NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI: Resolutions of Annual General Meeting of LHV Group

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of AS LHV Group (LHV Group) was held on 26 March 2025 at Hilton Tallinn Park Hotel. It was possible to participate in the meeting in person or electronically.

    A total of 1,192 shareholders participated in the meeting, representing a total of 215,268,277 votes, which corresponds to 66.40% of all votes entitled to participate in the meeting.

    Of the participants 1,102 shareholders, representing a total of 131,820,583 votes, voted before the meeting according to the procedure for pre-voting and electronic participation published with the notice on calling the meeting.

    The notice on calling the Annual General Meeting was published in the stock exchange information system and on the Group’s website on 4 March 2025. On the same date, the notice was printed in Postimees daily newspaper.

    The Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders of LHV Group adopted the following resolutions:

    1. Annual Report 2024

    Approve the Annual Report of LHV Group for the financial year 2024 as submitted to the General Meeting.

    In favour: 194,709,108 votes (90.45% of the represented votes)
    Opposed: 472,672 votes (0.22% of the represented votes)
    Neutral: 16,304 votes (0.01% of the represented votes)
    Withheld: 20,070,193 votes (9.32% of the represented votes)

    2. Profit Distribution for Financial Year 2024

    The consolidated net profit attributable to LHV Group as the parent company of the consolidation group in the financial year 2024 amounts to EUR 152,405 thousand. Transfer EUR 0 to the legal reserve. Approve the profit allocation proposal made by the Management Board and pay dividends in the net amount of 9 euro cents per share. The list of shareholders entitled to receive dividends will be established as at on 9 April 2025 EOD of Nasdaq CSD settlement system. Consequently, the day of change of the rights related to the shares (ex-dividend date) is set to 8 April 2025. From this day onwards, the person acquiring the shares will not have the right to receive dividends for the financial year 2024. Dividends shall be disbursed to the shareholders on 10 April 2025.

    In favour: 210,519,615 votes (97.79% of the represented votes)
    Opposed: 25,761 votes (0.01% of the represented votes)
    Neutral: 8,061 votes (0.00% of the represented votes)
    Withheld: 4,714,840 votes (2.19% of the represented votes)

    3. Financial Results of First Two Months of 2025

    An overview of the economic results of LHV Group for the first two months of 2025 was given by the CEO of LHV Group.

    4. Five-Year Financial Forecast

    An overview of the five-year financial forecast of LHV Group was given by the CEO of LHV Group.

    5. Amendments to 2020–2024 Share Option Program

    Approve the amendments of LHV Group’s 2020–2024 share option program as presented to the General Meeting and authorize LHV Group’s Supervisory Board to implement the 2020–2024 share option program in accordance with the program’s terms.

    In favour: 206,661,208 votes (96.00% of the represented votes)
    Opposed: 1,170,927 votes (0.54% of the represented votes)
    Neutral: 655,451 votes (0.30% of the represented votes)
    Withheld: 6,780,691 votes (3.15% of the represented votes)

    6. 2025–2029 Share Option Program

    Approve LHV Group’s 2025–2029 share option program as presented to the General Meeting and authorize LHV Group’s Supervisory Board to implement the 2025–2029 share option program in accordance with the program’s terms.

    In favour: 200,680,460 votes (93,22% of the represented votes)
    Opposed: 1,173,460 votes (0.55% of the represented votes)
    Neutral: 978,108 votes (0.45% of the represented votes)
    Withheld: 12,436,249 votes (5.78% of the represented votes)

    7. Conditions of Performance Pay

    As of 1 January 2026, to prospectively raise for the next five (5) years, i.e., for the period of the 2025–2029 share option program, the percentage of performance pay payable to the management members and equivalent staff of LHV Group and its group companies up to two hundred percent (200%) of their basic salary in accordance with the rationale presented to the General Meeting.

    In favour: 199,828,946 votes (92.83% of the represented votes)
    Opposed: 3,299,238 votes (1.53% of the represented votes)
    Neutral: 376,838 votes (0.18% of the represented votes)
    Withheld: 11,763,255 votes (5.46% of the represented votes)

    8. Acquisition of Own Shares

    Approve the acquisition of LHV Group’s own shares under the following conditions:

    • The purpose of acquiring own shares is to create value for shareholders by using the acquired shares for the execution of applicable General Meeting’s approved share option programs.
    • The acquisition shall be executed within a period of up to five (5) years from the adoption of this resolution. The acquisitions may take place in one or multiple transactions within thirteen (13) months from each LHV Group’s Supervisory Board decision to execute the acquisition of own shares.
    • LHV Group is entitled to acquire a maximum of its own shares necessary for fulfilling the commitments arising from the General Meeting’s approved share option programs. The acquisition may take place in portions corresponding to the required volume for a single year, multiple years, or the full duration of the applicable share option programs. This resolution shall also apply if the shareholders approve amendments to the share option programs that affect the acquisition volume. In any case, the total nominal value of the shares owned by LHV Group does not exceed 1/10 of the share capital.
    • The price per share to be paid for own shares shall be no less than EUR 0.00 and must not exceed the closing price of the Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange on the previous trading day, as determined before the execution date of each respective acquisition (or the date of announcement of the execution of the acquisition). The purchase price per share shall not exceed the average market price of the last 30 trading days by more than fifty percent (50%). The acquisition of shares shall be executed under market conditions in accordance with the rules of Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange.
    • The acquisition of own shares must not cause the net assets to become less than the total of share capital and reserves which pursuant to law or the Articles of Association shall not be paid out to shareholders.

    Authorize LHV Group’s Supervisory Board, in accordance with this resolution, applicable legislation and the General Meeting’s approved share option programs, to decide and execute own shares acquisitions, determine the acquisition price, procedure, and other conditions, and to carry out all necessary actions related to the own shares acquisition. The Supervisory Board may delegate technical and procedural tasks related to the execution of the acquisition to the Management Board. The execution of the own shares acquisition shall be conditional upon the European Central Bank’s consent.

    In favor: 202,399,668 votes (94.02% of the represented votes)
    Opposed: 1,164,099 votes (0.54% of the represented votes)
    Neutral: 236,684 votes (0.11% of the represented votes)
    Withheld: 11,467,826 votes (5.33% of the represented votes)

    9. Amendments to Articles of Association

    Approve the new redaction of the Articles of Association of LHV Group, thereby amending clauses 4.1.5 and 4.1.6. with the following wording:
    “4.1.5.    The Supervisory Board has set up the Audit Committee, the Risk and Capital Committee, the Nomination Committee and the Remuneration Committee and established the relevant terms of reference.”
    “4.1.6. The Supervisory Board shall be authorized, for a period of 3 (three) years from the entry into force of this version of the Articles of Association, to increase the share capital through contributions 1 (once) per year by up to 2% (two percent) of the share capital as valid at the time of the respective resolution. If the full 2% (two percent) limit has not been used in previous years, the unused portion may be carried forward within the authorization period. However, if the limit has been fully utilized, the increase in any following year shall not exceed 2% (two percent).”

    In favour: 202,252,123 votes (93.95% of the represented votes)
    Opposed: 14,450 votes (0.01% of the represented votes)
    Neutral: 1,085,252 votes (0.50% of the represented votes)
    Withheld: 11,916,452 votes (5.54% of the represented votes)

    All relevant documents associated with the Group’s General Meeting (including the notice on calling the General Meeting, draft resolutions, LHV Group’s annual report for 2024, including the independent auditor’s report, proposal for the profit distribution, the remuneration report, the Supervisory Board’s report on its activities and assessment of the 2024 annual report and proposals for approving of the terms of performance pay, LHV Group’s share option programs and LHV Group’s Articles of Association) have been presented in more detail on the Group’s website (https://investor.lhv.ee/en/general-meetings/#26.03.2025) where the minutes of the meeting shall also be made available at the latest 7 days after the General Meeting.

    LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. The main subsidiaries of LHV Group are LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited. The Group employs more than 1,160 people. As at the end of February, the banking services of LHV are used by 462,000 clients, the pension funds managed by LHV have 113,000 active clients, and LHV Kindlustus protects a total of 174,000 clients. LHV Bank, a subsidiary of the Group, holds a UK banking licence and offers banking services to international fintech companies and loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Priit Rum
    Communications Manager
    Phone: +372 502 0786
    Email: priit.rum@lhv.ee 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Team praised for work to reduce parental conflict

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The Reducing Parental Conflict Team and Family Learning Team received the Amity Collective Excellence Award for their work around reducing parental conflict.

    Lisa Raghunanan, Service Manager for Children’s Services, collected the award on behalf of colleagues including Julie Baker, Nicola Shelton, David Clinton, Charlotte Maher-Butler, Glenn Evans and Adele Aldred recently.

    Judges said that, under their leadership, the council has implemented a ‘robust, multi agency strategy’ which has trained over 180 professionals in reducing parental conflict awareness. A further 150 have been trained in the Amity Relationship Toolkit, a resource for frontline professionals who work with families.

    They added that the teams have ‘secured lasting change through major city wide events, including engagement sessions with over 100 professionals from across voluntary, health, education, social care and law enforcement sectors – each attendee making a personal pledge to address parental conflict in their role’.

    They have also ‘embedded clear pathways of support, ensuring that over 300 parents have accessed online resources – helping families find guidance and professionals build confidence in their interventions’.

    Judges concluded: “Their collective energy, people skills and drive have motivated countless others to take action, leading to more secure family relationships, improved child outcomes, and stronger multi agency collaboration.”

    Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “Parental conflict is unsurprisingly a cause of poor outcomes for children, particularly when that conflict is frequent, intense and poorly resolved.

    “There is growing awareness of the need to tackle this and, as a council, we were successful in a bid for funding from the Government’s Reducing Parental Conflict Programme.

    “We have used this to raise, enhance and embed awareness of this issue within the council and within our partner organisations to create a skilled workforce that is confident in supporting and addressing issues relating to parental conflict with families at the earliest opportunity.

    “This work is having a profound impact on outcomes for children, young people and their families, and this recognition from Amity is richly deserved for everyone involved in this important piece of work.”

    Amity provides relationship training, support and resources for professionals working with children, adults and families.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Artwork wows the public and highlights road technology

    Source: City of Liverpool

    A massive glow-in-the-dark painting has been unveiled at Liverpool ONE in the City Centre.

    Commissioned as part of the The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) Live Labs 2: Decarbonising Local Roads in the UK programme, the painting has been installed at the intersection of Hanover Street and College Lane in Liverpool ONE.

    Liverpool City Council is a key partner in ADEPT Live Labs 2, a three-year, UK-wide £30 million programme funded by the Department for Transport that aims to decarbonise the local highway network.

    The Council is pioneering the use of smart road and highway technologies with a series of experiments across the city on roads, pedestrian crossings and cycle paths.

    The hope is that these new technologies will reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, alleviate congestion, and create more sustainable neighbourhoods.

    The striking artwork, titled ‘Harmony’ created by the esteemed artist collective Reskate Studio, uses Luminokrom, a photoluminescent paint that can be used for highway marking on roads.

    This material absorbs ambient light during daylight hours and emits a luminous glow during periods of darkness. The artwork undergoes a dynamic transformation from day to night, providing a compelling demonstration of the paint’s capabilities.

    The paint absorbs natural or artificial light and glows in the dark for 10 hours without any power supply or CO2 emissions.

    The artwork is part of Reskate’s Harreman Project – a series of glow-in-the-dark artworks across Europe.  

    The design represents the poetic connection between the arts, nature and innovation on the path to a more hopeful and sustainable future.

    Reskate art collective aims to foster awareness, engagement, and proactive involvement in environmental stewardship through this public installation.

    Comprised of artists Minuskula and Javier de Riba, Reskate is renowned for its site-specific murals and installations that integrate with their surrounding environments. Their work is characterised by a commitment to conveying meaningful messages through thoughtful aesthetic choices.

    ADEPT represents local authority county, unitary and metropolitan directors across England. Live Labs 2 includes seven projects, grouped by four interconnected themes, led by local authorities working alongside commercial and academic partners. Each project is testing new solutions to decarbonise construction and maintenance across the whole life cycle of the local highway network. The programme is overseen by an independent Commissioning Board, which includes the Department for Transport and other experts from across the public and private sectors.

    Cllr Daniel Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “This is a great artwork that will bring lots of pleasure and fun to people who see it. It’s really striking how the piece changes from daytime into night, and lights up in an incredible way.

    “It’s an exciting way of telling the story about ADEPT Live Labs 2 and how roads can become net zero contributors in the years ahead.

    “I’d urge everyone to pop along to Liverpool ONE to have a look at an iconic piece of art.”

    Donna Howitt, Place Strategy Director at Liverpool ONE, said: “Supporting art and culture is at the heart of what we do at Liverpool ONE. This striking display now in place not only enhances the city’s landscape but will also sparks conversation on important topics while inspiring visitors.

    Artist Minuskula, said: “This collaboration with our city partners is a fantastic example of how art can highlight important themes like sustainability while making Liverpool an even more exciting place to visit.

    “This is a site-specific work that belongs to our “Harreman project”, murals that feature glow in the dark paint. This mural is part a series of works, which represent youth’s worries that are often silenced. We’re very proud to be able to create a poetic and inspiring image that helps to make visible a better future.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spoken word used to tackle serious organised crime as fourth EVOLVE operation launched

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Spoken word is being used as a medium to educate young people about a Home Office-backed project designed to breakdown gang culture and make Merseyside safer.

    Merseyside Police and partners including Liverpool City Council are approaching the fight against serious and organised crime from a new angle with the roll out of ‘Dear Merseyside’ in secondary schools in EVOLVE areas – those worst affected by serious criminality.

    ‘Dear Merseyside’ is in essence a love letter to Merseyside created by 21-year-old spoken word artist Joseph Roberts that features problems touching on gang culture and knife crime before talking about solutions and reflecting on the ‘love where you live’ ethos behind EVOLVE.

    EVOLVE is Merseyside’s response to the Home Office’s Clear, Hold, Build strategy. This sees police and partners working together long-term to rid neighbourhoods of organised crime groups and build up community resilience to help protect the vulnerable and prevent further serious criminality to make these areas safer for generations to come.

    EVOLVE projects are taking place in Netherton (Park Lane area), Wirral (Noctorum, Beechwood and Woodchurch), Liverpool and Knowsley (Dovecot, Yew Tree, Page Moss, Longview and Huyton) and in Everton and parts of Vauxhall.

    EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall is the latest Clear, Hold, Build site – the Clear phase began in January and the Build phase, which will run concurrently with the Clear and Hold phases, launched today (Monday 24 March, 2025) alongside the ‘Dear Merseyside’ roll out at North Liverpool Academy in Everton.

    Officers have been carrying out high visibility patrols in the area to disrupt and deter criminal activity.

    Since January there have been 255 arrests, 32 warrants executed, 415 stop searches and seven vulnerable people safeguarded. Officers have also seized 12 weapons, around 10kg of drugs and more than £21,000 cash.

    The ‘Dear Merseyside’ project launched at a media event in the Odeon, Liverpool One shortly before Christmas featuring talks from Joseph Roberts, Catch22, Everton in the Community and the LFC Foundation to highlight the dangers of exploitation while showcasing some of the diversionary work taking place in the region to improve futures.

    The event was attended by more than 120 schoolchildren from EVOLVE schools, the families of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Ashley Dale, Sam Rimmer and Elle Edwards and partner agencies.

    The roll out will see assemblies taking place with around 2,000 Year 8 children who will learn about EVOLVE, watch Joseph performing ‘Dear Merseyside’ live and have opportunity to ask him questions before taking part in a session about exploitation with Catch22 who will let them know the signs to watch out for and what to do if they or someone they know is being exploited.

    Following the assemblies, smaller groups of children will be taken to a double decker media bus touring the EVOLVE secondary schools with Joseph and local media agency Springboard, to take part in focused workshops where they will be taught by Joseph how to write their own spoken word versions of ‘Dear Merseyside’.

    The children will be given a media brief and taught how to create engaging content for their key target market, resulting in young people creating content for people like them.

    They will also be taught how to create short form video and audio content. Springboard will professionalise the content, which will then be used in a social media and audio campaign for Merseyside Police to help further spread these important messages among young people.

    T/ Chief Constable Chris Green said: “We recognise that if we want to continue making a big difference to the reduction of serious criminality, we need to be part of a solution that includes young people and that we make positive changes to their attitudes from a young age.

    “We hope the ‘Dear Merseyside’ project will empower children to be able to reject the traps set by gangs by encouraging them to see the devastation criminality causes and the importance of reaching out for help, while reflecting on all the positives to living in our fantastic region.

    “The project will encourage them to think about problem-solving and we will help them to bring their own ideas to the table, which we hope can contribute to making Merseyside safer.

    “As part of our recognition of the important role young people play in our communities, EVOLVE Everton-Vauxhall will be holding a participatory budget event on 29 April at Notre Dame Catholic College where pupils will help decide which community groups’ bids for a slice of a £50,000 funding pot to improve the areas are successful.

    “We are committed to making a difference in Merseyside and tackling serious and organised crime in any way that we can. Young people are our future and we are determined to make sure that their futures remain bright.”

    While Liverpool is currently celebrating the year of the spoken word literacy rates in Merseyside are among the lowest in the UK.

    In July, Joseph will be holding the UK’s first poetry expo at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre where these schoolchildren will also be given an opportunity to perform their poems to other children and the public. It is also hoped that the children’s love letters to Merseyside will later be displayed in key areas across the region.

    Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, said: “There is an absolute determination from all of the partners involved in the EVOLVE projects to tackle the root causes of serious violence, so that residents can go about their lives without fear of crime.

    “‘The Dear Merseyside’ project and the participatory budget event are part of the commitment to continue to make a real difference and dissuade young people from getting involved in criminality.”

    Community groups with projects that could help improve Everton and Vauxhall are asked to complete an application form by emailing Evolve.EvertonVauxhall@merseyside.police.uk or calling Sgt Nicola Hutton on 0151 777 1472.

    Any young person wishing to report a crime anonymously can do so by visiting Fearless, part of the national charity Crimestoppers, on https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless/news/2025/fearless-in-merseyside or calling 0800 555 111.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New guidance sets out rules to follow for scaffolding and skips

    Source: City of Leicester

    NEW guidance has been issued by the city council to make it clear what is expected of people who want to put up scaffolding in Leicester.

    Leicester City Council’s new policy on skips, scaffolding and hoarding licences covers a host of things which applicants or contractors must consider when applying for licences, which need to be in place before work can begin.

    The idea is to bring all of the information needed together in one place, so that it is easier for people to ensure they are complying with the rules.

    City mayor Peter Soulsby said: “Whilst we know that many scaffold companies operate responsibly, we also know that some do not. This is not acceptable – they must comply with our licensing requirements for works on the highway, and they must operate in a safe manner at all times. That’s why we have updated our policy to make sure this information is easily accessible – so that there can be no excuse for those who do not comply; and so that we can take swift action against them.”

    Deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, who is responsible for regulatory services, licensing and enforcement, added: “We developed this new guidance after consulting with representatives from the scaffolding trade, who have welcomed the clarity it provides.

    “Responsible operators know that our licensing process is there for a reason – to ensure safety. This is, of course, vitally important for both members of the public and those who work in the trade.

    “If you are a householder in need of a scaffolding service, be aware that there is a lead-in time in applying for a licence, as well as a cost involved. Make sure you ask your contractor about their licence. If a quote seems too good to be true or too quick, check that they are applying for a licence and ask to see their application.”

    Scaffold licences have been needed for works on the highways for many years. The new document aims to be very clear on the requirements regarding licensing, but also sets out associated considerations – such as traffic management and how to work around existing street furniture, trees, and utilities.

    The rules include:

    • Scaffolders need to apply for a licence well in advance of the date they wish to install scaffolding on the highway, excepting genuine emergencies for safety reasons. This is to give the council time to properly consider and determine the application.
    • The application process includes the need to provide adequate supporting information, including site plans and traffic management arrangements. This is a basic requirement to demonstrate that applicants have considered the risks and have adequate safety arrangements in place.
    • There is also a section on skips, which also need to be licensed – even if they are only on the highway for a short time.

    If the terms and conditions of a licence are breached, officers from the city council initially contact the licence holder to let them know and to ask them to rectify the problem within 24 hours. A continued breach – or where there is no licence in place – can lead to prosecution.

    The guidance is available online at https://www.leicester.gov.uk/business/licences-and-permits/trade-and-industry/skips-scaffolding-and-hoarding-licensing/

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Muncie Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled, Six Sentenced to a Combined 87 Years in Federal Prison

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

    INDIANAPOLIS— Five defendants have been sentenced to a total of 70 years in federal prison for their roles in a large methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl trafficking conspiracy. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. The defendants plead guilty and were sentenced as follows:

    Defendant Charge(s) Sentence
    Jamarr Hill, 30, Muncie Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, money laundering,  and conspiracy to make a false statement in connection with purchasing a firearm 17 years’ imprisonment, 5 years supervised release.
    Terry Hill, 49, Muncie Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine 5 years’ imprisonment, time served, 5 years’ supervised release.
    Lance McGee, 32, Muncie Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances 15 years’ imprisonment, 5 years supervised release.
    Nakevius Shannon, 33, Muncie Making a false statement in connection with purchasing a firearm 3 years’ probation

    According to court documents, between May and November of 2022, Jamarr Hill, Lance McGee, Terry Hill, and others conspired together to distribute controlled substances including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl.

    Jamarr Hill acted as the ringleader for the conspiracy, obtaining large quantities of drugs from Rodolfo Silva in San Diego, California for redistribution in Muncie. Terry Hill and Lance McGee served as distributors, dealing the drugs into communities in Muncie and elsewhere in central Indiana.

    On November 12, 2022, Nakevius Shannon purchased two firearms from Rural King, a federally licensed firearms dealer, completing an ATF Form 4473 in connection with the purchase. At the time Shannon completed the Form 4473, he falsely stated on the form that he was the intended transferee/buyer of handguns, when in fact, he purchased the firearms for Jamar Hill in order to further Hill’s drug trafficking conspiracy.

    In total, the defendants obtained and distributed no less than 2,004 grams of fentanyl, 10 kilograms of cocaine, and 203 pounds of methamphetamine.

    As part of the investigation, two other defendants were charged and have been sentenced. Joseph Haskins, of Muncie, Indiana, was charged in August 2021 with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. After a two-day trial in December 2023, Haskins was sentenced as a career offender to 33 years’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release. Rodolfo Silva was charged in 2024 in the Southern District of California with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Silva plead guilty and was sentenced to 17 years’ and 6 months’ imprisonment.

    “Drug traffickers like these defendants, responsible for pushing poison from across the country into our neighborhoods, must be held accountable for the suffering they cause in search of quick profits,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. This case is an outstanding example of the impact we can have with the help of our state and local law enforcement partners. I commend the efforts of the FBI, and the Muncie and Anderson Police Departments to make our communities safer by getting drugs and drug dealers off our streets.”

    “This is a significant victory in the ongoing efforts to target and dismantle drug trafficking organizations that send a flow of illegal drugs into our communities and threaten public safety,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure every available resource is used to disrupt these criminal enterprises and hold those responsible accountable.”

    The FBI, IRS, Muncie Police Department, Anderson Police Department, and Fishers Police Department investigated this case. 

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsay Karwoski and Barry Glickman, who prosecuted this case.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Monroe County Man Charged With Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eli Valentine Calero, age 43, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on a drug trafficking charge. 

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on March 12, 2025, in Monroe County, Calero possessed over 500 grams of methamphetamine and an amount of cocaine for distribution. 

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pocono Mountain Police Department and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts is prosecuting the case.

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

    The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s purported ‘Art of the Deal’ negotiating skills aren’t likely to end the Russia-Ukraine war

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Anton Oleinik, Professor of Sociology, Memorial University of Newfoundland

    The White House says Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ceasefire in the Black Sea, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserting the truce was effective immediately while also accusing Russia of lying about the deal’s terms.

    Needless to say, it’s far from clear that United States President Donald Trump’s supposed “Art of the Deal” negotiating skills are enough to broker sustainable peace between Russia and Ukraine given the protagonists’ unwillingness to make concessions and the volatile nature of attempts to broker a peace agreement.

    The war waged by Russia has reached the stage where both Russian and Ukrainian officials fear losing face if they make concessions.

    Both view their enemy as an existential threat. Russian President Vladimir Putin has argued Russian defeat would spell “the end of the 1,000-year history of the Russian state,” while Zelenskyy says Russia’s protracted assault is an overt existential threat and the absence of U.S. support threatens the very survival of his country.

    Both sides have seemed prepared to fight until the bitter end. The involvement of a mediator in the form of the United States, therefore, could potentially change the deadly dynamics of the conflict.

    ‘Love to beat them’

    Trump declares being up to this formidable task. He positions himself as a mediator occupying a middle ground between the protagonists, unlike his predecessor in the Oval Office who supported Ukraine.

    In his ghost-written book The Art of the Deal, Trump claimed to enjoy these sorts of challenges:

    “In New York real estate… you are dealing with some of the sharpest, toughest, and most vicious people in the world… I happen to love to go up against these guys, and I love to beat them.”

    But if mediators, including Trump, are to successfully persuade opposing sides to make a deal, they need to properly understand each side’s motives. To what extent is each side malleable so some common ground can be found? Making a deal always requires compromises and concessions.

    Trump is well aware of this, saying recently of any prospective Russia-Ukraine agreement: “You’re going to have to always make compromises. You can’t do any deals without compromises.”

    Understanding motivations

    David McClelland’s theory of human motivation may be relevant in terms of attempts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia. The social psychologist argued that three motives — the need for achievement, the need for affiliation and the need for power — explains most human behaviour:

    1. The need for achievement explains the desire to be productive and get results;
    2. Concern about establishing, maintaining or restoring a positive relationship with another person or people underpins the need for affiliation;
    3. The will to dominate, to have an impact on another person or people, is the essence of the need for power.

    McClelland predicted that when the need for power significantly exceeds the need for affiliation, conflicts and wars are likely. He viewed a high “power-minus-affiliation” gap as indicative of what he called the “imperial power motive syndrome.”



    Read more:
    Too much power can do very odd things to a leader’s head

    The metaphor of an empire lies at its origin. The empire’s declared mission is to enlighten, civilize and bring order to its subjects. Leaders with the imperial power motive syndrome show reformist zeal to save others, whether they like it or not.

    The social psychologist Robert Hogenraad subsequently adapted McClelland’s theory for computer-assisted content analysis by developing dictionaries of the three needs.

    If the words associated with the need for power — control, domination, victory, for example — occur more often in a text, speech or news reports than words associated with the need for affiliation — like love, family, friends — then the speaker has the imperial power motive syndrome.

    Hawks vs. doves

    My recently published analysis of war-related speeches delivered by Russian, Ukrainian, American, British and French leaders during the three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine gives some clues about the motivations of the parties involved.

    Compared with their western counterparts, Putin and Zelenskyy exhibit the strongest imperial power motive syndrome and are “hawks.” Their need for power, as expressed through their public speeches, significantly exceeds their need for affiliation. Trump, however, appears similar to that of his arch-rival, former president Joe Biden. Both are closer to the “dovish” end of the scale.

    The preliminary outcomes of talks on a potential ceasefire reveal the challenges faced by mediators.

    First, the talks being held in Saudi Arabia were bilateral, with American officials meeting separately with Russian and Ukrainian delegations, as opposed to trilteral.

    Second, no joint statement followed the talks, although it was widely expected.

    Third, the White House issued two separate statements, one on talks with Ukraine’s representatives and the other on discussions with Russia’s representatives.

    The Ukraine statement includes the commitment to continue the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children, whereas the statement on the talks with Russia does not mention any of this.

    This is despite the fact that the International Criminal Court has accused Putin of committing war crimes via the unlawful deportation of children.

    Trump’s antipathy toward Zelenskyy

    The prospects of a peace agreement is further complicated by the history of Trump’s attempts to broker deals in Ukraine.

    The war in Ukraine actually began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and a proxy war in Donbas. Trump was elected president two years later.

    His discourse about Ukraine did not differ significantly from Obama’s and Biden’s until his first impeachment in 2020 for soliciting “the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, to benefit his re-election.”

    His call to Zelenskyy in July 2019 triggered the impeachment. He pushed for two investigations aimed at helping his re-election bid — one into Hunter Biden’s business dealings in Ukraine and another into the hack of Democratic National Committee servers in 2016 — in exchange for releasing about $400 million of military assistance already approved by Congress and inviting Zelenskyy to the White House at that time.

    During and after the first impeachment, Trump’s language on Ukraine significantly diverged from Obama’s and Biden’s. He began using words like “corruption,” “lies” and “hoax” in relation to Ukraine.

    Moving forward

    All this suggests that Trump’s first impeachment has had a lasting impact on his perception of Ukraine and its leader.

    And so in addition to dealing with two protagonists who are unwilling to make concessions, Trump as a mediator faces challenges related to his past.

    One protagonist, Zelenskyy, may unwittingly remind him of one of the darkest moments in his political career — his first impeachment. This fact should be kept in mind when trying to make sense of the treatment received by Zelenskyy during his most recent visit to the White House and Trump’s references to him as a “dictator.”

    To truly succeed in mediation, Trump must move forward, leaving biases and prejudices related to Ukraine and its leader in the past. But can he?

    Anton Oleinik 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. Trump’s purported ‘Art of the Deal’ negotiating skills aren’t likely to end the Russia-Ukraine war – https://theconversation.com/trumps-purported-art-of-the-deal-negotiating-skills-arent-likely-to-end-the-russia-ukraine-war-252666

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nobody should be destitute in a modern Scotland

    Source: Scottish Greens

    26 Mar 2025 Human Rights

    Scotland has the keys to ending destitution – it is time our government unlocked the doors.

    More in Human Rights

    The Scottish Government must do more to end destitution for people living under the thumb of the hostile environment, says Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman.
     
    The Green MSP will use a Member’s Business Debate today to call on the Scottish Government to go further in its work to end destitution.
     
    Ms Chapman will call for commitments to five tangible actions to end destitution, including: widening access to universal services and benefits, expanding support for Fair Way Scotland – a partnership that provides advice and accommodation for people with restricted or uncertain eligibility to public funds, creating a new Scottish crisis or hardship grant, and increasing funding for housing, immigration and asylum legal aid.
     
    Ms Chapman said:

    “Right now in Scotland, thousands of people who live in dire conditions are shut out of services and left struggling. Without support, they regularly go cold and hungry. Many are forced into precarious work and dangerous situations to make ends meet, often ending up homelessness.
     
    “We cannot undo all of the damage being done by Westminster, but we have the power to alleviate some of these challenges and change these lives for the better. Unfortunately the Scottish Government isn’t doing nearly enough.
     
    “If we don’t intervene, the cycle of destitution, suffering and exploitation will simply continue.”

    No Recourse to Public Funds is a condition attached to work, family and study visas which restricts access to a lot of aspects of social security, including Universal Credit and child benefit and a range of other support like homelessness assistance.
     
    Ms Chapman added:

    “The No Recourse to Public Funds policy is yet another arm of the UK government’s hostile and racist immigration system. We already know how to mitigate the cruelty of this policy – so we cannot continue to justify blocking people’s access to crucial services in times of desperate need.
     
    “We have universal human rights obligations to help our fellow humans, irrespective of immigration status. Our governments must go further to support those who risk fleeing from one hostile environment to simply enter another, cloaked as a sanctuary.
     
    “Tragically, people in Scotland are dying from destitution as the doors remain closed to those in need. Our government can, and must, widen access to universal services to include people who are stranded by the widest inequality and cut off by the deepest destitution.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK spending cuts ‘risk harm to most vulnerable’

    Source: Scottish Government

    Finance Secretary responds to Spring Statement.

    Spending cuts announced by the Chancellor risk harming some of the most vulnerable people in society, Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said.

    Responding to the Spring Statement, Ms Robison said:

    “Today’s statement from the Chancellor will see austerity cuts being imposed on some of the most vulnerable people in our society. The UK Government appears to be trying to balance its books on the backs of disabled people.

    “Not content with these cuts, the UK Government is still expected to short-change Scotland’s public services on additional employer National Insurance costs to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds. This will be felt in public services that people rely on up and down the country – services such as our NHS, GPs, dentists, social care providers, and universities.

    “The UK Government’s choice to increase defence investment is welcome, but its choices to shortchange public services and deliver austerity cuts to some of the most vulnerable are deplorable.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: LambdaTest’s Chandni Chopra Wins 2025 DE&I Leadership Award for Championing Inclusive Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Delhi/San Francisco, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LambdaTest, a unified agentic AI and cloud engineering platform is proud to announce that Chandni Chopra, VP of People and Culture, has been honored with the DE&I in Tech Leadership Award at The RISING 2025, India’s biggest summit celebrating women in tech and AI, hosted by Analytics India Magazine. The award ceremony took place on March 21, 2025, in Bengaluru.

    The RISING 2025 shines a spotlight on changemakers who are reimagining what inclusive leadership looks like. The DE&I in Tech Leadership Award recognizes individuals who champion equity, actively dismantle barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented communities in the tech ecosystem.

    Over the past five years, Chandni Chopra has been the heart of LambdaTest’s culture journey—moving beyond traditional HR practices to build a workplace where inclusion shows up in daily behavior. She led the creation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) like The Phoenix Project for women, which provided mentorship opportunities, mental wellness support, and a safe space for honest dialogue. Through carefully curated self-care journals and mental health workshops, women across LambdaTest found new confidence and connection within their teams.

    Chandni also spearheaded LambdaTest’s Diversity & Inclusion Learning Initiative—a comprehensive framework that introduced cultural sensitization workshops, policy reforms for accessibility, and a globally compliant DEI charter backed by a dedicated budget. These efforts have elevated LambdaTest’s workplace into one where equity is not aspirational—it’s operational.

    “What began as a vision to create an inclusive, empowering environment has become the very foundation of LambdaTest’s culture,” said Chandni Chopra, VP of People and Culture, LambdaTest. “This award isn’t just a personal milestone—it’s a collective win for every voice that’s been amplified, every stereotype we’ve challenged, and every door we’ve opened for others to walk through.”

    LambdaTest’s commitment to DE&I goes far beyond policy. As a company, it believes innovation thrives when everyone belongs. The company’s initiatives are embedded in its DNA—whether it’s inclusive hiring, equitable growth paths, or safe spaces for open conversations. The result is a workplace where authenticity is valued and diverse perspectives lead to transformative outcomes.

    “At LambdaTest, we’ve always believed that building great products starts with building inclusive teams,” said Asad Khan, CEO and Founder of LambdaTest. “Chandni’s recognition is a testament to the culture we’re proud of—a place where people feel seen, heard, and empowered. This award is just the beginning.”

    To learn more about The RISING 2025 and this year’s DE&I champions, click here.

    About LambdaTest

    LambdaTest is an AI-native, omnichannel software quality platform that empowers businesses to accelerate time to market through intelligent, cloud-based test authoring, orchestration, and execution. With over 15,000 customers and 2.3 million+ users across 130+ countries, LambdaTest is the trusted choice for modern software testing.

    • Browser & App Testing Cloud: Enables manual and automated testing of web and mobile apps across 10,000+ browsers, real devices, and OS environments, ensuring cross-platform consistency.
    • HyperExecute: An AI-native test execution and orchestration cloud that runs tests up to 70% faster than traditional grids, offering smart test distribution, automatic retries, real-time logs, and seamless CI/CD integration.
    • KaneAI: The world’s first GenAI-native testing agent, leveraging LLMs for effortless test creation, intelligent automation, and self-evolving test execution. It integrates directly with Jira, Slack, GitHub, and other DevOps tools.

    For more information, please visit, https://lambdatest.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Digicel and Caban Energy Combat Climate Change With Solar Rollout

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KINGSTON, Jamaica, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a powerful statement of its commitment to environmental responsibility and combatting climate change, Digicel today announced a partnership with Caban Energy (Caban) which will diversify its energy source using solar technology and reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while significantly reducing operational costs.

    This partnership in renewable energy infrastructure will support the Caribbean region in achieving its sustainability goals as outlined in the Paris Agreement. As a leader in renewable energy, Caban is working to deploy solar energy and storage solutions on cell towers across Jamaica for Digicel, both in collaboration with Phoenix Tower International (PTI) and independently.

    Providing a reliable, sustainable and cost-effective alternative power source for cell tower, data centers and other critical infrastructure locations, solar energy and storage solutions enhance network reliability, energy security and communications resilience. By integrating renewable energy into its network once fully deployed, Digicel will reduce GHG emissions by over 38,674 tons of CO2e per year or 580,109 tons of CO2e for the life of the project.

    Commenting on the partnership, Digicel Group CEO, Marcelo Cataldo, said; “As a meaningful expression of our Connecting. Empowering mission, our commitment to ESG is fundamental to who we are as a business. With robust social and governance programmes in place, we’re now making tangible progress in our environmental agenda as we drive multiple benefits through the deployment of sustainable, renewable and cost-effective energy solutions. Jamaica is our first market with Caban and is the shape of things to come with the expectation that more of our 25 markets will come on stream in the coming months.”

    Stephen Murad, Digicel Jamaica CEO, elaborates; “In the wake of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 which caused significant damage to the south coast of Jamaica, and in particular to the power supplies that we rely on to run our telecoms infrastructure, we made a commitment to the Prime Minister of Jamaica that we would invest in renewable energy. We’re proud that just eight months later, we’re honouring that commitment and actively stepping up to help combat climate change.”

    Alexandra Rasch, CEO of Caban, commented; “This is about building a sustainable future for all. With Caribbean countries at the forefront of the negative effects of climate change, the region’s energy landscape is evolving. Mindful of its ESG commitments, Digicel is partnering with us to harness renewable energy sources to benefit those same countries and enable their progress towards achieving national and global climate targets. It makes for an exciting future.”

    About Digicel

    Enabling customers to live, work, play and flourish in a connected world, Digicel’s world class LTE and fibre networks deliver state-of-the-art mobile, home and business solutions.

    Serving nine million consumer and business customers in 25 markets in the Caribbean and Central America, our investments of over US$5 billion and a commitment to our communities through our Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago have contributed to positive outcomes for over two million people to date.

    With our Connecting. Empowering vision at the heart of everything we do – supported by our DIGI values of Diversity, Integrity, Growth and Innovation – our 5,000 employees worldwide work together to make that a powerful reality for customers, communities and countries day in, day out. Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more.

    About Caban

    Caban, founded in 2018, set out to tackle the challenge of decarbonizing the most fossil fuel-dependent industries. Initially focused on providing alternative energy solutions for the telecommunications industry in the Americas, the company has since grown and demonstrated success in supplying energy to several of the world’s largest telecom operators. Building on this momentum, Caban has scaled globally and expanded its reach to support clean energy needs across critical infrastructure sectors worldwide.

    Caban uniquely combines service, hardware, software, and finance to deliver reliable, clean power and boosts your bottom line. This turnkey approach allows you to work directly with one trusted ESG partner to achieve decarbonization across your operations. Visit www.cabanenergy.com for more.

    Contact:
    Antonia Graham
    Head of Group Communications
    +1876 564 1708
    antonia.graham@digicelgroup.com

    Jacqueline Castillo
    info@cabanenergy.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CentralReach Releases 2025 Edition of Industry Leading Autism and IDD Care Market Report, Highlighting Upward Trends in Service Demands

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fort Lauderdale, FL, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CentralReach, a leading provider of Autism and IDD Care software for ABA, multidisciplinary, and special education, today announced the latest edition of its Autism and IDD Care Market Report. Compiled from an anonymized subset of CentralReach’s industry-leading proprietary CanaryBI dataset of 4 billion data points, the report equips providers with key insights on service delivery, operations, and growth by providing an extensive outlook on current trends and benchmarks shaping the autism and IDD care market. 

    “The Autism and IDD Care Market Report was designed to help providers track industry trends, benchmark performance, and identify opportunities for growth,” shared CentralReach CEO, Chris Sullens. “While our report isn’t a clinical guide, we hope that the data-driven insights it provides may help drive both operational and clinical improvements, strengthening outcomes for providers and the individuals they serve and ultimately, provide the broader industry valuable guidance to navigate the evolving landscape of autism and IDD care.”

    One highlight in the report noted that growth in services is projected to be upwards of 30% in the next two years, indicating continued healthy expansion to serve the demand for care. 

    To read this year’s full Autism and IDD Care Market Report, please visit: centralreach.com/resources/autism-idd-care-report

    About CentralReach
    CentralReach is a leading provider of autism and IDD care software, providing a complete, end-to-end software and services platform that helps children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) – and those who serve them – unlock potential, achieve better outcomes, and live more independent lives. With its roots in Applied Behavior Analysis, the company is revolutionizing how the lifelong journey of autism and IDD care is enabled at home, school, and work with powerful and intuitive solutions purpose-built for each care setting.

    Trusted by more than 200,000 professionals globally, CentralReach is committed to ongoing product advancement, market-leading industry expertise, world-class client satisfaction, and support of the autism and IDD community to propel autism and IDD care into a new era of excellence. For more information, please visit CentralReach.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to science/research-related bits of the Spring Statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Science Media Centre

    Scientists comment on science related elements of the Spring Statement delivered by the Chancellor. 

    Dr Alicia Greated, Executive Director, Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE):

    “Today’s spring statement confirmed the difficult context for the upcoming spending review.  The Chancellor emphasised the importance of economic growth – and we will continue, alongside the rest of the R&D sector, to make a strong case for R&D’s role in delivering it, and for an ambitious settlement for R&D and innovation in June.  It is welcome that the chancellor recognises the importance of capital investment, which includes R&D.

    “Defence R&D is an important part of the UK research system.  It is critical that the breadth of UK R&D is supported by the UK Government if R&D is to drive economic growth and deliver wide ranging benefits to society.

    “We look forward to seeing the detail behind the fiscal measures announced today and await the detail of departmental allocations following the autumn budget last October. Proper scrutiny of R&D funding allocations is of great importance ahead of the spending review this June.”

    Dr Joe Marshall, CEO, National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), said:

    “It was reassuring that the Chancellor acknowledged a major UK strength is our position as a ‘hub for global innovation’.  This shouldn’t be taken for granted and is the result of a strong and effective supporting ecosystem.

    “While efficiency savings in government should always be sought, and the transformation fund is a welcome initiative, it will be important to ensure that these changes are carried forward without negative impact on the research and innovation ecosystem.

    “The Chancellor has today stressed the increasing importance of defence spending in an uncertain world.  It must be remembered that research and innovation is as crucial for defence supply chains as it is to other sectors of the economy.

    “The £400m ringfenced for defence innovation, the defence growth board, and the alignment of defence spending with the industrial strategy are all positive signs that the Government recognises this – the vital role of the ecosystem that supports universities and businesses come together must be prioritised within these interventions.”

    https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/spring-statement-2025;

    https://www.gov.uk/government/news/chancellor-delivers-security-and-national-renewal-in-a-new-era-of-global-change

    Declared interests

    The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: An advisor in their pocket: Helping smallholder farmers in Malawi thrive with AI

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: An advisor in their pocket: Helping smallholder farmers in Malawi thrive with AI

    Greater yields and better profits

    Hundreds of Farmer Support Agents (FSAs) have been trained as intermediaries between the tech and the 100,000 households they support. This ensures that farmers without mobile phones will be able to access valuable information. Due to how knowledgeable FSAs are, they’re able to respond with insightful answers that help farmers apply Ulangizi recommendations to any questions they have.

    Most smallholder farmers produce a fraction of their potential yields and this limits their financial mobility, but when they approach farming like a business, their lives often transform for the better. Ulangizi AI is helping them plant more, increase their herds, hire laborers, and improve the economy for their communities. With the chatbot, farmers are learning better ways to care for the right crops and produce more bountiful harvests.  “Being able to save their livelihood is dependent on how quickly farmers know the challenges and how to solve them,” says Ama Akuamoah, Director of Market Engagement, Opportunity International.

    The chatbot provides farmers with details about how much seed they need per acre along with forecasts, giving them an advantage over severe and unpredictable weather patterns. And when their crops are thriving, market data helps them know when to harvest and sell for the greatest profit. Opportunity’s FSAs are also teaching farmers how to steward the land in more sustainable and regenerative ways. With this knowledge, farmers will have more free time to learn new skills or start another business, and they can use the extra money to take care of their families and their homes.

    Opportunity International anticipates that investments in AI will cut the cost of training new FSAs by more than two-thirds, making it possible to grow its FSA program even more. Ulangizi AI will help educate new FSAs much faster and empower them with information that helps millions of smallholder farmers. Ulangizi AI is just the beginning of how Opportunity is leveraging technology. They’re dedicated to developing a suite of AI-powered solutions that support agriculture, education, and upward mobility in Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, and beyond.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Launches 2025 Neo QLED TVs Powered by Samsung Vision AI

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics America today announced availability of its 2025 Samsung Neo QLED 8K and Samsung Neo QLED 4K TV series. The new lineup offers stunning visuals and immersive sound, and are the first to feature Samsung Vision AI1 with smarter, adaptive features that reimagine what Samsung TVs can do.
    Samsung Vision AI pairs AI-enhanced picture and sound for maximized performance with personalized experiences designed to help you engage more deeply with your content and enjoy a viewing experience catered just to you.
    This includes everything from learning more about the actors on screen and receiving content recommendations with a new “Click to Search” feature, to real-time translations of what you’re watching with subtitles in your preferred language using a new “Live Translate” feature. You can even control your TV with hand motions while wearing your Galaxy Watch, thanks to Universal Gestures – and much more.

    “We know great picture and immersive sound are just the beginning of what shoppers are looking for when choosing a TV today,” said Lydia Cho, Head of Product, Home Electronics at Samsung Electronics America. “In fact, enhanced connectivity, smart features and ease of use are more important than ever. Samsung Vision AI transforms your TV to bring together the best of it all, delivering AI-powered innovations that reinvent what’s possible from your Samsung TV.”
    Neo QLED 8K: Our Best Picture with 8K Resolution

    Featuring two new models (QN990F, QN900F) our Neo QLED 8K series delivers an exceptional glare free picture with Quantum Matrix Mini LEDs, immersive sound and breakthrough experiences, all powered by Samsung Vision AI.
    Built with our most advanced NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor2, the QN990F series (65” – 98” screen class sizes) leverages 8K AI Upscaling Pro3to transform SD, HD or even 4K content into the sharpest and smoothest picture of any Samsung TV.
    The QN990F also integrates our award-winning Glare-Free technology, offering stunning 8K visuals across dark and bright rooms. Plus, the all-new Wireless One Connect Box4 makes installation and connectivity a breeze, wirelessly transmitting your inputs from up to 30 feet away.
    Motion Xcelerator 240Hz5 ensures blazing fast motion clarity for gaming and sports, while AI Motion Enhancer Pro6 smooths the motion of fast-moving visuals and text, so you can always keep your eye on the ball.
    Dedicated top-channel speakers power Dolby Atmos sound, while Object Tracking Sound Pro7 provides dynamic, realistic audio that follows the movements on screen – like creepy footsteps in a horror movie or cars zooming around a track.

    The QN900F series (65” – 85” screen class sizes) offers 8K AI Upscaling8 that enhances any content up to 8K resolution. It will also incorporate Glare-Free technology and feature a new Metal Frame design that beautifully compliments your space and elevates your aesthetic.
    Motion Xcelerator 165Hz offers smooth visuals and blistering speeds. And, Object Tracking Sound+ with Dolby Atmos takes you inside each scene with sound that moves in sync with the content on your screen.
    The QN900F series (65” and 75” class sizes) is available starting today, and the QN990F series and 85” Class QN900F will be rolling out soon.
    QN990F (65” – 98”)

    98” Class QN990F: $39,999
    85” Class QN990F: $8,499
    75” Class QN990F: $6,499
    65” Class QN990F: $5,499

    QN900F (65” – 85”)

    85” Class QN900F: $5,499
    75” Class QN900F: $4,299
    65” Class QN900F: $3,299

    Neo QLED 4K: Enjoy Crisp Clarity in Every Scene

    The Samsung 2025 Neo QLED 4K lineup is the most expansive yet, including three model series (QN90F, QN80F, and QN70F), all featuring Quantum Matrix Mini LEDs for stellar brightness and accurate color across every scene.
    The flagship QN90F (43” – 115” screen class sizes) features the upgraded NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor9, which ensures that content always looks its best – improving picture and sound as you watch. The processor upscales10 older content into 4K resolution, while Neo Quantum HDR+11 analyzes each scene to boost brightness and make visuals appear even more realistic.
    Plus, the QN90F will feature our Glare-Free technology, so you can enjoy your favorite content with virtually no glare. Motion Xcelerator 165Hz12 ensures you’ll experience ultra-smooth motion at blazing fast speeds, no matter the genre.
    Both the QN80F (55” – 100” screen class sizes) and QN70F (55” – 85” screen class sizes) feature the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor for an AI-enhanced 4K picture and optimized sound, as well as 4K AI Upscaling13 and smooth, tear-free gaming with Motion Xcelerator 144Hz.

    And, later this year, we’re further expanding the QN90F and QN80F series in a BIG way. We’ll offer a 100” class size on the QN80F and a 115” class size on the QN90F, our largest ever consumer display. Both of these ultra-large sizes will uniquely leverage Supersize Picture Enhancer14, which optimizes visuals for our largest screens so you can go bigger without the blur.
    The QN90F series and QN80F series are available for purchase starting today, with the QN70F series arriving soon.
    QN90F (43” – 98”)

    98” Class QN90F: $14,999
    85” Class QN90F: $4,499
    75” Class QN90F: $3,299
    65” Class QN90F: $2,699
    55” Class QN90F: $1,999
    50” Class QN90F: $1,499
    43” Class QN90F: $1,399

    QN80F (55” – 85”)

    85” Class QN80F: $3,499
    75” Class QN80F: $2,299
    65” Class QN80F: $1,799
    55” Class QN80F: $1,299

    Samsung Vision AI will power the viewing experience across our Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, OLED, The Frame and QLED series, delivering intuitive features like Click to Search15, Live Translate16 and Universal Gestures17 – all of which will help enhance entertainment and simplify interactions with your Samsung TV.
    Also new this year, the Samsung Neo QLED 8K, 4K and QLED lineups will offer access to the Samsung Art Store18, the best way to transform your TV and elevate your home decor with the perfect piece of art for every season, holiday and mood. We’ve seen tremendous success with the Samsung Art Store on The Frame and now we’re excited to bring it to even more Samsung TV owners. Choose from over 3,000 works of art, including exclusives from the world’s leading artists, museums and galleries. Discover work from Jean-Michel Basquiat, Salvador Dalí, Vincent van Gogh, The Met, MoMA, Art Basel and many more.
    And, our integrated Samsung Tizen OS now offers up to seven years19 of updates, ensuring you’ll have easy access to the latest apps, services and AI features – all from a fast and responsive interface on your Samsung TV.

    Across our massive portfolio of screens, you can also experience endless content with 2,700+ free channels, including 400+ Samsung TV Plus20 premium channels. That’s not to mention console-free gaming, with Samsung Gaming Hub21 serving up thousands of games in partnership with major players like Xbox, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Amazon Luna, and more.
    Plus, our TVs integrate with 340+ smart home brands via SmartThings22 and even unlock exclusive features when you pair with select Samsung devices. All the while, Samsung Knox23 keeps your personal data secure with triple-layer protection.

    No matter which Samsung screen you choose, you can shop confidently from the #1 global TV brand for 19 years running.
    On the audio front, Samsung is also announcing the launch of select Q-series soundbars, including the flagship HW-Q990F ($1,799) and HW-Q800F ($999).
    For more on the latest Samsung TV and audio products, visit www.samsung.com/us/.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Studying at the University of Bologna is very different from how we study at the HSE”

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Alina Pakhomova

    Photo from personal archive

    Alina Pakhomova, 4th year student of the educational program “Computer Science and Engineering» MIEM HSE, studied for six months at the oldest university in Europe — the University of Bologna. She went to Italy under the academic mobility program, and upon returning to Moscow, she told about her impressions of life and study in another country, leisure, new friends and, of course, the famous Italian cuisine.

    University of Bologna and the educational system

    The University of Bologna is considered the oldest university in the Western world, where Dante Alighieri, Francesco Petrarca, Nicolaus Copernicus, and Umberto Eco studied. In addition, it is one of the top universities in Italy. Therefore, when I saw that Bologna was on the list of universities to which HSE had the opportunity to apply, there was no doubt: I applied only there. Besides, the programs at other universities, to be honest, were not very suitable.

    When you go on mobility, you replace your courses with those at the university where you will study, regardless of the field. I am in my 4th year of bachelor’s degree, and it turned out that I studied on master’s courses, since they were the best fit for replacement. In addition, there are more master’s programs in English than bachelor’s, which means there is more choice.

    The semester lasts from September to February. Exams were, as in HSE, in autumn and winter, but, unfortunately, in winter they are there both before and after the New Year. After the free winter holidays at HSE, it was difficult to sit and chat during the winter holidays in Italy…

    Lectures and practical classes

    Studying at the University of Bologna is very different from how we study at the HSE. Classes last three hours, sometimes two. Frankly, you lose focus after the usual hour and a half. In Italy, it is important to sit down after a class and reread the lectures, delve into the material and take notes, otherwise you simply won’t remember anything. At the HSE, seminars are very helpful in consolidating the material, which the University of Bologna doesn’t have.

    There are laboratory works, but, unlike HSE, where you most often do the work at home, and in the practical class you only ask questions or already defend the work, in Bologna they are done by students right in the practical classes and only finished at home, which happens rarely, only if you did not have time.

    Probably my favorite course is Artificial Intelligence in Industry, because it was a course where you delve into how everything works in real life, and lectures were often given by invited lecturers from foreign companies. By the way, in Bologna, another common practice in IT areas is a project as an exam. That is, you just pass one big project, and the grade for it is your final grade for the course.

    Where to live in Bologna

    Housing is hard here. The university does not provide dormitories: they are there, but it is almost impossible to get them. If you do not have 1000 euros for a room in a student co-living, where exchange students from other European countries (Erasmus students) usually live, then welcome to the “Hunger Games”. Here you will not choose an apartment, but the landlord (landlord) will choose the one he likes best from the mass of students who want to rent housing.

    Then you need to look for either a double (bed in a double room) or a single (bed in a single room). The prices are 350 and 500 euros respectively. Another option is to join someone and rent the entire apartment.

    Tip 1: try to look for housing through acquaintances or students who were on mobility before you, and do it in advance. Also look through chats, as students often post the housing they lived in and find a replacement.

    Tip 2: Don’t be upset if you can’t find anything in advance. You can rent temporary accommodation and then continue searching in Bologna itself once you’ve arrived there.

    What did you like most about Italy?

    Here it is easy to arrange a mini-vacation and travel to another city or country. For example, I flew for the weekend to France, Denmark and other European countries, because the tickets cost 15-20 euros (1500-2000 rubles) one way. And the journey takes very little time.

    Speaking about Italy itself, it really helped me slow down. In Moscow, you are constantly in some kind of hustle and bustle, constantly going somewhere on the metro, wasting a lot of time on it. In Bologna, on foot, 20 minutes — and you are already there. Here, it is much easier to meet for a short walk or a get-together in a cafe, invite someone for a coffee before work or for an Aperol after classes.

    How the vision of the future profession has changed

    Before Italy, I thought I had decided on the direction I wanted to develop in. My study and work experience combines several areas: IT, marketing, and events. All this makes me an excellent devrel. But after studying abroad, I realized that I don’t want to stop there. I plan to continue my education in a master’s degree. Now I am most interested in product management in the field of high technologies.

    Communication and extracurricular student life

    People and networking were one of the main goals of my trip. There were 7 of us from HSE who went on mobility, and we didn’t know each other before Italy. But the circumstance of finding ourselves alone in another country and trying to figure out a lot of new rules and bureaucratic requirements really brought us together. In Moscow, we would most likely never have crossed paths, and even if we had, we would hardly have become friends: we are all very different. But in another country, everything is different, the very circumstances of life brought us closer. And communication with completely different people, unlike your usual environment in Moscow, changes you a lot.

    In Europe, there is an organization called ESN (Erasmus Student Network). Their branches are usually in every student city. Either students or graduates work there. They organize various meetings and events for dating, trips and travel with big discounts. They also have partners, and you can get discounts in establishments or companies with an ESN member card (it costs 10 euros). For example, one of the partners is a low-cost airline that provides 10% discounts and free luggage space with an ESN card.

    I wouldn’t say that there is some kind of super-organization of all events, but there are simply a lot of them. The events are mainly aimed at introducing people, uniting them by interests and providing an opportunity to have a good time together. For example, one of the events is The Babel Nights: people gather in different audiences and communicate in a certain language. English, Italian, Spanish, French, German – you can choose whichever is closer to you and go to the right audience. You can also go to the theater together (cheaper with ESN) and to exhibitions. In general, everyone will find something to their liking.

    There are other student clubs. For example, some guys just organized a hiking chat and every Saturday they go somewhere on a short day hike. When I left, they decided to expand and create sub-chats for basketball and volleyball fans.

    It’s easy to meet anyone here, but the common problem is that communication is very superficial. To be honest, sometimes you get tired of the huge amount of small talk.

    Local cuisine and favourite dishes

    Food in Italy is a separate topic. What is interesting here is not so much what food is the most delicious, but how Italians treat their food and the order of eating. Take a cappuccino after 12, order a pizza for two, drink autumn special coffee from Starbucks with pumpkin syrup – get ready for deportation, as we often joked when doing something like this. Italians are very sensitive to their gastronomic culture and really don’t like it when someone doesn’t follow the rules.

    My favorite dishes are: croissant with pistachio, cappuccino and lasagne. I won’t mention pizza and pasta because I feel sick from eating so much of them. I don’t understand how Italians can eat pasta every day. Once we asked a friend: “Are there days when you don’t eat pasta for lunch?” His answer perfectly describes the Italian culture: “Of course, but then I’ll definitely have it for dinner.”

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Yemen: Ten Years of War, a Lifetime of Loss 

    Source: United Nations 2

    Humanitarian Aid

    Marking a decade of war in Yemen, Othman Belbeisi, Regional Director for Middle East and North Africa at the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM), highlights the resilience of its people, the deepening humanitarian crisis, and the urgent need for global action.

    Ten years. That’s how long Yemenis have been putting their lives on hold – through airstrikes, through hunger, through loss. A decade of war has left Yemen’s infrastructure in ruins and its people exhausted. And yet, as the eleventh year begins, the world seems not to notice Yemen’s plight.

    Today, close to 20 million people in Yemen depend on aid to survive. Nearly five million remain displaced, pushed from one place to another by violence or disaster. The international community, once moved by the staggering images of war and suffering, has switched its focus to new emergencies. But for those who work in Yemen – and for those who live this crisis every day – the story is far from over.

    Ten years. That’s how long Yemenis have been putting their lives on hold – through airstrikes, through hunger, through loss. And yet, as the eleventh year begins, the world seems not to notice Yemen’s plight.

    No one feels this reality more deeply than our Yemeni colleagues, who have remained at their posts through it all to help their own people. Many have worked through airstrikes, instability, and loss, all while worrying about the safety of their families. Now, with rising tensions and deepening funding cuts, they fear for their jobs too. Unlike most of us, they don’t have the option to simply start over. They can’t rely on savings or opportunities elsewhere – their passport alone often determines how far their future can stretch.

    This is the daily reality in a country that, too often, is reduced to headlines about war. But Yemen is so much more than a crisis zone. It is a place of stunning landscapes, ancient cities, rich traditions, warm hospitality and the kind of food that stays in your memory long after you’ve left. But these aren’t the stories that make headlines. Instead, Yemenis are seen only through the lens of conflict and poverty. It’s time we remember the people behind the statistics.

    Like Basma, a mother from Al Hodeidah who was forced to flee with her children to Al Makha in search of safety and water. She used to walk for hours every day just to fill a few jerrycans. Her youngest child once fainted from thirst while waiting in the heat. For years, clean water was a dream until a recently completed water project finally brought some relief to her village.

    IOM Video | Yemen: Ten Years of Crisis and Why We Must Act Now

    Or Ibrahim, a 70-year-old man displaced by heavy floods in Ma’rib. When the waters swept through the settlement, he carried his adult son, who lives with a disability, on his back to safety. They lost everything – their shelter, belongings, and sense of stability – butIbrahim never complained. He focused only on finding help for his son. Now, they live in a temporary tent exposed to the elements, dependent on aid that may not arrive in time or at all.

    Or Mohammed, a young man from Ethiopia who crossed deserts and conflict zones with nothing but the hope of reaching a better life. He never made it to the Gulf. Instead, he found himself stranded in Yemen – detained, beaten, and left without food or shelter. By the time he reached IOM’s Migrant Response Point, he was weak, traumatized, and desperate to go home. The only option left was to register for voluntary return – a journey home that many others never get to take.

    Yemenis are not just victims, They are survivors, caregivers, builders, teachers, mothers, fathers, and children with hopes and ambitions like anyone else.

    These are just three among millions of lives caught in the margins of this protracted crisis. One of the poorest countries in the Arab world is getting poorer – not because of its people, but because the world is slowly turning its back. This war didn’t start yesterday, but its consequences grow heavier by the day. Yemenis are not to blame for what is happening in the world, and yet, they bear the weight of it all. They don’t need our pity – they need our solidarity. Let this be the year we turn empathy into action.

    As the international community gathers in conferences, makes pledges, and sets priorities, Yemen must not be left behind. Yemenis are not just victims. They are survivors, caregivers, builders, teachers, mothers, fathers, and children with hopes and ambitions like anyone else. But words alone will not keep people safe, fed, or sheltered. Don’t let these conversations remain just talk – Yemen needs action. To look away now would not just be a failure of diplomacy – it would be a failure of humanity.

    Originally published on IOM Blogs on 26 March 2025.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: On World Day, Secretary-General Urges Governments to Adopt Laws, Policies Guaranteeing Rights of People with Autism

    Source: United Nations 4

    Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Autism Awareness Day, observed on 2 April:

    Around the globe, people with autism are making enormous contributions to societies, human endeavours and individual lives.  Today, we reflect on those achievements, but we also recognize the significant challenges that remain.

    People with autism often experience isolation, stigma and inequality.  They have been denied healthcare and education — especially during crises — and their legal capacity has been unrecognized and overridden.  Such discrimination contravenes the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals’ commitment to leave no one behind.  It must change.

    Governments must adopt legislation and policies that guarantee equality and promote the full participation of people with autism in society.  We need inclusive health and education systems, work environments, and urban design to ensure people with autism have equal opportunities to thrive.

    On World Autism Awareness Day, let us recommit to create a world where no person with autism is left behind.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Medicare Advantage Provider Seoul Medical Group and Related Parties to Pay Over $62M to Settle False Claims Act Suit

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Seoul Medical Group Inc. and its subsidiary Advanced Medical Management Inc., headquartered in California, have agreed to pay $58,740,000 and their former president and majority owner, Dr. Min Young Cha, has agreed to pay $1,760,000 for allegedly violating the False Claims Act by causing the submission of false diagnosis codes for two spinal conditions to increase payments from the Medicare Advantage program. Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates Inc., a California-based radiology group that worked with Seoul Medical, has also agreed to pay $2,350,000, for allegedly conspiring with Seoul Medical Group in connection with the false diagnoses for the two spinal conditions.

    Under Medicare Advantage, also known as the Medicare Part C program, Medicare beneficiaries have the option of enrolling in managed care insurance plans called Medicare Advantage Plans (MA Plans) and the MA Plans contract with healthcare providers, such as Seoul Medical Group, to provide the Medicare-covered benefits. MA Plans are paid a per-person amount to provide the care to their enrollees and, in turn, the MA Plans pay the providers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees the Medicare program, adjusts the payments to MA Plans based on demographic information and the health diagnoses of each plan beneficiary. The adjustments are commonly referred to as “risk scores.” In general, a beneficiary with diagnoses that are more expensive to treat will have a higher risk score, and CMS will make a larger risk-adjusted payment to the MA Plan for that beneficiary.

    Seoul Medical Group is a healthcare provider that started in 1993 in Los Angeles and has since expanded into at least six states and has employed at times 150 primary care providers and 1,000 specialists. Dr. Min Young Cha started Seoul Medical Group and until 2023 was president and majority owner.

    Allegedly, from 2015 to 2021, Seoul Medical Group and Dr. Cha submitted diagnoses for two severe spinal conditions, spinal enthesopathy and sacroiliitis, for patients who did not suffer from either of these conditions. When Seoul Medical Group was questioned by an MA Plan about its use of spinal enthesopathy, Seoul Medical Group enlisted the assistance of Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates to create radiology reports that appeared to support the spinal enthesopathy diagnosis. Both diagnoses resulted in an increase in payment from CMS to the MA Plan, and the MA Plan then passed along a portion of the increased payment to Seoul Medical Group.

    “Medicare Advantage is a vital program for our seniors and the government expects healthcare providers who participate in the program to provide truthful and accurate information,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s result sends a clear message to the Medicare Advantage community that the United States will zealously pursue appropriate action against those who knowingly submit false claims for taxpayer funds.”

    “My office is committed to ensuring that healthcare providers are held accountable for unlawful misrepresentations to Medicare and other healthcare programs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally for the Central District of California. “As this settlement makes clear, we will diligently pursue those who defraud government programs.”

    “Providers who game the Medicare program to increase profit undermine the foundation of care and diminish patient trust in the nation’s public health care system,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and rigorously probe false claims to the fullest extent possible.”

    The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Paul Pew, the former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Advanced Medical Management. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery.  The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Pew v. Seoul Medical Group, Inc., et al., No. 2:20-cv-05156 (C.D. Cal.). The relator’s share of the settlement has not yet been determined.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from the Department of HHS-OIG.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The matter was investigated by Fraud Section Attorneys J. Jennifer Koh and Robbin O. Lee and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Paik for the Central District of California.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – Four new priests ordained in Ningbo on the Feast of the Annunciation

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 26 March 2025

    Ningbo (Agenzia Fides) – The Diocese of Ningbo, in the Chinese province of Zhejiang, celebrated the ordination of four new priests on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. The diocesan priests, according to the diocesan website, then concelebrated the liturgy with Bishop Francis Xavier Jin Yangke, Ordinary Bishop of the diocese, in the Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.The ecclesial communities of the four deaneries, together with friends and family, accompanied the vocational journey of the new priests. Three of them graduated from the Major Seminary of Hebei and one from that of Shenyang, completing their missionary and pastoral formation in various parishes in the diocese.The ecclesial community of the Diocese of Ningbo is experiencing a flourishing of vocations, with several priestly ordinations and religious professions recorded each year.The Sisters of the Congregation of the Daughters of Purgatory, composed of about fifty nuns, also receive numerous vocations annually. The diocese is divided into four deaneries, with 12 parishes and 106 churches and chapels. Historically, the ecclesial community of Ningbo is linked to the missionary work of the Lazarist Fathers and, earlier, between the 17th and 18th centuries, to the mission of Jesuits such as Martino Martini, Lodovico Buglio, Joao Monteiro, Rodrigue de Figueredo, Antoine de Gouvea, and Jean Alexis de Gollet. The Apostolic Vicariate of Ningbo was established in 1924 and entrusted to Paul Marie Reynaud CM, and elevated to a diocese in 1926, the year in which the first six Chinese bishops were ordained.Since the resumption of ecclesiastical activities in 1979, the diocese has prioritized the reopening of churches, the formation of priests and religious, and the application of the spirit of the Second Vatican Council. Located in a region of significant economic development, the Diocese of Ningbo stands out for its pastoral, cultural, and social activities. On May 24, 2024, the diocese hosted a conference commemorating the centenary of the Primum Concilium Sinense, the first council of the Church in China, held in Shanghai in 1924. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 26/3/2025)

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: To address the environmental polycrisis, the first step is to demand more honesty

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mike Berners-Lee, Professor of Sustainability, Lancaster University

    Minerva Studio/Shutterstock

    Climate breakdown is major threat to life as we know it, but it is just one element of a much wider environmental polycrisis that includes biodiversity loss, energy and pollution, food security, population growth and disease outbreaks. That can feel overwhelming and make people feel helpless, especially when we see that global emissions are higher than ever – even after three decades of UN climate summits.

    The good news is that, despite our failure so far, it is possible for us to do better. And the sticking point has not been lack of technology. To look for the point of maximum leverage that all of us can have, we need to look deeply into the reasons behind our frustrating lack of progress to date.

    In my new book, A Climate of Truth, I argue that society radically needs to become more honest. In politics, media and business. The worst failure in our attempts to tackle the world’s environmental and societal problems have deceit at their core.

    By holding power to account, insisting on transparency and shining a light on any greenwash, we can start to build the conditions under which the quality of decision-making and action that we so desperately need can become possible at last.

    Dishonesty, to be clear, isn’t just about clearcut lies. These are just the tip of the iceberg. Just as dangerous are such techniques as subtle twists, misdirections of attention, biased selection of evidence, using loopholes and failing to call out deceitful colleagues.

    Bullshit, as defined by American professor of philosophy Harry Frankfurt, is a blend of fact and fiction concocted to persuade. The craft of misleading the public has been refined over decades by corporate interests, advertising executives, media moguls and the worst politicians for their own financial gain, social standing or power.

    Many people in the west have become careless in their requirement for this basic standard from their leaders. We have allowed a growing a false narrative, propagated by the most dishonest among us, that lies are a normal and inevitable part of everyday life. And the results of our post-truth experiment are now starting to come in, with, sadly, plenty more consequences yet to come.

    It is now high time not just for a reset on honesty, but to raise the bar beyond anything the global community has ever known. Why do we need a higher standard than ever? Because deceit throws a spanner into any decision-making process and our complex, urgent polycrisis demands the highest quality, wisest decision-making that we can possibly attain.

    How can we achieve a culture of basic honesty when that very complexity makes deceit easier than ever? The answer is to create a high enough price for being caught. We need to treat deliberate deception as a form of abuse.

    Just one incident tells us that a politician does not have our best interests at heart and is unfit for office – although we might have to vote for the least un-fit politician to gradually raise the bar – plus that their colleagues who stayed quiet in the knowledge of their deceit are also unfit for office. The same goes for businesses and media. This is something we can collectively and consistently insist upon.

    The push for integrity

    In practice, the starting point is to ask the most careful and discerning questions that we can. We need to look at the track record of people, and the ownership and track records of media empires and companies.

    We need to switch wherever we can to the most honest alternatives. We can achieve that by disowning unfit politicians, starving out bad media, supporting the best media that we find, and spending our money on companies that act with integrity for a better world. We need to challenge those around us who are not so discerning and initiate conversations with friends, relatives and colleagues to encourage the quest for more truthful leadership.

    These actions are so simple yet so important because we cannot even begin to make progress without raising this standard. Whichever aspect of environmental or social change you care about most, this is your point of maximum leverage – and your route to maximum agency.

    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.

    Mike Berners-Lee 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. To address the environmental polycrisis, the first step is to demand more honesty – https://theconversation.com/to-address-the-environmental-polycrisis-the-first-step-is-to-demand-more-honesty-251742

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sir Martyn Oliver’s speech to Parentkind

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Sir Martyn Oliver’s speech to Parentkind

    Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, spoke to Parentkind on the role of parents in education.

    Thank you, thank you to Jason [Elsom, CEO, Parentkind] to everyone whether you’re in the room or online. It’s wonderful to be here, I want to thank Parentkind for the opportunity, and for all of the work they do. It’s always fantastic to speak directly to parents and carers. It’s so important that you are involved in the dialogue around education. That your voices, and the voices of your children are heard.

    I know from all my time as a teacher, a head, a multi-academy trust leader and now as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector at Ofsted, that education works best when children, families and schools all work together.

    Education is a team sport, and you need every member of the team to be pulling in the same direction.

    The power of education

    I saw this in my time as an art teacher, if you can believe it. I loved my job. I loved being able to see the impact that education can have on an individual child. You do all that you can to pass on knowledge and skills, but you also want to light a fire in children so they enjoy and keep learning throughout their lives. Teachers do this remarkable work every single day. But it’s in these roles that you also see the limitations of what can be achieved if something in the child’s home life isn’t working.

    My biggest fear as a headteacher wasn’t Ofsted nor was it the responsibility of the actual job itself, it was the fear that there may be or there will be a child in one of my schools whose needs were not being met and that they wouldn’t go on to have the remarkable impact on society that they could have had: a child not able to attend PE enrichment and misses out on a sport they may have excelled at and gone to represent the country in, or a child not taking the right exam option and not going to make a break-through discovery in that field. These are the real-world and long-lasting consequences to what happens in education.

    I saw it again when I became a head of sixth form. It was a wonderful role, helping to prepare young people for the world. But again, it only worked if the child and their family are also active participants in education and that progression.

    In my first school, I stayed and taught art for 7 years and I was really fortunate enough to be given a few classes who I could see through from Year 7 all the way through to taking the their GCSEs and the first A-level class in that school when they got to Year 12. Seeing one generation through the school from start to finish and working with both the children and their parents as they flourished at GCSE and then A-level art before going on to university and having really successful careers is incredibly powerful, and satisfying as a career. The open and honest relationship with parents was critical each and every step of the way.

    And I saw it as a headteacher. In that role, you’re working not just for the community within the school gates, but also the community outside those gates. You need to make sure that the children in the school are getting all the education and the opportunities that they can.

    But you also need to be heavily invested in what happens before they arrive and when they leave school at the end of the day. In some cases, you need to understand why they are not coming in the first place. You need to support the aspirations of children and also the aspirations of their parents and carers. And you need to make sure everyone gets to work together to support the development of every child.

    Beyond the individual

    Of course, we want all parents to be involved in their children’s learning. To read to them, and to read with them. To support them with homework. To challenge and encourage them. I’m sure all of you involved in Parentkind exemplify this.

    But what’s even more encouraging is when parents get involved in the life of the school itself. When they begin to help not only their child’s learning, but the learning of all children at that school, including those who may not have strong parental advocacy.

    We know that schools with strong parent engagement thrive and succeed. As Parentkind regularly point out, it has been linked to improvements in attendance, behaviour, and academic achievement.

    And PTAs are a fantastic way to do that, and I know many of you, here and online, are involved in that way. The same can be said for parent governors, again I know many of you have taken that route.

    I was lucky enough to work with some fantastic PTAs and governors – in my first year of teaching I joined my school’s PTA and by the second year, incredibly, I chaired the group! You can imagine the impact it had on me as a young teacher chairing a group which consisted of the headteacher and chair of governors. Yet again though, I saw the power of parents and the school working together – this time not for the benefit of any one child, but of all children in that community.

    But whether or not you join the PTA or the governing board, parents should understand what schools are doing and why they take the decisions they take. This requires active engagement from the parent, and active communication from the school. In loco parentis only works if the parents and teachers trust each other. It’s a two-way street.

    When it’s done right, when parents and carers really buy in to the school and its ethos, then they become part of a united community, working together.

    When the relationship breaks

    But of course, we have also heard a lot recently about what can happen when this relationship and community is not there. When there is breakdown of trust between parents and schools. Sometimes this results in friction, or even outright hostility between parents and school leaders.

    A survey of teachers called Teacher Tapp reported recently that over 40% of teachers and school leaders reported seeing negative online comments from parents about staff or their school since September.

    In another Teacher Tapp survey at the end of the last school year, 9% of teachers said they had been the subject of an allegation from a parent. Obviously, some of these are legitimate grievances, and parents should be able to raise concerns. But nearly 1 in 10 of teachers feels high to me.

    Other teacher representatives talk about abuse of teachers becoming more of a problem.

    This sort of relationship breakdown can be hard to recover from. Trust is not built overnight, and once it’s lost it can take months or even years to rebuild. But the only way to tackle that is more openness and transparency.

    We want to encourage parental engagement. Engagement in the right way, the way so many of you will be doing it.

    We know how social media has come to influence the dynamics of school communities – positively and negatively. It’s such a powerful tool, and it can be an amazing way to bring people together. But it can also hand a microphone to the pub bore, a megaphone to the bully and help the rabble rouser find his or her rabble without leaving their armchair.

    The world seems to be getting more antagonistic and adversarial. So, you can understand why a school leader might be wary of engaging with parents. But I always found that the way to defuse tensions, tackle rumours and build common purpose with parents is more communication, not less. More openness, not less. And more information sharing, not less. So, I say: join the PTA, don’t join the pile on!

    Because I know from my experience, it will be welcomed. And Parentkind’s survey backs this up too. You found that 85% of teachers agree that parental engagement in school life has benefits and 75% agree that it improves outcomes for young people.

    So I want Ofsted to play its part in better communication.

    Our new report cards

    I hope that our proposals for new report cards, to be introduced from November, will prove a game-changer.

    They are based on what we heard from parents in the Big Listen. You told us that you wanted a broad evaluative approach with clear reporting on what your child’s school or nursery or college is doing well and what it needs to work on.

    That’s exactly what we think we have designed. A report card that provides more detailed and nuanced information for you.

    Now I know some of you were happy with the old system. After all, the one-word overall judgement was praised for its simplicity. But that simplicity also frustrated many parents who wanted more detailed information – more tailored to the needs of their children.

    One-word judgements could also have unintended consequences. Where parents had a choice in schools – in cities and larger towns – the one-word judgement could lead to schools being over or under subscribed. This is frustrating for parents and potentially damaging for schools who could find their local reputation ‘locked’ for years, with a knock-on effect on everything from recruitment and retention of teachers, to local house prices.

    The changes we’re proposing will do things differently. We will report on a much wider range of areas. Things that matter, I hope, to you. Things like behaviour, achievement, attendance, teaching and the curriculum, leadership and governance, and inclusion – really looking in detail at how schools make sure their pupils all have a sense of belonging, especially those who are disadvantaged, vulnerable, or have special educational needs. For each area, you will be able to see a clear grade, and a description of what we found when we inspected the school.

    Report cards will help give a more balanced picture of schools. Because the best schools aren’t perfect and have areas where they could do better, and the schools which might be seen as ‘weaker’ will have aspects of their work that they do really well. In that way a school’s report card will be much closer to a child’s school report. Going back to my art teacher days, the one-word grade paints a monochrome picture of a school; and now we want to paint it in colour.

    Wouldn’t it be great if more balanced reporting, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses, put paid to the idea that a school is seen as a 100% ‘success’ or a 100% ‘failure’. And instead parents had the information they needed to choose schools based on the specific things they thought were most important to their children.

    Somewhere with great standards of behaviour. Somewhere with exceptional support for children with special educational needs or disabilities. Somewhere which delivers great outcomes and achievements. Somewhere that really prioritises the wellbeing and personal development of its pupils. Parents and carers will be able to see how local schools perform on these. That might change the way schools are seen by their communities and change established patterns of school applications.

    But I know for many of you – particularly if you live outside of cities – there really isn’t much choice between schools. I still think more detailed information will really help you. You’ll be able to see what’s working well and what needs attention at your local school. And I believe this level of information will help inform a better, more constructive conversation between school leaders and their communities – to address some of those tensions I spoke about a few minutes ago.

    And we want to do more to encourage this constructive dialogue. As I said, we know that an engaged community leads to a better school. So, our proposals for inspecting the leadership and governance of a school talk explicitly about the need for leaders to ‘engage with and work effectively with parents and carers and the local community to support pupils’ achievement and well-being.’ – that’s a direct quote from our school inspection toolkit. I know that’s something that Parentkind has welcomed.

    Driving higher standards

    Above all, we hope this approach will drive ever higher standards for children. It will give schools an independent and expert assessment of what they’re doing well and where they could improve. It will validate, assure, and celebrate their hard work, and shine a light on how they can do even better.

    And it will help you, as parents, meaningfully engage with the school on the issues that need attention. Sometimes, it may validate your concerns, other times it may reassure you that an individual experience is not the norm.

    It will also help the government better target support where it is needed. By reporting specifically on topics like attendance or behaviour, we can help government decide when and where to provide expert assistance to those who need it most. And we also want to help schools – as well as nurseries and further education colleges – to see which of their peers are really blazing a trail, through our new exemplary grade. So, we will highlight some of the best national examples of where schools are doing something truly exceptional.

    Initial support from parents

    Of course, what I’ve set out today are our proposals, they are not set in stone. Our consultation on a new way of inspecting is open until 28th April and it’s on our website – ‘gov.uk/Ofsted’. Please, please read the proposals and give us every one of your views.

    I’m sure there are things that could be better. Things we could refine. But we are encouraged that parents seem to support the broad approach that we have set out.

    We recently commissioned independent research from YouGov. They polled parents on our proposed report cards and have just shared the results with us.

    Almost 7 out of 10 of the parents surveyed said they prefer the new-look report cards to our current inspection reports. Just 15% said they preferred the old system.

    And nearly 9 out of 10 parents said the report cards are easy to understand. 84% thought that the colour-coding we propose to use on the reports is helpful.

    And it’s worth adding that two thirds of parents said they support Ofsted continuing to grade schools. That is important, as grading does come in for some criticism – but parents are consistent: they told us in the Big Listen they wanted it and they’ve told us again in this new survey.

    It’s great to see this level of support. But obviously, we need a system that works for everyone. It needs to work for you as parents and, most importantly, it needs to work for children. But it also needs to work for those working in schools and nurseries and colleges.

    Sometimes that’s a balancing act. But I do not see the two as in opposition. After all, you and your children want happy teachers. You don’t want to see high turnover any more than leaders do. And you want schools to be able to focus on what really matters and provide the best possible education.

    So, we’ve tried to design a system that does just that. That drives higher standards for children, that improves reporting for you and enables engagement for you, and that reduces pressure on everyone working in education.

    Conclusion

    So, it’s really important that we capture parents’ opinions in the consultation. So, thank you for all of you who have already taken part – and thank you in advance if you plan to do so.

    And I’d like to end by recognising the incredible work so many of you do as PTA members, or parent governors. Thank you for supporting schools, for contributing to your communities, and for improving the education prospects not just of your own children, but of all the children in your neighbourhoods. So thank you for the work you do, it’s so important. It’s been a pleasure talking to you. Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fast Stream opens doors for North East civil servant Keiron

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Case study

    Fast Stream opens doors for North East civil servant Keiron

    Meet Keiron Ringwood who is among the one in nine fast streamers in 2024 who joined the accelerated development scheme from within the Civil Service.

    Keiron Ringwood

    For Keiron Ringwood, being able to build a career on his home turf has always been a big priority.

    So, after joining the Civil Service straight from university, he wanted to be able to grow his career while continuing to live in his beloved North East of England.

    After working as an administration officer for HMRC in Durham and an executive officer for DEFRA in Newcastle, he applied for the Civil Service’s prestigious Fast Stream accelerated development scheme and secured a place on his second attempt.

    Though it’s best known as one of the UK’s top graduate employers, the Civil Service’s Fast Stream is also open to existing civil servants who made up around one in nine of successful applicants in 2024.

    Keiron’s role as a Fast Stream policy advisor in His Majesty’s Treasury in Darlington has broadened his horizons in ways he never imagined.

    Its combination of formal training and enriched workplace opportunity has set him on a path which should see him become a Grade 7 at the end of three years.

    “What I enjoy most is the chance the Fast Stream gives you to learn about the way the government works and to meet people from different backgrounds and from different parts of the country,” he said.

    “I’m making the most of the experience and learning as much as I can from the people, the training and workplace opportunities I’m getting.” 

    Keiron was brought up in Hartlepool. After getting Cs and Bs in his GCSEs at his local comprehensive school, he came into his own during his Sixth Form years and achieved distinctions in BTEC business and law qualifications. Throughout his studies he also managed to support himself through hospitality jobs at his local McDonalds and Hartlepool Catholic Club.

    Despite gaining a First Class degree in journalism at nearby Sunderland University, he decided against a career in the media and opted instead to follow his parents into the Civil Service.

    “My mum and step dad have been administration officers in DWP for more than 30 years and I was attracted to the structure and security of a Civil Service role,” he said.

    “I put a lot into all my posts, but securing a place on the Fast Stream gave me confidence that the Civil Service was an organisation in which I could progress. If it hadn’t been, I would have left and gone elsewhere.”

    While Keiron did not get into the Fast Stream on his first try, he succeeded on his second attempt and could not have been more delighted to learn the scheme could, in his case, accommodate his request for a local placement 

    “My friends and family are in the region so staying where my roots are is a non-negotiable for me,” he said.

    Keiron currently leads on the policy relating to tax-free childcare, developing the policy in a way that improves take-up.

    Being on the Fast Stream has set him on a steep development path that has seen his confidence increase.

    “I used to feel inferior because of my background and accent,” he said.

    “But I’m learning alongside people with very different upbringings and feel I fit in as I am just fine.”

    Find out more about the Fast Stream here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Media Release – Pre-season update for Harbour Users Wednesday 26 March 2025

    Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney

    Media Release

    Date:  26th March 2025

    Pre-season update for Harbour Users

    Spring is fast approaching and therefore it is time to update Harbour users with some useful dates and information regarding the introduction of seasonal infrastructure and Harbour services.

    Pontoons

    The inner sections of the Harbour Pontoon facility are scheduled for installation on Friday the 11th of April, this will include the passenger landing pontoon and access bridge. The remaining sections will be introduced according to demand.

    Water taxi

    The Water taxi service will also commence operations on Friday the 11th of April to coincide with the pontoon’s installation. Following a successful trial in 2024, the operating hours will continue be restricted to a weekend only service during the spring months.     

    Taxi Hours (Times in BST)

    ·       Weekends and Bank Holidays: 0800-0000

    ·       Monday-Thursday (April & May): No taxi available

    ·       Weekdays: June – August: 0800-0000

    Taxi Mobile telephone: 07781 121 046   VHF Ch 73

    Mooring maintenance

    The servicing of all outer Harbour Moorings is due to commence on the 2nd of April. The diving and servicing work takes approximately 14 days to complete, during this time crane activity will be restricted to general cargo working and essential lifts to ensure that the project does not suffer unnecessary delays.

    Any mooring holders who have not already recovered ropes and tackle from their allocated mooring buoy may contact the Harbour Office to arrange collection or make an enquiry.   

    Please note that the availability of some services and facilities may vary when weather conditions exceed safe working limits.   

    Harbour Office

    The Harbour Office will be staffed at weekends and Bank Holidays from Friday the 18th of April between the hours of0800 and 1700. During these times vessel safety traffic and passage reporting can be directed to Alderney Port Control on VHF Channel 74.

    Maritime Emergencies can be reported to Alderney Coastguard on VHF Channel 16 or by dialling 999.

    Please contact the Harbour Office on 01481 820070 or email harbour@alderney.gov.gg for enquiries or to report an issue or incident to the Duty Harbour Officer.    

     

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Two-way traffic returns to North Bridge ahead of schedule

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Northbound traffic will return to North Bridge from Friday 28 March at 10am.

    The northbound closure in mid-February has allowed for essential resurfacing works to be carried out on both the southbound approach to the bridge (both lanes outside Waverley Gate toward Princes Street) and the southbound departure of the bridge (both lanes from the entrance to the Hilton Edinburgh Carlton on North Bridge to the junction at High Street).

    Work had been due to finish next week but the project team has completed the resurfacing ahead of schedule.

    The wider work on the Category A Listed Structure in the heart of the city centre, has included structural steelwork repairs, installing cathodic protection and structural health monitoring systems to the reinforced concrete deck and fitting permanent platforms to improve access provisions for future inspection and minor maintenance. These are just a few of the host of other improvements.

    Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said:

    I’m pleased that we’ve been able to complete these works slightly ahead of schedule. I appreciate that this temporary closure will have been frustrating for our residents and businesses, and I want to thank them once again for their patience.   

    We’re now in the final phase of the project and, while I acknowledge that it’s taken longer than we first anticipated, we’re preserving this majestic and hugely complex structure for future generations, and we owe it to them to make sure the job is completed to a high standard

    Published: March 26th 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Funding boost to keep homes warm and cut energy bills

    Source: City of Leicester

    PEOPLE are being encouraged to use a digital advice tool to see how they might benefit from new support for energy efficient home improvements.

    Leicester City Council has been awarded over £4.5 million of Warm Homes Local Grant funding from the Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

    The scheme will offer grants to low-income households to pay for better insulation and other improvements, such as solar panels and low carbon heating, to cut bills for families, slash fuel poverty, and help reduce carbon emissions.

    To be eligible, homes must be privately owned (owner occupied or privately rented); have an energy performance certificate (EPC) between D and G; and have a household income of less than £36,000.

    Applications for the new grants are expected to begin in later-summer, with full details of the amount of support available to households due to be published soon.

    In the meantime, residents can explore how their homes might benefit by using the new Homewise digital advice tool, developed by Energy Saving Trust.

     This free online service helps homeowners identify energy efficiency improvements they could make to their homes. By completing a simple online survey, people can get a personalised action plan tailored to their needs and budget. They’ll also get a breakdown of the cost for any improvements and potential savings.

    Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “We know that installing energy efficient home improvements can be expensive so the announcement of this Government funding for new grants is very welcome.

    “We are already making free tailored energy advice available to city residents through Homewise. This free online advice is easy to get and will help people see how they can make their home more energy efficient, save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

    “By understanding your home’s energy needs now, you’ll be in a better position to take advantage of the grants when applications open later this year.”

    Laura Atkinson, business development manager at Energy Saving Trust said: “Leicester City Council is leading the way in empowering its residents to identify home energy improvements that will benefit them.

    “We know the value of personalised advice in helping people to make informed choices on how to make their home cheaper to heat and lower carbon emissions – our expert tool Homewise was created with this aim.”

    To find out more about Homewise, and to register for free tailored energy advice for your home, visit leicestercitycouncil.homewise.energy

    The Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme is part of the Government’s national Warm Homes Plan which aims to upgrade five million homes over the next five years to cut bills for families and deliver warmer homes to slash fuel poverty.

    Leicester is one of 73 local authorities, combined authorities and consortium areas to receive a share of over £463,000,000 of Government cash set aside for the scheme.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improved bus service to leave residents Mickle-over the moon

    Source: City of Derby

    Mickleover residents will soon see improvements to a local bus service thanks to a collaboration between Derby City Council and trentbarton.

    trentbarton’s mickleover service will see its frequency increased to every 7-8 minutes Monday to Saturday. On Sundays the timetable will begin earlier, giving travellers more flexibility.

    The Council is carrying out an ongoing review of the city’s bus network as it works to make Derby a better connected, sustainable city, and enhance links to key destinations such as the Royal Derby Hospital.

    This work follows improvements to trentbarton’s Ilkeston flyer service through Spondon, which saw its frequency increased in 2024.

    These enhancements have been funded by the National Bus Strategy: Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which calls for Local Transport Authorities to deliver better bus services and implement measures to improve public transport. Derby’s BSIP can be viewed on the Derby City Council website.

    Councillor Carmel Swan, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Transport, and Sustainability, said:

    As cabinet member I am committed to listening to our communities who say they want a greener, better-connected Derby. 

    We know we need to reduce our carbon emissions across the city. For this we need quality, reliable bus services, an essential and greener mode of transport, for our communities.

    Our vision is to provide a reliable, accessible and simple bus network that will deliver much-improved connectivity for residents and visitors alike.

    These improvements are only possible through collaboration with our partners and I’m glad that we’ve once again been able to work with trentbarton to deliver the services our city needs.

    Tom Morgan, trentbarton managing director, said: 

    It’s always exciting to be boosting a service and the Mickleover is getting a range of enhancements to improve the customer experience. This follows a £1.3m investment made in the last 12 months bringing brand new vehicles with the highest of specification and customer comforts.

    “We believe the positive changes will provide extra reasons for people to choose to travel by bus, the greenest public transport choice.

    Work to improve bus services sits alongside a wider programme around the city as the Council continues to invest in local transport and build a network to be proud of. This includes upgrades to traffic signalling and active and sustainable travel infrastructure such as cycle lanes and EV charging points.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spring Statement 2025 speech

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    Spring Statement 2025 speech

    Spring Statement 2025 speech as delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

    Mr Speaker, [political content redacted]. 

    To provide security for working people. 

    And to deliver a decade of national renewal. 

    That work began in July – and I am proud of what we have delivered in just nine months. 

    Restoring stability to our public finances…  

    … giving the Bank of England the foundation to cut interest rates…  

    … three times since the General Election.  

    Rebuilding our public services… 

    … with record investment in our NHS… 

    … bringing waiting lists down for 5 months in a row.   

    And increasing the National Living Wage… 

    … to give 3 million people a pay rise from next week.  

    Now our task is to secure Britain’s future… 

    … in a world that is changing before our eyes.  

    The threat facing our continent was transformed when Putin invaded Ukraine. 

    It has since escalated further…  

    … and continues to evolve rapidly.  

    At the same time, the global economy has become more uncertain…  

    … bringing insecurity at home… 

    … as trading patterns become more unstable… 

    … and borrowing costs rise for many major economies.  

    Mr Speaker, the job of a responsible government is not simply to watch this change. 

    This moment demands an active government. 

    A government not stepping back, but stepping up.  

    A government on the side of working people…  

    … helping Britain to reach its potential.  

    We have the strengths to do just that… 

    … as one of the world’s largest economies … 

    … an ally to trading partners across the globe…  

    … and a hub for global innovation.  

    These strengths… 

    … and the progress we have made so far… 

    … mean we can act quickly and decisively in a more uncertain world… 

    … to secure Britain’s future… 

    … and to deliver prosperity for working people. 

    Mr Speaker, as I set out at the Budget last year… 

    … I am today returning to the House to provide an update on our public finances… 

    … supported by a new forecast from the independent Office for Budget Responsibility… 

    … ahead of a full Spending Review in June. 

    I will then return to the House in the autumn to deliver a budget… 

    … in line with our commitment to deliver just one major fiscal event a year. 

    So let me turn now to the OBR’s forecasts… 

    … and I want to thank Richard Hughes and his team for their dedicated work. 

    The increased global uncertainty has had two consequences. 

    First, on our public finances. 

    And second, on our economy. 

    I will take each in turn.  

    In the autumn, I set out new fiscal rules that would guide this government. 

    These fiscal rules are non-negotiable. 

    They are the embodiment of this government’s unwavering commitment… 

    … to bring stability to our economy… 

    … and to ensure security for working people. 

    [political content redacted]

    But we must earn that trust every single day.  

    The two fiscal rules that I set out at the Budget were… 

    First, our “Stability Rule”, which ensures that public spending is under control… 

    … balancing the current budget by 2029-30… 

    … so that day-to-day spending is met by tax receipts.  

    Second, our “Investment Rule” to drive growth in the economy… 

    … ensuring that net financial debt falls by the end of the forecast period…  

    … while enabling us to invest alongside business. 

    Turning first to the Stability Rule, the OBR’s forecast shows that… 

    … before the steps that I will take in this statement…  

    … the current budget would have been in deficit by £4.1bn in 2029-30… 

    … having been in surplus by £9.9bn in the autumn…  

    … as the UK, alongside our international peers like France and Germany… 

    … has seen the cost of borrowing rise during this period of heightened uncertainty in global markets. 

    As a result of the steps that I am taking today… 

    … I can confirm that I have restored in full our headroom against the “stability rule”…  

    … moving from a deficit of £36.1bn in 2025-26 and £13.4bn in 2026-27… 

    … to a surplus of £6.0bn in 2027-28, £7.1bn in 2028-29 and a surplus of £9.9bn in 2029-30. 

    [political content redacted]

    That means that we are continuing to meet the Stability Rule two years early…  

    … building resilience to shocks in this, a more uncertain world.  

    The OBR forecast that the “investment rule” is also met two years early… 

    … with net financial debt of 82.9% of GDP in 2025-26 and 83.5% in 2026-27… 

    … before falling from 83.4% in 2027-28, to 83.2% in 2028-29 and 82.7% in 2029-30…  

    … providing headroom of £15.1bn in the final year of the forecast… 

    … broadly unchanged from the autumn.  

    [political content redacted]

    … debt interest payments now stands at £105.2bn this year… 

    … Mr Speaker, that is more than we allocate on Defence, the Home Office and Justice combined. 

    [political content redacted]

    So the responsible choice is to reduce our levels of debt and borrowing in the years ahead… 

    … so that we can spend more on the priorities of working people. And that is exactly what this government will do. 

    Mr Speaker. 

    I said that our fiscal rules were non-negotiable. 

    And I meant it. 

    I will always deliver economic stability. 

    And I will always put working people first.  

    [political content redacted]

    I said it at the Budget. 

    And I say it again today. 

    Let me now set out the steps the government has taken.  

    At the Budget we protected working people… 

    … by keeping our promise not to raise their rates of National Insurance, income tax or VAT. 

    At the same time, we began to rebuild our public services…  

    [political content redacted]

    Ours were the right choices, the right choices for stability and the right choices for renewal… 

    … funded by the decisions that we took on tax.  

    As I promised in the autumn, this Statement does not contain any further tax increases.  

    But when working people are paying their taxes, while still struggling with the cost-of-living…  

    …it cannot be right that others are still evading what they rightly owe in tax.  

    In the Budget, I delivered the most ambitious package of measures that we have ever seen… 

    … to cut down on tax evasion… 

    … raising £6.5bn per year by the end of the forecast.  

    Today, I go further… 

    … continuing our investment in cutting-edge technology … 

    … investing in the HMRC’s capacity to crack down on tax avoidance… 

    … and setting out plans to increase the number of tax fraudsters charged every year by 20%. 

    These changes raise a further £1bn… 

    … taking the total revenue raised from reducing tax evasion under this [political content redacted] government to £7.5bn… 

    … figures verified by the Office for Budget Responsibility…  

    … and I want to thank my Honourable Friend the Exchequer Secretary for his continued work in this area.  

    Mr Speaker, last week my Right Honourable Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, set out this government’s plans to reform the welfare system.  

    [political content redacted]

    We believe that if you can work, you should work… 

    … but if you can’t work, you should be properly supported.  

    This government inherited a broken system.  

    More than 1,000 people are qualifying for Personal Independence Payments. 

    And 1 in 8 young people are not in employment, education or training. 

    If we do nothing, we are writing off an entire generation.  

    That cannot be right and we will not stand it.  

    It is a waste of their potential and it is a waste of their futures and we will change it. 

    As my Right Honourable Friend said in her statement last week… 

    … the final costings would be subject to the OBR’s assessment. 

    Today, the OBR have said… 

    … that they estimate the package will save £4.8bn in the welfare budget… 

    … reflecting their judgements on behavioural effects and wider factors. 

    This also reflects final adjustments to the overall package… 

    … consistent with the Secretary of State’s statement last week… 

    … and the government’s Pathways to Work Green Paper. 

    The Universal Credit Standard Allowance will increase from £92 per week in 2025-26 to £106 per week by 2029-30… 

    … while the Universal Credit Health element will be cut for new claimants by 50% and then frozen.  

    On top of this, we are investing £1bn to provide guaranteed, personalised employment support to help people back into work… 

    … and £400m to support the Department for Work and Pensions and our Job Centres to deliver these changes effectively and fairly… 

    … taking total savings after that for the package to £3.4bn. 

    Whilst spending on disability and sickness benefits will continue to raise, these plans 

    mean that welfare spending as a share of GDP will fall between 2026-27 and the end of the forecast period.  

    [political content redacted]

    We are reforming our welfare system… 

    … making it more sustainable… 

    … protecting the most vulnerable… 

    … and supporting more people back into secure work lifting them out of poverty.  

    Mr Speaker, at the Budget, I fixed the foundations of our economy to deliver on the promise of change. 

    That work has already begun. 

    2 million extra appointments in our NHS. 

    Waiting lists down.  

    New breakfast clubs opening across England. 

    The largest settlements in real terms for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in the history of devolution.  

    Asylum costs, falling. 

    Promises made, promises kept.  

    [political content redacted]

    At the Budget… 

    … alongside providing an increase in funding for this year and next… 

    … I set the envelope for the Spending Review… 

    … which we will deliver in June… 

    led by my RHF the Chief Secretary to the Treasury 

    … to set departmental budgets until 2028-29 for day-to-day spending… 

    … and until 2029-30 for capital spending.  

    Today, I am reflecting two steps that we have taken in our spending plans.  

    First, because we are living in an uncertain world… 

    … as the Prime Minister has set out… 

    … we will increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP, reducing overseas aid to 0.3% of Gross National Income. 

    This means we save £2.6bn in day-to-day spending in 2029-30… 

    … to fund our more capital-intensive defence commitments.  

    Second, in recent months, we have begun to fundamentally reform the British state… 

    … driving efficiency and productivity across government… 

    … to deliver tangible savings… 

    … and improve services across our country. 

    Earlier this month, the Prime Minister set out our plans to abolish the arms-length body NHS England… 

    … and ensure that money goes directly to improving the service for patients. 

    My Right Honourable Friend the Health Secretary is driving forward vital reforms to increase NHS productivity… 

    … bearing down on costly agency spend… 

    … to save money so that we can improve patient care. 

    And my Right Honourable Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is taking forward work to significantly reduce the costs of running government… 

    … by 15%, worth £2bn, by the end of the decade. 

    This work shows that we can make our state leaner, and more agile… 

    … delivering more resources to the frontline…  

    … while ensuring we control day-to-day spending to meet our fiscal rules. 

    Today, I build on that work… 

    … by bringing forward £3.25bn of investment… 

    … to deliver the reforms that our public services need…  

    … through a new Transformation Fund.  

    That is money brought forward now… 

    … to bring down the costs of running government by the end of the forecast period…   

    … by making public services more efficient, more productive and more foucssed on the user. 

    I can confirm today the first allocations from this fund… 

    … including funding for Voluntary Exit Schemes to reduce the size of the Civil Service… 

    … pioneering AI tools to modernise the state… 

    … investment in technology for the Ministry of Justice to deliver probation services more effectively… 

    … and up-front investment so we can support more children in foster care… 

    … to give them the best possible start in life… 

    … and reduce cost pressures in the future. 

    Our work to make government leaner… 

    … more productive… 

    … and more efficient… 

    … will help deliver a further £3.5bn of day-to-day savings by 2029-30. 

    Overall, day-to-day spending will be reduced by £6.1bn by 2029-30…  

    … and it will now grow by an average of 1.2% a year above inflation…  

    … compared to 1.3% in the Autumn. 

    Mr Speaker, I can confirm to the House that day-to-day spending will increase in real terms, above inflation, in every single year of the forecast.  

    And in the Spending Review, apart from the reduction in overseas aid… 

    … day-to-day spending across government has been fully protected.   

    I can also confirm our approach to capital investment.  

    In the Autumn Budget I announced £100bn of additional capital spending…  

    … to crowd in investment from the private sector… 

    … to fix our crumbling infrastructure…  

    … and to create jobs in every corner of our country. 

    [political content redacted]

    Today, I am instead increasing capital spending … 

    … by an average of £2bn per year compared to the Autumn…  

    … to drive growth in our economy… 

    … and to deliver in full our vital commitments on defence. 

    This government will ensure that every pound we spend will deliver for the British people… 

    … by increasing productivity… 

    … driving growth in our economy… 

    … and improving our frontline public services.  

    Mr Speaker, let me turn now to the impact of increased uncertainty on our economy. 

    To deliver economic stability, we must work closely with the Bank of England… 

    … supporting the independent Monetary Policy Committee to meet their 2% inflation target.  

    There have been three interest rate cuts since the General Election and today’s data showed that inflation fell in February. 

    [political content redacted]

    … the OBR forecast that CPI inflation will average 3.2% this year… 

    … before falling rapidly to 2.1% in 2026 and meeting the 2% target from 2027 onwards… 

    … giving families and businesses the security that they need… 

    … and providing our economy with the stable platform it needs to grow. 

    Mr Speaker… 

    … earlier this month, the OECD downgraded this year’s growth forecast for every G7 economy, including the UK. 

    And the OBR have today revised our growth forecast for 2025… 

    … from 2% in the autumn… 

    … to 1% today. 

    I am not satisfied with these numbers. 

    That is why we on this side of the house are serious about taking the action needed to grow our economy.  

    Backing the builders, not the blockers…  

    … with a third runway at Heathrow Airport… 

    … and the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.  

    Increasing investment… 

    … with reforms to our pension system… 

    … and a new National Wealth Fund.  

    And tearing down regulatory barriers… 

    … in every sector of our economy. 

    That is a serious plan for growth. 

    That is a serious plan to improve living standards.  

    That is a serious plan to renew our country.  

    Mr Speaker, a changing world presents challenges.  

    But it also presents new opportunities.  

    For new jobs. 

    … and new contracts… 

    … in our world-class defence industrial centres… 

    … from Belfast to Deeside, and from Plymouth to Rosyth. 

    In February, the Prime Minister set out our government’s commitment to increase spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from April 2027… 

    The biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War 

    …and an ambition to spend 3% of GDP on defence in the next parliament. 

    That was the right decision in a more insecure world… 

    … putting an extra £6.4bn into defence spending by 2027. 

    But we have to move quickly in this changing world. 

    And that starts with investment. 

    So today I can confirm that I will provide an additional £2.2bn for the Ministry of Defence in the next financial year… 

    … a further downpayment on our plans to deliver 2.5% of GDP by 2027.  

    This additional investment is not just about increasing our national security…  

    … but increasing our economic security, too.  

    As defence spending rises, I want the whole country to feel its benefits. 

    So I will set out the immediate steps that we are taking to boost Britain’s defence industry… 

    … and to make the UK a defence industrial superpower.  

    We will spend a minimum of 10% of the Ministry of Defence’s equipment budget on novel technologies … 

    … including drones and AI enabled technology… 

    … driving forward advanced manufacturing production in places like Glasgow, in Derby and in Newport… 

    … creating demand for highly skilled engineers and scientists… 

    … and delivering new business opportunities for UK tech firms and start-ups.  

    We will establish a protected budget of £400m within the Ministry of Defence… 

    … a budget that will rise over time for UK Defence Innovation… 

    … with a clear mandate to bring innovative technology to the front line at speed. 

    We will reform our broken defence procurement system… 

    … making it quicker, more agile and more streamlined…. 

    … and giving small businesses across the UK better access to Ministry of Defence contracts. 

    Something welcomed by the Federation of Small Businesses. 

    We will take forward our Plan for Barrow, a town at the heart of our nuclear security… 

    … working with my Honourable Friend the Member for Barrow and Furness…  

    … and providing £200m, supporting the creation of thousands of jobs there. 

    We will regenerate Portsmouth naval base, securing its future…   

    … as called for by my Honourable Friend the Member for Portsmouth South. 

    We will secure better homes for thousands of military families… the homes that they deserve [political content redacted]. 

    … homes for our military families in the constituencies of my Honourable Friends for Plymouth Moor View, Plymouth Sutton & Devonport, York Outer and in Aldershot.  

    That is the difference that this [political content redacted] government is making.  

    Finally, Mr Speaker, we will provide £2bn of increased capacity for UK Export Finance… 

    … to provide loans for overseas buyers of UK defence goods and services… 

    Because I want to do more with our defence budget so we can buy and make and sell things here in Britain.  

    … giving further opportunities for our world leading defence companies and those who work in them… 

    … to grow and create jobs here in Britain… 

    … as military spending rises right across Europe.  

    To oversee all of this vital work… 

    … my Right Honourable Friend the Defence Secretary and I will establish a new Defence Growth Board… 

    … to maximise the benefits from every pound of taxpayers’ money that we spend. 

    And we will put defence at the heart of our modern industrial strategy… 

    … to drive innovation that can deliver huge benefits back into the British economy. 

    Mr Speaker, that is how we make our country a defence industrial superpower… 

    … so the skills of the future… 

    … the jobs of the future… 

    … and the opportunities of the future… 

    … can be found right here in the United Kingdom.  

    Mr Speaker, [political content redacted] there are no shortcuts to economic growth. 

    It will take long-term decisions.  

    It will take hard yards. 

    It will take time for the reforms that we are introducing to be felt in the everyday economy. 

    It is right that the Office for Budget Responsibility consider the evidence… 

    … and look carefully at measures before recognising a growth impact in their forecast.  

    But, Mr Speaker, I can announce to the House…  

    … that the OBR have considered – and have scored – one of the central planks of our plan for growth.  

    In my first week as Chancellor, I announced that we were pursuing the most ambitious set of planning reforms in decades… 

    … to get Britain building again. 

    And in December – we published changes to the National Planning Policy Framework… 

    … driven forward tirelessly by my Right Honourable Friend the Deputy Prime Minister…  

    … reintroducing mandatory housing targets… 

    … and bringing “grey belt” land into scope.  

    The OBR have today concluded that these reforms will permanently increase the level of real GDP… 

    … by point 0.2% by 2029-30… 

    … an additional £6.8bn in our economy… 

    … and by point 0.4% of GDP within 10 years… 

    … an additional £15.1bn in our British economy. 

    Mr Speaker, that is the biggest positive growth impact that the OBR have ever reflected in their forecast, for a policy with no fiscal cost.  

    And taken together with our plans to increase capital spending that we set out in the Budget last year… 

    … this government’s policies will increase the level of real GDP by point 0.6% in the next ten years.  

    Mr Speaker, that is the difference that this [political content redacted] government is making. 

    Policies to grow our economy.

    [political content redacted]

    The OBR have concluded that our reforms will lead to housebuilding reaching a forty-year high… 

    …  of 305,000 a year by the end of the forecast period.  

    And changes to the National Planning Policy Framework alone… 

    … will help build over 1.3 million homes in the UK over the next five years… 

    … taking us within touching distance…  

    … of delivering our manifesto promise to build 1.5 million homes in England in this parliament. 

    [political content redacted]

    The impact on our economy goes further still.  

    [political content redacted]

    We need economic growth.  

    So I can today confirm… 

    … that the effect of our growth policies… 

    … including our planning reforms… 

    … means an additional £3.4 billion to support our public finances and our public services by 2029-30. 

    The proceeds of growth. 

    [political content redacted]

    Mr Speaker, earlier this week…  

    … we provided an additional £2bn of investment in social and affordable homes next year… 

    … delivering up to 18,000 new homes… 

    … and allowing local areas to bid for new developments across our country… 

    … including sites in Thanet, in Sunderland and in Swindon.  

    More security for families across our country. 

    [political content redacted]

    And to build these new homes… 

    … we need people with the right skills. 

    Earlier this week, my Right Honourable Friend the Education Secretary announced more than £600m… 

    … to train up 60,000 more construction workers…  

    … including with 10 new Technical Excellence colleges across every region of our country… 

    … giving working people the chance to fulfil their potential.  

    New opportunities for our young people. 

    [political content redacted]

    Mr Speaker, all this is just the start.  

    The Planning and Infrastructure Bill passed its second reading on Monday. 

    [political content redacted]

    Once this Bill completes its passage… 

    … it will help deliver the homes and infrastructure our country badly needs. 

    [political content redacted] 

    And today, I can confirm to the House… 

    … that the OBR have upgraded their growth forecast next year… 

    … and every single year thereafter…  

    … with GDP growth of 1.9% in 2026, 1.8% in 2027, 1.7% in 2028, and 1.8% in 2029.  

    Mr Speaker, 

    By the end of the forecast… 

    … our economy is larger compared to the OBR’s forecast at the time of the Budget.

    [political content redacted]

    But Mr Speaker, this isn’t just about lines on a graph. 

    It is about improving people’s lives. 

    Working people are still feeling the pinch after a cost of living crisis [political content redacted] that saw prices spiral. 

    So I am pleased that the OBR confirm today … 

    … that Real Household Disposable Income…  

    … will now grow this year at almost twice the rate expected in the autumn.  

    [political content redacted]

    … and after taking into account inflation… 

    … the OBR say today… 

    … that people will be on average over £500 a year better off under this [political content redacted] government. 

    That will mean more money in the pockets of working people. Higher living standards. 

    [political content redacted]

    Mr Speaker, the world is changing. 

    We can see that… 

    … and we can feel it. 

    A changing world demands a government that is on the side of working people. 

    Acting in their interest. 

    Acting in the national interest.  

    Not retreating from challenges.  

    Not stepping back.  

    But a government with the courage to step up…  

    … to secure Britain’s future…  

    … and to seize the opportunities that are out there before us. 

    I am impatient for change, the British people are impatient for change, [political content redacted].

    And we are beginning to see change happen.  

    Our Plan for Change is working. 

    Defence spending is rising. 

    Waiting lists are falling. 

    Wages are up.  

    Interest rates are cut. 

    [political content redacted]

    And today, Mr Speaker… 

    … the OBR confirm… 

    … that our plan to get Britain building… 

    … will drive growth in our economy… 

    … and put more money in people’s pockets. 

    There are no quick fixes. 

    But we have taken the right choices.  

    [political content redacted]

    Delivering security for our country and security for working people.  

    That is what drives this government. 

    That is what drives me as Chancellor. 

    And that is what drives the choices that I have set out today.  

    And I commend this statement to the House.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Women in Gaza cut off from accessing maternal health supplies as aid blockade enters fourth week

    Source: United Nations Population Fund

    Gaza – March 25, 2025 – The ongoing aid blockade on Gaza is severely undermining access to essential health care for women and girls, as supplies run dry and hospitals once again come under attack. This marks the longest suspension of aid to Gaza since 7 October 2023. 

    In March 2025, the Ministry of Health reported critical shortages of three essential maternal health drugs: medicines used to induce or augment labour; blood plasma to treat women who are hemorrhaging, and medicine to treat pre-eclampsia- all vital to preventing maternal deaths and complications. 

    Meanwhile, 54 ultrasounds to monitor fetal health; nine incubators that keep premature and low-birth-weight newborns alive; and 350 midwifery kits that would enable community midwives to manage safe deliveries for more than 15,000 women, are all languishing at the border. Lab reagents and antibiotics, supplies to prevent and control infection, and other basics are running dangerously low. Supplies of folic acid, multivitamins, and other crucial supplements are nearly depleted, increasing the risk of birth defects, anemia, and other pregnancy-related complications.

    “This blockade is not only denying pregnant women and newborns essential medical care but also stripping them of their fundamental right to life. We urgently call for an immediate lifting of restrictions on medical supplies, fuel, and food and unimpeded access to healthcare for all, in line with international humanitarian law,” said Laila Baker, Regional Director for the Arab States at UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency.  

    Pregnant women and newborns in Gaza are facing higher than normal rates of complications, driven by widespread malnutrition compounded by the ongoing aid blockade, according to data from health facilities and partners. Around 520 babies – one in five – born since the latest aid blockade was imposed on 2 March, have required advanced medical care that is increasingly scarce.

    Between 10 and 20 per cent of all pregnant mothers in Gaza are malnourished, according to the latest nutrition assessments.

    On top of the deadly denial of critical supplies comes a resumption of attacks by Israel on healthcare facilities, staff and patients, including an attack on Nasser Hospital – one of the only remaining hospitals in Gaza where women can access maternal healthcare services. Al-Shifa and Al-Quds hospitals in the North and Emirati field hospital in Rafah are no longer fully operational, following repeat attacks.  

    “Women’s lives, and the lives of their babies hang in the balance,” said Ms. Baker. “All women have the right to access healthcare when they give birth – to deny this is to deny them their humanity.” Women and girls need a permanent end to hostilities and a pathway to peace.

    For more information, please contact:

    Eddie Wright (New York): ewright@unfpa.org;

    Samir Aldarabi (Cairo): aldarabi@unfpa.org.

    About UNFPA:

    UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA’s mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA calls for the realization of reproductive rights for all and supports access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services, including voluntary family planning, quality maternal health care and comprehensive sexuality education.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –