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Category: Sport

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung’s Real Quantum Dot Technology Powers the Real QLED Experience – Perfect for Every Family

    Source: Samsung

     
    In households where entertainment needs are as varied as those living in them, one thing remains constant; the demand for superior picture quality and versatility. That’s where Samsung’s QLED, powered by 100% Colour Volume real and safe Quantum Dot technology, comes in – delivering a next-level viewing experience that meets every lifestyle head-on.
     
    Samsung’s Neo QLED and QLED TVs, are not just about flexibility – they’re about real innovation at the core. At the heart of this technology lies Samsung’s Real Quantum Dot technology, the foundation of the real QLED experience that Samsung pioneered. This is not your average TV – it’s the result of years of refinement and leadership in Quantum Dot display technology.
     
    The Real QLED Advantage: 100% Colour Volume with Quantum Dot
    Samsung’s Real Quantum Dot technology transforms how you see colour on a screen. Unlike traditional displays, Quantum Dots produce consistently bright, vivid, and accurate colours regardless of brightness levels. That means whether you’re watching an intense action movie, a lush nature documentary, or a fast-paced football match, you’ll see every detail in stunning clarity and realism. Real QLED means 100% Colour Volume, powered by Quantum Dot, delivering billions of shades for unmatched picture depth. Combined with Neo QLED’s ultra-precise Mini LED backlighting and the Neo Quantum Processor, your TV becomes a true visual powerhouse, adapting dynamically to your content and surroundings.
     
    Experience the Real QLED Difference
    Samsung’s QLED and Neo QLED TVs, built on true Quantum Dot technology, are the gold standard in home entertainment. For families with diverse viewing habits, these TVs offer not just flexibility – but an uncompromising, vibrant experience that only Real QLED powered by Real Quantum Dots can provide.
     

    Enjoy safe cadmium-free quantum dot Samsung TVs with your family
    Samsung’s long-standing commitment to its principle of “No Compromise on Safety” came to the forefront in 2014 when the company successfully developed the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material. Since then, the company has been leading quantum dot technology through continuous technological advancements and sustainable efforts.

    Built for Every Lifestyle
    From gaming marathons to family movie nights, Samsung’s QLED and Neo QLED TVs shine in any scenario. Thanks to their superior brightness, deep blacks, and ultra-sharp contrast, these TVs ensure that everyone in the family has a perfect view, no matter the room’s lighting or their seating position. Gamers will love the low-latency response and motion handling, while movie lovers will be drawn into cinematic visuals with lifelike colours. And sports fans? They’ll appreciate the clarity and smoothness of every goal, ace, dunk, or lap.

    Multi-View and Multi-Persona: Tailored for Real Life
    Samsung’s TVs aren’t just visually stunning – they’re also smart and adaptable. The Multi-View feature, for example, allows multiple content sources to be displayed at once, so one person can follow a live match while another watches YouTube or scrolls through social media – all on the same screen. It’s versatility made simple, and another example of how Samsung is designing for real families with real needs.
     
    Real Innovation Meets AI Intelligence
    The Quantum Dot experience is taken even further with Samsung’s Neo Quantum Processor. This AI-powered engine uses deep learning to optimise both picture and sound in real-time, making the most of the Quantum Dot technology’s full potential. The result? Crystal-clear scenes, perfectly tuned audio, and smooth transitions – tailored automatically to your content and environment.
     
    From a sun-lit daytime cartoon marathon to a late-night thriller binge, Samsung’s AI enhancements ensure that Quantum Dot brilliance always looks its best.
     
    Sustainability Without Compromise
    Samsung’s Real QLED technology doesn’t just perform – it also respects the planet. With energy-efficient design, eco-friendly materials, and certifications like Product Carbon Footprint Reduction, No-Cadmium SGS, and EyeCare Circadian Certification, Samsung is committed to sustainability while delivering industry-leading performance.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Fifty years ago, Junko Tabei became the first woman to summit Everest – why do so few people know her story?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jenny Hall, Associate Professor in Tourism and Events, York St John University

    It was May 4 1975. The Japanese Women’s Everest Expedition team had been living at a high altitude for six weeks, and were less than a week away from their scheduled bid for the summit of Mount Everest. Exhausted, having established camp five at just below 8,000m on the south side of the mountain, Junko Tabei and the team descended to camp two at 6,300m to rest.

    Then – avalanche!

    In the early hours, tons of ice and snow engulfed the camp, burying several of the teammates. Crushed by the snow and ice, Tabei was unable to move. It took the strength of four Sherpas, the elite Nepali climbing guides assisting the expedition, to pull her out. Suffering severe bruising, Tabei argued that she did not need to be returned to base camp to recover, and would remain at camp two.

    “There was no way I was leaving the mountain,” she later recalled in her memoir.

    It had taken five years for this group – the first all-women team – to get to Everest. The pressure on them to succeed was immense, given the limited number of annual international permits to climb Mount Everest issued by the Nepalese government. If they gave up, they might have to wait several years to make another attempt.

    Meanwhile, on the Tibetan side of the mountain, Tabei’s team had competition. A 200-strong Chinese team was also working to place a woman on the summit at the same time.

    From the late 1950s, Tibetan women were recruited to participate in state-sponsored Chinese mountaineering expeditions. In 1958, Pan Duo had been selected to participate in the successful Chinese 1960 Everest expedition – but was ordered to remain below 6,400 metres because above that height was “a man’s world”. Nonetheless, Pan Duo – referred to as “Mrs Phanthog” in some older accounts – was celebrated in her country and elected deputy captain of the 1975 Chinese Everest Expedition.

    Unfortunately, the Chinese team suffered a climbing accident resulting in the death of a team member. They retreated to recover – only to be ordered by the Chinese government to “climb ahead of the Japanese women”.

    They were too late. On May 16 1975, the all-women Japanese expedition worked together to place Tabei on the summit of Everest. Two team members – Tabei and Yuriko Watanabe – had been nominated to make the summit attempt. However, other teammates were suffering from altitude sickness, so Watanabe was assigned to help return them to camp two.

    The ascent Tabei was making was arduous. Given her injuries, it took great tenacity to muster the strength to continue. But finally, she took her last steps to the summit, becoming the first woman and 40th person, according to the latest official record, to summit the peak. She was part of only the tenth successful Everest expedition, later recalling:

    I felt pure joy as my thoughts registered: ‘Here is the summit. I don’t have to climb any more.’

    Eleven days later, the Chinese team returned to the high slopes to make another attempt. Using minimal oxygen, Pan Duo was also successful, becoming the second woman to summit Everest – and the first to climb the harder northern side of the mountain.

    Prior to these two successful expeditions, only 38 people had summited Everest – all of them men. News of Tabei’s feat travelled fast across Asia, leading to national celebrations in Japan, Nepal and India. But it made little impact in the west.

    In my own career as both a mountaineer and researcher of adventure tourism, I had been struck by how few women I encountered on the mountainside. I wanted to understand why this might be, and what women had achieved. It was through this research that I discovered Tabei’s story.

    I was astonished both by her achievements – she is also the first woman to complete the “Seven Summits”, climbing the highest peaks on every continent – and by how few prominent mountaineering organisations and mountaineers appeared to know about her.

    Tabei’s bravery helped her lead record-setting all-women expeditions and overcome the mountain of sexism in this male-dominated space. Yet very few organisations, even in Japan, have thought to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest by a woman.

    Breaking the mould

    Historically, men have dominated the public record in mountaineering. In the last few years, the 70th anniversary of the first summit of Everest in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay has been marked, along with the centenary of the unsuccessful and fatal attempt by George Mallory and Andrew Irvine in 1924.

    During that period, women were excluded from many mountaineering clubs. When they did join, they often faced prejudice, were discouraged and sometimes not permitted to publish records of their adventures. In 1975, women were finally admitted to the Alpine Club, the first and one of the most prestigious climbing institutions.

    At a time when Japanese women were expected to remain at home, many members of the Japanese Women’s Everest Expedition, including Tabei, were working, with two of them also raising children. Tabei’s daughter, Noriko, was three at the time of her Everest summit. Tabei later revealed that the expedition encountered significant resistance:

    Most of the men in the alpine community opposed our plan, claiming it would be impossible for a women-only expedition to reach Everest.

    As a married woman and the assistant expedition leader, Tabei felt torn between motherhood and mountaineering, explaining: “Although I would never forfeit Everest, I felt pulled in the two directions of mountains and motherhood.”

    Facing unsympathetic attitudes from team members when childcare conflicts arose, Tabei realised she needed to put in extra effort to prove herself as a leader.

    The Insights section is committed to high-quality longform journalism. Our editors work with academics from many different backgrounds who are tackling a wide range of societal and scientific challenges.

    Years before the Everest expedition, Tabei and other Japanese women were already logging major climbing achievements across the globe. These included the first ascent of the north face of the Matterhorn by an all-women’s team in 1967, and the first all-women’s Japanese expedition to the Himalayas in 1970 to climb Annapurna III. Tabei was both the first woman and Japanese person to ascend the peak.

    This set the scene for the Japanese Women’s Everest Expedition. To locate and train suitable candidates for the expedition, Tabei helped establish the Joshi-Tohan Japanese Ladies Climbing Club, founded on the slogan: “Let’s go on an overseas expedition by ourselves.”

    Tabei’s contribution to women’s high-altitude mountaineering was astounding. To reach Everest, she defied mid-20th-century social norms that tied Japanese women to domestic roles, later musing: “I tried to picture myself as a traditional Japanese wife who followed her husband. The idea never sat well with me.”

    Throughout her career, Tabei contributed significantly to the emerging culture of women’s climbing and mountaineering expeditions. She felt strongly that climbing with other women was more rewarding because there was greater physical equality.

    In 1992, she became the first woman to ascend the highest peaks on all seven continents. Using her celebrity, Tabei was also an activist for environmental change in high-altitude regions, having grown appalled by the degradation of fragile mountain glaciers that was being caused by the mountaineering industry.

    Film by 4GTV Nepal.

    With her friend and Everest teammate Setsuko Kitamura, Tabei established the first Mount Everest conference in 1995, inviting all 32 women who had by then successfully climbed Everest (not all attended). Under her leadership, this transnational exchange created a space to celebrate women’s mountaineering achievements.

    Soon after her Everest achievement, Tabei had been a symbol of social progress and women’s emancipation at the UN International Women’s Year world conference. Yet her status as one of the greatest high-altitude mountaineers has since faded from the public eye. This has much to do with the stories we tell about man – and it’s almost always a man – vs. nature.

    Telling her own story

    Hillary’s much-lauded autobiography, High Adventure (1955), was published two years after his first successful ascent of Everest. In contrast, it was 42 years after her ascent before Tabei’s memoir, Honouring High Places, was published and translated.

    The way Japanese women’s experiences were represented in the media did not, in Tabei’s view, represent the reality of women’s experiences. She was particularly perplexed by the inability of the press to see beyond her gender. She was repeatedly asked how it felt “as a woman” to climb at high altitudes.

    Portrayals of Tabei focused on her stature as a small Japanese woman. This only reinforced the perception that women like her did not fit the norm of the heroic white, male mountaineer. She reflected:

    When people meet me for the first time, they are surprised by my size. They expect me to be bigger than I am, more strapping, robust, like a wrestler … I was always puzzled by this, by people’s obsession with the physical appearance of a mountaineer.

    Tabei’s memoir.
    (Rocky Mountain Books)

    To counter this narrative, Tabei brought a new approach to writing about Japanese women mountaineers’ achievements – challenging the tendency of traditional Japanese expedition publications to gloss over the harsh realities of expedition life.

    Critical of the flowery and vain writing style of these reports, Tabei’s frank accounts reported on the “unkinder side of human behaviour”. Making tough choices was particularly difficult for women, she wrote, because of their social conditioning to be a “good person”:

    It was unusual enough to be a female climber in that era of yesteryear, let alone to make a stand in front of your friends that would possibly upset them.

    Transcending these social norms had a personal impact. Tabei lamented that, although “I remained strong-willed about Everest, tears of doubt fell down my cheeks at night”.

    Her honesty was criticised by some in the established mountaineering community in Japan, particularly in her published account, Annapurna: Women’s Battle, which expressed the raw emotions and feelings experienced on their 1970 expedition. Tabei shared “the feelings of the team members when things failed to go in the direction they had envisioned … We put our honest experiences on paper”.

    Reflecting on how she had to overcome social norms to lead the expedition – “In my day, we were strictly advised that being different was abnormal” – Tabei concluded that: “A person must be able to voice her opinion without worrying about criticism.”

    A problem of representation

    Ever since the late 1850s, women have made a significant yet often-hidden contribution to mountaineering. It retains a powerful legacy of male-dominated clubs and governing institutions founded on masculine norms such as risk-taking. This has often cast mountaineering achievements in a way that privileges men.

    Clubs established traditions based on the first ascents of mountains – very few of which were made by women. Their absence from leading mountaineering clubs and lack of representation in published club journals meant their achievements were often attributed to male companions.

    In 1872, the American climber Meta Brevoort felt it best, due to social prejudice, to publish her extraordinary first ascents in the European Alps under the name of her nephew, William A.B. Coolidge. Mountaineer and author David Mazel notes that Brevoort’s account was “carefully written to conceal the author’s sex”.

    Mountain exploration and climbing have traditionally been framed as heroic endeavours dominated by men. Figures such as Hillary, Mallory and Reinhold Messner are celebrated for their bravery, strength and leadership — traits associated with masculinity.

    Early mountaineering narratives often emphasised physical endurance, dominance over nature, and the ability to withstand extreme conditions – reinforcing ideas of masculine heroism. Mountains as towering, imposing and seemingly unconquerable landscapes have been metaphorically linked to power and challenge.

    Traditions that have been passed down through generations – from ascent styles to route names – have also been synonymous with masculinity. In the words of mountaineering historian Walt Unsworth, climbing Everest “is the story of Man’s attempts to climb a very special mountain”.

    This has had real-world consequences for mountaineering. Today, only 6% of British mountain guides are women, while globally, less than 2% of those registered to the International Federation of Mountain Guide Association (IFMGA) are women. If you don’t see your face reflected, it becomes a daunting prospect to imagine yourself in mountaineering – whether as a mountain guide, or an amateur mountaineer like me.

    By 2024, women represented 13% of all Everest summiteers since 1953, yet their stories are seldom told. White, male, able-bodied and middle-class voices dominate representations in published records and popular portrayals of adventure on the world’s highest mountain.

    As anthropologist Sherry B. Ortner attests, this is not surprising given mountaineering’s history as a western imperialist and colonising project that aimed to conquer nations and nature, built upon all-male institutions. Yet men and women have the same statistical odds of making a successful summit or dying on Everest.

    Julie Rak, in her book False Summit, shows how some accounts can treat women’s achievements with ambivalence, and at worst question their authenticity. It has even been suggested that Tabei was effectively dragged up the mountain by her friend, the male Sherpa Ang Tsering.

    Having suffered significant trauma following the avalanche that nearly wiped out their 1975 expedition, Tabei showed enormous courage and resilience to summit Everest just a few days later. She describes the ascent as difficult – and yes, accepted help from Ang Tsering – but this was her achievement, not a “stunt” to be denied by those who were not even present.

    Diversity on the mountain

    Since Tabei’s Everest summit, mountaineering has undergone changes as a sport, shifting from an elite, exploratory pursuit to a commercialised industry where wealthy clients can hire companies to reach summits with professional support.

    From the late 1980s, high-altitude mountaineering became a valuable tourism commodity. Seizing the opportunity to boost tourism, the Nepalese government began to issue more permits, fuelling the growth of commercial companies offering clients the opportunity to be guided up 8,000-metre summits. In 2023, Nepal welcomed over 150,000 high-altitude trekking and mountaineering visitors, with 47 teams attempting to climb Everest.

    Yet despite the popularity and commercialisation of the sport, mountaineering remains stubbornly resistant to diversity.

    Scholar Jennifer Hargreaves argues that women have been excluded from being represented as the “sporting hero”. What constitutes our cultural identity, meaning and values almost exclusively solidifies heroic masculinity in most forms of sport, including mountaineering.

    And much of this is due to the stories that are – not – told.

    Delphine Moraldo’s research found that of the mountaineering autobiographies published in Britain and Europe from the late 1830s to 2013, only 6% were written by women.

    Historically, literary representations of women mountaineers have often been met with ambivalence, their achievements portrayed as lesser. Women are stereotyped as weaker, bound to domesticity and lacking the hardiness required to be a “good mountaineer”.

    These perceptions, coupled with a lack of representation, have reduced women’s opportunities to secure funding for expeditions, or to access female-specific clothing and equipment. Tabei and her team had to make their own expedition clothing because women’s sizes did not exist, a problem that remains today. When raising sponsorship for Everest, she was told: “Raise your children and keep your family tight, rather than do something like this.”

    But while there is still a mountain to climb when it comes to attaining equality in adventure sports, there is a growing body of research and media celebrating women’s achievements – from campaigns such as Sport England’s This Girl Can to films charting the lives of some women mountaineers.

    A hidden sisterhood

    Junko Tabei and Pan Duo’s names may never be as well known as Edmund Hillary’s. But they are just two of many women whose achievements reach far beyond the peaks. I’ve written about many of them in my research.

    Polish mountaineer Wanda Rutkiewicz was the third woman and first from Europe to summit Everest. When asked in 1979 by high-altitude record holder Maurice Herzog why she had climbed Everest, Rutkiewicz responded that she did it for “women’s liberation”. By the late 1980s, such activism was harnessed by large sponsors such as Tata Steel, who recruited Indian mountaineer Bachendri Pal, the fifth woman to summit Everest, to lead a women’s adventure programme.

    Corporate sponsorship has, however, eluded many leading women mountaineers. Despite all her outstanding achievements – including holding a world-record ten Everest summits by a woman – Lhakpa Sherpa struggled for years to achieve recognition and the status of her male contemporaries. In 2019, writer Megan Mayhew Bergman asked why she didn’t have sponsors.

    More recently, however, Lhakpa Sherpa’s mountaineering career was documented in the 2023 Netflix documentary Mountain Queen, which raised her profile and has led to new sponsorship opportunities.

    Film by Netflix.

    There is also work being done to change the exclusion of women from mountaineering. In Nepal and around the world, charitable organisations have been initiated by women mountaineers to help their fellow women climbers, including Empowering Women Nepal and 3Sisters Adventure Trekking.

    My research has shown how women and mountaineers from other marginalised backgrounds can use their successes to become role models for and drivers of social change.

    Tabei, for example, was appalled at the degradation mountaineering had caused to Mount Everest, and spoke out about the need for responsible mountaineering and conservation. She led cleanup expeditions and researched the environmental impact of tourism and climate change on both mountain ecosystems and local communities.

    Tabei’s efforts helped bring global attention to the need for conservation in high-altitude environments, inspiring climbers to take a more responsible approach to their expeditions.

    In research about Asian women’s contribution to climbing Everest, I examined how the struggle for women’s emancipation, empowerment and recognition is a phenomenon that is shared globally. A new generation of Asian women mountaineers such as Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, the first woman to achieve IFMGA status, and Shailee Basnet are defying gender norms and achieving status as internationally recognised mountaineers and mountaineering guides.

    Basnet became one of ten women to scale Everest in 2008 as part of Sagarmatha Expedition, which was established to draw attention to climate change and gender equality, and to reclaim the Nepali name for the mountain: Sagarmatha. The expedition brought together ten women from six different religious, caste and ethnic backgrounds. All ten reached the summit, making it the most successful women’s expedition to date.

    Following this, in 2014 Basnet led the formation of the first all-women Seven Summits project to climb the highest peak on every continent. Importantly, she harnessed the team’s newfound profile to undertake a large-scale social justice programme, visiting hundreds of schools, leading hikes and giving talks across the Kathmandu Valley. Their mission was to improve educational awareness concerning opportunities for women and girls, and also to protect the environment.

    Tabei on expedition in the Pamir mountains of central Asia, 1985.
    Jaan Künnap via Wikimedia., CC BY-NC-SA

    ‘A life we would never regret’

    Since the mid-1950s, a hidden sisterhood has forged a route for women to access high-altitude mountaineering. Their impact has reached far beyond the expeditions they led.

    Women have used their status as mountaineers to empower and support other women to achieve social, political and environmental justice, and raise awareness about poverty, sex trafficking, religious and ethnic marginalisation, environmental degradation and the impact of mass tourism.

    Junko Tabei was a pioneer whose tenacity helped a whole generation of women in mountaineering. By not recognising their achievements, we deny an important part of our cultural heritage – and miss the opportunity to learn and share the inspirational work that women continue to undertake.

    Tabei’s memoir is not simply a remarkable mountaineering account, it is, in the words of Julie Rak, a feminist text that challenges what society has always thought it means to be heroic, brave and adventurous.

    Tabei died in 2016 at the age of 77. On the 50th anniversary of one of her many achievements, it’s fitting to end with these words from her memoir:

    My approach was one of not worrying about the loss of a job or missing out on a promotion. I felt it was important to live a life we would never regret.

    For you: more from our Insights series:

    To hear about new Insights articles, join the hundreds of thousands of people who value The Conversation’s evidence-based news. Subscribe to our newsletter.

    Jenny Hall 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. Fifty years ago, Junko Tabei became the first woman to summit Everest – why do so few people know her story? – https://theconversation.com/fifty-years-ago-junko-tabei-became-the-first-woman-to-summit-everest-why-do-so-few-people-know-her-story-248800

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government announces confirmed Chair and Board appointments to the S4C Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Government announces confirmed Chair and Board appointments to the S4C Board

    Delyth Evans is confirmed as the new Chair of S4C. Denise Lewis Poulton is reappointed and five new appointments have been made to the Board.

    Delyth Evan

    Delyth Evans’ term as Chair commenced on 1 May 2025 and will last for 4 years. Delyth Evans appeared before the Welsh Affairs Committee on Wednesday 23rd April for pre- appointment scrutiny. The Committee published their report on Friday 25 April, endorsing the appointment. The Government’s response to the Committee’s report was published on 30 April 2025. 

    This process for appointing the Chair of S4C is set out in the Broadcasting Act 1990.    

    Ministers were assisted in their decision-making by an Advisory Assessment Panel which included a departmental official and a senior independent panel member approved by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. The Welsh Government and UK Government Wales office were also represented on the Panel. 

    Delyth has declared she worked as a speechwriter for John Smith MP, Leader of the Labour Party between 1992-94. She worked as a special adviser to Alun Michael, First Minister of the Welsh Assembly between 1999-2000. She became a Member of the Welsh Assembly, representing the Mid and West Wales constituency for the Labour Party, between 2000-2003. She stood as a Labour Parliamentary Candidate for the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Constituency at the 2015 General Election. She has not undertaken any political activity since 2015.

    Denise Lewis Poulton is reappointed to the Board

    Denise is an experienced non-executive director, trustee and senior advisor to private, public and third sector bodies. She specialises in strategic communications, brand and corporate affairs. She spent her corporate career primarily as a senior director at international telecommunications companies such as Bell Canada plc, Cable & Wireless Communications plc and Orange plc. She went on to set up a consultancy business advising a number of cultural, media and public sector organisations including the Welsh Government, The Senedd S4C and the Millennium Centre in Cardiff.

    Denise is a Trustee of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Heritage Memorial Fund and Chair of the Wales Committee. She has also chaired the NLHF’s Grant-in-Aid programme on behalf of Welsh Government. She has served as a Trustee and Non-Executive Director with several charitable and national cultural organisations including The Welsh National Opera, the Hay Literary Festival and The Wallace Collection in London. She is an Honorary Lifetime Fellow of BAFTA.

    Five new Board Members have been appointed to the Board of S4C

    William Dyfrig Davies

    William Dyfrig Davies is an experienced leader in the Welsh media industry with 30 years of experience in radio, television, and digital content creation. Starting as a researcher, he was trained as Director, Producer, Executive Producer, and ultimately Managing Director of Telesgop Independent Media Company before retiring earlier this year. Davies played a key role in TAC (Independent TV Production Association) for many years, serving as Chair for over three years. His extensive expertise in the Welsh production sector equips him to tackle the challenges faced by industry professionals. He is experienced in dealing with broadcasters, politicians and industry leaders. He chaired the Urdd, the youth movement of Wales, where he honed skills in guiding organizations through strategic changes during the covid pandemic. He remains a trustee and believes strongly in promoting opportunities for the youth of Wales. 

    A strong advocate for S4C’s independence, Dyfrig Davies  believes in its vital role in promoting Welsh language, culture, and the economy. His interests lie in Welsh culture and sports. Recently, he returned to his roots to support family businesses in west Wales.

    William Dyfrig Davies declared he has canvassed in the past on behalf of Plaid Cymru for county council/local authority, Senedd and Parliament elections, but not for at least 10 years.

    Dr Gwennllian Lansdown-Davies

    Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies is originally from Bangor but now lives with her husband and four children in Llanerfyl, Powys.  After being elected to represent Riverside on Cardiff County Council in 2004, she worked as Office Manager for Leanne Wood MS in the Rhondda before being appointed Plaid Cymru’s Chief Executive in 2007. After working for the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol at Aberystwyth University, she became Chief Executive of Mudiad Meithrin (a voluntary organisation and main provider and enabler of Welsh- medium early years childcare and education in the voluntary sector with over 1000 settings all over the country) in 2014.

    Gwenllian is on the Board of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research and the National Lottery Fund in Wales and volunteers at her local Cylch Meithrin on the committee as the RI.

    Dr Gwenllian Lansdown Davies declared she obtained office as a Plaid Cymru Councillor (2004-2011), Stood as a candidate for Plaid Cymru where she stood for the last time in 2008 as Councillor and MEP and has spoken on behalf of the Plaid Cymru CEO until 2011.  She has acted as a political agent for the Plaid Cymru CEO until 2011 and was a branch official. She has also canvassed on behalf of the party until 2011.

    Catryn Ramasut

    Catryn Ramasut is a strategic leader and entrepreneurial media practitioner with over 25 years of experience in the creative industries and arts organisations. A Cardiff-born, Welsh-speaking woman of mixed heritage, she brings a unique perspective to Wales’s cultural landscape. Catryn co-founded and served as Managing Director of award-winning ie ie productions, producing acclaimed films like “American Interior” and “Rockfield: The Studio on the Farm,” alongside critically recognised television content. Recently, she co-produced “Brides,” which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

    She represents Wales on the DCMS Creative Industries Council, was the inaugural Chair of Creative Wales, Welsh Government and a board member of Chapter Arts Centre. Catryn has recently been appointed Director of Arts at Arts Council of Wales, where she provides strategic leadership across the sector. Committed to revitalising Wales’s creative industries, Catryn combines cultural sensitivity with strategic innovation to develop a forward-thinking vision that embraces diversity, nurtures talent, and showcases Welsh creativity on the international stage.

    Catryn has declared she has applied independently but has no other political activity.

    Wyn Innes

    Wyn is a Chartered Accountant, who trained with Grant Thornton and Price Waterhouse with over 30 years experience working in both the Public and Private Sectors. He is currently Chief Financial Officer and Board Director of Ogi, Wales’s largest independent full fibre broadband business.

    Previously Wyn worked in both London and Cardiff in executive, financial and commercial roles. He was Managing Director of S4C’s commercial companies for 7 years. This included being CEO of SDN, a Digital Television Multiplex Company which he oversaw the sale of to ITV. Wyn was born in Cardiff and attended Bryntaf Cardiff’s only Welsh language Primary school at the time, and Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari. He is passionate about extending the role of the Welsh language and sees S4C as having a pivotal role in this endeavour. Married with three grown up children, in his spare time he enjoys playing cricket, golf and running whenever he can.

    Wyn Innes declared he has undertaken no political activity.

    Betsan Powys

    Betsan Powys was, for nearly three decades, a BBC journalist, a news and current affairs reporter and for some years, a member of the ITV Wales Current Affairs team. She won BT and BAFTA Wales journalism awards and became part of the prestigious BBC Panorama reporting team, before returning to Cardiff to cover the impact of devolution as BBC Wales Political Editor. She was responsible for leading BBC Wales’ election and referendum broadcasting for many years, appearing regularly on both network television and radio. Betsan became Editor of Welsh language radio and online services and subsequently, a BBC Wales board member. For some years now she’s been working as a freelance and is proud to have been honoured with fellowships of Aberystwyth University and the Radio Academy.

    Betsan Powys has declared she has undertaken no political activity.

    Notes to Editors

    • S4C (Sianel Pedwar Cymru, meaning “Channel 4 Wales”) is a British Welsh-language free-to-air television channel. 
    • The Chair of S4C is remunerated at £40,000 per annum and the time commitment will be equivalent to an average of two days a week.  
    • The Board members of S4C are remunerated at £9,650 per annum and the time commitment is on average of one day a week.The Broadcasting Act sets out how the Chair will be appointed.  
    • These appointments have been made in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.
    • DCMS has around 400 regulated Public Appointment roles across 42 Public Bodies including Arts Council England, Theatres Trust, the National Gallery, UK Sport and the Gambling Commission. We encourage applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and across the whole of the United Kingdom.  To find out more about Public Appointments or to apply visit the HM Government Public Appointments Website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Barclays Big Tennis Weekend is coming to Alvaston Park

    Source: City of Derby

    Get ready for a day of free tennis fun as Barclays Big Tennis Weekend comes to Derby on Saturday 17 May.

    The event at Alvaston Park will feature coaching sessions, games and competitions for all ages. It’s the perfect chance to give tennis a go and have a great time with friends and family. Rackets and tennis balls are provided, so anyone can come along and play.

    The event is part of a national Barclays Big Tennis Weekend campaign promoted by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) taking place all over Britain, encouraging thousands of people to head to their local tennis courts for free.  

    Alvaston Park’s tennis courts were refurbished in 2023, benefiting from a full resurface with new paint and lines, new tennis nets and the introduction of an improved court booking procedure with gate-access systems. Derby City Council worked on the project in partnership with the LTA, as part of a national programme managed by the LTA and supported by the LTA Tennis Foundation. Courts at Markeaton Park and King George V Playing Fields were also improved.

    Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities. 

    The sessions at Alvaston Park on 17 May are:

    • 9am-10am LTA Youth Sessions – LTA Youth is for kids aged four to nine, who are new to tennis. Coaches will help teach kids new life skills, developing them as both players and people.
    • 10am-11am Family Sessions – Get on court with your family and have some fun. Modified balls and rackets will be provided for the younger ones and coaches will be on hand to offer some pointers.
    • 11am-12pm Teenager and Adult Coaching – Try a coaching taster session, ideal for people new to the sport or who haven’t picked up a racket in a long time. Rackets can be borrowed if you don’t have your own, just come prepared to hit a few balls and have some fun.

    Following the Big Tennis Weekend, the courts will host Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions, while Derby’s Barclays Local Tennis League gives people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.

    Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Streetpride, Community Safety and Leisure, said:

    Derby is thrilled to be hosting the Barclays Big Tennis Weekend at Alvaston Park on Saturday 17 May. This fantastic free event offers a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to experience the joy of tennis. 

    Whether you’re a complete beginner, a family looking for a fun activity, or a teenager or adult wanting to try coaching, there’s something for everyone.

    We’re proud to be working with the LTA to bring this national campaign to our city, encouraging healthy and active lifestyles within our community. Come along, have some fun, and maybe even discover a new passion for tennis!

    The Big Tennis Weekend will take place on Saturday 17 May at Alvaston Park, Meadow Lane, Alvaston, Derby DE24 8QQ. Book you free session online.

    The courts at Alvaston Park can be booked via the LTA website. A small fee applies to ensure the courts are maintained to a high standard. The LTA and the Council are working together to ensure Barclays Free Park tennis sessions are available on the courts, providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regeneration expert appointed to kickstart Oxford growth drive

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Regeneration expert appointed to kickstart Oxford growth drive

    Regeneration expert Neale Coleman CBE has been appointed as Chair of the Oxford Growth Commission.

    Neale Coleman CBE, Chair of the Oxford Growth Commission.

    • Neale Coleman CBE appointed as Chair of the Oxford Growth Commission to accelerate plans for new housing, jobs and infrastructure across the city
    • New group to play vital role in delivering Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, improving transport links alongside boosting energy and water security 
    • Supporting the government’s Plan for Change to secure Britain’s future and unleash growth in every region across the country

    A leading regeneration expert has been appointed today as the Chair of a major government programme to grow the UK economy with new homes, infrastructure, transport links and jobs in the heart of the country’s oldest university city.  

    Neale Coleman will chair the Oxford Growth Commission that will identify how best to unlock new development and accelerate growth across Oxford and the surrounding areas. Neale already has a proven track record in delivering growth and regeneration, including his work for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

    Working in lockstep with local partners and industry, the Commission forms part of wider government plans to deliver the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor that will inject up to £78 billion into the UK economy by 2035, including new investment for the Abingdon Reservoir and funding for East-West Rail to deliver new services between Oxford and Milton Keynes.  

    The Commission’s pro-growth mission includes helping to unblock sites already identified for development, assessing areas of potential investment, and bringing councils and developers to the table so they can assemble land faster for major infrastructure projects. 

    Their work will support the government’s Plan for Change to build 1.5 million homes and new critical infrastructure, which will in turn create jobs, boost living standards, and put more money into working people’s pockets.

    Housing and Planning Minister, Matthew Pennycook said:

    “Unlocking Oxford’s full potential would make a significant contribution to kickstarting economic growth and so the appointment of Neale Coleman as the Chair of the Oxford Growth Commission marks an important step forward in the government’s Plan for Change”.

    “I know Neale will use his invaluable expertise to help remove barriers holding up the delivery of essential housing and critical infrastructure in the city, and that he will ensure the Commission is effectively supporting the government’s wider plans for the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor to raise living standards, create new jobs and bolster the country’s connectivity and energy security.”

    Chair of the Oxford Growth Commission, Neale Coleman CBE said:

    “I’m delighted to take on this role of chairing the Growth Commission. The Commission brings together national government with partners from business, higher education and local government.  

    “Together we can provide new and united leadership in accelerating growth and opportunity and improving the quality of life for everyone who lives in Oxford and the surrounding areas. Oxford starts with amazing resources in the world-leading quality of its universities, the talents of its people and its innovative businesses.   

    “We can use all this as a springboard to accelerate and unblock barriers to sustainable growth delivering new job opportunities and more affordable housing as well as investing in sustainable travel and energy and nature recovery.”

    The new group will deliver growth objectives through five initial workstreams and their focus in Oxford and the surrounding areas include:  

    • Facilitating the delivery of priority transport infrastructure, such as buses and rail, and ensuring investment in new projects is aligned to areas under development.  
    • Addressing utilities constraints, including the capacity of sewage treatment facilities, water and energy to dismantle barriers holding up new homes and jobs.  
    • Identifying a pipeline of priority housing projects that includes more affordable homes, amenities and green spaces.  
    • Working in partnership with the universities to encourage more private investment in skills and talent to boost local employment.  
    • Piloting new investment models to unlock the financing and funding needed to accelerate infrastructure projects.  

    To drive growth across the region, the Commission will work closely with Lord Vallance as Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion as well as Peter Freeman as Chair of the Cambridge Growth Company.

    Science Minister and Oxford Cambridge Growth Corridor Champion, Lord Vallance said:

    “Oxford is a byword, the world over, for invention, innovation, and aspiration. This city helps drive the economy of the entire country, and its deep skills base and world-class institutions are key to attracting the vital investment that will help us deliver on our Plan for Change. 

    “I welcome Neale’s appointment, and I hope that his leadership will help the Oxford Growth Commission unlock further investment, pinpointing the best places for development and testing new ways of funding innovative projects, as the next step in our mission to champion the Oxford-Cambridge Corridor.”

    Yesterday marked the first 100 days since the new Growth Corridor was announced by the Chancellor, and significant progress is already underway.  

    This includes confirmed funding to upgrade the A428 and reduce journey times between Cambridge and Milton Keynes, a new Health Data Research Service to accelerate the discovery of life-saving drugs, significant investment for nine new reservoirs to tackle water scarcity, and support for the East Coast Mainline station to expand the region’s economy.  

    Building on the Growth Corridor’s progress so far, the Commission will go even further to unleash the economic power of Oxford and Oxfordshire which will not only benefit the wider region but also help drive growth in every corner of the country.

    Professor Irene Tracey, Vice Chancellor at the University of Oxford said:

    “The University of Oxford attracts millions in investment through its thriving spin-out ecosystem as a world-class hub for research and innovation. It is proud to create new companies and jobs every year across the region, and as part of the Oxford-Cambridge supercluster it is committed to furthering its economic contribution to the region and UK. This ambition and growth will be realised more quickly through the Oxford Growth Commission under Neale’s outstanding leadership, and I look forward to working with him and his team on this exciting and crucial endeavour.”

    Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council said:

    “Oxford has the ideas, skills and track record to drive inclusive local and national economic growth, but we have always known we need the right conditions to go further, faster. We have big ambitions for the future of Oxford. I welcome today’s appointment of Neale Coleman as the chair of the Oxford Growth Commission. The City Council and universities lobbied government to create this Commission to help us collectively address local infrastructure needs and barriers to growth. Neale’s track record in delivering large-scale projects, such as the Olympic Games, securing growth and propelling regeneration aligns with our own.

    “I look forward to working with him, and the wider Growth Commission, to unlock new opportunities that benefit the people here in Oxford – such as reopening the Cowley Branch Line, bringing forward Oxford West End and a new Oxford station – as well as supporting the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor and driving economic growth across the UK. This is a chance to work together to deliver the infrastructure, housing and employment opportunities we need to secure a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.”

    Sarah Haywood, Managing Director at Advanced Oxford said:

    “The Oxford region is already an important contributor to the UK economy, with the potential to contribute even greater sustainable growth as part of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. To realise this potential, we need to unlock the barriers that are holding us back. Oxfordshire is home to world-leading science and technology companies, working to address global problems, but we need to see these companies scale. That means expanding and developing innovation-focused hubs, improving transport links, aligning our labour markets, and providing the housing needed to attract and retain talent to ensure inclusive growth. These developments will benefit the region, the Growth Corridor, and the UK as a whole. I welcome Neale Coleman’s appointment, and the establishment of the Oxford Growth Commission. Advanced Oxford is committed to supporting its work.”

    Further information:

    • The Oxford Growth Commission is a joint endeavour with membership consisting of government, Oxford City Council, Oxfordshire County Council, the University of Oxford, and Oxford Brookes, as well as a representative from the local Business Community, Advanced Oxford. 
    • Membership of the Commission will be made up of 9 representatives including the Ministry of Housing and Homes England, engaging with a range of local partners across the academic, innovation and infrastructure sectors to support delivery of its objectives.  
    • Neale Coleman’s appointment letter can be read in full here.
    • The Commission was previously announced by the Chancellor as part of her growth speech on 29 January.

    Neale Coleman CBE biography:  

    • Neale led the work on the bid, delivery and legacy of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the Greater London Authority from 2000, co-chairing the Olympic Delivery Group and supporting former Mayors of London. He was a Board Member of the Olympic Delivery Authority throughout its life. 
    • He then took a leading role in embedding the regeneration and growth legacy of the Olympics in East London as Deputy Chair and Chair of the London Legacy Development Corporation.  
    • Neale chaired the Capital Programme Delivery Board for the successful Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022. 
    • He was a National Infrastructure Commissioner between 2021 and April 2025 and was then appointed as a member of the Advisory Council to the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), the Government’s new centre of expertise for infrastructure and major project strategy and delivery.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ​​Appointment of Oxford Growth Commission Chair​

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    ​​Appointment of Oxford Growth Commission Chair​

    ​​The Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook, has appointed Neale Coleman CBE as the Chair of the Oxford Growth Commission to support the delivery of infrastructure, housing and employment to unleash Oxford and Oxfordshire’s economic power.​

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    ​​The Housing and Planning Minister has appointed Neale Coleman CBE as Chair of the Oxford Growth Commission. The Commission will review how best to unlock and accelerate growth in the city and surrounding area, working with central and local partners to maximise the benefits of growth to the local area and to the UK as a whole. 

    ​Neale has a proven track record in delivering growth and regeneration, including his work for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. 

    ​The Oxford Growth Commission will support the delivery of infrastructure, housing and employment to unleash Oxford and Oxfordshire’s economic power, accelerating growth in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor, and driving economic growth across the UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 May 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Woman imprisoned for attempting to export the proceeds of crime08 May 2025 ​A 43-year-old woman has today been sentenced by the Royal Court to 21 months imprisonment for exporting the proceeds of crime from the Island. Danielle SHIELDS from Liverpool arrived in the Island… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    08 May 2025

    ​

    A 43-year-old woman has today been sentenced by the Royal Court to 21 months imprisonment for exporting the proceeds of crime from the Island. 

    Danielle SHIELDS from Liverpool arrived in the Island on 7 February 2025 when she was stopped by Jersey Customs and Immigration Officers arriving in the Island on a flight from Liverpool. SHIELDS stated that she was staying in the Island for one night and would be staying at the Royal Yacht hotel. 

    On arrival she had just £20 in her possession and a bank card. The following day she was stopped and searched by Officers as she was travelling outbound to Liverpool. During the search she was found in possession of £2,336 in cash in her baggage, JD Sports gift vouchers to the value of £800, receipts for clothing and a Jersey Post receipt for an outbound package. SHIELDS subsequently admitted to concealing a further £1,360 internally and was also found wearing a new Tag Heuer watch. 

    Officers later retrieved the outbound package that SHIELDS had the receipt for, which was found to contain an empty Tag Heuer box with a receipt for £2,100. 

    SHIELDS admitted during interview to attempting to export the cash that she suspected to be the proceeds of crime possibly from the sale of drugs. 

    Further investigations revealed that SHIELDS had travelled to the Island on 15 occasions since December 2023 and she admitted in further interview, to exporting cash on previous occasions. 

    Paul Le Monnier, Senior Manager at Jersey Customs and Immigration Service, said: “The seizure of the proceeds of crime definitely hurts the pockets of those involved in criminality and helps prevent and disrupt further criminality, including the importation of controlled drugs. Officers will not only target drug importations but will actively control passengers and goods outbound to seize criminal proceeds.” 

    Anyone with information on drug smuggling can report it anonymously via 0800 735 5555.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic athletes’ successes in April

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    April was a busy month for the Polytechnic University athletes. Teams and individual participants showed outstanding results in competitions of various levels, adding many awards to the university’s collection.

    The most striking victory of this month was the performance of the assistant of the Higher School of Sports Education of the Institute of Physical Culture and Sport and Tourism Kirill Prigoda at the Russian Championship in Kazan. The three-time bronze medalist of the World Championship showed the best result in the 200 meters backstroke. His time was 2.08.55.

    From April 4 to 6, the Snezhny ski resort hosted the St. Petersburg Student Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Competition. Polytechnicians came in second in the overall team standings in alpine skiing, Elizaveta Zvyagina showed the best result, Ekaterina Nikiforova took 3rd place. In snowboarding, the university won bronze in the overall team standings, Alexander Maslov won the gold medal.

    From April 15 to 17, the SPbPU football team participated in the first round of the XI season of the NSFL (Group A). The Polytechnicians won three victories in three matches:

    SPbPU – SevGU (Sevastopol) – 2:1; SPbPU – North Caucasian Federal University (Stavropol) – 3:1; SPbPU – ASU (Astrakhan) – 3:0.

    The hockey club “Black Bears – Polytech” once again became the winner of the St. Petersburg championship among students. During the competition, forward Maxim Pastukhov celebrated a double anniversary – five years in the student league and five championship titles. From April 22 to 27, in the all-Russian final, the Polytech team showed a brilliant game, winning in overtime. The best goalkeeper was Bogdan Olikhin, the forward was Yaroslav Abornev, the coach was Roman Mikhalchenko.

    On April 20, the Peter the Great SPbPU Kettlebell Lifting Cup competition was held, dedicated to the memory of L. A. Chaplinsky. Arina Gudkova showed the best result in the snatch (12 kg, 110 lifts), Daniil Grinyuk became the leader in the long-cycle kettlebell push (16 kg, 65 lifts). As a result, SPbPU took 1st place in the overall team standings.

    Polytechnic University also became the strongest university in the arm wrestling tournament, in which 218 athletes from universities and colleges of St. Petersburg participated. Alexander Kokorkin (55 kg), Artur Vareldzhyan (70 kg) and Anton Gagin (75 kg) took 1st place. Artem Androsov (75 kg), Maksim Cherkasov (65 kg) and Danil Tiranov (85 kg) showed the second result. Kirill Ratlov (over 90 kg) and Sergey Ryzhov (80 kg) won the bronze medal.

    From April 14 to 19, the St. Petersburg Junior Boxing Championships for boys and girls aged 19-22 were held. 81 athletes from 16 clubs in St. Petersburg took part in the competition. Our athletes fought brightly and confidently. The winners were Sofia Karyakina, Evgenia Frolova, Sofia Argandeikina, Ksenia Chistyakova and Maria Bolyshkanova. Elizaveta Kadantseva took 2nd place.

    This year, the women’s volleyball team debuted at the city championship and showed an excellent result, taking 2nd place among eight teams. The guys came out of the group in third place, but in the final they were only fourth.

    The SPbPU women’s basketball team successfully passed the LAST 28 stage of the Student Basketball Association (SBA) Cup — the main student basketball tournament in Russia. Following the games, the team made it to the final eight of the country’s strongest teams.

    On April 26 and 27, at the Russian Student Championship in Ultimate — Constructors’ Cup, the men’s and women’s teams of SPbPU showed a brilliant game. They fought in the power pool, which immediately ensured their entry into the quarterfinals.

    Despite the defeat from the Nizhny Novgorod Region (4:6), the girls left the group from 2nd place and confidently defeated Yaroslavl State University in the quarterfinals with a score of 11:2. In the semifinals there was a tough match against Moscow State Pedagogical University, but our team snatched victory – 8:6. In the finals there was a rematch with the Nizhny Novgorod Region, this time without a chance for the opponents. With a score of 14:3, Polytechnic University won gold medals. Olesya Mikhailova became the MVP according to the statistics of the entire tournament.

    The men’s team also took 2nd place in the group, losing to Moscow State University, but showed real character in the playoffs. In the quarterfinals, the guys beat First Medical (9:2), in the semifinals – Moscow State Pedagogical University (6:5). In the finals, the polytechnics again met the Moscow State University team and this time lost.

    On April 18 and 20, the Saint Petersburg Mini-Golf Championship was held. Our athletes took the entire podium in the 2005 and older category. Polina Kukhta came in first, Anastasia Kalashnikova came in second, and Anastasia Maksimova came in third.

    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-Evening Report: View from The Hill: Albanese shifts Tanya Plibersek from environment, in favour of ‘can-do’ Murray Watt

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The reshuffle announced by Anthony Albanese is a mix of continuity and change, with those in the government’s top rank staying in their previous ministries, as the prime minister had earlier flagged, but some big movements down the line.

    Tanya Plibersek, in the past a left factional rival to Albanese, has received what many see as another hospital pass, moving from environment and water to social services.

    But her new portfolio does include domestic violence, a policy passion of hers, and is less tricky in terms of her left-leaning electorate than her previous post.

    Plibersek’s former portfolio is taken by Murray Watt, a can-do Queenslander who is likely to speed up development approvals.

    His appointment will be welcomed by the development-oriented Western Australian Labor government, which played a key role in frustrating Plibersek’s attempt to get a deal with the crossbench on the “nature positive” legislation.

    Watt’s previous post of employment and workplace relations – which he held for less than a year – goes to Amanda Rishworth, formerly in social services.

    After the sensational factional removal of Mark Dreyfus, the prized attorney-general position goes to Michelle Rowland, who was communications minister. Rowland was a senior telecommunications lawyer with Gilbert + Tobin, but lacks Dreyfus’ distinguished legal background.

    Ed Husic, also the victim of the factional power play in the right, is replaced by Tim Ayres, from the left, in both cabinet and the industry portfolio. Ayres, formerly an assistant minister, is a close confidant of Albanese.

    On another front, the Muslim Husic is replaced in cabinet by another Muslim, Anne Aly, promoted from the outer ministry, and taking a grab bag of responsibilities: small business, international development and multicultural affairs.

    Aly’s promotion may partially soothe the Muslim voices who have reacted sharply to Husic’s treatment. The Jewish community will be less placated: with the demise of Dreyfus there is no Jew in the ministry. Josh Burns, who is Jewish, has been made a special envoy for social housing and homelessness.

    The post of special envoy for social cohesion has been scrapped – Albanese said “we will continue to work as a whole government of social cohesion”.

    Sam Rae, a numbers man for Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, whom Marles shoehorned into the ministry, becomes minister for aged care and seniors, a testing job for a man who made his reputation in running Labor campaigning.

    One of the most potentially significant moves is the shift of the National Disability Insurance Scheme to come under Health Minister Mark Butler.

    In the last term Bill Shorten, father of the scheme, who was responsible for the NDIS and government services, undertook significant reform of the NDIS, which had become a sink for money.

    Albanese told his news conference the NDIS belonged with health. The question is whether Butler will continue to drive the reform process, which still has a significant way to go. The junior minister for the NDIS will be Jenny McAllister, praised by Albanese for her grasp of detail.

    Anika Wells, who was put in cabinet in January, continues up the escalator, moving from aged care to communications.

    She will still hold sport. She comes from Queensland, which is preparing for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, and Albanese is anxious for continuity in the role. Responsibility for sport is being moved from the Department of Health to the Department of Infrastructure.

    Some sources question the linkage of communications and sport as presenting potential conflicts of interest, given the communications portfolio deals with gambling advertising and broadcast rights.

    Tony Burke remains in home affairs but will get responsibility for the Australian Federal Police and ASIO, which came under Dreyfus (originally both were in home affairs under the Liberals).

    But the attorney-general will be “cross sworn” into both agencies. Albanese said there had been issues about information-sharing during the so-called caravan incident. This was a reference to the criminal hoax involving a caravan found in Sydney filled with explosives, when there were problems in communications between various state and federal agencies.

    Newcomer to the ministry Daniel Mulino, from the Victorian right, who has a PhD in economics from Yale, was an obvious choice for assistant treasurer, in the outer ministry. Andrew Charlton, former economic adviser to Kevin Rudd, has been appointed cabinet secretary and an assistant minister.

    Another new minister, Jess Walsh, takes early childhood education and youth, in the outer ministry.

    The highly qualified Andrew Leigh continues as an assistant minister. His failure to be promoted is the price for not being in a faction. He will be assistant minister for productivity, competition, charities and treasury – dropping employment but adding productivity.

    Given treasurer Chalmers’ current emphasis on productivity, this should give some more scope to Leigh.

    One notable new special envoy post is for men’s health, which goes to Dan Repacholi, a champion sporting shooter.

    Nationals re-elect leader David Littleproud

    Nationals leader David Littleproud has retained the leadership, holding off a challenge from Senator Matt Canavan, who called for a drastic realignment of policy including ditching the 2050 net zero emissions commitment.

    Kevin Hogan was elected deputy. A supporter of Littleproud, he replaces Perin Davey, who lost her Senate seat at the election.

    The Nationals do not release vote numbers.

    Bridget McKenzie remains Senate leader of the party.

    Littleproud said the party would review “all our policies”.

    A major issue is whether it will hold to the 2050 commitment, about which there is considerable internal scepticism.

    Michelle Grattan 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. View from The Hill: Albanese shifts Tanya Plibersek from environment, in favour of ‘can-do’ Murray Watt – https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-albanese-shifts-tanya-plibersek-from-environment-in-favour-of-can-do-murray-watt-255963

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Don’t miss St Albans Spring Festival – thousands expected at FREE street party

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Thousands of people are expected to join an exciting St Albans City Centre event with free entertainment suitable for all.

    The first St Albans Spring Festival will be held on Sunday 18 May and will be a celebration of food, well-being, community spirit and sustainability.

    Among the attractions will be live music, arts and crafts, street theatre and dozens of stalls selling takeaway food, drink and other produce. There will also be opportunities to learn, play and create with fun activities.

    The event runs from 11am to 5pm, with St Peter’s Street, Chequer Street and High Street closed to traffic to create a safe and vibrant environment. 

    To ensure accessibility, sighted guides and British Sign Language interpreters will be in attendance.

    St Albans City and District Council is organising the festival which will highlight the District’s hospitality businesses and tourism offering.

    It is part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and sponsored by Code Ninjas, Côte St Albans and Corker Taxis.

    Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Lead for Events, said:

    This is a new event which we are bringing to the City Centre as the warmer weather takes hold and residents look for things to do at the weekend.

    There will be lots of exciting activities and entertainment that will appeal to people of all ages and interests. They will enjoy an afternoon of free music, games, activities, arts and crafts, eating, drinking and shopping.

    One of our priorities is to make the event inclusive and accessible, so among the facilities are reserved seating for those less able to stand, wheelchair ramps beside kerbs and accessible viewing zones.

    We are expecting the Spring Festival to attract many thousands of residents and visitors, so I would urge people to come along and not to miss out on the fun.

    Among the many attractions to look out for are the:

    • Main Stage, situated near the Beech House, where there will be live performances by a host of local musicians.
    • Food and Drink Stalls selling a vast variety of refreshments and cuisines with plenty of outdoor seating.
    • Create and Play Zone with activities including traditional wooden games, toddler soft play and chalk pavement drawing.
    • Experience Zone by the Museum + Gallery where there will be drumming and dance workshops as well as information about plastic-free living, composting and cooking sustainably. There will also be chair-based yoga.
    • Code Ninjas, one of our sponsors, is offering young and old alike the opportunity to learn about game design and coding in their special pop-up dojo on St Peter’s Street.
    • Challenge Area with rodeo sheep, sideshow games and giant inflatable football darts provided by St Albans City FC.
    • Clock Tower Stage, supported by Côte St Albans, featuring music from OVO and Morris dancing.
    • Street Entertainers including stilt walkers and drummers.
    • Community Safe Zone, a quiet spot by the Civic Centre where people can take some time out.

    Corker Taxis are providing some free as well as 10% discounted rides to the event.

    If travelling by bus, you can find City Centre bus stop arrangements for the day and further information about the Spring Festival here: https://www.enjoystalbans.com/event/st-albans-spring-festival/.

    Photo: scene from a street event last year.

    Note: The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. 

    For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus. 

    Media contact:  John McJannet, Principal Communications Officer: 01727- 819533; john.mcjannet@stalbans.gov.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Eglinton’s Heath Park Pavilion now complete

    Source: South Australia Police

    Eglinton’s Heath Park is officially complete and set to be a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and community members alike.

    The new pavilion features changerooms, first aid rooms, activity rooms, an umpire’s room, universal access toilets and showers, kitchens, kiosks and storage.

    Wanneroo Deputy Mayor James Rowe said this development marks a significant investment for our northern corridor.

    “We are thrilled to see the completion of this fantastic new sports amenities building. Heath Park is already proving to be a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and community members in our growing suburb of Eglinton,” he said.

    “This facility ensures local sporting activities can run smoothly, supporting players, club personnel, volunteers and spectators.

    In addition to high-quality sporting infrastructure, the pavilion is an ideal venue for community groups to host meetings, workshops and celebrations. It’s more than just a place to play sport – it’s a space that brings people together.

    “This investment reflects our shared commitment to enhancing the social and physical wellbeing of the community. We look forward to seeing residents enjoy this space for many years to come.”

    The City is grateful to have received funding contributions of $1.97 million from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, $930,701 from the WA Government, administered through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, including $710,000 through the Community Sporting and Recreation Facilities Fund, as well as $220,701 under the Club Night Lights Program to support important floodlighting upgrades, which are currently underway.

    State Minister for Transport, Sport and Recreation, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, said sporting precincts form such an important part of our communities, particularly in our suburbs.

    “Not only do they support healthier lifestyles through sport and physical activity, but they also bring people together and create a sense of community,” she said.

    “This new precinct will help ensure more people in our northern suburbs are able to participate and engage in community sport, as well as use the space for gatherings, workshops and celebrations.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Deal signed to deliver nearly 300 new affordable homes in Yardley

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Dozens of families struggling to afford a safe and decent home are set to benefit from a new development agreement aimed at easing the region’s housing crisis.

    Nearly 300 affordable homes, including 150 for social rent, are to be built on the site of the former Yardley Sewage Works in Stechford, Birmingham.

    Birmingham City Council owns the land in Cole Hall Lane and has worked with housing developer Morro Partnerships, housing association Midland Heart, Homes England, the region’s elected Mayor and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to facilitate the deal.

    On a visit to the site, Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, announced a £4.5m WMCA package for the scheme, the latest investment he has made as part of his mission to kickstart the biggest social housing programme the West Midlands has seen in decades.

    Birmingham City Council has invested in the scheme, along with Homes England and the WMCA providing funding to clean up the brownfield site so it is suitable for house building. Morro and Midland Heart will begin construction of the homes before the end of the year.

    The development deal comes as latest figures show that across the West Midlands there are 7,148 households, including 14,229 children, living in temporary accommodation and 65,335 households on the region’s social housing waiting lists.

    Cllr Jayne Francis, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homeless, said:

    “The national housing crisis means that we have several people on lists waiting for a home, the need for affordable homes has never been more urgent.

    “Tackling this crisis is a key priority for this council, and this development demonstrates how we can do this by leading and working in partnership with others.

    “We will continue discussions with developers and housing associations to facilitate deals that can provide our residents with warm, safe, and energy-efficient homes.”

    Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, said,

    “In my first year in office, I’ve funded schemes that will provide more than 500 new social homes – that’s more than in all the schemes we have ever grant funded.

    “Too many families in this region are living in cold, damp houses waiting too long for a home to call their own. This cannot be allowed to continue which is why I am helping to build more warm and safe homes for everyone.

    “My target is clear: 2,000 new social homes a year by 2028 to tackle our housing crisis. We cannot do this alone – I am calling on housing associations and private sector developers to come together, just as we have at Yardley Brook, to build these homes and change the lives of thousands of families here in the West Midlands.”

    Joe Reeves, Deputy Chief Executive at Midland Heart, said:

    “As one of the largest housing providers in the Midlands, we have a key role to play in addressing the shortage of homes and providing decent, affordable housing for local people across the region.

    “We are aiming to deliver 2,250 new homes by 2030, which, combined with the 4,000 we have already delivered during our last corporate plan period to 2025, will mean we will have delivered well over 6,000 new homes in a decade. Yardley Brook will be a huge part of this, and we look forward to working with our partner Morro, to transform this site, and develop and deliver almost 300 new homes.”

