NewzIntel.com

Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI: Man Group PLC : Form 8.3 –

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    FORM 8.3

    IRISH TAKEOVER PANEL

    OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE UNDER RULE 8.3 OF THE IRISH TAKEOVER PANEL ACT, 1997, TAKEOVER
    RULES, 2022 BY PERSONS WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE

    1.      KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser Man Group PLC
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a)

    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.

    		  
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates

    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree

    		 Dalata Hotel Group plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree (Note 1)  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken

    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure

    		 02/04/2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser also making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?

    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”

    		 N/A

    2.      INTERESTS AND SHORT POSITIONS

    If there are interests and short positions to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2 for each additional class of relevant security.

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    Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)
    (Note 2)

    Class of relevant security
    (Note 3)    		 €0.01 ordinary shares
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled 3,960,871.00 1.87    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives 1,257,627.00 0.59    
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/ sell        
    Total 5,218,498.00 2.47    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of options including rights to subscribe for new securities and any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8.

    3.      DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE (Note 4)

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)      Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant
    security    		 Purchase/sale Number of
    securities    		 Price per unit
    EUR (Note 5)
    €0.01 ordinary shares Sale 151,755 5.250
    €0.01 ordinary shares Sale 50,585 5.250

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    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of
    relevant
    security    		 Product
    description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/ closing a long/ short position, increasing/ reducing a long/ short position    		 Number of
    reference
    securities
    (Note 6)    		 Price
    per unit EUR
    (Note 5)
    €0.01 ordinary shares Equity Swap Reducing a long position 3,277 5.250
    €0.01 ordinary shares Equity Swap Reducing a long position 1,092 5.250
    €0.01 ordinary shares Equity Swap Reducing a long position 36 5.250
    €0.01 ordinary shares Equity Swap Reducing a long position 12 5.250
    €0.01 ordinary shares Equity Swap Reducing a long position 32,432 5.250
    €0.01 ordinary shares Equity Swap Reducing a long position 10,811 5.250

    (c)      Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)      Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of
    relevant
    security    		 Product
    description e.g. call
    option    		 Writing, purchasing, selling, varying
    etc.    		 Number
    of
    securities
    to which
    option
    relates
    (Note 6)    		 Exercise
    price per
    unit    		 Type
    e.g.
    American,
    European
    etc.    		 Expiry
    date    		 Option
    money
    paid/
    received per unit

    (ii)      Exercise

    Class of
    relevant
    security    		 Product
    description
    e.g. call
    option    		 Exercising/
    exercised
    against    		 Number of
    securities    		 Exercise
    price per
    unit
    (Note 5)

    (d)      Other dealings (including transactions in respect of new securities) (Note 3)

    Class of
    relevant
    security    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription,
    conversion, exercise    		 Details Price per unit (if
    applicable)
    (Note 5)

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    4.      OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)      Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer.

    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
     None

    (b)      Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Full details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding between the person disclosing and any other person relating to the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option referred to on this form or relating to the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative referred to on this form is referenced. If none, this should be stated.
     None

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 attached? NO
    Date of disclosure 03/04/2025
    Contact name Mackenzie Terry
    Telephone number +442071441555

    Public disclosures under Rule 8.3 of the Rules must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

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    NOTES ON FORM 8.3

    1.      See the definition of “connected fund manager” in Rule 2.2 of Part A of the Rules.

    2.      See the definition of “interest in a relevant security” in Rule 2.5 of Part A of the Rules and see Rule 8.6(a) and (b) of Part B of the Rules.

    3.      See the definition of “relevant securities” in Rule 2.1 of Part A of the Rules.

    4.      See the definition of “dealing” in Rule 2.1 of Part A of the Rules.

    5.      If the economic exposure to changes in the price of securities is limited, for example, by virtue of a stop loss arrangement relating to a spread bet, full details must be given.

    6.      See Rule 2.5(d) of Part A of the Rules.

    7.      If details included in a disclosure under Rule 8 are incorrect, they should be corrected as soon as practicable in a subsequent disclosure. Such disclosure should state clearly that it corrects details disclosed previously, identify the disclosure or disclosures being corrected, and provide sufficient detail for the reader to understand the nature of the corrections. In the case of any doubt, the Panel should be consulted.

    For full details of disclosure requirements, see Rule 8 of the Rules. If in doubt, consult the Panel.

    References in these notes to “the Rules” are to the Irish Takeover Panel Act, 1997, Takeover Rules, 2022.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Violence against humanitarian workers hits record – Security Council Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

    ——————————————————

    Addressing the Security Council, Joyce Msuya, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator reported, “Humanitarian workers are being killed in unprecedented numbers. According to available data, 2024 was the worst year on record, with 377 aid workers killed across 20 countries. This was almost 100 more fatalities than in 2023, which already saw a 137 percent increase from 2022.”

    She continued, “And just three days ago, on 30 March in Rafah, teams from OCHA and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society recovered from a mass grave the bodies of fifteen emergency and aid workers—from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Civil Defense, and the United Nations—killed several days earlier by Israeli forces while trying to save lives. Their clearly marked vehicles were found destroyed and crushed.”

    She stressed, “These deaths bring the number of aid workers killed in the Strip since 7 October 2023 to more than 408. Gaza is the most dangerous place for humanitarians ever.”

    She stated, “There is no shortage of robust international legal frameworks to protect humanitarian and UN workers. Human rights law and standards, Conventions relating to the UN’s activities and personnel, and international humanitarian law together provide clear obligations to safeguard humanitarian personnel, assets, and operations. What is lacking is the political will to comply.”

    She also said, “Humanitarians also face the criminalization of their work. More and more are detained, interrogated, and accused of supporting terrorism simply for delivering aid to people in need.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQP_BvrF9DM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Gaza: What’s happening defies decency, humanity, law – OCHA Presser | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Briefing by Mr. Jonathan Whittall, OCHA’s Head of Office for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, on Gaza.

    —————————————————–

    “What is happening here defies decency, it defies humanity, it defies the law,” a UN humanitarian official said Wednesday, describing mounting horrors in Gaza as a “war without limits.”

    Briefing reporters in New York via video call, Jonathan Whittall, Head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, recounted a recent mission to Rafah, where he and colleagues uncovered a mass grave containing the bodies of medics. “These were medical workers from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and the Civil Defense, still in their uniforms, still wearing gloves, they were killed while trying to save lives,” he said. “The ambulances were hit one by one as they advanced, as they acted into Rafah.”

    Whittall said the site was marked by crushed emergency vehicles, including a fire truck and a UN car. The incident, he said, was only one in a “parade” of horrors. In the past two weeks alone “UN premises have been shelled with tank fire, killing one of our colleagues and seriously injuring others. We’ve had international aid compounds and hospitals that have been hit,” he said. “People have been bombed at food distribution points where aid workers have also been killed.”

    Since the collapse of a ceasefire two weeks ago, forced displacement has surged, Whittall said, with about 100,000 people fleeing Rafah in the past 48 hours alone – many under fire. “I saw some of them in the same mission that I described at the beginning… running towards us and being shot in their backs,” he said.

    According to OCHA, 64 percent of Gaza is now under forced evacuation. “Nowhere and no one is safe in Gaza,” Whittall said. “My colleagues tell me that they just want to die with their families. Their worst fear is to survive alone.”

    Whittall also spoke about a total aid blockade. “Today, unfortunately, marks one month without any supplies entering into Gaza,” he said. “That’s one month of no food, no fuel, no aid, nothing has entered. So, 2.5 million people are trapped, bombed, starved.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbYlCqAdv3A

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for triathlon on Hong Kong Island

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

        Police will implement special traffic arrangements in Central and Wan Chai from this Friday to Sunday (April 4 to 6) to facilitate the holding of a triathlon event.

    A.    Road closure

        The following roads will be closed:

    (1) From 10am on April 4 to 6pm on April 6:

        Expo Drive between Legislative Council Road and Expo Drive Central.

    (2) From 1am to 2pm on April 5 and from 1am to 6pm on April 6:

    – Yiu Sing Street;
    – Eastbound Lung Wo Road between Man Yiu Street and Fleming Road, including the slip road of eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass tunnel from Wan Chai to North Point;
    – Westbound Lung Wo Road between southbound Lung Tat Path and southbound Tim Wa Avenue;
    – Northbound Lung Tat Path;
    – Lung Hop Street;
    – Legislative Council Road between Legislative Council Complex Car Park exit and Lung Wo Road;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of the slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to Central District;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of eastbound Man Po Street near Man Yiu Street;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of eastbound Man Po Street near Finance Street;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of southbound Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and westbound Yiu Sing Street;
    – Part of the traffic lane of southbound Man Yiu Street near Lung Wo Road;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Lung Wo Road between Tim Wa Avenue and Man Yiu Street;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of northbound Fleming Road between westbound Convention Avenue and eastbound Lung Wo Road;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Hung Hing Road near Fleming Road;
    – The slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel leading to the exit of Lung Wo Road; and
    – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Convention Avenue near northbound Fleming Road.

    B.    Traffic diversions

        In connection with the road closure as mentioned above, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:

    (1) From 10am on April 4 to 0.59am on April 5 and 2.01pm on April 5 to 0.59am on April 6:

        Traffic along eastbound Expo Drive heading to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will be diverted via eastbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Expo Drive East.

    (2) From 1am to 2pm on April 5 and from 1am to 6pm on April 6:

    – Traffic along westbound Man Kwong Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road via southbound Man Yiu Street will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to Admiralty or Mid-levels via eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via the slip road of eastbound Man Po Street heading to westbound Finance Street, westbound Finance Street, temporary exit connecting Finance Street and Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel, the slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to eastbound Man Kat Street, eastbound Man Kat Street, eastbound Connaught Road Central and eastbound Harcourt Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road via eastbound Yiu Sing Street will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Man Yiu Street cannot turn left to eastbound Lung Wo Road and eastbound Yiu Sing Street. Vehicles will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Man Cheung Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road cannot turn right to northbound Yiu Sing Street. Vehicles will be diverted via westbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Man Yiu Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Yiu Sing Street and southbound Yiu Sing Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Legislative Council Road cannot turn left to westbound Lung Wo Road, vehicles will be diverted via southbound Legislative Council Road, eastbound Lung Wui Road, eastbound Fenwick Pier Street, roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
    – Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road heading to Chief Executive’s Office via southbound Tim Wa Avenue will be diverted via southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central, u-turn, eastbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Tim Wa Avenue;
    – Traffic along eastbound Lung Wui Road cannot turn left to northbound Lung Hop Street;
    – Traffic along westbound Fenwick Pier Street cannot turn right to northbound Lung Hop Street. Vehicles will be diverted
    via Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
    – Traffic along westbound Convention Avenue heading to westbound Lung Wo Road via northbound Lung Tat Path will be diverted via Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
    – Traffic along southbound Expo Drive East heading to westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
    – Traffic along westbound Hung Hing Road heading to westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted to southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; and
    – Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road heading to Central Pier or Finance Street via Yiu Sing Street will be diverted via westbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Man Yiu Street.

    C.    Suspension of parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas

        All parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on the following roads will be suspended:

    (1) From 10am on April 4 to 6pm on April 6:

        All metered parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on Expo Drive.

    (2) From 10pm on April 4 to 2pm on April 5 and from 10pm on April 5 to 6pm on April 6:

    – All metered parking spaces on Yiu Sing Street and Lung Hop Street;
    – Lay-bys on westbound Lung Wo Road near City Hall and near Central Barracks; and
    – Lay-by on Edinburgh Place near City Hall.

         All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.  

         The Police will implement the special arrangements depending on the prevailing traffic and crowd conditions. Motorists should exercise patience, and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New modelling reveals full impact of Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs – with US hit hardest

    ANALYSIS: By Niven Winchester, Auckland University of Technology

    We now have a clearer picture of Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs and how they will affect other trading nations, including the United States itself.

    The US administration claims these tariffs on imports will reduce the US trade deficit and address what it views as unfair and non-reciprocal trade practices. Trump said this would

    forever be remembered as the day American industry was reborn, the day America’s destiny was reclaimed.

    The “reciprocal” tariffs are designed to impose charges on other countries equivalent to half the costs they supposedly inflict on US exporters through tariffs, currency manipulation and non-tariff barriers levied on US goods.

    Each nation received a tariff number that will apply to most goods. Notable sectors exempt include steel, aluminium and motor vehicles, which are already subject to new tariffs.

    The minimum baseline tariff for each country is 10 percent. But many countries received higher numbers, including Vietnam (46 percent), Thailand (36 percent), China (34 percent), Indonesia (32 percent), Taiwan (32 percent) and Switzerland (31 percent).

    The tariff number for China is in addition to an existing 20 percent tariff, so the total tariff applied to Chinese imports is 54 percent. Countries assigned 10 percent tariffs include Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

    Canada and Mexico are exempt from the reciprocal tariffs, for now, but goods from those nations are subject to a 25 percent tariff under a separate executive order.

    Although some countries do charge higher tariffs on US goods than the US imposes on their exports, and the “Liberation Day” tariffs are allegedly only half the full reciprocal rate, the calculations behind them are open to challenge.

    For example, non-tariff measures are notoriously difficult to estimate and “subject to much uncertainty”, according to one recent study.

    GDP impacts with retaliation
     Other countries are now likely to respond with retaliatory tariffs on US imports. Canada (the largest destination for US exports), the EU and China have all said they will respond in kind.

    To estimate the impacts of this tit-for-tat trade standoff, I use a global model of the production, trade and consumption of goods and services. Similar simulation tools — known as “computable general equilibrium models” — are widely used by governments, academics and consultancies to evaluate policy changes.

    The first model simulates a scenario in which the US imposes reciprocal and other new tariffs, and other countries respond with equivalent tariffs on US goods. Estimated changes in GDP due to US reciprocal tariffs and retaliatory tariffs by other nations are shown in the table below.

    The tariffs decrease US GDP by US$438.4 billion (1.45 percent). Divided among the nation’s 126 million households, GDP per household decreases by $3,487 per year. That is larger than the corresponding decreases in any other country. (All figures are in US dollars.)

    Proportional GDP decreases are largest in Mexico (2.24 percent) and Canada (1.65 percent) as these nations ship more than 75 percent of their exports to the US. Mexican households are worse off by $1,192 per year and Canadian households by $2,467.

    Other nations that experience relatively large decreases in GDP include Vietnam (0.99 percent) and Switzerland (0.32 percent).

    Some nations gain from the trade war. Typically, these face relatively low US tariffs (and consequently also impose relatively low tariffs on US goods). New Zealand (0.29 percent) and Brazil (0.28 percent) experience the largest increases in GDP. New Zealand households are better off by $397 per year.

    Aggregate GDP for the rest of the world (all nations except the US) decreases by $62 billion.

    At the global level, GDP decreases by $500 billion (0.43 percent). This result confirms the well-known rule that trade wars shrink the global economy.

    GDP impacts without retaliation
     In the second scenario, the modelling depicts what happens if other nations do not react to the US tariffs. The changes in the GDP of selected countries are presented in the table below.

    Countries that face relatively high US tariffs and ship a large proportion of their exports to the US experience the largest proportional decreases in GDP. These include Canada, Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Switzerland, South Korea and China.

    Countries that face relatively low new tariffs gain, with the UK experiencing the largest GDP increase.

    The tariffs decrease US GDP by $149 billion (0.49 percent) because the tariffs increase production costs and consumer prices in the US.

    Aggregate GDP for the rest of the world decreases by $155 billion, more than twice the corresponding decrease when there was retaliation. This indicates that the rest of the world can reduce losses by retaliating. At the same time, retaliation leads to a worse outcome for the US.

    Previous tariff announcements by the Trump administration dropped sand into the cogs of international trade. The reciprocal tariffs throw a spanner into the works. Ultimately, the US may face the largest damages.

    Dr Niven Winchester is professor of economics, Auckland University of Technology. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Democrats organize digital creators to counter Trump’s speech

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

    Semafor 

    By Max Tani

    Other Democrats individually have taken engagement with left-leaning podcasters and posters a step further. Rep. Ro Khanna this week invited Carlos Eduardo Espina, a human rights advocate with over 13 million followers, to be his guest at Trump’s speech to Congress.

    In an interview with Semafor on Tuesday, the California congressman said that Democrats need to view left-leaning creators like Espina as part of Democrats’ political movement, not simply as vehicles to get the party’s message out. He said that while he believed the recent initiatives are a step in the right direction, the relationship between the party and creators is still a one-way street. His decision to invite Espina to the speech on Tuesday was meant to signal to his followers that they are important parts of the political conversation.

    “That’s what the right does better than us. We treat our podcasters, our influencers, as, ‘Oh, there’s an election coming up. We got to get to the young voters, let’s go schedule a bunch of interviews with them,’” he told Semafor, referring to content creators. “The right takes their podcasters, whether it’s Charlie Kirk or whether it’s Ben Shapiro or others, and says, ‘You’re part of our actual movement. You’re going to help determine who makes up our Cabinet, and take part in the governing of this country.’ And that’s what I think we need to do with our base of influencers.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Khanna, Lee, Colleagues Unveil Bill to Abolish Super PACs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Rep Ro Khanna (CA-17)

    Abolish Super PACs Act would place limitations on contributions

    Bill Text | One Pager 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on the anniversary of the SpeechNow.org v. FEC D.C. Circuit Court decision, Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17), Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12), Congressman James P. McGovern (MA-02),  Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), along with Representatives Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and Delia Ramirez (IL-03), introduced the Abolish Super PACs Act, legislation that seeks to put an end to super PACs in federal elections. The bill would place a $5,000 per calendar year limit on contributions to super PACs, effectively abolishing them. 

    Billionaires, corporations, and other wealthy interests are currently able to make unlimited contributions to “super PACs” that are not controlled by candidates or political parties, even when they spend money to support or oppose specific candidates. These unlimited contributions to super PACs in federal elections often rise to the level of millions of dollars, presenting the threat of corruption in the political process and staggering influence by the ultra-wealthy.

    “The American people are sick of the corruption and influence of money in politics. Our democracy shouldn’t be for sale,”  said Rep. Ro Khanna. “That’s why I don’t take a dime of PAC money. Abolishing Super PACs is a step toward giving everyone a voice — not just the ultra-wealthy. I’m proud to join Rep. Summer Lee to introduce this legislation to ban Super PACs. I’m grateful for Larry Lessig’s scholarship and voice on this issue.” 

    “Campaign finance reform is long overdue. We’re seeing the effects of money in politics destroy our democracy at this very moment because billionaires have been allowed to buy their way into our politics and influence the outcome of our elections. This must end,” said Rep. Summer Lee. “The Abolish Super PACs Act is one step towards putting the power back in the hands of the people and dismantling the oligarchy our country is careening to. Campaign finance reform starts with Congress passing this legislation, and I am grateful to my colleagues and our advocates in the movement for their support of this critical bill.”

    “A lack of limits on contributions to Super PACs allows corruption and dark money to run rampant in U.S. elections. It makes us more vulnerable to foreign interference. And it contributes to billionaire nepo baby Elon Musk being able to buy his way into our government and make a mockery of it. The time is now to stop the undue influence of dark money and special interests in our elections,” said Rep. James P. McGovern. “Our elected leaders should be chosen by the people with the strongest voices, not the billionaires with the deepest pockets. We can’t let the people who want to destroy our democracy keep getting away with this. The Abolish Super PACs Act would stop the out of control flow of unlimited money into our elections and return the power back to the people.”

    “Our democracy should be of the people, by the people, and for the people – not for sale to the highest bidder,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal. “In every cycle since the disastrous Citizens United and SpeechNow.org decisions, we have seen more and more special interest dark money poured into campaigns across the country – this year, with a billionaire paying millions to buy a seat as Shadow President. I’m proud to co-lead Rep. Lee’s Abolish Super PACs Act to cap contribution limits and ensure that our government isn’t beholden to donors.”

    “Our system is corrupt. Super PACs spent a record-breaking $1 billion in dark money this past election cycle. When billionaires and special interest groups continue buying our elections, including seats in Congress, politicians will continue to be accountable to the needs of the rich and powerful instead of the people,” said Rep. Rashida Tlaib. “This is not democracy. It’s oligarchy. We need to pass the Abolish Super PACs Act and overturn Citizens United.”

    The Supreme Court has long held that limits on contributions impose only a “marginal restriction” on free speech, and that states have a right to limit contributions to prevent the risk of quid pro quo corruption and the appearance of corruption. However, a wrongly decided 2010 DC Circuit Court of Appeals decision in SpeechNow v. FEC struck down contribution limits to political action committees engaged in making independent expenditures.

    The appeals court said that because the Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United v. FEC that independent expenditures did not pose a risk of corruption, unlimited contributions to independent expenditure PACs could not pose a risk of corruption either. But the decision overlooked (1) the Supreme Court’s longstanding practice of distinguishing between contributions and expenditures and holding expenditures to a heightened level of scrutiny; and (2) the fact that even if anti-coordination laws prevent candidates and super PACs from reaching quid pro quo agreements, those same laws do not stop candidates and super PAC contributors from agreeing to a quid pro quo arrangement that involve funneling bribes through super PACs. 

    This federal bill would be in line with the Supreme Court’s precedent upholding contribution limits, rather than the dubious SpeechNow decision of the federal appeals court.

    A copy of the bill text can be found here, and a one-pager can be found here.

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report 05/2025: Passenger train collision with a road vehicle at Redcar level crossing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Report 05/2025: Passenger train collision with a road vehicle at Redcar level crossing

    RAIB has today released its report into a passenger train collision with a road vehicle at Redcar level crossing, Redcar and Cleveland, 1 May 2024.

    Redcar level crossing looking towards Redcar Central station.

    R052025_250403_Redcar

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    Summary

    At around 09:25 on 1 May 2024, a passenger train traveling between Saltburn and Nunthorpe struck a car on Redcar level crossing, which is situated in the unitary authority of Redcar and Cleveland. The collision took place with the train travelling at 23 mph (37 km/h). The car driver was injured in the collision and significant damage was caused to the car. There were no reported injuries to the passengers and staff on the train.

    The investigation found that the signaller had opened Redcar level crossing to road traffic following the passage of a previous train to allow road traffic to clear. The signaller then forgot that the crossing was open and tried to set the route for the passenger train into Redcar Central station but was unable to clear the protecting signal to allow the train to proceed. This was because the interlocking in the signalling system had detected that the crossing was open. Unable to get the signal to clear, the signaller authorised the train to pass the signal at danger. In the absence of the crossing gates being closed or the road traffic signals being activated, the car driver drove onto the crossing where the collision occurred.

    RAIB found that the normal sequence of actions used by the signaller to set the route for the train to enter Redcar Central station was disrupted, probably causing them to forget that Redcar level crossing was open to road traffic. This disruption included a telephone call and a perceived fault with the signalling panel. RAIB also found that the visual and procedural cues available to the signaller of the status of Redcar level crossing, which may have alerted them that it remained open, were either not used or were not effective.

    The investigation also found that the train driver did not approach the level crossing at a speed that would have allowed them to stop the train before it collided with the car. The train driver was also unable to see that the crossing gates were open to road traffic due to their unusual design. RAIB additionally identified that there were no engineered controls fitted to the level crossing that would have automatically activated the wig-wag lights when the train approached.

    An underlying factor to the accident was that Network Rail’s processes for managing signaller competence had not effectively addressed the signaller’s previous operational incidents. RAIB also found that no ergonomic assessment of the layout of controls at Redcar signal box had been carried out, and that this was a possible underlying factor.

    Recommendations

    RAIB has made one recommendation to Network Rail. This deals with reviewing the ergonomic risks associated with the operation of the signals and level crossings at Redcar signal box.

    Three learning points have also been identified, relating to the need to comply with the rules associated with trains being authorised to pass signals at danger. These relate to signallers checking that the route is clear, to train drivers driving at caution at controlled level crossings, and to signallers specifying the locations of controlled level crossings to train drivers.

    Notes to editors

    1. The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.

    2. RAIB operates, as far as possible, in an open and transparent manner. While our investigations are completely independent of the railway industry, we do maintain close liaison with railway companies and if we discover matters that may affect the safety of the railway, we make sure that information about them is circulated to the right people as soon as possible, and certainly long before publication of our final report.

    3. For media enquiries, please call 01932 440015.

    Newsdate: 3 April 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Chu Slams Trump’s Tariff Tax Increases for Americans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Judy Chu (CA2-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, President Trump signed an executive order that placed tariffs on every single country in the world, including our closest allies. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee that that has jurisdiction over international trade, released the following statement:

    “Days ago, President Trump told Americans that ‘he couldn’t care less’ if his tariffs on cars raised prices for Americans. Today, he is extending the same treatment to millions of products, immediately imposing the largest tax increase in history and raising costs for every single American. His actions will mean higher prices for lifesaving medications, for groceries, for gas at the pump, and for the materials needed to rebuild the homes in my own congressional district after the Eaton Fire. 

    “These tariffs aren’t liberation; they’re stupidity and the clearest sign Trump cares more about being a bully than helping Americans. 

    “Tariffs can be a tool to address unfair trade practices, protect national security, and give American workers a fair playing field. But President Trump’s tariffs, implemented with no strategy and no transparency, will move us further away from all three of these goals – all while costing the average family thousands of dollars a year. The President’s own economic advisor estimates this plan will raise prices for American families by as much as $6 trillion, with Trump and Congressional Republicans plowing ahead with their plan to give a $4.5 trillion tax giveaway to ultra-wealthy individuals and corporations that don’t need it. 

    “Americans deserve better. Republicans in Congress could join Democrats to pass legislation that would rein in presidential abuse of tariff power, restore authority over trade to the legislative branch, and protect Americans’ pocketbooks. Instead of standing up to Trump on behalf of their constituents, however, Republicans continue choosing obedience and submissiveness. They should be held accountable.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Urgently Seeks USD 17.3 Million to Support Communities Hit Hardest by Myanmar Earthquake

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Bangkok, 3 April 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is appealing for USD 17.3 million to respond to the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March, leaving hundreds of thousands of people in critical need of humanitarian assistance.   

    “The immediate needs of those affected include shelter, food, health services, water, sanitation, and mental health and psychosocial support. Vulnerable populations, including children, women, the elderly and persons with disabilities, are at heightened risk of family separation, trafficking, abuse, and gender-based violence,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope.  

    IOM and local partners are working around the clock to collect information on the impact of the earthquake through the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to help assess the critical needs of the affected communities, in coordination with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).  

    The earthquake and subsequent aftershocks are the largest to hit Myanmar in over a century and have caused widespread destruction across central Myanmar, including Mandalay, Sagaing and Bago regions, along with Nay Pyi Taw and parts of Shan State. More than 3,000 people are confirmed dead so far, with thousands more injured. As rescue efforts continue and the full extent of the devastation becomes clearer, the death toll is expected to rise. About 10.4 million people live in areas hardest hit by the earthquake.  

    In coordination with local authorities and other humanitarian partners, IOM is prioritizing the delivery of emergency shelter kits, multipurpose cash assistance, essential healthcare, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support for affected families. IOM also aims to support local authorities in managing displacement sites, ensuring displaced communities have access to essential services and protection.  

    While IOM is urgently appealing for support to address immediate emergency needs, the aftermath of the earthquake is expected to require extensive long-term recovery and rehabilitation efforts. This disaster further exacerbates already critical humanitarian needs, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.  

    Even before the earthquake, nearly 20 million people in Myanmar (one third of the population) needed humanitarian aid, because of conflict, hunger, curtailed access to public services, and economic upheaval. More than 3.5 million people are estimated to have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict.   

     

    The IOM Flash Appeal for Myanmar Earthquake Response can be found here. 

     

    For more information on how to contribute or to get involved, please visit IOM Myanmar Crisis Response Plan 2025. You can also donate here.  

     

    For more information, please contact:   

     

    In Bangkok: Itayi Viriri, iviriri@iom.int   

    In Geneva: Daniela Rovina, drovina@iom.int    

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Takano Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Guarantee Overtime Pay for Truckers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mark Takano (D-Calif)

    March 06, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Mark Takano (CA-39) reintroduced the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act. This legislation would eliminate the current existing exemption in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938 that exempts truckers from receiving overtime compensation. The bipartisan legislation is co-led by Congressman Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02); Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) are introducing the companion bill in the Senate.

    “Truckers are vital for our supply chain, manufacturing, and the American way of life,” said Congressman Mark Takano. “It is unfair that they are singled out as somehow unworthy of overtime pay. This legislation will help right that wrong and make sure they are fairly compensated for the hours they work. I am proud to partner with Congressman Van Drew and Senator Padillato build up workers and guarantee more money in their paychecks.”

    “Truck drivers keep our supply chain moving, often working long, exhausting hours to make sure goods get where they need to go,” said Congressman Van Drew. “But right now, they are not guaranteed overtime pay like most other workers. It is just not right. The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act is a simple fix—it ensures that truckers are fairly compensated for the extra hours they put in. These men and women do critical work, and it’s time we make sure their pay reflects that.”

    “America’s truck drivers are on the frontlines of our economy, enduring long hours away from home, and all too often, unpaid wait times at congested ports and warehouses. Unfortunately, truck drivers have been excluded from overtime pay protections for decades,” said Senator Padilla. “If truckers are forced to wait while on the job, they should be paid. This is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of public safety. Experienced truckers are safer truckers, and better compensation and overtime pay will help more of them stay in the profession.”

    “The exclusion of truck drivers from federal overtime protections must come to an end,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The Teamsters Union is proud to support the Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act, which will right the decades long wrong that serves only to harm drivers to the benefit of their employers.”

    “America’s truckers are the backbone of our economy, keeping goods moving and ensuring our supply chain stays strong,” said Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association President Todd Spencer. “Yet, despite their essential role, trucking remains one of the few professions in America denied guaranteed overtime pay.It’s long past time the hard work of the men and women behind the wheel are fairly compensated. By discounting a trucker’s time, ‘big trucking’ has driven wages downward, treating truckers as disposable rather than the skilled professionals they are. We appreciate Representative Van Drew, Representative Takano, and Senator Padilla for championing the bipartisan GOT Truckers Act, which will right this wrong by securing overtime pay. This legislation is an investment in truckers, road safety, and the strength of America’s supply chain.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Regulators urge donors to support registered charities to help earthquake efforts in Myanmar

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    Press release

    Regulators urge donors to support registered charities to help earthquake efforts in Myanmar

    The Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Fundraising Regulator offer advice on giving safely when looking to support the international aid effort.

    Today the Charity Commission for England and Wales and the Fundraising Regulator have published advice on how people can help those impacted by the devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar on 28 March 2025.

    The advice comes as the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) launches its Myanmar Earthquake Appeal. DEC brings together 15 registered UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently in times of crisis overseas.

    These, and other registered charities, are currently providing life-saving aid such as food, water, shelter and healthcare to people affected by the earthquake.

    By supporting registered charities, including through the DEC, people can be assured that their donations will be regulated and accounted for in line with charity law.

    David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission said:

    As the scale of the devastation caused by the earthquake in Myanmar has become clearer, charities are once again responding to pleas for international help.

    One way anyone can help is by making a donation to one of the many registered charities working to get aid to those in desperate need in Myanmar.

    To make sure their generosity reaches the intended cause, we are reminding people to give with confidence through registered charities including by donating to the appeal launched by the Disasters Emergency Committee.

    Gerald Oppenheim, Chief Executive of the Fundraising Regulator said:

    The British public is always exceedingly generous in response to humanitarian disasters like the recent earthquake in Myanmar.

    We want to make sure that the public can continue to give, safe in the knowledge that their donations are going to help alleviate the suffering.

    By carrying out just a few simple checks – including looking out for a valid charity number and the Fundraising Badge – you can ensure you make informed decisions when donating to the disaster response.

    Steps to giving safely

    People can give with confidence to relief efforts by following a few simple steps:

    • consider donating through the DEC’s emergency appeal

    • for those who choose to donate to other charities, the charity regulator is reminding people to check charities are registered and legitimate

    • look out for the Fundraising Badge – the logo that says ‘registered with Fundraising Regulator’ – and check the Fundraising Regulator’s Directory of organisations committed to fundraise in line with its Code of Fundraising Practice

    • contact a charity directly or find out more online about the charity that you’re seeking to donate to or work with to understand how it is spending funds

    • make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information

    • be careful when responding to emails or clicking on links within them

    • check the charity’s name and registration number on the Charity Register – most charities with an annual income of £5,000 or more must be registered in England and Wales

    ENDS

    Notes to editors:

    1. Further tips on donating with confidence to registered charities are available on GOV.UK

    2. The Charity Commission for England and Wales is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales – its purpose is to ensure charity can thrive and inspire trust so that people can improve lives and strengthen society

    3. There are separate registers for charities in England and Wales, charities in Scotland and charities in Northern Ireland. Charities can be on more than one register, reflecting the nations where they operate

    4. The Fundraising Regulator is the independent regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Further guidance on giving safely to charity is available on the Fundraising Regulator’s website. It can be reached on FR@pagefield.co.uk

    The Charity Commission press office can be reached on:

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Johnson Leads Re-Introduction of JUDGES Act To Create More Federal Judgeships

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Hank Johnson (GA-04)

    Courts Subcommittee Ranking Member Hits Reset Button To Fill Judgeships Based on “Next Unknown President”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, AI and the Internet, along with Jerry Nadler, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust (NY-12) and Judiciary Ranking Member Jamie Raskin (MD-08), re-introduced Judicial Understaffing Delays Getting Emergencies Solved Act of 2025 (JUDGES Act) to create more federal judgeships.

    It’s based on S. 4199, a formerly bipartisan bill that passed the Senate in 2024 that Democrats and Republicans in Congress negotiated to give the next unknown president 23 new life-tenured judges over the next four years in office. House Republicans reneged on that deal and refused to bring the Senate-passed bill to the House floor until after the election, once they knew Trump would get the first set of judges. They are now forcing the bill through to pack the federal courts with judges driven not by a duty to the law, but by their ultra-conservative ideologies and fealty to Trump.

    “MAGA Republicans only want to add new judgeships when they can rig the game in their favor,” said Rep. Johnson. “And that’s exactly what they are trying to do by pushing through more judges now: Make certain our third branch is so deeply loyal to one man that our system of justice cannot possibly work without him. Our 250-year experiment in self-governance will succeed only if Americans continue to believe that judicial independence means that judges are not subject to pressure and influence from an administration trying to lay waste to our democratic system of government. So I am proud to reintroduce this bill with my colleagues, which gets back our original deal and takes the politics out of judgeships by giving judges to the next unknown president. Because our independent judiciary is the backbone of our democracy, I will not just stand here and let the Trump-Musk administration try to dismantle it one branch of government at a time.”

    “Last Congress, Ranking Member Johnson and I worked together to advance the bipartisan JUDGES Act to give the next, then unknown, President additional judicial appointments to eliminate the backlog in our federal court system,” said Congressman Nadler. “We had sought a commitment from Republicans to pass this bill before the November 2024 election, but when Donald Trump wasn’t doing so well in the polls, Speaker Johnson refused to bring the bill up for a vote. Democrats refuse to reward this betrayal by letting President Trump continue to pack the courts. I’m proud to join Ranking Members Johnson and Raskin in introducing the JUDGES Act to give the next, still unknown, President additional judgeships.”

    “As Trump and his lawless Administration demand judges be impeached for the crime of upholding the Constitution against them, it would be unconscionable to reward the Republican party’s constant betrayals of the Constitution and their own agreements by giving them even more power to stack the bench,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin, Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee. “We won’t be party to another Republican court-packing scheme—that’s why we’re introducing legislation to give additional judicial appointments to the next unknown president, restoring the fair and bipartisan deal we struck last Congress, the only kind of deal that has ever worked in this field.”

    Background: S. 4199 was a bipartisan bill predicated on the agreement that Republicans and Democrats would give future unknown presidents federal judgeship appointments. In doing so, Congress could expand the number of federal judges in the United States while avoiding the trap of knowingly giving any one political party or president more power. The JUDGES Act was only going to work if Republicans and Democrats worked together to pass the bill before Election Day, on November 5, 2024. The Senate did its job and unanimously passed S. 4199 in August 2024. But Speaker Johnson refused to move this important bill before the election. Now that the central promise of the JUDGES Act is broken, MAGA Republicans are playing politics and trying to force their version of this bill through to give Trump more judges in an attempt to undermine the very backbone of our democracy: the independent judiciary.

    The last time Donald Trump was in power, he used his office to appoint individuals driven not by a duty to the law, but by their ultra-conservative ideologies and loyalty to him. 

    Here are a few examples of the federal judges he nominated during his first term:

    Judge Kyle Duncan was appointed to the Fifth Circuit by Trump in 2017, where he allowed the Texas ban on abortions to take effect during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a district court finding that it would cause “irreparable harm”; undermined the Fair Housing Act; and blatantly sided with employers in labor cases. 

    Trump appointed Judge Aileen Cannon to the federal bench in 2020 only 12 years after she was first admitted to practice law. She has garnered widespread criticism for her conduct in the Trump documents case, including her decision to appoint a special master to review Trump’s documents, which was overturned by the 11th Circuit.

    Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk was a First Liberty attorney known for his anti-LGBTQ cases when he was appointed by Trump in 2019. As a federal judge, conservative activists have successfully sought to end up in his courtroom, where he has suspended the FDA’s approval of lifesaving abortion pills and ruled against LGBTQ protections

    Text of bill HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How to break into cinema: director Alexander Zhigalkin gave advice to the younger generation

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On April 2, a meeting of students with the famous Russian director Alexander Zhigalkin was held at the State University of Management as part of the VI All-Russian Festival of Student Short Films “Kinosfera”.

    Aleksandr Zhigalkin is a theater, film and dubbing actor, TV presenter, screenwriter, producer, director of such humorous projects as “6 frames” and “Thank God, you came!”, as well as the well-known television sitcoms “Daddy’s Daughters”, “Daddy’s Daughters. New” and “Voronins”. Winner of the Russian national television award “TEFI-2011” in the nomination “Director of a television program” for the sketch show “6 frames”.

    At the beginning of the conversation, Alexander noted that calling him “outstanding” is not entirely correct.

    “An outstanding director is Eldar Ryazanov, Andrei Tarkovsky, Federico Fellini, Michelangelo Antonioni and a huge number of great masters. I only have an outstanding nose. So I ask you to talk to me like a normal person. I just do my job well, so everything works out great,” the guest noted.

    The meeting was held in a question-and-answer format and provoked a lively discussion and response from students.

    The first thing we did was ask the director what inspires him to create and how he started his career.

    Alexander noted with regret that the films that inspired him as a child are not known to the modern generation, and this is sad, because being well-watched is an important quality for a director.

    “In the 2nd grade, I watched the film “Truffaldino from Bergamo” – a funny, wild comedy based on the play by Carlo Goldoni “The Servant of Two Masters”. I was shocked by how incredibly Konstantin Raikin played there: he danced, made faces, but did not sing himself, the songs were performed by Mikhail Boyarsky. I especially remember how the main character jumped and fell with plates, and I began to repeat this at home. After I broke several plates, my parents gave me plastic ones and approved of my hobby. In the 5th-6th grade, I began to attend classes at the ZIL People’s Theater and there I developed an incredible love for theater. After school, I went to a theater institute, I did not think about another profession. I failed the first time, but after serving in the army I tried again and entered,” the speaker shared.

    He also spoke about his first attempts at acting, the difficulties of life in the 90s, his first troupe and his first staged performance. Alexander Alexandrovich also noted why he ultimately chose cinema over theater, and why the profession of a director is better for him than acting.

    “I didn’t want to go to the theater as an actor, because at that time it seemed like theater was a bondage. I sincerely adore the theater, but only as a spectator. In the theater, a lot of things weigh on an actor: the director, the producer, the artistic director, etc. And for me, the lack of opportunity to freely engage in creativity is death. The director is freer, his creative life is longer. In addition, as an actor, I always have the opportunity to play a small role in a film, because the director approves me without auditions.”

    Alexander also told a funny story about how in the 90s a friend from Moscow State University helped him go to Germany as a student of the landscape science faculty for a paid internship.

    “I didn’t understand anything about this area, but I had a diploma as an actor from the B. Shchukin Theatre School, so I coped brilliantly with the role of a student. I came to the office at 8 a.m., colored cards, sometimes went out for practice. But after a month I ran away from there to earn money by tap dancing with a musical group from Hongover.”

    The guest emphasized that an important role in the formation of his life priorities was played by a meeting with the German Ferdinand, who was involved in cars.

    “It turned out that in his youth he taught physical education to Konstantin Raikin in Leningrad. And, apparently, something clicked in him when he met me, because I am also an actor, and he showed me the first Mercedes in my life, which I saw up close. When we got in, he showed me what incredible functions it had, that the car was like alive. And he said an important phrase: “A car should be either this or nothing. So wait for the opportunity to get exactly what you want.” Then I realized that since there are no roles like what I want, and I don’t want to play others, I need to do something else.”

    When asked how to understand that a script is worth taking on, Alexander answered simply: “You have to take what grabs you.” The director also emphasized that his goal is “to make films and TV series that give people the opportunity to lift their spirits, become kinder and brighter, and disconnect from the problems that are plentiful in real life. At the same time, the quality of humor is important; jokes should be subtle and ironic, and not stoop below the belt.”

    Since the meeting was attended mainly by students from the Department of Management in the Sphere of Culture, Cinema, Television and Entertainment Industry of the Institute of Management and Budgetary Culture, they took advantage of the opportunity to clarify how they could get onto the set and join the director’s team.

    “It is quite possible to watch the filming process, I think we can organize it. As for the team, everything is more complicated here. Today there is a shortage of specialists in all areas of the filming process. I am a tough guy on the set, a tyrant and a despot. My filming pace is fast, so I try to assemble a group so that everything works like clockwork. I always say before filming: guys, we came so that the actors in the frame feel as comfortable as possible. We will be letters in the credits, and they will carry everything we wanted to say to the viewers.”

    Of course, the guys asked how the director felt about the reboot of the project “Daddy’s Daughters”, which he directed from 2007 to 2011.

    “I would like to remind you that “Daddy’s Daughters” is our first sitcom that was created on Russian script soil, and not adapted from a foreign version. I was a guest director and took part in the development. It’s like sculpting, where you are not alone, but your hands are present on the clay. As for the new seasons, I only filmed the first of them. It is an excellent successful project, wonderful actresses whom I selected and with whom we communicate. But for me, after those 5 years when we were just starting out, that feeling of the team, the atmosphere, the children and the intonations that were there, something didn’t work out in the new seasons. It’s too decent, too bright, the apartment is too rich. In my opinion, it should be a family from the next door, with ordinary problems familiar to everyone. The new seasons are talented, interesting, but not for me.”

    Alexander also talked about how “Voronins” was filmed and what he considers to be the secret to the long life and popular love of this project.

    “It was the happiest time of incredible happiness, we were one family, spent a lot of time together. The viability of this sitcom is due to the fact that we all did not quarrel, did not break up, but lived in happiness and friendship for all these ten years. There is a channel “Voronins”. Sometimes I turn it on and think “My God, how good this is!”, although it is no longer a trend today, but there is so much sincerity and truth in relation to the viewer. On the set, we were disciplined and united by Boris Klyuev, who is no longer alive. I remember how courageously he acted until the last, when he was already battling cancer, but never asked for indulgences or anything like that. You can see all this on the screen and it became the life of families. If we talk about the reboot of the series called “Kostya-Vera”, then I watched two episodes and did not do more. Without Boris, it makes no sense to do this, he was the nail that held everything together.”

    When asked what advice the renowned master could give to young directors, Alexander gave advice that applies to many creative professions.

    “You definitely shouldn’t get depressed, be afraid, or be embarrassed by your expressions. You should definitely read literature, it provides a huge amount of plot material for work, for new stories, for building character relationships. You need to understand and accept that everything has already been filmed and written. Times change, but people, their problems, and relationships are essentially the same. Chekhov, Tolstoy, Gogol have already written all this. You need to read thoughtfully, it’s so funny, deep, and sometimes scary. If you think you’ve come up with something yourself, then put that idea aside, study historical experience, and you’ll understand that it definitely happened. It’s all about talented interpretation, so you need to learn from the greats.”

    There was also a question about how young talents can break into cinema. The guest’s answer is simple in essence, but difficult to execute, and can be framed for absolutely everyone and not to forget about it.

    “The first thing you need to understand is that in order to break through, you need to break through. 90% of success is work. My teacher Yuri Avsharov used to say: “If it doesn’t work out, don’t sit in the kitchen and complain. Open a book and read, go to people, they will see you and hear you.” If a person is creative, then they will find their place. It is important to always keep yourself in working tone, then everything will work out.”

    At the end of the meeting, there were photo and autograph sessions, and representatives of the student editorial board of the State University of Management SUM Times took a short interview from Alexander, which will soon be published in the Vkontakte group and on the Rutube channel.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 04/03/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Lotus Robotics and HERE Technologies collaborate on Highway Navigation Pilot for Automated Driving

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • New Highway Navigation Pilot from Lotus Robotics delivers L2+ automated driving capabilities, leveraging high-precision data from HERE HD Live Map.
    • Solution targeted for European homologation in 2025, launching in upcoming Lotus vehicles and available for integration by OEM partners.

    Amsterdam/Frankfurt am Main – Lotus Robotics, the intelligent driving arm of Lotus Technology, and HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology company have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop an advanced Highway Navigation Pilot solution that delivers Level 2+ (L2+) automated driving functions. 

    The collaboration is focused on delivering a best-in-class L2+ ADAS solution integrating an advanced sensor perception stack and a high-precision map for advanced driving and safety functions including hands-off driving in certain situations. The solution is set for homologation in Europe in 2025. It will be utilized in upcoming Lotus vehicles and jointly offered to automakers across Europe. 

    Automated Highway Driving Powered by Lotus and HERE

    Lotus Robotics will engineer the L2+ solution, powered by the HERE HD Live Map. The Lotus Highway Navigation Pilot is a full stack hardware and software solution for Level 2+ automated driving functions, including automated lane changes, highway transitions and passing manoeuvres.

    For automated driving systems, the HERE HD Live Map delivers safety-enhancing data for functions like localization, prediction, and path planning, working seamlessly with various vehicle sensors. The HD map expands a vehicle’s ability to “see” and “plan” in scenarios where sensors alone may be limited. The HERE HD Live Map improves the overall situational awareness by providing precise, forward-looking information about road network features and local regulations, anticipating potential issues ahead and giving drivers an improved sense of confidence.

    Building on a Proven Partnership

    In 2022, Lotus and HERE combined forces to bring a customized advanced navigation solution based on HERE Navigation to the groundbreaking fully electric hyper-SUV Lotus Eletre and hyper-GT Lotus Emeya. Building on this collaboration, Lotus Robotics and HERE are now expanding their partnership to develop the Highway Navigation Pilot, advancing automated driving capabilities for both Lotus vehicles and other OEMs.

    “We see a huge potential need for L2+ ADAS and NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) in highway scenarios for the global market in the near future. Lotus Robotics is dedicated to building an open ecosystem together with our strategic partners including HD map services provided by HERE Technologies as a key element of our technical stack of automated driving. We are expecting a rapid rollout of this product portfolio combining Lotus Robotics Software and HERE Map data across the globe,” said Dr. Bo Li, Chief Executive Officer at Lotus Robotics.

    “We are excited to collaborate and co-innovate with Lotus Robotics in the field of automated driving. Fresh and accurate location data and technology are a critical cornerstone for any safe and efficient automated driving system. Together with Lotus Robotics, we look forward to paving the way for the future of autonomous vehicles,” said Jason Jameson, Chief Customer Officer at HERE Technologies.

    HERE AI-powered Mapmaking for Automated Driving

    HERE’s unified mapping architecture, powered by the latest in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), delivers unmatched accuracy and detail to its high-quality mapping solutions. By leveraging the latest in AI and ML techniques, HERE automates, updates, and enhances its IoT sensor data-derived mapmaking that processes hundreds of millions of kilometers of vehicle probe and sensor data every hour. The company’s commitment to innovation has made it a longtime, trusted industry partner. HERE location data and software services are used in more than 222 million vehicles globally, and today more than 54 million vehicles rely on maps from HERE for advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving functions.

    Media Contacts
    Ms. Weizhou Wu
    +86-159 1071 0170
    weizhou.wu@lotuscars.com.cn

    Dr. Sebastian Kurme 
    +49 173 515 3549 
    sebastian.kurme@here.com  

    About Lotus Robotics
    Lotus Robotics is committed to empowering the era of robotics. We are aiming to build a universal AI technology platform and materialize AI through robotics. The company is willing to provide a new focal point of development to the human world that generates economic value.

    Lotus Robotics is setting a new standard for transportation by making it safer, more accessible, and efficient. The company offers end-to-end autonomous driving services including the software for autonomous driving, autonomous testing capabilities and a simulation tool chain on the cloud for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and automated/autonomous driving.

    Lotus Robotics was founded in 2021 and is working with multiple leading automakers to accelerate the transition to autonomous driving technology.

    About HERE Technologies
    HERE has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for 40 years. Today, the HERE location platform is recognized as the most complete in the industry, powering location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe. From autonomous driving and seamless logistics to new mobility experiences, HERE allows its partners and customers to innovate while retaining control over their data and safeguarding privacy. Find out how HERE is moving the world forward at here.com. 

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Diversified Energy Demonstrates Innovation, Collaboration, and Responsibility in 2024 Sustainability Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Methane intensity improves by ~13%, a 56% reduction since 2020

    Improved personal safety performance across the Company, including a 30% reduction in TRIR from 2023

    Activities contributed $1 Billion to state GDPs for a third consecutive year

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Diversified Energy Company PLC (LSE: DEC) (NYSE: DEC) (“Diversified,” “DEC,” or the “Company”) is proud to release its sixth annual Sustainability Report, Winning Through Collaboration, highlighting the Company’s sustainability actions and achievements in 2024. As the champion of the strategy of managing proved, developed, producing (PDP) assets, Diversified is the only publicly traded company dedicated to this approach, leveraging operational scale, vertical integration, and a proprietary technology platform to drive efficiency and long-term value.

    With Diversified’s Smarter Asset Management approach to asset stewardship, combined with the inherent benefits of natural gas, the Company is well-positioned to meet modern energy challenges while delivering the reliable, lower-carbon energy needed to balance growing demand with innovation in energy supply. The report details Diversified’s continued progress in advancing operational excellence, reducing environmental impacts, and enhancing employee safety. Key highlights include:

    Protecting Our Environment

    • Reduced methane intensity by ~13% year-over-year to 0.7 MT CO2e per MMcfe; a 56% reduction as compared to 2020 baseline (1.6 MT CO2e per MMcfe)
    • 459 pneumatic devices and pumps were eliminated or converted to non-emitting through the work of DEC’s Pneumatics Task Force and individual field teams
    • Conducted 152,000 voluntary emission detection surveys; maintaining a ~98% no-leak rate company-wide on surveyed assets
    • Achieved a third consecutive year of Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP) Gold Standard

    Supporting Our Employees

    • Improved personal safety performance with a 30% reduction in TRIR while simultaneously realizing a 52% reduction in contractors with a high TRIR score
    • Our 2024 motor vehicle incident rate was 0.34 incidents per miles driven, a 38% decrease from 2023 even as we increased our total number of miles driven by nearly 11%
    • Introduced new employee physical and mental wellness programs

    Serving Our Communities

    • Contributed over $1 billion of economic impact to state GDPs through employment and operations for a third consecutive year
    • Strengthened community outreach efforts to include $2.1 million in community contributions, grants and support programs
      • More than 25% of community outreach was distributed to socio-economically disadvantaged geographic regions

    Commenting on the report, CEO Rusty Hutson, Jr. said:

    “Diversified Energy remains committed to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy. In 2024, our OneDEC culture flourished, empowering our employees to drive innovation, collaborate, and share knowledge, turning ideas into real solutions. Our Sustainability Report highlights our focus on responsible operations, from reducing emissions to safely retiring wells, all while supporting communities and local economies. As the publicly traded PDP Champion, executing the differentiated strategy focused on improving currently producing assets, we are proud to be the Right Company at the Right Time, providing critically needed energy while leading the way in sustainability.”

    View the 2024 Sustainability Report online at div.energy/sustainability/

    For further information, please contact:

    Diversified Energy Company PLC  
    Doug Kris +1 973 856 2757
    Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications dkris@dgoc.com

    About Diversified Energy Company PLC

    Diversified is a leading publicly traded energy company focused on natural gas and liquids production, transport, marketing, and well retirement. Through our differentiated strategy, we acquire existing, long-life assets and invest in them to improve environmental and operational performance until retiring those assets in a safe and environmentally secure manner. Recognized by ratings agencies and organizations for our sustainability leadership, this solutions-oriented, stewardship approach makes Diversified the Right Company at the Right Time to responsibly produce energy, deliver reliable free cash flow, and generate shareholder value.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Padilla Slams Trump’s Tariffs for Increasing Prices for Working Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WATCH: Padilla Slams Trump’s Tariffs for Increasing Prices for Working Families

    WATCH: Padilla blasts President Trump for breaking promises to lower pricesWASHINGTON, D.C. — During an interview with MeidasTouch’s Ben Meiselas, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) sharply criticized President Trump’s chaotic, harmful tariffs that will raise prices for millions of working families and cost California farmers billions. Padilla highlighted Trump’s broken promise to lower costs and denounced the President’s recent comments that he “couldn’t care less” if his tariffs raise prices.
    MEISELAS: Let’s break down what’s going on, first in kind of California with the farming situation. We’ve got Senator Alex Padilla here, Senator from California. Senator, we’re seeing a lot of Trump voters now saying they regret this. This is absolute chaos. They didn’t vote for this. What are you hearing, Senator?
    PADILLA: Hearing a lot of the same fury, a lot of the same frustration, and people coming to the realization Donald Trump lied to them. His whole campaign, his platform, his promises were all a lie, and it’s coming home to roost.
    PADILLA: Because you’re right, whether it’s the tariffs — we know who’s going to pay the price ultimately. It’s not foreign countries as Donald claimed. It’s going to be working families here in the country when prices will go up. This is a President who said he was gonna tackle inflation and bring down prices on day one. The opposite has happened. Prices are up in all categories.
    PADILLA: The one thing he has said that’s truthful, just this last weekend, he says he doesn’t care. He “can care less,” specifically, is what he said, if prices go up. Because they’re going up on everything from cars to fruits and vegetables and everything in between.
    As President Trump and other Republicans have admitted that the tariffs will cause “short-term pain,” Padilla underscored that these tariffs will exacerbate the affordability crisis and cripple the stock market, depleting Americans’ pensions and retirement savings.
    PADILLA: It was a bait and switch. He promised to lower costs. Costs are going up. This short-term pain? Only now he’s realizing what it means, but the pain is real. So my colleagues on both sides of the aisle — there’s inconvenience and there’s pain. … Pain is being left homeless, which a lot of people will be when they lose their jobs or can’t afford to pay the rent because of Donald Trump’s policies.
    PADILLA: Another impact of his tariffs — on again, off again and on again, on again prices going up is what’s happening with the stock market. Now I don’t say this because I’m sympathetic to traders on Wall Street. I bring this up because so many people’s pensions, so many people’s 401(k), so many people’s retirement savings are tied to the economy. So when the stock market crashes, that’s literally dollars that you no longer have for retirement. It’s gone up in smoke. But once again, if you ask Donald Trump what he thinks of all this, he could care less.
    Padilla also blasted Trump for illogically and irresponsibly opening up dams and flooding the Central Valley, claiming to “turn on the water” to fight the Los Angeles fires after they had already been contained and using up resources farmers need in the dry summer months.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Vote on Resolution to Undo Trump’s Taxes on Canadian Goods, Shaheen Highlights the Devastating Consequences for Small Businesses on Senate Floor

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – Following President Trump’s announcement of sweeping new tariffs, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) took to the Senate floor to highlight the devastating economic impacts that President Trump’s tariffs and trade war will have on American families and the economy. The speech came ahead of a vote on U.S. Senator Tim Kaine’s (D-VA) joint resolution with U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mark R. Warner (D-VA) to end Trump’s tariffs on Canada. Some estimates have shown that Trump’s tariffs could raise costs for the average American household by up to $2,000 per year. You can watch Senator Shaheen’s speech here. 

    Key quotes from Senator Shaheen:

    • “On Monday I visited a bakery in Derry, New Hampshire, that may have to go out of business due to what President Trump is proposing on tariffs on Canada. […] Mr. Chatila said to me, and I quote, ‘When I came, this was the American dream, which is why we built it. But now you see it in front of your eyes. It’s just melted like ice.’” 
    • “Imposing tariffs against Canada is not the way to fight fentanyl and other drugs. This kind of legislation, like the HALT Fentanyl Act, is something that is going to have much more of an impact.” 
       
    • “The message to the American people from this administration is increasingly clear: they do not care about you and what your needs are.”
    • “He is taxing all of the goods that people buy every day and what he doesn’t tell you is that the reason he’s doing this is so that he can give more money to provide tax cuts for the top 1% of the income earners in the country, so the billionaires.”

    You can read Shaheen’s remarks as delivered below:

    I came to the floor to join my colleagues because I am so concerned about the damaging impact of President Trump’s tariff taxes—and I call them taxes because that’s what they really are—about those tariffs particularly on Canada, although we heard today that he’s announced a number of others.

    On Monday, I’ve been hearing from a lot of small businesses in New Hampshire, but on Monday I visited a bakery in Derry, New Hampshire, that may have to go out of business due to what President Trump is proposing on tariffs on Canada. 

    Now, the owner of Chatila’s Bakery moved to the United States 36 years ago.

     He’s a cardiologist and with his brother, a PhD. Scientist, they’re from Lebanon. 

    He became a citizen.

    He raised his family and sent his daughter to college, and he and his brother got interested in sugar free desserts and candies because their mother was diabetic. 

    So he spent the last 36 years building his business, and now he might have to sell his factory because of the trade war that President Trump has started with Canada. 

    Chatila’s Bakery makes sugar free desserts.

    They get some of their ingredients from Canada. 

    All of those ingredients are now more expensive and while I was there, he showed me a fuel bill he had just gotten, that said that because of the tariffs, his fuel bill was going up. 

    But more important than that, 85% of his business comes from exporting to Canadian customers. 

    Most of his sales contracts in Canada were canceled after these tariffs went into effect last month.

    So he says he’s going to lose between $400,000 and $500,000 this year in the business. 

    Now, President Trump says he’s worried about trade imbalances and that he wants to support exporters.

     Well, here is an American small business and an exporter and because of what this president is doing with his reckless trade war, this small business owner might go out of business.

    So Mr. Chatila said to me, and I quote, “When I came, this was the American dream, which is why we built it. But now you see it in front of your eyes. It’s just melted like ice.”

    And I asked him what he would like to ask President Trump if he had the opportunity, and he said his question was to the president, “What do you want me to do? If you really care about your country, why don’t you support small businesses which are the backbone of every community?”

     I think that said it about as well as anybody I’ve heard. 

    And we know, sadly, that his business is not the only one. 

    Many of our small businesses in New Hampshire are reliant on travel and tourism. 

    I’ve heard from businesses across our state about Canadian tourists canceling plans already, about bookings that they rely on that are not going to come through.

    Last week, we saw that airline tickets for travelers coming from Canada this summer are down more than 70% from this time last year. 

    That represents lost business for my constituents and for businesses and communities across this country. 

    All of this will put their businesses at risk, and it will do so when they are also facing higher costs for inputs because of these tariff taxes.

    Two weeks ago, I visited a bus company, runs bus lines between the seacoast of New Hampshire and Boston and New York. 

    They’re facing $500,000 in added costs because of these tariffs and now, on top of that, he stands to lose business because fewer people are visiting the United States—He also goes between the seacoast and Logan Airport.

    All of that because the president has damaged the relationship we have with one of our closest allies.

    It doesn’t make sense to me. 

    What is the logic of antagonizing those allies and partners that we rely on? 

    And lest anyone forget, the president is claiming that the flow of fentanyl from Canada justifies all this.

    Well, fentanyl and other drugs are serious issues, and I’ve spent much of my time in the Senate doing what I can to help stop those drugs from entering the United States and to getting help for those who need it.

    Just last month, the Senate passed the HALT Fentanyl Act, which is legislation that I co-sponsored along with a lot of my colleagues, which would permanently schedule fentanyl related substances. 

    Imposing tariffs against Canada is not the way to fight fentanyl and other drugs. 

    This kind of legislation, like the HALT Fentanyl Act, is something that is going to have much more of an impact.

    CBP statistics show that all the fentanyl seized along the northern border from the beginning of 2022 until now is 71 pounds. 

    Now, that’s a lot of fentanyl, and that could kill a lot of people, so I don’t endorse that by any means. 

    But you compare that with the 67,966 pounds that have been seized along the US-Mexico border for the same period of time.

    Wouldn’t it make more sense to focus on where most of this fentanyl is coming from? 

    Instead of imposing tariffs, we should be working cooperatively with our allies and partners, and Canada has taken a number of steps to crack down and to stop drugs from coming into the United States. 

    The tariffs that are in place before today are likely to raise costs by nearly $2,000 for the average household.

    That’s money many families in New Hampshire and across this country can’t afford to pay when they’re trying to cover the cost of groceries, of housing, of child care, of energy, all of those things that President Trump, when he was running for president, said he was going to address.

    I’ve heard from many New Hampshire families about how these tariffs will raise prices for keeping their homes warm, for putting gas in their cars.

    And now the Trump administration has reportedly fired the entire staff of the LIHEAP program that helps families and seniors heat their homes when they can’t afford to pay. 

    The message to the American people from this administration is increasingly clear: they do not care about you and what your needs are. 

    So voting for Senator Kaine’s resolution presents an opportunity for Congress to help Americans who are worried about higher costs.

    I intend to vote for this resolution to end the tariffs on Canada, to lower costs for Americans and to help our small businesses and I hope all my colleagues will do the same. 

    Now, I just want to add that in the last hour, President Trump announced a new tax of 10% on everything Americans import with far higher taxes on many countries.

    Everything from the EU will now face a 20% tax. 

    Japan and South Korea 25%. 

    I mean, again, the rationale for why we are going after our allies and partners makes no sense. 

    And this is a tremendous tax increase on American business and families. 

    Likely the largest peacetime tax increase in U.S. history. 

    This new Trump tariff tax will add at least another $3,000 to the costs for an average household.

    And again, this president promised he was going to lower costs for families.

    This does nothing to do that. 

    He is taxing all of the goods that people buy every day and what he doesn’t tell you is that the reason he’s doing this is so that he can give more money to provide tax cuts for the top 1% of the income earners in the country, so the billionaires. 

    I don’t think this tax increase is going to help the small business owner I visited on Monday, or the families in my state and across this country who are trying to afford groceries, and I intend to vote to end those tariffs on Canada today when I have the opportunity. 

    I hope my colleagues will join me.

    Thank you.

    Senator Shaheen is leading efforts in Congress to mitigate the harmful impacts of President Trump’s tariffs. Earlier today, Shaheen released a statement condemning President Trump’s announcement that he will impose 10 percent tariffs on all imported goods, with far higher taxes on many more countries at midnight. In January, Shaheen introduced the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes on Imported Goods Act which would limit the president’s ability to leverage sweeping tariffs that increase costs for American consumers and families. Her effort to pass this bill by unanimous consent was blocked by Senate Republicans. In recent weeks, Shaheen has traveled across the Granite State to visit businesses including Chatila’s Bakery, C&J, DCI Furniture, Mount Cabot Maple and American Calan Inc. to hear directly from Granite Staters impacted by the looming tariffs.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Christchurch Akaroa Road, Little River

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    One person has died following a single-vehicle crash near Little River this morning.

    Emergency services were called to Christchurch Akaroa Road at around 10.40am.

    Two people were transported to hospital in a serious condition, where sadly one person died a short time later.

    The second person is now in a critical condition in hospital.

    The Serious Crash Unit have conducted a scene examination and a crash investigation is underway.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bergman Urges President Trump to Visit Michigan Following Devastating Ice Storm

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

    Bergman Urges President Trump to Visit Michigan Following Devastating Ice Storm

    Washington, April 2, 2025

     

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Jack Bergman (MI-01) issued a formal request to President Donald J. Trump, urging him to visit the communities across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula that were severely impacted by last weekend and this week’s devastating ice storms.

    In a letter sent to President Trump, Rep. Bergman emphasized the widespread destruction caused by the storms, which left thousands of residents without power and caused significant damage to critical infrastructure throughout the region.

    Read Rep. Bergman’s full letter to President Trump here or below:

    April 2, 2025

    The Honorable Donald J. Trump

    President of the United States
    The White House
    Washington, D.C.

    Dear President Trump,

    I hope this letter finds you well. I write to respectfully request your consideration in visiting the communities impacted by the recent ice storm that struck Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula earlier this week.

    As the U.S. Representative for Michigan’s First Congressional District, I have been in close communication with emergency coordinators and responders across every county as they address the widespread impacts this storm has had on our communities. Thousands of residents have been left without power, infrastructure has been severely damaged, and the livelihoods of countless families and small businesses have been disrupted. The effects of the storm have been particularly devastating in our rural and remote communities, where recovery efforts face additional logistical challenges.

    Your presence would not only bring national attention to the hardships my constituents are enduring but would also provide much-needed encouragement to the first responders, utility workers, and volunteers who are working tirelessly to restore essential services. Northern Michiganders and Yoopers are among the strongest and most resilient in the country, but a visit from you would be a powerful reminder that we are not alone in this recovery.

    I would be honored to accompany you on a tour of the affected areas and facilitate meetings with local officials, emergency personnel, and families impacted by the storm. I am confident that your leadership and concern for Michigan’s First District will be deeply appreciated by those working to rebuild and recover.

    Thank you for your time and your continued commitment to the well-being of all Americans. I look forward to the opportunity to welcome you to Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

    Sincerely,

    Jack Bergman
    Member of Congress

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: MYANMAR: Children living in the open face additional risk of heat related illnesses after deadly earthquake

    Source: Save the Children

    Children living in the open in Myanmar after being forced from their homes by the deadly earthquake are at additional risk of heat related illnesses as temperatures in parts of the country climb to 40°C (104 F), Save the Children said.
    Many children and their families are living in open spaces after their homes were destroyed in the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on 28 March and due to a shortage of shelters, according to the UN. In Shan state, more than 13,000 people have been displaced, and in Central and Northwestern Myanmar, at least 10,000 buildings have collapsed or been severely damaged [1]. At least 2,700 people have died and thousands more injured.
    April is the hottest month of the year in Myanmar, with temperatures rising ahead of the start of rains in May. In 2024, a record-breaking temperature of 48.2° C in Myanmar was recorded in April in the central region of the country.
    The high temperatures are adding to an already dire situation for children in earthquake affected areas. Children are especially vulnerable to the impacts of heat which can cause severe dehydration, exhaustion and heatstroke. The more that children are exposed to extreme heat, the greater they are at risk of respiratory disease, kidney disease and other health hazards [2].Basic services have been crippled with electricity cut off in some areas and in short supply in others. In Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, electricity has been restricted to four hours a day.
    Kyaing Thin-, 41, lives in the Mandalay region, close to the epicentre of the earthquake. She is the mother of two boys, aged 13 and 15. Her home was badly damaged, but she managed to escape with her family to a field.
    Kyaing Thin- told Save the Children:
    “We have to sleep outside of our house, using only a mosquito net. My sons were so traumatised by the earthquake that they couldn’t sleep the whole night. They are both sensitive to loud noises, and now, every time they hear one, they panic.
    “Many people lost their homes. They are forced to live on the streets, in open fields, or by the Mandalay Moat. In rural areas, people can move to open fields and build temporary shelters but in a city like Mandalay, most people live in apartments or flats, many of which are now unsafe. This will be the biggest long-term crisis: where will people live?”
    Her son, Zarni-, 13, said:
    “I had no idea what was happening (when the earthquake struck). My brother shouted at me to run. My bed was beside the window so I jumped out. I got hurt a little, but I ran toward the road and lay on the ground. Now, my chest hurts. I wish I had the power of time travel. Then I could go back and fix whatever caused the earthquake.”
    Children in Myanmar were already facing a severe humanitarian crisis before the devastating earthquake. Conflict and climate fueled disasters have left 6.3 million children among the 19.9 million people – or more than one third of the population – needing humanitarian support [3]. Save the Children and its partners are providing food, water and emergency medical care to affected children and their families and working to provide personal hygiene kits and child friendly recreational materials.
    Jeremy Stoner, Acting Asia Regional Director, Save the Children said:
    “Many children in the earthquake affected areas have little to no protection from the scorching heat. The heat is burning during the day, and temperatures barely drop at night. With no or little electricity for fans and limited access to clean water, extreme heat can be lethal for young children.
    “We’re now in a race against time to avoid the secondary impacts of earthquakes, such as disease outbreaks and rising hunger. The humanitarian response in Myanmar has been underfunded for years. Three months into 2025, the humanitarian appeal is only 5% funded and that situation will only be made worse due to funding cuts.
    “With global humanitarian funding under strain, flexible funding from donors is more critical than ever – not only to deliver immediate, life-saving assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake but also to support communities rebuild their lives and futures.”
    Save the Children has been working in Myanmar since 1995, providing life-saving healthcare, food and nutrition, education and child protection programmes.  
    To donate to Save the Children’s Myanmar earthquake appeal go to:  Myanmar-Thailand Earthquake Emergency – Save the Children NZ.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: International competition highlights health care tech

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A humanoid robot performs at Zhongguancun International Innovation Center, venue for the 2025 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum) Annual Conference, in Beijing, capital of China, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    With interest in physical well-being continuing to grow, health care-related projects became a highlight at the final of the 8th Zhongguancun International Advanced Technology Competition (ZGC ATECH) held in Beijing on March 28 during the Zhongguancun Forum Annual Conference. Often dubbed China’s Silicon Valley, Zhongguancun is a leading tech hub in Beijing, fostering innovation and global collaboration.

    The competition featured over 3,000 projects from 75 countries and regions, showcasing the latest technological advancements in various fields. Half of the 10 finalists were overseas projects. 

    A focus on health care across the tech sector was clearly reflected in the fact that eight out of the 10 finalists and five of the top six places were projects aimed at solving major health issues.

    First place was awarded to Rossum Robot Technology based in Beijing for its self-developed robotic system for the treatment of fractures. 

    The two second-place awards went to Beijing-based NanoInsights’ new-generation smart optical microscopy imaging solution and Hopstem Biotechnology’s induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell therapies used for treating strokes and other central nervous system diseases. 

    The three third-place awards were given to Suzhou-based Geek Gene’s innovative T-cell drug, Hangzhou-based Westlake Therapeutics’ red blood cell-based therapy that overcomes immunotherapy resistance to treat solid tumors, and Beijing-based QCraft’s automatic driving solution.

    Other finalists covered 5D printing and more health-related fields, namely smart nano-optic endoscopy, autologous dendritic cell therapy for type 1 diabetes, and brain-computer interfaces.

    The high proportion of health-related technologies in the final coincides with a surging health and wellness sector powered by rising public interest in physical well-being. According to an industry-specific report released by China Consumers Association last year, the health and wellness sector in China was expected to generate 9 trillion yuan ($1.2 trillion) in revenue by the end of 2024. 

    Hosted by the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Science Park, a high-tech hub in China, the ZGC ATECH has helped tech startups to present their cutting-edge technologies and attract partners and investors to further technological exploration and business expansion. 

    The eighth ZGC ATECH featured two categories. The first was for technological innovation and was divided into 14 sub-categories, including artificial intelligence, integrated circuits, biomedicine, industrial internet of things, new energy, and general aviation. The second focused on special expertise in five sub-categories of artificial intelligence generated content (AIGC) large model, smart connected vehicles, industrial software, smart hospitals and wellness technology. Besides the 10 finalists, each sub-category produced a top-10 list of projects in their specific field.

    At the award ceremony after the final, five of the prize-winning enterprises and teams signed cooperation deals with industrial parks in Beijing, becoming part of an empowering ecosystem.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional Democrats Demand Explanation for “Disturbing Arrest and Detention” of Tufts University Student

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Representative Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), and Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.) led over 30 lawmakers in writing to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Acting Director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Todd Lyons, demanding information about the arrest and detention of Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk and similar incidents across the country.

    “The Administration should not summarily detain and deport legal residents of this country merely for expressing their political views. Absent compelling evidence justifying her detention and the revocation of her status, we call for Ozturk’s release and the restoration of her visa,” wrote the lawmakers. 

    A total of 34 lawmakers signed the letter. In addition to Sens. Warren and Markey and Rep. Pressley, the following members joined in signing: Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), along with Representatives Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.), Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas), Don Beyer (D-Va.), André Carson (D-Ind.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), and Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii).

    On March 25, 2025, Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk was arrested on her way to a Ramadan dinner event by masked, plainclothes officers. Surveillance video shows officers loading Ozturk into an SUV and departing in three unmarked vehicles. Bystanders observed that the incident “looked like a kidnapping.”

    For almost 24 hours, Ozturk’s location was unknown and her lawyer could not locate her. On the afternoon of March 26, more than twelve hours after a district court judge ordered the federal government not to remove Ozturk from Massachusetts without at least 48 hours’ notice, ICE’s locator system was updated to show that she was being held at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Center.

    This arrest appears to be one of the latest examples in a string of ICE arrests of university students with valid green cards and visas, seemingly on the basis of their political views. Ozturk was one of four authors of a 2024 op-ed in the Tufts student paper, which called for the university to “engage with and actualize” Israel- and Palestine-related resolutions passed by the university’s Student Senate.

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the Administration will deny visas to those who “participate in that sort of activity,” referring to protest movements on campuses. Following Ozturk’s arrest, Tufts was informed that her “visa ha(d) been terminated” — similar to other recent cases in which ICE agents have declared, without a judicial or administrative hearing, that they were “terminating” or “revoking” students’ green cards and visas.

    The lawmakers asked the Departments of Homeland Security and State, along with ICE, to provide explanations for Ozturk’s arrest and visa revocation; her transportation to Louisiana despite a court order; officials’ use of unmarked vehicles, face coverings, and plain clothing; the federal government’s policies for terminating a student’s visa without a request from a university; and more. 

    Text of Letter (PDF) .

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer: Trump Is “Liberating The American People From Their Savings”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) yesterday spoke during a press conference on Trump’s upcoming tariff announcement, held by Democrats on the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee after House Republicans abruptly cancelled votes for the week and fled town.

    The press conference featured U.S. Representatives Linda Sanchez, Don Beyer, Suzan DelBene, and Jimmy Panetta; Sanchez is the Ranking Member of the Trade Subcommittee, and Beyer, DelBene, and Panetta introduced legislation to block Trump’s destructive tariff rampage, which is wreaking havoc on the U.S. economy.

    Video of Beyer’s remarks is available here, and his remarks follow below.

    The last time we tried this tariff policy, we got ten years of the Great Depression.

    This is really stupid public policy.

    And it’s no surprise that the Republicans are leaving this afternoon. I wouldn’t want to be here for “Liberation Day.”

    [Trump is] going to be “liberating” the American people from their savings. “Liberation Day,” these 25% tariffs, are going to be the largest tax increase in American history.

    Peter Navarro the other day estimated at $600 billion.

    It’d be one thing if the $3,900 in extra costs that every American family is going to pay would do something useful, but it’s going to try to fund the [Trump tax cuts] for the richest Americans.

    We’ve heard all these different reasons for the tariffs. Most of them are contradictory, but I’m not going to address any of them because they’re all in bad faith. None of them are what this is really about.

    Trump likes tariffs because he’s a bully. He likes him because he’s authoritarian, because they make him feel important, because he doesn’t realize that it actually costs real people real money.

    Make no mistake – these tariffs are going to wreck our economy.

    Already we’re seeing manufacturing numbers are down. Inflation expectations are up. Consumer confidence is plunging.

    Stock markets are down almost 8% since he took office. And we just had the worst quarter in the last three years, after a very strong fourth quarter.

    This is a guy who couldn’t care less about us. He says “I don’t care if prices go up.”

    He clearly does not care, because they’re going to go up a lot.

    I was a car dealer for 46 years. This is going to wreak havoc in the international auto place that we have, where cars and parts come from all over assembled here. They’re shipped from here to all over.

    And this – I think Ronald Reagan may have said it best, not the first to say it, but: “no one wins a trade war.”

    This is dumb policy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DelBene Blasts Trump’s Massive Tax Increase on American Families, Businesses

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01), a member of the House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, issued the following statement on President Trump’s latest round of sweeping tariffs that will raise prices on American consumers.

    “President Trump just imposed a massive tax increase on American families and businesses. His trade war against countries, including our allies, will be devastating with high prices, fewer jobs, a stock slump, and fewer markets to sell American products. Americans will pay the price for Trump’s biggest round of tariffs yet at the grocery store, the gas pump, and the pharmacy counter.

    “Over half of all imports are industrial inputs that support American manufacturing. Businesses will feel the squeeze from this announcement with higher overhead costs and fewer markets to sell their products. This is especially true in Washington where two-in-five jobs are tied to trade and some manufacturers fear being ‘tariffed out of business,’ as a Washington small business owner recently told me.

    “The Constitution gives Congress, not the president, the power to impose taxes on the American people, and Congressional Republicans must hold votes on whether to keep these tariffs in place or rein in these abuses. Republicans used to agree that Congress sets tax and trade policy back when President Biden was in office but have fallen silent now that Trump is in the White House. They are bending over backward to avoid taking tough votes while Americans pay the price.”

    Background

    • On March 4, Trump put a 25% tariff on imported goods from Canada and Mexico and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China (which he later doubled to 20% and then delayed portions of).
    • In response, DelBene and other top House Democrats introduced resolutions to terminate President Trump’s illegal use of “emergency” authorities that he used to impose the tariffs. The resolutions would have forced a vote that would make clear if lawmakers support Trump’s “emergency” tariffs on Canada and Mexico. 
    • On March 11, House Republicans snuck a provision in a procedural measure that avoided that vote.
    • DelBene previously introduced the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act, the Congressional Trade Authority Act, the Repealing Outdated and Unilateral Tariff Authorities Act, and the Reclaim Trade Powers Act to rein in Trump’s abuses of tariff powers under IEEPA, Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, and Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, respectively. 
    • On March 12, Trump put a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports.
    • On March 26, Trump put a 25% tariff on autos (cars and trucks).
    • On March 29, Trump said he “couldn’t care less” if automakers raised prices because of new tariffs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information following burglary, Te Awamutu

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Attributable to Detective Inspector Daryl Smith

    Police are seeking witnesses following a burglary at a service station in Te Awamutu on earlier this week.

    About 2.40am on 1 April, Police were called to Ohaupo Road, where a group of people had unlawfully gained entry to the premises.

    A number of items were taken from inside the service station before the alleged offenders fled the scene in two vehicles stolen from Hamilton earlier in the evening.

    One of the vehicles crashed down a bank into a stream off Mutu Street, which Police were alerted to by a member of the public several hours later.

    The vehicle has been removed to be forensically examined, and a number of items of stolen property were located inside. Police are still seeking the second vehicle.

    We would like to speak to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the Te Awamutu area in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

    In particular, we would like to speak with anyone who has CCTV or dashcam footage of a blue Mazda Demio and a grey Nissan Tida between 2am and 3am on Ohaupo Road, between Cambridge Road and Mutu Street.

    Anyone with information is urged to contact Police on 105, either over the phone or online.

    Please reference the file number 250401/2703.

    Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Build Back Better: Central Sulawesi’s Journey of Recovery (Part I)

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Transcript

    Build Back Better: Central Sulawesi’s Journey of Recovery (Part I)

    In September 2018, a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Central Sulawesi, triggering tsunami, landslides, and liquefaction.

    Thousands of lives were lost, and critical transport infrastructure were damaged.

    In June 2019, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved the $297.75 million Emergency Assistance for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project.

    Supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Internasional Trade, the project aims to rebuild key public works and transport infrastructure.

    Sumarno, Head Department of Transportation Central Sulawesi Province
    After the earthquake, tsunami, and liquefaction, the economic impact has been severe. 
    Ports, airports, and other infrastructure are in a state of disrepair, causing significant disruptions to economic activity.Following the recovery efforts, economic factors have picked up, encouraging people to engage in various activities around the port and Palu City.

    The project rehabilitated and reconstructed three ports and an airport to disaster-resilient standards with gender responsive and inclusive features.

    Donggala Port, which serves both passengers and cargo, projected to become a key logistics and passenger hub in Indonesia’s eastern region.

    Wani Port is a multipurpose port that supports agriculture, livestock transport, and government ships.

    Meanwhile, Pantoloan Port is an important gateway for the economy in Donggala and Central Sulawesi, handling various types of cargo and passenger ships.

    Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport, the largest in Central Sulawesi, is the main gateway to Palu and its surrounding areas.

    Yandi Hermawan, Branch Manager PT Dharma Lautan Utama Palu Branch 
    Compared to the old terminal, our passengers are very enthusiastic about the new Donggala Port terminal. The facilities are quite comprehensive, including air-conditioned rooms and seating area. Our passengers have also shown greater comfort at the Donggala passenger terminal.

    Alexander Allokendek, Head Palu Bay Port Authority 
    When it was built, we set a standard that accessibility for disabilities is crucial. In Donggala Port, we have tracking systems and accessible toilets, as well as proper signage. We also assist passengers all the way to the ship and back.

    Rudi Richardo, Airport Head Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport 
    Regarding gender aspects, such as nursery areas and others, these remain a focus in the rehabilitation and reconstruction project. For the disability aspect, this has already been implemented at the airport, enabling persons with disabilities to carry out their activities independently.

    Elias Katapi, Traveler with Disability
    As a person with visual impairments, there are now tactile blocks that allow us to navigate independently.

    Irmansyah, Traveler with Disability
    Before the renovation, there was no access at all for wheelchair users inside the toilet; the door was too narrow, so it was impossible to use a wheelchair. Now, it is more accessible, allowing wheelchair users to move freely from the entrance to the inside.

    With strong collaboration between the Ministry of Transportation and the local government, the project became fully operational in 2024.

    Former President Joko Widodo inaugurated several of them that same year.

    The project’s implementation follows ADB safeguards to ensure compliance with social and environmental impact standards.

    Idrus, Shop Owner Donggala Port
    When there was a plan for port construction, we were invited by the local government for relocation, and we also had several meetings with AECOM, so the relocation process went smoothly.

    Twenty-nine affected shop owners in the port area were relocated to the nearby temporary sites to continue their businesses.

    The affected shop owners will move to the permanent relocation site in front of the constructed Donggala Port in early 2025.

    For airport rehabilitation, tenants relocated to temporary sites have been returned to the terminal to continue their business.

    Cici, Shop Manager Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport
    Currently, everyone who was relocated has returned to their respective cafeterias upstairs. Because the air is cool inside, the place gets a lot of customers. During the relocation process,the cafeteria sellers were also given consultations by the airport authorities to ensure everything went smoothly.

    Both temporary sites in Donggala Port and Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport were completed with associated facilities: electricity, water, and disposal.

    The rehabilitation and reconstruction of these key transportation infrastructure symbolize recovery.

    It highlights the power of collaboration and commitment.

    Together, we are not just recovering; we are building stronger, more inclusive features.

    We are building back better. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Milad Haghani, Associate Professor & Principal Fellow in Urban Risk & Resilience, The University of Melbourne

    doublelee/Shutterstock

    The proportion of motorbikes on Australia’s roads has remained steady over the last decade, about 4.5% of all registered vehicles. But motorcyclists are over-represented in road deaths.

    In 2015, they made up 17% of total road fatalities. In 2024, this has crept up to 21%.

    Meanwhile, other road users have either maintained a steady proportion of road fatalities or – in the case of car passengers – declined since 2015.

    So, less than one in 20 vehicles is a motorbike. But one in five people killed in a road crash rides one. What’s going on – and can they be made safer?

    Why are motorcyclists more vulnerable?

    On a motorbike, people lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle. This makes them more vulnerable to injuries, including to the head, chest and – most commonly – legs and feet.

    Road conditions can also make a significant difference to motorcyclists. With only two points of contact with the road, motorbikes have less stability than four-wheeled vehicles.

    Even minor defects – such as potholes, uneven road surfaces or gravel – can reduce traction, cause skidding or lead to a loss of control, particularly when cornering.

    For example, a 2022 study of 188 motorcycle crash sites in Victoria showed sharper curves were linked to a higher risk of crashing. A study of over 1,400 motorcycle crashes in Tasmania from 2013-16 found road surface defects were a contributing factor to 15% of all crashes, and 24% of single-vehicle crashes.

    Age and experience also play a role

    In a car, a driver’s greater experience level is linked to greater safety. Evidence shows this may be particularly important for motorcycle riders as they manoeuvre and balance their vehicle and respond to road conditions.

    The Tasmanian study also showed young riders aged between 16 and 25 were disproportionately at risk. They accounted for just 11% of registered motorcycles but 42% of motorcycle crashes.

    Their crash rate was more than three times that of riders aged 26–39 – and six times higher than riders over 40. They made up more than half of all incidents on curves.

    Alarmingly, nearly a third of riders who died on South Australian roads between 2016 and 2020 were unlicensed.

    People on motorbikes lack the structural protection of an enclosed vechicle.
    Adam Calaitzis/Shutterstock

    Can motorbikes be made safer?

    Modern cars have passive safety features, such as airbags and crumple zones, to reduce injuries. Technology – including collision avoidance systems and advanced braking – has also reduced fatality rates for drivers and passengers.

    In contrast, motorbikes rely almost entirely on a rider’s skill, protective gear and the road conditions.

    In recent years, motorcycle manufacturers have been introducing “advanced rider assistance systems”. These adapt similar features used in cars, such as adaptive cruise control (which adjusts speed and distance from vehicles ahead) and forward collision warnings.

    However, these systems are still relatively new, and whether they can reduce crashes and fatalities is yet to be robustly studied.

    Many motorcyclists are also hesitant to adopt these kinds of technologies due to concerns they may lose control or become over-reliant on them. Cost is also a factor, as rider assistance systems are still mostly limited to premium motorcycles.

    Safety is everyone’s responsibility

    Currently, motorbike riders continue to rely on infrastructure quality, rider training and skills, risk awareness, and protective gear as their primary safety measures.

    Stronger regulation and enforcement of licensing, in conjunction with post-licence training, have been shown to help reduce motorcycle fatalities.

    This includes implementing a graduated licensing system, which imposes restrictions on novice riders and gradually lifts them as they gain experience and maturity.

    Post-licence rider training courses on defensive riding strategies (such as lane positioning, scanning and buffering) could be complements to basic licensing processes.

    And let’s not forget: safety is not solely in the hands of motorbike riders.

    An analysis of more than 5,000 two-vehicle motorcycle crashes in the United States found the motorcyclist was at fault in less than one in three cases.

    Educating drivers of other vehicles matters just as much as motorcyclists themselves. Creating safer roads depends on mutual awareness and responsibility.

    Sharing the road responsibly means drivers should:

    • regularly check mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles, especially before changing lanes or turning

    • maintain a safe following distance, understanding that riders may need to swerve to avoid hazards like oil, gravel or potholes

    • allow the same space when overtaking a motorcycle as they would a car

    • stay alert for lane filtering — where riders legally travel between lanes of slow or stationary traffic at low speeds.

    Recognising motorcyclists as vulnerable road users, alongside pedestrians and cyclists, is key to making roads safer for everyone.

    Milad Haghani 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. In Australia, 1 in 5 road deaths is a motorcyclist. We can make them safer – https://theconversation.com/in-australia-1-in-5-road-deaths-is-a-motorcyclist-we-can-make-them-safer-250652

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tandem duo sparks suspicion, leads to arrests

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Two Toyota Aquas travelling in tandem through Green Bay sparked an air of suspicion for Police during the early hours of this morning.

    Just before 3am, Police conducting routine patrols observed the two vehicles travelling at high speed and in tandem along Godley Road.

    Auckland City West Area Commander, Inspector Alisse Robertson, says officers didn’t signal for the vehicles to stop and instead called in the Police Eagle helicopter for assistance from above.

    “Eagle has quickly located one of the vehicles in Glen Eden and tracked it until it was abandoned on Holdens Road.

    “Both the driver and passenger have then been observed retrieving a number of items from the backseat.”

    Inspector Robertson says as Police arrived on scene, the driver and passenger have thrown bottles of alcohol at the at the Police car before fleeing on foot.

    “Thankfully no one was hurt, however the patrol car was damaged.

    “Officers have then taken both alleged offenders into custody a short time later.

    “Police are investigating this event in connection with a burglary at a Blockhouse Bay business prior to the cars coming to our attention.

    “Police won’t tolerate this kind of reckless behaviour, which has the potential to cause harm to our staff and the wider public.”

    An 18-year-old will appear in Auckland District Court on 10 April charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and intentional damage.

    A 14-year-old has been referred to Youth Aid Services.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Spring tourism boosts consumption across China

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

    Spring is in the air when flowers bloom, tea leaves unfurl, travelers flock to gardens, orchards, and rolling hills to embrace the season’s warmth. From scenic strolls to hands-on harvests, the joy of spring spills into markets and villages, fueling tourism, cultural experiences, and rural revitalization.

    The pulse of a flourishing economy in spring is captured through the laughter of visitors, the rustle of blooming flowers, the influx of vehicles with out-of-town plates, and the hustle and bustle of vendors.

    Visitors take photos in Zhaoxing Dong Village of Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, March 17, 2025.  [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy blooming cole flowers by a sightseeing train in Jiangling scenic spot of Wuyuan County, Shangrao City, east China’s Jiangxi Province, March 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists picks tea leaves at a scenic spot in Wuyi County of Jinhua City, east China’s Zhejiang Province, March 25, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors experience traditional Chinese makeup during a spring-themed fair in Yuyuan Garden Mall in east China’s Shanghai, March 20, 2025. Combining the spring floral scenery, traditional parades, performances and trendy markets, the fair offers visitors an immersive experience of traditional Chinese culture. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy leisure time at a coffee manor in Pu’er, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists enjoy meals amid blossoming flowers in Quchi Township of Wushan County, southwest China’s Chongqing, March 21, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists select cultural and creative products at a market amid blossoming peach blossom in Hongqiao District of Tianjin, north China, March 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on March 24, 2025 shows tourists enjoying cole flowers at Qianduo scenic spot in Xinghua, east China’s Jiangsu Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit a rapeseed flower field in Chating Town of Wangcheng District, Changsha City, central China’s Hunan Province, March 27, 2025. In recent years, Chating Town has actively promoted the industrialization of rapeseed cultivation by planting over 10,000 mu (about 666.67 hectares) of rapeseed. Meanwhile, the town has organized various cultural and tourism activities featuring rapeseed flowers, with an aim of integrating local agriculture and culture into tourism for rural revitalization. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Actors perform an eagle dance, a national intangible cultural heritage, in Taxkorgan Tajik Autonomous County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 22, 2025. Tajik Autonomous County of Taxkorgan in Xinjiang boasts various intangible cultural heritages. Around Spring Equinox, the fourth solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar which falls on March 20 this year, the county has integrated its landscape resources with its traditional ethnic culture to hold intangible cultural heritage performances and cultural and sports activities, as a way to attract visitors and promote its tourism in spring. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on March 21, 2025 shows a section of Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway in Qionghai, south China’s Hainan Province. Empowered by Boao Forum for Asia, Qionghai has built an exquisite array of rural clusters and embarked on a road to rural revitalization driven by tourism. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists visit Shaxi Town in Jianchuan County, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, March 17, 2025. Shaxi, a remote township in Jianchuan County, was once an important trading hub for tea, herbs, silk and salt on the ancient Tea Horse Road, a trade route dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The ancient temples, old alleys and caravansaries of the ancient town are reminders of past glories and attract tourists from around the world. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Tourists take a boat on the Ronghu Lake in Guilin, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, March 12, 2025. Guilin, renowned for its breathtaking karst landscape, is one of China’s most iconic destinations. Nestled in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, with limestone peaks and serene rivers that attract visitors from around the world. Its unique topography and vibrant culture make it a cornerstone of Chinese tourism. Guilin’s scenic wonders, including the famous Lijiang River and Elephant Trunk Hill, highlight the city’s cultural significance and status as a must-visit location for nature lovers and travelers alike. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –