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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The winner of the Moscow Masters competition among care assistants has been determined

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The results of the city competition of professional skills “Moscow Masters” among care assistants have been summed up in the capital. This year, more than 100 social protection and healthcare workers competed for the victory, reported Oksana Shalygina, Deputy Head of the Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the City of Moscow.

    “Two years ago, a unique and first in Russia simulation center for training in professional care skills was opened at the Scientific and Practical Gerontopsychiatric Center. During this time, more than three thousand employees of the social protection system have improved their qualifications at the institution, which has improved the quality of life of people in need of professional and safe care and attention. Care assistants are specialists working in inpatient social service institutions, hospitals, palliative care departments, and at home. They care for the most vulnerable categories of city residents – the elderly and Muscovites with special needs. Last year, for the first time, the specialty of “care assistant” was included in the list of professions of the “Moscow Masters” competition. The competition format made it possible to create a unique space for exchanging experiences – this contributes to the development of the social service system in the city,” said Oksana Shalygina.

    This year, the competition was held in three stages, with participants demonstrating professional skills at each stage — from first aid and care manipulations to communication ethics. In the final, seven contestants from the social protection sector competed in a blitz game and made video presentations on the topic of “Philosophy of Care”. The winner of the competition was Olesya Kaplunova from the O.V. Kerbikov social home.

    Special interactive areas were prepared for guests, where they could improve their sensory abilities, learn about modern care products and technologies, and feel like an elderly person using a special suit.

    Every year, the winners of the Moscow Masters competition receive cash grants. The winners are awarded 300 thousand rubles, silver medalists – 200 thousand rubles, and bronze medalists – 150 thousand rubles. Last year, more than 120 winners and prize winners of the competition in all competencies received grants.

    The Moscow Masters professional skills competition has been held since 1998. About 20 thousand people participate in it annually in 40 specialties. In 2024, for the first time in the history of the competition, care assistants, whose professional standard was approved in 2023, competed for prizes.

    Within the framework of the program “City nursing homes of a new type”, standards for the work of residential institutions have been developed. They are based on respect, safety and comfort for residents. In 2021, simulation classes were created at 11 institutions to train care assistants, and in 2023, a simulation center was opened. It trains not only social security employees, but also Muscovites who care for relatives.

    The Simulation Center is a unique complex for training professional caregivers. The Center is the main educational platform in Moscow in its field, it trains specialists according to a new professional standard. About three thousand assistants in boarding schools and five thousand social workers at home work in the capital’s social sphere. They help elderly Muscovites, people with disabilities and residents with cognitive disabilities.

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

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154437073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Residents of 37 old buildings in central Moscow have moved into new apartments under the renovation program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Since the beginning of the renovation program in the Central Administrative District of the capital, 37 old houses have been completely resettled. Their residents have moved into new spacious apartments with finished improved finishing. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, the head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    “The first residential complex in Mukomolny Proyezd was handed over for settlement in 2019. Today, the number of new buildings in the district being settled has reached eight. All residents of 37 completely vacated old buildings celebrated housewarming in their apartments. In particular, residents of 24 buildings moved in the Presnensky District, five houses were vacated in Tagansky and Basmanny, and three more in Krasnoselsky. For the residents who moved, the city provided free movers and a car as part of the “Assistance in moving” service. You can submit an application both on the mos.ru portal and at resettlement information centers,” said Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    The city provided the participants of the renovation program with equivalent apartments with improved finishing. They were renovated, plumbing and lighting fixtures were installed.

    “About 5.7 thousand Muscovites who previously lived in 37 vacated buildings became the owners of comfortable apartments in the district. In the Presnensky district, all residents of 24 old houses – more than 3.5 thousand people – completed housing documents, in Tagansky – more than 720 city residents from five vacated five-story buildings. In the Basmanny district, about 800 city residents from five completely vacated houses signed contracts. In the Krasnoselsky district, almost 650 program participants who previously lived in three such buildings moved to new buildings,” she specified.

    Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of City Property.

    In total, 110 old housing stock buildings are to be resettled under the renovation program in the Central Administrative District. More than 16.5 thousand Muscovites will receive new apartments.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin spoke about resettlement under the renovation program in the area Pokrovskoe-Streshnevo.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of implementation of the renovation program twice as much.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

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

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154438073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cinema Park “Moskino” invites children and parents to the animation festival

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    On May 31 and June 1, the Moscow Festival of Animation and Children’s Cinema will be held in the Moskino Cinema Park. A bright holiday for children and their parents will bring together heroes of favorite cartoons. In addition to a rich entertainment program, guests will be treated to a business part for professional filmmakers and those wishing to uncover the secrets of filmmaking.

    “This year, the cinema park is planning to hold several large-scale festivals for the whole family. One of them will be the Moscow Animation Festival, which will feature many memorable entertainments. International Children’s Day is an important holiday for the country, and preserving family values is a priority for the cinema park. We have prepared a special fairy-tale program for this weekend – guests will be able to meet the creators of cartoons, participate in games, quests and see performances with their favorite characters,” said Kirill Kosenko, General Director of the Moskino Cinema Park.

    Project pitching, business session and cartoon parades

    On May 31, from 12:00 to 14:30, a pitching of animation projects will be held at the educational center. The jury will include one of the founders of Paranoid Animation Studio, Kirill Kiychenko, general producer of the 2D films studio, Vasily Solovyov, producer of the trilogy “The Last Knight” Vladimir Vereshchagin, chief artist of the Moskino cinema park Sergey Fevralev and other experts. The curator of the event will be Alena Sycheva, a film critic and producer. From 14:00 to 14:30, a ceremonial awarding of the winners and participants will take place.

    Also on May 31 from 15:00 to 17:00 there will be a business session dedicated to children’s culture in Moscow, its modern trends and development prospects. The discussion will be attended by producers Sergey Netievsky and Vladimir Vereshchagin, editor-in-chief of the Karusel TV channel Tatyana Tsyvareva, deputy general director of the State Budgetary Cultural Institution of the City of Moscow Mosrazvitie Sergey Melnikov, deputy head of the capital’s Department of Information Technology Boris Frolov and Deputy Director for Development of the Children’s Musical Theatre of the Young Actor Maria Fedorova. The moderator will be Managing Director of the Russian Media Group Dmitry Mednikov.

    For children and parents, a grand show with cartoon parades, competitions, interactive games and gifts from the festival’s information partner, Hit FM radio, will be held on the central square throughout the weekend. Guests will be treated to special master classes in themed tents with characters from their favorite cartoons. In addition, young visitors will be able to take part in competitions and fun games, ride carousels and mini-excavators, and go karting on pedal retro cars.

    Quest and performances

    In honor of the 100th anniversary of the publication of Korney Chukovsky’s fairy tale “Barmaley”, a fun quest awaits guests on May 31 and June 1. Participants will have to go through several tests on the sites of the cinema park and help Aibolit save the animals.

    On May 31 at 12:00 at the Gonzaga Theatre, viewers will be able to see the play “Don’t go, children, to Africa for a walk!” based on the fairy tale “Barmaley”.

    From 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, a master class by director Anton Mikhalev will be held for aspiring filmmakers. He will tell you how to attract and hold the viewer’s attention, and will also reveal the secrets of creating popular video projects. The lecture will be interesting for listeners over 12 years old.

    At 16:30, young guests will see a performance with an oriental plot “Aladdin”, which will be performed by artists of the Moscow Children’s Shadow Theater. At 18:00, the youngest ones will see the performance “Be-be-bears” – a story about the search for a magic crystal and strong friendship.

    On May 1 at 13:00 and 16:00 professional artists of the S.V. Obraztsov Puppet Theater will show the play “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” based on the famous Arabian fairy tale. Viewers will see oriental costumes and exquisite dolls.

    Master classes, staged shooting and graduation party

    In the central square, children will be able to show off their talents and take part in various master classes. Guests will be offered to voice a cartoon, win a competition for the best character drawing, create a 3D figure, make a kite and draw a movie poster.

    The Cowboy Town site will host staged filming based on the fairy tale film Aibolit-66. Participants will be offered to dress up as Aibolit, Barmaley and a pirate, playing charismatic characters under the director’s guidance. Horseback riding will also be possible at this site. You can take part in the filming on May 31 and June 1 throughout the day.

    At the Cathedral Square of Moscow location, participants will be transported into the atmosphere of the adventure film Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession, try on historical costumes and laugh at famous quotes. You can also take part in the filming throughout the weekend. In addition, on May 31 from 12:00 to 13:30, a graduation ball for cadets will be held at this location. 120 people from School No. 2073 (TiNAO) will take part in it. On June 1 at 14:00 and 18:00, guests will be able to attend funny clown performances and see a tent show in a special tent.

    Three tent circuses will operate in the capital as part of the Summer in Moscow projectConcerts, trainings and performances: how the large-scale project “Summer in Moscow” will take place

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

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

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

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154446073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt is ‘scared’ about Australia’s research capacity – this is why

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Walker-Munro, Senior Lecturer (Law), Southern Cross University

    On Wednesday, Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt and economics professor Richard Holden gave a joint address to the National Press Club in Canberra. Their key message? Australia isn’t spending enough money on university research.

    Schmidt wants to ensure Australia can undertake research vital to our national interests.

    “I look around and I am scared,” Schmidt said. “The Australian government investment in its sovereign research capability was 50% higher 15 years ago as a fraction of GDP.”

    In his remarks, Holden warned, “we’ve become addicted to funding […] research capability through international student income”.

    If this sounds familiar, both Schmidt and Holden have made similar calls before. And their press club presentation follows constant and repeated repeated calls from the university sector for more funds.

    How much is Australia spending on research and how does this compare to other countries?

    How does Australia compare?

    When we look around the world, Australia is lagging when it comes to research spending. Australia spends roughly 1.7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on all forms of research and development.

    Our research expenditure has also decreased every year since 2008, according to the Australian Academy of Science.

    Meanwhile, based on World Bank data, the United States spends about 3.59% of their GDP on research. China might only spend 2.56% of its GDP, but that’s 2.56% of around US$18.7 trillion (A$29 trillion) – meaning China spends about US$500 billion ($778 billion) on research annually.

    The OECD average (across 38 member countries) is 2.7%, a full percentage point higher than Australia. We’re also underspending compared to other nations smaller than us, including:

    – Finland has a population roughly one-fifth of Australia and spends 2.96% of its GDP on research

    – Sweden has a population of about 10 million and spends 3.41%.

    Australia’s top research universities (the Group of Eight), argue Australia needs to work towards a target of 3% GDP to “underwrite national prosperity”.

    The funding we have is unstable

    Australia’s university research funding also lacks stability.

    Government only funds part of university research – so universities have to come up with the rest. This adds a layer of vulnerability to our research system.

    One of the key sources of university-generated funding is international student fees.

    This means if there are cuts to overseas students – as we saw during COVID and as we see now due to federal government policy changes – there is a flow-on impact on research funding.

    Repeated calls for more funds have been ignored

    Universities have been asking for more money for years and these requests have been ignored by both sides of politics.

    But while the requests may not change, the global security context is shifting. As Schmidt told the press club,

    We can expect new technologies based around small-scale automated machines, hypersonic missiles and computer warfare to feature prominently if we are to have future conflicts between advanced economies.

    In such a case the research capability of a country will be incredibly important at influencing the overall winners and losers, because once the conflict starts, you ‘have what you got’.

    If we don’t properly fund universities to do cutting-edge research, such as quantum science, robotics and cybersecurity, researchers will go elsewhere to do their work. And some funders might not have Australian interests at heart.

    China, Russia and the European Union have leapt on US President Donald Trump’s recent decisions to defund or halt research programs, creating funds worth billions of dollars to woo scientists and scholars from the US to their own countries.

    What options do we have?

    The Albanese government has commissioned a strategic review of Australia’s research and development sector (led by Tesla chair Robyn Denholm), which is due to report by the end of the year. Part of its remit is to look at “mechanisms to improve coordination and impact of [research and development] funding and programs […].”

    In an ideal world, this will prompt the federal government up its funding of research, to match other countries. But previous unheard calls suggests this is unlikely.

    But we can also be more creative. Perhaps industry can fill the gap with an Australian “Silicon Valley” where emerging industries can be clustered with universities in research partnerships. This is what some authors have called “innovation precincts”.

    We could also look at prioritising industry-based PhDs, so postdoctoral students have a research job when they graduate. Or we could consider reallocating government funds going to other sources, such as defence, on topics of military or intelligence importance.

    This could see university funding pools become broader and deeper, more diversified and better suited to our national interests.

    Brendan Walker-Munro has completed paid consultancies for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. He receives funding from the Australian Government under the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technologies Partnership.

    – ref. Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt is ‘scared’ about Australia’s research capacity – this is why – https://theconversation.com/nobel-laureate-brian-schmidt-is-scared-about-australias-research-capacity-this-is-why-257717

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Green light for gas: North West Shelf gas plant cleared to run until 2070

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Hepburn, Professor, Deakin Law School, Deakin University

    Franklin64/Shutterstock

    In a decision surprising very few people, Australia’s new environment minister Murray Watt has signed off on an extension for the gas plant at Karratha, part of the enormous North West Shelf liquefied natural gas project.

    The decision had been deferred until after the federal election, given significant environmental concerns around the project.

    This approval means the gas plant at Karratha can now keep running until 2070. The Woodside-operated project has helped to shape Australia’s reputation as one of the biggest suppliers of LNG in the world.

    Watt did not have to consider climate impacts, but rather what damage the extension might do to ancient rock art as well as economic and social matters. His approval is “subject to strict conditions”, which largely focus on air emissions from the project. Critics claim the extension will threaten irreplaceable 50,000 year old rock carvings and petroglyphs.

    The decision will enrage environmentalists. If the project continues to operate, it has been estimated to generate four billion tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over 50 years.

    Australia has committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050. But the majority of the gas extracted from the North West Shelf will be exported, meaning the huge emissions generated from its extraction, liquefaction, transportation and burning will not be counted domestically.

    But while the Karratha plant now has a lifeline, there’s still an open question about where the gas will come from. For decades, the plant has processed gas from the North Rankin, Perseus and Goodwyn gasfields offshore. These are now running out.

    The main purpose of extending the Karratha plant’s lifespan would be to process gas extracted from giant new gasfields lying underneath the pristine Scott Reef. Approval to open these gasfields has not yet been given because of the significant concerns extraction will damage the reefs.

    What is the North West Shelf Project?

    The North West Shelf development has been operational since the 1980s. Gas is extracted from huge basins located off the Pilbara coast and processed at the Karratha plant on the Burrup Peninsula.

    To date, only a third of the 33 trillion cubic feet of gas in this basin has been extracted.

    Woodside Petroleum is the project operator, holding a one-third shareholding along with Chevron and Shell in what is known as the North West Shelf Joint Venture.

    The project is the largest producer of domestic gas in Western Australia, providing almost two-thirds of the state’s consumption. In the 2023-2024 financial year, it produced gas worth about A$70 billion.

    Domestic consumers are paying much more for this gas than their international counterparts. For example, a $25 billion contract entered into with China in 2002 includes a guarantee prices will remain the same until 2031.

    With the rapid escalation of gas prices, this means China is paying a third of the price paid by domestic consumers. Other markets for the gas include Japan and South Korea, which lack domestic gas resources.

    The Karratha plant has been cleared to run until 2070.
    Hans Wismeijer/Shutterstock

    The ‘transition fuel’ worse than coal

    Gas has long been touted as a transition fuel in a decarbonising economy. But this is questionable on several fronts.

    Rather than replacing coal, LNG may actually be displacing renewables.

    Worse, a recent study showed emissions from LNG are 33% higher than coal over a 20 year period when extraction, piping to a processing facility, compression, shipping, decompression and burning for energy are considered. “Ending the use of LNG should be a global priority,” the report concludes.

    Turning methane-heavy natural gas into a liquid to allow it to be shipped overseas is energy intensive. Large leaks of methane from wells and pipes are common during extraction and transport. When the gas is finally burned to generate energy, it produces carbon dioxide.

    In China, coal’s share of electricity production has been eroded by renewables but not by LNG, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.

    From a big picture point of view, climate commitments can’t be met if high-emitting infrastructure keeps being commissioned. Alongside stopping the expansion of fossil fuel projects, existing fossil fuel infrastructure must be retired or retrofitted with cleaner technology.

    Eroding ancient rock art

    The project’s processing plant is located on the Burrup Peninsula, also known as Murujaga. But this peninsula also has about 500,000 rock carvings by First Nations groups, the densest concentration in the world. In 2023, former environment minister Tanya Plibersek announced a bid to give this area World Heritage listing.

    In a new draft decision, the United Nations World Heritage Committee flagged concerns over the bid and referred it back to the Australian government to “ensure the total removal of degrading acidic emissions” and “prevent any further industrial development” near the petroglyphs.

    Gas production and ancient rock art are poorly matched. Research suggests processing plant gases such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and ammonia have been gradually eroding the fragile petroglyphs for decades. Successive state and federal governments have failed to act to safeguard this area.

    Gas projects seem untouchable

    Approving the North West Shelf extension is a disaster for the environment, our climate commitments and the fragile and irreplaceable rock art in Murujuga.

    It would seem that despite well-founded concerns on many fronts, big gas projects in Australia are all but untouchable.

    Samantha Hepburn 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. Green light for gas: North West Shelf gas plant cleared to run until 2070 – https://theconversation.com/green-light-for-gas-north-west-shelf-gas-plant-cleared-to-run-until-2070-257008

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s checkpoints expect 12 percent rise in passenger traffic during Dragon Boat Festival

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) — During the Duanwu (Dragon Boat Festival) holiday in 2025, the average daily flow of people at China’s checkpoints will reach 2.15 million, up 12.2 percent from the same period last year, the National Immigration Administration of China forecast on Wednesday.

    The peak of checkpoint traffic is expected to occur on June 1.

    Duanwu Festival falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. This year, it will be celebrated on May 31, and the days from May 31 to June 2 are declared holidays in the country.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New tunnel opens in China-Europe rail freight route’s ‘eastern corridor’

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) — A new tunnel was completed in Suifenhe City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, a city on the Sino-Russian border, on Wednesday morning as part of a project to improve the quality and upgrade the Suifenhe-to-border section of the Harbin-Suifenhe Railway, CCTV reported.

    The Harbin-Suifenhe Railway, with a history of 100 years, is Heilongjiang Province’s largest railway transport corridor to Russia, and an important part of the “eastern corridor” of China-Europe rail freight routes. Since the beginning of this year, Suifenhe border crossing officials have handled a total of 3.581 million tons of import and export cargo, up 9 percent from the previous year. It has handled 149 China-Europe freight trains, carrying 6,942 standard containers of cargo.

    In order to increase the capacity of Suifenhe checkpoint, the Harbin branch of China Railways Corporation launched a project to reconstruct the section from Suifenhe to the state border, which includes the construction of a tunnel, three bridges and six roadbeds. In particular, the total length of the Suifenhe tunnel will be 602 m, the distance from its exit to the border in a straight line is less than 400 m. It will be able to meet the needs of trains with different track gauges.

    The project is expected to be completed within a year. Once operational, the speed of trains on this section will increase from 55 km to 120 km, which will further expand the possibilities of cross-border transportation and improve the safety of railway traffic.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: UK businesses race to embed AI into enterprise workflows, EXL study finds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Businesses in the UK are making significant changes in the ways they work as they increasingly embed AI throughout their workflows and to scale and maximise ROI, according to new research by EXL [NASDAQ: EXLS], a global data and AI company. An 86% majority of organisations have significantly changed their operating model to accommodate AI, with 39% having completely redesigned how they work. Over the next year, companies expect half (50%) of their processes will include AI.

    The second annual EXL Enterprise AI Study: Driving Execution at Scale (UK Report) is based on a survey of 190 UK-based C-suite and other senior decision makers across the banking and finance, insurance, retail, utilities, and healthcare payer industries. Its findings shine a spotlight on the massive growth of enterprise GenAI implementations to date but also warn of data quality issues, talent shortages, and other roadblocks that could curtail some of the early progress companies have made as they move deeper into company-wide enterprise AI initiatives.

    The following are some of the report’s key findings:

    • Finance Leading the Charge: Leaders have emerged in the AI space, and the survey defines these organisations as those that have developed AI capabilities in at least five of the seven common business functions analysed in the report. Leaders were most likely to come from the banking and finance sector (18%), followed by utilities (16%), insurance (12%), and retail (10%).
    • Transforming to Enable AI in the Workflow: Organisations are developing new operating models to accommodate AI usage across their enterprise workflows. Overall, 86% of UK corporations have either made significant changes to their operating models (47%) or completely redesigned enterprise-wide operating models (39%) to integrate AI throughout their organisations.
    • Barriers Still Persist: Despite an average of £23.2 million per company in AI investment, barriers to adoption persist. The largest of these are cost or budget constraints, followed by concerns about data privacy and security, and the lack of a clear AI strategy or vision. What’s more, nearly 70% of companies say they have yet to achieve the data accessibility, efficiency, quality, consistency, and transparency required for AI to thrive in their organisations.
    • Companies Eye the Best Ways to Scale AI: Overall, 88% of respondents said it’s very or extremely important for their organization to scale their AI initiatives in the coming year. Executives ranked implementing AI governance (42%) and improving data quality and accessibility (42%) as their top priorities.
    • Retailers Eager to Make Larger Investments: Retailers are the most likely (42%) to say they are ramping up GenAI significantly, followed by utilities (30%), banking and finance (24%), and insurers (9%).

    “The only way large corporations can truly capitalise on the full power of AI is by integrating the technology into enterprise workflows,” said Anand “Andy” Logani, chief data and AI officer at EXL. “Executed well, the right AI strategy has the ability to deliver unmatched business value without disrupting core business functions.”

    The full report, 2025 EXL Enterprise AI Study: Driving AI Execution at Scale (UK Report), can be accessed here.

    About EXL

    EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and AI company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and capital markets, retail, communications and media, and energy and infrastructure, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have approximately 60,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

    Contacts
    Media
    Keith Little
    +1 703-598-0980
    media.relations@exlservice.com

    Investor Relations
    John Kristoff
    +1 212 209 4613
    IR@exlservice.com

    A PDF accompanying this announcement is available at http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/516492ff-fe8c-4563-a2d3-10486840830b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Sexual violence in Sudan: “They beat us and they raped us right there on the road in public”

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    • In the Darfur region of Sudan, and in eastern Chad, MSF teams are caring for women and girls who have survived horrific sexual violence.
    • Victims and survivors need tailored and accessible care.
    • These brutal attacks and rapes must stop.

    BRUSSELS/AMSTERDAM – Women and girls in Sudan’s Darfur region are at near-constant risk of sexual violence, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) warned today. The true scale of this crisis remains difficult to quantify, as services remain limited, and people face barriers in seeking treatment or speaking about their ordeal. Yet all the victims and survivors who speak with MSF teams in Darfur and across the border in Chad share horrifying stories of brutal violence and rape. With men and boys also at risk, the extent of the suffering is beyond comprehension.

    “Women and girls do not feel safe anywhere. They are attacked in their own homes, when fleeing violence, getting food, collecting firewood, working in the fields. They tell us they feel trapped,” says Claire San Filippo, MSF emergency coordinator. “These attacks are heinous and cruel, often involving multiple perpetrators. This must stop.  Sexual violence is not a natural or inevitable consequence of war, it can constitute a war crime, a form of torture, and a crime against humanity. The warring parties must hold their fighters accountable and protect people from this sickening violence. Services for survivors must immediately be scaled up, so survivors have access to the medical treatment and psychological care they desperately need.”  

    Sexual violence has become so widespread in Darfur that many people chillingly speak about it as unavoidable.

    “Some people came at night to rape the women and take everything. I heard some women being raped at night. The men were hiding in toilets or in some rooms where they could close the doors. The women didn’t hide because it was just beating and rape for us, but the men would get killed,” a woman told MSF’s team in West Darfur.   

    It is not only during attacks on villages and towns or during the journey to safety that people have been raped and beaten. Limited humanitarian assistance is forcing people to take risks to survive. People are walking long distances to meet their basic needs and taking work in dangerous places. Others decide against taking the risk but are then cut off from their sources of income, further reducing their access to water, food and healthcare. This itself is no guarantee of safety, as people can be attacked at home as well.

    MSF provided care to 659 survivors of sexual violence in South Darfur between January 2024 and March 2025:

    • 86% reported that they were raped.
    • 94% of survivors were women and girls.
    • 56% said they were assaulted by a non-civilian (by a member of military, police or other security forces or non-state armed groups).
    • 55% reported additional physical violence during the assault.
    • 34% faced sexual violence while working in, or travelling to, the fields.
    • 31% were younger than 18, with 7% younger than 10 years old and 2.6% younger than 5 years old.

    These disturbing statistics are likely an underestimate of the true scale of sexual violence in South Darfur. 

    94 %

    94%

    were women and girls

    56 %

    56%

    said they were assaulted by a non-civilian

    31 %

    31%

    were younger than 18 years old

    The situation is similar in other places where MSF is able to provide care for victims and survivors such as eastern Chad, which currently hosts over 800,000 Sudanese refugees. In Adré, almost half of the 44 victims and survivors treated by MSF since January 2025 were children. In Wadi Fira Province, 94 victims and survivors were treated between January and March 2025, 81 under the age of 18. The testimonies of patients and caregivers in both eastern Chad and Sudan’s Darfur region bear this out.

    “Three months ago, there was a little girl of 13 years old who was raped by three men…They caught her and raped her, then they abandoned her in the valley… They called some people to carry the girl to the hospital. I was one of them,” one man told MSF’s team in Murnei, West Darfur.

    Many survivors report being raped by more than one person. In Metché in eastern Chad, 11 out of 24 victims and survivors treated between January and March 2025 were attacked by multiple assailants.

    “When we arrived in Kulbus, we saw a group of three women with some RSF [Rapid Support Forces] men guarding them. The RSF also ordered us to stay with them,” says a 17-year-old survivor. “They told us, ‘You are the wives of the Sudanese army or their girls.’ … Then they beat us, and they raped us right there on the road, in public. There were nine RSF men. Seven of them raped me. I wanted to lose my memory after that.”

    In some cases, the attackers directly accused the survivors of supporting the other side.

    “I have a certificate for first aid nursing. [When they stopped us], the RSF asked me to give them my bag. When they saw the certificate inside, they told me, ‘You want to heal the Sudanese army, you want to cure the enemy!’ Then they burnt my certificate, and they took me away to rape me,” says one woman. “They told everyone else to stay on the floor. I was with some other women, including my sister. They only raped me, because of my certificate.”

    It is vital that victims and survivors access services after the attack, as sexual violence is a medical emergency. The immediate and long-lasting physical and psychological consequences which can be life-threatening. Yet survivors struggle to access medical care and protection because of a lack of services, limited awareness of the few services that exist, the high cost of traveling to facilities, and a reluctance to speak about the abuse due to shame, fear of stigma or retaliation.

    “I cannot say anything to the community because it will be a shame for my family. So, I didn’t say anything about what happened to me before today. I’m only asking for medical help now,” says a survivor in eastern Chad. “I was too afraid to go to the hospital. My family told me, ‘Don’t tell anybody’.”

    Where services exist, survivors need clear and accessible referral pathways to get the help they need. In South Darfur, the state with the greatest number of displaced people in Sudan, in late 2024, MSF added a community-based component to our care for survivors of sexual violence. Midwives and community healthcare workers were trained and equipped to provide emergency contraceptives and psychological first aid to survivors. They also supported survivors’ referral to clinics and hospitals where MSF teams work for comprehensive care. Since the addition of this community-based model, we have seen a steep increase in women and adolescents seeking care.

    MSF teams continue to see new survivors of sexual violence. In Tawila, where people continue to arrive after attacks on Zamzam camp and in El Fasher, North Darfur, the hospital received 48 survivors of sexual violence between January and the beginning of May, most of them since the start of fighting in Zamzam camp in April. 

    “Access to services for survivors of sexual violence is lacking and, like most humanitarian and healthcare services in Sudan, must urgently be scaled up. People – mostly women and girls – who suffer sexual violence urgently need medical care, including psychological support, and protection services,” says Ruth Kauffman, MSF emergency medical manager. “Care must be tailored from the outset to mitigate against the many overwhelming barriers survivors face when seeking medical care in the aftermath of sexual violence.”

    Brutal attacks and rapes must stop, warring parties must ensure that civilians are protected, respecting their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians, and medical and humanitarian services for victims and survivors of sexual violence must be scaled up urgently in Darfur and eastern Chad. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Construction of a new acute hospital

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ5: Construction of a new acute hospital 
    Question:
     
         In the reply to my question raised when examining the Estimates of Expenditure 2025-2026, the Government has indicated that in further planning for the Second Hospital Development Plan, the redevelopment or expansion of existing hospitals and the construction of new hospitals to meet demand, including the feasibility of identifying a site for construction of a new acute hospital in Wong Tai Sin, will be options considered by the authorities. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the latest progress in identifying a site for construction of a new acute hospital in Wong Tai Sin; whether it has studied the feasibility of the establishment of an acute hospital, in the form of a cluster of hospital buildings, in the context of the expansion of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital, the vacant land made available after the relocation of the Diamond Hill Service Reservoirs, together with Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) whether it has studied the feasibility of construction of an acute hospital at other sites (including the recreation ground at Heng Lam Street, Lok Fu); if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) as it is learnt that there is a shortage of healthcare manpower in Hong Kong, whether the Government has assessed the time frame for having sufficient healthcare manpower to meet the needs of a new acute hospital, and whether it will expedite the introduction of non-locally trained healthcare personnel?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Having consulted the Hospital Authority (HA), the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Yang Wing-kit is as follows:
     
    (1) and (2) The HA plans and develops various public healthcare services on a cluster basis, taking into account a number of factors, including the increase in service demand as a result of population growth and demographic changes, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, technology advancement, manpower availability as well as service arrangement of the clusters.
     
         At present, Wong Tai Sin is within the catchment area of the Kowloon Central Cluster (KCC). There are nine hospitals/healthcare institutions in the KCC providing healthcare services to the residents of the district, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) and the Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) which are both equipped with Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments. In future, A&E services for the district will be provided by the New Acute Hospital at the Kai Tak Development Area (NAH) and the KWH. A service network with other extended care hospitals in the cluster will be formed to provide comprehensive healthcare services continuously to the catchment population of the KCC, including the residents of Wong Tai Sin.
     
         In view of the healthcare services demand of Kowloon region, the HA commenced the refurbishment project of Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital in 2015 and completed all works in 2019, which provided 130 additional convalescence and rehabilitation inpatient beds as well as other medical facilities. The HA is also implementing various hospital development projects in the three Kowloon clusters under the First Hospital Development Plan (HDP). Among the projects, the new Phase 1 Building of the redevelopment project of the KWH was completed at the end of 2022, providing a construction floor area of about 145 000 square metres. As compared to the old KWH, four operating theatres, one cardiac catheterisation room, four endoscopy rooms, one magnetic resonance imaging room and a one-stop ambulatory care centre are provided additionally. For the new A&E department, which is approximately three times the size of the old one, it has an additional Emergency Medicine Ward with 40 beds, isolation areas for infection control and other supporting facilities. With the commissioning of the new A&E department, the average waiting time for patients who, after treatment at the A&E department of the KWH, need to wait before being admitted to the hospital has dropped by about 24 per cent in the third and fourth quarters of 2024 as compared with the same period in 2023. In addition, the NAH will replace the role of the QEH as an acute hospital upon completion and provide 2 400 beds and 37 operating theatres, which are more than the existing about 1 940 acute and extended care beds and 24 operating theatres in the QEH. The gross floor area of the A&E department of the NAH is about thrice the current area of that of the QEH.
     
         When planning A&E services, the HA will ensure that the A&E department is located within a reasonable distance from its catchment areas. For example, after the commissioning of the NAH, the driving distance and time from major housing estates in Wong Tai Sin District to the NAH will be shorter than for those to the QEH currently.
     
         The Government announced in 2018 that it has invited the HA to commence planning for the Second HDP, which was to be implemented to meet the service demand up to 2036. With the changes in the planning and development situation in Hong Kong, for example, its territory-wide and regional planning and development strategies, the latest corresponding change in population projections, etc., the Health Bureau and the HA are currently reviewing the Second HDP by adopting a planning horizon of up to 2041 and beyond, and to project the healthcare services demand and consider the supply and conditions of the land required (including the feasibility of constructing a hospital and the associated supporting facilities on the site concerned), for optimising the Second HDP. The Government also considers factors such as the construction and development need of individual hospitals and its cost-effectiveness, and the convenience of public access to healthcare services under various major transport infrastructure development plans for determining the distribution, scale and priority, etc. of various hospital development projects under the Second HDP. As for the Second HDP, we would prudently consider various factors including whether to continue with the redevelopment or expansion of the existing hospital(s) in Kowloon, or to construct new hospital(s) for meeting the demand of healthcare services. The consideration of building a new acute hospital in Wong Tai Sin is subject to the availability of suitable site(s) and feasibility study(ies).
     
         After the completion of the review of the Second HDP, the Government will announce the details of the hospital development projects, including those in the Kowloon region, in due course.
     
    (3) In the course of planning and implementing the HDPs, the HA will forecast future service demand and corresponding healthcare manpower requirements and make corresponding assessments and planning, with a view to flexibly deploying manpower and recruiting additional staff in a timely manner according to service plans during the commissioning of new hospital facilities and phased introduction of services to meet service demands. The HA will also make good use of the revised legal framework to attract non-locally trained healthcare talent from different regions to work in Hong Kong, thereby expanding the talent pool of Hong Kong’s public healthcare system to meet the increasing service demands. 
     
         Regarding the overall healthcare manpower of Hong Kong, the Government conducts a healthcare manpower projection exercise every three years to update, on a regular basis, the supply and demand figures of the 13 healthcare professionals which are subject to statutory registration, in step with the triennial planning cycle of the University Grants Committee, which provides an important reference for the Government to determine the training quotas for various healthcare professions. The results of the last round of Healthcare Manpower Projection 2023 were announced in July 2024 and a new round of the projection exercise has also commenced. As put forward explicitly in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address, the Government will promote the use of the legislation passed earlier to proactively admit more non‑local doctors and nurses, etc. to enhance manpower. The Government has also introduced bill to the Legislative Council to make amendments to the relevant legislation on the admission of qualified non‑locally trained supplementary medical professionals.
     
         Thank you, President.
    Issued at HKT 14:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: There’s a new COVID variant driving up infections. A virologist explains what to know about NB.1.8.1

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, Griffith University

    VioletaStoimenova/Getty Images

    As we enter the colder months in Australia, COVID is making headlines again, this time due to the emergence of a new variant: NB.1.8.1.

    Last week, the World Health Organization designated NB.1.8.1 as a “variant under monitoring”, owing to its growing global spread and some notable characteristics which could set it apart from earlier variants.

    So what do you need to know about this new variant?

    The current COVID situation

    More than five years since COVID was initially declared a pandemic, we’re still experiencing regular waves of infections.

    It’s more difficult to track the occurrence of the virus nowadays, as fewer people are testing and reporting infections. But available data suggests in late May 2025, case numbers in Australia were ticking upwards.

    Genomic sequencing has confirmed NB.1.8.1 is among the circulating strains in Australia, and generally increasing. Of cases sequenced up to May 6 across Australia, NB.1.8.1 ranged from less than 10% in South Australia to more than 40% in Victoria.

    Wastewater surveillance in Western Australia has determined NB.1.8.1 is now the dominant variant in wastewater samples collected in Perth.

    Internationally NB.1.8.1 is also growing. By late April 2025, it comprised roughly 10.7% of all submitted sequences – up from just 2.5% four weeks prior. While the absolute number of cases sequenced was still modest, this consistent upward trend has prompted closer monitoring by international public health agencies.

    NB.1.8.1 has been spreading particularly in Asia – it was the dominant variant in Hong Kong and China at the end of April.


    Lara Herrero, created using BioRender

    Where does this variant come from?

    According to the WHO, NB.1.8.1 was first detected from samples collected in January 2025.

    It’s a sublineage of the Omicron variant, descending from the recombinant XDV lineage. “Recombinant” is where a new variant arises from the genetic mixing of two or more existing variants.

    The image to the right shows more specifically how NB.1.8.1 came about.

    What does the research say?

    Like its predecessors, NB.1.8.1 carries a suite of mutations in the spike protein. This is the protein on the surface of the virus that allows it to infect us – specifically via the ACE2 receptors, a “doorway” to our cells.

    The mutations include T22N, F59S, G184S, A435S, V445H, and T478I. It’s early days for this variant, so we don’t have much data on what these changes mean yet. But a recent preprint (a study that has not yet been peer reviewed) offers some clues about why NB.1.8.1 may be gathering traction.

    Using lab-based models, researchers found NB.1.8.1 had the strongest binding affinity to the human ACE2 receptor of several variants tested – suggesting it may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains.

    The study also looked at how well antibodies from vaccinated or previously infected people could neutralise or “block” the variant. Results showed the neutralising response of antibodies was around 1.5 times lower to NB.1.8.1 compared to another recent variant, LP.8.1.1.

    This means it’s possible a person infected with NB.1.8.1 may be more likely to pass the virus on to someone else, compared to earlier variants.

    What are the symptoms?

    The evidence so far suggests NB.1.8.1 may spread more easily and may partially sidestep immunity from prior infections or vaccination. These factors could explain its rise in sequencing data.

    But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants.

    Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants.

    Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases.

    COVID is continuing to evolve.
    Joannii/Shutterstock

    How about the vaccine?

    There’s potential for this variant to play a significant role in Australia’s winter respiratory season. Public health responses remain focused on close monitoring, continued genomic sequencing, and promoting the uptake of updated COVID boosters.

    Even if neutralising antibody levels are modestly reduced against NB.1.8.1, the WHO has noted current COVID vaccines should still protect against severe disease with this variant.

    The most recent booster available in Australia and many other countries targets JN.1, from which NB.1.8.1 is descended. So it makes sense it should still offer good protection.

    Ahead of winter and with a new variant on the scene, now may be a good time to consider another COVID booster if you’re eligible. For some people, particularly those who are medically vulnerable, COVID can still be a serious disease.

    Lara Herrero receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

    – ref. There’s a new COVID variant driving up infections. A virologist explains what to know about NB.1.8.1 – https://theconversation.com/theres-a-new-covid-variant-driving-up-infections-a-virologist-explains-what-to-know-about-nb-1-8-1-257552

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • PM Modi to unveil mega infrastructure projects during Bihar visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a significant visit to Bihar on Thursday and Friday, inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for a slew of major development projects aimed at transforming the state’s infrastructure and boosting economic growth.

    On 29 May, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the newly constructed passenger terminal at Patna Airport, a state-of-the-art facility built at a cost of approximately Rs 1,200 crore. The new terminal is designed to handle up to one crore passengers annually, marking a significant upgrade in air travel infrastructure for the region. In addition, Modi will lay the foundation stone for the civil enclave at Bihta Airport, worth over Rs 1,410 crore. This development is particularly crucial as Bihta is rapidly emerging as an educational hub near Patna, home to institutions such as IIT Patna and the proposed NIT Patna campus, promising improved connectivity and accessibility to this growing center of learning.

    The following day, on 30 May, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate, lay foundation stones, and dedicate to the nation several key projects worth over Rs 48,520 crore in Karakat, Bihar. A major highlight will be the foundation stone laying for the Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project Stage II in Aurangabad district, a massive venture valued at nearly Rs 29,930 crore. With a capacity of 3×800 MW, this power project is expected to strengthen energy security not only for Bihar but for the entire eastern region of India. It promises to spur industrial growth, generate employment opportunities, and provide affordable electricity to the population.

    Alongside the power sector developments, the Prime Minister will also launch important road infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and trade within the state. These include the four-laning of the Patna–Arrah–Sasaram stretch of National Highway 119A and six-laning of the Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata highway (NH-319B), as well as the Ramnagar–Kacchi Dargah section of NH-119D. A new bridge over the Ganga River between Buxar and Bharauli will also be constructed to further facilitate seamless travel and commerce. Additionally, Modi will inaugurate the four-laning of the Patna–Gaya–Dobhi section of NH-22, a project worth Rs 5,520 crore, along with improvements on the elevated highway and at-grade roads in Gopalganj on NH-27.

    Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the third rail line between Son Nagar and Mohammad Ganj, a project costing over Rs 1,330 crore, which is expected to ease rail traffic and boost freight and passenger movement.

  • MIL-OSI: ADVANT Nctm Selects iManage to Power Flexible, Secure Document and Email Management Across Global Legal Practice

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iManage, the company dedicated to Making Knowledge Work™, today announced that ADVANT Nctm, one of Italy’s leading independent law firms, has selected iManage to transform its approach to document and email management.

    Firm cites iManage’s ability to enhance usability, ensure compliance, and support seamless collaboration across teams and geographies as key factors in selection.

    ADVANT Nctm chose iManage after a thorough evaluation of leading content management solutions. The firm emphasized the need for a platform that is intuitive for legal professionals, supports structured organization, and integrates smoothly with its macOS-based infrastructure. iManage stood out for its ability to support structured, user-friendly organization of content—while also delivering the advanced capabilities firms need to manage information securely, maintain visibility, and work more efficiently—crucial for efficient collaboration and secure knowledge management.

    “ADVANT Nctm has always been characterized by the very high interest in the development of legal tech solutions able of improving the work of lawyers and, consequently, the quality of services offered to clients,” said Patrizia Circosta, lawyer and Knowledge Manager of ADVANT Nctm. “It is with this purpose that the firm has decided to adopt iManage as a document management system to be combined with our iLex platform: we are confident that the integration of the two systems will give excellent results optimizing the quality of our work.”

    More than 350 professionals at ADVANT Nctm will use iManage to coordinate across matters, maintain consistent access to content, and ensure compliance with Italy’s rigorous cybersecurity requirements. The firm plans to integrate iManage into its existing identity and access management platform, enabling secure, streamlined access across teams and practice groups.

    Ounet Sistemi, iManage’s Italian partner, allowed the customer to evaluate the solution in all its components and placed in the context of the Italian market. Ounet Sistemi, thanks to the experience gained through projects carried out in Italy and abroad, guarantees the customer the support and consultancy necessary for the realization of a successful project.

    As part of the ADVANT alliance—with member firms in Germany and France that also use iManage—ADVANT Nctm will benefit from greater alignment in tools and processes, strengthening cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing. The implementation underscores the firm’s commitment to leveraging trusted, enterprise-grade solutions to drive better business outcomes through secure, centralized knowledge management.

    “ADVANT Nctm’s selection of iManage reflects a growing demand across Europe for document and email management solutions that combine user-friendly design with robust governance,” said Suzanne Walmsley, Senior Director of European Sales at iManage. “Our AI-enabled platform is purpose-built to help knowledge workers operate smarter, faster, and safer—making it an ideal fit for firms like ADVANT Nctm that are focused on long-term productivity and client service.”

    Meet Us at Future Lawyer Europe – Milan

    iManage will be exhibiting at Future Lawyer Europe on May 28–29, 2025, at the Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan. Visit us at Stand #2 to explore how our platform is helping legal professionals modernize knowledge work with smarter, more secure document and email management.

    About iManage
    iManage is dedicated to Making Knowledge Work™. Our cloud-native platform is at the center of the knowledge economy, enabling every organization to work more productively, collaboratively, and securely. Built on more than 20 years of industry experience, iManage helps leading organizations manage documents and emails more efficiently, protect vital information assets, and leverage knowledge to drive better business outcomes. As your strategic business partner, we employ our award-winning AI-enabled technology, an extensive partner ecosystem, and a customer-centric approach to provide support and guidance you can trust to make knowledge work for you. iManage is relied on by more than one million professionals at 4,000 organizations around the world. Visit www.imanage.com to learn more.

    Follow iManage via:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imanage
    X: https://x.com/imanageinc
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iManage 

    Press contact:
    Alicia Saragosa, iManage
    press@imanage.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Notice to attend the Annual General Meeting in Anoto Group AB (publ)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The shareholders of Anoto Group AB (publ) (the “Company”) are hereby invited to attend the Annual General Meeting (the “AGM”) to be held on Friday 27 June 2025 at 10 a.m. at the premises of Setterwalls Advokatbyrå, Sturegatan 10 in Stockholm, Sweden.

    Notification of participation

    Shareholders wishing to attend the AGM must

    • be entered as shareholders in the share register maintained by Euroclear Sweden AB no later than on Wednesday 18 June 2025,
    • notify the Company of their intention to participate no later than on Monday 23 June 2025.

    Attendance is to be notified by e-mail to AGM@anoto.com. The notification should state name, social security number/corporate identification number and registered number of shares. To facilitate admittance to the AGM, proxies, registration certificates and other authorisation documents should be submitted to the Company by email to AGM@anoto.com no later than on Monday 23 June 2025 to facilitate entry to the meeting. The Company provides proxy forms on the Company’s web page www.anoto.com.

    To be entitled to participate in the AGM, shareholders whose shares are held in the name of a nominee must, in addition to providing notification of their participation in the AGM, re-register the shares in their own name so that the shareholders are registered in the share register on the record date on Wednesday 18 June 2025. This re-registration may be temporary (so-called “voting right registration”) and is carried out through the nominee according to their procedures at a time predetermined by the nominee. Voting rights registration that has been completed by the nominee no later than Monday 23 June 2025, are considered when preparing the share register.

    Proxies

    If shareholders wish to attend the AGM through a proxy, a written and dated power of attorney signed by the shareholder must be enclosed with the notification. The power of attorney form is available on the Company’s website www.anoto.com.  If the shareholder is a legal entity, a registration certification or an equivalent authorisation document must be enclosed along with the notification. 

    Proposed agenda

    1. Election of Chairman
    2. Preparation and approval of voting list
    3. Approval of the agenda
    4. Election of one or two persons to verify the minutes
    5. Determination of whether the Meeting has been duly convened
    6. Presentation of the Annual Report and the Auditor’s Report and the consolidated Annual Report and consolidated Auditor’s Report
    7. Resolution on
      1. adoption of the Income Statement and the Balance Sheet, and the consolidated Income Statement and consolidated Balance Sheet
      2. appropriation of the Company’s profit or loss pursuant to the adopted Balance Sheet
      3. discharge for liability of the Board members and the Chief Executive Officer
      4. Determination of the number of Board members and auditors
      5. Determination of remuneration for the Board members and the auditors
      6. Election of Board members, Chairman of the Board of Directors and auditor
      7. Resolution on adoption of guidelines for remuneration to senior executives
      8. Resolution on approval of the remuneration report
      9. Resolution on a long-term incentive program (LTIP 2025) for the management team and other key employees
      10. Resolution to authorise the Board of Directors to resolve on directed issue of Series C shares
      11. Resolution to authorise the Board of Directors to resolve on repurchase of Series C shares and transfer of ordinary shares to participants under incentive programs and to secure payment of social security charges
      12. Share swap agreement with external party to hedge LTIP 2025
      13. Resolution to authorise the Board of Directors to issue new ordinary shares, warrants and/or convertible bonds
      14. Closing of the Meeting

        15. The Principal Shareholders’ proposals

        Election of Chairman (item 1)

        DDM Debt AB, Stolkin Helicopters Ltd. and Mark Stolkin (the “Principal Shareholders“), propose that Jörgen S. Axelsson be elected as Chairman of the Meeting.

        Determination of the number of Board members and auditors (item 8)

        The Principal Shareholders propose that the Board of Directors shall consist of four members elected by the General Meeting, with no deputy members.

        Determination of remuneration for the Board members and the auditors (9)

        The Principal Shareholders propose that the total remuneration to the Board of Directors shall amount to SEK 1,800,000, of which SEK 900,000 shall be paid to the Chairman of the Board and SEK 300,000 to each of the other Board members elected by the General Meeting who are not employed by the Group.

        The Principal Shareholders also propose that the auditor’s fee shall be paid in accordance with approved invoices.

        Election of Board members, Chairman of the Board of Directors and auditor (item 10)

        For the period until the end of the next Annual General Meeting, The Principal Shareholders propose the re-election of Kevin Adeson, Alexander Fällström, Gary Stolkin, and Adrian Weller as members of the Board of Directors. The Principal Shareholders further proposes the re-election of Kevin Adeson as Chairman of the Board.

        The Principal Shareholders propose that the registered audit firm BDO Mälardalen AB be re-elected as the Company’s auditor for the period until the end of the next Annual General Meeting.

        The Board of Directors’ proposals

        Resolution on appropriation of the Company’s profit or loss pursuant to the adopted Balance Sheet (item 7b)

        The Board of Directors proposes that the AGM shall resolve not to distribute any dividends for the financial year 2024 and the distributable profits are carried forward. 

        Resolution on adoption of guidelines for remuneration to senior executives (item 11)

        The Board of Directors proposes that the AGM resolves on the guidelines below for the determination of remuneration and other employment conditions for the CEO and other Executives to apply until the Annual General Meeting 2029, unless circumstances arise that requires prior revision. Remuneration included in the guidelines shall include salary and other remuneration to the Senior Management. Remuneration is also including the transfer of securities and the granting of the right to acquire securities from the Company in the future.

        The guidelines’ promotion of the Company’s business strategy, long-term interests and sustainability

        The purpose with the remuneration package is that Anoto shall have compensation levels and terms of employment that are required to attract and retain Senior Executives with high competence and ability to achieve set goals, implement Anoto’s strategy and achieve Anoto’s long-term interests and sustainability.

        The decision-making process to determine, review and implement the guidelines

        The Remuneration Committee consists of all members of the Board of Directors. The committee’s tasks include preparing the Board of Directors’ decision relating to remuneration guidelines, remuneration and other terms of employment for the Senior Management of the Company. The Remuneration Committee shall also monitor and evaluate ongoing and completed programs during the year for variable remuneration to the Senior Management of the Company. They shall also follow and evaluate the application of the guidelines for remuneration to the Senior Management of the Company that the Annual General Meeting is required by law to adopt as well as the applicable remuneration structures and remuneration levels in the Company.

        The Board of Directors shall prepare proposals for new guidelines at least every four years and submit the proposal to the Annual General Meeting for resolution. The CEO and other members of the Senior Management do not participate in the Board of Directors’ processing of and resolutions regarding remuneration-related matters in so far as they are affected by such matters.

        Stock related incentive plans are to be determined by the AGM. Issues and transfers of securities determined by the AGM according to the rules of Chapter 16 in the Swedish Companies Act are not comprised by these guidelines in case the AGM has or will make such decisions.

        Board Members of the Company, elected by the AGM, may in special cases receive a fee for services performed within their respective area of expertise, separately from their board duties and for a limited period of time. Compensation for these services shall be paid at market terms.

        Types of remuneration

        The remuneration offered shall be on market terms and may consist of the following; fixed salary, variable salary, pension benefits and other benefits. The General Meeting can also – without consideration of these guidelines – resolve on, for example, share and share price related programs and remuneration. 

        Fixed salary

        The remuneration in terms of fixed salary shall be in proportion to the Executive’s experience, responsibility and authority.

        Variable cash payments

        The variable remuneration shall be in proportion to the Executive’s responsibility and authority. Thereto, it shall be maximized and based on achievement of goals that coincides with the shareholders long-term interests. The variable part shall, where applicable, be based on quantitative and qualitative goals. The variable salary shall not be pensionable.

        The total cost for the Company for the variable remuneration shall at most amount to 50 per cent of the total cost for fixed salary for this group based on achievement of goals.

        Pension

        Anoto offer its employees a premium based pension plan, which shall be on market terms. Pension benefits may at most amount to 35 per cent of the fixed salary.

        Other benefits

        Other Benefits may consist of conventional benefits such as healthcare and housing allowance in accordance with local practice.

        Termination of employment

        In the event of termination of employment by the Company, the CEO has six months’ notice period. Except for ordinary salary, there are no agreed upon severance pay during the notice period. Other members of the Senior Management have up to three months’ notice period.

        Salary and employment conditions for employees

        Salary and employment conditions for the employees of the Company have been taken into account in the preparation of these remuneration guidelines by including information on the employees’ total income, the components of the remuneration and the increase and growth rate over time have been part of the Remuneration Committee’s and the Board of Directors’ basis of decision when evaluating whether the guidelines and the limitations set out herein are reasonable.

        Derogation from the guidelines

        The Board of Directors may resolve to derogate from the guidelines, in whole or in part, if in a specific case there is special cause for the derogation and a derogation is necessary to serve the Company’s long-term interests, including its sustainability, or to ensure the Company’s financial viability.

        Resolution on approval of remuneration report (item 12)

        The Board of Directors proposes that the AGM resolves to approve the Board of Directors´ report regarding compensation pursuant to Chapter 8, Section 53 a of the Swedish Companies Act (2005:551).

        Resolution on a long-term incentive program (LTIP 2025) for the management team and other key employees (item 13)

        For the purpose of improving the opportunity for retaining and recruiting competent personnel to the Anoto group (the “Group”) and increasing the motivation amongst the members of the management team, the Board of Directors proposes that the AGM resolves to introduce a long-term incentive program (“LTIP 2025”) for members of the management team and other key employees. Board members shall not be entitled to participate in LTIP 2025. The current CEO Mats Karlsson will not be a participant under LTIP 2025.

        General

        LTIP 2025 consists of stock options intended for members of the new management team of Anoto and other key employees (also including consultants) (the “Stock Options”). To implement LTIP 2025 in a cost-effective and flexible manner, the Board of Directors proposes that the obligations of the Company to deliver shares under the Stock Options are secured by an authorization for the Board of Directors to resolve upon issue, repurchase and transfer of Series C shares, which thereafter can be converted into ordinary shares. The Board of Directors’ proposal for the authorisation to issue and repurchase Series C shares as well as transfer of ordinary shares under the LTIP 2025 is set out in items 14 and 15 below. In the event that the required majority for items 14 and 15 below is not achieved, the Board of Directors proposes that Anoto be able to enter into share swap agreements with third parties, in accordance with item 16 below.

        Dilution effects

        The Board of Directors proposes that LTIP 2025 shall consist of a maximum of 275,000,000 new Stock Options entitling to purchase of the same number of ordinary shares in the Company, corresponding to approximately 20.0 per cent of the share capital and votes in the Company after dilution. The Company’s current share-based incentive programs for employees of the Group are described in the Annual Report for 2024, Note 30. In total, the proposed LTIP 2025 and the previous outstanding incentive programs corresponds to a dilution of not more than approximately 20.9 per cent of the share capital and votes of the Company after dilution. The exercise prices for current stock options are between SEK 0.81 – 1.06.

        Performance conditions

        The Board of Directors shall have the right to impose performance conditions for certain participants under LTIP 2025. For these participants the number of Stock Options that they are eligible to exercise depends on the degree of fulfilment in respect of the performance conditions for the Group.

        The performance conditions will be based on the average growth of the Group’s net sales over specified periods. The target levels (minimum and maximum) for the performance condition will be determined by the Board of Directors. If the minimum level of the performance condition is achieved, the participant may exercise a certain percentage of the vested Stock Options, and if the maximum level is achieved, the participant can exercise all the vested Stock Options. Within the target levels of the respective performance conditions, a linear calculation of the outcome shall be made. If the minimum level of performance is not achieved, no vested Stock Options can be exercised.

        The specific details and target levels for the performance conditions will be outlined by the Board of Directors and communicated to the relevant participants.

        Distribution of the Stock Options

        Stock Options can only be allotted to the Group’s current and future members of the management team and other key employees (also including consultants) as set out below:

        Category Maximum number of Stock Options Number of employees or consultants
        Members of the management team (including consultants) 70,000,000 2
        Other key employees (including consultants) 20,000,000 7

        The Stock Options shall be granted to the participants free of charge and may not be transferred or pledged, except that the Board of Directors may allow for the transfer of Stock Options to a family trust or equivalent entity. The Stock Options vest over a three-year period, with the vesting period commencing on 1 June 2024. No Stock Options vest until the first anniversary of the vesting commencement date. On the first anniversary of 1 June 2024, one third of the Stock Options will vest and become exercisable. Thereafter, one third of the Stock Options will vest on the second anniversary of 1 June 2024, and the remaining Stock Options will vest on the third anniversary of 1 June 2024. The vesting period starts on 1 June 2024, because the new management team took office about a year ago and the launch of a new incentive program was delayed due to several capital raisings in 2024. Accordingly, a participant must remain within the Group for three years from 1 June 2024, in order for all Stock Options to vest.

        Each Stock Option entitles the employee or consultant to acquire one ordinary share of the Company during the period commencing on the third anniversary of grant date and ending on the sixth anniversary of the grant date at an exercise price corresponding to 150 percent of the average volume-weighted share price for the Company’s share on Nasdaq Stockholm for a period of 10 days prior to the AGM, however, for Stock Options granted no later than the end of July 2025, the exercise price shall not exceed SEK 0.18 and shall not be less than SEK 0.12.

        Conversion due to split, aggregation, new issue etc.

        The exercise price and the number of shares that each Stock Option entitle to purchase shall be recalculated in the event of a share split, reverse share split, preferential share issue, extraordinary dividend, etc. in accordance with Swedish market practice.

        Overall Terms

        Within the framework of the resolved terms and conditions and guidelines, the Board of Directors shall be responsible to prepare the more detailed terms and conditions of LTIP 2025.

        The Board of Directors shall have the right to adjust the terms and conditions of LTIP 2025 if significant changes occur within the Group’s structure or in its market, which means that the terms and conditions for exercising the Stock Options are no longer appropriate. Furthermore, for special reasons, the Board of Directors may decide that Stock Options may be retained and utilised, as applicable, despite the termination of employment or consultancy agreement within the Group, for example due to illness.

        Expenses for LTIP 2025

        The Stock Options are expected to result in tax at employment income rates for the participants and will be accounted for in accordance with IFRS 2, which stipulates that the Stock Options will be recorded as personnel expenses during the vesting period.

        Preparation of the proposal

        LTIP 2025 has been prepared by the Board of Directors together with external advisors. LTIP 2025 has been reviewed by the Board of Directors during the first quarter of 2025.

        The rationale for the proposal

        The rationale for the proposal for LTIP 2025 is to improve the conditions for retaining and recruiting competent personnel to the Group and increasing the motivation of the newly recruited members of the management team. Furthermore, more visible opportunities are established for long-term participation in the Group’s operations and in reaching the Company’s overall targets. The Board of Directors is of the opinion that the introduction of LTIP 2025 as described above benefits the Group and the Company’s shareholders.

        Majority requirements and conditions

        A resolution to approve LTIP 2025 is valid only if it is supported by at least half of the votes cast at the AGM.

        The resolution to implement LTIP 2025 in accordance with this item 13 is conditional upon the AGM resolving either in accordance with the proposal for issue and repurchase of Series C shares and transfer of ordinary shares pursuant to items 14 and 15 below or in accordance with the proposal to enter into share swap agreements with an external party in accordance with item 16 below.

        Resolution to authorise the Board of Directors to resolve on directed issue of Series C shares (item 14)

        The Board of Directors proposes that the AGM authorises the Board of Directors, on one or more occasions until the next Annual General Meeting, to resolve on a new issue of no more than 275,000,000 Series C shares, corresponding to approximately 20.0 percent of the share capital and votes of the Company after dilution. With the deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights, the new shares may be subscribed for by a bank or securities company at a subscription price corresponding to the quota value.

        The purpose of the authorisation and the reason for the deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights is to ensure delivery of shares to participants under the Company’s outstanding incentive programs and secure liquidity for payment of social security charges as a result of the incentive programs. Prior to the transfer of shares to participants exercising stock options, the Board of Directors will resolve to reclassify Series C shares into ordinary shares.

        A resolution pursuant to this item is only valid if approved by shareholders representing at least two thirds of the votes cast as well as the shares represented at the General Meeting.

        Resolution to authorise the Board of Directors to resolve on repurchase of Series C shares and transfer of ordinary shares to participants under incentive programs and to secure payment of social security charges (item 15)

        The Board of Directors proposes that the AGM resolves to authorise the Board of Directors, on one or more occasions until the next Annual General Meeting, to resolve on repurchases of Series C shares. Repurchases may only be made through an acquisition offer addressed to all holders of Series C shares and shall comprise all outstanding Series C shares. Acquisitions shall be made at a price corresponding to the quota value of the shares. Payment for acquired shares shall be made in cash.

        The purpose of the repurchase is to ensure delivery of shares to participants under the Company’s outstanding incentive programs and to secure liquidity for payment of social security charges related to such incentive programs. Before delivery of shares to the participants or transfer of ordinary shares to secure liquidity for payment of social security charges, the Board of Directors will resolve on reclassification of Series C shares to ordinary shares in accordance with the provision in the articles of association.

        The Board of Directors proposes that the AGM resolves to (i) approve delivery of ordinary shares to participants under LTIP 2025, and (ii) authorise the Board of Directors to resolve, on one or several occasions until the next Annual General Meeting, to transfer own ordinary shares in accordance with the following. Transfers of ordinary shares may be carried out on Nasdaq Stockholm, pursuant that the Company’s ordinary shares have been admitted to trading on such a regulated market, at a price within the price range applicable, i.e. the range between the highest purchase price and the lowest selling price. Transfers may be made with the highest amount of ordinary shares required in order for the Company in terms of liquidity to secure social security charges related to the outstanding incentive programs in the Company, although not more than 27,500,000. Transfer of shares may also take place outside of Nasdaq Stockholm to a bank or securities company, with deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights. Such a transfer may be made at a price corresponding the share price at the time for the transfer on the ordinary shares transferred with such a market discount as the Board of Directors deem appropriate. The authorisation may be used on one or more occasions, although at the latest before the next Annual General Meeting.

        The outstanding incentive programs of the group (including LTIP 2025) means that employees or consultants are granted Stock Options, which entitle the holder to purchase shares in the Company. Such transfers are subject to Chapter 16 of the Swedish Companies Act, which means that a resolution to approve delivery of ordinary shares to participants under this item 15 is valid only if it is supported by at least nine tenths of both the votes cast and the shares represented at the AGM.

        Share swap agreement with external party to hedge LTIP 2025 (item 16)

        The Board of Directors proposes that the AGM, in the event that the required majority for item 15 above cannot be achieved, resolves that the financial exposure expected to result from the LTIP 2025 may be hedged by the Company on market terms by entering into a share swap agreement with an external party, whereby the external party, for a fee and in its own name, may acquire and transfer ordinary shares in the Company to the participants of LTIP 2025, in accordance with the terms of the LTIP 2025.

        For a valid resolution to enter into a share swap agreement with an external party according to this item 16, a majority of more than half of the votes cast at the AGM is required.

        Resolution to authorise the Board of Directors to issue new shares, warrants and/or convertible bonds (item 17)

        The Board of Directors proposes that the AGM authorises the Board of Directors to resolve, on one or several occasions during the period until the next AGM, with or without deviation from the shareholders’ preferential rights, against cash payment, for payment in kind or by way of set-off, to issue ordinary shares, warrants and/or convertible bonds that involve the issue of or conversion into a maximum of 275,000,000 ordinary shares, corresponding to a dilution of approximately 20.0 per cent of the share capital and votes, based on the current number of shares in the Company.

        The purpose of this authorisation and the reason for any disapplication of the shareholders’ preferential rights is to increase the flexibility of the Company to finance the ongoing business and at the same time extend and strengthen the Company’s shareholder base of strategic or long term investors. The basis for the issue price shall be according to the prevailing market conditions at the time when shares, warrants and/or convertible bonds are issued.

        A valid resolution by the AGM pursuant to the proposal above requires that the resolution be supported by shareholders representing at least two-thirds of both the votes cast and the shares represented at the AGM.

        Other

        According to Chapter 7, section 32 of the Swedish Companies Act, at a General Meeting the shareholders are entitled to require information from the Board of Directors and CEO regarding circumstances which may affect items on the agenda and circumstances which may affect the Company’s financial situation.

        For information on how personal data is processed, see:

        www.euroclear.com/dam/ESw/Legal/Privacy-notice-bolagsstammor-engelska.pdf.

        Number of shares and votes in the Company

        As of 28 May 2025, the total number of ordinary shares and votes in the Company was 1,102,362,753. There were no Series C Shares issued. The Company is not holding any own shares.

        Stockholm, May 2025

        Anoto Group AB (publ)

        The Board of Directors

        Attachments

      The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Renovation program: in the south of the capital, about 400 city residents have begun to move into a new building

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The city offered residents of two old five-story buildings on Chongarsky Boulevard and Varshavskoe Shosse apartments in a new building at the address: Simferopolsky Proezd, Building 7.

    This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “About 400 residents from two old houses on Chongarsky Boulevard and Varshavskoye Shosse have begun relocating to a new residential complex under the renovation program. It is located at the address: Simferopolsky Proezd, Building 7. There is an information center for relocation on the first floor. Renovation program participants can contact it with any questions regarding moving to new apartments. In total, 53 old houses in the Nagorny District are to be relocated, and about 10.6 thousand residents will move to new houses,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The new building is located in an area with developed urban infrastructure – nearby there are healthcare facilities, children’s educational institutions, shops, cafes and beauty salons.

    “The residential complex in Simferopolsky Proyezd consists of two sections. It has 180 apartments with an area of over 10 thousand square meters. Four apartments have been equipped for people with limited mobility and disabilities: there are wide corridors and doorways, and special handrails are provided in the bathrooms. The new building has good transport accessibility – the Nakhimovsky Prospekt and Nagornaya metro stations are nearby. To make the move under the renovation program more comfortable, the city provides residents with free movers and a car to transport things from the old apartment to the new one. The “Assistance in moving” service can be used both on the mos.ru portal and at the resettlement information center,” added the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Resettlement under the renovation program in the Nagorny District began in 2019. The city transferred four residential complexes here for the program participants.

    According to Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of City Property, more than 200 residents of house 18, building 1 on Chongarsky Boulevard and over 190 citizens from house 84 on Varshavskoe Shosse began inspecting apartments in a new building on Simferopolsky Proezd on May 12. Like other participants in the renovation program, they were offered modern apartments with finished repairs and the necessary equipment. They can move into them immediately after signing the contract. In order for the process of paperwork to be as quick and comfortable as possible, Muscovites who have full account on the mos.ru portal, can solve many issues online. This can be done with the help of the super service “Moving under the renovation program”Thus, through it you can upload electronic copies of personal and title documents to prepare a draft agreement, and when it is ready, remotely select a convenient time and date for its signing.

    As noted in the capital Department of Information Technology, Muscovites who are already moving, in the super service “Moving under the renovation program” have access to detailed personalized instructions, which are automatically adjusted to each resident and their life situation. This helps to speed up the move and make it more comfortable.

    Elevators have been installed in the entrances of the new building, rooms for concierges and storage rooms for strollers and bicycles have been equipped. The first floor has been made non-residential. In the future, social and household enterprises will open there. Street lights and video surveillance cameras have been installed in the adjacent territory.

    Earlier Sergei Sobyanin told that another 131 sites for the construction of houses have been included in the renovation program.

    Renovation program approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Sergei Sobyanin instructed double the pace of program implementation.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

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

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154432073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Construction of a new production complex in Tsaritsyn has been agreed upon

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    In Tsaritsyno, on Kantemirovskaya Street (land plot No. 59a), an industrial complex will appear. The corresponding changes have already been made to the land use and development rules, reported Juliana Knyazhevskaya, Chairman of the Moscow Committee for Architecture and Urban Development (Moskomarkhitektura).

    “The area of the site is 4.7 hectares. The total area of the facility will be about 64 thousand square meters, of which 46 thousand are allocated for the reconstruction of the existing structure, and 18 thousand for new construction,” said Yuliana Knyazhevskaya.

    Land use and development regulations are a set of rules and requirements that govern how land can be used and what can be built on it. They determine what activities are permitted in certain locations and what requirements must be met when designing and constructing buildings.

    “Moscow is betting on the development of science-intensive and high-tech industries, as well as research and development. The new production complex with an area of 18 thousand square meters will contribute to the formation of the capital’s modern industrial infrastructure. The multifunctional purpose of the facility will allow for the efficient use of the territory and the formation of additional points of attraction for business activity. It will house premises for research and production activities, the production of components for the automotive and light industry, office blocks and infrastructure for servicing motor vehicles,” noted the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy

    Anatoly Garbuzov.

    The new complex will strengthen the industry due to its advantageous location near key transport routes – this will simplify logistics and reduce costs. In addition, the creation of hundreds of jobs will support the sector’s human resources potential, and modern production facilities will increase the competitiveness of the capital’s industry.

    Industrial production in the capital increased by five percentMore than 40 new production facilities will appear in Moscow in 2025

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

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

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

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/154434073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: East China’s Dongping River Port Revives Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal’s ‘Golden Waterway’

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JINAN, May 28 (Xinhua) — Workers at the Dongping River Port in east China’s Shandong Province load thousands of tons of urea, which will then be shipped by water to Jiangsu, Anhui and other provinces.

    Situated at the northernmost point of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, Dongping Port enjoys an important geographical position.

    The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal served as an important transportation artery in ancient China and has a history of more than 2,500 years.

    “From Dongping, heading south, you can reach the Yangtze River via Xuzhou and Yangzhou. Thanks to water transport, the radius of transportation of building materials, steel and grain from Shandong Province has expanded from 300 km to 1,000 km,” said Xie Honghai, manager of the Dongping Port Operations Department.

    Dongping Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in Shandong Province, used to be an important artery of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. However, after the Yellow River changed its course and the canal became silted up, shipping ceased in 1902. Dongping Port resumed shipping in 2021.

    By the end of 2024, the Dongping section of the Grand Canal had been upgraded, greatly improving the efficiency of shipping in the port.

    “Water transport has reduced transportation costs by 30 percent,” calculated Chen Jiandong, general manager of Shandong Runyin Bio-Chemical Co., Ltd. The company’s annual urea production is about 3 million tons, and switching 20 percent of production volumes to water transport will save over 20 million yuan per year.

    In recent years, Dongping Port has been actively introducing smart technologies, including digital operating systems and shore power supply for ships, which improves efficiency and reduces environmental pollution.

    In the first four months of 2025, Dongping Port’s cargo throughput exceeded 3.2 million tons. From the sailboats mentioned in the annals to the hoots of 2,000-ton bulk carriers, Dongping Port is once again bringing the legendary “golden waterway” of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal to life. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Since 2019, China’s trade turnover with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative via Beijing Daxing Airport has amounted to nearly US$8 billion.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) — Since the official launch of the Beijing Daxing International Airport border checkpoint in 2019 to April this year, China’s total trade turnover with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative reached 56.3 billion yuan (about 7.82 billion U.S. dollars), Beijing Customs said.

    According to customs data, the total volume of imports and exports through Daxing Airport Port during the period was 102 billion yuan.

    In January-April 2025, the volume of imports and exports through Daxing Airport Port increased by 6.8 percent year-on-year to 16.1 billion yuan. In particular, China’s trade turnover with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative through Daxing Airport Port amounted to 7.83 billion yuan, an increase of 48.6 percent.

    According to the airport administration, the volume of import and export cargo handled through Daxing Airport has increased significantly in recent years. In 2023, it exceeded 100,000 tons for the first time, and rose to 205,000 tons in 2024. In the first four months of this year, the figure jumped 4.8 percent year-on-year to 68,000 tons.

    At present, Daxing Airport has a route network covering 48 cities around the world, including major hubs such as Moscow, London and Amsterdam. It has 39 international airlines operating there and 50 international airlines. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Operation Sindoor outreach: Indian delegation thanks Congo for unequivocal condemnation of terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Eknath Shinde has successfully concluded its diplomatic mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), emphasising India’s firm stand against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and garnering the African nation’s support for its anti-terror stance.

    The visit marks a significant outreach in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 innocent tourists were killed.

    On Tuesday, the Indian MPs met senior Congolese leaders, including President of the Committee of Foreign Affairs of Congo’s National Assembly Berthold Ulungu, Deputy President Christophe Bowulu, President of Sub-Commission in-charge of Foreign Affairs Jethro Muyombi Tshimbu, and Committee Member Igwabi Mushengezi Pauline.

    The meetings highlighted India’s decisive action against terrorism through Operation Sindoor and conveyed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards terror networks operating from across the border.

    The delegation underscored the gravity of the Pahalgam attack and shared details of India’s Operation Sindoor, carried out to neutralise terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

    In a symbolic show of solidarity, Berthold Ulungu strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack and extended condolences on the behalf of the Committee to victims’ kin.

    “Berthold Ulungu condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack and conveyed that DRC shares the pain and grief of the people of India who are facing these atrocities. He conveyed condolences on behalf of the Committee to the families of the victims of the terrorist attack,” the Indian Embassy in Congo said in a statement.

    As a mark of respect, a moment of silence was observed during the meeting to honour those who lost their lives in the attack. Shrikant Shinde expressed gratitude for the gesture and the unequivocal condemnation of terrorism by the Congolese leadership.

    The delegation also engaged with the local media, where they briefed journalists on Operation Sindoor, India’s evolving approach to national security, and the country’s resolve to eliminate cross-border terrorism.

    Shinde provided insights into the fruitful discussions held with Congolese officials and appreciated the expressions of support and empathy received from the DRC government.

    “The meetings were productive and reaffirmed the growing global understanding of India’s new normal in dealing with terrorism. We are thankful for the solidarity shown by Congo and its leaders during this critical time,” Shinde told reporters.

    The diplomatic outreach in Congo is part of a broader Indian initiative to raise international awareness and support in its battle against cross-border terrorism, particularly from Pakistan-based networks.

    Following the Congo visit, the delegation will now visit Sierra Leone, continuing India’s diplomatic efforts to garner support from the Global South in its fight against terrorism.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Versus Arthritis invests in ‘team science’ to meet pressing challenges faced by people with arthriti Charity Versus Arthritis has awarded £3m to bring together world-leading experts from five UK universities – including the University of Aberdeen – to accelerate clinical epidemiology research, which will help answer pressing questions from those living with arthritis.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    University of Aberdeen awarded a share of £3m from Versus Arthritis

    Charity Versus Arthritis has awarded £3m to bring together world-leading experts from five UK universities – including the University of Aberdeen – to accelerate clinical epidemiology research, which will help answer pressing questions from those living with arthritis.
    The new research consortium is part of the charity’s drive to harness ‘team science’ to better understand the causes and risk factors for arthritis and improve treatment options.
    Epidemiology – the study of how diseases occur in different people and why – is critical to designing better and targeted interventions using data. The consortium, made up of experts from the Universities of Manchester, Keele, Oxford, Nottingham and Aberdeen, aims to close five gaps in our understanding of the debilitating disease and related conditions. They will consider menopause in relation to musculoskeletal health, inequalities in access to care, risks of long-term pain medications and determine the optimum levels of monitoring for those receiving immune drugs. The researchers will also aim to identify those at higher risk of chronic pain sooner, given painful musculoskeletal conditions often begin in childhood. This holds the potential to explore ways to prevent or reduce persistent pain.
    Lucy Donaldson, Director of Research at Versus Arthritis,said there are many remaining unmet needs around arthritis, compounded by significant gaps in understanding:
    “The Versus Arthritis Research Consortium: Musculoskeletal Epidemiology – Better lives, Safer journey is a major step forward in tackling the everyday realities faced by people living with arthritis and other painful musculoskeletal conditions.
    “Our research consortia will bring together leading researchers, clinicians, and people with lived experience from across the UK in a team science approach. Their aim – to find real, practical solutions to the problems faced by people with arthritis.
    “We are absolutely delighted to have research leaders from the University of Aberdeen as part of this consortium. Their work within our Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work reflects their expertise in robust epidemiological research. Their expertise covers condition-specific and symptom-based approaches, as well as rare diseases and their associated care pathways. The Aberdeen team has an outstanding track record in high-quality patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE), and we’re excited to see this strength embedded across the consortium’s activities.”
    The consortium will employ cutting edge analysis techniques on existing datasets to fill the identified gaps in our knowledge of arthritis and MSK conditions. Its findings will help to arm those living with arthritis to have informed conversations with clinicians about their care. It will also seek to improve clinical practice and policy around diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
    Professor Kimme Hyrich, Director of the University of Manchester Centre for Musculoskeletal Research will co-lead the consortium with Professor Christian Mallen, Executive Dean and Professor of General Practice and Public Health.
    Professor Hyrich, a leading clinical epidemiologist and consultant rheumatologist, highlights the advantages of team science in epidemiological research:
    “This award represents an exciting step-change in the way musculoskeletal epidemiology research is conducted in the UK, breaking down traditional research siloes and uniting minds, data and expertise to generate the evidence needed to support people living with arthritis and other painful musculoskeletal conditions.”

    Our work will focus on identifying these inequities, listening closely to the experiences of those from underrepresented groups – including children, young people, and people living in disadvantaged areas – and co-developing solutions that can make a real difference.” Dr Rosemary Hollick

    “It is a real privilege to be able to lead this multidisciplinary team. Placing people with lived experience at the core of our consortium and working closely with implementation scientists from the outset will ensure that our outputs are robust and meaningful and delivered to the right audience in the most appropriate way.”
    Professor Mallen, a leading researcher and GP, said the inclusion of primary care spoke volumes of the role GPs play in achieving better outcomes for those living with musculoskeletal conditions:
    “The new Versus Arthritis Research Consortium is an exciting new programme that will have a major impact on the lives of people living with painful conditions by uniting world-leading clinicians, academics, patients and policy makers.
    “It is a privilege to co-lead the consortium with Prof Hyrich and having strong representation from Keele University highlights the importance of primary care in improving outcomes for people living with arthritis and chronic musculoskeletal pain.”
    Dr Rosemary Hollick, Director of the Aberdeen Centre for Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Health and consultant rheumatologist said:
    “I’m delighted to lead the health inequalities workstream within this ambitious new consortium. People living with arthritis often face unfair and avoidable barriers to accessing care and support.
    “Our work will focus on identifying these inequities, listening closely to the experiences of those from underrepresented groups – including children, young people, and people living in disadvantaged areas – and co-developing solutions that can make a real difference.
    “By applying a health equity lens across the consortium’s work, we aim to ensure that improvements in care reach everyone, regardless of who they are or where they live.”
    The results will be shared through a broad range of partners including government, the NHS, clinicians and patient networks.  
    More than 20 million people, of all ages, in the UK have problems with their joints, bones and muscles, which cause pain and impact all aspects of life including work and school. 
    The Versus Arthritis Research Consortium: Musculoskeletal Epidemiology – Better lives, Safer journey is the first of six consortia to be announced by Versus Arthritis which is awarding £18 million of funding to this initiative over the next three years.

    Related Content

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley, Garbarino Introduce Bill to Combat Wildlife Trafficking

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    On Wednesday, Congressmen Mike Quigley (D-IL-05) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02) introduced the Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025, legislation to support federal law enforcement in combating wildlife trafficking and ensure the proper placement and care of confiscated live animals.

    From 2015 to 2019, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) handled 834 live wildlife interdiction cases, involving nearly 49,000 individual animals—an average of nearly 30 per day. Many of these animals require immediate medical care, secure quarantine, and long-term placement, often beyond the capacity of U.S. ports of entry.

    The USFWS and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) launched a limited pilot Wildlife Confiscations Network in Southern California in 2023. While the pilot has helped coordinate placement in more than 135 cases and provided care for over 4,100 animals, its scope remains geographically narrow and operationally constrained. The Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025 would build on this initial framework and expand the program nationwide—ensuring law enforcement agencies across the country can access a coordinated, professional network of care for confiscated wildlife.

    “The Wildlife Confiscations Network has already placed over 4,100 confiscated animals into quality facilities,” said Quigley. “I am proud to introduce legislation that expands this law enforcement network nationwide, ensuring that law enforcement officers are not unduly placed in harms way, and animals receive the care they need.”

    “Our border agents and federal inspectors work tirelessly to stop illegal wildlife trafficking, but they lack the resources and infrastructure to properly care for seized animals,” said Garbarino. “This bill will strengthen the federal response, relieve logistical burdens on law enforcement, and ensure that trafficked animals are treated humanely and professionally.”

    Specifically, the Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025 would:

    • Establish a Wildlife Confiscations Network within the Department of the Interior, in partnership with a professional zoological accrediting association;
    • Create a voluntary, nationwide program to coordinate the placement and care of confiscated wildlife seized at U.S. borders and ports of entry;
    • Designate a single point of contact to assist federal law enforcement in placement coordination;
    • Maintain a database of qualified facilities—including zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, rescues, and rehabilitation centers—that can provide immediate and long-term care;
    • Create a review committee to evaluate applications from facilities seeking to join the Network;
    • Authorize $5 million annually from FY2026 to FY2030 to implement and operate the Network.

    The bill is endorsed by 58 leading organizations across the conservation and zoological community, including the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Wildlife Conservation Society, National Aquarium, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, and Biologists Without Borders. Other supporters include Akron Zoological Park, Amphibian and Reptile Conservancy, Birmingham Zoo, Brookfield Zoo Chicago, California Academy of Sciences, Center for Great Apes, Charles Paddock Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Dallas Zoo, Dazzle Africa, Delaware Zoological Society, Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance, Detroit Zoological Society, Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Great Plains Zoo, Houston Zoo, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, Lemur Conservation Foundation, Lincoln Park Zoo, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Lockwood Animal Rescue Center, Louisville Zoo, Museum of Life and Science, Nashville Zoo, Niabi Zoo, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Oakland Zoo, Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Oregon Coast Aquarium, Oregon Zoo, Philadelphia Zoo, The Phoenix Zoo, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Racine Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, San Francisco Zoological Society, Santa Barbara Zoo, SEE Turtles, Sequoia Park Zoo, Tennessee Aquarium, Turtle Conservancy, Wild Tomorrow Fund, Inc., Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Defense, Wildlife Jewels, Woodland Park Zoo, Zoo Atlanta, and Zoo Knoxville.

    “We are grateful to Congressmen Garbarino and Quigley for sponsoring the Wildlife Confiscations Network Act,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. “This bill will allow an already proven program to go national, permitting law enforcement officers at the border to focus on catching criminals and curbing wildlife trafficking, while our expert Wildlife Confiscation Network partners provide emergency medical treatment, critical rehabilitation, and new homes focused on the wellbeing of these confiscated, and often traumatized, animals. When law enforcement and animal experts collaborate, we can put the criminals behind bars, help rehabilitate the animal victims of wildlife trafficking that are ripped from their homes, and reduce the impact on wild populations of threatened and endangered species. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums looks forward to working with Congress to pass this important bill.”

    The full text of the bill can be found here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 150 years strong at Rochester Fire Brigade

    Source:

    Rochester Captain Luke Warren leading the torchlight ceremony

    Rochester Fire Brigade marked their sesquicentennial of service over the weekend with a torchlight procession, followed by a community barbecue and fireworks to conclude the evening.

    In the brigade’s humble beginnings 150 years ago, there were no water points within the town so volunteers would respond to incidents using wet hessian bags, branches, blankets, water in buckets and sheer determination. 

    Today, the town has a reticulated water supply and the brigade has an engine bay filled with a modern fleet of vehicles, including two tankers, a pumper, a field command vehicle and a rehab unit.  

    Captain Luke Warren, who has served with the brigade for 25 years and is in his tenth year of captaincy, said the support from the community and surrounding brigades who marched and celebrated with us was overwhelming to see and is a true representation of the spirit of CFA.  

    “We are really excited about reaching this milestone and it’s a privilege to lead such a dedicated and resilient bunch of people through it,” Luke said.  

    “From fighting fires with buckets to deploying modern vehicles, the change is massive, but the dedication of our people has stayed the same.”  

    “Milestones like this stir a real sense of pride and emotion, not just for those serving today, but for those who built the foundation we stand on.”   

    The brigade has been at the frontline of many major emergencies, including the Murray Goulburn fire, Criterion Hotel fire, code red day at Strathallan and most recently the 2022 Rochester flood events.  

    “Many of our members faced personal loss during the floods but continued to selflessly serve our community with sandbagging, cleanup and rescue efforts.”   

    Reflecting on the evolution of the brigade, Luke noted the growing diversity of its operational members as a major point of pride. Today the Rochester brigade comprises of 59.4% male and 40.6% female.  

    “We’ve seen a fantastic increase in the number of operational female firefighters over the years,” Luke said. 

    “It’s been very rewarding to work alongside so many capable women on the fireground, including my partner who joined 15 years ago.”  

    Looking to the next 50 years, the brigade has much to look forward to with the announcement of a new fire station, a thriving junior development program and the delivery of a new state of the art pumper in the near future.   

    “We have built strong momentum here at Rochester and we hope to keep it rolling.”   

    “I hope when I’m 75 and need a fire truck, a well-trained and well-equipped crew will roll out the door, just like we always have.”    

    • Torchlight ceremony
    • Belgravia (Early Rochester) fire station
    • Rochester tankers, 1979
    • Murray Goulburn Fire, January 1984
    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Proposed Differential Rates for 2025/26

    Source: South Australia Police

    The City of Wanneroo’s Proposed Differential Rates for 2025-2026 are now available for public comment.

    In accordance with Section 6.36 of the Local Government Act 1995, the City of Wanneroo hereby gives notice of its intention to adopt the following rates in the dollar for each differential rating category in the 2025-26 Financial Year which is a 3.50% overall rate increase,

    To achieve overall 3.5% rate increase, it is proposed to increase Residential, Rural and Mining rates categories by 3.0%, whereas Commercial/Industrial rates categories are proposed to increase by 5.5%: –

    Rate category Minimum rate GRV rate in $ (cents) UV rate in $ (cents)
    Residential Improved
    With lesser minimum for Strata Titled Caravan Parks

    $1,138

    $166

    7.0902

    0.3761
    Residential Vacant $949 14.1803 0.5692
    Commercial/ Industrial Improved
         		 $1,588 8.4541 0.3085
    Commercial/ Industrial Vacant
         		 $1,588 8.2585 0.3425
    Rural & Mining Improved $1,131 – 0.3710
    Rural & Mining Vacant $1,069 – 0.4855

    Information relating to the Objectives and Reasons for each proposed Differential Rates is available is available below.

    Submissions in respect of the proposed Differential Rates and any related matters are invited from Electors or Ratepayers. 

    Views can be submitted by:

    • using the online form 
    • or by mail to the Chief Executive Officer at City of Wanneroo, Locked Bag 1, Wanneroo WA 6946.

    Comments must be received before 5pm on Thursday 19 June 2025.

    William Parker

    Chief Executive Officer

    Objects and Reasons for 2025-2026 Proposed Differential Rates

    The overall objective of the proposed rates in the 2025-2026 Budget is to provide for the net funding requirements of the City of Wanneroo’s various programs, services and facilities.

    The Objects and Reasons that have been proposed are:

    GRV & UV Residential Improved 

    The rate in the dollar and minimum rate have been set on the basis that ratepayers make a reasonable contribution to the cost of local government services and facilities available to residents that are not available to those in the Commercial/Industrial and Rural & Mining categories. 

    The lesser minimum for Strata Titled Caravan Parks is set recognising the unique purpose of these properties while still ensuring a reasonable contribution to the cost of local government services and facilities available to residents.

    GRV & UV Residential Vacant

    The rate in the dollar and minimum rate have been set in an effort to promote development of these properties thereby stimulating growth and development in the community. 

    GRV & UV Commercial/Industrial Improved

    The rate in the dollar and minimum rate for all Commercial/Industrial Improved property has been set to provide an acceptable standard of infrastructure and parking needs due to the greater volumes of people and vehicular traffic.

    GRV & UV Commercial/Industrial Vacant

    The rate in the dollar and minimum rate for all Commercial/Industrial Vacant land has been set in an effort to promote the development of these properties by attracting business and industry to the City thereby stimulating growth and development in the community.

    UV Rural & Mining Improved

    The rate in the dollar and the minimum rate have been set with an intention to foster and encourage farming and horticultural activities in the City of Wanneroo thereby stimulating growth and development in the community.  

    UV Rural & Mining Vacant

    The rate in the dollar and the minimum rate have been set with an intention to encourage the development of vacant land thereby stimulating growth and development in the community
     

    MIL OSI News –

  • PM Modi to visit four states on May 29–30, launch projects worth ₹69,000 crore

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit four states — Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh — on the 29 and 30 of May, where he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for multiple infrastructure and development projects worth over ₹69,000 crore.

    Sikkim: marking 50 years of statehood
    On May 29, the Prime Minister will reach Sikkim and take part in the Sikkim@50 celebrations at around 11 AM. The programme, themed “Where Progress Meets Purpose and Nature Nurtures Growth”, marks 50 years since Sikkim attained statehood.

    As part of the celebrations, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate several key development projects. These include a 500-bedded District Hospital in Namchi worth over ₹750 crore, a passenger ropeway at Sangachoeling in Gyalshing District, and a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Atal Amrit Udyan in Gangtok District.

    He will also release a commemorative coin, souvenir coin, and stamp to mark the occasion.

    West Bengal: boost to gas infrastructure
    Later the same day, at around 2:15 PM, PM Modi will visit Alipurduar in West Bengal to lay the foundation stone of a City Gas Distribution (CGD) project for Alipurduar and Cooch Behar districts. The ₹1,010 crore project will provide Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to over 2.5 lakh households and set up 19 CNG stations, contributing to a cleaner and cost-effective energy ecosystem in the region.

    Bihar: major development initiatives
    In the evening, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the newly constructed passenger terminal at Patna Airport, built at a cost of ₹1,200 crore. He will also lay the foundation stone for a new civil enclave at Bihta Airport, worth ₹1,410 crore, aimed at supporting the growing educational hub near Patna.

    On May 30, PM Modi will be in Karakat, Bihar, where he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects worth over ₹48,520 crore. Among them is the Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project, Stage-II, in Aurangabad district. The ₹29,930 crore project will generate 2,400 MW of power, strengthening energy security and boosting industrial development.

    Road infrastructure will also receive a major push, with the launch of four-laning and six-laning projects on NH-119A, NH-319B, NH-119D, and a new Ganga bridge between Buxar and Bharauli. Other key projects include the inauguration of NH-22 (Patna–Gaya–Dobhi section) and improvements in Gopalganj on NH-27.

    In the rail sector, the Prime Minister will dedicate the third rail line between Son Nagar and Mohammad Ganj, developed at a cost of ₹1,330 crore.

    Uttar Pradesh: strengthening infrastructure and power supply
    Later on May 30, PM Modi will visit Kanpur Nagar in Uttar Pradesh. At around 2:45 PM, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development works worth approximately ₹20,900 crore.

    He will inaugurate the Chunniganj to Kanpur Central Metro stretch under the Kanpur Metro Rail Project, which includes five new underground stations and improves urban connectivity.

    In the power sector, he will inaugurate the 660 MW Panki Thermal Power Extension Project (₹8,300 crore) and three 660 MW units of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project (₹9,330 crore). Substations at YEIDA and Greater Noida worth ₹320 crore will also be inaugurated.

    Key road projects include the widening of Gauria Pali Marg and improved connectivity to the Kanpur Defence Corridor, supporting regional growth and industrial logistics.

    The Prime Minister will also inaugurate two rail overbridges in Panki and a 40 MLD Tertiary Treatment Plant at Bingawan, promoting sustainable water reuse.

    Further, he will distribute certificates and cheques to beneficiaries of central schemes such as PM Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana, National Livelihood Mission, and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

  • MIL-OSI China: Djokovic makes winning start to French Open bid, Medvedev ousted

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

    British underdog Cameron Norrie delivered the biggest upset of the 2025 French Open so far in a nail-biting five-set win over former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev on Tuesday.

    Ranked 81st in the world, Norrie knocked out 11th seed Medvedev 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6, 7-5 after three hours and 53 minutes on court.

    “It was a crazy match,” said Norrie. “I was really happy with how I handled the match and how I had to fight literally every point to have a chance with him. It was just pure emotion at the end and pure instinct. It was a good throw.”

    The 29-year-old Briton, who won the 2021 Indian Wells title and reached the Wimbledon semifinals in 2022, called it “one of [his] best wins.”

    “For me, outside of [Carlos] Alcaraz, [Jannik] Sinner and Novak [Djokovic], [this] would be probably the fourth-toughest draw for me in terms of matchups and players. Extremely good win, especially my record with [Medvedev] No. 11, in a Slam, beating him in five sets is impressive for me.”

    Novak Djokovic returns a shot during the men’s singles first round match between Mackenzie Mcdonald of the United States and Novak Djokovic of Serbia at the French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros, Paris, France, May 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Jing)

    While Norrie stole the spotlight, other top seeds advanced with convincing wins. Novak Djokovic, fresh off securing his 100th career title, eased past American Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 6-3, 6-3. Third seed Alexander Zverev of Germany also cruised through with a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over American Learner Tien.

    Not all seeded players progressed. Bulgaria’s 16th seed Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire from his match against American qualifier Ethan Quinn. Dimitrov had taken a two-set lead (6-2, 6-3) before losing the third 2-6 and withdrawing due to injury.

    In the women’s draw, second seed Coco Gauff breezed past Australia’s Olivia Gadecki 6-2, 6-2. The American will next face 18-year-old Czech qualifier Tereza Valentova.

    Russia’s sixth-seeded Mirra Andreeva also advanced with a composed 6-4, 6-3 win over Spain’s Cristina Bucsa.

    In women’s doubles, China’s Yuan Yue and New Zealand’s Lulu Sun earned a hard-fought first-round victory, defeating Anna Blinkova and Mayar Sherif 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 after more than two hours. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Press Release: GAM Investments Strengthens European Equities Platform with Appointment of Leading Investment Team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich: 28 May 2025        

    PRESS RELEASE

    GAM Investments Strengthens European Equities Platform with Appointment of Leading Investment Team

    Tom O’Hara, Jamie Ross and David Barker join GAM Investments to manage flagship GAM Star European Equity and Continental European Equity funds

    GAM Investments is pleased to announce the appointment of a new European Equities team comprising Tom O’Hara, Jamie Ross and David Barker. As of 15 May 2025, the team has assumed investment management responsibilities for the GAM Star European Equity and GAM Star Continental European Equity funds.

    This highly regarded investment team brings with them a style-agnostic, high-conviction investment approach that complements GAM’s longstanding heritage in European equities. The appointment marks a further milestone in GAM’s transformation and ongoing commitment to investment excellence.

    Tom O’Hara, Investment Director, European Equities at GAM, commented: “It’s great to be joining GAM. This is a very exciting time in the company’s turnaround, supported by a long-term focused majority owner and a strong, investment-led culture that traces its roots to Gilbert de Botton. On a personal level, my investing career started thanks to John Bennett – who spent 17 years at GAM managing European Equities and always spoke highly of the firm’s investment ethos. So, it really feels like a natural fit for us to be here.”

    “Our approach will remain consistent with our past. We are managing a concentrated, high-conviction portfolio of around 30 stocks, using our straightforward and repeatable ‘All-in’ framework, added David Barker. This combines expected earnings growth, cash return and valuation change to assess whether a company’s return potential exceeds that of the broader market.”

    A core, consistent and transparent investment process

    While the team brings a fresh perspective, they remain committed to delivering a core, flexible, style-agnostic strategy which builds on the legacies of both GAM and their own history as successful European equity investors. Their process is grounded in fundamental research and offers clear, data-driven insights for clients.

    David Barker highlighted, “We want to be open-source. That means sharing our investment insights, process and return assumptions with clients transparently and consistently across all our communications.”

    A turning point for Europe

    The team also believes the macro backdrop is shifting decisively in Europe’s favour.

    “For decades, cheap valuations alone weren’t enough to catalyse change in Europe. But that’s no longer the case. Geopolitical realignment sparked, in part, by the return of Donald Trump who has done more for EU unity than any post-war president,” said Jamie Ross. “We’re seeing a more assertive Europe: a looser fiscal stance in Germany, more coherent messaging from EU leaders, and growing momentum for innovation, investment, and regulatory simplification.”

    “Europe has a generational opportunity to redefine itself that demands cohesive action across industrial policy, energy security and tech sovereignty. These shifts will create a new generation of winners across the region. We believe this marks a key turning point for the European equity market.”

    Elmar Zumbuehl, Group CEO of GAM Investments, added “We are delighted to welcome Tom, Jamie and David to GAM. Their fresh approach, tight teamwork and use of advanced technology to focus on what really matters fully embraces the transformational changes underway in active investing. Their arrival significantly strengthens our specialist active equity offering and with investor interest returning to Europe, we see this as a powerful step forward for GAM’s specialist active equities platform and our clients.”

    Investors are encouraged to contact their local GAM relationship manager to learn more about the strategies or meet the team through upcoming events, webinars and roadshows.

    Editorial Information:

    Video: Introduction to European Equities at GAM – Tom O’Hara, David Barker and Jamie Ross. https://www.gam.com/en/introducing-gam-investments-european-equities-team

    Team Bios:

    • Tom O’Hara, Investment Director, is responsible for the management of European Equity funds at GAM, alongside Jamie Ross and David Barker. Before joining GAM Investments in May 2025, he spent 7 years managing European equity funds at Janus Henderson Investors. Prior to this, he spent 8 years as a sell side equity research analyst covering the metals and mining sector. He began his career in the treasury of Northern Rock plc. He has 19 years of financial industry experience and received his BA degree (Hons) in economics from Newcastle University. He is passionate about the role of emerging technologies in shaping active investing and was an early investor in Quartr, a Swedish fintech platform, where he continues to serve as a non-executive adviser.
    • David Barker, Investment Manager, is responsible for the management of European Equity funds at GAM. Before joining GAM Investments in May 2025, he was a Research Analyst on the European Equities Team at Janus Henderson Investors, a position he had held since 2021. Prior to this, he was Research Analyst specialising in Aerospace & Defence and Industrials at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he started in 2017. David graduated with a BA degree in History from Somerville College, University of Oxford and has 9 years of financial industry experience.
    • Jamie Ross, Investment Manager, is responsible for the management of European Equity funds at GAM. Before joining GAM Investments in May 2025, he was a Portfolio Manager on the European Equities Team at Janus Henderson Investors, a position he had held since 2016. Prior to this, he was a portfolio manager on the UK Equities Team, where he co-managed a UK equities pooled fund. He started his career with Henderson in 2007. Jamie graduated with a BA degree (Hons) in economics from Durham University. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and has 18 years of financial industry experience.

    For further information please contact:

    Colin Bennett | GAM Media Relations
    T +44 (0) 20 73 938 544 
    colin.bennett@gam.com

    Visit us: www.gam.com
    Follow us: X and LinkedIn

    About GAM

    GAM Investments is a highly scalable global investment platform with strong global distribution capabilities focusing on three core areas, Specialist Active Investing, Alternative Investing and Wealth Management, that is listed in Switzerland. It delivers distinctive and differentiated investment solutions across its Investment and Wealth Management businesses. Its purpose is to protect and enhance clients’ financial future. It attracts and empowers brightest minds to provide investment leadership, innovation and a positive impact on society and the environment. Total assets under management were CHF 16.3 billion as of 31 December 2024. GAM Investments has global distribution with offices in 14 countries and is geographically diverse with clients in almost every continent. Headquartered in Zurich, GAM Investments was founded in 1983, and its registered office is at Hardstrasse 201 Zurich, 8037 Switzerland. For more information about GAM Investments, please visit www.gam.com.

    Other Important Information

    This release contains or may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “aim”, “project”, “forecast”, “risk”, “likely”, “intend”, “outlook”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “continue”, “plan”, “probability”, “indicative”, “seek”, “target”, “plan” and other similar expressions are intended to or may identify forward-looking statements.

    Any such statements in this release speak only as of the date hereof and are based on assumptions and contingencies subject to change without notice, as are statements about market and industry trends, projections, guidance, and estimates. Any forward-looking statements in this release are not indications, guarantees, assurances or predictions of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the person making such statements, its affiliates and its and their directors, officers, employees, agents and advisors and may involve significant elements of subjective judgement and assumptions as to future events which may or may not be correct and may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such statements. You are strongly cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and no person accepts or assumes any liability in connection therewith.

    This release is not a financial product or investment advice, a recommendation to acquire, exchange or dispose of securities or accounting, legal or tax advice. It has been prepared without taking into account the objectives, legal, financial or tax situation and needs of individuals. Before making an investment decision, individuals should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to their own objectives, legal, financial and tax situation and needs and seek legal, tax and other advice as appropriate for their individual needs and jurisdiction.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: April Monthly Net Asset Value Estimate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NBPE Announces April Monthly NAV Estimate

    St Peter Port, Guernsey 28 May 2025

    NB Private Equity Partners (NBPE), the $1.2bn1, FTSE 250, listed private equity investment company managed by Neuberger Berman, today announces its 30 April 2025 monthly NAV estimate.

    NAV Highlights (30 April 2025)

    • NAV per share was $27.29 (£20.43), a total return of 0.4% in the month
    • Approximately 62% of fair value based on private company valuation information as of Q1 2025 or based on 30 April 2025 quoted prices
    • Based on information received so far, private company valuations increased fair value by 0.4% during Q1 2025 on a constant currency basis
    • NBPE expects to receive additional updated Q1 2025 financial information which will be incorporated in future monthly NAV updates
    • $307 million of available liquidity at 30 April 2025
    • ~151k shares repurchased during April 2025 at a weighted average discount of 33% which were accretive to NAV by ~$0.02 per share. Year to date, NBPE has repurchased ~680k shares at a weighted average discount of 29% which were accretive to NAV by ~$0.10 per share
    As of 30 April 2025 Year to Date One Year 3 years 5 years 10 years
    NAV TR (USD)*
    Annualised    		 0.8% 3.4% 4.1%
    1.4%    		 87.7%
    13.4%    		 160.7%
    10.1%
    MSCI World TR (USD)*
    Annualised    		 (0.8%) 12.6% 39.0%
    11.6%    		 96.6%
    14.5%    		 157.2%
    9.9%
               
    Share price TR (GBP)*
    Annualised    		 (8.0%) (8.9%) 3.6%
    1.2%    		 99.0%
    14.7%    		 189.5%
    11.2%
    FTSE All-Share TR (GBP)*
    Annualised    		 4.3% 7.5% 22.6%
    7.0%    		 67.9%
    10.9%    		 75.9%
    5.8%

    * All NBPE performance figures assume re-investment of dividends on the ex-dividend date and reflect cumulative returns over the relevant time periods shown. Three-year, five-year and ten-year annualised returns are presented for USD NAV, MSCI World (USD), GBP Share Price and FTSE All-Share (GBP) Total Returns.

    Portfolio Update to 30 April 2025

    NAV performance during the month driven by:

    • 1.1% NAV increase ($13 million) attributable to changes in foreign exchange
    • 0.9% NAV decrease ($10 million) attributable to changes in prices of quoted holdings (which now constitute 5% of portfolio fair value)
    • 0.3% NAV increase ($4 million) from the value of private holdings
    • 0.2% NAV decrease ($3 million) attributable to expense accruals

    $53 million of realisations in 2025 year to date

    • $6 million of proceeds received during the month of April, consisting primarily of full and partial realisations of GFL, Corona Industrials and Inflection Energy

    $307 million of total liquidity at 30 April 2025

    • $97 million of cash and liquid investments with $210 million of undrawn credit line available

    2025 Share Buybacks

    • ~151k shares repurchased in April 2025 at a weighted average discount of 33%; buybacks were accretive to NAV by ~$0.02 per share
    • Year to date, NBPE has repurchased ~680k shares at a weighted average discount of 29% which were accretive to NAV by ~$0.10 per share

    Portfolio Valuation

    The fair value of NBPE’s portfolio as of 30 April 2025 was based on the following information:

    • 5% of the portfolio was valued as of 30 April 2025
      • 5% in public securities
    • 57% of the portfolio was valued as of 31 March 2025
      • 57% in private direct investments
    • 38% of the portfolio was valued as of 31 December 2024
      • 38% in private direct investments

    For further information, please contact:

    NBPE Investor Relations        +44 (0) 20 3214 9002
    Luke Mason        NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com  

    Kaso Legg Communications        +44 (0)20 3882 6644

    Charles Gorman        nbpe@kl-communications.com
    Luke Dampier
    Charlotte Francis

    Supplementary Information (as at 30 April 2025)

    Company Name Vintage Lead Sponsor Sector Fair Value ($m) % of FV
    Action 2020 3i Consumer 83.9 6.6%
    Osaic 2019 Reverence Capital Financial Services 66.9 5.3%
    Solenis 2021 Platinum Equity Industrials 59.8 4.7%
    BeyondTrust 2018 Francisco Partners Technology / IT 47.7 3.8%
    Monroe Engineering 2021 AEA Investors Industrials 44.7 3.5%
    Business Services Company* 2017 Not Disclosed Business Services 40.1 3.2%
    Branded Cities Network 2017 Shamrock Capital Communications / Media 38.9 3.1%
    True Potential 2022 Cinven Financial Services 35.2 2.8%
    Mariner 2024 Leonard Green & Partners Financial Services 33.7 2.7%
    FDH Aero 2024 Audax Group Industrials 32.9 2.6%
    Marquee Brands 2014 Neuberger Berman Consumer 31.4 2.5%
    GFL (NYSE: GFL) 2018 BC Partners Business Services 30.6 2.4%
    Staples 2017 Sycamore Partners Business Services 29.6 2.3%
    Auctane 2021 Thoma Bravo Technology / IT 29.1 2.3%
    Fortna 2017 THL Industrials 28.7 2.3%
    Viant 2018 JLL Partners Healthcare 27.3 2.2%
    Stubhub 2020 Neuberger Berman Consumer 26.4 2.1%
    Engineering 2020 NB Renaissance / Bain Capital Technology / IT 26.3 2.1%
    Benecon 2024 TA Associates Healthcare 25.5 2.0%
    Agiliti 2019 THL Healthcare 25.3 2.0%
    Kroll 2020 Further Global / Stone Point Financial Services 25.0 2.0%
    Solace Systems 2016 Bridge Growth Partners Technology / IT 24.6 1.9%
    Excelitas 2022 AEA Investors Industrials 24.1 1.9%
    Addison Group 2021 Trilantic Capital Partners Business Services 23.8 1.9%
    Exact 2019 KKR Technology / IT 23.3 1.8%
    CH Guenther 2021 Pritzker Private Capital Consumer 21.2 1.7%
    Bylight 2017 Sagewind Partners Technology / IT 19.9 1.6%
    Constellation Automotive 2019 TDR Capital Business Services 19.0 1.5%
    Real Page 2021 Thoma Bravo Technology / IT 18.8 1.5%
    Tendam 2017 PAI Consumer 18.3 1.4%
    Total Top 30 Investments                             $982.1 77.6%

    *Undisclosed company due to confidentiality provisions.

    Geography % of Portfolio
    North America 77%
    Europe 22%
    Asia / Rest of World 1%
    Total Portfolio 100%
       
    Industry % of Portfolio
    Tech, Media & Telecom 23%
    Consumer / E-commerce 22%
    Industrials / Industrial Technology 17%
    Financial Services 14%
    Business Services 12%
    Healthcare 9%
    Other 4%
    Energy 1%
    Total Portfolio 100%
       
    Vintage Year % of Portfolio
    2016 & Earlier 9%
    2017 16%
    2018 15%
    2019 13%
    2020 13%
    2021 18%
    2022 6%
    2023 2%
    2024 8%
    Total Portfolio 100%

    About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
    NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

    LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

    About Neuberger Berman
    Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $515 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last eleven years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of March 31, 2025.

    1Based on net asset value.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation led by US House Natural Resources Committee Chair Bruce Westerman

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-05-27
    President Lai meets and hosts luncheon for delegation led by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero of Guam
    On the morning of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero of Guam and her husband, and hosted a luncheon for the delegation at noon. In remarks, President Lai noted that this is the governor’s first trip to Taiwan, fully demonstrating the Guam government’s support and high regard for Taiwan. The president said that Guam, being the closest United States territory to Taiwan, is an important bridge for collaboration between Taiwan and the US. He stated that aside from promoting tourism, we can also explore even more opportunities for collaboration in other areas to further advance industrial development for both sides. He said that, as we begin a new chapter, we look forward to working together to generate even more momentum in bilateral cooperation and exchanges. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend a warm welcome to Governor Leon Guerrero and her delegation. Last year, I transited through Guam en route for visits to Taiwan’s diplomatic allies in the Pacific. The enthusiastic reception I received from the government, legislature, people, and members of our overseas community in Guam was very touching and left me with a deep impression. During the morning tea reception hosted by Governor Leon Guerrero, we joined in singing our respective national anthems, as well as the Fanohge CHamoru. I also received at the Guam Legislature a copy of a Taiwan-friendly resolution it passed on behalf of the people of Taiwan. And I still remember to this day the striking scenery of the governor’s house and the warm reception I received there. It is therefore a great pleasure to meet with all of you today here at the Presidential Office. This is Governor Leon Guerrero’s first trip to Taiwan. Your visit fully demonstrates the Guam government’s support and high regard for Taiwan. As we begin a new chapter, we look forward to working with you to generate even more momentum in bilateral cooperation and exchanges. Taiwan and Guam are like family. We share the Austronesian spirit and culture. Our wide-ranging and mutually-beneficial collaboration is very fruitful. And now, we are facing the challenges of climate change, public health and medicine, and regional security together. The world is rapidly changing and tensions in the Indo-Pacific continue to rise. But if we combine our strengths, come together as one, and enhance cooperation, we can maintain regional peace, stability, and prosperity. Last Tuesday, I delivered an address on my first anniversary of taking office. I mentioned that for many years, Taiwan, the US, and our democratic partners have actively engaged in exchange and cooperation. Taking a market-oriented approach, we will promote an economic path of staying firmly rooted in Taiwan and expanding the global presence of our enterprises while strengthening ties with the US. Guam is the closest US territory to Taiwan. It is an important bridge for collaboration between Taiwan and the US. Last month, we were pleased to see United Airlines officially launch direct flights between Taipei and Guam. I believe this will benefit tourism and economic and trade exchanges for both sides. In the area of health care, many hospitals in Taiwan already offer referral services to patients from Guam. Both Governor Leon Guerrero and I have backgrounds in medicine. It is my hope that Taiwan and Guam can continue to work hand in hand to create even more positive outcomes from cooperation in public health and medical services. During the governor’s visit, aside from promoting tourism, we can also explore even more opportunities for collaboration in other areas. There is potential for more exchanges in aquaculture, food processing, hydroculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and recycling. This will further advance industrial development in Taiwan and Guam. In closing, I thank Governor Leon Guerrero and all our distinguished guests for backing Taiwan. I wish you all a smooth and successful visit.  Governor Leon Guerrero then delivered remarks, saying that she is very happy to come to Taiwan. She said that after learning during President Lai’s visit to Guam last year that he is a medical doctor, she felt more relaxed because healthcare colleagues are one in their endeavor to help enhance the health and well-being of people. She then expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the invitation to Taiwan.  Governor Leon Guerrero said that as they learn more about opportunities for collaboration with Taiwan, they are humbled by the hospitality they have experienced. In both of our islands, she said, hospitality is more than just a custom – it forms a part of our identities. She noted that despite being nearly 2,000 miles apart, we are connected by the Pacific Ocean and common roots, and our ancestors both value family, community, and tradition. That is why being here today, she said, she feels a strong sense of familiarity, like reconnecting with old friends. The governor remarked that Taiwan has evolved so quickly in all areas of essential life, sustenance, economy, and prosperity, adding that Taiwan’s resources in such areas as health, education, data, AI, advanced technology, aquaculture, agriculture, and commerce enhance our economic stability. She stated her belief that in collaboration and support, and working with each other, we can gain prosperity, maintain freedom and democracy, and live in peace.  Governor Leon Guerrero stated that their delegation is here to see how they can partner with Taiwan to help raise the quality of life for both our peoples, mentioning that one special concern of theirs is tourism. Tourism, she said, is the most influential engine and driver for the economy and quality of life in Guam, but they cannot have a vibrant economy and tourism without air connectivity. She added that they are prepared to help in any way to provide incentives and low-cost fees so that they can get more airlines from Taiwan to establish permanent flight schedules to Guam, so as to drive development in Guam’s tourism industry. Governor Leon Guerrero then proceeded to introduce each of the members of her delegation before remarking that while they have been very busy on this visit they are always reminded of the freedom and democracy that the people must protect. She said she looks forward to a great, strong relationship between Taiwan and Guam in cooperation on social and economic issues, in culture, marketing, tourism, and freedom and democracy. Among those in attendance were First Gentleman Jeffrey A. Cook, Chief of Staff Jon Junior Calvo, Director of the Department of Administration Edward Birn, General Manager of the Guam Visitors Bureau Regine Biscoe Lee, Deputy Executive Manager of the Guam International Airport Authority Artemio “Ricky” Hernandez, Board of Directors Chairman of the Guam International Airport Authority Brian J. Bamba, Deputy General Manager of the Guam Economic Development Authority Carlos Bordallo, Director of Landscape Management Systems Guam Bob Salas, Chairperson of the Guam Chamber of Commerce Tae Oh, President of the University of Guam Anita Borja Enriquez, and Director of the Guam Taiwan Office Felix Yen (嚴樹芬). After the meeting, President Lai, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, hosted a luncheon for Governor Leon Guerrero, her husband, and the delegation.

    Details
    2025-05-27
    President Lai meets delegation from European Parliament
    On the morning of May 27, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation from the European Parliament. In remarks, President Lai thanked the European Parliament for continuing to pay close attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and voice support for Taiwan. The president expressed hope for an even closer relationship and diversified cooperation between Taiwan and the European Union. The president said that Taiwan and the EU can work together in such areas as semiconductors, AI, and green energy to create more resilient supply chains for global democracies and contribute to global prosperity and development. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome our guests to the Presidential Office. After being elected last year, MEPs Reinis Pozņaks and Beatrice Timgren are making their first visits to Taiwan, demonstrating support for Taiwan through concrete action. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincerest welcome and appreciation. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the European Parliament for continuing to pay close attention to peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Just last month, the European Parliament adopted resolutions with regard to annual reports on the implementation of the European Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy. These resolutions reaffirmed the EU’s steadfast commitment to maintaining the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. The European Parliament also condemned China for continuing to take provocative military actions against Taiwan and emphasized that Taiwan is a key democratic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. It called on the EU and its member states to continue working closely with Taiwan to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties. Once again, I thank the European Parliament for voicing support for Taiwan. Just as MEPs Pozņaks and Timgren are visiting Taiwan to strengthen Taiwan-EU exchanges, our Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) also led a delegation to Europe last year, marking the first in-person dialogue between high-ranking economic and trade officials of Taiwan and the EU. Moving ahead, we look forward to bringing Taiwan-EU ties even closer and to diversifying our cooperation. The EU is Taiwan’s largest source of foreign investment. Both sides are highly complementary in such areas as semiconductors, AI, and green energy. Through our joint efforts, we can create more resilient supply chains for global democracies and further contribute to global prosperity and development. Looking ahead, I hope that MEPs Pozņaks and Timgren will continue to make the case in the European Parliament for the signing of a Taiwan-EU economic partnership agreement. This would not only yield mutually beneficial development, but also consolidate economic security and boost international competitiveness for both sides. In closing, I am sure that you will gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan through this visit. Please feel welcome to come back as often as possible as we continue to elevate Taiwan-EU ties.  MEP Pozņaks then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor to be here and thanking everybody involved in arranging this trip that allows them the opportunity to better know Taiwan. He added that it is definitely not the last time they will be here, as Taiwan is a very beautiful country. MEP Pozņaks mentioned that he comes from Latvia, and despite their being on the other side of the world, they know how the Taiwanese people feel, because they also have a big neighbor who is claiming that Latvia belongs to them. Unfortunately, he said, there is already war in Europe, but he is confident that their situation is similar to Taiwan’s, adding that they have a neighbor who uses disinformation attacks. MEP Pozņaks said that we live in very challenging times, and that our choices will define the future of the world, asking whether it will be a world where the rule of law prevails or where physical power and aggression succeeds. Coming from a small country, he said he clearly understands that for them there is no other possibility; they must protect the world where the rule of law prevails. That is why now, he emphasized, it is very crucial for all democracies around the world to stick together to protect our freedoms, values, and democracy. MEP Timgren then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for meeting with them and saying it is a big honor. Noting that they arrived here two days ago and that while she really loves Taiwan, its food, and the good weather, she stated that the reason they are here is because of the values that we share, our good relationships, and solidarity with other democratic countries in the world, which is important for them in Europe and in Sweden. MEP Timgren, referring to MEP Pozņaks’s earlier remarks, said that they face a big threat from Russia that is discernible even in the European Parliament. Actually, she pointed out, there is a war inside Europe that shows us how important it is that we support one another. She said that the Russian people thought it would be easy to take over Ukraine, but it was not, because all European countries stepped up and provided weapons and support. And that is why, MEP Timgren said, it is important that democratic countries maintain good relationships and let China and Russia see that we have good relationships, because a part of defense is solidarity. In closing, she expressed her gratitude for having the honor to be here in this beautiful country.

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai hosts state banquet for President Surangel Whipps Jr. of Republic of Palau
    On the evening of May 20, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office in honor of President Surangel Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau and his wife. In remarks, President Lai said that he looks forward to working closely with President Whipps to promote tourism exchanges and sports cooperation so that Taiwan and Palau shine brightly together on the international stage. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: It is a pleasure to host this banquet tonight at the Presidential Office for President Whipps, First Lady Valerie Whipps, and the esteemed members of their delegation. Welcome to Taiwan. During my trips to Palau in 2022 and last year, President and First Lady Whipps received me with great hospitality. Wearing my island shirt, I enjoyed a very friendly reception from the people of Palau. It felt warm and friendly, just like being welcomed back home. The first time I visited Palau, President Whipps and I piloted a boat to the Milky Way lagoon. We both tried volcanic mud facial masks. We also fished together and enjoyed the breeze as we walked on the beach. Last year, on my second visit to Palau, I was honored to be invited to address the National Congress. I also observed the results of the close bilateral cooperation between our two nations. Due to its world-famous ocean scenery, Palau is sometimes referred to as “God’s aquarium.” And it is even possible to snorkel with sharks. It leaves a deep impression. Nothing compares to seeing Palau firsthand. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan and Palau launched a travel bubble that created a safe means of travel. Now, with the pandemic behind us, I hope that even more Taiwanese can tour Palau and gain a greater understanding of our diplomatic ally. In addition to tourism exchanges, I mentioned on my visit to Palau last year that I hoped Taiwan and Palau could promote sports cooperation by providing training away from home. Next month, Palau will be holding the Pacific Mini Games. And right now, Palau’s national baseball and table tennis teams are holding training sessions here in Taiwan. We will do our utmost to support Palau’s national players and we hope they stand out and achieve outstanding results in the events. I look forward to working closely with President Whipps so that Taiwan and Palau shine brightly together on the international stage. Thank you! Mesulang! President Whipps then delivered remarks, saying that it is truly an honor to be here once again one year after President Lai’s inauguration. Mentioning that this is his first state visit after being reelected to a second term, he said that it is important to be here among friends, and that we are more than friends, we are family. He thanked President Lai for the generous words and, most importantly, Taiwan’s enduring support. He remarked that our relationship continues to get stronger in each passing year. President Whipps said that President Lai’s diplomacy initiative, leadership, and vision deeply resonate with them. Diplomacy must be rooted in our shared values, he said, and an unwavering support for our allies and a commitment to a sustainable, inclusive development are all deeply appreciated by their people. President Whipps emphasized that, as we look into the future and the challenges that we face, from security to climate change, it is so important that we are united. He added that it is important for the world, and especially important for them in Palau, that they stand up for Taiwan, so that Taiwan can participate on international fora that address climate change, security, and health, because they know the world is better when Taiwan has a seat at the table. Mentioning that Palau will host the Pacific Islands Forum next year, President Whipps said that Palau remains committed to working closely with Taiwan to ensure a successful event, and that they will continue to speak up for Taiwan’s indispensable contributions as we stand together against any efforts to silence or isolate democratic partners. President Whipps said that our nations have navigated challenges and emerged stronger, bound by a partnership that is built on trust, respect, and hope for a better world. Whether it is in clean energy, education, smart medicine, or tourism, our shared journey is just beginning, he said, and we are stronger together.  Also in attendance at the banquet were Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro, Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, High Chief of Ngiwal State Elliot Udui, Governor of Peleliu State Emais Roberts, and Governor of Koror State Eyos Rudimch.

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai and President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of Palau hold bilateral talks and witness signing of cooperation agreements  
    On the afternoon of May 20, following a welcome ceremony with military honors for President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau and his wife, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Whipps at the Presidential Office. The two leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a technical cooperation agreement and an agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation. In remarks, President Lai thanked Palau for standing firm in its backing of Taiwan’s international participation as geopolitical tensions continue to increase in the Pacific region. He added that he looks forward to the cooperative ties between Taiwan and Palau continuing to expand into even broader areas, allowing our economies and societies to further progress as we jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I welcome our guests to Taiwan once again. Last year on May 20, President Whipps led a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Hsiao. I am delighted, on the anniversary of my first year in office, to meet with old friends of Taiwan again, as President Whipps returns for this visit. Taiwan-Palau relations have grown even closer in recent years thanks to the strong support of President Whipps. In 2022, during my term as vice president, I led a delegation to Palau as a demonstration of how our nations were together boosting tourism development as we jointly faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Every time I visit Palau, and every time I meet with President Whipps, I feel very deeply that Taiwan and Palau are like family. We are both maritime nations and share a common Austronesian heritage and culture. We are also staunch partners in upholding such values as freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights. Last December, when I went on my first overseas trip since taking office, one of the nations I visited was Palau. We celebrated the 30th anniversary of Palau’s independence and 25 years of diplomatic relations, underscoring our friendly ties. Taiwan and Palau enjoy close exchanges and cooperation in a range of areas, including climate change, education, agriculture and fisheries, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, sports, and culture. After this meeting, President Whipps and I will witness the signing of a technical cooperation agreement and an agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation, demonstrating once again our diverse collaboration and strong friendship. I believe that by working together, Taiwan and Palau can contribute to each other’s development and overcome the regional and global challenges we currently face. In particular, as geopolitical tensions continue to increase in the Pacific region, Palau has wisely and courageously upheld democratic values and stood firm in its backing of Taiwan’s international participation. Palau has never stopped voicing support for Taiwan, including at the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organization, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties, and the UN Ocean Conference. We have been deeply moved by this support. I thank President Whipps again for his high regard and support for Taiwan. I look forward to the cooperative ties between our nations continuing to expand into even broader areas. This will allow our economies and societies to further progress as we jointly advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. President Whipps then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great honor for him to be here, standing in this historic place – a symbol of strength, resilience, and the democratic spirit of the Taiwanese people. On behalf of the government of Palau, President Whipps extended heartfelt gratitude to President Lai and the people of Taiwan for the warm welcome and gracious hospitality toward him and his delegation. President Whipps then extended sincere thanks for President Lai’s visit to Palau in December – his second visit to Palau – and for having Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) attend his inauguration as a special envoy. He added that this also marks his third visit to Taiwan since President Lai took office, saying that this demonstrates the strength of our growing relationship. President Whipps indicated that the increased engagements and numerous entrepreneurs that President Lai has brought from Taiwan to Palau have resulted in fruitful visits, and that President Lai’s leadership represents hope, unity, and continued advancement of democracy and freedom, not only for Taiwan, but for the broader Indo-Pacific region. President Whipps went on to say that this visit to Taiwan reaffirms our deep friendship and shared values between our two nations. He emphasized that Palau and Taiwan are bound not by proximity, but by purpose, in that both are island nations and believe in human dignity, the rule of law, and the right of our people to determine their own futures. President Whipps stated that although we are celebrating 26 years of diplomatic relations, Taiwan has been a steadfast partner of Palau for decades, and that one of the MOUs they are signing further extends the relationship that began in December of 1984. From healthcare and medical missions, to education, agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, the private sector, tourism development, and climate resilience, he said, our cooperation has improved lives and strengthened our communities. The president also indicated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan stood with Palau, noting that both sides began the tourism bubble, and that President Lai came to Palau to reopen the two weekly direct flights that have now been increased to four. That solidarity will never be forgotten, he said. As the world faces growing uncertainty and complex challenges from climate change to global tensions, President Whipps said, this friendship becomes even more vital. The president concluded his remarks by expressing hope that both nations continue to stand together, work together, and advocate together for peace, prosperity, and for the right of small nations to be seen, heard, and respected. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Whipps witnessed the signing of the technical cooperation agreement and the agreement on diplomatic staff training cooperation by Minister Lin and Palauan Minister of State Gustav Aitaro. The delegation also included Palauan Minister of Public Infrastructure and Industries Charles Obichang, Minister of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development Ngiraibelas Tmetuchl, Senate Floor Leader Kerai Mariur, House of Delegates Floor Leader Warren Umetaro, High Chief of Ngiwal State Elliot Udui, Governor of Peleliu State Emais Roberts, and Governor of Koror State Eyos Rudimch.  

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    Details
    2025-05-20
    President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
    In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era.  The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Operation Sindoor outreach: Tharoor-led delegation highlights India’s anti-terror stand in Panama

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor began its official engagements in Panama with a visit to the Indian Cultural Centre in Panama City, where they offered prayers at a local temple.

    The visit was marked by a powerful moment of interfaith harmony as members from different religious backgrounds joined together in devotion.

    Taking to social media platform X, Tharoor posted, “The multi-party MPs’ delegation visited the Indian Cultural Centre in Panama City and offered devotions at the beautiful temple there. It was moving to see our Muslim colleague Sarfraz Ahmed join his Hindu and Sikh colleagues at the temple. As he later told the audience, “jab bulane walon ko koi aitraaz nahin, toh jaane walo ko aitraaz kyon hoga?”

    The delegation arrived in Panama on Tuesday, to begin a key leg of its international outreach. Upon arrival at the airport, the delegation was warmly received and welcomed by India’s Ambassador to Panama, Dr. Sumit Seth, and members of the Indian diplomatic mission.

    The visit carries a significant diplomatic message, with the delegation tasked with conveying India’s firm stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism.

    The delegation also held high-level meetings with Panama’s President of the National Assembly, Dana Castañeda, along with senior members of Parliament Edwin Vergara and Julio de la Guardia, the latter a former Ambassador to India.

    Tharoor noted that he explained the purpose of the delegation’s visit and received “strong assurances of understanding and support for India’s war against terror.”

    The visit included signing the visitors’ book and a tour of the main hall of Panama’s National Assembly.

    “A positive start to our Panama visit,” said Tharoor, summing up the day’s events.

    Earlier, Ambassador Dr Sumit Seth briefed them on various facets of India-Panama bilateral relations, as well as key areas of cooperation.

    The delegation’s visit to Panama is part of India’s wider outreach, aiming to bolster diplomacy and cooperation in the global fight against terrorism.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-Evening Report: Raining one week, dusty the next – how did a dust storm make it all the way to rainy Sydney?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tegan Clark, PhD Candidate, College of Systems and Society, Australian National University

    A false-colour satellite showing dust as a pink cloud Himawari-9 satellite, CC BY-SA

    Much to the surprise of Sydney-siders, a dusty haze settled over the city on Tuesday morning after a week of heavy rain.

    Satellite images reveal the dust storm formed in the Mid-North region of South Australia, east of Spencer Gulf, at around 11am on Monday. It then travelled through western Victoria into New South Wales, reaching Sydney approximately 18 hours later.

    It’s an odd time of year for a dust storm, but South Australia is in drought. The soil is very dry, bare and loose. So when a cold front with strong winds moved through SA earlier this week, it picked up lots of dust.

    This demonstrates how everything is interconnected in Australia, despite the nation’s huge size. Extreme weather events such as drought in one part of the country can cause trouble for people “downwind”, hundreds of kilometres away. Climate change is likely to further raise the risk of dust storms in the future.

    Sydney’s air quality tumbled after the dust cloud settled on the city | 7NEWS.

    The dust bowl era

    In the 1930s, prolonged drought in the United States coupled with poor land management practices caused devastating dust storms. This eroded valuable agricultural soils and forced many families off the land. All this took place across the Central Plains, which became known as the American Dust Bowl – later immortalised in Steinbeck’s book The Grapes of Wrath.

    Australia experienced its own smaller dust bowl about a century after British settlers arrived. Overgrazing in the late 1800s removed native vegetation from large parts of western New South Wales. Dust storm activity picked up dramatically from the late 1800s onwards and hit a maximum in 1944-45 during the World War II drought.

    Fortunately, the dust storms and drought experienced during the 1940s soon prompted a change in both policy and attitude. The focus of land management shifted from “taming the land” to more sustainable use, such as moving livestock around from time to time – allowing paddocks to rest and recover. The government also provided more financial support to manage drought.

    Growing awareness and the desire to protect environmental assets also led to development of the NSW Soil Conservation Service.

    Australia has continued to experience heightened dust activity and major dust storms after 1945. In 2009, Sydney awoke to what looked like apocalyptic scenes straight out of the movie Mad Max when a dust storm engulfed the city.

    The last big dusty period was the Black Summer of 2019-20. Parts of NSW such as Wagga Wagga and Sydney were shrouded in smoke and dust for days. But there were significantly fewer “dust storm days” compared to 1944-45. This is partly due to improved land management practices that value sustainability, including the revegetation of denuded land.

    The movie Mad Max featured apocalyptic dust storm scenes.

    More dust storms as the climate changes

    Around the world, climate change is expected to make dust storms more common globally.

    Recent research suggests southern Australia may experience longer and more frequent droughts in the future. Grazing and cropping will put extra pressure on the land.

    In addition, the cold fronts that typically trigger large dust storms are expected to intensify with climate change. This means a growing chance of major dust storms such as the one this week.

    Dust is a health hazard

    Dust consists of tiny particles, some smaller than the width of a single strand of hair. These particles may include sand, topsoil, pollen, microbes, iron and other minerals, lifted into the air.

    When these tiny particles enter the lungs, they can cause breathing difficulties and respiratory diseases such as asthma. Dust storms are also known to transport diseases such as Valley Fever.

    The 2009 dust storm in Sydney led to an increase in emergency hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses, especially asthma.

    During the latest dust storm, health authorities warned people with respiratory issues to stay indoors and monitor symptoms.

    Developing early warning systems

    The 2019-20 dusty period and the current SA drought shows Australia can still fall victim to these major dust storms. But there are things we can do to be better prepared and more resilient.

    The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification suggests better ways to reduce harm from dust. These include improving land management practices, implementing early warning systems and improving monitoring of dust events.

    On the ground, NSW is well equipped to monitor dust through the DustWatch network. The air quality monitoring network acts as an early warning system, particularly for people in Sydney living downwind of sources interstate. But usually no more than 12-24 hours notice is provided. This means the authorities might might start to prepare to issue a warning when they detect poor air quality in Western NSW.

    However, these systems pale in comparison to the predictive capacity available in South Korea and Japan. There, alerts of dust storms and poor air quality can be issued days in advance.

    Using our eyes in the sky

    My PhD research project involves using satellites to deepen our understanding of where dust storms are coming from and where they might travel to.

    For instance the Himawari-8/9 satellite scans Australia every ten minutes, allowing us to track the evolution of dust events from start to finish.

    We can pinpoint almost the exact moment a dust storm begins. These areas can then be targeted using satellites to understand the conditions of the land causing dust storms to form and monitor high-risk areas for erosion in the future.

    Putting technology to good use will get us part of the way to a more resilient Australia. There is also a clear need to adapt to the changing climate in our nation’s grazing and cropping systems.

    Tegan Clark receives support from the Australian Government Research Training Program to undertake her PhD. She also works for Connected Farms, an ag-tech company. She is a volunteer with IncludeHer, a non-for-profit focused on gender equity in STEM education.

    – ref. Raining one week, dusty the next – how did a dust storm make it all the way to rainy Sydney? – https://theconversation.com/raining-one-week-dusty-the-next-how-did-a-dust-storm-make-it-all-the-way-to-rainy-sydney-251600

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –