NewzIntel.com

Category: Sport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Olympian Wanted for Running Transnational Drug Enterprise and Ordering Several Murders Added to FBI’s List of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    At present, Wedding is wanted for allegedly running a transnational drug trafficking network that routinely shipped hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Colombia, through Mexico and Southern California, to Canada and other locations in the United States, and for orchestrating multiple murders and an attempted murder in furtherance of these drug crimes.

    Wedding’s placement on the top ten list marks the 535th addition to the FBI’s list of notorious fugitives. Wedding will replace Alexis Flores who is wanted by FBI Philadelphia. Although Flores is being removed from the list today, he will remain on the FBI’s website on its Most Wanted page.

    “Wedding went from shredding powder on the slopes at the Olympics to distributing powder cocaine on the streets of U.S. cities and in his native Canada,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The alleged murders of his competitors make Wedding a very dangerous man, and his addition to the list of Ten Most Wanted Fugitives, coupled with a major reward offer by the State Department, will make the public our partner so that we can catch up with him before he puts anyone else in danger.”

    Additionally, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs announced that it is offering a $10-million-reward for information leading to Wedding’s arrest and/or conviction. The reward was authorized by Secretary of State Marco Rubio under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP), which supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally and bring fugitives to justice. This reward offering supplements the FBI’s current offering of $50,000 for information leading to Wedding’s apprehension, arrest, and extradition, and further, is jointly being offered with assistance from the Canadian and Mexican governments as part of a unified effort to bring Wedding to justice.

    In June 2024, Wedding and his second-in-command Andrew Clark, 34, also Canadian, were charged in an indictment out of the Central District of California with running a continuing criminal enterprise; committing murder in connection with a continuing criminal enterprise and assorted drug crimes; and conspiring to possess, distribute, and export cocaine. Clark, who was arrested last October by Mexican authorities, was among the 29 fugitives whom Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced had arrived in the United States from Mexico last week.

    In September 2024, a federal grand jury in Los Angeles returned a superseding indictment naming 14 additional defendants and including, among other counts, an attempted murder charge against Wedding and Clark. The superseding indictment alleges that Wedding, Clark, and others conspired to ship bulk quantities of cocaine – weighing hundreds of kilograms – from Southern California to Canada through a Canada-based drug transportation network run by Hardeep Ratte, 46, of Ontario, Canada, and Gurpreet Singh, 31, of Ontario, Canada, from approximately January 2024 to August 2024. The cocaine shipments were transported from Mexico to the Los Angeles area, where the cocaine trafficking organization’s operatives stored the cocaine in stash houses, before delivering it to the transportation network couriers for delivery to Canada using long-haul semi-trucks.

    “As alleged in the superseding indictment, defendant Ryan Wedding – a former Olympian – led a transnational criminal organization that murdered innocent people and put thousands of kilograms of narcotics on our streets,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “The reward offered today will help bring this defendant to justice in the United States. We urge anyone with information about Wedding to contact law enforcement and help us get Mr. Wedding into custody.”

    The superseding indictment also alleges that Wedding and Clark’s organization resorted to violence – including multiple murders – to achieve its aims. Wedding and Clark allegedly directed the November 20, 2023, murders of two members of a family in Ontario, Canada, in retaliation for a stolen drug shipment that passed through Southern California. Another member of that family survived the shooting but was left with serious physical injuries. Wedding and Clark allegedly also ordered the murder of another victim on May 18, 2024, over a drug debt. In addition, Clark and Malik Damion Cunningham, 23, a dual Canadian-American citizen, are charged with the April 1, 2024, murder of another victim in Ontario, Canada.

    “The RCMP is committed to working with our international partners in the fight against transnational criminals,” said Liam Price, Director General, Royal Canadian Mounted Police International program. “It’s imperative that Ryan Wedding faces justice for the charges against him. We will continue to stand with and support our US and Mexican partners in this and other investigations to protect the public.”

    If convicted, Wedding and Clark would face a mandatory minimum penalty of life in federal prison on their respective continuing criminal enterprise charge. The murder and attempted murder charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The drug trafficking charges carry mandatory minimum penalties of 10 to 15 years in prison.

    “The former Canadian snowboarder unleashed an avalanche of death and destruction, here and abroad,” said Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division. “He earned the name ‘El Jefe’, becoming boss of a violent transnational drug trafficking organization. Now, his face will be on ‘The Top 10 Most Wanted’ posters. He’s unremitting, callous and greed-driven. Today’s announcement beams an even brighter searchlight on him. We ask that you help us find him.”

    The FBI urges anyone with information as to Wedding’s whereabouts to call the FBI via WhatsApp, Signal or Telegram at +1-424 495-0614. These are neither government-operated nor government-controlled platforms. Callers may also contact their local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Confidentiality will be granted to anyone who calls with information.

    Investigators believe that Wedding is residing in Mexico but have not ruled out his presence in the United States, Canada, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Costa Rica, or elsewhere. Wedding is further described as follows:

    Aliases: James Conrad King, Jesse King
    DOB: September 14, 1981
    Hair: Brown, may wear a beard and/or mustache
    Eyes: Blue
    Height: 6’3”
    Weight: 240 lbs. (may vary)
    Nationality: Canadian
    Place of Birth: Thunder Bay, Canada
    Monikers: “Giant,” “Public Enemy,” “El Jefe”

    Photographs and reward information about Wedding will be posted on digital billboards in key locations, as well as on fbi.gov, and on the FBI’s social media platforms. Additional information about Wedding and other Top Ten Fugitives is available at this link: Top Ten Fugitives.

    The FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list was established in March 1950. Since its inception, 535 fugitives have been placed on the list of “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives,” 496 of whom were apprehended or located; 163 were due to citizen cooperation.

    The FBI is investigating Wedding and Clark’s drug trafficking enterprise with the Los Angeles Police Department, DEA Los Angeles, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police – Federal Policing. In addition, significant assistance has been provided by U.S. law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations – Detroit, and United States Customs and Border Protection – Buffalo; Canadian law enforcement partners, including Niagara Regional Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Toronto Police Service, and Peel Regional Police; Mexican law enforcement partners; and Colombian law enforcement partners, including Colombian National Police – Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol, Special Interagency Investigation Group (Policía Nacional de Colombia – Dirección de Investigación Criminal e Interpol, Grupo Especial de Investigación Interagenciales).

    Assistant United States Attorneys Lyndsi Allsop and Maria Jhai of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Ryan Waters of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section are prosecuting this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance.

    This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Women’s Rugby World Cup coming to Sunderland AFC fan zone this Saturday

    Source: City of Sunderland

    The Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy is taking pride of place at Sunderland AFC’s pre-match fan zone this Saturday.

    Its star appearance on International Women’s Day is just one of the attractions lined up for the free rugby themed event at the Beacon of Light on Saturday 8 March.

    Families visiting the fan zone ahead of the Sunderland v Cardiff City match can have a go at a whole range of exciting rugby inspired activities on the day.

    Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re really excited to have the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy at our fan zone takeover on International Women’s Day.

    “The fan zone event is all about showcasing everything rugby has to offer as we count down to England’s Red Roses in the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup at the Stadium of Light on Friday 22 August.

    “It’s a fantastic opportunity to find out about the sport and about how you can get involved, even if you’ve never picked up a rugby ball in your life.

    “There’ll be something for everyone no matter what your age or ability, including walking rugby, fun fitness sessions with a rugby twist, children’s activities, tag rugby, and rugby skills on show from local rugby clubs.

    “So this is a brilliant chance to come along and find out all about what new community rugby activities are on offer in Sunderland and learn more about our fantastic local rugby clubs. You’ll also be able to find out how to get tickets for the England v USA opening match. And, you can even have your photo taken with the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy.”

    The Beacon of Light will be hosting the fan zone take over from 12:30 -2.30pm on Saturday 8 March, with both match goers and non match goers alike welcome to come along and join the fun. All activities are free. There will also be the opportunity to win family tickets to the England v USA opening match.

    Match-goers will also be able to see girls from Houghton Rugby Club’s under 14’s team demonstrating their rugby skills when they take to the pitch at the Stadium of Light at half time during the Cardiff City game.

    The fan zone takeover is being organised by Sunderland City Council’s Active Sunderland, the RFU, University of Sunderland, local rugby clubs, the Foundation of Light, SAFC, Sunderland BID, Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Rugby Foundation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Investing in sustainable education and wellbeing: Transformative upgrades at Paddington Recreation Ground | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    • New facilities to provide local schoolchildren with access to outdoor learning
    • £195k investment in tennis courts, £80k gym refurbishment and £20k for new playground equipment among the recent improvements to leisure facilities

    Westminster City Council has celebrated the official launch of the refurbished Forest School at Paddington Recreation Ground.

    The Forest School provides children of inner-city schools the opportunity to engage in outdoor learning, something they would otherwise have very limited experience of. The facility has proved so popular that an extension was required, and the Forest Gardens currently offers a mix of education and intrigue with its information boards, windy paths and biodiversity.

    The facilities have been used by nearly 3,000 children from 11 Westminster schools this year so far.

    A key feature of the expansion is the new sustainable classroom, located near the Forest Garden and Bluebell Glade. Constructed using recycled materials repurposed from an old cycle storage unit from Queen Mother Sports Centre, this innovative structure significantly reduces the project’s carbon footprint while providing a dedicated learning space for children to engage with nature in more extreme weather conditions.

    Other improvements at Paddington Recreation Ground include an £80k refurbishment of the gym, a community suite upgrade featuring new equipment, flooring and paintwork, and the £195k tennis courts refurbishment. Following the successful refurbishment of the astroturf tennis courts, the synthetic surface tennis courts were also due a full refurbishment, this is because it became worn and with water not draining properly anymore.

    These investment has ensured the council can continue to provide world class facilities for residents and local communities.

    Works have also undertaken to the main pathways around the grounds to improve accessibility for those with disabilities, repair tree root damage, and increase permeability to reduce ponding, flooding and waterlogging.

    On top of these capital works, the council continue to make improvements and repairs as needed such as the new self-closing gates in the playground, £20k in new playground equipment and repairs, and additional bike racks to promote greener transport to the grounds, among many others.

    Paddington Recreation Ground is an award winning leisure facility, retaining the Green Flag Award, The London In Bloom award – Gold, and a Quest Excellent award in the past year.

    Cabinet Member for Communities, Councillor Cara Sanquest, said:

    It has been incredibly exciting to see the ongoing improvements to the award-winning Paddington Recreation Ground over the past few years.

    I hope these upgrades not only encourage more residents to take advantage of what’s available but also enhance the experience for those who already use their local facilities.

    Leisure facilities provide much more than just opportunities for physical exercise. I’m proud that we’ve been able to deliver improvements that also enrich outdoor learning for children from inner-city schools.

    The ActiveWestminster Discount Pass – ActiveWestminster is free for all residents, providing fantastic discounts of up to 40% off and benefits for all our residents, and children and young people who live or study in Westminster.

    For more information on Paddington Recreation Ground visit: Paddington Recreation Ground | Gym & Fitness Classes | Everyone Active

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: VERB’s ‘Go Fund Yourself’ TV Show Propels Issuer Freedom Chat to New Heights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB) (“VERB” or the “Company”), the technology company behind MARKET.live, a leading livestream social shopping platform, and GO FUND YOURSELF!, the groundbreaking reality TV series and innovative new platform at the intersection of entertainment and entrepreneurship disrupting the crowd funding industry, continues to demonstrate its impact on emerging businesses. The Show airs weekly on CheddarTV, available on most cable operators, prime time at 7pm EST. The innovative show format features on-screen icons and QR codes that allow viewers to click or scan to invest in the presenting companies or purchase their products in near real-time while watching the Show, all in strict compliance with regulatory rules and regulations.

    Last week, Reg CF issuer Freedom Chat, a next-generation social messaging app focused on privacy and security, appeared on the Show. The result – not only did the issuer raise much needed capital but also acquired invaluable insights from the Show’s accomplished panel of business Titans.

    The episode featured a dynamic pitch by Freedom Chat founder and CEO Tanner Haas, a four-time founder and three-time author with multiple successful exits, and an intensely engaged panel of the Show’s Titans, including Rory J. Cutaia, the Show’s creator and Founder & CEO of Verb Technology Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:VERB), David Meltzer, Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute and former CEO of the renowned Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, and Jayson Waller, successful serial entrepreneur, founder & CEO of multiple successful businesses, including a billion dollar revenue business, and host of the popular Jayson Waller Unleashed Podcast.

    “The opportunity to present Freedom Chat on Go Fund Yourself was truly a game-changer,” said Tanner Haas, Founder of Freedom Chat. “The insights, guidance, and direct access to the Titans on the Show gives us a competitive edge that no other platform could have provided. The funding was instrumental, but the mentorship we received is what will help propel us forward. I can’t express enough how valuable this experience has been and how fun it was.”

    “The success of Go Fund Yourself isn’t just about securing capital — it’s about equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, connections, and strategic tools they need to scale effectively,” said Rory J. Cutaia. “Freedom Chat is a perfect example of an entrepreneur with an incredible vision to address a well-defined market need for a secure and private messaging platform that, with the right exposure, backing and insights, can create a new dominant player in the digital messaging space. I believe his appearance on our Go Fund Yourself TV Show helped propel the execution of his vision forward.”

    “Without question, the Show is a much needed boon not just for entrepreneurs and the crowdfunding industry generally, but also, perhaps even more importantly, for everyday people who now have direct access to investment opportunities traditionally reserved for insiders, opportunities the average person might never see.” 

    Apply Now to Be Featured on ‘Go Fund Yourself’
    Are you an entrepreneur or business owner that would like to be featured on Go Fund Yourself TV Show – Click HERE to apply today and discover how the Show can propel your business to new heights.

    As Freedom Chat continues its upward trajectory, its success underscores the vital role that Go Fund Yourself plays in identifying, mentoring, and amplifying the next wave of disruptive entrepreneurs. The Show is proving to be the ultimate launchpad for startups looking to scale with more than just funding — but with expertise, guidance, key relationships, and game-changing exposure.

    About Go Fund Yourself TV Show

    Innovating Business Crowdfunding on Prime-Time Television
    Airing in a prime-time weekly slot every Thursday at 7 PM ET on Cheddar TV, Go Fund Yourself brings an innovative, interactive approach to startup funding. Entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to a panel of Titans, competing for investment and audience engagement. The Show’s technology allows viewers to invest in featured companies in near real-time by tapping, clicking, or scanning on-screen icons, creating an unprecedented bridge between startups and investors.

    Titans Leading the Way 
    The Show’s expert panel of Titans include:

    • David Meltzer – Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute and Former CEO of the Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency 
    • Jayson Waller – Thought leader, CEO of multiple multi-million-dollar companies, and host of the popular Unleashed Podcast 
    • Rory J. Cutaia – the Show’s creator and Founder and CEO of VERB Technology Company [Nasdaq: VERB], and disruptor behind livestream social selling phenom MARKET.live
    • Rotating celebrity guest Titans from the worlds of business, sports, and entertainment

    Unmatched Visibility for Entrepreneurs
    With Cheddar’s expansive digital and social reach, Go Fund Yourself TV Show ensures startups receive unparalleled exposure. Each episode will be broadcast three times per week, with a season-ending marathon maximizing visibility for participating companies. The series will also be heavily promoted across Cheddar’s social and digital platforms to further amplify its reach.

    How to Watch & Stay Connected

    • New Episodes air every Thursday night at 7 PM ET on CheddarTV on your local cable channels and online at Cheddar.com
    • Catch all previous episodes on CheddarTV’s YouTube Channel
    • Follow Go Fund Yourself Show on social media for exclusive content: 

    For more information about Go Fund Yourself, visit GoFundYourself.Show

    For more information about Freedom Chat, visit FreedomChat.com

    About VERB Technology Company
    Verb Technology Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: VERB), is the innovative force behind interactive video-based social commerce. The Company’s MARKET.live platform is a multi-vendor, livestream social shopping destination at the forefront of the convergence of e-commerce and entertainment, where brands, retailers, creators, and influencers engage their customers, clients, fans, and followers across multiple social media channels simultaneously. GO FUND YOURSELF!, is a revolutionary interactive social crowd funding platform for public and private companies seeking broad-based exposure across social media channels for their crowd-funded Regulation CF and Regulation A offerings. The platform combines a ground-breaking interactive TV show with MARKET.live’s back-end capabilities allowing viewers to tap, scan or click on their screen to facilitate an investment, in real time, as they watch companies presenting before the show’s panel of “Titans”. Presenting companies that sell consumer products are able to offer their products directly to viewers during the show in real time through shoppable onscreen icons. The Company is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV and operates full-service production and creator studios in Los Alamitos, California.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    This communication contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, those identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including our annual, quarterly, and current reports filed with the SEC and the risk factors included in our annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.

    Investor Relations:
    investors@verb.tech

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Trump Announces Presidential Delegation to Turin, Italy to attend the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Donald J. Trump today announced the designation of a Presidential Delegation to Turin, Italy to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games, on March 7, 2025.
    Mrs. Usha Vance, Second Lady of the United States, will lead the delegation.
    Members of the Presidential Delegation:
    Mr. Shawn Crowley, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., U.S. Embassy to Italy and San Marino
    T.H. Trent Michael Morse, Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel 
    Mr. Riley M. Barnes, Senior Bureau Official of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, U.S. Department of State 
    Mr. Douglass Benning, Consul General, U.S. Consulate Milan, Italy 
    Mrs. Rachel Campos-Duffy, FOX News Host and wife of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation
    Mr. Boris Epshteyn, Senior Counsel and Senior Advisor to President Donald J. Trump
    Mr. Richard Walters, Partner at FGS Global

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint statement between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheál Martin: 6 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Joint statement between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheál Martin: 6 March 2025

    Joint statement between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheál Martin following UK-Ireland Summit.

    UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement

    1. This Joint Statement represents the starting point for a strengthened relationship between the UK and Ireland, informed by our co-guarantorship of the Good Friday Agreement, and to be taken forward through an ambitious programme of co-operation between our two countries through to 2030.

    2. The time has come to commit anew to delivering on the promise of our unique partnership to the benefit of current and future generations living across these islands. 

    3. Our renewed programme of co-operation will be taken forward in a spirit of respect and affinity, and by a shared ambition to reach the potential of our partnership across our islands, recognising that, in a changing world beyond our shores, the benefits and significance of a stronger and more settled relationship between our two countries have never been greater.

    The UK and Ireland working together at home and across the globe

    1. In a challenging geo-political and international security environment, Ireland and the UK confirm our commitment to the global multilateral system and international law as the foundations on which all our international engagement and partnerships are built.

    2. Building on these foundations, we will work together to strengthen international institutions for peace, promote conflict prevention, peace-building, sustainable development and climate action internationally.  Today, we have agreed in particular to collaborate on a strategic approach to the United Nations’ Peacebuilding Architecture Review and the World Bank’s Fragility, Conflict, Violence (FCV) Strategy. We also agree to collaborate on the Women, Peace and Security agenda and to pilot a joint lesson-sharing from the Northern Ireland peace process in an agreed priority country.

    3. We will support this intensification of our co-operation on foreign and security policy issues through annual political consultations.

    4. Continuing to ensure the safety and security of the people who live in Ireland and the United Kingdom is a priority we share.

    5. National resilience remains a priority for both of us.  We will strengthen co-operation and information sharing on emergency planning to best protect our peoples across these islands. 

    6. We will strengthen our co-operation in the area of maritime security, with a particular focus on critical undersea infrastructure, which will require greater international co-operation, including closer co-operation between Ireland and the UK.

    7. We value our good working relationship at an operational level on cyber security and will continue to co-operate to ensure that the sharing of information and best practices contribute to higher levels of cyber security across both countries. We will also work to develop approaches that benefit both countries particularly in the areas of skills development, cyber hygiene awareness and research projects.

    8. Since 2015, the UK and Ireland have cooperated on defence on the basis of a Memorandum of Understanding. We will pursue implementation of all aspects of that agreement, particularly in the areas of military training and education. To reflect the rebuilding and strengthening of our partnership, today we agree to review and update the Memorandum of Understanding on Defence by our next Summit in this series.

    9. We will continue to develop these areas of work, including through our structured security dialogue at senior official level.

    10. We will strengthen existing co-operation on criminal, civil and family law matters and exchange expertise on justice systems challenges, as well as collaborating on the rule of law and its promotion overseas. We will continue to work together to tackle threats to safety online.

    Ensuring a strategic and efficient approach to our shared maritime space to mobilise investment, support a healthy marine environment and provide clean energy for our islands

    1. We recognise the critical importance of the Celtic and Irish Seas and are committed to working together to harness their potential by deepening co-operation on offshore energy and interconnection, to help ensure our collective energy security as part of the green transition to net zero.

    2. Our countries are uniquely linked, not least through shared energy infrastructure and the Single Electricity Market (SEM) on the island of Ireland. This means we share common long-term challenges, including the need for secure, competitive, and sustainable sources of energy.

    3. We welcome recent progress on closer working between our countries in this regard, including through our two bilateral Memoranda of Understanding, and the opportunity for more formal co-operation between British and Irish system operators (EirGrid, Gas Networks Ireland, National Energy System Operator and National Gas).

    4. In order to meet our ambitious decarbonisation targets, we have agreed today to work together to mobilise investment into strategic infrastructure in the Irish and Celtic Seas by establishing frameworks to guide private investment and removing barriers to trade and investment.

    5. In this regard, we have agreed that our respective maritime policy, licensing and regulatory bodies will work together to establish co-operation in relation to data collection and usage, to continue to improve the management of the maritime area in the Irish and Celtic Seas through robust marine planning that includes a clear focus on our shared marine environment.

    6. We have also agreed to undertake new joint initiatives on mapping the sea basin to improve interoperability and resilience in UK and Irish waters, and to deepen existing co-operation on maritime decarbonisation, including on our joint efforts to establish green maritime corridors. 

    7. We will also broaden our existing Energy transition MoU to include industrial decarbonisation; knowledge sharing and exchanging best practices around retrofitting of homes and Community Benefit Funds; as well as formalising a staff exchange programme between UK and Ireland energy departments and agencies.

    8. Due to its geography, engineering expertise and interconnection to both Ireland and Great Britain, Northern Ireland can benefit from and be at the forefront of the clean energy transition. Co-operation between governments on infrastructure development will be key in both enabling Northern Ireland to have a renewable generation capacity of 3,550 MW by 2030 in order to deliver the target of 80% of electricity consumption from renewable sources, as well as supporting the Northern Ireland Executive’s ambition for 1GW of offshore wind from 2030 and Ireland’s ambition of at least 5GW of offshore wind by 2030, including through developing and supporting an all-island supply chain.

    9. Through our continuing co-operation we can act coherently and strategically, developing and sharing research and technical innovation to address our shared challenges, which in turn will deliver significant economic and social benefits to communities across our islands.

    Agile, open economies working together to attract investment, innovate from knowledge and accelerate growth

    1. The UK and Ireland are particularly close economic partners with a bilateral trade relationship worth approximately 100 billion euros annually. Ireland is the UK’s 6th largest trading partner and the UK is Ireland’s second largest trading partner and we are committed to building on these ties in order to attract new investment and accelerate economic growth across our two countries.

    2. Today we welcome substantial new investment announcements across a range of sectors including Digital, AI and Technology that are testimony to continued confidence in our economies and to the importance of our business and trading bilateral relationship. These commitments to invest will bring new jobs and opportunities to local communities and help drive up economic growth.

    3. The UK and Ireland have a longstanding partnership in sharing knowledge and experience in progressing infrastructure projects, and we share an ambition to accelerate the delivery of sustainable and resilient infrastructure to drive economic growth, enable new forms of economic activity, accelerate the transition to Net Zero by 2050, and support the delivery of housing and high-quality public services over the next decade.  Our countries and businesses are investing heavily in achieving this ambition but also face common challenges, including in relation to capacity and productivity. We have strong existing collaborations in the transport, housing and energy sectors, and today have agreed a new Framework for Co-operation to support infrastructure delivery to deepen these partnerships and extend them to further areas of mutual interest, including digital and modern methods of construction technologies.

    4. Today, we also reaffirm our support to small business in both countries and commit to working together to establish an SME Dialogue focused on sharing good practices in nurturing growth and productivity amongst SMEs to maximise commercial opportunities.

    5. We will also establish an Economic Security Exchange to share good practices and experiences, and develop common understandings in key areas for the economic security and prosperity of our two nations.

    6. The UK and Ireland share a close bilateral relationship in science, innovation and technology and commit to building on this through our collaboration within the current Horizon European Research and Innovation Framework Programme, including encouraging national contact points to work closely together. We agree to convene regular meetings between UKRI and Research Ireland to discuss issues of mutual interest and monitor and identify multilateral and bilateral opportunities.

    7. In early 2024, we launched the research Co-Centre for Climate, Biodiversity & Water, seeking to deliver solutions to the pressing challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity decline, and water degradation; and the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, seeking to drive societal and political change in food system transformation and transition to climate neutrality by 2050. Following the launch of these Co-Centres, UKRI and Research Ireland will work together and with the Northern Ireland Executive to monitor progress and identify future opportunities to bring together researchers and innovators across the UK and Ireland.

    Developing the deep ties between our people and cultures

    1. We recognise the unique ability of arts, culture and sport to forge and foster ties between people across these islands. 

    2. We value the extraordinary influence and contribution of British and Irish cultures and heritages to the artistic and cultural wealth of the public realm and creative industries and institutions in both our countries. In recognition of this, today, we agree to establish a strategic partnership to deepen and amplify co-operation between our leading cultural institutions and to support wider public engagement with the contemporary culture and heritage of both our countries. Over the coming five years, this will comprise a range of measures to support collaborations in programming, professional exchange, research and policy, and an annual joint meeting of our leading cultural institutions each autumn.

    3. We look forward to our joint hosting of the EURO2028 Men’s Football Championship and the 2030 T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup and will work to ensure that both tournaments are enjoyed across these islands. We will explore future co-hosting opportunities in the area of sports.

    4. We recognise that to reach the potential of our partnership across these islands, we need to understand and respond to the aspirations and views of young people. Today, we have agreed to establish an Ireland-UK Youth Forum to bring together young people across these islands on an annual basis to discuss issues of importance to them and to make recommendations about how they can be addressed for consideration by both our governments.

    5. In order to build stronger connectivity amongst our children and young people, we will also encourage greater co-operation and contact between our schools and education systems. This will include areas such as early years learning and provision, social mobility, opportunity and inclusion; special education provision; curriculum and assessment reform; teacher professional development; and integrated education.

    6. We will promote greater understanding of educational opportunities for full-time students through improved knowledge, guidance and information using higher education entrance systems.

    7. The uniquely rich and dynamic connections between people across these islands are supported and made possible by our long-standing Common Travel Area arrangement.  We remain firmly committed to working together to protect the integrity and security of the Common Travel Area. Recognising also the importance of the Common Travel Area in facilitating the daily lives of citizens across these islands, we will work together to minimise barriers to work or travel for those who benefit from it.

    8. Underpinning our co-operation is our shared ambition of a more reconciled, peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland.  In progressing our co-operation across the board, we will ensure that our partnership includes and benefits Northern Ireland. We commit to ensure the successful delivery of the 2021-2027 PeacePlus programme and are agreed in principle to a successor programme.

    9. We agree to establish a UK-Ireland 2030 Steering Group led by the UK Cabinet Office and Department of the Taoiseach in order to take forward the range of commitments we are making today. Together we will ensure this complements the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement and their crucial role at the heart of our essential and unique relationship.

    Updates to this page

    Published 6 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Eurovision legacy lives on in Liverpool

    Source: City of Liverpool

    A new study has revealed how the Liverpool City Region is continuing to reap the rewards of hosting Eurovision 2023, with repeat visitors bringing an additional £11.1m to the local economy over the past year alone.

    This is in addition to the £54.8m generated during the event itself, which saw Liverpool shine under the global spotlight as 162 million viewers worldwide tuned in. But the true impact of Eurovision goes beyond just numbers; it has helped power Liverpool City Region’s record-breaking visitor economy, which is now worth an estimated £6.25bn.

    Hosting Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine was more than just a music event; it was a statement of solidarity, resilience, and global leadership. As the world grapples with ongoing challenges, Liverpool City Region has emerged as a city that doesn’t just watch history unfold but plays a part in shaping it.

    The ‘Eurovision effect’ has reinforced the Liverpool City Region’s position as a premier global destination, attracting record-breaking tourism. It continues to stage major events like EURO 2028, Radio 1’s Big Weekend, The Open Golf Championship and the World Boxing Championships, and solidifying its reputation as a cultural and economic powerhouse.

    Despite not ranking in the top 100 cities globally by population, Liverpool sits among the top 10 most recognised non-capital cities worldwide. The Eurovision effect has only strengthened that status, elevating the city’s brand on the international stage and proving that Liverpool continues to punch well above its weight when it comes to cultural influence.

    Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, said:

    “Eurovision wasn’t just a music competition—it was a statement of solidarity with Ukraine and a testament to Liverpool’s global influence. We didn’t just host an event—we embraced a cause.

    “One year on, the Eurovision effect continues to deliver—boosting our economy, creating jobs, and securing our city region’s position as a place that welcomes the world. But the real legacy of Eurovision isn’t just financial—it’s the pride, unity, and lasting international partnerships we’ve built.

    “At a time when global events remind us of the importance of standing together, Liverpool proved that culture isn’t just entertainment—it’s soft power in action. Our doors remain open to the world, and Eurovision was just the beginning.”

    Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, added:

    “Liverpool’s hosting of Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine redefined the competition.

     “Not only was it our ambition to stage the most successful-ever contest – which we achieved in spades – but from the outset we wanted to make sure there was a lasting legacy of the event, which would continue to benefit Liverpool for years to come.

     “This latest report shows in black and white the value of hosting major events. For ten days in May 2023, Liverpool shone under the global spotlight, making it a destination people wanted to return to time and time again, or visit for the first time. In turn, that boosts our local economy, supports jobs and brings vital footfall to our culture and leisure industries.

    “And of course, seeing what a show this City can put on attracts other opportunities, and securing the likes of Radio 1’s Big Weekend and the World Boxing Championships can undoubtedly be attributed to the Eurovision-effect.

     “The City Council has spent more than 20 years investing and building its cultural credentials, understanding the true value of soft power and how transformational it can be, and we look forward to the next phase of our journey which will see us working with all of our neighbouring boroughs to make the City Region an enviable cultural capital.”

    Liverpool’s Director of Culture, Claire McColgan CBE, who is also Assistant Director – Culture for the Liverpool City Region, said:

    “Evaluation and learning is always at the heart of everything we do as it informs and shapes future events. Eurovision 2023 remains a standout event for this city and we’re still hugely proud or how we worked in partnership with the BBC, the Government, and of course the people of Ukraine, to deliver what is quite rightly regarded as the most successful competitions in the event’s history. These relationships continue to grow and strengthen, helping to cement Liverpool’s reputation as a global leader in major event delivery.

    “As the UK’s first UN Accelerator City, legacy will take centre stage once again this year, as we commit to introducing environmental innovation where possible in our creative sector, and in doing so ensuring that our major events leave a lasting legacy for our communities.”

    The research, commissioned by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Liverpool City Council, highlights several key findings:

    • Repeat visitors: 54,417 people who attended Eurovision events returned to Liverpool, making a total of 72,454 additional trips.
    • Financial impact: These return visits generated £11.1m, adding to the £54.8m impact during the event itself.
    • Cultural value: The event delivered an estimated £4.6m in cultural benefits to domestic attendees.
    • Global reputation: Eurovision put Liverpool on the map for major international events, leading to record-breaking visitor numbers in 2023 and a £6.25bn tourism economy—£600m above projected figures.
    • Pride and community impact: Over 95% of Liverpool City Region residents said they were proud of Liverpool’s role as host, reinforcing the event’s lasting social value.

    Eurovision was just the beginning. Liverpool City Region has established itself as a major global events capital, and with an ever-growing £6.25bn visitor economy, it is ready to welcome the next wave of world-class events, partnerships, and opportunities.

    The city that staged Eurovision for Ukraine is now preparing to host the world—again and again.

    Read the full report here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Signing Day Sports to Prioritize Strategic Focus on Technology and Customer Growth Opportunities while Simultaneously Exploring Potential Merger and Acquisition Opportunities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Signing Day Sports, Inc. (“Signing Day Sports” or the “Company”) (NYSE American: SGN), the developer of the Signing Day Sports app and platform to aid high school athletes in the recruitment process, today announced the termination of its previously announced stock purchase agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) to acquire 99.13% of the issued and outstanding capital stock and aggregate voting power of Dear Cashmere Group Holding Company (OTC:DRCR), doing business as Swifty Global. The Company, in consultation with its legal counsel and board of directors, had determined that the parties to the Purchase Agreement would not be able to satisfy or waive certain material conditions to the closing of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement within the foreseeable future, and that the termination should be effected in consequence of this determination. 

    As a result, the board of directors is working closely with the management team to refine the Company’s strategy, explore potential merger and acquisition opportunities, and assess additional financing options.

    Signing Day Sports will continue to prioritize its strategic focus on technology and customer growth opportunities. The Company remains confident in its long-term potential to deliver greater customer value through an expanded range of services, including recruiting webinars, app-related features such as the coaches’ contact list, and potential new strategic transactions to enhance its existing combined model. Signing Day Sports is committed to expanding its customer base and broadening its geographic reach.

    “As the athletic recruiting industry continues to evolve, we are committed to achieving growth and success by prioritizing the needs of our customers and their families,” said Daniel Nelson, CEO of Signing Day Sports. “The proposed transaction that we determined to terminate nonetheless highlighted the significant value created by our talented employees, and our team is now more energized than ever to execute our strategy. I am incredibly proud of their focus and determination throughout this process.”

    “We look forward to engaging with our customers, partners, and the financial community to share our vision for the future success of Signing Day Sports. Our commitment to delivering long-term shareholder value through a focused strategic approach, disciplined capital allocation, and consistent execution remains stronger than ever.”

    For additional information, please refer to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Company on March 4, 2025, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    About Signing Day Sports, Inc.

    Signing Day Sports’ mission is to help student-athletes achieve their goal of playing college sports. Signing Day Sports’ app allows student-athletes to build their Signing Day Sports’ recruitment profile, which includes information college coaches need to evaluate and verify them through video technology. For more information on Signing Day Sports, go to https://bit.ly/SigningDaySports.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including without limitation, the Company’s ability to identify and execute value-enhancing merger, acquisition or other strategic transactions, the Company’s ability to obtain sufficient funding to maintain operations and develop additional services and offerings, market acceptance of the Company’s current products and services and planned offerings, competition from existing online and retail offerings or new offerings that may emerge, impacts from strategic changes to the Company’s business on its net sales, revenues, income from continuing operations, or other results of operations, the Company’s ability to attract new users and customers, increase the rate of subscription renewals, and slow the rate of user attrition, the Company’s ability to retain or obtain intellectual property rights, the Company’s ability to adequately support future growth, the Company’s ability to comply with user data privacy laws and other current or anticipated legal requirements, and the Company’s ability to attract and retain key personnel to manage its business effectively. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s periodic reports which are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are, in some cases, beyond our control and could materially affect results. If one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors become applicable, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual events or results may vary significantly from those implied or projected by the forward-looking statements. No forward-looking statement is a guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Investor Contact:
    Crescendo Communications, LLC
    212-671-1020
    SGN@crescendo-ir.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Launchpool to Introduce Elixir Network and List for Spot Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the listing of Elixir Network for spot trading and the launch of an exclusive Launchpool rewards campaign.

    Spot trading for Elixir will go live on 7 March, 10:00 (UTC) under the ELX/USDT pair, with deposits available on 6 March, 10:00 (UTC) and withdrawals available on 8 March 2025, 11:00 (UTC). Eligible users can lock BGB and DEUSD to grab a share of 3,833,000 ELX. In addition, the Launchpool campaign, starting from 7 March 2025, 10:00 (UTC) to 10 March 2025, 10:00 (UTC), will enable users to lock BGB and DEUSD for an opportunity to earn a share of 3,833,000 ELX in rewards.

    Furthermore, the CandyBomb promotional event offers Bitget users the chance to earn ELX through deposits and trading activity. A total of 140,000 ELX tokens have been allocated for this campaign, which runs from 7 March 2025, 10:00 (UTC) to 14 March 2025, 10:00 (UTC).

    Participants can join the CandyBomb page, where valid trading activity will automatically count toward the ELX airdrop, divided into spot trading pools and futures trading pools with 100,000 ELX allocated for the former pool and the remaining 40,000 ELX allocated for the latter pool. This CandyBomb campaign is targeted for the first 1,250 new users only.

    Elixir is a groundbreaking modular Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS) network that revolutionizes liquidity dynamics on exchanges by enabling direct liquidity provision and seamless product integration without the need for trust. Its adaptable framework easily integrates into leading DEXs, supported by a strong validator network, to boost liquidity and drive innovation in DeFi.

    Elixir Network aims to revolutionize liquidity provision in the DeFi space through empowering retail participants and integrating real-world assets into decentralized finance platforms. Bitget continues to solidify its role as a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange, offering over 800 listed tokens across spot and derivatives markets. The addition of Elixir to Launchpool aligns with Bitget’s ongoing effort to support innovative projects whose value continues to evolve the ecosystem.

    Users can find more details on Elixir Launchpool here and Spot Trading here.

    About Bitget
    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM market, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    Contact

    Simran Alphonso
    media@bitget.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4cbe79fc-280d-4621-bfe2-9e448bd61c4a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EBC Financial Group Launches Second Million Dollar Trading Challenge with USD $1 Million Prize

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  EBC Financial Group (EBC), a global leader in financial brokerage, announces the return of its flagship Million Dollar Trading Challenge (MDTC) for its second edition, one of the world’s largest and a global benchmark for skill-based trading competitions, as industry demand for structured, transparent trading opportunities continues to grow.

    The 2025 edition of MDTC comes at a time when traders are seeking greater accountability and access to proven strategies amid increasingly volatile markets. From 1 March to 30 May 2025, thousands of traders worldwide will compete for a $1 million trading account in a challenge that integrates real-time strategy sharing and zero-fee copy trading, setting a new standard for competitive trading.

    For the first time, top traders will be invited to an exclusive awards ceremony at the FC Barcelona Museum (Barça Immersive Tour), marking a historic moment as a global trading event is recognised within one of football’s most prestigious institutions. The partnership reflects a growing convergence between financial markets and elite sports, reinforcing trading as a profession that demands the same level of skill, precision, and discipline as world-class athletics.

    The inaugural MDTC in 2023 set multiple industry benchmarks, with 324 traders achieving profitable accounts and the top 10 traders recording an average return of 3,472.91%. The champion delivered an extraordinary 11,630.98% return in just 30 days, demonstrating the potential of skill-driven trading in a competitive environment.

    This year, MDTC II takes it further—allowing traders to access professional-grade trading signals and instantly replicate top-performing strategies for free via copy trading. By combining competition with real-time strategy sharing and zero-fee copy trading, EBC is setting a new standard for transparency and accessibility in trading.

    Real-Time Copy Trading: Automatically Replicate Top Traders’ Strategies
    The rise of retail trading has transformed financial markets, yet many traders struggle to access transparent, structured learning environments that allow them to develop real skills. MDTC II is designed to bridge this gap—giving traders a unique opportunity to refine their strategies by actively engaging with top-performing traders through real-time copy trading.

    Unlike traditional contests that reward high-risk speculation, MDTC II introduces an open, strategy-sharing ecosystem where traders can analyse, track, and instantly replicate the trades of leading participants at no cost. This levels the playing field, allowing both novice and experienced traders to benefit from collective insights while maintaining individual control over their trades.

    “When you’re a growing company, you aim to create an event that truly reflects your values and passion—MDTC is ours. We are here to be a light in the industry, proving that traders can succeed; traders can be successful at trading, it requires education and grit, and it’s not just for the 1%. That’s the real beauty of MDTC—every participant must show their trading history, show the world what they are doing. Anyone can log in and take a look, and you can see for yourself what the winners are trading.

    “At EBC, we don’t measure this (or any activity) by the number of signups or deposits we get—we measure it by the conversations we create. With this second iteration, we’re introducing more trading tools and enhanced features, another key aspect we’re all really proud of, because at EBC, ‘perfect’ is never enough,” said Samuel Hertz, Director of Operations at EBC Financial Group.

    $1 Million Prize and A Once-in-a-Lifetime FC Barcelona VIP Experience
    At the heart of MDTC II is one of the industry’s largest prizes—a $1 million trading account—designed to reward skill, discipline, and strategy execution. Rather than a one-time cash payout, the grand prize provides a unique opportunity for the winner to manage significant capital while retaining 100% of their profits, with a maximum allowable loss of $200,000. Alternatively, the winner can choose a $200,000 cash prize.

    MDTC II is structured into two categories to ensure accessibility and fair competition. The Rising Stars category is open to traders with a minimum balance of $500, ranked by profit rate, providing an opportunity for those looking to refine their skills in a structured environment.

    For more experienced traders, the Dream Squad category is designed for participants with balances between $10,000 and $200,000, ranked by net profit. This category recognises traders who can navigate market conditions effectively while managing larger capital.

    Beyond financial rewards, top traders will gain industry recognition and a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the FC Barcelona Museum. In an exclusive awards ceremony, winners will be celebrated at the home of one of the world’s greatest multi-sports clubs—bridging the gap between trading and elite performance in professional sports.

    “For EBC Financial Group, the Million Dollar Trading Challenge is a fantastic way for new and seasoned traders to be involved in a real-time event. It allows clients to see traders of all levels to engage with live market conditions, see real-time the trades executed by all entrants, and gives emerging traders the change to follow and learn from those with more experience, in a way that suits their trading style.

    “This opportunity to watch, learn, and develop in a fully transparent environment is invaluable, and an excellent way to encourage new traders to understand what strategy works, when, and why. The trades that do not work are as much as lesson as those that do,” said David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd.

    Maximising Opportunities through Community Management and Cutting-Edge Trading Platforms
    To further encourage community participation, MDTC II introduces an enhanced Referral Program, offering participants up to $300 per successful referral, with no cap on the number of referrals. This initiative encourages greater community participation, allowing traders to expand their network while benefiting from the competition.

    With a focus on driving innovation in the financial markets, MDTC II expands trading opportunities by integrating Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on US stocks into the competition for the first time. US stocks account for over 65% of global market capitalisation, making them among the most liquid and dynamic assets across industries. This addition allows participants to access some of the world’s most influential companies, providing new opportunities to navigate volatile and fast-moving markets.

    The competition takes place on industry-leading MT4 and MT5 platforms, enabling participants to trade Forex, Commodities, Indices, and US Stock CFDs with advanced charting tools, automated strategies, and real-time execution. By combining diverse asset classes, cutting-edge technology, and expanded market access, MDTC II continues to redefine the landscape of competitive trading.

    Refining the Contest Experience: MDTC 2023’s Legacy
    The first Million Dollar Trading Challenge in 2023 saw strong participation, with traders executing 431,827 trades and generating a total profit of $1,096,718.57. The event highlighted the growing interest in structured trading competitions and the role of copy trading in improving accessibility for traders at different experience levels.

    Community engagement was a key aspect of the challenge, with many participants leveraging copy trading features to track and replicate successful strategies. The results underscored the potential for shared market insights to shape trading outcomes.

    With MDTC II, the competition continues to evolve, incorporating past insights while maintaining a focus on transparency, strategy development, and trader engagement.

    For more information and to be part of the journey that reshapes what’s possible in financial markets, visit https://www.ebc.com/million-dollar-challenge-2.

    About EBC Financial Group
    Founded in London’s esteemed financial district, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its expertise in financial brokerage and asset management. With offices in key financial hubs—including London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Cayman Islands, Bangkok, Limassol, and emerging markets in Latin America, Asia, and Africa—EBC enables retail, professional, and institutional investors to access a wide range of global markets and trading opportunities, including currencies, commodities, shares, and indices.

    Recognised with multiple awards, EBC is committed to upholding ethical standards and these subsidiaries are licensed and regulated within their respective jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA); EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA); EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia’s Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

    At the core of EBC are a team of industry veterans with over 40 years of experience in major financial institutions. Having navigated key economic cycles from the Plaza Accord and 2015 Swiss franc crisis to the market upheavals of the COVID-19 pandemic. We foster a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor relationship is handled with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

    As the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, EBC provides specialised services across Asia, LATAM, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. Through its partnership with the UN Foundation and the world’s largest grassroots campaign, United to Beat Malaria, the company contributes to global health initiatives. EBC also supports the ‘What Economists Really Do‘ public engagement series by Oxford University’s Department of Economics, helping to demystify economics and its application to major societal challenges, fostering greater public understanding and dialogue.

    https://www.ebc.com/

    Media Contact:
    Savitha Ravindran
    Global Public Relations Manager (EMEA, LATAM)
    savitha.ravindran@ebc.com   

    Chyna Elvina
    Global Public Relations Manager (APAC, LATAM)
    chyna.elvina@ebc.com

    Douglas Chew
    Global Public Relations Lead
    douglas.chew@ebc.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/90e3f81c-a0fc-4bd3-9cd4-155c6a5a0fcf

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/67625ee9-b2fb-48a5-aed2-c12b1830acae

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/34b28968-b7b2-4340-b114-57bcd09b90ac

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b1dfd2dc-eb46-44e4-a2e1-cf90e948c91a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Participates in Seminar on Health Challenges and Healthy Lifestyle at ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad

    Source: Government of India

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Participates in Seminar on Health Challenges and Healthy Lifestyle at ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad

    Inaugurates Advanced Medical Facilities, Including Digital Mammography, Digital Radiography Fluoroscopy System, and Next-Generation Sequencing Application

    Unveils Statue of Lord Dhanwantari at ESIC Medical College & Hospital Premises

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 12:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today participated in a seminar on “Health Challenges and Healthy Lifestyle” organized by Arogya Bharti in collaboration with ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad in Faridabad, Haryana.

    Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of preventive and promotive healthcare in building a healthy and fit India. Citing the wisdom of ancient Indian medical pioneers like Charak, Sushruta, and Lord Dhanwantari, he highlighted India’s rich healthcare legacy. He stressed the significance of meditation, yoga, and fasting as key components of preventive healthcare and commended Arogya Bharti’s efforts in organizing wellness camps across the country to promote holistic well-being.

    Inauguration of Cutting-Edge Medical Facilities

    During his visit, Dr. Mandaviya inaugurated three state-of-the-art medical facilities at ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad:

    • Digital Mammography Services – A high-resolution, digital detector-based mammography machine designed for advanced imaging, particularly beneficial for early detection and evaluation of breast cancer.
    • 1000 mA Digital Radiography Fluoroscopy (DRF) System – A modern diagnostic system for high-quality X-ray radiography and fluoroscopic-guided interventions, enhancing diagnostic capabilities for insured workers and their families.
    • Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Application – A cutting-edge technology that will aid in oncology research, RNA sequencing, and pathogen identification, paving the way for precision medicine.

    The addition of these facilities will significantly improve diagnostic and treatment services for insured workers and their dependents, ensuring access to world-class healthcare within the ESIC network.

    Unveiling of Lord Dhanwantari’s Statue

    As a tribute to India’s ancient healing traditions, Dr. Mandaviya also unveiled a statue of Lord Dhanwantari, the god of Ayurveda, at ESIC Medical College & Hospital.

    Engaging Participation from Healthcare & Industry Leaders

    The seminar witnessed active participation from doctors, paramedics, medical students, industrial workers, and office bearers of industrial associations and Arogya Bharti, reflecting a shared commitment to preventive healthcare and holistic well-being.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2108732) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to Lead Chintan Shivir on Olympic Preparation & Sports Governance

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to Lead Chintan Shivir on Olympic Preparation & Sports Governance

    States, Experts, and Stakeholders to Strategize India’s Journey to Global Sporting Excellence

    Posted On: 06 MAR 2025 12:05PM by PIB Delhi

    With a strategic vision for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and India’s ambitious bid to host the 2036 Summer Games, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, will chair a high-level Chintan Shivir in Hyderabad on March 7-8.

    The two-day brainstorming session, hosted at Kanha Shanti Vanam, will bring together sports ministers from various States/UTs, senior sports administrators, key government officials, and domain experts to exchange ideas and craft a roadmap for India’s emergence as a global sports powerhouse. The deliberations will focus on enhancing sports governance, grassroots talent identification, infrastructure development, inclusivity, and fostering collaborations.

    Dr. Mandaviya, who is spearheading Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to elevate India’s sporting landscape, will engage in strategic discussions with stakeholders on India’s Olympic ambitions and strengthening the sports ecosystem. State representatives will present their best practices and innovative models during the Chintan Shivir.

    Key Focus Areas of the Chintan Shivir:

    • Overview of various schemes of Government of India and Co-ordination with States/UTs
    • Sports Development & Sports Infrastructure Partnership with Corporates
    • Talent Search and Nurturing of Grass-root Talent
    • Promoting Good Governance in Sports
    • Deliberations on expanding Khelo India & Fit India
    • Encouraging Inclusivity in Sports
    • Welfare of Sportspersons & Coaches

    Emphasizing the significance of a collaborative and result-oriented approach, Dr. Mandaviya remarked, “The success of Indian athletes at the recent Uttarakhand National Games highlights our immense potential. Our goal is clear, which is, achieving Olympic excellence and making India a global sports power. By sharing ideas and best practices, we can ensure a structured and sustainable sporting framework. Hosting the Olympics is a national mission, and we must move forward together.”

    A critical aspect of the discussions will be leveraging the expertise of former athletes. Dr. Mandaviya has urged states to identify top sportspersons who can transition into coaching roles, bridging gaps in the sporting ecosystem and strengthening the talent development pipeline.

    This Chintan Shivir will serve as a catalyst for transformative changes in Indian sports ecosystem, setting the stage for long-term success on the global stage.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2108723) Visitor Counter : 24

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New route announced for 10th edition of Strabane Lifford Half Marathon

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    New route announced for 10th edition of Strabane Lifford Half Marathon

    6 March 2025

    Runners taking part in the 2025 Strabane Lifford Half Marathon can look forward to a new, faster route when they take to the start line at the Alley Theatre on Sunday May 18th.

    The 10th edition of the event was formally launched this week on the steps of the venue by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr.

    The course will again take runners through Lifford, up to Clady village and back to Strabane for a finish on the Melvin Running Track.
    However runners will now start at the Alley Theatre and finish with a crossing over the Strabane footbridge before entering the running track.

    Significantly, the early miles around Strabane will allow spectators to see the runners on multiple occasions and additional early miles in the town mean they will avoid the challenging climb up the A5 Strabane by-pass between miles 11 and 12 which should lead to faster times.

    The Half Marathon will again feature three separate races: the Half Marathon, Wheelchair Half Marathon and the Three Person Relay event which has been retained following the success of its introduction last year.

    Registrations have been selling fast since they were opened before Christmas and Mayor Barr encouraged runners to seal their place now to avoid disappointment.

    “The Strabane Lifford Half Marathon is now firmly established as a marquee event on the local athletics calendar and I would like to congratulate Council’s Sports Development and Festival and Events Teams on reaching the landmark of its 10th edition,” she said.

    “From the elite runners at the front of the field, to the fun runners and people taking part for the first time it is an inclusive event for all levels of athletes

    “Demand for athletics events are at an all time high and I’m delighted that, as a Council, we are able to cater for that and allow people to reap the health and wellbeing benefits of training and taking part in a Half Marathon.

    “The event is set to sell out in record time so seal your spot now and I’ll see you in Strabane of May 18th.”

    Festival and Events Manager at Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey, explained more about the thinking behind the new course.

    “We are always striving to meet the needs of runners and we take on board all the feedback we receive each year,” she said.

    “While we have retained the bulk of the out and back course from Lifford / Strabane to Clady we wanted runners to be able to take in more of the town centre where the bulk of the spectators are.

    “We also know that the uphill run up the A5 by-pass and downhill run through Ballycolman were particularly challenging for some runners so we have tweaked the course to take those out and also incorporate the Strabane footbridge in the final mile.”

    The Strabane Lifford Half Marathon is hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Events team.

    All entrants must be 17 or over on race day and all relay entrants must be 15 or over.

    Registrations for the relay, wheelchair and full Half Marathon are open now at www.derrystrabane.com/slhm and close on Saturday 26th April or when it sells out.

    Queries on the event should be directed to [email protected] or by calling 028 71 253 253.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitwise Launches Bitcoin & Gold ETP with Diaman Partners, Combining Upside Potential and Market Hedge in Next Best-in-Class Offer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Investors simultaneously benefit from Bitcoin potential, safety of gold: Asset reallocation across Bitcoin & Gold, depending on market direction
    • Sophisticated technology: Market risk is gauged through ULCER indices, sophisticated technical indicators providing finely tuned measures of volatility
    • Strong partnership: Bitwise teams with UCITS Fund Manager specialized in digital assets backed by Italy’s Azimut, a leading European asset manager

    March 6, 2025. Frankfurt, Paris/Amsterdam: Bitwise today announces its latest ETP launch with the listing of the Bitwise Diaman Bitcoin & Gold ETP (ticker BTCG; ISIN DE000A4AKW34), which allows investors to benefit simultaneously from the full transformative potential of Bitcoin as well as the time-tested defensive characteristics of gold. The ETP physically replicates the Diaman Bitcoin & Gold Index, which dynamically reallocates value between Bitcoin and gold, increasing Bitcoin exposure when its risk-adjusted performance improves, and shifting towards gold during Bitcoin downturns. The strategy seeks to take advantage of cyclical trends and relative short-term price dislocations, acting as an efficient contributor to a long-term diversified portfolio for institutional and private investors.

    Bradley Duke, Managing Director, Head of Bitwise Europe, said: “I am excited to see the launch of yet another state-of-the-art product in our European markets. As crypto rapidly enters the mainstream, it is essential that we offer investors the full gamut of options available in traditional markets, including sophisticated hedges such as the ones we have developed in cooperation with Diaman Partners. We’re thrilled to join forces with such an ambitious industry player with the backing of one of the continent’s foremost asset managers, Azimut.”

    BTCG is designed for investors looking for a “store of value” strategy to minimize losses in crypto bear markets, while capitalizing on Bitcoin’s potential during upturns. The ETP rebalances Bitcoin and gold once a month based on ULCER indices, a volatility gauge developed in the late 1980s that measures the downside risk of a given asset. Back-testing shows a clear outperformance of ULCER indices over more static allocation methods, demonstrating the added value of the product. BTCG is fully backed by physical Bitcoin and by Pax Gold (PAXG), a digital token tied to physical gold stored in LBMA vaults in London. Both assets backing the ETP are held securely in cold-storage custody by an institutional custodian, meaning they are not connected to the internet. BTCG is issued and domiciled in Germany and will start trading on Euronext Paris and Amsterdam on March 6th 2025.

    Daniele Bernardi, CEO at Diaman Partners, said: “We are delighted to engage in such a promising partnership with Bitwise. BTCG is an excellent product for the broader investment community, designed to leverage Bitcoin’s strong fundamentals—historically the best-performing asset of the last decade, with minimal correlation to traditional markets—alongside gold’s role as a safe-haven asset in times of economic uncertainty and inflation. Many asset managers are still avoiding Bitcoin due to perceived risk, missing a key opportunity to enhance returns. The Bitwise Diaman Bitcoin & Gold ETP enables confident allocation to both physical bitcoin and digital gold, offering diversification and low correlation to strengthen portfolios in a risk-managed framework.”

    Bitwise has accelerated its activities in Europe since its acquisition of ETC Group last year, rebranding its legacy European Crypto ETP suite last month, and continuing to launch innovative new products regularly, such as the Bitwise Solana or Bitwise Aptos Staking ETPs in November and December of 2024 respectively. Committed to transparency, expert product design, and professional management, Bitwise also publishes a wide variety of market insights to educate and inform investors of the emerging opportunities in the digital assets space.

    Key Product Details

    ETP Name Bitwise Diaman Bitcoin & Gold ETP
    Primary Ticker BTCG
    ISIN DE000A4AKW34
    Primary listing Euronext Paris & Amsterdam
    TER 1.49% p.a.
    Domicile Germany
    Underlying Diaman Bitcoin & Gold Index
    Replication method Physical (full replication)

    More information about the product is provided on the respective product page.

    The full Bitwise product list including all exchange listings and trading information is available at https://etc-group.com/products/.

    About Diaman Partners

    Diaman Partners is an asset management company specializing in UCITS and alternative funds, based in Malta, where it is regulated by MFSA (Malta Financial Services Authority). The company leverages advanced algorithms and human expertise to manage all investment processes effectively. With over 20 years of experience, Diaman Partners began its journey in Northern Italy, where its quantitative models and rigorous processes have consistently delivered tangible results, demonstrating know-how, expertise and professionalism. In July 2022, global asset and wealth manager Azimut, which is listed on the Milan stock exchange, acquired a stake in Diaman Partners to act as Azimut’s digital assets arm of the business.

    About Bitwise

    Bitwise is one of the world’s leading crypto specialist asset managers. Thousands of financial advisors, family offices, and institutional investors across the globe have partnered with us to understand and access the opportunities in crypto. Since 2017, Bitwise has established a track record of excellence managing a broad suite of index and active solutions across ETPs, separately managed accounts, private funds, and hedge fund strategies – spanning both the U.S. and Europe.

    In Europe, for the past four years Bitwise (formerly ETC Group) has developed an extensive and innovative suite of crypto ETPs, including Europe’s most traded bitcoin ETP, or the first diversified Crypto Basket ETP replicating an MSCI digital assets index.

    This family of crypto ETPs is domiciled in Germany and issued under a base prospectus approved by BaFin. We exclusively partner with reputable entities from the traditional financial industry, ensuring that 100% of the assets are securely stored offline (cold storage) through regulated custodians.

    Our European products comprise a collection of carefully designed financial instruments that seamlessly integrate into any professional portfolio, providing comprehensive exposure to crypto as an asset class. Access is straightforward via major European stock exchanges, with primary listings on Xetra, the most liquid exchange for ETF trading in Europe. Retail investors benefit from easy access through numerous DIY/online brokers, coupled with our robust and secure physical ETP structure, which includes a redemption feature. For more information, visit www.bitwiseinvestments.com/eu

    Media contacts:

    JEA Associates
    John McLeod
    00 44 7886 920436
    john@jeaassociates.com

    Important information
    This press release does not constitute investment advice, nor does it constitute an offer or solicitation to buy financial products. This press release is issued by Bitwise Europe GmbH (“BEU”), a limited company domiciled in Germany, for information only and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. BEU gives no explicit or implicit assurance or guarantee regarding the fairness, accuracy, completeness, or correctness of this article or the opinions contained therein. It is advised not to rely on the fairness, accuracy, completeness, or correctness of this article or the opinions contained therein. Please note that this article is neither investment advice nor an offer or solicitation to acquire financial products or cryptocurrencies.

    Before investing in crypto Exchange Traded Products (“ETPs”), potential investors should consider the following:
    Potential investors should seek independent advice and consider relevant information contained in the base prospectus and the final terms for the ETPs, especially the risk factors. ETPs issued by BEU are suitable only for persons experienced in investing in cryptocurrencies and risks of investing can be found in the prospectus and final terms available on www.bitwiseinvestments.com./eu. The invested capital is at risk, and losses up to the amount invested are possible. ETPs backed by cryptocurrencies are highly volatile assets and performance is unpredictable. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The market price of ETPs will vary and they do not offer a fixed income or match precisely the performance of the underlying cryptocurrency. Investing in ETPs involves numerous risks including general market risks relating to underlying, adverse price movements, currency, liquidity, operational, legal and regulatory risks.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Designing Dumplings: Food Engineering Competition Held at Polytechnic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The Higher School of Biotechnology and Food Production of the Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology of SPbPU held the competition “Food Engineering”. Students from schools and colleges from St. Petersburg, Leningrad Region, Penza and Podolsk took part in it.

    The competition program consisted of online and offline events, which included theoretical interactive sessions and practical cases for students.

    This year the educational intensive was dedicated to school nutrition.

    In a remote format, the competition participants listened to lectures on the topic “Tasty Science: How Nutrition Shapes the Future” (Associate Professor Svetlana Eliseeva) and “Meat Quality Control from Farm to Plate” (Associate Professor Alexander Moskvichev).

    After that, the in-person stage began — solving cases. Students in grades 9–11 completed tasks on the topic of “Designing Dumplings.” They learned about the types of dumplings, the beneficial properties of raw materials, the range and quality indicators of products, mastered the technology of preparation and the rules of serving.

    College students solved the case “Designing a healthy burger”. The guys mastered the technology of cooking healthy burgers, acquired skills in working in a food quality control laboratory, where they determined the organoleptic and physicochemical indicators of product quality.

    The final stage was the presentation of the results of all completed tasks.

    In the “Designing Pelmeni” case, the winners were Sofia Badanova and Natalie Karapetyan from Gymnasium No. 587.

    The top three were determined among college students.

    First place — Irina Murtazina and Ivan Voronin (Institute of Secondary Vocational Education SPbPU). Second place — Maria Dubrovina and Sofia Basova (College of Business and Technology). Third place — Angelina Ermoolenkova and Evelina Royanova (College of Culinary Arts).

    First-year student of the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Professional Educational Institution “College of Culinary Arts” Angelina Ermoolenkova participated in such a competition for the first time, so she was very pleased with the third place: We will take into account the mistakes and next time we will definitely do everything for the maximum points. I really liked the work in the laboratory, the teachers and student volunteers helped and supported! I was very impressed by the Polytechnic University, I am seriously thinking about entering your university.

    First of all, I want to say thank you for the opportunity to participate in such an event. There was nothing complicated in the preparation, the process was exciting. Thanks to the competition, I learned not to be afraid to combine different textures, tastes and ingredients with each other, – said first-year student of the RANEPA SPb Sofia Balabanova.

    The Food Engineering competition is very popular among schoolchildren and college students. Its goal is career guidance and attracting talented applicants to the Polytechnic University. Participants acquire scientific skills in the food quality control laboratory, design healthy food products and implement their project in the Food Technologies laboratory. Many contestants eventually become Polytechnicians, – noted Associate Professor of the Higher School of Business and Food Engineering Valeria Bychenkova.

    Based on the results of testing, all competition participants received personalized electronic certificates.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Pritzker winner celebrates ordinary people’s lives

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Architect Liu Jiakun was awarded the 2025 Pritzker Architecture Prize on Tuesday, making him the second winner from China to earn the highest honor in the field of architecture after Wang Shu in 2012.

    Living in Chengdu, the capital of southwestern China’s Sichuan province, Liu’s career spans four decades and over 30 projects. He established Jiakun Architects in 1999 and is devoted to creating an expansive portfolio ranging from small, beautiful museums and monuments and vast commercial buildings to master plans for cities.

    “The purpose of architecture is to create a beautiful, just and dignified living environment. People’s real lives, happiness and dignity are what we strive for,” says Liu.

    The prize’s jury statement says that “intertwining seeming antipodes such as utopia versus everyday existence, history versus modernity, and collectivism versus individuality, Liu offers affirming architecture that celebrates the lives of ordinary citizens”.

    Wang, the 2012 Pritzker recipient, tells China Daily that Liu’s winning is encouraging: “His works are very local, yet modern, directly addressing the challenges facing the transformation of contemporary Chinese cities.”

    Wang says both he and Liu pursue contemporary architecture rooted in tradition. Many architects around the world attempt to do the same, yet their style has never become mainstream. “I believe Liu’s winning holds great significance and will resonate with those architects,” he adds.

    Liu’s focus on ordinary people is reflected in his largest project West Village, a five-story urban complex completed in 2015 in Chengdu. The complex includes a football field, a perimeter of paths for cyclists and pedestrians, and a market. The block has become a popular public space and a destination for the city’s residents to spend leisure time.

    Hearing the news that Liu won the Pritzker Prize, many netizens who have visited the West Village and the museums he designed expressed that his architecture embodies a precious sense of relaxation, much like the vibrant city of Chengdu itself, which is known for its giant pandas, hotpot and leisurely pace.

    Liu was born in Chengdu in 1956 and has lived and worked in Sichuan ever since. He consistently refuses to join the crowds working in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, choosing instead to remain rooted in Chengdu.

    After graduating with Bachelor of Engineering in architecture in 1982 from the then Institute of Architecture and Engineering in Chongqing (now Chongqing University), he gave up architecture and began writing novels. A decade later, he attended a friend’s architectural exhibition and decided to resume his old passion and continue practicing design.

    Liu’s friends often joke that he is the best architect among novelists and the best novelist among architects. This poetic narrative style has also been integrated into his designs, such as the Luyeyuan Stone Sculpture Art Museum in Chengdu, which balances water and ancient stones to reflect the natural landscape.

    Liu was also praised by the jury for his integration of traditional Chinese philosophy into his works. He thinks that for thousands of years, the concept of traditional Chinese philosophy is not to conquer nature but to adapt to and coexist with it.

    Alejandro Aravena, chair of the jury and 2016 Pritzker laureate from Chile, says: “In a world that tends to create endless dull peripheries, he has found a way to build places that are a building, infrastructure, landscape and public space at the same time. His work may offer impactful clues on how to confront the challenges of urbanization in an era of rapidly growing cities.”

    As the 54th laureate of the Pritzker prize, Liu will be honored at a celebration in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, later this spring.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Capitol Hill Highlights Key Pillars of President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress in Op-Ed Blitz

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    America Is Back. President’s Joint Address Will Celebrate ItU.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL)
    The last four years were a dumpster fire—a total disaster. “Sleepy Joe” was worn slap out as soon as he got up in the morning. Thinking back on it now, I really don’t know how our country survived. It’s a miracle that we made it through those dark days. One thing is for sure: President Trump’s address will be nothing like the clown show we endured the last four years.
    But today, America is ready to usher in its golden age under President Donald J. Trump. We’re only a month and a half in, and President Trump is well on his way to renewing the American dream by reversing some of the Democrats’ most destructive policies. Most importantly, President Trump is keeping his promises to the 77 million Americans who voted for him and his “America First” agenda. A recent poll showed 70 percent of Americans believe President Trump is doing what he said he would do.
    Read full op-ed here.
    It’s Time To Take Trump’s Win On Women’s Sports To The Next LevelU.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS)
    Democrat politicians and extreme woke ideologues have shrugged their shoulders at the humiliation and disenfranchisement of millions of young women and girls, even though 80% of Americans agree with President Trump’s view that biological boys should not compete in girls’ sports.
    I believe America’s women and girls deserve to know that someone is fighting to protect the integrity and fairness of their competitive sports and standing up for their right to safe and protected spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms.
    Thankfully, President Trump has taken up the mantle. Last month, he signed an executive order protecting women’s and girls’ sports.
    Read full op-ed here.
    Renewing the American Dream for the American WorkerU.S. Senator Jim Banks (R-IN)
    President Trump is renewing the hope of the American Dream from the ashes of an historic low point. Our nation has emerged stronger with a leader and an administration whose defining feature is their commitment to working families.
    Despite the downturn in prosperity and security America faced over the last four years, the American Dream is not an outdated ambition.
    Under President Trump, the possibility of achieving the American Dream is back and within the grasp of every hard-working American.
    Already, President Trump has made good on a range of his promises, reinvigorating American society across the board—an achievement that’s unheard of for a president only 44 days into his term.
    Read full op-ed here.
    President Donald Trump is keeping his promise to Jewish studentsHouse Committee on Education and Workforce Chairman, U.S. Congressman Tim Walberg (MI-05)
    Columbia [University] leaders have made public and private promises to Jewish students, faculty, and Members of Congress that the university would take the steps necessary to combat the rampant antisemitism on its campus. Columbia has failed to uphold its commitments. But that is coming to an end. Now, the Committee and Jewish students and faculty have a strong ally in the White House. During the campaign Trump promised his administration would combat antisemitism on American campuses.
    On day one, the Trump administration signed an executive order to combat antisemitism. As part of the executive order, the Department of Education has launched investigations into five universities for tolerating “widespread antisemitic harassment” in violation of Title VI.
    The disease of antisemitism must be rooted out before it spreads to the next generation. President Trump’s firm hand on this issue is the remedy we need. We owe it to our youth to ensure they never face harassment, threats, or violence because of their faith. This is a promise we should always honor because it goes hand in hand with the promise of the American Dream. Thankfully, President Trump is delivering on this promise.
    Read full op-ed here.
    America is backU.S. Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09)Since his inauguration on Jan. 20, President Donald J. Trump has worked tirelessly to restore border security, enforce our nation’s laws and make clear that your constitutional rights shall not be infringed. Following four years of chaos, Trump has sent a clear message: America is back, and he’s just getting started.
    After just one month back in office, Trump reestablished the successful “Remain in Mexico” policy, restarted construction of the border wall, ramped up deportation flights of criminal illegals, and ended the dangerous Biden-era “catch-and-release” policy. These are just a few of the actions Trump has taken to regain control of our border and crack down on illegal immigration.
    Trump’s efforts to secure the border have been nothing less than historic, including sharply reducing illegal border crossings in just his first 11 days back in office. This is the “Trump Effect” in action, and it’s only just the beginning.
    Read full op-ed here.
    Under President Trump, America’s Borders Are Secure AgainU.S. Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05)
    In a few weeks, Donald Trump has done what his prevaricating predecessor declared to be impossible: he has brought the border under control.
    The policies of Joe Biden and Alejandro Mayorkas will forever be a stain on America. The border is now almost completely controlled by America, not Mexican drug and human trafficking cartels. That only has happened because President Trump has the will and leadership skills to allow our law enforcement to actually enforce the law. Trump said he would do it. He is doing it.
    America is safer now. Our borders are better now. Trump is delivering on one of his signature campaign promises. While the Left in America is face-melting, the majority of us recognize the success on the border of President Trump.
    Read full op-ed here.
    Trump Gives America A Much-Needed Shot Of OptimismU.S. Congressman Ralph Norman (SC-05)
    We’re now 44 days into President Donald Trump’s second term, and a renewed sense of optimism is sweeping across America, reminiscent of the enduring promise of the American Dream. Central to this resurgence is the administration’s policies aimed at reigniting prosperity for small businesses, particularly evident in South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District.
    President Trump has been keen on drawing back the red tape in the federal bureaucracy and reminding everyone in the swamp that our government is supposed to serve the American worker, not the other way around.
    Last night the president made it clear: ‘We have accomplished more in 43 days than most administrations accomplished in 4 years…and we are just getting started!’
    Read full op-ed here.
    Trump is Reviving the American Dream and Common SenseU.S. Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (TN-01)
    Tuesday night, President Donald Trump did what he does best — he told it like it is. He reviewed his administration’s impressive accomplishments, laid out his action plan to put our economy back on track, urged Congress to deliver additional funding for the United States Border Patrol, and shared his bold vision to bring peace and stability around the world.
    Only weeks ago, the president signed an executive order keeping men out of women’s sports. I attended the signing, and it was a sight to see — the president with dozens of female athletes and young women who would now have a level playing field because of Republicans’ commitment to this cause — Trump’s commitment to this cause.
    The president reiterated this commitment Tuesday night when he spoke on this issue, highlighting the story of Payton McNabb, saying, “When her girls’ volleyball match was invaded by a male, he smashed the ball so hard in Payton’s face, causing traumatic brain injury … ending her athletic career.
    This story has become all too common. When Trump told Payton’s story, not a single Democrat stood in solidarity.
    Read full op-ed here.
    Ending Biden’s disgraceful erosion of American deterrence U.S. Congressman August Pfluger (TX-01) andU.S. Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03)
    With Trump back in the White House, alongside Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and national security adviser Mike Waltz, we’re setting a clear path forward for the U.S.: rebuild the military, restore our warrior ethos, and reestablish American deterrence.
    Unlike his predecessors, who viewed the military through the lens of social experimentation, Hegseth recognizes that the Department of Defense has one primary mission: to produce the most lethal fighting force on Earth. Under his leadership, we’re already seeing a renewed focus on combat training, eliminating wasteful programs, and stripping away ideological distractions.
    Read full op-ed here.
    Congress Must Act to Solidify Trump’s Border WinsU.S. Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08)
    For the past four years, the most powerful nation in the history of the world has been under attack. Deadly cartels, gangs, human smugglers, and other criminal aliens flooded American communities and harmed our citizens. This chaos was an orchestrated attack led by the last administration not only on our nation, but on the American dream.
    But on January 20th, a new era of leadership began. After being sworn into office, President Trump wasted no time taking action to take back our country and set our nation back on course.
    Last night, President Trump said, “The media and our friends in the Democrat Party kept saying we needed new legislation to secure the border. But it turned out that all we really needed was a new president.” And he is exactly right.
    President Trump’s decisive action and bold leadership has drastically changed the state of our border for the better.
    Read full op-ed here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Pens Op-Ed in The Daily Caller: It’s Time to Take Trump’s Win on Women’s Sports To The Next Level

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) penned an op-ed in The Daily Caller highlighting the importance of protecting women’s and girls’ sports and calling out Senate Democrats for voting against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act.  
    Click HERE or on the image above to read Senator Marshall’s full op-ed in The Daily Caller.
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s op-ed include: 
    “As a doctor who has delivered over 5,000 babies, I can say with full confidence that boys are boys and girls are girls. This basic biological statement — that even third graders know as truth — should not be radical. But it’s sad that in 2025, we must even say it.  
    “Democrat politicians and extreme woke ideologues have shrugged their shoulders at the humiliation and disenfranchisement of millions of young women and girls, even though 80% of Americans agree with President Trump’s view that biological boys should not compete in girls’ sports.
    “The Biden-Harris Administration abused Title IX and forced its gender theory madness onto America. The result was confused men and boys unfairly competing against women and girls in sports and these biological males invaded protected personal spaces.
    “I believe America’s women and girls deserve to know that someone is fighting to protect the integrity and fairness of their competitive sports and standing up for their right to safe and protected spaces like bathrooms and locker rooms.
    “Thankfully, President Trump has taken up the mantle. Last month, he signed an executive order protecting women’s and girls’ sports. I was honored to attend President Trump’s ceremony and celebrate at the White House as he signed this critical order.
    “To expand on this effort in the Senate, I was proud to cosponsor my good friend Coach Tommy Tuberville’s Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. On Monday evening, I joined all my Republican colleagues to vote in support of this common-sense legislation.
    “Even though this bill would have preserved Title IX protections for female athletes, every single Senate Democrat voted against it.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s major sports codes are considered not-for-profits – is it time for them to pay up?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Nichol, Lecturer in Law, CQUniversity Australia

    Not-for-profit organisations support a range of needs and activities, such as financial disadvantage, health and education.

    Governments support these entities through various measures, notably exemption from income tax and other taxes.

    Some of Australia’s major professional sports – such as the Australian Football League (AFL) and its clubs, the National Rugby League (NRL) and its clubs and Cricket Australia – are treated as not-for-profits. This means they do not pay income tax.

    Not-for-profits and charities

    The not-for-profit sector in Australia consists of about 600,000 organisations, 59,000 of which contributed $43 billion to Australia’s economy in 2010 (2010 is the most recent available data).

    Some not-for-profit organisations receive special designation as charities and must have a charitable purpose that benefits the public.

    A charity is not permitted to distribute profits to its members and must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is aware of more than 200,000 entities that receive one or more tax concessions. But only 61,010 are registered charities.

    Professinal sports and tax

    Within the regulation of not-for-profits exists professional sport.

    Sports receive an exemption from income tax if, under section 50-45 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, a club or association encourages or promotes a game or sport.

    In addition, the organisation must not conduct business for the purpose of profit for members.

    The sports exemption does not differentiate between professional and community (or amateur) sport, as is the case in New Zealand, where charities and taxation law limit a sports charity to an amateur organisation.

    Therefore, major Australian professional sports are considered not-for-profits and do not pay income tax.

    None of these entities are registered charities.

    This raises questions of fairness: these organisations receive revenue that ranges from tens of millions of dollars in the case of clubs to hundreds of millions and even billions for leagues.

    When the sports exemption was introduced in the 1950s, it was designed to assist small community clubs. This might include the local golf club that operates on a public course and has operating revenue of $10,000, or the local tennis or football club with similar revenues.

    The big business of pro sports

    In recent years, the revenues of professional sport have ballooned, primarily due to lucrative broadcasting deals.

    For example, in 2023, the AFL had revenues of $1.06 billion and recently announced its 2024 profit of $45.4 million, putting it in Australia’s 30 largest charities by income.

    In 2023, the revenues of the AFL’s clubs ranged from $50.4-$105.7 million.

    The NRL earned $744.9 million in revenue in 2024.

    Also, the AFL and NRL receive a percentage of the income of betting agencies, reportedly $30 million a year for the AFL and $50 million for the NRL.

    Half of the NRL clubs are sponsored by betting companies and three NRL stadiums are named after betting agencies.

    Some non-Victorian AFL clubs, such as Brisbane and Greater Western Sydney, have gambling sponsorships, but Victorian clubs have signed up to the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation’s “Love the Game, Not the Odds” program.

    This reliance on sports betting revenues raises issues as to the public benefit of these organisations and whether they should receive tax exemptions.



    Read more:
    Will the government’s online gambling advertising legislation ever eventuate? Don’t bet on it

    The issue of unrelated business income

    The issue of unrelated business income (the income a not-for-profit earns from commercial activities not related to its charitable purpose), especially from gambling and poker machines, raises concerns.

    North Melbourne was the first Victorian AFL club to sell its poker machines in 2008. In 2016, it was the only club without pokies.

    Collingwood sold its machines in 2018 and Hawthorn sold its two poker machine venues in 2022. But Carlton, Essendon, Richmond and St Kilda earned a collective $40 million from poker machines in 2022/2023.

    The profits of poker machines by Victorian AFL clubs can be distinguished from sports clubs in New South Wales, where not less than 0.75% of poker machine profits must be distributed to charities under community development and support expenditure.

    Poker machine venues are a considerable source of revenue in the NRL. In 2021, rugby league received $9.8 million from regional licensed clubs – $7.28 million to grassroots rugby and $2.52 million to NRL clubs.

    Metropolitan venues gave $29.67 million to rugby league – $17.09 million to grassroots rugby and $12.58 million to NRL clubs.

    A possible solution

    Unrelated business income tax (UBIT) is a tax on the unrelated business income of not-for-profits. Related business income for a not-for-profit is membership fees and services directly related to the members such as restaurants or meals.

    However, the major source of unrelated business income for sports are sponsorship and income from gambling companies and poker machines.

    A UBIT has a long history in the United States and was proposed by the Gillard government in 2011, only to be postponed in 2013 and eventually abandoned by the Abbott government in 2014.

    In the context of professional sport, a UBIT would fairly treat leagues and clubs, which increasingly engage in commercial activities outside their charitable activities, with a public benefit without removing the tax exemption.

    For example, a UBIT would tax the profits of clubs with poker machines. It would also tax some of Australia’s most profitable professional sports clubs and leagues for revenue not related to promoting the sports.

    It would also help distinguish between “real” not-for-profits and professional sports.

    In doing so, it would also create a fair regulatory environment for the operation of for-profit and not-for-profit businesses.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Australia’s major sports codes are considered not-for-profits – is it time for them to pay up? – https://theconversation.com/australias-major-sports-codes-are-considered-not-for-profits-is-it-time-for-them-to-pay-up-250914

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Wanted Defendants from Mexico Secured in Arizona

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jose Bibiano Cabrera-Cabrera, 37; Jesus Humberto Limon-Lopez, 43; and Jose Guadalupe Tapia-Quintero, 53; all of Mexico, appeared last week for their initial appearances after they were secured from Mexico on February 27, 2025.

    The defendants taken into U.S. custody include leaders and managers of drug cartels recently designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, such as the Sinaloa Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Cártel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas), La Nueva Familia Michoacana, and Cártel de Golfo (Gulf Cartel). These defendants are collectively alleged to have been responsible for the importation into the United States of massive quantities of poison, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, as well as associated acts of violence.

    Tapia-Quintero is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine with Intent to Import into the United States; Conspiracy to Import Methamphetamine; Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Conspiracy to Commit Promotional Money Laundering; Conspiracy to Commit Concealment Money Laundering; and Aiding and Abetting. He is facing up to life imprisonment.

    Limon-Lopez is charged with Continuing Criminal Enterprise; Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine; Conspiracy to Import Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine; Distribution of Methamphetamine; Distribution of Fentanyl; Distribution of Heroin; Distribution of Cocaine; and Conspiracy to Unlawfully Export Firearms and Ammunition. He faces up to life imprisonment.

    Cabrera-Cabrera is charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine; Conspiracy to Import Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine; and Conspiracy to Unlawfully Export Firearms and Ammunition. He faces up to life imprisonment.

    An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations.

    The OCDETF Arizona Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Arizona Army National Guard, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, and the Scottsdale Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by the United States Attorney Office for the District of Arizona.
     

    CASE NUMBER:           CR-13-00179-PHX-SRB
                                          CR-21-01864-TUC-SHR
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-030_Cabrera-Cabrera

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister’s remarks at UK-Ireland Summit: 5 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Prime Minister’s remarks at UK-Ireland Summit: 5 March 2025

    Prime Minister’s remarks at the UK-Ireland Summit in Liverpool.

    Thanks Lisa, it’s really fantastic to see you all here and to be in this absolutely wonderful museum.

    I’ve been in this museum a number of times, but I’m normally bundled in to the top floor to do an interview with Laura Kuenssberg on the Sunday morning of our conference.

    So, to come and see it in all its glory is really really fantastic.

    As it is to look out and see all of you here.

    And particularly just to see UK and Ireland Summit 2025 on the walls here is absolutely amazing and really, really uplifting, so thank you all for coming.

    Look I know we’re still some days away from St. Patrick’s Day.

    But we’ve got some fantastic food and drink from Irish chef Anna Haugh who is here this evening.

    Fantastic music from the Liverpool String Quartet.

    And I know we’ve got incredible people in this room.

    Business leaders, people in the arts, education, politicians.

    And of course, a very big thank you to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin who is with us this evening.

    So, all in all I think we can consider this an early celebration of everything Irish…

    And everything that binds the UK and Ireland together.

    Micheál, everyone, it really is good to see you all here in Liverpool for this important summit 

    A city which stands as the living embodiment of the connections between our two countries.

    As Lisa has alluded to, I’ve been to Ireland many times. 

    But in September last year I visited Ireland for the first time as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

    That was an important and special moment for me.

    But it was a wider moment, not just because I got to watch the England-Ireland football match at the Aviva Stadium…I won’t mention the score. 

    But because as the first visit by a UK Prime Minister in five years…

    And despite all the turbulence in recent times…

    It was a reminder of just how strong those ties are that bind us together.

    So, it was a really important moment for me personally, 

    But a really important moment for the United Kingdom and for Ireland to have that first visit so early in my tenure as Prime Minister.

    So, I’m really delighted that the Irish delegation is here today…

    To continue strengthening that friendship…

    As we work to bring huge benefits to the people of both countries…

    By delivering greater trade, prosperity and security.

    Now many of you will know that as Prime Minister

    My focus is on delivering change

    Improving people’s lives

    Boosting growth

    So that we can raise living standards

    and put more money into people’s pockets

    And deliver the public services people need.

    But of course, we can do much more…

    When we work together with others.

    As I’ve said before, I don’t believe the relationship between the UK and Ireland has ever reached its full potential.

    And I’m delighted that now with this summit we’re going to change all that. What an opportunity. 

    Micheál, I know we’ve got a lot to do over the coming days…

    We’ve got great ambitions for this summit.

    Talking together

    Speaking to business leaders

    Perhaps finding a moment for a bit of Guinness diplomacy.

    But tonight…

    I hope we can simply celebrate

    The UK and Ireland

    And everything that makes this such a fantastic friendship

    And now it’s my pleasure to introduce the Taoiseach, you’re so welcome I’m so pleased we were able to get this summit together: Micheál .

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Addresses Post-Budget Webinar on “Investing in People”

    Source: Government of India

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Addresses Post-Budget Webinar on “Investing in People”

    India’s social security coverage has doubled from 24.4% to 48.8% – Dr. Mandaviya

    10 new ESIC medical colleges have been approved, with plans for 10 more in the pipeline: Union Minister

    Posted On: 05 MAR 2025 8:46PM by PIB Delhi

    A Post-Budget Webinar on the theme “Investing in People” was organized today via video conferencing, bringing together senior government officials, academia, and industry representatives.

    Addressing the post-budget webinar on the theme ‘Investing in People’, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized that a nation’s greatest asset is its people. He outlined the government’s mission to skill and empower India’s youth, ensuring that Indian talent makes a global impact. Highlighting the roadmap for Viksit Bharat by 2047, he stated that investing in people is not just an economic decision but a social, moral, and cultural commitment toward an educated, healthy, and empowered society.

    Dr. Mandaviya presented data underscoring the success of employment initiatives, revealing that 17.1 crore jobs were created between 2014-24, including 4.6 crore in the past year alone. He noted a significant drop in unemployment rates, from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24, and a remarkable rise in female employment from 22% to 40.3% in the same period. Union minister credited these achievements to India’s progressive policies, which have strengthened the country’s workforce.

    Dr. Mandaviya also addressed the impact of social security initiatives, citing the ILO World Social Security Report 2024-26, which highlights India’s social security coverage doubling from 24.4% to 48.8%. The expansion of the e-Shram Portal, covering over 30.67 crore unorganised workers, and the inclusion of gig workers under PMJAY, reinforce the government’s commitment to workforce welfare, he stated. The government has also integrated 12 key welfare schemes under e-Shram and has made the portal available in 22 Indian languages, he mentioned. Additionally, to support workers’ families, 10 new ESIC medical colleges have been approved, with plans for 10 more in the pipeline, he added.

    Concluding his address, Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India’s investment in its people is shaping a stronger, self-reliant nation, ensuring long-term benefits for future generations.

    During the thematic segment, Secretary (Labour & Employment), Ms. Sumita Dawra drew attention to major strides in modernizing the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), including the enrolment of over 6.2 crore new members in six-and-a-half years and reforms such as centralized pension processing system, auto-settlement of PF claims, and robust IT infrastructure. Alongside these achievements, Ms. Dawra underscored the ESIC expansion—from 2.03 crore insured persons (IPs) in 2014 to 3.72 crore in 2024—and the growing healthcare network across 165 hospitals and 1590 dispensaries. Additionally, she emphasized advances in Technological Development—notably the e-Shram and National Career Service portals—and the G20 Feasibility Study on Development of International Reference Classification, which aims to benchmark skills globally by 2026.

    Parallel breakout session on Para 51 of the Union Budget 2025-26 – Social Security for Online Platform Workers

    Mr. Ajoy Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, set the context for the breakout session on the topic “Social Security Scheme for Welfare of Online Platform Workers”. He reiterated the provisions in Para 51 of the Union Budget 2025, which covered providing of identity cards and registration on the e-Shram portal, along with healthcare coverage under PM Jan Arogya Yojana, to nearly 1 crore gig workers. He impressed upon the Panel of experts to explore importance of strategic planning, identification of beneficiaries, defining eligibility criteria, and leveraging technology to ensure sustainable financing for comprehensive social security benefits. The breakout session saw a discussion with a panel of expert panel who provided insights for strengthening the implementation mechanism of the scheme, addressed implementation challenges, and potential mitigation strategies. Mr. Sharma thanked the panelists for their valuable insights on global best practices, gender considerations, and the critical role of platform aggregators.

    Summation of Breakaway Session by Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment

    Summarizing the session’s key outcomes, Secretary (L&E) Ms. Sumita Dawra noted broad consensus on the imperative to extend social protection to the burgeoning gig and platform sector. Panelists observed that platform work has grown exponentially—from 0.54% of total workers in 2011-12 to 1.33% in 2019-20—and urged swift action to bring these workers under a robust social security net. The discussion underscored four major areas:

    • Registration & Identification: Leveraging the aggregator module on the e-Shram portal to ensure comprehensive coverage and seamless issuance of unique ID cards.
    • Eligibility & Targeting: Introducing clear criteria, including duration of engagement and income thresholds, to cover bona fide platform workers while excluding those already in formal employment.
    • Role of Technology: Emphasizing data-driven solutions for transparency and efficiency, particularly for overlapping platform engagements and ensuring portability of benefits.
    • Sustainable Financing: Encouraging contribution from aggregators and workers, alongside Government support, to sustain long-term benefits such as healthcare, life/disability cover, and pension schemes.

    Ms. Dawra added that integrating women into the platform ecosystem will be pivotal to raising female labour force participation, given the flexibility it offers and the potential to empower millions of aspiring women entrepreneurs and workers. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to finalize the social security scheme for platform workers.

    *****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2108645) Visitor Counter : 16

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Announces Khelo India Para Games 2025; Top Paralympians to Compete in Para Games

    Source: Government of India

    Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Announces Khelo India Para Games 2025; Top Paralympians to Compete in Para Games

    Paris 2024 gold medallists Harvinder Singh (archery) and Dharambir (club thrower) will be among 1230 athletes set to play in KIPG from March 20-27

    Posted On: 05 MAR 2025 6:28PM by PIB Delhi

    Several international para athletes will be seen in action at the upcoming Khelo India Para Games scheduled to be held in New Delhi from March 20-27, said Union Minister of youth Affairs & Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.

    This will be the second edition of the Khelo India Para Games. The first edition was also held in Delhi in December 2023. Around 1230 para athletes will compete in six disciplines in the upcoming KIPG 2025, many of them medallists from 2024 Paris Paralympics and the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.

    Competitions in KIPG 2025 will be held in para archery, para athletics, para badminton, para powerlifting, para shooting and para table tennis. In the first edition, football (cerebral palsy) was also played.

    The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host the para athletics, para archery, para powerlifting disciplines from 21st to 26th March, while IG Stadium complex will stage the para badminton and para table tennis events from 20th to 27th March. Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range will host the para shooting events from 21st to 25th March.

    Prominent among them will be gold medal winners Harvinder Singh (archery), Dharambir (club throw) and Praveen Kumar (high jump). India finished with a record 29 medals at Paris 2024. Seven of those medals were golds. Twenty-five Khelo India athletes were part of the 84-member Indian contingent at Paris Paralympics. Five of them returned with medals from Paris.

    Para sport is a priority area for the government of India. No less than 52 para athletes are in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme core group for the 2028 LA Olympics cycle. “The phenomenal rise of our para athletes is a huge inspiration to sportspersons at large. This ‘can do’ attitude is really motivating and I am sure we will see some great performances at the upcoming Khelo India Para Games,” Dr Mandaviya.

    In 2025, the Khelo India Para Games will be the second national event conducted by the Sports Authority of India after the Khelo India Winter Games, the first part of which was held in Ladakh in January and the concluding portion scheduled in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir from March 9-12.

    ABOUT KHELO INDIA PARA GAMES

    Khelo India Para Games is part of the Khelo India mission to provide a platform for talented athletes to showcase their sporting and competitive skills. The 1st edition of Khelo India Para Games, held in December 2023, was organized to enable para athletes to showcase their talent at the national level. The Games were played in seven sports disciplines across three venues in New Delhi. The second edition of KIPG, also to be held in the capital in March 2025, will be held in six sports.

    ****

    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2108559) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Improving safety in combative sport: Minister Schow

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Banning swearing in Formula One could be bad for drivers – a linguist explains

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kieran File, Associate Professor, Department of Applied Linguistics, University of Warwick

    Motor sport’s governing body the FIA (International Automobile Federation) has not ruled out extending its recent swearing ban to Formula One (F1) team radio communication. Last month FIA president Mohammed Sulayem said the body could “shut down the radios of live communication” over the issue.

    At first glance, this might seem like a minor issue of professionalism. After all, athletes in many sports are expected to control their language.

    For some, the idea that drivers need to swear during races may seem unconvincing, given that emotions can be expressed through other word choices. Many people are not permitted to swear in their workplaces, so why should F1 drivers be an exception?

    But research suggests that banning drivers from swearing during races could have wider effects. It may disrupt how they regulate their emotions in Formula One’s extreme environment.

    It could also affect how they communicate efficiently with their teams, and how they shape their identities as racing drivers – functions that swearing, arguably, serves in live racing communication.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    To date, the drivers have argued that swearing isn’t just incidental – it’s a necessary release due to the extreme, high-pressure, adrenaline-fuelled nature of their sport. Research may support this claim, as studies have shown that swearing is deeply linked to emotional regulation.

    Experimental and lab-based studies suggest that swear words are processed differently to other words. They have been linked to brain regions responsible for processing emotion, threat detection and survival responses.

    Given that F1 drivers operate in an intense, high-stakes environment where rapid decision-making and threat assessment are key, this connection may suggest that swearing is a natural response under pressure.

    Some studies also suggest that swearing activates the fight-or-flight response, triggering physiological changes like increased heart rate, faster breathing and adrenaline release. The fight-or-flight response is an instinctive mechanism that helps humans react to danger.

    For F1 drivers, who must remain highly alert while making critical decisions at extreme speeds, this connection between swearing and physiological arousal could play a role in maintaining focus and performance under pressure.

    Beyond cognitive and emotional regulation, swearing may also increase pain tolerance, which has clear implications for F1 drivers enduring G-forces, mental strain and long stints behind the wheel in a very cramped space. Banning swearing could interfere with drivers’ instinctive mechanism for coping with extreme conditions involved in racing.

    Swearing and communication

    Beyond these more cathartic functions, swearing, arguably, plays a crucial role in interpersonal team communication, particularly in the high-pressure environment of live racing. In Formula One, where split-second decisions can define the outcome of a race, communication between driver and engineer must be concise, clear and unambiguous.

    Research suggests that swearing, far from being just an emotional outburst, serves several pragmatic functions that may enhance communication in such high-stakes environments. One key function of swearing in interpersonal communication is that it acts as an “attention getter”.

    Studies have shown that swear words command more cognitive focus than neutral words, making them particularly effective in cutting through noise and grabbing attention when urgency is required. For drivers, an expletive-laden message may serve as an immediate cue for the race engineer and the wider racing team to prioritise a response.

    The strong response from drivers may also reflect the inextricable link between language and identity, and that, at a deeper level, this swearing policy may challenge how they construct their identities as racing drivers.

    F1 drivers are socialised into the sport, often from a young age, learning not just how to drive but how to talk and interact like racing drivers. Perhaps due to these cathartic and team communication functions, swearing may have become an assumed way of claiming and performing the identity of a racing driver.

    People (and communities) resist imposed changes to their language, especially when it is seen to alter how they present themselves. Seen in this way, the proposed swearing ban is more than a simple matter of professionalism. It is an external attempt to reshape how drivers construct and “perform” their identities within their sport.

    Entertainment value

    It is also worth mentioning the potential effects on the entertainment values of such a ban. One of the biggest shifts in modern F1 has been the opening up of the team radio communications to the public.

    Once a private channel for strategy and decision-making, it is now part of the entertainment package – broadcast, clipped and replayed for millions of fans. This has given audiences insight into the intensity of racing, but it has also altered the meaning of driver communication, turning functional exchanges into public performances.

    Yet team radio is not designed for entertainment: it is for the vital, two-way flow of information during racing events. So any decision about what is broadcast should be a negotiation, not a policy imposed on speech itself.

    It should also see the broadcasters accommodating the norms of the environment rather than the other way around. The FIA’s approach treats this as a regulatory issue rather than a broadcasting one, placing restrictions on competitors instead of reconsidering how private communication is curated for public access.

    Viewed in this context, this ban may inadvertently create a contradiction in F1’s wider media strategy. The sport wants the authenticity of raw radio exchanges but not the discomfort of unfiltered emotion.

    A swearing ban risks making team radio feel sanitised and staged, diminishing the very sense of access that made it compelling and exciting in the first place.

    Kieran File 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. Banning swearing in Formula One could be bad for drivers – a linguist explains – https://theconversation.com/banning-swearing-in-formula-one-could-be-bad-for-drivers-a-linguist-explains-251424

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Run Safe, Run Well’ information event in Craigavon

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    (L-R) Diane Cordner (World Triathlon Level 2 Coach and Advanced Sport Nutrition Advisor.); Gail McComiskey (Movement Matters NI); Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Kyle Savage; Constable Victoria Elliot (PSNI); Patricia Gibson (PCSP Manager); Constable Diarmuid Sands (PSNI) and Lynette Cooke (PCSP Development Manager).

    Over 100 people attended the ‘Run Safe, Run Well’ event to highlight personal safety while running and the importance of good nutrition to support performance, injury prevention and recovery.

    The event was organised by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) along with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Sports Development team and PSNI.

    Whether it’s for fun, to be active or to run competitively, running is a hugely popular activity for people of all ages and abilities across the borough. Each week hundreds of people join a running community to take on the local parkrun at Armagh, Craigavon and Lurgan.

    Speaking at the event, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage said:

    “One of the Council’s key goals is to create ‘a happy, healthy and connected community’. This event is an important step towards achieving that vision, however personal safety while out running remains a real concern, particularly for females.

    “Tonight’s event has been a great opportunity to raise awareness about staying safe and how to report issues and concerns. The nutrition advice and tips will also go a long way to supporting people in their journey to lead fitter and healthier lives.”

    Representatives from Lurgan and Armagh Neighbourhood Policing teams and PSNI were on hand to offer advice and guidance on risk aversion, particularly when running alone.

    Local World Triathlon Level 2 Coach and Advanced Sport Nutrition Advisor Diane Cordner shared tips and advice on the importance of a healthy balanced diet and its role in performance and recovery.

    Gail McComiskey from Movement Matters NI, shared valuable insights into how to reduce injuries while running and how to support recovery.

    Closing the event, Chair of PCSP, Alderman Mark Baxter said: “It has been fantastic to welcome everyone along to this event. I wish to extend a very special thank you to our guest speakers who delivered lots of key messages on the importance of staying safe, healthy and active, and our local independent retailers and exhibitors who generously sponsored spot prizes.”

    The event was supported by local business including McKeever Sports, Armagh Sports and Trophies, Donaghy’s and support service Start 360!

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Attorney Durham Launches the Eastern District of New York’s Transnational Criminal Organizations Strike Force

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

    Strike Force Focuses on Dismantling Cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations

    U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York John J. Durham announced today the creation and launch of the Eastern District of New York’s Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) Strike Force. Capitalizing on the Office’s preeminence in this area, the Strike Force will focus on investigating, prosecuting and dismantling cartels and TCOs, and their senior leadership by bringing charges that include terrorism, racketeering and operating a continuing criminal enterprise.

    “I am establishing this Strike Force with immense pride in what this Office has already accomplished, as well as the knowledge that there is much more work to be done in the fight against TCOs,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “Because of my Office’s significant experience and expertise in this area, we have a responsibility to our community and our country to dismantle these ruthless organizations from the top down in order to stop the violence, flow of drugs, and dangers they unleash in our District and across the nation.”

    For more than two decades, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York has been a nationwide leader in prosecuting many of the most significant TCOs in the country and the world, including innovative indictments of the highest-ranking international leaders of the La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Sinaloa Cartel, Guadalajara Cartel, Juarez Cartel, H-2 Drug Cartel, Clan de Golfo and others.  In addition, this Office has investigated and prosecuted numerous other TCOs that have a significant operating presence in our district, including the Trinitarios, 18th Street and, more recently, Tren de Aragua (TdA). Notably, United States Attorney Durham has been at the forefront of these prosecutions, leading and serving on the Attorney General’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force Subcommittee for MS-13 and directing Joint Task Force Vulcan, while other AUSAs in the Office have served on the subcommittees for Sinaloa, Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) Cartel, Hezbollah and Clan de Golfo.

    Consistent with the Attorney General’s memorandum titled “TOTAL ELIMINATION OF CARTELS AND TRANSNATIONAL CRIMINAL ORGANIZATIONS” issued on February 5, 2025, which provided further guidance regarding President Trump’s January 20, 2025 Executive Order regarding TCOs such as TdA and MS-13, the Strike Force’s mission is as follows:

    • Investigating, prosecuting and dismantling cartels and TCOs, with a particular focus on their senior leadership and management, including without limitation: Mexican drug cartels such as the Sinaloa, H-2, Juarez, CJNG and Clan de Golfo cartels, and TCOs that have a significant operating presence in the District, such as MS-13, the Trinitarios, the 18th Street gang and TdA.   

    • Disrupting the criminal activities of TCOs, particularly those operating in the United States and/or that impact United States victims at home or abroad, including TCOs engaged in criminal activity involving terrorism; racketeering; drug trafficking, particularly with respect to fentanyl and fentanyl precursors; violent crime; human trafficking and smuggling; corruption of foreign officials; money laundering; immigration crimes; and fraud and cybercrime schemes.

    • Identifying the sources and methods of illicit funds related to TCO financing and profits, and seizing and forfeiting bank accounts, digital assets, real property and other assets that are criminally derived, commingled with criminal proceeds, or otherwise involved in money laundering by or in support of TCOs.

    • Coordinating the investigative efforts of the Office’s federal law enforcement partners in the Eastern District and beyond, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, United States Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service, as well as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program (HIDTA), state and local police departments and district attorneys’ offices.

    • Strengthening the Office’s partnerships and coordination with other Department of Justice components, including the National Security Division, Criminal Division, Joint Task Force Vulcan, Joint Task Force 10-7, Joint Task Force Alpha, OCDETF, MLARS, NDDS, OIA and other United States Attorney’s Offices. 

    The Chief of the International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section Francisco J. Navarro has been selected to serve as Director of the EDNY TCO Strike Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan E. Farrell and Gabriel Park have been selected as Deputy Directors.  In addition, the Strike Force will have at least one representative from each section of the Office’s Criminal Division to capitalize on existing experience, coordinate strategic focus and maximize resources to make an even more significant impact combatting TCOs. The Strike Force will also include OCDETF-designated AUSAs, Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) coordinators, as well as a designated representative from the Civil Division to ensure the Strike Force leverages civil remedies as appropriate.  The Strike Force will also coordinate closely with the Office’s Immigration Enforcement Working Group.

    Francisco J. Navarro

    AUSA Navarro joined the Department in 2013 and the Office in 2018 after serving as an AUSA in the District of New Jersey.  He has been in charge of INML since April 2023.  He received his B.A. from Boston University and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center.

    AUSA Navarro has prosecuted several significant narcotics, national security and material support cases.  He has also prosecuted significant white collar cases involving sanctions evasion, money laundering and the Bank Secrecy Act.  For example,  AUSA Navarro is part of the team prosecuting Rafael Caro Quintero for leading a continuing criminal enterprise, including his role in the kidnapping, torture and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.  He is also leading the team prosecuting Ismael Zambada Garcia (aka “El Mayo”) for his founding and two-decade leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel—a continuing criminal enterprise—and one of the most violent and powerful drug cartels in the world.  In United States v. Usuga David, et al., he led the team that obtained a 45-year prison sentence against Dairo Usuga David (aka “Otoniel”) who was the supreme leader of the Clan del Golfo and was considered the most dangerous narco-terrorist in Colombia since Pablo Escobar.  AUSA Navarro also led the team that obtained the first indictments in the nation against Chinese chemical manufacturing companies and employees for importing fentanyl precursors into the United States and working with Mexican cartels to manufacture and distribute fentanyl in the United States.  In addition, AUSA Navarro is also leading the prosecution of Mohammad Bazzi, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and financier for Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization on sanctions evasion and money laundering charges.  AUSA Navarro has been involved in multiple prosecutions of individuals and institutions for failing to follow United States laws regarding maintaining effective anti-money laundering programs, the prohibition on the provision of material support to designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations, or other financial regulations.

    Megan E. Farrell

    AUSA Farrell joined the Office in 2018, and currently serves in the Office’s Long Island Criminal Section.  She is one of the Office’s Human Trafficking Coordinators and previously served as an Acting Deputy Chief in the Office’s General Crimes Section.  She received her B.A. from Boston College and her J.D. from St. John’s University.

    AUSA Farrell has prosecuted significant organized crime, gang and sex trafficking cases during her time in the Office.  In United States v. Canales-Rivera et al. and United States v. Arevalo-Chavez et al., she is part of the team prosecuting the highest-ranking members of MS-13’s international command and control structure, including the body known as the Ranfla Nacional, with charges that include conspiracy to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiracy to finance terrorism and narco-terrorism conspiracy.  In United States v. Alexi Saenz et al., AUSA Farrell was part of a team that secured the convictions of two MS-13 defendants to racketeering and other charges in connection with eight murders.  In United States v. Blanco et al., she was a member of the team that secured the convictions of three high-ranking MS-13 gang members to racketeering charges in connection with nine murders.  In United States v. Escobar, AUSA Farrell was part of the team that secured a sentence of 50 years after the defendant was convicted on April 8, 2022, following a four-week trial, of racketeering, including predicate acts of murder, conspiracy to murder rival gang members, and obstruction of justice and murder in aid-of racketeering, in relation to the deaths of four young men who were hacked to death with machetes and other sharp objects by  more than a dozen MS-13 members and associates after Escobar lured them to a local park in 2017.  In United States v. Lampley-Reid, AUSA Farrell was part of the team leading to a Bloods gang member being sentenced to 23 years in prison for sex trafficking of minors.  Additionally, AUSA Farrell is part of the team charging former CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch and two other individuals with sex trafficking and interstate prostitution.

    Gabriel Park

    AUSA Park joined the Office in 2022 after serving in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps.  He received his B.A. from Wake Forest University and his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and clerked for the Honorable Dora L. Irizarry.  He currently serves in the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section.

    AUSA Park has prosecuted significant violent organized crime and gang cases.  In United States v. Yu, he was part of the prosecution team that convicted two defendants who were subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment in a murder-for-hire scheme of a perceived business rival, and in the related case United States v. Abreu, AUSA Park was on the prosecution team that convicted a third defendant for his role in the murder-for-hire scheme.  In United States v. Thompson, AUSA Park was on the prosecution team that convicted a Long Island man who was later sentenced to 30 years in prison for drug trafficking, distribution of fentanyl that resulted in a death and illegal possession of firearms.    

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council approves ambitious Budget plan

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    New and upgraded schools, a major roads project, continuing investment in the city centre, and increased support for vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens form the basis of Aberdeen City Council’s 2025/26 Budget, which was approved today. 

    The Council is to spend £247 million on schools over the next five years, including £121m on the new Hazlehead Academy. There is a commitment to expand facilities at Harlaw Academy, refurbish St Peter’s Roman Catholic School and Ferryhill Primary, and progress an extension for Bucksburn Academy. 

    To help reduce congestion, £55 million will go to the Berryden Corridor Improvement Project, with work starting next year. In the city centre, £13m will be used to enhance the Castlegate as a public space. 

    The Budget also makes £1.534m available to the Fairer Aberdeen Fund in 2025/26, £1m through the Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee for people struggling with the cost of living, and an extra £9.5m to deliver social care, bringing the Council’s total award to the Integration Joint Board (IJB) to £140m for the coming 12 months. 

    Councillor Alex McLellan, convener of the Finance and Resources Committee, said: “Despite the Council operating in incredibly challenging circumstances, we remain focussed on delivering essential public services and assisting people through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. 

    “Aberdeen City Council is continuing to invest in the school estate, in roads, and other key infrastructure such as the regeneration of the city centre and beach area. 

    “These actions will ensure Aberdeen continues to be a place people want to live, want to work, want to raise a family, and want to start a business.” 

    The Budget allocates £668m to delivering public services in 2025/26 and £709m to capital projects over the next five years. 

    The Common Good Fund will help provide nearly £1.5m for to 15 external organisations for 2025/26, supporting recommendations put forward by the Culture Investment Panel.  Aberdeen Performing Arts was awarded £961,000.

    Sport Aberdeen, which operates the city’s leisure venues, will receive £4.1m for 2025/26. 

    And the Council will also fund a Cruyff Court in Kincorth – the city’s 4th – in partnership with the Denis Law Legacy Trust.  

    The gap between income and expenditure was estimated at £18.1m for 2025/26. To help address the shortfall and maintain service delivery, Council Tax is to rise by 9.85% in 2025/26. 

    For the next 12 months the Council’s Carbon Budget was set at 22,567 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, a maximum target on the road to Next Zero emissions by 2045.  

    Actions agreed include:  

    • Completing a £19m investment in a Hydrogen Hub, a joint venture with bp to produce and distribute green hydrogen;
    • £9m to enlarge the electric vehicle charging network. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Storage facility for over 900 vehicles completed at MOD Ashchurch

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Storage facility for over 900 vehicles completed at MOD Ashchurch

    An advanced storage facility with capacity to house over 900 Army vehicles has opened at MOD Ashchurch under the Vehicle Storage and Support Programme (VSSP).

    Brig Matt Wilkinson and VSSP Senior Responsible Owner Belinda Lunn cut the ribbon to the new building, accompanied by representatives of DIO, the Army, Skanska and Mace. Copyright Skanksa.

    As the largest Army infrastructure programme currently in delivery, VSSP is enhancing operational readiness and future capability through provision of modern, sustainable storage and maintenance solutions for the Army’s vehicle and equipment fleet.

    The programme is delivering dedicated inspection and maintenance facilities, essential office space and Controlled Humidity Environment (CHE) storage, which will reduce vehicle maintenance costs and unnecessary deterioration caused by extreme drops or rises in temperature.

    The largest CHE storage building on site, which is equivalent in size to around five football pitches at around 25,300m2, has now been handed into service, with the first vehicle rolling into the facility at an official opening ceremony on 3 March.

    A vehicle breaks the ribbon as the first vehicle to be stored in the new building. Copyright Skanksa.

    Belinda Lunn, Senior Responsible Owner of VSSP, said:

    The handover of this new CHE storage building is a fantastic milestone in our programme to deliver this exceptional facility for the Field Army. This is the fifth building to be completed under VSSP in the past year and represents a step change in the capability of the site. We look forward to further progress over coming months as we continue our collaboration with DIO and industry partners, to improve working infrastructure for personnel at MOD Ashchurch. 

    VSSP is being delivered for the Army by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) contracting to Skanska for construction and Mace as project manager. Overall, the programme will deliver 13 new buildings alongside demolition of 58 existing buildings and renewal of site-wide infrastructure. All buildings adhere to the latest sustainability standards and support the Army’s contribution to government net zero targets, with provision to generate solar energy on site.

    Warren Webster, DIO MPP Programme Director – Army, said:

    It is always gratifying to celebrate a significant milestone for a complex construction project. The excellent progress we’ve made at VSSP has been achieved thanks to the collaborative effort of DIO, Army, Skanska and Mace project teams, and their supply chain. We are proud to be delivering modern, sustainable infrastructure that will meet the enduring requirements of the Army’s fleet and benefit military personnel.

    Terry Muckian, Skanska Executive Vice President, said:

    Working within a live military environment presents unique challenges, but through close collaboration with site personnel, we were able to maintain their operations while continuing to deliver this significant infrastructure project on schedule. Our partnership with DIO, Mace, and our supply chain was instrumental in achieving these results. Additionally, through meticulous design and construction efforts, we have ensured that the vehicle storage building not only meets but surpasses the required air tightness specifications, enhancing its durability and operational efficiency.

    Graham Seage, Director of Defence and National Security at Mace, said:

    The completion of this state-of-the-art storage facility is a significant step forward in ensuring the long-term resilience of the British Army’s estate and assets. The level of collaboration across all partners to reach this milestone has been first rate and, importantly, has extended to teams working across the wider defence estate, drawing on lessons and experience from around the DIO portfolio to drive efficiencies and innovations.

    MOD Ashchurch is owned by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and VSSP is due to complete at the site in 2027.

    Updates to this page

    Published 5 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First steps made towards potential new watersports centre for Portsmouth

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Kiteboarding championship trials off of Eastney Beach in Portsmouth – (Picture: Vernon Nash)

    Portsmouth has a potential opportunity to create a new watersports centre in the south-east of the city, on the site of the closed Eastney Swimming Pool. This ambition was set out in the Council’s Seafront Masterplan in 2013 and was also included in the updated plan in 2021.

    This area of the seafront has become a hotspot for kiteboarding and kitesurfing over the past decade, leading to the city hosting the Formula Kite European Championships in 2023.

    Creating a watersports centre will establish a hub for these sports, alongside others such as open water rowing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Participants in these sports could have facilities to change, leave their valuables, and shower afterwards.

    It could also open an area of the seafront that has been previously inaccessible, allowing access to the listed World War II pillbox currently hidden on the site. The listed World War II anti-tank defences could also be sensitively incorporated into the design.

    The Council will be consulting with the public on what they would like to see as part of the centre. This could include a café, a restaurant, creative studios, or retail space as part of the mix of facilities on offer. The consultation will begin from April this year.

    Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:

    “We have a real opportunity here to potentially create a watersports facility that the community can be proud of. With investment in a new leisure centre at Bransbury Park, renovation work at Mountbatten Centre, and the regeneration of Hilsea Lido, we are demonstrating that we are serious about sport in the city. I’m looking forward to hearing what facilities for watersports the public want to see in the future.”

    Eastney Swimming Pool, which is currently on the site, has been closed permanently since 2020. The poor condition of the building means that it presents a significant danger to staff and the public. Multiple surveys have shown the 120-year-old building is in very poor condition, with extensive structural issues with the walls and roof. The pool structure is cracked and is now filling up with groundwater.

    To renovate the building to make it safe to use for another purpose would be extremely expensive, not appropriate for a watersports centre, and a poor use of public money. Historic England has also declined to list the building on two occasions, as it does not have any special architectural and historic interest required for it to be listed.

    Following the decision made today, the Council will apply for planning permission to demolish this building. Brand new swimming facilities, including a learner pool, will be available in nearby Bransbury Park when the new leisure centre and GP surgery are completed in 2027.

    Feature image credit: Vernon Nash

    Frequently asked questions:

    Why can’t you just re-open the pool?

    Eastney Swimming Pool has closed permanently. As a standalone pool it needed considerable subsidy to keep it open, and the building is at the end of its life. It would cost many millions to re-open the existing building.

    Even if we did, it would not be able to accommodate a learner pool, modern changing facilities and a gym in the existing building. The gym is essential to the centre operating without a significant annual subsidy. The new facility at Bransbury Park, less than a mile away. should operate without significant subsidy and is the most cost-effective way to provide a new swimming pool for the local community.

    I’ve seen claims that a new leisure centre at Eastney will be half the cost of one at Bransbury Park. Is this true?

    No, and we do not know where this estimate has come from. To build the same building at Eastney would cost the same amount – if not more to account for flood protection.

    We do know that refurbishing Eastney Swimming Pool “as-is” would cost up to £8 million. However, even after this investment, the pool would:

    • Remain unsuitable for early stages swimming lessons.
    • Have significant accessibility issues.
    • Be inconvenient for residents, too far from local schools, and poorly served by public transport.
    • Still be an aging building with high ongoing maintenance costs and requiring substantial subsidies.

    This £8m estimate does not include additional facilities suggested in “alternative proposals” that have been floated online. These added a learner pool, new changing rooms, a GP surgery, an open-air pool and water sports facilities. Any project to provide these additional facilities on site would have to deal with the variable ground levels there, while integrating new buildings with old. It would have to address the poor accessibility of the existing building, its poor energy rating, the fact that the pool tank leaks, and that the building needs a new roof.

    It, like Bransbury Park, is also in a flood zone, but the existing building is set considerably lower in the ground. The most cost-effective way of dealing with these issues would be to demolish the existing building and build a whole new facility at a higher ground level. This would cost at least as much as building it at Bransbury Park, and probably more. It would also not fit on the footprint of the site.

    This demonstrates that the alternative proposals are uncosted, unfeasible, and unrealistic.

    While a new building at Bransbury Park does require significant upfront capital investment, it offers better value for residents in the long term by offering lower ongoing costs for the Council, reduced reliance on subsidies as a combined pool and fitness centre, and greater energy efficiency, with a substantial portion of its power generated by solar panels on the roof.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –