NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Russia: TCM Brings China and Uzbekistan Together in Forming the “Silk Road of Health”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    URUMQI, June 23 (Xinhua) — The treatment room smells of medicinal herbs, its walls are decorated with illustrations explaining the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and a diagram of the acupuncture technique, a model of the human body with indications of the complex meridians and collaterals of “Jing-Luo” stands against the wall, a doctor sits at a table in the middle of the treatment room, intently checking the patient’s pulse – such a picture, typical of a TCM medical institution, was observed not somewhere in China, but in the capital of Uzbekistan.

    The China-Uzbekistan Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutics, located in Tashkent, vividly embodies the efforts of the two countries to implement the initiative envisaged in the Xi’an Declaration of the China-Central Asia Summit of 2023. The initiative states: “The parties are interested in deepening cooperation in the field of healthcare, promoting the construction of traditional Chinese medicine centers, including in the field of growing and processing medicinal plants to form the “Silk Road of Health.”

    In particular, Xinjiang /Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, XUAR/, the region of China closest to the Central Asian countries, actively responded to the initiative. In September 2024, Xinjiang Medical University welcomed the first batch of doctors from Uzbekistan who came here to study for a master’s degree in TCM. With their youth and energy, they injected new impetus into the construction of the “Health Silk Road”.

    Among the arriving listeners was 25-year-old Sirojiddin Umirov, who had shown great enthusiasm for traditional medicine since childhood. In 2024, after graduating from the Tashkent State Medical University, he decided to deepen his qualifications in traditional medicine in China. To prepare for this, he even independently began to study Chinese in advance.

    In his master’s degree at Xinjiang Medical University, the native of the Kashkadarya region of Uzbekistan chose TCM methodology in the field of osteology as his field of study.

    “Here I am simply captivated by the deep wisdom and miraculous effects of ancient Chinese medicine. An experienced scientific director imparts to us knowledge on the treatment of bone diseases using traditional methods of Chinese medicine, and I strive to quickly use the acquired skills in clinical practice,” said S. Umirov.

    “We train Uzbek doctors with a focus on improving their practical clinical skills,” said the scientific director, Professor Fan Rui. “We hope that after studying in China, S. Umirov will be able to make a great contribution to the dissemination of TCM in Uzbekistan and the promotion of the development of local, Uzbek traditional medicine.”

    Kamronbek Gaibullaev, 23, who graduated from the Samarkand State Medical University, was also interested in studying the TCM program at Xinjiang Medical University. Acupuncture has proven to be a difficult subject for him.

    His supervisor, Li Yongkai, noted that Uzbek students still find it difficult to accurately determine the depth, angle and force of needle insertion, and sometimes lack the determination to perform this practice. In his opinion, this is partly due to the fact that, unlike the Chinese, they have had relatively little contact with TCM theory and knowledge in this area in everyday life.

    Despite this, K. Gaibullaev is full of confidence in overcoming the difficulty. He dreams of opening a TCM clinic in his native region, using his medical skills to help local residents fight illnesses.

    At the same time, in Tashkent, at the Chinese-Uzbek Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmaceutics, Zakhro Mirsaidova and her colleagues, based on the constant strengthening of clinical experience, have already begun to think about the localization of TCM.

    “We have decided to promote the localization and modernization of TCM development in Uzbekistan, for which we are considering the possibility of developing a set of principles for the prevention and treatment of diseases using TCM that correspond to the realities of our country, and we also plan to launch research work on the impact of TCM on common diseases in the Central Asian region,” said Z. Mirsaidova.

    The dissemination of TCM training courses in medical universities of Uzbekistan, the joint creation of TCM clinics, the establishment of international cooperation in the field of TCM educational programs, the active organization of relevant trainings and cultural events – all this is aimed at promoting the integrated and innovative development of traditional medicine in China and Uzbekistan, noted Chen Jingbo, Director of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region TCM Hospital at Xinjiang Medical University.

    He places great hope on talented traditional medicine specialists from the two countries to improve their professional skills and make greater contributions to protecting people’s health and play an active role in implementing the Health Silk Road initiative. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The United States has urged its citizens to exercise increased caution abroad.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    WASHINGTON, June 23 (Xinhua) — The U.S. State Department on Sunday issued a global security alert, urging U.S. citizens abroad to exercise increased caution.

    “The conflict between Israel and Iran has led to disruptions in air traffic and periodic closures of airspace in the Middle East,” says a statement posted on the department’s official website.

    “There is a potential for protests against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The State Department advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution,” the warning said.

    The United States struck three key Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday, saying it had destroyed the country’s nuclear program.

    Late on Saturday, US President Donald Trump warned that any retaliatory strike by Iran “will be met with force far beyond what the world saw tonight.”

    Last week, the State Department warned American citizens against traveling to Israel, Gaza and the West Bank due to armed conflict, terrorism and civil unrest. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Llyodstern Establishes New Standards in Digital Business Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Llyodstern.com, a tech company based in London, is changing how businesses work online. The company has built a simple platform that helps people make better business decisions without all the usual headaches.

    Making Business Easier

    Llyodstern created the platform that lets businesses access different markets around the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re running a small shop or a big company – their tools are designed to be easy to use for everyone.

    Their system almost never stops working. It’s up and running 99.99% of the time, so you can really rely on it when you’re busy. You won’t have to stress about the website going down when you’re trying to do something important.

    “We just wanted to build something that actually helps people,” says someone from the company. “Most platforms are either too confusing or too basic. We tried to make something right in the middle.”

    Wide Range of Business Opportunities

    Through their platform, users can explore over 3,000 different business opportunities. This includes regular company stocks, things like gold and oil, different currencies, and even newer digital stuff like Bitcoin and Ethereum. They have more than 60 different digital options to choose from.

    You can also keep track of big market indicators like the S&P 500 and NASDAQ. Even smaller businesses can get involved in markets that used to be only for big companies.

    Multiple Ways to Access the Platform

    People like to work in different ways, so Llyodstern gives you options. They have a phone app so you can check things while you’re out and about. Perfect for busy people who can’t always be at their computer.

    If you want more detailed charts and analysis, they give you all the advanced tools. But if you just want something simple, their WebTrader works right in your web browser – no need to download anything.

    Help with Retirement Planning

    Llyodstern teamed up with a company called EBROKING to help people manage their retirement money. This partnership makes it easier for people to handle their own retirement funds and gives them access to special bank accounts that work together smoothly.

    It’s especially helpful because it takes care of a lot of the boring paperwork stuff automatically.

    Safe and Secure

    The company follows strict rules and is watched over by financial authorities in Switzerland and works with Interactive Brokers. This means your money and information are protected by the same rules that banks have to follow.

    They also have security systems running 24/7 to watch for any problems and help you avoid them before they happen.

    Global Reach, Local Support

    Llyodstern gets that businesses today are global. That’s why they’ve made sure their customer support speaks many languages and that their platform works for different regions. They cover big markets in Europe, America, and Asia, so you can really think big, even if you’re operating right where you are.

    Their support team is always ready to help, whether you’re new or have some tough questions. They just want to make sure you’re getting the best out of the platform.

    Smart Ways to Handle Risks

    One thing Llyodstern really shines at is managing risk. Their platform has these great tools that help you spot potential problems and make smarter choices. Instead of leaving you to figure things out on your own, the system actually guides you and gives you early warnings when the market starts shifting.

    This approach means businesses can stay ahead of problems, rather than just reacting once things go wrong.

    Steady Growth, Dependable Service

    While a lot of tech companies try to grow super fast, Llyodstern has taken a different route. They’re all about steady, sustainable growth so they never have to cut corners on the service their current clients get. Plus, they test new features really carefully before putting them out there, making sure everything works perfectly from day one.

    This careful way of doing things has built a lot of trust with their clients. Many have been with the company for years and often tell others about them.

    About Llyodstern

    Llyodstern.com is a digital company from London that makes tools to help businesses manage their operations in today’s world. They work with all sorts of clients, from people just starting their own business to very large companies, giving them easy and reliable ways to find business chances all over the globe.

    Llyodstern cares about security, staying compliant, and supporting their customers. That’s why they’ve become a trusted partner for businesses looking to grow and make smarter decisions in today’s connected world.

    Contact Info:

    Want to know more? Just visit their website or send them a message.

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by Llyodstern. The statements, views, and opinions expressed are solely those of the provider and do not necessarily reflect those of this media platform or its publisher. Any names or brands mentioned are used for identification purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners. No endorsement or guarantee is made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct independent research and consult qualified professionals. The publisher is not liable for any losses, damages, or legal issues arising from the use or publication of this content.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Powering Britain’s Future

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Powering Britain’s Future

    Electricity costs for businesses – including potentially hundreds in Scotland – to be slashed as Industrial Strategy launched to unlock investment and new jobs

    More than 7,000 British businesses are set to see their electricity bills slashed by up to 25% from 2027, as the Government unveils its bold new Industrial Strategy today [Monday 23 June].

    The modern Industrial Strategy sets out a ten-year plan to boost investment, create good skilled jobs and make Britain the best place to do business by tackling two of the biggest barriers facing UK industry – high electricity prices and long waits for grid connections.

    British manufacturers currently pay some of the highest electricity prices in the developed world while businesses looking to expand or modernise have faced delays when it comes to connecting to the grid.

    For too long these challenges have held back growth and made it harder for British firms to compete. Today’s announcement marks a decisive shift — with government stepping in to support industry and unlock the UK’s economic potential.

    From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour for over 7,000 electricity-intensive businesses in manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace and chemicals. Hundreds of Scottish businesses could be in line to benefit.

    These firms, which support over 300,000 skilled jobs, will be exempt from paying levies such as the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market — helping level the playing field and make them more internationally competitive. Eligibility and further details on the exemptions will be determined following consultation, which will be launched shortly.

    The government is also increasing support for the most energy-intensive firms — like steel, chemicals, and glass — by covering more of the electricity network charges they normally have to pay through the British Industry Supercharger. These businesses currently get a 60% discount on those charges, but from 2026, that will increase to 90%. This means their electricity bills will go down, helping them stay competitive, protect jobs, and invest in the future.

    This will help around 500 eligible businesses in sectors such as steel, ceramics and glass reduce their costs and protect jobs in industries that are the backbone of our economy and will be delivered at no additional cost to the taxpayer. The support for steel manufacturing is crucial as it’s a critical enabling industry for Scotland’s world leading defence and renewable energy sectors.

    These reforms complement the government’s long-term mission for clean power, which is the only way to bring down bills for good by ending the UK’s dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets.

    To ensure businesses can grow and hire without delay, the government will also deliver a new Connections Accelerator Service to streamline grid access for major investment projects — including prioritising those that create high-quality jobs and deliver significant economic benefits.

    We will work closely with the energy sector, local authorities, Scottish and Welsh Governments, trade unions, and industry to design this service, which we expect to begin operating at the end of 2025. New powers in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently before parliament, could also allow the Government to reserve grid capacity for strategically important projects, cutting waiting times and unlocking growth in key sectors.

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

    In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.

    This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

    Scottish Secretary Ian Murray today visited a new industrial development in East Lothian, on the site of a former coal-fired power station. The redevelopment site is partly funded by an £11 million UK Government investment, and includes the construction of a new interconnecter to take power from the Inchcape offshore wind farm to the National Grid. 

    Also joint Department for Business and Trade/HM Treasury Minister for Investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson, will meet senior figures from Dundee’s life sciences and tech, gaming, and creative sectors later. 

    Speaking ahead of his visit Mr Murray said:

    Scotland is rightly at the heart of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy with our businesses and expertise integral to further creating jobs and economic growth through the eight sectors identified.

    Advanced manufacturing, clean energy, creative Industries, defence, digital and technologies, financial services, life sciences and professional and business services, Scotland excels at them all. But we have the potential to go much further. And by slashing electricity costs for Scottish businesses, increasing business investment and cutting red tape the UK Government is helping turbocharge the economy, create jobs and put more money in the pockets of working Scots as part of our Plan for Change.

    We have a proud industrial heritage and with this new comprehensive 10 year strategy Scotland and the wider UK has an exciting future.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    The UK has some of the most innovative businesses in the world and our Plan for Change has provided them with the stability they need to grow and for more to be created.

    Today’s Industrial Strategy builds on that progress with a ten-year plan to slash barriers to investment. It’ll see billions of pounds for investment and cutting-edge tech, ease energy costs, and upskill the nation. It will ensure the industries that make Britain great can thrive. It will boost our economy and create jobs that put more money in people’s pockets.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    We’ve said from day one Britain is back in business under this government, and the £100 billion of investment we’ve secured in the past year shows our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people.

    Our Modern Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK is the best country to invest and do business, delivering economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets and pays for our NHS, schools and military.

    Not only does this Strategy prioritise investment to attract billions for new business sites, cutting-edge research, and better transport links, it will also make our industrial electricity prices more competitive.

    Tackling energy costs and fixing skills has been the single biggest ask of us from businesses and the greatest challenge they’ve faced – this government has listened, and now we’re taking the bold action needed. Government and business working hand in hand to make working people better off is what this Government promised and what we will deliver.

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:

    For too long high electricity costs have held back British businesses, as a result of our reliance on gas sold on volatile international markets.

    As part of our modern industrial strategy we’re unlocking the potential of British industry by slashing industrial electricity prices in key sectors.

    We’re also doubling down on our clean power strengths with increased investment in growth industries from offshore wind to nuclear. This will deliver on our clean power mission and Plan for Change to bring down bills for households and businesses for good.

    The Supercharger and British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will be funded through reforms to the energy system. The government is reducing costs within the system to free up funding without raising household bills or taxes and intends to also use additional funds from the strengthening of UK carbon pricing, including as a result of linking with the EU carbon market.

    We have set out an intention to link emissions trading systems, as part of our new agreement with the European Union to support British businesses. Without an agreement to do this, British industry would have to pay the EU’s carbon tax.

    We intend to link our carbon pricing system with the EU’s, we will ensure that money stays in the UK—which allows us to support British companies and British jobs through these schemes.

    Building on the Spending Review and the recently announced 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy, the Industrial Strategy is the latest step forward in our plans to deliver national renewal. It will include targeted support for the areas of the country and economy that have the greatest potential to grow, while introducing reforms that will make it easier for all businesses to get ahead.

    The Strategy’s bold plan of action includes:

    • Slash electricity costs by up to 25% from 2027 for electricity-intensive manufacturers in our growth sectors and foundational industries in their supply chain, bringing costs more closely in line with other major economies in Europe.

    • Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs by increasing British Business Bank financial capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital. This includes an additional £4bn for Industrial Strategy Sectors, crowding in billions more in private capital. By investing largely through venture funds, the BBB will back the UK’s most high-growth potential companies.

    • Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators. 

    • Supporting 5,500 more SMEs to adopt new technology through the Made Smarter programme while centralising government support in one place through the Business Growth Service.

    • Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2bn for AI over the Spending Review, and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors. Regulatory changes will further clear the path for fast-growing industries and innovative products such as biotechnology, AI, and autonomous vehicles.

    • Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migration reforms and the new Global Talent Taskforce.

    • Deepening economic and industrial collaboration with our partners, building on our Industrial Strategy Partnership with Japan and recent deals with the US, India, and the EU.

    • Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.

    • Supporting the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator, at six locations to be chosen across the UK, enhanced regional support from the Office for Investment, National Wealth Fund, and British Business Bank, and more, including  with the Scottish Government to support the Edinburgh-Glasgow Central Belt.

    • Strengthening existing “Industrial Strategy Zones” – in Scotland these are the Forth Green Freeport, Cromarty Firth Green Freeport, Glasgow City Region and the North East Scotland Investment Zones – with an enhanced offer of streamlined planning, better-targeted investment promotion, support for accessing concessionary finance and coordinated support on skills.

    • Delivering AI Growth Zones to attract investment in AI infrastructure in strategic locations across the UK, including Scotland, with support for planning, access to energy, and partnerships with the private sector.

    • Growing high-potential innovation ecosystems through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund, with at least £30m for Scotland, building on UK-wide public R&D investment and Innovate UK’s joint action plans with devolved governments.

    • Identifying and securing the right financing for investment projects in Scotland with the National Wealth Fund, working with the Scottish National Investment Bank.  

    • Using a British Business Bank Cluster Champion in Glasgow City Region, with deep expertise and local knowledge, to coordinate investment-readiness programmes, strengthen financial networks, and connect high-potential firms to investors.

    The plan focuses on 8 sectors where the UK is already strong and there’s potential for faster growth: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Creative Industries, Defence, Digital and Technologies, Financial Services, Life Sciences, and Professional and Business Services. Each growth sector has a bespoke 10-year plan that will attract investment, enable growth and create high-quality, well-paid jobs.

    Dame Clare Barclay DBE, Chair of the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council and President of Enterprise & Industry EMEA at Microsoft said:

    I welcome today’s Industrial Strategy, which sets out a clear plan to back the UK’s growth driving sectors. It is particularly positive to see the strong focus on skills in areas such as engineering, technology and defence. Commitments such as £187 million for the TechFirst programme will ensure the UK has the skills it needs to support our growth industries and seize transformative opportunities like AI.

    Rain Newton-Smith, Chief Executive, CBI said:

    Today’s Industrial Strategy announcement is a significant leap forward in the partnership between government and business that sets us on the path to our shared goal of raising living standards across the country.  

    It sends an unambiguous, positive signal about the nation’s global calling card as well as the direction of travel for the wider economy for the next decade and beyond.

    The CBI has long been advocating for a comprehensive industrial strategy, based on the UK’s USP – the sectors and markets where we can compete to win on the global stage.

    More competitive energy prices, fast-tracked planning decisions and backing innovation will provide a bedrock for growth. But the global race to attract investment will require a laser-like and unwavering focus on the UK’s overall competitiveness. 

    Today marks the beginning of delivering this strategy in close partnership, at pace, and with a shared purpose. 

    Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO at Make UK said:

    British industry has been in desperate need for a government who understands our sector and had the strategic vision for a plan for growth. Today’s Industrial Strategy is a giant and much needed step forward taken by the Secretary of State who has seen the potential and provided the keys to help unlock it.

    Make UK has led the campaign for a new industrial strategy for many years, highlighting the three major challenges that were diminishing our competitiveness, hampering growth and frustrating productivity gains: a skills crisis, crippling energy costs and, an inability to access capital for new British innovators.

    The strategy announced today sets out plans to address all three of these structural failings. Clearly there is much to do as we move towards implementation but, this will send a message across the Country and around the world that Britain is back in business.

    Tufan Erginbilgic, Rolls-Royce CEO, said:

    The UK Government’s Industrial Strategy commitment to support our world-leading aerospace and nuclear industries shows long-term strategic foresight. Rolls-Royce’s highly differentiated technologies in gas turbines and nuclear capabilities- including SMRs and AMRs- are uniquely placed to deliver economic growth, skilled jobs and attract investment into the UK.

    Mike Hawes OBE, SMMT Chief Executive said:

    The publication of an Industrial Strategy – one with automotive at its heart – is the policy framework the sector has long-sought and Government has now addressed. Such a strategy – long-term, aligned to a trade strategy and supported by all of Government – is the basis on which the UK automotive sector can regain its global competitiveness. Making the UK the best place to invest now depends on implementation, and implementation at pace, because investment decisions are being made now against a backdrop of fierce competition and geopolitical uncertainty. The number one priority must be addressing the UK’s high cost of energy, enabling the sector to invest in the technologies, the products and the people that will give the UK its competitive edge. 

    Five sector plans have been published today:

    • Advanced Manufacturing – Backing our Advanced Manufacturing sector with up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years, with the aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35 million, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight. Glasgow is a global force in advanced manufacturing –  home to the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District and globally competitive universities, the city region has strengths across defence, space and quantum. Edinburgh houses the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University and the Roslin Institute, which is a leading Agri-Tech research centre. 

    • Clean Energy Industries – Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035, with Aberdeen-headquartered Great British Energy helping to build the clean power revolution in Britain with a further £700 million in clean energy supply chains, taking the total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion. We are supporting Scottish clean energy industries with £200 million development funding to advance the Acorn Carbon Capture and Storage project, capitalising on expertise in the oil and gas sector around Aberdeen. Up to £185 million has been allocated to Scotland through the Clean Industry Bonus, unlocking up to £3.5 billion private sector investment in ports and high-tech components needed to build floating and fixed offshore wind farms. Aberdeen is a global energy capital boasting new investment in hydrogen, with its pioneering Energy Transition Zone repositioning the North East as a globally integrated energy cluster.  A new regional skills pilot for Aberdeen will also help ensure a strong local skills base to deliver these opportunities.

    • Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports. It includes a £30 million Games Growth Package to back the next generation of UK video games studios – a sector in which Scotland is world leading. Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee are centres for creative industries. The Edinburgh Festivals incubate creative talent, whilst Edinburgh Futures Institute drives innovation.

    • Digital and Technologies – Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses, with more than £2 billion to drive the AI Action Plan, including a new Sovereign AI Programme, £187 million for training one million young people in tech skills and targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies such as quantum technologies in Scotland. Scotland is home to two of the UK’s five new Quantum Hubs, with involvement in all five. Ten of the top 30 global semiconductor companies have operations in Scotland. Scotland is also home to cutting edge AI research network and R&D infrastructure – Edinburgh Genome Biofoundry and Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre. An up to £750m investment in the UK’s largest supercomputer at the University of Edinburgh sets a marker for our ambition for further growth in digital & technologies.

    • Professional and Business Services – Ensuring our Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry, revolutionising the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI and working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas. Scotland’s financial services sector, second only to London, features a cutting-edge Fintech scene. Over 25% of Glasgow’s top tech firms are in financial & business services, attracting major firms such as Azets and RSM. This is anchored by a highly capable workforce, supported by a world-class skills ecosystem and universities.
       

    The Industrial Strategy will be published on GOV.UK later today.

    The Defence, Financial Services and Life Sciences sector plans will be published shortly.

    The 7,000 businesses are an indicative estimate of how many businesses could be in scope of the scheme. The full scope and eligibility of the scheme will be determined following consultation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City’s heritage under spotlight in series of roadshows

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 23rd June 2025

    Residents are being invited to share their views about heritage in the city as part an ongoing commitment to protect, preserve and celebrate Stoke-on-Trent’s history.

    Stoke-on-Trent is one of the first nine places set to benefit from a share of £200 million as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage Places initiative.

    As part of the project, a series of heritage roadshows are taking place across the city to establish what people value the most. The roadshows will help to develop a shared approach to how the city manages its heritage, and establish a pipeline of heritage regeneration sites and projects over the coming years.

    Stoke-on-Trent City Council is working with Heritage Culture Communities to develop and deliver the events which will take place throughout June, July, September and October.

    The organisation will work in collaboration with key partners in the community to explore the city’s unique heritage and capture what communities and stakeholders say is important to them and what they think needs to be protected, promoted and prioritised.

    Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We’re a city with a rich history and a number of distinctive buildings that need to be preserved, restored and refurbished for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the city.

    “Before we do anything, we need to understand how our residents feel about heritage in the city and what’s most important to them. When we talk about heritage in this context, we’re including the history, traditions and natural features that connect us to our past and shape our identity – whether they’re buildings, places, landscapes or old factory sites.

    “This exercise will also help us to know where to focus our resources and efforts as well as provide us with vital information to plan for future policy and direction.”

    The roadshows are designed to bring people together to uncover and share local stories, places and traditions. They will feature activities such as mapping local heritage assets, heritage-themed walks and talks led by the Potteries Heritage Society and family-friendly creative and cultural activities.

    They will take place:

    • Saturday 28 June – Burslem School of Art, Burslem, Oliver’s Mill, Cobridge – 10am-12pm (workshop) 12pm-1.20pm (heritage walk)
    • Saturday 12 July – Fenton Town Hall, Fenton – 10am-12pm (workshop) 12-1.30pm (heritage walk)
    • Saturday 19 July – Westport Lake Café, Longport, Canal and River Trust sites 10am-12pm (workshop) 12-1.30pm (heritage walk)

    People should arrive by 11.30am if only attending for the walk.

    Roadshows are also being organised in Shelton, Etruria and Stoke town centre throughout September and October. The details of these events will be shared in due course.

    The work to protect the city’s heritage through the Heritage Places initiative is in addition to the ongoing effort Stoke-on-Trent City Council is making to safeguard the long-term future of some of its most iconic heritage buildings.

    This includes the former Burslem Indoor Market building and the Wedgwood Institute, also in Burslem, where the council is looking to carry out emergency repair works to ensure they can be preserved for future generations.

    Plans are also progressing to transform the former Spode pottery works in Stoke after Capital & Centric was appointed as development partner for the site, marking a huge milestone in its regeneration.

    At the same time, the council is supporting Re-form Heritage with its plans to transform Bethesda Chapel in Hanley into a centre for education and events.

    It also follows the launch of the Living Heritage City Trail – an interactive self-guided trail through Stoke and Hanley which was unveiled earlier this year, as part of the city’s Centenary celebrations.

    For more information about the trail visit Stoke-on-Trent Living Heritage City – Visit Stoke

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Box Plymouth announces landmark Beryl Cook exhibition for 2026

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Taking place 100 years after she was born, the exhibition will re-assess and re-present Cook’s work, giving her the acclaim she deserves

    The Box Plymouth has today revealed details of a major exhibition by artist Beryl Cook (1926-2008). Running from Saturday 24 January to Sunday 31 May 2026, it will be the most extensive exhibition of her work to date. With the help of new research and rarely or never seen before paintings and archival material, it will reposition her career and contribution to British art.

    Born Beryl Frances Lansley in Egham, Surrey in 1926, Cook was a self-taught artist who was already in her late thirties when she picked up a paint brush. She moved to Plymouth in 1968, and the city and its people became her muse for the next 40 years. Her first exhibition at the former Plymouth Arts Centre in 1975 led to a major feature in the Sunday Times and launched a career filled with vibrant, warm-hearted paintings that led to an OBE for services to the arts in 1995.

    “A century after she was born a reappraisal of Beryl Cook’s work feels long overdue,” says Victoria Pomery, CEO of The Box. “Although loved by many, she wasn’t given enough serious consideration during her lifetime and we want to change that. This exhibition is a timely opportunity for us to fully explore her impact and highlight how skilled she was at documenting everyday life during a time of social change from the 1970s to the 2000s.”

    Ambitious in scale as well as approach, the exhibition will feature more than 80 works, including paintings from The Box’s significant art collection, loans from both private and public collections, plus rarely seen items from the personal archives of the Cook family.

    “We are thrilled to be celebrating 100 years of Beryl with The Box,” says Beryl Cook’s granddaughter, Sophie Cook. “Plymouth had a special place in Beryl’s heart having spent most of her life living there, so this feels like the rightful home for such a special exhibition.”

    The exhibition will also feature works by figures from history with whom Cook felt an affinity, such as influential Flemish painter Pieter Bruegel the Younger (1564-1638) and acclaimed English artist Stanley Spencer (1891-1959). Her continued impact on artists who are working today will also be explored.

    “This exhibition is a chance for us to really examine Cook’s meticulous practice, process and legacy, as well as present a wider contextualisation of her career,” says Terah Walkup, art curator at The Box who has been working with curatorial consultant Ben Borthwick on its development. “It will foreground her fascination and positive portrayals of a variety of people and communities, including those who were often on the fringes of mainstream society and, through the research we’re doing, share fresh perspectives from those who knew her, were painted by her or were there when some of her most iconic works were created.”

    Stay up to date with the development of the exhibition at theboxplymouth.com.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Disaster losses and damages data use cases

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Existing and potential use cases of losses and damages data across a range of different domains are presented as a small demonstration of the many applications available today and anticipated in the future

    Related

    Disaster losses and damages tracking

    UNDRR and partner organisations support countries in monitoring their progress in reducing losses and damages at national and sub-national levels through publicly-accessible Disaster Tracking Systems for hazardous events and disaster losses and damages.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Right Committee Opens One Hundred and Forty-Fourth Session

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Human Right Committee this morning opened its one hundred and forty-fourth session, during which it will examine the reports of Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kazakhstan, Latvia, North Macedonia, Spain and Viet Nam on their implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

    In her opening remarks, Sara Hamood, Chief of the Anti-Racial Discrimination Section within the Rule of Law, Equality and Non-Discrimination Branch of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and Representative of the Secretary-General, said this session was taking place in extremely challenging times for human rights globally. 

    Quoting the High Commissioner for Human Rights’ opening remarks at the current Human Rights Council session, she expressed concern about “spiralling conflicts”, “social tensions”, “widespread discrimination” and “attacks on the international institutions that underpin our rights, including the International Criminal Court”, as well as about funding cuts affecting the Office of the High Commissioner, the human rights mechanisms, and civil society partners.  The High Commissioner appealed for the strongest possible defence of international law and human rights, emphasising that human rights provided stability and security in troubled times and that they were guardrails on power, especially when it was unleashed in its most brutal forms.

    On 17 June, the High Commissioner presented to the Council his annual report (A/HRC/59/20), in which he stressed that the “global consensus around international norms and institutions continues to face serious threats”.  He stated that “in this troubled and turbulent context, a global coalition is needed to demonstrate an unequivocal commitment, anchored in human rights, to international order and the rule of law.”

    Last week, the Council also held interactive dialogues with Special Procedures.  The Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association presented her report on the “impact of the 2023-2025 ‘super election’ cycle on the rights of peaceful assembly and association” (A/HRC59/44).  The Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression presented her report on “freedom of expression and elections in the digital age” (A/HRC/59/50). 

    Ms. Hamood said this year marked the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the first international human rights treaty adopted by the General Assembly on 21 December 1965. This year’s commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was dedicated to this important anniversary.  There needed to be a renewed commitment to the Convention, stronger implementation, and inclusive dialogue to advance racial justice.  A series of global events were being held to mark the occasion, including commemorations in New York and Geneva.  As part of this initiative, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination would host a commemorative event on 4 December.

    While recent years had seen growing momentum for racial justice, a rollback on racial justice commitments was now being seen in some contexts, Ms. Hamood said.  Despite significant progress, the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination’s promise remained unfulfilled for many.  Racism and white supremacy continued to poison communities, politics, media and online platforms.  Racism was manifested in many ways, including through violations of civil and political rights.  The Human Rights Committee needed to continue its important contribution to the fight against racism; the work of the anti-racism mechanisms would prove helpful in this regard.

    Addressing the financial crisis in the human rights system, Ms. Hamood said that for treaty bodies with three annual sessions, including the Human Rights Committee, the Office of the High Commissioner would not be able to secure the funding to hold their third sessions this year.  The Office received only 73 per cent of its approved regular budget in 2025, a further decrease from the 87 per cent of its approved regular budget received in 2024.  As most of these funds were needed to cover contractual liabilities, particularly staff costs, the amount available for meetings and activities was simply inadequate. Next year also risked seeing a continuation of this trend.

    The liquidity situation was a system-wide crisis.  The United Nations Office at Geneva’s Conference Services had also faced dramatic cuts, leading it to adopt cash conservative measures that would impact the conference support provided to the human rights treaty bodies, particularly in terms of documentation, meeting time and interpretation.  It was called on to reduce official meetings and documentation by 10 per cent.

    Ms. Hamood said reductions of the allotments would impact the treaty bodies’ ability to hold dialogues with States parties and to take decisions on individual communications, resulting in further delays and backlogs.  Another area where cuts were being made was in treaty body capacity building activities, which provided valuable support for States to report to and interact with the treaty bodies.  All this caused real damage to the predictability of the reporting cycle, which was critically important to enable States, civil society organizations and right holders to engage effectively with the treaty bodies.  Ms. Hamood expressed regret that, given the overall reduction in funds and availability of support services, business as usual was no longer possible.

    She reported that the thirty-seventh annual meeting of the Chairs of the human rights treaty bodies took place in Geneva from 2 to 6 June 2025.  An overarching theme addressed in considerable depth was the United Nations liquidity crisis and how it was impacting the effective discharge of the mandates of the treaty bodies.  The Chairs also discussed how to create synergies between human rights mechanisms as well as regional mechanisms, the progress made on the alignment of their working methods and practices, and the implementation of the guidelines on the independence and impartiality of members of the human rights treaty bodies.

    Ms. Hamood said the Committee had a busy agenda ahead of it, including seven State party reviews, the consideration and adoption of 10 lists of issues prior to reporting, as well as several individual communications under the Optional Protocol.  It would also hold briefings with various stakeholders, each of which was a vital opportunity to stem the local but also global assault on human rights and their defenders.  She closed by wishing the Committee a successful and productive session.

    Changrok Soh, Committee Chair, said the Committee was particularly interested in the commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of the Convention against Racial Discrimination.  Racial discrimination was an issue often dealt with by the Committee, as it often manifested itself in violations of civil and political rights.  The Committee would continue to scrutinise the state of racial discrimination under its mandated activities.  The Committee took inspiration from Ms. Hamood’s statement, as next year would mark the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Covenant, Mr. Soh noted.

    The Committee then adopted its agenda and programme of work for the session.

    Hélène Tigroudja, Committee Vice Chair and Chair of the working group on communications, presented the report on the group’s activities for the one hundred and fortieth session. She said that the format of the group’s work had been adjusted, with three days dedicated to discussions on communications prior to the session.  These were not enough to assess all the communications before the Committee. However, the working group had done tremendous work in a spirit of solidarity.

    Ms. Tigroudja said that, of the 21 documents submitted for consideration, it discussed 18 and adopted 16. The Committee had continued to append in a single document communications submitted against the same State party and concerning the same claims.  This enabled the group to review a total of 26 communications, covering, inter alia, participation in public affairs, the right to self-determination, freedom of expression in political and electoral processes, political representation of indigenous peoples, racial discrimination, arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment in detention, and non-refoulement.  The communications examined were submitted between 2015 and 2023 and concerned 13 States parties covering different continents and regions.

    Following its discussions, and pending the finalisation of its work this week, the working group submitted to the plenary 10 communications with a finding of inadmissibility and six communications with a finding of violation of the rights of the Covenant, Ms. Tigroudja reported.  Five communications were still to be examined this week.  She thanked all those who had worked hard to facilitate the holding of the condensed working group, including the petitions unit, which prepared draft decisions.

    Preparation of draft decisions in advance of plenary meetings was an absolute necessity, and one of the fundamental tasks entrusted to the Committee by States through the Optional Protocol, Ms. Tigroudja said.  Individual communications were an important part of the Committee’s raison d’être. A session without draft decisions previously discussed, reviewed and finalised in working groups and in person would lead to a decrease in the quality and effectiveness of the Committee’s work, and moreover a denial of justice for victims seeking to denounce violations of their rights, she concluded.

    A Committee Expert thanked the working group for its work, and expressed concern about the financial situation, which impeded the holding of pre-sessional working groups, and had caused the cancellation of the third session of the Committee.  She thanked all Committee members for their efforts to maintain the Committee’s work in these difficult circumstances.

    The working group’s report was adopted.

    The Human Rights Committee’s one hundred and forty-fourth session is being held from 23 June to 17 July 2025.  All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 24 June, to begin its consideration of the third periodic report of Kazakhstan (CCPR/C/KAZ/3).

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CCPR25.009E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Correction(sequence # amended): Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 25

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 30 2025

    Danske Bank

    Bernstorffsgade 40

    DK-1577 København V

    Tel. + 45 33 44 00 00

    23 June 2025

    Page 1 of 1

    Danske Bank share buy-back programme: transactions in week 25

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

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

    The following transactions on Nasdaq Copenhagen A/S were made under the share buy-back programme in week 25:
      Number of shares VWAP DKK Gross value DKK
    Accumulated, last announcement 6,905,843 229.2970 1,583,489,270
    16 June 2025 49,441 260.3803 12,873,462
    17 June 2025 50,000 257.7752 12,888,760
    18 June 2025 88,832 256.1210 22,751,741
    19 June 2025 101,760 254.5391 25,901,899
    20 June 2025 54,462 255.6107 13,921,070
    Total accumulated over week 25 344,495 256.4244 88,336,932
    Total accumulated during the share buyback programme 7,250,338 230.5860 1,671,826,202

    With the transactions stated above, the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 0.868% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

    Danske Bank

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

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Man sentenced to six years for fraudulently issuing a vehicle roadworthy certificate

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Man sentenced to six years for fraudulently issuing a vehicle roadworthy certificate

    The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the sentencing of a vehicle testing official from a private testing station who was found guilty of fraudulently issuing a vehicle roadworthy certificate.

    Kabelo Chilenge was sentenced in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court to six years direct imprisonment for fraudulently issuing a vehicle roadworthy certificate for a vehicle that he did not physically examine.

    The certificate was issued at Quick Test vehicle testing station in Modimolle, Limpopo, in April 2022, while the vehicle in question was in a police pound at the time.

    “Although no evidence was led to prove that Chilenge benefitted personally from the illicit transaction, the court drew inference that such conduct could not be executed without gratification.

    “The court said the accused earned a salary and there was no need for him to commit such an offence. It considered that unroadworthy vehicles cause accidents when allowed to operate on the roads,” the RTMC said on Friday.

    The RTMC said the sentence was appropriate and served as a deterrent to others who are involved in such unlawful activities.

    Members of the public have encouraged to report fraud and corruption via email: ntacu@rtmc.co.za or WhatsApp to 083 293 7989. – SAnews.gov.za

    nosihle

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain published

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain published

    The VMD has published the Good Distribution Practice (GDP) for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain, providing updated guidance for wholesale dealers.

    The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has published the Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain, providing updated guidance for wholesale dealers to ensure the safe and effective distribution of veterinary medicines.

    This new guidance outlines the minimum standards that wholesale dealers must meet to comply with their legal obligations under the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR). It is designed to support the integrity of the supply chain and ensure that veterinary medicinal products are consistently stored, transported, and handled under suitable conditions.

    Key areas covered in the guidance include:

    • Quality management systems to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
    • Personnel responsibilities and training requirements.
    • Premises and equipment standards for storage and distribution.
    • Documentation and record-keeping to ensure traceability.
    • Handling of complaints, returns, and recalls to protect animal and public health.

    The GDP guidance is applicable to all holders of a Wholesale Dealer’s Authorisation (WDA) for veterinary medicinal products in Great Britain. It aligns with international best practices and reflects the VMD’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the veterinary medicines supply chain.

    Wholesale dealers are encouraged to review the guidance in full and ensure their operations are compliant. The VMD will use this guidance as a reference during inspections and compliance assessments.

    Access the Guidance

    The full Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain document is available to download from Good Distribution Practice for Veterinary Medicinal Products in Great Britain.

    For further information or queries, please contact the VMD Inspections Team at inspections@vmd.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remembering the Gros Ventre Slide of 1925

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from James Mauch, geologist with the Wyoming State Geological Survey.

    Photograph taken several months after the Gros Ventre Slide, Wyoming, showing the slide path (background), debris at the toe (foreground), and the waters of Lower Slide Lake.  Photo by William C. Alden, U.S. Geological Survey, 1925.

    June 23, 2025, marks the 100th anniversary of the Gros Ventre Slide, the largest and one of the most impactful landslides to occur in the Greater Yellowstone region in recorded history. At approximately 4 PM on that day in 1925, an estimated 50 million cubic yards (38 million cubic meters) of rock and debris tumbled down the north side of Sheep Mountain—14 miles (23 kilometers) northeast of the town of Jackson, Wyoming—and into the valley of the Gros Ventre River 2,100 feet (640 meters) below. Within minutes the valley floor was buried beneath more than 200 feet (61 meters) of rocky debris and the river was dammed, creating Lower Slide Lake.

    Remarkably, the 1925 landslide claimed no lives. Rancher Guil Huff, whose firsthand account remains invaluable to geologists studying the event, narrowly escaped the surging debris with his horse at a full gallop. However, tragedy struck about two years later on May 18, 1927, when the snowmelt-swollen Gros Ventre River breached the landslide dam and unleashed a devastating flood. This flood destroyed the town of Kelly, 4 miles (6 kilometers) downstream from the dam, and resulted in six fatalities. The lessons learned from the Kelly Flood would prove crucial in the aftermath of the 1959 Madison Slide, a consequence of the M7.3 Hebgen Lake earthquake, when engineers averted a similar disaster by constructing a spillway to lower the water level in the lake that formed on the Madison River upstream of the slide.

    What caused the Gros Ventre Slide? The south side of the Gros Ventre River valley, where the landslide occurred, is underlain by sedimentary rocks that are tilted northward roughly parallel to the forested hillslope. The base of this hillslope is undercut as a result of the long-term incision and erosion by the river. The rock exposed at the surface of the slope is the Tensleep Sandstone—a layer that groundwater can easily penetrate due to the space between sand grains as well as numerous joints and fractures. Beneath the Tensleep Sandstone, the shale beds of the Amsden Formation form a barrier to groundwater flow. This allows for groundwater to collect at the interface between the Tensleep and Amsden, where weak, heavily weathered siltstone layers are present.

    Oblique lidar shaded relief map looking east up the Gros Ventre River valley, Wyoming. The Gros Ventre Slide, which occurred on June 23, 1925, is outlined in black, and it moved from the high ridge on the south (right side of image) into the valley below. North-dipping sedimentary rock units are labeled in white, separated by white dashed lines. The slope failed near the contact of the Tensleep Sandstone and the underlying Amsden Formation. Abundant rainfall and snowmelt during a particularly wet spring saturated weak layers at the base of the Tensleep Sandstone, where groundwater collects above the impermeable shales of the Amsden Formation. These saturated conditions lowered the frictional strength of the weak layers and set the stage for the landslide, which may have been triggered by a small earthquake. Other landslides are visible in the lidar image, including the prehistoric Devils Elbow Slide and the Red Slide, which occurred six days after the Gros Ventre Slide on Jun 29, 1925. (Lidar digital elevation models published in 2024 by the U.S. Geological Survey 3D Elevation Program and downloaded from https://apps.nationalmap.gov/downloader/.)
    Photograph of the Gros Ventre Slide 100 years after it occurred. View is to the south, with the landslide scar visible in the middle of the treed hillslope across the valley. Lower Slide Lake, which formed behind the landslide debris, is visible on the left side of the photograph.  Photo by James Mauch, Wyoming State Geological Survey, June 7, 2025.

    When these weak layers become saturated with water, they lose their frictional strength and become more likely to fail. This was the exact condition that preceded the Gros Ventre Slide in the spring of 1925, which was marked by unusually warm and wet weather that saturated the ground. The final landslide trigger may have been an earthquake. Although there were no seismic instruments in the area at the time, local residents reported feeling several earthquakes in the weeks leading up to June 23—including an earthquake of estimated magnitude 3–4 that occurred at 8 PM on June 22, just 20 hours before the landslide. It’s possible that ground shaking from this earthquake kicked off a chain reaction that began with liquefaction of the saturated, weak layers at the base of the Tensleep and culminated hours later with massive collapse of the hillside. The result was a profound change to the landscape that is unmistakable to this day.

    While much has changed in the century since the Gros Ventre Slide, the underlying geologic factors that contributed to the event remain the same. The Gros Ventre River valley, like many of the mountainous areas surrounding Yellowstone, is characterized by steep slopes and relatively weak rocks, making landslides an ongoing risk. Thanks to modern tools like lidar and landslide susceptibility mapping, we have a better sense than ever before where landslides have occurred in the past and where they will likely occur in the future. The legacy of such historic events underpins the work of Yellowstone Volcano Observatory scientists who study geologic hazards and communicate their findings with the public. One hundred years later, the Gros Ventre Slide stands as an important milestone in the human and natural history of the Greater Yellowstone region, reminding us of the power and destructive potential of unstable slopes in this dynamic landscape.

    Further reading

    Alden, W.C., 1928, Landslide and flood at Gros Ventre, Wyoming: Transactions of the American Institute of Mining and Metallurgical Engineers, v. 76, p. 347–360.

    Smith, R.B., Pelton, J.R., and Love, J.D., 1976, Seismicity and the possibility of earthquake related landslides in the Teton-Gros Ventre-Jackson Hole area, Wyoming: Contributions to Geology, University of Wyoming, v. 14, no. 2, p. 57–64, https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/uwyo/rmg/article-abstract/14/2/57/87702/Seismicity-and-the-possibility-of-earthquake?redirectedFrom=PDF.

    Voight, Barry, 1978, Lower Gros Ventre Slide, Wyoming, U.S.A., in Voight, Barry, ed., Rockslides and Avalanches, 1—Natural Phenomena, Developments in Geotechnical Engineering, v. 14A: Amsterdam, Elsevier, p. 113–162, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-41507-3.50011-8.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Curiosity Blog, Sols 4577-4579: Watch the Skies

    Source: NASA

    Written by Deborah Padgett, OPGS Task Lead at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
    Earth planning date: Friday, June 20, 2025
    During the plan covering Sols 4575-4576, Curiosity continued our investigation of mysterious boxwork structures on the shoulders of Mount Sharp. After a successful 56-meter drive (about 184 feet), Curiosity is now parked in a trough cutting through a highly fractured region covered by linear features thought to be evidence of groundwater flow in the distant past of Mars. With all six wheels firmly planted on solid ground, our rover is ready for contact science! Unfortunately, a repeat of the frost-detection experiment expected for the weekend plan is postponed for a few days due to a well-understood ChemCam issue. In the meantime, our atmospheric investigations have a chance to shine, as they received additional time to observe the Martian sky.
    In the early afternoon of Sol 4577, Curiosity’s navigation cameras will take a movie of the upper reaches of Aeolis Mons (Mount Sharp), hoping to see moving cloud shadows. This observation enables the team to calculate the altitude of clouds drifting over the peak. Next, Navcam will point straight up, to image cloud motion at the zenith and determine wind direction at their altitude. Mastcam will then do a series of small mosaics to study the rover workspace and features of the trough that Curiosity has entered. First is a 6×4 stereo mosaic of the workspace and the contact science targets “Copacabana” and “Copiapo.” The first target is a representative sample of the trough bedrock, and its name celebrates a town in Bolivia located on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The second target is a section of lighter-toned material, which may be associated with stripes or “veins” filling the many crosscutting fractures in the local stones. These are the deposits potentially left by groundwater intrusion long ago. The name “Copiapo” honors a silver mining city in the extremely dry Atacama desert of northern Chile. A second 6×3 Mastcam stereo mosaic will look at active cracks in the trough. Two additional 5×1 Mastcam stereo mosaics target “Ardamarca,” a ridge parallel to the trough walls, and a cliff exposing layers of rock at the base of “Mishe Mokwa” butte. At our current location, all the Curiosity target names are taken from the Uyuni geologic quadrangle named after the otherworldly lake bed and ephemeral lake high on the Bolivian altiplano, but the Mishe Mokwa butte is back in the Altadena quad, named for a popular hiking trail in the Santa Monica Mountains. After this lengthy science block, Curiosity will deploy its arm, brush the dust from Copacabana with the DRT, then image both it and Copiapo with the MAHLI microscopic imager. Overnight, APXS will determine the composition of these two targets. 
    Early in the morning of Sol 4578, Mastcam will take large 27×5 and 18×3 stereo mosaics of different parts of the trough, using morning light to highlight the terrain shadows. Later in the day, Navcam will do a 360 sky survey, determining phase function across the entire sky. A 25-meter drive (about 82 feet) will follow, and the post-drive imaging includes both a 360-degree Navcam panorama of our new location and an image of the ground under the rover with MARDI in the evening twilight. The next sol is all atmospheric science, with an extensive set of afternoon suprahorizon movies and a dust-devil survey for Navcam, as well as a Mastcam dust opacity observation. The final set of observations in this plan happens on the morning of Sol 4580 with more Navcam suprahorizon and zenith movies to observe clouds, a Navcam dust opacity measurement across Gale Crater, and a last Mastcam tau. On Monday, we expect to plan another drive and hope to return to the frost-detection experiment soon as we explore the boxwork canyons of Mars.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 6.20.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jun 20, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

    Soon-Sik Lee, of Bellevue, Washington, has been appointed Chief of Planning and Engineering at the California High Speed Rail Authority. Lee has been a Vice President – Senior Program Manager at AECOM since 2021. He was Director of Engineering at Etihad Rail from 2020 to 2021. Lee was a Principal Investment Operations Specialist at Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank from 2016 to 2020. He was the Engineering and Construction Director at Etihad Rail from 2011 to 2016. Lee was an Assistant Vice President – Project Manager at Union Railway 2009 to 2011. He was a Project Manager at Parsons from 2006 to 2008. Lee was a Senior Bridge Engineer URS 2002 to 2006. He held multiple positions at University of Michigan from 1999 to 2002, including Post Doctoral Research Fellow and Research Assistant. Lee was a Structural Engineer at Won-Jong Engineering from 1996 to 1997. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Civil Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, a Master of Business Administration degree from University of Chicago, a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Kyung Hee University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $280,008. Lee is registered without party preference. 

    Lilian Coral, of San Marino, has been appointed to the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. Coral has been Vice President of Technology and Democracy Programs and Head of the Open Technology Institute at New America and an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Southern California since 2022. She was Director of National Strategy and Technology Innovation at the Knight Foundation from 2017 to 2022. Coral was Chief Data Officer at the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti from 2015 to 2017. She was a Nonprofit Consultant and Principal at Adaptive Muse from 2008 to 2015. Coral was Founding Director of 2-1-1 California from 2010 to 2014. She was Policy Manager at the Los Angeles County Children’s Planning Council from 2007 to 2008. Coral was a Research and Policy Associate at Service Employees International Union, Local 721 from 2004 to 2007. She is a Board Member at Next City. She earned a Master of Public Policy degree from University of California, Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies from University of California, Irvine. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Coral is a Democrat. 

    Carson Fajardo, of Rancho Cucamonga, has been appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees. Fajardo held several roles at California State University, San Bernardino from 2022 to 2025, including President and Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors at Associated Students, Inc., and Programming Coordinator at the Residence Halls Association. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Fajardo is a Republican. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jun 19, 2025

    News What you need to know: The Ninth Circuit rejected Trump’s sweeping claim that he can federalize the National Guard for any reason and avoid judicial scrutiny, even as it stayed an emergency district court order. This is a critical check on presidential overreach…

    Jun 19, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance” in the State of California.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONJuly 4 is not the only…

    Jun 18, 2025

    News What you need to know: The Trump administration announced today that is has directed the national suicide prevention hotline to stop offering specialized support to LGBTQ callers. California continues to support this population.  SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Pope Leo celebrates Corpus Christi: “It is wonderful to be in the presence of Jesus”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    VaticanMedia

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “Dear brothers and sisters, it is wonderful to be in the presence of Jesus.” With these words, Pope Leo XIV began his homily this afternoon as he celebrated the Eucharistic Liturgy for the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in the forecourt of the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome.The Gospel reading from Luke, recounting the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, narrated the multitudes who “spent long hours listening to him speak about the Kingdom of God and seeing him heal the sick.” On Corpus Christi, a similar crowd gathered around the Successor of Peter for Holy Mass and the subsequent procession from the Lateran Basilica to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. That Eucharistic bread, said Pope Leo in his homily, quoting St. Augustine, is “bread that restores and does not run short; bread that can be eaten but not exhausted.”In the deserted place where they had listened to Jesus’ words and wished to remain near Him – the Bishop of Rome emphasized, referring to the Gospel passage – “evening fell and there was nothing to eat. The hunger of the people and the setting of the sun speak to us of a limit that looms over the world and every creature: the day ends, as does the life of every human being. At that hour of need and of gathering shadows, Jesus remains present in our midst.”Jesus multiplies the loaves and fishes for the hungry multitude, even though the disciples had advised him to dismiss the crowds. A suggestion, the Pope noted, “which reveal their lack of faith. For where the Lord is present, we find all that we need to give strength and meaning to our lives.” Jesus responds, “to the appeal of hunger with the sign of sharing: he raises his eyes, recites the blessing, breaks the bread, and feeds all present.”Today, in place of the crowds mentioned in the Gospel – the Pope continued, referring to the present day – “entire peoples are suffering more as a result of the greed of others than from their own hunger.” And faced with the misery of so many, he added, “the amassing of wealth by a few is the sign of an arrogant indifference that produces pain and injustice. Rather than sharing, it squanders the fruits of the earth and human labour. Especially in this Jubilee Year, the Lord’s example is a yardstick that should guide our actions and our service: we are called to share our bread, to multiply hope and to proclaim the coming of God’s Kingdom.”The hunger of the crowd, satisfied by Jesus’ miracle – the Pope continued, linking the Gospel story to the mystery of the Eucharist – is a sign of the hunger for salvation present in every human heart. In saving the crowds from hunger, “Jesus proclaims that he will save everyone from death. That is the mystery of faith, which we celebrate in the sacrament of the Eucharist. For just as hunger is a sign of our radical needs in this life, so breaking bread is a sign of God’s gift of salvation.” And “our hungry nature bears the mark of a need that is satisfied by the grace of the Eucharist.”The Eucharist – the Successor of Peter added, quoting the Catechism of the Catholic Church – is “the true, real, and substantial presence of the Savior, who transforms the bread into Himself, so that He may transform us into Himself. Living and life-giving, the Corpus Christi makes us – the Church itself – the Body of the Lord.”Even the Eucharistic procession, “which we are about to undertake,” Pope Leo emphasized at the end of his homily, “is a sign of that journey. Together, as shepherds and flock, we will feed on the Blessed Sacrament, adore him and carry him through the streets. In doing so, we will present him before the eyes, the consciences and the hearts of the people. To the hearts of those who believe, so that they may believe more firmly; to the hearts of those who do not believe, so that they may reflect on the hunger present within them and the bread that alone can satisfy it.” (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 22/6/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the problematic influence of the European Court of Human Rights in the field of asylum and migration policy – B10-0272/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0272/2025

    Motion for a resolution on the problematic influence of the European Court of Human Rights in the field of asylum and migration policy

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rule 149 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has, through its consistent pro-migration interpretation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), left little leeway for returns and made it impossible to effectively combat mass immigration;

    B. whereas the ECtHR has confirmed[1] that expelled third-country nationals have an unconditional right of return and that this right also applies to expelled drug traffickers;

    C. whereas Denmark and Italy accuse the ECtHR of affording too much importance to the ECHR when interpreting migration issues, going beyond the original intention of the signatory states;

    1. is concerned that the ECtHR is increasingly undermining the sovereign right of European states to decide whether foreigners may reside on their territory and that the ECtHR is placing the individual needs of deportees above public safety and the common good;

    2. Considers that states have the right to refuse foreign drug traffickers entry into their territory in the fight against illegal drug trafficking;

    3. Rejects the EU’s accession to the ECHR;

    4. Calls on the EU institutions to support Denmark and Italy in their criticism and to take it as an opportunity to reinterpret international legal frameworks in the field of asylum and migration in a manner respecting the sovereignty of European states.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Developer appointed for 51 affordable homes in Littlemore

    Source: City of Oxford

    Oxford City Council’s housing company, OX Place, will work with Equans to build 51 sustainable council and shared ownership homes off Sandy Lane West in Littlemore. 

    This includes 27 flats let at social rent for people on the housing register, and 24 flats for shared ownership. 

    Social rent levels mean council tenants will typically pay around 40% of the rent a private landlord would charge for the same home. Shared ownership is a flexible option which helps a range of people onto the housing ladder in one of the UK’s most unaffordable cities.    

    OX Place and Equans working together for sustainable homes 

    The new partnership allows enabling works to begin on the site of the former Northfield Hostel, a SEND school that closed in 2014 and was demolished last year. It is expected that groundbreaking will happen later this summer. 

    In addition to the 51 homes already planned, the Council is exploring planning permission for a further 10 homes on the hostel’s adjacent sports field, which has been boarded up since the school closed. These would be built once the 51 flats are completed.  

    Equans has extensive experience working with local authorities to deliver vibrant, efficient and sustainable communities, using integrated energy and decarbonisation measures that make a real difference to people’s lives. 

    Comment 

    “Oxford needs homes, and this partnership marks the first step towards over 50 new affordable and sustainable ones for the people of Oxford. 

    “It is good that after a decade when it has been underused, we are exploiting this site for a development where the majority of homes will be much needed social housing. 

    “I look forward to work getting underway and new homes being delivered.” 

    Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies

    “OX Place and Equans are both experts at delivering great, sustainable developments and I’m confident this partnership will do just that.” 

    Kevin Lowry, Interim Managing Director at OX Place

    “We are thrilled to be underway with the Northfield project for our valued client, OX Place, on behalf of Oxford City Council.

    “Delivering 53 much-needed, sustainable homes in Littlemore presents a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in one of the UK’s most challenging housing markets. This marks an exciting new chapter in our strong, trusted partnership with OX Place, built over the past three years.

    “We’re proud to play a part in creating high-quality homes that meet both community needs and environmental goals.” 

    Rob Young, Regional Managing Director, Equans

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Beaney in the running for yet another Kids in Museums Award 

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Beaney in the running for yet another Kids in Museums Award 

    The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is in the running for yet another prestigious national award in recognition of its quality as a family attraction.

    Having won in the best medium museum category in the Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Awards back in 2023, The Beaney, in High Street, Canterbury, has been shortlisted in the ‘best accessible museum’ category.

    It is up against Eureka! The National Children’s Museum in Halifax and Worsbrough Mill Museum and Country Park in Barnsley.

    The Kids in Museums Family Friendly Museum Award celebrates the most family-friendly heritage sites in the UK and is the only museum award to be judged by families.

    From February to late April, families across the UK voted for their favourite heritage attraction on the Kids in Museums website.

    A panel of museum experts, children and young people then whittled down hundreds of nominations to a shortlist of 18 heritage attractions.

    Lots of comments were submitted about The Beaney during the voting period earlier this year, with many praising its provision for visitors with accessibility needs.

    One family wrote: “We so often feel excluded from society. We are a neurodivergent family of three, our son is six and has numerous SEN conditions.

    “We visited the museum and were blown away by the lengths that they went to in order to ensure that it is accessible to all. The staff were wonderful.

    “I am 45 and my mum used to take me to the museum as a child. It was wonderful to be able to take my own son, an opportunity that we are frequently denied with other experiences and museums.”

    The museum will be visited by undercover family judges who will assess the shortlisted museums against the Kids in Museums Manifesto, a set of guidelines on what makes a great museum visit for all ages.

    Their experiences will decide a winner for each award category and an overall winner of the Family Friendly Museum Award 2025.

    The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.

    Cllr Charlotte Cornell, Cabinet Member for Heritage, said: “Being nominated for yet another one of these awards just shows how valued The Beaney is in our community.

    “I know how hard the museum team works to break down barriers that might stop someone from visiting The Beaney, whether it’s sensory bags for children with special educational needs and disabilities, accessible versions of their family trails, creative workshops for blind and partially-sighted visitors, audio descriptions of collection highlights or online information to help those with accessibility needs plan their visit.

    “We’ll be eagerly awaiting the results following the secret family visit this summer, and I’ll have everything crossed that it goes just as well as it did last time!”

    Notes to Editors

    About Kids in Museums

    We are an award-winning charity dedicated to making museums open and welcoming to all children, young people and families. We support and champion family friendly organisations through wide-ranging initiatives, including the Family Friendly Museum Award and Takeover Day. We invite heritage organisations to sign up to our Manifesto, which sets out simple guidelines for making museums easy to reach for all ages. www.kidsinmuseums.org.uk Find us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

    About the Family Friendly Museum Award

    Kids in Museums began the Family Friendly Museum Award in 2004 to recognise heritage sites that are the most welcoming, fun and accessible for families.

    Previous winners of the Family Friendly Museum Award include Young V&A (2024), Craven Museum (2023), the National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield (2022), Bailiffgate Museum & Gallery in Alnwick (2021), Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum in Dunfermline (2019) and Leeds City Museum (2018).

    Published: 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • President Murmu attends National Students’ Convocation of ICMAI in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Droupadi Murmu, on Monday, graced the National Students’ Convocation of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) in New Delhi, where she underlined the importance of cost and management accountants in shaping India’s economic and sustainable future.

    In her address, the President said that accountants have traditionally enjoyed high regard in society owing to their intrinsic link to accountability. “Throughout our history, accountants have enjoyed high esteem in our society. The reason for that is that accounting and accountability are deeply connected. We value accountability; therefore, we attach special significance to accounting,” she said.

    Founded in 1944, the ICMAI has been a pivotal institution in the evolution of India’s post-Independence economy, she said, adding that its work often goes unrecognised in the public sphere but remains vital behind the scenes.

    “The ICMAI was founded in 1944 for the regulation and development of the profession of cost and management accountants in the country. That makes it a witness to the saga of India’s economic transformation after Independence. Not only a witness, in fact, it has been a very crucial player in making the Indian economy one of the strongest in the world today,” she added.

    President Murmu said that cost and management accountants today serve not only in factories, but also in corporate boardrooms. Their expertise, she noted, contributes directly to policymaking and the development of cost-efficient systems for both government and private institutions.

    Highlighting the growing responsibilities of the profession, the President observed that sustainability has become an unavoidable imperative in contemporary corporate life. “The world is facing the crisis of climate change. Sustainability is no longer a slogan; it has become a necessity. That time is over when corporate organisations worked solely with the profit motive. Now they have to keep the environmental costs in mind. And this is where CMAs, with their skills, can bring about a great change in the future of the planet,” she said.

    Addressing the graduating students, President Murmu urged them to view their careers through the lens of national service and development. “As cost accountants, you are uniquely positioned to contribute to India’s transformation into a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” she said.

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: ‘Everyone Hates Elon’ and Greenpeace unfold giant banner on Piazza San Marco ahead of Bezos’ wedding 

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Venice, Italy – Activists from the UK action group Everyone hates Elon and Greenpeace Italy unfolded a giant 20x20m banner reading “If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax” on Piazza San Marco, as Jeff Bezos is due to celebrate his reportedly multi-million wedding in the lagoon city this week.

    A spokesperson from Everyone Hates Elon said: “As governments talk about hard choices and struggle to fund public services, Jeff Bezos can afford to shut down half a city for days on end just to get married. Just weeks ago he spent millions on an 11 minute space trip. If there was ever a sign billionaires like Bezos should pay wealth taxes, it’s this.” 

    Clara Thompson, Greenpeace campaigner, said: “While Venice is sinking under the weight of the climate crisis, billionaires are partying like there is no tomorrow on their mega yachts. This isn’t just about one person — it’s about changing the rules so no billionaire can dodge responsibility, anywhere. The real issue is a broken system that lets billionaires skip out on their fair share of taxes while everyone else is left to foot the bill. That’s why we need fair, inclusive tax rules, and they must be written at the UN.”

    A tax on the super-rich would help to fund the necessary transition to a green and just future, fund affordable housing, cheaper public transport or home insulation. Greenpeace’s ship, the Arctic Sunrise, was anchored at the port of Venice last week-end to promote this transition and expose the damage the fossil fuel industry causes to the people and the planet.

    ENDS

    Photos and Videos can be downloaded via Greenpeace Media Library.

    Contacts: 

    Clara Thompson, EU Lead Campaigner People over Greed project, part of the Global Fair Share campaign, based at Greenpeace Germany, +49 1758530226, [email protected]

    Christine Gebeneter, EU Communication Lead, People over Greed project, part of the Global Fair Share campaign, based at Greenpeace Central-and Eastern Europe, +43 664 8403807, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk: +31 (0) 20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chinese Culture Festival 2025’s “Encountering Chinese Culture” Carnival held today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Chinese Culture Festival 2025’s “Encountering Chinese Culture” Carnival held today

    The Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2025, organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), will hold the “Encountering Chinese Culture” Carnival on June 22 (Sunday) at Sha Tin Town Hall and New Town Plaza. Through stage performances rich in Chinese cultural characteristics, “Vibrant ICH” performances, booth activities and more, the Carnival will bring fine traditional Chinese culture and intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items into the community for public enjoyment and raise people’s awareness of and interest in Chinese culture as well as ICH. Members of the public are invited to join for free. “Vibrant ICH” performances and booth activities are also programmes of Hong Kong ICH Month 2025.

    The Carnival will kick off with a fire dragon dance by the Pok Fu Lam Village Fire Dragon Association at 2pm at the Entrance Arena at L1, Phase 1 of New Town Plaza, followed by a number of performances by outstanding arts groups and ICH practitioners from the Mainland and Hong Kong. Audience members can preview highlighted excerpts from some of this year’s CCF programmes, including the Museum Series: “The Sounds from Cultural Relics”, the “Ancient Styles ‧ Modern Chants” Classical Literature × Contemporary Dance and the “Taisheng and Huayin Lao Qiang: Big Uncle, Second Uncle are All His Uncles” Concert with collaboration from the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles Hong Kong Member Association.

    Coinciding with the Hong Kong ICH Month organised by the LCSD’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Office (ICHO) is held in June, a series of “Vibrant ICH” song and dance performances as well as a puppetry show will be presented in the Carnival at the Entrance Arena of New Town Plaza. The Gannan Art and Creative Institute of Jiangxi Province will present multiple ICH performances, including Xingguo folk songs, a Gannan tea-plucking opera as well as Hakka folk songs and dances. Hong Kong puppeteer Wong Fai will perform the puppet show “Journey to the West – Flaming Mountain”, while two members of the Sai Kung Hakka Folk Song Group will present local Hakka songs.

    The Carnival specially features multiple “Vibrant ICH” interactive experiential booth activities at the Exhibition Gallery and Foyer of Sha Tin Town Hall as well as the West Wing at L1, Phase 1 of New Town Plaza, showcasing various ICH-related craftsmanship, including Chinese brush making, Hong Kong cheongsam making, puppetry, fishing net plaiting, movable-type printing, patterned band weaving and gold leaf decoration. Members of the public can watch demonstrations and participate in workshops to explore the essence of ICH.

    The “Mobile ICH” vehicle from the ICHO and a “Library-on-Wheels” from the Hong Kong Public Libraries will arrive at the Plaza of Sha Tin Town Hall on that day. The “Mobile ICH” will introduce Hong Kong’s ICH items through on-board exhibitions and interactive devices, while the “Library-on-Wheels” will offer a selection of Chinese culture-themed collections for the public to borrow on-site. Story ambassadors will host engaging storytelling sessions at the West Wing at L1, Phase 1 of New Town Plaza to promote reading. The Carnival will also hold “ICH Story-telling” sessions at the Foyer of Sha Tin Town Hall, using illustrated books on ICH to help participants of all ages learn about ICH items in Hong Kong.

    A trainee’s ensemble from the Music Office of the LCSD will perform on pipa, erhu and dizi at the Entrance Arena of New Town Plaza. The ensemble will also stage Chinese instrumental performances at the Foyer of Sha Tin Town Hall.

    In addition, the “Mystery of Chinese Writing” Roving Exhibition will be held on the same day at the Exhibition Gallery of Sha Tin Town Hall. The exhibition will use simple writings and images of artefacts to showcase the development and cultural connotations of Chinese characters. The Ganzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Media and Tourism will also set up Jiangxi ICH booths and a photo exhibition at the Plaza and Exhibition Gallery of Sha Tin Town Hall, introducing the “Genesis and Spirit – Treasures of Nature · Extraordinary Hakka: Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition of Jiangxi” currently being held in Hong Kong Central Library along with other aspects of Jiangxi culture.

    For the venue and time of each carnival activity, please visit www.ccf.gov.hk/en/programme/encountering-chinese-culture/.

    The CCF, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) and organised by the Chinese Culture Promotion Office under the LCSD, aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s national identity and cultural confidence. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from the Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2025 is held from June to September. Through over 280 performing arts programmes in various forms and related extension activities, the festival provides members of the public and visitors with more opportunities to enjoy distinctive programmes that showcase fine traditional Chinese culture, thereby facilitating patriotic education and contributing to the inheritance, transformation and development of traditional Chinese culture in Hong Kong. For details, please visit www.ccf.gov.hk.

    Hong Kong ICH Month 2025 is presented by the CSTB and organised by the ICHO of the LCSD with ICH June as the strategic partner. Delightful programmes include 80 ICH performances, 60 interactive experiential booths and 20 “ICH Highlight Tours”, covering over 100 ICH items and bringing together over 50 ICH practitioners, including representative bearers of the national ICH. For details, please visit www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/hk_ich_month_2025.html.

    Ends/Tuesday, June 17, 2025
    Issued at HKT 14:30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Yan Chai Hospital announces sentinel event of suspected inpatient suicide

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Yan Chai Hospital announces sentinel event of suspected inpatient suicide

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority: The spokesperson for Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) announced a sentinel event of suspected inpatient suicide today (June 22): A 79-year-old male patient was admitted to a medical ward of YCH on June 17 due to bilateral lower limb oedema. The patient had underlying chronic diseases. The patient was not at risk of suicide during admission screening, and his clinical condition was stable along. The patient was last seen by healthcare staff resting in bed at 11.30pm on June 21 in the cubicle. At 11.40pm, the patient was found with suspected suicide. He was found unconscious, hanging his neck with a rope connected with his own bed hanger. Healthcare staff performed resuscitation for the patient immediately, informed the patient’s family and reported the incident to the Police. The patient was certified dead at 12.34am today. The hospital was saddened by the incident and expressed deep condolences to the family of the patient. The hospital will provide assistance to the family as required and will fully co-operate with the Police in the investigation. The hospital is very concerned about the incident which was classified as a sentinel event. The incident has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. A root cause analysis panel will be 23/06/2025, 10:43 Yan Chai Hospital announces sentinel event of suspected inpatient suicide https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/22/P2025062200663p.htm 1/2 formed to investigate the incident. The incident has been reported to the coroner. Ends/Sunday, June 22, 2025

    Issued at HKT 19:03 NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA signs US$1.5 billion loan with World Bank

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Monday, June 23, 2025

    The South African government and the World Bank have signed a US$1.5 billion Development Policy Loan Agreement that will assist in unlocking key infrastructure bottlenecks, particularly in the energy and freight transport sectors.

    In a statement on Monday, the National Treasury explained that the loan is aimed at supporting critical structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services.

    The loan support is anchored on three key pillars of structural reform: improving energy security, enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of freight transport services, and supporting South Africa’s transition toward a low carbon economy. 

    These reforms are critical enablers of inclusive growth and job creation.

    “This partnership marks a significant step towards addressing South Africa’s pressing economic challenges of low growth and high unemployment. 

    “The financing forms part of the government’s broader efforts to implement structural reforms that strengthen public institutions, crowd in private investment, and improve service delivery across priority sectors of the economy,” National Treasury said.

    The financing terms of the loan are in line with National Treasury’s financing strategy. 

    Specifically, the loan offers both favourable interest rates and flexible repayment terms, contributing to minimising increase in debt service costs.

    The financing terms of the World Bank loan are as follows:

    • Nominal value: US$1.5 billion,
    • Maturity: 16 years with a 3 year-grace period,
    • Interest rate: 6-month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) plus 1.49%.

    “The National Treasury wishes to express its appreciation to the World Bank for its continued partnership and support in advancing South Africa’s development objectives. This agreement reinforces the strong and constructive collaboration between the World Bank and the government of South Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: A toolkit for financial wellbeing, one rand, one habit, one goal at a time

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    By Thamsanqa Cele

    As Youth Month draws to a close for 2025, let us continue to keep in our minds, hearts and behaviours the courage the young people of the 1976 Soweto uprising, where they protested apartheid’s oppressive education policies, sparking a movement for
    equality. 

    Today, South Africa’s youth, 34.3% of the 60.6 million population, face significant economic challenges, including an over 60% unemployment rate. Rising living costs further strain budgets, making financial wellbeing critical. In honouring the 107 heroes, who were brave young people then, the young people of today face different kinds of challenges. Among them, financial well-being. Put differently, their own personal economic freedom. It is not an easy and straightforward world. Especially when considering the macro-economic environment. That said, it remains a personal journey that does not need to be tackled alone. We present a few of the many tools that young people may want to consider as they fight their way to financial well-being.

    The economic landscape

    South Africa’s youth face daunting economic hurdles. The unemployment rate for those aged 15–24 reached 62.4% in Q1 2025, while 40.4% of those aged 25–34 remain jobless. According to StatsSA, approximately 3.8 million young people are not in
    education, employment, or training (NEET), fostering a sense of hopelessness. Millions of young people are currently dependent on the lifeline of the Social Relief of Distress R370 grant. The high cost of living, driven by inflation, makes essentials like food,
    transport, and housing increasingly unaffordable. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, financial stress affects ~60% of South Africans, contributing to anxiety and depression.

    Despite these lived challenges across the board, opportunities exist. Government initiatives like the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Youth Employment Services (YES) program provides funding, training, and work experience. By combining these resources with sound financial habits, the youth stand a better chance of achieving financial well-being, managing money to meet needs, handling emergencies, achieving goals, and improving their lives. This fosters economic stability and enhances mental health, reducing stress and boosting happiness.

    Why money management matters

    Financial stress is often the root of broader challenges. A large-scale study found that greater financial worries, especially among unemployed and low-income individuals, significantly increase psychological distress. Money is tightly linked with mental and
    even physical health. Financial strain can cause anxiety, poor sleep, and strained relationships, but learning to manage money may reverse these ills. Think of financial wellness as preventive healthcare. Like nutrition or exercise, sound financial habits help guard against crisis. As behavioural finance and mental health experts note, emergency savings build control and agency, two essential buffers for mental well-being. There are many helpful tools to engage in a journey to financial well-being. Some of these are:

    Tool #1: Start Budgeting – Know Where Every Rand Goes 

    A simple budget rule is: Essentials (50%), Life (30%), Savings (20%). The 50/30/20 rule is proven to improve emotional wellness by instilling spending control. It is a simple approach: allocate 50% of income to necessities (rent, food, transport), 30% to wants (entertainment, dining out), and 20% to savings or debt repayment. The 20% for savings and debts must be treated as a holy grail of securing a bright financial future, especially if it is skewed towards Savings.

    Tool #2: Build an Emergency Fund – Your First Safety Net 

    Saving, even small amounts, is crucial for financial security. An emergency fund covering 3 – 6 months of expenses (e.g. R15 000–R30 000 for R5 000 monthly costs) protects against unexpected costs like medical bills or job loss. Start with R100 monthly; over time this builds a significant buffer. With competitive interest rates, Postbank’s Smart Save account helps savings grow. Our customers use this account as a stash away from their main accounts in other banks. Because if you can see it, you will be tempted to use it. Multiple global studies have shown that an emergency fund reduces financial stress, lowers anxiety and reduces the risk of depression.

    Tool #3: Embrace Psychological Resilience Through Discipline

    Financial resilience builds mental resilience. Psychology research defines resilience as adapting successfully under stress when you feel in control. Ability and optimism follow. Money habits support coping in crisis, improve mood, and encourage growth.
    Holistic benefits include:
    * Reduced anxiety and stress
    * Better sleep, which improves physical health
    * Better relationships and social connections
    * Increased ability to seize new opportunities (jobs, entrepreneurship)
    * Mental clarity to focus on education, personal development, and productivity at
    work

    Tool #4: Side Hustles and Entrepreneurship

    Relying on one income source is risky in South Africa’s economy. Additional income streams provide security and accelerate financial goals. Some of the possible side hustles:
    * Freelancing: use what you are good at or that you understand better to freelance
    in areas like writing, designing, teaching, dancing, djaying, babysitting, etc.
    * Selling products: Create and sell handmade goods.
    * Small business: With NYDA support, you can start a low-cost venture like a car wash
    or food stall. The agency offers grants up to R50 000 and training.
    * YES placements, PYEI learnerships, SETA internships, and NYDA entrepreneurship
    support offer stipends, work experience, and business training.
    * Self-employment through grants and youth schemes – e.g. creative sector
    assistance, can seed small enterprises.

    Self-empower by taking advantage of the government-provided WiFi hotspots so you can use data at low costs, if not for free. South Africa’s public WiFi hotspot network, driven by SA Connect, a government program under the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, provincial initiatives, and NGOs like Project Isizwe and Think WiFi, is opening doors for youth across the country. These hotspots are more than data points – they are gateways to education, jobs, civic engagement, and digital inclusion. By embracing these opportunities, young South Africans can transform their futures— accessing knowledge, growing skills, and connecting to their communities.

    Tool #5: Self-Control – Curbing your enthusiasm

    Many fall prey to the impulse to use spending as therapy. Yes, it may be for some who can afford to. Many others, already living beyond their means, tend to fall even deeper into the trap due to impulse-buying, falling foul of peer pressure and a show-
    off mentality. Before you buy it, ask yourself, does it have to be bought now? Can it be saved up for? Can it wait a little longer?

    A final call: Youth Month as a financial rebirth 

    Youth Month 2025 should mark a shift in the narrative:
    * From scrambling to survive, to building resilience through structured money habits.
    * From job-seeking alone to leveraging free government opportunities and saving
    on the payoff.
    * From worrying in silence to growing confidence, emotional control, and direction.

    Postbank is the national savings bank, ready to support every young South African who earns, learns, or aspires—with practical tools and accessible accounts. Postbank is trusted by millions of customers who have saved billions of rands with us. We are here
    to support young people with products that suit their needs. Products like the Smart Saver Account – accessible, competitive and needing as little as you can afford to save When youth learn to manage money, with buffers, budgets, and purpose, they don’t
    just survive, they thrive.

    Let this Youth Month ignite a movement, fuelled by practical habits, economic inclusion, and holistic well-being. We invite every young person to begin with building a savings buffer and continue toward a life of stability and possibilities. Partnering with the youth can help us enable their destiny, one rand, one habit, one goal at a time.

    *Thamsanqa Cele is the Chief Commercial Executive at PostBank

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: National maternity investigation launched to drive improvements

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    National maternity investigation launched to drive improvements

    The rapid national investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal services will provide truth to families suffering harm and urgently improve care and safety.

    • It follows series of meetings between Secretary of State and bereaved families, with parents at heart of improving standards. 
    • It comes alongside package of immediate actions to boost accountability and safety as part of government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future

    A rapid national investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal services has been ordered by Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting to provide truth and accountability for impacted families and drive urgent improvements to care and safety, addressing systemic problems dating back over 15 years.

    This government inherited a situation where issues in maternity and neonatal care had been ongoing for some time and a series of independent reviews into local trusts had found similar failings in compassionate care – including the failure to listen to women, concerns over safety, and issues with leadership and culture.

    The investigation will urgently look at worst-performing services in the country, but also across the entire maternity system, bringing together the findings of past reviews into one clear national set of actions to ensure every woman and baby receives safe, high-quality and compassionate care. 

    Crucially, it will be co-produced with clinicians, experts and parents all feeding in, following a series of private meetings last week between the Secretary of State and families who have been harmed or bereaved by failures in their care. It will begin its work this summer and report back by December 2025. 

    The investigation comes alongside a package of immediate actions to improve care, including greater intervention by the Secretary of State and NHS chief executive to hold failing trusts to account – a key step in delivering the government’s mission to build an NHS fit for the future through the Plan for Change.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: 

    For the past year, I have been meeting bereaved families from across the country who have lost babies or suffered serious harm during what should have been the most joyful time in their lives.  

    What they have experienced is devastating – deeply painful stories of trauma, loss, and a lack of basic compassion – caused by failures in NHS maternity care that should never have happened. Their bravery in speaking out has made it clear: we must act – and we must act now. 

    I know nobody wants better for women and babies than the thousands of NHS midwives, obstetricians, maternity and neonatal staff, and that the vast majority of births are safe and without incident, but it’s clear something is going wrong.

    That’s why I’ve ordered a rapid national investigation to make sure these families get the truth and the accountability they deserve, and ensure no parent or baby is ever let down again.  I want staff to come with us on this, to improve things for everyone.

    We‘re also taking immediate steps to hold failing services to account and give staff the tools they need to deliver the kind, safe, respectful care every family deserves. 

    Maternity care should be the litmus test by which this government is judged on patient safety, and I will do everything in my power to ensure no family has to suffer like this again.

    The investigation will consist of two parts. The first will urgently investigate up to 10 of the most concerning maternity and neonatal units, including Sussex, to give affected families answers as quickly as possible. 

    The second will undertake a system-wide look at maternity and neonatal care, bringing together lessons from past inquiries to create one clear, national set of actions to improve care across every NHS maternity service.

    The government is also today establishing a National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care – and to be made up of a panel of esteemed experts and bereaved families.

    Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive at NHS England, said:

    Despite the hard work of staff, too many women are experiencing unacceptable maternity care and families continue to be let down by the NHS when they need us most.

    This rapid national investigation must mark a line in the sand for maternity care – setting out one set of clear actions for NHS leaders to ensure high quality care for all.

    Transparency will be key to understanding variation and fixing poor care – by shining a spotlight on the areas of greatest failure we can hold failing trusts to account. Each year, over half a million babies are born under our care and maternity safety rightly impacts public trust in the NHS – so we must act immediately to improve outcomes for the benefit of mothers, babies, families and staff.

    Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for NHS England, said:

    Through this rapid investigation and the immediate actions announced today, we are determined to transform services so that every family receives safe, personalised and dignified care at one of the most significant and vulnerable times in their lives.

    We know we have significant issues to address concerning safety and culture within maternity and neonatal services, and Black and Asian women and those in deprived areas still face worse outcomes, so we must redouble our efforts to improve care for all.

    The overwhelming majority of births in England are safe, and I’d urge all women to engage with their maternity service and raise any concerns they may have about themselves or their baby. Every birth matters and we will work to ensure all families trust their local NHS and feel supported through their maternity journey.

    This will address several issues facing maternity care in England. One area of focus will be addressing the devastating inequalities that women from Black, Asian and deprived backgrounds face. It will also look at a lack of compassionate care and concerns over safety.

    Speaking at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) World Conference today, the Secretary of State will outline a series of measures to immediately improve care.

    This includes: 

    • The NHS CEO and Chief Nursing Officer will meet with trust leaders in the areas of greatest concern, over the next month to drive forward urgent improvement, outline consistent expectations in changing culture and practice, and hold leaders to account for failing.
    • A new digital system will be rolled out to all maternity services by November to flag potential safety concerns in trusts and support rapid, national action. 
    • An anti-discrimination programme to tackle inequalities in care for Black, Asian, and other underserved communities. 

    Dr Clea Harmer, Chief Executive, Sands:  

    Sands believes listening to and learning from the experiences of bereaved parents is vital to improving maternity and neonatal care. We are pleased that the independent safety taskforce will include parent representatives.

    We particularly welcome the inclusion of an anti-discrimination programme to help tackle inequalities in care for Black, Asian, and other underserved communities. Sands, along with other organisations, friends and allies, have long campaigned for this.

    We look forward to working with the Secretary of State on this much-needed and long-overdue, programme and to ensuring that concrete steps are taken towards real accountability and lasting systemic change.

    Vicki Robinson, Miscarriage Association Chief Executive, said:

    We welcome today’s announcement by the Secretary of State of a major investigation into NHS maternity services. While the scope of this inquiry is broad, we’re reassured to know it will include the voices and experiences of our community – those affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, and molar pregnancy. With black women 43% more likely to experience miscarriage, it is especially welcome that these inequalities will be a key focus.

    At the Miscarriage Association, we are currently conducting a UK-wide survey which aims to improve care and support during and after miscarriage. We hope the findings will provide valuable insight for this NHS investigation, to help inform and improve pre-natal care across the board. 

    We hope this investigation leads to meaningful learning, and to better, more compassionate care for anyone experiencing pregnancy loss in the future.

    Shauna Leven, Chief Executive Officer, The Twins Trust said:

    Twins Trust welcomes the national maternity investigation. Families expecting twins, triplets or more face significantly greater risks and are sadly more likely to experience baby loss. Too often, maternity services aren’t equipped to meet the specific needs of multiple pregnancies.

    Our Maternity Engagement Project, which audits NHS units against NICE guidelines, has reduced stillbirths and neonatal deaths, proving that tailored care saves lives.

    We urge the government to ensure families with multiples are heard. More investment is needed in staff training and resources so that maternity units can meet clinical care standards and deliver safe, compassionate care for all.

    Angela McConville, Chief Executive, NCT (National Childbirth Trust) said:

    This investigation has been won by the determination of bereaved families who have bravely spoken out about the devastating failures in NHS maternity care. 

    The immediate investment package is a vital start to tackling deep-rooted inequalities, training frontline staff, and improving the UK’s worst performing services. 

    The national investigation must now move at pace to set out a clear, actionable plan for every NHS maternity and neonatal unit.

    We’ve seen first hand the power of co-creating solutions with women and parents – real change can happen if the government listens, learns, and builds a well-resourced, safe, and equitable maternity system that works for all.

    Paul Rees MBE, Interim Chief Executive and Registrar, The Nursing and Midwifery Council, said:

    Every woman, baby and family has the right to expect safe and effective maternity care, wherever they are.

    We welcome this rapid investigation and look forward to working with the independent taskforce and the Department of Health and Social Care to drive forward urgent improvements, and tackle the scourge of health inequalities.

    Notes:

    Sands is available to support anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, for as long as they need this. Find out more about bereavement support for parents and families, and support for healthcare and other professionals at sands.org.uk/support

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: SenturoPay Launches Comprehensive Crypto Payment Card for Everyday Users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Hong Kong, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SenturoPay, a fast-growing digital finance platform, today announced the official launch of its all-in-one crypto payment card, developed to help users manage and utilize their digital assets in everyday life. With features designed to send, swap, and spend crypto, the platform delivers a real-world solution for individuals looking to simplify how they interact with their crypto holdings.

    “This isn’t a tech showcase—it’s a lifestyle tool,designed with our users’ convenience in mind.” said a Co-Founder at SenturoPay.
    “We’ve built a crypto experience that mirrors what users already expect from modern finance—clear, responsive, and practical.”

    Making Crypto Work for the Real World

    While crypto adoption continues to expand, many platforms remain focused on trading or storage, leaving users with limited ways to access their assets for real-world needs. SenturoPay fills that gap by offering a comprehensive crypto app and payments system tailored for ease of use and day-to-day functionality.

    With just a few taps, users can:

    • Send crypto instantly to other users or external wallets
    • Swap crypto between supported tokens directly in the app
    • Spend crypto using virtual cards linked to their balances

    Everything is managed through a centralized, secure dashboard, giving users full control and visibility over their digital finances.

    Key Platform Features

    • Send Crypto Instantly
      Seamlessly transfer digital assets to peers, with zero unnecessary steps or manual delays.
    • Swap Crypto On-Demand
      Convert between supported tokens through a built-in swap function—no need for third-party exchanges.
    • Spend Crypto Securely
      Create virtual crypto cards that can be used online, funded directly from the user’s appin real time.
    • Unified App Interface
      A clean and intuitive dashboard helps users track balances, view transaction history, and manage activity without confusion.

    Designed for Mass Adoption

    SenturoPay is intentionally built for a wide range of users—from crypto newcomers to digital natives. Its emphasis on clarity, simplicity, and utility sets it apart from platforms that require a steep learning curve or technical fluency.

    “We’ve designed SenturoPay so that anyone—regardless of their crypto background—can access, manage, and use their assets confidently,”
    added the spokesperson.
    “It’s about giving people tools that make digital money practical, not just possible.”

    About SenturoPay

    SenturoPay is a digital finance platform focused on turning crypto into a usable, everyday financial tool. With a strong emphasis on simplicity, security, and practical use cases, the platform offers users a streamlined way to send crypto, swap tokens, and spend digital assets through one integrated experience.

    To learn more, visit SenturoPay’s official website.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: After the smoke clears, a wildfire’s legacy can haunt rivers for years, putting drinking water at risk

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Ben Livneh, Associate Professor of Hydrology, University of Colorado Boulder

    Burned ground can become hydrophobic and almost waxlike, allowing rainfall to quickly wash contaminants downslope. Ben Livneh/University of Colorado

    Picture a wildfire raging across a forested mountainside. The smoke billows and the flames rise. An aircraft drops vibrant red flame retardant. It’s a dramatic, often dangerous scene. But the threat to water supplies is only just beginning.

    After the smoke clears, the soil, which was once nestled beneath a canopy of trees and a spongy layer of leaves, is now exposed. Often, that soil is charred and sterile, with the heat making the ground almost water-repellent, like a freshly waxed car.

    When the first rain arrives, the water rushes downhill. It carries with it a slurry of ash, soil and contaminants from the burned landscape. This torrent flows directly into streams and then rivers that provide drinking water for communities downstream.

    As a new research paper my colleagues and I just published shows, this isn’t a short-term problem. The ghost of the fire can haunt these waterways for years.

    Scientists explain how wildfires can contaminate water supplies and the ways they measure the effects, summarized in their 2024 publication. University of Colorado-Boulder.

    This matters because forested watersheds are the primary water source for nearly two-thirds of municipalities in the United States. As wildfires in the western U.S. become larger and more frequent, the long-term security and safety of water supplies for downstream communities is increasingly at risk.

    Charting the long tail of wildfire pollution

    Scientists have long known that wildfires can affect water quality, but two key questions remained: Exactly how bad is the impact? And how long does it last?

    To find out, my colleagues and I led a study, coordinated by engineer Carli Brucker. We undertook one of the most extensive analyses of post-wildfire water quality to date. The results were published June 23, 2025, in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment.

    We gathered decades of water quality data from 245 burned watersheds across the western U.S. and compared them to nearly 300 similar, unburned watersheds.

    A map of the basins studied shows the outlines of fires in red and burned basins in black. The blue basins did not burn and were used for comparisons.
    Carli Brucker, et al., 2025, Nature Communications Earth & Environment

    By creating a computer model for each basin that accounted for its normal water quality variability, based on factors such as rainfall and temperature, we were able to isolate the impact of the wildfire. This allowed us to see how much the water quality deviated after the fire, year after year.

    The results were stark. In the first year after a fire, the concentrations of some contaminants skyrocketed. We found that levels of sediment and turbidity – the cloudiness of the water – were 19 to 286 times higher than prefire levels. That much sediment can clog filters at water treatment plants and require expensive treatment and maintenance. Think of trying to use a coffee filter with muddy water – the water just won’t flow through.

    Concentrations of organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus were three to 103 times greater in the burned basins. These dissolved remnants of burned plants and soil are particularly problematic. When they mix with the chlorine used to disinfect drinking water, they can form harmful chemicals called disinfection byproducts, some of which are linked to cancer.

    More surprisingly, we found the impacts to be really persistent. While the most dramatic spikes in phosphorous, nitrate, organic carbon and sediment generally occurred in the first one to three years, some contaminants lingered for much longer.

    Contaminants including phosphorus, organic carbon and nitrates lingered in water supplies for years after wildfires. The charts show the average among all burned basins eight years before fires (light blue) and all burned basins after fires (orange). The gray bars show levels in the year immediately after the fire. The horizontal purple line shows levels that would be expected without a fire, based on the prefire years.
    Carli Brucker, et al., 2025, Nature Communications Earth & Environment

    We saw significantly elevated levels of nitrogen and sediment for up to eight years following a fire. Nitrogen and phosphorus act like fertilizer for algae. A surge of these nutrients can trigger algal blooms in reservoirs, which can produce toxins and create foul odors.

    This extended timeline suggests that wildfires are fundamentally altering the landscape in ways that take a long time to heal. In our previous laboratory-based research, including a 2024 study, we simulated this process by burning soil and vegetation and then running water over them.

    After mountain slopes burn, the rain that falls on them washes ash, charred soil and debris downstream.
    Ben Livneh/University of Colorado

    The stuff that leaches out is a cocktail of carbon, nutrients and other compounds that can exacerbate flood risks and degrade water quality in ways that require more expensive treatment at water treatment facilities. In extreme cases, the water quality may be so poor that communities can’t withdraw river water at all, and that can create water shortages.

    After the Buffalo Creek Fire in 1996 and then the Hayman Fire in 2002, Denver’s water utility spent more than US$27 million over several years to treat the water, remove more than 1 million cubic yards of sediment and debris from a reservoir, and fix infrastructure. State Forest Service crews planted thousands of trees to help restore the surrounding forest’s water filtering capabilities.

    A growing challenge for water treatment

    This long-lasting impact poses a major challenge for water treatment plants that make river water safe to drink. Our study highlights that utilities can’t just plan for a few bad months after a fire. They need to be prepared for potentially eight or more years of degraded water quality.

    We also found that where a fire burns matters. Watersheds with thicker forests or more urban areas that burned tended to have even worse water quality after a fire.

    Since many municipalities draw water from more than one source, understanding which watersheds are likely to have the largest water quality problems after fires can help communities locate the most vulnerable parts of their water supply systems.

    As temperatures rise and more people move into wildland areas in the American West, the risk of wildfires increases, and it is becoming clear that preparing for longer-term consequences is crucial. The health of forests and our communities’ drinking water are inseparably linked, with wildfires casting a shadow that lasts long after the smoke clears.

    Ben Livneh receives funding from the Western Water Assessment NOAA grant #NA21OAR4310309, ‘Western Water Assessment: Building Resilience to Compound Hazards in the Inter-Mountain West’.

    – ref. After the smoke clears, a wildfire’s legacy can haunt rivers for years, putting drinking water at risk – https://theconversation.com/after-the-smoke-clears-a-wildfires-legacy-can-haunt-rivers-for-years-putting-drinking-water-at-risk-259118

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • Iran issues stark warning to Trump ‘the gambler’: We will end this war

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran said on Monday that the U.S. attack on its nuclear sites expanded the range of legitimate targets for its armed forces and called U.S. President Donald Trump a “gambler” for joining Israel’s military campaign against the Islamic Republic.

    Since Trump joined Israel’s campaign by dropping massive bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday morning, Iran has repeatedly threatened to retaliate.

    But while it has continued to fire missiles at Israel, it has yet to take action against the United States itself, either by firing at U.S. bases or by targeting the 20% of global oil shipments that pass near its coast at the mouth of the Gulf.

    “Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it,” Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya central military headquarters, said on Monday in English at the end of a recorded video statement.

    Iran and Israel traded another wave of air and missile strikes on Monday as the world braced for Tehran’s response.

    Trump’s administration has repeatedly said that its aim is solely to destroy Iran’s nuclear programme, not to open a wider war.

    But in a social media post on Sunday, Trump openly spoke of toppling the hardline clerical rulers who have been Washington’s principal foes in the Middle East since Iran’s 1979 revolution.

    “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” he wrote.

    Experts surveying commercial satellite imagery said it appeared that the U.S. attack had severely damaged the site of Iran’s Fordow nuclear plant, built inside a mountain, and possibly destroyed it and the uranium-enriching centrifuges it housed, although there was no independent confirmation.

    Trump called the strike a “Bullseye!!!”.

    “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran,” he wrote. “The biggest damage took place far below ground level.”

    MORE ISRAELI STRIKES

    Israel’s airstrikes on Iran have met little resistance from Iranian defences since Israel launched its surprise attack on June 13, killing many of Iran’s top commanders.

    The Israeli military said on Monday that about 20 jets had conducted a wave of strikes against military targets in western Iran and Tehran overnight. ⁠In Kermanshah, in western Iran, missile and radar infrastructure was targeted, and in Tehran a surface-to-air missile launcher was struck, it said.

    Iranian news agencies reported air defences had been activated in central Tehran districts, and Israeli air strikes had hit Parchin, the location of a military complex southeast of the capital.

    Iran says more than 400 people have been killed in the Israeli attacks, mostly civilians, but has released few images of the damage since the initial days of the bombing. Tehran, a city of 10 million people, has largely emptied, with residents fleeing to the countryside to escape attacks.

    Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes on Israel have killed 24 people, all civilians, and injured hundreds, the first time a significant number of Iranian missiles have ever penetrated Israeli defences.

    The Israeli military said a missile launched from Iran in the early hours of Monday had been intercepted by Israeli defences. Air raid sirens blared overnight in Tel Aviv and other parts of central Israel.

    LIMITED RETALIATION

    Beyond those missiles, Iran’s ability to retaliate is far more limited than a few months ago, since Israel inflicted defeat on Iran’s most feared regional proxy force, Hezbollah in Lebanon, whose downfall was swiftly followed by that of Iran’s most powerful client ruler, Syria’s Bashar al-Assad.

    Iran’s most effective threat to hurt the West would probably be to restrict global oil flows from the Gulf. Oil prices spiked on Monday at their highest since January. But they have not yet shot up to crisis levels, indicating that traders see a path out of the conflict that avoids serious disruption.

    Brent crude futures were down 0.5% to $76.64 a barrel as of 0830 GMT, after briefly jumping above $80 at the opening.

    Iran’s parliament has approved a move to close the Strait of Hormuz that leads into the Gulf, which would require approval from the Supreme National Security Council, a body led by an appointee of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    Attempting to strangle the strait could send global oil prices skyrocketing, derail the world economy and invite conflict with the U.S. Navy’s massive Fifth Fleet that patrols the Gulf from its base in Bahrain.

    “It’s economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

    As Tehran weighed its options, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was expected to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. The Kremlin has a strategic partnership with Iran, but also close links with Israel.

    Speaking in Istanbul on Sunday, Araqchi said his country would consider all possible responses and there would be no return to diplomacy until it had retaliated. TASS news agency later quoted him as saying Iran and Russia were coordinating their positions.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Industrial Strategy to boost growth and jobs in Wales

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Industrial Strategy to boost growth and jobs in Wales

    Modern Industrial Strategy will make the UK the best country to invest in and grow a business and support tens of thousands of new jobs in Wales.

    The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy

    • Electricity costs for thousands of businesses to be slashed by up to 25%   
    • UK Government to establish a centre for doctoral training in semiconductors, led by Swansea University
    • Welsh businesses to benefit from innovation funding, access to finance, faster grid connections and better-equipped sites for expansion. 

    Wales is set for increased economic growth, billions in investment and tens of thousands of new jobs supported over the next decade as a result of the UK Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which is published today (Monday 23 June).  

    The Strategy contains measures to forge a new relationship between business and government, making Wales and the UK the best place to start and scale up a business. 

    It will unlock growth across Wales, targeting areas of strength from the country’s strengths in aerospace in North Wales to the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales.   

    More than 7,000 UK businesses are set to see their electricity bills slashed by up to 25%. British manufacturers currently pay some of the highest electricity prices in the developed world— in some cases, double the European average, while businesses looking to expand or modernise have faced delays when it comes to connecting to the grid.

    For too long these challenges have held back growth and made it harder for firms to compete globally. Today’s announcement marks a decisive shift — with government stepping in to support industry and unlock the UK’s economic potential.

    From 2027, the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will reduce electricity costs by up to £40 per megawatt hour for over 7,000 electricity-intensive businesses in manufacturing sectors like automotive, aerospace and chemicals.

    These firms, which support over 300,000 skilled jobs across the UK will be exempt from paying levies such as the Renewables Obligation, Feed-in Tariffs and the Capacity Market — helping level the playing field and make them more internationally competitive. Eligibility and further details on the exemptions will be determined following consultation, which will be launched shortly.

    The UK Government is also increasing support for the most energy-intensive firms — like steel, chemicals, and glass — by covering more of the electricity network charges they normally have to pay through the British Industry Supercharger. These businesses currently get a 60% discount on those charges, but from 2026, that will increase to 90%. This means their electricity bills will go down, helping them stay competitive, protect jobs, and invest in the future.

    These reforms complement the government’s long-term mission for clean power, which is the only way to bring down bills for good by ending the UK’s dependency on volatile fossil fuel markets.

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create 1.1 million good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change. 

    Wales is already punching above its weight in many of the growth driving sectors set out in the Industrial Strategy. 

    The key measures for Wales are: 

    • More than £4bn for the advanced manufacturing sector in the UK over the next 5 years. Wales has a leading advanced manufacturing sector with companies such as Airbus based in Broughton in north Wales. 

    • UK Government to establish a centre for doctoral training in semiconductors, led by Swansea University, building on the world-leading cluster based in south Wales.   

    • A Defence Growth Deal cluster to build on Wales’s major strengths. The top five Ministry of Defence suppliers all have a footprint in Wales. 

    • A new British Business Bank champion for the Cardiff Capital Region to connect investors with businesses and kickstart growth. 

    • £30m for a Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in Wales to work with the Welsh Government and Innovate UK to grow innovation.  

    • The National Wealth Fund working with the Development Bank of Wales to identify and secure financing for investment projects in Wales. 

    • Support for the UK’s city regions and clusters by increasing the supply of investible sites through a new £600m Strategic Sites Accelerator, enhanced regional support from the Office for Investment, National Wealth Fund, and British Business Bank, and more. 

    • Strengthened support from the Office for Investment to help identify, shape and deliver strategic investment opportunities across the UK. 

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:  

    This Industrial Strategy marks a turning point for Britain’s economy and a clear break from the short-termism and sticking plasters of the past.

    In an era of global economic instability, it delivers the long term certainty and direction British businesses need to invest, innovate and create good jobs that put more money in people’s pockets as part of the plan for change.

    This is how we power Britain’s future – by backing the sectors where we lead, removing the barriers that hold us back, and setting out a clear path to build a stronger economy that works for working people. Our message is clear – Britain is back and open for business.

    Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: 

    Wales has huge potential and our government’s Industrial Strategy will harness the strengths of our businesses and workforce to drive growth and create jobs. 

    The strategy will support key sectors like aerospace and compound semiconductors while developing industries of the future like floating offshore wind where Wales is well-placed to be a world leader. 

    Our modern Industrial Strategy is built to last and make Wales one of the best places to invest and do business. Working alongside Welsh Government we will boost growth, raise wages and create wealth across our country.”  

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    We’ve said from day one Britain is back in business under this government, and the £100 billion of investment we’ve secured in the past year shows our Plan for Change is already delivering for working people. 

    Our Modern Industrial Strategy will ensure the UK is the best country to invest and do business, delivering economic growth that puts more money in people’s pockets and pays for our NHS, schools and military. 

    Not only does this Strategy prioritise investment to attract billions for new business sites, cutting-edge research, and better transport links, it will also make our industrial energy prices globally competitive.  

    Tackling energy costs and fixing skills has been the single biggest ask of us from businesses and the greatest challenge they’ve faced – this government has listened, and now we’re taking the bold action needed. Government and business working hand in hand to make working people better of is what this Government promised and what we will deliver.” 

    Sarah Williams-Gardener, Chair of Fintech Wales, said:

    We are delighted to see financial services recognised as a key sector in this Industrial Strategy. We look forward to working closely with the Government to help unlock the sector’s full potential. 

    The emphasis on AI and the compute power required to support its development is particularly welcome, as we begin to see generative AI driving innovation across financial services—empowering both providers and customers through the next generation of digital banking platforms.

    Frank Holmes, Founding Partner of Gambit Corporate Finance and Chair of the Cardiff Capital Region Investment Board, said: 

    Today’s announcements mark a timely and important shift towards a connected, strategic approach to economic growth. The renewed focus on industrial strategy and SME finance speaks directly to the opportunities we are unlocking in the Cardiff Capital Region. We have backed innovative and scalable businesses like Whisper TV, showcasing how tailored regional finance can drive job creation, innovation and global reach.  

    The UK’s commitment to extending SME access to finance aligns perfectly with the ecosystem we are building  in CCR as a proven delivery partner and a model for regional economic development.” 

    Louise Harris, CEO of Tramshed Tech in Cardiff, said: 

    The launch of the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy is a pivotal moment for our tech and innovation ecosystem. By aligning local strengths with national ambition, this strategy provides a powerful platform for Welsh businesses to grow, attract investment and lead in emerging sectors such as technology, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries.  

    This strategy recognises that innovation isn’t just about technology in isolation – it’s about creating sustainable, high-quality jobs while tackling real-world challenges. This approach will create the perfect environment for startups and scale-ups to thrive, knowing they have both the infrastructure, skills and strategic support to take their innovations from Wales to the world.” 

    The Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to promote business investment and growth and make it quicker, easier and cheaper to do business in the UK, giving businesses the confidence to invest and create good, well-paid jobs in thriving industries – delivering on this government’s Plan for Change. 

    Investment from private companies is essential to creating new jobs, growing the economy and securing public services. That is why the Strategy will also introduce measures to make it quicker, easier and more profitable for businesses to invest in the UK, with the aim of significantly increasing businesses investment and in key growth sectors by 2035 and helping to create 1.1 million well paid jobs across all corners of the UK. 

    It will realise Wales’ economic potential and raise wages and living standards to a level that the people of Wales deserve.  

    The UK Government’s plans address the main barriers to growth, making it easier and quicker to do business and invest in Wales.  

    The Strategy’s bold plan of action includes: 

    • Slashing electricity costs by 20-25% to level the playing field for energy-hungry industries like chemicals and key growth sectors like automotive. 

    • Unlocking billions in finance for innovative business, especially for SMEs by increasing British Business Bank capacity to £25.6 billion, crowding in tens of billions of pounds more in private capital.  

    • Reducing regulatory burdens by cutting the administrative costs of regulation for business by 25% and reduce the number of regulators.   

    • Boosting R&D spending to £22.6bn per year by 2029-30 to drive innovation across the IS-8, with more than £2bn for AI over the Spending Review, and £2.8bn for advanced manufacturing over the next ten years. This will leverage in billions more from private investors. Regulatory changes will further clear the path for fast-growing industries and innovative products such as biotechnology, AI, and autonomous vehicles.

    • Attracting elite global talent to our key sectors, via visa and migrations reforms and a new the Global Talent Taskforce.  

    • Revolutionising public procurement and reducing barriers for new entrants and SMEs to bolster domestic competitiveness.  

    Five sector plans have also been published today:

    • Advanced Manufacturing – Backing our Advanced Manufacturing sector with up to £4.3 billion in funding, including up to £2.8 billion in R&D over the next five years, with the aim of anchoring supply chains in the UK – from increasing vehicle production to 1.35 million, to leading the next generation of technologies for zero emission flight.

    • Clean Energy Industries – Doubling investment in Clean Energy Industries by 2035, with Great British Energy helping to build the clean power revolution in Britain with a further £700 million in clean energy supply chains, taking the total funding for the Great British Energy Supply Chain fund to £1 billion.

    • Creative Industries – Maximizing the value of our Creative Industries through a £380 million boost for film and TV, video games, advertising and marketing, music and visual and performing arts will improve access to finance for scale-ups and increase R&D, skills and exports.

    • Digital and Technologies – Making the UK the European leader for creating and scaling Digital and Technology businesses, with more than £2 billion to drive the AI Action Plan, including a new Sovereign AI Programme and targeting R&D investment at frontier technologies such as cyber security in Northern Ireland, semiconductors in Wales and quantum technologies in Scotland. 

    • Professional and Business Services – Ensuring our Professional and Business Services becomes the world’s most trusted adviser to global industry, revolutionising the sector across the world through adoption of UK-grown AI and working to secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications agreements overseas.

    ENDS

    Updates to this page

    Published 23 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Changes in prescription medication could help identify cancer earlier The University of Aberdeen is partnering in a new study funded by Cancer Research UK that could help detect cancer earlier by analysing the medications patients are prescribed before they are diagnosed.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    The University of Aberdeen is partnering in a new study funded by Cancer Research UK that could help detect cancer earlier by analysing the medications patients are prescribed before they are diagnosed.
    Led by Queen’s University Belfast, the research will explore whether patterns in prescription data can act as early warning signs for cancer, enabling earlier diagnosis and improving treatment outcomes.
    With around 385,000 across the UK being diagnosed with cancer each year finding new ways to diagnose cancer earlier, is vital.*
    Professor Peter Murchie from the University of Aberdeen is part of the expert team, led by Queen’s University Belfast, working on the study which will use extensive anonymised prescription data from the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage (SAIL) Databank at Swansea University+.
    The research will examine whether an increase in the strength or frequency of medication for symptoms such as pain, indigestion, or bleeding might reflect underlying conditions – such as ovarian or colorectal cancer – that have not yet been formally diagnosed.
    Codes used in the NHS to indicate medication prescriptions are easier to analyse and track than symptoms and can be flagged more easily to medical colleagues than notes on a patient’s record saying a symptom is worsening.
    Previous studies have already shown increased use of pain and indigestion medication in women with ovarian cancer up to eight months before diagnosis and increases in haemorrhoid treatments in patients with colorectal cancer up to 15 months before diagnosis.
    Professor Chris Cardwell, of Queen’s University Belfast, said: “Our study has the potential to identify previously unrecognised medications which are newly used in the period up to two years before cancer diagnosis.
    “These changes in specific medications could act as an alert for doctors to consider earlier cancer investigation or point to unrecognised symptom patterns.
    “Diagnosing cancer as early as possible is key to ensuring treatment is as effective as possible and give patients the best chance of recovery.”
    The study, which will receive £76,462 from Cancer Research UK, will focus on eight cancers: multiple myeloma, pancreatic, stomach, ovarian, lung, renal, colorectal and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – selected because these cancers are known to involve more GP consultations prior to diagnosis.
    Currently, there are many symptoms and medical conditions known to be associated with cancer, but often symptoms can indicate a variety of conditions, not just cancer, making diagnosis harder.
    The research will be the first of its kind to study prescription information comprehensively in the UK. Similar studies have been carried out overseas and smaller studies conducted looking at fewer cancer types in the UK.
    Cancer Research UK Director of Research, Dr Catherine Elliott, said: “Innovative approaches to tackling cancer are crucial to improving outcomes for patients. We have already made great strides in turning many types of cancer into a treatable disease if diagnosed at an early stage, and studies like this aim to help doctors identify people at risk of cancer much earlier.
    “Earlier diagnosis takes us further along the path towards a world where cancer diagnosis is the start of the road to recovery and a less fearful prospect for patients.”
    Professor Peter Murchie of the University of Aberdeen added: “This is an exciting study hoping to find out how our increasingly sophisticated health records can be used for the maximum patient benefit. We know symptoms of cancer can develop slowly, changes in our prescription data could become a very important early warning signal to prompt busy GPs.”
    Other members of the research team include Professor Carmel Hughes, Dr Sarah Baxter, Dr David Wright and Dr Blánaid Hicks of Queen’s University Belfast
    Nearly one in two people born in the UK will get cancer in their lifetime.**

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –