NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Newly planted trees vandalised around Portsmouth

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Newly planted trees have been vandalised around Portsmouth, hampering efforts to increase the city’s tree numbers.

    Five young trees were damaged in St George’s play park, Portsea. It follows similar recent acts of vandalism to small numbers of new trees at Stamshaw Park, Buckingham Green and Great Salterns Recreation Ground.

    Around 2,500 trees were planted by Portsmouth City Council teams and residents over the winter, as part of a wider project to increase tree numbers across the city.

    Cllr Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Greening the City, said:

    “Because we’re a city, our tree numbers are lower than other more rural areas, so our planting work is especially important because trees bring so many benefits. They help to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall, provide important shade in hot weather, are good for improving local air quality, and help with people’s wellbeing.

    “Each year we get a limited amount of funding for new trees, and it takes considerable effort and resource to plant and care for them. For example, residents have been helping our teams to water young trees during the recent dry spell to help them establish, showing the huge community effort involved.

    “So it’s extremely sad to see this senseless vandalism taking place by a few people, which undermines the hard work of our teams and our communities.”

    Thanks to Portsea residents quickly reporting the recent damage, some of the trees were replanted to give them a chance of survival.

    The council is calling on residents to report any incidents of damaged trees by calling 023 9283 4092 or emailing cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Africa Dialogue, Occupied Palestinian Territory & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (30 May 2025)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Secretary-General/Africa Dialogue
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Sudan
    South Sudan
    Cyprus
    Security Council
    Haiti – Hurricane Season
    International Days
    Programming Note – Monday
    Deputy Secretary-General/Travels

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/AFRICA DIALOGUE
    The Secretary-General will speak at the Africa Dialogue at 3 pm today and will focus on reparations, which is also the African Union’s theme for 2025.
    He will say that for too long, the colossal injustices inflicted by enslavement, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism have been left unacknowledged and unaddressed.
    And he will argue that reparatory justice frameworks are critical – to redress historic wrongs, address today’s challenges, and ensure the rights and dignity of all.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL/TRAVELS
    Today, in Tajikistan, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed participated in the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation, taking place in Dushanbe. She underscored the urgent need to preserve glaciers and keep the 1.5°C climate target within reach — not only to protect ecosystems and water sources, but to ensure the livelihoods of people and prospering communities.
    The Deputy Secretary-General called for bold, coordinated action ahead of COP30 rooted in cooperation, solidarity, and science. She later held a series of bilateral meetings with senior government officials, delegations, and youth constituents. She also met with the UN Country Team to acknowledge the UN’s continued support in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Tajikistan.
    Tomorrow, the Deputy Secretary-General will travel to Marrakech, Morocco, to attend the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell says that the catastrophic situation in Gaza is the worst it has been since the war began.
    Strikes have continued across Gaza, particularly in North Gaza, where the last remaining partially functioning hospital, Al Awda, was forced to evacuate last night after repeated strikes on and around the facility in recent days. Attacks also continued farther south in Deir al Balah, in areas of Al Bureij and An Nuseirat camps.
    IHH, an international aid organization that runs community kitchens and nutrition points, reported on Wednesday that five of its workers had been killed and two injured in the previous two days.
    OCHA underscores once again that civilians, including aid workers, must always be protected.
    Displacement continued across Gaza, with nearly 200,000 people displaced in the last two weeks alone. Yesterday, Israeli authorities issued a renewed displacement order covering about 30 per cent of Gaza’s total territory in North Gaza, eastern parts of Gaza City and Deir al Balah.
    To date, displacement orders have covered the entirety of the northernmost and southernmost governorates, as well as the eastern parts of each of the three governorates in between. Partners note that the limited movement of people observed in recent days appears to be driven by the search for food and necessities, rather than displacement orders.
    The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to provide support to people in need, despite the immense challenges on the ground and the crippling restrictions on the amount and type of assistance being allowed into Gaza. Yesterday, the UN and the humanitarian partners only managed to collect five truckloads of cargo from the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom. The other 60 trucks had to return to the crossing due to intense hostilities in the area.
    Meanwhile in Gaza City, our partners working to address shelter needs managed to distribute 45 emergency shelter kits to families as part of a pilot initiative aimed at pooling resources to respond to some of the most critical needs.
    Humanitarian needs have exploded in Gaza following nearly 80 days of a total blockade of all supplies.
    The limited amounts of aid now entering the Strip are nowhere near sufficient to support 2.1 million people in desperate need of assistance.
    As conditions on the ground further deteriorate and public order and safety break down, looting incidents continue to be reported. Today, a group ‎of armed individuals stormed the warehouses of a field hospital in Deir al Balah, looting large quantities of ‎medical equipment, supplies, medicines and nutritional supplements intended for ‎malnourished children.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=30%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE59Bf_GH5M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Africa’s new credit rating agency could change the rules of the game. Here’s how

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Daniel Cash, Reader in Law, Aston University

    For governments, a credit rating is more than a financial signal. It is a verdict that can influence the cost of borrowing, access to markets and, ultimately, the ability to provide for their citizens.

    Rating decisions are made behind closed doors in a private process that isn’t open to assessment or scrutiny.

    For African countries, this opacity can be especially damaging. When rating decisions lack transparency, it’s impossible to challenge potential biases or inconsistencies in methodology that put developing economies at a disadvantage. The result is higher borrowing costs that drain resources from healthcare, education and infrastructure investment.

    Africa’s new credit rating agency has the chance to change this. The African Credit Rating Agency is an initiative under development by the African Union and its partners. It is more than a new entrant; it is an attempt to rethink how financial authority is earned, exercised and scrutinised. The new agency plans to introduce transparent governance structures that could revolutionise rating methodology.

    As a researcher who has looked closely at the working of rating agencies, I believe this opportunity to bring transparency to financial governance isn’t just about better ratings. It’s a step towards economic sovereignty.

    Success for the African Credit Rating Agency shouldn’t be measured by whether it displaces the “big three” rating agencies (Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch). The real question isn’t whether an African agency can compete, but rather whether it can show the world how to rate credit differently.

    A flawed process

    The three big agencies do publish their methodologies – their criteria and risk models. This creates an illusion of transparency. Yet the final judgments emerge from committee meetings that produce no public record, no accountability, and no right of meaningful appeal.

    These rating committees typically comprise five to 10 analysts who meet in closed sessions to make each sovereign rating decision. S&P, Moody’s and Fitch each operate internal rating committees for every sovereign rating decision. The deliberations, dissenting views, and specific reasoning behind final votes remain confidential. Only a brief summary is provided with a rating decision.

    Research has shown that credit rating agencies are more accurate at assessing the creditworthiness of advanced economies than developing economies. There have also been studies on the discrepancy between what is expected when the public methodologies are applied and what the agencies actually rate. These studies have been done for economies like Hong Kong and China, but no equivalent research has yet been undertaken for African sovereigns.

    This discrepancy exposes an accountability void. When methodology-based predictions miss the mark, we must question what happens in those committee rooms. Especially when African nations are being assessed by analysts stationed continents away, with limited understanding of local economic and political realities.

    The African Credit Rating Agency could make three changes to the way ratings are done:

    • through public deliberations

    • by forming hybrid committees

    • with technological intervention.

    First, it could release committee transcripts within 30 days of each decision. This would give markets and governments unprecedented insight into rating rationales. This isn’t radical – central banks already publish meeting minutes, and courts publish opinions with dissenting views.

    Second, it could pioneer panels that include not only rating analysts, but regional economists, sectoral specialists, and even civil society observers. All with recorded votes. This diversified expertise would disrupt “group think” while capturing nuances of African economies that traditional agencies overlook.

    I have examined this idea from the perspective of injecting climate and sustainability-related expertise into credit rating committees. I believe this is a crucial step to take to evolve the concept of the credit rating committee.

    Third, the agency could use artificial intelligence to analyse patterns across committee discussions, flagging potential regional biases or inconsistent methodology application. It might be able to use secure digital ledgers to create unchangeable records of decisions.

    Why the big three keep it closed

    The industry thrives on privacy – protecting proprietary methodologies and shielding decisions from external challenge. And the natural oligopoly (a market dominated by a few large players due to high entry barriers, reinforced by market preference for predictability) helps it stay that way.

    The sovereign credit ratings of the three big agencies are built on quantitative and qualitative factors. But research shows that sovereign ratings are subjected to qualitative understandings. This puts developing economies at a disadvantage when agencies demonstrate pro-western biases because they lack data or knowledge.

    The impact of a credit rating downgrade for a sovereign borrower is usually multifaceted. Research shows that a single-notch downgrade can raise borrowing costs by more than 100 basis points, equivalent to an extra US$100 million annually on a US$10 billion bond.

    Investors prefer fewer, stronger signals rather than many competing views. So there’s little incentive for established players to change. The African Credit Rating Agency, as a new entrant, can offer something the incumbents won’t: governance innovation that serves both markets and nations.

    Radical openness will shake markets, at least at first. Committee members might face political pressure. Transparency alone doesn’t guarantee fair outcomes.

    But the world already demands transparency from central banks and constitutional courts. Why accept anything less from institutions that shape sovereign destiny?

    Next steps

    By 2050, one in four people on Earth will be African. The financial architecture serving them must evolve towards systems that recognise the continent’s unique strengths.

    Opening the rating committee to view represents more than technical reform – it’s about shifting who holds power in global finance. If it does this, the African agency won’t just deliver better ratings; it will model how global finance can be governed more justly.

    Daniel Cash does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Africa’s new credit rating agency could change the rules of the game. Here’s how – https://theconversation.com/africas-new-credit-rating-agency-could-change-the-rules-of-the-game-heres-how-257138

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A film about long healing walk by the sea, the end of a dystopian series and a whimsical comfort watch – what to see, watch, read and listen to this week

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Naomi Joseph, Arts + Culture Editor

    At The Conversation, we are big believers in the health benefits of being near the sea. In fact, we have a whole series dedicated to how our health is intrinsically linked with that of the ocean, called Vitamin Sea. The idea of how the coast can heal is explored in the bestselling memoir The Saltpath, which has been adapted for the screen, and stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.

    Anderson plays Raynor Winn who documented the whirlwind period that began with her husband Moth being given a terminal diagnosis. In the same week, they also lost their home. In the face of this, the couple made a wild decision: to take a 630-mile year-long coastal walk from Somerset to Dorset, through Devon and Cornwall.

    The South West Coast Path has over 115,000 feet of ascent and descent, which is equivalent to scaling Mount Everest four times. In this piece, lecturer in the history of science and the environment, Lena Ferriday explores how this decision might not have been as mad as it might seem.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    The Winns’ decision to walk the path is part of a long history of people seeking wellness and recovery on England’s south-west coast. From taking in the clean air on long gentle walks to bathing in cold waters, it was common for the sickly to be prescribed a trip to the sea. And, as the Winns discover in this beautiful film, they find respite and connection in that history.

    Reply to this email to let us know if you have any thoughts on the healing qualities of the coast. We would also love you to answer our poll letting us what you think is the best nature memoir of our of favourite five. If your favourite isn’t there, email us its name.

    The Saltpath is in select cinemas now



    Read more:
    The Salt Path taps into a long history of searching for healing on England’s south-west coast

    The first season of The Handmaid’s Tale aired in 2017 in the early months of the first Trump presidency. Now in its sixth season, the drama is ending in the early months of the second Trump presidency. In that time, the show and its iconography have become synonymous with feminist resistance.

    When the Canadian writer Margaret Atwood first wrote The Handmaid’s Tale in 1985, Donald Trump was a mere real estate mogul. Some say it is eerie how she foresaw rising authoritarianism in the United States as well as the erosion of women’s rights. However, Atwood didn’t see the tale as science fiction, everything she wrote, she stressed, had already happened or was happening somewhere.

    In this piece, Canadian literature expert Sharon Engbrecht writes about Atwood has made many similar educated predictions about where the roots laid in history will come up in the future. While the last series does deviate somewhat from Atwood’s follow-up The Testaments, it is very much in-line with her view of the world. Hopefully, this last season ends in a much more hopeful place.

    The Handmaid’s Tale is airing on channel 4



    Read more:
    _The Handmaid’s Tale_ reflects Margaret Atwood’s eerie talent for reading the palm of power

    If you’re looking for something a bit more low stakes and whimsical then can we recommend checking out the film The Phoenician Scheme. Wes Anderson is a director with a very distinct vision, you can spot a work by him a mile away. This is what makes a director an auteur.

    Fans of his work have come to expect a few things from his films. The first is a star-studded ensemble. The second, a distinct colour palette. The third, boundless whimsy. The Phoenician Scheme has all of this, which as our expert in film Daniel O’Brien notes, will make some of you love it and others hate it.

    I like Wes Anderson films. They are incredibly charming and visually delicious. The Phoenician Scheme has more solid narrative than some of his recent films, which I, for one, welcome. It follows wealthy businessman, Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) after he makes his only daughter (Mia Threapleton), a nun, the sole heir to his estate before embarking on a new money-making scheme. Andersonian hijinks and shenanigans ensue as the pair dodge danger in the form of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins.

    The Phoenician Scheme is in cinemas now

    The Coin by Yasmin Zaher is a bold debut novel about a young Palestinian woman who is struggling to keep it together. On the surface of things she has it all: she is a teacher at a New York city middle school, she is rich, stylish and meticulously clean. However, buried within her sits history that won’t leave her alone. To be precise, inside her sits an Israeli shekel that she accidentally swallowed on a family road trip during which her parents were killed.

    The knowledge of the coin and all it represents tears at the narrator, not letting her know peace. She is pushed to desperate acts in order to gain some sort of control over mind and body. But the coin does not relent. It won’t let her be. She is neither here nor there, in the US or Palestine. In this piece, literature expert Daniel G. Williams explains why he and his fellow judges awarded this debut the 2025 Dylan Thomas Prize.



    Read more:
    The Coin by Palestinian writer Yasmin Zaher wins the Dylan Thomas Prize – an expert from the judging panel explains why

    I love Pulp. One of my formative festival memories is watching a lanky Jarvis Cocker hump a giant neon Pulp sign while singing Disco 2000 at Reading festival. I was at a liberal arts uni at the time and the lyrics of Common People had never made more sense to me.

    As expert in popular music Mark Higgins writes, it’s a common misconception that Pulp were Brit Pop. In fact, they were founded in 1978 and their sound and whole shtick were quite a part from the 60’s mania of Britpop boy bands. Listening to the first single of this album Higgins notes, however, that the nostalgia for a better time seems to have hit Pulp belatedly as they wax lyrical about 90s.

    Next week, the band release their first album since 2001’s We Love Life. In the lead up to the release of their album More, I have been rediscovering their back catalogue and I would highly recommend you all do the same this sunny weekend.

    More by Pulp is out June 6



    Read more:
    Pulp are back and more wistfully Britpop than before

    – ref. A film about long healing walk by the sea, the end of a dystopian series and a whimsical comfort watch – what to see, watch, read and listen to this week – https://theconversation.com/a-film-about-long-healing-walk-by-the-sea-the-end-of-a-dystopian-series-and-a-whimsical-comfort-watch-what-to-see-watch-read-and-listen-to-this-week-257849

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Transparency of genotoxicological data on the Kostaive vaccine (ARCT-154) – E-002077/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002077/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gerald Hauser (PfE)

    The Kostaive vaccine (ARCT-154) was approved on 14 February 2025. It is based on a new form of mRNA technology in which the mRNA replicates itself in the body’s cells after vaccination. In contrast to conventional mRNA vaccines, Kostaive contains additional genetic information.

    This so-called self-amplifying mRNA technology is not without controversy, particularly due to potential long-term risks such as possible damage to the genome (genotoxicity).

    According to the safety plan of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Kostaive has not undergone any studies of its own that have specifically investigated possible damage to the genome. Instead, data from similar products were used, for example from the active substance ARCT-810, from a fat-based transport envelope (lipid nanoparticles, LNP for short) and from a computer evaluation of another active substance (ATX-126). According to the EMA’s assessment, these results do not indicate any risk of genotoxicity.

    • 1.Why are mRNA vaccines – especially self-amplifying ones – excluded from direct genotoxicity studies, and how robust is the data reported pertaining to ARCT-810?
    • 2.Does the EMA plan to publish the full study reports on ARCT-810, LNP and the in silico analysis of ATX-126 for independent review?
    • 3.What measures is the Commission taking to ensure transparent information on the absence of genotoxic risk of this class of vaccine?

    Submitted: 22.5.2025

    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting circular steel production by adopting a legal definition of green steel and amending CBAM – E-002051/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002051/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Flavio Tosi (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Letizia Moratti (PPE)

    Presented in March 2025, the EU steel action plan aims to make the European steel industry more competitive, but does not provide a clear definition of the term ‘green steel’. The absence of objective criteria for production processes (their carbon footprint, the type of energy and raw materials they use) makes it impossible to introduce a labelling system that incentivises low-emission processes.

    This legal vacuum is also reflected in the current design of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which does not guarantee a level playing field between EU producers and importers. Basing CBAM on the Emissions Trading System’s (ETS) free allocation benchmarks – which unfortunately take into account the process used rather than the product’s actual carbon footprint – will grant seamless access to the European market to third country steel products made using gas and virgin raw materials (DRI-EAF). Such a state of affairs would put the companies that use recycled scrap and renewable energies – which have to buy ETS credits for all their emissions – at a disadvantage.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Will the Commission provide a legal basis for green steel that is based on a product’s actual carbon footprint?
    • 2.Will it amend CBAM to prevent any distortions that will harm circular steelmaking processes for flat and long products?
    • 3.How will the Commission push for decarbonised steel to be included in industrial policies and public tenders?

    Submitted: 21.5.2025

    Last updated: 2 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Brilliant victory of GUU students at the IV National “Far Eastern Logistics Olympiad”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    At the IV National “Far Eastern Logistics Olympiad” that ended last week, students from the State University of Management won a brilliant victory.

    The Olympiad is a significant competition for identifying talents and future leaders in the field of logistics. This year, the Olympiad was held at the Vladivostok State University in conditions of the highest competition, bringing together the best students from the country’s leading universities in an online format:

    State University of Management; Vladivostok State University; Saint Petersburg State University of Economics; Siberian State University of Science and Technology named after Academician M.F. Reshetnev; Samara National Research University named after Academician S.P. Korolev; Maritime State University named after Admiral G.I. Nevelskoy; Far Eastern Federal University.

    The Olympiad is not just a competition. It is an important stage in the professional development of future logisticians. Participants were asked to solve complex problems that require deep knowledge, analytical skills, a creative approach and the ability to work in a team. The Olympiad provided an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and exchange experiences with colleagues from other universities. The tasks covered a wide range of topics, including logistics chain optimization, inventory management, demand forecasting and development of transport routes.

    We are proud to announce that 1st year student of SUM Ksenia Kudryavtseva became the winner of the Far Eastern Olympiad in Logistics! Ksenia demonstrated an outstanding level of knowledge, analytical thinking and the ability to find optimal solutions in difficult situations. Her success is a well-deserved result of hard work and talent, which we at SUM are very proud of.

    Results by round: Round 1 (Testing): 1st place – GUU, Ksenia Kudryavtseva; Round 2 (Quest, team competition): 1st place – team #1, GUU, Georgy Ermoshin; Round 3 (Case solution, team competition): 1st place – team #4, GUU, Ksenia Kudryavtseva.

    To learn more about Ksenia Kudryavtseva’s path to victory and impressions, we took a short interview with her:

    How did you learn about the Olympiad and what motivated you to take part?— I learned about the Olympiad from my academic advisor, who suggested that I try my hand. I was motivated by the desire to test my knowledge, gain new experience and meet like-minded people who are passionate about logistics.

    Which stages of the Olympiad were the most difficult for you and why? — The third round was the most difficult – team execution of the case, because it required not only deep knowledge, but also coordinated teamwork, a creative approach and the ability to make quick decisions – only 24 hours were given for execution. For example, we had to develop an optimal logistics scheme for cargo delivery taking into account various restrictions and factors, such as seasonality of demand, transportation costs and delivery time requirements.

    Which tasks did you find most interesting? – I liked the testing the most – it had quite interesting questions that allowed me to assess my level of theoretical knowledge in logistics.

    Did you have mentors or a support team? How did they help? – My scientific supervisor, Dmitry Olegovich Rogov, supported me a lot. He helped me understand complex issues, gave useful advice and shared his experience. My family and friends also supported me, which was very important.

    Why did you choose logistics? What attracts you to it? – Logistics is a dynamic and multifaceted field where analytical thinking, the ability to optimize processes and see the system as a whole are important. I am attracted by its practical significance and impact on business efficiency.

    What areas of logistics are you most interested in? – I am especially interested in supply chain management and transport logistics, as they require a strategic approach and work with large volumes of data.

    What emotions did you experience when you found out you were the winner? – Surprise and joy – the Olympiad was difficult, and I did not immediately believe in my result. But it gave me confidence in my abilities.

    Do you plan to participate in other logistics Olympiads? – Yes, definitely! This is a great way to develop, find new ideas and expand your professional horizons.

    We sincerely congratulate Ksenia Kudryavtseva and her supervisor, assistant of the Department of Transport Complex Management Dmitry Rogov on their well-deserved victory! We also congratulate Georgy Ermoshin and his supervisor, senior lecturer Denis Pustokhin on their victory in the team competition! GUU is proud of its students and teachers who demonstrate high results and aspiration for professional growth. We wish you all further success, new achievements and implementation of the most ambitious plans in the field of logistics.

    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 New Zealand: Health – From Today Eligible People with Stage III Melanoma Can Access Funded KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab)

    Source: Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand)

    Auckland, New Zealand, 1 June 2025 – MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK) is delighted to announce that from today, Pharmac will widen the funding of the immunotherapy cancer medicine KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) to include the treatment of eligible people with stage III melanoma. 1  

    Vanessa Gascoigne, Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited (MSD) Director, expressed her excitement, stating; “Funded access to KEYTRUDA has been available in New Zealand for certain people with advanced melanoma since 2016. 2

    “We are thrilled that Pharmac has widened its funding of KEYTRUDA from today, to include eligible people with stage III melanoma. 1

    “This marks the first time KEYTRUDA will be funded by Pharmac for the treatment of a cancer before it has progressed to an advanced stage. 1,3

    “Thanks to the Government’s increase in the medicines budget last year, and National’s Cancer Policy, additional people living with cancer will now receive funded access to KEYTRUDA.” 1, 4, 5

    New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world; therefore preventing, and detecting melanoma early, must be absolute priorities. 6

    KEYTRUDA is an immunotherapy cancer medicine registered for 31 indications and is now publicly funded for 12 of these indications.7,1 MSD will continue to work with the funding agency Pharmac, to try and obtain funded access for more people with cancer.

    Ms Gascoigne says, “Faster funded access to cancer treatment may benefit people across New Zealand and we believe patients should have access to KEYTRUDA where clinical evidence exists, ensuring fair and equitable access.”  

    KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) is available as a 100 mg/4 mL concentrate for solution for infusion.

    The KEYTRUDA Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is available at www.medsafe.govt.nz.

    KEYTRUDA is a Prescription Medicine and may be used in adults:

    · After surgery to remove melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer or renal cell carcinoma to help prevent the cancer from coming back

    · Before surgery to treat triple-negative breast cancer and then continued after surgery to help prevent the cancer from coming back

    · To treat bladder cancer which has not spread to nearby tissues but is at high-risk of spreading and where bladder removal is not preferred

    · To treat certain patients with the following types of advanced cancers:

    o Melanoma

    o Non-small cell lung cancer

    o Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM)

    o Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL)

    o Urothelial carcinoma

    o Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

    o Renal cell carcinoma

    o Gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

    o Oesophageal carcinoma

    o Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

    o Cervical cancer

    o Endometrial carcinoma

    o Triple-negative breast cancer

    o A kind of cancer that can occur in any part of the body and is shown by a laboratory test to be microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)

    o Colon or rectal cancer that is shown by a laboratory test to be MSI-H or dMMR

    o Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)

    o Biliary tract carcinoma

    KEYTRUDA may be used in children with MPM, cHL, MCC, MSI-H or dMMR cancer, or after surgery to remove melanoma. It is not known if KEYTRUDA is safe and effective in children with MSI-H or dMMR cancer of the brain or spinal cord (central nervous system cancers).

    You should not be given KEYTRUDA if you are allergic to pembrolizumab or to any of the other ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

    KEYTRUDA can cause harm or death to unborn babies. Talk to your doctor if you are a woman who could become pregnant and use effective contraception while you are being treated with KEYTRUDA and for at least 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA. Do not breastfeed while taking KEYTRUDA.

    Serious immune-mediated side effects have occurred affecting the lungs, intestines, liver, kidneys, hormone glands, blood sugar levels, skin, other organs and in transplant recipients. Some of these side effects can sometimes become life-threatening and can lead to death. These side effects may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended and you may experience more than one side effect at the same time. Serious infusion reactions have also occurred.

    Very common side effects with KEYTRUDA alone include diarrhoea, nausea, itching, rash, joint pain, back pain, feeling tired, cough, patches of discoloured skin, stomach pain, decreased levels of sodium in blood and low levels of thyroid hormone.

    When KEYTRUDA was given in combination with chemotherapy, hair loss, vomiting, decreased white-blood cell count, mouth sores, fever, decreased appetite, decreased number of red blood cells, decreased number of platelets in the blood and swelling of the lining of the digestive system (for example mouth, intestines) were also commonly reported.

    When KEYTRUDA was given in combination with axitinib, high blood pressure, fatigue, low levels of thyroid hormone, decreased appetite, blisters or rash on palms of your hands and soles of your feet, increased liver enzyme levels, hoarseness, and constipation were also commonly reported.

    When KEYTRUDA was given in combination with lenvatinib, high blood pressure, decreased appetite, low levels of thyroid hormone, vomiting, weight loss, headache, constipation, hoarseness, urinary tract infection, stomach-area (abdominal pain), blisters or rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, protein in your urine, increased liver enzyme levels and feeling weak were also commonly reported.

    The most common side effects when KEYTRUDA is given alone to children include fever, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, decreased number of red blood cells, cough, and constipation. (v56)

    KEYTRUDA has risks and benefits. Talk to your doctor to see if KEYTRUDA is right for you. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, tell your doctor.

    KEYTRUDA is funded to treat certain patients with the following types of advanced cancers: melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. KEYTRUDA is also funded for certain patients with Stage IIIB-D melanoma. Patients must meet specific criteria for funding.

    KEYTRUDA is not funded for the treatment of all other cancers , which means you will need to pay for the full cost of the medicine and its administration. Ask your doctor about the cost of the medicine and any other medical fees that may apply.

    Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited. Level 3, 123 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland.

    Copyright © 2025 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

    About MSD

    At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com

    Copyright © 2025 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
    Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited. Level 3, 123 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland. NZ-NZ-KEY-00984 V1.0 NP22833 June 2025

    References

    1. Pharmac Community Schedule: Pembrolizumab Special Authority Form SA2491 June 2025. Available at   https://schedule.pharmac.govt.nz/2025/06/01/SA2491.pdf Accessed May 2025

    2. Pharmac. News and resources. Decision regarding funding of pembrolizumab (Keytruda), nivolumab (Opdivo), posaconazole (Noxafil) and raltegravir (Isentress) Available at:

    https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/decision-regarding-funding-of-pembrolizumab-keytruda-nivolumab-opdivo-posaconazole-noxafil-and-raltegravir-isentress?keyword=KEYTRUDA&type=all&page=1 Accessed May 2025

    3. Pharmac Community Schedule: Pembrolizumab Special Authority Form SA2386 May2025. Accessed May 2025

    4. Pharmac. News and resources. Update on new medicines funding after the budget uplift. Available at:

    https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/news/update-on-new-medicines-funding-after-the-budget-uplift  Accessed May 2025

    5. National Party. Policies. Helping More Kiwis Fight Cancer. Available at:

    https://assets.national.org.nz/Plan_Helping_More_Kiwis_Fight_Cancer.pdf  Accessed May 2025

    6. MelNet: Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2024 – 2028. Available athttps://strategy.melnet.org.nz/ Accessed May 2025

    7.KEYTRUDA Data Sheet. Available at: https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/k/Keytruda.pdf   Accessed May 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Plantro Demands Immediate Action from Dye & Durham Board to Halt Value Destruction and Pursue Strategic Alternatives

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Almost $1 billion in shareholder value destroyed since December 2024

    Governance Failures: A revolving door of CEOs, director entrenchment as Board refuses to engage unsolicited bids for the business, and allegations of serious director misconduct

    ST. HELIER, Jersey, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Plantro Ltd. (“Plantro”) which is one of the largest shareholders of Dye & Durham Limited (“Dye & Durham” or the “Company’’) (DND: TSX) today called on the board of directors (the “Board”) to take immediate action to address and reverse the nearly $1 billion in shareholder value destroyed over the last six months.

    The Value Destruction at Dye & Durham has Reached Crisis Proportions

    Prior to the Company’s December 17, 2024 annual and special meeting of shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”), members of the current Board promised shareholders a “Path to Enhanced Value Creation.” Instead, since their election, the Company’s share price has collapsed by a staggering ~60%.

    Shareholders were assured that the new Board would accelerate the deleveraging of the Company. Instead, the opposite has occurred. Since the current Board took control, Dye & Durham’s financial performance has materially worsened. Adjusted EBITDA has declined, as costs have increased sharply, and revenues have remained flat, reflecting a fundamental failure to control expenses or drive growth.

    As a result, the Company’s debt levels have risen substantially, both in absolute terms and as a multiple of Adjusted EBITDA. With no credible plan in place to reverse this trend, the Company’s leverage is expected by sell-side analysts to increase further, with consensus estimates projecting net debt to Adjusted EBITDA reaching approximately 6.0x in less than a year from now.

    Most alarming by far is the sharp deterioration in cash generation. The combination of eroding margins, stagnant revenue, and poor management of the business and its obligations is rapidly depleting the Company’s available cash. Dye & Durham was on course to generate $100 million in leveraged free cash flow in FY 2025 (with actual results of generating $46 million in the last twelve-month period at September 30, 2024). Plantro now believes based on consensus estimates that the Company will generate only $29 million over the next year.

    Perhaps this isn’t surprising. After all, since December 2024, the Company has churned through multiple CEOs, and no permanent CEO has been appointed despite prior assurances that one would be named within eight weeks of the Annual Meeting. The Company is now 24 weeks post-Annual Meeting, on its second interim CEO, and stuck with a largely interim executive team. The Company is drifting, rudderless.

    Escalating Governance Crisis at Dye & Durham

    Plantro is further concerned by the serious governance shortcomings that have take place on this Board’s watch. Namely:

    • The entrenched Board refuses to engage with credible private equity buyers. Based on media reports, the Board refused to engage with credible acquisition offers of approximately $20 per share, representing more than a 100% premium to the Company’s trading price at the time. In doing so, it has denied basic due diligence access to prospective buyers, undermining the possibility of higher bids and raising serious questions about the Board’s ability to exercise its actual mandate. It is Plantro’s understanding that these credible private equity sponsors continue to approach the Board without success.
    • Recent events suggest a clear pattern of punitive action from the current Board against senior leaders who attempt to uphold their fiduciary duties. Plantro understands that former CEO and Chairman Hans Gieskes was abruptly dismissed shortly after recommending an independent investigation into alleged board misconduct. Plantro believes that other senior managers have also been dismissed after highlighting and uncovering board misconduct. Plantro is increasingly alarmed that the Board may now be pursuing retaliatory measures against the CFO, following a formal complaint regarding an allegation of serious misconduct by certain directors.
    • There are credible media reports that the Company approved multimillion-dollar cash payments to Engine Capital and OneMove Capital. These payments were not separately itemized in the Company’s financials and instead were characterized with other proxy contest expenses. Shareholders have no assurance over the veracity of the expenses claimed by Engine, OneMove and potentially others, nor the quantum, nor have these payments delivered any discernible benefit to the Company. Rather, they appear to be self-serving cash extractions—executed even as the Company lacked sufficient liquidity to meet interest payments on its debt.

    Plantro Demands Immediate Action

    Shareholder losses since this Board took over now total nearly $1 billion. This is unsustainable and untenable for any business, but especially for Dye & Durham, given the precarious financial position and governance challenges created by the current Board.

    The Board must take the following actions to restore value for shareholders:

    1. Sell the Financial Services business to reduce the Company’s indebtedness. Divesting this asset represents a significant and immediate leaver in Dye & Durham’s efforts to reduce its growing debt load.
    2. A full sale of the remaining Company. With a strengthened balance sheet, Dye & Durham would attract a valuation that would likely be greater than the current, approximately $20 per share offers from credible private equity buyers, unlocking material value upside for all shareholders.
    3. A thorough and comprehensive investigation of Board conduct since the December 2024 Annual Meeting.

    Plantro has provided notice to the Board that it has exercised its contractual right and is appointing a Board observer effective immediately. Plantro intends to advocate constructively in the boardroom to action the above initiatives for the benefit of all shareholders.

    It is abundantly clear that the Company has been gripped by serious financial, operational, and governance crisis under the current Board. Plantro encourages its fellow shareholders to contact the Board and make their views known.

    About Plantro

    Plantro is a privately held company, with an established track record of making successful investments in undervalued and high quality legal, financial, and information services businesses.

    Media Contact

    Gagnier Communications
    Riyaz Lalani / Dan Gagnier
    Plantro@gagnierfc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: RBC iShares Expands iShares Core Offering with Launch of New ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, RBC iShares expands its iShares Core exchange traded fund (ETF) lineup with the launch of two iShares ETFs (each an ‘iShares Fund’ and collectively, the ‘iShares Funds’).

    The iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF (XTOT) will provide investors with broad-based exposure to the total U.S. equity market, covering large-, mid-, small-, and micro-capitalized companies. The iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF will also be available in a U.S.-dollar denominated class (XTOT.U).

    “We are pleased to expand our suite of low-cost, diversified core ETFs with the addition of the iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF. This new ETF offers investors a convenient way to access broad-based exposure to the total U.S. equity market, making investing in global markets easier and more affordable for Canadians,” said Steven Leong, Head of Product at BlackRock Canada.

    The iShares Core Canadian Short-Mid Term Universe Bond Index ETF (XSMB) will provide investors with exposure to a broadly diversified range of Canadian domiciled bonds with maturities between 1 and 10 years, which may include any or all of federal, provincial, corporate (including certain qualifying asset-backed securities) and municipal bonds.

    “Canadians continue to embrace fixed income ETFs as efficient tools for building resilient, well-diversified portfolios. With this launch, we are excited to provide access to a broad portfolio of Canadian government and corporate bonds with 10 years remaining to maturity or less. This exposure allows investors to generate income while offering a source of portfolio stabilization amid volatility,” added Mr. Leong.

    The iShares Funds are listed in the table below and are expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) today; the iShares Funds are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (BlackRock Canada), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc.

    Fund Name Ticker Annual
    Management
    Fee    1
    iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF XTOT,
    XTOT.U    		 0.07%2
    iShares Core Canadian Short-Mid Term Universe Bond Index ETF XSMB 0.15%

    RBC iShares aims to help clients achieve their investment objectives by empowering them to build efficient portfolios and take control of their financial futures. RBC iShares is committed to delivering a truly differentiated ETF experience and positive outcomes for clients.

    For more information about RBC iShares, please visit https://www.rbcishares.com.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.

    About iShares

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.3 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

    About RBC
    Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 97,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

    We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

    About RBC Global Asset Management
    RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) is the asset management division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). RBC GAM is a provider of global investment management services and solutions to institutional, high-net-worth and individual investors through separate accounts, pooled funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, exchange-traded funds and specialty investment strategies. RBC Funds, BlueBay Funds, PH&N Funds and RBC ETFs are offered by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (RBC GAM Inc.) and distributed through authorized dealers in Canada. The RBC GAM group of companies, which includes RBC GAM Inc. (including PH&N Institutional) manage approximately $710 billion in assets and have approximately 1,600 employees located across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.

    RBC iShares ETFs are comprised of RBC ETFs managed by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. and iShares ETFs managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    ® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. iSHARES is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. Used under license. © 2025 BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited and RBC Global Asset Management Inc. All rights reserved.

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email: Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    1 As an annualized percentage of the iShares Fund’s daily net asset value.
    2 If applicable, BlackRock Canada or an affiliate is entitled to receive a fee for acting as manager of each iShares ETF in which this iShares Fund may invest (an “underlying product fee” and together with the management fee payable to BlackRock Canada, the “total annual fee”). As the underlying product fees are embedded in the market value of the iShares ETFs in which this iShares Fund may invest, any underlying product fees are borne indirectly by this iShares Fund. BlackRock Canada will adjust the management fee payable to it by this iShares Fund to ensure that the total annual fees paid directly or indirectly to BlackRock Canada and its affiliates by this iShares Fund will not exceed the percentage of the NAV set out above. The total annual fee is exclusive of HST. Any underlying product fees borne indirectly by this iShares Fund are calculated and accrued daily and are paid not less than annually.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Convening of extraordinary general meeting of Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    To Nasdaq Copenhagen

    2 June 2025

    Convening of extraordinary general meeting of Nykredit Realkredit A/S

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S will hold its extraordinary general meeting on Tuesday 24 June 2025 at 15:30 at the Company’s offices at Sundkrogsgade 25, DK-2150 Nordhavn.

    -o0o-

    Agenda:

    1. Election of member of the Board of Directors.
    2. Any other business.

    The agenda of the Company’s general meeting and the complete proposals have been submitted to Nykredit A/S, which owns all the shares of the Company.

    Item 1 on the agenda proposes election of Lasse Nyby to the Board of Directors. Information about Lasse Nyby’s education, professional experience, independence and other directorships and executive positions is provided in Appendix 1.

    Admittance to the general meeting is subject to collection of an admission card at least three days prior to the general meeting.

    Copenhagen, 2 June 2025

    Nykredit Realkredit A/S
    Board of Directors

    Contact:
    Questions may be addressed to Press Relations, tel +45 31 21 06 39.

    Appendix 1 – CV of Lasse Nyby

    Lasse Nyby
    Year of birth: 1960
    Non-independent

    Professional experience  
    2000- Chief Executive Officer, Spar Nord Bank A/S
    1995 Joined the Executive Board of Spar Nord Bank A/S
    1986 – 1995 Various positions at Spar Nord Bank A/S
       
    Education  
    Financial services background  
    B. Com. (Management Accounting)  
    Executive education from Insead  
       
    Directorships and other positions (current)  
    Aktieselskabet Skelagervej 15 (Chair)  
    AP Pension Livsforsikringsaktieselskab (Deputy Chair)  
    Foreningen AP Pension f.m.b.a. (Deputy Chair)  
    Nykredit A/S (Board Member)  
    Landsdækkende Banker (Board Member)  
    Finance Denmark (Board Member)  
    FR I af 16. september 2015 A/S (Board Member)  
       
    Directorships and other positions (previous)  
    PRAS A/S (Deputy Chair)  

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Materials and technologies of the oil and gas industry were discussed at the Polytechnic University

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    The V international industry conference “Materials and Technologies in the Oil and Gas Industry” was held at the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” (AES SPbPU). Leading experts in the field of materials and technologies, corrosion, metal science, mechanical engineering, additive technologies, digitalization, and the oil and gas industry discussed current issues in the industry. The Scientific and Technological Complex (STC) “New Technologies and Materials” of AES SPbPU organized the event. Partners were Gazprom 335 and VNIKTIneftekhimoborudovanie.

    This year, the business program included an expanded list of areas, including digital materials science, polymer composite materials for the oil and gas industry, hydrogen energy, issues of construction and industrial safety of oil and gas infrastructure, personnel training, and others. More than a hundred reports were presented at 15 thematic sections and round tables. Experts demonstrated developments in the field of materials and technologies as part of the exhibition.

    The event was attended by industry leaders and high-tech companies such as Gazprom, Gazpromneft NTC, Gazpromneft, Gazprom VNIIGAZ, Gazprom 335, Gazpromneft – Service Technologies, Rosneft, Lukoil, Transneft, Irkutsk Oil Company, Tatneft-Presskomposit, Sibir, RN-BashNIPIneft, Sibur Holding, Severstal, VNIKTIneftekhimoborudovanie, IC TMK, Kolskaya GMK, OMK, UMATEX, PM-Composite and others.

    Representatives of scientific centers and leading technical universities of the country spoke in thematic discussions. At the plenary session “Materials and technologies in the oil and gas industry – paths to technological leadership” scientists, government officials and heads of high-tech enterprises in the metallurgy and oil and gas sector presented reports.

    This is our fifth conference, we are celebrating a small anniversary. This year, more than 334 participants have registered, representing 150 organizations. I am sure that we will have fruitful work, which is divided into 15 sections and round tables. You will be able to share experiences, discuss current issues on the scientific and technological agenda and find useful business contacts, – Alexey Borovkov, Vice-Rector for Digital Transformation of SPbPU, greeted the participants.

    Alexey Borovkov spoke about the competencies of the SPbPU PISh in solving the problems of technological leadership, noted the extensive project activities in the interests of the industrial partners of the SPbPU PISh at a unique Digital platform for the development and application of digital twins CML-Bench®Alexey Ivanovich presented the main provisions of digital twin technology and emphasized its advantages as a driver for the development of industries, which contributes to the digitalization of production and the revision of traditional practices of product design and testing.

    Gazprom Neft Science Director Mars Khasanov emphasized the importance of engineering artificial intelligence for the application and development of digital engineering technologies. He noted the importance of integrated modeling, complex processing of large volumes of data, reduction of timeframes and success of modeling. Mars Khasanov spoke about the role of artificial intelligence in decision generation, multivariate modeling and impact analysis.

    All intelligent agents that make up engineering artificial intelligence solve certain engineering problems that are common to system engineering, and neurosymbolic technologies are used. The best environment for implementing engineering artificial intelligence is what Alexey Borovkov talked about. This is model-oriented system engineering, approaches and this entire huge system that was created, for example, at SPbPU. I think it would be great to implement all elements of engineering artificial intelligence into this system, Mars Khasanov emphasized.

    Ayar Suleimanov, Chief Operating Officer of Gazpromneft — Service Technologies, shared his experience in implementing new approaches to integrity and reliability management. He noted the development of projects on predictive failure analytics, online corrosion monitoring, and the development of self-cleaning devices for oil wells. They are aimed at ensuring technological independence, digitalization, and sustainable development of the enterprise. Ayar Suleimanov concluded that the implemented measures have significantly improved efficiency and reduced accidents. In the near future, it is planned to reduce diagnostic costs by 40-50%.

    The strategic session “Modern Materials in Equipment and Technologies for the Development of Oil and Gas Resources on the Russian Continental Shelf” was attended by Grigory Kuropatkin, Head of the Gazprom Department, Kirill Frolov, Chief Engineer and Deputy General Director of Gazprom 335, Yaroslav Kosmatsky, Deputy General Director for Research at the TMK Research Center, and Andrey Drinberg, Professor at the Hero of the Russian Federation, General of the Army E. N. Zinichev, St. Petersburg University of the State Fire Service of the Russian Emergencies Ministry. The moderator was Maxim Korobchuk, Chief Specialist of the Scientific and Technical Directorate of Gazprom 335.

    The experts discussed the prospects for developing offshore deposits in the Russian Arctic zone, the achievements and current challenges of creating domestic equipment for underwater production, problems in materials science, training professional personnel for the emerging new industry, and the possibilities of using modern digital technologies and artificial intelligence.

    The issues raised at the strategic session were examined in more detail by the participants at the relevant thematic sessions:

    “RF SHELF: Steels and alloys for equipment of underwater hydrocarbon production systems”; “RF SHELF: Modern polymeric materials in equipment and technology of underwater hydrocarbon production”; “RF SHELF: Protective and functional coatings for equipment of underwater production complexes of offshore hydrocarbon fields”.

    At the section “Corrosion Management in Oil Refining and Petrochemical Industries”, participants discussed the problems and achievements of oil refining and petrochemical enterprises, as well as specialized institutes and organizations in combating and controlling corrosion of process equipment. Experts considered the causes of equipment and pipeline failures due to corrosion, assessed various mechanisms of corrosion wear and corrosion monitoring, and also conducted a risk assessment in this area.

    Materials and technologies for hydrogen energy were discussed at the round table of the same name. The discussion was moderated by Yuri Aristovich, an expert of the Scientific and Educational Center for Digital Engineering of the Main Equipment of Chemical-Engineering Systems at the St. Petersburg Polytechnical School, Viktor Bolobov, a professor at the Empress Catherine II St. Petersburg Mining University, and Gleb Semernin, head of the department for the development of new product categories at the United Metallurgical Company.

    Hydrogen energy is not a short-term trend, but a conscious choice in favor of the future, where environmental safety and economic efficiency go hand in hand. This is an opportunity to diversify energy sources, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and create new jobs in high-tech industries. Hydrogen energy can become a catalyst for technological progress, stimulating the development of related industries, such as mechanical engineering, chemical industry, energy and transport. This is a chance for Russia to take a leading position in the global market of hydrogen technologies, exporting not only raw materials, but also advanced solutions. For the successful development of this area, comprehensive government support is needed, including the creation of a favorable investment climate, the development of a regulatory framework, stimulating demand for hydrogen and supporting scientific research, – noted Yuri Aristovich.

    Timofey Sokolov, an engineer at the Digital Engineering of the Main Equipment of Chemical-Engineering Systems Research and Education Center at the SPbPU PIS, presented a report on the analysis and development prospects of modern burner devices as a new industry standard. His colleague Andrey Efremov spoke about a critical analysis of the characteristics of internal combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cells. Anton Tsvetkov, a senior lecturer at the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies at the SPbPU PIS, presented the results of a study on the resistance of steel to hydrogen in aqueous and gaseous environments. Sergey Dagayev, a research engineer at the testing laboratory at the SPbPU PIS, spoke about hydrogen embrittlement of pipeline steels in a high-pressure hydrogen gas environment. The participants of the round table developed optimal solutions in terms of the emerging regulatory framework and the introduction of materials and technologies for hydrogen energy.

    Director of the Higher School of Advanced Digital Technologies PISH SPbPU Valery Leventsov presented the educational model of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” and approaches to organizing the educational process, in which representatives of industrial partners, along with the school’s teachers, act as mentors for master’s students.

    Director of the Center for Continuing Professional Education of the SPbPU Advanced Engineering School Sergey Salkutsan spoke about the experience of developing and implementing training programs for managers and engineering personnel of high-tech companies on the topic of organizing advanced production. Students of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”, engineers of the Scientific and Technical Complex “New Technologies and Materials” of the SPbPU Advanced Engineering School Ksenia Grigorieva and Rodion Ermolaev demonstrated tools and approaches that help future engineers maintain efficiency, involvement and sustainability in the educational and professional environment.

    Read more about the conference on the website.

    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 –

  • Centre notifies guidelines for electric passenger vehicle manufacturing scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Centre on Monday issued detailed guidelines for a new scheme aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing of electric passenger vehicles, marking a key step in its broader push for green mobility and sustainable industrial development. The “Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India” (SPMEPCI), notified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), is intended to attract global investments in India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector while strengthening the country’s position as a global automotive manufacturing hub.

    Announced in March 2024, the scheme aligns with India’s climate goals, including its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The initiative also supports the government’s vision of fostering economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability through strategic policy interventions in the EV ecosystem.

    Speaking at a press conference, Union Minister for Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, described the scheme as a forward-looking and transformative step. He noted that the scheme is designed not only to bring cutting-edge EV technologies into the Indian market but also to build indigenous manufacturing capabilities through a clear framework of domestic value addition (DVA) targets.

    Under the scheme, approved companies will be allowed to import a limited number of completely built electric four-wheelers (e-4W) at a reduced customs duty rate of 15 per cent for a period of five years. These imports must meet a minimum cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of USD 35,000 per unit. The concession is capped at 8,000 units per year, with the flexibility to carry forward unused quotas. However, the total duty foregone will be limited to either Rs 6,484 crore or the actual investment made by the applicant, whichever is lower.

    To qualify for these benefits, applicants must commit to a minimum investment of Rs 4,150 crore within three years of receiving approval. They must also establish manufacturing facilities and commence production within this period. The guidelines stipulate that a minimum of 25 per cent domestic value addition should be achieved within three years, rising to 50 per cent within five years. The DVA assessment will follow the existing Standard Operating Procedure of the PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components, with certifications to be carried out by MHI-approved testing agencies.

    While there is no cap on maximum investment, only specific categories of expenditure—such as new plant and machinery, engineering research and development, and essential buildings—will be counted towards the investment threshold. Notably, expenditure on land is excluded, while spending on charging infrastructure will be considered up to a limit of five per cent of the total committed investment.

    Applicants will be required to furnish a bank guarantee equivalent to the higher of the duty foregone or Rs 4,150 crore, valid for the entire duration of the scheme. The application window, expected to open soon, will remain active for a minimum of 120 days, with the government retaining the option to reopen it until March 2026. A non-refundable application fee of Rs 5 lakh will be applicable.

    Eligibility is restricted to companies or global groups with an automotive manufacturing revenue of at least Rs 10,000 crore and fixed asset investments of not less than Rs 3,000 crore, based on their latest audited financial statements.

    The Ministry of Heavy Industries said the scheme would catalyse the development of a competitive and self-reliant EV manufacturing ecosystem in India, contributing to the larger goals of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. The effort is also expected to generate high-quality employment, accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies, and position India as a preferred destination for global automotive innovation.

  • India to create 7.29 million green jobs by FY28, 35 million by 2047: Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s green economy is growing rapidly and is expected to reach a value of $1 trillion by 2030, and a staggering $15 trillion by 2070, a new report said on Monday.

    With this massive growth, India is also set to create a huge number of green jobs – around 7.29 million by the financial year 2027-28 and 35 million by the year 2047, according to a NLB Services report.

    NLB Services CEO Sachin Alug said: “In the past 4–5 years, we’ve seen green jobs evolve from niche roles to mainstream opportunities across renewable energy, EVs, and sustainable infrastructure. What’s changed pragmatically is the skillsets.”

    “Today’s green workforce needs both sustainability know-how and digital fluency, and the increased integration of AI, IoT, blockchain, GIS, and data-driven tools are laying the foundation for progressive, new-age green careers,” Alug mentioned.

    As the green sector expands, industries are not just investing in green technology and renewable energy, but also focusing on building a skilled workforce to meet the rising demand.

    This shift is driving companies to change their hiring strategies. Rather than relying only on traditional degrees, employers are now giving more importance to practical green skills and hands-on experience.

    Many companies are also working closely with colleges and universities to equip young people with sustainability-related skills, while also investing in inclusive hiring and re-skilling programmes, the report stated.

    The new employment outlook is stronger than earlier predictions. In 2024, the green sector was expected to grow at a pace of 15–20 per cent annually in terms of job demand.

    However, new estimates show an even faster increase, especially in fields like renewable energy, electric vehicles, green construction, waste management, and sustainable textiles.

    Most green jobs are still based in big cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi. But smaller cities such as Jaipur, Indore, Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad are also becoming key green job hubs.

    Tier II and Tier III cities are expected to create 35-40 per cent of the projected 7.29 million jobs by FY28, helped by the growth in sustainable agriculture, logistics, and warehousing, as per the report.

    Green job roles are also becoming more diverse. Demand for professionals in areas such as ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) analytics, climate data analysis, and green technology is growing fast, with a projected 20–30 per cent yearly rise.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE meets new Liaison Office Director (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CE meets new Liaison Office Director  
    Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the Central Government for its continued support to and care for Hong Kong, driving and supporting Hong Kong’s transition from stability to prosperity. He extended his warm welcome to Mr Zhou on his new appointment. Mr Zhou had extensive experience in local governance and policy-making from a macroscopic perspective, having previously held such positions as Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Hubei Provincial Committee, Member of the Standing Committee and Deputy Secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee, and Deputy Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Governor of the Henan Provincial Government.
     
    Since taking office in July 2023 as the Executive Deputy Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, Mr Zhou has been participating in taking forward Hong Kong’s work under national development strategies. He is well acquainted with the national policies on Hong Kong and actively promoted the implementation of the Central Government’s policies benefitting Hong Kong. Last year, Mr Zhou led a delegation to visit Hong Kong and gain better insights into its economic development, providing his important views to the formulation of measures benefitting Hong Kong. He has also undertaken solid efforts to ensure the measures achieve optimal results.
     
    Mr Lee said he is confident to work with Mr Zhou in actively aligning with national development strategies, as well as in implementing fully, faithfully and resolutely the principles of “one country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” with a high degree of autonomy, maintaining the constitutional order of the HKSAR as stipulated in the Constitution and the Basic Law, implementing the “executive-led” structure and implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, with a view to ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, the steadfast and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle, and jointly expediting the development of Hong Kong from stability to prosperity.
     
    During the session, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is currently undergoing an economic transformation, and that the HKSAR Government will uphold fundamental principles while breaking new ground, endeavour to take forward reforms, and continue to lead all sectors of Hong Kong society to embrace changes and strive for innovation, actively exploring new areas of development and growth.
     
    Mr Lee said he believes that under the leadership of Mr Zhou, the LOCPG will continue to support the HKSAR Government’s governance in accordance with the law. Noting that Mr Zhou is well acquainted with Hong Kong affairs, Mr Lee said that this will help Hong Kong better contribute to and benefit from its integration into national development, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative. The session was conducted in a cordial and productive atmosphere, with both Mr Lee and Mr Zhou sharing the common goal of expediting Hong Kong’s rise from stability to prosperity.
    Issued at HKT 20:03

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: April retail sales drop 2.3%

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The value of total retail sales in April, provisionally estimated at $28.9 billion, was down 2.3% compared with the same month in 2024, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

    After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate for the month was 3.3% lower year-on-year.

    Of the total retail sales figure for the month, online sales accounted for 8.1%. Provisionally estimated at $2.3 billion, the value of online retail sales decreased 3.5% compared with a year earlier.

    Meanwhile, the value of sales of commodities in supermarkets decreased 2.4% compared with a year earlier.

    There were also declines in the value of sales in the following categories: jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts (-1.7%); apparel (-5.6%); motor vehicles and parts (-53.4%); fuels (-12.5%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-5.1%); furniture and fixtures (-16.7%); and optical items (-0.2%).

    By contrast, the value of sales of “other consumer goods not elsewhere classified” increased by 13.4% for the period. Also up were sales of medicines and cosmetics (+7.2%); food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (+3%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (+1.6%); commodities in department stores (+2.1%); books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (+11.7%); and Chinese drugs and herbs (+3.8%).

    The Government said its proactive promotion of tourism and mega events, increased employment earnings and sustained steady growth in the Mainland economy will support the retail sector.

    However, it cautioned that ongoing changes in consumption patterns and competition among businesses, amid an uncertain macroeconomic environment, will continue to pose challenges for the sector.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme invites new round of applications

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme invites new round of applicationsIssued at HKT 16:00

    The Main Programme under the Professional Services Advancement Support Scheme (PASS) is inviting a new round of applications for project proposals starting today (June 1) from non-profit-distributing organisations such as professional bodies, trade and industrial organisations and research institutes.

    PASS, with a total allocation of $200 million, aims at funding non-profit-making industry-led projects to increase exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong’s professional services and external counterparts, promote relevant publicity activities, and enhance the standards and external competitiveness of Hong Kong’s professional services.

    The maximum grant for each approved project under the Main Programme of PASS is $3 million or 90 per cent of the total eligible project cost, whichever is lower. A wide range of professional services, such as accounting, legal and dispute resolution, architecture, engineering, healthcare, information and communications technology, design and technical testing and analysis, are eligible for the Main Programme. Sector-specific projects and cross-sectoral projects are both welcome. Expenses directly incurred for implementing a project, such as manpower costs, venue and set-up costs, production and promotion costs, and the project team and active participants’ travel and accommodation costs outside Hong Kong are typically eligible for funding support under the Scheme. Funding support may also be provided for travel and accommodation costs incurred by participants of relatively longer professional internships or attachment programmes outside Hong Kong which are funded by the Main Programme.

    Up to early May 2025, more than 120 projects had been funded under the Main Programme, including project deliverables in and outside Hong Kong. The deliverables include capacity-building programmes for enhancing the standards of local professionals, such as training programmes, workshops and study tours; outreach and promotional activities for showcasing the strengths of Hong Kong’s professional services, such as roadshows, promotional seminars and participation in exhibitions outside Hong Kong; exchange activities for deepening interaction between Hong Kong professionals and their external counterparts, such as visits to other economies and international conferences and seminars held in Hong Kong; and research projects on potential external markets for Hong Kong professional services and development of best practice guidelines and manuals for professionals. Details about the Main Programme and its funded projects are available at www.pass.gov.hk/main/en/home.

    Furthermore, with a view to stepping up the promotion of Hong Kong’s competitive edges and professional services to the Mainland and overseas markets, $50 million has been set aside for the Professionals Participation Subsidy Programme (PSP) under PASS to subsidise Hong Kong major professional bodies to participate in relevant activities organised by the Government (such as Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council after the pandemic situation has stabilised. Details of the PSP and its list of activities are available at www.pass.gov.hk/psp. Hong Kong professionals from the eligible professional sectors under PASS may make use of the PSP subsidy to join the relevant activities.

    The Main Programme and the PSP receive applications for project and activity proposals all year round and they are processed on a quarterly basis. The deadline for the new round of applications is August 31, 2025. A briefing session will be held this month for organisations interested in applying for the PASS funding. One-on-one consultations are also available upon request for discussing preliminary project ideas or projects in the planning stage. To register for the briefing session, schedule a consultation, or for other enquiries, please contact the PASS Secretariat at 3655 5418 or pass@cedb.gov.hk.

    Ends/Sunday, June 1, 2025
    Issued at HKT 16:00

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing boy in Wong Tai Sin (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appeal for information on missing boy in Wong Tai Sin Issued at HKT 15:19

    Police today (June 2) appealed to the public for information on a boy who went missing in Wong Tai Sin.

    Cho Tik-laam, Ambrose, aged 17, went missing after he was last seen on Luk Hop Street yesterday (June 1) afternoon. His family made a report to Police on the same day.

    He is about 1.7 metres tall, around 52 kilograms in weight and of thin build. He has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, green camouflage shorts, blue shoes and carrying a pink rucksack.

    Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing boy or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1176 or 5562 1342 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station

    Ends/Monday, June 2, 2025
    Issued at HKT 15:19

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCMA unveils Greater Bay Area Aircraft (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCMA unveils Greater Bay Area Aircraft  
         Following its earlier promotional efforts to reach out to the community through means of transportation such as buses, trams and ferries, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office (GBA Office) of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau is using an aircraft for the first time as a mobile display platform to further promote the Greater Bay Area to a global audience.
     
         Mr Tsang said, “The development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is the best entry point for Hong Kong to actively integrate into the overall national development. Hong Kong possesses the unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, and a business environment that is highly market-oriented and internationalised, underpinned by the rule of law, free flow of capital, a comprehensive financial regulatory system, a simple and low tax regime, and a pool of global professional talent. All these have enabled Hong Kong to become a ‘super connector’, connecting the Mainland with the world, and leveraging its dual roles in going global and attracting foreign investment for the GBA.”
     
         Mr Tsang expressed his hope that the aircraft would serve as an “ambassador in the sky” to promote the Greater Bay Area, raising awareness of the latest developments of the GBA and Hong Kong’s role in connecting the Mainland with the world. He encouraged all sectors to capitalise on Hong Kong’s distinctive strengths to seize the enormous opportunities brought about by GBA development, thereby promoting the high-quality development of the GBA.
     
         The Greater Bay Area Aircraft mainly travels between Hong Kong and various destinations on the Mainland and in Asia. The airline’s unique positioning of being rooted in Hong Kong and radiating to the GBA, together with its main routes that closely connect the GBA and the international market, fully demonstrates Hong Kong’s role as the international gateway to the GBA.
     
         The Chief Executive Officer of Greater Bay Airlines, Ms Liza Ng, expressed her wholehearted support for this meaningful activity of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Through daily flights to and from different cities, the vision of the GBA is promoted overseas, enabling more people to gain a deeper understanding and actively participate in the GBA’s development. The airline has been established in support of the national strategy of developing the GBA, and makes its contributions as Hong Kong fully leverages its distinctive advantages of having strong support from the motherland and enjoying close connections with the world as well as its status as an international aviation hub to integrate into the overall national development.
     
         Hong Kong residents, together with people and enterprises from the Mainland and abroad, will be able to catch a glimpse of the Greater Bay Area Aircraft at Hong Kong International Airport or when travelling on Greater Bay Airlines’ flights. The GBA Office will continue to disseminate the stories of the GBA through diversified channels, and encourage all sectors to actively seize the good opportunities that GBA development presents to develop the region into an international first-class bay area.
    Issued at HKT 18:06

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Díaz-Balart Applauds Passage of President Trump’s One, Big Beautiful Bill

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Vice Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Trump’s “One, Big Beautiful bill”:

    “Once again, House Republicans are delivering on the mandate we promised to the American people under the leadership of President Trump by passing the ‘One, Big Beautiful Bill.’ This legislation responsibly reduces excess spending while protecting vital programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare benefits, for eligible Americans in need.

    It also provides taxpayers in Florida’s 26thCongressional District with historic tax relief by making President Trump’s highly successful 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent. Had the TCJA been allowed to expire on December 31, 2025, the average taxpayer in FL-26 would have seen a 24% tax hike. Instead, they are guaranteed deductions and get to keep more of their hard-earned money.

    Additionally, this bill will permanently secure the border and stop the deadly flow of fentanyl into our communities by making major investments in our border patrol agents. It also includes pro-family initiatives, such as expanding the child tax credit, which helps working families keep more of their earnings. Finally, it will unleash American energy and lower costs by reversing the Biden Administration’s burdensome energy policies.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sharpened Purpose, Stronger Future: FY26 State Department Priorities for Security and Diplomacy

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

    Washington, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations Vice Chair and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) and Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) focused on efforts to advance American national security and diplomacy to ensure a stronger future during remarks at a Fiscal Year 2026 hearing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

    Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart said, “I firmly believe there is no one better who could serve as our Secretary of State at this critical time. Your steadfast leadership, devotion to country and to freedom, and your focus on national security are exactly why you have my full confidence in advancing President Trump’s foreign policy… Now, it’s time to work together on the FY26 budget to determine the appropriate funding levels going forward for the people and programs needed to advance our national security.

    “From ensuring our key allies and partners around the world have the military assistance required to defend themselves, to preventing deadly infectious diseases from reaching our shores, to investments that lay the groundwork for American businesses abroad, to supporting those suffering under tyranny by standing in solidarity against oppressive – and often dangerously anti-American – dictatorships. That is American leadership – something President Trump has shown and that has been sorely lacking for the last four years.”

    Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.

    Chairman Cole said, “We are leading with sharpened purpose to ensure Americans are safer at home and abroad. The work of the State Department is core to this mission and the cause of freedom – and every action and investment we make should protect and promote U.S. security, prosperity, and values. Secretary Rubio, we know your commitment to that duty – and it’s an honor to have you with us this afternoon. From day one, you’ve acted as a force multiplier for the President, and we deeply appreciate your service to our country.

    “As you know, Mr. Secretary, peace through strength isn’t a matter of chance. It is the result of effective policy, national focus, and marshaling resources to where they drive maximum impact. The America First agenda – which has been mandated by the people – advances that critical doctrine. It’s not about retreating from the world stage – but resetting our guiding principles.” 

    Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.

    Secretary of State Rubio said, “Today, America is back. Secure borders, safe communities and zero tolerance for criminal cartels are once again the guiding principles of our foreign policy… We are working with law enforcement to revoke the status of foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality, threaten our citizens, and express support for this nation’s enemies. The Department has taken President Trump’s policy message across Europe, securing the NATO Secretary General’s commitment to increased defense spending, recalibrating transatlantic political and economic relations to better serve American interests… 

    “As Secretary, I have the honor of leading the world’s most talented diplomatic workforce. They deserve better. They deserve clear responsibilities and chains of command. They deserve a State Department that unleashes their full potential from the ground up, harnessing the capacities of every embassy, consulate, and bureau to set a course for a new American century. One where the power and prestige of the United States are unequaled by any other force in the world.”

    Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating Canberra’s volunteers

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Pearl is one of Domestic Animal Services’ dedicated volunteers.

    In brief:

    • National Volunteer Week in the ACT runs from 19-25 May.
    • This article shares some of Canberra’s volunteer stories.

    National Volunteer Week runs from 19-25 May. It’s a time to acknowledge and celebrate volunteers in Australia.

    Volunteers make a positive impact on Canberra and its people.

    No matter what you enjoy doing, there’s a way to help. This could be working with people or caring for animals or plants.

    Meet some of Canberra’s volunteers.

    Pearl, Domestic Animal Services volunteer

    Pearl has been volunteering with Domestic Animal Services for six years.

    ‘It’s the best way to start the day! I usually walk dogs around the gorgeous bush trail first thing in the morning. It’s so beautiful to be surrounded by nature, wildlife and of course the gorgeous dogs in the morning sunshine,’ she said.

    Since 2020, Pearl has spent countless hours at the shelter improving the wellbeing of dogs searching for their forever home.

    ‘Some dogs come in very timid and seeing them grow into happy and confident dogs makes me so grateful I get to be a part of the work Domestic Animal Services do for these animals,’ Pearl said.

    Learn more about volunteering with Domestic Animal Services.

    Adrian Manning, ACT State Emergency Service volunteer

    Adrian had just turned 18 when he decided to volunteer for the ACT State Emergency Service.

    ‘Volunteering for the ACT State Emergency Service was something completely different. Not only was I able to help my community, but it also gave me the opportunity to learn new skills and trades, and that training has actually helped me in my paid roles in life,’ Adrian said.

    ‘It’s very rewarding to be able to assist the community. We sign up to help people, and whether it’s in Canberra or Queensland, it doesn’t really make a difference,’ he said.

    Find out more about volunteering for the ACT Emergency Services Agency.

    Manar, Co-founder of HelpingACT

    Manar is the co-founder of HelpingACT. The charity aims to support Canberra’s most vulnerable through access to food and necessities.

    He believes volunteering is a key to ensuring community services can be delivered efficiently.

    ‘If you’re nervous, start with volunteering that does not demand much from you and then go in deeper when you are more comfortable. My life is richer because of volunteering, and despite the hours I spend volunteering, I don’t see that as a cost. It has brought me in contact with wonderful people and made me stretch my capabilities,’ Manar said.

    Learn more about HelpingACT.

    Casey, volunteer at the National Arboretum, MIEACT and WaterWatch

    Casey started volunteering to make a difference. She had always had grand ideas of environmental and societal change, and decided she wanted to be at the forefront of this change.

    ‘Volunteering has taught me to take initiative, and it gives me hope. Time is a valuable resource. By volunteering, you can give your time and energy to something you view as important. Volunteering has many benefits. It helps you. It helps others. It helps the world,’ Casey said.

    Find out more about volunteering on the Volunteering ACT website.

    Read more like this:

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Adriano Espaillat’s Statement on House Republicans’ Passage of The GOP Tax Scam

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on House Republicans’ passage of their GOP Tax Scam:

    “The only winners following the Trump’s ‘Big Ugly Bill’ are the billionaire donors who will get massive new tax breaks and big corporations that already pay next to nothing in taxes. This disastrous bill includes devastating cuts to health care and food assistance, taking vital funding from the American people,” said Espaillat. “Once again Donald Trump has proven where his loyalties lie – with the extremely wealthy like his buddy Elon Musk. Donald Trump has no problem taking from poor to give to the wealthy.

    “These cuts are a matter of life and death. If this bill becomes law, people will die from lack of food, from lack of health care, and from lack of housing.  This bill fails to uphold the values of our nation and is misaligned with the interests of working families — while making grocery bills and health care more expensive for tens of millions of Americans who rely on this assistance.”

    Earlier this week, Rep. Espaillat denounced the GOP Tax Scam in remarks on the House floor, which may be watched here. House Democrats utilized every available tool to stop passage of the GOP Tax Scam and every single Democrat voted against its final passage. During yesterday’s Rules Committee hearing, Espaillat and more than 100 Democrats offered more than 500 amendments – to delay passage of the bill for more than 20 hours. 

    ###

    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Adriano Espaillat Denounces Trump’s Budget Bill Cuts to Working Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) spoke on the House floor to deliver scathing remarks denouncing the Trump administration’s budget bill and its devastating impact to working families in New York’s 13th congressional district and in communities around the nation.

    Video of Rep. Espaillat’s remarks may be watched here. 

    The following are remarks by Rep. Espaillat *as prepared for delivery*:

    “More than half of the residents in New York’s 13th congressional district rely on Medicaid to receive primary and emergency health care. Almost four million residents in New York City rely on Medicaid. About three million of New York City residents are enrolled in the New York State Medicaid Pharmacy Program, which allows coverage of prescription drugs and certain over the counter medications. 

    “After promising the American people that Medicaid would be safe from cuts, Republicans spent several hours marking up a bill that would devastate Medicaid enrollment rates. To pay for the tax cuts for the wealthy, the bill would require harsh work requirements for Medicaid recipients that would terminate coverage for millions of low-income Americans.  Additionally, the bill would increase copays for Medicaid recipients which would significantly limit access to vital care services. It would also penalize states that have made the choice to use provide state-funded health care coverage to undocumented children and mixed status families.  

    “Not only does this hurt the undocumented families that have relied on this health care for years, but it also infringes on states to do what they believe is best with their own state funding. Republicans also introduced a $300 billion cut to food stamps, which would impact the 300,000 people in my district who rely on the benefit to eat. Thirty-five percent of these recipients are children.

    “Though Social Security cuts were not explicitly included in reconciliation conversations, the Trump administration and DOGE have repeatedly attempted to limit this program by trying to close social security offices, staff reductions, and reduced phone line access. These changes would impact the nearly 120,000 constituents in my district, particularly seniors, who rely on approximately $164 million in monthly benefits.

    “Republicans have gone back on their promise to the American people. These changes would devastate the lives of millions of Americans. We must stand up to these attacks. I yield back.”    

     

    ###

    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Craig, Senators Klobuchar and Smith, Gov. Walz, Statewide and Local Officials Break Ground on US 169 Interchange Project

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

    JORDAN, MN – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig (MN-02), Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) and Governor Tim Walz joined statewide and local officials to break ground on the US 169 & Highway 282/County Highway 9 Interchange Project in Scott County. 

    The project was funded, in part, by an $8 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant, which was granted to Scott County and their project partners – the City of Jordan and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) –through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Rep. Craig and Senators Klobuchar and Smith played an integral role in securing the RAISE grant.

    “The federal, state and local partnership of this project, in particular, is incredibly critical,” said Rep. Craig in her remarks. “I remember the first time I visited down here, I looked at the possibilities and all I saw was economic opportunity for the state of Minnesota and for the Jordan area with this project, so it has been a true honor to work with so many mayors here to be able to get this across the finish line.”

    Once completed, the project will replace the last signalized highway intersection within 50 miles of the Twin Cities with an interchange, creating a 75-mile stoplight free zone to improve a key interregional corridor in Minnesota that is essential for commuters, local residents and business owners. 

    This will also include a grade-separated interchange at TH-282/County Highway 9 and a bridge over the Union Pacific rail line, as well as a roundabout, a multi-use path and underpass of US 169, floodway improvements, stormwater improvements, and frontage roads. 

    In 2021, Rep. Craig wrote a letter to former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg advocating for the RAISE grant application and in 2022, Rep. Craig secured $1.12 million for the City of Jordan US 169 Multi-Use Trail Underpassthrough the annual funding bill. 

    You can view Rep. Craig’s full remarks here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese researchers release Tianshan watershed streamflow dataset

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

    Chinese researchers have released a streamflow dataset of Tianshan Mountains watersheds, the key source region of Central Asian rivers.

    The study, led by researchers from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was published in the journal Scientific Data.

    The dataset compiles daily streamflow data for 56 watersheds and monthly data for 89 watersheds in the Tianshan Mountains. The researchers reconstructed streamflow observations by integrating data from both domestic and international monitoring stations.

    The study revealed an overall increasing trend in Tianshan streamflow, which was particularly prominent between 1990 and 2019. Spatially, it showed higher streamflow in the west and south, and lower streamflow in the east and north.

    Due to scarcity of data and complex hydrological conditions in the Tianshan region, long-term and complete streamflow data are still lacking, said Li Shuai, first author of this study.

    “This is the first comprehensive and long-term streamflow modeling and data reconstruction effort at the watershed scale in the Tianshan Mountains,” said Li.

    The dataset fills the gap in the availability of comprehensive streamflow data for smaller basins in the Tianshan Mountains, and provides essential data for managing water resources and assessing the impact of climate change in the region, according to the study. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese-supported shelter offers hope, care to Pakistani orphans

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

    Muhammad Shahab has been living with his sister at the Islamabad China-Pakistan Youth One Heart Step and Cure Home (ICOSH), a compassionate shelter made possible through the generous support of the Chinese people, and has found strength, comfort and courage to dream of a brighter future.

    An orphan with no relatives, Shahab lost his mother, who bravely fought oral cancer. In her final days, she entrusted ICOSH with her children, a gesture that speaks volumes about the trust and love she felt for this place.

    “This home means everything to us. The Pakistani staff treats us with kindness and care, and Chinese friends visit us every week to see how we are doing. They ensure we have access to quality education, nutritious meals, and a safe, loving environment. ICOSH is more than a home, it is our protection, our hope, and our family,” the 11-year-old, who has been living in the home for about a year, told Xinhua.

    Established in 2023 by the Beijing One Heart Sphere Charity Foundation and the China-Pakistan Youth Exchange Community (CPYEC), ICOSH began with the mission of assisting critically ill Pakistani patients seeking treatment in the capital. Today, it has grown into a haven offering temporary shelter for disabled and seriously ill children, as well as full-time residence for 21 orphans, including Shahab.

    Shahab’s late mother, who stayed at the compassionate home for several months, deeply appreciated the care she received and asked the center’s administration to look after her children after her passing, according to Sobia Adnan, the Pakistani director of ICOSH.

    “She was a seriously ill patient who entrusted her children to us based on her own experience here,” Sobia said. “It reflects the deep trust that people have in ICOSH.”

    She added that all orphans at the center have experienced some form of trauma in their lives, like Shahab and his sister, who witnessed their mother’s passing after a battle with cancer. Beyond meeting their basic needs, ICOSH places strong emphasis on the emotional well-being of the children.

    To support this, volunteer teachers visit the children in their rooms, fostering a nurturing and understanding environment where they can heal and thrive, she added.

    Since its establishment, ICOSH has provided care and assistance to 130 children who stayed temporarily while receiving treatment for various illnesses, before leaving once cured, Sobia said.

    The resident orphans attend local schools, with their education fully funded by Chinese support. In the future, based on their interests and talents, these children may be sent to China for higher education after completing their college education in Pakistan.

    “The center is a ray of hope for poor, underprivileged children who would have faced life’s hardships alone if the Chinese people had not extended their hand and offered them warmth,” she added.

    Speaking to Xinhua, Ma Bin, the head of the CPYEC, said the center embodies the deep friendship between the Pakistani and Chinese peoples.

    Since its inception, ICOSH has upheld the principle of “people-to-people communication,” offering shelter, medical care, and educational support to impoverished families and orphans.

    “Every recovered child and every smiling face tell the heartfelt story of China-Pakistan friendship. Love knows no borders, and good deeds have no boundaries. To support these beloved Pakistani children, many Chinese enterprises in Pakistan, with the backing of the Chinese embassy, have joined forces in this public welfare initiative, creating a strong relay of charitable efforts,” he said.

    “This collaboration not only empowers the development of vulnerable families but also helps the Belt and Road Initiative’s vision of people-to-people connectivity take root. We believe that even more social forces will join this caring mission in the future,” Ma added.

    As the partnership between Pakistan and China continues to strengthen, initiatives like this shelter stand as powerful symbols of solidarity and hope, Shiffa Butt, a volunteer at the home, told Xinhua.

    “Through sustained support and shared commitment, countless vulnerable children are being given the chance to rebuild their lives, pursue education, and dream of a brighter tomorrow, demonstrating the enduring impact of friendship beyond borders,” she added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s westernmost border port goes 24/7 to boost Central Asia trade

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

    The Irkeshtam port in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region launched a trial of 24-hour freight clearance operations on Sunday, making it the second land port in the region and the first in southern Xinjiang to adopt such a system. This move is aimed at enhancing trade logistics between China and Central Asia, according to the local immigration inspection station.

    As China’s westernmost land port, Irkeshtam serves as a critical gateway to Kyrgyzstan and a hub for Central and West Asia, with rising cross-border activity and robust transport demand.

    To support the round-the-clock operations, the Irkeshtam immigration inspection station optimized staffing through shift rotations and implemented “on-arrival inspection” for freight vehicles, which strikes a balance between security and efficiency.

    Jiang Zhidong, chairman of the Kashgar-based Xinjiang Jiujiuxi International Trade Co., Ltd., said that the system will significantly boost cargo efficiency, cut logistics costs, further energize port operations and unleash foreign trade potential.

    Statistics show that port traffic has surged this year at Irkeshtam, with the station handling over 105,800 trips and 98,500 vehicles by Sunday, up 80 percent and 79 percent year on year, respectively. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa’s new credit rating agency could change the rules of the game. Here’s how

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Daniel Cash, Reader in Law, Aston University

    For governments, a credit rating is more than a financial signal. It is a verdict that can influence the cost of borrowing, access to markets and, ultimately, the ability to provide for their citizens.

    Rating decisions are made behind closed doors in a private process that isn’t open to assessment or scrutiny.

    For African countries, this opacity can be especially damaging. When rating decisions lack transparency, it’s impossible to challenge potential biases or inconsistencies in methodology that put developing economies at a disadvantage. The result is higher borrowing costs that drain resources from healthcare, education and infrastructure investment.

    Africa’s new credit rating agency has the chance to change this. The African Credit Rating Agency is an initiative under development by the African Union and its partners. It is more than a new entrant; it is an attempt to rethink how financial authority is earned, exercised and scrutinised. The new agency plans to introduce transparent governance structures that could revolutionise rating methodology.

    As a researcher who has looked closely at the working of rating agencies, I believe this opportunity to bring transparency to financial governance isn’t just about better ratings. It’s a step towards economic sovereignty.

    Success for the African Credit Rating Agency shouldn’t be measured by whether it displaces the “big three” rating agencies (Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch). The real question isn’t whether an African agency can compete, but rather whether it can show the world how to rate credit differently.

    A flawed process

    The three big agencies do publish their methodologies – their criteria and risk models. This creates an illusion of transparency. Yet the final judgments emerge from committee meetings that produce no public record, no accountability, and no right of meaningful appeal.

    These rating committees typically comprise five to 10 analysts who meet in closed sessions to make each sovereign rating decision. S&P, Moody’s and Fitch each operate internal rating committees for every sovereign rating decision. The deliberations, dissenting views, and specific reasoning behind final votes remain confidential. Only a brief summary is provided with a rating decision.

    Research has shown that credit rating agencies are more accurate at assessing the creditworthiness of advanced economies than developing economies. There have also been studies on the discrepancy between what is expected when the public methodologies are applied and what the agencies actually rate. These studies have been done for economies like Hong Kong and China, but no equivalent research has yet been undertaken for African sovereigns.

    This discrepancy exposes an accountability void. When methodology-based predictions miss the mark, we must question what happens in those committee rooms. Especially when African nations are being assessed by analysts stationed continents away, with limited understanding of local economic and political realities.

    The African Credit Rating Agency could make three changes to the way ratings are done:

    • through public deliberations

    • by forming hybrid committees

    • with technological intervention.

    First, it could release committee transcripts within 30 days of each decision. This would give markets and governments unprecedented insight into rating rationales. This isn’t radical – central banks already publish meeting minutes, and courts publish opinions with dissenting views.

    Second, it could pioneer panels that include not only rating analysts, but regional economists, sectoral specialists, and even civil society observers. All with recorded votes. This diversified expertise would disrupt “group think” while capturing nuances of African economies that traditional agencies overlook.

    I have examined this idea from the perspective of injecting climate and sustainability-related expertise into credit rating committees. I believe this is a crucial step to take to evolve the concept of the credit rating committee.

    Third, the agency could use artificial intelligence to analyse patterns across committee discussions, flagging potential regional biases or inconsistent methodology application. It might be able to use secure digital ledgers to create unchangeable records of decisions.

    Why the big three keep it closed

    The industry thrives on privacy – protecting proprietary methodologies and shielding decisions from external challenge. And the natural oligopoly (a market dominated by a few large players due to high entry barriers, reinforced by market preference for predictability) helps it stay that way.

    The sovereign credit ratings of the three big agencies are built on quantitative and qualitative factors. But research shows that sovereign ratings are subjected to qualitative understandings. This puts developing economies at a disadvantage when agencies demonstrate pro-western biases because they lack data or knowledge.

    The impact of a credit rating downgrade for a sovereign borrower is usually multifaceted. Research shows that a single-notch downgrade can raise borrowing costs by more than 100 basis points, equivalent to an extra US$100 million annually on a US$10 billion bond.

    Investors prefer fewer, stronger signals rather than many competing views. So there’s little incentive for established players to change. The African Credit Rating Agency, as a new entrant, can offer something the incumbents won’t: governance innovation that serves both markets and nations.

    Radical openness will shake markets, at least at first. Committee members might face political pressure. Transparency alone doesn’t guarantee fair outcomes.

    But the world already demands transparency from central banks and constitutional courts. Why accept anything less from institutions that shape sovereign destiny?

    Next steps

    By 2050, one in four people on Earth will be African. The financial architecture serving them must evolve towards systems that recognise the continent’s unique strengths.

    Opening the rating committee to view represents more than technical reform – it’s about shifting who holds power in global finance. If it does this, the African agency won’t just deliver better ratings; it will model how global finance can be governed more justly.

    – Africa’s new credit rating agency could change the rules of the game. Here’s how
    – https://theconversation.com/africas-new-credit-rating-agency-could-change-the-rules-of-the-game-heres-how-257138

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Strengthening Personal Data Protection Across Kyrgyzstan: Over 1,000 Officials Trained with OSCE Support

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Strengthening Personal Data Protection Across Kyrgyzstan: Over 1,000 Officials Trained with OSCE Support

    Participants during the training on Enhancing Personal Data Protection. (OSCE) Photo details

    The OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, in close partnership with the State Agency for Personal Data Protection under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, has helped raise national awareness and improve institutional knowledge in the field of personal data protection.
    Over the past three years, more than 1,000 public and municipal officials across the country have taken part in these efforts. Participants included representatives of local governments, district administrations, mayor’s offices, healthcare and education institutions, and school management bodies.
    The training sessions focused on:

    Understanding national laws on personal data protection
    Learning practical methods for secure data management
    Preventing data leaks and cyber threats

    As Kyrgyzstan continues to expand digital services, protecting sensitive information has become more important than ever. The rise of cybercrime and digital fraud means that both institutions and citizens face greater risks. That’s why building the capacity of public officials to handle data responsibly is essential for protecting privacy, increasing trust in digital tools, and boosting the country’s digital resilience.
    Participants also learned about:

    The national Register of Personal Data Holders (developed with OSCE support)
    Safe internet use and basic cyber hygiene
    Privacy protection in public service delivery
    Key elements of the draft Digital Code of the Kyrgyz Republic

    Importantly, the initiative promoted inclusive participation — with more than 50% of trainees being women, reflecting the OSCE’s commitment to gender equality in all its capacity-building efforts.
    This work forms part of the OSCE’s wider support to good governance, digital security, and the protection of individual rights in the Kyrgyz Republic.

    MIL OSI Europe News –