takes place. 

    Where we can, we will seek to streamline cases, focusing on the most important areas of concern and dropping less important areas quickly. We will seek early resolution of cases where it is appropriate to do so through settlement. 

    Pace is a two-way street: we expect businesses and their advisers to play their part in progressing cases at pace. Parties will be expected to respond to information notices fully and on time, to work with us constructively and identify where there are issues they can be resolved or agreed early in the process.  

    Predictability 

    Core to predictability is our focus on helping businesses comply, in part by issuing further guidance that I have already spoken about. We know that at the start of a new regime there is an inherent level of uncertainty and we have worked hard to set out how we expect the regime to operate going forward. We are committing to communicating with businesses fairly and openly during the course of investigations. And as time progresses, businesses will be able to rely on the CMA’s precedent decisions to predict how consumer law could apply to different scenarios. 

    We are also exploring further ways to give businesses clarity on conduct which does not infringe the law, in particular, in areas where there is no legal precedent. And we are exploring new opportunities for businesses to seek advice for conduct they are considering introducing. 

    Proportionality 

    The burden of following the rules must be proportionate especially for small businesses. We recognise that businesses need time to review their compliance activities – our early enforcement action will focus on more egregious conduct and conduct where businesses should already be clear about their legal obligations as there is a clear marker in guidance or past cases.  

    The CMA will prioritise consumer redress, recognising that our primary focus is on stopping consumer harm. In determining the level of any penalty, we will take account of proactive steps businesses have taken to correct wrongdoing. We will also invest in monitoring the effectiveness of all our remedies, to ensure that where we do take action, it has the impact we hope to achieve.  

    Process 

    Finally the CMA intends to implement a process which works for all businesses, large and small, constructively and collaboratively. For that reason the CMA has consulted on its guidance extensively, both through formal consultations and business roundtables.  

    In terms of engagement throughout the lifetime of a case, the CMA’s direct enforcement process, has a lot of parallels with the competition process – and so businesses and their advisors can expect similar opportunities to engage on a case. 

    Leveraging the CMA’s expertise

    Finally, I wanted to talk briefly about an important topic which will be discussed later in one of the panel sessions later this afternoon including my colleague Karen Croxson, our Chief Data, Technology and Insight Officer. How at the CMA we intend to use the full range of our tools, including our in-house digital, data, technological and behavioural expertise.  

    Our data team provide invaluable input to our consumer function across the life cycle of our cases. From helping us draw on the very latest technology to identify at scale traders that may be infringing the law; to informing our prioritisation decisions; to gathering evidence, simulating consumer journeys to an evidential standard; evaluating evidence submitted by parties, and then all the way through to supporting our case teams with design and evaluation of potential remedies. We work closely with our DTI team and will continue to do so even more closely as we move into a direct enforcement model.  

    Of course, whether a commercial practice or contract term is illegal is, ultimately, a legal question. Exactly what types of evidence will be needed to prove an infringement will vary case by case. Behavioural evidence can shine a light on how consumers respond, but it won’t always be necessary or proportionate to undertake extensive complex analysis.  

    The expertise of the data team is also incredibly valuable in informing our work in supporting compliance including through guidance and principles we publish for businesses. The team provided extensive input into our discount and reference pricing principles in the mattress sector and in other papers and research published by the CMA – for example our Online Choice Architecture evidence review.  

    I’m looking forward to hearing more on this topic in the panel discussion later this afternoon.  

    Concluding remarks

    I would like to finish by re-emphasising the role an effective CMA consumer enforcement function has in today’s world. Effective, proportionate consumer protection will protect and safeguard UK consumer interests and should give UK consumers the confidence they need that the CMA is standing up for them. And when consumers are confident about spending their money, markets thrive.  

    An effective consumer protection regime should also give fair dealing businesses the confidence to grow and invest on a level playing-field, knowing that their competitors cannot gain an unfair advantage by breaking the law. 

    Reflecting the strategic steer from government, the CMA will use its new powers to properly and independently exercise our statutory function of consumer protection – promoting consumer trust and confidence and deterring poor corporate practices. I am confident this approach will deliver robust protections for consumers and support economic growth. 

    Thank you very much for listening.  

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA sincerely thanks United States for condemning China’s misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 for first time at UN Security Council

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA sincerely thanks United States for condemning China’s misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 for first time at UN Security Council

    Date：2025-04-24
    Data Source：Department of International Organizations

    April 24, 2025 
    No. 117 

    At a United Nations Security Council meeting on April 23, the United States severely condemned China for misusing UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 in its attempts to isolate Taiwan, mischaracterize other countries’ policies, and constrain their choices. The United States also reiterated that the resolution did not preclude Taiwan’s participation in the UN system or other multilateral fora. This is the second time that the current US administration has spoken up for Taiwan at the United Nations, following its public statement rejecting China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758 at a meeting of the World Health Organization Executive Board in February. This is also the first time that the United States has clearly expressed its position on the resolution at the UN Security Council, which is of great significance.
     
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung thanks the Trump administration for staunchly supporting Taiwan’s efforts to participate in the international arena and for denouncing China’s relentless attempts to suppress Taiwan’s sovereign status and international participation by maliciously distorting UNGA Resolution 2758. The Republic of China (Taiwan) is a sovereign and independent country, and neither Taiwan nor the People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. This is the objective reality across the Taiwan Strait and an internationally recognized fact. UNGA Resolution 2758 makes absolutely no mention of Taiwan, nor does it state that Taiwan is part of the PRC. Only Taiwan’s democratically elected government can represent its 23 million people in the United Nations system and other international organizations. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Azerbaijan

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to false claims regarding Taiwan in joint statement between PRC and Azerbaijan

    Date：2025-04-24
    Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    April 24, 2025  
      
    Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev visited China from April 22 to 24. Following a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on April 23, the two sides issued a joint statement on the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership. Among other spurious content, the statement falsely claimed that Taiwan was an inalienable part of Chinese territory.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly condemns the Chinese government for continuing to issue preposterous pronouncements that aim to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty on the international stage. It also expresses deep regret at the Azerbaijani government’s submission to, and compliance with, authoritarian China. 

    MOFA reaffirms that the Republic of China (Taiwan) is an independent, sovereign country and that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the Chinese Communist Party-governed People’s Republic of China is subordinate to the other. No statement intended to distort Taiwan’s sovereign status or undermine international peace and stability can alter the internationally recognized status quo across the Taiwan Strait.

    MOFA calls on the international community to recognize China’s authoritarian nature, as well as its efforts to deceitfully frame the issue of Taiwan as being a domestic matter and block international support for Taiwan. It also urges the international community to continue to respond with concrete action and clearly oppose China’s malicious attempts to alter the status quo across the Taiwan Strait so as to help jointly maintain peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin concludes successful visit to Eswatini, elevating bilateral relations to new heights

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin concludes successful visit to Eswatini, elevating bilateral relations to new heights

    Date：2025-04-27
    Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    April 27, 2025  
    No. 122  

    On April 26, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as a special presidential envoy, successfully completed a five-day visit to Eswatini and returned to Taiwan.

    On the final day of the trip, Special Envoy Lin announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would cooperate with Big Game Parks, an Eswatini wildlife conservation organization, and contribute one million emalangeni to assist the protection of rhinoceros habitat. The donation was witnessed by Eswatini Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu and Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane. In a gesture symbolizing the friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini, Special Envoy Lin named a newborn baby rhino in the national park Formosa. The announcement represented a further expansion of the scope of bilateral collaboration into the sphere of preserving ecological diversity.

    In his remarks, Special Envoy Lin thanked Big Game Parks for its contributions to conservation. He said that Taiwan attached great importance to biodiversity and understood that every species played an indispensable role in human survival. Special Envoy Lin explained that as well as prioritizing conservation work, the government of Taiwan had also enacted the Wildlife Conservation Act and incorporated the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora into national law. He added that Taiwan had worked hard to protect plants and animals at home and abroad to stop illegal exploitation of natural resources. Looking ahead, Special Envoy Lin said he hoped Taiwan and Eswatini would continue to jointly engage in related efforts.

    Acting on behalf of President Lai Ching-te, Special Envoy Lin led a large delegation including industry representatives to Eswatini from April 21 to 26 to join celebrations for the 57th birthday of King Mswati III. The visit demonstrated Taiwan’s high regard for Eswatini and further deepened the cordial relations and constructive cooperation between the two countries. 

    During the trip, Special Envoy Lin had audiences with the king and queen mother of Eswatini and met with other senior officials including the prime minister and foreign minister. He discussed bilateral cooperation plans and signed memorandums and joint statements that covered areas such as providing medical care, building 5G infrastructure, countering disinformation, and conserving wildlife. Special Envoy Lin also visited the referral and emergency complex and operating theater of Mbabane Government Hospital, which were built with assistance from Taiwan, as well as a factory that receives investment from local Taiwanese businesspeople.

    The successful trip further strengthened Taiwan-Eswatini diplomatic ties, broadened cooperation between the two nations, demonstrated Taiwan’s active contributions to the international community, and laid even more solid foundations for the countries to progress toward common prosperity. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA demands Somali government immediately revoke notification to airline operators not to accept Taiwan passport for travel to Somalia

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA demands Somali government immediately revoke notification to airline operators not to accept Taiwan passport for travel to Somalia

    Date：2025-04-29
    Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    April 29, 2025  
    No. 128  
    The Somali Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) on April 22 issued a notification to all airline operators and stakeholders that, starting from April 30, passports and related travel documents issued by Taiwan and its subordinate authorities could no longer be used to enter, exit, or transit through Somalia. The SCAA stated that the Somali government’s decision was made in line with the “one China principle” based on United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758. 

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) strongly protests Somalia’s imposition of restrictions on Taiwan nationals’ freedom and safety of travel at China’s instigation. It demands that the government of Somalia immediately revoke this notification. MOFA also solemnly refutes and strongly condemns the Somali government’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758, conflation of the resolution with the so-called “one China principle,” and propagation of the falsehood that Taiwan is subordinate to the People’s Republic of China.

    MOFA and the Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland as well as the government of Somaliland have jointly requested that like-minded nations and international organizations take concrete steps to press for the abjuration of this wrongful action. To ensure Taiwan nationals’ travel safety and convenience, MOFA reminds them not to travel to either Somalia or Somaliland until the Somali government revokes the notification.

    Since declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland has held four presidential elections. It enjoys political stability and a deepening democracy. Somaliland and Taiwan are like-minded countries that uphold freedom and democracy. The Somali government controls Somaliland’s airspace, and its crass efforts to halt interactions between peoples of democratic nations have a deleterious effect on the situation in the Horn of Africa. MOFA will provide timely updates should there be subsequent developments. (E) 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA response to Czech Senate adopting resolution on China’s misrepresentation of UNGA Resolution 2758

    Date：2025-04-30
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 30, 2025 

    The Czech Senate on April 29 adopted a resolution on the misrepresentation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and support for Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. In the resolution, the Czech Senate opposed China’s mischaracterization of UNGA Resolution 2758, emphasizing that it did not substantiate the “one China principle,” and rejected China’s related claim that Taiwan was part of China. The resolution also reiterated its support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organizations. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the resolution and expresses its sincere appreciation.
     
    The resolution stated that when UNGA Resolution 2758 was adopted on October 25, 1971, it made no mention of Taiwan, the Taiwanese people, or Taiwan’s political status; did not establish PRC sovereignty over Taiwan; and did not discuss Taiwan’s status or participation in UN agencies. Moreover, the resolution pointed out that China’s deliberate distortion of UN resolutions endangered the legitimacy of the United Nations and infringed on the basic principles of international law. It called on China to respect the content of UNGA 2758 and stop misusing it for its own political ends.
     
    In addition, the resolution supported Taiwan’s meaningful participation in multilateral organizations and fora such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the International Civil Aviation Organization, and the International Criminal Police Organization. It urged the Czech government to address China’s misrepresentation and misuse of UNGA Resolution 2758 in the UN system and support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations and other international organizations.
     
    The Czech Chamber of Deputies Foreign Affairs Committee adopted a resolution on December 12, 2024, opposing China’s improper linking of UNGA Resolution 2758 with the “one China principle.” The new Czech Senate resolution therefore once again demonstrates the Czech Parliament’s staunch backing of Taiwan and underscores the close and cordial relations between Taiwan and the Czech Republic.
     
    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung expresses sincere gratitude to the Czech Senate for supporting Taiwan through concrete action and calls on the international community to likewise counter China’s false narratives regarding UNGA Resolution 2758. Taiwan will continue to work hand in hand with like-minded partners worldwide to resist the efforts of authoritarian regimes seeking to undermine the international order and to jointly safeguard the core values shared by the global democratic community.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: During visit to Eswatini, Foreign Minister Lin meets with Prime Minister Dlamini and announces additional funding for women’s microfinance revolving fund

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    April 24, 2025
    No. 115

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung is currently visiting Eswatini as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy. He continues to carry out important engagements in Taiwan’s African ally. 
     
    On the morning of April 23, the second day of his visit, Special Envoy Lin called on Prime Minister Russell Dlamini to thank him for his friendship with Taiwan. Prime Minister Dlamini, who assumed office in November 2023, led a delegation to Taiwan in March 2024. In the same year, he spoke up for Taiwan on behalf of the government of Eswatini at major international events, including the United Nations General Assembly and the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, demonstrating staunch support for the diplomatic alliance between the two countries.
     
    Prime Minister Dlamini warmly welcomed Special Envoy Lin to Eswatini and thanked Taiwan for its long-standing support. He reaffirmed that relations with Taiwan were rock-solid and emphasized that Eswatini, as a sovereign nation, had the right to choose its own friends without being influenced by other countries. He underlined that Eswatini was firmly committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with Taiwan.
     
    Also on the morning of April 23, Special Envoy Lin joined Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla; Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu; Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo; and other high-level officials at an event to showcase the results of a microfinance revolving fund implemented by Taiwan and Eswatini to help women start businesses.
     
    In his remarks, Special Envoy Lin stated that Taiwan had announced an investment of US$1 million to establish the revolving fund in September 2023. He said the program provided start-up loans for women in rural areas, increased household incomes, and contributed to the economic and social development of Eswatini. In the past year or more since the fund was launched, over 500 loans had been approved, leading to changes in people’s lives and helping women achieve economic independence, he added. Highlighting a touching result of the initiative, Special Envoy Lin noted that one beneficiary had named her newborn baby Taiwan to thank Taiwan for its assistance. He further announced that the Taiwan government would inject an additional US$500,000 into the fund to further expand the virtuous cycle.  Special Envoy Lin said this underscored Taiwan’s strong commitment to economic empowerment in Eswatini.
     
    Speaking at the event, Deputy Prime Minister Dladla recalled her 2019 visit to Taiwan as foreign minister, during which she presented a proposal to the Taiwan government for the revolving fund on behalf of Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala. She said that in 2020 the Technical Mission of the International Cooperation and Development Fund in Eswatini had introduced the Women’s Microenterprise Mentoring and Capacity Building Project, under which more than 6,000 women had received entrepreneurship skills training. Deputy Prime Minister Dladla said this was followed by a bilateral cooperation agreement to launch the fund, signed at a ceremony witnessed by the heads of state of both nations in September 2023. She praised the results that the program had achieved since it was launched just over a year ago in effectively giving women in rural areas of Eswatini an avenue to finance their start-up plans.
     
    Around 100 beneficiaries of the fund attended the event. Participants sang classic Taiwanese songs such as “Fight to Win,” creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Special Envoy Lin presented a stuffed leopard cat to the child named Taiwan, highlighting the profound friendship between Taiwan and Eswatini.
     
    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work with the government of Eswatini to enhance the well-being of the peoples of both countries and further deepen bilateral relations. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin meets with Eswatini king and queen mother, cohosts groundbreaking for strategic oil reserve facility

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin meets with Eswatini king and queen mother, cohosts groundbreaking for strategic oil reserve facility

    Date：2025-04-24
    Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    April 24, 2025   No. 116  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, serving as President Lai Ching-te’s special envoy to Taiwan’s African ally Eswatini, met with Queen Mother Ntombi Tfwala and had an audience with King Mswati III on the afternoon of April 23. He and King Mswati III jointly presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for a strategic oil reserve facility, broadening bilateral cooperation into a new area.
     
    The king and the queen mother expressed appreciation for President Lai’s appointment of Minister Lin as special envoy for the king’s 57th birthday celebrations. They thanked Taiwan for its long-term assistance in developing Eswatini’s infrastructure, which they said had played an important role in economic growth. The king and the queen mother reaffirmed the robust diplomatic partnership between the two countries and pledged to continue to support Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.
     
    Special Envoy Lin extended birthday wishes to King Mswati III on behalf of President Lai and presented the king with a congratulatory letter from the president as well as special envoy credentials. He also delivered birthday gifts to the king, including cattle in accordance with local customs, high-tech products and delicacies from Taiwan, and a wooden sculpture entitled Infinite Wisdom by Taiwanese artist Kang Mu-xiang. 
     
    In his remarks, Special Envoy Lin thanked King Mswati III for leading a delegation to the inauguration of President Lai in May 2024 to convey support for Taiwan’s new administration. He said that Taiwan, as an important ally of Eswatini, would continue to contribute to the development of key infrastructure projects. He commended the king for fully supporting the launch of the strategic oil reserve facility and noted that it was the largest cooperation project to be undertaken by the two nations since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Special Envoy Lin said the project demonstrated that Taiwan was Eswatini’s steadfast partner, adding that the two countries had always supported each other. He stressed that Taiwan would continue to promote and expand the scope of bilateral exchanges and cooperation to further assist Eswatini in realizing its development goals.
     
    Following their meeting, Special Envoy Lin and King Mswati III jointly presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the strategic oil reserve facility. The milestone in bilateral relations was witnessed by prominent leaders from all sectors of Eswatini society. King Mswati III also hosted a reception for Special Envoy Lin, the delegation, and other guests, demonstrating the high regard of the Eswatini royal family and government for the visitors and the project.
     
    Taiwan and Eswatini established diplomatic relations in 1968. Over the past 57 years, bilateral ties have been stable and cordial. The government of Eswatini has actively and unfailingly supported Taiwan’s participation in international organizations. It is one of Taiwan staunchest allies. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s National Health Commission answers questions on white paper from press

    Source: People’s Republic of China Ministry of Health

    BEIJING — China’s State Council Information Office on Wednesday released a white paper titled “Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins Tracing: China’s Actions and Stance.”

    The National Health Commission has responded to questions raised by the press regarding the white paper.

    Q1: What’s the background of issuing the white paper, Covid-19 Prevention, Control and Origins-Tracing: China’s Actions and Stance, and what information does it contain?

    A: Since the outbreak of Covid-19, China has been open and transparent in sharing information, and generous and selfless in providing aid. Its efforts in response and commitment to transparency have been highly acclaimed by the international community. However, the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri accused China of “hoarding medical supplies” and ruled that China must pay Missouri 24.49 billion USD in compensation for COVID-related losses; and recently, an article published on the official website of the White House blamed the origin of the virus on China, where some US politicians made spurious allegations, accusing China of concealing pandemic information from the world and hoarding medical supplies.

    In such context, China released this white paper to present a systematic overview of China’s key achievement in tracing the origins of Covid-19, to attest to its contribution to international cooperation in the response to the global pandemic, and to advance scientific endeavors and foster global collaboration as a responsible major country in this critical domain. Despite being the world’s largest economy and most developed country, the US failed to make contributions commensurate with its capabilities; even worse, it blamed its own problems on others and sabotaged collaborative global efforts to address the crisis. China firmly opposes and strongly condemns such practice.

    The white paper contains a preface, the main body, and a conclusion, in total 14,000 Chinese characters. The main body has three chapters: “Contributing Chinese Wisdom to the Study of the Origins of SARS-CoV-2”, “China’s Contribution to the Global Fight against Covid-19”, and “The Mismanaged Response of the US to the Covid-19 Pandemic”.

    Q2: How is the origins study of SARS-CoV-2 going in China? Where should the next step be taken?

    A: Since the outbreak of Covid-19, China has consistently dedicated substantial resources to collaborative research into the origins of the virus participated by Chinese and international scientists. Upholding its commitment to international responsibilities and scientific soundness with openness and transparency, the country spearheaded research initiatives in critical fields such as clinical epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, environmental epidemiology, and the identification of intermediate animal hosts. China closely cooperated with the World Health Organization (WHO) on the study of the virus origins with a strong sense of global responsibility and transparency, and in 2020 and 2021 invited WHO expert teams to China to carry out joint investigations. On March 30, 2021, the WHO organized a member state information session and press conference to present the findings about the origins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and published the “WHO-convened Global Study of Origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Part-Joint WHO-China Study” on its official website. To date, no findings have contradicted the conclusions of the “Joint WHO-China Study”.

    The next phase of the origins study should be conducted mainly in the US. A large number of studies have pinned the origin of the virus outside of China. A US CDC study reveals that out of 7,389 serological survey samples collected from nine states from December 13, 2019 to January 17, 2020, 106 were Covid-19 antibody positive. This suggests that the virus existed in the US before the first official case was identified. Similarly, the NIH “All of Us” Research Program tested 24,079 blood samples collected from participants across 50 states from January 2 to March 18, 2020, identifying nine containing Covid-19 antibodies. The earliest two were collected on January 7 and 8, respectively. These findings show that the virus was circulating in the US at a low level as early as December 2019, well before the first official cases were recorded. An expert associated with The Lancet suggested that SARS-CoV-2 might not have come from nature; instead, it probably came from an incident at a US bio-technology lab. Between 2006 and 2013, the US reported at least 1,500 serious laboratory incidents involving coronaviruses and other highly dangerous pathogens linked to diseases such as SARS, MERS, Ebola, anthrax, smallpox, and avian influenza.

    These questionable events all suggest that Covid-19 may have emerged earlier than the US official timeline, and earlier than the outbreak in China. A thorough and in-depth investigation into the origins of the virus should be conducted in the US The US must not continue to turn a deaf ear to this call; rather, it should respond to the reasonable concern of the international community, share the data of earlier suspected cases with the WHO, and give a responsible answer to the world.

    Q3: How does China comment on the performance of the US in its response to Covid-19?

    A: The delayed and ineffective response to Covid-19 in the US made it the worst performing country in handling of the pandemic.

    In January 2020, the federal government of the US, choosing to downplay the severity of the transmission, labelled the novel coronavirus pneumonia as a case of “bad flu” which would “disappear” automatically one day, touted hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as “wonder drugs” without solid scientific evidence, and even advocated the use of detergents to control infections and transmissions, becoming a laughing stock in the scientific community. The US government also deprived its citizens of the right to be informed of updated pandemic information. From March 3, 2020, the US CDC stopped releasing key data on Covid-19, including tallying the people tested for the virus, on the grounds that its information might not be “accurate”. Over the next three years or so, people in the US could only find information about the pandemic from estimated data collected and reported by non-governmental institutions such as the Johns Hopkins University. By mid-April 2020, the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the US had exceeded 660,000. However, with an eye on the upcoming presidential elections, the Administration announced that the pandemic had “passed the peak,” and rushed to roll out plans to reopen the economy. Insisting that citizens should be “free to choose,” the government of Florida demanded schools across the state to reopen, leading to widespread infection among teachers and students.

    Covid-19 overwhelmed the costly and profit-driven US medical system, and vulnerable groups such as the impoverished, ethnic minorities, and senior citizens were the first to be abandoned in treatment. According to a report from the Associated Press in June 2020, of every 10 deaths in the US, eight were people over 65 years old. With a strained medical system, infected people could not receive timely care and death toll surged. The American people’s rights to life and health were in no way being guaranteed on an equal basis.

    Data from the US National Center for Health Statistics shows that the life expectancy in the country fell from 78.8 years in 2019 to 77 in 2020, and further declined to 76.1 in 2021, a decrease of 2.7 years from 2019. For comparison, life expectancy in China rose from 77.3 years in 2019, to 77.93 in 2020, 78.2 in 2021, 78.3 in 2022, and 78.6 in 2023, signaling a steady improvement in population health.

    US CDC data released in May 2023 revealed that deaths due to Covid-19 in the US totaled 1.13 million, accounting for 16.4 percent of concurrent global deaths reported by the WHO. These figures were out of alignment with the overall population size, economic strength, and level of medical technology of the US, and were indicative of its ineffective and unscientific response policies.

    The US not only botched its own response to Covid-19, but also obstructed and sabotaged international cooperation in various ways. The deliberate concealment of information by the US government misled other countries and the WHO in the research and analysis of Covid-19 trends. The US government publicly announced that it would take an America First approach in vaccine supply and vaccination, keeping hoarding excess vaccines and agitating vaccine nationalism on the one hand, and waging a smear campaign to discredit China’s vaccines on the other. A US think tank criticized the US for its reluctance to provide foreign aid, saying this practice would expose the country as a “selfish isolationist when its help was most desperately needed.”

    Q4: The Missouri and other US state governments have initiated groundless lawsuits against China, holding China accountable for the pandemic. What is China’s comment on this?

    A: The groundless lawsuit of Missouri is a politically motivated farce orchestrated by state governments out of political self-interest that has ignored basic facts and violated fundamental legal norms. It is an affront to the sovereignty and dignity of all nations and to the international rule of law. China rejects such proceedings and will never accept a judgement delivered in absentia.

    The allegations in the judgement that China concealed pandemic information from the world and that China hoarded medical supplies are groundless. In the early stage of the outbreak, China provided clear information to the international community, adopting an open and transparent approach in releasing relevant information to the world. By May 31, 2020, the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism and the Information Office of the State Council had held 161 press conferences, during which over 490 officials from more than 50 government departments answered over 1,400 questions from Chinese and foreign media.

    China tried every possible means to provide materials and assistance. From January 2020 to May 2022, China offered over 4.6 billion protective suits, 18 billion test kits, and 430 billion masks to 15 international organizations and 153 countries, including the US.

    In 2020, China sent 38 medical expert teams to 34 countries assisting in local pandemic control efforts, sharing China’s experience and practice in preventing and controlling the epidemic, and medical treatment plans.

    China made a significant contribution to the global fight against the pandemic, for which China deserves recognition and fair treatment, rather than blames and damage claims. In contrast, the incompetent responses of the Missouri state government led to a mortality rate ranking among the highest in the US Now the state government is trying to shift the blame for its failures, which is both irresponsible and unethical, a selfish and evading presence. China will never accede to demands for compensation claimed on baseless allegations, and will take resolute countermeasures in defense of its legitimate rights.

    Q5: How China played its roles as WHO member in global health governance?

    A: Since the outbreak of Covid-19, China lost no time in sharing information on the epidemic updates and genome sequencing to the international community including the WHO. China invited multiple WHO international expert missions to conduct joint research on its territory. China provided tremendous supplies and aid to the international community to the best of its ability and shared the experience of pandemic prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment. Constantly sticking to the shared idea of a community with a shared future for mankind, China has made significant contributions to the global fight against pandemic by carrying out international cooperations.

    In early 2020, the WHO dispatched warnings to the international community including the US, reminding of “a possible pandemic on a larger scale”. On April 10, the US government, which up till then had dismissed the WHO admonitions as sensational, began to accuse the media, WHO officials and Democratic congressmen of incompetence in fighting against the pandemic. On April 14, the US government announced for the first time that it would suspend funding to the WHO on the ground that the organization had not performed its fundamental duties.

    On January 20, 2025, the current US government again announced its withdrawal from the WHO on the excuses that it had failed in responding to the pandemic and yielded to China’s influence. Far from reflecting on its own incompetence during the pandemic, the US government has gone too far in shifting the blame, which will further harm its competence in responding to new emergencies to the public health.

    China supports the United Nations and the WHO in playing and enhancing their mandatory roles and the capacity building of global health governance. China has been, and will be, active in participating in the WHO’s efforts in preventing and responding to emergencies in public health, in implementing and amending the “International Health Regulations,” and in reviewing a “pandemic treaty.” China will be active in participating in the IPPPR of the WHO and its SAGO mission by contributing advice and opinions. China has contributed and will continue to contribute Chinese perspectives, solutions and strengths to building an efficient and sustainable global public health system for the benefit of all humanity and fortifying defenses for the lives and health of all. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Salford City Council Officially Ratifies Appointment of Stephen Young as new Chief Executive

    Source: City of Salford

    • Stephen Young’s appointment officially ratified at meeting of full council.
    • He will succeed current Interim Chief Executive Melissa Caslake.
    • Stephen will begin in the role in the autumn.

    Elected members at Salford City Council have today (30 April) formally ratified the appointment of Stephen Young as the new Chief Executive at a meeting of the full council.

    The formal approval follows the initial announcement of his appointment earlier in the month. The decision also includes confirming Stephen as Head of Paid Service, Returning Officer for all relevant elections in Salford, and as Electoral Registration Officer, all part of the role of Chief Executive. In addition, he will become the Place Based Lead for Health for Greater Manchester.

    Stephen is currently Chief Executive at Halton Borough Council, a role he has held since March 2022. He will take over from current Interim Chief Executive Melissa Caslake and begin in post in the autumn.

    Following the approval, Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said “Officially confirming Stephen’s appointment is the final step in this process and an exciting time as we now look to the future when Stephen is in post.

    “Melissa Caslake continues to lead the organisation as our Interim Chief Executive, and I’d like to personally thank her for her commitment during this period. Her leadership, along with the dedication and guidance from our senior leadership team, have been extremely valuable to myself, members and our workforce.

    “I’m now looking forward to working with Stephen, and to jointly leading our organisation through the next phase of delivering for the people of Salford – supporting our communities, tackling inequality, and continuing to work in partnership across the city and beyond to champion the work of Salford City Council.”

    Commenting ahead of starting in post in the autumn, Stephen Young said: “I am delighted to be officially confirmed in this role and can’t wait to get working for this innovative organisation in such an exciting and dynamic city.

    “Throughout my interview process, I’ve been impressed by the incredible people I’ve met and exceptional things they are doing. I’ve been blown away by the passion and the Spirit of Salford and I’m looking forward to being a part of this great organisation.”

    Share this

    Date published
    Wednesday 30 April 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Historic Market Hall to reopen with free week of music, workshops and family fun

    Source: City of Derby

    The transformed Derby Market Hall will open with a spectacular week-long celebration packed with music, creative workshops, and family-friendly activities.

    The doors will officially open to the public at 11am on Saturday 24 May, almost 159 years to the day since its original grand opening. 

    The iconic Grade II listed building has undergone a significant £35.1 million restoration, creating a vibrant venue that brings together the best of the region’s independent shopping, eating, drinking, and entertainment under one beautiful roof.

    The Market Hall was officially declared open on 29 May 1866 by Mayor Frederick Longdon, with a special inaugural event that included a performance of Handel’s Messiah. The very performance inspired the formation of Derby Choral Union shortly afterwards.

    Exactly 159 years later, on Thursday 29 May 2025, Derby Choral Union will return to the Market Hall to celebrate the reopening with a performance of popular choral pieces, honouring their historic performance in the Market Hall. 

    The £35.1m transformation, partly funded with £9.43m from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (FHSF) began with the Market Hall’s most iconic feature: the cast iron, copper, and glass roof. Designed by Melbourne engineer Rowland Mason Ordish, whose later work included the roof of London’s St Pancras railway station, this distinctive element needed significant repair.  

    As it reopens to the public, visitors will see at first hand the results of a careful, multi-million-pound restoration, aimed at preserving the rich heritage of the Grade-II listed building while also introducing modern enhancements.

    Visitors can also explore a diverse array of independent stalls and sample the cosmopolitan selection of food and drinks in the bustling food court. The opening week will also provide a taste of the exciting ongoing programme of entertainment and activities planned for the Market Hall. 

    The venue’s opening week coincides with the May half-term school break so there’s something planned for all ages! A detailed schedule of the week’s events is available on the Derby Market Hall website. All events are free of charge for visitors.

    Councillor Nadine Peatfield, Leader of Derby City Council and Cabinet Member for City Centre, Regeneration, Strategy and Policy, said: 

    I’m so pleased to be able to honour the historical significance of the Market Hall’s original opening ceremony by having Derby Choral Union performing a variety of popular choral pieces exactly 159 years later.

    The packed opening week programme is just the beginning and showcases how Derby Market Hall will be a vibrant flagship destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.

    The opening date is now just a few weeks away and I’m so excited for everyone to finally see the significant transformation and enjoy all the Market Hall has to offer. The transformed Market Hall will attract visitors from across the region and beyond.

    The grand opening day will kick off with the unique sounds of Deep Down Brass, setting a lively tone for the day. Throughout Saturday, visitors can enjoy live music from walkabout acts and sessions on the Market Hall stage. The musical entertainment will continue until 9:30pm, with a fantastic line-up of local talent including Carl North, Sura Laynes, Leah Wilcox, Anna Milne, and Masha Terry entertaining the crowds.

    Opening day will also feature engaging activities for all ages, including workshops in photography and illustration. Folk 3-D will guide a workshop to create beautiful paper flowers and, later, the Lost Boys will offer their innovative Ancestories Virtual Reality headset sessions for a unique and immersive experience. Some of the events and workshops will be held in the venue’s new upstairs multi-use space, the Ordish Room. The room is named after Rowland Mason Ordish, the Derbyshire-born engineer who designed the Market Hall’s iconic roof in the 1860s, in a nod to the building’s stunning built heritage. 

    The fun continues every day for the rest of the week and into the following weekend, with a packed programme featuring:

    • Live music from talented local artists on the Market Hall stage
    • Entertaining walkabout acts both indoors and outdoors, on Cornmarket and Osnabruck Square
    • Theatre performances and virtual reality sessions in the Market Hall’s multi-use space
    • Workshops in crafts, pottery, music, performance and songwriting

    Located at the heart of the city centre, linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter with the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the redeveloped Market Hall will play a key role in widening the diversity of the city centre and is expected to generate £3.64m for the local economy every year.

    Follow Derby Market Hall on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with what’s going on. Full details of the programme of events are available on the Derby Market Hall website.

    Osnabruck Square, the space outside Derby Market Hall, is set to open in July 2025. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet approves development of Greenfield High-Speed Corridor of 166.80 km (NH-6) from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)

    Source: Government of India

    Cabinet approves development of Greenfield High-Speed Corridor of 166.80 km (NH-6) from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)

    Total capital cost of the corridor is Rs.22,864 crore

    Posted On: 30 APR 2025 4:05PM by PIB Delhi

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for Development, Maintenance and Management of  4-lane Greenfield Access Controlled 166.80 km of National Highway No. 06 from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam on Hybrid Annuity Mode as an access controlled greenfield High-Speed Corridor at a total capital cost of Rs.22,864 Crore. The project length of 166.80 km lies in Meghalaya (144.80 km)  and Assam (22.00 km).

    The proposed Greenfield high-speed corridor will improve the service level for the traffic moving from Guwahati to Silchar. The development of this corridor will improve the connectivity to Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur and the Barak Valley region of Assam from mainland and Guwahati with substantially reduced travel distance and travel time. This will, in turn, contribute to the enhancement of logistics efficiency of the nation.

    The corridor will improve connectivity between Assam and Meghalaya and will spur economic development, including development of industries in Meghalaya, as it passes through cement and coal production areas of Meghalaya. This corridor will cater to the national and international tourists coming from well-connected Guwahati Airport, Shillong Airport, Silchar Airport (via existing NH-06) connecting Guwahati to Silchar. This would connect scenic places of tourist attraction in the North-East and promote tourism.

    This critical infrastructure project will improve inter-city connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong & Silchar traverses through Ri Bhoi, East Khasi Hills, West Jaintia hills, East Jaintia hills in Meghalaya and Cachar district in Assam reduce congestion on existing NH-06 and enhance transport infrastructure development in line with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.

    The project alignment integrates with major transport corridors, including NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, NH-37 providing seamless connectivity to Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khlieriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, Kalain..

    Upon completion, the Shillong – Silchar Corridor will play a pivotal role in regional economic growth, improving connectivity between Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Imphal, Aizawl and Agartala. The project aligns with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, enhancing infrastructure while generating employment and fostering socio-economic development in Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

    Feature

    Details

    Project Name

    Development, Maintenance and Management of 166.80 km of National Highway No. 06 from Mawlyngkhung (near Shillong) in Meghalaya to Panchgram (near Silchar) in Assam on Hybrid Annuity Mode

    Corridor

    Shillong – Silchar (NH-06)

    Length (km)

    166.8 Km

    Total Civil Cost

    Rs. 12,087 crore

    Land Acquisition Cost

    Rs. 3,503 crore

    Total Capital Cost

    Rs. 22,864 crore

    Mode

    Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM)

    Major Roads Connected

    NH-27, NH-106, NH-206, NH-37, SH-07, SH-08, SH-09, SH-38

    Economic / Social / Transport Nodes Connected

    Airports: Guwahati Airport, Shillong Airport, Silchar Airport

    Major Cities / Towns Connected

    Guwahati, Shillong, Silchar, Diengpasoh, Ummulong, Phramer, Khlieriat, Ratachera, Umkiang, Kalain.

    Employment Generation Potential

    74 lakh man-days (direct) & 93 lakh man-days (indirect)

    Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) in FY-25

    Estimated at 19,000-20,000 Passenger Car Units (PCU)

     

    ****

    MJPS/BM

    (Release ID: 2125467) Visitor Counter : 184

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Leasing arrangements announced for public market stalls in May

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announced today (April 30) that open auctions for a total of 590 stalls in 45 public markets will be held in May. Market stalls not taken at open auctions will be available to the public for renting at their upset prices on May 23 on a first-come, first-served basis.

    (1) Open auctions

    The types of stalls to be auctioned this time cover cooked food, frozen meat, fresh meat, fresh fish, frozen (chilled) poultry, fruits, vegetables, ready-to-eat food, food-related dry goods and wet goods, non-food related dry goods and wet goods, service trades, siu mei and lo mei, mobile phones/mobile phone accessories/electronic products/electronic parts, pet goods and pet food, hardware/locksmith, etc. The tenancy agreement is a three-year fixed term from June 1, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the tenancy agreement. The upset prices of the monthly rent of the stalls vary depending on the sizes, locations and vacancy periods of the individual stalls. The upset prices for the stalls in an open auction will be initially fixed at 80 per cent of the open market rent (OMR) if the stalls have been vacant for over six months, and at 60 per cent of the OMR if the vacant period has been over eight months. Relevant information is available on the FEHD website.

    The date and the number of stalls are as follows:

    New Territories (1)
    ———————–
    Auction date: May 7 (Wednesday) (am)
    Number of stalls: 89

    New Territories (2)
    ———————
    Auction date: May 8 (Thursday) (am)
    Number of stalls: 76

    Hong Kong Island and Islands District (1)
    ———————————————-
    Auction date: May 12 (Monday) (am)
    Number of stalls: 119

    Aberdeen Market
    ——————-
    Auction date: May 12 (Monday) (pm)
    Number of stalls: 20

    Hong Kong Island and Islands District (2)
    ———————————————-
    Auction date: May 13 (Tuesday) (am)
    Number of stalls: 75

    Hong Kong Island and Islands District (3)
    ———————————————-
    Auction date: May 13 (Tuesday) (pm)
    Number of stalls: 64

    Kowloon (1)
    —————
    Auction date: May 14 (Wednesday) (am)
    Number of stalls: 79

    Lai Wan Market
    ——————–
    Auction date: May 14 (Wednesday) (pm)
    Number of stalls: two

    Kowloon (2)
    —————
    Auction date: May 15 (Thursday) (am)
    Number of stalls: 52

    Kowloon (3)
    —————
    Auction date: May 15 (Thursday) (pm)
    Number of stalls: 14

    The open auctions will be held at Room 410, 4/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot, 87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon. Limited seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The admission tickets will be issued 30 minutes prior to the commencement of each auction. Persons who want to attend the auctions must wait at the waiting area of the auction venue and produce their Hong Kong identity card or passport for registration. The registered person will then be provided with an admission ticket for the auctions. In addition, eligible bidders after verification will be issued with a bidding paddle for the auction. The FEHD has also invited representatives of the Police and the Independent Commission Against Corruption to monitor the auctions at the auction venue in order to ensure that the open auctions are conducted in an orderly and fair manner.

    (2) Renting at upset prices on first-come, first-served basis

    The tenancy agreement of market stalls renting on a first-come, first-served basis is a three-year fixed term from July 1, with no right of renewal upon expiry of the tenancy agreement. The upset prices of the monthly rent of the stalls vary depending on their sizes, locations, vacancy periods and the reduced upset prices from the last open auction of the individual stalls. Relevant information is available on the FEHD website after the open auction.

    Members of the public who are interested in renting a market stall at its upset price should approach the following FEHD offices, as appropriate, to apply in person from 9.30am to 12.30pm or 2.30pm to 4.30pm on May 23:
     

    Districts in which the market stalls are located  Venues for selection of market stalls
    Hong Kong Island and Islands District  Hawkers and Markets Section (Hong Kong and Islands) Office,
    8/F, Lockhart Road Municipal Services Building,
    225 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
    Kowloon Hawkers and Markets Section (Kowloon) Office,
    Room 301-302,
    3/F, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department Nam Cheong Offices and Vehicle Depot,
    87 Yen Chow Street West, Kowloon
    Kwai Tsing District  Kwai Tsing District Environmental Hygiene Office,
    9/F, Kwai Hing Government Offices,
    166-174 Hing Fong Road, Kwai Chung, New Territories
    North District North District Environmental Hygiene Office,
    4/F, Shek Wu Hui Municipal Services Building,
    13 Chi Cheong Road, Sheung Shui, New Territories
    Sai Kung District  Sai Kung District Environmental Hygiene Office,
    7/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex,
    38 Pui Shing Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories
    Sha Tin District Sha Tin District Environmental Hygiene Office,
    Units 1201-1207 and 1220-1221, 12/F,
    Tower 1, Grand Central Plaza,
    138 Sha Tin Rural Committee Road, Sha Tin, New Territories
    Tai Po District  Tai Po District Environmental Hygiene Office,
    3/F, Tai Po Complex,
    8 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po, New Territories
    Tsuen Wan District  Tsuen Wan District Environmental Hygiene Office,
    3/F, Yeung Uk Road Municipal Services Building,
    45 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories
    Tuen Mun District  Tuen Mun District Environmental Hygiene Office,
    1/F, Tuen Mun Government Offices Building,
    1 Tuen Hi Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories
    Yuen Long District Yuen Long District Environmental Hygiene Office,
    2/F, Yuen Long Government Offices,
    2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, New Territories

    A spokesman for the FEHD said, “Bidders or applicants for the market stalls must be at least 18 years old and ordinarily reside in Hong Kong. To allow more people to bid for or select the stalls and increase customer choices by enhancing the diversity in terms of the variety of stalls, there will be a restriction on the number of stalls to be rented in the same market by a single tenant. Any person who is currently a stall tenant is not allowed to bid in the first round of auction for any stall in the same market, and will only be allowed to bid for one stall in the second round of auction or to select one stall in the same market on a first-come, first-served basis. The existing tenants under the new three-year fixed term tenancy scheme (i.e. those persons who became stall tenants through the market open auctions after August 2022) are allowed to bid for a stall in the auction or select a stall on a first-come, first-served basis in the same market, but shall vacate the current stall and return it to the FEHD before the effective date of commencement of the new tenancy agreement.”

    ​Details of the open auctions and the public market stalls concerned (including stalls for open auction at reduced upset prices) have been uploaded to the FEHD website (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/tidy_market/open_auction_coming.html). Details on renting public market stalls on a first-come, first-served basis will be uploaded to the FEHD website after open auctions (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pleasant_environment/tidy_market/FCFS/index.html). Interested bidders or applicants may visit the department website or contact the respective District Environmental Hygiene Office.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Onity Group Announces First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Onity Group Inc. (NYSE: ONIT) (“Onity” or the “Company”) today announced its first quarter 2025 results and provided a business update.

