NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA approves first UK treatment for Friedreich’s ataxia, omaveloxolone

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    MHRA approves first UK treatment for Friedreich’s ataxia, omaveloxolone

    As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 23 April, approved omaveloxolone (Skyclarys), the first treatment for patients aged 16 and over, in the UK for a rare neurodegenerative movement disorder called Friedreich’s ataxia.

    Friedreich’s ataxia is the most common type of hereditary ataxia (caused by genes a person has inherited). It is thought to affect at least 1 in every 50,000 people. Symptoms of Friedreich’s ataxia include problems with balance and movement, which get progressively worse over time.

    This medicine is taken as an oral capsule.

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    “Patient safety is our top priority. I am pleased to confirm the first UK approval for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia, omaveloxolone.

    “We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for the approval of this new treatment have been met.

    “As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review.”

    People with Friedreich’s ataxia appear to have reduced levels and activity of a protein called Nrf2, which helps cells respond to oxidative stress (a condition that may occur when there are too many free radicals in the body and not enough antioxidants to get rid of them, which can lead to cell and tissue damage). Omaveloxolone activates the Nrf2 pathway.

    In a clinical trial, patients treated with omaveloxolone scored better on tests of neurological function than patients who were treated with a placebo (a dummy treatment).

    In this clinical trial, involving 103 patients with Friedreich’s ataxia aged between 16 and 40 years, omaveloxolone was more effective than placebo at reducing physical impairment after 48 weeks of treatment.

    For the full list of all side effects reported with this medicine, see Section 4 of the Patient Information Leaflet or the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) available on the MHRA’s website.

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine should talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.   

    Notes to editors   

    • The new marketing authorisation was granted on 23 April to Biogen Netherlands B.V.

    • This product was submitted and approved via a national procedure. 

    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval. 

    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks. 

    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care. 

    • For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canadian Coast Guard Inshore Rescue Boat training in Parry Sound, Ontario

    Source: Government of Canada News

    April 23, 2025

    Parry Sound, ON. – The Canadian Coast Guard’s Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) program will hold search and rescue training for crews between April 25 and May 12, 2025 in Parry Sound, Ontario.

    Training will be carried out during daytime and nighttime hours at the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) Base in Parry Sound and surrounding waters south to Midland, and north to Britt. The public can expect to see upwards of 10 CCG Zodiac Fast Rescue Craft and helicopters throughout the area. There is no real emergency or danger to the public.

    This training certifies and prepares students to respond to marine emergencies during the summer months, such as, but not limited to, medical emergencies, missing persons/boaters, vessels aground, vessels taking on water, and disabled vessels.

    Each summer, the Canadian Coast Guard hires post-secondary students and trains them as IRB crews at stations across Canada. These stations provide supplementary search and rescue services during the busy summer boating season. The IRB program provides employment experience and mentorship to post-secondary students.

    On the Great Lakes, the Canadian Coast Guard operates six IRB stations. They are located at Britt (Georgian Bay), Brebeuf Island (Georgian Bay), Hill Island (St. Lawrence River), Port Lambton (St. Clair River), Thames River (Lake St. Clair) and Long Point (Lake Erie). IRB stations are open annually from May to October.

    For more information on the IRB program, visit: Inshore Rescue Boat service

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Russell Laffitte Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, and Misapplying Bank Funds

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

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Former banker Russell Lucius Laffitte, 54, of Estill, has pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud; wire fraud; bank fraud; and three counts of misapplication of bank funds.

    “Russell Laffitte and Alex Murdaugh abused their positions of power to victimize people who trusted them,” said Ben Garner, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division. “As of today, both have pleaded guilty and accepted responsibility for their crimes in federal court. We appreciate the exhaustive work of our partners at the FBI, SLED, and South Carolina Attorney General’s Office to ensure justice for Laffitte and Murdaugh’s victims.”

    Laffitte was an officer and executive at Palmetto State Bank in Hampton, South Carolina. His co-conspirator, Alex Murdaugh, was a personal injury attorney at a law firm in Hampton.

    As part of his guilty plea, Laffitte admitted that he agreed to serve as conservator and personal representative for several of Murdaugh’s clients, knowing that he would personally profit from doing so. Beginning in 2011, Laffitte began extending himself and Murdaugh loans from conservator accounts Laffitte was charged with managing. Laffitte did not disclose the loans to the conservatees, despite owing them a fiduciary duty.

    Around that time, Murdaugh devised a scheme to obtain money belonging to his clients. In furtherance of the scheme, Murdaugh directed law firm employees to make clients’ checks payable to Palmetto State Bank. The checks were drawn on the law firm’s client trust account, identified the clients on the memo lines, and corresponded to amounts set forth in the clients’ disbursement sheets.

    As to two of Murdaugh’s clients, Laffitte—their conservator—saw their disbursement sheets and knew that the bank was supposed to receive their settlement funds. Murdaugh presented the clients’ checks to Laffitte and directed that they be used for Murdaugh’s personal benefit, including to pay off loans Laffitte had extended from conservator accounts. Laffitte negotiated nine separate transactions for Murdaugh’s benefit, knowing that the funds belonged to the clients.

    Laffitte also aided and abetted the structuring of transactions from a second check belonging to one of the clients, disbursing the funds at Murdaugh’s direction and for Murdaugh’s personal benefit.

    As to a third client of Murdaugh’s, Laffitte negotiated 12 separate transactions, disbursing $1,325,000 in client settlement funds for Murdaugh’s benefit. Despite knowing they were client funds, Laffitte allowed Murdaugh to use the funds to repay Murdaugh’s personal loans, repay loans Laffitte extended from a conservator account, purchase vehicles and equipment, and receive cash back. Laffitte also deposited some of the funds into Murdaugh’s personal account.

    Laffitte received $75,000 in conservator fees and $35,000 in personal representative fees from these three clients. He intentionally failed to report this income on his tax returns, knowing that he could hide the income because the fee checks were drafted to Palmetto State Bank rather than to him personally. Laffitte also structured transactions to avoid reporting requirements and intentionally failed to file suspicious activity reports.

    In 2015, Laffitte misapplied bank funds by extending over $284,000 from a line of credit that was supposed to be for farming to repay Murdaugh’s remaining loans from the conservatorship.

    Laffitte also misapplied bank funds on two other occasions. In July 2021, he extended Murdaugh a $750,000 loan for the stated purpose of beach house renovations. But Laffitte authorized a $350,000 wire transfer to an attorney and then transferred $400,000 of “loan proceeds” to Murdaugh’s account to cover over $367,000 in overdraft, knowing that these funds had nothing to do with beach house renovations.

    In October 2021, the law firm uncovered that Murdaugh had stolen from clients. Laffitte knew he had negotiated stolen checks at Murdaugh’s direction despite knowing the funds did not belong to Murdaugh. Laffitte then paid the law firm $680,000 in bank funds without the knowledge or consent of the full bank Board of Directors or Executive Committee in an attempt to settle the matter with the law firm.

    A federal jury previously convicted Laffitte of these same six charges in 2022. His conviction was overturned by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in late 2024.

    Under the terms of the plea agreement, Laffitte agrees to pay $3,555,884.80 in criminal restitution before sentencing. Laffitte also agrees that his guilty plea prohibits him from controlling or participating in the conduct of any federally insured bank or credit union, and he cannot serve as a director or officer of any such bank or credit union without permission.

    If Laffitte complies with the plea agreement’s terms, the parties agree that the appropriate sentence is five years in prison, and the Government agrees not to file any additional related charges against Laffitte.

    United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty plea and will impose a sentence at a later date.

    The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse, Kathleen Stoughton, and Winston Holliday are prosecuting this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Holyrood — Excessive speeder ticketed by RCMP Traffic Services East

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 37-year-old man was ticketed by RCMP Traffic Services East for excessive speeding yesterday.

    Shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, police observed a vehicle travelling 165 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the Trans Canada Highway near Butter Pot Park. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was ticketed for excessive speeding. His license was suspended and the vehicle was seized and impounded. During the traffic stop, police received complaints from motorists regarding the same vehicle, which had luckily already been located.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador. We thank the public for continuing to report incidents of excessive speed, dangerous driving, impaired driving, and crimes within their communities.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: CORRECTION – Middlefield Global Dividend Growers ETF Distributions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a release issued today by Middlefield Sustainable Global Dividend ETF (TSX: MDIV), please note the source should have read as Middlefield Global Dividend Growers ETF. The corrected release follows:

    Middlefield Global Dividend Growers ETF (TSX: MDIV) (the “Fund”) is pleased to announce that distributions for the second quarter of 2025 will be payable to unitholders of Middlefield Global Dividend Growers ETF as follows:

    Record Date Payable Date Distribution Per
    Trust Unit
    April 30, 2025 May 15, 2025 $0.06
    May 31, 2025 June 13, 2025 $0.06
    June 30, 2025 July 15, 2025 $0.06


    The trust units trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol     MDIV.

    The Fund offers a distribution reinvestment plan (“DRIP”) for unitholders which provides unitholders with the ability to automatically reinvest distributions, commission free, and realize the benefits of compound growth. Unitholders can enroll in the DRIP program by contacting their investment advisor.

    Middlefield

    Founded in 1979, Middlefield is a specialist equity income asset manager with offices in Toronto, Canada and London, England. Our investment team utilizes active management to select high-quality, global companies across a variety of sectors and themes. Our product offerings include proven dividend-focused strategies that span real estate, healthcare, innovation, infrastructure, energy, diversified income and more. We offer these solutions in a variety of product types including ETFs, Mutual Funds, Closed-End Funds, Split-Share Funds and Flow-through LPs.

    For further information, please visit our website at www.middlefield.com or contact Nancy Tham in our Sales and Marketing Department at 1.888.890.1868.

    This press release contains forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on historical information concerning distributions and dividends paid on the securities of issuers historically included in the portfolio of the Fund. Actual future results, including the amount of distributions paid by the Fund, may differ from the monthly distribution amount. Specifically, the income from which distributions are paid may vary significantly due to: changes in portfolio composition; changes in distributions and dividends paid by issuers of securities included in the Fund’s portfolio from time to time; there being no assurance that those issuers will pay distributions or dividends on their securities; the declaration of distributions and dividends by issuers of securities included in the portfolio will generally depend upon various factors, including the financial condition of each issuer and general economic and stock market conditions; the level of borrowing by the Fund; and the uncertainty of realizing capital gains.  The risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results are described under “Risk Factors” in the Fund’s prospectus and other documents filed by the Fund with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking information contained in this press release constitutes the Fund’s current estimate, as of the date of this press release, with respect to the matters covered hereby. Investors and others should not assume that any forward-looking statement contained in this press release represents the Fund’s estimate as of any date other than the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study suggesting childhood exposure to bacterial toxin from certain E. coli strains may be associated with colorectal cancer rate increase among the young

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in Nature looks at E. coli strains and an association with increased colorectal cancer rates.

    Professor Trevor Graham, Professor of Genomics and Evolution and Director of the Centre for Evolution and Cancer at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:

    Is this good quality research?  Are the conclusions backed up by solid data?

    “This is very good quality research. The authors have collected bowel cancers from countries around the world and performed whole genome sequencing on them, which detects the pattern of mutations across the genome. Different mutational processes (such as the mutations that happen normally through ageing, or the mutations caused by smoking) make different patterns. Therefore by looking at the mutational patterns, the authors could learn what likely caused the mutations in the bowel cancers. They found different patterns of mutations in cancers from different countries, although it isn’t clear what caused these differences. They also found that, in countries where bowel cancer was more common, there were increased numbers of mutations caused by a special type of E. coli that can live in the bowel (called pks+ E. coli that make a mutagen called colibactin). These colibactin caused mutations which also plausibly caused the cancers to grow in the first place, although we can’t say that from this study. Most importantly, the colibactin mutations were also more common in people who got bowel cancer before the age of 50. This suggests the mutations caused by these bugs in the bowel could be a cause of early-onset bowel cancer, although further studies are needed to confirm this.

    “We’ve known for a while that colibactin made by a particular strain of E. coli causes mutations linked to bowel cancers, and also that these mutations likely had a role in causing the cancers to grow in the first place. It had been proposed before that these “bad bugs” could have a role in causing early-onset disease: this work provides strong data yet that the hypothesis is correct.”

    Is this an association or causation? Do we know yet that this toxin actually causes the colorectal cancer? 

    “The study is correlation only. The data are very suggestive that the colibactin producing E. coli may have a causative role in bowel cancer development, but they do not prove it directly.

    “It is certain, from previous work, that colibactin causes mutations in the bowel, and that pks+ E. coli make colibactin. These new data are definitive that the burden of colibactin mutations is greater in early onset bowel cancers.

    “It’s not clear when and how the particular strain of E. coli gets into the bowel in the first place, and why they are usually gone again by the time the cancer starts to grow. Therefore, if we were to think about eradicating these “bad bugs”, how we might be able to do that isn’t clear either.

    “It’s also possible that these apparently “bad bugs” are actually playing a role in maintaining the overall health of the bowel microbiome: indeed these bugs have been used as a probiotic in some countries in the past years. Eradicating them might have unexpected consequences for gut health.”

    How common are these strains of E.coli? Are they the same ones that cause food poisoning?

    “E. coli is a usual (normal) part of the human gut microbiome. Pks+ strains are very common in Europe and in many places around the world (where their frequency correlates with cancer incidence). Usually these strains wouldn’t cause food poisoning: indeed they have been used as probiotics to treat intestinal problems.”

    Does having this toxin mean you will definitely get young onset colorectal cancer?  Or is this association only seen in some cases where the patient has the genetic signature?

    “We don’t have definitive data on whether having the toxin means you will definitely get young-onset colorectal cancer: this study only looked at cancers themselves, not at the bowels of healthy people without cancer. So, it’s quite possible that pks+ E. coli are very common and only a few people with the “bad bugs” will actually go on to get bowel cancer. I think it is very likely cancer only occurs in some cases, because even though someone might have the “bad bugs” that cause mutations, those bugs have to cause the right mutations to make a cancer grow.”

    Prof Julian Peto, Professor of Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said:

    “The paper shows that mutational signatures in colorectal cancer vary between countries, which is good evidence of regional differences in environmental exposures. However, the observation that colibactin signatures are commoner in young colorectal cancers is not good evidence that increasing colibactin exposure is an important cause of the recent increase in colorectal cancer in successive generations born since the 1950s. An equally plausible explanation of these data is that the incidence of colorectal cancers (CRCs) caused by early exposure to colibactin (like CRCs caused by inherited APC mutations) rises less steeply with age than for the majority of CRCs. Their hypothesis should be tested by similar studies on stored histology samples from CRCs diagnosed in successive periods. That would show whether there has been a secular increase in the proportion of CRCs with these signatures.”

    Comment provided by our friends at the Spanish SMC:

    Dr Isabel Portillo, coordinator of Colorectal and Prenatal Cancer Screenings for the Basque Health Service-Osakidetza, researcher in the Cancer Biomarkers group at the Biobizkaia Health Research Institute, and secretary of the Board of Directors of the Spanish Society of Epidemiology, said:

    Does the press release accurately reflect the study?

    “Yes, it reflects the issue and the possible association with a biomarker that was under study.”

    Is the study of good quality?

    “Yes, it presents a well-founded discussion and acknowledges the uncertainties and the need for further studies to confirm and demonstrate the role of the microbiome and its potential beneficial effect, although the association of colibactin with colorectal cancer in young people and in other age groups requires more retrospective and prospective research. It’s surprising that there is no mention of possible environmental and dietary risk factors or healthy habits, which are also related.”

    How does this work fit in with the existing evidence?

    “It is new evidence of a possible marker associated with colorectal cancer.”

    Have the authors considered confounding factors?

    “They have been considered; however, the focus is more on genetic analyses than on the interaction with other factors.”

    What are the real-world implications?

    “Basic research. It is still too early to say that there is only one biomarker, or whether it can be neutralized and how.

    “I believe this research is highly relevant for advancing our understanding of the origin and development of cancer (both colorectal cancer and others related to the same markers).”

    ‘Geographic and age variations in mutational processes in colorectal cancer’ by Marcos Díaz-Gay et al. was published in Nature at 16:00 UK time on Wednesday 23 April 2025.

    DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09025-8 (2025)

    Declared interests

    Dr Isabel Portillo: no conflicts of interest.

    For all other experts, no response to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: At the XV Eurasian Economic Youth Forum in Yekaterinburg, Vladimir Stroyev shared his experience in implementing DPO programs

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On April 23, 2025, the rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev took part in the XV Eurasian Economic Youth Forum “Eurasian Synergy: Multipolarity – Integration – Dialogue of Civilizations”.

    The Eurasian Economic Youth Forum (EEYF) is being held from April 21 to 25 in Yekaterinburg at the Ural State University of Economics. More than 20,000 people from 116 countries, representing 209 universities, are taking part in the Forum.

    Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev gave a report on the topic “Experience of the Eurasian Network University in implementing programs of additional professional education in the EAEU space.”

    Vladimir Vitalyevich told the audience that in 2022, the State University of Management was one of the initiators of the creation of the scientific and educational consortium “Eurasian Network University” – a project that united more than 30 universities from 7 states of the Eurasian space: Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, as well as universities of Uzbekistan and Transnistria as observers. More distant countries, such as Iran or Cuba, are also showing interest in joining the ENU. The ENU Secretariat is based at the State University of Management and carries out the necessary operational activities of the consortium.

    The rector of the State University of Management reported that in 2024 alone, with the support of Rossotrudnichestvo, 18 additional professional education programs were implemented, for the implementation of which 324 quotas were allocated. Among the program areas: management, marketing, management in the field of science and education, logistics and others. The programs turned out to be especially in demand in Belarus, 260 citizens of the union state studied under them. In-person strategic sessions on additional professional education programs were also held in Belarus, at the Russian House in Minsk.

    The basis of the DPO programs is a modular-block structure developed on the basis of the experience accumulated at the State University of Management. The program can be assembled from modules of different levels of complexity, duration of training and technologies for conducting educational events.

    “One example of a successfully implemented educational initiative of the State University of Management is the program “Strategic Planning and Macroeconomic Forecasting: Theoretical Foundations and Practice of the EAEU”. It is interesting because it was developed not only by specialists of the State University of Management, but also by teachers of the Belarusian State University of Economics, as well as leading experts of the Eurasian Economic Commission. Last year, 27 specialists from the EAEU countries successfully completed training within the framework of this program,” said Vladimir Stroyev.

    In conclusion of the report, the rector of the State University of Management noted that participation in such advanced training programs is becoming a driver for the development of trade and economic relations between Eurasian states, providing their participants with the opportunity to get acquainted with the experience and best business practices in the EAEU countries, and establish business contacts. Feedback received from participants in the additional professional education programs shows a high interest in such educational projects in the EAEU countries, which is largely due to the absence of a language barrier, and this makes the learning process more effective.

    Photo from the official website of the EEFM.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 23.04.2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s statement on Yom HaShoah

    Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Yom HaShoah:

    “At sundown tonight, British Columbians join people around the world in observing Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day.

    “We stand with Jewish communities everywhere in remembrance and mourning. We honour the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. Today we also mourn the lives of millions more who died because of their ethnicity, sexual identity, disability or opposition to the Nazi regime.

    “During the Holocaust, known in Hebrew as the Shoah, Jewish communities across Europe were systematically persecuted, confined to ghettos and sent in cattle cars to concentration camps built solely for the purpose of human extermination.

    “We must reject the poison of disinformation and denial and ensure that all future generations know the truth of this dark period in human history. Our government is working with the Jewish community here in B.C. to ensure that all high school students in the province learn about the Holocaust as part of their education about injustices and discriminatory practices in Canada and around the world.

    “Our government condemns the rise in antisemitic acts that followed the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel, and we are committed to ensuring that our province is safe and welcoming for people of all faiths and backgrounds.

    “Each of us has the right to safety, dignity and a life without fear of unjust persecution. On this solemn day of reflection, we must recommit ourselves to the eternal pledge of ‘Never again.’”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE views Hangzhou’s I&T sector

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee today met leaders of Zhejiang Province, visited local medical facilities, and engaged in in-depth discussions with representatives of innovation and technology (I&T) companies in Hangzhou.

    In the morning, Mr Lee and the delegation visited the headquarters of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine to learn about its operations and the latest developments in applying healthcare technology.

    These included the hospital’s achievements in developing a new therapy for malignant haematological diseases, the application of robotic technology in drug preparation and reform of medical logistics models, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for precise clinical diagnosis.

    Later, Mr Lee viewed the Hangzhou Future Sci-Tech City Urban Exhibition Center to gain insights into Hangzhou’s advancements in areas including smart city development and AI, as well as achievements in developing the Chengxi Sci-tech Innovation Corridor.

    He also met representatives of Hangzhou’s “Six Little Dragons” I&T enterprises, namely Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Co, Hangzhou Yushu Technology Co (Unitree Robotics), Hangzhou Youke Interactive Technology Co (Game Science), Manycore Tech Inc, Hangzhou Yunshenchu Technology Co, and BrainCo.

    Mr Lee toured the special exhibition arranged for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation, and engaged with the representatives to understand the developments and features of the six iconic and influential I&T companies in areas such as large language models, robotics, AI, game development, and Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technologies.

    They also discussed the development of a new technology ecosystem, and the relationship and collaboration between enterprises and governments.

    Mr Lee also attended a luncheon hosted by CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee Secretary Wang Hao.

    The Chief Executive noted that Zhejiang, as a vital province in the Yangtze River Delta, boasts a strong foundation in technological development, private economy, and digital economy, while Hong Kong is a core city of the Greater Bay Area and an international financial, shipping, and trade centre.

    The two places play significant roles in driving the country’s high-quality development and have a broad room of collaboration, Mr Lee added.     

    He also took the opportunity to visit two of the “Six Little Dragons”, BrainCo and Unitree Robotics.

    Mr Lee gained a deeper understanding of BrainCo’s achievements in developing non-invasive BCI technology and its applications in fields such as medical rehabilitation and education, as well as Unitree Robotics’ achievements and advancements in developing civilian robots for use in agriculture, industry, power inspection, survey and exploration, and public rescue.

    Mr Lee then toured the Black Myth: Wukong Art Exhibition. Based on a game developed by Game Science, one of the “Six Little Dragons”, the exhibition showcased the behind-the-scenes details of game development through recreations of scenes, characters and items from the game.

    Noting the rapid development of I&T enterprises represented by the “Six Little Dragons”, Mr Lee said that Hangzhou has been promoting the I&T industry over the years, creating a vibrant industrial ecosystem and a favourable investment environment.

    He said Hong Kong is dedicated to developing into an international I&T centre, and that he will strive to promote collaboration and exchanges between I&T enterprises in Hong Kong and Hangzhou, with a view to leveraging their comparative advantages. He also welcomed I&T enterprises in Hangzhou to set up in Hong Kong to pursue development together.

    Mr Lee later attended a dinner hosted by Zhejiang Governor Liu Jie, to exchange views on deepening co-operation and exchanges between Hong Kong and Zhejiang, in addition to gaining insights into the development experiences and directions of local cultural performances.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Lo Chung-mau meets SZ official

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Health Prof Lo Chung-mau today met Shenzhen Development & Reform Commission Director Guo Ziping to have an in-depth exchange on areas such as the development of Chinese and Western medicine as well as medical devices in the two places. 

    At the meeting, Prof Lo said the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee) on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization, adopted by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, pointed out the need of further reforming the medical and healthcare systems, and improving the mechanisms for supporting the development of innovative drugs and medical equipment.

    Prof Lo said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strenuously works in line with the national objective of further reforming the medical and healthcare systems, and will promote Hong Kong’s development into an international health and medical innovation hub by complementing technological innovation with institutional innovation.

    Hong Kong will fully utilise the institutional advantages of “one country, two systems” and the city’s professional strengths in the healthcare sector, thereby enabling the innovative medical technologies to go global and attract foreign investment, and develop new quality productive forces in biomedicine, he noted.

    To achieve this goal, the Hong Kong SAR Government will expedite the reform of the approval mechanism for drugs and medical devices and enhance the translation of innovative biomedical research results into clinical applications.

    At the same time, the Hong Kong SAR Government is also committed to developing the city into a national bridgehead for the internationalisation of Chinese medicine, and will also encourage the Chinese medicine sector to make good use of policies benefitting Hong Kong.

    Prof Lo emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to push forward co-operation with Guangdong Province and the Shenzhen Municipality in areas such as cross-boundary healthcare services, training of healthcare staff, medical technology exchanges and Chinese medicine development under the principles of complementarity and mutual benefits.

    The ultimate aim is to build a “Healthy Bay Area” and further contribute to the overall development of the nation through joint endeavours, he added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Houston Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Smith County ATM Burglaries

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    TYLER, Texas – A Houston man has been sentenced to prison for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Julius Lawan Lockett, Jr., 30, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank theft and was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $243,540.85 and forfeiture of $79,850 by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on April 17, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, Lockett conspired with others to burglarize ATMs (automated teller machines) in the Smith County area.  On March 28, 2021, Lockett and Jermone Christopher Mayes, Jr., drove from Houston to Tyler to steal U.S. currency from ATMs in the area.  Using a Ford F-250 truck which had been stolen in Smith County, they attached chains to the truck and to an ATM at Chase Bank at South Southwest Loop 323 in Tyler.  The ATM was pulled open and approximately $159,700 was stolen.

    On January 29, 2025, Mayes was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and the Tyler Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan R. Jackson.

     

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texarkana Federal Inmate Sentenced in Prison Methamphetamine Conspiracy

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    TEXARKANA, Texas – A federal inmate man has been sentenced to additional time in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Jimmy Barrientos, 38, of Grand Prairie, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in prison and was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III, on April 15, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, Barrientos, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Texarkana, instructed Catherine Gamez to bring methamphetamine with her during prisoner visitation.  On September 25, 2022, Gamez brought a portion of a condom containing approximately 20 grams of actual methamphetamine into the federal prison when she came to visit Barrientos.  Once Gamez entered the visitation room, she hid the condom containing methamphetamine in the soap dispenser in the restroom of the visitation room at the prison. FCI personnel recovered the condom from the soap dispenser and provided it to federal law enforcement.  Gamez pleaded guilty to the same offense in 2024 and is awaiting sentencing.

    This case was investigated by the FBI’s Texarkana Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Noble.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: [ADVANCED MEDICAL SOLUTIONS GROUP PLC – 22 04 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ADVANCED MEDICAL SOLUTIONS GROUP PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 22 APRIL 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 5p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 11,860,793 5.4387    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 11,860,793 5.4387    

    NOTE: Change of mandate to Discretionary by a client added 7,000 shares on 22/04/2025.

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    5p ORDINARY SALE 9,305 177.7006p
    5p ORDINARY SALE 3,235 183.6648p
    5p ORDINARY PURCHASE 9,305 178.1p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 23 APRIL 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Radware Finds 57% of Online Shopping Traffic Now Bots, Not Buyers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAHWAH, N.J., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, today released its “2025 E-commerce Bot Threat Report.” The report found that automated bots—good and bad bots—accounted for 57% of e-commerce website traffic during the 2024 holiday season. It marks the first time that automated, non-DDoS generating bots drove more traffic than human shoppers, signaling a critical shift in the cybersecurity landscape for e-commerce providers and online retailers.

    “Bad bots are no longer just based on simple scripts—they’re sophisticated, AI-enhanced agents capable of outsmarting traditional defenses,” said Ron Meyran, vice president of cyber threat intelligence at Radware. “E-commerce providers and online retailers that rely on conventional security measures will find themselves increasingly exposed, not just during the holidays but year-round.”

    The report highlights major bot attack trends and real-world attack data observed during the 2024 online holiday shopping season. In addition, it offers insights into the distributed, multi-vector attacks e-commerce providers and retailers can expect to battle this year.

    Key findings and insights

    • AI-generated bots with human-like behavior gain dominance: According to the report, bad bots made up 31% of total internet traffic during the last holiday season. Nearly 60% of the malicious traffic employed advanced behavioral techniques to evade traditional, signature-based detection. Combating these bots requires accurate AI-powered detection of attack patterns, including rotating IPs and identities, distributed attacks, CAPTCHA farm services, and other advanced anomalies, without causing false positives.
    • Mobile-focused attacks surge: Malicious bot traffic directed at mobile platforms rose 160% between the 2023 and 2024 holiday shopping seasons, representing a fundamental shift in attacker focus. Security strategies need to be shored up and tailored for vulnerable mobile platforms and attackers using more sophisticated techniques, including mobile emulators, mobile-specific proxies, and headless browsers with mobile user-agent strings.
    • Attacks leveraging distributed infrastructures and residential proxy networks increase: The proportion of holiday attack traffic originating from and blending in with ISP networks increased 32% between 2023 and 2024. Attackers are leveraging wider network and residential proxy services to evade rate-limiting, geo-based, and IP-based blocking mechanisms, creating even greater mitigation challenges for security teams working without advanced, multi-layered protections.
    • Coordinated multi-vector attack campaigns escalate: To maximize their success, attackers are targeting applications by combining bot attacks with web application vulnerability exploits, business logic attacks, and API-focused attacks. Protecting already burdened security systems requires an integrated application security strategy that uses the latest threat intelligence and cross-correlates security threats across security modules.

    Radware will be addressing the new report and advanced protection strategies during the RSA 2025 Conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco (booth #S-1227). The event takes place April 28–May 1, 2025.

    Radware’s complete bot report can be downloaded here.

    About Radware
    Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR) is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company’s cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware’s solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.

    Radware encourages you to join our community and follow us on: Facebook, LinkedIn, Radware Blog, X, and YouTube.

    ©2025 Radware Ltd. All rights reserved. Any Radware products and solutions mentioned in this press release are protected by trademarks, patents, and pending patent applications of Radware in the U.S. and other countries. For more details, please see: https://www.radware.com/LegalNotice/. All other trademarks and names are property of their respective owners.

    THIS PRESS RELEASE AND 2025 E-COMMERCE BOT THREAT REPORT ARE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THESE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN INDICATOR OF RADWARE’S BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OR OPERATING RESULTS FOR ANY PRIOR, CURRENT, OR FUTURE PERIOD.

    Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.

    The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Radware’s plans, outlook, beliefs, or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” For example, when we say in this press release that e-commerce providers and online retailers that rely on conventional security measures will find themselves increasingly exposed, not just during the holidays but year-round, we are using forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, could differ materially from Radware’s current forecasts and estimates. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of global economic conditions, including as a result of the state of war declared in Israel in October 2023 and instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, tensions between China and Taiwan, financial and credit market fluctuations (including elevated interest rates), impacts from tariffs or other trade restrictions, inflation, and the potential for regional or global recessions; our dependence on independent distributors to sell our products; our ability to manage our anticipated growth effectively; our business may be affected by sanctions, export controls, and similar measures, targeting Russia and other countries and territories, as well as other responses to Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine, including indefinite suspension of operations in Russia and dealings with Russian entities by many multi-national businesses across a variety of industries; the ability of vendors to provide our hardware platforms and components for the manufacture of our products; our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel; intense competition in the market for cybersecurity and application delivery solutions and in our industry in general, and changes in the competitive landscape; our ability to develop new solutions and enhance existing solutions; the impact to our reputation and business in the event of real or perceived shortcomings, defects, or vulnerabilities in our solutions, if our end-users experience security breaches, or if our information technology systems and data, or those of our service providers and other contractors, are compromised by cyber-attackers or other malicious actors or by a critical system failure; our use of AI technologies that present regulatory, litigation, and reputational risks; risks related to the fact that our products must interoperate with operating systems, software applications and hardware that are developed by others;  outages, interruptions, or delays in hosting services; the risks associated with our global operations, such as difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations, compliance costs arising from host country laws or regulations, partial or total expropriation, export duties and quotas, local tax exposure, economic or political instability, including as a result of insurrection, war, natural disasters, and major environmental, climate, or public health concerns; our net losses in the past and the possibility that we may incur losses in the future; a slowdown in the growth of the cybersecurity and application delivery solutions market or in the development of the market for our cloud-based solutions; long sales cycles for our solutions; risks and uncertainties relating to acquisitions or other investments; risks associated with doing business in countries with a history of corruption or with foreign governments; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with undetected defects or errors in our products; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties; laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting our business; compliance with open source and third-party licenses; complications with the design or implementation of our new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system; our reliance on information technology systems; our ESG disclosures and initiatives; and other factors and risks over which we may have little or no control. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Radware, refer to Radware’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the other risk factors discussed from time to time by Radware in reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable law, Radware undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made. Radware’s public filings are available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained on Radware’s website at www.radware.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese government announces $1.2 billion plan to purchase critical minerals

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

    A re-elected Albanese government will take the unprecedented step of buying or obtaining options over key critical minerals to protect Australia’s national interest and boost its economic resilience.

    The move follows US President Donald Trump’s ordering a review into American reliance on imported processed critical minerals and Australia’s discussions with the United States about a possible agreement on these minerals as part of negotiations to get a better deal on US tariffs.

    Australia has major deposits of critical minerals and rare earths. But almost all the processing of critical minerals is done by China, which uses this as leverage in disputes with other countries. As part of its tariff dispute with the US, China this month suspended exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets.

    Critical minerals are vital in the production of many items, including defence equipment, batteries, electronics, fibre optic cables, electric vehicles, magnets and wind turbines.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese flagged recently that Australia would establish a critical minerals reserve and the government has now released details of its plan.

    The government investment in critical minerals would come through two new mechanisms:

    • national offtake agreements

    • selective stockpiling

    The government would acquire, through voluntary contracts, agreed volumes of critical minerals from commercial projects, or establish an option to purchase them at a given price.

    It would also establish a government stockpile of key minerals produced under offtake agreements.

    “The primary consideration for entering into offtake agreements will be securing priority critical minerals for strategic reasons,” the government said in a statement.

    Minerals held by the reserve would be made available to domestic industry and key international partners.

    This would cover a deal with the US, if that can be reached.

    “The Reserve will be focused on a subset of critical minerals that are most important for Australia’s national security and the security of our key partners, including rare earths,” the statement said.

    As its holdings matured, the reserve would generate cash-flow from sales of offtake on global markets and to key partners, the statement said.

    “The Strategic Reserve will also accumulate stockpiles of priority minerals when warranted by market conditions and strategic considerations, but it is anticipated that these will be modest and time-limited in most cases.”

    The government would make an initial investment of $1.2 billion in the reserve, including through a $1 billion increase in the existing Critical Minerals Facility. This would take the government’s investment in the facility to $5 billion.

    The facility, established in 2021, provides financing to selected projects that are aligned with the government’s critical minerals strategy.

    The government plans to consult with states and companies on the scope and design on the Strategic Reserve, which it would aim to have operating in the second half of next year.

    ALbanese said: “In a time of global uncertainty, Australia will be stronger and safer by developing our critical national assets to create economic opportunity and resilience.

    “The Strategic Reserve will mean the government has the power to purchase, own and sell critical minerals found here in Australia.

    “It will mean we can deal with trade and market disruptions from a position of strength. Because Australia will be able to call on an internationally-significant quantity of resources in global demand.”

    Resources Minister Madeleine King said: “Critical minerals and rare earths and essential not only to reducing emissions but also for our security and the security of our key partners.

    “While we will continue to supply the world with critical minerals, it’s also important that Australia has access to the critical minerals and rare earths we need for a Future Made in Australia.”

    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. Albanese government announces $1.2 billion plan to purchase critical minerals – https://theconversation.com/albanese-government-announces-1-2-billion-plan-to-purchase-critical-minerals-254994

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: historian Frank Bongiorno on dramatic shifts in how elections are fought and won

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

    This election has been lacklustre, without the touch of excitement of some past campaigns. Through the decades, campaigning has changed dramatically, adopting new techniques and technologies. This time, we’ve seen politicians try to jump onto viral podcasts.

    To discuss old and new campaigning, we’re joined by professor of history at the Australian National University, Frank Bongiorno.

    Many decades ago, campaigns were marked by lots of public meetings, and with them came hecklers. Bongiorno says politicians

    needed to be able to command an audience and to deal with interjectors in a big public meeting. Radio was really coming into its own.

    Very famously – not in a political campaign and not as prime minister – but Menzies made a number of broadcasts that are still remembered. [That was] back in the earlier part of the 1940s, when he was out of government. The most famous of which is the “Forgotten People” broadcast in 1942.

    Over time, campaigns have focused more on the leaders, in the style of the United States.

    [It’s] another aspect perhaps of the Americanisation and presidentialisation of our political system, that focus on party leaders in that kind of way. The 1984 debate was between Bob Hawke as prime minister and Andrew Peacock. I think many people thought that Peacock actually got the better of Hawke on that occasion and that was really, in some ways, the assessment of the whole campaign.

    …That does speak to the American influence in particular. Very famously of course there was the 1960 presidential debate between Nixon and Kennedy, that is such an important part of the collective memory of Kennedy’s success in that election in 1960.

    Do debates still have any impact on campaigns? Bongiorno says “they have become something that I think a lot of people shun.”

    They do seem rather neutral affairs, in which the pundits’ ideas about who won don’t seem to probably matter very much to most voters.

    On the move from traditional media sources to an online campaign, Bongiorno says,

    A lot of the campaign now is fought online. And I guess that trend began really as long ago as the late 1990s and early 2000s, when the parties would maintain campaign websites. It seems so long ago and so primitive, compared to where we are now.

    And social media took off from about the middle of the first decade of this century. Facebook and YouTube came into their own in 2007. Twitter, now called X, in 2010… The use of memes really took off about 2019. And I think TikTok, which is often particularly used by younger people, from about 2022.

    He says scare campaigns have become harder to report on or rebut, due to more targeted online campaigns and advertising.

    Everything depends on your algorithm. The election campaign that I’m seeing when I go into my feed for X or for Facebook will be quite different to my next door neighbour’s, for instance, who could have a totally different sense of what’s happening in the campaign, what are the issues that matter, where the sort of balance of public opinion is.

    On this year’s record start to pre-poll voting, Bongiorno says it makes timing more important than ever.

    It means that whatever the parties are saying now, whatever candidates are saying and doing in the media over the next little while, is going to have no impact on anyone who’s already voted. So it can only be those who are still to vote.

    It probably makes leaving the release of policy – and perhaps even costings as well – to the last minute a riskier venture, because if you do have goodies on offer, they’re going to miss anyone who has already voted.

    It does mean that the parties need to be pretty careful in how they’re timing the release of particular aspects of their policy offerings.

    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. Politics with Michelle Grattan: historian Frank Bongiorno on dramatic shifts in how elections are fought and won – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-historian-frank-bongiorno-on-dramatic-shifts-in-how-elections-are-fought-and-won-255113

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Police accountability reforms to enter Parliament

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Police accountability reforms to enter Parliament

    Police officers will be given greater confidence to carry out their roles, with reforms to the systems that hold them to account set to enter Parliament.

    Getty Images

    The government will table an amendment to the flagship Crime and Policing Bill later this week to provide a presumption of anonymity for firearms officers who are subject to a criminal trial following a shooting.

    This will apply during court proceedings and in media reporting up until the point of conviction.

    Improving policing systems is a crucial part of making our streets safer under the Plan for Change, and this move addresses specific concerns raised during the accountability review about the risks firearms officers face from criminal gangs and will protect them and their families against any such threat.

    Three measures to improve the timeliness and appropriateness of investigations into police use of force and the rights of victims will also be also included in the bill:

    1. Aligning the threshold for referrals by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) of officers to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to that used by police when referring cases involving members of the public. This is to avoid the system being clogged up with cases, allowing greater focus and swifter resolution of those that are referred.

    2. Speeding up processes by allowing the IOPC to send cases to the CPS where there is sufficient evidence, prior to their final investigation report.

    3. Putting the IOPC victims’ right to review policy on a statutory footing to ensure the voices of victims and their families are heard.

    This is a crucial step in delivering measures set out by the Home Secretary to parliament in October, in which she set out a package of reforms to rebuild confidence for police officers and communities. The measures are designed to tackle unacceptable delays and confusion in the system, to ensure that the complexity of specialist operations is considered at an early stage, and that the highest standards within policing are upheld and maintained.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    The proud British tradition of policing by consent depends on mutual bonds of trust between the police and the communities they serve. That’s why we have set out an ambitious package of measures to rebuild both public trust in policing and the confidence of police officers in their vital work to keep the public safe.

    Police officers in specialist roles who make split-second decisions to keep the public safe must have the confidence to carry out their duties, knowing that the systems which hold them to account for their decisions are fair.

    Too often those processes have involved unacceptable delays and confusion, which has been damaging both for the police and the public. These changes will help to boost confidence that the system will work swiftly and effectively for all those involved.

    The accountability review found that the current system for holding police officers to account is not commanding the confidence of either the public or the police, with misconduct proceedings too often plagued by delays stretching for years, which is damaging for complainants, police officers and police forces alike.

    Alongside the changes being made in the Crime and Policing Bill, the Director for Public Prosecutions has already completed a review of CPS guidance and processes in relation to charging police officers for offences committed in the course of their duties. Revised guidance provides greater clarity for prosecutors, ensuring the dynamic and fast-changing nature of specialist policing decisions are taken into account when charging decisions are made.

    Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, said:

    The progress that has been made on vital accountability reform should be welcomed. In particular, I am very pleased to see that the previous commitment on anonymity for firearms officers subject to criminal trials is going to be introduced as an amendment to legislation going through Parliament.

    We know further reform is needed if officers are to have full confidence in the system that holds them to account but alongside our policing partners we are working positively and constructively with the government and that work will continue.

    Lead of the National Police Chiefs’ Council Operations Coordination Committee and the Senior Responsible Officer for the accountability review, Chief Constable BJ Harrington, said:

    We welcome today’s announcement. These are positive changes which will ensure that the public interest is served, and that police officers and staff will have the confidence to protect the public and uphold the law.

    Everyone in policing expects to be held to account for their actions and use of powers. However, too often we hear of the devastating, and often disproportionate, impact on officers, staff and their families after they have stepped forward with courage and professionalism on behalf of the public.

    Whether it’s an issue concerning use of force, death following contact with the police, police driving or where officers are alleged to have broken the law, it is important that the accountability mechanism is swift, balanced, and fair. This in turn will give our people the confidence to fulfil their duties, and the public confidence in their professionalism and decision making.

    We remain determined to get police accountability right and we will support government to improve the current accountability system to ensure community support, and importantly, to give police officers and staff the knowledge that where they act, to do the right things for the right reasons, they have the support to do their job of tackling crime and protecting the public.

    This comes as the government has today set out further reforms to rebuild public confidence in policing, including new regulations to ensure police chiefs can automatically sack officers who fail background checks, allowing them to root out those who are unfit to serve.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: With love for nature: the GUU garden continues to grow

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On April 23, the Institute of Marketing of the State University of Management held the campaign “Let’s Revive the Apple Orchard”.

    Under the direction of the institute’s director Gennady Azoev, teachers and students planted pears and plums of various varieties on the main campus square. The planted trees were whitewashed.

    During the planting work, Gennady Lazarevich shared his wisdom and told how to properly prepare the soil for planting trees, what expanded clay is needed for, how deep to place the seedling and how to care for it at first so that the tree takes root and bears fruit.

    “For example, frosts are expected soon, which fall just during the flowering period. This is very dangerous for this year’s harvest and young trees. Our seedlings have a strong root system and therefore will definitely be able to survive this period,” noted the director of the Marketing Institute.

    Let us recall that at the beginning of April, students and teachers of the institute brought the trees growing on the campus territory into a well-groomed condition.

    Also on April 23, flowers and trees were planted on the initiative of students as part of the project “GUU Garden”, which is participating in the grant competition of our university. Blue peonies and hydrangeas will soon bloom near the 6th dormitory, and spreading willows will bloom along the road near the Sports Complex.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 23.04.2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Press Encounter on Climate

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Ladies and gentlemen of the media, may I first express to the Government and people of Türkiye my full solidarity in this difficult moment. 

    President Lula of Brazil and I just concluded a unique meeting with a cross-section of world leaders focused on climate action and a just transition.

    The gathering included 17 participants at level of heads of state and government representing some of the world’s largest economies — including China and the European Union — and some of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries.

    We also had leaders currently chairing important regional partnerships — the African Union, ASEAN, and the Alliance of Small Island States and CARICOM, along with many others.   

    It was among the most diverse meetings of heads of state focused exclusively on climate in some time.

    Yet I heard a unifying message.

    Yes, our world faces massive headwinds and a multitude of crises.

    But we cannot allow climate commitments to be blown off course.

    We must keep building momentum for action at COP30 in Brazil — and today was an important part of that effort. 

    We don’t have a moment to lose.

    No region is being spared from the ravages of accelerating climate catastrophes.   

    And the crisis is deepening poverty, displacing communities, and fuelling conflict and instability.

    At the same time, countries are waking up to a clear fact: 

    Renewables are the economic opportunity of the century.

    Dissenters and fossil fuel interests may try to stand in the way.  

    But as we heard today, the world is moving forward.  Full-speed ahead.

    No group or government can stop the clean energy revolution.  

    Science is on our side — and economics have shifted.

    Prices for renewables have plummeted and the sector is booming — creating jobs and boosting competitiveness and growth worldwide.

    The pathway out of climate hell is paved by renewables.

    They offer the surest route to energy sovereignty and security, and ending dependence on volatile and expensive fossil fuel imports.

    We also know collective climate action works. 

    Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the projected global warming-curve has been bent down — from over four degrees of temperature rise within this century, to 2.6 degrees if current national climate action plans are fully implemented.

    But that is catastrophic so we must go further and faster. 

    Today, I urged leaders to take action on two fronts.  

    First — to step up efforts to submit the strongest possible national climate plans well ahead of COP30.

    And leaders today committed to put forward ambitious and robust plans as soon as possible what was a strong message of hope.  

    These new climate plans offer a unique opportunity to lay out a bold vision for a just green transition over the next decade.

    They should align with 1.5 degrees and set emissions-reduction targets that cover all greenhouse gases and the whole economy as several today mentioned clearly.

    Most importantly, they should help speed-up a just transition away from fossil fuels to renewables… 

    Link national energy and development strategies with climate goals…

    And signal to policymakers and investors alike a total commitment to achieving global net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

    Second — as leaders turbocharge their own transitions, I urged them to scale-up support for developing countries.

    Those least responsible for climate change are suffering from its worst effects.

    Africa and other parts of the developing world are experiencing faster warming —and the Pacific islands are seeing faster sea-level rise — even while the global average itself is accelerating. 

    Meanwhile, despite being home to 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources, Africa has only around 1.5 per cent of installed solar capacity – and receives just two per cent of global investment into renewables.

    We need to change this — fast.

    At COP30, leaders must deliver a credible roadmap to mobilize $1.3 trillion a year for developing countries by 2035.

    Developed countries must honour their promise to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year, by this year.

    And we need significantly increased contributions and innovative sources of finance to support the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage.

    Across all these fronts, we will keep up the push — including at a special event in September in the final weeks to COP30.

    As today’s meeting made clear, we cannot, must not, and will not let up on climate action.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: April 29: IAM Union, NFFE-IAM, Labor Allies to Celebrate Federal Workers Outside Union Station

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    MEDIA ADVISORY

    WASHINGTON, April 23, 2025—The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers), along with the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), will host a federal worker thank you event on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. outside Union Station in Washington, D.C. 

    This gathering of hundreds of union members and leaders will celebrate the contributions of federal workers and will be held during the week of the IAM Union Legislative Conference. The conference serves as a vital platform for IAM members to strategize and amplify their voices in the halls of Congress. Throughout the three-day event, IAM members engaged in productive discussions with lawmakers, advocating for policies supporting working families nationwide.

    Federal workers are the backbone of our nation, providing essential services that keep our country running. They are healthcare professionals caring for our military veterans, wildland firefighters protecting our lives and property, and park rangers watching after our national treasures. The IAM Union, America’s largest defense labor union, has the highest percentage of military veteran members in the labor movement.

    Event Details:

    What: IAM Union and NFFE-IAM to host a visibility event to thank federal workers

    When: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

    Where: At Columbus Circle in front of Union Station

    Who: IAM Union, NFFE-IAM, labor allies, and community supporters

    RSVP: Interested reporters can RSVP by emailing Bethany Shelton (bshelton@iamaw.org).

    Volunteers will distribute informational materials, engage with commuters, and hold signs thanking federal workers. Members of Congress, elected officials, and local community leaders are invited to attend this event.

    The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) recently launched the “Rise Up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network.”

    This collaborative initiative, developed in partnership with the AFL-CIO, We The Action, Democracy Forward, AFGE, ACS, NTEU, Partnership for Public Service, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and other organizations, aims to provide free and direct legal support to federal workers who have been unjustly terminated or mistreated during the Trump administration.

    In light of the significant challenges faced by many federal employees, the Rise Up network seeks to ensure that those who have been wrongfully terminated, as well as current workers concerned about their employment rights, have access to essential legal resources and support.

    Workers can find the assistance they need by visiting workerslegaldefense.org .

    “The IAM Union will come together to make our voices heard and to strategize on the best ways forward in the fight for federal workers and workers’ rights everywhere,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “We will continue to hold events that uplift the contributions of federal workers and let them know that the IAM has their backs.”

    The IAM Union invites members of the media to attend and cover this event. Visuals and interview opportunities will be available.

    “Federal employees need the support of their elected officials, community partners, and the American people now more than ever,” said Randy Erwin, National President of the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM). “The dedicated workers who have given their careers to serving this nation are facing the biggest threat to their right to form and join a union that this country has ever seen. NFFE and the IAM will continue to fight against these unconstitutional attacks and promote the critical work that civil servants accomplish every day across the country on behalf of their fellow Americans.” 

    The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries. 

    goIAM.org | @IAM_Union

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson demands City of Columbia repeal unconstitutional faith-based counseling banRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has formally demanded that the City of Columbia repeal City Ordinance 2021-021, citing clear conflicts with state law and violations of constitutional rights. In a letter sent to the Columbia City Council today, Wilson urged immediate action to bring the city into compliance with state statutes and the South Carolina Constitution. 

    The ordinance in question bans licensed counselors from offering any form of so-called “conversion therapy” to minors, a term Wilson notes has been mischaracterized and weaponized by activist groups to restrict religious freedom and professional judgment in counseling. 

    “Our Office has reviewed the ordinance and determined it directly conflicts with state law, particularly the Medical Ethics and Diversity Act passed by the General Assembly in 2022,” said Wilson. “Municipalities do not have the authority to regulate professions that require statewide uniformity, such as counseling and psychological therapy. This ordinance crosses the line, violates the law, and must be repealed.” 

    The 2022 Medical Ethics and Diversity Act explicitly prohibits local governments from interfering with a healthcare provider’s professional judgment, including in the realm of psychological counseling. It affirms the rights of patients and families to choose counseling that aligns with their values, including religious beliefs. 

    Attorney General Wilson further emphasized the legal precedent supporting his Office’s position, citing federal rulings such as Otto v. City of Boca Raton and King v. Governor of New Jersey, which found similar bans on counseling practices unconstitutional under free speech and religious liberty protections. 

    “The ordinance prioritizes ideology over individuals, silencing faith-based counselors and denying families the freedom to choose the care that reflects their deeply held beliefs,” Wilson stated. “We are committed to defending South Carolinians’ right to religious liberty and protecting counselors from unconstitutional mandates.” 

    The Attorney General has requested a formal response from the City by May 5, 2025, and expressed willingness to meet with city officials to resolve the matter. 

    You can read the letter here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jefferson County Man Admits Possessing Pipe Bomb

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A man from Jefferson County, Missouri on Tuesday admitted possessing a pipe bomb.

    Robert Hiler, 38, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device.

    Hiler admitted that on Sept. 11, 2023, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies were seeking another man who had several active felony warrants. They had a court-approved search warrant for Hiler’s house, and arrested their target in the woods behind the home. Deputies then obtained Hiler’s consent to search the home and found a pipe bomb on a grey bucket in a room adjacent to Hiler’s garage. Hiler admitted building the bomb and said he had planned to ignite it with a car battery.

    Hiler is scheduled to be sentenced in July. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine.

    The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Ware and Mohsen Pasha are prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey Expands Implementation of Digital Identity Solutions from Seychelles to Africa: Empowering Nations with Secure National ID Systems

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeKey Expands Implementation of Digital Identity Solutions from Seychelles to Africa: Empowering Nations with Secure National ID Systems

    Geneva, Switzerland – April 23, 2025 — WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that following the successful implementation of “SeyID” in the Seychelles, it is extending proven digital identity solutions to other African nations to help them modernize and secure their national identification systems.

    Since 2022, WISeKey has collaborated with the government of Seychelles to launch SeyID, a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly digital ID platform. Designed to integrate seamlessly with both public and private sector services, SeyID is now serving as a model for other African nations looking to establish or upgrade their national identity infrastructure.

    A Blueprint for Digital Transformation

    The SeyID platform leverages WISeKey’s trusted WISeID digital identity technology, which provides citizens with a mobile-accessible, secure virtual ID linked to key public services. These include healthcare, government portals, and the tourism industry, vital economic pillars for Seychelles.

    Through SeyID, citizens are able to complement their traditional physical ID cards with a virtual identity stored securely on their smartphones, making authentication easier and services more accessible. Tourists visiting Seychelles can also generate a digital Tourist ID using SeyID, which offers a frictionless digital experience while allowing visitors to access local services. This innovation has positioned Seychelles as a digital pioneer in the African region, providing a strong example of how national digital identity platforms can support economic growth and government efficiency.

    Scaling the Model Across Africa

    WISeKey is now in discussions with several African governments to replicate the SeyID model, tailoring it to meet local needs and regulatory frameworks. These next-generation digital ID solutions aim to:

    • Promote Financial Inclusion by enabling secure digital onboarding and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance for banking services;
    • Streamline Public Administration by digitizing identity verification for social programs, healthcare, and education;
    • Enhance Tourism and Cross-Border Travel with digital tourist ID systems similar to that of Seychelles; and,
    • Protect Citizen Data with robust Swiss-grade cybersecurity and encryption.

    Use Cases: National Digital IDs as Catalysts for Economic Growth

    1. Digital Financial Services:
      A national digital ID allows unbanked populations to open bank accounts, access credit, and use mobile payment platforms securely, boosting participation in the formal economy and reducing reliance on cash.
    2. e-Government Services:
      Digital IDs facilitate efficient delivery of public services such as tax filing, business registration, land ownership verification, and social welfare programs, increasing transparency and reducing corruption.
    3. Agricultural Supply Chains:
      Farmers can register digitally to receive subsidies, track inputs, and access markets. This fosters trust, increases productivity, and reduces fraud in government support schemes.
    4. Healthcare Access:
      Verified digital IDs help in creating unified health records, ensuring that citizens receive timely, targeted, and secure healthcare, even across borders through regional interoperability.
    5. Job Market Activation:
      With a verifiable identity, citizens can access vocational training, apply for jobs online, and participate in gig economy platforms, driving workforce participation and economic inclusion.
    6. Entrepreneurship & Innovation:
      Startups and SMEs can benefit from streamlined licensing and easier access to investment through identity-based digital platforms, reducing bureaucratic delays and stimulating innovation.
    7. Tourism Growth:
      Digital tourist IDs simplify visa issuance, hotel check-ins, and tourist service access, creating a smoother visitor experience and increasing tourism revenues.
    8. Education & Youth Empowerment:
      Digital IDs allow students to enroll in programs, access e-learning platforms, and validate academic credentials, enhancing skills development for the digital economy.
    9. A Human-Centered, Privacy-First Approach

    WISeKey’s approach is grounded in respecting human dignity and data privacy. All identities created under its platforms are anchored in the OISTE.ORG Root of Trust, a globally recognized cryptographic trust model that guarantees sovereign control over digital identities.

    With the support of international development agencies and local governments, WISeKey is set to deliver customized digital ID solutions that are interoperable, future-proof, and aligned with international standards for data protection and digital governance.

    As Africa accelerates its digital transformation, WISeKey’s expansion beyond Seychelles marks a critical step in ensuring that secure, inclusive, and innovative identity solutions are at the heart of the continent’s technological and economic future.

    For more information, visit www.wisekey.com or follow WISeKey on LinkedIn and Twitter.

    About WISeKey

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com     		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: iManage Announces Revealing New Research Report Around Law Firms and LegalTech

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iManage, the company dedicated to Making Knowledge Work™, today announced the availability of a new research report – Ground your legal AI strategy firmly in the basics – that distills survey responses from more than 1,200 legal professionals across the United States, UK, EMEA, and Asia Pacific, providing a strong global perspective on lawyers’ views regarding technology and legal operations. Notably, respondents crave a strong core set of foundational tools around document and email management. As firms advance in their technical sophistication, these tools can be enhanced with added capabilities like those promised by AI.

    The survey, conducted by SA Market Insights, reveals that respondents prioritize fundamental technology features such as repositories for storing and retrieving precedents and templates; automated monitoring to ensure compliance; compatibility with e-discovery platforms; and internal real-time collaboration tools and workspaces.

    This prioritization of bedrock competencies before looking to more advanced capabilities like generative AI indicates that there is still room for law firms to improve the effectiveness of existing technology investments and a need to make this a priority. A renewed commitment to promoting efficiency, security, and collaboration via foundational systems such as document management may be needed. This was identified as an essential bridge to enabling employees to achieve proficiency in applying any AI capabilities an organization introduces.

    The report also reveals that many organizations invest in a document management system (DMS), only to find that low adoption makes it a challenge to realize the targeted ROI of their technology. Low user adoption stems from a variety of issues. Most of these can be resolved by using effective solutions and document management practices that allay pain points around cumbersome security requirements, ineffective search, or constant switching between tools. Research shows that customer success also relies heavily on the availability of training and ongoing support after new solutions are introduced.

    “As law firms evaluate the potential of AI capabilities, it is equally critical for legal leaders to assess their foundational technology stack, with a keen eye on usage,” said Joy Ganvik
    CEO at SA Market Insights. “This assessment should identify any gaps, determine the steps needed to fill them, and prioritize firm-wide adoption of current capabilities to be certain that any future investment in AI is maximally effective.”

    The survey that informs the research report took place between December 2024 and January 2025. Respondents were evenly divided between firms with 50 or fewer employees, 51–250 employees, and more than 250 employees. Most of the respondents are lawyers with 5 to 20 years of experience, many of whom have been at their current firms for a significant portion of their careers.

    “The insights in this new report provide a valuable roadmap for firms still contemplating how to invest in solutions that enable them to keep growing into the future capabilities that AI can offer,” said Laura Wenzel, Global Marketing & Insights Director. “Understanding what legal professionals need to efficiently manage their document workflows can help organizations make informed, strategic DMS investments that drive adoption, deliver lasting value, and set the stage for effective use of advanced technologies.”

    About iManage
    iManage is dedicated to Making Knowledge Work™. Our cloud-native platform is at the center of the knowledge economy, enabling every organization to work more productively, collaboratively, and securely. Built on more than 20 years of industry experience, iManage helps leading organizations manage documents and emails more efficiently, protect vital information assets, and leverage knowledge to drive better business outcomes. As your strategic business partner, we employ our award-winning AI-enabled technology, an extensive partner ecosystem, and a customer-centric approach to provide support and guidance you can trust to make knowledge work for you. iManage is relied on by more than one million professionals at 4,000 organizations around the world. Visit www.imanage.com to learn more.

    Follow iManage via:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imanage
    X: https://x.com/imanageinc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iManage 

    Press contact:
    Alicia Saragosa, iManage
    press@imanage.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EverGen Infrastructure Corp. Announces Private Placement of Common Shares and Entering Into of Share Purchase and Reorganization Agreement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities Laws.

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EverGen Infrastructure Corp. (“EverGen” or the “Company”) (TSXV: EVGN) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a share purchase and reorganization agreement (the “Agreement”) on April 22, 2025, with Ask America, LLC (the “Purchaser”), an arm’s length limited liability company existing under the laws of New Jersey. Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Purchaser has agreed to act as the lead investor in a private placement of common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”) for total gross proceeds of up to CAD$7,000,000 (the “Private Placement”). A copy of the Agreement will be accessible on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Private Placement

    Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, the Company intends to complete the Private Placement of up to an aggregate of 11,666,667 Common Shares at a price of $0.60 per Common Share with the Purchaser and other subscribers for total gross proceeds of up to CAD$7,000,000. In connection with the Private Placement, Purchaser has agreed to subscribe for and purchase 8,333,333 Common Shares in the Private Placement, for gross aggregate proceeds of CAD$5,000,000 (the “Share Purchase”) on the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement. Upon execution of the Agreement, the Purchaser paid a deposit of CAD$1,800,000 to the Company for the Share Purchase, with the remaining CAD$3,200,000 to be paid by the Purchaser to the Company upon closing of the Private Placement. The Common Shares issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period. The Company anticipates using the proceeds of the Private Placement for working capital and general corporate purposes.

    Pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, subject to and concurrent with the closing of the Private Placement, the majority of the executive officers and directors of the Company will resign and be replaced with a new management team consisting of Chase Edgelow as Chief Executive Officer, Ron Green as Chief Operating Officer, with Sean Hennessey continuing as Chief Financial Officer and a new board of directors of the Company (the “Board”) consisting of: Chase Edgelow, Varun Anand, Blake Almond, and Mischa Zajtmann (collectively, the “Change of Management”). The foregoing changes will constitute a “Change of Management” (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange). The closing of the Private Placement may also result in the Purchaser becoming a new “Control Person” of the Company (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange). The completion of the Private Placement and the Change of Management is expected to occur in early May 2025.

    It is also anticipated that, prior to closing of the Private Placement, 1,211,026 options, warrants and other equity settled incentive securities held by current and former members of the Company’s management and the Board will be surrendered for cancellation. Upon completion of the Private Placement, EverGen will have issued and outstanding up to 25,686,352 Common Shares (up to 25,806,225 Common Shares on a fully diluted basis).

    New Management Team & Board

    The new management team and board brings unparalleled knowledge of the Company and its assets, a focused strategy dedicated to improving operational efficiencies and cost structure, and a long-term vision to continue to grow EverGen into a highly strategic and valuable infrastructure platform.

    Chase Edgelow (Director & Chief Executive Officer): Brings a direct hands-on approach as co-founder and former CEO of EverGen, along with 20 years of financial and operational expertise in the energy and infrastructure sectors. He is the founding partner of Chase Capital, a private capital platform dedicated to investing in, advising and growing businesses with a focus on the circular economy and energy transition. He spent over a decade with Macquarie Group specializing in sourcing, structuring and managing private energy and infrastructure investments on behalf of Macquarie and other co-investment partners, in addition to providing traditional M&A, capital raising and advisory services for corporate clients. Holds a degree in Engineering Physics from Queen’s University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder and Professional Engineer of Alberta (non-practising).

    Ron Green (Chief Operating Officer): An accomplished leader with over 30 years of experience in the energy & infrastructure sectors, specializing in operational excellence and team development. Proven track record of driving success in turnaround situations, with expertise in optimizing operations and aligning strategic incentives. Throughout his career, Mr. Green has held key executive roles, including CEO of Promeita Energy, Vice President of Rockwater Energy Solutions, Chief Operating Officer of Pure Energy Services Ltd., and Executive Vice President of Delaney Energy. In addition to his executive leadership roles, Mr. Green is a founding board member of Beyond Energy Services & Technology Corp, which he has guided from a start-up to a >$100m revenue business. He is a graduate of Queens University’s Executive Program and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. With extensive experience in operational leadership and people management, he is a trusted expert in driving sustainable growth and value creation.

    Sean Hennessy (CFO): Sean is a chartered accountant with over 15 years of finance and accounting experience in the clean energy and infrastructure industries, which includes ten years at Altera Infrastructure (previously Teekay Offshore Partners), a global energy infrastructure group and a Brookfield Business Partners portfolio company. Sean obtained his Chartered Accountant designation at PwC New Zealand, where he worked in both the tax and assurance practices, before transitioning to Canada. He is experienced with financial reporting for public companies under both IFRS and US GAAP, on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange. Sean completed a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration (Accounting, Finance and Commercial Law) degree and a Bachelor of Science (Mathematics) degree at Victoria University of Wellington.

    Varun Anand (Director): Varun serves as the Outsourced Chief Investment Officer and representative of ASK America LLC. He brings over a decade of global investment experience across public and private markets, with a strong track record of identifying and executing high-quality infrastructure opportunities. An award-winning portfolio manager, Varun has developed particular expertise in the renewable energy sector, having invested extensively in both Canadian and international renewable energy assets. During his tenure at Starlight Capital, he led the investment in the Company’s IPO in 2021 and built one of its largest shareholder positions by 2022. Varun holds a Bachelor of Mathematics with a Finance specialization from the University of Waterloo and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

    Blake Almond (Director): Blake has 17 years of experience in M&A and private & public capital markets including 8 years focused on organics, bioenergy and other circular economy infrastructure assets. He spent 10 years with Macquarie Capital in Sydney where he executed M&A and public & private capital markets deals in bioenergy and natural resources. Today he leads the financial advisory business Circ Partners where he advises global infrastructure private equity funds and industrial sponsor clients on circular economy infrastructure investments. Notably, while at Macquarie Capital, Blake advised on cross-border M&A transactions between Canada and Australia including Viterra Inc on the A$1.6bn acquisition of ABB Grain Ltd and Eldorado Gold Corporation on the A$2.1bn acquisition of Sino Gold Mining Limited. Blake is a Member of the Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA) and the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR).

    Mischa Zajtmann (Director): Mischa has 15 years of experience providing consulting and executive management expertise for Canadian and American listed companies in the resource sector with projects in South America, Africa, and Asia. He is a co-founder of EverGen. Mischa was a corporate securities lawyer who began his career at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, focused primarily on corporate securities transactions, including M&A and corporate finance. He has advised both purchasers and target companies in a wide variety of M&A transactions—including issuers listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange and underwriters, in connection with public offerings and private placements of equity securities, regulatory compliance, and general corporate and commercial matters. Mischa has a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Saskatchewan Law School and is a member of the British Columbia Bar.

    Corporate Strategy

    With a strengthened balance sheet following the private placement and the appointment of the new management team and board, EverGen is strategically positioned to unlock substantial shareholder value. The Company’s immediate focus is on driving operational excellence, enhancing capital efficiency, and establishing a foundation for scalable growth through the following key pillars:

    Operational Excellence to Maximize Returns: Deployment of performance-driven systems and accountability frameworks across core facilities to drive margin expansion and operational reliability.

    Cost Optimization and Capital Discipline: Allocation of capital to high-impact optimization projects aimed at reducing operating volatility and improving unit economics. Overhead will be streamlined, and opportunities to lower financing costs will be actively pursued to reinforce a lean, agile cost structure.

    Strategic Growth: Upon stabilization of core operations, the Company will leverage industry relationships and execution capabilities to re-initiate disciplined project development and pursue accretive partnership opportunities that support long-term growth and shareholder value creation.

    Shareholder and Stock Exchange Approvals

    Completion of the Private Placement and the Change of Management is subject to approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and disinterested holders of Common Shares holding more than 50% of the Common Shares giving consent to the Private Placement and the Change of Management, in accordance with the policies and requirements of the TSX Venture Exchange by executing a written consent (the “Shareholder Written Consent”).

    EverGen Board Approval and Recommendation

    EverGen previously announced on February 28, 2025 that the Board formed a special independent committee (the “Special Committee”) to evaluate and review potential strategic transactions with the goal of maximizing value for EverGen shareholders and other stakeholders of the Company. Based on the recommendation of the Special Committee, the Board has unanimously approved the Agreement and the Private Placement and has determined that the completion of the Change of Management and the Private Placement is in the best interests of EverGen. The Board recommends that the EverGen shareholders execute the Shareholder Written Consent. Any EverGen shareholder wishing to obtain and execute the Shareholder Written Consent should contact EverGen as set forth below.

    About EverGen Infrastructure Corp.

    EverGen, Canada’s Renewable Natural Gas Infrastructure Platform, is combating climate change and helping communities contribute to a sustainable future. Headquartered on the West Coast of Canada, EverGen is an established independent renewable energy producer which acquires, develops, builds, owns and operates a portfolio of Renewable Natural Gas, waste to energy, and related infrastructure projects. EverGen is focused on Canada, with continued growth expected across other regions in North America and beyond.

    For more information about EverGen Infrastructure Corp. and our projects, please visit www.evergeninfra.com.

    About ASK America LLC

    ASK America LLC is backed by a multi-generational U.S. family office with several decades of investment experience across a broad spectrum of asset classes. The family office has amassed substantial assets under management, fueled by the success of its wholly owned consumer products business as well as the consistent growth of its investment portfolio. Through ASK America LLC, the group brings a combination of operational acumen and patient, long-term capital to its partnerships, with a steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable growth and delivering superior risk-adjusted returns.

    Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

    This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as “may”, “should”, “anticipate”, “will”, “estimates”, “believes”, “intends” “expects” and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking information or statements. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward looking statements and information concerning: the completion of the Private Placement and the terms thereof, including the issuance of Common Shares, the completion of the Change of Management, the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange of the Private Placement and the Change of Management, the offering price of the Common Shares, the cancellation of certain options, warrants and other equity settled incentive securities of the Company, and receipt of the Shareholder Written Consent. EverGen cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of EverGen, including expectations and assumptions concerning EverGen, the Private Placement, the Change of Management, the timely receipt of all required TSX Venture Exchange, shareholder and regulatory approvals and exemptions (as applicable, including the Shareholder Written Consent) and the satisfaction of other closing conditions. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of EverGen. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and EverGen does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by securities law.

    This press release is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States. The securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act”)) or any U.S. state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an available exemption from the registration requirement of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

    Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Contacts
    EverGen Infrastructure Corp.
    Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer
    Mischa Zajtmann
    604-202-7004
    mischa@evergeninfra.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin and Tuvaluan Deputy Prime Minister Nelesone witness signing of agreements on labor cooperation and seafarer training and certification

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin and Tuvaluan Deputy Prime Minister Nelesone witness signing of agreements on labor cooperation and seafarer training and certification

    Date：2025-04-16
    Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    April 16, 2025  
    No. 097  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung met with a Tuvaluan delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development Panapasi Nelesone and his wife, Madame Corinna Laafai, at the Taipei Guest House on April 15. Together, they witnessed the signing of two bilateral agreements—one on labor cooperation and another on the recognition of training and certification of seafarers. These agreements, which were signed respectively by Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han and Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai for Taiwan and by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Trade Paulson Panapa for Tuvalu, aim to deepen bilateral exchanges and cooperation in such domains as labor affairs, fisheries, and seafarer certification. 

    Following the signing ceremony, Minister Lin hosted a banquet for the delegation at the Taipei Guest House. In his speech, he warmly welcomed them and thanked the government of Tuvalu for its long-standing and unwavering support of Taiwan’s international participation, including speaking up for Taiwan at major international events. Minister Lin expressed special appreciation to the Ministry of Labor (MOL) and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) for coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) to facilitate the signing of the two agreements. He indicated that they bolstered Taiwan-Tuvalu cooperation and marked the concrete implementation of the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project under the policy of integrated diplomacy. He also noted that they aligned with the concept of every ministry serving as a foreign ministry and every citizen as a diplomat. Minister Lin emphasized that MOFA had actively consolidated the diverse capabilities of government agencies and civil society, leveraging overall national strength to enhance cooperation between Taiwan and its diplomatic allies. Moving forward, he pledged to work hand in hand with the government of Tuvalu to expand exchanges across a variety of domains to promote economic prosperity and the well-being of the peoples of both countries. 

    Speaking at the banquet, Deputy Prime Minister Nelesone stated that in 46 years as diplomatic allies, Taiwan and Tuvalu had jointly responded to numerous challenges and created myriad opportunities for close cooperation in such areas as health care, agriculture, education, and basic infrastructure. He affirmed that the two nations had built a diplomatic alliance founded on freedom and democracy, adding that they shared strong bonds and were like family. On behalf of the government and people of Tuvalu, he sincerely thanked Taiwan for its long-term support of his nation’s development and reaffirmed Tuvalu’s staunch commitment to backing Taiwan’s international participation. He expressed the hope that both countries would continue working together to advance their diplomatic partnership, setting an example for the world.

    Guests at the banquet included Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Lin Ching-yi; Acting Director General of the MOL Workforce Development Agency Chen Shih-chang; Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Agency Lin Ding-rong; Director General of the MOTC Maritime and Port Bureau Yeh Hsieh-lung; Secretary General of the International Cooperation and Development Fund Huang Yu-lin; and representatives from the business sector. Participants exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including health care, climate change adaptation, and agricultural and fisheries cooperation. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Caro Holdings Launches AI Chat Agent Platform to Revolutionize Customer Service and Boost Business Efficiency

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHEFFIELD, United Kingdom, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Caro Holdings announces the release of its new AI Chat Agent platform – an intelligent, always-on assistant team built to help businesses save time, cut costs, and deliver top-tier customer service without hiring additional staff.

    Caro’s smart agents handle tasks that typically consume team resources, including:

    • Instant Support – answering FAQs like return policies or product details
    • Appointment Scheduling – enabling bookings through chat
    • Order Tracking – real-time delivery updates
    • Lead Qualification – asking smart questions to identify buyers
    • Feedback Collection – gathering reviews and insights

    Designed to improve conversion rates and streamline onboarding, the platform enhances customer care with intelligent automation.

    “In a world where speed and availability are everything, AI chatbots have become essential,” said Meriesha Rennalls, President of Caro Holdings. “We’ve designed a lineup of specialised AI agents that help businesses do more with less – while keeping their customers happy and engaged.”

    Caro’s offering is built on a strong foundation in enterprise-grade telephony and call centre expertise. Having delivered robust VoIP and virtual support solutions to UK businesses for years, Caro now introduces a new generation of AI agents – combining the depth of human call centre experience with conversational AI. With Meriesha Rennalls’ decades of leadership in telephony and customer engagement, Caro is positioned to transform how businesses connect, interact, and scale – blending human insight with smart automation.

    The launch supports Caro’s broader strategy to support efficient growth for small businesses and platform operators.

    Industry research shows that companies earning between $1–10 million annually can save an estimated $70,000 to $150,000 by using AI chat tools. Broader data supports this, with AI-powered agents reducing customer service costs by up to 30% across businesses of all sizes.

    Caro’s AI chatbots are transforming operations across:

    • Retail & E-commerce
    • Hospitality & Travel
    • Education & Member-Based Associations

    The tools are currently in use across select client projects, with ongoing feature development underway. Caro invites strategic partners and collaborators to co-create solutions that enhance engagement and operations – without adding headcount.

    About Caro Holdings Inc.
    Caro Holdings is dedicated to accelerating the growth of brands through digital innovation and AI-powered solutions. Its comprehensive suite of services includes e-commerce strategy, digital marketing, AI voice technology, and growth capital. Discover more at www.caroholdings.com.

    Caro Holdings Inc.
    +1 786-755-3210
    ir@caroholdings.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Birkin v Wirkin: the backlash against the global elite and their luxury bags – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    Tony Neil Thompson/Shutterstock

    The Birkin bag made by French luxury retailer Hermès has become a status symbol for some of the global elite. Notoriously difficult to obtain, a select few obsess over how to get their hands on one.

    But when US retailer Walmart recently launched a much cheaper bag that looked very similar to the Birkin, nicknamed a “Wirkin” by others, it sparked discussions about wealth disparity and the ethics of conspicuous consumption.

    In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to two sociologists about the Birkin and what it symbolises.

    For the rich housewives of Delhi, the Birkin bag is a must have, says Parul Bhandari. A sociologist at the University of Cambridge in the UK, she’s spent time interviewing wealthy Indian women about their lives and preoccupations. She told us:

     A bag that is carried by rich women of New York, of London, of Paris, is something that you desire as well, so it’s a ticket of entry into the global elite.

    Birkins are also used by some of these rich women as a way to show off their husband’s affection, Bhandari says: “ Not only from the point of view of money, because obviously this bag is extremely expensive, but also because it is difficult to procure.” The harder your husband tries to help you get the bag, the more getting one is a testimony of conjugal love.

    Manufactured scarcity

    Named after the British actress Jane Birkin, Hermès’s signature bag can cost tens of thousands of dollars, or more on the resale market for those made in rare colours or out of rare leathers. But you can’t just walk into any Hermès store to buy one, as Aarushi Bhandari, a sociologist at Davidson College in the US who studies the internet – and is no relation to Parul – explains.

    You need to have a record of spending tens of thousands of dollars even before you’re offered to buy one. But spending that money doesn’t automatically mean you get a bag. You have to develop a relationship with a sales associate at a particular Hermès store and the sales associate really gets to decide, if there’s availability, whether or not you get offered a bag.

    Bhandari became intrigued by online communities where people discuss the best strategies for obtaining an Hermès. So when US retailer Walmart launched a bag in late 2024 that looked very similar to a Birkin, and the internet went wild, Bhandari was fascinated.

    She began to see posts on TikTok discussing the bag. First it was fashion accounts talking it up, but then a backlash began, with some users criticising those who would spend thousands on a real Birkin and praising the “Wirkin” as a way to make an iconic design accessible to regular people. Bhandari sees this as an example of an accelerating form of anti-elitism taking hold within parts of online culture.

    In February, the chief executive of Hermès, Axel Dumas, admitted that he was “irritated” by the Walmart bag and that the company took counterfeiting “very seriously”.

    The Walmart bag quickly sold out and no more were put on sale. It has since entered into a partnership with a secondhand luxury resale platform called Rebag, meaning customers can buy real Birkins secondhand through Walmart’s online marketplace.

    The Conversation approached Hermès for comment on the Walmart bag, and to confirm how the company decides who is eligible to buy a Birkin. Hermès did not respond.

    Listen to the full episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast to hear our conversation with Parul Bhandari and Aarushi Bhandari, plus an introduction from Nick Lehr, arts and culture editor at The Conversation in the US.

    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Katie Flood. Mixing and sound design by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

    TikTok clips in this episode from babydoll2184, chronicallychaotic and pamelawurstvetrini.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.

    Parul Bhandari and Aarushi Bhandari do 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. Birkin v Wirkin: the backlash against the global elite and their luxury bags – podcast – https://theconversation.com/birkin-v-wirkin-the-backlash-against-the-global-elite-and-their-luxury-bags-podcast-254723

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s obsession with trade deficits has no basis in economics. And it’s a bad reason for tariffs

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nigel Driffield, Professor of International Business, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick

    Those of us who study trade and investment for a living are, I suspect, becoming exasperated with both the White House stance on tariffs and the way that this is reported in much of the media. US president Donald Trump believes that if a country has a trade surplus with the US it is somehow playing unfairly and needs to be dealt with. But anyone who understands the basics of international economics will recognise the fallacy in both of these beliefs.

    Trade takes place based on what economists call “comparative advantage” – countries import those goods that are otherwise relatively expensive for them to produce. And they export what they produce cheaply relative to other countries.

    So the UK, for example, has a trade surplus in services but a deficit in goods that are made in low-cost locations. This is similar to the position of the US.

    To understand what the US is seeking to achieve, the first questions must be: what are tariffs designed to do? And when are they typically applied? These issues lead to another point. If Trump is so convinced that his tariffs will produce a win-win, why haven’t they succeeded before?

    Trade policy in the form of tariffs is designed to make imports more expensive and encourage buyers to switch to domestic producers. This may be an attempt to protect or support local industry, or as part of a bargaining strategy to access others’ markets.

    But this assumes two things. First, that the demand for such imports is relatively price sensitive (that is, buyers will be put off by price rises). And second, that there are domestic producers able to fill this gap at an appropriate price.

    But tariffs can also cause what is known as “trade substitution” – where the country imports the goods from alternative sources instead.

    To illustrate how this can work in practice, the US has long applied tariffs on European whisky, ranging from 10% to 25% in recent years.

    The US already produces various drinks that are considered to be similar to whisky. So the reason for importing is likely for variety, or possibly the allure of consuming a premium product like a Scottish single malt. As such, price increases may not encourage substitution away from imports – or it may trigger substitution to other imports with lower tariffs.

    An alternative example of the case for tariffs is the steel industry. Many countries believe that they should have a steel industry for strategic reasons, but also because steel is an input into so many aspects of the economy.

    There have also been concerns globally in the industry about the pricing of Chinese steel, and whether it should attract tariffs to balance what is seen as unfair competition. Chinese steel receives subsidies from the Chinese government, after all.

    While this may be a valid concern, it also forces governments to make choices about what they see as “strategic industries”. A good example of this is the desire to protect steel jobs in richer countries, in contrast to the willingness to import cheap clothes from Asia in order to keep inflation down.

    This is typically why, if tariffs are used at all, they tend to be targeted to certain industries.

    The wrinkle in Trump’s plan

    So will the US tariffs plan work? Unfortunately for Trump, the answer is probably not. This type of trade policy has been tried, but has seldom been shown to be effective.

    The second point is whether the president of a large global power should be concerned about its trade balance with another country. Unless he believes that the country is engaging in large-scale subsidy in order to dump goods on foreign markets, the answer is almost certainly no.

    Casual inspection of trade statistics for the US and Canada suggests that the most common exports from Canada to the US include crude petroleum, petroleum gas, refined petroleum and motor vehicle parts and accessories.

    Tariffs on the first three will simply push prices up for US consumers. The last one demonstrates, often to the frustration of policymakers who seek to intervene on trade, that there is little that governments can do to influence modern supply chains, unless they seek to break them all together.

    ‘We don’t need anything Canada has.’

    Firms will locate activities based on combinations of efficiency and where their customers are. So seeking to change these patterns through tariffs will simply increase the cost of imported inputs and make production in the US less competitive.

    In simple terms, complaining that you have a trade deficit with one country is like complaining that you have a trade deficit with your corner shop. They sell you things, you give them money, but they never buy from you. They provide goods that you want for money that you earn elsewhere.

    You could shop elsewhere (and have a deficit with the new shop), you can give up your job and even grow your own food. But were you to impose a “tariff” on your corner shop, it would simply put up the prices that you have to pay.

    That the US has a trade deficit is not a sign that the rest of the world is “ripping it off”. It is a reflection of an affluent society with relatively high wages buying products from countries that can produce them more cheaply. Trump’s tariffs will hurt Americans first – basic international economics is clear on that too.

    Nigel Driffield receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council. He is an inactive member of the Labour Party and an advisor to the mayor of the West Midlands

    – ref. Trump’s obsession with trade deficits has no basis in economics. And it’s a bad reason for tariffs – https://theconversation.com/trumps-obsession-with-trade-deficits-has-no-basis-in-economics-and-its-a-bad-reason-for-tariffs-254512

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church’s foreign policy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Massimo D’Angelo, Research Associate in the Institute for Diplomacy and International Affairs, Loughborough University

    Pope Francis greets visitors at Saint Peter’s Square, Vatican City. Ricardo Perna / Shutterstock

    When the late Pope Francis first stepped on to the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica following his election 12 years ago, he remarked that he had been called almost from the “end of the world”. He was the first non-European pontiff since Gregory III, elected in AD731, who was of Syrian origin. And he was the first pope in history to come from Latin America.

    This is not merely a biographical detail. His papacy was transformative in shaping a Catholic Church that was not focused solely on Europe. He shifted its attention from the old continent to the world’s peripheries, aspiring to create a truly global church.

    Before his election, Pope Francis was called Jorge Mario Bergoglio and had, since 1998, held the office of Archbishop of Buenos Aires. In Argentina, he worked to expand and support the efforts of priests serving in the slums.

    The Catholic Church has maintained a presence in the peripheries of Buenos Aires since the 1960s, when a group called Priests for the Third World established itself in impoverished neighbourhoods. These priests advocated for the rights of their parishioners and preached liberation theology, a movement that aligns the Catholic Church with the struggles of marginalised groups.

    The theme of the peripheries became a defining thread of Pope Francis’s papacy. Days before he became pope, Francis told the cardinals that elected him that the Church must “come out of herself and to go to the peripheries, not only geographically, but also the existential peripheries”.

    Without doing so, he warned, the Church risks becoming structurally disconnected from the ambivalent and contradictory processes that shape the modern global era.



    Read more:
    Pope Francis dies: an unconventional pontiff who sought to modernise Catholicism

    Pope Francis navigated a complex relationship with liberation theology. Some interpretations of the movement, which gained prominence in the late 1960s, incorporate Marxist elements. This raised concerns within the Church hierarchy and among western governments during the cold war.

    As a young Jesuit in Argentina, Bergoglio was influenced by the 1969 Declaration of San Miguel. This rejected Marxist interpretations of liberation theology and developed an alternative called the “theology of the people”. Rather than drawing on Marxist analysis, it emphasises the faith, culture and spiritual expressions of ordinary people, especially the poor.

    And from 1976 to 1983, when Argentina was ruled by a military dictatorship, Bergoglio distanced himself from radical priests engaged in liberation theology. His caution not to alienate military hierarchy led to tensions, most notably in the 1976 abduction of two Jesuits, Orlando Yorio and Franz Jalics.

    The then Father Bergoglio was accused of withdrawing his protection from the priests, which allegedly left them exposed to the regime. In 2005, a secret dossier was anonymously circulated among cardinals accusing him of complicity in the abduction, based on a complaint by human rights lawyer Marcelo Parrilli.

    Some sources claimed this was smear campaign orchestrated by Jesuits who had previously clashed with Bergoglio. And in his testimony, Bergoglio stated that he met on two occasions with the dictators and members of the military, Jorge Videla and Emilio Massera, but to intercede on behalf of the detained priests. The Vatican denied he was guilty of any wrongdoing.

    Despite his cautious stance, Bergoglio consistently upheld the Church’s priority of addressing the needs of the poor. This was a principle that later defined his papacy. As Pope Francis, he softened the Vatican’s previous opposition to liberation theology, reaffirming its emphasis on social justice while distancing it from Marxist rhetoric.

    A post-European Pope

    Pope Francis’s predecessor, Joseph Ratzinger, maintained a profound engagement with Europe. This shaped his thinking as a theologian, cardinal and later as Pope Benedict XVI. His papacy was marked by numerous visits across the continent, where he delivered significant speeches on the Church’s role and Europe’s intellectual and spiritual challenges.

    One of his most notable speeches, delivered at the University of Regensburg in Germany in 2006, sparked considerable controversy in the Muslim world. The lecture explored Europe’s relationship with Christianity and its future responsibilities.

    But it became infamous for his quotation of Manuel II Palaiologos, a Byzantine emperor who characterised aspects of Islam as violent. This remark provoked widespread anger and protests across the Muslim world, highlighting the sensitivities surrounding interfaith dialogue and the role of religion in global politics.

    In contrast, Pope Francis recognised that Christians must go “beyond the walls” to embrace humanity as a whole. In his vision, the Church should function as a “field hospital”, extending its care even to the so-called “churches of the decimal point” – those with only a tiny percentage of Catholics relative to the populations in which they exist.

    Under his leadership, the Vatican’s geopolitical focus shifted significantly. The composition of the College of Cardinals, which will elect his successor, has changed. The historic European influence has been diluted.

    The regional distribution of the 135 cardinal electors now includes 23 from Asia, 20 from North America, 18 each from South America and Africa, and three from Oceania. Europe, which comprised a slight majority of the body when Francis was elected in 2013, has 53 cardinals.

    This diversification aligns with Francis’s vision of a Church that is truly present across the globe. Pope Francis’s apostolic journeys further reflected this global reorientation, taking him to places such as Iraq, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea.

    Pope Francis during his visit to Iraq in 2021.
    Jon_photographi / Shutterstock

    Another major transformation has been in the Church’s relationship with political power. While Ratzinger often saw alliances with political parties as necessary to safeguard the Church’s survival in an era of secular decline, Francis rejected this approach.

    As he stated in Kazakhstan in 2022, “the sacred must not be instrumentalised by the profane”. This stance has drawn criticism, particularly in relation to his responses to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. His constant appeals for peace, rather than direct condemnation of religious or political leaders, led some to perceive his position as one of “neutralism” or even pro-Russian.

    Yet his approach appears to have been rooted in the conviction that dialogue is essential, even with the most controversial figures. This was evident in his willingness to engage with General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Myanmar’s military government, further underscoring his effort to desacralise worldly power.

    Massimo D’Angelo 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. How Pope Francis changed the Catholic Church’s foreign policy – https://theconversation.com/how-pope-francis-changed-the-catholic-churchs-foreign-policy-255051

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –