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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vitaly Savelyev visited the exhibition of Russian unmanned technologies

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Vitaly Savelyev visited the exhibition of Russian unmanned technologies.

    Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev familiarized himself with promising technologies and solutions in the Russian unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry.

    The samples were presented at the public platform “Boiling Point” of the National Technological Initiative. The Deputy Prime Minister was shown more than 50 models of drones and examples of their implementation in various sectors of the economy and life.

    Vitaly Savelyev highly appreciated the presented samples. “The development of the high-tech UAS sector and the creation of a promising independent branch of the economy related to the creation and use of civilian unmanned aerial vehicles are the key tasks of the national project “Unmanned Aircraft Systems”. The solutions presented at the exhibition reflect a wide range of possibilities for their application. The growth of production dynamics and the commercial implementation of new technologies will contribute to strengthening national technological sovereignty and increasing the competitiveness of the domestic economy,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • India urges deeper BRICS cooperation for building future-ready digital ecosystem

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready digital development at the 11th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasília, Brazil.
     
    Delivering India’s national statement, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, highlighted the country’s progress in digital governance under the theme set by Brazil’s BRICS presidency—Universal and Meaningful Connectivity, Space Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, and the Digital Ecosystem.
     
    Dr. Chandra Sekhar showcased India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a global model for inclusive and transformative digital governance. He underlined the impact of flagship platforms such as Aadhaar and Unified Payments Interface (UPI), stating that Aadhaar has empowered over 950 million Indians with secure digital identity and seamless access to services, while UPI has revolutionised real-time digital payments, contributing to 46 percent of the world’s digital transactions.
     
    He called upon BRICS nations to deepen collaboration and leverage digital public infrastructure for inclusive growth. “India’s DPI model, based on open and interoperable platforms, is a catalyst for good governance, financial inclusion and digital innovation while acting as a safeguard against monopolistic practices,” he added.
     
    Dr. Sekhar also spoke about India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, the growing digital skills network, and progressive legislations such as the Telecommunications Act and the Data Protection Act. Stressing the need for digital trust and user safety, he highlighted India’s Sanchar Saathi initiative to combat telecom-related fraud.
     
    The Minister emphasised the importance of international cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, data protection and digital integrity, noting that the safety and trustworthiness of interconnected digital societies are crucial for the future.
     
    Reflecting on India’s digital progress, Dr. Sekhar said the country has transitioned from digital divide to digital leadership. He presented the Digital Bharat Nidhi programme as a flagship initiative that has supported projects like BharatNet, which now connects over 2.18 lakh gram panchayats through optical fibre. 
     
    He said that India’s indigenous development and mass deployment of 4G and 5G technologies have brought high-speed connectivity to over 95 percent of the population with 4G and more than 80 percent with 5G. India, he noted, also leads the world in affordable data access, with internet data prices as low as 12 cents per gigabyte.
     
    Speaking on the issue of space sustainability, the Minister said, “Space is no longer a distant frontier—it is now a vital part of our digital infrastructure.” He outlined India’s reforms in satellite communication, including streamlined SATCOM regulations and expanded licensing for mobile and IoT satellite services. He urged BRICS nations to work jointly on global issues such as orbital equity, spectrum management and space traffic regulation through cooperation rather than competition.
     
    Addressing environmental sustainability, Dr. Sekhar acknowledged the dual challenges of climate change and rising e-waste. Citing projections from the Global E-Waste Monitor, he warned that global e-waste could reach 82 billion kilograms by 2030. He informed the forum about India’s initiatives like the Green Development Pact from the G20 Summit in Delhi and the Panchamrit goals announced at COP-26. He urged BRICS members to adopt circular economy practices, integrate green energy into ICT infrastructure and support global frameworks like the ITU’s Green Digital Action.
     

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: RSH publishes its quarterly survey for Q4 2024-25

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    RSH publishes its quarterly survey for Q4 2024-25

    The report covers the period 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025. 

    The Regulator of Social Housing has today (Tuesday 3 June 2025) published the results of its latest quarterly survey of private registered providers’ financial health.

    Providers continued to build and acquire much-needed new social homes, spending £13.6bn in the 12 months to March 2025. This compares to £14.4 billion in the year to March 2024. 

    Over the next year, providers plan to spend a further £14.8bn on development, of which £10.7bn is committed. 

    This comes as housing associations continue to invest record amounts in existing stock. 12-month spend on repairs and maintenance totalled £9.0 billion, a 13% increase on the previous year, and the forecast  spend for the next 12 months also increased to a record £9.9 billion.  

    Lending to the sector remains strong, with £4.3 billion of new finance arranged in the quarter, the second highest level in almost five years. 

    Available liquidity increased to the highest level in two years, as both undrawn facilities and cash balances increased in the quarter. The level of cash and undrawn facilities would be sufficient to cover the sector’s forecast expenditure on net interest costs (£4.6 billion), loan repayments (£3.5 billion) and net development for the next year (£12.6 billion), even if no new debt facilities were arranged and no sales income were to be received. 

    The investment in existing and new homes alongside increased debt levels means that the level of aggregate cash interest cover (excluding sales) stood at 82% for the 12 months to March 2025, consistent with the previous quarter, and is forecast to remain restricted at an estimated 65% for the next year.

    75 providers (38%) anticipate reporting an impairment charge in their 2024/25 accounts. This compares to 66 (33%) in 2023/24 and 54 (27%) in 2022/23.  

    The total anticipated impairment charge is £407 million, of which £276 million relates to social housing assets. 

    Will Perry, Director of Strategy at RSH, said:  

    Landlords are continuing to build new homes for the future, although spend was lower this quarter as landlords invest record amounts on existing homes. These major investments to improve fire safety, damp and mould as well as other issues are vital for keeping tenants safe in their homes. 

    Landlords continue to make trade-offs in response to financial pressures but investor confidence remains strong and we will continue to support this through our regulation, including these surveys, as well as our inspections and stability check programme.” 

    Notes to editors

    1. The report is based on the financial regulatory returns from 200 private registered providers (housing associations and other private registered providers, including for-profits), who own or manage more than 1,000 homes.  

    2. Through its annual stability checks, RSH considers whether each provider’s current viability grade is consistent with the information contained in their regulatory returns. RSH focuses on indicators of financial robustness and evidence of any significant changes in risk profile.  

    3. RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.

    4. For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk. For media enquiries please see our Media Enquiries page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM remarks at the Show Racism the Red Card reception: 2 June 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    PM remarks at the Show Racism the Red Card reception: 2 June 2025

    Prime Minister’s remarks at the Show Racism the Red Card reception in Downing Street.

    Thank you, Shaka [Hislop] and thank you for all that you’ve done and all that you have inspired—because to look out here so many years after the instant you described a moment ago and see so many people who’ve contributed to this really important campaign and cause—must be inspiring for you. It’s certainly inspiring for us with this great charity, Show Racism the Red Card.

    And as you said, it was almost 30 years ago now from that moment in the petrol station near Saint James’s Park, where you were facing appalling racism and abuse. I think a moment ago you told me you’d just got married. You were newly married, simply stopping to fill up the car, facing that abuse until the perpetrators realised that the person they were targeting was the Newcastle goalkeeper that they so admired. In that moment, they changed completely and you saw the power of football with that—to change our country—and were determined to seize it and to build something better out of that moment. The way Shaka put it to me just now was that at 100 yards he faced racism and hatred; at 100 feet, when people were closer, he experienced friendship and a wanting to have his autograph. That, I think, has driven you—this sense that if we can pull people closer and act in that way, the power of doing so is phenomenal.

    In that particular case, it was the very same individual whose behaviour changed in a very short period of time. And here we are, years later, in Downing Street, and it is my privilege to be able to host you and to host everybody here in this garden with a charity that has reached 1.3 million people. And not just the work that’s been done in football grounds themselves, but in schools, in workplaces, and stadiums across the country. And of course, with so many others that have joined this mission—all of those that are here tonight, but many other people who can’t be here this evening—have played a huge part as well. And we say thanks to them.

    We’ve got pioneers like Trevor Sinclair, Anita Asante, Richard Offiong, and Chris Hughton here today. We’re so special. Thank you to all of them and people across the football world, all doing so much in their own right to support this cause. So not just on behalf of myself as Prime Minister, but on behalf of the whole country, I’d like to say a huge thank you. And when I say the whole country, I always remind myself that it’s a privilege to stand here, and there are millions of people who would love to stand here this evening and say thank you to you for all that you have done.

    I say that as Prime Minister, but I say it on behalf of all the people who would love to stand here and say hello to you and say thank you to you—people whose lives have been affected. As you said, Shaka, the people who you won’t even know, won’t ever meet, but whose lives have been changed by the work that has been done. And that’s the power of inspiration—reaching beyond the immediate and bringing other people in behind this important work and using the power of football to fight racism and build a better, more inclusive Britain. And there’s only one further step tonight that we need to take. I’ve been determined to do it for a long time, which is to put some five-a-side goals back here. 

    I’m a season ticket holder, go to football now, but I’ve been going for many years like other people here. And I do remember when going to football was a very different experience than it is today, especially for fans and players from certain communities, it was a very different experience. And I remember that as a fan watching football week in, week out. So yes, we celebrate today how far we’ve come—and we should—but it is also a call to action because we know we’ve got to go further. And we can’t be complacent, even within football itself.

    Never forget, it was only four years ago, in the summer of 2021, when those young England stars faced appalling abuse after that penalty shootout against Italy in the finals of the Euros. But yet that team, after that experience, I can still remember the players going up to take those penalties and the aftermath. And then the outpouring of hatred, vitriol, abuse that came, which I think was shocking for them—certainly shocking for all of us, including for me—because just as we think that we’ve made great strides forward, there’s a brutal reminder: not so fast. Don’t be complacent.

    And yet that team, those young players, supported by Gareth, stood up and showed real leadership in the face of that hatred and that abuse. They used the honour of representing our country in our national game to help us build a better nation, a more inclusive nation, and to make us proud of our national identity, of who we are and what we stand for. And that was a brilliant response to what happened just four years ago and enabled us to bring the country together through that shared emotion of football. And that’s the power of football that we’re all here to harness today, because it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, what you do for a living—the basic joy of stepping onto a pitch and kicking a ball is deep in our humanity. And I say this from personal experience: football is for everyone. There’s something special about stepping onto the pitch where almost everything else falls away, and it just depends on you and your teammates around you. And it’s a reminder of the power of football and that football is for everyone.

    Even for me, I am unashamedly ambitious about how we can use the unifying power of football to educate, as you are doing, to fight discrimination, bring our communities together, and promote health and fitness. And it really gives people a leg up with skills, employability, and confidence. And for young people, to my mind, confidence is probably the number one most valuable thing in whatever they do—the confidence it gives and the way that football contributes to all of that. And many of you here are leading the way with that, including many of our football clubs. But just to take some examples that I’ve seen from Arsenal: David Dein pioneering the Twinning Project, using football to reduce reoffending. What a brilliant project that is—to go into prisons and to work with young people to give them a chance when they come out of not going back into prison in the future through the Twinning Project. The Dirt Is Good campaign—tackling the stigma of stains on clothes and bringing down the barriers that have stopped girls playing sport for too long. And how far have we come because of campaigns like that with our women’s football, which has gone through massive strides in the last few years. And the support of Adidas to create new local pitches for people from all backgrounds to come and play, including in my own constituency—what a valuable contribution. Because that gives sport to children and young people who wouldn’t otherwise have it and gives them the chance not to be mucking about on the streets doing other things which wouldn’t do them any good in the long term.

    And they’re just examples. But I’m determined we can do so much more so that in each place there’s the pride that comes with football, the facilities and opportunities for everyone to play. Because investing in high-quality grassroots facilities in our communities can rebuild the social fabric of our country. We have our big clubs, and we have clubs across the whole of the country. And the pride in place of the local club is huge. The power of that to bring young people into the facilities is huge. And just look at any of the playoffs at Wembley. The whole town wants to go to support their community. Something comes out that is bigger than football, and that’s the pride of place that football showcases.

    And so here we are in the Number 10 garden to talk about how we use football to change our country for the better. On my first day as Prime Minister, I stood on the other side of this building, outside on the steps of Downing Street, and said that we would be a government of service. And that means that this is my place of work. It’s also where I live, incidentally. But it also belongs to you. And I want you to feel a sense of this. It’s not a privilege to be here in this garden, because if we’re the government of service, then we’re in your service. And therefore, this is a place to which you’re entitled to come—not just privileged to come. And I want you to feel a real sense that this is my workplace. But in a sense, today I want it to feel like your workplace as well. You’re not just invited to be here—you are entitled to be here, and you’re welcome. And to put your fingerprints on the work of this government—it’s very important that you push us and tell us what else we should be doing. You have the right, given everything you have already contributed, to tell us what else we should do—to put your fingerprints on the next policy, to make sure that we together shape a better future. And what an inspiring group of people to be able to do this here in this garden.

    Thank you for coming. Let’s show racism the red card and use football to help deliver the change this country needs.

    Thank you so much.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU scientists send pets with cancer to radiation therapy using unique neutron capture technology

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Based at the Laboratory of Nuclear and Innovative Medicine (LNIM) Faculty of Physics Novosibirsk State University is collecting data to create a Tomographic Atlas of Animals — a large-scale database of images obtained during CT examinations of dogs and cats of various breeds, both healthy and cancer patients. This atlas will become the basis for training artificial intelligence in methods of diagnosing oncological diseases using tomographic data.

    — The use of AI for the analysis of tomographic images of animals will automate the diagnostic process, significantly reducing its dependence on the human factor. Research and treatment of our smaller brothers make a great contribution to the development of medicine and science in general. Studying animal diseases helps not only to improve their health and quality of life, but also to find new approaches to the treatment of cancer in humans, which is ultimately our goal. Artificial intelligence trained on the basis of the tomographic atlas will allow scientists to automatically receive descriptions of serial experimental studies of large groups of animals, taking into account their interspecies and intraspecies differences, — said Vladimir Kanygin, Head of the Laboratory of Nuclear and Innovative Medicine at the LYAIM PF NSU.

    The project is being implemented jointly with the Autonomous Non-Commercial Organization “Siberian Research Center for Medicine and Biotechnology” (“Sibbiotech”), which provides technical and veterinary support: organizes examination of animals, their transportation, and also supports radiation therapy. The source of neutrons for NCT is the research nuclear reactor of Tomsk Polytechnic University.

    As Vladimir Kanygin explained, the employees of this non-profit organization have no direct connection to science, but their work is very important for scientists, since they provide technical and organizational aspects of conducting research and therapy, ensure the search for animals for testing and their transportation to the place of radiation therapy.

    – ANO “Sibbiotech” has contacts with several veterinary clinics and volunteer centers engaged in the help of homeless animals. They direct us cats and dogs for research and treatment. Thanks to this, even homeless dogs and cats have a unique chance to get highly qualified assistance to specialists who are studying therapeutic effects of radiation therapy using neutron capture technology. So far, this process is quite successful. Despite the fact that we are actively working on our tomograph only the last six months, today dozens of animals have passed through it. Among them were not only four -legged patients in whom we conducted a search for tumor formations, but also injured animals. So, in early April, through our partners – ANO “Sibbotech” – volunteers brought a cat found on the street to the tomographic center of our laboratory. The volunteers said that they had once been home, and then the owners threw it away. We found in her body 6 metal artifacts remaining from gunshot wounds. In addition, the cat revealed cancer. Thanks to a timely study, a correct diagnosis was made, the necessary treatment was prescribed and the animal was helped. There are other cases when, after CT, preliminary diagnoses made by the branches are seriously adjusted. For example, it turns out that the animal does not suffer from oncological disease, but in its body any inflammatory process develops. The treatment tactics are changing, and the animal receives the necessary help, ”said Vladimir Kanygin.

    According to LYAIM, over 100 animals underwent neutron capture therapy over three years. Many of them demonstrated significant improvement in their condition: decreased pain, improved quality of life, and in most cases, decreased or stabilized tumor size. A number of scientific articles have been published based on the results of the studies.

    In May, six animals underwent radiation therapy: two dogs and four cats diagnosed with melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sarcoma. Among them was an Alabai with multiple tumor lesions on the head. The animals received therapeutic doses of radiation and are under remote observation by veterinary specialists from Tomsk. New groups of patients are formed regularly — not only residents of Novosibirsk and the region, but also pet owners from Moscow and St. Petersburg turn to scientists.

    According to experts, neutron capture therapy is effective in treating more than half of stage III and IV malignant tumors. Some animals that were previously offered euthanasia were saved and their condition improved.

    Special attention at LYAIM is given to such difficult-to-treat tumors as melanoma, glioblastoma, meningioma, and carcinoma. In most cases, a significant improvement in the condition and death of tumor cells are observed. The first positive results of therapy are usually recorded 1.5–2 months after the procedure. At the same time, the animals undergo a repeat CT examination, the data from which are also included in the tomographic atlas.

    Before CT scanning, animals are given a contrast agent under general anesthesia. All stages — from the administration of anesthesia to full awakening — are accompanied by a veterinary anesthesiologist, who monitors vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, breathing. The procedure is usually tolerated by animals easily and without complications. The scanning itself takes about 15-20 minutes, and the entire process takes an average of one and a half hours.

    In animals that have been operated on before, LAIM specialists often perform additional histological examinations at their own laboratory, and then a course of neutron capture therapy. They do not refuse help even in the case of advanced tumors with metastases, as well as in the case of malignant tumors of complex localization, such as the brain or spine, when other treatment methods are ineffective or impossible.

    In some cases, NRT can be administered in conjunction with chemotherapy.

    To launch the full-fledged work of artificial intelligence capable of diagnosing oncological diseases based on CT data, it is necessary to collect at least one and a half to two thousand tomographic images of each type of tumor, as well as thousands of scans of healthy animals of different species. The basis of the database will be images of cats and dogs, but it is planned to include data on other species – primates, rodents and other animals that have undergone tomographic examination. The study will include all stages of tumor development.

    – The primary basis of the tumor is determined at all stages, and our task is to teach artificial intelligence to diagnose one or another type of tumor primarily on animal models, so the creation of an electronic tomographic atlas is especially relevant. We see it as a constantly self -reinforcing, self -learning and self -expanding program, which will undergo a certain correction from the point of view of self -learning and from the point of view of improving the algorithm used. At the moment, we have established good working relations with colleagues from Singapore to form joint databases in some areas. The formation of a tomographic atlas is designed for a fairly long perspective. Rather, this is a kind of beta version of a specialized application that will improve the quality of the diagnosis, and its use will imply the user’s participation in improving this program. Each user is involved in this project, since one of the conditions for using the tomographic atlas will be the replenishment of its database. In the meantime, we invite to cooperate the owners of cats, dogs and rodents. If there are suspicions that the pet had any neoplasm, or he already undergoes oncological treatment in a veterinary clinic, it is advisable to conduct an examination for CT for him. Our scientists, using the tomographic and histological base of the laboratory, will make a diagnosis or clarify it if it is already delivered by other specialists, and many pets will be offered radiation neutron therapy on the reactor of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. And the pet’s data will replenish the tomographic atlas, on the basis of which artificial intelligence will be trained, ”Vladimir Kanygin explained. 

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for the first quarter of 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (June 3) released the statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for the first quarter of 2025.
     
         In the first quarter of 2025, total port cargo throughput decreased by 3.9% to 41.1 million tonnes over a year earlier. Within this total, inward port cargo decreased by 10.8% to 24.5 million tonnes, while outward port cargo increased by 8.6% to 16.6 million tonnes.
     
         On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison, total port cargo throughput increased by 2.6% in the first quarter of 2025. Within this total, inward port cargo decreased by 1.3% compared with the preceding quarter, while outward port cargo increased by 8.9% compared with the preceding quarter. The seasonally adjusted series enables more meaningful shorter-term comparison to be made for discerning possible variations in trends.
     
    Port cargo
     
         In the first quarter of 2025, within port cargo, seaborne and river cargo decreased by 3.7% and 4.2% to 25.9 million tonnes and 15.2 million tonnes respectively over a year earlier.
     
         Comparing the first quarter of 2025 with a year earlier, a double-digit increase was recorded in the tonnage of inward port cargo loaded in Chile (+33.3%). On the other hand, double-digit decreases were recorded in the tonnage of inward port cargo loaded in Vietnam (-30.6%), Taiwan (-23.9%), Malaysia (-21.6%), Thailand (-21.4%), Korea (-18.5%), Japan (-13.8%) and the mainland of China (-13.2%). For outward port cargo, double-digit increases were recorded in the tonnage of outward port cargo discharged in Australia (+28.3%), Taiwan (+22.8%) and the mainland of China (+22.5%). On the other hand, double-digit decreases were recorded in the tonnage of outward port cargo discharged in the United States of America (-31.9%), the Philippines (-30.6%), Malaysia (-27.8%), Thailand (-25.9%), Japan (-21.5%) and Vietnam (-18.1%).
     
         Comparing the first quarter of 2025 with a year earlier, double-digit changes were recorded in the tonnage of inward port cargo of “metalliferous ores and metal scrap” (+24.9%), “artificial resins and plastic materials” (-15.0%) and “stone, sand and gravel” (-37.7%). As for outward port cargo, triple-digit or double-digit changes were recorded in the tonnage of “stone, sand and gravel” (+122.9%), “metalliferous ores and metal scrap” (+15.6%) and “artificial resins and plastic materials” (-20.6%).
     
    Containers
     
         In the first quarter of 2025, the port of Hong Kong handled 3.37 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers, representing an increase of 1.6% over a year earlier. Within this total, laden containers decreased by 3.3% to 2.58 million TEUs, while empty containers increased by 21.2% to 0.80 million TEUs. Among laden containers, inward and outward containers decreased by 2.9% and 3.6% to 1.39 million TEUs and 1.19 million TEUs respectively.
     
         On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison, laden container throughput increased by 1.6% in the first quarter of 2025. Within this total, inward laden containers increased by 3.3%, while outward laden containers decreased by 0.4%.
     
         In the first quarter of 2025, seaborne and river laden containers decreased by 3.3% and 3.2% to 1.82 million TEUs and 0.76 million TEUs respectively over a year earlier.
     
    Vessel arrivals
     
         Comparing the first quarter of 2025 with a year earlier, the number of ocean vessel arrivals decreased by 1.1% to 4 506, with the total capacity also decreasing by 3.8% to 70.8 million net tons. Meanwhile, the number of river vessel arrivals decreased by 0.7% to 19 800, while the total capacity increased by 22.6% to 23.1 million net tons.
     
    Further information
     
         Port cargo and laden container statistics are compiled from a sample of consignments listed in the cargo manifests supplied by shipping companies and agents to the C&SD. Vessel statistics are compiled by the Marine Department primarily from general declarations submitted by ship masters and authorised shipping agents. Pleasure vessels and fishing vessels plying exclusively within the river trade limits are excluded.
     
         Table 1 presents the detailed port cargo statistics.
     
         Table 2 and Table 3 respectively present the inward and outward port cargo statistics by main countries/territories of loading and discharge.
     
         Table 4 and Table 5 respectively present the inward and outward port cargo statistics by principal commodities.
     
         Table 6 presents the detailed container statistics.
     
         Table 7 presents the statistics on vessel arrivals in Hong Kong.
     
         More detailed statistics on port cargo, containers and vessels are published in the report “Hong Kong Shipping Statistics, First Quarter 2025”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020008&scode=230).
     
         For enquiries about port cargo and container statistics, please contact the Electronic Trading Services and Cargo Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 2126 or email: shipping@censtatd.gov.hk). For enquiries about vessel statistics, readers may contact the Statistics Section under the Planning, Development and Port Security Branch of the Marine Department (Tel: 2852 3662 or email: st-sec@mardep.gov.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Troy Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing and Intending to Distribute Three Kilograms of Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Daval Byrams, age 22, of Troy, New York, pled guilty today to possessing three kilograms of cocaine with the intent to distribute them.  United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    Byrams admitted that on March 11, 2025, he traveled from the Capital Region to New York City to pick up cocaine, and that when he returned home that evening, he was carrying a bag containing three one-kilogram bricks of cocaine.  Law enforcement arrested Byrams as he departed from a bus in Schenectady, New York. 

    United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “When a defendant traffics this volume of cocaine to the Northern District of New York, he should expect that my office and our law enforcement partners will find him, seize his drugs, and send him to prison.  It’s that simple.”

    FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Narcotics trafficking continues to have a devastating impact on our local communities. The FBI will continue to work in concert with our partners on the Safe Streets Task Force to identify, investigate, and apprehend traffickers whose actions wreak havoc on our communities through the sale of illegal drugs.”

    At sentencing, Byrams faces at least 5 years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $5 million, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute(s) the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

    The FBI and its Capital District Safe Streets Gang Task Force – which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies – investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How was the animation and children’s film festival in the Moskino cinema park

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    One of the main events of the weekend at the Moskino cinema park was Moscow Festival of Animation and Children’s Cinema. It was visited by 14 thousand people. In addition, from May 31 to June 1, concerts, master classes and a parade of cartoon characters were held at the cinema park venues.

    Cinema Park as a point of assembly

    On May 31, a presentation of animation projects was held at the educational center. The works were presented by professional directors, animators, as well as aspiring filmmakers — university students.

