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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Samotlorneftegaz Saved More Than 2.3 Billion Rubles from Implementing Energy-Efficient Technologies

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Samotlorneftegaz, one of Rosneft’s key production assets, reduced its energy consumption by almost 511 million kWh in 2024, which in monetary terms exceeds 2.3 billion rubles. This result is 17% higher than the same indicator in 2023.

    Improving the efficiency of production assets is one of the key elements of Rosneft’s strategy. The company carries out systematic work aimed at rational use of energy resources and reduction of energy consumption, optimization of electrical loads and thermal processes.

    As part of the energy saving program in 2024, Samotlorneftegaz implemented more than 4.4 thousand events at its facilities. More than 63% of savings were achieved through the implementation of a set of technological solutions to optimize the operation of the mechanized production fund. Almost 4.6 thousand energy-efficient submersible electric motors and more than 1.2 thousand electric centrifugal pumps with increased efficiency were installed at the wells. Their operation was ensured by about 550 energy-efficient transformers.

    A significant contribution to the reduction of energy consumption was also made by the measures taken at reservoir pressure maintenance, compression and gas transportation facilities. In total, electricity savings in these areas amounted to 76.5 million kWh – 2.3 times more than in 2023.

    Reference:

    JSC Samotlorneftegaz, one of the key production enterprises of NK Rosneft, carries out production activities in the Nizhnevartovsk region of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug – Yugra.

    Develops the largest Samotlor field in Russia, the industrial exploitation of which began in 1969. The total area of the enterprise’s licensed sites exceeds 2.9 thousand square kilometers.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft April 14, 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 Global: Liberation of Bergen-Belsen: how a lack of protective clothing cost lives

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Susan L. Carruthers, Professor of History, University of Warwick

    Clothing can kill. So, too, can the absence of personal protective equipment. For decades, the medical establishment has understood the role of fabric in both spreading contagion and guarding against its transmission — but never with greater urgency than 80 years ago.

    On April 15 1945, British troops liberated Bergen-Belsen concentration camp near Celle in northern Germany. Shocking scenes awaited behind the barbed wire.

    On entry, British personnel found an epidemic of typhus decimating the camp’s surviving population. Thousands of unburied corpses, appallingly overcrowded huts, the absence of running water and chronic emaciation contributed to the rapid spread of this louse-borne disease. So too did unwashed garments into which lice burrowed and deposited their contaminated faeces.

    For warmth, some camp inmates removed clothing from corpses, heedless of the danger of contagion. Others feared infection so acutely that they went unclothed rather than risk contamination. Anne Frank died, just weeks before the camp’s liberation, in a state of naked terror.

    For military and medical personnel, burying bodies and burning garments was imperative, along with triaging survivors and moving the fittest from the camp’s corpse-strewn huts to a hastily established hospital area. To transform a site of mass death into a place of recovery wasn’t easy. Staff lacked supplies of every sort, substituting newspaper for mackintosh sheeting and commandeering dog bowls for use as bedpans.

    Protective clothing was also in desperately short supply. There, too, improvisation was the order of the day. Around 100 British medical students drafted into action at Belsen sported a motley assemblage of British military and appropriated German Wehrmacht apparel. They, like everyone else in the camp, were liberally sprayed with DDT. This pesticide was later proven to be carcinogenic.

    Female British Red Cross workers modified their uniforms, ditching regulation skirts. “I always go about in slacks and battle dress, trousers being a greater protection against the louse!” Margaret Ward wrote home to her mother with forced bravado.

    Meanwhile, members of the Royal Army Medical Corps, better provisioned than anyone else at Belsen, wore “typhus suits” as they stretchered patients from the huts to the hospital. These outfits – complete with drawstring hoods, gauntlets and gaiters, but no masks – helped keep contagion at bay, though their alien appearance terrified some patients.

    British authorities “solved” their protective equipment crisis at Belsen by compelling captured German SS personnel to undertake the most dangerous work. Sometimes, prisoners were given rubberised capes. But more often, as numerous photographs taken by British military photographers attest, German prisoners handled corpses without any protection at all.

    Dressed in their SS uniforms, German men and women set to work (under armed guard) removing piles of contaminated clothing and dead bodies from the huts. With uncovered mouths and bare hands, they carried corpses to mass graves.

    In April and May 1945, anti-Nazi feelings ran understandably high among allied personnel, particularly those who just participated in the camps’ liberation. Few found anything ethically wrong with the decision to expose German prisoners to a high risk of infection.

    War crimes trials, with the prospect of execution for defendants found guilty, awaited SS prisoners. Forcing German camp personnel to confront the deadly consequences of their actions – in the most visceral way possible – struck most uniformed Britons as an entirely warranted form of retribution. A moral corrective for SS prisoners was also a medical expedient made necessary by the camp’s dire shortage of protective equipment.

    At Belsen, the consequences were predictable. Seven of the British medical students contracted typhus, though none seemingly died of the disease.

    The brunt was borne by the captured enemies. Reuters reported on June 28 1945 that 20 SS guards had “died of typhus before their trials by the war crimes court could be held”, adding that it was “believed that they caught the disease when they were forced to bury the bodies of some of the prisoners”.

    Meanwhile, Belsen’s survivors urgently required garments and footwear. Retributive justice played a role here too. British military personnel ordered German civilians in the environs of the camp to surrender clothing, shoes and bedding for use by survivors. Here was postwar redress at its most literal. People stripped of so much by the Third Reich would begin life anew in apparel removed from Germans.

    Susan L. Carruthers 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. Liberation of Bergen-Belsen: how a lack of protective clothing cost lives – https://theconversation.com/liberation-of-bergen-belsen-how-a-lack-of-protective-clothing-cost-lives-252838

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five lessons from Perugia’s global gathering of journalists, climate changemakers and media leaders

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anna Turns, Senior Environment Editor

    Perugia, Italy. Anna Turns, CC BY-NC-ND

    Last week, I travelled to the historic city of Perugia in Umbria, Italy. With clear blue skies, wisteria hanging over ancient Roman walls, plenty of gelato and beautiful vistas from the hilltop, the setting was pretty special. More inspiring though, were the people I spoke to during my visit. Perugia is the home of the annual international journalism festival, a meeting of media movers and shakers from all over the globe. These are my five biggest takeaways.

    1. In-person connections are irreplaceable

    Yes, I see the irony of flying to talk about climate journalism, but sometimes face-to-face connections, impromptu chats and dinner table discussions are just impossible to replicate on a video call. I caught up with journalists from my Oxford Climate Journalism Network cohort. Run by the Reuters Institute, this six-month programme is proving invaluable, not only for seminars from guest speakers at the top of their game, but for the collaborations that are developing within the network. Learning from my peers working in Austria, Brazil, Canada and way beyond has opened my eyes so much to the diversity of challenges we all face – and the creative possibilities.

    Kevin Burden (European media leaders fellowship project manager), Nina Fasciaux (director of Solutions Journalism Network) and Anna Turns.
    Kevin Burden, CC BY-NC-ND

    During my discussions with colleagues from my European media leaders climate solutions fellowship visiting from France, Italy and the Czech Republic, I listened to the lightbulb moments others have had and reflected on my own progress – internally, in terms of what leadership means to me and how I can effect meaningful change, plus externally, in terms of supporting my own team and encouraging more collaboration within this organisation.

    By sharing joys and worries over a margarita pizza or scoop of nocciola (hazelnut icecream – my favourite), I was struck that authenticity is the most important attribute. All else follows and every single one of those real, honest and open in-person connections deepens my appreciation for that.

    2. Environmental journalism is thriving

    So many early career journalists approached me, keen to chat and wanting to know more about how to immerse themselves in this specialism. When I first started out as a biology graduate, I worked in wildlife TV production and magazine journalism. Back then, environment coverage tended to be an outlier, an afterthought at best. Climate journalists were few and far between; willing mentors were difficult to find.

    Anna Turns chatted to lots of environmental journalists after her conference event.
    Monica Rizza #IJF25, CC BY-NC-ND

    That landscape has shifted so much over the past 20 years and I’m proud that this part of our industry is growing, and becoming richer for it. Now, people want to cover climate stories in so many creative formats and that’s invigorating.

    3. Science doesn’t have to stay in silos

    With growing misinformation, (both inadvertent misinterpretation and deliberate miscommunication) online, combined with widespread disengagement from mainstream news sources, social media has a big role to play in how we engage with climate, or not.

    I hosted an event with Adam Levy about how to make climate science shine on social media. With a PhD in atmospheric physics from the University of Oxford, Levy now works as a science journalist and broadcaster, while producing jargon-free videos that make complex climate issues relatable and succinct.

    Anna Turns interviewed Adam Levy at the International Journalism Festival.
    Monica Rizza #IJF25, CC BY-NC-ND

    Climate communication is definitely not just about imparting facts. There’s space for nuance, even humour. We chatted about bridging the gap between science and storytelling, how to apply a rigorous journalistic approach to all forms of content and how integrity must be the top priority. That all builds precious trust and creates connection.

    4. Time is ticking

    The next UN climate summit (Cop30) is coming and we’re getting ready. One of my favourite sessions was a talk by Daniel Nardin, another solutions journalist member of the Oxford Climate Journalism Network. He lives in Belem, the Brazilian city that will be hosting Cop30 in November, where negotiators will continue to debate how best to tackle and adapt to climate change. But those strategies, frameworks and commitments can seem dry, dense and hard to digest.

    Nardin’s publication, Amazonia Vox, platforms the voices of the people living in the Amazon, in forested, deforested and urban areas. He explained that the environmental, social and political issues in the Amazon are complex and full of nuance, which is why he makes local voices central to the narrative.

    None of this is rocket science. But Nardin is proactively cracking on with it, because there isn’t time to wait.

    Mark Hertsgard from Covering Climate Now (far left) talks about how newsrooms can make climate training effective.
    Alexa Cano #IJF25, CC BY-NC-ND

    5. Newsroom culture is transforming

    The Conversation is already highly respected. So many expert communicators, academics and readers told me how much they love what we do and what we stand for. Tackling misinformation in engaging ways is what we do best. Connecting you, our audience and community, with the most accurate and evidence-based knowledge is our purpose. We’re already bridging the gap between research and the real world. But there’s still scope to evolve and embrace change.

    Looking ahead, The Conversation can help shift the way climate stories can be told. The climate crisis has gone way beyond being an environmental issue. It’s linked to all aspects of our lives, from health and education to business and democracy, as well as conflicts and culture. Newsrooms don’t have to function like they have done for decades. By being curious, we can experiment, find out what works and reinvent the norm.

    At the New York Times, the climate team is physically in the centre of the office. At the French newswire Agence France-Presse, job titles such as “future of the planet, global editor” reflect big ambitions to integrate climate into everything. At CBC, the Canadian public broadcaster, the science and climate unit has made climate literacy training a top priority for all staff – not because it’s worthy, but because future proofing makes business sense.