    Tom Broadway, Managing Director for the West Midlands at Morro Partnerships, said:

    “We are all aware of the shortage of affordable housing across the country, and Birmingham is no different. This deal will go some way to increasing and improving the housing stock in an underserved region.

    “Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of our work and is an inherent part of each development we build. Helping to make housing more affordable, accessible, and ready for the future forms part of our commitment to building responsibly and is an immensely rewarding undertaking in its own right.

    “We look forward to completing construction on this development and seeing it evolve into a thriving community over the coming years.”

    The Yardley Brook announcement comes as the Mayor, WMCA and City Council, alongside other West Midlands local authorities, prepare to showcase more than £18 billion worth of investment opportunities at the UKREiiF property show in Leeds later this month.

    Key projects to be presented to investors and developers in Birmingham include:

    • The Sports Quarter regeneration scheme in East Birmingham
    • Smithfield Birmingham – a £1.9bn regeneration of 17 hectares in the heart of the city
    • The Birmingham Knowledge Quarter innovation cluster.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • End of an era: Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test cricket

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian cricket stalwart and former captain Virat Kohli on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket.

    The decision came after it was reported that Kohli had communicated his decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of next month’s five-match Test series against England.

    “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli wrote in his Instagram post.

    “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.

    “I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off,” he added.

    In less than a week, both Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from the longest format of the game which will leave the Indian team without much experience in the batting department.

    Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, has been a cornerstone of India’s red-ball resurgence over the past decade. His aggressive captaincy, prolific batting and unmatched intensity have helped transform India into a formidable Test side both at home and abroad.

    Kohli will bid adieu to his Test career with 9230 runs in 123 matches at an impressive average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 51 half-centuries. He hangs up his spikes as the fourth-most successful Test captain overall, behind Graeme Smith (53 wins), Ricky Ponting (48 wins), and Steve Waugh (41 wins).

    Kohli’s 30 Test centuries make him the fourth-most successful India batter, behind Sachin Tendulkar (51 hundreds), Rahul Dravid (36), and Sunil Gavaskar (34). Kohli also made seven Test double hundreds, the most ever by an Indian. He also has the most Test hundreds by an Indian captain, with Gavaskar (11 centuries) way behind his 20 tons.

    The right-handed batter previously announced his retirement from the T20I format after India’s T20 World Cup triumph last year. The 36-year-old will now only feature in ODI cricket for India.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casinos UK: Find Out The Top Crypto Casino Of 2025! – JackBit Casino

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After thoroughly assessing several options and setting up strict criteria to evaluate the best crypto casino in the UK, our expert team identified the top platforms excelling in game variety, bonuses, security, and user experience. Through our research and interactions with local players, we’ve narrowed it down to reveal the best crypto casinos in the UK that truly stand out, providing a remarkable and secure online gambling experience.

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    Among them, JACKBIT stands out as a top contender for 2025, earning a 4.9/5 rating. Launched in 2022, this Bitcoin casino UK combines a no KYC policy, instant crypto transactions, and a vast library of over 6,600 games, making it a premier choice for online casino real money play. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore why JACKBIT is likely the best crypto casino UK, detailing its features, bonuses, games, and more. Ready to dive in? Join JACKBIT Casino to claim your welcome bonus and start playing!

    JACKBIT: The Best Crypto Casino UK

    JACKBIT satisfies all the criteria for the best crypto casino UK, making it our top recommendation for 2025. Established in 2022, JACKBIT operates under a Curacao eGaming license, ensuring compliance with international standards for fair play and security. Its no KYC policy allows UK players to register and play anonymously, a significant advantage for those prioritizing privacy in crypto gambling UK. Instant crypto withdrawals, processed in seconds, align with the expectations of a high-payout UK crypto casino, enabling players to access winnings without delay.

    The platform’s welcome bonus—a 30% Rakeback + No KYC + 100 free spins with no wagering requirements—provides immediate value, allowing players to explore its extensive game library. Ongoing promotions, including VIP rakeback and tournaments, further enhance the Bitcoin casino bonus offerings. With over 6,600 games from 91 top providers and a comprehensive sportsbook, JACKBIT caters to every gaming preference, solidifying its position as a leading Bitcoin casino UK.

    JACKBIT – The Top Crypto Casino UK for Fast Payouts

    Since its launch in 2022, JACKBIT has likely redefined the best crypto casino UK experience with its innovative features and player-focused design. The no KYC policy is a game-changer, enabling UK players to sign up and play without submitting personal details, ensuring maximum privacy. As a crypto casino UK, JACKBIT processes cryptocurrency transactions instantly, allowing players to deposit, play, and withdraw winnings in minutes—a hallmark of new crypto casinos.

    New players are greeted with a 30% Rakeback + No KYC + 100 free spins with no wagering requirements on select promotions, making it one of the most attractive Bitcoin casino bonuses available. Ongoing promotions include a VIP Rakeback Club with up to 30% rakeback, weekly giveaways with $10,000 prize pools, and Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins tournaments featuring a €2,000,000 prize pool, adding significant value for crypto gambling UK enthusiasts.

    JACKBIT’s game library, powered by industry leaders like Pragmatic Play, Evolution Gaming, and Play’n GO, includes over 6,600 titles, from high-RTP slots to live dealer tables and a sportsbook covering 140+ sports. The platform’s sleek, intuitive interface, available in 10 languages including English, ensures accessibility for UK players. Advanced SSL encryption protects player data, and 24/7 customer support via live chat and email provides prompt assistance, making JACKBIT a standout UK crypto casino.

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    Pros and Cons of JACKBIT Casino

    To provide a balanced perspective, here are the advantages and potential drawbacks of JACKBIT as a crypto casino UK:

    Pros:

    • Operates as a no KYC crypto casino, ensuring maximum privacy for UK players
    • Offers instant crypto deposits and withdrawals, ideal for crypto gambling UK
    • Features over 6,600 games, including slots, live dealers, and sports betting
    • Provides a 30% Rakeback + No KYC + 100 free spins with no wagering requirements
    • Supports 16+ cryptocurrencies for seamless, secure transactions
    • Delivers 24/7 multilingual customer support via live chat and email
    • Mobile-optimized platform for the best crypto casino UK gaming on the go
    • Includes high-payout games with competitive RTPs for online casino real money play

    Cons:

    • As a relatively new platform (launched in 2022), it may lack the long-term reputation of older Bitcoin casinos UK
    • Some bonuses may have specific terms or wagering requirements to review
    • Traditional payment withdrawals (1-3 days) are slower than crypto transactions
    • Availability may be restricted in certain regions due to licensing limitations

    How to Join JACKBIT – The Best Crypto Casino UK

    Joining JACKBIT, likely the best crypto casino UK, is a quick and user-friendly process designed to get UK players gaming in minutes:

    1. Visit JACKBIT Casino: Click here to navigate to JACKBIT Casino to access the sign-up page.
    2. Create Your Account: Click “Sign Up” and enter an email address and password. The no KYC crypto casino policy eliminates the need for personal details, ensuring swift registration.
    3. Make Your First Deposit: Go to the cashier, select a payment method (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Visa, or PayID), and deposit at least $10 or equivalent to qualify for the welcome bonus. For crypto, scan the QR code or copy the wallet address to send funds.
    4. Claim Your Bonus: The bonus 100 free spins are credited instantly, ready for use on the best online casino slots like Gates of Olympus.
    5. Start Playing: Explore 6,600+ games or bet on sports events, leveraging your Bitcoin casino bonus for online gambling.

    Pro Tip: Verify your email and check the promotions page for the latest bonus codes to ensure seamless activation. Save your wallet address for quick future deposits to enhance your crypto casino UK experience.

    How We Selected JACKBIT as the Best Crypto Casino UK

    Our selection of JACKBIT as the best crypto casino UK involved a rigorous evaluation process tailored to the needs of UK players seeking crypto gambling UK. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key criteria we considered, each thoroughly assessed to confirm JACKBIT’s superiority:

    Licensing and Regulation

    JACKBIT likely holds a Curacao eGaming license, a respected authority ensuring compliance with fair play and security standards. We verified licensing details to confirm its legitimacy as a legitimate online casino.

    Security Measures

    Advanced SSL encryption and provably fair games protect player data and ensure transparent outcomes, critical for a crypto gambling site. Regular third-party audits by independent agencies verify game fairness, enhancing trust.

    Game Variety and Quality

    A diverse, high-quality game library is essential. JACKBIT’s 6,600+ games from 91 providers, including slots, table games, live dealers, and a comprehensive sportsbook, cater to all preferences, making it a versatile best online crypto casino.

    Bonuses and Promotions

    Generous, fair bonuses enhance value. JACKBIT’s welcome bonus 30% Rakeback + 100 free spins, with no wagering on select promotions, outshines competitors. Ongoing offers like VIP rakeback, weekly giveaways, and Drops & Wins tournaments add significant value.

    Other Promotions

    • 3+1 FreeBet
    • Bet Insurance
    • Social Media Bonuses
    • NBA Playoffs Cashback

    Tournaments and Prize Pools
    JACKBIT thrives on competition, offering exciting opportunities for players to join casino and sports tournaments with prize pools often reaching six figures. Key tournaments include:

    • Daily Tournament – 1,000 Free Spins
    • Weekly Tournament – Prize pool up to $10,000
    • Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins Campaign – Reward pool up to €2,000,000

    Payment Methods

    Support for multiple cryptocurrencies and traditional options ensures flexibility. JACKBIT’s 16+ cryptos (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) offer instant, fee-free transactions, while Visa, PayID, and bank transfers provide alternatives. We evaluated transaction speeds, fees, and limits to confirm alignment with instant withdrawal casino standards.

    Customer Support

    Prompt, accessible support is vital. JACKBIT’s 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages ensure quick resolution of queries, from payment issues to bonus clarifications. We tested response times and support quality to verify reliability.

    User Experience

    A mobile-optimized, intuitive interface is key. JACKBIT’s responsive design, available in 10 languages, offers seamless navigation across devices, enhancing accessibility for online crypto casino play. We evaluated site performance, mobile compatibility, and user feedback.

    Player Feedback and Reputation

    Community insights from platforms like Trustpilot (4.4/5) highlight JACKBIT’s strengths in payout speed and game variety, though some note bonus term complexity (Trustpilot). We cross-referenced feedback to ensure alignment with the best Bitcoin casino claims.

    Responsible Gambling Measures

    Tools like deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion are essential for player safety. JACKBIT likely provides these, ensuring a responsible crypto gambling UK environment. We assessed these measures to confirm ethical practices, critical for legit online casinos.

    Market Position and Innovation

    As a new crypto casino, JACKBIT’s adoption of emerging cryptocurrencies like Solana and provably fair games positions it as forward-thinking. We evaluated its technological advancements to ensure it meets modern online crypto casino demands.

    JACKBIT’s likely exceptional performance across these criteria, particularly its no KYC crypto casino policy and instant withdrawals, solidifies its status as the best crypto casino UK for 2025, offering a secure, rewarding experience for UK players.

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    Best Crypto Casino UK Games at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s game library is likely a cornerstone of its best crypto casino UK status, offering over 6,600 titles from 91 providers, catering to every gaming preference. Below is a comprehensive overview of its offerings, optimized for online casino real money play:

    Online Slots:

    • Gates of Olympus (Pragmatic Play, 96.50% RTP): A 6×5 mythological slot with tumbling reels, multipliers up to 500x, and a 5,000x max win, ideal for Bitcoin casino UK players seeking high payouts (Pragmatic Play).
    • Sweet Bonanza (Pragmatic Play, 96.49% RTP): A candy-themed 6×5 slot with a pay-anywhere system, tumble feature, and 21,175x max win, perfect for online casino real money enthusiasts (Pragmatic Play).
    • Book of Dead (Play’n GO, 96.21% RTP): A 5-reel, 10-payline adventure slot with expanding symbols in Free Spins, offering a 5,000x max win, popular for crypto gambling UK (Play’n GO).
    • Mega Moolah (Microgaming, 88.12% RTP): A progressive jackpot slot with multi-million-dollar payouts, a staple for online casino real money players chasing life-changing wins (Microgaming).
    • Wolf Gold (Pragmatic Play, 96.01% RTP): A 5-reel, 25-payline slot with stacked wilds, Money Respin feature, and a 5,000x max win, popular for Bitcoin casinos UK play (Pragmatic Play).
    • Starburst (NetEnt, 96.09% RTP): A 5-reel, 10-payline slot with expanding wilds and a 500x max win, known for vibrant visuals and frequent payouts (NetEnt).

    Table Games:

    • Blackjack: Variants like Classic Blackjack, Multi-Hand, and European Blackjack offer low house edges (0.5% with optimal strategy), ideal for strategic online casino real money play. Players aim to beat the dealer with a hand close to 21 without busting.
    • Roulette: European (2.7% house edge), American, and French Roulette provide diverse betting options, from red/black to specific numbers, appealing to crypto gambling UK players seeking classic thrills.
    • Poker: Caribbean Stud, Three Card Poker, and Texas Hold’em offer skill-based gameplay with high payout potential, enhancing the best online crypto casino experience.
    • Baccarat: Classic and Punto Banco variants feature simple rules and competitive payouts, popular among high rollers.

    Live Dealer Games: Over 250 live tables from Evolution Gaming, including:

    • Lightning Roulette: Multipliers up to 500x add excitement, with instant payouts via crypto, ideal for UK crypto casino players (Evolution Gaming).
    • Infinite Blackjack: Unlimited players with side bets for enhanced win potential, offering an immersive Bitcoin casino UK experience.
    • Crazy Time: A vibrant game show with interactive bonus rounds, perfect for online gambling for real money entertainment.
    • Baccarat Squeeze: Real-time dealer interaction with suspenseful card reveals, catering to online casino real money enthusiasts.

    Sportsbook:

    Covers 140+ sports, with 82,000+ monthly live events and 75,000+ pre-match events, including major leagues (NFL, NBA, Premier League), niche sports (table tennis, darts), and esports (CS:GO, Dota 2). Features like live betting, cash-out options, and 4,500+ betting types (e.g., over/under, parlays, player props) offer diverse online gambling for real money opportunities.

    Specialty Games:

    • Scratch Cards: Quick-win games like Scratch Dice with instant payouts, ideal for casual online casino real money play.
    • Keno: Lottery-style games with customizable bets, offering simple crypto gambling UK fun.
    • Virtual Sports: Simulated events like virtual football or horse racing, providing fast-paced betting options for UK crypto casino users.

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    This extensive, high-quality selection, regularly updated with new releases, likely positions JACKBIT as a leading best crypto casino UK, offering endless entertainment and winning opportunities for online casino real money players.

    Best Crypto Casino UK Payment Methods at JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s payment system is likely designed for speed, security, and flexibility, making it a top no KYC crypto casino for online casino real money play in the UK. Below is a detailed overview of its payment options, emphasizing their benefits for crypto gambling UK users:

    Payment Method Type Processing Time Minimum Deposit Notes
    Bitcoin (BTC) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 Fee-free, anonymous
    Ethereum (ETH) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 High security, smart contracts
    Tether (USDT) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 Stablecoin, low volatility
    Solana (SOL) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 Low fees, fast transactions
    Binance Coin (BNB) Cryptocurrency Instant   $10 Versatile, ecosystem support
    Visa/MasterCard Traditional Instant (deposits), 1-3 days (withdrawals)   $10 Familiar, widely accepted
    PayID Traditional Instant (deposits), 1-3 days (withdrawals)   $10 Fast, linked to bank accounts
    Bank Transfer Traditional 1-5 days   $50 Suitable for high rollers
    Skrill/Neteller E-Wallet Instant (deposits), 1-2 days (withdrawals)   $10 Secure, private transactions


    Cryptocurrencies    :

    JACKBIT likely supports 16+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, Binance Coin, and more, offering:

    • Instant Transactions: Deposits and withdrawals are processed in seconds, aligning with instant withdrawal casino standards.
    • Privacy: No KYC for crypto users ensures anonymity, a hallmark of no KYC crypto casinos.
    • Security: Blockchain technology provides transparent, tamper-proof transactions, reducing fraud risks.
    • Low Fees: Minimal or no transaction fees compared to traditional methods, maximizing returns for Bitcoin casino UK players.
      For example, depositing Bitcoin involves selecting BTC in the cashier, scanning a QR code or copying the wallet address, and confirming the transaction, with funds appearing instantly.

    Traditional Methods:

    • Visa/MasterCard: Instant deposits with a $10 minimum, widely accepted for online casino real money players. Withdrawals take 1-3 days, standard for traditional options, ensuring accessibility for those not using crypto.
    • PayID: A fast, secure method linked to bank accounts, offering instant deposits and withdrawals within 1-3 days, popular for PayID casino Australia transactions, though available globally where supported.
    • Bank Transfers: Suitable for larger transactions, with withdrawals taking 1-5 days and potential fees, less ideal for instant withdrawal casino needs, but reliable for high rollers seeking online gambling for real money.

    E-Wallets:

    Skrill and Neteller likely provide secure, private transactions without sharing bank details, with instant deposits and withdrawals within 1-2 days, enhancing the online casino real money experience. These are ideal for players preferring alternatives to crypto or cards.

    JACKBIT’s crypto-centric approach, combined with traditional and e-wallet options, ensures flexibility and speed, making it a top best crypto casino UK for seamless online casino real money transactions. The no KYC policy for crypto users further streamlines the process, allowing UK players to focus on gaming rather than paperwork.

    ENJOY FAST, SECURE TRANSACTIONS AND BIG WINS AT JACKBIT!

    Why Choose Crypto Casinos UK?

    Crypto casinos offer distinct advantages over traditional online casinos, making them a preferred choice for crypto gambling UK:

    • Privacy and Anonymity: No KYC crypto casinos like JACKBIT allow anonymous play, protecting player identities, a major draw for UK crypto casino enthusiasts.
    • Speed and Efficiency: Cryptocurrency transactions are near-instant, with deposits and withdrawals processed in seconds, compared to days for traditional methods, aligning with instant withdrawal casino expectations.
    • Enhanced Security: Blockchain technology ensures secure, transparent transactions, reducing fraud risks and enhancing trust in Bitcoin casinos UK.
    • Lower Transaction Costs: Crypto transactions typically have minimal or no fees, maximizing player returns compared to credit card or bank transfer fees, a key benefit for crypto casinos UK players.
    • Innovative Features: Crypto casinos often integrate provably fair games, allowing players to verify outcomes, a feature that enhances trust in the best online crypto casino platforms.
    • Global Accessibility: Cryptocurrencies bypass regional banking restrictions, making online crypto casinos accessible to UK players, subject to local regulations.

    These advantages, coupled with JACKBIT’s robust offerings, position it as a leading new crypto casino for 2025, catering to the evolving needs of UK gamblers.

    The Rise of Crypto Gambling UK: Why JACKBIT Leads

    The crypto gambling market in the UK is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing cryptocurrency adoption and demand for privacy-focused gaming. Industry reports suggest the global crypto gambling market could reach $65 billion by 2027, with the UK contributing significantly due to its robust gambling culture. UK players are drawn to crypto gambling sites for their ability to offer fast, secure, and anonymous transactions, bypassing some of the restrictions associated with traditional banking methods.

    JACKBIT likely leads this trend by combining cutting-edge technology with player-centric features. Its no KYC policy addresses privacy concerns, while support for emerging cryptocurrencies like Solana positions it as a forward-thinking Bitcoin casino UK. The 100% welcome bonus and extensive game library surpass industry standards, providing unmatched value. As cryptocurrency adoption continues to rise, JACKBIT’s innovative approach makes it a go-to UK crypto casino for players seeking a secure, rewarding experience.

    Tips for Winning Big at JACKBIT

    To maximize your success at JACKBIT, likely the best crypto casino UK, consider these expert strategies tailored for UK players seeking crypto gambling UK rewards:

    Choose High-RTP Games:

    Return to Player (RTP) percentages indicate a game’s long-term payout potential. Opt for slots like Gates of Olympus (96.50% RTP) or Book of Dead (96.21% RTP) available at JACKBIT, as they offer better odds for consistent returns, enhancing your Bitcoin casino UK winnings (Pragmatic Play).

    Leverage Bonuses Wisely:

    JACKBIT’s 30% rakeback and 100 free spins welcome bonus, with no wagering requirements, provide extra value. Use free spins on high-RTP slots to boost your crypto casino UK bankroll without risking your own funds. Check the promotions page regularly for exclusive Bitcoin casino bonus offers (JACKBIT Promotions).

    Manage Your Bankroll:

    Set a budget for each gaming session and stick to it. For example, allocate £50 per session and avoid exceeding it, ensuring prolonged playtime and better chances of hitting a win at this UK crypto casino.

    Learn Game Strategies:

    For skill-based games like blackjack or poker, study basic strategies to reduce the house edge. Online resources can help UK players improve their gameplay, increasing online casino real money returns at JACKBIT.

    Participate in Tournaments:

    Engage in Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins tournaments, offering a €2,000,000 prize pool. These events add excitement and potential rewards to your crypto gambling UK experience, with random cash drops and weekly competitions (Pragmatic Play Drops & Wins).

    Bet Smart on Sports:

    JACKBIT’s sportsbook covers 140+ sports, including football and esports. Research teams and use live betting options like over/under or parlays for higher payouts, leveraging the platform’s 4,500+ betting types (Silentbet).

    Use Responsible Gambling Tools:

    Set deposit, loss, and session time limits using JACKBIT’s tools to maintain control, ensuring a sustainable online gambling for real money experience.

    Stay Informed:

    Follow JACKBIT’s social media or subscribe to newsletters for exclusive Bitcoin casino bonus offers, such as additional free spins or cash rewards, to enhance your crypto casinos UK play (JACKBIT Twitter).

    By applying these strategies, UK players can optimize their crypto casino UK experience at JACKBIT, increasing their chances of winning big while enjoying a safe and responsible gaming environment.

    JACKBIT Conclusion: The Best Crypto Casino UK for 2025

    After an exhaustive review of numerous crypto casinos UK, JACKBIT emerges as the best crypto casino UK for 2025. Its no KYC policy ensures maximum privacy, allowing UK players to enjoy anonymous gaming without compromising security. Instant crypto transactions, processed in seconds, provide unparalleled convenience, enabling players to deposit and withdraw funds swiftly, a hallmark of top Bitcoin casinos UK.

    With an impressive library of over 6,600 games from 91 leading providers, JACKBIT offers something for every UK player, from high-RTP slots like Sweet Bonanza to live dealer tables and a comprehensive sportsbook covering 140+ sports, including Premier League football and esports like CS:GO. The generous welcome bonus of 30% rakeback and 100 free spins, with no wagering requirements, delivers immediate value, while ongoing promotions like VIP rakeback, weekly giveaways, and Drops & Wins tournaments enhance the crypto gambling UK experience.

    JACKBIT’s support for 16+ cryptocurrencies, alongside traditional methods like Visa and PayID, ensures flexibility for UK players. Advanced SSL encryption and provably fair games guarantee a secure and transparent environment, while 24/7 customer support in English provides prompt assistance. The mobile-optimized platform allows seamless gaming on smartphones and tablets, making it accessible anywhere, anytime.

    Moreover, JACKBIT’s commitment to responsible gambling, with tools like deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion, ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all UK players. For those seeking the ultimate UK crypto casino experience, JACKBIT stands out as the top choice. Join JACKBIT Casino today to start your online casino real money journey with the best crypto casino UK!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What makes JACKBIT the best crypto casino UK?

    JACKBIT combines no KYC privacy, instant crypto withdrawals, over 6,600 games, and a 30% rakeback bonus, making it ideal for UK players seeking crypto gambling UK.

    Is JACKBIT legal for UK players?

    Licensed by Curacao eGaming, JACKBIT is accessible to UK players, but users should verify compliance with local gambling laws for crypto casinos UK.

    What cryptocurrencies does JACKBIT accept?

    JACKBIT supports 16+ cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, and Binance Coin, offering flexibility for Bitcoin casino UK transactions.

    How fast are withdrawals at JACKBIT?

    Crypto withdrawals are instant, while traditional methods like Visa or bank transfers take 1-3 days, ensuring quick access for UK crypto casino players.

    Does JACKBIT offer a welcome bonus?

    Yes, new players receive 30% rakeback and 100 free spins with no wagering requirements, enhancing the Bitcoin casino bonus experience.

    What games are available at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT offers slots, table games, live dealers, and a sportsbook with 140+ sports, catering to diverse crypto gambling UK preferences.

    Is there customer support at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT provides 24/7 live chat and email support in multiple languages, ensuring prompt assistance for crypto casino UK players.

    How does the no KYC policy work at JACKBIT?

    Crypto users can register and play anonymously without identity verification, a key feature of no KYC crypto casinos.

    Are there fees for transactions at JACKBIT?

    Crypto transactions are fee-free, while traditional methods may incur standard banking fees, typical for Bitcoin casinos UK.

    What responsible gambling tools does JACKBIT provide?

    JACKBIT offers deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion to promote safe crypto gambling UK practices.

    Legal Disclaimer

    This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or gambling advice. All information is presented “as is,” with no warranties regarding accuracy or completeness. Readers are responsible for verifying information and ensuring compliance with local gambling laws. Gambling involves financial risk and potential addiction. Gamble responsibly, only wagering what you can afford to lose. Seek help from organizations like GamCare or BeGambleAware if needed. Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no cost to you. JACKBIT is licensed outside the UK and may be restricted in certain regions.

    Email: support@jackbit.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f6f4697c-5f86-443e-90cf-e416c3e025ef

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7d57038b-4d8b-40e3-8425-fc69ecdfa1e4

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: Barca close in on title, Betis slip up in European race

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

    FC Barcelona could be confirmed as La Liga champions for this season either Wednesday or Thursday night after winning a thrilling Clasico at home to Real Madrid 4-3.

    The result leaves Barca seven points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga, and if Madrid fails to beat Mallorca on Wednesday night, Barca will be confirmed as champions, although a win away to local rival Espanyol on Thursday would also ensure the title.

    Kylian Mbappe got Madrid off to a flying start on a sunny afternoon in Montjuic, winning and then scoring a penalty to open the scoring after just five minutes and then adding a second eight minutes later.

    Eric Garcia headed Barca back into the match in the 19th minute and Hansi Flick’s side took total control, with Lamine Yamal equalizing with a wonderful curling shot and two goals from Raphinha leaving a leaky Madrid defense in evidence.

    Mbappe completed a hat-trick in the second half, and both he and youngster Victor Munoz had chances to make it 4-4, but Barca should also have been given a clear penalty when Aurelien Tchouameni clearly blocked Ferran Torres’ goal-bound shot with his arm.

    Giuliano Simeone (R) of Atletico de Madrid vies with Ander Barrenetxea of Real Sociedad during the LaLiga football match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Sociedad in Madrid, Spain, on May 10, 2025. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

    Athletic Bilbao remains fourth after a hard-fought 1-0 win at home to Alaves in a game of few chances which was finally decided by Manu Sanchez’s own goal, as he looked to clear the ball 20 minutes from time.

    Athletic was missing several key players with injury and suspension, and despite making hard work of the game, the result could be hugely significant after Real Betis was held to a 1-1 draw at home to Osasuna.

    Chucho Hernandez put Betis ahead in the 64th minute, but Ante Budimir’s goal 11 minutes from time earned his side a draw.

    Leganes took three big points in the battle to avoid relegation with a 3-2 win at home to Espanyol, with Seydouba Cisse, Yan Diomande and a Marash Kumbulla own goal putting the team from the south of Madrid 3-0 up in the 64th minute.

    Leandro Carbera pulled a goal back for the visitors in the 79th minute, and although Pere Milla’s 98th minute effort will have caused some nerves, it was too late for Espanyol to complete its fightback.

    On Saturday, Alexander Sorloth scored four first-half goals, with three arriving in a four-minute spell, as third-placed Atletico Madrid brushed aside a Real Sociedad side that seems to be looking ahead to life without coach Imanol Alguacil.

    Real captain Mikel Oyarzabal apologized after the game for his side’s first-half display.

    A late goal from Etta Eyong saw Villarreal win 1-0 away to Girona, which remains in the relegation dogfight, with coach Michel Sanchez watching from his hospital bed due to health reasons.

    Valencia also turned on the style in the first half, with goals from Pepelu, Diego Lopez and Hugo Duro – the first and third from the penalty spot – providing a 3-0 win against Getafe and giving Valencia an outside chance of playing in Europe next season.

    Mallorca also kept its European hopes alive with a 2-1 win at home to hapless Real Valladolid.

    A group of Sevilla fans forced their way into the club’s training ground on Saturday night to protest at the club’s 3-2 defeat to Celta Vigo, who played for 45 minutes with 10 men after Marcos Alonso was sent off for handball.

    Despite having a player less, Celta led 3-1 with goals from Ilaix Moriba, Oscar Mingueza and Borja Iglesias before Kike Salas headed a 98th-minute goal that was scant consolation for Sevilla.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Constitutional Offices Are Not Ornamental; Every Citizen Is Supreme In A Democracy, Stresses Vice-President

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (3)

    There Is No Visualisation in the Constitution of Any Authority above Parliament, Asserts VP
    Is Our Discourse Controlled by Moneybags, Muscle Power, And Foreign Interests? You Must Discern, Urges Vice-President
    The Constitution Is For the People; Elected Representatives Are Its Repository, Affirms VP
    Soul of Democracy Resides In Each Citizen, Says Vice-President
    If You Hesitate To Speak The Right Thing At The Right Time, To The Right Group You’ll Not Only Weaken Yourself, But Also Deeply Wound Positive Forces, says VP
    Vice-President presides over ‘Kartavyam’, an event commemorating 75 years of the Indian Constitution at the University of Delhi

    The Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said, “For any democracy, every citizen has a pivotal role. I find it inconceivably intriguing that some have recently reflected that constitutional offices can be ceremonial or ornamental. Nothing can be far distanced from a wrong understanding of the role of everyone in this country, constitutional functionary or a citizen. According to me, a citizen is supreme because a nation and democracy are built by citizens. Every one of them has a role. The soul of democracy resides and pulsates in every citizen. Democracy will blossom. Its values will get heightened. When citizen is alert, citizen contributes and what a citizen contributes, there is no substitution of that.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1914595796030193925

    Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest over ‘Kartavyam’, an event commemorating 75 years of the Indian Constitution at the University of Delhi today, the Vice-President and ex-officio Chancellor of the University of Delhi, stated, “There is no visualisation in the constitution of any authority above parliament. Parliament is supreme and that being the situation. Let me tell you, it is as supreme as every individual in the country. Part of ‘We the People’ is an atom in democracy and that atom has atomic power. That atomic power is reflected during elections and that is why we are a democratic nation.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1914596920871309323

    He also added that, “The Constitution is encapsulated—its essence, it’s worth, its nectar—in the Preamble of the Constitution. And what does it say? ‘We, the People of India’, the supreme power is with them. No one is above the people of India. And we, the People of India, under the Constitution, have chosen to reflect their aspirations, their desires, and their will through their public representatives. And they hold the representatives accountable—severely accountable, on occasions—through elections. A Prime Minister who imposed ‘Emergency’ was held accountable in 1977. And therefore, let there be no doubt about it: the Constitution is for the people, and its repository of safeguarding is that of the elected representatives. They are the ultimate masters as to what the Constitution’s content will be.”

    Reflecting on the duty of citizens in democracy, the Vice-President said, “Democracy is not only for the government to govern. It is participatory democracy, just not laws, but also culture and ethos. Citizenship demands action, not merely status….Democracy is shaped not by governments, democracy is shaped by individuals. Because individuals bear the responsibility to uphold our symbols, preserve our heritage, defend sovereignty, foster brotherhood….. Government has a role that it [individual] does not become a handicap. Government has a role that it must have affirmative policies but government is like giving me a good stadium, a good football ground. Goals have to be scored by individuals.”

    Underlining the significance of quality of discourse in any healthy democracy, the Vice-President said, “If you want to know the health of democracy, like the health of an individual, if you want to analyse how healthy is our democracy, then you will have to find out discourse quality, the kind of discourse we have. Is our discourse moderated? Is our discourse manipulated? Is our discourse controlled by moneybags, by muscle power, by foreign interests, by people working against the interests of this nation? You will have to discern.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1914598428551610399

    Underlining the significance of freedom of expression, he stated, “We have to understand—democracy thrives through expression and dialogue. Abhivyakti aur samvaad—these are the core mantras of democracy. These are the basic mantras. If your right of expression is throttled or regulated, as was done during the Emergency, democracy nosedives. But if you have the right of expression, and that expression reflects arrogance and ego—where you believe your expression is ultimate, where you refuse to entertain any different point of view, refuse to even look at the other side—that too is not true expression as per our civilization. Because every expression demands respect for dialogue, and respect for the other point of view. You must always be prepared to be challenged. And to challenge is not a physical act—it is a challenge of ideas, a difference in thought: “I disagree with you.” That does not mean “I am disagreeable.” There must always be space for such exchange. Therefore, expression and dialogue are complementary—they together define democracy. If we delve into our civilizational heritage, this was referred to in Vedic times as ‘Anantavad’—the idea of infinite perspectives. There was a tradition of vaad-vivaad—debate and discourse—And this tradition was free of ego. Vaad-vivaad dissolves ego and arrogance. Because if I believe that only I am right and no one else can be right—that arrogance tarnishes not only the individual but also institutions. That is why, for a healthy democracy, expression and dialogue are essential.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1914606039707554013

    “If you hesitate to speak the right thing, at the right time, to the right group and the right person, you will not only weaken yourself but also deeply hurt those positive forces. Therefore, expression and dialogue are of utmost importance. Nations are not built by industrialists, nations are built by individuals. The power of the individual, as I said an atom. The power is atomic, you have that power. You only have to realise it”, he further added.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1914595306420777013

    Emphasising the role of youth in nation-building, Shri Dhankhar added, “The quality of discourse defines our democracy and in this, I have no doubt, our youth must elevate beyond partisanship to thoughtful deliberation. Our youth cannot afford this critical juncture when Bharat is rising, the rise is unstoppable. We are destined to be a global power. We will be a developed nation. You cannot be tied down to partisan interests; you have to believe only in national interests.”

    Shri Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, Prof. Balaram Pani, Dean Colleges, University of Delhi, Shri Prakash Singh, Director, South Delhi Campus, University of Delhi and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese coaches enjoy Premier experience at top English soccer academies

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

    While hopes are slim for China’s men’s soccer team to reach the next World Cup, the country is already investing in the sport’s future — starting with its coaches. Eight youth coaches from the Chinese Football Association have just returned from a three-week training stint in England, hosted by the Premier League.

    The visit was part of the International Elite Coach Program, a flagship initiative under a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Premier League and the CFA last October.

    It is designed to support China’s long-term soccer ambitions by equipping local coaches with global expertise.

    Five of the eight coaches selected for the visit are former Chinese national team players.

    Over three weeks, they were hosted at two Premier League Category One Academies — Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers — where they engaged in hands-on training, match preparation and performance analysis alongside experienced club staff.

    The Chinese coaches participated in tactical briefings, reviewed under-18 and under-21 matches and attended competitive fixtures, including three Premier League games. They also joined a Premier League-run Coaching Craft workshop to further hone their technical skills.

    Sean Reed, the Premier League’s Head of Coaching, emphasized that the program mirrors the league’s own youth coach development structure, but was customized to meet the needs of the Chinese coaches.

    “During this trip, the coaches had the opportunity to work with players they had never coached before — many of whom did not speak the same language,” said Reed.

    “This experience challenged them to adapt their approaches to coaching, and strengthened their ability to communicate effectively in unfamiliar environments.

    “One particular task required the coaches to deliver a session without using verbal communication. This encouraged them to find alternative ways to engage and instruct players, reinforcing the idea that football truly is a universal language,” he added.

    Reed praised the coaches’ engagement and growth: “All the coaches have grown in confidence throughout the program. They demonstrated full commitment to every element of this unique experience, building on their football knowledge and bringing energy, curiosity and professionalism to each learning opportunity.”

    Reed said that the visit was just a beginning. To further support the ongoing development of the coaches and maintain engagement, they schedule regular online check-ins, as well as the opportunity to join relevant online sessions and conferences delivered by the Premier League.

    “We also provide tailored digital content designed to support their ongoing development,” he said.

    Among the delegation was Yu Hai, a former left-back who earned 71 caps for China.

    Now transitioning into coaching, currently managing former club Shanghai Port’s Under-19s team, Yu was struck by the intensity of the English training environment.

    “What impressed me most was that every session was run at full match pace,” he said. “Now that I’m a coach, I’ve shifted my attention to tactics and the structure of youth development systems.”

    Li Feiyu, an official of CFA’s technical department, described the visit as “exceptionally rewarding”.

    “The Premier League clubs demonstrated outstanding philosophies in youth development, and impressive professionalism in their academy operations,” said Li. “The experience has provided us with valuable reference points for enhancing our own systems. I believe this collaboration between the CFA and the Premier League holds long-term, constructive significance, and will greatly benefit youth development in Chinese football.”

    Neil Saunders, Director of Football at the Premier League, emphasized the importance of continued cooperation: “This program is part of our long-standing commitment to supporting football development in China.”

    “By working with our clubs to deliver a diverse and enriching itinerary, we’ve enabled the CFA coaching delegation to gain unique insights into elite academy environments. Our support for Chinese football development will continue, even after the delegation has returned to China,” he said.

    This is the second group of Chinese coaches to take part in the initiative, following the first cohort’s visit in September 2024. The program also aligns with the Premier League’s expanding presence in Asia, including the opening of its Beijing office in 2024 — its third international hub after Singapore and the United States.

    The Premier League has been involved in grassroots soccer in China for over 15 years. Since 2009, it has partnered with the British Council to deliver the Premier Skills coaching program in 28 cities across the country, training more than 6,300 grassroots coaches, referees, and physical education teachers.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 12, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 12, 2025.

    Victoria’s planning reforms could help solve the housing crisis. But they are under threat
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Coates, Program Director, Housing and Economic Security, Grattan Institute An aerial drone view of northern Melbourne suburbs. Elias Bitar/Shutterstock The federal election campaign was dominated by the housing crisis. But the real power to solve it rests with the states. In Victoria, reforms are underway that

    Footy’s ‘code wars’ are back, but which is actually the No. 1 Australian sport: the NRL or AFL?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney NRL Photos, Matt Turner/AAP, Wikimedia, The Conversation, CC BY Every now and then, so-called “code wars” erupt between the major Australia winter football codes: the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL). This

    A prisoner voting ban shows again how few checks there are on parliamentary power
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Winter, Associate Professor in Political Theory, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith’s recent announcement that the government would reinstate a total ban on prisoners voting was in keeping with the coalition’s overall tough-on-crime approach. The move was called “ridiculous” and

    ‘We’re just doing our best’ – cultural backlash hits Auckland kava business
    By Coco Lance, RNZ Pacific digital journalist A new Auckland-based kava business has found itself at the heart of a cultural debate, with critics raising concerns about appropriation, authenticity, and the future of kava as a deeply rooted Pacific tradition. Vibes Kava, co-founded by Charles Byram and Derek Hillen, operates out of New Leaf Kombucha

    ‘Fighting more frequent now’ – researcher warns of escalating West Papua conflict
    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist The escalation of violence in West Papua is on par with some of the most intense times of conflict over the past six decades, a human rights researcher says. The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) claims that Indonesia killed at least one civilian and severely injured another

    India-Pakistan ceasefire shouldn’t disguise fact that norms have changed in South Asia, making future de-escalation much harder
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Farah N. Jan, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, University of Pennsylvania A member of the Indian Border Security Force stands guard near the India-Pakistan border. Narinder Nanu/AFP via Getty Images India and Pakistan have seen the scenario play out before: a terror attack in which Indians are

    Homer’s Iliad is a rap battle
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Forstenzer, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Co-Director of the Centre for Engaged Philosophy, University of Sheffield The Anger of Achilles by Jacques-Louis David (1819). Kimbell Art Museum Homer’s Iliad is one of the foundational stories of European civilisation. The Iliad is a long poem – an

    Major brands don’t need to kowtow to Trump: they have the power to bring people together
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Beverland, Professor of Brand Management, University of Sussex Business School, University of Sussex Whatever you think of his personality or politics, it’s impossible to deny the success of Donald Trump as a brand. Supporters and detractors across the world are transfixed by his second term as

    Meteorites and marsquakes hint at an underground ocean of liquid water on the Red Planet
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hrvoje Tkalčić, Professor, Head of Geophysics, Director of Warramunga Array, Australian National University UAESA / MBRSC / Hope Mars Mission / EXI / Andrea Luck, CC BY Evidence is mounting that a secret lies beneath the dusty red plains of Mars, one that could redefine our view

    Why doesn’t Australia make more medicines? Wouldn’t that fix drug shortages?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Coomber, PhD Candidate, Pharmaceutical Supply Chains, The University of Queensland IM Imagery/Shutterstock About 400 medicines are in short supply in Australia. Of these, about 30 are categorised as critical. These are ones with a life-threatening or serious impact on patients, and with no readily available substitutes.

    Farmers fear dingoes are eating their livestock – but predator poo tells an unexpected story
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Mason, PhD candidate in Conservation Biology, Deakin University Kristian Bell/Shutterstock Killing carnivores to protect livestock, wildlife and people is an emotive and controversial issue that can cause community conflict. Difficult decisions about managing predators must be supported by strong scientific evidence. In Australia, predators such as

    ‘Cutting off communications’ – did Trump really just turn his back on Israel?
    ANALYSIS: By Robert Inlakesh Israel is in a weak position and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s extremism knows no bounds. The only other way around an eventual regional war is the ousting of the Israeli prime minister. US President Donald Trump has closed his line of communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to various

    View from The Hill: if Jacinta Nampijinpa Price became Liberal deputy it would be a wild ride
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Jacinta Nampijinpa Price’s confirmation she will run for Liberal deputy has put the members of an already shell-shocked party into a new spin. Tuesday’s leadership contest, where the numbers are said to be tight, is a battle for the direction

    Dumped minister Ed Husic labels Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles ‘factional assassin’
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Industry Minister Ed Husic, dumped from the frontbench ahead of Anthony Albanese’s announcement of his new ministry, has made an excoriating attack on Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, describing him as a “factional assassin”. Marles, chief of the Victorian right,

    Philippine advocacy group condemns NZ military pact with Manila, rejects election violence
    Asia Pacific Report The Aotearoa Philippines Solidarity national assembly has condemned the National Party-led Coalition government in New Zealand over signing a “deplorable” visiting forces agreement with the Philippine government “Given the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ appalling human rights record and continuing attacks on activists in the Philippines, it is deplorable for the New

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Footy’s ‘code wars’ are back, but which is actually the No. 1 Australian sport: the NRL or AFL?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist, University of Technology Sydney

    NRL Photos, Matt Turner/AAP, Wikimedia, The Conversation, CC BY

    Every now and then, so-called “code wars” erupt between the major Australia winter football codes: the National Rugby League (NRL) and the Australian Football League (AFL).

    This animosity likely stems from a phenomenon known as “the Barassi Line”, a cultural and geographical divide based on football preference which runs from Eden, NSW, through Canberra and up to Arnhem Land.



    Read more:
    The Barassi Line: a globally unique divider splitting Australia’s footy fans

    Recently, NRL chair Peter V’Landys claimed victory over the AFL in a strongly worded salvo:

    Rugby league has reaffirmed its standing as the No. 1 sporting code in Australia and the Pacific after the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) announced record-breaking attendances, TV audiences, participation, revenue and assets.

    But is he right to state the NRL as Australia’s No. 1 sport?

    A uniquely Australian battle

    The battleground in Australia is unique: most nations have only one major football code, soccer. Australia though has four – Australian rules football (AFL), rugby league (NRL), soccer and rugby union.

    More competition is good for the consumer and, in this case, the consumer is the Aussie sports fan.

    The way these fans watch, play and pour money into each sport is closely tracked by each league. And the competition for talent, fans, sponsors and eyeballs via TV, digital media and streaming grows every year.

    Thanks to Australian sports media experts SportsIndustryAU, we can now make a direct comparison between the codes.

    What the numbers say

    It’s important to note the NRL’s recent chest-beating refers to audiences in Australia and the Pacific, explaining the code’s push into Papua New Guinea (PNG) and potentially further expansion in New Zealand.



    Read more:
    Sports diplomacy: why the Australian government is spending $600 million on a new NRL team in PNG

    In terms of revenue, the AFL earned 39% more than the NRL in 2024: $1.04 billion compared to the NRL’s $744.8 million.

    In terms of profit, the NRL’s was 51% higher than the AFL in 2024. This was in large part due to the NRL having only half the operational expenses of the AFL.

    However, if we look at operating profit (gross profit minus operating expenses), the AFL was 13% higher than the NRL before it made its annual distributions to clubs. The AFL distributes its profits among its 18 clubs, with smaller clubs receiving more than the more powerful teams.

    In terms of net assets (the value of an organisation’s assets minus its liabilities), the AFL is also richer: it has net assets of $482.3 million compared to $322.4 million for the NRL. The AFL owns Marvel Stadium and a share in the sports data and analytics company Champion Data. By comparison, the NRL has shares in many hotels.

    In terms of TV audience, the NRL was 10% larger in terms of average aggregated audiences for free-to-air and paid subscription services in 2024: 153.7 million to the AFL’s 140.3 million. However, AFL matches go longer and the season features more games than the NRL. Also, these figures do not include streaming numbers, which will be part of future broadcast deals.

    In terms of attendance and membership, the AFL is a clear winner.

    The AFL welcomed 8.4 million fans through the gate in 2024, compared to 4.3 million for the NRL.

    For membership, the AFL’s clubs boasted 1.32 million collectively in 2024. In the NRL, there are slightly more than 400,000 club members (based on club data – the NRL does not release membership data).

    In terms of participation, Ausplay – a national tracking survey led by the Australian Sports Commission – estimates 641,390 Aussie rules players, compared to 531,323 for rugby league (which includes touch football and Oztag).

    No clear-cut answer

    While more of the numbers point to an AFL advantage, this heavyweight battle will never be completely settled, and both codes’ future expansion plans will further muddy the waters.

    The NRL has just announced the Perth Bears will join in 2027 or 2028. This team revives the old North Sydney Bears with a new Western Australia base. This will bring the number of NRL clubs to 19.

    A possible 20th team is slated for New Zealand, or Ipswich in the western Brisbane corridor.

    Similarly, the AFL is expanding, first to Tasmania, which is set to become its 19th club in 2028.

    Beyond that, it’s possible the league will look to the Northern Territory, Canberra or another team in Western Australia or South Australia to join as the 20th team.

    One key advantage for the NRL is its international appeal.

    For two years, it has hosted games in Las Vegas. And after the NRL’s successful Magic Round in Brisbane, CEO Andrew Abdo floated the possibility of taking the event overseas, with Hong Kong and Dubai reportedly expressing interest.

    Of course, as a domestic game, Australian rules football cannot logically expand beyond our shores.

    But whether beyond our boundaries or within, the NRL vs AFL rivalry will continue, and an unequivocal winner will never really be settled on.

    Tim Harcourt 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. Footy’s ‘code wars’ are back, but which is actually the No. 1 Australian sport: the NRL or AFL? – https://theconversation.com/footys-code-wars-are-back-but-which-is-actually-the-no-1-australian-sport-the-nrl-or-afl-256088

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hamburg return to Bundesliga after seven-year absence

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

    Emotions erupted late Saturday evening at Hamburger SV’s arena following the club’s return to the first tier after seven years.

    Hours of celebration followed across the city. While overwhelming joy is typical after sporting success, the dramatic story of one of Germany’s most famous football teams stands as a special chapter.

    Internal power struggles had divided the team, with various squads and coaches collapsing under immense expectations after relegation in 2018. It took 34-year-old former assistant coach Merlin Polzin to finally overcome these challenges.

    The 2018 relegation was Hamburg’s first and only demotion since the league’s foundation in 1963. After 2,555 days, the “Red pants” are back.

    Narrow and heartbreaking failures, often mere millimeters from success, had led to widespread mockery. Golden times seemed long gone, with the atmosphere verging permanently on mediocrity.

    This golden era included six league titles (the last in 1983), three German Cup wins (last in 1987), the 1977 UEFA Cup, and the 1983 European Champions Cup – the predecessor to today’s UEFA Champions League – largely associated with Felix Magath.

    Neither the club’s fans nor the former German international have forgotten that magical night in Athens, when Magath scored the winning goal against Juventus after nine minutes.

    After a coaching career and more than 300 games in an HSV shirt, the 71-year-old Magath recently announced plans to run for president in the June 2025 elections.

    For many supporters, hopes rest heavily on the former Shandong Taishan coach, who promised to steer the club back to consistency if elected.

    “It feels like someone shaking a bottle of champagne for seven years, now the cork went off,” said Stefan Kuntz, director of sport, after coach Polzin received the traditional beer shower during the post-game press conference.

    The former German international and 1996 European champion added: “We are back where we belong.”

    Central to the current fairytale is coach Polzin, who took charge in November 2024 when morale at the club had hit rock bottom.

    Polzin, born in Hamburg, began as an avid fan, traveling to every game. He later completed coaching education and served as an assistant coach under several predecessors.

    Despite financial losses over recent years that may have diminished Hamburg’s once-great potential, HSV returns to the Bundesliga not as an ordinary rookie. Merely battling relegation cannot be considered a realistic goal.

    Calm and thoughtful leadership could provide an opportunity for sustained success if realistic sporting goals are established.

    “We will start planning next week to play a significant role in the first division,” Kuntz said, confirming that Polzin’s contract has been extended. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: South Korea sweep recurve golds at Archery World Cup

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

    South Korea completed a dominant sweep of all five recurve titles at the Archery World Cup Shanghai stop, the second stage of the 2025 season, on Sunday, while host China claimed two silver medals in team events.

    In the recurve men’s team final, the Korean trio of Lee Woo-seok, Kim Je-deok, and Kim Woo-jin delivered a flawless first set with a perfect 60-point score, overpowering France 6-0. The United States took bronze with a 5-3 win over India.

    Kim Woojin of South Korea competes during the gold final of the Recurve Mixed Team competition at Shanghai 2025 Archery World Cup Stage 2 in Shanghai, east China, May 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

    The recurve women’s team final featured a clash between South Korea and China. Despite an uncharacteristic 7 in the third set from the Koreans, young Chinese archers Zhu Jingyi and Huang Yuwei struggled under pressure, allowing the reigning Olympic champions to seal a 6-2 victory. Chinese Taipei claimed bronze by defeating Mexico 5-1.

    South Korea continued its supremacy in the mixed team event, with Olympic champions Kim Woo-jin and Lim Si-hyeon overpowering China’s Wang Yan and Li Jiaman 6-2. Türkiye secured the bronze medal.

    “These young athletes experienced their first international final showdown against Korean archers,” said Chinese coach Kwon Yong-hak. “They were angry after the match – I told them they should feel that way. This unyielding attitude is crucial for growth.”

    He particularly noted Li Jiaman’s determination: “She desperately wanted redemption after the women’s team loss, but the mounting pressure affected her mixed team performance. We’re not afraid of losing – these lessons will fuel our preparation for Los Angeles 2028.”

    Kim Woo-jin cemented his status as the tournament’s standout athlete, adding individual men’s gold to his team and mixed team triumphs. The Paris 2024 Olympic champion edged Mexico’s Matias Grande 7-1 in the final. In the women’s event, Lee Ga-hyun completed Korea’s golden sweep with a 6-2 victory over compatriot Lim Si-hyeon.

    The compound finals on Saturday saw Dutch star Mike Schloesser claim his tenth World Cup stage gold in the men’s final, while India’s Madhura Dhamangaonkar secured her victory in the women’s final. Team honors went to India (men), Mexico (women), and Britain’s Ella Gibson and Ajay Scott (mixed).

    The Archery World Cup moves to Antalya, Türkiye for its next stage from June 3-8.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neag School of Education Celebrates 151 Bachelor of Science Graduates

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    UConn’s Neag School of Education held its undergraduate commencement ceremony at the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday morning, celebrating 151 Bachelor of Science graduates from its Sport Management and Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s Teacher Education programs.

    The joyful, sunny day began with a beloved Neag School tradition: the procession of graduates down Glenbrook Road from the Gentry Building to the Jorgensen, led by UConn’s mascot Jonathan XV. Once inside the auditorium, the Class of 2025 was greeted by cheers and applause from hundreds of family, friends, and other guests. The Neag School of Education banner was presented and placed onstage by Alexa Granfield, the class representative. Lead Marshal Megan Staples, associate professor of mathematics education, then opened the commencement ceremony before welcoming Dean Jason G. Irizarry to the podium.

    “It may sound cliché, but it is true: our students are special,” Irizarry said. “They are dedicating themselves to career paths that seek to improve education, support sport, and serve youth. As we like to say, there’s no place like the Neag School. Today’s graduates are proof of that. … All of us in the Neag School are already looking forward to the achievements that these selfless, dedicated young people are certain to realize in the years to come.”

    This year’s commencement speaker was Suzanne M. Wilson, the Neag Endowed Professor of Teacher Education and a professor in the Neag School’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She is a nationally known expert on teacher preparation and professional development who has had an indelible impact on the field of education. She was elected to the National Academy of Education in 2013 and to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2022.

    “You have all chosen to join what some call the ‘caring professions’,” Wilson said to the graduates. “These professions focus on the emotional, psychological, intellectual, physical, and social well-being of others. Outsiders often think that the caring professions are easy work – after all, you just have to show up and be nice. Care. But these professions entail impossibly demanding work. … The fundamental challenge you face is that the learner or the client is the one who must do the work; no matter how loudly or clearly you talk, you can only offer them motivation and ideas. You can’t make them learn. That’s a tough job, and you never completely master it. You learn and relearn it over a lifetime.”

    So, Wilson offered the Class of 2025 three pieces of advice she said she wished she knew when she completed her bachelor’s degree: learn to hear, embrace your inevitable mistakes, and be kind.

    “Pretty simple, right?” Wilson said. “Don’t make the mistake of thinking that these habits are either personality traits or come naturally. You must consciously decide to practice doing these things for every person you work with, every day. … It takes will and skill, not to mention intelligence and knowledge, empathy and modesty, passion and compassion, patience and persistence, resilience and humility. … Given everything that you — the Class of 2025 — have already done at UConn and elsewhere, I have no doubt that you are up to the challenge.”

    Prior to joining UConn, Wilson was a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, where she served on the faculty for 26 years. She was also the first director of the Teacher Assessment Project, which developed prototype assessments for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

    It may sound cliché, but it is true: our students are special. They are dedicating themselves to career paths that seek to improve education, support sport, and serve youth. &#8212 Dean Jason G. Irizarry

    “Dr. Wilson’s distinguished career has been marked by groundbreaking scholarship, service at the highest levels of our profession, and an unwavering commitment to students and colleagues,” Irizarry said. “A steadfast mentor, collaborator, and advocate, Dr. Wilson’s leadership and advocacy at the national level have also shaped policy and practice in profound ways.”

    As it was Mother’s Day, Irizarry took a moment early on in the ceremony to thank all the mother figures in the audience or elsewhere who guided and supported the graduates. Then a short video played that was a compilation of Mother’s Day wishes recorded by some of the Neag School graduates. It was a heartfelt moment that had many in the audience looking for tissues.

    Another beloved Neag School commencement tradition is a performance by the graduating music education students toward the end of the ceremony. This year, nine graduates performed an arrangement of “Upside Down” by Jack Johnson, prompting their classmates to stand up and dance.

    Provost Anne D’Alleva was in attendance to congratulate the graduates and confer the Bachelor of Science degrees.

    “I charge you now to assume fully the responsibilities of your new status, to enlarge upon the foundations of knowledge which you have acquired, to take upon yourselves the obligations of an enlarged vision, and to seek to do your fair share of the work of this world,” D’Alleva said. “You are now alumni of UConn’s Neag School of Education. … Congratulations!”

    The UConn Neag School of Education commencement ceremony was also livestreamed and is still available for viewing.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Maple Leafs’ goalie Anthony Stolarz’s injury highlights concerns about concussions in ice hockey

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kewei Bian, Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Western University

    During Game 1 of the Maple Leafs’ ongoing playoff series against the Florida Panthers, Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was struck in the head by Panthers forward Sam Bennett.

    Although Stolarz remained in the game for several minutes following the hit, he eventually skated to the bench, vomited and exited the ice. He was later stretchered out of the arena and taken to a hospital. Stolarz rejoined his teammates the following day, but will not play in Game 2 and isn’t expected to return for the series.

    While it’s unclear whether he was officially diagnosed with a concussion, the incident has once again reignited concern over brain injuries in hockey.

    As researchers specializing in brain injury biomechanics, we use both experimental (laboratory-based) and computational methods to investigate the biomechanical mechanisms of concussion and explore effective prevention strategies.

    Cases like this underscore the importance of concussion detection, management and prevention, particularly in high-impact sports like hockey where head injuries remain a significant risk.

    Concussions and TBI in ice hockey

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussion, is a growing public health concern worldwide. These injuries result from direct or indirect impacts to the head and can have both immediate and long-term health consequences.

    In the United States alone, 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related TBIs occur annually. In Canada, around 24 per cent of reported concussions are related to sports. In 2019, roughly 1.6 per cent of people in Canada — more than 400,000 people — aged 12 and older reported at least one concussion.

    Ice hockey, one of Canada’s most popular sports, is associated with a particularly high risk of concussion. Around 22 per cent of Canadian ice hockey players between the ages of 10 and 25 experience at least one concussion. According to official injury reports from the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association, concussions can occur up to 24.3 times per 1,000 player game hours.

    At the professional level, the risks remain significant. Based on averages from the 2009–10, 2010-11 and 2011–12 National Hockey League seasons, approximately 5.8 concussions occurred per 100 players each season. Concussion-related salary loss also reached US$42.8 million in one year.

    What happens during a concussion?

    From a biomechanical perspective, a concussion occurs when the head experiences an external impact. Since the skull is very stiff and the brain has inertia, the skull moves immediately while the brain initially remains in its original position. The brain eventually catching up with the skull’s motion.

    In straight-line, or translational, impacts, the skull compresses the brain at the point of contact, creating localized positive pressure. At the same time, on the opposite side of the brain, the skull’s movement creates negative pressure.

    In rotational impacts — when the head is spun — the skull’s movement causes shear forces within the brain tissue, causing it to deform. Since the brain consists of different regions responsible for different functions, this tissue deformation can affect specific brain functional regions, leading to the range of symptoms associated with concussion.

    Understanding concussion symptoms

    Concussions can impact a range of functions, including physical, cognitive, emotional and cognitive abilities.

    Typical symptoms include headache, dizziness, trouble with balance, vomiting, blurry vision, confusion, sleep issues, memory problems and even loss of consciousness.

    These symptoms are commonly seen in athletes, including those in ice hockey. Among NHL athletes, the most commonly reported post-concussion symptoms, in order of frequency, are headaches, dizziness, nausea, neck pain, low energy or fatigue, blurred vision, light sensitivity, nervousness or anxiety, irritability and vomiting.

    A CityNews segment about how Stolarz’s head injury sparked a conversation around concussion awareness.

    Concussions may present immediately following a head impact, or they may emerge hours or even days later. While most concussions can recover within seven to 10 days, some could last longer.

    While the short-term effects typically include headache, vomiting and dizziness, the long-term effects may cause symptoms such long-term memory loss, depression and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Concussion assessment and management

    Diagnosing concussions is challenging because they are not visible on traditional imaging techniques like CT scans. Instead, concussion assessments rely on clinical evaluation of symptoms.

    The NHL has a concussion protocol in place that requires players to be immediately removed from the game for evaluation if one is suspected. The decision is based on observed physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep-related symptoms.

    Other evaluation methods, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), are also employed to assess TBIs and concussion. The GCS assesses the severity of TBI by evaluating eye opening, verbal response and motor response on a scale. The GCS score of 13-15 is classified as mild TBI, or concussion.

    Those suspected of having a concussion should stop all activities and seek medical attention to begin concussion treatment and receive guidance on recovery and rehabilitation.

    Concussion prevention and prediction

    Reducing sport-related concussion rates requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy changes, stricter enforcement of rules and increased education and awareness.

    Protective equipment also plays a key role. Helmets, in particular, are effective at protecting the head from injury. One study found wearing a helmet in ice hockey can reduce head linear acceleration, rotational velocity and the brain strain resulting from external impacts. Continuous improvements in ice hockey helmet design can further reduce injury risks.

    To better understand and predict concussions, biomechanical researchers have developed injury metrics based on head kinematics and brain strain. Head kinematics-based injury metrics, such as peak linear acceleration and peak rotational acceleration, are derived from sensor-captured movement.

    Another promising approach involves brain strain–based metrics, which use high-fidelity computational models to estimate brain tissue deformation. Since brain strain is closely associated with the risk of brain injury, these models are valuable for predicting and analyzing concussion mechanisms.

    Ultimately, addressing concussions in ice hockey requires continued interdisciplinary research to better understand and address concussions in ice hockey. Protecting players from concussion is paramount to ensuring the game evolves as safely as it does competitively.

    Haojie Mao receives funding from NSERC to investigate brain biomechanics and helmet safety.

    Carter Goan, Emilie Anne Potts, Kewei Bian, and Sakib Ul Islam 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. Maple Leafs’ goalie Anthony Stolarz’s injury highlights concerns about concussions in ice hockey – https://theconversation.com/maple-leafs-goalie-anthony-stolarzs-injury-highlights-concerns-about-concussions-in-ice-hockey-256056

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vice Chair McCaul, Chairman Green Announce Bipartisan Task Force on Enhancing National Security for Upcoming FIFA 2026, 2028 Olympics, US 250th Anniversary

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Michael McCaul (10th District of Texas)

    WASHINGTON –Today, U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) — chairman emeritus and current vice chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security — and Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-Tenn.) announced the establishment of the “Task Force on Securing the Homeland Amidst Special Events,” which will conduct oversight of the federal government’s security preparations for major upcoming international events, including the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, the 2025 Ryder Cup, the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026, and the 2027 National Football League (NFL) draft. The task force will be chaired by Vice Chairman McCaul, with other bipartisan task force members to be announced in the coming days. 

    Members of the task force plan to visit select event sites in advance, hold hearings, host roundtables, and release a final report on their findings as part of the committee’s oversight of National Special Security Events (NSSEs) and major Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events. 

    “As the U.S. prepares to host high-profile events like the Olympics and the World Cup, it’s imperative that we make robust security preparations to ensure Americans — and millions of international guests — can safely enjoy their experience,” said Vice Chairman McCaul. “While these events provide a unique opportunity to showcase the United States’ global leadership and commitment to excellence, they can also attract increased threats as our adversaries and other malign actors seek to exploit and sabotage them. I’m proud our committee is addressing these challenges head-on, in close coordination with the administration, to empower all levels of our government, law enforcement, first responders, and other stakeholders to execute events that are spirited, seamless, and — most importantly — safe.”

    “Over the next four years, major cities across America will host a historic number of international events, with millions of guests from across the globe visiting our communities. While this is an important opportunity to showcase American exceptionalism, we have seen time and time again that mass-spectator events can present unique challenges for law enforcement and prime opportunities for America’s adversaries. From the Boston Marathon bombing and ISIS threats against the recent Paris Olympics, to the New Year’s Day attack in advance of the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, it is of the utmost importance that we learn from the past and ensure the federal government leads robust and coordinated security efforts alongside state and local officials, emergency managers, and all levels of law enforcement to stay ahead of threats in the coming months,” said Chairman Green. 

    “With jurisdiction over DHS, including the Secret Service, FEMA, and TSA, this Committee has an important oversight role when it comes to ensuring the success of President Trump’s newly announced DHS FIFA task force. I look forward to undertaking this essential, bipartisan mission alongside my colleagues to ensure the safety of Americans and international visitors alike during their travel to, and participation in, these events,” Chairman Green continued.

    Background: 

    In March, President Trump created the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Executive Order 14234. The task force, housed within the Department of Homeland Security, “shall coordinate with executive departments and agencies (agencies) to assist in the planning, organization, and execution of the events surrounding the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” The Congressional task force will work to buttress those efforts through legislative means, including oversight. 

    Prior to Congress, Congressman McCaul served as chief of counter terrorism and national security in the U.S. attorney’s office, Western District of Texas, and led the Joint Terrorism Task Force charged with detecting, deterring, and preventing terrorist activity. And during the 113th-115th Congresses, he served as the chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, leading the investigations into the Boston bombing to correct deficiencies at the FBI and CIA, and revamping how these agencies communicate with one another. He also led the Foreign Fighter Task Force, which enabled rapid legislative responses to the Paris Attacks.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Police keep fans safe at Soweto Derby

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Sunday, May 11, 2025

    At least five people have been arrested for different infringements during safety operations at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) where the Nedbank Cup Final between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates was held.

    Leading up to the match, security concerns were raised after reports that some fans without tickets would attempt to storm the stadium.

    “The planning team put the necessary deployments in place, and the execution of such plans was second to none. On the day of the match, five suspects were arrested for different infringements of the law. 

    “Two suspects were arrested for unauthorised sale of matchday tickets; two more suspects were arrested for pitch invasion, which is in contravention of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (Act No.2 of 2010), and one suspect was nabbed for an authorised flying of a drone within the perimeters of the stadium. Once processed, the suspects will face the wrath of the law,” police said in a statement.

    KZN Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, praised efforts to keep fans safe at the venue.

    “The province of KwaZulu-Natal is capable of safeguarding residents, visitors and tourists. For a major event of the calibre of the Soweto Derby to reach its conclusion without any major security concerns is proof enough that police in KwaZulu-Natal, working together with other law enforcement agencies, are up to the task of providing safety and security. 

    “I would like to show appreciation to football fans who respected law enforcement officers both on the roads and at the stadium. Real football lovers ignored a call by rogue elements, who wanted to create chaos around the match. Intelligence officers will continue to search for those who were instigating violence so that the law may take its cause”, Mkhwanazi said. – SAnews.gov.za   

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Maple Leafs’ goalie Anthony Stolarz’s injury highlights concerns about concussion in ice hockey

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kewei Bian, Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Western University

    During Game 1 of the Maple Leafs’ ongoing playoff series against the Florida Panthers, Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was struck in the head by Panthers forward Sam Bennett.

    Although Stolarz remained in the game for several minutes following the hit, he eventually skated to the bench, vomited and exited the ice. He was later stretchered out of the arena and taken to a hospital. Stolarz rejoined his teammates the following day, but will not play in Game 2 and isn’t expected to return for the series.

    While it’s unclear whether he was officially diagnosed with a concussion, the incident has once again reignited concern over brain injuries in hockey.

    As researchers specializing in brain injury biomechanics, we use both experimental (laboratory-based) and computational methods to investigate the biomechanical mechanisms of concussion and explore effective prevention strategies.

    Cases like this underscore the importance of concussion detection, management and prevention, particularly in high-impact sports like hockey where head injuries remain a significant risk.

    Concussions and TBI in ice hockey

    Traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussion, is a growing public health concern worldwide. These injuries result from direct or indirect impacts to the head and can have both immediate and long-term health consequences.

    In the United States alone, 1.6 to 3.8 million sports-related TBIs occur annually. In Canada, around 24 per cent of reported concussions are related to sports. In 2019, roughly 1.6 per cent of people in Canada — more than 400,000 people — aged 12 and older reported at least one concussion.

    Ice hockey, one of Canada’s most popular sports, is associated with a particularly high risk of concussion. Around 22 per cent of Canadian ice hockey players between the ages of 10 and 25 experience at least one concussion. According to official injury reports from the British Columbia Amateur Hockey Association, concussions can occur up to 24.3 times per 1,000 player game hours.

    At the professional level, the risks remain significant. Based on averages from the 2009–10, 2010-11 and 2011–12 National Hockey League seasons, approximately 5.8 concussions occurred per 100 players each season. Concussion-related salary loss also reached US$42.8 million in one year.

    What happens during a concussion?

    From a biomechanical perspective, a concussion occurs when the head experiences an external impact. Since the skull is very stiff and the brain has inertia, the skull moves immediately while the brain initially remains in its original position. The brain eventually catching up with the skull’s motion.

    In straight-line, or translational, impacts, the skull compresses the brain at the point of contact, creating localized positive pressure. At the same time, on the opposite side of the brain, the skull’s movement creates negative pressure.

    In rotational impacts — when the head is spun — the skull’s movement causes shear forces within the brain tissue, causing it to deform. Since the brain consists of different regions responsible for different functions, this tissue deformation can affect specific brain functional regions, leading to the range of symptoms associated with concussion.

    Understanding concussion symptoms

    Concussions can impact a range of functions, including physical, cognitive, emotional and cognitive abilities.

    Typical symptoms include headache, dizziness, trouble with balance, vomiting, blurry vision, confusion, sleep issues, memory problems and even loss of consciousness.

    These symptoms are commonly seen in athletes, including those in ice hockey. Among NHL athletes, the most commonly reported post-concussion symptoms, in order of frequency, are headaches, dizziness, nausea, neck pain, low energy or fatigue, blurred vision, light sensitivity, nervousness or anxiety, irritability and vomiting.

    A CityNews segment about how Stolarz’s head injury sparked a conversation around concussion awareness.

    Concussions may present immediately following a head impact, or they may emerge hours or even days later. While most concussions can recover within seven to 10 days, some could last longer.

    While the short-term effects typically include headache, vomiting and dizziness, the long-term effects may cause symptoms such long-term memory loss, depression and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Concussion assessment and management

    Diagnosing concussions is challenging because they are not visible on traditional imaging techniques like CT scans. Instead, concussion assessments rely on clinical evaluation of symptoms.

    The NHL has a concussion protocol in place that requires players to be immediately removed from the game for evaluation if one is suspected. The decision is based on observed physical, cognitive, emotional and sleep-related symptoms.

    Other evaluation methods, such as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), are also employed to assess TBIs and concussion. The GCS assesses the severity of TBI by evaluating eye opening, verbal response and motor response on a scale. The GCS score of 13-15 is classified as mild TBI, or concussion.

    Those suspected of having a concussion should stop all activities and seek medical attention to begin concussion treatment and receive guidance on recovery and rehabilitation.

    Concussion prevention and prediction

    Reducing sport-related concussion rates requires a multi-faceted approach, including policy changes, stricter enforcement of rules and increased education and awareness.

    Protective equipment also plays a key role. Helmets, in particular, are effective at protecting the head from injury. One study found wearing a helmet in ice hockey can reduce head linear acceleration, rotational velocity and the brain strain resulting from external impacts. Continuous improvements in ice hockey helmet design can further reduce injury risks.

    To better understand and predict concussions, biomechanical researchers have developed injury metrics based on head kinematics and brain strain. Head kinematics-based injury metrics, such as peak linear acceleration and peak rotational acceleration, are derived from sensor-captured movement.

    Another promising approach involves brain strain–based metrics, which use high-fidelity computational models to estimate brain tissue deformation. Since brain strain is closely associated with the risk of brain injury, these models are valuable for predicting and analyzing concussion mechanisms.

    Ultimately, addressing concussions in ice hockey requires continued interdisciplinary research to better understand and address concussions in ice hockey. Protecting players from concussion is paramount to ensuring the game evolves as safely as it does competitively.

    Haojie Mao receives funding from NSERC to investigate brain biomechanics and helmet safety.

    Carter Goan, Emilie Anne Potts, Kewei Bian, and Sakib Ul Islam 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. Maple Leafs’ goalie Anthony Stolarz’s injury highlights concerns about concussion in ice hockey – https://theconversation.com/maple-leafs-goalie-anthony-stolarzs-injury-highlights-concerns-about-concussion-in-ice-hockey-256056

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Raging wildfires put Scotland on frontline of climate crisis

    Source: Scottish Greens

    11 May 2025 Rural Affairs

    We need climate action to stop wildfires being our new normal.

    More in Rural Affairs

    With extreme wildfires warnings across the country, and with fire crews battling a wildfire the size of five football pitches near Fauldhouse, Scotland’s communities are being put on the frontline of the climate crisis, say the Scottish Greens.

    Scottish Green MSP Ariane Burgess said:

    “We aren’t even in the height of our summer yet and we are already seeing our woodlands burning and warnings in place across much of the country.

    “We should all be grateful to the firefighters who are risking their lives and putting their safety on the line to protect us and our communities. It’s not just the immediate threats they face, but also the lifelong increased health risks from exposure to smoke and toxic substances.

    “We need to do everything we can to ensure that they are well supported and properly equipped for the growing threats that we face from increasing temperatures. Yet, in some parts of rural and island Scotland the fire service is facing a challenge to fill the crews, and some of their stations are in bad need of upgrade.

    “Some of these fires have raged for days at a time and have done a huge amount of damage to local livelihoods and habitats. But, most importantly, they have put people in serious danger.

    “Scotland is blessed with amazing and iconic landscapes that attract visitors from across the world. But they are also homes and places where people live and work, and, with our climate changing around us, they are being put at growing risk and thrust on to the frontline of the climate crisis.

    “It’s not just Scotland. We have seen heat waves and wildfires across the world and, without fundamental change, the threat will only become more severe. The situation is particularly urgent for people living in remote and rural communities who are often surrounded by tinderbox conditions.

    “All of this underlines the need for preventative steps to climate-proof our society and to step-up climate action if we are to ensure that the devastating scenes at Fauldhouse do not become our new normal.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Instant Withdrawal Casinos: JACKBIT Named Fast Payout Casino for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    • Megaways: Slots with thousands of ways to win, powered by the Megaways mechanic.
    • Drops & Wins: Time-limited tournaments and bonus games with boosted prize pools.
    • Bonus Buy: Slots where you can purchase direct entry into bonus rounds without waiting.
    • Jackpot Games: Progressive jackpot slots offering life-changing payouts.
    • Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and more virtual table classics.
    • Video Poker: Poker variants played against the machine with skill-based payouts.
    • Instant Games: Fast, easy-to-play games like Crash and Plinko.
    • Video Bingos: Bingo-style games with enhanced graphics and jackpots.
    • Scratch Cards: Instant win games with simple rules and quick results.
    • Lotto: Online lottery draws with big prizes.
    • Fish: Arcade-style games where players shoot targets to win prizes.
    • Live Casino Games: Live versions of blackjack, baccarat, roulette, video slots, poker, Sic Bo, and game shows.

    How To Sign Up At JACKBIT: Your Guide To Joining One Of The Best Instant Withdrawal Casinos

    1. Access JACKBIT’s Website:

    Open a secure browser and visit JACKBIT’s official site to begin your journey at one of the best instant withdrawal casinos.

    2. Create Your Account:

    Click the “Register” button, then provide your email, a unique username, and a strong password, and choose your preferred cryptocurrency.

    3. Verify (If Needed)

    Crypto players can enjoy anonymous play without KYC, while fiat users may need to confirm their email for added security.

    4. Fund Your Account

    Head to the deposit section, select a payment option like Bitcoin, USDT, or Google Pay, and add funds instantly.

    5. Grab Your Welcome Bonus

    Enjoy an automatic 30% rakeback and 100 wager-free spins upon your first deposit at this top-rated instant withdrawal casino.

    6. Jump Into the Games

    Browse over 6,000 games, including slots, live casino, and sports betting, and cash out winnings instantly when you strike it big.

    7. Get Help Anytime

    Reach out to JACKBIT’s 24/7 live chat or email support for quick assistance with any questions.

    With this fast and easy process, you’ll be gaming at one of the best instant withdrawal casinos in no time, enjoying seamless deposits and lightning-fast withdrawals.

    >>> Click Here to Directly Visit JACKBIT & Grab Your Welcome Bonus<<<

    Banking Methods At JACKBIT Casino
    Fast, secure banking is a big reason JACKBIT ranks high among the best instant withdrawal casinos. Players can enjoy quick deposits and even quicker payouts, mainly through trusted cryptocurrency options.

    Here’s a breakdown of the banking methods you can use to move your money safely at JACKBIT.

    Cryptocurrencies Accepted At JACKBIT:
    When it comes to the best instant withdrawal casinos, JACKBIT stands out with a wide range of cryptocurrency options. It’s a strong choice for players looking for crypto casinos with instant withdrawals and for those who prioritize speed and security. JACKBIT is one of the best fast withdrawal casinos with a long list of supported coins. Here’s a closer look at each option:

    • Bitcoin (BTC)
    • Ethereum (ETH)
    • Tether (USDT)
    • Binance Coin (BNB)
    • Solana (SOL)
    • XRP (Ripple)
    • USD Coin (USDC)
    • Cardano (ADA)
    • Dogecoin (DOGE)
    • Chainlink (LINK)
    • TRON (TRX)
    • Polygon (MATIC)
    • Shiba Inu (SHIBA)
    • DAI
    • Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
    • Litecoin (LTC)
    • Monero (XMR)
    • Dash (DASH)
    • Binance USD (BUSD)

    Fiat Banking Methods At JACKBIT:

    JACKBIT is one of the best instant withdrawal casinos, as it also supports several cryptocurrencies. However, JACKBIT’s vast fiat payment methods also make things easier for players who don’t already own cryptocurrency.

    Fiat Payment Options:

    • Traditional methods: Visa, Mastercard, Bank Transfer.
    • Digital wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Skrill, Neteller, Pix.

    However, it’s important to remember that you cannot wager or withdraw using fiat. These methods are only used to purchase cryptocurrencies on the platform. All gameplay and cashouts are handled exclusively in crypto.

    Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to buying crypto with fiat at JACKBIT:

    1. Register or log in to your JACKBIT account.
    2. Go to the Deposit Section and select “Buy Crypto.”
    3. Choose your preferred payment method (Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, etc.).
    4. Select the cryptocurrency you want to purchase (BTC, ETH, USDT, etc.).
    5. After entering the desired purchase amount, confirm the transaction.
    6. Complete the payment through your selected provider.
    7. Crypto is credited to your JACKBIT balance

    >>> Buy Crypto At JACKBIT, Play Instantly, And Unlock Exclusive Bonuses!<<<

    Final Thoughts On Best Instant Withdrawal Casino

    JACKBIT stands out as one of the best instant withdrawal casinos, offering players a seamless, fast-paced gaming experience with minimal waiting times for withdrawals. Whether you’re into classic slots, table games, or live casino games, JACKBIT delivers quality across the board. With its extensive range of cryptocurrencies for both deposits and withdrawals, players can expect quick cashouts without any hassles.

    Not only does JACKBIT provide a sleek interface and a range of games, but its rewards program and regular promotions also give players plenty of opportunities to maximize their gaming experience. You’ll find everything from welcome bonuses and cashback offers to unique tournaments, all designed to keep things exciting.

    As one of the best fast payout casinos for 2025, JACKBIT ensures that your winnings are in your hands quickly, whether you’re a crypto enthusiast or prefer traditional payment methods. With low minimum deposit requirements, generous bonuses, and an emphasis on instant payouts, this casino is built for players who value speed and convenience.

    Don’t miss out on the chance to experience one of the most trusted online casinos with fast withdrawal times. Join JACKBIT today for an exceptional gaming adventure!

    FAQ’s

    1. What makes JACKBIT one of the best instant withdrawal casinos in 2025?

    JACKBIT offers lightning-fast crypto withdrawals and a vast game library. Its no-KYC policy ensures quick, hassle-free payouts.

    2. Which cryptocurrencies can I use at JACKBIT Casino?

    JACKBIT supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, Solana, and many others. All transactions are processed securely and instantly.

    3. Does JACKBIT support fiat payment methods?

    Fiat options like Visa and Apple Pay are available to buy crypto. Gameplay and withdrawals are crypto-only.

    4. What types of games are available at JACKBIT?

    JACKBIT features over 6,000 games, including slots, live casinos, and sports betting. Top providers like Pragmatic Play ensure quality.

    5. Are there any bonuses for new players at JACKBIT?

    New players get 100 wager-free spins and a 30% rakeback offer. A no-risk sports bonus is also available.

    6. How fast are withdrawals at JACKBIT Casino?

    Most withdrawals are instant or take just minutes. Crypto transactions ensure rapid payouts.

    7. Is JACKBIT Casino licensed and secure?

    JACKBIT holds a Curacao eGaming license and uses SSL encryption. This ensures a safe and fair gaming environment.

    Email: support@JACKBIT.com

    Disclaimer

    Gambling online carries financial risks. Verify that you meet the legal age requirement (19+) and adhere to local laws. Practice responsible gambling and check JACKBIT’s official site for current terms and promotions.

    Legal Disclaimer
    This article is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It does not offer legal or financial advice. Please verify the information and ensure you are following local laws before engaging in any gambling activities.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer

    Online gambling involves risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Gambling laws vary by jurisdiction, and compliance is your responsibility. We do not promote gambling, and participation is at your own risk. JACKBIT is a third-party platform, and we are not liable for any losses or disputes arising from its use. Always gamble responsibly and seek professional advice if needed.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    We may receive commissions for referrals to JACKBIT through affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. Our reviews are impartial, focusing on player satisfaction and clarity.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3bf40bef-409f-488f-979d-f8ba3c696e41
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/353c6729-83d7-48a0-bc40-e4e4b06e4231

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Crypto Casino Canada: JACKBIT Awarded as the Best BTC Casino for Canadian Players for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, May 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The online gambling landscape in Canada has been transformed by the rise of crypto casinos, which have become increasingly popular due to their security, anonymity, and convenience. These platforms have captured the attention of Canadian players seeking a modern, private gaming experience in the thriving Canadian crypto casino market.

    After extensively testing various crypto casinos and evaluating their bonuses, rewards, game libraries, and payout speeds, JACKBIT emerges as one of the best crypto casinos in Canada. Its impressive game library, boasting over 6,000 titles, and its reputation for lightning-fast payouts make it a standout choice. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or new to online gaming, JACKBIT offers an unparalleled experience, solidifying its position as the best crypto casino Canada has to offer.

    ✅PLAY NOW AT JACKBIT AND UNLOCK YOUR WELCOME BONUS

    Why There Is A Rise in Crypto Casinos In Canada?

    The surge in crypto casinos in Canada reflects a growing demand for innovative gambling platforms that prioritize player needs. Several factors contribute to this trend, making platforms like JACKBIT, the best crypto casino Canada, particularly appealing.

    Anonymity and Privacy: Cryptocurrencies provide a level of anonymity unequalled by traditional methods of payment. Unlike conventional casinos that require extensive personal information for verification, crypto casinos like JACKBIT operate with a no-KYC policy. This allows players to sign up and play without disclosing sensitive data, enhancing privacy and streamlining registration.

    Speed of Transactions: Cryptocurrency transactions are processed almost instantly, a significant advantage over traditional banking methods that can take days. At JACKBIT, players can deposit funds and withdraw winnings within minutes, providing a seamless gaming experience that aligns with the fast-paced preferences of modern players.

    Lower Transaction Fees: Cryptocurrencies typically incur lower fees compared to traditional payment methods, especially for international transactions. This cost-effectiveness allows players to retain more of their winnings, making crypto casinos an attractive option for budget-conscious gamblers.

    Favorable Regulatory Environment: Canada’s evolving stance on cryptocurrencies has fostered a more welcoming environment for crypto casinos. While gambling laws vary by province, the increasing acceptance of digital currencies as legitimate payment methods has encouraged operators to enter the market, offering diverse games and services.

    Global Access to Games: The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies enables Canadian players to access a broader range of games from international providers. Crypto casinos often partner with top-tier developers, resulting in richer game libraries compared to traditional platforms.

    Among the best crypto casinos Canada offers, JACKBIT exemplifies these advantages, delivering a superior gaming experience that caters to the needs of Canadian players in the Canadian crypto casino market.

    Why JACKBIT Is Rated As The Best Crypto Casino In Canada?

    JACKBIT’s position as the best crypto casino Canada is solidified by its exceptional features, tailored to meet the demands of modern gamblers. Here are the key reasons why JACKBIT stands out in the competitive Canadian crypto casino landscape:

    1. Vast Game Library: Over 6,000 games, including slots, table games, live dealers, and sports betting. Features popular titles like Sweet Bonanza and Money Train, plus niche options, powered by top providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play for quality and fairness.
    2. Lightning-Fast Payouts: Cryptocurrency withdrawals processed in minutes, ensuring quick access to winnings, a key reason JACKBIT is a top Bitcoin casino in Canada.
    3. No KYC Policy: Sign up and play anonymously without ID verification, offering a fast, private experience ideal for Canadian crypto casino fans.
    4. Lucrative Bonuses and Promotions: JACKBIT offers a range of bonuses to enhance the gaming experience.
    5. Flexible Payments: Supports numerous cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, plus traditional options like Visa and MasterCard, catering to all players.
    6. Intuitive User Interface: JACKBIT’s platform is designed for ease of use, featuring a sleek, modern interface with intuitive navigation. Players can effortlessly find games, manage accounts, and access promotions, whether on desktop or mobile devices. This accessibility ensures a seamless experience for all users.
    7. 24/7 Customer Support: JACKBIT provides round-the-clock support via live chat and email, ensuring players receive prompt assistance. The support team is responsive and knowledgeable, addressing queries about payments, games, or account issues efficiently.

    JACKBIT’s combination of a vast game library, rapid payouts, privacy-focused policies, generous bonuses, diverse payment options, user-friendly design, and excellent support cements its status as the best crypto casino Canada.

    Bonuses And Promotions

    JACKBIT’s generous bonuses and promotions set it apart as the best crypto casino Canada, providing players with significant value. Below is a summary of its main features:

    JACKBIT Welcome Bonuses

    • Offers 100 wager-free spins for new players.
    • Provides a 100% no-risk sports bonus.
    • Includes a 30% rakeback offer upon signing up.

    ✅CLAIM 30% RAKEBACK + 100 WAGER-FREE SPINS (NO KYC) NOW!

    Ongoing Promotions & Tournaments
    JACKBIT stands out among the best instant withdrawal casinos by offering more than just welcome bonuses.
    Tournaments:

    • Weekly sports tournament with prize pools up to $20,000.
    • Daily slot tournaments offer up to 1,000 free spins.
    • JACKBIT tournaments: Weekly $10,000.

    Cashback Offers:

    • Available on specific events, such as UEFA matches and NBA playoffs.

    Sports Promotions:

    • Bet insurance to reduce risk for sports bettors.
    • 3+1 free bets promotion (place three bets, get one free).
    • Special event bonuses tailored for sports fans.

    These promotions, from wager-free spins to high-stakes tournaments, ensure players have ample opportunities to boost their winnings. Players should review terms to maximize benefits, reinforcing JACKBIT’s status as one of the best crypto casinos Canada has to offer.

    How To Join JACKBIT?

    Joining JACKBIT is a simple process that allows players to start gaming quickly. Follow these steps to get started:

    1. Visit the JACKBIT Website: Navigate to the official JACKBIT website using a secure internet connection to protect your information.
    2. Create an Account: Click the “Sign Up” or “Register” button, typically located at the top right of the homepage. Enter a username, password, and email address. Thanks to JACKBIT’s no-KYC policy, no additional personal information is required.
    3. Verify Your Email: Check your inbox for a verification email from JACKBIT. Click the provided link to activate your account, enabling you to log in and play.
    4. Log In: Use your username and password to access your account. Keep your credentials safe and never disclose them.
    5. Make a Deposit: Fund your account using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or traditional methods like Visa. Deposits are approved right away, allowing quick gameplay.
    6. Claim Your Welcome Bonus: New players can claim a 100% No Risk Welcome Bonus and 100 Free Spins on their first deposit. Review the terms to understand any wagering requirements.
    7. Explore the Game Library: Browse over 6,000 games, including slots, live casino, and sports betting, to find your favorites.
    8. Start Playing: Select a game and begin your gaming journey. Set limits to ensure responsible gambling.

    This streamlined process makes JACKBIT accessible to all players seeking the best crypto casino in Canada.

    ✅GET IN THE GAME – CREATE YOUR JACKBIT ACCOUNT TODAY!

    Pros And Cons Of JACKBIT

    To help players make an informed decision, here’s a detailed look at the advantages and disadvantages of JACKBIT:

    Pros Cons
    Vast Game Library: Over 6,000 games, including slots, live casino, sports betting, and more, ensuring endless entertainment. Limited Fiat Options: Only Visa and MasterCard are supported for fiat transactions.
    Fastest Payouts: Withdrawals are processed almost instantly, providing quick access to winnings. Regional Restrictions: Some games may be unavailable in certain regions due to licensing agreements.
    No KYC Policy: Ensures player anonymity without identity verification.  
    Generous Bonuses: Includes welcome bonuses, free spins, cashback, and VIP programs.  
    Wide Payment Methods: Supports numerous cryptocurrencies and traditional options.  
    User-Friendly Interface: Both beginner and expert players will find it easy to navigate.  
    24/7 Customer Support: Available around the clock for assistance.  

    Despite minor drawbacks, JACKBIT’s strengths make it a top choice among the best crypto casinos Canada offers.

    Payment Methods At JACKBIT

    JACKBIT offers a comprehensive range of payment methods to accommodate diverse player preferences. Below is a detailed list:

    Cryptocurrencies:

    • Bitcoin (BTC)
    • Ethereum (ETH)
    • Ripple (XRP)
    • Litecoin (LTC)
    • Tether (USDT)
    • Binance Coin (BNB)
    • Dash (DASH)
    • Bitcoin Cash (BCH)
    • Dogecoin (DOGE)
    • Monero (XMR)
    • Tron (TRX)
    • USD Coin (USDC)
    • Solana (SOL)
    • Shiba Inu (SHIBA)
    • Cardano (ADA)
    • Polygon (MATIC)
    • Dai (DAI)
    • Chainlink (LINK)
    • Binance USD (BUSD)

    Traditional Methods:

    • Visa: Credit/debit card for deposits.
    • MasterCard: Widely accepted for deposits.

    This extensive selection ensures players can choose their preferred method, reinforcing JACKBIT’s status as the best Bitcoin casino Canada offers.

    Games Offered By JACKBIT

    JACKBIT’s extensive library of over 6,000 games ensures maximum entertainment and variety for all players. Here’s a breakdown of the game types available:

    Slots
    The slots collection features classic and modern titles with vibrant graphics, engaging themes, and exciting bonus features. Popular games like Starburst and Gates of Olympus offer chances for big wins, with some titles including progressive jackpots.

    Table Games
    Players can enjoy timeless classics like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker, available in multiple variants. These games provide a sophisticated yet accessible experience for all skill levels.

    Live Dealer Games
    For an immersive experience, JACKBIT’s live dealer section offers real-time gameplay with professional dealers. Games like live blackjack, roulette, and Crazy Time allow players to interact and enjoy a casino-like atmosphere from home.

    Specialty Games
    For a unique twist, JACKBIT offers specialty games like keno, scratch cards, and crypto-based titles. These games provide a fun, casual alternative to traditional casino offerings.

    This diverse selection, powered by top providers like NetEnt and Evolution Gaming, ensures high-quality entertainment, making JACKBIT a top destination for the best crypto casino Canada players.

    Responsible Gambling At JACKBIT

    JACKBIT is committed to promoting responsible gambling, offering tools to help players manage their gaming habits responsibly:

    • Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly restrictions on deposits to control expenditure. These limits can be adjusted easily in the account settings to suit individual budgets.
    • Loss Limits: Prevent excessive losses by setting a maximum loss threshold for a chosen period. This feature helps players avoid chasing losses during gaming sessions.
    • Session Reminders: Receive periodic notifications about gaming duration to maintain awareness of time spent playing. These reminders encourage players to take breaks and reassess their activity.
    • Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close accounts to take a break from gambling if needed. Players can contact support to initiate this process for added control.

    Links to professional support organizations, such as Gamblers Anonymous, are provided for players needing additional assistance, ensuring a safe and enjoyable Canada crypto casino experience.

    Technology Behind JACKBIT Crypto Casino

    JACKBIT leverages advanced technology to ensure a secure and fair gaming environment. Blockchain technology underpins its operations, enabling provably fair games where players can verify randomness and fairness through cryptographic algorithms. Cryptocurrency transactions are secure and tamper-proof due to blockchain’s decentralized nature, protecting player funds.

    The platform is optimized for mobile devices, offering a responsive design that delivers a consistent experience across smartphones, tablets, and desktops. This technological innovation enhances JACKBIT’s appeal as the best crypto casino Canada provides.

    Final Thoughts On The Best Crypto Casino Canada

    JACKBIT represents the pinnacle of crypto gambling in Canada, offering a vast game selection, rapid payouts, and a commitment to player privacy. Its generous bonuses, diverse payment options, and user-friendly interface make it the best crypto casino in Canada. While playing slots or placing bets on sports, JACKBIT offers a remarkable experience. Join today to discover why JACKBIT is the top choice among the Canadian crypto casino Industry.

    ✅JOIN & CLAIM YOUR WELCOME BONUSES & FREE SPINS NOW

    FAQs

    1. What makes JACKBIT the best crypto casino in Canada?
    JACKBIT excels with over 6,000 games, fast payouts, no KYC policy, generous bonuses, and diverse payment options.

    2. Does JACKBIT require KYC verification?
    No, JACKBIT allows anonymous play without identity verification.

    3. What bonuses does JACKBIT offer?
    Bonuses include a 100% No Risk Welcome Bonus, 100 Free Spins, 10% Cashback Insurance, 3+1 Sports Promotion, and VIP Rakeback.

    4. How many games does JACKBIT have?
    JACKBIT offers over 6,000 games, including slots, live casinos, sports betting, and more.

    5. What payment methods are accepted at JACKBIT?
    JACKBIT supports cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, and USDT, plus Visa and MasterCard.

    6. Is JACKBIT available in Canada?
    Yes, JACKBIT is optimized for Canadian players with tailored games and services.

    Email: support@JACKBIT.com

    Disclaimer

    This material is for purposes of information only and serves as no financial or legal advice. Online gambling, including at crypto casinos like JACKBIT, carries risks, and players should gamble responsibly. Ensure you are of legal age and that online gambling is permitted in your jurisdiction. If you or someone you know has a gambling addiction, get professional treatment.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer

    Online gambling involves risks and may not be suitable for everyone. Gambling laws vary by jurisdiction, and compliance is your responsibility. We do not promote gambling, and participation is at your own risk. JACKBIT is a third-party platform, and we are not liable for any losses or disputes arising from its use. Always gamble responsibly and seek professional advice if needed.

    Affiliate Disclosure
    Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assured, our recommendations are made without bias.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc833847-8335-4cfe-b448-089d1acfd1c9
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ddd5008-355c-4366-93fc-63ecbf7a538d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: World Brand Moganshan Conference highlights innovation in global journeys of Chinese brands

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

    The ongoing 2025 World Brand Moganshan Conference in Deqing County, east China’s Zhejiang Province, is emphasizing innovation as a major driving force in expanding the global reach of Chinese brands.

    Themed “Brands Bring Better Future for the World,” the event offers Chinese brands a global stage to share their brand stories and fosters shared opportunities, common development and mutually beneficial cooperation.

    Conference attendees have emphasized the importance of brand building in nurturing new quality productive forces. They further noted that recent initiatives have shown positive outcomes — with innovation being a key driver.

    Take Wensli Group, a well-known Chinese silk producer established in 1975, as an example. Admired for its industry-leading silk double-sided printing process, Wensli has not only maintained long-term partnerships with many luxury brands but also created new growth opportunities.

    Notably, Wensli’s mini-program enables customers to instantly create a unique, self-designed scarf pattern. Leveraging AI-generated content, the scarf can be produced in just two hours, with minimal release of carbon emissions or wastewater.

    “With the help of technology, we can customize 100,000 unique silk scarves for each of the 8 billion people in the world,” said Tu Hongyan, chairperson of Wensli. She added that innovation has transformed Wensli from importing technologies and services to exporting its own independent, new technologies.

    Wensli’s journey mirrors the development trajectory of many Chinese brands.

    “Chinese brands have transitioned from followers to creators and leaders in new models and standards. Consequently, the image of Chinese brands has acquired new significance on the global stage,” said Shan Fan, president of the Brand University of Applied Sciences in Hamburg, Germany.

    The Chinese fashion industry has also seen Bosideng Group, a leading down jacket manufacturer, take its brand global.

    Its first overseas store opened in London ahead of the 2012 Olympics. Since then, its products have graced the runways of New York, Milan and London, shining a spotlight on Chinese down jackets in the global arena.

    “The robust growth of the Chinese economy, its rising cultural confidence, swift progress in technological innovation, and growing international influence have all paved the way for Chinese brands to thrive,” said Gao Dekang, chairman and chief executive officer of Bosideng Group.

    Despite mounting obstacles in international trade, Chinese brands have remained resolute in their pursuit of global presence.

    “To venture overseas, we have to tackle numerous challenges, such as obtaining the necessary certifications, arranging logistics and building our brand reputation. The overseas markets are highly diverse, and we stick to one unbreakable rule — we must adapt to local conditions and respect the differences,” said Wang Pu, co-founder of Chinese beverage company Chi Forest.

    In 2020, Chi Forest officially entered mainstream distribution channels in Singapore. Now, the company’s products have entered more than 40 countries and regions, including the United States and Australia, Wang added.

    Held for three consecutive years, the World Brand Moganshan Conference has developed into a vital platform for Chinese brands to enhance their visibility and explore new cooperation opportunities.

    Over 50 parallel activities also form part of the 2025 conference, including a main forum, a launch event for brand value evaluation, and several themed high-end dialogues.

    MIL OSI China News –