    First Quarter 2025:

    • Net income attributable to common stockholders of $21 million; diluted EPS of $2.50; ROE of 19%
    • Adjusted pre-tax income* of $25 million, resulting in annualized adjusted ROE* of 22%
    • Book value per share improved to $58 as of March 31, 2025, up $2.15 year-over-year
    • $17 billion in total servicing additions
    • Average servicing UPB of $305 billion, up $13 billion year-over-year

    2025 Outlook:

    • Confirmed previous guidance including 2025 adjusted ROE* range of 16% – 18%
    • Some or all of $180 million deferred tax valuation allowance (US) as of December 31, 2024, could be released by year-end 2025

             * See “Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below

    “We are thrilled to report another strong quarter, with growth in revenue, adjusted pre-tax income, adjusted ROE, and book value per share compared to a year ago,” said Onity Group Chair, President and CEO Glen Messina. “Our results demonstrate the success of our strategy coupled with strong execution. Our balanced business continues to perform well regardless of interest rate cycles.”

    Messina continued, “We believe our demonstrated resiliency, customer focus, and award-winning servicing platform will enable us to successfully navigate interest rate volatility and economic uncertainties. We expect our actions to deliver balanced MSR and subservicing additions, expand high-margin products, and continuously strengthen recapture performance, will drive our growth in the coming quarters.”

    Additional First Quarter 2025 Operating and Business Highlights

    • Funded recapture volume up 2.7x year-over-year; refinance recapture rate is 1.6x industry average based on ICE Mortgage Monitor report as of April 2025
    • Originations volume of $7 billion, up 53% year-over-year, exceeding 8% industry growth
    • MSR additions (bulk purchases and originations) of $12 billion, up more than 2x year-over-year
    • Expanded high-margin products with launch of enhanced home equity and proprietary reverse mortgage (EquityIQ®) loans
    • Effective MSR hedge strategy resulting in minimal MSR fair value volatility in the quarter and continued alignment with operating and financial performance
    • Total liquidity (unrestricted cash plus available credit) at $239 million as of March 31, 2025

    Webcast and Conference Call

    Onity will hold a conference call on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (ET) to review the Company’s first quarter 2025 operating results and to provide a business update. All interested parties are welcome to participate. You can access the conference call by dialing (800) 579-2543 or (785) 424-1789 approximately 10 minutes prior to the call; please reference the conference ID “Onity.” Participants can also access the conference call through a live audio webcast available from the Shareholder Relations page at onitygroup.com under Events and Presentations. An investor presentation will accompany the conference call and be available by visiting the Shareholder Relations page at onitygroup.com prior to the call. A replay of the conference call will be available via the website approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call. A telephonic replay will also be available approximately three hours following the call’s completion through May 14, 2025, by dialing (844) 512-2921 or (412) 317-6671; please reference access code 11158988.

    About Onity Group

    Onity Group Inc. (NYSE: ONIT) is a leading non-bank financial services company providing mortgage servicing and originations solutions through its primary brands, PHH Mortgage and Liberty Reverse Mortgage. PHH Mortgage is one of the largest servicers in the country, focused on delivering a variety of servicing and lending programs to consumers and business clients. Liberty is one of the nation’s largest reverse mortgage lenders dedicated to providing loans that help customers meet their personal and financial needs. We are headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida, with offices and operations in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, India and the Philippines, and have been serving our customers since 1988. For additional information, please visit onitygroup.com.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains 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. These forward-looking statements may be identified by a reference to a future period or by the use of forward-looking terminology. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as “expect”, “believe”, “foresee”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “goal”, “strategy”, “plan” “target” and “project” or conditional verbs such as “will”, “may”, “should”, “could” or “would” or the negative of these terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words, and includes statements in this press release regarding our 2025 outlook and guidance, our expectation of releasing our deferred tax valuation allowance by year-end 2025, our ability to drive growth, and navigate interest volatility and economic uncertainties. Forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that are, to different degrees, uncertain. Readers should bear these factors in mind when considering such statements and should not place undue reliance on such statements.

    Forward-looking statements involve a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. In the past, actual results have differed from those suggested by forward looking statements and this may happen again. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the potential for ongoing disruption in the financial markets and in commercial activity generally as a result of U.S. and global political events, changes in monetary and fiscal policy, and other sources of instability; the impacts of inflation, employment disruption, and other financial difficulties facing our borrowers; whether we will release some or all of the valuation allowance offsetting our net U.S. deferred tax asset, and the timing and amount of such release; the adequacy of our financial resources, including our sources of liquidity and ability to sell, fund and recover servicing advances, forward and reverse whole loans, future draws on existing reverse loans, and HECM and forward loan buyouts and put backs, as well as repay, renew and extend borrowings, borrow additional amounts as and when required, meet our MSR or other asset investment objectives and comply with our debt agreements, including the financial and other covenants contained in them; our ability to interpret correctly and comply with current or future liquidity, net worth and other financial and other requirements of regulators, the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae), and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) (together, the GSEs), and the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), including our ability to implement a cost-effective response to Ginnie Mae’s risk-based capital requirements by the extended deadline granted to us by Ginnie Mae of October 1, 2025; our ability to timely reduce operating costs, or generate offsetting revenue, in proportion to the industry-wide decrease in originations activity; the impact of cost-reduction initiatives on our business and operations; the impact of our rebranding initiative; the amount of senior debt or common stock or that we may repurchase under any repurchase programs, the timing of such repurchases, and the long-term impact, if any, of repurchases on the trading price of our securities or our financial condition; breach or failure of Onity’s, our contractual counterparties’, or our vendors’ information technology or other security systems or privacy protections, including any failure to protect customers’ data, resulting in disruption to our operations, loss of income, reputational damage, costly litigation and regulatory penalties; our reliance on our technology vendors to adequately maintain and support our systems, including our servicing systems, loan originations and financial reporting systems, and uncertainty relating to our ability to transition to alternative vendors, if necessary, without incurring significant cost or disruption to our operations; the future of our long-term relationship with Rithm Capital Corp. (Rithm); our ability to close acquisitions of MSRs and other transactions, including the ability to obtain regulatory approvals; our ability to grow our reverse servicing business; our ability to retain clients and employees of acquired businesses, and the extent to which acquisitions and our other strategic initiatives will contribute to achieving our growth objectives; increased servicing costs based on increased borrower delinquency levels or other factors; uncertainty related to past, present or future claims, litigation, cease and desist orders and investigations regarding our servicing, foreclosure, modification, origination and other practices brought by government agencies and private parties, including state regulators, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), State Attorneys General, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Justice or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); the reactions of key counterparties, including lenders, the GSEs and Ginnie Mae, to our regulatory engagements and litigation matters; increased regulatory scrutiny and media attention; any adverse developments in existing legal proceedings or the initiation of new legal proceedings; our ability to effectively manage our regulatory and contractual compliance obligations; our ability to comply with our servicing agreements, including our ability to comply with the requirements of the GSEs and Ginnie Mae and maintain our seller/servicer and other statuses with them; our ability to fund future draws on existing loans in our reverse mortgage portfolio; our servicer and credit ratings as well as other actions from various rating agencies, including any future downgrades; as well as other risks and uncertainties detailed in our reports and filings with the SEC, including our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Anyone wishing to understand Onity’s business should review our SEC filings. Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and, we disclaim any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    This press release contains references to adjusted pre-tax income (loss) and adjusted ROE, both non-GAAP financial measures.

    We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide a useful supplement to discussions and analysis of our financial condition, because they are measures that management uses to assess the financial performance of our operations and allocate resources. In addition, management believes that this presentation may assist investors with understanding and evaluating our initiatives to drive improved financial performance. Management believes, specifically, that the removal of fair value changes of our net MSR exposure due to changes in market interest rates and assumptions provides a useful, supplemental financial measure as it enables an assessment of our ability to generate earnings regardless of market conditions and the trends in our underlying businesses by removing the impact of fair value changes due to market interest rates and assumptions, which can vary significantly between periods. However, these measures should not be analyzed in isolation or as a substitute to analysis of our GAAP pre-tax income (loss) or GAAP pre-tax ROE nor a substitute for cash flows from operations. There are certain limitations to the analytical usefulness of the adjustments we make to GAAP pre-tax income (loss) and GAAP pre-tax ROE and, accordingly, we use these adjustments only for purposes of supplemental analysis. Non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, Onity’s reported results under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Other companies may use non-GAAP financial measures with the same or similar titles that are calculated differently to our non-GAAP financial measures. As a result, comparability may be limited. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on analysis of the adjustments we make to GAAP pre-tax income (loss) and GAAP pre-tax ROE.

    The Company has not provided reconciliations of guidance for adjusted ROE, in reliance on the unreasonable efforts exception provided under Item 10(e)(1)(i)(B) of Regulation S-K. The Company is unable, without unreasonable efforts, to forecast certain items required to develop meaningful comparable GAAP financial measures. These items include the change in fair value of our net MSR exposure due to changes in market interest rates and assumptions which can vary significantly between periods and are difficult to predict in advance in order to include in a GAAP estimate.

    Notables

    In the table below, we adjust GAAP pre-tax income for the following factors: MSR valuation adjustments, expense notables, and other income statement notables. MSR valuation adjustments are comprised of changes to Forward MSR and Reverse mortgage valuations due to rates and assumption changes. Expense notables include significant legal and regulatory settlement expenses, severance and retention costs, LTIP stock price changes, consolidation of office facilities and other expenses (such as costs associated with strategic transactions). Other income statement notables include non-routine transactions that are not categorized in the above.

    Beginning with the three months ended December 31, 2024, for purposes of calculating Income Statement Notables and Adjusted Pre-Tax Income, we changed the methodology used to calculate Other Income Statement Notables to include change in fair value due to interest rates for reverse loan buyouts (reported in gain/loss on loans held for sale, at fair value). We made this change to align with the change to our risk management approach to include changes in fair value of reverse loan buyouts due to interest rates in our MSR hedge strategy, consistent with other notables, such as Forward MSR Valuation Adjustments due to rates and assumption changes, net and Reverse Mortgage Fair Value Change due to rates and assumption changes.

    Other Income Statement Notables (a component of Other Notables) for the first three quarters of 2024 have been revised from prior presentations to reflect the methodology we adopted during the fourth quarter of 2024.

     (Dollars in millions) Q1’25 Q4’24 Q1’24
    I Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders 21 (29) 30
      A. Preferred Stock Dividend (1) (1) –
    II Reported Net Income (Loss) [I – A] 22 (28) 30
      B. Income Tax Benefit (Expense) 13 6 (2)
    III Reported Pre-Tax Income (Loss) [II – B] 9 (34) 32
      Forward MSR Valuation Adjustments due to rates and assumption changes, net (a)(b) (12) 14 18
      Reverse Mortgage Fair Value Change due to rates and assumption changes (b)(c) 10 (15) 1
    IV Total MSR Valuation Adjustments due to rates and assumption changes, net (2) (1) 19
      Significant legal and regulatory settlement expenses (14) (2) (2)
      Severance and retention (d) (0) (0) (2)
      LTIP stock price changes (e) 0 (1) 3
      Office facilities consolidation (0) (0) (0)
      Other expense notables (f) 1 (0) (1)
      C. Total Expense Notables (14) (4) (2)
      D. Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt – (51) 1
      E. Gain on sale of MAV canopy – 14 –
      F. Other Income Statement Notables (g) (0) (3) (2)
    V Total Other Notables [C + D + E + F] (14) (44) (2)
    VI Total Notables (h) [IV + V] (16) (45) 17
    VII Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (i) [III – VI] 25 11 15
    a) MSR valuation adjustments that are due to changes in market interest rates, valuation inputs or other assumptions, net of overall fair value gains / (losses) on MSR hedge, including FV changes of Pledged MSR liabilities associated with MSR transferred to MAV, Rithm and others and ESS financing liabilities that are due to changes in market interest rates, valuation inputs or other assumptions, a component of MSR valuation adjustments, net
    b) The changes in fair value due to market interest rates were measured by isolating the impact of market interest rate changes on the valuation model output as provided by our third-party valuation expert
    c) FV changes of loans HFI and HMBS related borrowings due to market interest rates and assumptions, a component of gain on reverse loans held for investment and HMBS-related borrowings, net
    d) Severance and retention due to organizational rightsizing or reorganization
    e) Long-term incentive program (LTIP) compensation expense changes attributable to stock price changes during the period
    f) Contains costs associated with but not limited to rebranding and other strategic initiatives and transactions
    g) Contains non-routine transactions including but not limited to fair value assumption changes on other investments recorded in other income/expense
    h) Certain previously presented notable categories with nil numbers for each period shown have been omitted
    i) Effective in Q4’24, change in fair value due to interest rates for reverse loan buyouts is now recognized as a notable (previously reported in gain/loss on loans held for sale, at fair value); presentation of past periods has been conformed to the current presentation; without this change, adjusted PTI would be $14M in Q1’24 and $8M in Q4’24; see note titled “Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information
       

    Adjusted ROE Calculation

    (Dollars in millions) Q1’25 Q4’24 Q1’24
      GAAP ROE (after tax) 19% (25%) 29%
    I Reported Net Income (Loss) 22 (28) 30
    II Notable Items (16) (45) 17
    III Income Tax Benefit (Expense) 13 6 (2)
    IV Adjusted Pre-Tax Income (Loss) [I – II – III] 25 11 15
    V Annualized Adjusted Pre-tax Income [IV * 4 for qtr.] 102 46 59
      Equity      
           A Beginning Period Equity 443 468 402
                C Ending Period Equity 460 443 432
                D Equity Impact of Notables 16 45 (17)
           B Adjusted Ending Period Equity [C + D] 477 488 415
    VI Average Adjusted Equity [(A + B) / 2] 460 478 408
    VII Adjusted ROE (a) [V / VI] 22% 10% 14%
    a) Effective in Q4’24, change in fair value due to interest rates for reverse loan buyouts is now recognized as a notable (previously reported in gain/loss on loans held for sale, at fair value); presentation of past periods has been conformed to the current presentation; without this change, adjusted pre-tax income would be $14M in Q1’24 and $8M in Q4’24; without this change, adjusted ROE would be 14% in Q1’24 and 7% in Q4’24; see note titled “Note Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information
       

    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

    Assets (Dollars in millions) March 31,
    2025    		 December 31,
    2024    		 March 31,
    2024
    Cash and cash equivalents 178.0 184.8 185.1
    Restricted cash 58.9 80.8 66.1
    Mortgage servicing rights (MSRs), at fair value 2,547.4 2,466.3 2,374.7
    Advances, net 514.0 577.2 602.7
    Loans held for sale, at fair value 1,402.2 1,290.2 1,028.9
    Loans held for investment, at fair value 10,812.5 11,125.3 8,130.5
    Receivables, net 222.3 176.4 152.1
    Investment in equity method investee – – 37.6
    Premises and equipment, net 10.8 11.0 11.8
    Other assets 106.0 111.3 84.3
    Contingent loan repurchase asset 407.2 412.2 416.3
    Total Assets 16,259.3 16,435.4 13,090.1
           
    Liabilities, Mezzanine & Stockholders’ Equity (Dollars in millions) March 31,
    2025    		 December 31,
    2024    		 March 31,
    2024
    Home Equity Conversion Mortgage-Backed Securities (HMBS) related borrowings, at fair value 10,587.6 10,872.1 7,945.0
    Other financing liabilities, at fair value 835.5 846.9 906.8
    Advance match funded liabilities 377.5 417.1 440.2
    Mortgage loan financing facilities, net 1,577.4 1,528.2 1,108.9
    MSR financing facilities, net 1,136.0 957.9 964.1
    Senior notes, net 488.0 487.4 552.0
    Other liabilities 340.0 420.6 324.7
    Contingent loan repurchase liability 407.2 412.2 416.3
    Total Liabilities 15,749.2 15,942.5 12,658.0
    Mezzanine Equity 49.9 49.9 –
    Stockholders’ Equity 460.2 442.9 432.1
    Total Liabilities, Mezzanine and Stockholders’ Equity 16,259.3 16,435.4 13,090.1
           

    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)

      For the Quarter Ending
    (Dollars in millions) March 31, 2025 December 31, 2024 March 31, 2024
    Revenue      
    Servicing and subservicing fees 203.3 206.0 204.5
    Gain on reverse loans held for investment and HMBS-related borrowings, net 23.8 0.6 15.4
    Gain on loans held for sale, net 11.8 5.9 10.9
    Other revenue, net 10.9 12.4 8.3
    Total revenue 249.8 224.8 239.1
    MSR valuation adjustments, net (38.9) (20.4) (11.6)
    Operating expenses      
    Compensation and benefits 57.4 64.3 53.6
    Servicing and origination 13.0 12.3 15.0
    Technology and communications 15.0 14.1 12.7
    Professional services 22.6 12.5 12.0
    Occupancy, equipment and mailing 8.2 8.3 7.7
    Other expenses 3.6 4.1 3.4
    Total operating expenses 119.9 115.6 104.4
    Other income (expense)      
    Interest income 26.2 28.8 17.5
    Interest expense (67.0) (74.2) (67.4)
    Pledged MSR liability expense (41.9) (42.1) (44.9)
    Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt – (51.2) 1.4
    Earnings of equity method investee – 16.2 2.7
    Other, net 0.9 0.1 (0.6)
    Other income (expense), net (81.9) (122.4) (91.3)
    Income before income taxes 9.1 (33.7) 31.8
    Income tax expense (13.0) (5.6) 1.7
    Net Income (Loss) 22.1 (28.1) 30.1
    Preferred stock dividend (1.0) (0.5) –
    Net Income (Loss) attributable to common stockholders 21.1 (28.6) 30.1
    Basic EPS $2.68 ($ 3.63) $3.91
    Diluted EPS $2.50 ($ 3.63) $3.74
           

    For Further Information Contact:

    Investors:

    Valerie Haertel, VP, Investor Relations
    (561) 570-2969
    shareholderrelations@onitygroup.com

    Media:

    Dico Akseraylian, SVP, Corporate Communications
    (856) 917-0066
    mediarelations@onitygroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on CONY (102.91%), FIAT (100.78%), CVNY (86.83%), ULTY (81.75%), YMAX (67.85%), and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, April 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ Weekly Payers and Group C ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF
    Ticker    1    		 ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency    		 Distribution
    per Share    		 Distribution
    Rate    2,4    		 30-Day
    SEC Yield3    		 ROC5 Ex-Date &
    Record Date    		 Payment
    Date
    CHPY YieldMax™ Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.6229 – – 87.69% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    GPTY YieldMax™ AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.2926 38.49% 0.00% 100.00% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    LFGY YieldMax™ Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.4721 65.90% 0.00% 100.00% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    QDTY YieldMax™ Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.3362 43.92% 0.00% 100.00% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    RDTY YieldMax™ R2000 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.4696 56.41% 0.00% 100.00% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    SDTY YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.3110 38.70% 0.00% 100.00% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly $0.0936 81.75% 2.21% 100.00% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1010 35.45% 69.89% 79.99% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1744 67.85% 96.57% 73.04% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    ABNY YieldMax™ ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.6020 64.20% 3.62% 94.97% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    AMDY YieldMax™ AMD Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.3365 62.42% 2.97% 94.47% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    CONY YieldMax™ COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.6510 102.91% 4.42% 96.77% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    CVNY YieldMax™ CVNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $2.6816 86.83% 2.44% 68.30% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    FIAT YieldMax™ Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.5618 100.78% 1.73% 0.00% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    MSFO YieldMax™ MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.5255 42.19% 3.75% 92.04% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    NFLY YieldMax™ NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.9230 64.06% 3.58% 95.72% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    PYPY YieldMax™ PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 Weeks $0.5519 55.23% 4.19% 94.52% 5/1/25 5/2/25
    Weekly Payers & Group D ETFs scheduled for next week: CHPY GPTY LFGY QDTY RDTY SDTY ULTY YMAG YMAX AIYY AMZY APLY DISO MSTY SMCY WNTR XYZY YQQQ


    Standardized Performance and Fund details can be obtained by clicking the ETF Ticker in the table above or by visiting us at     www.yieldmaxetfs.com

    Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

    Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

    Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

    Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

    1All YieldMax™ ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX, YMAG and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax™ ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026.

    2The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on April 29, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.

    3The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended March 31, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.

    4Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

    5ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage is the portion of the distribution that represents an investor’s original investment.

    Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

    Important Information

    This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

    Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax™ ETFs.

    THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

    Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

    Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high portfolio turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

    Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory, and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

    Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

    Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

    Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

    Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

    Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

    Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

    Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

    Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

    Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

    The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

    YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

    Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

    Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

    Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

    Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

    Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

    Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

    Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

    Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

    Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

    Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next.

    High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

    Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

    Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

    Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

    Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

    Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

    Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

    Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

    Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

    YieldMax™ ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax™ ETFs.

    © 2025 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: 100 days of Trump: Starmer urged to cancel state visit

    Source: Scottish Greens

    30 Apr 2025 External Affairs

    No state visit for Donald Trump.

    More in External Affairs

    The first 100 days of Donald Trump’s term in the White House have provided reason enough for Keir Starmer to cancel the planned state visit, says Scottish Green Co-leader Patrick Harvie.

    Mr Harvie’s comments come as the convicted felon President has celebrated a 100 day period that has included arming and supporting genocide in Gaza, ripping up environmental standards, waging economic attacks on his ‘allies’ and cozying up to Putin.

    Mr Harvie said:

    “100 days is more than long enough for Keir Starmer to see what a disaster Trump is for people and planet. He is a racist, misogynistic and climate wrecking fraudster. Neither he nor his politics should have any place here.

    “What message does it send if we are rolling out the red carpet for a man who has such a proven contempt for human rights and for our environment? There is no good that can come from it.

    “With the far right on the march around Europe, it will be a PR coup for Trump and those who want to replicate him.

    “A lot of people in the US and beyond are scared of what four more years of Donald Trump will mean for them. It is those people we need to stand with and not a White House that represents the most extreme and hateful politics.

    “Keir Starmer should never have invited Donald Trump in the first place, and after 100 days of chaos it is time to put a halt to it.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lord Mayor’s charity walk takes sporting theme

    Source: City of Leicester

    A CHARITY walk with a sporting theme is taking place in Leicester later this week – and it’s open to everyone.

    On Friday 2 May, walkers are invited to set out at 12noon from Leicester City Football Club on a 5 mile fund-raising circular walk that will take in the Leicester Tigers stadium and the home of county cricket at Grace Road before returning the to the football stadium.

    The walk has been organised by United Leicester, a partnership project delivered by local professional sports clubs in Leicester through their official charities – Leicester City in the Community, Leicester Riders Foundation, Leicester Tigers Foundation, Leicestershire County Cricket Club in the Community and Leicester Hockey Club.  Their combined work aims to improve health and wellbeing in the community.

    It costs £6 to take part, which is payable on the day. All the funds raised will go to the Lord Mayor of Leicester’s chosen charity, PASIC Cancer Support for Children and Young People.

    Lord Mayor of Leicester Cllr Bhupen Dave said: “PASIC is a wonderful charity, providing crucial emotional, practical, and financial assistance to families of children and young people with cancer in the East Midlands. This support is offered during their most challenging times of distress and disruption.

    “I am delighted to be able to support them as my chosen charity as Lord Mayor, and I am really looking forward to joining this walk and helping to raise funds for their vital work.”

    Matt Bray from Leicester City in the Community said: “We’re very happy to support this charity and the Lord Mayor. The walk should be great fun and highlights Leicester’s strong sporting history.

    “Leicester City in the Community was formed in 2007 to engage, inspire and empower local people and since that time, we’ve been proud to work with local charities and organisations to help transform thousands of lives. It is our pleasure to support the Lord Mayor and United Leicester with this fund-raising effort.”

    To sign up for the walk, go to United Leicester – Lord Mayor’s Charity Walk – Friday 2nd May | Leicester City in the Community

    ends

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnicians demonstrated flexible skills at the Soft Skills tournament

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The third annual Soft Skills tournament was held at the Polytechnic University. Students demonstrated soft skills by participating in board games.

    At the current stage of transformation of the higher education system, the formation of flexible skills is an important component of training specialists capable of ensuring the achievement of technological leadership of our state, emphasized the Vice-Rector for Educational Activities of SPbPU Lyudmila Pankova.

    The organizing committee and jury included university teachers and activists of the SPbPU Students’ Trade Union, as well as representatives of the organizations and companies “Russia – Country of Opportunities”, “TGK-1”, “Gazprom Gazifikatsiya”, “Gazprom Pitanie”, “Lengidroproekt”, “VNIIG im. B. E. Vedeneyev”. Support was provided by well-known board game publishers GaGa.ru and “Lavka Igr”, their game masters helped the participants and the jury understand the rules and taught them how to get out of difficult situations.

    Seventeen student teams made it to the first round: six from the Institute of Power Engineering, five from the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade, one team each from the Humanitarian Institute, the Civil Engineering Institute and the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport, as well as three teams — IPMET, ISI, IKNK, IMMiT. A student from the St. Petersburg State University of Aerospace Instrumentation participated in the tournament for the first time.

    The students spent a whole month preparing for the tournament stages and fighting for victory at the gaming table. In the end, four teams reached the final. The awards were presented by the chairman of the jury, director of the Higher School of Software Engineering Pavel Drobintsev.

    In the team standings, the places were distributed as follows:

    1st place — team “Ь” (soft sign) (IPMET); 2nd place — team “Burryashchie Brazgi” (team of IPMET, IMMIT, ISI, GUAP); 3rd place — team “Successors of Peter” (IMMIT).

    The team “SOVpadenie” (IPMET) fell just short of victory and took 4th place.

    In the individual competition the following were awarded:

    1st place — Vlada Chernyaeva, IPMET; 2nd place — Alexander Shevchuk, ISI; 3rd place — Daniil Grevtsev, IMMIT.

    The members of the jury and the organizing committee highly appreciated the organization of the tournament, noted the involvement and good level of development of the participants’ cross-professional competencies.

    The Soft Skills tournament for students is a great tool for developing cross-professional competencies. During the game, the kids practice communication, learning to clearly express thoughts, formulate precise questions and negotiate with each other. They learn to analyze information, develop strategies and make decisions in conditions of limited resources. Team games improve both leadership qualities and the ability to work in partnership with other team members, because victory often depends on the coherence of actions and the distribution of roles. In addition, games create conditions for understanding one’s strengths and personal growth points. This training format is a safe environment for mistakes, live feedback from the environment and, most importantly, motivation to develop through pleasure. Young specialists get practice in a game form and can then transfer it to work, – noted the head of the Analytics and Diagnostic Tools Development Department of the Assessment and Methodology Department of ANO “Russia – Country of Opportunities” Ekaterina Stepashkina.

    I was greatly impressed by the ease with which the participants understood the complex rules and their prompt response to changes that arose during the game. The speed of change in the modern world is only growing, and the ability to quickly accept them is one of the most important “soft skills”. I wish the participants to apply this in real life, which throws up many more surprises than any game, – said Evgeniya Tyupanova, Head of the Labor and Wages Department at Gazprom Gazifikatsiya, who took part in the tournament for the first time as a member of the organizing committee and jury.

    Anna Lavrova, head of the personnel selection and assessment group at TGK-1, has been a permanent member of the jury since the tournament was founded. She emphasized that young specialists with the qualities that students demonstrate at the Soft Skills tournament will be in demand in any company, and confirmed that TGK-1 is always happy to welcome students from the Polytechnic University.

    Leading specialists of the social development department of Gazprom Pitanie Ilya Khudov and Anna Konevskaya, as well as leading specialist of the personnel department of VNIIG im. B. E. Vedeneyev Alla Larchina noted that gaming technologies helped the children to reveal a whole range of soft skills and allowed them to see their potential.

    The modern world requires not only professional knowledge, but also the ability to adapt, think critically and work in a team. The Soft Skills tournament is a mirror that reflects the future. Here, students learn to listen, make decisions in conditions of uncertainty and turn challenges into opportunities. I am amazed by their energy and willingness to grow. The participants did not just compete – they acquired skills that will become their superpower in their careers and lives, – says Ekaterina Toloshinova, chief specialist of Lenhydroproject.

    All partners of the Polytechnic University Competence Center expressed their desire to participate in the tournament next year.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – Bishop in Madhya Pradesh: “Pope Francis’ welcoming approach has improved interreligious coexistence”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    CBCI Matters india

    Indore (Fides) – “What surprised us positively is like a surprise from the Holy Spirit: so many people, so many non-Christians, who spontaneously appreciate Pope Francis as a man of dialogue, welcome, and compassion, have somehow changed their attitude towards us Catholics. Many non-Christians, Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs came to offer their condolences and express their solidarity. Pope Francis’ approach has had a positive impact on our lives, in terms of coexistence with people of other faiths. And this is very important and a beautiful legacy in our diocese (18,000 Catholics out of a population of 8 million, ed. ) and in a state like Madhya Pradesh, where there are sometimes interreligious tensions, is very important and a beautiful legacy,” Bishop Thomas Mathew Kuttimackal of Indore, a diocese in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the second largest and fifth most populous state in India with over 72 million inhabitants, told Fides.The proportion of Christians in Madhya Pradesh is small: less than 0.3% compared to a national average of 2.3%. Catholics in the Diocese of Indore, as in other dioceses in the central Indian state, watched the funeral Mass for Pope Francis on television and celebrated memorial Masses in memory of the late Pope in their parishes. Bishop Kuttimackal remarked, “We remember him as a shepherd of dialogue and mercy: our Catholic communities feel a sense of gratitude, also because they see how the Pope’s words and gestures in recent years have touched hearts, even here in our area, which is so far from Rome and which Francis never visited in person.”Recently, tensions have also arisen in the state with radical Hindu groups accusing Christians and Muslims of “proselytism.” And the state government, led by the nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has at times supported this narrative. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said in a public speech last March that he wanted to “introduce the death penalty to punish what he called ‘forced religious conversion of women.’”Radical Hindu groups sometimes accuse Muslims and Christians of converting members of tribal groups from lower castes using allegedly illicit means, such as money. In Madhya Pradesh, a so-called “anti-conversion law” has been in force since 2021, which provides for penalties of up to 10 years in prison for those who use violence or deception to persuade people to convert to another religion. In this context, according to the bishop, “the faithful of Indore are experiencing the Holy Year as ‘pilgrims of hope’, also with a view to improving the climate of interreligious coexistence.”The evangelical message proclaimed and lived by Pope Francis is also represented in Indore by the “Forum of Religious for Justice and Peace,” a network of Catholic religious communities of men and women who are particularly committed to humanitarian issues and the “care of our common home.” The religious are committed to implementing the “integral ecology” mentioned and described in the encyclical Laudato si’, starting from their closeness to the poorest and most marginalized communities, but also promoting respect for natural resources and the promotion and dissemination of sustainable lifestyles. (PA) ( Fides Agency 30/4/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Europeans celebrate 75 Years of unity and solidarity on Europe Day 2025

    Source: European Parliament 3

    The Schuman Declaration laid the foundations for the European Union and paved the way for an unprecedented era of prosperity, peace, democracy, solidarity and cooperation in Europe.

    To mark the occasion, many events will take place in EU Member States and around the world, bringing together citizens from all walks of life. The EU institutions will open their doors and invite citizens to visit their premises, discover their work and engage in a wide range of educational and entertaining activities.

    Landmark buildings and monuments across the globe will be illuminated in the EU colours, while a special Europe Day programme is planned for Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.

    In times of global uncertainty, Europe remains an anchor of stability – a place of opportunity and protection for its citizens. The EU and its institutions are working towards the common goal of ensuring prosperity and competitiveness, guaranteeing our security and defence, while upholding the fundamental values Europeans care about.

    European Parliament

    On 4 May, citizens of all ages will be able to attend the official Europe Day opening ceremony and take a seat in the hemicycle of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The ceremony will begin with a video message from President Roberta Metsola, followed by a speech from Vice-President Younous Omarjee, and a musical performance by the Voix de Stras’ ensemble. Through various exhibits and interactive activities, visitors will learn how the Parliament works, how laws are made, and why European politics matters. Visitors will also be able to visit the “Changemakers” exhibition. On 10 May, the public will once again be given the chance to discover European democracy in action at the Parliament’s hemicycle in Brussels, with day-long activities emphasising the importance of citizen participation. In Luxembourg, special activities will mark the first anniversary of the Visitors’ Centre on 9 May, including the recently inaugurated Europa Experience. The following day, a rich cultural programme is planned in the Echternach Abbey courtyard. Full programme and events organised in the 27 EU countries.

    European Council/Council of the European Union

    On 10 May, the Council of the European Union will also open its doors, granting citizens an opportunity to follow in EU leaders’ footsteps. Guided tours throughout the day will offer visitors a rare look at where important European decisions are made. Each of the 27 Member States will host a stand, showcasing their culture, traditions, culinary specialties and more. Younger visitors can also expect tailor-made activities, including a treasure hunt and a “fun fact” quest designed specifically for kids. In honour of the Council’s 50th anniversary, the public will even be able to travel back in time and take a selfie with the leaders of 1974.

    European Commission

    On 10 May, citizens will also have the opportunity to visit the Commission’s iconic Berlaymont building in Brussels. Here, they will have the chance to learn about the Commission’s role and priorities, engage in series of activities, and find out more about initiatives and concrete benefits for their daily lives. Among others, visitors will have an opportunity to learn about the Commission’s efforts to boost European competitiveness both, promote social cohesion, protect democracy and protect fundamental rights, at home and abroad.

    European Central Bank

    As part of its Europe Day celebrations on 10 May, the European Central Bank (ECB) will bring the vibrant spirit of Europe to its hometown, Frankfurt am Main, by participating in the city’s Europa-Fest. Visitors will find the ECB at the “European Marketplace” on the Römerberg plaza, alongside Frankfurt-based European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority and the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism. In such a special year, celebrating 40 years of Schengen and the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, many themed activities have been organised, with the ECB even planning a lightshow, to be projected onto the west wing of the city’s Grossmarkthalle. In Brussels, the ECB will also host its own stand at the Commission’s Europe Day event.

    European Investment Bank

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group will welcome visitors to its stand at the Council of the European Union’s Justus Lipsius building as part of its Open Day on 10 May in Brussels. EIB Group staff will inform visitors of how its financing and advisory services improve lives and advance EU policy goals. This includes anything from innovation, security and defence to social and territorial cohesion, and the transition towards a net-zero economy. The stand itself will be enhanced by various activities and media, such as quizzes, games and audiovisual material showcasing EIB-financed projects.

    European Court of Auditors

    On 10 May, as part of the Europe Day celebrations in Echternach, EU auditors will host a series of interactive and engaging activities at the European Court of Auditors’ premises. Among other things, visitors will have the chance to partake in an engaging quiz to test their audit skills. Families and people of all ages are welcome to discover how the European Court of Auditors, the guardian of the EU’s finances, helps protect EU citizens’ money.

    European External Action Service

    The European External Action Service (EEAS) will open its doors to the public on 10 May for its “Travel the World in a Day“. Travel the World in a Day” event. Visitors to the EU’s diplomatic headquarters in Brussels will be given an opportunity to learn about the work of the EEAS and its 144 delegations and offices worldwide. Through interactive exhibits and activities, visitors will discover the EU’s role as a global leader and reliable partner for prosperity, peace, security, multilateralism, democracy, and a rules-based order. The event will also include a digital booth to help explore the EU pavilion at Expo 2025 in Japan, as well as live dance performances, workshops and family-friendly activities that celebrate global diversity.

    European Economic and Social Committee

    This year, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will also host a special celebration of the Schuman Declaration’s 75th anniversary. To honour this seminal text, the EESC – the house of European organised civil society – is putting together a range of activities on its premises, through which it will inform and engage with citizens, while offering insights into its various Sections’ and Groups’ advisory work. The day itself will offer entertainment for all, with a real-time voting simulation allowing visitors to step into EESC members’ shoes and discover the process for themselves.

    European Committee of the Regions

    On 10 May, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) – ideally located between the European Parliament and Council in Brussels – will open its doors to the public as well, showcasing how it represents regions and cities in the EU, and everything that regional and local elected politicians do for citizens. Visitors will learn how their region voices its interests in the EU, and they will have the chance to meet local and regional elected politicians and discuss European issues in a direct, informal atmosphere. The traditional Festival of Regions and Cities will treat visitors to a showcase of their preferred tourist spots, traditional music and dance, and various culinary specialties.

    Background

    Europe Day held on 9 May every year celebrates peace and unity in Europe. The date marks the anniversary of the ‘Schuman declaration’, a historic proposal made by Robert Schuman, French Foreign Minister, in 1950 that laid out the foundation of European cooperation. Schuman’s proposal is considered to be the beginning of what is now the European Union.

    In 2025, Europe Day is a special occasion, as we are celebrating 75 years since the Schuman declaration. To learn more about each institution’s programme, visit the Europe Day 2025 website.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: War in Gaza: Sciences Po Mobilises…

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    Since the beginning of the conflict in October 2023, Sciences Po has fully played its role as a major international university, by taking actions in defence of academic freedom and offering a wide range of teaching formats to shed light on the situation in Gaza from the perspective of the humanities and social sciences.

    In doing so, Sciences Po is perfectly in line with the doctrine adopted earlier this year according to which positions taken by Sciences Po are considered legitimate if they are linked to the primary missions of the institution and to its activities as a research and educational academic institution.

    To protect students and researchers

    The ongoing war in Gaza has significantly disrupted the education of all 625,000 students in the region and deeply affected the lives and livelihoods of thousands of teachers. The lack of access to learning not only has immediate consequences but also long-term effects, especially given the widespread damage and destruction of most university buildings.

    As a university, Sciences Po’s priority has been the safety of our students impacted by the war. Sciences Po has supported tens of students whose families are directly affected by the conflicts in the region, providing material and financial assistance.

    In 2024, Sciences Po signed a partnership agreement with Birzeit University in the West Bank, which allowed 9 exchange students to be hosted this year with full scholarships provided by Sciences Po (flight and living allowance). This funding has been renewed for 2025-2026, with 5 mobility scholarships financed by Sciences Po again. From 2026-2027, the Erasmus MIC programme (international credit mobility) will be providing support to the exchange students.

    The partnership with Birzeit University brings to two the number of exchange agreements in place with Palestinian universities, Sciences Po having already signed with Al-Quds University, also located in the West Bank, several years ago. Five Erasmus + scholarships were granted in 2024-25 to students from Al Quds University, and five more are planned for 2025-26.

    In Gaza, 90,000 university students have lost access to education. Sciences Po decided last year to participate in the Technical Education Support for Higher Education Students Initiative – TESI. It aims at empowering Gaza students to complete their university education remotely as visiting students in West Bank Universities, with no financial burden on the students or their respective universities.

    Sciences Po also recruited Dr. Sanaa AlSarghali from An-Najah University-Nablus (on the West Bank) as a visiting professor to the Law School. Dr. Alsarghali is the first woman to ever earn a Ph.D. in Constitutional Law in Palestinen.  

    Finally, as part of the PAUSE programme which supports scientists and artists in exile by facilitating their hosting in higher education and research institutions or cultural institutions, Palestinian artist Maha Issa Al-Daya is jointly hosted by the Columbia Institute for Ideas and Imagination, the Columbia Paris Global Center, and Sciences Po for a year. Affiliated to Sciences Po Institute for the Arts & Creation, she already took part in an event titled “Art in times of war” in March. On 14 April, Maha Issa Al-Daya attended the exhibition opening about “the salvaged treasures of Gaza” set by the Institut du Monde Arabe, during which President Emmanuel Macron symbolically held a map of Palestine embroidered by the artist.

    To analyse the situation in Gaza and Palestine

    As a university, Sciences Po believes it is its role to share knowledge and context regarding the current situation in Gaza. To do so, the institution has been organising many events, classes, conferences, for its students but also for a larger audience, in Paris and on the Menton Campus mainly. A cycle of 12 lessons, designed by the Middle East North Africa Programme, was offered in Paris this year to shed light on the war using the tools of different social sciences: history, political science, sociology, and economics.

    Sciences Po Library published a selection of books, articles, reports by discipline (as well as a selection of films and novels), a selection of archival documents and an exhaustive and structured “Israel-Palestine Transverse Fund“, giving access to all the available resources (in French and/or English).

    • Series of 12 conferences on the Middle East conflict:

    – “The emergence of the Palestine question (1897-1947)” by Vincent Lemire, Professor of History at Gustave Eiffel University, 3 October 2024

    – “Zionism: why should Israel exist?” by Alain Dieckhoff, CNRS Research Professor at Sciences Po CERI, 17 October 2024

    – “Palestinian refugees in the Middle East” by Kemal Doraï, researcher at the CNRS and at the MIGRINTER laboratory of the University of Poitiers, 7 November 2024

    – “The making of a nation: Israel” by Denis Charbit, professor of political science at Israel’s Open University, 14 November 2024

    – “Palestinians facing Israel” by Laetitia Bucaille, professor of political sociology at INALCO, 28 November 2024

    – “Israel, what kind of democracy?’ by Samy Cohen, Emeritus Research Professor at Sciences Po CERI, 5 December 2024

    – “Living and taking action in the West Bank and Gaza” by Stéphanie Latte Abdallah, Director of Research at the CNRS, 6 February 2025

    – “Israel versus the Palestinians (1948-2025)” by Mark Tessler, Professor of Political Science at the University of Michigan, 20 February 2025

    – “The political economy of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict” by Sami Miaari, Professor of Economics at Tel Aviv University and Yale University, 6 March 2025

    – “The Hizbullah and Israel, between tension and confrontation” by Joseph Bahout, Director of the Issam Farès Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs at the American University of Beirut, 20 March 2025

    – “US policy towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict” by Camille Mansour, editor-in-chief of the Interactive Encyclopaedia of the Palestine Question, 3 April 2025

    – “The Gulf monarchies and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict” by Laurence Louër, Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs at Sciences Po CERI and Associate Professor, 17 April 2025

    • Two-day training organised by Sciences Po Law School and MENA Programme about “Navigating Uncertainty: The Case for Interim Constitutions in Syria and Palestine”, 15-16 May 2025.
    • Movie cycle on Gaza and Palestine: 

    – Gaza mon amour (December 2023), 

    – Voyage à Gaza (November 2024),

    – Bye Bye Tibériade (November 2024).

    • Organisation of a conference with Palestinian artist, photographer and painter Mohamed Abusal, from Gaza (November 2024).
    • Discussion autour de la guerre entre Israël et le Hamas with Gérard Araud et Ghassan Salamé, PSIA, 12 October,
    • Israël/ Palestine : le retour de la guerre, et après ? with Karim Bitar, Laetitia Bucaille, Alain Dieckhoff and Stéphane Lacroix, Collège universitaire, 26 October,
    • Israël/ Palestine : Building spaces for diplomacy with reserachers from CERI et UN representatives (Ariel Colonomos, Bernardino Leon, Julie Trottier, Bruno Stagno Ugarte) PSIA, 7 November,
    • Discussing the Israel-Hamas Conflict : challenge for political humanities, Cercle des humanités politiques (Ariel Colonomos, Astrid Von Busekist, Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi and Frederique Leichter-Flack), 13 November,
    • Religions et nationalismes en Israël/ Palestine with Alain Dieckhoff, Chaire d’étude du fait religieux, 14 November,
    • Hamas-Israël : quels buts de guerre dans quel contexte international ? Association française de Science Politique, 18 December,
    • Israël/ Hamas : la guerre, de quel droit ?, with Julia Grignon, Samy Cohen, Étienne Dignat, Sharon Weill, CERI, 7 February,
    • 60 minutes with Filippo Grandi, Haut commissaire aux réfugiés ONU, PSIA, 1 March,
    • Conflit Israël / Hamas : quel rôle du religieux ?, Mgr Pierre d’Ornellas, Frédéric Gros, Hélène Le Gal, Moshé Lewin, Tareq Oubrou, Emouna, 11 March,
    • Gaza and our world with Bertrand Badie, Dima Alsajdeya, Jean D’aspremont, Louise Bichet, Sbeih Sbeih, CERI, 30 April,
    • What is next for Palestinians ? Internal debates vs. external demandes, Sanaa Al Sarghali and Guillaume Tusseau, École de droit.
    • Crise israélo-palestinienne, tensions au Moyen-Orient : décryptage d’une actualité brûlante et de ses répercussions en France, Masterclass de Gilles Kepel, 4-6 December 2023,
    • Le processus de rédaction de la constitution palestinienne, conférence de Sanaa Alsarghali, constitutionnaliste palestinienne, 8 December 2023,
    • Conférence de Clothilde Mraffko, correspondante du journal Le Monde à Jérusalem, 16 février 2024,
    • Conférence de Denis Charbit, professeur franco-israélien de science politique, 18 avril 2024.
    •  Hamas-Israël : quels buts de guerre dans quel contexte international ? Association française de Science Politique, 18 décembre,
    • Israel/ Hamas : la guerre, de quel droit ?, avec Julia Grignon, Samy Cohen, Étienne Dignat, Sharon Weill, CERI, 7 février,
    • What is next for Palestinians ? Internal debates vs. external demandes, Sanaa Al Sarghali, et Guillaume Tusseau, École de droit.

    Cover image caption: Earth photo at night, City Lights of Europe, Middle East, Turkey, Italy, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea from space. Elements of this image furnished by NASA. (credits: GizemG / Shutterstock)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Door supervisor convicted for working with revoked licence

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Door supervisor convicted for working with revoked licence

    A door supervisor who continued to work after his licence was revoked has been ordered to pay over £1,000 in fines and prosecution costs.

    On both 5 October 2024 and 25 October 2024, Conrad Grice operated as a door supervisor at multiple venues in Pontefract and Castleford despite having had his Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence revoked due to a conviction. 

    He pleaded guilty to two offences contrary to Section 3 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 at Kirklees (Huddersfield) Magistrates’ Court on 15 April 2025. 

    Grice was ordered to pay an £80 fine, £32 victim surcharge, and £987 in prosecution costs within 28 days. 

    He was in breach of his suspended sentence order as a result of these convictions. The breach was marked by extending his supervision period by 12 months and adding 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

    Zulqarnain Tanweer, criminal investigations officer at the SIA, said: 

    The SIA has an important role protecting the public through our licensing regime. Mr Grice put himself and others at risk by working multiple times as a door supervisor when his licence had been revoked. 

    This conviction sends a clear message to those who plan to attempt to circumvent our licensing rules. You will be caught and you will be prosecuted.

    Background

    By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence. Information about SIA enforcement and penalties can be found on GOV.UK/SIA. 

    The offence relating to the Private Security Industry Act 2001 that is mentioned above is: 

    • Section 3 – engaging in licensable conduct without a licence

    The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).

    Media enquiries

    For media enquiries only, please contact:

    SIA press office

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Roundtable to help turbo-charge Scotland’s agriculture industry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Roundtable to help turbo-charge Scotland’s agriculture industry

    Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill to hear from sector experts on barriers to growth in the Scottish agri-food supply chain

    Leading members of Scotland’s agriculture sector will join the UK and Scottish Governments in Edinburgh today (April 30) to investigate key issues facing the agri-food supply chain – and help identify potential solutions.

    Minister McNeill pledged to host a food and farming roundtable with industry when she attended the NFU Scotland (NFUS) conference earlier this year.

    The Minister will be joined by Defra and Department for Business and Trade representatives as well as Scottish Government Agriculture Minister, Jim Fairlie

    It’s part of ongoing extensive engagement with a sector crucial to the UK Government’s Plan for Change to deliver security and renewal by kick-starting economic growth to create jobs, put more money in working people’s pockets, boost economic growth and improve living standards right across the UK, including rural communities which are vital to feeding the UK and achieving net zero.

    Up for discussion will be: immigration and access to labour; fairness in the supply chain; and supporting economic growth.

    While the topics for discussion are policy areas reserved to the UK Government, agriculture is almost entirely devolved to the Scottish Government.

    UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill said:

    Food and farming are vital to the country and this is an important opportunity for the industry and government to discuss issues and identify creative solutions.

    There is much we can and are doing for the sector through the UK Government’s Plan for Change to turbo-charge economic growth and deliver a decade of national renewal and opportunity for all. But I appreciate that there are a number of highly complex issues facing Scottish agriculture and I look forward to a constructive discussion.

    We will continue to engage with this vital industry and we will continue to strengthen relations with the Scottish Government, respecting the fact that agriculture policy is largely devolved.

    Scottish Government Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said:

    The Scottish Government is committed to supporting our agriculture sector in sustainable food production whilst also contributing to nature and climate targets. We are reforming how we support farming and food production, towards our Vision for Agriculture for Scotland to become a global leader in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

    Recent and ongoing global events show the fragility of food security, and we are taking action to improve Scotland’s food resilience and strengthen our supply chains. We will continue to work with the UK Government and across the sector to monitor the threats to the supply chain and mitigate against future shocks and impacts on food security.

    NFU Scotland President Andrew Connon said:

    NFU Scotland is pleased to attend the Scotland Office Food and Farming Roundtable this week and represent our members across the country. We will be discussing important issues such as barriers to growth, seasonal workers and immigration and fairness in the supply chain – each critical for a profitable and sustainable future agricultural sector in Scotland.

    We look forward to underlining the importance of farmers and crofters to the food and drink industry and to rural communities and hearing what actions the UK Government will take to help address the issues seriously impacting our sector currently.

    The Scottish food and drink manufacturing sector has grown by more than 35% over the last decade and now contributes £5.2 billion to the Scottish economy, while accounting for over one third of Scotland’s manufacturing turnover.

    Office for National Statistics data, analysed by the Food and Drink Federation, also showed that the industry provides around 47,000 jobs in Scotland’s 1,220 food and drink businesses.

    Industry attendees expected at Queen Elizabeth House are:
    NFUS
    Quality Meat Scotland
    Scottish Crofters’ Federation
    Scotland Food & Drink
    Food and Drink Federation
    Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers
    Agricultural Industries Confederation
    Aberdeen & Northern Marts Group
    James Hutton Institute
    SRUC
    Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society
    Angus Growers
    Scottish Land & Estates
    Food & Agriculture Stakeholder Taskforce
    Scottish Tenant Farmers’ Association

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Chief Executives appointed to lead TRA

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    New Chief Executives appointed to lead TRA

    The UK Trade Remedies Authority has confirmed the appointment of Jessica Blakely and Carmen Suarez as Chief Executives in a jobshare arrangement.

    The UK Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) has today confirmed the appointment of Jessica Blakely and Carmen Suarez as Chief Executives in a jobshare arrangement. They will take up the role from 2 June.

    The Trade Remedies Authority is the UK’s independent public body responsible for investigating allegations of unfair trading practices and unforeseen surges in imports that cause injury to UK industry. It makes evidence-based recommendations to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. 

    The TRA’s Chair Nick Baird recently met with the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to agree how during the current global trade turmoil, the TRA will be stepping up its active data monitoring of emerging trade risks to help the Government spot and tackle the potential dumping of unfairly low-priced goods into the UK.

    New leadership on trade remedies

    Jessica and Carmen join the TRA from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and have held a number of senior roles both within and outside government, with a particular focus on trade, investment and regulation.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:  

    “This Government is standing up for our national interest, and as part of our Plan for Change, creating a level playing field where UK businesses can thrive and grow.

    The work of the TRA has never been more important in achieving this objective, and I’m delighted to welcome Jessica and Carmen to their new role. Their skills will be vital to ensure the TRA continues to protect British producers from unfairly low-priced imports.”

    Jessica and Carmen have jobshared since 2017. Their senior roles together have included: leading the Department for Business’ (BEIS) analytical work on EU Exit and international trade; the coordination of the UK Government work on no-deal business readiness; Senior Responsible Officers (SROs) for the level playing field chapter of the UK/EU trade negotiations (including subsidy control and remedial measures); establishing the UK’s domestic subsidy control regime; leading on Brexit Opportunities and regulatory reform in Cabinet Office; and most recently, leading the delivery of local growth funds and Freeports in MHCLG.

    Before joining the Civil Service, Jessica’s career featured 12 years working in Investment Banking, providing strategic and financial advice to CEOs and boards of directors on mergers, acquisitions and capital raisings in London, Singapore and Sydney. After joining the Civil Service in 2010, she led analytical work in BEIS’ Better Regulation Executive and then the Europe Directorate.

    Carmen joined the Civil Service in 2017 from the Financial Conduct Authority, where she led on embedding competition in financial regulation. Previously, she worked at the Competition and Markets Authority and Office of Fair Trading. including as lead on a number of market studies and head of evaluation. Before these Civil Service roles, she was Chief Economist at the National Farmers Union of England and Wales.

    TRA Chair Nick Baird said: ‘I am delighted that two leaders of Jessica and Carmen’s quality have joined us at this turbulent time in the international trade environment. They have exactly the skills and experience to lead the TRA through the changes that are needed to help UK business navigate this new world.’

    New appointees Carmen and Jessica said: “We are thrilled to be joining the TRA and look forward to working with its Board, staff and stakeholders to ensure that trade remedies, particularly at this crucial time, are a cornerstone of the UK’s international standing and growth ambitions.”

    Background Information

    • Trade remedy measures are a trade defence tool to protect domestic industries against injury caused by unfair trade practices or unforeseen increases in imports. They are a specific type of tariffs allowed under World Trade Organization rules when specific criteria are met (evidence of dumping, subsidy or a surge in imports). They usually take the form of an additional duty placed on imports of specific products, which are collected by HMRC prior to a good entering into free circulation.
    • The TRA has been led by Steve O’Donoghue as interim Chief Executive since March 2025, when the TRA’s previous Chief Executive Oliver Griffiths left to take up a new role – TRA announces interim CEO and confirms board leadership – GOV.UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: From idea to tradition: the student physics olympiad was held at the Polytechnic for the tenth time

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On the last Saturday of April, the Polytechnic University hosted the tenth anniversary student physics olympiad.

    The idea of holding a physics olympiad at SPbPU arose in 2015. By that time, experience had been accumulated in participating in such competitions – since the early 2000s, Polytechnic students had participated in the inter-university physics olympiad. It was held in September, and preparations began in advance – teachers from the physics and technology faculty (now the physics department) worked specifically with the students. As a result, the Polytechnic students confidently performed at each olympiad, taking prizes.

    Professor Yuri Mamaev, scientific director of the physics practical laboratory, associate professor Sergei Starovoitov, and associate professor Tatyana Vorobyeva made a great contribution to the Olympiad movement at the Physics Department, including the emergence of their own Olympiad at the Polytechnic University.

    In 2015, together with Mikhail Voronov, a research fellow at the Physics and Technology Institute, the team of organizers began organizing the Olympiad at the Polytechnic, selecting tasks and criteria for their evaluation. The preparation of student participants was carried out at an optional club. The head of the department, Vadim Ivanov, helped with the audience, and also provided other organizational assistance.

    And so, 10 years ago, on the last Saturday of April 2015, the first student Olympiad in Physics took place. More than a hundred people took part in the competition. The winners from the department were awarded books – dictionaries and encyclopedias on physics.

    According to the rules, the participants of the competition could only use reference books on physics and mathematics. This tradition has been preserved to this day: the use of textbooks or notes is not allowed. Although this will not help the participants much, since solving the Olympiad problems requires systematic knowledge and understanding of physical laws. To the question: “Is it possible to cheat at the Olympiad?” Sergey Starovoytov answers with a smile: All Olympiad problems are author’s, so it is impossible to find their solution on the Internet.

    The authors of the problems are a group of young teachers and postgraduate students of the Department of Physics, who develop unique problems from the physics course that require an original solution. A careful approach to the selection of tasks allows us to create conditions for equal and fair participation in the competition. A team is formed from among the SPbPU students who successfully performed at the Physics Olympiad for subsequent participation in the Interuniversity Physics Olympiad. It is prepared by a senior teacher of the Department of Physics Vadim Kozhevnikov.

    The solution to each problem is presented by the authors-developers after the end of the Olympiad. Not only participants, but also anyone who wishes can attend the event with the analysis of the problems.

    The Olympiad is open to everyone, so there is a special atmosphere here: not so much a rivalry as a celebration of knowledge and science! This idea is confirmed by the feedback from the participants of the tenth anniversary Olympiad.

    Danil, 2nd year, Physics and Mechanics Institute, winner of the 2024 Physics Olympiad: I have attended various Physics Olympiads. This is not my first time participating in this Olympiad and I am very pleased! First of all, I feel joy from solving interesting problems.

    Matvey, 1st year, Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications: For me, the Physics Olympiad is an opportunity to discover something new.

    Daria, 1st year, Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications: I believe that you need to strive for something more than just solving problems, so I am participating in this Olympiad.

    The results of the Olympiad will be announced very soon. Let us wish the participants great achievements. Could the teachers who were at the origins of the Olympiad have imagined that it would become a tradition of the Physics Department and would be held annually? However, that is exactly what happened! Students still wait for the last Saturday of April to test their knowledge of physics in a fair competition.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Secret documents and precursors of AI: students of the State University of Management visited the Cryptography Museum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Students of the Institute of Marketing of the State University of Management visited the Cryptography Museum. The event was dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.

    Cryptography is a science of information protection methods, the evolution of which the museum tells through the history of communications development. The museum space includes the path from the era of the birth of the idea of written communication between people through alphabetic systems and signs through the industrial era, when radio, telephone, television and telegraph were created, to the modern digital era and computers.

    Under the guidance of Olga Vasilyeva, senior lecturer in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, students became acquainted with a unique collection of encryption equipment and archival documents, most of which were declassified specifically for display in the museum.

    The unique exhibition dedicated to encryption methods during the Great Patriotic War deserves special attention. The expression “intelligence enters the war first” exhaustively characterizes the role of intelligence agencies of any state in wars. The main task that the Soviet leadership set for foreign intelligence was to identify the military-political plans of Germany and its allies during the war. Another key task was the organization and use of special operational detachments in the enemy’s rear to carry out reconnaissance and sabotage activities, as well as to assist party and Soviet agencies in developing the partisan movement. Various means were used to solve intelligence and counterintelligence tasks, including radio games. In some periods, state security officers played up to seventy radio games with the enemy simultaneously.

    Many of the groundbreaking papers in artificial intelligence were written by people who worked in cryptography and cryptanalysis during World War II. Random sequences of numbers are used as encryption keys for one-time pads, an unbreakable encryption system. The names of people whose work involves protecting state secrets often remain classified for years, sometimes decades. Cryptographers, cryptanalysts, and encryption developers are among them.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/30/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Services and facilities provided by Government in new towns

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hok-fung and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):
     
    Question:
     
    There are views pointing out that the Government has proposed to construct the second government complex in Tseung Kwan O, a new town with a population of nearly 500 000, while it has no plan to provide any government complex in Tung Chung, even though there will be a population of almost 300 000 in Tung Chung upon completion of the expansion of Tung Chung East and Tung Chung West. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the criteria for providing government complexes in new towns (e.g. the population in and accessibility of the district, etc); whether it has plans to construct a government complex in Tung Chung Area 1; if so, of the timetable; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) given that the proposed second government complex in Tseung Kwan O will provide medical and health facilities, day care centre for the elderly, government offices, a public vehicle park and other facilities, how the Government determines the services and facilities to be provided in the government complex, so as to realise the land use principle of “single site, multiple use”;
     
    (3) given that some residents of Tung Chung have relayed to me that they need to go to the Immigration Department’s Regional Office in Tuen Mun for registration of persons and travel document applications, whether the Government will consider providing services in relation to registration of persons and travel document applications in Tung Chung; if so, of the implementation timetable;
     
    (4) whether the Government had extensively promoted the use of electronic government services (e-government services) in Tung Chung in the past three years; if so, of the details; whether the Government has formulated any publicity plan for the coming year to promote the use of e-government services by more Tung Chung residents, so as to fill the service gap arising from the Government’s failure to provide a government complex in the district; and
     
    (5) given that the Leisure and Cultural Services Department currently provides different types of leisure and cultural services facilities in Tung Chung (e.g. Tung Chung North Park, Tung Chung Road Soccer Pitch, Tung Chung Man Tung Road Sports Centre, Tung Chung Public Library, etc), whether the Government has plans to extensively cultivate iconic species of plants at such facilities, so as to create a scenic landscape comprising government facilities in Tung Chung; if so, of the details?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    After consultation with the relevant policy bureaux and departments, the reply to the questions is as follows:
     
    (1) When developing New Towns/New Development Areas, the Government reserves sufficient land for “Government, Institution or Community” uses so as to meet the daily needs of the public. In general, the Government will take into account the population density of the relevant area when determining the type and quantity of facilities to be provided. With reference to the actual needs of local users, the supply of land or space, and views from other relevant departments, the departments responsible for providing the relevant services would plan accordingly, including whether developing Joint-user Complexes (JUCs) is the suitable approach to provide the public services needed by the relevant community.
     
    For the site of Tung Chung Area 1, nearby sits the Tung Chung Municipal Services Building, which is around 500 metres away. The building is near the MTR Tung Chung Station, within which there are various facilities such as a community hall, a public library, a sports centre, and elderly care facilities. In fact, within the public housing estates and private developments of the Tung Chung area, many community facilities have been provided, including health centres and post offices, etc, so as to serve the needs of Tung Chung residents. While there are currently no plans to develop JUCs at the site of Tung Chung Area 1, the Government will continue to take note of the view from the community on how this lot can be effectively utilised.
     
    (2) When considering the mix of services and facilities to be provided in a JUC, the Government mainly considers factors including local demand for public services, the space requirements of departments for providing such public services and setting up offices, compatibility of different facilities, and cost effectiveness, etc.
     
    (3) According to the Immigration Department (ImmD), there are currently seven Registration of Persons Offices and seven Immigration Branch Offices throughout Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories, providing registration of persons and document services to members of the public in various districts. These offices are of high accessibility, located near MTR stations and Public Transport Interchanges. Since the ImmD has already set up offices serving the public in areas conveniently accessible to Tung Chung residents, the Government does not have plans to set up additional offices in Tung Chung at the moment. The ImmD will continue to review the service demand in each district to ensure the continuous provision of efficient and high-quality services to the public while making optimal use of resources.
     
    In fact, to facilitate the public and align with the Government’s objective of full digitalisation of services, the ImmD has been proactively promoting electronic services. Members of the public can submit applications for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport through the Internet or the ImmD Mobile Application. In recent years, the ImmD has also launched various electronic services, obviating the need for residents to visit the offices in person and thus saving queuing and form-filling time. These online services include birth registration, death registration, and application for Certificate of Registered Particulars, where applicants may also choose to receive relevant certificates by mail. Starting from January 2025, applications for certain visas/entry permits and extensions of stay will only be accepted electronically, and applicants will not need to visit ImmD offices in person throughout the entire process.
     
    (4) The Government has been striving to drive the full digitalisation of government services, and whether there is a JUC in a particular district has no bearing on the Government’s effort in this regard. According to the information provided by the Digital Policy Office (DPO), all licences and government services involving application and approval (about 1 480 items in total) and forms (over 3 800) have been digitalised since mid-2024, thereby enabling submission of application, payment and collection of documents by electronic means for relevant licences and services. If in-person submission or collection of documents is required by law or international practices, applicants will only need to visit the relevant government office no more than once.
     
    The DPO will strengthen the promotion of “iAM Smart” and related online services, and work with Care Teams to assist citizens and elderly people in various districts in registering and using “iAM Smart”. Moreover, the DPO has set up community-based help desks in suitable locations across all districts to provide regular and fixed-point training and technical support, teaching elderly people to use various digital government service applications.
     
    (5) The Development Bureau advocates the policy of “Right Plant, Right Place”, which involves taking into account planting space, adaptability, characteristics and matching of species, as well as compatibility with landscape designs and the surrounding environment. In this regard, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has been planting various conspicuous flowering or foliage plants in its recreational venues to beautify the environment. When pursuing recreational facility projects, the LCSD collaborates with works departments and design teams to select suitable plants based on factors including site condition, etc. When choosing plant species for open spaces in the Tung Chung area, the LCSD will make reference to the Greening Theme, Theme Plants, and Recommended Tree List for the Islands District in the Greening Master Plan drawn up by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD).
     
    Currently, over 30 Tabebuia chrysantha trees have been planted in Man Tung Road Park in Tung Chung, attracting many residents of the district during their spring blossom. In Tung Chung North Park, various themed trees have been planted, including nearly 50 Liquidambar formosana trees, the leaves colour of which changes through seasons. The red foliage in late autumn is particularly popular among visitors. For the Open Space Development in Tung Chung New Town Extension (East), the works of which will commence shortly, the LCSD plans to plant Pennisetum alopecuroides, Melastoma sanguineum, Cassia bakeriana, and other species, as well as install trellises adorned with distinctive climbers, to create a richly layered and vibrantly coloured landscape and greenery in Tung Chung. In addition to the above plants, in early 2023, the CEDD set up a trial nursery at the seafront of the newly reclaimed land in Tung Chung East to assess the growth performance of different tree species, with a view to selecting more suitable species for the Open Space Development in Tung Chung New Town Extension (East).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ16: Promoting the sports atmosphere in schools

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Vincent Cheng and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (April 30):

    Question:
     
         It has been reported that the Schools Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China (HKSSF) has earlier on launched the inaugural HKSSF Finals, featuring a number of Jing Ying tournaments or inter-area competitions held at the Kai Tak Sports Park, which have brought heightened interest and attention to inter-school competitions. In addition, the Chief Executive has proposed in the 2024 Policy Address to include Physical Education (PE) in the primary school internal assessments starting from the 2026/27 school year, so as to encourage student participation in physical activities on a regular basis. Regarding the promotion of the sports atmosphere in schools, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as it is learnt that about 30 000 inter-school competitions are currently held each year in Hong Kong, and quite a number of new sports or urban sports have emerged in recent years, whether the authorities have plans to allocate additional resources to the HKSSF to enhance the arrangements of inter-school competitions, thus enabling the school sector to organise more varieties of competitions of high quality;
     
    (2) given that at present there are Jing Ying tournaments and all Hong Kong inter-school competitions in nine and eight sports events respectively for secondary schools, whether the authorities have plans to introduce more territory-wide inter-school competitions (especially elite sports that are popular among students, such as fencing and cycling), so as to enable student participation in more high-level competitions, thereby identifying more athletes with potential for training and better dovetailing with the development of elite sports; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) as it has been reported that there are four major assessment domains (i.e. physical fitness, attitudes, sports skills and knowledge) for the PE subject in the primary school internal assessments, of the criteria based on which schools are required to determine students’ scores in the subject; how the authorities will encourage schools to make use of this opportunity to further cultivate students’ interest in doing sports; and
     
    (4) whether the authorities have plans to assist schools in organising more new or interesting sports events and allowing students to participate on their own terms, thereby promoting the sports atmosphere in schools; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         In consultation with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Schools Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China (HKSSF), our consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Vincent Cheng is as follows:
     
     (1) and (2) The Government actively supports the development of sports and promotes sports in the community through subsidising various national sports associations (NSAs), including the HKSSF. With the completion of the Kai Tak Sports Park, the Government also provides quality competition venues to host different inter-school sports events, with a view to attracting the participation of more young people and students and enhancing the sports ambience in schools.
     
         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has allocated around $620 million in 2025-26 as block grant under the Sports Subvention Scheme to various NSAs to promote sports in the community, youth training programmes, community participation, squad training at all levels and overseas exchange programmes and competitions. Over the past six years, the block grant provided by the LCSD to the NSAs has increased from around $300 million per year to over $600 million per year. In approving funding for each NSA (including the HKSSF) each year, the LCSD considers factors including the annual plans submitted by the NSAs, as well as their past performance, expenditure patterns, programme arrangements, and subvention management.
     
         The HKSSF, a recognised NSA of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China subsidised by government departments including the LCSD and the Education Bureau (EDB), organises and participates in various local and overseas inter-school sports competitions. To better dovetail with the development of elite sports, the HKSSF has established with other NSAs a system of training and selection for elite athletes to provide student athletes with specific sports training of a high standard, thereby feeding potential athletes to relevant NSAs and preparing them for higher-level competitions in future. In the past year, over 1 000 primary and secondary schools across the territory participated in activities organised by the HKSSF, accounting for about 97 per cent of the total number of schools in Hong Kong; around 130 000 students participated in inter-school competitions, covering about 37 sports, approximately 70 per cent of which were elite sports such as fencing, swimming, and athletics. These competitions also involved urban sports such as 3-on-3 basketball and futsal. With dedicated efforts of the Government, there are already a great variety of high quality sports competitions in the school sector, enabling students’ participation in more high-level competitions and facilitating the identification of more athletes with potential.
     
    (3) In October 2024, the EDB announced the optimised arrangement of the weighting of subjects in the Internal Assessments (IA) for the Secondary School Places Allocation. Physical Education (PE) will be included in the IA in the second term of Primary five from the 2026/27 school year, so as to further help students develop a habit of joining sports activities from young age for strengthening their physique as well as provide them with the motivation to understand and improve their physical fitness, thereby achieving the learning goal of “Healthy Lifestyle”. The new measure has received general support from various stakeholders.
     
         Promoting the healthy growth of students is the first and foremost aim of the IA of PE, with an emphasis on foundation skills as well as objective and achievable health ratings. The IA of PE also builds on the domains and standards of PE assessment currently adopted by schools in general, including Physical Fitness, Attitudes, Sports Skills, and Knowledge (abbreviated as F.A.S.K.), and is a regular task of schools. Schools will refer to the relevant curriculum documents published by the EDB, including curriculum guides, the “Physical Education Learning Outcomes Framework”, and the assessment standards for physical fitness specified in the School Physical Fitness Award Scheme (Note 1) in adopting diversified modes of assessment, so as to enhance the effectiveness in learning and teaching through allowing students to demonstrate their learning outcomes in various ways and catering for their diverse potential, abilities and needs. Schools are required to set out clear learning objectives, scope of assessment, focus and format of assessment, and assessment criteria, etc, to enable students and parents to understand the relevant assessment criteria and arrangements. 
     
         The EDB will continue to update curriculum documents, develop learning and teaching resources, and organise professional development programmes for teachers. In addition, the EDB will provide a series of support measures to promote PE development in schools with a life-wide learning approach, including organising briefing sessions for schools and parents, and setting up a professional network of “Primary School PE Assessment Learning Circle”, so as to further assist students in developing an active and healthy lifestyle.
     
    (4) The EDB has included the World Health Organisation’s recommendation that children and adolescents aged five to 17 should accumulate at least an average of 60 minutes daily of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activities (MVPA60) across the week as one of the directions of the PE curriculum. It has also introduced the “MVPA60 Award Scheme” with the slogan “Let’s exercise every day, exercise together and exercise with others” to encourage students to exercise regularly with their families, classmates or friends. More than 210 000 students have participated in the Scheme since its inception. In addition, the “Active Students, Active People” Campaign (Note 1) has also been launched since the 2021/22 school year to rally the efforts of schools and parents as well as other stakeholders to promote an optimised sports ambience in schools and in society. The Campaign offers a series of PE activities as well as learning and teaching resources to support schools in mobilising students’ participation in physical activities and further engaging them in developing an active and healthy lifestyle. Demonstrations of different sports and experiences of Olympic and emerging sports are featured in these activities to enhance students’ interest and provide them with opportunities in participating in physical activities, thus promoting the sports ambience in schools. The Campaign has recorded the participation of more than 60 000 students since its launch. The EDB will inject new elements into the Campaign in a timely manner so as to meet the needs of schools.
     
         In addition, the EDB disbursed a one-off grant of $150,000 to schools in March 2024 to support them in organising various activities, subsidising students’ participation in diversified sports activities (e.g. emerging or fun sports), purchasing or upgrading PE/sports equipment in schools, etc., with a view to increasing opportunities for students to participate in sports and promoting the sports ambience in schools on all fronts.
     
         Regarding teacher training, the EDB collaborates with local universities to organise the annual Hong Kong Physical Education Teachers Conference, which brings together various experts in PE to conduct thematic sharing. Teaching workshops on various sports, including urban sports such as 3-on-3 basketball and sport climbing, and such emerging sports as pickleball, tchoukball, floorball and Baseball5, are also held to enrich teachers’ professional knowledge and assist them in organising diversified activities for students within and outside the classroom, with a view to promoting students’ participation in different kinds of sports activities and enriching their sports learning experiences.
     
         Moreover, the EDB has been collaborating with government departments, relevant bodies and organisations to organise various physical activities and sports programmes, such as the School Sports Programme, as well as “Project MuSE” and “Jump Rope Together” Rope Skipping Scheme 2.0 funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, to provide students with more opportunities to participate in sports activities during leisure time, foster a sporting culture in schools and identify student athletes with potential for further training.
     
    Note 1: The School Physical Fitness Award Scheme (spfas.hkuhealth.com), jointly developed by the EDB, the Hong Kong Childhealth Foundation and the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China, has been in place and developed in the school sector for over 35 years.
     
    Note 2: www.edb.gov.hk/en/curriculum-development/kla/pe/asap/index.html

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –