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Category: Sport

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Concludes With Engaging Deliberations on One Nation, One Election

    Source: Government of India

    Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Concludes With Engaging Deliberations on One Nation, One Election

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Confers National Youth Awards (2021-22 & 2022-23) and Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Awards 2025

    Today’s youth will become the leaders of tomorrow, turning their resolutions into future accomplishments – Dr. Mandaviya

    Young Participants Witness Legislative Process First-hand at New Parliament

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 8:55PM by PIB Delhi

    The second day of the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament commenced with an enriching visit to the new Parliament building, where participants had the unique opportunity to witness live legislative proceedings. This first-hand experience provided the young delegates with deep insights into the parliamentary process, fostering a greater understanding of democratic governance. The participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to observe lawmakers engage in discussions and debates in real time.

    Further, the key agenda for the day at the Youth Parliament was to discuss on the motion to refer the One Nation, One Election (ONOE) Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC). Following an engaging discussion, the Speaker of the House called for a vote. The motion passed with a landslide majority, endorsing the referral of the ONOE Bill to the Joint Parliamentary Committee. The jury for this round comprised of the members of Lok Sabha, Shri. Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu, Shri Hemang Joshi and Smt. Bansuri Swaraj. The session facilitated a constructive exchange of perspectives, equipping the youth with a nuanced understanding of electoral reforms.

    A significant highlight of the day’s proceedings was the conferment of the National Youth Awards for the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 by Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the invaluable contributions of young individuals whose vision and dedication set them apart. He emphasized that these awardees have always prioritized the nation’s welfare, spoken about social service, and inspired hope through their actions. Honouring such youth, he stated, is a moment of pride for the platform.

    Looking towards the future, he expressed confidence that by the time India celebrates 100 years of independence in 2047, today’s youth will be at the helm of the nation. He remarked that the participants of today would become the leaders of tomorrow, turning their present-day resolutions into future accomplishments. He envisioned that India, which is currently developing, will emerge as a fully developed nation by 2047, and asserted that even destiny would soon acknowledge this inevitable transformation.

    Total 24 National Youth Awards were given in individual and organisations categories. Total 11 awards were given for NYA 2021-22 in individual category. Total 13 awards were given for NYA 2022-23 which includes 12 awards in individual category and 1 award in Organization category. The award comprises of a medal, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000/- to individual and a medal, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 3,00,000/- to organization.

    The recipients of the National Youth Awards are as follows:

    National Youth Award 2021-22 (Individual)

    Sr. No.

    Name

    State

    1

    Shri Akshit  Bansal

    Delhi

    2

    Shri Ayush  Trivedi

    Uttar Pradesh

    3

    Shri Devesh    Sharma

    Madhya Pradesh

    4

    Shri Harmanjot  Singh

    Jammu And Kashmir

    5

    Dr. Mahendra  Meena

    Rajasthan

    6

    Ms. Mannat  Kaur

    Delhi

    7

    Shri Rahul   Rajpoot

    Madhya Pradesh

    8

    Ms. Sunaina  Gupta

    Haryana

    9

    Shri Vinayak  Bahadur

    Uttar Pradesh

    10

    Shri Raj Kumar

    Himachal Pradesh

    11

    Shri Sumit

    Himachal Pradesh

    National Youth Award 2022-23 (Individual)

    12

    Shri Mohit   Sharma

    Uttar Pradesh

    13

    Ms. Joanna  Jewel  M

    Kerala

    14

    Shri Chetan   Upadhyay

    Delhi

    15

    Ms. Meghanamurthy G

    Karnataka

    16

    Shri Pushyamitra  Keshav Joshi

    Maharashtra

    17

    Shri Gudlanaram  Shiva Kumar

    Telangana

    18

    Shri Rahul  Maharana

    Odisha

    19

    Ms. Jeya  Malhotra

    Karnataka

    20

    Shri Akarsh G Shroff

    Karnataka

    21

    Shri Arjun   Bhati

    Uttar Pradesh

    22

    Shri Somesh   Sharma

    Uttarakhand

    23

    Shri Akram  Garwal

    Madhya Pradesh

    National Youth Award 2022-23 (Organization)

    24

    Let’s Be The Change

    Karnataka

     

    Click here for more details of National Youth Awardees

    Additionally, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya conferred Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Awards 2025 upon exceptional participants who demonstrated remarkable leadership and articulation during the event.

    In his closing address at the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya expressed his gratitude to all participants for their active engagement in discussions, debates, question hours, and resolutions over the past two days. He acknowledged the immense contribution of the 75,000 youth from 300 districts, out of which the 105 best young parliamentarians were selected. He praised the discipline and decorum maintained throughout the event, which reflected the participants’ high standards of conduct.

    Union Minister highlighted that the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament was launched under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, aiming to nurture the future leaders of the nation. He expressed hope that today’s Youth Parliamentarians would evolve into the leaders of tomorrow.

    The recipients of Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament Awards are as follows:

    1. Best Opening Speaker Award (Dhirendra Singh, Uttar Pradesh) – Given to the most impactful and articulate speaker who sets the tone for discussions with clarity, confidence, and depth.
    2. Best Question (Harshita Sharma, Rajasthan) – Awarded for the most insightful and thought-provoking question raised during the session.
    3. Best Reply (Laasya Priya, Andhra Pradesh) – Given to the participant who provides the most well-structured and convincing response.
    4. Best Speaker (Riya Gupta, Jharkhand) – Short Discussion

    Smt. Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports, congratulated the participants and acknowledged their invaluable contributions to nation-building. She emphasized the role of youth in shaping India’s future and urged them to continue their journey of service and innovation.

    Smt. Meeta Rajivlochan, Secretary Department of Youth Affairs delivered the opening remarks for the National Youth Awards, highlighting the exceptional contributions of young individuals towards nation-building and community development

    The Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament continues to provide a platform for the nation’s youth to engage in policy dialogues, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the vision of a developed India by 2047. The program aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to empowering youth and fostering informed civic participation.

    ****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2118541) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Get big or die trying: social media is driving men’s use of steroids. Here’s how to mitigate the risks

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Piatkowski, Lecturer in Psychology, Griffith University

    Anna Moskvina/Shutterstock

    Men have cared about their appearance throughout the centuries, and ideals of masculinity and “manliness” are ancient – with strong emphasis put on physical fitness and virility. In ancient Greece, the ideal male body was considered strong, symmetrical and athletic.

    Now, with easier access to performance and image enhancing drugs (PIEDs) and their promotion on social media, ideals of masculinity and muscularity have taken on a whole new level.

    PIEDs are a class of drugs that some people use to enhance physical appearance or athletic performance. They include anabolic-androgenic steroids, human growth hormone, and other medicines used “off-label” such as insulin.

    Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok flood us with images and videos promoting steroid use as a “quick fix” to achieve big muscles.

    Other influencers promote muscularity by “natural” means, but are then found out as liars who were using steroids all along. For those following, especially impressionable young men, the fallout is real. What once seemed like a natural achievement is exposed as chemically enhanced, pushing young men to wonder whether steroids are the only way to keep up.

    A growing and harmful trend

    Recent studies show that muscle-building behaviours such as steroid use are rising among young men. But why is this happening?

    The answer lies partly in a societal obsession with hypermasculine ideals. Images of sculpted bodies, amplified by social media influencers with millions of followers, set unattainable standards of physical perfection. Fitness influencer content often normalises extreme body ideals. It is no longer just about fitness, it is about shaping an identity around an ideal male body.

    It is not a harmless trend. The use of steroids carries significant health risks. For instance, beyond the well-known risks of heart disease and liver damage, steroid use can also lead to psychiatric issues such as mood disorders, aggression and depression.

    Tragically, some fitness influencers and bodybuilders who use PIEDs have died unexpectedly. Australian fitness influencer Jaxon Tippet, who openly admitted to using steroids in the past, died at 30 from a heart attack – a known risk linked to anabolic steroids.

    Towards ‘safer use’

    Many fitness influencers actively engage in online fitness coaching, a booming industry.

    This involves providing guidance on training, diet and supplementation. Some of this extends into drug coaching: providing guidance on how to use steroids and other enhancement drugs within a “safer use” model that’s informed by harm reduction approaches.

    While these approaches don’t encourage drug use, they do offer strategies to reduce and mitigate known harms.

    Some elite bodybuilders actively champion transparency over steroid use. In recent years, athletes and coaches have partnered with scholars on numerous podcasts to discuss prioritising health and health monitoring behaviours such as blood testing.

    Regular blood testing is framed as a key strategy to mitigate risks associated with steroid use, often conducted at specific intervals.

    However, the absence of formal regulation means not all advice is created equal. Some influencers may still encourage practices that are dangerous and potentially life-threatening.

    While these trends are concerning, the solution doesn’t lie in finger-pointing at influencers or shaming young men for their choices. Instead, we advocate for a more positive, educational approach.

    A better way forward

    Asking people to “just say no” to drug use has never worked. Instead, we must shift the narrative by educating, supporting and collaborating with the people who drive the trend – PIED consumers.

    By partnering with trusted community figures and influencers, we can spread awareness about the dangers of steroid use while offering accurate, evidence-based information about health and wellbeing.

    An example of this approach is Vigorous Steve, a well-known figure in the fitness world. He has used his platform to share important research on the harms of steroids.

    Steve’s work on social media, with millions of views, is a model for how harm reduction education can reach a large, engaged audience, help normalise safer use discussions and expand access to information.

    With this in mind, the Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action (QuIVAA) has recently launched the Steroid QNECT program (one of us, Tim Piatkowski, is the vice president of QuIVAA). The program provides support to people using steroids, offering peer education and resources via online platforms.

    Since its inception in January this year, the program has already engaged with and provided harm reduction information to hundreds of Australians who use steroids, helping to bridge critical gaps in education.

    As the muscle building trend continues, peers, policymakers, researchers and health professionals across Australia must collaborate to provide accurate, balanced education about the risks of steroids – especially for young men.

    Timothy Piatkowski receives funding from the Queensland Mental Health Commission. He is Vice President of Queensland Injectors Voice for Advocacy and Action (QuIVAA). Tim collaborates regularly with peers in community, such as Vigorous Steve, mentioned in this article.

    Samuel Cornell receives funding through an Australian Government Research Training Program
    Scholarship. Over the past five years, he has received funding from Royal Life Saving – Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia, and Meta Inc.

    – ref. Get big or die trying: social media is driving men’s use of steroids. Here’s how to mitigate the risks – https://theconversation.com/get-big-or-die-trying-social-media-is-driving-mens-use-of-steroids-heres-how-to-mitigate-the-risks-253110

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: 04.02.2025 Cruz, Cornyn Introduce Senate Resolution Honoring Texan George Foreman

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced a Senate resolution honoring the life and legacy of Houston native and professional boxer George Foreman, who passed away on March 21, 2025.
    Read the resolution text here or below:
    “Whereas George Foreman was born on January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas;
    Whereas George Foreman was raised in Houston, Texas;
    Whereas George Foreman earned his general education degree and gained vocational skills through the Lyndon B. Johnson Job Corps;
    Whereas George Foreman began his boxing career in 1966 after meeting Doc Broaddus, a boxing instructor, who worked for Job Corps;
    Whereas George Foreman won his first amateur fight on January 26, 1967, in the Parks Diamond Bell Tournament;
    Whereas George Foreman won the National Boxing Championship heavyweight title in Toledo, Ohio, in 1968;
    Whereas George Foreman won a gold medal in the boxing and heavyweight division during the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Games;
    Whereas George Foreman began his professional boxing career in 1969;
    Whereas George Foreman won 37 consecutive fights, of which 35 were by knockout;
    Whereas, on January 22, 1973, George Foreman won the World Heavyweight Championship title by defeating Joe Frazier;
    Whereas George Foreman maintained the title of World Heavyweight Champion until October 30, 1974, in a fierce matchup, known as the “Rumble in the Jungle”, with Muhammad Ali;
    Whereas George Foreman stepped back from his boxing career to become an ordained minister in 1978 and served the congregation at Church of the Lord Jesus Christ, which he founded in 1980, in Houston, Texas;
    Whereas, in 1984, George Foreman opened the George Foreman Youth and Community Center in Houston, Texas, to provide opportunities to youth across Harris County;
    Whereas George Foreman announced his return to boxing in 1987 and won his first fight back against Steve Zouski;
    Whereas George Foreman earned the title of World Heavyweight Champion again on November 5, 1994, against Michael Moorer, breaking multiple records, including the oldest fighter to win a world heavyweight championship after the most time between world heavyweight championships and with the largest age gap between competitors in a heavyweight boxing championship fight;
    Whereas George Foreman fought for the final time in 1997 against Shannon Briggs;
    Whereas George Foreman had a final career record of 76 to 5;
    Whereas George Foreman became a successful businessman, most notably with the George Foreman Lean Mean Grilling Machine, of which more than 100,000,000 units have been sold globally;
    Whereas George Foreman was recognized by the American Legion in 2013 with the James V. Day “Good Guy” Award for his patriotism and service to his community;
    Whereas George Foreman remained a beloved public figure and boxing legend until his death;
    Whereas George Foreman died in Houston, Texas, on March 21, 2025;
    Whereas George Foreman was preceded in death by his daughter, Freeda; and
    Whereas George Foreman is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Joan, and 11 of his children and their families: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That—
                 (1) the Senate—
          (A) honors the life and legacy of George Foreman for—
    (i) his accomplishments as a boxing legend;
    (ii) the example he provides to future generations of community leaders; and
    (iii) his dedication to Houston and his support of vulnerable youth in the community;
          (B) respectfully requests the Secretary of the Senate—
    (i) communicate this resolution to the House of Representatives; and
    (ii) transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family of George Foreman; and
    (2) when the Senate adjourns today, it stands adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of George Foreman.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Proclaims ‘Huskies Weekend’ in Connecticut to Honor the UConn Women’s Basketball Team

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is proclaiming Friday, April 4, through Sunday, April 6, 2025, as “Huskies Weekend” in the State of Connecticut in recognition of the UConn women’s basketball team for playing in the NCAA Tournament Final Four game on Friday night.

    The governor is urging all Connecticut residents to show their Huskies pride this weekend by wearing UConn Huskies gear, sporting blue and white, and displaying UConn flags and signs.

    “The 2025 UConn Huskies women’s basketball team is the most formidable and ferocious basketball program in the United States, dominating the game with incredible prowess and intimidating skills that have set a new standard in college sports,” Governor Lamont said. “I am so proud of these talented student athletes who have represented UConn and Connecticut with integrity, character, and competitive excellence both on and off the court. They are an inspiration to young basketball fans across the world who want to follow in their footsteps. Everyone knows that Connecticut is the basketball capital of the world, and this weekend I urge everyone in our state to cheer for our team and support our Huskies.”

    “This year’s UConn women’s basketball team is an undeniable force and the best in the country,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Every player contributes to their success, from standout freshman Sarah Strong to graduating star and future WNBA player Paige Bueckers. Led by the legendary Geno Auriemma and an incredible coaching staff, these women have made history and inspire young girls across Connecticut and the country. As they continue to demonstrate that Connecticut is the basketball capital of the world, I could not be prouder of this team and look forward to cheering on the Huskies this weekend.”

    UConn is scheduled to play the UCLA Bruins in the Final Four on Friday at 9:00 p.m.

    [Download in high quality]

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Grothman, Beyer Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to End Taxpayer Subsidies for Professional Sports Stadiums

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Today, Congressmen Glenn Grothman (R-WI) and Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced the No Tax Subsidies for Stadiums Act, a bill that will end taxpayer subsidies for the construction of professional sports stadiums. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Cory Booker (D-NJ).

    “Congress is sometimes criticized for providing special tax breaks for wealthy individuals and when it comes to sports stadiums, it is true. We should no longer allow provisions that were intended to help local communities build infrastructure, like roads, be abused to help subsidize multi-billion dollar sports franchises and owners. Hardworking Americans should not be forced to finance billion-dollar sports stadiums,” said Grothman. “Sports infrastructure brings value to communities. But, just like most government programs, we must be intellectually honest and question the need for tax dollars to subsidize projects. If a billion-dollar stadium is worth the investment, the builder should seek those investments in the free market instead of demanding discounted rates courtesy of taxpayers.

    “American taxpayers should not be forced to fund the building of sports stadiums for super-rich sports team owners,” said Beyer. “Billionaire owners who need cash can borrow from the market like any other business. Arguments that stadiums boost job creation have been repeatedly discredited. In a time when there is a debate over whether the country can ‘afford’ investments in health care, childcare, education, or fighting climate change, it is ridiculous to even contemplate such a radical misuse of publicly subsidized bonds.”

    Background

    Under current law, professional sports teams are allowed to finance stadium construction using tax-exempt municipal bonds, a provision originally intended to help local governments fund essential public infrastructure projects such as schools, hospitals, and roads. This loophole has enabled wealthy sports franchises to benefit from taxpayer dollars, often with little measurable economic return to the surrounding communities.

    Since 2000, 43 professional sports stadiums have been financed with tax-exempt municipal bonds, costing American taxpayers an estimated $4.3 billion in lost federal revenue.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Transnational Manager for Colombia’s Clan del Golfo Drug Cartel Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Colombian national and lieutenant for Clan del Golfo (CDG) pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute large quantities of cocaine destined for the United States.

    According to court documents, Fabian Edilson Torres Caranton, also known as David and Cassius, 53, served as a coordinator, intermediary, and lieutenant for the Bloque Roberto Vargas Gutierrez of CDG — a Colombian paramilitary and multibillion-dollar Transnational Criminal Organization. CDG is one of Colombia’s largest and most powerful drug cartels with its membership in the thousands. CDG’s primary source of income is from cocaine trafficking, which it uses to fund its paramilitary activities.

    According to court documents, in July 2018, Torres Caranton and an individual seeking to broker the purchase of cocaine on behalf of Mexican buyers, attended a meeting with another member of CDG at a ranch in or near Caucasia, Colombia. During the meeting, the other CDG member authorized the production of 500 kilograms of cocaine to be transported from Colombia into and through Central America for delivery to Mexican buyers for final delivery to the United States. Torres Caranton spent several days monitoring the cocaine production at a clandestine laboratory in Coralito, Colombia. Torres Caranton and his co-conspirators made two controlled deliveries of cocaine to an undercover officer: 191 kilograms on Sept. 16, 2018, in Valledupar, Colombia, and 172 kilograms on Oct. 16, 2018, in Cartagena, Colombia. Torres Caranton knew the purported Mexican buyers intended to distribute the cocaine in Houston, Texas.

    Torres Caranton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine for unlawful importation into the United States from Colombia. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 4 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché Office in Bogota worked with law enforcement partners in Colombia to secure the arrest and December 2023 extradition of Torres Caranton.

    Trial Attorney Douglas Meisel and Acting Deputy Chief Melanie Alsworth of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Transnational Manager for Colombia’s Clan del Golfo Drug Cartel Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Colombian national and lieutenant for Clan del Golfo (CDG) pleaded guilty today to conspiring to distribute large quantities of cocaine destined for the United States.

    According to court documents, Fabian Edilson Torres Caranton, also known as David and Cassius, 53, served as a coordinator, intermediary, and lieutenant for the Bloque Roberto Vargas Gutierrez of CDG — a Colombian paramilitary and multibillion-dollar Transnational Criminal Organization. CDG is one of Colombia’s largest and most powerful drug cartels with its membership in the thousands. CDG’s primary source of income is from cocaine trafficking, which it uses to fund its paramilitary activities.

    According to court documents, in July 2018, Torres Caranton and an individual seeking to broker the purchase of cocaine on behalf of Mexican buyers, attended a meeting with another member of CDG at a ranch in or near Caucasia, Colombia. During the meeting, the other CDG member authorized the production of 500 kilograms of cocaine to be transported from Colombia into and through Central America for delivery to Mexican buyers for final delivery to the United States. Torres Caranton spent several days monitoring the cocaine production at a clandestine laboratory in Coralito, Colombia. Torres Caranton and his co-conspirators made two controlled deliveries of cocaine to an undercover officer: 191 kilograms on Sept. 16, 2018, in Valledupar, Colombia, and 172 kilograms on Oct. 16, 2018, in Cartagena, Colombia. Torres Caranton knew the purported Mexican buyers intended to distribute the cocaine in Houston, Texas.

    Torres Caranton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine for unlawful importation into the United States from Colombia. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 4 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Judicial Attaché Office in Bogota worked with law enforcement partners in Colombia to secure the arrest and December 2023 extradition of Torres Caranton.

    Trial Attorney Douglas Meisel and Acting Deputy Chief Melanie Alsworth of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section are prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sports diplomacy – 4th “Relay Around the World” (3 Apr. 2025)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    Thanks to the joint efforts of the French diplomatic network, the Relay Around the World has become a key aspect of French sports diplomacy on the international stage. Each participating embassy or consulate is responsible for organizing an hour-long sports event from 9 to 10 a.m. (local time) before handing over to a post in the next time zone, so that the Relay lasts 24 hours, from New Zealand to Tahiti.

    The Paris 2024 Games showed just how much sport can build bridges and unite people, regardless of their origins, beliefs and opinions. The Relay Around the World symbolizes this will to bring us together around essential values (Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence; Paralympic values of determination, equality, inspiration and courage).

    In a divided world, we must encourage “the spirit of the Games” now more than ever, a spirit of fraternity, cohesion and inclusion.

    This year, once again, the Relay will promote sporting actions and cooperation undertaken by the French diplomatic network and all “Team France” all over the world. The enthusiasm for this Relay is emblematic of our collective ability to mobilize our staff, our expatriate communities, our network abroad and our local sporting ecosystems thanks to the momentum generated by the 2024 Paris Games and with a view to the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.

    For example, our embassy in Singapore will bring together diplomats and students from the Institut Français for a football tournament; in Lebanon, the embassy will organize a multi-sports day with over 300 participants, including students from the French schools in Beirut and young people with disabilities; in Cuba, the embassy and the local federation will hold a day to introduce and promote rugby to about 100 students from schools in Havana.

    The Paris stage of the Relay will highlight France’s determination to host the world’s biggest sporting events. In the run-up to the Badminton World Championships in Paris this summer, the French Foreign Ministry will bring together the French Badminton Federation and several embassies for an awareness programme on the sport, which has 390 million players and 750 million fans around the world. Ministry staff will also partake in sporting activities (badminton, yoga, five-a-side football, walking, running) to show their commitment to a more united world through sport.

    In 2024, the Relay involved 138 embassies, consulates general and overseas territories, and a total of more than 20,000 participants.

    Le 3 avril, ce sera la 4ème édition du Relais autour du monde !

    Nos ambassades et consulats célébreront l’esprit des Jeux en mettant le #sport à l’honneur à travers le globe #Relaisautourdumonde@DucroquetSamuel

    https://t.co/HcsLqPApXr pic.twitter.com/bUD8PEE944

    — France Diplomatie (@francediplo) March 31, 2025

    La Porte de Brandebourg est dans les starting blocks pour l´édition berlinoise du #Relaisautourdumonde 2025 ! On vous dévoile notre dossard et un aperçu de notre parcours en avant-première À votre avis, par où passe-t-on ? @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel @IF_Deutschland pic.twitter.com/72s0wFm5QS

    — Botschaft Frankreich (@FranzBotschaft) March 31, 2025

    ¡RESERVA LA FECHA: 03.04.2025! ¡Prepárate para la 4ª edición del #RelaisAutourDuMonde (Relevo Mundial)!

    ¡Únete a nosotros en una épica maratón deportiva mundial de 24 horas, pasando un estafeta entre zonas horarias! Una verdadera celebración del deporte dando la… pic.twitter.com/TbX3khstiL

    — France au Salvador (@FR_El_Salvador) April 1, 2025

    Demain, le #Relaisautourdumonde passera par Vientiane, au Lycée @Josue_Hoffet !
    Rendez-vous à 9h avec l’athlète olympique Silina Pha Aphay !@francediplo @DucroquetSamuel pic.twitter.com/aZfai4fBd5

    — La France au Laos (@FranceAuLaos) April 2, 2025

    . Le relais autour du monde arrive à Tbilissi. Merci @franceinindia de nous avoir transmis le témoin. À nous les jeux! #Olympics #Terredejeux2024 #RelaisautourduMonde #EcoleFrancaiseduCaucase @francediplo pic.twitter.com/6k9oJzECak

    — Sheraz Gasri (@Sherzag) March 14, 2024

    Reserva tu fecha para el 3 de abril de 2025 ! El liceo franco-nicaraguense Victor Hugo prepara la 4a edición del #relaisautourdumonde pic.twitter.com/9uji55xCwv

    — France au Nicaragua (@AmbaFranceNica) April 2, 2025

    Ապրիլի 3-ին տեղի կունենա #Relaisautourdumonde-ի 4-րդ թողարկումը

    Մեր դեսպանությունները և հյուպատոսությունները կընդգծեն #սպորտի կարևորությունը՝ ողջ աշխարհում տոնելով Օլիմպիական խաղերի ոգին։ https://t.co/xizfMjBNFa

    — France en Arménie (@AmbaFR_Armenie) April 2, 2025

    ¡Vuelve el #Relaisautourdumonde ! el relevo mundial que reúne a las representaciones diplomáticas de para celebrar el espíritu de los Juegos.

    Mañana, el testigo pasará por y llegará a manos de Fernanda Aguirre, taekwondista del Team Chile. @DucroquetSamuel @francediplo pic.twitter.com/aaGsdwHnhY

    — La France au Chili (@ambafrancecl) April 2, 2025

    The #RelaisautourduMonde 2025 (relay around the world) takes place tomorrow!

    Our Olympic Phryge warms up for the swimming competition on the Cape Town Waterfront @francediplo_EN@DucroquetSamuel@Paris2024 @FranceCapeTown pic.twitter.com/BqBWQZb2RP

    — France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi (@FrenchEmbassyZA) April 2, 2025

    Next stop: Suva! Kicking off #RelaisAutourDuMonde with @ridgwayschool! H.E. Ambassador @Laurence_Beau is passing the baton to @ambafrancefj keeping the global relay going!

    Celebrating unity & #SportsDiplomacy@francediplo_EN | @MinistereSports | @DucroquetSamuel pic.twitter.com/FXSF9sUruT

    — France in New Zealand (@AmbafranceNZ) April 2, 2025

    Le #Relaisautourdumonde commence MAINTENANT à Wellington avec @AmbafranceNZ

    C’est parti pour 24h de solidarité, d’inclusion, de partage… bref, de sport

    Bon relais à notre formidable réseau @francediplo – Vive le sport et vive les Jeux pic.twitter.com/6sKedNRNXF

    — Samuel Ducroquet (@DucroquetSamuel) April 2, 2025

    The relay around the world 2025 passes through #Fiji as the 2nd country of the 24 hour race. It is 9am , let the race begin. Thanks to @AmbafranceNz for passing the baton! #DiplomatieSportive #relaisautourdumonde pic.twitter.com/Xup2qPOhcP

    — France in Fiji (@ambafrancefj) April 2, 2025

    The #Relaisautourdumonde was in Australia this morning ! ‍

    Thank you to all participants of @franceauxfidji for passing the baton.
    It is 10 and the baton was handed over by @AmbPAImbert to @FranceinPNG !@francediplo @samuelducroquet pic.twitter.com/UyCR6JVqMG

    — France in Australia (@FranceAustralia) April 2, 2025

    Merci à @franceaustralia à Canberra de nous passer le témoin ! Le #Relaisautourdumonde 2025 commence à Port Moresby, Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée avec la participation de nos amis de @pngocofficial @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/jynf6joAep

    — France in PNG (@FranceinPNG) April 2, 2025

    Arrivée en du #Relaisautourdumonde 2025 ! Il est 9h et la séquence sportive de Taekwondo commence à Séoul ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel
    Merci à @FranceinPNG pour le passage de témoin. pic.twitter.com/QnFRv4hDd8

    — La France en Corée (@FranceenCoree) April 3, 2025

    Arrivée en du #Relaisautourdumonde 2025 ! Il est 9h et la séquence sportive de Taekwondo commence à Séoul ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel
    Merci à @FranceinPNG pour le passage de témoin. pic.twitter.com/QnFRv4hDd8

    — La France en Corée (@FranceenCoree) April 3, 2025

    Il est 10h et notre séquence se termine ! à tous les participants ! @FranceenCoreepasse le témoin aux collègues de France à Pékin, à Hong-Kong, à Taipei et à Singapour pour une nouvelle étape !@francediplo @DucroquetSamuel @ChristileDrulhe @FranceinSG @France_en_Chine pic.twitter.com/Uosweukg33

    — La France en Corée (@FranceenCoree) April 3, 2025

    Le #Relaisautourdumonde passe aussi par Hong Kong ! Merci à @FranceenCoree pour le passage de témoin ! C’est parti pour une heure d’entraînement de rugby à 7, en compagnie de l’équipe de France et de nos médaillés olympiques ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/VBdMDqJnhG

    — Christile Drulhe (@ChristileDrulhe) April 3, 2025

    Merci à @FranceenCoree de nous passer le témoin ! Le #Relaisautourdumonde 2025 arrive à Canton. C’est parti pour 1h d’activités sportives dans 7 villes de Chine sous le signe du badminton ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/dNmhdazipC

    — La France en Chine 法国驻华使馆 (@France_en_Chine) April 3, 2025

    Thank you to @FranceenCoree for passing us the relay! The #Relaisautourdumonde 2025 kicks off in

    Let’s go for an hour of football with the students of @IFSSingapore .
    A big thank you to all the participants from the embassy and the IFS students who got into the spirit of… pic.twitter.com/bLZwqoFlHp

    — France in Singapore (@FranceinSG) April 3, 2025

    Il est maintenant l’heure pour Canton de passer le témoin à Pékin. Au tour du 6e joueur mondial de badminton en simple hommes Li Shifeng de prendre le relais ! #Relaisautourdumonde 2025@francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/74r1UbtC8h

    — La France en Chine 法国驻华使馆 (@France_en_Chine) April 3, 2025

    Notre entraînement de rugby à 7 se termine ici à Hong Kong ! Merci à nos champions olympiques d’avoir participé à ce #Relaisautourdumonde ! Bon courage au Vietnam @FranceAuVietnam ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/dz9oEoPmKT

    — Christile Drulhe (@ChristileDrulhe) April 3, 2025

    Notre entraînement de rugby à 7 se termine ici à Hong Kong ! Merci à nos champions olympiques d’avoir participé à ce #Relaisautourdumonde ! Bon courage au Vietnam @FranceAuVietnam ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/dz9oEoPmKT

    — Christile Drulhe (@ChristileDrulhe) April 3, 2025

    Le #Relaisautourdumonde passe par le Lycée Français International de Vientiane @Josue_Hoffet ! L’athlète olympique Silina Pha Aphay récupère le relais de @franceinsg que nous remercions
    Il est 9h, c’est le début de la séquence sportive au Laos ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel pic.twitter.com/d7gWbikkPa

    — La France au Laos (@FranceAuLaos) April 3, 2025

    Le #Relaisautourdumonde passe par le Lycée Français International de Vientiane @Josue_Hoffet ! L’athlète olympique Silina Pha Aphay récupère le relais de @franceinsg que nous remercions
    Il est 9h, c’est le début de la séquence sportive au Laos ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel pic.twitter.com/d7gWbikkPa

    — La France au Laos (@FranceAuLaos) April 3, 2025

    Le #Relaisautourdumonde passe par Bichkek ! Il est 9h et c’est le début de notre séquence sportive au Kirghizstan! C’est parti pour une heure d’entraînement de rugby
    Merci @FranceAuLaos et @FranceAuVietnam pour le passage de témoin ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel pic.twitter.com/GRQnPTD339

    — Ambassade de France au Kirghizstan (@franceaukg) April 3, 2025

    It’s 10 a.m. it’s time for the relay to continue in another country! Thanks & congrats to #EFID & #Maer_Achol school for their participation! We’re passing the stick to @FranceInNepal for the next step of #Relaisautourdumonde! @francediplo_EN @DucroquetSamuel #SportsDiplomatie pic.twitter.com/l1N7IhR02j

    — France in Bangladesh (@FRauBangladesh) April 3, 2025

    Il est 10h, notre entraînement de rugby touche à sa fin ! Bravo à tous les participants
    L’Ambassade de France au Kirghizstan passe le témoin à @FranceinIndia pour une nouvelle étape du #Relaisautourdumonde ! #DiplomatieSportive@francediplo @DucroquetSamuel pic.twitter.com/q4RktLg9B1

    — Ambassade de France au Kirghizstan (@franceaukg) April 3, 2025

    Le #Relaisautourdumonde passe par #NewDelhi !

    Il est 9h30 et c’est le début de notre séquence sportive en Inde ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel

    Merci @franceaukg pour le passage de témoin. pic.twitter.com/unaqsu5Guj

    — French Embassy in India (@FranceinIndia) April 3, 2025

    Il est 10h30, notre séquence sportive touche à sa fin ! Bravo à tous les participants.

    L’Ambassade de France en Inde passe le témoin à l’Ambassade de France à Maurice pour une nouvelle étape du #Relaisautourdumonde !@francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/lLeURPRmC4

    — French Embassy in India (@FranceinIndia) April 3, 2025

    Il est 10h30, notre séquence sportive touche à sa fin ! Bravo à tous les participants.

    L’Ambassade de France en Inde passe le témoin à l’Ambassade de France à Maurice pour une nouvelle étape du #Relaisautourdumonde !@francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/lLeURPRmC4

    — French Embassy in India (@FranceinIndia) April 3, 2025

    Il est 10h30, notre séquence sportive touche à sa fin ! Bravo à tous les participants.

    L’Ambassade de France en Inde passe le témoin à l’Ambassade de France à Maurice pour une nouvelle étape du #Relaisautourdumonde !@francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/lLeURPRmC4

    — French Embassy in India (@FranceinIndia) April 3, 2025

    Il est 10h30, notre séquence sportive touche à sa fin ! Bravo à tous les participants.

    L’Ambassade de France en Inde passe le témoin à l’Ambassade de France à Maurice pour une nouvelle étape du #Relaisautourdumonde !@francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/lLeURPRmC4

    — French Embassy in India (@FranceinIndia) April 3, 2025

    Thank you @AmbaFR_Armenie for passing the baton to us! The #relaisautourdumonde 2025 starts in Nairobi, Kenya . Beyond the 2024 Paris Olympics games, as France in Kenya we joined our colleagues globally for the Around The World Relay 2025 as sports is a unifying factor.… https://t.co/dpah46Pi2C pic.twitter.com/chk4wgIc7e

    — FrenchEmbassyKenya (@FranceinKenya) April 3, 2025

    Merci à l’ambassade de France à Maurice de passer le témoin à Adam ! Le #Relaisautourdumonde2025 commence à Ramallah. C’est parti pour 1h de sport pour les élèves du Lycée français international de Ramallah. #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/vSB9k2Lz4Y

    — France à Jérusalem (@FranceJerusalem) April 3, 2025

    Le #Relaisautourdumonde passe par Bucarest/Roumanie. Il est 9h et c’est le début de notre séquence sportive!
    Merci à l’Ambassade de France à Maurice pour le passage de témoin.@francediplo @DucroquetSamuel#DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/JCXfnLsxqb

    — FranceenRoumanie (@FranceRomania) April 3, 2025

    #RelaisAutourduMonde 2025. Nous présentons avec l’#UTOP un projet inédit : deux joëlettes permettront à des coureurs en situation de handicap moteur de participer à la course mythique de 60 km entre Mantasoa et Ambatobe. @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive #SportInclusif pic.twitter.com/lT8mdtx3GR

    — France à Madagascar (@ambafrmada) April 3, 2025

    Thank you @AmbaFR_Armenie for passing the baton to us! The #relaisautourdumonde 2025 starts in Nairobi, Kenya . Beyond the 2024 Paris Olympics games, as France in Kenya we joined our colleagues globally for the Around The World Relay 2025 as sports is a unifying factor.… https://t.co/dpah46Pi2C pic.twitter.com/chk4wgIc7e

    — FrenchEmbassyKenya (@FranceinKenya) April 3, 2025

    Dans le cadre de la 4ème édition du #Relaisautourdumonde 2025 organisé par le Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires Etrangères et de la semaine des Jeux olympiques et paralympiques (du 31 mars au 4 avril), le Lycée français Anatole France accueille un match de para-basket avec la… pic.twitter.com/koMmlJkrP5

    — Lycée français Anatole France, Arménie (@LyceeFrArmenie) April 3, 2025

    Le LFIR a ouvert ses portes dans de nouveaux locaux en septembre 2024. Il accueille 57 élèves de 3 à 11 ans. Il dispose de toutes les installations sportives nécessaires pour permettre aux élèves de développer dès le plus jeune âge le goût de la pratique sportive. Aujourd’hui,… pic.twitter.com/O5BmmK3RnP

    — France à Jérusalem (@FranceJerusalem) April 3, 2025

    Merci, Vilnius, pour le témoin ! Le relais arrive au . Au programme, l’inauguration du Dojo national de Bujumbura, qu’a financé notre ambassade, avec une série de performances sportives et artistiques.@DucroquetSamuel @francediplo #relaisautourdumonde #Diplomatiesportive pic.twitter.com/46Z1N9Z5pC

    — La France au Burundi (@franceauburundi) April 3, 2025

    C’est terminé !

    Après une belle séquence de course à pied l’ambassadeur @EmmanuelMignot2 et les @FrForcesEstonia passent le témoin à @FranceMacedoine ! Merci à tous et que le #relaisautourdumonde continue ! #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/0JFiRVdNhb

    — France en Estonie (@france_estonia) April 3, 2025

    Félicitations à toutes et tous d’avoir participé à ce #RelaisAutourDuMonde 2025. Nous passons le relais à la République tchèque ! @France_CZ#RelaisAutourDuMonde @francediplo @ducroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/vGs3x0GpbF

    — France à Madagascar (@ambafrmada) April 3, 2025

    Félicitations à toutes et tous d’avoir participé à ce #RelaisAutourDuMonde 2025. Nous passons le relais à la République tchèque ! @France_CZ#RelaisAutourDuMonde @francediplo @ducroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/vGs3x0GpbF

    — France à Madagascar (@ambafrmada) April 3, 2025

    Il est 10h. Notre course touche à sa fin. L’ambassade de France en Roumanie passe le témoin à @AmbaFranceLibye pour une nouvelle étape du #Relaisautourdumonde@francediplo@DucroquetSamuel#DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/QE0xzNhjEW

    — FranceenRoumanie (@FranceRomania) April 3, 2025

    Merci, Vilnius, pour le témoin ! Le relais arrive au . Au programme, l’inauguration du Dojo national de Bujumbura, qu’a financé notre ambassade, avec une série de performances sportives et artistiques.@DucroquetSamuel @francediplo #relaisautourdumonde #Diplomatiesportive pic.twitter.com/46Z1N9Z5pC

    — La France au Burundi (@franceauburundi) April 3, 2025

    The #RelayaroundtheWorld comes to ! @Paris2024 @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive

    Thank you South Africa, Germany, Angola, Kosovo, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, and Czech Republic for passing the baton #TerredeJeux2025 pic.twitter.com/rw0io85gBS

    — France in Ireland (@FranceinIreland) April 3, 2025

    Ça y est, le relais est passé par le , et il a fait l’événement : vive le sport et vive la coopération France-Burundi ! La présidente du CNO transmet le témoin : à vous, Tunis !@DucroquetSamuel @francediplo @FranceTn #Relaisautourdumonde #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/yIvXD1puLl

    — La France au Burundi (@franceauburundi) April 3, 2025

    Ça y est, le relais est passé par le , et il a fait l’événement : vive le sport et vive la coopération France-Burundi ! La présidente du CNO transmet le témoin : à vous, Tunis !@DucroquetSamuel @francediplo @FranceTn #Relaisautourdumonde #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/yIvXD1puLl

    — La France au Burundi (@franceauburundi) April 3, 2025

    It’s the end! The #RelayAroundTheWorld 2025 concludes in South Africa with the help of incredibly talented children

    Our champion @ChadleClos passes the baton to @FranceinIreland! @francediplo_EN @DucroquetSamuel @FranceCapeTown #SportsDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/BAElTRUFo8

    — France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi (@FrenchEmbassyZA) April 3, 2025

    Notre activité ping-pong se termine, nous passons le relais à @FranceinIreland, sportivement vôtre !
    Le #RelaisAutourduMonde continue ! @FranceDiplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/New8eUQzpS

    — IF Prague (@IFPrague) April 3, 2025

    Il est 10h, notre tennis de table touche à sa fin ! Bravo à tous les participants
    L’Ambassade de France au Kosovo passe le témoin à @FranceinIreland pour une nouvelle étape du #Relaisautourdumonde ! @NOCKOSOVO @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive #franceaukosovo pic.twitter.com/KKA5NG2whb

    — France au Kosovo (@FranceauKosovo) April 3, 2025

    Le #Relaisautourdumonde passe par le ! Notre équipe a participé à la Semaine olympique et paralympique avec +300 élèves d’établissements @aefeinfo, @SESOBEL et @IRAP_Liban ! Bravo à tous les participants ! @AmbaFranceLiban @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/5NnQXBI4z9

    — Institut français du Liban (@InstitutFrLiban) April 3, 2025

    Il est 10h à Milan, notre relais touche à sa fin ! Bravo à tous les participants et aux mascottes @MilanCortina26 pour ces beaux moments de sport. Nous passons le témoin à @FranceTn pour une nouvelle étape du relais ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #diplomatiesportive pic.twitter.com/Qd1TvzBJym

    — La France en Italie (@FranceenItalie) April 3, 2025

    Notre activité ping-pong se termine, nous passons le relais à @FranceinIreland, sportivement vôtre !
    Le #RelaisAutourduMonde continue ! @FranceDiplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/New8eUQzpS

    — IF Prague (@IFPrague) April 3, 2025

    #Relaisautourdumonde C’est parti à Dakar !
    Nous venons de récupérer le témoin du Relais autour du monde pour cette édition 2025
    Félicitations à @FranceinIreland pour leur beau relais ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel @cnossenegal @lycee_saly #Dakar2026 pic.twitter.com/eGswzFcc9j

    — France au Sénégal (@FranceoSenegal) April 3, 2025

    Merci à @FranceTn pour ce passage de témoin !
    Il est maintenant l’heure du #Relaisautourdumonde 2025 à Reykjavík , pour une heure d’entrainement avec Árni Þór Hallgrímson ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/gKnJDJcGTk

    — La France en Islande (@FranceenIslande) April 3, 2025

    Even the Ambassadors are taking part in the game.

    A great moment of camaraderie as ambassadors from Francophone countries take on Irish parliamentarians in a friendly match.

    Sport strengthens bonds ! #TerredeJeux2024 @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/G2twGDTcML

    — France in Ireland (@FranceinIreland) April 3, 2025

    Our Relay in comes to an end! Ambassador @CelinePlace passes the baton. Kudos to everyone for the “Relay around the World” @francediplo

    Now it’s the turn of @FranceoSenegal and @FranceauTogo #TerredeJeux2024 @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/wt6LHBRWOx

    — France in Ireland (@FranceinIreland) April 3, 2025

    Le #Relaisautourdumonde est lancé au Sénégal.
    De Paris 2024 à Dakar 2026, le témoin a été transmis

    Avec l’ambassadrice de France au Sénégal @chfages et Ibrahima Wade, Vice-président du Comité national olympique et sportif sénégalais et Coordonnateur général du… pic.twitter.com/n8AB8bmDYK

    — France au Sénégal (@FranceoSenegal) April 3, 2025

    #Relaisautourdumonde C’est terminé au Sénégal !
    Après Dakar, Diamniadio, le Relais autour du monde 2025 s’achève à Saly.

    Félicitations aux élèves de l’université Amadou Mahtar Mbow et aux élèves du lycée Jacques Prévert de Saly pour leur participation et un grand merci… pic.twitter.com/zAEyPiLGcx

    — France au Sénégal (@FranceoSenegal) April 3, 2025

    Pas de diplomate qualifié pour les mondiaux de badminton à Paris cet été, malgré des talents prometteurs et une ambiance conviviale. Bravo aux participants & à la @FFBad pour son soutien !@FranceintheUK et Lycée français de Londres, à vous ! @AEFE #SOP2025 #Relaisautourdumonde pic.twitter.com/ZPfOJSBcjx

    — France Diplomatie (@francediplo) April 3, 2025

    Obrigado à @franceaucapvert por passar o bastão!

    O #Relaiautourdumonde 2025 começa no Rio de Janeiro. Vamos para uma hora de salto em distância!@francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/iiuwSdJsKc

    — France au Brésil (@franceaubresil) April 3, 2025

    Le #RelaisAutourDuMonde est passé par @FranceauCapVert

    À vous @franceaubresil pic.twitter.com/pVh2fcQtWb

    — Samuel Ducroquet (@DucroquetSamuel) April 3, 2025

    Thank you to the French Embassy in Chili for passing us the baton! The #relaisautourdumonde (Relay Around the World) passes through Washington, D.C. before going to Columbia.@ambafrancecl @France_Colombia @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/spjUD0N9zH

    — Embassy of France in the U.S. (@franceintheus) April 3, 2025

    Desde Chile , pasamos el testigo a @franceintheus y el #Relaisautourdumonde ya llega a Washington: unidos a nuestros colegas de todo el en el Relevo Mundial para celebrar los valores del deporte y el espíritu de los Juegos@DucroquetSamuel @francediplo pic.twitter.com/fyd7VoUJTt

    — La France au Chili (@ambafrancecl) April 3, 2025

    Merci à @ambafrancecl de nous passer le témoin ! Le #Relaisautourdumonde 2025 commence à La Havana. C’est parti pour 1h d’entraînement de rugby avec @inder @FFR @stadefrancais @CREPSAntilles Guyane !@francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/lGe6Jdr7KV

    — France à Cuba (@FranceACuba) April 3, 2025

    Début des activités du #Relaisautourdumonde 2025 en Ethiopie, avec l’ambassadeur Alexis Lamek, Yayesh Tesfaw et son guide ( JOP2024), le directeur du lycée Guébré-Mariam ainsi que les élèves venus nombreux pour l’évènement ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/IlUCO5woBw

    — French Embassy in Addis Abeba (@AmbafranceET) April 3, 2025

    El #Relaisautourdumonde comienza en Chile para celebrar los valores del deporte. Gracias @franceaubresil por pasar el testigo a Fernanda Aguirre, taekwondista olímpica del Team Chile. ¡Juntos mantengamos encendida la llama del espíritu olímpico! @DucroquetSamuel @francediplo pic.twitter.com/bYvsMWPh6L

    — La France au Chili (@ambafrancecl) April 3, 2025

    La FFBaD est fière d’organiser l’étape parisienne de la 4ème édition du #Relaisautourdumonde en collaboration avec @francediplo

    Les ambassades de 8 pays sont présentes pour jouer au badminton ainsi que Samuel DUCROQUET, ambassadeur pour le sport en France https://t.co/cXlIpRq2D1 pic.twitter.com/NPSzLYsfGH

    — FFBaD (@FFBaD) April 3, 2025

    Le #RelaisAutourDuMonde est passé par @FranceauCapVert

    À vous @franceaubresil pic.twitter.com/pVh2fcQtWb

    — Samuel Ducroquet (@DucroquetSamuel) April 3, 2025

    Dans la nouvelle étape du #Relaisautourdumonde ! @france_estonia a fait un petit relais en plus #DiplomatieSportive@francediplo @DucroquetSamuel pic.twitter.com/xOcMoNMSyn

    — Emmanuel Mignot (@EmmanuelMignot2) April 3, 2025

    #Relaisautourdumonde

    It’s 10 AM, our tennis session is coming to an end. Well done to the young Ghanaian volunteers from the Olympic Volunteers Program!

    It’s now time to pass the baton to @franceaucapvert ! #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/oQwirZvcF0

    — Ambassade de France au Ghana (@FranceandGhana) April 3, 2025

    Pas de diplomate qualifié pour les mondiaux de badminton à Paris cet été, malgré des talents prometteurs et une ambiance conviviale. Bravo aux participants & à la @FFBad pour son soutien !@FranceintheUK et Lycée français de Londres, à vous ! @AEFE #SOP2025 #Relaisautourdumonde pic.twitter.com/ZPfOJSBcjx

    — France Diplomatie (@francediplo) April 3, 2025

    Il est 10h, notre heure de sport touche à sa fin ! Bravo à tous les participants

    L’Ambassade de France en Guinée et en Sierra Leone passe le témoin à @FranceauCapVert pour une nouvelle étape du #Relaisautourdumonde ! @francediplo @DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/ZaW2ecN52l

    — France en Guinée et en Sierra Leone (@AmbaFrGuinee) April 3, 2025

    Il est 10h, notre séquence sportive touche à sa fin ! Bravo à tous les élèves du Lycée français de Nouakchott qui se sont prêtés au jeu ! #Relaisautourdumonde

    L’Ambassade de en Mauritanie passe le témoin à @FranceauCapVert !@DucroquetSamuel #DiplomatieSportive pic.twitter.com/pk2G8p27bM

    — France en Mauritanie (@FranceenRIM) April 3, 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law visits culture ministry

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law today visited the National Museum of China and called on the Ministry of Culture & Tourism as well as the China Film Administration in Beijing.

    In the morning, Miss Law toured the Ancient China exhibition at the National Museum of China, followed by a meeting with Vice Minister of Culture & Tourism Gao Zheng.

    Miss Law briefed Mr Gao on the preparations for the Asia Cultural Co-Operation Forum 2025 due to held on April 22 and 23 in Hong Kong.

    She thanked Mr Gao for taking the time to lead a delegation to join the forum and expressed her wish for it to become an important platform for promoting cultural co-operation in the Asian regions.

    Miss Law also said the National Museum of China showed an example of how to enrich the content of Hong Kong’s museums and enhance the museum experience for citizens and visitors to Hong Kong.

    In the afternoon, the culture chief met China Film Administration Executive Deputy Director-General Mao Yu.

    Miss Law sincerely thanked the central government for expanding the liberalisation measures to Hong Kong’s film industry under the framework of the Agreement on Trade in Services of Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement, which has facilitated the Hong Kong film industry in entering the Mainland market.

    She also hoped to work with the China Film Administration in the future to promote in-depth exchanges between the film industries of the two places.

    Miss Law then met Director of the Training Center of the General Administration of Sport of China Yang Xinli, at the training centre’s Hall of Honor.

    She was briefed by Mr Yang on the stories behind the photos and exhibits, learning about the spirit of resilience and perseverance of the national athletes as well as their struggles to win honours for the country.

    Miss Law will return to Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Rapsodo’s Latest Partnership with GSPRO Adds Industry-leading 4K-Quality and Real-Life Ball Physics to Enhance Golf Simulation Experience

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ST. LOUIS, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rapsodo, the leading developer of golf, baseball and softball ball flight monitors and simulators, today announces its latest partnership with another leading golf simulator in the industry, GSPRO. This collaboration gives users access to over 1,000 user-generated, 4K-quality, simulated golf courses and various environmental factors like wind, terrain and course layouts, allowing players to experience the game as they would in real life.

    Through the partnership, premium MLM2PRO™ members have an option to start a subscription with GSPRO. GSPRO is known for its industry-leading simulation technology, delivering real-life ball physics and creating an experience that closely mirrors real course conditions. Whether users are practicing their swings, preparing for tournaments or just enjoying a game with friends, GSPRO’s integration with the MLM2PRO™ provides users with an unparalleled level of immersion. Up to eight players can join together in a variety of game modes, making it the perfect option for both competitive and casual play.

    “We’re always looking to improve the experience for our MLM2PRO members, and working with GSPRO presented an opportunity to team up with another industry-leading golf simulation brand,” said Pete Gibbons, director of golf at Rapsodo. “The GSPRO team has the same values when it comes to enhancing its players’ game. With our advanced player metrics and GSPRO’s stunning graphics and a larger selection of courses, it was an easy choice to give our golfers an even more life-like game experience.”

    The partnership is available exclusively to premium MLM2PRO users, who can start a subscription with GSPRO’s simulation software for an additional cost. Subscriptions for Rapsodo and GSPRO are as follows:

    • Rapsodo MLM2PRO annual membership: $199.99
    • Rapsodo MLM2PRO lifetime membership: $499.99
    • GSPRO annual subscription: $250

    The Mobile Launch Monitor 2 Pro (MLM2PRO) is a mobile launch monitor created by Rapsodo. The top-selling product is best known for its cutting-edge capabilities, offering golfers advanced metrics like measured spin axis and measured spin rate, among others. This powerful monitor is now paired with GSPRO’s immersive software to give users a top-tier golf experience both indoors and out. The high-quality offering will require a gaming computer for use to produce the best online golf experience.

    Click here for high-resolution photos and videos. For more information on Rapsodo’s technology, visit Rapsodo.com.

    About Rapsodo
    Rapsodo defies limits with affordable, professional-grade technology to enhance the way athletes play across the world. Used by MLB teams, NCAA Division I Champions, and elite PGA coaches, Rapsodo technology has earned multiple MyGolfSpy’s Best Of Golf Awards and the Official Player Development Partner of USA Baseball, affirming Rapsodo’s leadership in golf, baseball, and softball tech. Do what you didn’t think was possible. Play Without Limits. Play with Rapsodo. Discover more at Rapsodo.com.

    About GSPro
    GSPro is a leader in golf simulation software, providing ultra-realistic 4K graphics and best-in-class ball physics. Created in 2021 by golf technologists, GSPro is a constantly evolving golf simulation software solution with focus on accuracy, quality, value, and community. Additional information about GSPro can be found on their website (https://gsprogolf.com/)

    Media Contact:
    Tara Evans
    Uproar by Moburst for Rapsodo
    tara.evans@moburst.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark anti-terror legislation gains Royal Assent

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Landmark anti-terror legislation gains Royal Assent

    Martyn’s Law will deliver increased protection by ensuring public premises and events are better prepared in the event of a terrorist attack.

    Premises and events will be better prepared to respond to attacks as landmark legislation known as Martyn’s Law gained Royal Assent and became law today (Thursday 3 April).

    The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 will require public premises where 200 or more individuals may be present, to be better prepared and have plans in place to keep people safe in the event of an attack.

    Larger premises and events where 800 or more people will be present will be required to take further steps to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism – such as having CCTV, bag search policies or vehicle checks where appropriate.

    ‘Martyn’s Law’ is named in tribute to Martyn Hett who was tragically killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena attack in May 2017.

    It delivers on the Prime Minister’s personal promise to Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, who has been the driving force in campaigning for this legislation in her son’s memory, that he would bring in this law.

    The Prime Minister invited Figen Murray into Downing Street today to mark this landmark moment and to express the debt of gratitude the nation has for her selfless work to turn such unimaginable pain into a lasting legacy for son Martyn.

    The government is securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change and this Act delivers a manifesto commitment to strengthen the security of public events and venues.

    Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:

    Today is a landmark moment for our security as my government delivers on its promise to introduce Martyn’s Law and better protect the public from terrorism.

    Figen’s courage and determination in the face of such unimaginable loss is truly humbling and it is thanks to her campaigning that Martyn’s Law means her son’s legacy will live on forever.

    Security is the foundation of our Plan for Change and the first duty of any government. Martyn’s Law will ensure everyone can enjoy public events more safely and ensure venues across the country have clear, practical measures in place to protect people.

    Figen Murray, mother of Martyn Hett said:

    My son Martyn Hett was murdered alongside 21 innocent victims in the Manchester Arena terror attack on 22 May 2017, and whilst nothing will bring Martyn back, I am determined to ensure nobody endures what my family has experienced.

    For the last 6 years I have campaigned to introduce measures that will improve security at public venues and how they respond to a terror attack – Martyn’s Law.

    I am grateful to the Prime Minister, the Security Minister and Lord Hanson for how quickly they’ve progressed Martyn’s Law through parliament. But this would not have happened without the tireless support of my co-campaigners Nick Aldworth, Brendan Cox, Nathan Emmerich, my husband Stuart, and my children.

    Over the implementation period it is vital that the government and Security Industry Authority provide all that is necessary for publicly accessible locations to implement Martyn’s Law.

    Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, said:

    Martyn’s Law will significantly strengthen public safety across our country, I’d like to thank Figen Murray for her tireless work to make this law a reality.

    This government is securing Britain’s future through the Plan for Change and, as the eighth anniversary of the attack approaches, this new law delivers upon the lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry to keep people safe.

    CTP Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare, Jon Savell, said:

    Martyn’s Law will ensure that the public have additional protection from terrorist attacks while at events and public venues. We will continue to work with businesses and with the government to make sure premises have the support they need to prepare for the implementation of the act.

    Figen Murray has campaigned tirelessly for the introduction of this legislation and it’s thanks to her unwavering determination that it has achieved Royal Assent.

    Mike Kill CEO of the Night Time Industries Association

    The passing of Martyn’s Law into legislation is a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to public safety. This law will ensure that venues and events across the UK take appropriate and proportionate steps to protect the public from the evolving threat of terrorism. The NTIA has long supported measures that enhance security while remaining practical for businesses to implement.

    We appreciate the government’s recognition of the challenges businesses face and the commitment to a 24-month implementation period, allowing time for preparation and adaptation. As an industry we will continue working closely with the Home Office, the SIA, and key stakeholders to provide clear guidance and support. Ensuring the safety of our night-time economy and public spaces remains our priority, and we fully support this crucial legislation.

    Security Minster, Dan Jarvis, said:

    I am proud that we have delivered Martyn’s Law as part of our commitment to strengthen the security at public events and venues.

    I would like to pay tribute to Figen Murray, who has been nothing short of inspirational in her campaign for this legislation and a driving force in making it happen.

    Giles Smith, Chief Executive of the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) said:

    The SGSA welcomes the passing of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) 2025 legislation.

    Providing a safe, welcoming environment for fans is the SGSA’s top priority and we support the objectives of Martyn’s Law.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fan zones, fireworks and flags – plans unveiled for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 extravaganza

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Plans to create a carnival atmosphere around this summer’s opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in Sunderland have been unveiled by the City Council.

    Fan zones, fireworks and more than 150 colourful flags and banners will all add to the party atmosphere in the city centre, together with a fan parade to the Stadium of Light across the new Wear Footbridge connecting the city centre to the stadium.

    England’s Red Roses are due to kick off the opening match of the tournament against the USA at the Stadium of Light at 7.30pm on Friday 22 August and tickets are already selling fast.

    The Red Roses are favourites to win the tournament after last winning the World Cup in 2014 when South Shields born Sunderland University graduate Katy Daley McLean captained the team.

    The game was awarded to Sunderland following a competitive bidding process and will provide an estimated economic impact benefit of £20 million for the region.

    Details of plans for the tournament’s opening weekend have been released following approval by Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet last week, setting the stage for a spectacular opening weekend of celebrations for those attending the match at Stadium of Light.

    Fan zones at Keel Edge and Keel Square over the three days from Thursday 21 August to Saturday 23 August will add to the carnival atmosphere, hosting live entertainment, interactive games and a food court offering a range of tempting food and drink.

    On the evening of Thursday 21 there will also be a tie up with Sunderland Music City featuring local talent and musicians.

    Post game on Friday evening, there will a firework display from Riverside Park which can be viewed from across the city centre.

    A programme of community events across the North East involving Northumberland, Durham and Sunderland Rugby Clubs is also being planned, including touch rugby beach festivals planned from Bamburgh to Sunderland to engage local communities and rugby clubs.

    Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s going to be incredibly exciting weekend. The eyes of the world will be on Sunderland and it’s a brilliant opportunity to showcase the city.

    “We will have visitors from across the globe and I can’t wait to welcome them to Sunderland.

    “There’s something for all the family in the events we’ve laid on across the weekend and I think it will be a real celebration of both the tournament and the city.”

    Further tickets for the tournament are due to go on sale later this spring, with competitive prices from £10 for adults and £5 for children. This means a family of four can enjoy an evening at the Women’s Rugby World Cup Opening Game for £30.

    To be the first to hear the latest ticketing news, fans can register for updates at www.rugbyworldcup.com/2025/newsletter

    To find out more about more about rugby in Sunderland and how to get involved, visit: www.mysunderland.co.uk/rugbyworldcup

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Derby Market Hall unveils latest set of traders – including butcher and bakery

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby City Council is excited to announce the third wave of traders set to move into the revitalised Derby Market Hall.

    Following a £35.1m restoration of the historic Grade II-listed building, the Market Hall will reopen its doors to the public on Saturday 24 May, marking a new era for Derby’s independent shopping, dining, and entertainment scene. 

    A curated mix of traditional and contemporary traders will be in place when the Market Hall reopens its doors, creating a vibrant hub in the heart of the city and blending the Market Hall’s rich history with a modern experience. 

    The newest announcement of traders offers fresh produce from a traditional butcher and a craft bakery, plus an exciting variety of retailers and another occupant of our make and trade stalls, which offer local makers and creators new spaces to reach new audiences, inspire others, and grow their businesses in the heart of the city centre.

    Fresh produce: 

    • Anthony Andrews Butchers will be bringing a traditional trade to Derby Market Hall. A small family-run business in Duffield since 2011, the team sources all their meat as locally as possible, working alongside local farmers. Their popular award-winning sausages – made to a secret recipe! – alongside pork pies, steak pies and much more are all handmade. You’ll be able to pick up prime cuts of quality meat and poultry, including dry cured steak and bacon, black pudding and free-range chicken. The business extends its eco-friendly ethos to its packaging, which has a focus on sustainability.
    • Olivia’s Coffee and Bakery will be bringing freshly-baked breads, pastries, and treats while brewing amazing coffee. From humble beginnings in 2018 as a small craft bakery in Loughborough, the thriving business is now trading from four locations. All their food is handmade, freshly baked every morning and seasonal, while the coffee is crafted with care using amazing Colombian coffee beans roasted by the amazing Monsoon Estates roasters. As well as their delicious bread and pastries, Olivia’s will offer sandwiches, which will be available for pre-order for those needing a quick bite, and celebration cakes to order. Look out for their range of vegan and gluten-free products too!

    Local retailers:

    • Dawkins Pet Supplies is a Derbyshire-based, family-owned business dedicated to providing the best natural treats, raw foods, toys, and accessories for customers’ beloved pets, including vegan treats. They promise to offer only the highest quality products that the team would feel comfortable giving to their own furry companions. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and pet well-being, customers can trust that their pets are receiving the care and attention they deserve.
    • Bringing the beauty and healing power of crystals to Derby Market Hall, Derbyshire-based SpiritCrystals offers a selection of ethically-sourced crystals, minerals, fossils, and spiritual gifts. Combining education and experience to help customers discover the deeper meanings behind each stone, SpiritCrystals aim to create meaningful gifts that people appreciate. More than 6,000 customers have already taken their crystal quiz, which helps people discover the right crystal for them. Products include jewellery, exclusive crystal candles, pet rocks, and giftable crystal cards.
    • Ayup Bikes is a non-profit, volunteer run project dedicated to proving a top-class service to the Derby’s cycling community and saving bikes from the scrap heap! Founded by a group of Derby cyclists, the co-operative sells fully-refurbished bikes that people can trust, while their excellent, industry-qualified mechanics offer low-cost, high-quality servicing and repairs to get cycles working as good as new. Ayup partners with local charities, businesses, and schools, offering maintenance classes and repairs for the community.

    Make and trade:

    • Sportwear specialist Layer is on a mission to create durable, performance-driven training gear that stands up to the demands of the most intense workouts while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint. Owner and founder Dan Bacon has spent many years working at the top level of sport in the UK; working with the biggest sportswear brands in the world along the way. Layer also operates Layer Run Club in Long Eaton and plans to open a second club in Derby this summer.

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

    It was important to us to offer a variety of local, independent and traditional traders in the Market Hall, as well as the best of the region’s eating, drinking, and entertainment. There really will be something for everyone.

    I’m getting more excited with every week that goes by and I can’t wait to welcome everyone on Saturday 24 May.

    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. 

    More traders will be announced in the coming weeks.

    Follow Derby Market Hall on Facebook and Instagram or visit the website to find out more.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: PISh SPbPU presented a new project at the educational forum — school design bureaus

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University presented the best practices, projects and initiatives for training highly qualified specialists needed by the modern economy at the XV St. Petersburg International Educational Forum. The Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” (PES), as a flagship division of the SPbPU Technological Development Ecosystem, launched innovative projects at the forum with an emphasis on advanced digital and production technologies and held thematic events for teachers aimed at developing engineering education in cooperation with representatives of the domestic industry, and also became an active participant in discussion platforms.

    On the first day of the forum, a scientific and practical seminar “Formation of the inventive culture of students: from idea to implementation” was held at school No. 219 in the Krasnoselsky district of St. Petersburg on the topic of “Personnel for the economy and technological sovereignty”. Senior lecturer of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies, junior research fellow of the 3D-education laboratory of the SPbPU PIS “Digital Engineering” Andrey Shimchenko spoke at the opening and took part in the discussion of key issues in the development of the intellectual and creative potential of schoolchildren.

    On March 27, the forum hosted a presentation of the school design bureau project and the signing of agreements with schools and partners. The project is based on the idea of creating a network of school design bureaus at specially selected educational sites, working together and coordinated by the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”. The project is being implemented in partnership with the Academy of Digital Technologies and with the support of the Government of St. Petersburg. The corporate style of the network of school design bureaus was developed by the winner of the federal competition “Design of the Young – 2024” in the “Bureau” nomination, student of the Sverdlovsk Art School named after I.D. Shadr Matvey Nechkov.

    The events took place during the strategic session “Creating a Single Space for Modern Digital Education in St. Petersburg”, the program of which included a plenary session, a discussion platform of the session “Development of Engineering Competencies of Students in School Design Bureaus” and a session “Quantum Collaboration: Development through Partnership”. The venue was the IT company “Sber IT-hub”. The organizers of the strategic session were the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” and the Academy of Digital Technologies.

    Today we will discuss two important issues related to the development of engineering competencies in school design bureaus and children’s technology parks. These topics are very important for the development of a modern educational environment. It is necessary for each educational institution to respond to the demand that the real labor market puts before us. I would like to thank all our partners, including manufacturing companies, universities and schools, for being ready, in the conditions of such positive collaboration, to create and build a truly future that will allow our children to become highly competitive specialists, – Valeria Zotova, Director of the Academy of Digital Technologies, welcomed the participants of the strategic session.

    SPbPU’s advanced engineering school “Digital Engineering” systematically develops career guidance and educational projects for schoolchildren and college students. These projects are based on the use of advanced digital and production technologies for teaching natural science subjects. They also include the development small-sized wheeled autonomous robot (MKAR) and its application in schools and educational centers of St. Petersburg for teaching robotics and related disciplines. In February 2025, on the basis of the project partner, the Academy of Digital Technologies, the School programming competitions MKAR, and 15 St. Petersburg schools received models of the robot.

    The development of these educational initiatives in cooperation between schools, colleges, universities, educational centers and industrial partners is supported by the government of St. Petersburg. For example, in September 2024, Governor Alexander Beglov highly praised the concept youth design bureaus, presented by the SPbPU PISh “Digital Engineering” at the opening of the first educational site at the College of Industrial Automation.

    School design bureaus are club-type platforms where children, under the guidance of experienced instructors, can learn engineering and solve real technical problems from industrial partners. The goal of the project is not only to give schoolchildren the opportunity to try themselves as engineers, but also to organize effective career guidance for students in grades 7–10. Participants in school design bureaus will be able to visit high-tech enterprises, listen to lectures by leading industry experts, and undergo internships at partners’ production sites.

    Industrial partners of the school design bureaus developed practice-oriented tasks for them and provided them with licensed software. The main partners of the project include: AEM-Technologies (part of the mechanical engineering division of the Rosatom State Corporation), Gazprom Neft, the Physical Rehabilitation organization, Ascon-Design Systems, and the Kronstadt Engineering Center. As the project develops, the number of partners will increase.

    The school design bureau project became one of the key topics of the plenary session of the strategic session “Creating a single space for modern digital education in St. Petersburg”.

    St. Petersburg has always been a leader in the field of education, and today’s forum is another step forward in providing high-quality and modern education for our children. Exchange of experience and discussion of current issues will help to determine the main areas of development and achieve the set goals, – Svetlana Bobrovskaya, Deputy Head of the General Education Department of the St. Petersburg Education Committee, opened the plenary session.

    Director of the Center for Continuing Professional Education of the SPbPU PISh Sergey Salkutsan spoke about the school design bureaus and answered questions from the audience about the project and tools of system digital engineering.

    “It is important to teach schoolchildren and students to understand the fundamental physical and chemical processes underlying the objects being modeled,” says Sergey Vladimirovich. “Mathematics and physics are critically important for understanding the structure of the world. Only by mastering these two disciplines will future engineers be able to effectively use software for modeling and design. It is also necessary to teach children not only to carry out technical assignments, but also to understand production technologies and the path of the product to the end consumer.”

    Sergei Salkutsan emphasized that school design bureaus are part of a continuous chain that continues in colleges and universities.

    Director of the Academy of Digital Technologies Valeria Zotova also noted the positive impact of the school design bureau project on the development of engineering education in the country: This will open up new opportunities for the development of technical creativity and engineering competencies in our students. Of particular importance is that each of you will have the opportunity to develop your own roadmap for opening school design bureaus in your educational institution. This is not just a theory – this is a real action plan that we will implement together.

    Then the official presentation of the school design bureau project took place and agreements on their opening were signed with 13 educational institutions of St. Petersburg. The signing was preceded by training of teachers of educational institutions, which took place at SPbPU. The teachers received certificates of advanced training during the ceremony.

    School design bureaus will be opened in the following educational institutions of St. Petersburg:

    Academy of Digital Technologies; Academy of Talents; Center for Children’s (Youthful) Technical Creativity “Start” of Nevsky District; Engineering and Technological School No. 777; School No. 707 of Nevsky District; School No. 422 of Kronstadt District; School No. 582 with in-depth study of English and Finnish languages of Primorsky District; Gymnasium No. 49 of Primorsky District; School No. 518 of Vyborg District; School No. 617 of Primorsky District; School No. 219 of Krasnoselsky District; School No. 500 of Pushkinsky District; School No. 258 with in-depth study of physics and chemistry of Kolpino District.

    Cooperation agreements were signed by the project partners: Ascon-Design Systems, Physical Rehabilitation, and AEM-Technologies.

    After signing, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of ASCON, Alexander Golikov, noted: The main motivation that guides us as a developer is that we want to live in a country that creates, not a consumer. In a country with a powerful industry, with its own aircraft, electronics, software. To achieve this, it is necessary to develop a culture of invention and engineering creativity at all stages of education, since all advanced developments are created by qualified specialists. School design bureaus are a point of attraction for future engineers, and we, ASCON, provide the necessary software tools for the implementation of engineering ideas.

    To implement the project, school design bureaus “Ascon-Design Systems” transferred licenses for full access to the software to schools.

    Training in school design bureaus will be launched in cycles, but the first launch is different from the others. Basic training began on March 27. Work on the first project, “Development of a housing for an electronic rehabilitation device for children,” commissioned by the Physical Rehabilitation organization, will begin on April 21. In May, the finished assembly will be submitted for testing and production, a championship of the school design bureau network will be held, and the first project will end with a presentation of the manufactured products and their transfer to the customer. Schoolchildren who successfully complete the training will receive certificates from Ascon-Design Systems confirming their skills. In the future, these certificates will be taken into account when entering Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The second task for schoolchildren by the fall of 2025 will be set by the partner of AEM-Technology.

    The development of school design bureaus was also one of the topics of the plenary part of the conference “Ecosystem of a specialized school: change management for technological sovereignty”, which was held at the project participant – school No. 258 with in-depth study of physics and chemistry in the Kolpino district of St. Petersburg. Engineer of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” Tamara Korobova spoke about the launch of school design bureaus, highlighted the goals and objectives of the project, answered questions from teachers and took part in the discussion of current issues of specialized education for schoolchildren and the development of models of network interaction between educational organizations and industry partners.

    At the strategic session, students were able to immerse themselves in the tasks of future school design bureaus and try their hand at 3D modeling and printing.

    The leading engineering school of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” is developing three areas of development of design bureaus. Over the next year, we plan to methodically organize the activities of school bureaus, set up work with industrial partners and receive feedback from participants. Then, on the basis of the Polytechnic University, together with the Talent Academy, a bureau will be created that will be available to students of schools where there is no design bureau yet. The third area includes youth design bureaus based on secondary vocational education institutions, developed together with the College of Industrial Automation. Their activities are focused on in-depth study of the technological level of development and production of products. As part of their work, novice engineers should enter small-scale production, – summed up Sergey Salkutsan.

    The II All-Russian Digital Forum “From Lesson to Profession” was held as part of the XV St. Petersburg International Educational Forum. The second day of the event took place at the Polytechnic University. The co-organizers were the SPbPU PISh and School No. 619 of the Kalininsky District. More than 160 technical education specialists and heads of digital education centers from 33 regions of Russia took part.

    We have established a strong tradition of meeting, exchanging experience and practices. Within the framework of this forum, you will see the best of what St. Petersburg and other regions have to offer. And I am sure that you will remember the welcoming atmosphere of the Polytechnic University, and you will actively share the knowledge you have gained with your colleagues, – Pavel Rozov, Deputy Chairman of the St. Petersburg Education Committee, opened the event in a video address.

    Then the plenary session “National Policy in the Sphere of Digital Education” began. Natalia Gubkova, chief specialist of the Department of Information Technology and Digitalization of the Committee on Education of St. Petersburg, spoke about the influence of national projects on the work of digital education centers and the guidelines for the development of education until 2036.

    Experience of interaction with leaders of Russian industry for development of engineering education within the framework of the SPbPU PISh “Digital Engineering” program was presented by Mikhail Zhmailo, senior lecturer of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies of the SPbPU PISh. He spoke about the practice-oriented model of polytechnic education, emphasized the need to develop modern educational tools and the importance of introducing advanced digital technologies in the education of young people at different levels. Mikhail Aleksandrovich noted the high interest of schools in participation in the project of development of school design bureaus and application in educational activities of a small-sized wheeled autonomous robot developed by engineers of the laboratory “Industrial Systems of Streaming Data Processing” (PSPOD) of the SPbPU PISh.

    Director of the Center for Advanced Professional Training Natalia Suddenkova gave a report on the implementation of the concept of continuous digital education in the context of developing cooperation between educational organizations and industrial partners, and also presented the project “My First Profession”.

    Director of the Academy of Digital Technologies Valeria Zotova highlighted the Academy’s projects and its role in the development of digital education and support of educational institutions, advanced training programs for teachers and managers.

    After the plenary session, the participants of the II All-Russian Digital Forum “From Lesson to Profession” visited the laboratories and scientific and technological spaces of SPbPU. Thus, in the laboratory “Industrial Systems of Streaming Data Processing” of the SPbPU PISh, teachers got acquainted with a model of a small-sized wheeled autonomous robot and learned more about its programming and the competencies of students that can be developed with its help.

    Senior Lecturer of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies PISH SPbPU, Research Fellow of the Laboratory of Advanced Digital Technologies PISH SPbPU Georgy Vasilyanov presented guests a new version of the robot – MKAR 3.0, which was shown publicly for the first time. During the presentation, participants saw autonomous movement MKAR 2.0— version, already delivered to 15 schools in St. Petersburg, as well as the debut of MKAR 3.0 with improved sensors, modular design and support for ROS2 — the industry standard for robot control.

    Using the example of work Experimental Design Bureau of PISh SPbPU, opened within the framework VI International Forum “Advanced Digital and Manufacturing Technologies” In October 2024, participants became familiar with the implemented practices and approaches to designing high-tech products, which are planned to be replicated in the school design bureau project.

    The teachers also visited the Polytechnic Supercomputer Center and the Gazpromneft-Polytech Scientific and Educational Center on an excursion.

    And then the program of the II All-Russian Digital Forum “From Lesson to Profession” continued with a strategic session “Creating a Single Space for Modern Digital Education in St. Petersburg”, which was held by the Deputy Director for Educational and Methodological Work of the Academy of Digital Technologies Evgeniya Lineva.

    The session participants discussed the partnership, outlined development paths and prospects for further work.

    Read more about the events Here.

    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 –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Why tattoos are such an unreliable marker of gang membership

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Beth C. Caldwell, Professor of Law, Southwestern Law School

    Tattoos of crowns and roses are popular among everyone – not just members of Tren de Aragua, as law enforcement has claimed. Marc Atkins/Getty Images

    The United States deported 238 Venezuelan men on three flights to El Salvador on March 15, 2025, claiming that they were members of the Tren de Aragua gang that originated in Venezuela.

    Immigration officials have said that tattoos were not the sole criteria used when deciding whom to deport; however, a government document showed that officials relied on tattoos and clothing to determine gang membership.

    A lawyer for Jerce Reyes Barrios, a professional soccer player who is among the Venezuelans deported to El Salvador, says the government detained and deported her client because he has a tattoo of a soccer ball with a crown on top, which resembles the logo of his favorite soccer team, Real Madrid. The tattoo and a photograph of Barrios making a hand sign that means “I love you” in sign language are the only two pieces of evidence the government has presented of his gang ties, according to the lawyer.

    Meanwhile, deported Venezuelan makeup artist Andry José Hernández Romero has a tattoo of a crown on each wrist, one with “Dad” and one with “Mom” written next to each crown. Immigration authorities indicated in his file that these tattoos were “determining factors to conclude reasonable suspicion” of his membership in the Tren de Aragua gang. Some government sources list crowns as a tattoo common for Tren de Aragua members, but other government sources cast doubt on that claim.

    The tattoos on the wrists of Andry José Hernández Romero, who says he was wrongly identified as a gang member by the Trump administration.
    David Alandete/X

    Whether or not the Trump administration used tattoos as a sole criteria for deportation, I’ve found in my own research that simply using tattoos as any sort of criteria can lead law enforcement astray.

    In 2023, I analyzed the reliability of tattoos as markers of gang membership in the Washington Law Review.

    The bottom line: While many people in gangs have tattoos that demonstrate their membership, many people who have absolutely no gang ties also get similar tattoos.

    Relying on them to determine gang membership has led to systematically misidentifying people as gang members – particularly as tattoos have become more popular.

    There are some types of tattoos that can be especially misleading.

    Geographic origins

    In 2017, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained Daniel Ramirez Medina, who was lawfully in the United States under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA. The government attempted to strip his status and deport him, claiming he was a gang member due to a tattoo that read “La Paz BCS.” La Paz is the capital of the Mexican state Baja California Sur, which is abbreviated “BCS.” The only evidence of gang membership that ICE agents presented in immigration court was this tattoo.

    But they overlooked the fact that tattoos depicting the names or area codes of hometowns or countries of origin are a common way for people to honor where they came from.

    This is particularly the case for people who migrate or move away from their homelands. For example, tattoos of “503” and “504” – the country codes used to dial El Salvador and Honduras, respectively – have been relied upon to allege gang membership, even as many people who have these tattoos deny any gang ties and have no criminal records. Law enforcement has also relied on tattoos of the words “Mexican,” “Chicano” or “Brown Pride” as evidence of gang membership.

    Some gangs, such as the Mexican Mafia, include a reference to nationality in the name of the gang. And in the U.S., street gangs are often based in specific neighborhoods, with many gangs incorporating the city or street where they’re based into gang names and associated tattoos. For this reason, tattoos celebrating a city or country can only lead to confusion.

    Tattoos of Mayan or Aztec images have also been used to designate people as gang members, even though these tattoos are clear expressions of cultural identity and do not necessarily have any nexus to gang membership. While some gangs do use specific Aztec symbols to identify members, it’s virtually impossible to distinguish a tattoo of cultural or geographic significance from a tattoo indicating gang association.

    In the case of Medina, U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez, a George W. Bush appointee, ordered that his DACA status remain in place and that he be protected from deportation because ICE’s “conclusory findings” that he was a gang member were “contradicted by experts and other evidence.” Furthermore, an immigration judge who reviewed all the evidence had already concluded that he was not in a gang.

    Martinez was clearly disturbed by ICE’s claims, writing, “Most troubling to the Court is the continued assertion that Mr. Ramirez is gang-affiliated, despite providing no evidence specific to Mr. Ramirez to the Immigration Court in connection with his administrative proceedings, and offering no evidence to this Court to support its assertions four months later.”

    Religious imagery and pop culture

    Tattoos of popular Catholic religious images, such as the Virgin of Guadalupe, praying hands and rosaries, have also been used to label people as gang members, a move that would seem to be clearly overbroad.

    While some gang members may be Catholic, no one would even try to allege that all Catholics are gang members. At least one of the deported Venezuelan men had a tattoo of a rosary, along with tattoos of a clock and the names of his mother and niece with crowns atop the text.

    Tattoos have also become an important way for people to celebrate popular culture. Tattoos of a woman’s lips, for example, have become popular among gang members and non-gang members alike. A number of professional athletes, including soccer phenom Lionel Messi, have tattoos of their partner’s lips. However, this is also a tattoo law enforcement uses to categorize people as gang members.

    According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, tattoos of stars on shoulders, crowns, firearms, grenades, trains, dice, roses, tigers and jaguars are common among members of Tren de Aragua.

    The issue, of course, is that these symbols are also popular among people with no connection to the gang.

    Imprecise methodology

    Understanding the problem really comes down to math. While it may be true that many gang members have tattoos of the images listed above, it is also true that many non-gang members have similar tattoos.

    The Bayesian mathematical approach involves making inferences about probabilities based on available information. The probability that a gang member has a certain tattoo isn’t the same as the probability that an individual who has a certain tattoo is a gang member.

    The U.S. government seems to be wrongfully equating the two.

    Writing about the broader problems of discerning gang membership in 2009, sociologist David Kennedy argued that the law’s inability to devise rules “that clearly distinguish a gang and a football team, or a gang member and his mother” suggests that taking “legal action, based on imprecise language [is] something of a problem.”

    This problem becomes magnified when there’s no due process for the accused – which is exactly what happened to the Venezuelan men whisked off to El Salvador.

    Some tattoos – like these MS-13 ones – denote gang membership more clearly than others.
    Alex Brandon-Pool/Getty Images

    I collaborated on an amicus brief based on this research that was filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in Department of State v. Munoz in 2024.

    – ref. Why tattoos are such an unreliable marker of gang membership – https://theconversation.com/why-tattoos-are-such-an-unreliable-marker-of-gang-membership-253094

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham marks 500 days to go till the European Athletic Championships arrives at the Alexander Stadium.

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Alexander Stadium

    Published: Thursday, 3rd April 2025

    Organisers of the Birmingham 2026 European Athletics Championships marked 500 days to go till the event arrives at the Alexander Stadium next August.

    Next year’s European Championship takes places 10 – 15 August and marks the first time the event has ever been held in the UK.

    Fans will be able to see some of the world’s best athletes compete for medals.

    The Championship is receiving funding from the West Midland Combined Authority Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund, Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the National Lottery, and will be delivered by Athletic Ventures in collaboration with partners Birmingham City Council, European Athletics and UK Sport.

    Electric crowds across the city played a crucial role in the success of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and now fans have the chance to recreate that magic at Alexander Stadium and drive Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s athletes to the podium once again.

    Fans can register for priority access via Birmingham26.com and will be the first to know when tickets go on sale this summer.

    Sports enthusiasts can also sign up for updates on how to get involved in the Championships.

    Councillor Sharon Thompson, Deputy Leader of Birmingham City Council said: “We are excited to welcome the 2026 European Athletics Championship to Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium next summer. Hosting the first ever UK edition of the Championship continues the legacy from the hugely successful Commonwealth Games in 2022.  Birmingham continues to be a proud host city and a powerhouse of sport with world-class venues. We can’t wait to showcase our city, welcoming residents and visitors alike to see Europe’s top athletes go for gold.”

    Useful links

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: MEXC to List StakeStone (STO) to Support Omnichain Liquidity Innovation with 130,000 USDT Airdrop+ Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is excited to announce that it has listed StakeStone (STO) on both the spot and futures markets as of April 3, 2025 (UTC). To mark the occasion, MEXC has launched an exclusive Airdrop + rewards campaign, offering a total of 130,000 USDT.

    StakeStone is a cross-chain liquidity infrastructure offering secure, flexible, and high-yield staking solutions through its liquid assets – STONE and SBTC, which are tokenized versions of ETH and BTC. Its scalable architecture integrates with staking pools and is prepared to support future restaking features, creating a multi-chain liquidity market. With a TVL of approximately 600 million USD, StakeStone enables diverse use cases and enhanced yield opportunities. Additionally, the platform has launched LiquidityPad, which allows users to earn rewards by providing liquidity to cross-chain applications, and is expanding its reach through partnerships with Monad and WLFI.

    STO is the governance token of StakeStone, allowing users to participate in decision-making and influence key protocol parameters. It empowers users to shape the protocol while earning additional rewards through veSTO staking, liquidity incentives, and bribe markets. As StakeStone continues to expand, STO’s role in governance and liquidity allocation will become increasingly valuable.

    MEXC has launched an Airdrop + campaign to celebrate the listing of StakeStone (STO) with a total prize pool of 130,000 USDT. Below are the key details of the event:

    Event Period: April 3, 2025, 06:00 – April 13, 2025, 10:00 (UTC)

    Event 1: Deposit to Share 50,000 USDT (New User Exclusive)
    Newly signed-up users and existing users with cumulative deposits below 100 USDT before the event start date are eligible to participate. By completing the relevant tasks during the event period, users can share in the 50,000 USDT prize pool.

    Event 2: Spot Challenge – Trade to Share 20,000 USDT (Open to All Users)
    During the event, all users can trade STO spot pairs with a minimum valid trading volume of $2,000 to share a 20,000 USDT prize pool, with the reward based on each user’s proportion of the total trading volume, up to a maximum of 2,000 USDT. Only spot trades with non-zero fees will be counted towards the trading volume.

    Event 3: Futures Challenge — Trade to Share 50,000 USDT in Futures Bonuses (Open to All Users)
    During the event, users who trade any Perpetual Futures pair and rank among the top 2,000 by total trading volume of at least 20,000 USDT will share a 50,000 USDT prize pool in Futures bonuses, with each user able to receive up to 5,000 USDT, and a minimum reward of 10 USDT.

    Event 4: Invite New Users & Share 10,000 USDT (Open to All Users)
    Existing users can invite friends to sign up on MEXC using their referral code to share a 10,000 USDT reward pool. Once the new user completes any task from Event 1, the referrer will receive 20 USDT, with each referrer eligible to earn up to 400 USDT on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The listing of StakeStone (STO) underscores MEXC’s ongoing commitment to offering users a diverse range of investment assets, expanding its product offerings, and enhancing the overall trading experience. By consistently providing early access to promising Web3 projects, MEXC has solidified its position as an industry leader. According to the latest TokenInsight report, MEXC leads the industry with the highest number of spot listings (461) and the fastest listing speed. Additionally, the exchange consistently adds new tokens on a bi-weekly basis, showcasing its exceptional ability to capture market trends quickly.

    Looking ahead, MEXC will remain user-centric, driving innovation and expanding its offerings to deliver the best opportunities in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.

    For full event details and participation rules, please visit here.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 34 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website| X | Telegram |How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4321337-6393-4a6b-8a6b-ff978e3ff59b

    The MIL Network –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government donates relief supplies to Myanmar and approves grants to provide relief (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​In view of the recent strong earthquake that occurred in Sagaing Region of Myanmar, which resulted in serious casualties and infrastructure damage, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been working in close communication with the Consulate General of Myanmar in Hong Kong, and has co-ordinated and collected a batch of emergency relief supplies in response to the urgent needs of the disaster-stricken areas. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, attended a donation ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport today (April 3) to hand over the relief supplies to the Consul-General of Myanmar in Hong Kong, and immediately arranged for their delivery to the disaster-stricken areas to meet the immediate needs of the people affected.

         Over 20 tonnes of relief supplies, including key items such as food, drinking water, medical kits and temporary accommodation materials were collected swiftly and in accordance with the specific needs of the disaster-stricken areas through the co-operation and co-ordination of different government departments. A portion of the relief supplies were donated by the local community.

    Mr Chan remarked that the HKSAR Government fully supports disaster relief for the earthquake in Myanmar, and the supplies carry the HKSAR’s support and blessings to the disaster-stricken areas. He expressed his sincere hope that the relief efforts will tide local people over this period of difficulties so that they can resume a normal life as soon as possible. Mr Chan added that the HKSAR Government will continue to monitor the latest situation in Myanmar closely and provide further support as needed.

    Also attending the ceremony were the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho; the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; and the Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Ho Kai-ming.

    The HKSAR Government has activated the Disaster Relief Fund mechanism previously and has liaised closely with various relief organisations. It has given in-principle approval for grants totalling about $30 million to seven organisations. All seven organisations have extensive experience in implementing disaster relief projects. A list of the organisations with the grants approved is in the Annex.   

    The HKSAR Government will continue its close contact with the organisations concerned to ensure early confirmation of the detailed relief programmes to provide necessary and appropriate assistance to people affected, help the disaster-stricken areas overcome difficulties and resume a normal life as soon as possible.

            

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ Launches Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF (CHPY)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ announced the launch today of the following ETF:

    YieldMax™ Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF (NYSE Arca: CHPY)

    CHPY Overview

    CHPY is an actively managed ETF that seeks current income and capital appreciation via direct investments in a select portfolio of 15-30 Semiconductor Companies. CHPY aims to generate current income through an options portfolio on Semiconductor Companies and/or Semiconductor ETFs.

    CHPY Equity Portfolio

    CHPY seeks capital appreciation via direct investments in its portfolio of 15-30 Semiconductor Companies. To enable CHPY to effectively implement its options strategies (see below), CHPY’s Adviser evaluates the liquidity of a potential company’s common stock and the liquidity of its options contracts. Any dividend paid by its Semiconductor Companies will contribute to CHPY’s income generation.

    CHPY Options Portfolio

    CHPY seeks to generate current income primarily by writing (selling) options contracts on some or all of its Semiconductor Companies. Depending on the Adviser’s outlook, it will select one or more options strategies that it believes will best provide CHPY with current income while generally also attempting to participate in a portion of the share price increases experienced by its Semiconductor Companies. Further, depending on the Adviser’s assessment of one or more of the Semiconductor Companies options contracts (e.g., they are insufficiently liquid or too costly), CHPY may employ options strategies on a Semiconductor ETF. By strategically entering and exiting options positions, the Adviser seeks to enhance CHPY’s income potential.

    CHPY Distribution Schedule

    CHPY is the newest member of the YieldMax™ ETF family and like all YieldMax™ ETFs, CHPY aims to deliver current income to investors. With respect to distributions, CHPY aims to make distributions on a weekly basis and its first weekly distribution is expected to be announced on April 16, 2025.

    Why Invest in CHPY?

    • CHPY seeks to generate income, which is not dependent on the value of its portfolio of Semiconductor companies.
    • CHPY seeks to participate in some of the potential share price gains experienced by its Semiconductor Companies.

    Please see the table below for distribution information for all outstanding YieldMax™ ETFs.

    ETF
    Ticker
    1
    ETF Name Distribution
    Frequency
    Distribution
    per Share
    Distribution
    Rate
    2,4
    30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC5
    GPTY YieldMax™ AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.2668 34.48% 0.00% 100.00%
    LFGY YieldMax™ Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.4189 59.51% 0.00% 100.00%
    QDTY YieldMax™ Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly $0.2638 30.79% 0.00% 37.26%
    RDTY YieldMax™ R2000 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly $0.3351 35.84% 0.00% 78.96%
    SDTY YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF Weekly $0.2723 30.85% 0.00% 65.95%
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly $0.0916 76.60% 2.10% 97.00%
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.0971 32.97% 69.89% 28.54%
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.1781 67.58% 96.57% 0.00%
    BIGY YieldMax™ Target 12™ Big 50 Option Income ETF Monthly $0.4582 12.00% 0.71% 0.00%
    SOXY YieldMax™ Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF Monthly $0.4266 11.97% 0.26% 0.00%
    ABNY YieldMax™ ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3665 37.42% 3.62% 0.00%
    AIYY YieldMax™ AI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3221 84.22% 4.89% 2.09%
    AMDY YieldMax™ AMD Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.2765 45.01% 2.97% 93.13%
    AMZY YieldMax™ AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4177 33.06% 4.40% 0.00%
    APLY YieldMax™ AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3440 29.51% 3.44% 87.26%
    BABO YieldMax™ BABA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.7578 50.30% 1.92% 0.00%
    CONY YieldMax™ COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4381 70.66% 4.42% 94.62%
    CRSH YieldMax™ Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6458 128.93% 1.79% 98.10%
    CVNY YieldMax™ CVNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $2.9684 96.98% 2.44% 99.08%
    DIPS YieldMax™ Short NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5851 61.20% 2.36% 96.87%
    DISO YieldMax™ DIS Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.2879 26.29% 4.03% 51.26%
    FBY YieldMax™ META Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5506 43.57% 4.38% 0.00%
    FEAT YieldMax™ Dorsey Wright Featured 5 Income ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6925 24.82% 108.54% 0.00%
    FIAT YieldMax™ Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.9240 131.85% 1.73% 98.90%
    FIVY YieldMax™ Dorsey Wright Hybrid 5 Income ETF Every 4 weeks $0.7092 24.88% 69.37% 0.00%
    GDXY YieldMax™ Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6394 51.98% 2.77% 0.00%
    GOOY YieldMax™ GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3284 35.52% 4.67% 0.00%
    JPMO YieldMax™ JPM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3717 29.57% 4.01% 42.17%
    MARO YieldMax™ MARA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.4783 89.99% 4.90% 95.22%
    MRNY YieldMax™ MRNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.1827 87.97% 4.65% 94.71%
    MSFO YieldMax™ MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3337 27.08% 3.75% 0.00%
    MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.3775 81.94% 0.50% 97.54%
    NFLY YieldMax™ NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.6020 46.46% 3.58% 59.10%
    NVDY YieldMax™ NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.7874 65.47% 4.01% 100.00%
    OARK YieldMax™ Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3210 53.55% 3.51% 71.26%
    PLTY YieldMax™ PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $5.3257 117.62% 2.78% 97.91%
    PYPY YieldMax™ PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.3521 33.82% 4.19% 0.00%
    SMCY YieldMax™ SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $1.9742 120.52% 3.01% 0.00%
    SNOY YieldMax™ SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.8119 66.34% 3.01% 0.00%
    XYZY YieldMax™ XYZ Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5014 58.85% 6.32% 91.68%
    TSLY YieldMax™ TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4638 68.19% 3.87% 94.16%
    TSMY YieldMax™ TSM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.5772 49.86% 3.61% 93.02%
    WNTR* YieldMax™ Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks – – – –
    XOMO YieldMax™ XOM Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.2950 25.83% 3.18% 77.73%
    YBIT YieldMax™ Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4357 55.47% 1.52% 97.70%
    YQQQ YieldMax™ Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4 weeks $0.4483 33.43% 3.08% 92.77%


    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).

    *The inception date for WNTR is March 26, 2025.

    1  All 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 2, 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.

    3  The 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.

    4  Each 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.

    5  ROC 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.

    Standardized Performance

    For YMAX, click here. For YMAG, click here. For TSLY, click here. For OARK, click here. For APLY, click here. For NVDY, click here. For AMZY, click here. For FBY, click here. For GOOY, click here. For NFLY, click here. For CONY, click here. For MSFO, click here. For DISO, click here. For XOMO, click here. For JPMO, click here. For AMDY, click here. For PYPY, click here. For XYZY, click here. For MRNY, click here. For AIYY, click here. For MSTY, click here. For ULTY, click here. For YBIT, click here. For CRSH, click here. For GDXY, click here. For SNOY, click here. For ABNY, click here. For FIAT, click here. For DIPS, click here. For BABO, click here. For YQQQ, click here. For TSMY, click here. For SMCY, click here. For PLTY, click here. For BIGY, click here. For SOXY, click here. For MARO, click here. For FEAT, click here. For FIVY, click here. For LFGY, click here. For GPTY, click here. For CVNY, click here. For SDTY, click here. For QDTY, click here. For RDTY, click here. For WNTR, click here.

    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

    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 Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance)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 Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance) 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. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time.

    High Index (or Index ETF) Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high Index (or Index ETF) 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.

    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.

    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.

    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 CHPY)

    Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

    The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

    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 –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Video: #wintersportsclinic 88-year-old Veteran learns to ski again

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Vietnam era Army Veteran Robert Daehler actively skied until the age of 85. After facing an injury that left him paralyzed, Daehler dedicated years to regain his mobility and with the help from VA Palo Alto Occupational Therapists, is now walking. Now, at 88, he has returned to the Winter Sports Clinic for a second year, rekindling his beloved passion alongside fellow Veterans and family members.

    #sports4vets #DAV

    To learn how you can volunteer, or to learn more, visit www.wintersportsclinic.org

    This video was created by the NDVWSC Media Team.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHhVuAyRgBE

    MIL OSI Video –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Four Points by Sheraton Makes its Debut in Senegal with the Opening of Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio

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

    DIAMNIADIO, Senegal, April 3, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Four Points by Sheraton, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s (www.Marriott.com) global portfolio of over 30 brands, today announced the opening Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio, marking the brand’s debut in Senegal. Whether travellers are visiting Dakar’s ‘smart city’ district of Diamniado for work or fun, the hotel caters to their needs with its approachable design, stylish comfort and all the brand’s popular extras.

    Located in the new Sports City complex and just 20 minutes from Blaise Diagne International Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio provides easy access to major local landmarks, including the CICAD (Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre), the Ministerial Sphere Ousmane Tanor Dieng, the United Nations Headquarters for West Africa, and the future Diamniadio Olympic Stadium, set to host the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics.

    “The launch of Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio marks an important milestone for Marriott International,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium, Select & Midscale Brands, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Marriott International. “Senegal’s rich heritage and Diamniadio’s economic importance make it a perfect fit for our Four Points by Sheraton brand. This new hotel will provide travellers with modern details and local experiences, while supporting the region’s growth in business, sports, and tourism.”

    The hotel features 173 stylish rooms with views of Sports City and its urban surroundings. Reflecting the brand’s signature style, Four Points by Sheraton Diamniadio offers everything that matters for today’s independent travellers, including the Four Points by Sheraton Four Comfort Bed, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and an energising breakfast with fresh coffee on tap.

    For a social eating experience, guests can enjoy fresh, and delicious food throughout the day at FP Social, while Chic’ Afrique offers local and international bites in a vibrant, African-inspired setting. For a laid-back end to the day, FP Social Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests can unwind and explore the Four Points’ signature Best Brews™ programme—a curated selection of local craft beers.

    Other facilities include an outdoor pool and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. With 139 square metres of flexible meeting space across four rooms, the hotel is an ideal venue for intimate meetings and social gatherings.

    “We have wholeheartedly embraced the spirit of Teranga – the essence of Senegalese hospitality -and the innovative Sports City concept in every detail of our hotel’s development. From thoughtful design and carefully chosen materials to exceptional service, we are dedicated to creating an experience where international excellence meets the warmth, generosity, and well-being that make Senegal so special,” said Mustapha Fodil, General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio.

    As the only hotel in the Diamniadio Sports City, Four Points by Sheraton guests have access to world-class sports facilities, including a FIFA-approved football pitch, basketball and tennis courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a range of gyms, and a wellness centre. For families, a children’s playground complete with a climbing wall adds an extra layer of fun. Guests also benefit from the hotel’s proximity to key government and business institutions, while Dakar’s iconic attractions—such as the African Renaissance Monument, Gorée Island, and bustling local markets—are easily accessible by highway or rail.

    For more information about Four Points by Sheraton Dakar Diamniadio, please visit www.Marriott.com.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    April 4, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Schoolchildren of St. Petersburg accepted the “Polytechnic Challenge”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The Polytechnic University hosted the spring stage of the competition for high school students, “The Polytechnic Challenge.” The students participate in the festival as teams from educational institutions and solve research and scientific problems of various types, apply their knowledge in practice, and learn to find non-standard solutions.

    The Polytechnic Challenge was held in six directions. During the week, the participants had to find the best solution to the tasks from the organizers. The developers of the tasks were students and teachers of the university’s Department of Continuing Education.

    The classic game “What? Where? When?” attracted a record number of teams eager to demonstrate the depth of their knowledge, sharpness of mind and resourcefulness. And the “Physical Battles” direction required schoolchildren not only to be able to solve physical problems, but also to be able to convincingly argue their decision, defending their position in a dispute with their opponents.

    As part of the construction case, teams of schoolchildren created models of buildings and structures capable of withstanding seismic loads. It is important to note that the participants worked strictly within the parameters set by the organizers for height, width, and depth. Particular attention was drawn to projects that used original design solutions and unusual shapes. Defending their work, the schoolchildren talked about the development process and methods of connecting parts. The stability of the models was tested on a vibration table.

    At the case championship, schoolchildren had to develop a product or system that would reduce the negative effects of urbanization and overpopulation of cities. The key issues were transport problems, housing shortages, ecology and social inequality. Participants proposed a wide range of ideas, from improved transport systems to smart home projects. The jury especially noted the projects that had real prospects for implementation and were highly developed.

    One of the areas was a 3D case. Schoolchildren designed a manipulator capable of holding a load of a certain weight. The task included preparing 3D models, creating models for printing on 3D printers, and printing finished products. Contestants were tested on their knowledge of engineering basics and ability to use modern digital tools. The best projects demonstrated not only technical complexity, but also a creative approach to solving the task.

    The main task of the hackathon was to create translators of slang expressions that often cause misunderstandings between generations. Schoolchildren presented mobile applications, websites designed to simplify communication. The jury paid special attention to the convenience of interfaces and the effectiveness of solutions.

    The winners were teams from School No. 45, Gymnasium No. 406, Engineering and Technology School No. 777, Anichkov Lyceum, Academy of Digital Technologies, Kirov Gymnasium, Schools No. 345 and No. 246. The best teams received an important advantage for admission to the Polytechnic University – 5 additional points to their Unified State Exam results.

    The Polytechnic Challenge festival clearly demonstrated the high level of training of our schoolchildren and their desire to find solutions to current social and technical problems. The competitions provided the children with a unique opportunity to reveal themselves in various fields of knowledge. Such events play a key role in the development of engineering thinking and the formation of future professionals in the field of advanced technologies, – noted the leading specialist of the Center for work with applicants Egor Kruchinin.

    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 –

    April 3, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Award winning podcast specials to shine spotlight on autism

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    They will include discussions with autistic individuals, professionals and parents of autistic children and take a look at how the world of sport supports people with autism.

    Guests include Dr Temple Grandin, Dr Eve Griffiths, David and Carrie Grant, Nicky Crosby, representatives from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Will Greenwood, Paul Mullin and many more. 

    The TWS Sports Podcast is hosted by students with autism at Tettenhall Wood School. Within 12 months of its launch in 2021, it had already been named the winner of the Best Equality and Social Impact at the global Sports Podcast Awards.

    Adam Millichip, Outreach Teacher, said: “We have a great platform to promote the amazing things autistic individuals can do and we believe it is really important to raise the awareness and acceptance of autism through our podcast; our students are very passionate about this topic and it is something they speak a lot about during their interviews with our guests.

    “Our special autism episodes are going to cover a wide range of topics from conversations with autistic individuals to in-depth conversations with professionals, as well our discussions with parents, sports clubs and so much more.”

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Work, said: “The podcast is an excellent innovation by Tettenhall Wood School, showing just what its pupils are capable of.

    “It is great that the young people are using their platform to explore some of the issues around, and to raise awareness of, autism during World Autism Acceptance Month, and I would urge everyone to have a listen to the pods as they drop over the next few weeks.”

    To subscribe to the TWS Sports Podcast, visit TWS Sports Podcast.  Episodes can also be watched on the TWS Sports Podcast YouTube channel. 

    The Wolverhampton Autism Board website includes information about autism, upcoming events, parent/guardian workshops, support groups for autistic individuals and professionals working with autistic people, community opportunities, information about Wolverhampton Autism Board and links to online resources and strategies.

    To find out more about World Autism Acceptance Month, please visit National Autistic Society.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 3, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Ben Cline Reintroduces Hearing Protection Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

    Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) reintroduced the Hearing Protection Act (HPA). This legislation reduces the overly burdensome barriers required to purchase a firearm suppressor to ease access for law-abiding citizens simply trying to obtain the hearing protection they need. 

    “Americans who enjoy hunting and target shooting should be able to do so safely and legally without facing burdensome government regulations,” said Rep. Cline. “The Hearing Protection Act will reclassify suppressors, making it easier for law-abiding gun owners to protect their hearing while enjoying recreational activities. It’s time to ensure that our Second Amendment rights are upheld, allowing responsible citizens to enjoy their freedoms without unnecessary obstacles.”

    Congressman Cline was joined by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS), Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV), Rep. Aaron Bean (R-FL), Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX), Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL), Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT), Rep. GT Thompson (R-PA), Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA), Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC), Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Rep. Kat Cammack (R-FL), Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA), Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA), Rep. Michael Bost (R-IL), Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI), Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN), Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), Rep. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Rep. Fulcher (R-ID), Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Rep. John McGuire (R-VA), Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC), Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD), Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN), Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN), Rep. William Timmons (R-SC), Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Rep. Jeff Crank (R-CO), Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Rep. Kevin Hern (R-OK), Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR), Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX), Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-UT), and Rep. James Comer (R-KY) as original cosponsors.

    The Hearing Protection Act is supported by the American Suppressor Association (ASA), the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), the National Rifle Association (NRA), the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), and the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA). 


    “The Hearing Protection Act is the epitome of commonsense legislation. Law-abiding citizens should not have to pay a tax to protect their hearing when they exercise their Second Amendment rights. The American Suppressor Association applauds Rep. Cline for his leadership and willingness to fight for the rights of gunowners across the United States,”
    said Knox Williams, ASA President and Executive Director. 

    “Congressman Cline’s Hearing Protection Act will have the federal government recognize firearm suppressors for what they are. These are accessories to a firearm that make recreational shooting and hunting a safer experience,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “These safety devices reduce the report of a firearm to a level that won’t cause instant and permanent hearing damage. Despite Hollywood’s depictions, they do not mask the sound of a firearm. The focus should be on removing barriers to safe and responsible use of firearms and dedicating resources to ensuring firearms are safeguarded from those who should never possess them. Strict regulatory control of firearm accessories, and the parts of those accessories that have no bearing on the function of a firearm, is unnecessary and not the wisest use of federal resources. NSSF thanks Congressman Cline for his leadership for ensuring safe and responsible use of firearms and dedicating necessary resources where they are most needed.”

    “Onerous and unnecessary government regulation shouldn’t prevent America’s hunters and recreational shooters from protecting their hearing while exercising their constitutionally protected freedoms,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “Suppressors do not silence firearms, but they are proven to reduce the severity of hearing loss. On behalf of our millions of members, NRA thanks Representative Ben Cline for introducing the Hearing Protection Act.”

    “The Hearing Protection Act has been a longstanding priority for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), and we are excited to see this legislation reintroduced. Suppressors are one of the fastest growing and most popular accessories for sportsmen and women, unfortunately, current law makes acquiring suppressors an overly burdensome process, which would be addressed by this legislation. CSF thanks Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Rep. Ben Cline for introducing this legislation, and we look forward to working with him in the 119th Congress to improve the suppressor purchasing process,” said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane. 

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025
  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia and New Zealand are plagued by ‘tall poppy syndrome’. But would a cure be worse than the disease?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nick Haslam, Professor of Psychology, The University of Melbourne

    Ildiko Laskay/Shutterstock

    The original tall poppies bloomed in the garden of Tarquin the Proud, last king of Rome. To communicate that his enemies should be defeated by killing their leaders, he is said to have decapitated the tallest flowers with a stick.

    Two and a half thousand years later, “tall poppies” are those among us who rise above the horde through the excellence of their achievements or the boldness of their ambition.

    Sometimes tall poppies are celebrated, as an array of tall poppy awards attests. Other times they are scorned for their arrogance and envied for their success. Too big for their boots or britches, they must be cut down to size.

    Aversion to tall poppies is said to be particularly strong in Australia and New Zealand, where the idea of a “tall poppy syndrome” was invented in the 1980s. A tendency to drag down those who set themselves above others, the syndrome supposedly reflects values of equality, humility and the storied “fair go”.

    But what are the effects of the tall poppy syndrome? What does it tell us about Antipodean cultures? And are we uniquely averse to those who stand out from the crowd?

    Rome’s final king, the tyrannical Tarquin the Proud, scythes through the tallest poppies in Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s ‘Tarquinius Superbus’.
    Wikimedia Commons

    Effects of the tall poppy syndrome

    Effects of the tall poppy syndrome on work performance and leadership have been studied extensively.

    In a New Zealand study of prominent entrepreneurs, nearly all reported encountering the syndrome. “If you do achieve something and stick your head up a bit further,” one said, “people will try to chop you down to size.”

    Dealing with negative responses to success drove some entrepreneurs to adopt specific coping strategies, like staying under the radar and taking pains not to flaunt their success.

    Tall poppy syndrome doesn’t merely bruise enterprising egos, it can also adversely affect business decisions. The NZ study found public attacks can discourage entrepreneurs from starting or growing a business and from persevering after setbacks.

    Athletes also report being targets. Some attacks simply reflect anonymous online spite, but tall poppy attitudes also drive aggressive behaviour. One Australian study found that high performing student athletes were often victims of bullying.

    Cultural underpinnings

    Harvesting tall poppies may be common in Australia and New Zealand, but there is little evidence that it is unique to us.

    In Japan, the saying “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down” captures the idea that people should not be conspicuously different.

    Aksel Sandemose formulated ten rules to discourage anyone from feeling special.
    Oslo Museum, CC BY-SA

    The Law of Jante expresses a similar sentiment in Scandinavian countries. Despite being fictitious, invented by Danish-Norwegian novelist Aksel Sandemose, its ten rules dictate that “you’re not to think you are anything special” and “you’re not to imagine yourself better than we are”, among other humbling commandments.

    These examples are subtly different from each other: the Japanese version presents being different as undesirable; the Nordic version identifies being better or special as undesirable traits.

    In the more collectivist Japanese context, avoiding displays of individuality helps to preserve social harmony and avoid conflict. In the more individualist Scandinavian context, the key concern is maintaining social equality. The Law of Jante levels out a society where individuality is highly valued but expressions of personal superiority are not.

    These variations show that aversion to tall poppies can express two distinct values in different cultural settings: conformity via collectivism, and equality via egalitarianism.

    Values researchers think of egalitarianism in terms of a cultural dimension called “power distance”. Cultures high on this dimension value social hierarchy and accept inequalities. Low cultures prefer more equal social arrangements.

    Australia tends to score relatively low on power distance, with Scandinavian countries and New Zealand lower still, as well as scoring high on individualism. In this “horizontal” form of individualism, people are meant to strive to be distinct without desiring special status. It is therefore no surprise to find the tall poppy syndrome in these countries.

    Values in the United States also tend to be highly individualistic, but higher in power distance than in Oceania, a combination known as “vertical individualism”. Vertical individualists also value being distinct from others, but are more comfortable with inequality and with raising themselves above others.

    American culture leaves more room for tall poppies to reap rewards for their success.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    As this contrast suggests, Americans favour rewarding tall poppies more strongly than Australians. This aligns with the ethos of the “American Dream”, a cultural narrative that champions ambition and status-seeking, and the full-throated celebration of personal success.

    The future of the tall poppy syndrome

    In our age of self-promotion, with social media sites devoted to not-so-humble bragging, have we become immune to the tall poppy syndrome? Are we becoming more comfortable about standing out, or does egalitarianism remain a powerful obstacle?

    Research finds no increase in levels of narcissism in Australia, in contrast to some evidence of rising levels in the US. By implication, Australians are not becoming more willing to elevate themselves above others. Whether their attitudes to people who do so has changed remains to be seen.

    More importantly, we should ask if, in times of high and rising inequality, less egalitarianism is something to hope for. No one wants successful athletes to be lashed by public envy – but if the tall poppy syndrome reflects a commitment to social equality, perhaps a complete cure would be worse than the disease.

    A culture that attacks its tall poppies risks discouraging ambition and innovation, but one that overlooks inequality may lose sight of the collective good. Ultimately, the challenge lies in finding a balance between celebrating individual excellence and maintaining the egalitarian spirit that fosters fairness.

    Nick Haslam receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

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

    – ref. Australia and New Zealand are plagued by ‘tall poppy syndrome’. But would a cure be worse than the disease? – https://theconversation.com/australia-and-new-zealand-are-plagued-by-tall-poppy-syndrome-but-would-a-cure-be-worse-than-the-disease-245355

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 3, 2025
  • MIL-OSI China: China cracks down on irrational sportsperson worship

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The Chinese government has intensified its crackdown on irrational online celebrity worship of sportspeople, removing over 1.6 million pieces of illegal and non-compliant content and shutting down more than 3,700 accounts, according to the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC).
    The move comes in response to individuals creating accounts or chat groups under the names of national team athletes and coaches, fueling excessive fandom and triggering conflict among fan groups. There have also been instances of users seeking illicit profits through such accounts and chat groups, exerting negative impact on the online community, especially minors, the CAC said.
    National team athletes and coaches have called for the disbandment of fan groups and urged a focus on the sports themselves.
    Cyberspace administration departments, in collaboration with the sports authorities, will continue to strengthen oversight of online sports fan culture, urging website platforms to fulfill their responsibilities and strictly penalizing those that neglect their duties, according to the CAC.

    MIL OSI China News –

    April 3, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Thompson Announces Appointment of Juuso Young to the United States Military Academy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Thompson (5th District Pennsylvania)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson today announced that Mr. Juuso Young, of Port Allegany, Pa. has accepted a fully qualified appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.

    Young is a senior at Port Allegany High School, he is the son of Ink and Andrew Young of Port Allegany, Pa. He is the grandson of Pat and Paul Young of Clearfield, Pa. 

    “Juuso is an accomplished young man in the classroom, on the football field, and throughout his community. His commitment to excellence will enable him to compete among the top students at the Military Academy,” Rep. Thompson said. “Juuso has proven himself as a leader, and I wish him the very best in this next chapter.”

    Young is currently serving as his Senior Class President. He is a varsity athlete in two sports, captain of the varsity football team, and a member of Keystone Boys State.

     
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Pushes SafeSport to Take Action to Address Major Failings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) is following up on his oversight of the U.S. Center for SafeSport’s vetting and hiring practices. The organization previously hired an investigator, Jason Krasley, who was later charged with theft, harassment and sex crimes. 

    “Congress established SafeSport to protect young athletes from abuse and act as a good steward of taxpayer dollars. The arrest of a former investigator and my subsequent oversight has called into question the quality of SafeSport’s hiring process, the Board’s ability to supervise SafeSport officers and directors, and SafeSport’s management of funds,” Grassley said. “American athletes and taxpayers deserve better.”  

    In letters to SafeSport’s CEO, Ju’Riese Colón, and Board of Directors, Grassley notes: 

    • SafeSport was aware of a previous internal investigation into Krasley prior to hiring him and kept him on payroll for two months after learning of the criminal allegations against him. 
    • SafeSport intentionally withheld pertinent evidence from law enforcement. 
      • Florida court found SafeSport “perpetrated a fraud” against a Florida State Court and “filtered” and withheld evidence from law enforcement regarding a sexual abuse claim. 
    • SafeSport potentially mismanaged taxpayer funding. 
      • SafeSport in 2023 spent $2.4 million on legal contractors, including over $1.2 million on a single Denver-based tort law firm. It’s unclear what type of work these firms handled on behalf of SafeSport. 
      • SafeSport in 2023 spent $390,000 on travel, paid 11 executives between $111,000 and $350,000 each, and spent nearly $408,000 on the CEO’s salary – $100,000 more than the highest end of average nonprofit CEO salaries. 

    Read Grassley’s letter to the SafeSport CEO HERE and his letter to the SafeSport Board of Directors HERE. 

    Background:

    Grassley’s bipartisan legislation established SafeSport in 2017 to investigate cases of athlete sex abuse and harassment in Olympic governing bodies. 

    Grassley was the first in history to convene a congressional hearing on athlete protections as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee in 2017. He also spearheaded oversight of the U.S. Olympic Committee, the FBI’s failed response to the Larry Nassar abuse scandal and the failures of SafeSport and USA Gymnastics to effectively safeguard athletes.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Kelly, Panetta, Fitzpatrick, Thune, Murphy Reintroduce Bill to Incentivize Healthy Living and Physical Activity

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), reintroduced the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. This bipartisan legislation would encourage physical activity and incentivize healthier living by allowing Americans to use a portion of the money saved in their pre-tax health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) toward qualified sports and fitness purchases, such as gym memberships, fitness equipment, and youth sports league fees.

    “As a former college football player and youth football coach myself, I’ve seen young Americans greatly improve their lives because they were able to join a team and play sports,” said Rep. Kelly. “This bill gives kids, especially those in underserved or low-income communities, a real chance to play the sport of their choice. This isn’t just about athletics: it’s about gaining critical team-building and character-building traits that stay with kids for the rest of their lives.”

    “Too many working families are forced to cut back on healthy activities and lifestyles due to the rising costs of sports leagues, gym memberships, local swimming pools, and more,” said Rep. Panetta. “The PHIT Act provides a practical solution by allowing families to use pre-tax dollars from their HSA and FSA accounts to help pay for fitness expenses. By breaking down financial barriers, we can encourage healthier habits, strengthen our communities, and invest in preventive care that lasts a lifetime.”

    “Preventive health care doesn’t start in the doctor’s office — it starts with daily movement, access to fitness, and the ability to stay active,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “The PHIT Act is about making those opportunities more affordable for families by allowing pre-tax health savings to cover fitness expenses like youth sports, gym memberships, and exercise equipment. We’re working to remove cost as a barrier to healthier living and shift our health care system toward one that values prevention, wellness, and long-term results.”

    “For some Americans, certain gym or athletic league membership costs can be prohibitive, keeping them from pursuing healthy habits like exercising or participating in other physical activities,” said Sen. Thune. “The PHIT Act would reduce some of the cost barriers that Americans face when pursuing healthy lifestyles and make it easier and more affordable for folks to stay active throughout their lives. By giving Americans greater flexibility with their HSAs and FSAs, we can empower people to make healthy choices, get active, and hopefully prevent the onset of costly chronic conditions as we work to make America healthy again.”

    “The National Football League (NFL) is pleased to support the PHIT Act, which is sensible, bipartisan legislation that makes participation in youth sports and physical activity more accessible and affordable,” said Brendon Plack, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs at the NFL. “Encouraging America’s youth to adopt active lifestyles and healthy habits has been a cornerstone of the league’s commitment to community, and the PHIT Act helps to further advance that important goal.”

    “Sports, exercise, and recreation are essential to the physical and mental well-being of Americans of all ages,” said Todd Smith, President and CEO of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). “The PHIT Act is a forward-thinking, bipartisan solution that will make these activities more affordable and accessible, helping to build healthier communities and a stronger future for sports and fitness participation. SFIA thanks and supports Senators Thune and Murphy, and Congressmen Kelly and Panetta, for reintroducing this act. As we head into this next decade of once-in-a-generation sporting events taking place in the U.S., we especially look forward to working together to pass the PHIT Act and expand opportunities for all.”

    “Preventative health solutions are more important than ever, and physical activity is a proven, cost-effective way to make Americans healthier,” said Liz Clark, President and CEO of the Health & Fitness Association. “The PHIT Act is a commonsense solution that will make it easier for individuals and families to invest in their health by making fitness more affordable. We applaud Majority Leader Thune and Sen. Murphy, and Congressmen Kelly and Panetta, for their leadership in reintroducing PHIT in the 119th Congress and recognizing the critical role prevention plays in improving public health.”

    “On behalf of the more than 2600 YMCAs who every day help build healthy spirit, minds and bodies for all and strengthen community by connecting people to their potential, purpose and each other, I applaud Representatives Kelly and Panetta and Senators Thune and Murphy for reintroducing the bi-partisan PHIT Act.  This legislation recognizes the chronic disease crisis our nation confronts and prioritizes prevention by providing new financial incentives for individuals and families to better access physical activity, exercise programs and sports in community facilities like the YMCA,” said Jeff Britt, SVP, Chief Government Affairs Officer, YMCA of the USA.

    You can read the full bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Hudson, Issa, Risch Lead Bill to Stop Unfair State Taxes on Firearms

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Darrell Issa (R-CA), alongside Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), introduced the Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act to prohibit states from implementing excise taxes on firearms and ammunition to fund gun control programs.

    “Gun grabbing liberals will stop at nothing to undermine the Second Amendment,” said Congressman Hudson. “Their latest scheme is an unconstitutional tax that seeks to price you out of your right to keep and bear arms, and this legislation will put a stop to it.”

    “For too many years, extreme state policies — including from my home state — have targeted our fundamental Second Amendment rights and the American citizens who exercise them,” said Congressman Issa. “The latest attack is California’s imposition of a ‘sin tax’ on firearms and ammunition. This outrageous and unfair burden on law-abiding citizens is why Sen. Risch, Rep. Hudson, and I are working to stop this and other attempts to penalize our people and put the price of self-defense out of reach of any American.”

    “Blue states that implement an excessive excise tax to fund gun control initiatives are exploiting the Second Amendment,” said Senator Risch. “The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act ensures states do not place a significant financial burden on law-abiding gun owners to advance their anti-Second Amendment agenda.”

    As of July 1, 2024, California implemented a new 10-11% excise tax on firearms and ammunition to discourage the purchase of firearms and fund gun control programs. These added fees now double the tax on gun and ammunition purchases. Colorado, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, and New York have proposed similar taxes. 

    Hudson, Issa, and Risch are joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Hoeven (R-ND), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), James Lankford (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Representative Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) in introducing the legislation.

    The Freedom from Unfair Gun Taxes Act has received support from the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), and the National Rifle Association (NRA).

    Read the full text of the bill here.

    

    -###-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 3, 2025
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