    As the executive director of Covering Climate Now, a media community based in the US, Mark Hertsgard said: “Every journalist in the 21st century will need to be a climate journalist.”

    Now, my job is to turn Perugia’s inspiration into action. Watch this space.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    – ref. Five lessons from Perugia’s global gathering of journalists, climate changemakers and media leaders – https://theconversation.com/five-lessons-from-perugias-global-gathering-of-journalists-climate-changemakers-and-media-leaders-254457

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Díaz-Balart, Giménez, Salazar Applaud President Daniel Noboa’s Leadership, U.S.-Ecuador Security Cooperation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reps. Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), House Appropriations Vice Chair and Chairman of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee; Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security of the House Committee on Homeland Security; and María Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following joint statement commending Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa’s leadership as a valued and key partner in the region: 

    “We commend President Daniel Noboa’s leadership and continued commitment to advancing regional security and stability. Under his Administration, Ecuador has become a valued partner in combatting transnational drug trafficking, countering Communist China’s malign influence, and addressing the illegal and damaging fishing activities near the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador.

    “As the people of Ecuador prepare to cast their votes in this crucial election on Sunday, April 13, it is imperative that Ecuador continue strengthening its democratic institutions and deepening its commitment to transparency and the rule of law. We look forward to our countries continuing to expand our defense and security cooperation, which will enhance joint efforts to address critical challenges in the region while upholding our shared democratic values.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Quantum Computing and Virtual Cities: A Future with Artificial Intelligence

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    What is the essence of hybrid quantum-classical artificial intelligence? In which high-tech areas are quantum computing already being piloted today? And when might high-performance quantum computers appear in Russia? Anton Guglya, an employee of the National University of Science and Technology MISIS, told participants of the SPbPU seminar on artificial intelligence about this.

    Anton Pavlovich in his review focused on the practical application of quantum computing for the implementation of business projects. In Russia, there are already the first experimental versions of quantum computers and a cloud interface for accessing them, although none of the domestic quantum computers can yet solve industrial-scale problems. At this stage, businesses and scientific groups have the opportunity to carry out research and pilot projects using quantum computing emulators – “digital twins” of quantum computers that use new algorithmic approaches, but operate on traditional CPU and GPU architectures.

    The financial, oil and gas and other industries need business effects, they need results, not just advanced technology. If their tasks are solved using traditional methods, they will not invest in advanced equipment, new software and obtaining additional competencies. But if they see the benefit, even if it is delayed in time, from using quantum computing, then, of course, they will prefer to use it, the speaker emphasized.

    Anton Guglya spoke about the technical features of hybrid quantum-classical neural networks, describing their advantages over classical ones:

    quantum algorithms will be able to solve some classes of problems faster and more accurately than classical analogs; it is possible to process a larger volume of information with less energy consumption; a smaller set of hyperparameters for training a neural network when working with noisy data.

    The MISiS specialist presented a typical process for developing an industrial quantum algorithm and launching it on an emulator, as well as several cases from his practice. For example, a credit scoring algorithm was implemented using quantum neural networks. The resulting model, based on data, calculates the probability of the return of funds received from the borrower to the bank.

    Another popular area is image classification. Using hybrid quantum-classical neural networks, this task can be performed faster and with greater accuracy. Also, with the help of a quantum neural network, the task of generating new drugs is performed more efficiently. At the same time, the learning speed of quantum neural networks is much higher than that of traditional ones.

    The second presentation at the seminar was devoted to the prospects of creating “virtual cities”. Ivan Dorokhov, a research fellow at the AI Center of Novosibirsk State University, spoke about the integrated system for modeling “virtual cities” that he and his colleagues from SPbPU and SPbSU are proposing.

    According to the speaker, unlike digital twins, which directly reflect the physical environment, virtual twins can simulate a wide range of objects or scenarios for various purposes and are not conceptually limited to digital computing.

    Our results show that such virtual environments can facilitate the emergence of societies consisting of AI agents, i.e. subjects with artificial intelligence, in which governance mechanisms such as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO) and artificial collective consciousness (ACC) provide ethical and normative control, said Ivan Dorokhov.

    Agent-based AI systems are already on their way to engaging in cultural, economic, and political activity, shaping the social fabric of cities, and researchers must address how to make their impact as beneficial to people as possible. This will require understanding how advanced rendering and procedural generation techniques can provide the high realism required for complex simulations, how IoT data and predictive modeling can make these environments more responsive and adaptive, and what ethical and legal frameworks will be needed when AI agents gain autonomy. Answering these questions is important to realizing the potential of virtual worlds as platforms for innovation, experimentation, and sociotechnical evolution.

    Both presentations raised many questions and a lively discussion, which you can join at the next seminar on April 23, which was announced by the Head of the Department for Support of Scientific Projects and Programs Natalia Leontyeva.

    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: MEXC Celebrates 7 Years of Innovation as Title Sponsor at Dubai’s Premier Crypto Event TOKEN2049

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a global leader in cryptocurrency exchange services, will proudly participate as one of the seven exclusive Title Sponsors at TOKEN2049 Dubai, taking place from April 29 to May 1, 2025, at the prestigious Madinat Jumeirah. This premier industry event coincides with MEXC’s milestone 7th Anniversary, providing an ideal platform to showcase the exchange’s continued commitment to innovation and user-centric solutions.

    Leading the Way in Crypto Accessibility

    As TOKEN2049 Dubai prepares to welcome 15,000 attendees from over 4,000 companies worldwide, MEXC will demonstrate why it has become the preferred platform for 36 million users across 170+ countries. Under the brand promise “Your Easiest Way to Crypto,” MEXC has consistently delivered a trading experience that is fast, economical, and user-friendly.

    Visitors to MEXC’s booth will discover why the platform has earned its reputation for accessibility and innovation. The exchange offers a broad selection of trending tokens, regular airdrop opportunities, and competitive trading fees within a secure and efficient environment designed to meet the needs of both newcomers and experienced traders.

    Celebrating 7 Years of Growth with Global Campaign and Exclusive Announcements

    TOKEN2049 Dubai provides the perfect backdrop for MEXC to commemorate its 7th anniversary — a journey marked by consistent growth, technological advancement, and an unwavering focus on user satisfaction. From its founding in 2018, MEXC has evolved into one of the industry’s most trusted exchanges, known for its liquidity strength and comprehensive service offerings.

    Tracy Jin, Chief Operating Officer of MEXC, who will be joining a panel at the mainstage, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event: “Our 7th anniversary represents a significant milestone in MEXC’s evolution from a startup to a global leader serving over 36 million users. We’re particularly excited to use TOKEN2049 Dubai as a platform to unveil several major announcements that will shape the future of our exchange and bring even more value to our users. The crypto community can expect groundbreaking new features and partnerships that reflect our commitment to continuous innovation.”

    As part of the celebration, MEXC has launched a global anniversary campaign featuring a massive 10,000,000 USDTprize pool. The campaign, running from April 13 to May 7, 2025, invites users to participate in three exciting arenas: Team PNL Rate Competition, Collect, Assemble & Win, and Solo Leaderboard Battle. These competitive events offer opportunities for both individuals and teams to showcase their trading skills while earning substantial rewards, reinforcing MEXC’s commitment to community engagement and user empowerment.

    As part of the anniversary celebrations, MEXC will also host special events including the “Celebra7eMEXC Party” on April 30th and an exclusive yacht experience for select partners on May 1st. These gatherings will provide valuable networking opportunities while highlighting MEXC’s appreciation for its global community of users and partners.

    Revolutionary DEX+ Platform: Bridging Centralized and Decentralized Trading

    The spotlight on MEXC’s TOKEN2049 presence will be on its DEX+ platform, launched in March 2025. This innovative hybrid solution seamlessly integrates centralized and decentralized trading capabilities, allowing users to access over 15,000 tokens across the Solana and BNB Chain ecosystems without leaving the familiar MEXC interface.

    DEX+ represents a significant advancement in trading technology, enhancing user experience while expanding MEXC’s appeal to on-chain trading enthusiasts. By eliminating the traditional barriers between centralized and decentralized exchanges, MEXC continues to drive innovation that serves the evolving needs of the global crypto community.

    Connect with MEXC at TOKEN2049 Dubai

    TOKEN2049 Dubai attendees are encouraged to visit MEXC’s booth to explore the platform’s features, learn about the revolutionary DEX+ technology, and discover special promotions available exclusively during the event. As a special highlight of the 7th-anniversary celebration, MEXC will showcase a collection of seven limited-edition commemorative merchandise items, attractively displayed and available for visitors at the booth. MEXC representatives will be available throughout the conference to provide demonstrations, answer questions, discuss potential partnerships, and help attendees acquire these exclusive anniversary items.

    TOKEN2049 Dubai presents an extraordinary opportunity for industry professionals and crypto enthusiasts to experience firsthand the innovations that have established MEXC as a leading exchange. Whether exploring cryptocurrency for the first time or seeking advanced trading solutions, visitors to MEXC’s booth will find knowledgeable representatives ready to demonstrate the platform’s capabilities and explain why MEXC continues to be “Your Easiest Way to Crypto” for millions of users worldwide.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website | X | Telegram | How to Sign Up on MEXC

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

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b2d16962-c39f-48dd-bf35-eb39a9cee1ef

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Danmarks Nationalbank launches search for Danes’ older banknotes

    Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

    14 April 2025

    Danmarks Nationalbank today launches its final campaign to have Danes hand in older banknotes and 1000-kroner banknotes before they seize to be legal tender on 31 May 2025.

    “It is important for us to collect as many banknotes as possible in time to make the phasing out of these banknotes as smooth as possible for all citizens,” says Camilla Penn, Head of Secretariat, Communication and Strategy at Danmarks Nationalbank. “A lot of people know that 1000-krone banknotes and older banknotes will become invalid, but exactly when it happens appears slightly more difficult to remember. Thus, this campaign focuses on the expiration date and creating awareness that it’s quite soon,” she continues.

    Danmarks Nationalbank announced the phasing out of the 1000-krone banknotes and banknote series from 1944, 1952, 1972 and 1997 almost a year and a half ago. Since then, Danes have handed in expiring banknotes worth 20.6 billion kroner.

    Danmarks Nationalbank carried out a previous “cash” campaign last autumn, which featured digital and physical letters sent to all Danes. Subsequently, surveys showed that more than 90 per cent of Danes are aware 1000-krone banknotes will become invalid, and more than 80 per cent know old banknotes will be discontinued. Nevertheless, there are still banknotes worth as much as kr. 4.6 billion in circulation that cannot be used after 31 May 2025.

    The new campaign features TV and radio spots and train station adds. In addition, several retail chains, banks and municipalities are working with Danmarks Nationalbank to build awareness of the banknotes becoming invalid on 31 May 2025.

    The focus of the new campaign is to alert citizens to hand in older banknotes and 1000-krone banknotes before 31 May, just over six weeks from now, when they become invalid as means of payment.

    Despite the high level of knowledge that a number of banknotes will become invalid, Danmarks Nationalbank expects banknotes worth up to 3 billion kroner will not be handed in before the deadline. Partly because banknotes are physical products, partly because some of the banknotes being discontinued have been in circulation since World War II.

    “We’ve experienced a very high rate of submission compared to phasing out old banknotes in other countries, and we know that we probably won’t get all of the expiring banknotes back, but we’re still trying to achieve that goal,” says Camilla Penn.

    The campaign starts on Monday 14 April in Denmark, and Monday 28 April in Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Danmarks Nationalbank expects that 95 per cent of the population over the age of 18 will encounter the campaign messages more than 5 times during the four-week campaign period.

    After 31 May 2025, the expired banknotes can still be redeemed for another 12 months at Danmarks Nationalbank’s three depositing points in Aarhus, Odense and Copenhagen.

    Inquiries about the campaign can be directed to press adviser Peter Levring on 2620 1809 and pnbl@nationalbanken.dk.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China unveils guidelines to strengthen civil affairs services workforce

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A medical worker measures blood pressure for an elder at Shenyang Haiman Specialist Care Retirement Home in Shenyang, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, Jan. 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    China on Monday released new guidelines aimed at enhancing the country’s high-skilled workforce in the civil affairs services sector.
    The document — the first jointly issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security — sets out a comprehensive framework to improve talent development, evaluation, and utilization, in addition to incentive mechanisms for individuals working in civil affairs-related fields.
    By 2030, the policy envisions a more capable, better-structured workforce in the sector with significantly enhanced qualifications, stable income growth, and greater public recognition.
    It also seeks to foster a more supportive policy environment and strengthen societal respect for careers in civil affairs services.
    In a related policy released the same day, the two ministries announced plans to accelerate skill certification for eldercare workers.
    The goal is to significantly expand the number of credentialed eldercare professionals in China by 2030, with over 80 percent of caregivers for seniors expected to hold professional certifications.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Singapore lowers 2025 GDP forecast amid global trade hit from US tariffs

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) on Monday revised down its full-year GDP growth forecast for 2025 for the country to a range of 0.0 to 2.0 percent, citing the far-reaching impact of sweeping U.S. tariffs on global trade and economic activity.

    The previous forecast projected growth of between 1.0 and 3.0 percent.

    In a statement, the ministry said the regional economic outlook will be weakened by falling external demand, in part due to the broader repercussions of the tariffs on global trade flows and growth. “Business and consumer sentiments will also be dampened, thereby crimping domestic consumption and investments in many economies,” it noted.

    For Singapore, the MTI assessed that the external demand outlook has “weakened significantly” for the rest of the year, negatively affecting the outlook for outward-oriented sectors. The manufacturing sector is expected to be particularly impacted by slowing global demand. This, along with weakening global trade, will likely weigh on the performance of the wholesale trade sector.

    Similarly, the transportation and storage sector is projected to face headwinds, as reduced global trade volumes drag down demand for shipping and air cargo services.

    The finance and insurance sector could also see softer performance. Weaker trading activity amid heightened risk-off sentiment may depress net fees and commission income across banking, fund management, foreign exchange, and securities trading.

    In addition, the uncertain economic environment is likely to dampen firms’ capital investment plans and constrain credit intermediation activity.

    Payments firms may also experience slower growth, in tandem with subdued business activity and weaker consumer spending, the MTI added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 15

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 18 2025

    Danske Bank

    Bernstorffsgade 40

    DK-1577 København V

    Tel. + 45 33 44 00 00

    14 April 2025

    Page 1 of 1

    Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 15

    On 7 February 2025, Danske Bank A/S announced a share buy-back programme for a total of DKK 5 billion, with a maximum of 45,000,000 shares, in the period from 10 February 2025 to 30 January 2026, at the latest, as described in company announcement no. 6 2025.

    The Programme is carried out in accordance with Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (the “Market Abuse Regulation”) and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (together with the Market Abuse Regulation, the “Safe Harbour Rules”).

    The following transactions on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S were made under the share buy-back programme in week 15:
      Number of shares VWAP DKK Gross value DKK
    Accumulated, last announcement 2,374,865 228.3460 542,290,998
    07/04/2025 360,000 190.1452 68,452,272
    08/04/2025 50,000 199.2885 9,964,425
    09/04/2025 50,000 196.1034 9,805,170
    10/04/2025 50,000 203.5539 10,177,695
    11/04/2025 50,000 201.4238 10,071,190
    Total accumulated over week 15 560,000 193.6978 108,470,752
    Total accumulated during the share buyback programme 2,934,865 221.7348 650,761,750

    With the transactions stated above, the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 0.340% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

    Danske Bank

    Contact: Claus Ingar Jensen, Head of Group Investor Relations, tel. +45 25 42 43 70

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Election Diary: Will Peter Dutton help son Harry buy a house?

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

    Political leaders’ kids are routinely put on display to share the glory or the pain of election night. Earlier, they’re often at campaign launches to “humanise” the candidates.

    Peter Dutton pulled out all stops with the family for his Sunday launch. Tom, Harry and Rebecca were not just there in person, but “virtually” too, with a video showing dad hearing messages from the family.

    Rebecca went to “the potato head thing”, saying it was “all a bit of a joke to us. We still often call you Mr Potato head.” Dutton replied that “I’m pretty relaxed. I can give back as good as I get.” Hearing Harry on the video, he judged his son “sounded a bit croaky […] He might have been out late last night.”

    And so it went. All nice and safe, in a campaign sense. But Dutton should have left it at that.

    Instead, on Monday Harry, who is an apprentice carpenter, joined his father on the campaign trail, to help him sell the message about the unaffordability of housing.

    Harry, it turns out, is an aspiring house buyer, which is not surprising. After all, his dad bought his first house at age 19, and is proud of the fact, often mentioning it in soft interviews.

    Harry told reporters, “I am saving up for a house and so is my sister, Beck, and a lot of my mates, but as you probably heard, it’s almost impossible to get in – in the current state,” Harry said.

    “So I mean we’re saving like mad, but it doesn’t look like we’ll get there in the near future. But we’d love that to change.”

    One has to wonder about the judgement of the Liberal strategists. Dutton has owned a lot of property over the years, and is well off. Did no one anticipate that the obvious questioning from the hungry media would be: won’t the bank of mum and dad help Harry and Rebecca?

    Of course it came.

    One questioner asked, “Are you planning to act as the bank of mum and dad like so many Australian families are having to do?” Dutton answered generally – that he didn’t want a situation where  these were the only kids that could buy houses.

    Then later came the explicit question: “You brought your own son Harry out here. He spoke about how hard it is to save for a deposit. So in that case, you’re doing pretty well yourself – why won’t you support him a bit and give him a bit of help with getting his house?”

    Dutton did not address that sticky one, saying rather that he hadn’t finished answering the previous question.

    Politicians perennially complain about how hard the political life is for their families.

    Indeed. Sometimes it’s best to leave the kids at home.

    Albanese dodges question about Plibersek’s future portfolio

    This is the second campaign in a row that’s put a spotlight on the strained relationship between Anthony Albanese and Tanya Plibersek.

    In 2022 observers asked “where’s Tanya?” when Plibersek, one of Labor’s most popular retail politicians, seemed to have a low profile. Plibersek produced evidence of her intense round of campaigning, but it was still clear she was being underused.

    Albanese and Plibersek are rivals in the left from way back. After the 2022 win, instead of appointing her education minister, as she’d  expected, the new PM put her into environment, where she’s had to rule on fossil fuel projects and other matters especially tricky for someone from the left. Late last year, Albanese intervened when Plibersek thought she was headed to a deal on the Nature Positive legislation, declaring the Senate numbers were not there. More compelling with him was pressure from Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, who was facing an election.

    On Monday Plibersek found herself having to explain an uncomfortable moment that had caught media attention at  Sunday’s Labor launch.

    At these gatherings a great deal of kissing and hugging goes on, even among politicians who don’t like each other much. So Plibersek was about to hug Albanese, but he grabbed her hands instead.

    /

    Asked on Monday Morning TV  about what was described as an “awkward moment”, Plibersek explained it away, even more awkwardly. “Do you know what, I reckon  we should still all be  elbow bumping, because during an election campaign, the last thing you want is to catch a cold from someone. So that’s on me.  I should have done the elbow bump, I reckon.”

    Albanese was quizzed later about whether he’d keep Plibersek in the environment portfolio in a second-term government.

    He said Plibetsek was doing a “fantastic job” and insisted she had been “a friend of mine for a long period of time”.  

    He didn’t comment himself on her future job, if the government is returned. Not surprising, at one level.  As he says, he doesn’t want to get ahead of himself. And later in the day he wouldn’t say whether Julie Collins would again be fisheries minister.

    But, given it was Plibersek, his non-answer added to the awkwardness. On the other hand, you’d think Plibersek would probably want out of the environment portfolio, provided that didn’t mean another less-than-ideal post.

    A third debate coming

    Albanese and Dutton have agreed to a third debate – on Channel 7 on April 27. The second debate, hosted by the ABC,  is on Wednesday.

    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. Election Diary: Will Peter Dutton help son Harry buy a house? – https://theconversation.com/election-diary-will-peter-dutton-help-son-harry-buy-a-house-254470

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Theta Capital Publishes Annual “The Satellite View” Report – A Deep Dive into the Future of Blockchain Investing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AMSTERDAM, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Theta Capital, the largest European investor in blockchain venture capital, has published its annual report on venture capital investment in blockchain technology, “The Satellite View”, synthesizing insights from leading venture capitalists and founders on the forces shaping blockchain investing in 2025.

    Spanning institutional adoption, AI’s convergence with crypto, the rise of real-world blockchain infrastructure (DePIN), and the next evolution of consumer applications, the report distills complex trends into actionable investor takeaways, separating signal from noise in one of the most transformative years in the industry’s history.

    The Satellite View is compiled from Theta Capital’s annual Legends4Legends event on blockchain technology and its investment opportunities with the top minds in the industry. The report presents bold predictions from leading experts including many of the crypto-native venture funds Theta invests in, with insights on the blockchain industry, investment opportunities, themes and strategies. Unlike other industry reports, The Satellite View is written by investors for investors, offering exclusive insights from top venture capitalists and founders.

    The report focuses on five key takeaways from 2025’s biggest shifts:

    • How stablecoins, tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) & institutional DeFi are becoming core components of global financial infrastructure.
    • How AI relies on blockchain to unlock global resource networks, ensuring transparency, security and economic coordination in a “less-centralized” AI future.
    • Why Decentralized Physical Infrastructure (DePIN) is set for a breakout year, transforming energy, data, and connectivity markets.
    • How blockchain infrastructure maturing is opening the path for consumer applications to deliver better-than-Web2 quality user experiences.
    • How crypto is reshaping attention markets, where behavior as content and social engagement merge into investable assets.

    “2025 is not just another market cycle—it’s a year of structural transformation. Institutions are integrating digital assets at scale, AI is leveraging crypto for coordination and verifiability, and the era of real-world blockchain infrastructure has arrived,” said Ruud Smets, Managing Partner & CIO at Theta Capital. “The Satellite View is built for investors who need to understand the full picture of where the industry is going.”

    The report highlights a critical turning point in the digital asset space: the merger of traditional financial markets and crypto is no longer theoretical—it’s happening now.

    • Stablecoins now hold hundreds of billions in U.S. Treasuries, solidifying their role as key sources of global liquidity.
    • Tokenized markets for equities, bonds, and real estate are moving from pilots to mainstream adoption.
    • Banks and asset managers are leveraging blockchain for trading, settlement, and collateralization, integrating crypto into core financial infrastructure.

    Leading figures from the space who participated included J. Christopher Giancarlo (Former CFTC Chairman), Lasse Clausen (Founding Partner, 1kx), Nic Carter (Founding Partner, Castle Island), Robert Mitchnick (Head Digital Assets, BlackRock), Vance Spencer (Co-Founder, Framework Ventures), Jon Charbonneau (Co-Founder, DBA), Alex Pack (Managing Partner, Hack VC), Olaf Carlson-Wee (Founder, Polychain Capital), Andrej Radonjic (Founder, Grass), Balder Bomans (Managing Partner, Maven 11), Christopher Perkins (President, CoinFund), Min Teo (Co-Founder, Ethereal Ventures), Franklin Bi (General Partner, Pantera Capital), Catrina Wang (General Partner, Portal Ventures), Nick Tomaino (Founder, 1confirmation), Mike Zajko (Co-Founder, Lattice Capital), Tarun Chitra (Managing Partner, Robot VC and CEO, Gauntlet), Michael Jordan (Co-Founder, DBA), Clay Robbins (CEO, Colosseum), Tyler Spalding (President, Acronym Foundation), Carlos Pereira (Partner, BITKRAFT), Hootie Rashidifard (Founder, Hash3), Mike Dudas (Managing Partner, 6MV), Shaishav Todi (General Partner, Lemniscap) and Jason Kam (Founder, Folius Ventures).

    Whether you’re a venture capitalist, hedge fund manager, institutional allocator, or entrepreneur, The Satellite View provides the strategic clarity needed to navigate 2025’s evolving landscape. The full report is now available. For access, visit https://thetacapital.com/the-satellite-view/ or contact info@thetacapital.com.

    ENDS

    About Theta Capital

    Founded in 2001, Theta Capital Management has been among the earliest and largest institutional investors globally to invest in blockchain technology, having deployed capital in the space since January 2018. Theta Capital works with over 45 deeply specialized VC partners leading to more than 1,000 venture style investments in the technology. Deep domain expertise has led to a leading position in the universe of crypto-native venture capital.

    For further information, please visit:

    http://www.thetacapital.com/

    Contact:

    ir@thetacapital.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung India Enhances Customer Service with AI-Powered Remote Diagnostic and Troubleshooting Tool

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, has launched its Home Appliances Remote Management (HRM) tool, a next-generation remote diagnosis and troubleshooting solution that significantly reduces service wait times and enhances customer experience.
     
    By harnessing the power of AI-powered remote diagnostics and troubleshooting, Samsung technicians can now resolve issues faster, reducing the need for cumbersome in-home visits. This innovative technology not only enhances customer experience with rapid resolutions and reduced downtime but also sets a new benchmark for the industry, redefining the future of customer care and reimagining the relationship between consumers and their smart home appliances.
     
    “Samsung Service is at the forefront of home appliance diagnostics, leveraging advanced tools to identify issues with pinpoint accuracy. Through its smart diagnostics service, customers can get proactive solutions by troubleshooting and resolving problems remotely, minimizing the need for a technician visit. This breakthrough significantly reduces wait times, ensures faster resolutions, and provides timely updates on product maintenance, ultimately enhancing the customer experience,” said Sunil Cutinha, VP, Customer Satisfaction, Samsung India.
     

     
    HRM enables real-time issue resolution with remote counselling, monitoring, and control features for Samsung smart appliances registered on the SmartThings app. SmartThings is a customer-facing app, which works as an appliance operating tool and captures usage patterns. With this innovation, Samsung continues to lead the way in smart device management, making home appliance maintenance more efficient and hassle-free for consumers worldwide. When a customer contacts Samsung’s support team regarding an issue with their home appliance, the HRM system automatically detects the registered device’s model and serial number through Samsung’s CRM (Customer Relationship Management system). Upon activation, contact center advisors can remotely diagnose, monitor, and even control certain appliance functions post customer consent, providing immediate troubleshooting guidance.
     

     
    How HRM Resolved an AC Cooling Issue
    With summer arriving early in Chennai and temperature rising above 35⁰C, Rohan Luthra’s air conditioner was cooling less efficiently. Fortunately, since Rohan had the SmartThings app installed on his smartphone and the AC was already registered in the app, he received an error notification. Immediately, Rohan requested support through Home Care service in SmartThings and got connected to the contact center advisor. Upon consultation, the advisor diagnosed the issue through HRM’s remote diagnostics, and informed the customer that its microfilter required cleaning and provided a step-by-step guide to Rohan over the phone call, restoring the AC’s cooling efficiency within minutes without the need for an on-site visit.
     
    This real-world example underscores how Samsung’s HRM tool is transforming customer support, making smart appliance maintenance more efficient, proactive, and hassle-free.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Two years of war in Sudan leave millions more in need than ever

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • As Sudan marks two years of war, people continue to experience the catastrophic consequences and can no longer wait for real assistance.
    • As the rainy season approaches, humanitarian organisations must scale up, and the warring parties must allow, desperately-needed humanitarian assistance.
    • As bombing and violence continues, MSF calls on the warring parties to ensure civilians, humanitarian personnel, and medical teams are protected.

    Sudan – As the war in Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) enters its third year, people remain unseen, bombed, besieged, displaced, and deprived of food, and basic lifesaving services. Of the country’s 50 million people, 60 per cent need humanitarian assistance, and people are facing simultaneous health crises and limited access to public healthcare. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reiterates our calls on the warring parties and their allies to ensure that civilians, humanitarian personnel, and medical teams are protected. All restrictions on the movements of humanitarian supplies and staff must be removed, especially as the rainy season fast approaches.

    “The warring parties are not only failing to protect civilians — they are actively compounding their suffering,” says Claire San Filippo, MSF Emergency Coordinator. “Wherever you look in Sudan, you will find needs — overwhelming, urgent, and unmet.” 

    “Millions are receiving almost no humanitarian assistance, medical facilities and staff remain under attack, and the global humanitarian system is failing to deliver even a fraction of what’s required,” says San Filippo. 

    As frontlines have shifted over the course of the war, especially in Khartoum and Darfur, civilians feared retaliatory attacks from both warring parties. For the past two years, both RSF and SAF have repeatedly and indiscriminately bombed densely- populated areas. RSF and allied militias have unleashed a campaign of brutality, including systematic sexual violence, abductions, mass killings, looting of aid, erasure of civilian neighbourhoods, and occupation of medical facilities. Both sides have laid siege to towns, destroyed vital infrastructure, and blocked humanitarian aid. 

    Widespread starvation is taking hold, according to the UN; Sudan is currently the only place in the world where famine has been officially declared in multiple locations. Famine was first declared in Zamzam internally displaced people’s camp in August 2024, and has since spread to a further 10 areas, while 17 additional regions are now on the brink. Without immediate action, hundreds of thousands of lives are at risk.  

    In March 2025, MSF supported multi-antigen catch up vaccination campaigns for children under the age of two in South Darfur.  Over 17,000 children who received vaccinations were also screened for malnutrition, with a rate of 30% global acute malnutrition, and 7% suffering from severe acute malnutrition. In December 2024, during a therapeutic food distribution in Tawila locality, North Darfur, MSF teams screened over 9,500 children under five years old. They found a staggering 35.5% global acute malnutrition rate, with 7% of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition.  

    A scene in the busy emergency room at Al-Nao hospital, supported by MSF in Omdurman. Khartoum state, Sudan, March 2025.
    Tom Casey/MSF

    Simultaneously, Sudan is facing multiple, overlapping health emergencies. MSF teams have treated over 12,000 patients — including women and children — for trauma injuries directly resulting from violent attacks. During the first week of February 2025, MSF teams in Khartoum, North Darfur, and South Darfur states treated mass influxes of war-wounded patients. Sudan is also experiencing one of the worst maternal and child health crises we are seeing anywhere in the world. In October 2024, in two MSF-supported facilities in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, 26 per cent of the pregnant and breastfeeding women seeking care were acutely malnourished. 

    “Outbreaks of measles, cholera and diphtheria are spreading, driven by poor living conditions and disrupted vaccination campaigns,” says Marta Cazorla, MSF Emergency Coordinator. “Mental health support and care for survivors of sexual violence remain painfully limited.” 

    “These compounding crises reflect not just the brutality of the conflict, but the dire consequences of the crumbling public healthcare system and a failing humanitarian response,” says Cazorla. 

    Since April 2023, more than 1.7 million people have sought medical consultations at hospitals, health facilities and mobile clinics MSF supports or is working in. More than 320,000 people were admitted in our emergency wards. 

    More than 13 million people have been displaced by the conflict,  many of them multiple times. Of these, 8.9 million remain displaced inside Sudan, while 3.9 million have crossed into neighbouring countries. Many live in overcrowded camps or makeshift shelters, without access to food, water, or healthcare. People depend entirely on humanitarian organisations — but only where these organisations are responding. 

    Health facilities destroyed 

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 70 per cent of health facilities in conflict-affected areas are barely operational or have closed, leaving millions of people without access to critical care amid one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history. Since the war began, MSF has recorded over 80 violent incidents targeting our staff, infrastructure, vehicles, and supplies. Clinics have been looted and destroyed, medicines stolen, and healthcare workers assaulted, threatened, or killed. 

    In June 2023, Tawila hospital, in North Darfur, was attacked and looted.

    “Buildings were destroyed, even beds were looted, and medicines were burned to the ground,” says Muhammad Yusuf Ishaq Abdullah, MSF health promotion officer in Tawila. “From afar, it looked like a hospital, but when you entered it, it was a shelter for snakes and grass.”  

    These attacks must stop — medical personnel and facilities are not targets. 

    Zahra Abdullah holds her baby inside the kitchen of shelter after receiving her food basket. South Darfur, Sudan, January 2025.
    Abdoalsalam Abdallah

    Upcoming rainy season 

    The rainy season, fast approaching, threatens to make an already catastrophic situation even worse. Supply routes could be severed and entire regions flooded, cutting off people just as the hunger gap peaks, and malnutrition and malaria spike.

    MSF calls for immediate preparedness measures ahead of the rainy season. More border crossings must be opened, and key roads and bridges must be repaired and kept accessible, especially in Darfur, where seasonal flooding isolates communities year after year. 

    Humanitarian restrictions must be lifted, and unhindered access must be guaranteed. MSF urges all groups — including donors, governments, and UN agencies — to enable and prioritise aid delivery, ensuring that assistance not only reaches the country but is transported swiftly and safely to the hardest-hit and most remote communities. Without a serious commitment to overcoming the political, financial, logistical, and security barriers that hinder last-mile delivery, countless lives will remain beyond the reach of help.  

    The people of Sudan have endured this horror for two years too long; they cannot and should not wait any longer. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: I&T collabs create productivity: CE

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee

    I am delighted to welcome you to Hong Kong, and the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit.

     

    And I am honoured to say that the Asia-Pacific Summit, taking place over these next two days in Hong Kong, marks the first time the World Internet Conference has held an international summit outside Mainland China.

     

    That, ladies and gentlemen, is a testament to Hong Kong’s rising role as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub. It also reflects our deepening integration with our country’s national development.  

     

    That will become abundantly clear over these next two days. Like the World Internet Conference itself, this summit offers high-level dialogue for the global internet community – for you – the nearly 1,000 professionals here from 30 countries and regions.

     

    You are senior government officials and business leaders, industry association heads, academics and researchers and professionals from different disciplines. And you are here to expand your international connections, create business opportunities and help build the interconnected digital future.

     

    Hong Kong’s rise as an I&T hub has been fast-tracked by our vibrant economy, which is powered by free trade and boasts the world’s third-largest financial centre. It helps, too, that Hong Kong has long been a key business conduit between the Mainland and the rest of the world.

     

    And it all comes together under our unique “one country, two systems” framework.

     

    This cardinal governing principle gives Hong Kong the best of both worlds: access to the vast opportunities of the Mainland market, while maintaining the advantages of our unmatched connectivity of our common law system, free flow of information, capital, goods and people. This unmatched connectivity has brought you here.

     

    There are many good examples. A shining example is the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou science and technology cluster, which ranks second, globally, in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s Global Innovation Index. It shows how, with the development of the Greater Bay Area, we can converge Hong Kong’s excellent research and development and world-class, international business environment, with the innovative prowess of the Mainland’s technology industry.

     

    We are building Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, which straddles the small river that separates Hong Kong and Shenzhen. The Hong Kong park within this co-operation zone smartly embodies the virtues of the “one country, two systems” principle and cross-boundary co-operation.

     

    Last month, I attended the topping-out ceremony for the park’s first three buildings – two wet laboratories and a talent accommodation complex. The park will enter its operational phase this year, with the first tenants – from life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI), to data science and other pillar industries – moving in.

     

    The development of another five buildings is in full swing. We have earmarked some US$500 million to expedite the park’s two-phase development.

     

    We need, of course, strategic companies and talent to take full advantage of the park’s opportunities – and other of Hong Kong’s far-reaching prospects. And we are getting them. Under the enhanced talent admission regime we rolled out in 2022, we have already approved more than 300,000 talent admission applications. Over 200,000 of them, ie two-thirds, have already arrived here.

     

    Meanwhile, over 80 strategic enterprises from around the world in the booming industries of life and health technology, AI and data science, fintech and more, have joined us. They will invest over US$6 million and create over 20,000 jobs here in the coming years.

     

    The park is situated in the Northern Metropolis, an entirely new economic engine for Hong Kong. The Northern Metropolis, which makes up one-third of Hong Kong’s area, straddles our land boundary with Shenzhen.

     

    I am confident that our collaborative efforts with Shenzhen, and throughout the Greater Bay Area, will see the rise of Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone as a world-class I&T hub, creating a critical source of new quality productive forces for the country.

     

    AI is central to the Hong Kong park’s research and development. It is no less central to Hong Kong’s future.

     

    In December last year, the first phase of Cyberport’s AI Supercomputing Centre became operational. Hong Kong’s digital technology flagship, Cyberport is home to more than 330 startups specialising in AI and big data.

     

    Hong Kong is determined to maximise AI’s immense potential for new industrialisation, and to further society’s digital transformation.

     

    We have, for example, set up funding schemes to help local manufacturers switch to smart manufacturing and strategic industries to establish smart production facilities here in Hong Kong.

     

    And our HK$10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund, amounting to nearly US$1.3 billion, channels market capital to invest in industries of strategic importance, including AI and robotics.

     

    There is more. We aim to establish, by the next financial year, the Hong Kong AI R&D Institute, having reserved nearly US$130 million to get it up and running. The institute will spearhead Hong Kong’s research and development, and drive AI-based industrial applications.

     

    AI will also promote smart government. Not only driving document digitalisation and automation, and payments and business processes, but, more important, how we go about making policy and delivering public services.

     

    All that, and much more, will fuel discussion and debate at today’s main forum and the three sub-forums taking place tomorrow.

     

    This summit matters. Co-operation matters. Especially during these challenging times to geopolitics and trade relations. Hong Kong champions free trade and multilateralism. We believe in teamwork and offer a range of welcoming programmes for investors, companies, researchers and other strategic talent. Hong Kong welcomes all business interests from those who are keen to pursue development with us. In this global city, we will make a decided difference for you, and your future.

     

    I am grateful to the World Internet Conference for hosting the Asia-Pacific Summit here in Hong Kong. Grateful, too, to our Innovation, Technology& Industry Bureau and other government offices for organising this high-profile global event.

     

    I wish you all an inspiring summit, and the best of business, and health, through this endlessly challenging, but promising, year.

     

    Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit on April 14.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Board of Director Updates

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Diversified Energy Company PLC
    (“Diversified” or the “Company”)

    Board of Director Updates

    Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE: DEC) (NYSE: DEC) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has appointed Randall Wade as an independent non-executive director, effective 11 April 2025.

    Mr. Wade is a Co-Founder of EIG and a member of its Investment and Executive Committees. He has broad involvement in the firm’s various activities including investments, investor relations, operations and strategic initiatives. Since joining EIG in 1996, Mr. Wade has filled various roles including President, Chief Operating Officer, head of the direct lending strategy, investment principal with coverage responsibility for Australia and an analyst for the oil and gas team.

    Prior to joining EIG, Mr. Wade was a Commercial Lending Officer for First Interstate Bank of Texas, where he was responsible for developing a middle-market loan portfolio. Mr. Wade received his B.A. in Economics and his B.B.A. in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin.

    Upon his appointment, Mr. Wade will become a member of the Board’s Sustainability and Safety Committee.

    Commenting on the appointment, David Johnson, Chairman, said:

    “It is my pleasure to welcome Randall to Diversified’s Board of Directors. His breadth of experience, leadership, and reputation in the energy industry will provide valuable perspectives. We look forward continuing our valued partnership with EIG and to Randall’s contributions as Diversified continues to progress its strategy of responsibly delivering sustainable stakeholder returns.”

    Mr. Wade previously served as a director for NGL Energy Partners (NYSE: NGL) and has held no other public company directorate positions in the last five years.

    The Company is making this announcement pursuant to UK Listing Rule 6.4.6R with no further disclosure necessary under Listing Rule 6.4.8R.

    For further information, please contact:

    Diversified Energy Company PLC +1 973 856 2757
    Doug Kris dkris@dgoc.com
    Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications www.div.energy
       
    FTI Consulting dec@fticonsulting.com
    U.S. & UK Financial Public Relations  

    About Diversified Energy Company PLC

    Diversified is a leading publicly traded energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing, and well retirement. Through our differentiated strategy, we acquire existing, long-life assets and invest in them to improve environmental and operational performance until retiring those assets in a safe and environmentally secure manner. Recognized by ratings agencies and organizations for our sustainability leadership, this solutions-oriented, stewardship approach makes Diversified the Right Company at the Right Time to responsibly produce energy, deliver reliable free cash flow, and generate shareholder value.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: 20/2025・Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 20 / 2025
    Schindellegi, Switzerland – 14 April 2025


    Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

    On 28 February 2025, Trifork initiated a share buyback program in accordance with Regulation No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, (Safe Harbour regulation). The share buyback program runs from 4 March 2025 up to and including no later than 30 June 2025. The buyback program will not be active from 9 to 15 April 2025. For details, please see company announcement no. 7 of 28 February 2025.

    Under the share buyback program, Trifork will purchase shares for up to a total of DKK 14.92 million (approximately EUR 2 million). Prior to the launch of the share buyback, Trifork held 256,329 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.3% of the share capital. Under the program, the following transactions have been made:

    Date      Number of shares        Average purchase price (DKK)        Transaction value (DKK)
    Total beginning 52,126 85.85 4,475,156
    7 April 2025 2,500 77.00 192,500
    8 April 2025 2,583 80.66 208,345
    9 April 2025     Pause
    10 April 2025     Pause
    11 April 2025     Pause
    Accumulated 57,209 85.23 4,876,001

    A detailed overview of the daily transactions can be found here: https://investor.trifork.com/trifork-shares/

    Since the share buyback program was started on 4 March 2025, the total number of repurchased shares is 57,209 at a total amount of DKK 4,876,001.
    On 25 March 2025, 1,352 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized for the Executive Management’s monthly fixed salary, representing a change from cash payment to payment partly in shares (refer to company announcement no. 1 of 21 January 2025).
    On 1 April 2025, 19,943 shares acquired through the share buyback program were utilized to serve the RSU plan of Executive Management and certain employees.

    With the transactions stated above, Trifork holds a total of 292,243 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.5%. The total number of registered shares in Trifork is 19,744,899. Adjusted for treasury shares, the number of outstanding shares is 19,452,656.

    Investor and media contact
    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director & Head of Investor Relations
    frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17

    About Trifork
    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Big Girls Don’t Cry is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and comical celebration of Indigenous resilience and survival

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Laura Case, Lecturer in Musicology, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney

    Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir

    With Big Girls Don’t Cry, Gumbaynggirr/Wiradjuri playwright Dalara Williams proves herself to be a formidable talent.

    Cheryl (Williams), Queenie (Megan Wilding) and Lulu (Stephanie Somerville) are three best friends who share a house together in 1960s Redfern, the heart of “Blak Sydney”, after moving from the bush to the city.

    The trio swap outfits, go out dancing, socialise and talk about boys while navigating low-paying jobs, curfews and police brutality. Directed by Ian Michael, Big Girls Don’t Cry sits against a backdrop of political moments from service in the Vietnam War, to the 1965 Freedom Rides, the 1966 Wave Hill Walk Off and the 1967 Referendum.

    Pride and resilience

    The second act sees the girls prepare for the 1966 Aboriginal Debutante Ball at Paddington Town Hall.

    Their excitement and anticipation are palpable.

    The girls prepare for the 1966 Aboriginal Debutante Ball.
    Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir

    The ball represents more than just a social event: it is a symbol of pride, resilience and cultural celebration. It serves as a powerful reminder of the community’s strength and unity, showcasing their determination to preserve and honour their heritage amid adversity.

    Meticulous attention to detail in the set (Stephen Curtis) and costume design (Emma White) transports us back to this pivotal moment in history, making it feel both authentic and immersive.

    Each character’s wardrobe reflects their personality. Debutante dresses and accessories add depth to the characters and their stories, making the visual elements not only historically accurate but also emotionally resonant.

    Genuine and moving

    Williams’ darker and more confronting scenes are expertly juxtaposed with love stories and hilarious laugh-out-loud moments, particularly from the exceptional Wilding, who wholeheartedly embodies her fierce and outspoken character Queenie.

    Williams captivates with her nuanced portrayal of Cheryl, balancing strength and vulnerability. Somerville adds a layer of tenderness and hope as Lulu. The chemistry between these three actors is undeniable. Their friendship is genuine and moving.

    Guy Simon’s portrayal of Cheryl’s brother Ernest is a true highlight. While Cheryl strives to keep him out of trouble for his outspoken views, Ernest’s passion for justice and equality is inspiring.

    Guy Simon and Megan Wilding are stand-outs among an exceptional cast.
    Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir

    Ernest’s relationship with Milo (Nic English) highlights the solidarity and camaraderie among activists of the time.

    Cheryl’s boyfriend Michael (Mathew Cooper), though physically absent from the group for much of the play, is a constant presence in Cheryl’s thoughts. His letters from Vietnam add a poignant layer to the narrative.

    Officer Robinson (Bryn Chapman Parish) is a chilling reminder of the systemic racism and oppression faced by the Indigenous community. His menacing presence serves as a stark contrast to the warmth and joy shared by the main characters, highlighting the harsh realities of this era.

    By the end of the play, I felt involved in the lives of these characters, and as though I knew them – a credit to Williams’ writing and the phenomenal portrayal by each of the seven cast members.

    Continuing the fight

    The program includes a beautiful and personal reflection by Williams where she describes her family legacy as a major source of inspiration for the play.

    The various interwoven love stories are some of the most heart-wrenching, comical and sweetest moments of the play. But to solely describe it as a romantic comedy is to devalue the power of this work.

    Williams describes how she is from a long line of staunch Blak advocates who have continued to fight for sovereignty. This play is just the latest in her family’s long lineage of demonstrating resilience and survival.

    This play is just the latest in Williams’ long lineage of demonstrating resilience and survival.
    Stephen Wilson Barker/Belvoir

    Williams does not shy away from the reality of being Aboriginal in 1960s Redfern and handles moments with sophistication and grit. Scenes of police brutality and overt racial discrimination are portrayed with a raw honesty that is both confronting and enlightening.

    Big Girls Don’t Cry should be essential viewing as part of ongoing education efforts to truly highlight the reality of life at this time – many such struggles which continue today.

    The play is a powerful and moving tribute to the strength and resilience of Indigenous women. It is a celebration of their lives, their struggles, and their triumphs.

    Williams has crafted a play that is not only entertaining but also deeply meaningful, shedding light on a crucial period in Australian history: a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the past and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.

    While much has changed since 1966, the spirit of resistance and the quest for a better future remain as vital as ever.

    Big Girls Don’t Cry is at Belvoir Theatre, Sydney, until April 27.

    Laura Case 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. Big Girls Don’t Cry is a powerful, heart-wrenching, and comical celebration of Indigenous resilience and survival – https://theconversation.com/big-girls-dont-cry-is-a-powerful-heart-wrenching-and-comical-celebration-of-indigenous-resilience-and-survival-254291

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Crash causing delays, SH2

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police are currently at the scene of a two-car crash on SH2, Maungaraki, near Dowse Drive.

    While there have been no serious injuries, traffic has been disrupted in both directions.

    Please avoid the area or expect delays.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Security education day set for Apr 15

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government announced that the 10th National Security Education Day will be held tomorrow, marking the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law, as well as the first anniversary of the legislation and implementation of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance.

     

    The Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will hold the Opening Ceremony & Seminar of the National Security Education Day at the Convention & Exhibition Centre tomorrow morning.

     

    CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech via video link.

     

    Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive and Hong Kong National Security Committee Chairman John Lee extends his very warm welcome and expresses sincere gratitude to Director Xia Baolong for his care, guidance and support for Hong Kong all along.

     

    Mr Lee pointed out that at present, the world is undergoing unprecedented changes at an accelerating pace. With Hong Kong faced with ever-changing national security risks, the Hong Kong SAR Government will resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the “one country, two systems” principle, deepen the understanding of a holistic approach to national security, continuously improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security, and actively promote national security education across society.

     

    Moreover, he highlighted that the Hong Kong National Security Committee organises the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Day and co-ordinates a series of school and community activities, which help to promote national security education, encourage community-wide participation, and continuously strengthen the community’s awareness and atmosphere of safeguarding national security of their own accord.

     

    “While we strive on all fronts to develop a vibrant economy, advance development and improve people’s livelihood, we must also make every effort to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, so as to contribute more to the country’s opening-up at a higher level,” the Chief Executive added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 6M holiday travellers expected

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Immigration Department said today that around 6.04 million passengers are expected to pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during the upcoming Easter festive period from April 17 to 21.

     

    It also estimates that some 5.05 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on April 18 and April 21, with around 759,000 passengers and 618,000 passengers respectively.

     

    Passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point will see a daily average of about 225,000. Meanwhile, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point can expect to handle about 202,000 and 164,000 passengers respectively.

     

    To facilitate flexible staff deployment and the operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks, the department noted that it has minimised leave for frontline officers accordingly.

     

    Furthermore, in collaboration with local organisations and Mainland authorities, passenger conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.

     

    Passengers can check the expected busy times at boundary control points on the department’s website and find the estimated waiting times at all land boundary control points via its app.

     

    Separately, from March 31, Hong Kong permanent residents, aged at least seven and at least 1.1m tall, and holding a smart identity card and valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport, may use e-Channels without prior enrolment for self-service immigration clearance via face recognition technology at all control points.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How common are errors in IVF labs? Can they be prevented?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karin Hammarberg, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Global and Women’s Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University

    KateStudio/Shutterstock

    The news of a woman unknowingly giving birth to another patient’s baby after an embryo mix-up at a Brisbane IVF lab has made headlines in Australia and around the world. The distress this incident will have caused to everyone involved is undoubtedly significant.

    A report released by Monash IVF, the company which operates the Brisbane clinic, states it “adheres to strict laboratory safety measures (including multi-step identification processes) to safeguard and protect the embryos in its care”.

    It also says the company’s own initial investigation concluded the incident was “the result of human error”.

    An independent investigation will follow which presumably will shed light on how human error could occur when multi-step identification processes are in place.

    On a broader level, this incident raises questions about how common IVF errors are and to what extent they’re preventable.

    The booming IVF industry

    Because people have children later in life than they used to, some struggle to conceive and turn to assisted reproductive technologies. These include in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) which both involve handling of sperm and eggs (gametes) in the laboratory to form embryos. If there’s more than one embryo available after a treatment cycle, they can be frozen and stored for later use.

    Increasingly, assisted reproductive technologies are also being used by single women, same-sex couples, and women who freeze their eggs to preserve their fertility.

    For these reasons, the fertility industry is booming. In 2022 there were more than 100,000 assisted reproductive treatment cycles performed in Australian fertility clinics, up more than 25% on the number of cycles performed in 2017.

    Regulation of the IVF industry

    In Australia, the IVF industry is more regulated than in many other parts of the world.

    To operate, clinics must be licensed by the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee and adhere to its code of practice.

    In relation to storage and accurate identification of embryos, the code states clinics must provide evidence of the implementation and review of:

    Policies and procedures to identify when, how and by whom the identification, matching, and verification are recorded for gametes, embryos and patients at all stages of the treatment process including digital and manual record-keeping.

    The code further states clinics must report serious adverse events to the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee. The list of what’s considered a serious adverse event includes any incident that “arises from a gamete or embryo identification mix up”.

    Clinics must also adhere to the National Health and Medical Research Council’s ethical guidelines on the use of reproductive technology in clinical practice and research.

    Lastly, states and territories have laws that regulate aspects of the IVF industry such as requirements to report adverse events and other data to state authorities.

    Thousands of pregnancies in Australia each year are conceived using assisted reproductive technologies.
    Lee Charlie/Shutterstock

    In the United Kingdom, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority regulates the IVF industry and requires clinics to report adverse incidents. These are reported as grade A, B or C, where A is the most serious and involves
    “severe harm to one person, or major harm to many”. Data on adverse incidents is reported in a publicly available annual report.

    In the United States, however, the IVF industry is largely unregulated, and clinics don’t have to report adverse incidents. However, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine states clinics should have rigorous procedures to prevent the loss, damage, or misdirection of gametes and embryos and have an ethical obligation to disclose errors to all impacted patients.

    How common are IVF errors?

    There’s no global data on IVF errors so it’s not possible to know how common they are. But we learn about some of the more serious incidents when they’re reported in the media.

    While the recent embryo mix-up is the first known incident of this nature in Australia’s 40-year IVF history, we have seen reports of other errors in Australian clinics. These include the alleged use of the wrong donor sperm, embryos being destroyed due to contamination, and inaccurate genetic testing which resulted in the destruction of potentially viable embryos.

    In the UK, the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority’s most recent report states there was one Grade A incident in 2023–24. This was the first Grade A incident reported since 2019–20 when there were two.

    In the US, some notable errors include storage tank malfunctions in two clinics which destroyed thousands of eggs and embryos.

    Lawsuits have also been filed for embryo mix-ups. In a 2023 case, a woman from Georgia delivered a Black baby even though she and her sperm donor are both white. The biological parents subsequently demanded custody of the child. Despite wanting to raise him the woman who had given birth gave up the five-month-old boy to avoid a legal fight she couldn’t win, she said.

    In the US, some argue most errors go unreported because reporting is not mandated and due to the absence of meaningful regulation.

    There’s no global data on IVF errors, so we don’t know how common they are.
    SeventyFour/Shutterstock

    Are IVF errors preventable?

    Despite Australia’s stringent regulation and oversight of the IVF industry, an incident with far-reaching psychological and potentially legal consequences has occurred.

    Until the independent investigation reveals how “human error” caused this mix-up, it’s not possible to say what additional measures Monash IVF should take to ensure this never happens again.

    An IVF laboratory is a high-pressure environment, and any investigation should look at whether staffing levels are adequate. Staff training is also relevant, and it’s essential all junior lab staff have adequate supervision.

    Finally, perhaps Australia should adopt the UK’s model and make data about adverse events reported to the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee available to the public in an annual report. To reassure the public, this report could include what measures clinics take to avoid the errors happening again.

    Karin Hammarberg is affiliated with Monash University, which is not connected with Monash IVF and the incident mentioned in the article.

    – ref. How common are errors in IVF labs? Can they be prevented? – https://theconversation.com/how-common-are-errors-in-ivf-labs-can-they-be-prevented-254382

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Full text of Xi’s signed article in Vietnamese newspaper

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

    BEIJING, April 14 — A signed article by General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese President Xi Jinping titled “Building on past achievements and making new advances in pursuit of shared goals” was published Monday in the Nhan Dan Newspaper of Vietnam as he is traveling to Vietnam for a state visit to the country.

    The following is the full text of the article:

    Building on past achievements and making new advances in pursuit of shared goals

    Xi Jinping

    General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of the People’s Republic of China

    Late spring is full of vitality. As China and Vietnam celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, I will soon pay a state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Comrade To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and Vietnamese President Comrade Luong Cuong. This will be my fourth visit to this beautiful country since I became General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China. I look forward to renewing friendship with Vietnamese leaders, discussing ways of boosting cooperation, and drawing up a new blueprint for the China-Vietnam community with a shared future in the new era.

    China and Vietnam are friendly socialist neighbours sharing the same ideals and extensive strategic interests. The profound friendship between the two parties and two peoples, forged decades ago, has grown stronger as we explore a socialist path suited to our respective national conditions and advance our respective modernization drive. Building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance serves the common interests of our two countries and is conducive to peace, stability, development and prosperity in our region and beyond. It conforms with the trend of history. And it is the choice by our peoples.

    The China-Vietnam community with a shared future is inherited from our distinctive revolutionary traditions. During modern times, pioneers of Chinese and Vietnamese revolutions together explored a path to national salvation and made important contribution to the Third World’s victory in the struggle against colonialism and imperialism. The historical site of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Youth League in Guangzhou and the site of the office of the League for Independence of Vietnam in Jingxi, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region bear witness to the revolutionary friendship between China and Vietnam. President Ho Chi Minh joined and supported the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in Yan’an, Guilin, Chongqing and Kunming. China sent military and political advisers in support of the Vietnamese people’s War Against French Occupation. The Communist Party of China and the Chinese government and people gave full support for Vietnam’s just War Against U.S. Aggression to Save the Nation. The well-known line: “The friendship between Vietnam and China is so profound because we are both comrades and brothers,” is etched on our shared revolutionary memory.

    The China-Vietnam community with a shared future is based on strong political mutual trust. In recent years, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary To Lam and other Vietnamese leaders and I have visited each other many times, steering the course for building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future. Our two parties and two countries have kept close high-level engagement. Mechanisms such as the steering committee for bilateral cooperation, the party-to-party theoretical symposium, the border defence friendship exchange, and the conference on crime control between the two public security ministries are functioning smoothly. High-level mechanisms including the joint committee between the National People’s Congress of China and the National Assembly of Vietnam have been established. The “3+3” strategic dialogue on diplomacy, defence and public security between our two countries has been held successfully. China and Vietnam hold similar positions on many regional and international issues and have engaged in close coordination on them.

    The China-Vietnam community with a shared future is rooted in our fruitful cooperation. China and Vietnam have pursued closer cooperation on industrial and supply chains amid a sluggish global economic recovery. China has been Vietnam’s biggest trading partner for over 20 years in a row, with total bilateral trade exceeding 260 billion USD in 2024. More and more quality Vietnamese agricultural products such as durian and coconut are available to Chinese consumers. Railway connectivity and the smart port development project are being steadily advanced. Solar panels, waste-to-energy plants and other bilateral clean energy projects have boosted electricity supply in Vietnam. The Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line built by a Chinese company makes public transport in Hanoi more convenient. Contributing to each other’s success and pursuing common development, China and Vietnam have set an example of solidarity and cooperation in the Global South.

    The China-Vietnam community with a shared future is advanced by close people-to-people exchanges. Over the years, we have seen ever more people-to-people exchanges that foster increasingly closer ties between Chinese and Vietnamese peoples. Chinese tourists made more than 3.7 million visits to Vietnam in 2024. With the official launch of the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall Cross-Border Tourism Cooperation Zone and the opening of several cross-border road trip routes, visiting two countries in a single day has become possible. Chinese film and television productions and video games are popular among young Vietnamese, and more people in Vietnam are learning Chinese. Many Vietnamese songs are now on hot search lists on social media in China, and many Chinese diners relish pho and other Vietnamese delicacies.

    Today, global, epoch-making and historical changes are unfolding like never before, and the world has entered a new period of turbulent transformation. Despite the headwinds of mounting unilateralism and protectionism, the Chinese economy expanded by five percent in 2024, contributing around 30 percent to the global economy. It remains a key engine of the world economy. China’s new energy sector, artificial intelligence and animated films have come into global spotlight. China will continue to provide more opportunities to the world with its high-standard opening up, and will contribute to the development of all countries with its high-quality development.

    Asia represents a new elevation in global cooperation and development. At a new starting point toward revitalisation of the whole region, Asia faces both unprecedented opportunities and challenges. China will ensure continuity and stability of its neighbourhood diplomacy. We will stay committed to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness. We will continue to pursue the policy of forging friendship and partnership with our neighbours. And we will steadily deepen friendly cooperation with them to advance Asia’s modernization.

    China is going all out to build a great modern socialist country and achieve the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by pursuing Chinese modernization. Vietnam will usher in a new epoch of national development toward the two goals set for the centenary of the party and the country respectively. China always gives Vietnam high priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy. Our two countries should strengthen our efforts on all fronts to build the China-Vietnam community with a shared future, and contribute more to peace, stability, development and prosperity in Asia and the world at large.

    — We should deepen strategic mutual trust and advance the socialist cause. The two sides should act on the guidance of the leaders. The China-Vietnam steering committee for bilateral cooperation should coordinate our interactions more effectively to boost party, government, military, law enforcement and security cooperation; jointly tackle external risks and challenges; and uphold political security. China is ready to enhance exchanges of governance practices with Vietnam, explore and enrich together socialist theory and practices, and promote the steady development of the two countries’ socialist cause.

    — We should continue win-win cooperation and deliver more benefit to our two peoples. We should create greater synergy between our development strategies, implement well the cooperation plan between the two governments on synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative and the Two Corridors and One Economic Circle strategy, and build more platforms for economic and technological cooperation. China stands ready to advance cooperation with Vietnam on the three standard-gauge railways in northern Vietnam and the smart port. China welcomes more quality Vietnamese products in the Chinese market and encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest and do business in Vietnam. Our two countries should step up cooperation on industrial and supply chains, and expand cooperation in emerging areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence and green development to create more benefits for the two peoples.

    — We should strengthen people-to-people exchanges and forge a closer bond between our peoples. This year is the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges, and we should use this opportunity to promote people-to-people exchanges in diverse forms. China welcomes Vietnamese visitors to travel across China and encourages Chinese tourists to visit scenic sites in Vietnam. Our two countries should carry out more activities that will bring our two peoples together such as the friendly meeting between youth and festive events in border areas. We should further tap into our revolutionary resources and tell stories of friendship that resonate with our two peoples, so as to pass on the baton of China-Vietnam friendship from generation to generation.

    — We should enhance multilateral collaboration and promote Asia’s prosperity and revitalization. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War as well as the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Our two countries should firmly uphold the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law. It is important that we pursue the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative. It is also important that we promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. We should work together with the Global South to uphold the common interests of developing countries. Trade war and tariff war will produce no winner, and protectionism will lead nowhere. Our two countries should resolutely safeguard the multilateral trading system, stable global industrial and supply chains, and open and cooperative international environment. We should strengthen coordination in mechanisms such as East Asia cooperation and Lancang-Mekong cooperation so as to ensure more stability for a changing and turbulent world and inject more positive energy in it.

    — We should properly manage differences and safeguard peace and stability in our region. The successful delimitation of our boundaries on land and in the Beibu Gulf demonstrates that with vision, we are fully capable of properly settling maritime issues through consultation and negotiation. The two sides should implement the common understanding reached between the leaders of the two parties and the two countries. We should make good use of the maritime negotiation mechanism so as to properly manage maritime differences, expand maritime cooperation, and build up conditions for the final resolution of the disputes. We should fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and actively advance the consultation on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. We should be impervious to all interference; bridge differences and expand common ground; and make the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

    Standing at this new starting point of history, China is ready to work with Vietnam to build on past achievements, write a new chapter in building the China-Vietnam community with a shared future, and contribute even more to building a community with a shared future for mankind.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Dumping = fines. Anti-social behaviour? not here!

    Source: Auckland Council

    Illegal dumping and anti-social behaviour have no place in our neighbourhoods—that’s the clear message being delivered by local residents and community partners working together to create safer, cleaner spaces in Māngere.

    At a recent Māngere East Community Safety meeting, led by the Māngere East Community Centre and funded through the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board’s safety work programme, residents voiced their concerns about rising anti-social behaviour at Radonich Park in Māngere East, especially over weekends and late nights.

    Key issues raised included alcohol consumption, loud noise, dangerous driving in the carpark, disturbances affecting nearby residents and illegal dumping.

    A community-led BBQ brought together local groups and regular park users to kōrero (talk) the challenges they face at Radonich Park, fostering connection and understanding.

    Board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich says, “This kind of behaviour is simply unacceptable, and we won’t stand for it. We are fully committed to making a change and will work alongside our community to make this happen. Our board recently met with residents and saw firsthand the impact these issues are having. It’s deeply upsetting to witness the blatant disrespect for our environment, particularly with illegal dumping and anti-social behaviour that is making it unsafe for locals.

    “Council staff are taking immediate action to tackle these issues, including securing the main gates during park hours, enforcing the liquor ban with signage, and addressing illegal dumping. These concerns have also been raised with the Community Prevention Policing team, who will help support and keep our residents safe.”

    Illegal Dumping

    If you see dumped rubbish on public property, call 0800 NO DUMP (0800 663 867). Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    Large piles of rubbish illegally dumped at the local community garden.

    Council takes illegal dumping seriously. All reports will be investigated. Offenders could face fines of up to $400, and serious cases may result in prosecution under the Litter Act 1979, with penalties of up to $30,000.

    A sad sight: images of illegal dumping taken during a recent walkthrough of the gardens.

    Anti-social behaviour

    Another area of concern is ongoing antisocial behaviour in the park, particularly during weekends and late-night hours. The main issues are alcohol use, loud noise, speeding in the carpark, and disturbances to nearby residents.

    During a recent cleanup, the team came across alcohol boxes and bottles scattered across the area, a stark reminder of the disrespect shown to our community spaces.

    Bakulich adds, “We’ve stressed the importance of safety and urged residents not to intervene in escalating situations. Their wellbeing is our top priority. We are incredibly proud of our community for stepping up and wanting to be a part of the solution. Together, we’re working to make the area safe and a welcoming space for everyone.”

    The end goal is simple: working together to create a safe and thriving environment, where anti-social behaviour and illegal dumping will not be tolerated, and fines will be enforced.

    Stay connected

    Sign up for our Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board e-newsletter and get it delivered to your inbox each month. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Te Punga taonga: A tribute to Te Maanukanuka o Hoturoa

    Source: Auckland Council

    Dawn broke, Te Punga was revealed.

    On a crisp March morning, as the first light of day gently spread across the sky, the quiet anticipation of the crowd filled the air. The soft glow of dawn illuminated the space, casting long shadows across the ground, creating a serene atmosphere as the Te Punga sculpture was unveiled.

    The moment was simple, yet profound, connecting the past and present while honouring the land and its cultural significance.

    The Anchor. Image: Simon Runting.

    Te Punga, created by Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua artist Pāora Puru and sculptor Chris van Doren, stands as a stunning public taonga.

    Dawn blessing by mana whenua. Image: Simon Runting.

    The sculpture, meaning “The Anchor” – symbolises a waka anchor, as a reference to the area being a traditional waka trading route, was revealed in a ceremony that included Māngere College students, Mana Whenua, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board, Watercare and local community members.

    The inscription on the sculpture helps the public understand its meaning and significance. Image: Simon Runting.

    Board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich says, “The Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board area is blessed with strong mana whenua and mataawaka organisations, whose support helps nurture and celebrate our community. It’s truly special to have Mana Whenua share our Māori history and stories in public spaces, honouring our rich Māori identity. We are also home to local heritage sites like Ōtuataua Stonefields, Te Pane o Mataoho Māngere Mountain, and Pūkaki Crater, so it’s wonderful to add Te Punga to this.”

    The sculpture, crafted from basalt rock excavated during the Watercare Central Interceptor tunnel project, was transformed by Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua artist Pāora Puru and sculptor Chris van Doren.

    The raw basalt was taken to Chris’s studio at the Pacifica Arts Centre in West Auckland to be shaped.

    Te Punga honours the cultural significance of Te Maanukanuka o Hoturoa (the Manukau Harbour) to the Waiohua iwi. It symbolises the many waka (canoes) that once anchored in these waters, serving as a vital link for people through transport, trade, and tradition.

    L-R: Sculptor Chris van Doren, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua artist Pāora Puru and board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich.

    The sculpture can be found at the corner of Creamery Road and Greenwood Road, by the Māngere Lagoon, Māngere Bridge (near Māngere Domain).

    A deeply meaningful and solemn moment at the dawn blessing and unveiling of Te Punga. Image: Simon Runting.

    Stay up to date 

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: BNP Paribas SA: ACQUISITION BY BNP PARIBAS CARDIF OF AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS – UPDATE

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ACQUISITION BY BNP PARIBAS CARDIF 
    OF AXA INVESTMENT MANAGERS – UPDATE

    PRESS RELEASE

    Paris, 14 April 2025

    After entering into exclusive negotiations on 1 August 2024, AXA and BNP Paribas Cardif signed a Share Purchase Agreement for AXA Investment Managers (AXA IM). The closing is expected in early July 2025.

    In this context, the BNP Paribas Group fully confirms the strategic and industrial interest of the transaction to build a leading platform in asset management that will allow the Group to become the forefront European player in the management of long-term savings assets for insurers and pension funds. This platform will benefit from AXA IM’s leading market position and its team’s expertise specialised in private assets, which will drive further growth with both institutional and retail investors.

    This acquisition aligns perfectly with the Group’s core mission of supporting the economy by mobilising savings to finance future-oriented projects, in the best interests of its clients.

    The ECB has recently expressed its opinion on the prudential treatment for the acquisition of asset managements companies.

    Should this interpretation be implemented and given the current status of the internal analyses carried out by the BNP Paribas Group, the anticipated impact on BNP Paribas Group’s CET1 ratio would stand at approximately -35 bps and the expected return on invested capital of the transaction would be above 14% in the third year and more than 20% in the fourth year. This impact is to be compared with an impact on the Group’s CET 1 ratio of -25 bps and an expected return on invested capital of 18% in the third year, presented at the launch of the transaction.

    As a consequence, under this interpretation, neither the Group’s overall profitability objectives, growth trajectory, nor its equity and CET1 trajectory would be modified.

    Specifically, the launch of the share buyback programme, announced in February 2025, to which the ECB has already given its approval, is maintained. More generally, the Group’s distribution policy in the form of dividends and return to shareholders remains unchanged.

    The conditions agreed to by the Group regarding the prudential treatment to be applied to this transaction will be communicated at the closing of the transaction, following the finalization of ongoing discussions with the relevant supervisory authorities on this topic.

    About BNP Paribas
    Leader in banking and financial services in Europe, BNP Paribas operates in 64 countries and has nearly 178,000 employees, including more than 144,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Türkiye, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.

    Press Contacts:
    Sandrine Romano : sandrine.romano@bnpparibas.com ; + 33 6 71 18 13 05
    Giorgia Rowe : giorgia.rowe@bnpparibas.com ; + 33 6 64 27 57 96

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New Initiative Uses Behavioural Science to Encourage Bengaluru Metro Adoption

    Source: Toyota

    Headline: New Initiative Uses Behavioural Science to Encourage Bengaluru Metro Adoption

    Bengaluru, April 11, 2025: The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) and the Electronics City Industries Association (ELCIA), in collaboration with Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) and WRI India today launched the “STAMP: Nudging Commuter Behaviour” – a pioneering initiative that leverages behavioural science and technology to encourage commuters to shift from personal vehicles to public transport.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s railway cargo transportation volume up in Q1

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s railway network transported 970 million tonnes of cargo in the first three months of 2025, up 3.1 percent year on year, the railway operator said Sunday.

    Daily loading amounted to a total of 179,000 cars, an increase of 4.2 percent year on year, according to China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

    The railway network also facilitated cross-border trade in this period. Notably, China-Central Asia freight trains operated a total of 3,582 services, marking a year-on-year surge of 25.5 percent, the railway operator revealed.

    The China-Laos Railway, which links Kunming in southwest China’s Yunnan Province and the Laotian capital Vientiane, transported 1.51 million tonnes of cross-border cargo in the first quarter of 2025, up 10 percent year on year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: British parliament passes emergency law to save British Steel

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The British Parliament Saturday passed an emergency law granting the government sweeping powers to take control of British Steel, the last in Britain capable of producing steel from iron ore.

    The Scunthorpe facility supplies the vast majority of the country’s rail tracks. The legislation was introduced in response to British Steel’s plan to shut down its blast furnaces at Scunthorpe, citing unsustainable financial losses.

    In an extraordinary Saturday sitting, the first in over four decades, both Houses of Parliament returned from Easter recess to fast-track the Steel Industry (Special Measures) Act, which received royal assent the same day.

    The new law empowers the Business Secretary to intervene directly in steel operations, order the procurement of raw materials, mandate the payment of workers, and even seize assets “using force if necessary.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese NEVs gain popularity abroad

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China-made new energy vehicles are becoming popular in overseas markets, which is expected to fuel the upward spiral of the country’s vehicle exports.

    In March, NEV makers operating in the country, including foreign ones such as Tesla, shipped more than 143,000 vehicles overseas, up 6.4 percent compared with same period last year, according to data from the China Passenger Car Association.

    The continuous rise came when exports of passenger cars fell 8 percent to 391,000 units that month.

    For NEVs, Europe and Southeast Asia are among the top destinations. Last week, BYD introduced its alternative premium brand, Denza, to the European market with a brand launch in Milan, Italy.

    Denza unveiled the Z9 GT station wagon at the Milan Design Week, which ran from April 6 to 13. The model is expected to hit European showrooms in the fourth quarter.

    The model impressed attendees with its signature features, including parking assist, high-speed tire blowout stability control, extreme steering capabilities, a tight turning circle, and intelligent crab walking capabilities.

    Since 2024, the brand has entered several Asian markets, including China’s Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It also plans to enter dozens of European countries within the next two years.

    State-owned GAC also made a splash at the Milan Design Week, where the Aion UT made its European debut. The electric hatchback, born in the carmaker’s Milan Advanced Design Center, harmonizes Italian design aesthetics with local market preferences.

    Among other things, it features a 14.6-inch central touch screen, an 8.88-inch digital instrument display, and Level 2 driving assistance.

    Its second-generation Magazine Battery enables fast charging from 30 percent to 80 percent in just 24 minutes. Analysts say the model will take on local European models like the Volkswagen ID.3.

    Thomas Schemera, chief operating officer of GAC International, said: “By empowering production through design, we aim to deliver products with outstanding design, top-tier quality, and pioneering technology — ultimately creating better mobility experiences for European consumers.”

    The growing popularity of Chinese NEVs is expected to boost the country’s total vehicle exports this year.

    The trade conflict between the United States and China won’t have much effect on domestic automakers, as the US is a tiny market for Chinese cars, the CPCA said.

    China shipped a total of 6.41 million vehicles overseas in 2024, a surge of 23 percent year-on-year. The top five countries driving China’s growth in vehicle exports were Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Belgium and Saudi Arabia.

    Meanwhile, some carmakers are stepping up efforts to produce vehicles in overseas markets.

    Chery was the first to establish a European manufacturing plant. Located in Barcelona, Spain, the plant will produce Chery’s Omoda 5 SUV, among other models.

    Chery, the partner of British premium carmaker Jaguar Land Rover, is also planning to set up a $1 billion plant in Turkiye, Bloomberg reported in late March, citing the country’s industry ministry.

    It will make EVs and components at the new facility in Samsun, which will have an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles, said the media group.

    These strategic moves underscore Chinese automakers’ dedication to establishing a robust international presence, leveraging technological innovation, and localized production to navigate the complexities of global trade and meet diverse consumer preferences, said analysts.

    MIL OSI China News –