    The jury included Vladimir Vereshchagin, curator of the children’s and family direction of the Kinopoisk platform, Kirill Kiychenko, CEO of Paranoid Animation Studio, Vasily Solovyov, CEO of Visual Story, Sergey Melnikov, Deputy CEO of Mosrazvitie, and others. The experts assessed the quality of the animators’ work and the originality of their ideas, and presented them with memorable gifts.

    “Film production is currently actively developing, including animation projects, and quantity is turning into quality. Producers strive to create exactly the content that the viewer needs, and the film park makes their work much easier. Just a few years ago, we could not even imagine that such a place would appear in our industry, so I am delighted with what I saw here. The technology and versatility of this site in terms of the number and variety of decorations are amazing. And holding pitching sessions and conferences promotes the exchange of experience,” shared producer Vasily Solovyov.

    At an educational event dedicated to the creation of animation and visual content, trends in the development of children’s programs were discussed, as well as the role of musical and theatrical projects in the life of the city.

    The speakers included producer Vladimir Vereshchagin, editor-in-chief of the Karusel TV channel Tatyana Tsyvareva, producer Sergei Netievsky, deputy head of the Moscow Department of Information Technology Boris Frolov and others.

    “It is very important now to create family content that parents and children would watch. Our TV channel shows exactly these kinds of films, TV shows and cartoons. It is especially pleasant that domestic content is of interest. Its share on the channel has increased significantly and today amounts to about 75 percent. The top 20 popular animated series include projects that have magic and sorcery. Therefore, it is important for us that representatives of the film industry continue their active work, and the Moskino cinema park, in turn, will help to implement their ideas,” Tatyana Tsyvareva emphasized.

    The filmmakers walked around the film park’s sites and noted that each of them is unique. Thus, producer Vladimir Vereshchagin said that he is very pleased to see how everything that was invented is brought to life. The film park was created as a place for filming in one place – and now this is exactly how it is. There is an amazing site “Provincial Cities of Europe”, built for the future film “Buratino”, the necessary decoration “Center of Moscow” to film city life without blocking the streets, “Cathedral Square” and many others. The film park is becoming a popular place among tourists. Muscovites and guests of the capital can see the sets in which famous films were shot, learn about the filmmaking process and, most importantly, spend time with their families.

    Producer Kirill Kiychenko shared his impressions of the Moskino cinema park venues and noted that the future lies with it. In the near future, a number of music festivals, historical reconstructions and other holidays for the whole family are planned there.

    Children’s party at the Moskino cinema park

    The children’s holiday on the weekend began with a fairy-tale parade. Accompanied by drummers, about a hundred animators in costumes of favorite characters from Soviet and modern cartoons, including Cheburashka, Prostokvashino, The Adventures of Buratino, Smeshariki, Winnie the Pooh and many others, walked through the territory of the cinema park.

    On the central square, children and parents took part in a fun concert program: they danced to the songs “Chunga-Changa” and “Babushki” from the cartoon “Three Cats”, did exercises, played with balloons and soap bubbles. They also recalled the words from the famous songs “Where Childhood Goes” and “The Mammoth’s Song”.

    In addition, during thematic master classes, children played drums in a music tent, created flower arrangements and drew their favorite characters. The most active young guests took part in tug-of-war games and building a wall using soft cubes.

    The aspiring actors played in the staged filming of the movie “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession”, which took place on the “Cathedral Square of Moscow” stage. Children and adults dressed up as Streltsy and courtiers and performed the scene of the tsar’s exposure.

    The Cowboy Town set hosted a shoot based on the fairy tale “Aibolit”. The participants dressed up as animals cured by the genius doctor and witnessed his joke: to save himself from the treacherous Barmaley, Aibolit had to give the villain castor oil.

    Moscow Cinema Universe

    The Moskino cinema park is part of Sergei Sobyanin’s “Moscow – City of Cinema” project and an object of the Moscow cinema cluster, which is being developed by the capital Department of CultureThe first stage of creation has already been completed here: 24 natural sites, four pavilions and six infrastructure facilities have been built, including the sets “Center of Moscow”, “Moscow in the 1940s”, “Vitebsk Station”, “Cathedral Square of Moscow”, “County Town”, “Cowboy Town”, “St. Petersburg Bar” and other sites.

    The Cinema Park is actively developing as a cultural and leisure venue. Exhibitions, master classes, lectures, meetings with famous actors and other events for Muscovites and guests of the capital are held here.

    The Moscow Film Cluster is an infrastructure facility, services and facilities for filmmakers, which are being developed by the Moscow Government within the framework of the Moscow — City of Cinema project. Its structure includes the Moskino Film Park, the Gorky Film Studio (sites on Sergei Eisenstein Street and Valdaisky Proyezd), the Moskino Film Factory, the Moskino Cinema Network, the Film Commission and the Moskino Film Platform.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154733073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Frontex releases Annual Risk Analysis 2025-2026

    Source: Frontex

    Today, Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, published its Annual Risk Analysis for 2025–2026, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and pressures at the European Union’s external borders.

    The report comes at a time of profound geopolitical uncertainty. With challenges stretching from the Eastern land borders to Africa, and new tactics used to challenge Europe’s unity, Frontex’s role has never been more vital: offering accurate, timely intelligence that empowers Member States to foresee crises, not just react to them.

    In a world of shifting challenges, trustworthy information is Europe’s essential protection,” said Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens. “This report is about readiness. It helps EU Member States prepare, plan and act together.

    The report’s key findings include:

    • Eastern Borders: Use of migration as a pressure tool continues to drive unpredictability and hybrid threats.
    • Southern routes: Instability, external influence in Africa, and worsening humanitarian crises across the Sahel are fuelling new migratory routes and smuggling activity.
    • Air borders: Fraudulent documents, visa misuse, and increased use of lesser-controlled airports present a growing challenge.
    • Cross-border crime: Organised criminal groups are becoming more agile, making use of digital tools, drones, and fake documents to bypass border security.
    • Hybrid threats: Disinformation, sabotage, and attempts to destabilise the EU’s cohesion remain ongoing concerns.

    Looking ahead, Frontex experts anticipate continued migratory pressure and an expanding mix of security threats, ranging from the movement of high-risk individuals to the development of smuggling routes and weapon trafficking.

    Frontex has evolved into a strategic partner to Member States, not just supplying operational support, but helping build preparedness through intelligence, coordination, and a deep commitment to accountability and fundamental rights.

    The Annual Risk Analysis is an essential part of the EU’s integrated border management strategy. It supports national authorities in safeguarding their borders while upholding the European values.

    The full report is available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MAJOR SAFETY UPGRADES TO BE INSTALLED AT CITY JUNCTION

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Tuesday, 3rd June 2025

    Work will begin next week to fit a city junction with major new safety features, to protect pedestrians and provide better links to public transport.

    Work will begin next week to fit a city junction with major new safety features, to protect pedestrians and provide better links to public transport.
     

    The junction at Park Hall Road and Weston Road will get three new pedestrian refuge points as well as a new footpath linking to existing bus stops, and access to Park Hall Country Park.

    The safety upgrade comes in response to residents’ concerns and follows a number of incidents – including the tragic death of a pedestrian in December 2023.  

    Roadworks will be in place for six weeks while the work is carried out.

    Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for infrastructure, regeneration and transport at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said: “This junction has been problematic for some time, and I made it a priority to get this sorted.

    “There have been a high number of near misses and incidents, including the tragic death of a local resident, who died just yards from his home on a walk he had been doing for a many years. I hear frequently from local people about how unsafe the junction is, and I have been to see for myself on a number of occasions.

    “We have listened to residents and made taking action at this junction a priority.

    “This is a busy junction and we appreciate there will be some disruption while this vital work is carried out. We thank motorists for their patience, but trust everyone will recognise the benefits of this work in creating a safer Stoke-on-Trent.”

    Businesses will operate as normal and access to residents will be maintained.

    Please plan journeys in advance.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sham Shui Po district officer named

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today announced that Oscar Wong will assume the post of District Officer (Sham Shui Po) on June 20.

    Mr Wong joined the Administrative Service in 2015. He has served in the then Home Affairs Bureau and the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau.

    He is currently a Senior Administrative Officer (Tourism) at the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Mary-Elizabeth McMunn: Central banks and innovation – delivering our mandate in a digitalising world

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Many thanks for the invitation to speak to you today.1

    Speaking about innovation to a room full of innovators is no easy task, but I do think it is important to share the perspectives of a Central Bank and Regulator on innovation in the financial sector, in particular given the increasingly important role technology is playing in financial services.

    And as I have said before, while naturally associated with the private sector, I believe the public sector also has a crucial role to play in innovation – not just by enabling it but also in ensuring its safe adoption.

    Given this important role, as well as our strategic commitment to anticipating and responding proactively to changes in the economy and financial system,2 the Central Bank has put an increasing focus on innovation in the financial sector in recent years.

    As evidenced by your agenda today there is a huge breadth of innovation taking place in financial services.

    And while there is so much we are focused on that I could cover in my remarks, from Ireland’s growing and international Payments sector, to the increasing importance of operational and cyber resilience to the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence and its use in the financial sector, I would like to discuss two important aspects today.

    Firstly I would like set out how the Central Bank of Ireland thinks about and approaches innovation in financial services; and secondly I would like to focus in more detail on our role in one of the big potential technological shifts underway in the sector – namely digital assets, including tokenisation.

    Central Banks and Innovation

    Central Banks and Regulators are sometimes cast as anti-risk and indeed anti-innovation. But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

    While obviously our jobs are to ensure risks in the financial sector are being well managed – so that the system is stable, firms are safe and sound, consumers and investors’ interest are protected and the integrity of the system is upheld – we do not do this by eliminating all risk. One of the core functions of the financial system is to manage and take risk – and so if Regulators do not accept risk and make risk-based decisions ourselves, then the system doesn’t work.

    Similarly while it is our responsibility to ensure the risks from new entities, products or ways of serving customers are being well managed, we do not do this by unduly stifling innovation.

    Rather the Central Bank of Ireland supports innovation in the financial sector, as we recognise the benefits it can bring. But, to state the obvious, to deliver these benefits such innovation must be done well, which includes properly managing the risks that could arise to consumers and the system.

    In this regard contrary to being anti-innovation, in line with peer Central Banks we have been adapting our approach to better support and anticipate it.

    And as with all of our work, our approach to innovation is guided by our mission and mandate, serving the public interest by maintaining monetary and financial stability while ensuring that the financial system operates in the best interests of consumers and the wider economy.

    In terms of Regulation and Supervision specifically, there are many ways by which we seek to ensure innovation in the financial sector is operating in the best interests of the whole.

    This includes:

    Regulation – which not only enables innovation, but through appropriate guardrails helps establish trust, essential for innovation to be widely adopted, particularly in the area of financial services. PSD2, MICAR and DORA are all positive examples of this – enabling and enhancing digital finance and safe financial innovation in Europe.

    Authorisation – which plays a pivotal role in ensuring entities, products and individuals meet the high standard to be trusted with the public’s money. While authorisation is just the start of the supervisory relationship it is also about setting firms up for success, which is both in the firms’ own interest as well as in their customers’.3

    Supervision in turn provides a mechanism for maintaining trust through the cycle, by ensuring innovative firms are well run, products are appropriately designed, and neither introduce undue risks for their consumers or the system.

    This includes supervisory engagement ensuring regulated entities are being sufficiently innovative in adapting their business models and managing their operational resilience, where technology can be both part of the problem and part of the solution.

    In addition to these I would also add that the Central Bank also plays role in encouraging and fostering good innovation in the financial sector, in line with our public policy objectives.

    This includes our catalyst role for payments, and the convening power of a Central Bank, where we seek to drive and influence positive change at a system level to improve market efficiency, integration and security.

    And finally it includes our broader engagement with the innovative ecosystem, something we have been deepening and enhancing in recent years and which I would like to touch on now briefly.

    Engaging with innovation – Hub and Sandbox

    You will all be aware of the work of our Innovation Hub, which was established in 2018 and has gone from strength to strength. The Hub is open to all innovators in financial services, no matter the size or whether they are new entrants or established entities. And it has proven a valuable form of engagement both for us and the sector.

    For us, alongside other engagement and initiatives, it has helped us deepen our understanding of innovation in the financial sector, amidst a period of rapid digitalisation. And for the sector, you have reported the benefit of early engagement in terms of better understanding of our regulatory expectations and, for new entrants, what being a regulated entity entails.

    Last year, following public consultation, we began implementing proposals to evolve our approach by:

    1. Enhancing our Innovation Hub to deliver deeper, clearer and more informed engagement with the innovation ecosystem; and
    2. Establishing an Innovation Sandbox Programme.

    In terms of the first point, we have found the changes made are leading to deeper more productive engagements, making better use of our collective resources. In addition to the 8% year on year increase in Innovation Hub Engagements last year, this represents a substantial uplift in terms of the quantity and quality of our engagements with the ecosystem.   

    On the second proposal, as you will be aware our Innovation Sandbox Programme aims to inform the early stage development of selected innovative initiatives that promote better outcomes for consumers and the financial system.

    Our first programme launched late last year; and consistent with our aim of fostering innovation to support outcomes consistent with our public policy objectives, the theme was Combatting Financial Crime.4

    While the programme is still ongoing, both from our perspective and from feedback received from the 7 participants, the first programme has been a very positive experience. The final module will take place in June, alongside a showcase of the participants’ innovative solutions at an event in the Central Bank.

    In line with our wider commitment to continuous improvement, we will adopt an iterative approach to our Innovation Sandbox Programme, learning and improving from each one. We are also committed to sharing our key learnings, and will publish a report on outcomes and findings from our first programme later this year.

    Central Bank approach to Crypto

    I would like to turn now to digital assets, a wide-ranging and growing topic.

    Given its breadth, I will just touch on two specific areas: firstly crypto-assets, and in particular our approach to this sector and the implementation of MiCAR, before turning to the potential next wave of innovation, in terms of the tokenisation of the financial system.

    Firstly, we are often asked about the Central Bank’s approach to crypto-assets.

    I will begin by saying that as with all innovation in financial services we seek to ensure it is done well, and is delivering benefits to consumers and the system while appropriately managing any risks.

    It should go without saying that there are inherent risks in crypto-assets, and some forms of crypto-assets have higher risks than others.

    It is for this reason that we have issued warnings to consumers concerning crypto, and have expressed scepticism about business models which are driven by the heavy marketing, offering and distributing of unbacked crypto-assets to retail customers for speculative purposes.

    MiCAR will not provide the same levels of protection that exists for traditional financial investment products, nor of course will it enable all the significant risks linked to crypto-assets to be mitigated.  However, it is a welcome step forward.

    Nevertheless, it is important for consumers to be aware, that MiCAR will not cover all crypto-assets, with some of the most well-known crypto-assets, such as Bitcoin and Ether, not within scope of the regulation given they have no identifiable issuer.

    But while it is true speculative and highly volatile forms of crypto-assets remain a concern for the Central Bank, in particular from a consumer protection point of view, it is equally true that we recognise the important innovations distributed ledger and crypto technology could potentially lead to for financial services – and indeed we have recognised this for some time.

    It is important to note, however, as with all aspects of financial services this potential will only be realised if the technology and the providers can be trusted, to be resilient, to provide benefits to consumers and to help uphold, rather than jeopardise, the integrity of the financial system.

    It is these outcomes that inform our regulatory approach to crypto-assets. And indeed are informing our approach to the implementation of MiCAR, both in our engagement with regulatory peers, as well as our authorisation of applicant firms under the new framework.

    In that regard we have put in place a well-resourced and expert team to deal with the CASP authorisation process – ensuring it is both efficient as well as sufficiently robust.

    The team have been engaging extensively with the sector and applicants, and we have held a number of industry events dedicated to MiCAR.5 This is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, clarity and openness, in particular in our authorisation processes but also in our engagement with innovation.

    But while we are committed to a timely and quality authorisation process, the role and approach of applicant firms is also key in this regard.  Our assessments of MiCAR authorisation applications will be guided through many perspectives including the use case and utility, suitability, and the risks associated with a crypto product or service. 

    The importance of good culture and conduct risk management in delivering on new obligations under MiCAR cannot be overstated. The stronger their risk management, the better position firms are in to understand, calculate and mitigate risks, in turn strengthening their business model, and their relationship with their customers. 

    Regardless of the services, the target customer base, or whether the business is retail focused or aimed at institutional clients, safeguarding of client assets and governance are critical considerations for the Central Bank – given the fundamental role they play in protecting people’s money.

    And as I said earlier, authorisation is only the beginning of the supervisory relationship and so firms should demonstrate at the Gate that they will be well-run once they are through it.

    Tokenisation – private and public roles 

    Finally I would like to turn more broadly to the topic of tokenisation, which as we all know is the digital representation of traditional assets on a programmable platform6 and the potentially transformative potential of distributed ledger technology.

    I say potentially transformative, as some visions of a tokenised financial system, such as the  ‘finternet’ or ‘financial internet’7 put forward by the BIS, would truly be so, promising huge efficiency and disintermediation gains, reducing costs and complexity and empowering businesses and consumers.

    While this is on the further end of the tokenisation spectrum, there are a number of areas of the financial system where the potential benefits of tokenisation are being explored.

    This includes tokenisation of real assets, as well as financial assets such as money, securities, collateral, bank deposits, and funds. The potential benefits in terms of peer to peer transactions, smart contracts, and settlement and clearing are clear, leading to lower costs and indeed less risks. For time is money and time is risk as they say.8

    While there is a large amount of work ongoing by both the private and public sector, I wanted to touch on what I see as the Central Bank’s role in this regard.

    Firstly from a regulatory point of view, there is an onus on us to ensure there are no unintended regulatory impediments to tokenisation of traditional assets; as well as to engage in dialogue with the sector to see if enabling regulation is required.

    Secondly in line with our desire to foster innovation that delivers good outcomes for consumers, we can seek to drive and influence change at a system level. There is also a need for central banks to deepen our knowledge and engagement with this innovation, as well as to enhance our thinking and capabilities, given the far reaching changes implied should this wave of innovation materialise.

    These are all things we and peer Central Banks are doing, and indeed will further focus on in future – and something the BIS and other Central Banks have been leading on, with Project Agora, which is testing a multi-currency wholesale cross border payments using DLT, and Project Guardian, which seeks to enhance liquidity and efficiency of financial markets through asset tokenisation, both important examples.

    Given Central Banks’ fundamental role in the monetary system, it is important that public innovation keeps pace with private innovation, particularly in payments and settlements systems.

    In order to maintain the crucial role of public money in a tokenised world, future proofing our monetary system, facilitating innovation and increasing the resilience of the payments system, the Eurosystem is stepping up its efforts to support and foster innovation in market infrastructures. For example, in February the ECB announced its decision to expand its initiative to settle transactions recorded on DLT in central bank money.9

    In addition, the work the Eurosystem is doing around the Digital Euro is key, both in terms of a retail Digital Euro as the representation of public money in a digital world, but also importantly in terms of wholesale central bank digital currency, as a tokenised central bank asset to operate in a tokenised system.10

    Conclusion

    Before I conclude I would like to touch briefly on the rapidly changing external environment we are all operating in.

    In a future focused speech, it would be remiss of me not to mention the potential great structural changes underway in terms of geo-political developments and geo-economic fragmentation.

    The challenges facing our economy are clear; but amongst these challenges are opportunities.

    Innovation is often borne out of times of challenge, turning risks into opportunities.

    But also as we deal with short run risks, it is too easy to take our eyes off these longer term opportunities.

    I am sure this room full of innovators will heed the call to focus on continuing to deliver innovation in the interest of consumers and the wider economy. We as a Central Bank will also continue to anticipate, engage with and respond to innovation in the system.

    But I would also call on firms and investors to not lose sight of the need to continue to innovate and invest in technology. While economic cycles come and go, the digital transition rolls on, and we cannot be left behind.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s young kitchen wizards establishing careers as on-demand chefs

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

    A wok sizzled as garlic chives and Chinese kale hit hot oil, while pork rib and lotus root soup simmered with a bubbling sound on a stove. In addition, a whole fish, steamed and doused in soy sauce, could be spotted on the kitchen counter, neighboring a pile of spicy crawfish coated in chili oil.

    Ding Yuqing, 23, juggled preparation of these dishes while navigating an unfamiliar kitchen. A college student in Wuhan, capital of central China’s Hubei Province, she was making a hometown feast for a family who hired her to cook in their home.

    “I love cooking,” she said. “Such home-cooking visits have improved my skills, and I really enjoy cooking for others.”

    Ding is part of a rising wave of young Chinese embracing a new gig, that of on-demand chef. Often students, office workers or freelancers, they offer homemade meals to time-starved urbanites seeking the likes of health, comfort and a taste of home.

    On social media, the trend is hot. Hashtags related to “on-demand chefs” have amassed over 1.45 billion views on Douyin and more than 35 million on “rednote,” an app better known as Xiaohongshu. Notably, last month, a viral story about a woman earning nearly 20,000 yuan (about 2,784 U.S. dollars) a month cooking six meals a day rocketed to the top of Sina Weibo’s trending list.

    HEALTH ON THE MENU

    For Ding, it all began with a few food photos. Over the winter break last year, she posted snapshots of her home-cooked dishes online. To her surprise, requests started rolling in, asking: “Can you come cook for me?”

    “At first, I was nervous cooking in someone else’s kitchen,” she admitted. “Now it’s second nature.”

    She currently offers services within a 10-kilometer radius on weekends and during school breaks. Before each visit, she discusses taste preferences with her clients and asks them to supply ingredients and seasonings. After preparing meals, she also tidies up, washes dishes and even takes out the trash for her clients.

    For a typical order of three dishes and one soup, Ding receives a payment of 80-100 yuan.

    Most of her clients, she noted, are young people juggling hectic schedules. One repeat customer, a 30-year-old office worker, has hired her more than 30 times. “This customer and her husband are both too busy to cook,” Ding explained.

    China’s busy urban workers have long relied on the country’s sprawling food delivery sector, which employs over 10 million scooter-riding couriers, but Ding’s case may reflect a consumption upgrade, with a sizable number of urbanites willing to dig deeper into their pockets for healthier and bespoke alternatives to takeout.

    Li Xiaoyang, a 30-year-old from Wuhan, said this new type of service became essential for him after a bad experience with takeout left him sick for a week.

    “Having someone cook for you means personalized dishes, better hygiene and a more relaxed atmosphere, whether it’s a family dinner or a classmate reunion,” Li said.

    Entrepreneurs have taken notice of this booming market. Hu Quanyu, founder of Chef51, an on-demand platform that connects professional chefs with customers, said the service now operates in over 50 cities across China and works with more than 1,500 chefs.

    Hu plans to launch a new platform aimed at part-time cooking enthusiasts, allowing them to pick up orders posted by users. The system will provide basic checks like ID and health certificates.

    “The new service of on-demand home cooking is more affordable and flexible for budget-conscious young consumers,” he said, adding that the trend reflects changing consumption habits among China’s younger generation, who, fueled by rising incomes, are increasingly investing in health, convenience and quality of life.

    A report by Zhiyan Consulting underscored this shift. It showed that the value of China’s health and wellness market surpassed 1 trillion yuan in 2023 — with people aged 18 to 35 accounting for 83.7 percent of this market.

    SIDE HUSTLE TURNS SERIOUS

    China’s “on-demand economy” has diversified rapidly in recent years, with services ranging from in-home elderly care to space organization within homes. These offerings have been hailed for meeting personalized consumer demands, thus promoting consumption, but also for creating much-needed new job opportunities.

    Back in 2022, the Chinese government issued a guideline aimed at improving gig economy services to boost employment.

    The number of flexible workers in China exceeded 265 million in 2024, including 175 million engaged in platform-based gig work, according to an industry report by Hangzhou-based Gongmall, a digital solutions provider for the gig sector. By 2050, total wages in the sector are expected to exceed 50 trillion yuan.

    Still, the fast-growing on-demand chef industry is not without risks and shortcomings. While recognizing its contribution to flexible employment and urban lifestyles, Hu Junjie, a lawyer based in Hubei, said safety and liability concerns remain due to a lack of regulations governing this novel service.

    The lawyer thus called for a clearer legal framework, better protection for workers, and more oversight from relevant platforms and authorities. “That said, China already has similar platform services like food delivery and taxi-hailing, management of which is quite mature, and thereby serves as a useful reference,” he added.

    For some, like Xia Lu (not her real name), the on-demand chef role has evolved from a side hustle to a full-time profession. Burned out from long working hours, the 27-year-old native of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, known among her social media followers for her fiery, flavor-packed cooking, quit her job with a foreign-owned company in Beijing in late 2023.

    She now charges at least 128 yuan per home-cooking trip and handles up to three clients a day. While her current income, about 7,000 yuan a month, is lower than her previous job, Xia relishes the greater freedom it offers her.

    “When the weather’s good, I go hiking. When it rains, I rest,” she said. “I’ve never felt so free and fulfilled.”

    She’s planning to leave Beijing next summer to open a private kitchen in Yunnan, a southwestern province known for its beautiful scenery, slower pace of life and constant flow of hungry tourists.

    For Ding Yuqing, meanwhile, the momentum is only just beginning.

    “I believe the on-demand chef industry will continue to grow,” she said. “It not only meets the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers, but also gives passionate cooks like me a meaningful and flexible career path.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: From retro games to AI workouts, China’s children jump into new era of school sports

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

    From retro games to AI workouts, China’s children jump into new era of school sports

    Children at a primary school in Suqian, east China’s Jiangsu Province, creatively use their bodies to anchor vibrant strings.

    Laughter rings out across a sunlit playground in rural eastern China, as children at a primary school form colorful knots of motion, using their bodies to anchor vibrant strings that weave in and out of intricate shapes – stars, pentagons and abstract forms.

    Children weave the string between fingers to form intricate patterns.

    The game, known as Cat’s Cradle, evokes memories of childhood for generations of Chinese adults who recall hours spent deftly looping string between their fingers.

    But at the Tangjian Central Primary School in Suqian, Jiangsu Province, schoolchildren have reinvented it as a modern, physically engaging team activity that blends creativity with agility, coordination and laughter.

    The upgraded version is winning hearts far beyond the schoolyard. Video clips of the students performing their innovative routines have gone viral on social media, amassing tens of millions of views and comments celebrating their ingenuity and nostalgic charm.

    OLD GAMES, NEW TWISTS

    At this primary school, jumping rope is one of the students’ most beloved hobbies. Each day, clusters of children gather during breaks to leap, twist and flip – some even adding gymnastic flourishes such as somersaults and handstands, bringing a fresh dynamism to an age-old activity.

    Teenagers add gymnastic flourishes such as somersaults and handstands when jumping rope.

    “Skipping ropes are inexpensive, yet infinitely adaptable. It has become our school’s signature sport,” said school principal Geng Jinbao, adding that every class boasts a performance jump rope team, and the school has clinched five national titles in competitive skipping events.

    Once burdened by rigorous academic demands that left little room for physical activity, Chinese teenagers are now reaping the benefits of sweeping educational reforms, with initiatives aiming to ease academic pressure and promote holistic development, including more time for fitness and fun.

    “Chinese schools are now encouraged to design creative sports activities that engage students’ interests and make sports a joyful part of their growth,” said Geng.

    Across China, innovation is reshaping the way children move. In southwest China’s Guizhou Province, middle-schoolers follow upbeat pop music during daily fitness sessions. In Jiangsu’s Nantong, over 2,000 students sprint in synchronized patterns that echo the nostalgic mobile game Snake.

    Some schools are even reimagining traditional Chinese culture as athletic spectacle, transforming martial arts, lion dancing and the folk game diabolo into sweat-inducing, skill-building activities that marry fitness with cultural heritage.

    Amid these homages to the past, the future sporting landscapes are also taking root. Increasingly, Chinese schools are embracing AI to personalize student workouts and fine-tune physical education.

    Many schools in Beijing have introduced AI-powered sports facilities equipped with high-speed cameras and sensor technology, as the city’s government has implemented a work plan for AI application in the education sector, deepening the use of AI in sports to offer scientific and targeted guidance for students’ fitness and exercise.

    AI playground systems, for instance, capture data on sprints, long jumps and jumping rope, correcting students’ technique and tailoring training plans. Coupled with wristbands that monitor heart rate and other indicators, these innovations are also alert to potential safety risks.

    During recess at a primary school in Suzhou, 10-year-old Xu Zihao battles friends in a football juggling contest, while an AI-enabled screen displays their juggling counts, speeds and accuracy, updating a leaderboard in real time.

    “This kind of training is just so much fun,” said Xu. “We can compete whenever we have free time, and it keeps a record of how we’re improving every day.”

    NO SPORTS, NO EDUCATION

    China’s diverse landscape of campus athletics is widely seen as a crucial step towards nurturing a healthy and happy generation. Data released in 2024 show that 19 percent of Chinese children aged 6 to 17 are overweight or obese, while a 2023 study found that 52.7 percent are affected by myopia.

    The country’s 14th Five-Year Plan and long-range objectives through 2035 call for improving preschool nutrition, curbing childhood obesity and myopia, and ensuring time for school physical education and extracurricular exercise. Official guidelines now require students to engage in at least two hours of physical activity daily.

    Beijing has launched initiatives to make PE classes more engaging by encouraging students to “work up a sweat,” integrating class-level sports leagues, and making at least one of the “big three ball games” – basketball, football or volleyball – a mandatory part of the PE curriculum.

    Meanwhile, in Shanghai, the two-hour daily exercise window has been transformed into a highly anticipated time of vitality for schoolchildren, boosted by smart technology and the excitement of friendly competition.

    Experts note that the benefits extend far beyond physical strength. Former NBA star and youth sports advocate Yao Ming said that sports should also be viewed as a way to build children’s emotional resilience and character.

    “We must encourage more children to step onto sports fields, reconnect with nature, and engage in real human interaction,” said Yao. “Only then can they grow into a generation with not just strong bodies, but strong minds.”

    Safety concerns are also gaining prominence. “Beyond physical risks, doing sports with new technologies, for instance, demands robust data management systems to safeguard students’ information and prevent misuse or leakage,” said Wang Zongping, a professor at Nanjing University of Science and Technology.

    Wang added that schools are increasingly abandoning rigid and repetitive training regimes in favor of collaborative and inspirational activities that foster teamwork and even awaken dreams.

    Chen Haoyu, a sixth grader at Tangjian Central Primary School, was once so shy that he hardly dared answer questions in class, but gradually built his confidence through jumping rope. “It opened a switch in my heart,” said Chen, who has competed overseas and claimed two gold medals in international games.

    “Sports have also taught me to face challenges bravely,” said the 12-year-old. “That’s a lesson I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A pedestrian crossing will appear on Graivoronovskaya Street across the MCD-2 tracks

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Another overground pedestrian crossing will appear in the Tekstilshchiki district. It will be built on Graivoronovskaya Street near building 5. This was reported by the head of the capital’s Department of Construction of Transport and Engineering Infrastructure Vasily Desyatkov.

    “The design of the facility is currently underway. Its appearance will allow for unimpeded crossing of the MCD-2 railway tracks, and will also create an additional comfortable route for students and teachers of the Presidential Academy College. A new safe pedestrian connection will also appear between the Pechatniki and Tekstilshchiki districts,” Vasily Desyatkov noted.

    The 85-meter-long structure will be equipped with three staircases. In addition, elevators and overhead ramps will be installed.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin reported that a line had been opened between the Tekstilshchiki stations of the Big Circle and Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya metro lines. pedestrian gallery.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154721073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: BSMI Publishes SAF National Standards and Enforces Inspection to Ensure Quality and Promote Carbon Reduction

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    In response to global climate change, countries worldwide are actively implementing carbon reduction policies. Within the aviation sector, the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has become a key strategy in advancing low-carbon transportation. To align with national aviation policies and meet the growing demand for SAF, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) has established national standards for SAF and requires that SAF be subject to mandatory inspection. These measures ensures compliance with quality specifications and contribute to the aviation industry’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

    According to the BSMI, the Executive Yuan has designated SAF as a key initiative under Taiwan’s national carbon reduction policies. In alignment with the policies implementation timeline, BSMI has adopted relevant international standards-ASTM D7566 and ASTM D1655-as the reference for establishing and revising the national standards CNS 16221 “Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons” and CNS 2558 “Aviation Turbine Fuel.” These standards define the quality requirements-such as total sulfur content, distillation characteristics, copper strip corrosion, and thermal stability-as well as the corresponding test methods for SAF produced through various processes, serving as regulatory guidance for the domestic aviation fuel manufacturing industry.

    BSMI further stated that SAF is primarily produced from non-petroleum-based feedstocks, such as used waste cooking oil. Compared to conventional petroleum-derived aviation fuels, SAF offers significant carbon reduction benefits. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has set a target for SAF to account for 5% of total aviation fuel consumption by 2030. In addition to advancing carbon reduction goals, ensuring fuel quality is critical. To this end, BSMI has included SAF within the scope of mandatory inspection. All SAF products-whether imported or domestically produced-must comply with national standards CNS 16221 or CNS 2558. This measure ensures that all SAF supplied within the aviation fuel supply chain meets national regulatory requirements.

    The relevant CNS national standards are available through the BSMI “CNS Online Service System” (website: http://www.cnsonline.com.tw).
    Information on SAF-related inspection requirements, following its inclusion in the list of commodities subject to mandatory inspection, can be found on the BSMI website (http://www.bsmi.gov.tw) under “Focus News” > “Business Announcements.”

    The public is welcome to visit the websites or call the toll-free service line at 0800-007123 for further information.

    Responsible Division: Inspection Administration Division
    Contact Person : Cheng, Ching-Hung., Deputy Director
    Tel. (O):+886-23431700#1221
    Email: ch.cheng@bsmi.gov.tw

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: BSMI Ensures Accuracy of Weighing Scales for Dragon Boat Festival

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, vibrant holiday shopping scenes are emerging across Taiwan. To ensure accurate weight measurements during transactions, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) has completed a nationwide inspection of weighing scales used in markets ahead of the holiday. The results showed a 99.99% compliance rate, assuring consumers of a fair and reliable shopping experience during the festive season.

    The BSMI conducted targeted inspections at 168 locations, including traditional markets, supermarkets, and hypermarkets in various cities. A total of 6,976 weighing scales were examined, of which 6,975 passed and only one was found non-compliant. The non-compliant scale was immediately labeled “Suspended” and was subject to follow-up monitoring. Vendors using the failed scales face fines ranging from NT$15,000 to NT$75,000 under the “Weights and Measures Act” if they continue their use.

    The BSMI emphasized its commitment to ongoing vigilance by conducting year-round inspection projects to monitor the accuracy of weighing scales in transactions. Consumers are encouraged to report any scales that do not bear the verification mark (Picture as attachment file) or those they suspect of being inaccurate. Reports can be made by calling the BSMI at 02-23434567. Investigations will be carried out to protect the interests of both buyers and sellers, ensuring a fair and reliable marketplace.

    This initiative made by the BSMI not only safeguards consumer rights but also promotes trust and transparency in the market during this significant cultural celebration.

    Responsible Division: Metrology Technology Division
    Contact Person: Chen, Horng-Lin, Deputy Director
    Telephone No.: +886-2343-4567#5211
    Email: hl.chen@bsmi.gov.tw

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New offence of forcing people to hide objects in their bodies

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    New offence of forcing people to hide objects in their bodies

    Children and vulnerable people being criminally exploited by gangs will be better protected under new measures, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    A new criminal offence of ‘coerced internal concealment’, to be introduced as an amendment to the landmark Crime and Policing Bill, will crack down on anyone, including gang leaders who force people to hide items inside their bodies to avoid detection.    

    This practice, also known by the street names ‘plugging’, ‘stuffing’ and ‘banking’, is typically used by organised gangs to transport items like drugs, money and SIM cards from one location to another.   

    It relies on forcing or deceiving children and vulnerable adults into ingesting or hiding items inside their bodily cavities and is often linked to county lines drug running.   

    Internal concealment is an extremely dangerous practice. It can be fatal if drug packages break open inside the body and can cause significant physical and psychological harm to those forced to do it.   

    Where senior gang figures are found to have coerced other individuals to ingest or carry specified items inside their bodies, they will face up to 10 years behind bars.   

    Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls,  said:

    There is something truly evil about the gang leaders who degrade young girls, young boys and vulnerable adults in this way, forcing them to put their lives at risk.   

    This new offence will go alongside other measures in our landmark Crime and Policing Bill to turn the tables on the gang leaders and hold them to account for exploiting children and vulnerable adults.   

    As part of our Plan for Change, this government will give police and prosecutors the powers they need to dismantle these drug gangs entirely and secure convictions that reflect the severity of these crimes.

    To deliver the government’s mission to halve knife crime in the next decade and deliver safer streets, it is crucial to tackle the drug gangs that run county lines through violence and exploitation.   

    That is why the government has committed to investing £42 million into the County Lines Programme this year, to break down the organised crime groups behind this trade.

    The latest statistics from the programme show that since July 2024, law enforcement activity resulted in over 1,200 line closures and 2,000 arrests – including the arrest and subsequent charging of over 800 violent offenders controlling the lines.  

    There were also more than 2,100 safeguarding referrals for children and vulnerable people.      

    The County Lines Programme also provides specialist support for children and young people to escape the drugs trade.    

    Over 320 children and young people received dedicated specialist support during this period, which can include one-to-one casework for young people and their families to help prevent exploitation or support their safe exit.

    The criminalisation of ‘coerced internal concealment’ will ensure that victims are properly recognised and receive the support they need.   

    It also sends a clear message to offenders that the punishment for this crime will match the impact of the harm they have caused.    

    The new offence will join a package of other measures in the government’s Crime and Policing Bill designed to protect children and vulnerable adults, including a specific offence of child criminal exploitation aimed at the ringleaders behind county lines operations.       

    Kate Wareham, Strategic Director of Young People, Families and Communities at Catch22 said:    

    Catch22 welcomes the introduction of tougher consequences for adults who force children and vulnerable young adults into carrying drugs through invasive methods of bodily concealment.    

    From our county lines, child exploitation and our Redthread embedded youth work in A&E services across England, we know the devastating, life changing physical and mental impact of this abuse on its young victims.    

    Robust, specialist exploitation and violence reduction services are essential to ensure child victims are supported to process their trauma and safeguarded from further harm. But we need to prevent exploitation happening in the first place. By targeting the perpetrators, this new offence of coerced internal concealment is a crucial step forward towards that.

    Lucy D’Orsi, the Chief Constable of British Transport Police said:

    We welcome this new measure which increases the safety of those at risk and supports bringing their abusers to justice. 

    Safeguarding the vulnerable is a priority for BTP’s County Lines Taskforce. Our bespoke unit, made up of experienced social work professionals, works to pull the exploited from the clutches of organised crime groups by providing them with fast time support and resources from our specialist partners. 

    We continue to put the exploited and the vulnerable at the forefront of our fight against county lines gangs and take a zero tolerance stance against anyone who profits from the exploitation of children.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointment of District Officer for Sham Shui Po District (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Mr Oscar Wong will assume the post of District Officer (Sham Shui Po) on June 20.
     
         Since joining the Administrative Service in 2015, Mr Wong has served in the then Home Affairs Bureau and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau.
     
         He is currently a Senior Administrative Officer (Tourism) at the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: 21Shares Launches 21Shares Hedera ETP (HDRA) on Euronext

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New ETP offers regulated exposure to one of the most scalable and sustainable distributed ledger technologies

    Zurich, 3 June 2025 – 21Shares AG (“21Shares”), one of the world’s largest issuers of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), today announced the launch of the 21Shares Hedera ETP (Ticker: HDRA). The product is now listed on Euronext Amsterdam (USD) and Euronext Paris (EUR), offering investors simple, transparent, and regulated access to Hedera’s enterprise-grade DLT (distributed ledger technology).

    Exchange Product Name Ticker ISIN Fee
    Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam 21Shares Hedera ETP HDRA CH1456607683 2.50%

    The 21Shares Hedera ETP provides 100% physically backed exposure to HBAR, the native token of the Hedera network. It allows investors to gain institutional-grade access, directly through traditional bank or brokerage accounts, to one of the most energy-efficient and scalable distributed ledger technologies available today.

    “With its unique architecture, strong governance model, and real-world adoption, Hedera stands out as one of the most advanced distributed ledger technologies on the market,” said Duncan Moir, President at 21Shares and Board Member at Hedera Hashgraph LLC. “By launching the 21Shares Hedera ETP, we are enabling both institutional and retail investors to participate in the growing Hedera ecosystem through a fully regulated, transparent investment vehicle.”

    Hedera is an open-source distributed ledger designed for real-world innovation and enterprise use. It is governed by a global council of up to 39 renowned institutions, including Google, IBM, LG, Dell, EDF, and Deutsche Telekom, operating under legally binding, transparent terms. This governance model emphasises trust, resilience, and long-term stability – redefining decentralisation for scalable, mainstream adoption.

    “As more institutions seek secure ways to access digital assets, 21Shares continues to lead the way by bridging traditional finance and crypto with clarity and confidence,” said Gregg Bell, Chief Business Officer at Hedera Foundation. “This collaboration gives investors a straightforward way to access HBAR and brings them closer to a network trusted by leading institutions worldwide.”

    Unlike traditional blockchains, Hedera leverages its novel Hashgraph consensus mechanism that delivers industry-leading performance. It supports up to 500,000 transactions per second under testing conditions, offers predictable, fixed fees in USD, and consumes just 0.000003 kWh per transaction – making it 1,000 times more energy-efficient than a typical Visa transaction. 

    For more information, visit www.21Shares.com.

    Notes to editors

    About 21Shares

    21Shares is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialized research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.

    21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralized finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com

    Media Contact
    Matteo Valli
    matteo.valli@21shares.com

    About Hedera Foundation

    Hedera Foundation fuels the innovation and development of public-network applications on the Hedera network. By providing grants, technical assistance, and community support, we empower projects that leverage Hedera’s fast, secure, and sustainable ledger to solve real-world problems. Learn more at hedera.foundation.

    DISCLAIMER

    This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG in any jurisdiction. Neither this document nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever or for any other purpose in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice.

    This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.

    This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

    Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

    Exclusively for potential investors in any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) is made available on the Issuer’s website under www.21Shares.com.

    The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.

    This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2024 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with BX Swiss AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2024 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectus or https://21shares.com/ir/kids).

    ###

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Klaas Knot: Banking on buffers – why we need resilience in times of uncertainty

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    A very good morning to you all. Welcome to De Nederlandsche Bank. We are very happy to host this event here in our newly renovated building. I strongly support these kinds of exchanges of views between banks, academia and the public sector, and the IBF plays an important role in facilitating them.

    This Round Table bears an interesting, and perhaps somewhat surprising, title: ‘Tougher Times for Banks: Torn between Resilience, Competition and Stability’. Personally, I regard resilience, competition and stability all as good things, so I was wondering what you find so disturbing about this. But perhaps I should read the title as diplomatic language for ‘Torn between competitors, difficult regulators, and a world that has gone insane.’ You understand, being Dutch, I have a certain reputation to maintain.

    But still, even if my interpretation is right, I should speak a word of caution here. Or in fact, reassurance. Because sometimes we tend to see trade-offs where in reality there aren’t any.

    Let’s take regulation for example. Banking regulation often seems to resemble the swinging motion of a pendulum. After a financial crisis, lessons are learned and financial regulation is tightened. We saw this very prominently after the great financial crisis of 2008. And then after some years, the memories of the crisis fade in the rearview mirror, and calls go up for relaxing financial regulation. And this is what we currently see.

    That seems to assume that there is a trade-off between banking regulation and all the good things of economic life: profitability, dynamism, economic growth. And I know that many in the banking sector view regulation as a constraint, something that limits profitability and imposes undue costs.

    But, and that should not come as a surprise to you, I would argue against that. In fact, it’s just the other way around. Banking regulation is not an obstacle to growth, it is an enabler of sustainable, long-term growth. Banks with strong capital positions and sound liquidity management are better positioned to extend and rollover credit, invest in new technologies and finance large-scale projects. They are better able to maintain lending during an economic downturn. And stronger banks can secure more favourable funding conditions, attract long-term customers and build partnerships that increase shareholder value.

    That’s not just theory. We have seen it in practice. During the Covid pandemic the banking sector was able to function as a shock absorber, rather than a shock amplifier. Thanks to stronger buffers, banks were able to absorb losses and continue extending credit when the economy took a hit as a result of the lockdowns. That was in large part thanks the comprehensive reform of banking regulation after the great financial crisis. Suppose we hadn’t done this. We would probably have had a banking crisis on top of a global health crisis.

    Even after the pandemic, we had a number of shocks that triggered financial market turmoil. Such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the ensuing energy crisis, double digit inflation, and recently, a trade war. During all of these episodes, although surely there was instability at the fringes, the core of the financial system, including the banking system, held up relatively well. I am convinced that this is the result of the hard work we did on strengthening the system in previous years.

    Now, have lawmakers and regulators done a perfect job? No, of course not. That would have been highly remarkable. Over the past 15 years, a great deal of regulation has been introduced from various angles. At the global, EU and national level. Micro versus macro. New risks are identified while older ones seldomly disappear. Regulation always creates new imperfections, and there is indeed some overlap, for example in resolution versus recovery. And at times there is a lack of proportionality for smaller institutions. That is certainly something we can look into.

    But for those arguing for simplification beyond this, please keep in mind that simple rules are less risk-sensitive and thus lead to stricter requirements. You want simpler rules? Sure, but those rules are then calibrated at a more prudent level. That is the logic behind the standardised approach. That is also the logic behind the leverage ratio.

    Most importantly, we should be careful not to confuse simplification with deregulation. Deregulation means effectively lowering buffers by relaxing the rules. That would increase both vulnerability in the banking system and the likelihood of financial crises. That would be a big mistake.

    We should be wary of undoing the hard work that has gone into strengthening the financial system over the past decade and a half. Especially now, in this time of unusually high uncertainty, both on the economic and political front.

    So we need to maintain the overall level of resilience. And in fact, in some areas, our work to make the banking sector more resilient is not yet complete. For one thing, the final Basel III standards, that are meant to repair key weaknesses in banking regulation, still need to be implemented in many jurisdictions. In the meantime, the banking turmoil of two years ago was a reminder that bank failures are not a thing of the past.

    Also, the non-bank financial sector has greatly expanded. Recent episodes of market turmoil have confirmed weaknesses in this sector when it comes to leverage and liquidity. So now we need to bring the NBFI sector to an equal level of resilience as the banking sector. At the Financial Stability Board, we have pushed hard for this, and we will continue to do so.

    The title of this Round Table also mentions competition. John D. Rockefeller once said: ‘Competition is a sin.’ I might have felt the same way if I had been in his position. But from today’s perspective, I would say: unfair competition is a sin. And as regulators, if there is one thing we can do to promote fair competition, it is to provide a level playing field. Banking rules work best when they work everywhere. If regulation is implemented unevenly across jurisdictions, a patchwork of regulations will arise that opens the door to regulatory arbitrage. Banks may be tempted to shift operations to regions with looser standards. An uneven playing field undermines confidence in the global banking system, disrupts competition, and ultimately increases systemic risk.

    Since the financial system is a global system, we need global rules. And for this we need global cooperation. It is obvious that this is where the big challenge lies today. If we want to meet today’s challenges to financial stability, we have to continue to work together as nations. And we need to stay committed to the institutions we have built to underpin that cooperation, such as the Basel Committee and the FSB.

    Let me wrap up. There is no trade-off between financial stability and economic growth. Rather, financial stability is a necessary precondition for sustainable economic growth. And for that, we need a resilient banking sector, supported by strong buffers. This is a message I will be repeating over and over again in my final weeks as the president of DNB. By the end of June you will all be completely fed up with me. That’s ok. As long as you remember the message. Because, somehow, we tend to forget.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Djokovic beats Norrie to join Nadal in French Open century club

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

    Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic cruised past Britain’s Cameron Norrie to secure his 100th singles victory at the French Open on Monday.

    The 38-year-old triumphed 6-2, 6-3, 6-2, reaching the quarterfinals at Roland Garros for the 16th consecutive year.

    “It’s a very pretty number, but 101 victories sound better,” said Djokovic. “I will continue to search for another victory, it’s clearly not finished for me here. I’m very honored to make history in this sport, which has given me everything in my life.”

    Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates defeating Cameron Norrie of Britain after the men’s singles 4th round match at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, June 2, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

    Alexander Zverev advanced to the quarterfinals for the seventh time in eight years after Dutch opponent Tallon Griekspoor retired with an abdominal injury while trailing 6-4, 3-0.

    World No. 1 Jannik Sinner swept 17th seed Andrey Rublev 6-1, 6-3, 6-4. The Italian, who is chasing his third consecutive Grand Slam title, will next face Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik.

    “I’m very, very happy, because things can go quickly in a bad way, especially in best of five,” Sinner said in his on-court interview. “They can go so long, so I’m very happy to finish in three. Night sessions here in Paris are always amazing, so thank you all for coming.”

    On the women’s side, 22-year-old French wildcard Lois Boisson, ranked No. 361 in the world, staged an impressive comeback to defeat third seed Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, becoming the first Frenchwoman to reach the Roland Garros last eight since 2017.

    “For the match point, I really felt very tense, and when I saw that my forehand was a winner, well, the whole pressure went off,” Boisson said. “I was just so happy to win and to be able to play the quarterfinals.”

    Elsewhere, American star Coco Gauff beat Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0, 7-5 to set up an all-American quarterfinal clash with Australian Open champion Madison Keys.

    China’s Paris Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen is scheduled to face top seed Aryna Sabalenka on Tuesday on center court. Meanwhile, Zhang Shuai of China and Marcelo Arevalo of El Salvador advanced to the mixed doubles semifinals, marking Zhang’s first-ever appearance in the final four of the Roland Garros mixed doubles. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Volunteer equipment grants open

    Source:

    Applications for the 2025-26 round of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program (VESEP) are now open.

    This year the government has announced an additional $15 million in funding for VESEP.

    Under the program, the Victorian Government matches every $1 paid by volunteer groups with a $2 co-contribution to a maximum contribution of $250,000 (up from $150,000).

    CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said brigades and groups from across the state are encouraged to apply for the life-saving equipment which help protect communities.

    “VESEP supports volunteers by providing funding to replace or purchase equipment such as vehicles, trucks, tankers, watercraft, trailers, and can also include minor facility improvements,” Jason said.

    There are five categories under which funding is available:

    • Tankers
    • Specialist and Support Vehicles
    • Operational Equipment
    • Volunteer amenities costing less than $5,000
    • Minor works costing less than $250,000

    “One of the key focuses of the program will be aiding those brigades that have not previously benefitted under VESEP and may face challenges with fundraising,” Jason said.

    In the previous round of funding, CFA received more than $11 million across 167 successful VESEP projects, including six light tankers, 15 Ultralight tankers, six new Big Fills and the replacement of 18 Field Command Vehicles. 

    The 2024-25 round also funded more than 40 brigades received grants for minor works at their station.

    Brigades/Groups can only apply for one project per funding round as per Emergency Management Victoria guidelines.

    Application documents, vehicle flyers, the program guidelines and further information is available on Members Online.

    Applications for the 2025-26 funding round close 28 July 2025, with the announcement of successful projects expected later in the year.

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Samoa parliament formally dissolved after months of uncertainty

    RNZ Pacific

    Samoa’s Parliament has been formally dissolved, and an early election is set to take place within three months.

    After months of political instability and two motions of no confidence, Prime Minister Fiāme Naomi Mata’afa said she would call for the dissolution of Parliament if cabinet did not support her government’s budget.

    MPs from both the opposition Human Rights Protection Party and Fiāme’s former FAST party joined forces to defeat the budget with the final vote coming in 34 against, 16 in support and 2 abstentions.

    Fiāme went to the Head of State and advised him to dissolve Parliament, and her advice was accepted.

    This all came from a period of political turmoil that kicked off shortly after New Year.

    A split in the FAST Party in January saw Fiāme remove FAST Party chairman La’auli Leuatea Schmidt and several FAST ministers from her cabinet.

    In turn, he ejected her from FAST, leaving her leading a minority government.

    Minority government defeated
    Earlier this year, over a two-week period, Fiāme and her minority government defeated two back-to-back leadership challenges.

    On February 25, with La’auli’s help, she defeated a no-confidence vote moved by Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, 34 votes to 15.

    Then on March 6, this time with Tuilaepa’s help, she defeated a challenge mounted by La’auli, 32 votes to 19.

    Parliament now enters caretaker mode, until the election and the formation of a new government.

    Samoa’s Electoral Commissioner said his office has filed an affidavit to the Supreme Court, seeking legal direction and extra time to complete the electoral roll ahead of an early election.

    A hearing on this is set to be held on Wednesday.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PNG’s Namah calls for tighter bio controls, patrols on Indonesian border

    By Scholar Kassas in Port Moresby

    A Papua New Guinea minister has raised concerns about “serious issues” at the PNG-Indonesia border due to a lack of proper security checkpoints.

    Culture and Tourism Minister Belden Namah, who is also the member for the border electorate Vanimo-Green, voiced these concerns while supporting a new Biosecurity for Plants and Animals Bill presented in Parliament by Agriculture Minister John Boito.

    He said Papua New Guinea was the only country in the Pacific Islands region that shared a land border with another nation.

    According to Namah, the absence of proper quarantine and National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA) checks at the border allowed people bringing food and plants from Indonesia to introduce diseases affecting PNG’s commodities.

    Minister Namah, whose electorate shares a border with Indonesia, noted that while the PNG Defence Force and police were present, they were primarily focused on checking vehicles coming from Indonesia instead of actively patrolling the borders.

    He clarified the roles, saying, “It’s NAQIA’s job to search vehicles and passengers, and the PNGDF’s role is to guard and patrol our borders.”

    Namah expressed concern that while bills were passed, enforcement on the ground was lacking.

    Minister Namah supported the PNG Biosecurity Authority Bill and called for consistency, increased border security, and stricter control checks.

    Republished from the PNG Post-Courier with permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smucker Votes in Favor of One Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

    WASHINGTON—Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) voted in favor of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. It was approved in the House of Representatives by a vote of 215-214.

    “Last November, the American people gave President Trump and the Republican-led Congress a mandate for change. House Republicans today took a critical step to bring the transformative One Big Beautiful Bill closer to final passage. This bill will deliver for the American people by extending tax relief for hardworking families and small businesses, securing our border, unleashing American energy dominance, achieving peace through strength, and critically –making real, measurable reductions in federal spending. This bill secures more savings than any other reconciliation bill in American history – protecting families from both a historic tax hike and the hidden costs of unchecked federal borrowing. Passing this legislation will be a first step in righting our fiscal trajectory and I remain committed to the hard work ahead of addressing our $36 trillion and growing national debt,” said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11). 

    Click to watch Rep. Smucker’s comments in support of the measure: 

    BACKGROUND ON THE ONE BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL ACT:

    Extending Tax Relief for Hardworking Families and Small Businesses, courtesy of the Committee on Ways and Means

    • Make permanent the lower tax rates and brackets for all taxpayers, the doubled guaranteed Standard Deduction, and the Child Tax Credit, preventing a $1,700 tax hike on PA-11 taxpayers providing for their families.
    • Increase the Child Tax Credit by $500 to combat Bidenflation.
    • Raise annual real wages by $2,100 to $3,300 per worker.
    • Increase real annual take-home pay for a median-income household with two children by roughly $4,000 to $5,000.
    • Provide tax relief for: overtime pay for hourly workers, cut taxes for tipped workers, and provide relief for seniors.
    • Expand and make permanent the 199A small business deduction to 23% – creating over 1 million new Main Street small business jobs and generating $750 billion in economic growth at American small businesses.
    • Protects family farms from the death tax that would threaten future generations of farmers. 

    Securing our Border

    • Makes significant investments in personnel, resources, and technology to maintain operational control of the border and enforce America’s immigration laws, building on President Trump’s administration’s immediate work to make America safer.
    • Hires 18,000 new personnel to enforce America’s immigration laws. 

    Unleashing American Energy Dominance 

    • Acts to ramp up American energy production including by cutting bureaucracy and streamlining permitting processes.
    • Ends wasteful spending and ineffective energy programs including those in the “Green New Deal.” 

    Achieving Peace Through Strength 

    • Invests in America’s arsenal to ensure our selfless servicemen and women continue to be the best equipped fighting force in the world ready to respond to any threat, including targeted investments in improving servicemember quality of life programs.
    • Expands naval capabilities, restocking of American munitions, supporting soldier readiness.
    • Defends America through the creation of a Golden Dome missile defense system and continued funding of nuclear deterrence programs. 

    Reductions in Federal Spending

    • Changes the way that Washington operates, delivering real reductions in federal spending—nearly $1.7 trillion in estimated mandatory savings.
    • Saves hundreds of billions through repeal of provisions in the so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” passed during the Biden administration.

    Preserving And Protecting Critical Safety Net Programs and Encouraging Personal Accountability

    • Preserves critical programs like Medicaid for those truly in need.
    • Roots out waste, fraud, and abuse of federal safety net programs to ensure they remain accessible to those in need.
    • Implements and strengthens common sense work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP, ensuring that able bodied unemployed individuals contribute or make efforts to better themselves.
    • Ensures states cannot support illegal immigrants through Medicaid.

    This legislation is fiscally responsible: 

    • The $4.12 trillion estimated cost of the legislation is more than fully offset by:
      • Nearly $1.7 trillion in estimated mandatory savings, slowing the rate of growth of future spending.
      • $2.6 trillion in expected revenue resulting from a growing economy.  

    According to the White House Council of Economic Advisors, the legislation will: 

    • Boost the level of short-run real GDP by 3.3 to 3.8 percent and long-run real GDP by 2.6 to 3.2 percent.
    • Raise annual real wages by $2,100 to $3,300 per worker.
    • Increase real annual take-home pay for a median-income household with two children by roughly $4,000 to $5,000.
    • Save over 4 million full-time equivalent jobs from being destroyed.
    • Facilitate $100 billion of investment in distressed communities.

    The legislation contains provisions authored by Rep. Smucker, including: 

    • Permanent Tax Relief and Certainty for Small Businesses: Permanently increasing and enhancing the small business tax deduction, known as Section 199A of the tax code. Smucker’s Main Street Tax Certainty Act has the support of 187 Members of the House and the legislation has broad support among stakeholders in PA-11 and across the nation.  
       
    • Expanded Support for Individuals with Disabilities Using ABLE Accounts: Smucker’s bipartisan ENABLE Act to allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save and invest in tax-advantaged accounts without jeopardizing their eligibility for essential federal support programs like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, is included making these tax provisions permanent. 
       
    • Improved Access to Primary Care: The Ways and Means Committee’s proposals include Smucker’s Primary Care Enhancement Act, which would clarify provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to remove barriers for individuals with Health Savings Accounts from using those funds to access Direct Primary Care, a health care delivery model which provides high-quality care at lower cost for individuals of all ages and incomes across America.

    # # # 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alongside Local Leaders, Davids Submits 15 Local Projects for FY26 Federal Funding

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Projects would improve roads, public safety, water access, and education in Kansas Third District

    Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced 15 community projects across Kansas’ Third District that she has submitted to the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for Fiscal Year 2026 funding. These locally driven requests — totaling $42,207,012.13 — focus on rebuilding aging roads and bridges, strengthening public safety and law enforcement response, expanding water access during extreme weather, and addressing other urgent community needs.

    “My job is to be a voice for Kansas’ Third District in Washington and make sure our community’s priorities are front and center,” said Davids. “My team worked closely with local leaders and thoroughly reviewed each proposal to ensure they’re responsible, effective, and deliver real value. I’ve always fought for smart, fiscally responsible investments — and these projects reflect that commitment while making a meaningful difference for Kansans.”

    Each of the 15 Davids-requested projects were submitted in tandem with local officials and selected for their potential to improve health and safety in the community and bring economic opportunity to the Third District. Appropriations requests are subject to strict transparency and accountability rules, which can be found here.

    Read more about how each project will improve lives in our community here or below:

    Road and Bridges

    • Kansas Avenue Bridge Project ($3,500,000): To reconnect the Kansas City region and connect the urban freight corridor crucial to the many local industrial and manufacturing businesses in the Kansas City metropolitan region.
    • Spring Hill Intersection Improvements ($2,391,641): To construct a safety upgrade and modernization for the intersection of of US Highway 169 and 191st street to provide safety improvements for motor vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. 

    Public Safety

    • Overland Park Police Department (OPPD) Body Camera Replacement ($1,500,000): To purchase body cameras for all OPPD officers and improve video systems to increase safety, transparency, and trust.
    • New Century AirCenter Air Traffic Control Tower ($6,000,000): To build a new, safer air traffic control tower, replacing operationally obsolete tower, making flights safer and more efficient.
    • Overland Park Street Signal Replacement ($1,300,000): To replace the traffic signal and sidewalk at Metcalf Avenue and I-435 westbound, Metcalf Avenue and I-435 eastbound, and Metcalf Avenue and 110th street.

    Water

    • Bonner Springs Sewage ($6,318,755): To build new sewer lines to prevent overflows, as the current system is already at capacity, and better serve the 3,500 residents and local businesses.
    • Garnett Flood Prevention ($1,000,000): To fix a damaged spillway in Garnett to prevent flooding, protect homes, and keep the local lake — a part of the town’s economy — open and safe for visitors.
    • Olathe Sewer Rehabilitation ($1,105,582): To replace old, worn-out sewer pipes and manholes in Olathe to prevent leaks and protect the health and safety of Kansas families.
    • Princeton Stormwater Improvements ($634,786.13): To improve Princeton’s storm drainage system to prevent flooding and support future business and job growth in the area.

    Education

    • K-State Olathe Manufacturing Equipment ($5,004,250): To buy lab equipment so students can train for high-tech, good-paying supply chain research and advanced manufacturing jobs as domestic manufacturing grows in Kansas City.

    Energy and Utilities

    • BPU Electric Grid System Improvements ($6,000,000): To construct three additional feeders from the new Rosedale Substation to the University of Kansas Medical Center campus.

    Public Spaces

    • Johnson County Building Security Upgrades ($917,000): To modernize county building security panel access systems. By modernizing existing security technology, this project enhances security for all citizens, public employees, and elected officials throughout the system of county buildings.
    • Osawatomie John Brown Park Refurbishment ($1,560,000): To refurbish aged infrastructure and allow space for improved public engagement and historical education opportunities.
    • Prairie Village Municipal Complex Modernization ($3,900,000): To upgrade driveways, sidewalks and curbs, underground retention, drainage pipes, fencing, pavement markings, landscaping, retaining walls, covered car ports, and utilities.
    • UG Mount Marty Park Refurbishment ($1,075,000): To update park wayfinding signage, lighting, resurfacing of the roadway into Marty Park, trail work, structural repairs, sidewalk instillation, and landscaping. 

    What they are saying:

    “We are incredibly grateful to Representative Sharice Davids for championing the Lonestar Interceptor project through the Community Project Funding process,” said Tom Stephens, Mayor, City of Bonner Springs. “This critical infrastructure investment lays the foundation for future development, protects public health, and ensures our city is prepared for long-term growth. Her support brings us one step closer to a more resilient and sustainable Bonner Springs.”

    “Reliable infrastructure isn’t just about keeping the lights on — it’s about protecting lives and supporting critical services like hospitals, emergency response, and local industry,” said Jeremy Ash, General Manager, Kansas City Board of Public Utilities. “This investment would strengthen our electric system, improve service resilience, and ensure we can meet the evolving needs of the people we serve. We’re grateful to Rep. Davids for championing this project, and we urge leaders to support funding that delivers real, long-term benefits to Kansans, especially the hardworking families and businesses of Wyandotte County.”

    “The City of Osawatomie and its leadership sincerely appreciate Representative Davids’ steadfast support and commitment to preserving a vital chapter of our nation’s history,” said Bret Glendening, City Manager, Osawatomie. “The events that unfolded in Osawatomie were pivotal in shaping both Kansas and the United States, and their significance cannot be overstated. Securing Representative Davids’ endorsement is an important first step for the future of John Brown Park, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to help make this critical federal investment a reality.”

    “We thank Representative Davids for her support in securing these important community project funds – a testament to the powerful impact of collaboration between the federal and local levels,” said Curt Skoog, Mayor, Overland Park. “The upgrades at the I-435 and Metcalf will improve safety for Overland Park drivers, and the body camera replacements will equip our Police Department with essential tools for transparency. We look forward to the positive impact of these investments on our community.”

    “On behalf of the City of Princeton and Franklin County I would like to express our appreciation to Representative Sharice Davids support of our request for funding,” said Paul Bean, Executive Director, Franklin County Development Council. The funding to fix and improve infrastructure in the City of Princeton is vital to the future growth and development of the community. Without federal and state support, our small rural communities will not have the opportunity to thrive and grow.”

    “We are very grateful for Representative Davids continued support for reopening the Kansas Avenue bridge and continuing to be a champion for improving the quality of life for our residents,” said Tyrone Garner, Mayor, Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas. “This funding request will help us with the design and environmental work that must be done to get this critical transportation artery operating again. The UG also appreciates Representative Davids support for restoration of the historic Mount Marty Park that is a treasured part of the Rosedale neighborhood.”

    “New Century AirCenter contributes $1.1 billion annually to the local and regional economy,” said Mike Kelly, Chairman, Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “Upgrading the Air Traffic Control Tower is essential to maintaining the safety, efficiency, and economic value the airport brings to Johnson County and the entire region. We appreciate Rep. Davids’ support for this vital infrastructure investment.”

    “Enhancing building security helps protect our public facilities, employees, and the residents who rely on our services,” said Byron Roberson, Sheriff, Johnson County. “We’re grateful for Rep. Davids’ partnership in supporting the safe and effective delivery of these essential services.”

    “We appreciate Representative Davids’ support for our municipal civic center improvement.,” said Eric Mikkelson, Mayor, Prairie Village. “This significant Prairie Village project addresses aging and failing infrastructure, provides improved working conditions for police and city staff, and creates adequate space for public meetings and future growth. By planning ahead, we will ensure that we have a functional, modern facility to benefit current residents and future generations.”

    “This project would strengthen transportation safety not only for Spring Hill, but for everyone who uses the K-7 corridor,” said Joe Berkey, Mayor, Spring Hill. “We appreciate Rep. Davids’ continued support in advocating for federal investment in our community.”

    “The City of Princeton would like to thank Sharice Davids for adding Princeton’s storm water improvements to her community project funding submissions,” said Chris Hutchinson, Mayor, Princeton. “This funding will be beneficial to our community in more ways than one. The community as a whole appreciates the support.” 

    “The State of Kansas and the Greater Kansas City region are becoming hubs for advanced manufacturing, with major developments like Panasonic’s new plant in DeSoto—bringing an estimated 4,000 jobs—Garmin’s expansion in Olathe, and Merck’s recent announcement to add 200 jobs through expanded vaccine production in DeSoto,” said Dr. Ben Wolfe, CEO and Dean, K-State Olathe. “To successfully onshore manufacturing and grow American jobs, we must invest in education and workforce training. K-State Olathe is proud to partner with Rep. Sharice Davids and others to launch a state-of-the-art lab that will support academic programs, professional development, and applied research to meet industry needs and drive innovation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Davids Opposes Partisan Bill That Slashes Health Care, Food Assistance to Benefit Billionaires

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Today, Representative Sharice Davids released the following statement after voting against President Trump and U.S. House Republicans’ extreme budget that cuts health care and food assistance for hardworking families to pay for tax giveaways for billionaires and ultrawealthy corporations. 

    “This budget is not just out of touch — it’s dangerous, irresponsible, and means higher costs for hardworking Kansans,” said Davids. “It rips health care away from thousands of Kansans, takes food off the tables of hardworking families, all to hand massive tax giveaways to billionaires and the ultra-wealthy at the expense of our neighbors. I introduced common-sense amendments to protect Kansas families, but House Republicans rejected every one of them. I won’t stop pushing for policies that put people first — not politics or powerful donors.”

    Background: 

    President Trump and U.S. House Republicans are pushing a budget that would make the largest cuts to Medicaid and emergency food assistance in American history — all to fund more than $1 trillion in tax giveaways for billionaires. These extreme cuts would gut programs that help Kansans afford food and stay healthy. In response, Davids introduced a slate of amendments aimed at protecting Kansas families and restoring common sense and stability to our economy. Every single one was rejected.

    How This Bill Hurts Kansans: Raising costs on the middle class so billionaires pay less

    • HIGHER Health Care Costs: The Joint Economic Committee estimates that more than 16,000 people in Kansas’ Third District would lose health care coverage under this bill — including 13,000 through the Affordable Care Act and another 3,000 through Medicaid. These cuts would lead to more hospital closures, reduced services, and worse care for all Kansas families, especially in rural communities, where more than half of hospitals are already at risk of shutting down.
    • HIGHER Grocery Costs: In Kansas’ Third District alone, 8,000 households could lose access to the emergency food assistance they rely on through this bill. Also, up to 27,000 grocery stores nationwide may be forced to close due to lost revenue, worsening food deserts, especially in rural communities. These cuts would reduce farm income by more than $30 billion and threaten good-paying jobs.
    • LOWER Taxes for Billionaires: The Republican budget actually raises taxes on the lowest-income families in the country, all while billionaires who already pay next to nothing in taxes get more breaks. This bill shows exactly where U.S. House Republicans’ loyalties lie: not with the hardworking Americans who sent them to Congress, but to Trump and their billionaire donors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Davids Stands with Kansans to Oppose Devastating GOP Cuts to Medicaid, Food Assistance

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Today, Representative Sharice Davids hosted a virtual press conference to call out the devastating impact of House Republicans’ budget — particularly its deep cuts to Medicaid. The partisan budget, backed by President Trump, would also slash emergency food assistance and programs hardworking Kansans rely on every day to pay for more than $1 trillion in tax giveaways for billionaires and large corporations.

    “We should be focused on cutting waste and making life more affordable for Kansans,” said Davids. “Instead, this partisan budget does the exact opposite — rips away health care and food assistance from the people who need it most. Kansans deserve policies that invest in the middle class, not ones that line the pockets of billionaires at their expense. That’s why I’m fighting to protect Medicaid, preserve critical programs, and stand up for hardworking families across our state.”

    WATCH: Davids hosts press conference with Kansans affected by Republicans’ proposed Medicaid cuts

    At today’s press conference, Davids was joined by Kansans directly impacted by proposed Medicaid cuts in the Republican budget. Mark and Patty Hink spoke about their son Brian, who relies on Medicaid for critical services and medications provided at a disability services provider in Overland Park. Samantha Denzin Armistead shared how her brother Connor, an adult with intellectual disabilities, depends on KanCare’s Home and Community Based Services to attend day programs that give him purpose and stability. Corey Craig, CEO of Monarch Hospice & Palliative Care, provided insight into how these cuts would harm health care providers and seniors across the state.

    President Trump and U.S. House Republicans are pushing a budget that would make the largest cuts to Medicaid and emergency food assistance in American history — all to fund more than $1 trillion in tax giveaways for billionaires. These extreme cuts would force Kansans to pay more to put food on the table and stay healthy.

    • Cuts to Health Care: The Joint Economic Committee estimates that more than 16,000 people in Kansas’ Third District would lose health care coverage under this bill — including 13,000 through the Affordable Care Act and another 3,000 through Medicaid. These cuts would lead to more hospital closures, reduced services, and worse care for all Kansas families, especially in rural communities, where more than half of hospitals are already at risk of shutting down.
    • Cuts to Food Access: In Kansas’ Third District alone, 8,000 households could lose access to the emergency food assistance they rely on through this bill. Also, up to 27,000 grocery stores nationwide may be forced to close due to lost revenue, worsening food deserts, especially in rural communities. These cuts would reduce farm income by more than $30 billion and threaten good-paying jobs.

    To fight back against this reckless and harmful budget that will raise costs, Davids introduced a series of amendments early this morning. Her goal is to protect Kansas families and bring common sense and stability back to our economy and government. Davids’ original amendments include:

    • Health Care
    • Agriculture
      • Animal Disease Protection: Stops job cuts at the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) in Manhattan, which protects farmers and food from dangerous animal diseases.
      • Tariff Study: Requires the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to study how U.S. tariffs hurt farmers, from higher supply costs to lost market access.
    • Research
      • Medical Research Funding: Unfreezes all National Institutes of Health (NIH) research money and protects existing medical research contracts, including at the University of Kansas Cancer Center.
      • Science Grants: Makes the National Science Foundation (NSF) keep its promises and funding for science projects already approved and signed, including at public universities in Kansas.
    • Jobs
      • Manufacturing Partnerships: Ensures Kansas Manufacturing Solutions and similar groups keep getting federal support each year.
      • Energy Assistance Program: Saves jobs and funding for the team that runs Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps families pay heating and cooling bills.
      • Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit: Protects the 45X tax credit that domestic manufacturers use to help build clean energy technology and create good-paying jobs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 3, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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    Jun 3, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

    Updated: Tue Jun 3 05:43:07 UTC 2025 (Print Version |   |  )

    Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

     Forecast Discussion

    SPC AC 030543

    Day 2 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1243 AM CDT Tue Jun 03 2025

    Valid 041200Z – 051200Z

    …THERE IS A MARGINAL RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS IN THE SOUTHWEST
    AND EASTERN MIDWEST…

    …SUMMARY…
    Isolated severe hail and wind are possible from mid-afternoon
    Wednesday through early morning Thursday in parts of the Southwest.
    Isolated damaging winds and marginally severe hail may occur across
    the eastern Midwest from mid-afternoon to evening.

    …NM to southern CO and west TX…
    A lower-amplitude, southern-stream shortwave trough will accelerate
    from the Lower CO Valley, shifting across the southern Rockies onto
    the south-central High Plains by 12Z Thursday. Widespread
    thunderstorm coverage is likely Wednesday afternoon ahead of this
    trough, centered on the Four Corners region. Despite weak buoyancy
    owing to a surface ridge at 12Z Wednesday across the southern High
    Plains, a belt of moderate mid-level southwesterlies to the
    east-southeast of the trough should yield a few weak supercells.
    These should be focused across northern NM into southern CO during
    the mid-afternoon to early evening. A lone supercell may also
    develop over the Trans-Pecos. Isolated severe hail/wind may occur.

    Low-level moisture return and attendant MUCAPE will increase
    Wednesday night across west TX into far eastern NM. With
    strengthening large-scale ascent as the shortwave trough approaches,
    regenerative thunderstorm development is anticipated. Strong
    effective bulk shear may foster a corridor of early-morning
    supercells with a primary hazard of isolated large hail. South of
    this corridor, capping will probably inhibit sustained storm
    development. Confidence in reliably highlighting a mesoscale
    corridor is too low to warrant a categorical upgrade.

    ..IL to OH/lower MI…
    Enhanced mid-level southwesterlies initially present over the
    central Great Lakes at 12Z Wednesday will become confined to ON/QC
    as a low-amplitude shortwave trough dampens. Trailing to the south
    of this, a residual belt of at least moderate 700-500 mb winds will
    persist into Wednesday afternoon, along and ahead of a
    weakening/stalling cold front. While mid-level lapse rates will
    remain weak and limit buoyancy, sufficient boundary-layer heating
    will exist for scattered thunderstorms. Marginally severe hail will
    be possible with initial cells, but clusters should dominate given
    the nearly parallel orientation of the front/shear vector. Sporadic
    strong gusts capable of isolated damaging winds may persist into the
    early/mid-evening, before convection wanes after dusk.

    ..Grams.. 06/03/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

    NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

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    MIL OSI USA News –