Category: Universities

MIL-OSI China: China’s inbound consumption rises on back of eased tax refund processes

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

China witnessed a vibrant surge in inbound tourist consumption during the recent May Day holiday as more foreign visitors flocked to Chinese attractions and left with full shopping bags, driven by the country’s recently optimized tax refund policies.

Central bank data has revealed that the number of transactions made by inbound visitors and processed through card payment giant China UnionPay or NetsUnion Clearing Corporation, a Chinese online payment clearing house, increased nearly 245 percent over the five-day holiday that ended on Monday, with the total transaction value up over 128 percent year on year.

On mobile platforms, popular Chinese payment app Alipay reported a 180 percent rise in inbound tourist spending between May 1 and 3, while WeChat Pay recorded nearly tripled foreign user transaction volume and value figures in China compared to the same period last year.

This rise in inbound consumption is the fruit of China’s latest push to encourage foreign tourist spending. In late April, the country introduced a package of measures to optimize its departure tax refund policy, including lowering the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, raising the cash refund ceiling, expanding the network of participating stores, and widening the range of products available.

Overseas travelers in China can now claim a tax refund if they spend at least 200 yuan (about 27.75 U.S. dollars) at a single store in a single day and meet other relevant requirements, with refunds available in multiple forms, including mobile, bank and cash payments. The upper limit for cash refunds has been raised to 20,000 yuan.

China’s metropolises led the shopping surge. From May 1 to 5, Beijing welcomed some 104,000 inbound tourists — up 42.4 percent year on year — whose spending saw a 48 percent year-on-year increase.

In Shanghai, tax-refund-on-departure sales jumped 120 percent in value during the holiday, and the amount of tax refunded increased 130 percent. So far, 1,013 enterprises have registered for departure tax refund services, covering more than 3,300 branded stores.

China’s streamlined tax refund process has also had an impact on figures. Right before this year’s May Day holiday, taxation authorities in Shanghai introduced self-service machines that allow foreign shoppers to submit most of their transaction details for their tax refund applications by scanning their passport and receipts.

In the southwestern city of Chengdu, a refund-upon-purchase service which allows eligible tourists to receive tax refunds instantly at retail outlets rather than waiting until they leave the country, has benefited many foreign tourists during the holiday.

“It’s so convenient, and I’m planning to buy more,” said a tourist from Singapore who received a refund of over 4,000 yuan when he bought two pieces of luggage at Chengdu IFS, one of the biggest shopping malls in the city.

“Providing overseas travelers with a greater variety of shopping options and more convenient tax refund services will stimulate inbound consumption and support China’s high-standard opening-up and economic growth,” said Chen Binkai, vice president of the Central University of Finance and Economics.

China introduced its departure tax refund policy for overseas travelers in 2015. Inbound tourist spending has increased over the years as China opens wider to global visitors by facilitating visas, payments and accommodation.

The country now grants unilateral visa-free entry to people from 38 countries, and has extended its visa-free transit period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries. About 380,000 foreigners entered China under these arrangements during the May Day holiday, a year-on-year increase of 72.7 percent.

China is also accelerating its development of international consumption center cities to stimulate inbound spending further. The country is working to transform five cities — Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing — into major shopping centers.

In 2024, the number of inbound foreign travelers to the five cities doubled compared to the previous year. Together, they now account for nearly 70 percent of the country’s departure tax refund stores and more than half of imported consumer goods.

“China’s inbound consumption holds great growth potential,” said Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping, noting that last year, spending by overseas visitors contributed about 0.5 percent of the country’s GDP, compared to 1 to 3 percent in major economies.

MIL OSI China News –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Record-breaking Canton Fair highlights China’s trade resilience

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

Defying global trade headwinds, the just-concluded 137th China Import and Export Fair set multiple records, demonstrating great vitality in foreign trade and injecting fresh momentum into global trade development.

Also known as the Canton Fair, the event, which concluded on Monday in south China’s Guangdong Province, attracted over 288,000 overseas buyers, a 17.3 percent increase from the session of the same period last year and a new high, according to the China Foreign Trade Centre (CFTC), the organizer of the fair.

Another record high was set by the number of leading multinational purchasing enterprises participating in the fair — reaching 376.

“The fair’s phenomenal turnout demonstrates international buyers’ strong endorsement of high-quality ‘Made in China’ products and underscores China’s pivotal role in global supply chains,” said Mao Yanhua, director of the Institute of Regional Openness and Cooperation at Sun Yat-sen University.

WIDESPREAD OPTIMISM

“I’m continually impressed by China’s technology and unmatched manufacturing excellence. This inspires our great optimism about the economic prospects of China,” said Osama Alrefaei, China general manager of Alrefaei trading company from Saudi Arabia, who attended the session.

At the 136th Canton Fair last year, Alrefaei inked a collaboration agreement with a Chinese baby products supplier. They are currently finalizing the terms of cooperation to jointly create a new baby product brand, which will be sold in Saudi Arabia.

Among the record-breaking participation of over 288,000 overseas buyers at the 137th Canton Fair, there were over 170,000 first-time attendees, up 14.6 percent year on year.

“This is our first time participating in the fair, and our focus is on processing machinery and equipment,” said a purchasing manager with DF import and export company from Vietnam. “With China’s ‘technology toolbox,’ more and more Southeast Asian countries are accelerating their transformation from assembly workshops to manufacturing hubs.”

Despite the current complex international situation, overseas buyers demonstrated strong confidence in China and Chinese products, with many emphasizing their visit was more than just symbolic — the 137th Canton Fair has recorded 25.44 billion U.S. dollars in on-site intended export deals.

According to the organizer, the international buyers come from 219 countries and regions. Purchasers from countries participating in Belt and Road cooperation totaled 187,450, up 17.4 percent year on year and representing 64.9 percent of all overseas buyers.

“The fair holds an irreplaceable position in our business ecosystem,” said Davut Taser, general manager of Hometraz Trading Company from Türkiye, which has been participating in the Canton Fair for 25 years.

Taser noted that many of the company’s core components come from China, calling such complementary cooperation “a vivid reflection of global industrial chains.”

PRODUCT UPGRADE

According to Chinese exhibitors at the 137th Canton Fair, products with exceptional quality, innovative features, and strong brand recognition have gained particular favor among international buyers, further boosting their confidence in pursuing diversified market expansion.

After ordering 100 mobile smart panels manufactured by Shenzhen KTC Commercial Display Technology Co., Ltd. at the fair, a thrilled international purchaser even wanted to take away the company’s exhibition samples as well.

“The market has voted — our innovative products are worth the price,” said Liu Feng, general manager of the commercial sales department of the Guangdong-based company. “We have completed our technology reserves and will deploy them when market conditions mature, aiming to attract more clients from emerging markets such as Central Asia, the Middle East, and South America.”

As buyers arrive with higher expectations, Chinese companies are responding with more diverse and higher-quality products and services. Zhang Sihong, deputy director of the CFTC, noted that this edition of the Canton Fair has seen a surge in new technologies, innovative designs, advanced materials, and cutting-edge manufacturing processes.

A total of 4.55 million exhibits were showcased, including 1.02 million new products, 880,000 green and low-carbon products, and 320,000 smart products.

Deevesh Khatri, business development manager of Emerald Appliances from Dubai, has been visiting the Canton Fair with his father for over a decade, and now 99 percent of the firm’s suppliers are sourced from the event.

“It’s like a one-stop supermarket and an industry think tank,” he said. “Here, we spot trends, expand our network, and even reinvent our business models.”

Established in 1957, the Canton Fair is held twice a year in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong. It is the longest-running of several international trade events in China and has been hailed as the barometer of China’s foreign trade.

According to the General Administration of Customs, China’s total goods imports and exports in yuan-denominated terms expanded 1.3 percent year on year in the first quarter of 2025.

MIL OSI China News –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Secrets of the Thames: mudlarking treasures showcase history of London’s river and the people who scour its banks

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Thomas Lucking, PhD Candidate in History, University of East Anglia

Twice a day, every day, the tides of the River Thames rise and fall, revealing a foreshore that, in the middle of London, has been a focus of human activity for millennia.

Making use of the limited windows of time in which the riverbank is exposed, devoted hobbyists known as mudlarks scour the river’s edge for historic and interesting finds. The mudlarks, through their dedication, have assembled impressive collections of objects, each of which adds yet another small piece of London’s history to the archaeological record.

Secrets of the Thames, a new exhibition at the London Museum Docklands presents an insight into the fascinating world of mudlarking. It draws together more than 350 finds recovered from the river alongside the stories, insights and experiences of the mudlarks themselves.

The result is an engaging exhibition that makes use of the objects on display to tell the story of the Thames and London through time, and the people who search for them, giving the visitor an all-round insight that goes beyond being a room of objects in cases.

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The objects on display are more than simply a group of interesting items – although there are certainly plenty of objects that require time and attention to fully appreciate.

They are also a record of the ways the Thames has been used and viewed over the years. And together, they tell the story of the mudlarks that put the hours into finding these objects. For those who wish to see a variety of the more ancient objects from London, this exhibition tides things over until the London Museum Smithfield opens in 2026.

The beginning of the exhibition explores the history of mudlarks on the Thames. The term was coined in the late 18th and 19th centuries to refer to the poor who scavenged for objects such as scrap metal and coal.

Historic accounts, paintings and other objects provide glimpses into this time, including descriptions of some of these early mudlarks. Their stories and motivations for being on the Thames contrast sharply with the mudlarks of today. Those early mudlarks were effectively scavenging to survive. But over time an appreciation of the number of historic objects revealed by the tides saw mudlarking evolve into a hobby for those who wanted to search for small pieces of the city’s history.

Today, a permit is needed to mudlark on the Thames, provided by the Port of London Authority (PLA).

The changing ways the Thames has been used and viewed over time is revealed in the next space. Displays are arranged to showcase objects exploring different themes, including the river as a place of religious significance, a place of travel and trade and a place to dispose of the countless tons of rubbish generated by the inhabitants of London down the centuries.

Indeed, the cases themselves sit within a reconstructed foreshore having seemingly been washed across the room by the tidal waters, complete with historic and not-so-historic objects emerging from the mud. The objects on display cover a wide timescale, from prehistoric flint tools through to modern religious offerings, all of which have been pulled from the mud of the Thames.

Modern mudlarks

It is in the next space that the modern mudlarks themselves are brought into sharper focus. A mock-up of someone’s home display, complete with drawers filled with a range of objects, hints at the dedication and organisation required for these searchers.

Video interviews with mudlarks are played, explaining the enjoyment they take from their wanderings on the river. Alongside is a display explaining the role of the Portable Antiquities Scheme in recording the objects, preserving the information and context of where they were found. Each object adds a piece to the archaeological jigsaw.

Underlying all of this is the tidal nature of the Thames, which both continually turns the foreshore and allows access for the mudlarks. A large model of the moon provides a space to sit and reflect at the end of the exhibition. A further small room shows a video of mudlarking on the Thames, allowing visitors to immerse themselves into the sight and sounds of the river. It offers an understanding of why people are drawn to its banks.

The overall impression of the exhibition is a mixture of appreciation for the variety of objects that have been recovered from the river, with every aspect of human life represented.

The thematic approach taken to displaying many of the objects brings the shared habits and customs of human life down the centuries to the fore. In objects such as the Roman jewellery, we see items that would look perfectly at home being worn by anyone walking the banks of the Thames today.

The modern human connection with the river is also clear to see through the mudlarks, whose dedication gives them a unique perspective on what may at first glance appear to be a muddy riverbank, but through their searching, reveals a far richer and deeper history.

Secrets of the Thames is at the London Museum Docklands until March 1 2026.

Thomas Lucking is an AHRC-funded PhD researcher.

– ref. Secrets of the Thames: mudlarking treasures showcase history of London’s river and the people who scour its banks – https://theconversation.com/secrets-of-the-thames-mudlarking-treasures-showcase-history-of-londons-river-and-the-people-who-scour-its-banks-256006

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Russia looks to frame war as an inevitable part of life on Victory Day

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jennifer Mathers, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, Aberystwyth University

Russia celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in the second world war on May 9. But while the cameras will focus on the assembled ranks of elderly war survivors watching the military parade in Red Square, Moscow, the focus of senior officials is on Russia’s children and young people.

Patriotism in Vladimir Putin’s Russia is built on exaggerated respect for key moments in the country’s history. These moments have been chosen to create a specific story about Russia. This is a story about Russia’s military might, the ability of its citizens to endure almost unimaginable suffering for the motherland, and the inevitability of victory over its enemies.

Victory Day gives the Kremlin a chance to retell that story. It also allows the state to assure Russians that they, like their ancestors, will be victorious in the so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine. Moscow describes this war as the modern-day equivalent of the fight against Nazi Germany.

With fewer witnesses to that historic victory still alive, the Kremlin’s ability to manipulate society by drawing on this important memory depends on the willingness of the next generation to embrace the state’s official history. And Russian political figures are worried that young people nowadays are disconnected from their heritage.

A poll conducted in December 2022 by the Russian Public Opinion Research Centre found that 76% of Russians aged 14 to 24 believe they have a good understanding of the history of their country. But the results of an alternative poll from June 2023 show that 70% of Russia’s young people do not know enough about their nation’s history.

Vladimir Medinsky, the chairman of the Interdepartmental Commission of Historical Education of Russia, reflected on the issue at a forum on how to interest young people in Russian history in 2023. He said: “What needs to be done to make our children interested in history? To make interesting historical performances, to make historical films.”

Russia’s leaders seek to address this perceived disconnect through military patriotic education. This is a system of surrounding children and young people with state-approved messages about Russia’s historic military victories and the role of its armed forces in making their country respected – and feared – around the world.

These messages are conveyed through textbooks and in lessons at school. But one of the challenges for the Russian state is finding ways of making this material attractive enough for young people to want to engage with it.

Putin himself has indicated that he understands this challenge. At a meeting with the Russian non-profit society Znaniye (Knowledge) on April 30, the Russian president argued that “it is crucial to have both an opportunity and skills to communicate the truth about past years and decades: sincerely, compellingly and – if I may say so – in a way that truly resonates”.

Patriotic youth groups are an important vehicle for delivering military patriotic education in fun and exciting ways. These groups organise activities including games and competitions, as well as more immersive activities such as role-playing and re-enactments. These activities are designed to create a deeper engagement with the events of the past.

One group, Victory Volunteers, emphasises collecting personal accounts from war veterans to add to the historical record. It also actively brings young people and war veterans together so that the heroes of future wars can be inspired by real-life stories of wartime heroism.

Listening to these first-hand testimonials is intended to enable young people to deepen their understanding of the experience of war, including its hardships and tragedies.

Yunarmiya (Young Army) is probably Russia’s best-known military patriotic youth group. It works with young people to develop their appreciation of history. But its focus on dressing its members in uniforms and training them in practical military skills has captured the attention of the world’s media.

These skills include military-style activities such as marching in formation, learning how to assemble and disassemble weapons, and how to fire them.

The Russian state also supports military patriotic education through the presidential grants fund. Hundreds of charities, youth groups and local societies apply to the fund twice a year, with the winners reportedly chosen by Putin himself.

Many of the successful applications involve activities to raise young people’s awareness of historical memory, especially the memory of war.

In 2022, for example, the historical reconstruction club Volnitsa received funding to organise a memorial march “in the footsteps of the winners” to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Bogucharsky region of Russia (near the border with Ukraine) from Nazi occupation.

The successful application emphasised the emotional intensity of the reenactment and its educational effects on young participants.

Events like the 80th anniversary of Victory Day have a significance for the Kremlin that goes beyond the speeches, parades and pageantry of the day itself. They are part of an effort by the Russian state to shape the expectations and behaviour of the next generation of its citizens.

By encouraging young people to feel a personal connection to Russia’s history of war, Moscow hopes to ensure that society will regard war as an inevitable part of life. The scale of this effort suggests that Putin and other senior officials anticipate the need for a society willing to make sacrifices so that Russia can achieve victories in future wars.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Russia looks to frame war as an inevitable part of life on Victory Day – https://theconversation.com/russia-looks-to-frame-war-as-an-inevitable-part-of-life-on-victory-day-255751

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Black students are increasingly less likely to get a first or 2:1 than their white peers

Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Mba, Vice-Chancellor, Birmingham City University

Andrii Zastrozhnov/Shutterstock

Black students are increasingly less likely to get a first or 2:1 than their white peers, according the latest Ethnic Representation Index for higher education in England and Scotland.

This need for better representation for students was the impetus behind the development of the index, first launched in 2022. I began it while deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Arts London, with the intention of creating a consistent methodology and agreed metrics to measure the progress of universities in England and Scotland in addressing institutional racism, as well as to examine the sense of belonging and inclusion among Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) staff and students.

The index exposes the so-called “awarding gap” – that’s the difference between the proportion of white and BAME students awarded a first class or 2:1 degree. For Black and other ethnic minority students in England, it now stands at 14.1%, up from 12.3% the previous year. Indeed, 76% of universities in England and a similar proportion of universities in Scotland have a gap of more than 10%.

For Black students in particular, the gap is even greater. It now stands at 21.6%, up from 19.3% in England. In Scotland, 81% of universities have a Black awarding gap of over 25%.

Despite this, though, the index does show some encouraging signs. This is its third and latest iteration, which I co-authored with Chris Lloyd-Bardsley, Adam Weigel and Sandra Longville at the University of Arts London, covers the 2022-2023 academic year.

According to data from the National Student Survey, the gap in reported satisfaction rates between white and students from ethnic minority backgrounds has narrowed over the last few years. Black students reported a better university experience than their white peers.

Staff representation

Staff, by and large, are becoming more representative of the student body. For instance, 20.2% of academics and 33.3% of undergraduates in England are from ethnic minority backgrounds.

This is by no means parity, but it is progress when we consider that, in the last index, 18.5% of academics were from ethnic minority backgrounds. Representation among professional services staff, professors, senior managers and governors increased, too.

Progress has also been made in Scotland. Black and ethnic minority students comprise 11.6% of the undergraduate student body there, 16% of postgraduate researchers – and 15.4% of academics. Representation among executive board members also increased.

Interestingly, irrespective of the near parity in minority ethnic student and academic populations in Scotland, the awarding gaps are still high. This could in part be due to the concentration of staff and students from minority ethnic groups in different departments, schools and subject areas. So, while the overall representation looks equal, minority ethnic staff populations may be concentrated in only a few areas.

Nonetheless, addressing the awarding gap isn’t entirely about representation.

Some universities are signed up to the Race Equality Charter: an award provided to institutions addressing problems faced by ethnic minority staff and students. Universities can apply for a bronze or silver award depending on progress.

At the time of developing this year’s index, 52 universities had achieved an award. I am pleased to note that 77% of these increased the proportion of Black and ethnic minority academic staff relative to students and 65% increased their proportion of Black academics.

Yet while universities have made progress in some areas, it has stalled in others. In some cases, it has even retreated. The ethnicity pay gap measures the average gap across all university staff, including academic staff and professional services staff. The ethnicity pay gap increased this year by 0.4 percentage points to 6%. At some universities, gaps as high as 27.4% were reported.

In Scotland, the figures are better, but a pay gap of 1.9% nevertheless persists.

Mixed success

And while representation may have increased among academics and professorial staff, the same cannot be said for the highest echelons of management. In England, Black and ethnic minority representation among executive teams fell from 7.7% to 7%. Black representation in England also fell, to only 0.7%.

In Scotland, ethnic minority representation among executives increased, but Black representation fell. There are no reported Black executive board members in Scotland.

For students in England, the disparity in continuation rates (the proportion of students who continue their studies into a second year) is 1.3 percentage points between Black and ethnic minority and white students. The disparity in completion rates (the proportion of students who can be tracked through to the end of their qualification) is 2.7 percentage points.

For Black students in particular the gap is even greater. There is a continuation rate gap of 2.5 percentage points and a completion rate gap of 4.5 percentage points between Black and white students. Some universities in England reported completion rate disparities for Black students of over 15%.

Moreover, Black and ethnic minority graduates in England are 2.5 percentage points less likely to be in employment or further study 15 months after graduating than their white peers, though this does mark a slight improvement of 0.4 percentage points from last year.

Students from an ethnic minority background have previously been shown to worry that the absence of lecturers from a similar background could have an effect on their achievement, as well as their sense of belonging at university, their engagement with their course. For these students, having a teacher that looks like them can have a transformational impact.

We may be tempted to believe the path toward equality in higher education is straight and narrow. Make the commitment, put in place the strategy, the rest will follow. This is evidently not the case. We should gain some comfort that universities are making progress in some areas. However, it is disappointing that higher education institutions have fallen back elsewhere.

David Mba 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. Black students are increasingly less likely to get a first or 2:1 than their white peers – https://theconversation.com/black-students-are-increasingly-less-likely-to-get-a-first-or-2-1-than-their-white-peers-255546

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: Occupancy Analytics Leader Lambent Adds Two Higher Ed Veterans to its Board of Advisors

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Occupancy analytics software company Lambent today announced the addition of two new members to its Board of Advisors. Robert Wynkoop, Vice President of Operations and Finance at Covenant College, and Maria O’Callaghan-Cassidy, former Senior Associate Vice President, Campus Operations at the University of Richmond, join Lambent’s advisory board to help build on the company’s success working with higher education institutions and corporations. Both bring an invaluable perspective on how occupancy analytics can help optimize organizations’ approaches to real estate investment and space management while also providing employees, students and visitors with the best possible experiences in those spaces.

“Rob and Maria both bring a great mix of operational and finance experience across higher education, government and corporate real estate,” said Julie Roberts, Lambent’s Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer. “Rob also has first-hand experience and success with the Lambent Spaces platform. That combination provides a really valuable perspective as we look to expand the value and footprint of our solutions across corporate and higher ed campuses.”

In his role as Vice President of Operations and Finance at Covenant College, Wynkoop oversees finance and accounting, business operations, facilities and maintenance, human resources, and technology services. Before joining Covenant in 2024, he spent 11 years at Purdue University, where his team managed space administration, real estate and development, logistics and procurement services on campus and at the Purdue University Airport, the Purdue Memorial Union, and Purdue Conferences. While at Purdue, Wynkoop oversaw the implementation of the Lambent Spaces occupancy analytics platform that currently helps manage over one million square feet on its West Lafayette campus. That implementation has assisted Purdue in avoiding approximately $30 million in operating expenses through better space utilization. Earlier in his career, Wynkoop served at the Indiana Department of Administration (IDOA) under Governor Mitch Daniels, holding the position of commissioner from 2010 to 2013.

O’Callaghan-Cassidy brings extensive experience in higher education facilities management and campus operations. Most recently as Senior Associate Vice President of Campus Operations at the University of Richmond, she led a team of 400+ professionals across dining services, campus business services, facilities operations, architecture and campus operations budget and finance. Previously, she spent 25 years at The Wharton School where she rose through the ranks from Manager of Scheduling and Facilities Services to Senior Director of Operations to Executive Director of Design & Construction and Facilities Planning and Operations.

About Lambent
Lambent is an occupancy analytics software company helping corporate and higher ed campuses optimize space utilization, facilities operations and real estate investments. Its SaaS platform, Lambent Spaces, leverages existing data sources such as Wi-Fi and sensors to provide anonymous and predictive analytics to inform decisions related to utilization, workplace experiences, planning, scheduling, and maintenance. The software delivers actionable intelligence so facilities professionals and space planners can make better use of the spaces they have. For more information, visit https://lambentspaces.com/.

The MIL Network –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: Brag House Holdings, Inc. Files Form 10-K and Reaffirms Strategic Vision for Gen Z Engagement Through Gaming
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brag House Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: TBH) (“Brag House” or the “Company”), a media-tech company at the intersection of gaming, college sports, and digital brand engagement, today announced the filing of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

The Company reaffirmed its confidence in the execution of its strategic plan to redefine digital engagement for casual college gamers and brands seeking to connect with the Gen Z demographic. As outlined in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Brag House continues to develop a first-of-its-kind digital platform where casual college gamers can compete, support their schools, engage in spirited banter, and win prizes in a safe, inclusive environment.

“We are creating more than a platform—we are building a new sports medium,” said Lavell Juan Malloy II, CEO and Co-Founder of Brag House. “By merging gameplay with school spirit, our student-led tournaments, proprietary Bragging Functionality, and interactive experiences offer Gen Z an entirely new way to engage with college rivalries.”

The Company highlighted its landmark strategic partnership with Learfield, which launched in April 2025 in collaboration with Florida Gators Athletics. The partnership represents a significant revenue-generating opportunity and marks the first step in a nationwide rollout designed to scale across Learfield’s network of over 200 collegiate institutions.

The Company reaffirmed its strategic focus by highlighting the launch of a landmark initiative with Florida Gators Athletics and Learfield’s Florida Gators Sports Properties, as announced in its April 28, 2025 press release titled “Brag House, Florida Gators Athletics, and Learfield Announce Strategic Partnership to Create New Digital Sports Medium for Gen Z.” This innovative collaboration introduces a new digital sports medium for Gen Z—merging school spirit, gaming, and live sports into immersive experiences, as detailed below.

The debut activation, known as the Brag Gator Gauntlet, kicks off in May 2025 at the University of Florida. This flagship series introduces:
- Live and digital gaming activations aligned with real-world sporting events;
- NIL-integrated content featuring student-athletes to amplify authenticity and school pride;
- Branded loyalty tokens and cross-channel sponsorship opportunities across digital and on-campus platforms.
By uniting Brag House’s gamified platform with Learfield’s nationwide network of collegiate institutions, this initiative redefines how fans and students engage with college sports. It also opens up high-impact, measurable opportunities for brands to reach Gen Z through student-led tournaments, influencer-driven campaigns, and serialized content. The Company believes this model will generate high-ROI advertising opportunities and serve as a foundation for future data-driven insights, enabling brands to engage Gen Z with greater precision, authenticity, and scale.

“Our development and marketing strategy is laser-focused on high-impact, revenue-producing milestones,” added Malloy. “We are investing strategically in infrastructure while maintaining disciplined cost controls expected of a public company.”

The Company’s near-term strategic goals include:
- Scaling Learfield-based activations across multiple universities;
- Deploying digital rewards through Loyalty Tokens and Bragging Functionality;
- Advancing key platform technology modules to operational beta;
- Leveraging proprietary data for brand-focused SaaS revenue generation.
Brag House remains confident in its long-term growth trajectory and will continue providing shareholders with updates as key milestones are reached.

About Brag House
Brag House is a leading media technology gaming platform dedicated to transforming casual college gaming into a vibrant, community-driven experience. By seamlessly merging gaming, social interaction, and cutting-edge technology, the Company provides an inclusive and engaging environment for casual gamers while enabling brands to authentically connect with the influential Gen Z demographic. The platform offers live-streaming capabilities, gamification features, and custom tournament services, fostering meaningful engagement between users and brands. For more information, please visit www.braghouse.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements in this press release, include, but are not limited to statements relating to the ability to generate revenue from strategic partnership with Learfield; the ability to generate any revenue, return on investment, or any specific outcomes related to scheduled or unscheduled activations or immersive experiences; the ability to deliver anticipated platform growth, including through anticipated development roadmap or scalable model; the timeliness of any anticipated beta versions; the ability to generate revenue from anonymized behavioral insights or other proprietary data; the effectiveness of marketing strategies and strategic investments on revenue; the availability or value of any digital rewards and functionality; the feasibility of near-term strategic goals; or the impact on growth of near or long-term trajectories. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as “may,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “could,” “intends,” “target,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “believes,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “potential,” “continue,” “assumption” or “judgment” or the negative of these words or other similar terms or expressions that concern our expectations, strategy, plans or intentions. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable when made, the Company cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. There are a number of important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated by the Company’s forward-looking statements, which include, but are not limited to: the Company’s history of recurring losses and anticipated expenditures raises substantial doubts about its ability to continue as a going concern; the Company’s loss of or a substantial reduction in activity by one or more of its largest clients, vendors and/or sponsors could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations; the Company’s revenue model may not remain effective, and the Company cannot guarantee that its future monetization strategies will be successfully implemented or generate sustainable revenues and profit; technology changes rapidly in the Company’s business and if it fails to anticipate or successfully implement new technologies or adopt new business strategies, technologies or methods, the quality, timeliness and competitiveness of the Company’s amateur tournaments or competitions may suffer; the Company relies on information technology and other systems and platforms, and any failures, errors, defects or disruptions in the Company’s systems or platforms could diminish its brand and reputation, subject it to liability, disrupt its business, affect its ability to scale its technical infrastructure and adversely affect its operating results and growth prospects..

Additional factors include those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, including under the captions “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Business,” in the Company’s subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, including under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in our subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Unless required by federal securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated, to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the statements are made.

Investor Relations Contact:
Adele Carey
VP, Investor Relations
ir@thebraghouse.com

Media Contact:
Fatema Bhabrawala
Director of Media Relations
fbhabrawala@allianceadvisors.com

The MIL Network –
May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: Siebert Financial Appoints Industry Veteran Fredrick Scuteri as Chief Operating Officer of its Broker-Dealer Subsidiary

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Siebert Financial Corp. (NASDAQ: SIEB), announced the appointment of Fredrick Scuteri as Chief Operating Officer of its broker-dealer subsidiary Muriel Siebert & Co., LLC. In this role, Scuteri will oversee day-to-day operational functions, trading infrastructure, and platform modernization efforts as the firm continues to scale its brokerage services.

Scuteri brings nearly three decades of experience across institutional trading, asset management, and broker-dealer operations. Prior to joining Siebert, he served as Chief Operating Officer of DriveWealth Institutional, following the firm’s acquisition of Cuttone & Co. He also held the role of Vice President and Head of Trading Operations and Treasury at AQR Capital Management, where he led operations team proving global, multi-asset class coverage for over 250 trading accounts.

“Siebert Financial has a legacy of resilience and reinvention,” said Scuteri. “I look forward to building on that foundation by bringing scalable, tech-forward solutions to our operations. My focus will be on streamlining workflows, increasing transparency, and applying automation and AI to help future-proof the business, without compromising the firm’s commitment to client service and regulatory excellence.”

Under Scuteri’s leadership, Siebert will expand its operational capabilities and continue investing in infrastructure to support growth across institutional and retail channels.

“Fred brings both depth and range to this role,” said John J. Gebbia, CEO of Siebert Financial. “He understands the intricacies of capital markets and, more importantly, he knows how to execute. His ability to turn complexity into clarity is exactly what we need at this stage for the growth of Siebert.”

“Having someone with Fred’s operational rigor and fintech expertise is a significant advantage,” added John M. Gebbia, Principal at Siebert Financial. “He’s already thinking several steps ahead, whether it’s about optimizing capital, improving workflows integrating AI-automation, or preparing our systems for scale. We’re excited to have him on board.”

Scuteri is a FINRA-registered Financial Operations Principal (Series 27) with degrees in Finance, an MBA from St. John’s University, and, lately, certifications in Generative AI and Advanced Prompt Engineering from Vanderbilt University.

About Siebert Financial Corp.
Siebert is a diversified financial services company and has been a member of the NYSE since 1967 when Muriel Siebert became the first woman to own a seat on the NYSE and the first to head one of its member firms.

Siebert operates through its subsidiaries Muriel Siebert & Co., LLC, Siebert AdvisorNXT, LLC, Park Wilshire Companies, Inc., RISE Financial Services, LLC, Siebert Technologies, LLC, and StockCross Digital Solutions, Ltd, and Gebbia Media LLC. Through these entities, Siebert provides a full range of brokerage and financial advisory services, including securities brokerage, investment advisory and insurance offerings, securities lending, and corporate stock plan administration solutions, in addition to entertainment and media productions. For over 55 years, Siebert has been a company that values its clients, shareholders, and employees. More information is available at www.siebert.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements preceded by, followed by, or that include the words “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “estimate,” “target,” “project,” “intend” and similar words or expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections, or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements, which reflect beliefs, objectives, and expectations as of the date hereof, are based on the best judgment of the management of Siebert. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements, including, without limitation, the following: economic, social and political conditions, global economic downturns resulting from extraordinary events; securities industry risks; interest rate risks; liquidity risks; credit risk with clients and counterparties; risk of liability for errors in clearing functions; systemic risk; systems failures, delays and capacity constraints; network security risks; competition; reliance on external service providers; new laws and regulations affecting Siebert’s business; net capital requirements; extensive regulation, regulatory uncertainties and legal matters; failure to maintain relationships with employees, customers, business partners or governmental entities; the inability to achieve synergies or to implement integration plans; and other consequences associated with risks and uncertainties detailed in Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors of Siebert’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and Siebert’s filings with the SEC.

Siebert cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive, and new factors may emerge, or changes to the foregoing factors may occur that could impact its business. Siebert undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by the federal securities laws.

Media Contact
Deborah Kostroun, Zito Partners
deborah@zitopartners.com
+1 (201) 403-8185

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5ec79525-8910-4122-a10b-0e856542cab0

The MIL Network –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: During his working visit to the LPR, Marat Khusnullin visited a number of sites and laid flowers at the memorial to the Heroes of the Front and Rear of 1941–1945

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

During a working visit to the LPR, Marat Khusnullin laid flowers at the memorial to the Heroes of the Front and Rear of 1941–1945.

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin made a working visit to the Luhansk People’s Republic, during which he visited a plant, a training center, and also checked the pace of restoration of a five-story building.

“I got acquainted with the work of the Lugamash enterprise, which is engaged in the production of railway locomotives and rolling stock. In 2023, the Territorial Development Fund included the company among the top ten in the register of participants in the free economic zone. The preferential conditions of the SEZ made it possible to begin modernizing and technically re-equipping production, increase the number of employees and raise the level of wages. I believe that this enterprise has very great prospects. And on those sites that are not used, it is necessary to create a technology park so that there is an opportunity to work in other areas of the regional industry,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Marat Khusnullin laid flowers at the memorial on the plant grounds dedicated to the memory of the Heroes of the Front and Rear of 1941–1945.

In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister checked the progress of the restoration of an apartment building in the Vatutina quarter, to which 64 families are expected to return after the summer, and assessed the progress of the renovation of the building of the military training center at the V. Dahl Luhansk State University.

“The head of the center, Colonel Mikhail Basanov, said that the main tasks of this institution are the implementation of military training programs and work on military-professional orientation of young people. The conditions for such an important matter must be appropriate – they are created by the “Single Customer”. They plan to hand over the facility in June, so that it will be possible to train about 300 cadets at a time,” noted Marat Khusnullin.

At the end of the trip, a meeting was held on the development of the region.

“I can say with satisfaction that the republic is coping with all the tasks set. This speaks of the systematic work of the team of the head of the LPR Leonid Pasechnik and the chairman of the LPR government Yegor Kovalchuk, which will continue to allow the implementation of the planned plans to bring the standard of living in the LPR to the average Russian level,” the Deputy Chairman of the Government concluded.

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Join us on 5/22 for a Foreign and Comparative Law Webinar: “How to Handle AI? – Italian National Regulation in the Context of European Law”

Source: US Global Legal Monitor

The following is a guest post by Dante Figueroa, a senior legal information analyst at the Law Library of Congress covering Italian, Vatican, Roman, and Canon law. Dante has previously published the following posts: From Summorum Pontificum to Traditionis Custodes: Changes in Liturgical Matters at the Catholic Church, Vatican Criminal Law and Recent Money Laundering Cases, Collections and Digitization Projects of the Vatican Apostolic Library, and The Roman Senate as Precursor of the U.S. Senate, among others.

Please join us on May 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. EDT for another entry into our Foreign and Comparative Law Webinar series with our “How to Handle AI? – Italian National Regulation in the Context of European Law” webinar. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the new reality the world is facing in the 21st century. Most know about it, but few understand it properly, and even fewer dare to predict the implications of AI in all aspects of life.

In this context, current developments and innovations concerning AI pose meaningful challenges to governments and the private sector, in particular in the area of fundamental human rights. For instance, the inclusion of Algorithmic Decision-Making (ADM) processes in various aspects of human endeavors, such as policing, employment, health care, business, and criminal justice, may reinforce and even create new barriers to fairness in society.

Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (“AI Act”) is the world’s first regulatory framework on AI. This regulation offers a comprehensive legislative framework for using AI, with broad coverage and allocated duties and obligations based on a hierarchy of risks to health, safety, and fundamental human rights. Accordingly, the AI Act contains regulatory tools available to member states and private actors with the ultimate purpose of shielding real or perceived disruptions caused by AI on contemporary societies. Other European Union (EU) regulations also tackle AI, including the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) and the “Digital Services Act.”

In this context, the webinar will analyze the aforementioned EU’s AI regulatory framework, from a legal and ethical perspective, to understand the challenges posed by AI innovations to the traditional human-centered environment. Particular attention will be given to the recent European Court of Justice’s decision in the “Schufa case.”

Italy is not unaware of the many challenges posed by AI in various sectors of life. On April 23, 2024, the Council of Ministers approved a draft of a legislative bill dedicated to AI. Most recently, on March 20, 2025, a legislative bill was introduced into the Italian Senate concerning AI. However, no enacted legislation on AI currently exists in Italy.

Accordingly, the webinar will also ponder the current and future implications of both EU and tentative domestic legislation on AI for Italy.

Register here.

The main speaker will be Roberto D’Orazio, who is a senior legislative analyst at the Italian Parliamentary Library, and will present alongside Dante Figueroa, senior legal information analyst at the Law Library of Congress. Dante has a J.D. degree from the University of Concepcion, Chile, an LL.M. from the University of Chile, and an LL.M. from American University in Washington, D.C. He is fluent in Spanish, English, French, and Italian, and conversant in German and Portuguese.

To learn about other upcoming classes on domestic and foreign law topics, visit the Legal Research Institute. Please request ADA accommodations at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or [email protected].

Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: Live Oak Bancshares Announces Appointment of Patrick T. McHenry to Board of Directors

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WILMINGTON, N.C., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Live Oak Bancshares announced the appointment of Patrick T. McHenry to its board of directors effective May 21, 2025. McHenry has also been appointed to the board of directors of Live Oak Bank.

“It is a privilege for Live Oak to have the astute financial and policy expertise of Patrick’s caliber join our board of directors,” said Live Oak Bancshares Chairman and CEO James S. (Chip) Mahan III. “His service to the U.S. government, and experience as former chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, will be a valuable addition to our leadership as Live Oak continues its mission to be America’s small business bank.”

McHenry currently lives in Washington, D.C. and serves as an advisor on public policy, financial services, fintech, and artificial intelligence matters, in addition to serving as a distinguished fellow at Georgetown University’s Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy. He spent 20 years in Congress and is the former Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee and U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District. During his time leading the committee, McHenry drove a robust legislative agenda focused on cryptocurrency, capital formation, AI, fintech, data privacy, and corporate governance issues, among other topics.

“Small business is a critical component of the U.S. economy, and I have long respected Live Oak Bank’s approach to supporting the capital needs of American entrepreneurs,” said McHenry. “There is a unique culture at Live Oak–one driven by an embrace of innovation and technology, two things that inspired much of my public policy work over the last 20 years. I am delighted to be part of the journey Chip and the team are on to serve small businesses in my home state of North Carolina and around the country.”

In addition to his role as Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, McHenry previously served in House Republican leadership as the Chief Deputy Whip and also served as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House in October of 2023. He is a native of Gastonia, NC and a graduate of Belmont Abbey College.

About Live Oak Bancshares
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE: LOB) is a financial holding company and parent company of Live Oak Bank. Live Oak Bancshares and its subsidiaries partner with businesses who share a groundbreaking focus on service and technology to redefine banking. To learn more, visit www.liveoak.bank.

Contact:
Claire Parker
Live Oak Bank, Corporate Communications
910.597.1592
claire.parker@liveoak.bank

The MIL Network –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI: Obra Capital Announces Promotion of Peter Polanskyj to Chief Investment Officer

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Obra Capital, Inc. (along with its affiliated registered investment advisors, collectively “Obra”), an asset management firm with a specialized approach to alternative investing, today announced that Peter Polanskyj, Senior Managing Director and Head of Structured Credit, has been promoted to Chief Investment Officer.

Since joining Obra in 2022, Mr. Polanskyj has been a key member of the leadership team, supporting the guidance and execution of the firm’s growth strategy and the development of both its platform and enhanced product set. In April 2024, he supported the launch of Obra’s first ETFs, creating investment options with access to a wide variety of securitized products. In December 2024, Mr. Polanskyj helped lead a $400 million close of Obra’s inaugural Collateralized Loan Obligation offering (“CLO”), further diversifying the firm’s strategies in alternative assets and structured credit to provide a range of solutions aimed at delivering long-term value for investors.

In addition to new product launches, Mr. Polanskyj has demonstrated a proven track record of prudent capital stewardship, leveraging over 28 years of experience investing in a variety of structured investments to achieve a net growth rate for Obra’s insurance special situations strategy that has outpaced the firm’s initial expectations. In his new role, he will chair Obra’s Investment Committee, with oversight of the firm’s operations across its portfolio.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Peter to fill this role on Obra’s leadership team,” said Blair Wallace, President and Chief Executive Officer. “He has contributed to the rapid growth of our platform by adeptly navigating a nuanced area of the market, launching unique products and providing strong performance for our investors. His specialized experience and skillset will be critical as we look to build on our momentum across credit and insurance investment opportunities.”

Mr. Polanskyj added, “I am proud of the work we have done developing the capabilities that our investors are looking to access across insurance and credit. As I step into this new role as CIO, I look forward to continuing to work with Blair and the team to develop our platform and deliver for investors.”

In addition, Matt Roesler has been promoted to Senior Managing Director and Head of Multi-Sector Credit. He continues to lead the management of Obra’s multi-sector credit, liability-driven and other insurance portfolios. Greg Nicolls has been promoted to Senior Managing Director and Head of Business Development and Investor Relations.

Prior to joining Obra, Mr. Polanskyj was a Managing Director and Head of U.S. CLO Management at Sculptor Capital (formerly known as Och-Ziff), where he oversaw the creation, securitization and management of CLOs and similarly structured products. In his time with the firm, he grew this business from inception in 2012 to approximately $15 billion in assets in 2022. Prior to that role, he worked at Morgan Stanley in a variety of capacities, including as a strategist focused on credit, structured credit, equity derivatives and capital structure arbitrage. Previously, Mr. Polanskyj was a reinsurance actuary with a focus on property and casualty. Mr. Polanskyj holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Mathematics from Rutgers University, where he was named a Henry Rutgers scholar, and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School.

About Obra Capital

Obra is a specialized alternative asset management firm with approximately $5.6 billion in capital under management as of March 31, 2025. Obra provides investment products and solutions across insurance, multi-sector credit, asset-based finance and longevity investment strategies. Obra aims to generate long-term value and attractive returns for investors through a variety of funds and separate accounts. With capabilities in investing, originating, structuring and servicing, Obra strives to provide differentiated investment opportunities and capital solutions for investors worldwide. Obra owns and operates a CLO management business, a commercial real estate lending platform and an auto finance company. For more information about Obra and its registered investment advisors, please visit www.obra.com.

Media Contact:
Dan Gagnier
Gagnier Communications
Obra@gagnierfc.com
646-569-5897

The MIL Network –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Alberta has long accused Ottawa of trying to destroy its oil industry. That’s a dangerous myth

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ian Urquhart, Professor Emeritus, Political Science, University of Alberta

“Alberta is a place soaked in self-deception.” Those words began Alberta-based journalist Mark Lisac’s 2004 book aimed at shattering the myths that have unhelpfully animated too much of Alberta’s politics over the past few decades.

Current and former Alberta politicians are once again embracing and treating separatist grievances seriously. That means it’s time once again to highlight and challenge political misconceptions that have the potential to destroy Canada.

Oil is the root of one such myth. The misconception? That Ottawa perenially opposes the oil and gas sector and is determined to stop its continued growth. The National Energy Program (1980), the Northern Gateway pipeline project (2016), the Energy East Pipeline (2017) and the proposed greenhouse gas pollution cap allegedly prove Ottawa’s hostility.

Notably missing from these grievances is the Keystone XL pipeline and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. Ottawa supported these projects aimed at transporting Alberta oilsands crude to foreign markets. The federal government even purchased the Trans Mountain project from Kinder Morgan in 2018 — not to kill it, but to build it.

Read more:
Justin Trudeau’s risky gamble on the Trans Mountain pipeline

As for Keystone XL, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney thanked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for supporting the project. This doesn’t fit the separatist narrative, so it’s largely ignored.

Oilsands booster

No one should dispute the National Energy Program’s devastating impact on Alberta’s conventional oil and gas sector 40 years ago. But the oilsands, not conventional oil, propelled Canada to its position as the world’s fourth largest oil producer.

Has Ottawa facilitated or obstructed the spectacular post-1990 growth of oilsands production?

The record shows that, since the mid-1970s, Ottawa has facilitated and supported the oilsands sector. The federal government helped keep the Syncrude project alive in 1975 when it took a 15 per cent interest in Canada’s second oilsands operation.

Ironically, Ottawa’s enthusiasm for more, not less, petroleum from the oilsands also appeared in 1980 via the National Energy Program (NEP), the devil in Alberta’s conservative catechism. What most accounts of the NEP don’t mention is that Ottawa offered tax benefits to oilsands companies while stripping them from conventional oil producers.

Furthermore, the NEP’s “made-in-Canada” pricing effectively guaranteed Syncrude would receive the world price for its production. At $38 per barrel, Syncrude received more than double what conventional producers received. If the NEP was harsh on conventional oil producers, it helped create a golden future for the oil sands.

In the mid-1990s, Ottawa helped propel the post-1995 oilsands boom. The industry-dominated National Task Force on Oil Sands Strategies sought federal tax concessions to promote oilsands growth. The federal government delivered them in its 1996 budget, despite Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s general concern with cutting the deficit.

Again, these measures clearly contradict the myth of federal opposition to the oil industry.

Generous emissions caps

Ottawa’s policy favouritism towards the oilsands didn’t end there. It has consistently animated the federal government’s treatment of the oilsands in its climate change policies.

The federal Climate Change Plan for Canada (2002) treated oil and gas leniently. Its measures for large industrial emitters bore a striking resemblance to the climate change policy preferences of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers. Suncor and Syncrude, the two leading oilsands producers, estimated these federal proposals would add a pittance, between 20 and 30 cents, to their per barrel production costs.

Justin Trudeau’s response to Alberta’s 2015 oilsands emissions cap also underlined Ottawa’s favouritism, not hostility, to the dominant player in Canada’s oil patch.

Rachel Notley’s NDP government set this cap at 100 million tonnes of GHG per year, plus another 10 million tonnes allowed to new upgrading and co-generation facilities. This cap was a whopping 39 million tonnes or 55 per cent higher than what the oilsands emitted in 2014.

This generous cap contributed to a tremendous increase in oilsands production. Healthy profits became record profits in 2022. Ottawa embraced Alberta’s largesse, incorporating the province’s cap into its post-2015 climate policies.

Furthermore, Ottawa increased its leniency towards the oilsands by exempting new in-situ (non-mining) oilsands projects in Alberta from the federal Impact Assessment Act. This exemption applies until Alberta’s emissions cap is reached. Canada’s latest National Inventory Report on greenhouse gas emissions reported record oilsands GHG emissions of 89 million tonnes in 2023, still 11 million tonnes shy of the 100 million tonne threshold.

Weaponizing myths

Finally, we have today’s proposed national cap on greenhouse gas emissions. Alberta is apoplectic about the cap. But whether or not it’s intentional, Premier Danielle Smith’s outrage feeds into secessionist sentiment by seemingly misrepresenting the cap’s impact on oil and gas production.

Smith and her environment minister use the work of the Parliamentary Budgetary Officer (PBO) to nurture their “Ottawa hates oil” narrative. They claim the officer’s analysis of the cap’s economic impact showed it “will cut oil and gas production by five per cent, or more than 245,000 barrels per day.”

This is simply not true.

In fact, the PBO concluded that, with the cap, oilsands production “is projected to remain well above current levels” — 15 per cent higher than in 2022. The proposed federal emissions cap, like the Alberta NDP’s cap of a decade ago, is higher than current oilsands emissions levels. The PBO concluded the proposed ceiling for oilsands emissions would be six per cent higher than 2022 emissions.

Ottawa’s proposed cap, in fact, continues its decades-long support of the oilsands.

Myths are central to our being. When I tell my grandsons about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, I hope to inspire curiosity, imagination and interest in their grandmother’s Irish heritage.

But in politics, fanciful stories can be dangerous. Some weaponize myths, using the fictions at their core to encourage followers to let falsehoods rule their behaviour. That seems to be playing out yet again in Alberta. We must demand better from the political class.

Ian Urquhart 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. Alberta has long accused Ottawa of trying to destroy its oil industry. That’s a dangerous myth – https://theconversation.com/alberta-has-long-accused-ottawa-of-trying-to-destroy-its-oil-industry-thats-a-dangerous-myth-255908

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU – 193 years old!

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering celebrates its 193rd birthday. By decree of Emperor Nicholas I, the university was founded on April 27 (May 9, new style), 1832 as the School of Civil Engineers under the Main Directorate of Communications and Public Buildings.

For almost two centuries, our university has been successfully fulfilling its mission. During this time, a whole galaxy of outstanding architects, engineers, and scientists have emerged from its walls, who have made a great contribution to the development of science and education, and left beautiful architectural monuments to their descendants.

Preserving and enhancing traditions, SPbGASU confidently moves forward: it introduces digital technologies into the educational process, conducts scientific research relevant to modern society, and implements innovative projects, thanks to which it has been awarded the status of a federal innovation platform. Industry partners provide our students with opportunities for internships and practical training, offer topics for writing final qualifying papers, which contributes to the training of in-demand specialists with modern knowledge and competencies.

We congratulate SPbGASU on its birthday and wish you new successes and achievements!

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

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: /Economic Review/ New Professions Fuel China’s Booming Cultural and Tourism Sector

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

CHANGCHUN, May 8 (Xinhua) — As dawn broke over Mount Taishan in east China’s Shandong Province, 26-year-old Wang Yang packed his backpack with essentials such as a first aid kit, trekking poles and sugar candies to replenish his energy.

He is preparing to lead a family of five on a six-hour climb to the summit, his seventh tour group over the five-day May Day weekend that ended Monday.

Wang Yang is part of a growing trend of “climbing guides” – people who keep company as they explore China’s scenic beauty spots. The new profession, which attracts students, mountaineering enthusiasts and guesthouse owners, offers personalized services such as route planning, photography and even “encouraging verbal therapy” to hikers along the way.

Charging service fees ranging from 400 to 1,500 yuan (US$55 to US$208) depending on the difficulty of the route, some such guides manage to earn up to 30,000 yuan a month.

The emergence of the new profession reflects a broader boom in tourism. For example, in the first quarter of 2025, Taishan was visited 1.27 million times, up 12.6 percent year-on-year. In 2023 and 2024, the mountain was visited more than 8 million times annually.

“The move towards personalized and specialized services also reflects a significant increase in consumer demand,” said Wang Yang, who, thanks to his newfound knowledge of emergency medical care, was able to help revive a tourist suffering from hypoglycemia.

About 1,000 kilometers away in northeast China’s Jilin Province, 50-year-old Yu Wei sat in a ski resort cabin, studying a thick stack of work notes. A technician by training, he played a key role in developing China’s first national standards for “ski patrol rescuers,” a newly recognized national profession.

When Yu Wei entered the industry in 1995, China’s ski resorts relied on equipment donated by foreign countries and had few active holidaymakers. But that all changed after Beijing won the 2022 Winter Olympics in 2015, and ski visits to the country’s ski slopes increased to 234 million in 2024-25.

“Now that 70 percent of skiers are snowboarding and trying difficult tricks, rescue work requires new skills,” said Yu Wei, whose team has developed protocols such as the “18-minute golden patrol cycle” to meet the changing demands of the sport.

The emergence of new roles in the tourism industry, from food reviewers to sports technicians, reflects broader changes in society. Song Zhiqiang, a popular content creator from Yanbian Korean Autonomous Region (Jilin Province, northeast China), has turned food vlogging into a powerful marketing tool, increasing local sales and consumption by more than 10 million yuan. Industry data shows that social media influencers like Song Zhiqiang will help the country’s entrepreneurs earn 133.3 billion yuan in 2024.

Since 2019, China has officially recognized 93 new occupations, with the total number of “new economy” workers reaching 84 million people, accounting for 21 percent of the country’s total workforce.

“These occupations are not just jobs; they are indicators of rising consumption levels,” said Zhou Guangxu, an associate professor at the Institute of Labor Affairs at Renmin University of China. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: This Is Your Brain On Music: Groundbreaking UConn-led Study Shows How the Brain Keeps the Beat

Source: US State of Connecticut

The most sophisticated musical instrument in the world is the human brain, according to a paradigm-shifting new paper in Nature Reviews Neuroscience.

Led by UConn psychological sciences and physics professor Edward W. Large, the research introduces neural resonance theory (NRT). NRT explains how physical structures in the brain and nervous system resonate with the structures of music, turning sequences of sounds into profound physiological and emotional experiences.

“In physics, resonance is everywhere,” explains Large, who directs the Music Dynamics Laboratory. “The heart is an oscillator. Circadian rhythms are oscillators, and they synchronize to the light and dark cycles of the earth.”

His research shows that human brain activity can also sync to various rhythms – from reggae to R&B to rhapsodies.

“A long-standing puzzle in music research is the presence of common features as well as variations across musical cultures,” says Ji Chul Kim, a co-author on the paper and assistant research professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences. “NRT explains this nature/nurture problem in terms of natural constraints and neural plasticity.”

Music, Meet Math

Large carries himself like someone who has spent some time on stage. He’s a smart dresser, accessorizing on a Monday afternoon video interview with a small silver earring. He does have a musical past, he tells me – after double-majoring in math and classical guitar in college, he spent some time performing – but when he learned it was possible to study the science of music in graduate school, he was hooked.

“As soon as I saw that, I knew that’s what I was meant to do,” he says.

When Large transitioned from making music to studying it, he noticed that the scientific world understood music very differently than he did.

The prevailing understanding was that humans enjoy music because its patterns enable a pleasurable system of prediction based on learned expectations. The human brain works like autocomplete, it was thought, predicting which notes and chord shifts will come next in a sequence – and feeling rewarded when it guesses correctly.

But Large’s research shows that this is only part of the story. His pioneering neural resonance theory offers a new explanation: oscillations (rhythms) in the brain’s neural activity actually synchronize with the pitches and rhythms of music. This synchronization is what creates the sense of expectation or anticipation.

According to NRT, people can keep time, dance, and effectively improvise music because human biological processes can sync with music, from simple tunes to complex melodies.

“This is about embodiments – physical states of the brain that have lawful relationships to external events [like sounds],” Large says. “They’re not abstract. It’s literally the sound causing a physical resonance in the brain.”

This means that the human body is very much part of the music-making process. Neurons vibrate like a plucked guitar string. Seen on an EEG, brainwaves dance to drumbeats.

“I have always been fascinated by music and physics,” Kim says. “I am excited about the way NRT brings them together and describes the perception and performance of music as dynamic patterns formed within and between listeners and performers.”

Volume Up

Large’s paper explains that this function of music is responsible for many of its uplifting qualities, like its mood- and memory-boosting properties, as well as its most universally recognized side effect: the urge to dance. (The paper refers to this phenomenon as “groove.”)

“This is the way I always intuitively understood music, before I went into science,” Large says. “But people wanted to talk about the brain as a computer, and its computing input/output functions. It just didn’t seem like how I experience music, or how people in general experience music. But this idea of resonance? I thought that was really compelling.

“So, what I set out to do was make it science,” he continues. “Instead of just New Age terminology — ‘oh, I’m resonating to this music, man’ — I wanted to ask whether, scientifically, this really does happen.”

Large demonstrates a form of combined light and music therapy at Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum in East Hartford on Oct. 7, 2019. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Even before the publication of this latest research, Large recognized the healing potential of music. In 2016, he founded Oscillo Biosciences (named for the neural oscillations that synchronize with music) with Kim, who had recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship at UConn.

The healthcare startup uses music and light therapy to help mitigate disease progression among Alzheimer’s patients. It is a highly promising application of NRT.

“We’re in a clinical trial right now, and we are showing that by listening to music and watching lights in a certain frequency relationship to the music, we can cause resonance in the brain that actually improves memory,” Large says.

NRT has other promising potential applications, ranging from AI to education. Machines trained on neural resonance could produce more emotionally intelligent and culturally aware music. Learning tools could leverage NRT to help people better grasp rhythm and pitch.

In the meantime, NRT offers a scientific explanation for one of the most mysterious human experiences — how and why music moves us.

In addition to Large, the multi-institutional collaboration featured other researchers at the University of Connecticut and at the University of Groningen (Netherlands), the University of Illinois Chicago, Queen Mary University of London, and McGill University (Canada). The other UConn authors on the paper were Ji-Chul Kim, who is now an assistant research professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences, and Parker Tichko ‘19 Ph.D.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 9, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: ‘Everyone lives in fear’: trapped between two warring nuclear giants, the people of Kashmir continue to suffer

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Leoni Connah, Lecturer in International Relations, Flinders University

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated this week after India launched missile strikes on its long-time rival, killing more than 30 people.

India was retaliating for a terror attack on tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir on April 22, which killed 26 civilians, most of them Indian. New Delhi has blamed a Pakistan-based militant group for the incident.

Pakistan has vowed revenge for the airstrikes, calling them an “act of war”.

If a full-scale war does break out between the two nuclear powers, it wouldn’t be the first time they have fought over the disputed region of Kashmir. In fact, the two sides have been in conflict over Kashmir since 1947.

The people of Kashmir, meanwhile, are stuck in the middle of this geopolitical rivalry, trapped in a security state with little hope for the future.

Life before the April 22 terror attack

Before the attack on the tourists last month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government had made repeated claims that “normalcy” was returning to the region.

However, Kashmir remains one of the most heavily militarised zones in the world and the people have long suffered human rights abuses the Indian government has justified on the grounds of counter-terrorism.

In 2019, the Modi government revoked Article 370 of the Indian constitution, which had granted a special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir, along with a high degree of autonomy.

The revocation of this article brought Jammu and Kashmir, now a “union territory”, under the full control of the Modi government in New Delhi.

This decision was made on behalf of Kashmiris, not in consultation with them. Speaking with Kashmiris in 2020 as part of my ongoing research on the region, there was a huge sense of betrayal at the move.

One of my interview subjects claimed Indian security forces were “instilling fear and psychological warfare” in Kashmir. Another said “it’s no exaggeration to say after every three kilometres, there’s a checkpoint” manned by Indian security forces. The situation worsened during the COVID pandemic, with increased lockdowns and curfews.

Some hope did return last September when Kashmiris were able to vote in regional assembly elections for the first time in a decade.

The election meant the new local assembly would have the power to make and amend laws, debate local issues and approve decisions for the territory, particularly in education and culture.

However, this doesn’t mean “normalcy” had returned, nor was Kashmir peaceful and tranquil.

In February of this year, there were reports that Indian security forces had conducted operations against suspected militants, resulting in a lockdown and 500 people being detained.

A young Kashmiri man died by suicide after allegedly being tortured by police in February. The next day, another man was shot dead by the army.

These are just two incidents that are part of a wider cycle of violence that has become a part of everyday life in Kashmir.

Life after April 22

After the April 22 tourist attack, the central government has doubled down on its heavy-handed approach to Kashmir under the guise of counter-terrorism.

Kashmiris have been subjected to an increased security presence, new lockdowns, “cordon and search operations”, social media surveillance, house demolitions and other draconian measures.

Police say some 1,900 Kashmiris have been detained and questioned since the attack. This number will no doubt continue to rise.

It is no wonder Kashmiris were saying “everyone lives in fear”, even before India launched missile strikes on its neighbour.

Possible retaliation from Pakistan – or a wider war – now looms, with Kashmiris again on the front lines.

Calls for India to follow Israel’s lead

There is a very big concern that right-wing Indian media outlets and social media posts are now encouraging the Indian government to respond to the terror attack in the same way Israel has retaliated against Hamas in Gaza.

Some commentators are portraying the April 22 attack as India’s version of the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which could become a dangerous precedent for what the future holds for Kashmir.

Israel also recently announced its support for India’s right to “self-defence”.

In addition, the rise in right-wing rhetoric increases the likelihood of Islamophobic attacks taking place against Kashmiris, as well as Muslims in India more broadly.

Pathways to peace?

Each war fought between India and Pakistan over Kashmir has ended with negotiations and treaties.

Bilateral relations have been attempted numerous times over the years and would be a preferable option to increased escalation in the current conflict.

Ultimately, it is the Kashmiris who suffer the most whenever tensions boil over between the two nuclear powers. As one young man recently said:

My parents don’t allow me to step outside. Every time I get a call, I feel a wave of anxiety, fearing it might be the police.

Kashmir might be a wonderland, a mini-Switzerland or a paradise for others, but for us, it is an open prison. Everyone lives in fear. What future do we have?

Leoni Connah 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. ‘Everyone lives in fear’: trapped between two warring nuclear giants, the people of Kashmir continue to suffer – https://theconversation.com/everyone-lives-in-fear-trapped-between-two-warring-nuclear-giants-the-people-of-kashmir-continue-to-suffer-256085

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA – Archbishop Nwachukwu: “Africa is no longer a little child”

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Luca Mainoldi

Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “Africa is often seen as a little child in a cradle, whose voice is perceived as a disturbing cry and who needs to be calmed by giving her some ‘milk’ in the form of development aid,” said Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and the New Particular Churches), in his speech at the Colloquium “The Church in Africa: general perspectives in view of the Conclave and the future of the Church,” held on Tuesday, May 6, at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.Archbishop Nwachukwu emphasized that at the international political level, there are those “who see Africa only as a baby in a cradle: They say, ‘Please go and calm the child so she does not disturb the adults who are talking.’ And then they give the baby a little milk in the form of a subsidy so she will be quiet and the adults can talk. That is why Africa is often viewed as a child who has no voice to be taken into consideration.” “Unfortunately, in the political world, Africa is still only either a mine from which minerals are extracted for one’s own production or a deposit for one’s own waste,” said the Secretary of the Missionary Dicastery. “And when Africans try to raise their heads to change this situation, there are those who set fires to prevent any change.”That is why,” Archbishop Nwachukwu continued, “Africa is internationally viewed either as a baby in a cradle, as a mine, or as a landfill.” “We therefore need a new way of thinking, including in the Church,” he emphasized. “Africa finds itself in a situation it did not want, but it is working to respond and rise again,” he emphasizes. “And the Lord is with Africa, the continent that Jesus sought to bind to himself since he was a child and sought refuge there when he was in danger.”Archbishop Nwachukwu reminds us that there is also a kind of new Herod in Africa, such as “the modern ideology that wants to destroy the Church.” It is above all the ideology of easy money that captivates the young African generation, says Archbishop Nwachukwu. “That is the real challenge: how to convey to young people where true happiness can be found, the true meaning of life,” he says. “In search of quick money, so many fall victim to scams or join criminal gangs or sects. What worries me about these phenomena is that efforts are being made to destroy the Church’s image. The Church, which came to save, is portrayed as having come to exploit people and destroy what was there before. When a young person grows up with these ideas, they reject the Church, forgetting that they only received an education because a missionary sacrificed himself to build the school where he went to study.” According to the Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, it is necessary to “strengthen the memory of our missionaries.” “And thanks be to God that in Africa we have received the faith from Westerners whom I call heroes of the faith, those missionaries who left for other continents when leaving meant death, also because today’s means were not available,” he emphasizes. “These missionaries were the best export product of the West, and it is time to reap the fruits of what they sowed,” concludes Archbishop Nwachukwu. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 7/5/2025)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/TOGO – Being a missionary with and for others

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Wednesday, 7 May 2025

SG

Lomé (Agenzia Fides) – “We are a family consisting of seven young people, all university graduates, a community leader, Father Valéry Aguh, who spent ten years in Sierra Leone; a director of studies, Jean Jacques Wisdom; and a chaperone,” says Father Silvano Galli, the “spiritual director” who, at the end of the second-term exams of the propedeutic period, the preparatory year for entry into the Society of African Missions before the beginning of the three-year philosophical cycle of the SMA missionaries, offers some insights into reflections on mission and on traditional life and cultures.”Being a missionary, far from our own lands, among unknown peoples and other cultures, means sharing the love of Christ with others and conveying to them that we are all brothers,” says one of the students. “Living with people from different countries in one house means creating unity through our differences, living in harmony as brothers, learning from one another, and being open to new cultures. Being a missionary does not just mean leaving one’s own country, but above all being a missionary with and for others.” “It is the harmony that exists between the different colors that makes a flower beautiful,” is another quote.”Charles de Foucauld reminds us that we are missionaries by who we are, not by what we do. Challenges are part of our mission and help us gain new experiences, immerse ourselves in new cultures, learn from our mistakes, and change our perspective.The courses have enabled me to be well-equipped as a missionary of tomorrow, not to be afraid to explore, to delve deeper, to understand other cultures without ever judging. Wisdom helps us live well with others, develop our maturity, and face the challenges that come our way.”Some of these young people had a difficult journey that prepared them for the complexities of life. One example is a young man from a “normal and well-functioning” family: “We were all living without major worries when our parents suddenly separated,” he says. “This event turned our entire lives upside down, as I was still in first grade, my brother in fourth, and my sister in fifth. After my parents separated, I stayed with my aunt and uncle until I finished elementary school. It was a very difficult time. The family was a peasant family, and by second grade, I had to use a hoe because that was the only way I could eat. I was on my own. And so it was until the first year of middle school when my mother came to visit me with some clothes and then disappeared again. I had to cope with this nomadic life (back and forth) and various problems, especially the lack of affection from my parents, until I finished fifth grade. After graduating, my father decided to send me to the city of Sokodé to continue my education with a teacher. In Sokodé, I attended high school. After graduating, I went to Lomé,” says the young man, “and enrolled at the University of Anthropology, passing two exams.” Then I joined the Society of African Missions.” (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 7/5/2025)
SG

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MIL OSI Europe News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Speech by President António Costa at the European University Institute event on peace and security in Europe

Source: Council of the European Union

European Council President António Costa participated in a special event at the European University Institute in Fiesole, Italy. In his keynote address on peace and security in Europe, he reaffirmed the European Union’s identity as a peace project, calling for stronger defense, strategic autonomy, and investment in competitiveness to confront today’s geopolitical challenges. He emphasized that peace must be actively defended and linked to economic strength, unity, and global partnerships.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: Bitter struggle in Liberals for likely poisoned chalice, as Jacinta Price defects from Nationals

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

By late last week it was clear Labor would win the election, but it came as more of a surprise when Peter Dutton lost the Queensland seat of Dickson he’d held since 2001.

Nor did many anticipate Greens leader Adam Bandt, member for Melbourne since 2010, would be swept away, in a lower house rout that has seen the minor party stripped of three of its four House of Representative seats.

Both the Liberals and the Greens are in existential moments, in need of new leaders and some painful introspection’s about their future directions.

Thinking back to the Liberal experience after Kevin Rudd’s 2007 victory, some wonder why anyone would be putting up their hand for the party leadership.

The Liberals churned through three leaders between 2007 and 2009. Brendan Nelson took over the party after Labor’s victory; undermined by Malcolm Turnbull, he lasted less than a year. Turnbull survived just over a year before being ousted by Tony Abbott.

Admittedly the experience of Peter Dutton was different – he was given a full term as opposition leader.

But the chances of Dutton’s successor becoming prime minister will be very low. With the added seats Labor has won, the Liberals are looking at a two-term strategy. The odds are on more than one leader, and generational change, in that time. Tim Wilson, 45, who has won back Goldstein, obviously has his eye on the prize in the longer term.

Despite all the disincentives, Sussan Ley, 63, and Angus Taylor, 58, both want this thankless post that’s up for grabs at Tuesday’s party meeting.

The battle has turned into a fight over negatives as much as positives. Supporters of Ley say Taylor did a dreadful job as shadow treasurer, including not producing a tax policy. The Taylor camp argues Ley, the deputy leader, under-performed generally.

Both contenders hold regional NSW electorates. Taylor’s support base is the conservative wing of the party; Leys’ is the moderate wing. The relative weightings of the factions in the Liberal party room has changed somewhat as a result of the election, in the favour of the moderates.

For those Liberal MPs whose votes are not tightly locked in by factional allegiances, there are multiple questions they need to consider.

Who will be able to keep the party together, while forcing it to face up to what changes it must make, and driving a major overhaul of policy? Who can improve the Liberals’ standing with women, and with younger voters? Who can better handle the relationship with the Nationals?

On the last point, anyone who might think it would be best to break the Coalition is, I believe, misguided. Going it alone didn’t work in the 1970s and the 1980s. Different as they may be, the Liberals and Nationals are, electorally, two parts of a whole.

They need their collective numbers to win and they’re better to stay together in opposition, to make the partnership in government work. But the relationship may be rocky.

At the election, the Nationals retained almost all their seats and will have a relatively bigger voice from now on.

On Thursday, however, their highest profile senator, Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, jumped from the Nationals to the Liberals. She said she thought she could be more effective in the Liberals, “especially as the party faces a significant rebuild […] I feel obliged to play a robust part in”.

This was a concerted move from the right, and will play into the leadership contest in an as-yet unclear way. With speculation that she might run as Taylor’s deputy, Price was asked on Sky on Thursday night she would be willing to be drafted for a position. “I will not put limitations on myself,” she said.

For the Liberals, there is absolutely no silver lining from this election. The Greens can take some comfort in the fact they’ve retained their numbers (11) in the Senate, with only a small fall in their Senate vote. On the projected results, the Greens are set to be the sole negotiators with the government in the Senate on legislation opposed by the Coalition.

Who will become leader is still an open question, with South Australian veteran Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi, and the party’s Senate leader, Larissa Waters, mentioned. Whoever gets the post, the leadership will return to the Senate, where it always was until Bandt obtained the position in early 2020.

Post election, Anthony Albanese has continued his fierce pre-election attack on the Greens. “What I hope comes out of the new Senate is a bit of a recognition that one of the reasons why the Greens political party have had a bad outcome in the election is the view that they simply combined with the Coalition in what I termed the ‘noalition’, to provide blockages, and that occurred across a range of portfolios, housing, treasury, as well as environment,” he told the ABC.

Albanese was particularly scathing about Greens housing spokesman Max Chandler-Mather who lost his seat and criticised parliament as a “sick place”.

“Maybe what he needs is a mirror and a reflection on why he’s no longer in parliament. […] This is a guy who stood before signs at a CFMEU rally in Brisbane describing me as a Nazi.”

Bob Brown, the Greens’ inaugural leader from 2005 to 2012, describes Albanese’s comments as “ungracious” in “his moment of glory”.

While the Greens’ pro-Palestinian position came under much criticism, Brown strongly defends it, declaring it “honorable”.

Brown, speaking to The Conversation, says the Greens will be in an extraordinarily powerful position in the Senate, and their “environmental origins will come back to the fore”. He urges the Greens to “have deaf ears to calls for the Senate to be a rubber stamp”. The Constitution, he says, has the Senate with equal powers with the house except on money matters.

Brown predicts the Greens will be “resurgent” at the next election. His strongest message is directed squarely at the government. “The Greens should never direct preferences to Labor again – because Labor takes preferences with one hand and stabs the Greens with the other.”

Like the new Liberal leader, Bandt’s successor will inherit a party at a fork in the road. Does it become more militant or more moderate, more confrontational in its dealing with the government, or as transactional as possible?

Bandt’s hope of the Greens power-sharing with a Labor government in the lower house has evaporated. So how does the party use what power it has in the Senate, while trying to put itself in the best position to avoid going further backwards at the next election?

Michelle Grattan 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. Grattan on Friday: Bitter struggle in Liberals for likely poisoned chalice, as Jacinta Price defects from Nationals – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-bitter-struggle-in-liberals-for-likely-poisoned-chalice-as-jacinta-price-defects-from-nationals-255634

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Singapore ETO enhances ties with Laos (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Singapore (Singapore ETO) concluded an official visit to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, between May 6 and 7 (Vientiane time). The visit aimed to deepen understanding and collaboration with the Laotian government and business sectors, while further strengthening bilateral relations in trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.

Upon arrival on May 6, the Director of the Singapore ETO, Mr Owin Fung, met with the Director-General of the Department of Asia-Pacific and Africa, Laos’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Bounthanongsack Chanthalath, to introduce Hong Kong’s latest developments. Both sides exchanged views on the current economic and geopolitical landscape, and explored opportunities to further enhance co-operation and deepen the Hong Kong – Laos bilateral relations.

Members of the Singapore ETO also visited Vientiane Secondary School to learn about the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the school and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The MOU, announced by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, last July during his visit to the school, offers a dedicated scholarship programme for outstanding students at Vientiane Secondary School.

On May 7, the Singapore ETO organised a business seminar and networking event “Business and Investment Opportunities in Hong Kong – Gateway to Greater Bay Area” in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The event attracted about 70 local business leaders and investors, including executive committee members of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI) and the Lao Chinese Chamber of Commerce (LCCC), which were the event’s supporting organisations. The Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, also participated in the event.

In his opening remarks, Mr Fung emphasised Hong Kong’s position as a leading international financial, trading, and logistics hub under the “one country, two systems” framework. He reiterated Hong Kong’s strong commitment to multilateralism and free trade.

Other speakers included Assistant Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Miss Cathy Li; the Head of Investment Promotion (Singapore Office), InvestHK, Mr Melvin Lee; and the Director of Indochina at the HKTDC, Ms Tina Phan. They shared insights into Hong Kong’s latest investment climate and opportunities in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” between the GBA and Laos, as well as the range of support services available to Laotian enterprises. Following the seminar, representatives of Singapore ETO, the GBA Development Office, the LNCCI and the LCCC had a networking lunch to explore avenues for stronger co-operation in trade and commerce.

Later that afternoon, Ms Chan and Mr Fung had a working meeting with the Permanent Secretary, Laos Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Dr Buavanh Vilavong. Both sides expressed confidence in the partnership between Hong Kong and Laos business communities which would promote greater regional integration and sustainable economic growth. Mr Fung also sought continued support for Hong Kong’s accession to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Before the end of the duty visit, Ms Chan and Mr Fung paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Ms Fang Hong, to introduce respectively the GBA Development Office’s latest work and Singapore ETO’s efforts and achievements in liaising with the Laos government, business sector and community. Mr Fung also thanked the Embassy for its continuous care and assistance to Hong Kong people in Laos and Hong Kong enterprises investing in Laos.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Generations of football fandom given a new voice in library exhibition

Source: City of Leeds

Some of the world’s oldest football fanzines, which kicked off a wave of people-powered publications on terraces across the globe, are going on display in a new exhibition in Leeds.

A copy of Foul, widely regarded as the original magazine created by football supporters, is among the scores of titles which feature in Voice of the Fans, which opens at Leeds Central Library on Friday (May 9) in partnership the British Library.

On loan from the British Library’s collection, Foul was originally produced by students at Cambridge University in October, 1972, with 34 issues subsequently published between 1972 and 1976.

Researchers scouring through archives, libraries and loans from members of the public have also discovered a copy of The Shamrock, made by fans of Celtic in Scotland, which researchers believe is the oldest fanzine they have traced.

On loan from the National Library of Scotland, it was produced by the Edinburgh-based Shamrock Supporters Club in the early 1960s, and was sold on match days by volunteers along the approaches to Celtic Park.

These early examples are among a huge range of grassroots, self-published zines on display tracing the evolution of fan-led media right through to modern, multimedia content.

Other aspects of fan culture including badges, banners, scarfs and even recordings of terrace chants from the British Library Sound Archive also form part of the exhibition.

And fresh off a parade earlier this week, which saw thousands of Leeds United fans gather to celebrate the club’s triumphant return to the Premier League, the exhibition also features some of their most important and enduring zines.

Editions of The Square Ball, featuring Elland Road idols including Gordon Strachan and Lucas Radebe, and Marching Altogether, founded by Leeds United fans to campaign against racism in football, are among the exhibits on display.

And with Bradford City also securing promotion to League One last weekend fans will be able to see copies of The City Gent– the longest running print football zine in the country.

Antony Ramm, librarian at Leeds Central Library, said: “The longevity and sheer variety of some of these remarkable publications really demonstrates how much fan culture has been at the heart and soul of football, playing such a huge role in making the game so beloved the world over.

“The ways fans express themselves may have changed through the years, but what’s remained the same is that passion and desire which has driven supporters to find a way to make their voices heard.

“As well as being a fun way of fans communicating, self-published zines have also played an important role in holding clubs to account and driving change in the game too.

“We saw this week just how much football means to the fans, and we’re excited to be celebrating their creations and working with the British Library to bring so many different examples of supporters’ voices together.”

The exhibition will also feature more influential publications from the British Library’s collection including The End and other Yorkshire zines such as Y-Front, Just Another Wednesday and Smile Awhile.

Laurence Byrne, lead curator, Latin American and Caribbean collections at the British Library, said: “It’s been a pleasure to be involved with Voice of the Fans, an exhibition the British Library has co-produced with Leeds Libraries. This special exhibition features a number of loans from the Library’s collection of zines, created by football fans from the 1970s onwards, including Foul, widely regarded as the first football fanzine.

“As historical documents fanzines are invaluable, reflecting contemporary politics and changing social values while representing the incredible creativity and ingenuity of fans. I hope that researchers and the public will continue to be inspired by them.”

Kenn Taylor, lead culture producer north at the British Library, said: “We are thrilled to be co-producing Voice of the Fans with Leeds Libraries. We’ve long had a presence in Leeds through working with local partners to deliver inspiring exhibitions and also more widely in West Yorkshire, with over 70 per cent of our collection being cared for in Boston Spa, near Wetherby.

“This collaboration with Leeds Libraries is part of the British Library’s wider commitment to the region, working closely with the local community in Leeds and opening up our collection for everyone.”

Voice of the Fans is open from May 9 until August 10 at Leeds Central Library and is free to visit.

Councillor Mary Harland, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, said: “This week has been a huge moment for football in Leeds and a time when we’ve seen in spectacular style just how much love for the game there is in the city.

“We’re thrilled to be showcasing how much football has meant to fans through the years and to be celebrating the unique place the beautiful game has in the hearts of supporters.”

More information about Voice of the Fans can be found at: Voice of the Fans exhibition | Leeds Library

ENDS

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Lesetja Kganyago: The role of ethical leadership amid threats to academic freedom

Source: Bank for International Settlements

Good morning graduates and members of the university community.

It is my distinct honour to be recognised by Walter Sisulu University (WSU), an institution that bears the name of such an influential figure in South Africa’s history.

Incidentally, just over four years ago, I was conferred an honorary doctorate by a university named after Walter Sisulu’s lifelong friend, Nelson Mandela. I consider it a profound privilege for my name to be attached, albeit indirectly, to these two great men through the universities that stand as monuments to their legacies.

Today I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the importance of safeguarding institutions such as WSU, tied as they are to our country’s past and – more critically – its future.

During apartheid, South Africa’s universities became key sites of political activity. In an effort to curtail any political mobilisation, the government clamped down on progressive academics and student organisations.

In the 1980s, for example, five lecturers at the University of Transkei, the institution that would later become WSU, were deported. Hundreds of students were arrested and more were banned from campus.¹

But this campaign against academic freedom went beyond the hard power tactics displayed in the 1980s. The government also exacted its influence by meddling in appointments and creating obstacles to certain areas of research.²

What happened at our universities during apartheid was not a one-off, and history has repeated itself in a number of different contexts since.

Most recently, universities in the United States (US) have also come under undue pressure. And US universities are not the only ones under strain, with research suggesting that academic freedom has declined in several other democracies in recent years.

In spite of our own recent history, today some South African universities face intense pressure to bend on their principles in relation to their academic boycotts of certain countries.³

Having led the South African Reserve Bank for just over a decade now, I have come to understand that institutions often comes under attack when they shed light on some or other dereliction of duty elsewhere.

Whether it be a government’s failure to uphold the rights of its citizens or its stated democratic ideals, or a financial institution’s neglect to safeguard people’s money, the attacker’s response is often the same: a strike at the target’s independence.

As we know, independence is sacred, especially for those institutions that hold a mirror up to power, as universities so often do.

To paraphrase Albert Einstein, academic freedom means having the right to seek the truth and to uncover that truth. Naturally this right comes with the duty not to withhold a part of what is believed to be true.⁴

It is no secret that South Africa’s universities have had their fair share of challenges over the years. Many of these have been the growing pains of a young democracy – and, while our universities have been bruised, they have not been broken.

However, there are likely more perils in store for our maturing democracy, one of which reared its head during the country’s last election. I am of course referring to the rise of anti-constitutionalism and populism, which have targeted parts of South Africa’s accountability ecosystem.

In the wake of this looming threat, and the other crises that have torn at the fabric of society, ethical leadership and strong governance are crucial to ensuring our universities can continue to deliver quality higher education.

Every leader, lecturer and graduate of this university will forever have Walter Sisulu’s name on their CVs. This comes with an immense responsibility.

Former President Nelson Mandela once described his comrade’s life as one of “absolute selflessness”.⁵

Indeed, Sisulu was known for embodying servant leadership, prioritising collective good over personal gain. He also fostered collaboration among his peers, helping build an organisation that would withstand some of history’s greatest tests.

As I stand before you today, now a member of this university community, I urge you all to model a type of leadership that will defend against threats to academic freedom and uphold accountability, thus safeguarding our country’s future.

Thank you.

MIL OSI Economics –

May 8, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Fiji media’s Stan Simpson blasts ‘hypocrites’ in social media clash over press freedom
Pacific Media Watch

Barely hours after being guest speaker at the University of the South Pacific‘s annual World Press Freedom Day event this week, Fiji media industry stalwart Stanley Simpson was forced to fend off local trolls whom he described as “hypocrites”.

“Attacked by both the Fiji Labour Party and ex-FijiFirst MPs in just one day,” chuckled Simpson in a quirky response on social media.

“Plus, it seems, by their very few supporters using myriads of fake accounts.

“Hypocrites!”

Simpson, secretary of the Fiji Media Association (FMA), media innovator, a founder and driving force of Mai TV, and a gold medallist back in his university student journalist days, was not taking any nonsense from his cyberspace critics, including Rajendra, the son of Labour Party leader and former prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry.

The critics were challenging recent comments about media freedom in his speech at USP on Monday and on social media when he took a swipe at “pop-up propagandists”.

“I stand by my statements. And I love the attention now put on media freedom by those who went missing or turned a blind eye when it was under threat [under Voreqe Bainimarama’s regime post-2006 coup]. Time for them to own up and come clean.”

Briefly, this is the salvo that Simpson fired back after Rajendra Chaudhry’s comment “This Stanley Simpson fella . . . Did he organise any marches [against the Bainimarama takeover], did he organise any international attention, did he rally the people against the Bainimarama regime?” and other snipes from the trolls.

1. FLP [Fiji Labour Party]
At a period 2006-2007 when journalists were being bashed and beaten and media suppressed — the Fiji Labour Party and Chaudhry went silent as they lay in bed with the military regime.

Rajendra Chaudhry’s criticism. Image: APR screenshot

“They try to gloss over it by saying the 1997 constitution was still intact. It was intact but useless because you ignored the gross human rights abuses against the media and political opponents.

“Where was FLP when Imraz, Laisa, Pita and Virisila were beaten? Where were they when Netani Rika, Kenneth Zinck, Momo, Makeli Radua were attacked and abused, when our Fiji Living Office was trashed and burnt down, and Pita and Dionisia put in jail cells like common criminals?

“It was when Chaudhry took on Fiji Water and it backfired and left the regime that they started to speak out. When Aiyaz [Sayed-Khaiyum, former Attorney-General] replaced him as No. 2. By then too late.

“Yes FLP — some of us who survived that period are still around and we still remember so you can’t rewrite what happened in 2006-2007 and change the narrative. You failed!”

“2. Alvick Maharaj [opposition MP for the FijiFirst Party]
“The funny thing about this statement is that I already knew last night this statement was coming out and who was writing it etc. I even shared with fellow editors and colleagues that the attacks were coming — and how useless and a waste of time it would be as it was being done by people who were silent and made hundreds of thousands of dollars while media were being suppressed [under the draconian Fiji Media Industry Development Act 2010 (MIDA) and other news crackdowns].

Troll-style swipes. Image: APR screenshot

“Ex-Fiji First MPs protecting their former PR colleagues for their platform which has been used to attack their political opponents. We can see through it all because we were not born yesterday and have experience in this industry. We can see what you are doing from a mile away. Its a joke.

“And your attacks on the [recent State Department] editors’ US trip is pathetic. Plus [about] the visit to Fiji Water.

“However, the positive I take from this — is that you now both say you believe in media freedom.

“Ok now practice it. Not only when it suits your agenda and because you are now in Opposition.

“You failed in the past when you governed — but we in the media will continue to endeavor to treat you fairly.

“Sometimes that also means calling you out.”

USP guest speech
As guest speaker at USP, Simpson had this to say among making other points during his media freedom speech:

The USP World Press Freedom Day seminar on Monday. Image: USP/APR

“Journalists today work under the mega spotlight of social media and get attacked, ridiculed and pressured daily — but need to stay true to their journalism principles despite the challenges and pressures they are under.

“Today, we stand at a crossroads. To students here at USP — future journalists, leaders, and citizens — remember the previous chapter [under FijiFirst]. Understand the price paid for media freedom. Protect it fiercely. Speak out when it’s threatened, even if it’s unpopular or uncomfortable.

“To our nation’s leaders and influencers: defend a free media, even when it challenges you. A healthy democracy requires tolerance of criticism and commitment to transparency.”
- Fiji rose four places to 40th (out of 180 nations) in the RSF 2025 World Press Freedom Index to make the country the Oceania media freedom leader outside of Australia (29) and New Zealand (16).
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to the news that Ørsted are to discontinue the Hornsea 4 offshore wind project in its current form

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

May 7, 2025

Scientists comment on Ørsted discontinuing the Hornsea 4 offshore wind project.

Prof Jun Liang, Professor of Power Electronics and Power Networks, Cardiff University, said:

What does this mean for the UK’s net zero by 2030 aim?

“This development undoubtedly impacts the UK’s Net Zero ambitions, as renewable energy—particularly offshore wind power from the North Sea—is a key driver in achieving this goal. While the discontinuation of a single offshore wind farm due to an isolated issue may not be catastrophic, the underlying reasons behind this decision raise significant concerns. If these challenges reflect broader systemic issues, they could have far-reaching implications for other similar projects, potentially hindering progress toward the 2030 target.

Is there anything the government can do to encourage projects like this?

“Although the UK government seems to be not doing anything wrong directly towards this wind farm development, the government must take proactive measures to address supply chain challenges and prevent further project cancellations. While we recognise the broader economic pressures facing the UK—including global trade uncertainties—sustained focus on economic growth is essential to strengthen investment capacity and build a resilient supply chain. The challenges facing offshore wind projects, such as Hornsea 4, are not isolated incidents but rather symptoms of the current economic climate. Without decisive intervention, similar setbacks could jeopardize the UK’s renewable energy ambitions.

Is this a blow to the UK’s renewable energy efforts – what else do we have; was this a significant part of it or is there still plenty more?

“Based on available information, the discontinuation of this offshore wind project does not appear to stem from inherent issues in renewable energy development—such as turbine technology, transmission infrastructure, or grid capacity. Instead, broader economic and supply chain challenges seem to be the primary drivers.

“While offshore wind is a cornerstone of the UK’s renewable energy strategy, other sources—such as onshore wind and solar PV—remain critical. However, these sectors may face similar supply chain constraints, as the root cause lies in macroeconomic pressures rather than sector-specific limitations. The key question is whether the UK can mitigate these systemic risks to sustain progress across all renewable energy avenues.”

Prof John Loughhead, Industrial Professor of Clean Energy, University of Birmingham, said:

“This is certainly a significant setback to the Government’s ambitions for a rapid increase in offshore wind capacity. Hornsea 4 represented about 10% of the planned increase to meet its aggressive 2030 low carbon electricity targets, and as it has been in development since 2018 it’s very unlikely an alternative could be identified and delivered within that timescale. Achieving the 2030 targets has become even more challenging. It appears a combination of supply chain inflation and delivery challenges meant the project became economically unattractive given the CfD price agreed with Government only last September, which also suggests future offshore wind will need a higher guaranteed price than foreseen.”

https://orsted.com/en/company-announcement-list/2025/05/orsted-to-discontinue-the-hornsea-4-offshore-wind–143901911

Declared interests

Prof John Loughhead: “No interests to declare.”

For all other experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Appointment of Law Commissioners to the Law Commission
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Appointment of Law Commissioners to the Law Commission

The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of Professor Solene Rowan and Professor Lisa Webley as Commissioners of the Law Commission of England and Wales.
The Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of:

Professor Solene Rowan as the Law Commissioner for Commercial & Common Law from 8 September 2025 to 7 September 2030

Professor Lisa Webley as the Law Commissioner for Property, Family & Trust Law from 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2030.

Professor Solène Rowan

Professor Solène Rowan is currently the Chair of Contract Law, the Vice-Dean for Students, Culture & Community, and the Director of the LLB / Master 1 programme at the Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College London. She is also an Honorary Professor at the Australian National University and a Visiting Professor at Paris Panthéon-Assas University.

Solène’s principal areas of expertise are contract law, commercial law, and comparative law, all with a particular focus on remedies. She is an award-winning author of two monographs and articles in leading international legal publications, and a member of the editorial team of Chitty on Contracts. Her work has been widely cited by law reformers and courts domestically and abroad.

Solène was previously a Professor at the University of Oxford, an Associate Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science and the Australian National University, and a Fellow and College Lecturer in Law at Queens’ College, Cambridge. She read law as an undergraduate at King’s College London and Paris Panthéon-Sorbonne University and obtained an LLM and a PhD from the University of Cambridge.

Professor Lisa Webley

Since 2018, Professor Webley has been the Chair in Legal Education and Research for the Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham. From 2019 –2023, she served as Head and Dean of Birmingham Law School.

Both did not declare any political activity.

The Law Commission aims to ensure that the law is as fair, modern, simple and as cost-effective as possible. It conducts research and consultations to make systematic recommendations for consideration by Parliament.

Appointments of Commissioners to the Law Commission are made by the Lord Chancellor under the Law Commissions Act 1965. Appointments are regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and recruitment processes comply with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

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Published 8 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 8, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: David Pocock wants us to aim for up to 90% reduction in emissions by 2035

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

In the new parliament the government is expected to need only the Greens to pass the legislation opposed by the Coalition. Counting is not finished but on present indications it won’t require any other Senate crossbenchers.

Given Labor’s enhanced position it makes much harder an independent’s job of holding the Labor government to account and pursuing their own agenda.

One independent who had considerable success pursuing his issues in the last parliament is ACT Senator David Pocock. Pocock saw a massive 18-point swing towards him at the election, easily finishing first, above Labor’s Katy Gallagher.

Pocock now faces the reality that, despite an increase in his vote share, his actual negotiating power is weakened.

Pocock joins us today to talk about the new Senate situation, his aspirations for the next three years and the election generally.

On his stunning result from the ACT,

It was a really humbling result to see so much support. At the last election, I said to Canberrans that I wanted to be accessible and accountable to them and then stand on my record and I really tried to do that. So I think it’s probably a combination of things. One, people wanting someone who’s actually going to stand up for the ACT.

Couple that with a campaign where Peter Dutton and the Coalition made it just so hard for Canberra Liberals. You had a situation where the ACT Senate candidate for the Libs, Jacob Vadakkedathu, was pushing back on public service cuts, was saying how desperately the national capital needs a convention centre and needs it to be funded at least partially by the feds.

On the results more broadly, while Labor saw a massive positive result, Pocock asserts that voters don’t want the status quo.

It’s clearly a big victory for the Labor Party, but I don’t think this is a vote for the status quo. We saw independents across the country making seats marginal, potentially winning seats or holding on to their seats. The swing towards independents was about the same as the swing towards the Labor party.

I think the task of this next parliament is to really crack on with dealing with the big challenges we face in a really constructive way. I don’t think people just want more of the same.

Asked what 2035 climate change target he would like to see, Pocock stresses now is not the time to be cautious,

I think we’ve got to be really ambitious. From what I’ve heard from experts, we need to be looking at [a] 75 to 85, 90% [2035 emissions reductions target]. This is a time to go really hard on this, and we’ll hear the Labor Party, we’ll hear the Coalition say that, well we’re a small jurisdiction, what we do is important but it’s not the big game, we’ve got to support our partners overseas. We are one of the biggest fossil fuel exporters in the world, and we’re one of the highest per capita emitters. So what we do actually really matters.

I think people want to see that sort of leadership. We’re being, I think, essentially conned now that places like Japan need our gas for their energy security – when Japan is now exporting more gas than we send to them.

Pocock highlights that the conduct from both sides during this campaign is why truth in political advertising laws are needed,

When it comes to something like electoral reform, we saw [Labor] do a deal with the Coalition under the guise of we need the major parties to agree on this and get it through parliament. Then when it comes to truth in political advertising laws, Which they’ve committed to doing, they introduced a bill and then they just shelved it because I think it was actually inconvenient for them – because we saw them during this election use some pretty questionable tactics. Both the major parties are doing this, and I think more and more Australians expect better, want better.

Michelle Grattan 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. Politics with Michelle Grattan: David Pocock wants us to aim for up to 90% reduction in emissions by 2035 – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-david-pocock-wants-us-to-aim-for-up-to-90-reduction-in-emissions-by-2035-256218

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China is becoming an increasingly attractive and reliable partner

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

The abuse of customs duties by the US government has exacerbated the tense situation in world trade and seriously damaged the international trade and economic order. These unilateral and protectionist methods of the US have provoked opposition and sharp criticism from the international community. Many countries believe that China has been steadily promoting high-level opening up to the outside world, seeking mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries, and is willing to share opportunities for joint development with the world, demonstrating the role of a responsible power.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon recently warned in an interview with the Financial Times that the trade war unleashed by Donald Trump could damage the United States’ international reputation and that its economic leadership is facing serious challenges. The current trade uncertainty is undermining confidence in the United States abroad.

Singapore’s Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong recently noted that the “America First” doctrine is essentially a zero-sum game. The withdrawal of the United States, the world’s largest economy, from the international rules system would have a significant impact on the rest of the world. Singapore will continue to strongly support free trade, multilateralism, and the WTO.

The New York Times article says that the actions of the Trump administration are undermining the country’s international image and have increased the risk of a recession in the global economy, while China is becoming an increasingly stable and reliable economic partner.

A report in the Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag says that amid the tariff standoff, more attention should be paid to China, “whose policies are more stable than those of the United States. China also complies well with WTO rules.”

German Channel 2 quoted Isabella M. Weber, professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, as saying: “The US has become an unpredictable partner, while China is becoming an increasingly attractive reliable partner.”

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 8, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi urges safeguarding legacy of WWII victory

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

MOSCOW, May 8 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for concerted efforts to defend the legacy of World War II (WWII) victory as the world is once again reeling from the specter of hegemonism and power politics.

Xi made the call as he arrived in Moscow for a state visit to Russia and celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.

In a written statement issued upon arrival, Xi said China and Russia will work together to safeguard the victorious outcome of WWII, and resolutely oppose hegemonism and power politics.

China and Russia, both major countries of the world and permanent members of the UN Security Council, will join hands to firmly safeguard the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law, practice true multilateralism, and promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system, he said.

Xi’s visit comes at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This marks his 11th visit to Russia since he became the president of China.

During his stay, Xi is expected to have in-depth communication with Putin on bilateral relations and cooperation, as well as major international and regional issues of common concern.

According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Xi’s attendance at the celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War is an important part of his visit. It will be Xi’s second time attending Russia’s May 9 Victory Day commemorations as Chinese president.

A massive military parade will take place in Moscow’s Red Square on Friday. Flags with the word “Victory” fluttered in the wind along the streets of Moscow, and the roads were lined with billboards and decorative windows depicting the history of the Great Patriotic War of the Soviet Union.

On the night of May 8, 1945, Germany signed the surrender document in Karlshorst, Berlin, marking the end of WWII in Europe. However, due to the time difference, Moscow had already entered May 9 — the date the Soviet Union, and later Russia, commemorates as “Victory Day.”

Meanwhile in Asia, China’s final major campaign against Japan — the Battle of Western Hunan — reached its decisive phase. Japan’s surrender aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay on Sept. 2, 1945, brought WWII to an end.

In a signed article published in the Russian Gazette newspaper ahead of his arrival, Xi urged the international community to uphold a correct historical perspective on WWII.

“China and the Soviet Union were the principal theaters of that war in Asia and Europe respectively,” Xi wrote. “The two countries served as the mainstay of resistance against Japanese militarism and German Nazism, making pivotal contribution to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War.”

“Any attempt to distort the historical truth of WWII, deny its victorious outcome, or defame the historic contribution of China and the Soviet Union is doomed to fail,” Xi wrote.

The year of 2025 also marks the 80th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. The world body arose from the ashes of WWII. The UN Charter begins with a solemn pledge: “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.”

As the world is facing stiff headwinds from unilateralism, hegemonism, bullying and coercive practices, Xi emphasized the importance of multilateralism.

“The more turbulent and complex the international situation becomes, the more we must uphold and defend the authority of the UN,” Xi wrote in his signed article.

“The establishment of an international system with the United Nations at its core is not easy at all, and must be firmly maintained by all countries of the world,” said Ekaterina Zaklyazminskaya, leading researcher at the Institute of China and Modern Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

“Russia and China support genuine multilateralism, which is very important at this time,” said the researcher.

The world is shifting irreversibly toward a multipolar order, with Russia and China playing essential roles in this transformation, said Alexey Rodionov, a professor of Chinese studies at St. Petersburg State University.

China maintains a balanced stance on international issues, and that is why more countries now regard it as a key reference point in diplomacy and global policy, Rodionov said.

MIL OSI China News –

May 8, 2025