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  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada bolsters its measures to protect Canadian steel and aluminum workers and industries

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 19, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

    Canada’s new government has a mandate to build the strongest economy in the G7. While the government negotiates a new economic and security partnership with the United States, we will ensure workers and industry are protected against the unjust and unprovoked American tariffs. Today, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, announced a series of measures to protect Canadian steel and aluminum producers and workers.

    The government will take these measures to bolster its response:

    • First, Canada will adjust its existing counter-tariffs on steel and aluminium products on july 21, to levels consistent with progress that has been made in the broader trading arrangement with the United States.
    • Second, effective June 30, the government will begin implementation of reciprocal procurement policies to limit access to federal procurements to suppliers from Canada and from our reliable trading partners that provide reciprocal access to suppliers from Canada through trade agreements. As shared earlier this year, the government is also exploring additional ways to maximize the use of Canadian steel and aluminum in government-funded projects, including in coordination with Canadian provinces and territories.
    • Third, the government will protect Canada’s steel industry by establishing new tariff rate quotas of 100 per cent of 2024 levels on imports of steel products from non-free trade agreement partners to stabilize the domestic market and prevent harmful trade diversion as the result of the U.S. actions that are destabilizing markets. These quotas will be applied retroactively and will be reviewed in 30 days.
    • Fourth, the government will adopt additional tariff measures over the coming weeks to address risks associated with persistent global overcapacity and unfair trade in the steel and aluminum sectors, which are exacerbated by U.S. actions. Measures will be applied on the basis of “country of melt and pour” for steel and “country of smelt and cast” for aluminum.
    • Fifth, the government will immediately create two government-stakeholder task forces, one for steel and one for aluminum. These committees will meet regularly to closely monitor trade and market trends to support government decision making – to better support our industries and workers.
    • Finally, the new $10 billion Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility remains open to applicants. This program supports eligible large businesses that are facing difficulties in accessing traditional sources of market financing by providing access to liquidity. This will help employers that were viable before the recent U.S. trade actions sustain their operations and return to financial resilience as the market stabilizes.

    The government remains prepared to take additional steps as needed and will continue to review the appropriateness of its response, pending developments with U.S. tariffs. The federal government will continue to work closely with provinces and territories to ensure their input and regional interests are reflected in its response to the U.S. tariffs.

    A remission process is in place to give businesses time to adjust their supply chains, with remissions currently granted under narrow, time-limited conditions to ensure a targeted and balanced approach. Additional individual requests are expected to be approved in the coming days. The Government of Canada will also review its remission framework to favour the use of Canadian steel and aluminum in Canadian-made products.

    As the government defines a new economic and security relationship with the United States, it will defend the interests of Canadians, safeguard Canada’s workers and businesses, and build one Canadian economy – the strongest economy in the G7.  

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Expanded Penticton Community Oncology Network clinic opens

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon Lumby – 

    “Facing cancer is one of life’s hardest challenges, and no one should face it alone or far from home. As a nurse and health-care advocate for over 25 years, I’ve seen both the power of timely, accessible care and the pain of this disease. This expansion is more than added space; it’s about compassionate, dignified care that brings hope and better outcomes. It’s a vital investment that brings essential treatment closer to home, supported by family and community.”

    Susan Brown, president and CEO, Interior Health – 

    “Every element of this new unit is focused on combining modern medical innovation, clinical expertise and compassionate care, all to support patients and their families through one of the most challenging times in their lives. The thoughtful design supports Interior Health staff and physicians to provide increased access to quality cancer care in the south Okanagan.”

    Dr. Paris-Ann Ingledew, interim executive vice-president and chief medical officer, BC Cancer – 

    “Bringing high-quality cancer care close to home is a key goal of B.C.’s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan. With this updated and expanded Community Oncology Network clinic at Penticton Regional Hospital, more people in the south Okanagan will be able to access the care they need with less travel and with the support of family, friends and neighbours nearby.” 

    Ian Lindsay, CEO, South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation – 

    “I am incredibly grateful to see our community come together to make the new oncology clinic a reality. This centre stands as a testament to what we can achieve when a community comes together to lead the way. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.” 

    Martin Johansen, chair, Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District – 

    “On behalf of the Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital District, we are proud to be a funding partner for the new oncology unit at Penticton Regional Hospital. These services will play a critical role in helping meet the health-care needs of our community and allow residents to access the care they need, closer to home.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The Vision of the Fundamental Rights Office

    Source: Frontex

    Today, Frontex Fundamental Rights Officer Jonas Grimheden presented the Vision of the Fundamental Rights Office. This document outlines the identity, values and core dimensions of the its work. 

    “This long-term strategic vision lays out a clear path forward for how we protect, promote and monitor fundamental rights in everything Frontex does,” he said. 

    The Vision supports Frontex’s goal to be a reliable and adaptable partner, guided by intelligence-driven and priority-based decisions. The Fundamental Rights Office strengthens this mission by introducing values such as objectivity and actionability, and six guiding dimensions: Independence, Mainstreaming, People-centred approach, Accountability, Collaboration and Trustworthiness. All of these are geared toward achieving meaningful IMPACT. 

    Looking ahead, Mr Grimheden added: “It is vital that the Fundamental Rights Office is recognised as a trustworthy and integral partner at Europe’s borders. This vision is our compass. It will guide our work on the journey ahead.” 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Information overload: smartphones are exposing children to an avalanche of irrelevance

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dorje C. Brody, Professor of Mathematics, University of Surrey

    Aleksandra Suzi/Shutterstock

    More than 80% of children aged ten to 12 in the UK own a smartphone, according to a recent report by media watchdog Ofcom. Many people think this is a bad thing: there has been much debate about whether children should be allowed to have smartphones.

    The discussions around the potential negative aspects of children’s smartphone use often focus on the possible mental health risks of social media, or how spending too much time glued to a screen rather than in nature or interacting with others might affect children. On the other hand, smartphones may help children stay connected and interact with supportive communities.

    But there’s another aspect to this debate: information overload.

    My research is in the science of information. Here we encounter one of the most fundamental laws of nature, commonly known as the second law of thermodynamics. It says that over time, order is replaced by disorder, and information is overshadowed by noise.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    To understand this idea in the context of messaging, think of the development of communication facilities. A long time ago, when it was difficult to disseminate information – mainly through handwritten letters that might take months to arrive – people would do so only if the information was of importance.

    You wouldn’t expect a friend living a thousand miles away to inform you that their dog had just barked at a neighbour’s cat if it meant that missive would physically have to make a journey of a thousand miles.

    Printing, wire communications, the internet and mobile devices have changed this. With each innovation that eases communication, the quality of information that is transmitted reduces.

    Nowadays, much of the information surrounding us is noise. By noise, I mean insignificant and irrelevant information that no one needs to know. Nowadays, we know not only that our friend’s neighbour’s cat has been antagonising a dog, but about the lives of the cats and dogs of countless internet acquaintances and strangers.

    Increasing noise contamination is a consequence of the law of nature that cannot be beaten easily, if at all. That said, with concerted efforts, sometimes the effect can be reversed momentarily.

    Measuring information content

    If irrelevant and insignificant information is “noise”, we can – using the terminology of communication theory – call information of interest the “signal”.

    Imagine a child wanting to look up specific information on a smartphone for a school project – one of the planets in the Solar System, perhaps. The webpage they end up on contains a huge amount of unrelated information – reader comments, links to other content, maybe advertisements or videos. To reach the knowledge they are looking for, they will have to wade through, and end up absorbing, a huge amount of unnecessary information.

    Information online is accompanied by a lot of irrelevant ‘noise’.
    Ground Picture/Shutterstock

    You can think of the proportion of relevant versus irrelevant or incorrect information as the signal-to-noise ratio. A calculation shows that typically, if the noise level doubles, you will have to consume about twice the amount of information to obtain the same level of relevant knowledge. That amounts to doubling your screen time.

    So, if the noise level were to grow exponentially, as is inevitable from the second law, then you’ll have to consume exponentially more messages to get the same amount of relevant information. You’ll have to be glued to your smartphone 24-7. This is obviously something we want to avoid – for us and our children.

    To make matters worse, the information we consume will affect what we consume next, and information overload can negatively affect this process. When this happens, it becomes all too easy to end up hopping from one site to another without gathering any useful information.

    So is there a way out? Well, the answer, in theory, is simple. We just have to keep the level of noise low.

    Biological systems in natural environments – that is, without human intervention – tend to maintain stable communication without increasing noise level very much. This is because the methods of communication between animals, typically through sound, olfactory, or visual signals, or between green plants, typically through volatile organic compounds, have hardly changed for thousands of years. Only humans are capable of advancing technologies that significantly increase confusion.

    Limiting children’s access to these technologies means their environment becomes a lot less noisy and more calm. The same, of course, applies to adults. An outright ban on smartphones for children is impractical and possibly unhelpful – but creating an environment in which parents can comfortably say “no” to a smartphone, or alternatively in which parents can have an open and transparent dialogue with their children on their smartphone use, might work better.

    Dorje C. Brody 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. Information overload: smartphones are exposing children to an avalanche of irrelevance – https://theconversation.com/information-overload-smartphones-are-exposing-children-to-an-avalanche-of-irrelevance-244604

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Silent night: anatomical solutions for snoring

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michelle Spear, Professor of Anatomy, University of Bristol

    Yuri A/Shutterstock.com

    Snoring is often dismissed as a harmless quirk – or the punchline of bedtime jokes – but it can signal deeper issues that go beyond mere acoustic annoyance.

    Snoring occurs when turbulent airflow causes soft tissue in the upper airway to vibrate during sleep. It can stem from something as minor as a blocked nose, but it can also hint at more serious concerns like obstructive sleep apnoea. This condition is linked to an increased risk of stroke and heart disease, impaired thinking, and fatigue that lasts all day.

    For partners sharing a bed (it affects about 40% of men and 24% of women) the relentless drone of disrupted airflow can cause broken sleep, affecting mood, productivity and emotional wellbeing.

    Addressing snoring is not just about restoring peace and quiet, it’s about improving your health. Understanding the anatomy involved opens the door to effective, non-invasive solutions.



    Read more:
    How Cpap machines work: the anatomical science behind a noisy night-time lifesaver

    The nose

    The problem often starts at the nose. When nasal breathing is impeded by allergies, polyps or a deviated septum, the body switches to mouth breathing. This increases airflow turbulence as it bypasses the nasal turbinates – bones covered by soft tissue that normally regulate airflow.

    Nasal turbinates explained.

    Saline nasal rinses and sprays can help clear allergens and mucus, promoting smooth airflow. And mechanical aids, such as nasal strips or nostril dilators, widen the nasal aperture, encouraging nose breathing. Even the simple act of practising nasal breathing during the day can help reduce snoring.

    The jaw

    A lower jaw that sits too far back – whether due to genetics or possibly injury – can cause the tongue to fall backwards during sleep and block the airway. If the mouth also falls open, it throws off the balance between the space in the mouth and the surrounding soft tissues, making snoring more likely.

    Sleeping on your side counteracts this gravitational collapse, and “mandibular advancement devices” subtly reposition the jaw forward, mechanically enlarging the space behind the tongue – the so-called retroglossal airway.

    For chronic mouth breathing, gently closing the lips with hypoallergenic tape can promote nasal breathing and help stabilise the jaw, when used safely.

    The tongue

    The tongue is no passive passenger during sleep. As we fall into deeper sleep, the muscles that keep it in place relax. In people with a large tongue, weak tongue muscles or a loose tongue tie, the tongue can fall backwards and block part of the airway. This makes the air passage smaller, causing air to rush through faster and increasing the vibrations that lead to snoring.

    Targeted exercises can improve tongue strength and control, reducing this effect. One such exercise is the “tongue push-up”, where the tongue is pressed against the roof of the mouth and held for several seconds before relaxing.

    Another involves sticking the tongue out as far as possible and moving it in different directions – up, down and side to side – to enhance flexibility and tone. For those prone to mouth breathing, mouth taping also plays a role by ensuring the tongue remains in its natural position, preventing it from collapsing backwards.

    The soft palate

    Just behind the mouth is the soft palate – a flexible, muscular part that continues from the hard roof of your mouth and ends in the uvula (the little dangly bit you often see in cartoons when a character screams or snores).

    These soft tissues help control airflow and stop food or liquid from going up into the nose when you swallow. But during sleep – especially in REM sleep – the muscles in the throat that normally lift it become relaxed. In some people, this causes the soft palate to flap or sag into the airway, making breathing noisy and difficult.

    A long soft palate or an enlarged uvula can make the problem worse. However, doing exercises to strengthen the muscles in this area can help stop them from collapsing during sleep. Singing, especially using sounds like “la” and “ka”, is a simple and effective way to do this.

    Balloon blowing is another useful technique, as the resistance required to inflate a balloon tones the muscles of the palate and throat. A simpler approach is to mimic chewing motions while pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth, which engages and strengthens the muscles in this area.

    The pharynx

    Deeper still lies the pharynx – a muscular conduit linking the nasal and oral cavities to the larynx and oesophagus. Unlike the bony nasal cavity, the pharynx is a collapsible tube. Its walls are lined with soft tissues such as the tonsils and adenoids, which, when enlarged, create bottlenecks.

    The muscles in the throat help keep the airways open when you’re awake, but they relax during sleep. As we get older, or after drinking alcohol or taking sedatives, these muscles can become weaker.

    In people who are overweight, extra fat around the neck can also create external pressure on the airway, especially when lying down. Doing specific breathing and voice exercises can help strengthen these muscles to keep the airway from collapsing.

    Doesn’t have to be this way

    Snoring may be the soundtrack of sleep for many, but it doesn’t have to be the norm.

    Beneath the nightly noise lies a fascinating anatomy, one that, when understood, offers simple, effective solutions. From strengthening sleepy muscles to fine-tuning the way we breathe, the path to quieter nights doesn’t always require surgery or machines.

    Sometimes, all it takes is a shift in sleeping position, a splash of saline or even a balloon. So if you’re dreaming of a silent night, start by getting to know your airway.

    Michelle Spear 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. Silent night: anatomical solutions for snoring – https://theconversation.com/silent-night-anatomical-solutions-for-snoring-247729

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: British holidaymaker dies from rabies: what you need to know about the disease and getting the jab if you’re going abroad this summer

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dan Baumgardt, Senior Lecturer, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol

    Olexandr Panchenko/Shutterstock.com

    The recent death of a British woman from rabies after a holiday in Morocco is a sobering reminder of the risks posed by this almost universally fatal disease, once symptoms begin.

    If you’re considering travelling to a country where rabies is endemic, understanding how rabies works – and how to protect yourself – may go a long way in helping you stay safe.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Rabies is a zoonotic disease – meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans – and is caused by a viral infection. In 99% of cases the source of the infection is a member of the canidae family (such as dogs, foxes and wolves). Bats are another animal group strongly associated with rabies, as the virus is endemic in many bat populations.

    Even in countries that are officially rabies-free, including in their domestic animal populations – such as Australia, Sweden and New Zealand – the virus may still be found in native bat species. Other animals known to transmit rabies include raccoons, cats and skunks.

    Rabies is caused by lyssaviruses (lit. rage or fury viruses), which are found in the saliva of infected animals. Transmission to humans can occur through bites, scratches or licks to broken skin or mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth. Once inside the body, the virus spreads to eventually reach the nervous system.

    Because it causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, symptoms are primarily neurological, often stemming from damage to the nerve pathways responsible for sensation and muscle control.

    Patients who develop rabies symptoms often experience altered skin sensation and progressive paralysis. As the virus affects the brain, it can also cause hallucinations, and unusual or erratic behaviours. One particularly distinctive symptom – hydrophobia, a serious aversion to water – is believed to result from severe pain and difficulty associated with swallowing.

    Once rabies symptoms appear, the virus has already caused irreversible damage. At this stage, treatment is limited to supportive intensive care aimed at easing discomfort – such as providing fluids, sedation and relief from pain and seizures. Death typically results from progressive neurological deterioration, which ultimately leads to respiratory failure.

    It’s important to note that rabies symptoms can take several weeks, or even months, to appear. During this incubation period, there may be no signs that prompt people to seek medical help. However, this window is crucial as it offers the best chance to administer treatment and prevent the virus from progressing.

    Another danger lies in how the virus is transmitted. Even animals that don’t appear rabid – the classical frothing mouth and aggressive behaviour for instance – can still transmit the virus.

    Rabies can be transmitted through even superficial breaks in the skin, so minor wounds should not be dismissed or treated less seriously. It’s also important to remember that bat wounds can often be felt but not seen. This makes them easy to overlook, should there be no bleeding or clear mark on the skin.

    Don’t be tempted to pet stray animals in rabies endemic countries, not matter how cute they appear.
    cristi180884/Shutterstock.com

    The vaccine

    The good news is that there are proven and effective ways to protect yourself from rabies – either before travelling to a higher-risk area, or after possible exposure to an infected animal.

    Modern rabies vaccines are far easier to administer than older versions, which some may recall – often with discomfort. In the past, treatment involved multiple frequent injections (over 20 in all) into the abdomen using a large needle. This was the case for a friend of mine who grew up in Africa and was one day bitten by a dog just hours after it had been attacked by a hyena.

    The vaccine can now be given as an injection into a muscle, for instance in the shoulder, and a typical preventative course requires three doses. Since the protective effect can wane with time, booster shots may be needed for some individuals to maintain protection.

    Sustaining a bite from any animal should always be taken seriously. Aside from rabies, animals carry many potentially harmful bacteria in their mouths, which can cause skin and soft tissue infections – or sepsis if they spread to the bloodstream.



    Read more:
    How to treat a wound – without using superglue, grout or vodka, like some people

    First aid and wound treatment is the first port of call, and seeking urgent medical attention for any bites, scratches or licks to exposed skin or mucous membranes sustained abroad. In the UK, this also applies to any injuries sustained from bats.

    A doctor will evaluate the risk based on the wound, the animal involved, whether the patient has had previous vaccines, and in which country they were bitten, among other things. This will help to guide treatment, which might include vaccines alone or combined with an infusion of immunoglobulin infusions – special antibodies that target the virus.

    Timing is crucial. The sooner treatment is started, the better the outcome. This is why it is so important to seek medical help immediately.

    In making the decision whether you should get a vaccine before going on holiday, there are recommendations, but ultimately the choice is individual. Think about what the healthcare is like where you are going and whether you’ll be able to get treatment easily if you need it.

    Vaccines can have side-effects, though these tend to be relatively minor, and the intended benefits vastly exceed the costs. And of course avoid contact with stray animals while on holiday, despite how tempting it may be to pet them.

    Several rules of thumb can counteract the dangers of rabies: plan your holiday carefully, seek travel advice from your GP, and always treat animal bites and scrapes seriously.

    Dan Baumgardt 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. British holidaymaker dies from rabies: what you need to know about the disease and getting the jab if you’re going abroad this summer – https://theconversation.com/british-holidaymaker-dies-from-rabies-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-disease-and-getting-the-jab-if-youre-going-abroad-this-summer-259325

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Jaws at 50: a thinly disguised western by a nerdy young filmmaker that helped to rejuvenate Hollywood

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Barry Monahan, Senior Lecturer, Department of Film and Screen Media, University College Cork

    The collapse of classical Hollywood’s studio system in the 1960s mirrored much of America’s cultural and political uncertainties at the time. The assassinations of the Kennedys and Martin Luther King, the civil rights movement and the escalating Vietnam war provided a background that destabilised the optimism with which the decade began.

    It’s not surprising that narratives of many films at the time may have been hinting at an ominous dystopian turn.

    The decade opened with Hitchcock’s premature dispatching of his heroine in Psycho (1960) and ended with the haphazard slaughter of Dennis Hopper’s protagonists in Easy Rider and George Roy Hill’s outgunned antiheroes in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (both 1969).

    En route, Arthur Penn’s conclusion for Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, plus Mike Nichols’ finale for graduate Benjamin Braddock and Elaine Robinson in 1967, did little to reassure audiences that all was well in society or the cinema.

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

    But the 1970s offered some shoots of optimism. A new pack of filmmakers – versed in the best of international cinema – inveigled their way by luck, acumen or raw talent into the confidence of executives who were willing to give nerdy young cinephiles like Martin Scorsese, Brian de Palma, Frances Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas a shot with studio funding.

    Despite the concerns of executives at Universal Studios, Spielberg began shooting on the adaptation of Peter Benchley’s bestseller Jaws in May 1974. By the following summer it was an enormous hit with the public and critics. The blockbuster had arrived and a new kind of studio system was born.

    Jaws is 50 years old this year, and it has earned the “classic” epithet. It invokes certain nostalgia for cinephiles and original audiences, many of whom fondly remember their first viewing.

    Aside from any cultural wistfulness, however, feelings towards the film may very well be a harkening back to a pre-neoliberal era when the embers of baby-boomer optimism still smouldered.

    Championing the everyman

    The film ultimately supports the blue collar “everyman” who has idealism, moral courage and emotional empathy: an ordinary protagonist, predating movie superheroes, Jedi knights, muscular macho men and cyborgs, who could still take on the system and its vices and defeat the villain (on land or sea).

    Most of the intense dramatic action – the battle between good and evil – is situated on the water. This displacement facilitates a useful comparative character study. On the ocean, police chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider), marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and old sea-dog Quint (Robert Shaw) are strategically detached from the political and economic incentives that initiated the crisis in the first place.

    Working-class tough guy, middle-class intellectual and honest, reliable cop, they are brave, determined and morally strong, representing a microcosm of the society they’ve left behind, and hope to save. True to the thinly disguised western that Spielberg’s film is, the fate of each man positions the film’s compass as it sails a course between the values of an evolved society and the forces of primitive nature, pitting one of the youngest evolved mammals against one of the oldest evolved fish.

    However, it is in the first section of the film, set on dry land, where the political machinations of corruption, the distortion of truth for financial profit, the disregard of expertise and a manipulation of the media, are played out.

    A key scene in the early part of the narrative frames the duplicity that led to the avoidable death of the first victims. After the first shark attack, pressure is put on Chief Brody by Amity’s Mayor Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) to reopen the beaches despite the threat to holidaymakers on the island.

    Mayor Vaughn We’re really a little anxious that you’re, eh, rushing into something serious here. This is your first summer, you know.

    Chief Brody What does that mean?

    Mayor Vaughn I’m only trying to say that Amity is a summer town. We need summer dollars.

    The message is simple: economic prosperity takes precedence over human life. The strategy is straightforward: deride and deny allegations, falsify the evidence, use media spin to conceal the truth and platform the politician’s personal agenda.

    The propulsion of the plot into the second half of the film hinges on a later critical scene, which follows another shark attack. When their own boys become near victims of the predator, a shaken Vaughn is forcefully compelled by Brody to sign an agreement to pay a bounty hunter to find and kill the shark.

    The rise of neoliberalism (the political and economic ideology that advocates free-market capitalism) in the late 1970s and 1980s brought about the reconfiguration of the middle class in the US. Without consciously predicting the impending political transformations, the film – released before these wider ideological and economic changes took hold – idealistically offers hope for that social group.

    And while it may have been differently constituted under the Reagan and Thatcher governments, the public service sector (to which Brody belongs) existed in both America and Britain. Jaws implicitly and unproblematically acknowledged the reality of working-class sacrifice in Quint, while peddling the heroic survival of blue-collar police chief Brody.

    In holding out hope for the affirmative action of the dedicated, moral hero, Jaws might have been too idealistic, even narratively conservative: real-world good guys don’t always win.

    The phenomenal box office success of the film ran parallel with critical acclaim that has been reiterated in the five decades since its release. However, it marked the rejuvenation of a broken studio system that would soon energetically endorse the Reaganite neoliberalism of the following decade with films like The Empire Strikes Back (1980), Rambo: First Blood (1982), The Terminator (1984), Top Gun (1986) and Die Hard (1987).

    The film has undeniably stood the test of time as a remarkable cinematic feat, but crucially, it ushered in a new age for Hollywood’s seduction of global audiences with sophisticated, aggressive marketing strategies. Jaws may have irredeemably villainised nature’s most enduring predator, but Spielberg’s blockbuster played a pivotal role in making Hollywood great again.

    Barry Monahan 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. Jaws at 50: a thinly disguised western by a nerdy young filmmaker that helped to rejuvenate Hollywood – https://theconversation.com/jaws-at-50-a-thinly-disguised-western-by-a-nerdy-young-filmmaker-that-helped-to-rejuvenate-hollywood-257751

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Jaws at 50: the Jewish sensibility that shaped Spielberg’s blockbuster and transformed cinema

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nathan Abrams, Professor of Film Studies, Bangor University

    It’s hard to believe Steven Spielberg was just 27 when he directed Jaws. Before that he’d mostly worked in television, helming episodes of detective show Columbo and the acclaimed TV movie Duel. He’d made just one theatrical feature, The Sugarland Express.

    Then came Jaws, a technically ambitious shoot set on open water with a mechanical shark that barely worked. But the result was a record-breaking blockbuster that redefined what Hollywood could be.

    Adapted from Peter Benchley’s 1974 novel, the film almost didn’t happen. When Spielberg first read it he said he found himself rooting for the shark because the human characters were so unlikable.

    What followed was a series of creative rewrites and re-castings that gave Jaws its distinctive personality and enduring power.

    Spielberg brought in Howard Sackler, a writer and scuba diver, to work on the script. Sackler left early without a screen credit. The director then turned to actor Carl Gottlieb, originally hired to play a toadying local newspaper editor, to redraft the script. Screenwriter and director John Milius, a second world war expert, also contributed.

    John Williams added what became an iconic musical score. Its simple two-note motif created suspense and became one of the most recognisable cinematic themes of all time.

    Jaws’ opening shark attack featuring its iconic score by John Williams.

    As a researcher of Jewishness in popular culture, I argue that many of these creatives brought a Jewish sensibility that lurked beneath the surface of the film.

    Spielberg took Benchley’s bitter, cynical and pessimistic novel and gave it a more hopeful vibe. He even humanised the shark, giving it the name Bruce after his lawyer, Bruce Ramer, a powerful and influential Los Angeles attorney specialising in entertainment law, also Jewish.

    That choice layers in unexpected meanings, from the “loan shark” stereotype to echoes of Shakespeare’s Shylock from The Merchant of Venice.

    Hooper v Quint

    Spielberg cast Jewish actor Richard Dreyfuss as Matt Hooper, the young ichthyologist and oceanographer. Against him stood Robert Shaw as Quint, the grizzled boat captain, who is a sexist, misogynistic, racist macho drunk. Hooper is everything Quint is not. Making up the triumvirate is Roy Scheider as police captain Martin Brody. Together, the three seek to capture and kill the shark that is menacing the town of Amity.

    The casting of Dreyfuss as Hooper, whom Spielberg called “my alter ego”, significantly changed the character and the tone of the film. Together, Dreyfuss, Gottlieb and Spielberg fleshed out Hooper’s part, making him much more sympathetic than in the novel. He became a “nebbishy novice on a swift learning curve”.

    For Spielberg, Hooper “represents the underdog in all of us”. Benchley, however, was less than impressed, describing him as “an insufferable, pedantic little schmuck”. It’s telling that Benchley used a Yiddish epithet to describe Hooper as if recognising his underlying Jewishness.

    Together, Spielberg and Gottlieb used Hooper as a mouthpiece to voice a social perspective. Brody wishes to close the beaches but is prevented from doing so by the mayor and the town council because Amity needs the business. The mayor puts commerce before human life. In a shift from Benchley’s novel where the pressure to keep the beaches open comes from shadowy pseudo-Mafia figures in the background, Spielberg placed the blame firmly on Amity’s merchants and civic representatives.

    Throughout, Spielberg undermines the dominant masculinity of the screen action hero of the 1970s. This was an era dominated by men like Burt Reynolds, Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman. Nerdy Hooper outlives Quint, who becomes the shark’s fifth victim (hence his name, which is Latin for five or fifth). To show his contempt for Quint, Spielberg gives him a particularly gruesome death.

    Quint gets eaten.

    And because Spielberg identified with the shark, we see things from its subjective perspective. This was also dictated by pragmatic concerns as the mechanical shark kept breaking down. Shooting the killings from the shark’s point of view was a cinematic device borrowed from A Study in Terror (1965), a British thriller about Jack the Ripper.

    Jaws was a box office smash, breaking records previously set by The Godfather and The Exorcist and becoming the first film to reach the US$100 million (£74.5 million) mark at the American box office.



    Read more:
    Jaws at 50: a cinematic masterpiece – and an incredible piece of propaganda

    Before Jaws, studios typically released major films in the autumn and winter, leaving the summer for lower-quality movies. Jaws proved that it could be a prime time for big-budget, high-profile releases, leading to the current dominance of tentpole films during the summer season.

    It pioneered the strategy of opening a film in a wide release, rather than a gradual rollout. This helped it break box office records and redefine Hollywood’s practices. It was something that people got excited about, planned for and lined up for tickets in advance.

    Why has the film lasted?

    Half a century on, Jaws still has the power to shock. When I took my kids to see the 3D re-release, we all jumped during the scene when the decapitated head bobbed out of the sunken boat – even though I knew it was coming.

    Another reason why the film has lasted is the shark itself. It’s a primal, prehistoric creature that taps into our deepest fears. Quint calls it a thing with “lifeless eyes, black eyes, like a doll’s eyes”. It’s a chilling line.



    Read more:
    50 years after ‘Jaws,’ researchers have retired the man-eater myth and revealed more about sharks’ amazing biology

    But the film also works as allegory. The shark is a floating (or swimming) signifier, open to interpretation. Amity, the town it terrorises, is all white picket fences and small-town harmony. The shark’s arrival punctures that illusion.

    There’s also a political undercurrent. Hooper becomes the conscience of the film, voicing the dangers of civic denial and inaction.

    And in the end, Jaws isn’t just about a shark. It’s about masculinity, morality and capitalism. It’s about the stories we tell ourselves to feel safe. That’s why it endures. That, and one of the most iconic scores in cinema history – John Williams’ two-note motif that still makes swimmers glance nervously at the waterline to this day.

    Nathan Abrams receives and has previously received external funding from charities and government-funded, foundation or research council grants.

    – ref. Jaws at 50: the Jewish sensibility that shaped Spielberg’s blockbuster and transformed cinema – https://theconversation.com/jaws-at-50-the-jewish-sensibility-that-shaped-spielbergs-blockbuster-and-transformed-cinema-253292

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Israel — and potentially the U.S. — are sure to encounter the limits of air power in Iran

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Horncastle, Assistant Professor and Edward and Emily McWhinney Professor in International Relations, Simon Fraser University

    As the war between Israel and Iran escalates, Israel is increasing its calls on the United States to become involved in the conflict.

    Former Israeli officials are appearing on U.S. news outlets, exhorting the American public to support Israel’s actions.

    President Donald Trump has signalled a willingness for the U.S. to become involved in the conflict. He’s gone so far, in fact, to suggest in social media posts that he could kill Iran’s supreme leader if he wanted to.

    Segment on Trump’s threats against Iran’s leader. (BBC News)

    The American military could certainly make an impact in any air campaign against Iran. The problem from a military standpoint, however, is that the U.S., based on its forces’ deployment, will almost certainly seek to keep its involvement limited to its air force to avoid another Iraq-like quagmire.

    While doing so could almost certainly disrupt Iran’s nuclear program, it will likely fall short of Israel’s goal of regime change.

    In fact, it could reinforce the Iranian government and draw the U.S. into a costly ground war.



    Read more:
    Why is there so much concern over Iran’s nuclear program? And where could it go from here?

    Israel’s need for American support

    The initial stated reason for Israel’s bombing campaign — Iran’s nuclear capabilities — appears specious at best.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued several times in the past, without evidence, that Iran is close to achieving a nuclear weapon. U.S. intelligence, however, have assessed that Iran is three years away from deploying a nuclear weapon.

    Regardless of the veracity of the claims, Israel initiated the offensive and now requires American support.

    Israel’s need for U.S. assistance rests on two circumstances:

    1. While Israel succeeded in eliminating key figures from the Iranian military in its initial strikes, Iran’s response appears to have exceeded Israel’s expectations with their Arrow missile interceptors nearing depletion.

    2. Israel’s air strikes can only achieve so much in disrupting Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Most analysts note that Israel’s bombings are only likely to delay the Iranian nuclear program by a few months. This is due to the fact that Israeli missiles are incapable of penetrating the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, which estimates place close to 300 feet underground.

    The United States, however, possesses munitions that could damage, or even destroy, the Fordow facility. Most notably, the GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (more commonly known as a bunker buster) has a penetration capability of 200 feet.

    Multiple strikes by said munition would render Fordow inoperable, if not outright destroyed.

    Romanticizing air power

    The efficacy of air power has been vastly overrated in the popular media and various air forces of the world. Air power is great at disrupting an opponent, but has significant limitations in influencing the outcome of a war.

    Specifically, air power is likely to prove an inadequate tool for one of the supposed Israeli and American objectives in the war: regime change. For air power to be effective at bringing about regime change, it needs to demoralize the Iranian people to the point that they’re willing to oppose their own government.

    Early air enthusiasts believed that a population’s demoralization would be an inevitable consequence of aerial bombardment. Italian general Giulio Douhet, a prominent air power theorist, argued that air power was so mighty that it could destroy cities and demoralize an opponent into surrendering.

    Douhet was correct on the first point. He was wrong on the second.

    Recent history provides evidence. While considerable ink has been spilled to demonstrate the efficacy of air power during the Second World War, close examination of the facts demonstrate that it had a minimal impact. In fact, Allied bombing of German cities in several instances created the opposite effect.

    More recent bombing campaigns replicated this failure. The U.S. bombing of North Vietnam during the Vietnam War did not significantly damage North Vietnamese morale or war effort. NATO’s bombing of Serbia in 1999, likewise, rallied support for the unpopular Slobodan Milosevic due to its perceived injustice — and continues to evoke strong emotions to this day.

    Iran’s political regime may be unpopular with many Iranians, but Israeli and potentially American bombing may shore up support for the Iranian government.

    Nationalism is a potent force, particularly when people are under attack. Israel’s bombing of Iran will rally segments of the population to the government that would otherwise oppose it.

    Few positive options

    The limitations of air power to fuel significant political change in Iran should give Trump pause about intervening in the conflict.

    Some American support, such as providing weapons, is a given due to the close relationship between the U.S. and Israel. But any realization of American and Israeli aspirations of a non-nuclear Iran and a new government will likely require ground forces.

    Recent American experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq show such a ground forces operation won’t lead to the swift victory that Trump desires, but could potentially stretch on for decades.

    James Horncastle 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. Why Israel — and potentially the U.S. — are sure to encounter the limits of air power in Iran – https://theconversation.com/why-israel-and-potentially-the-u-s-are-sure-to-encounter-the-limits-of-air-power-in-iran-259348

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Indigenous engagement is essential for small modular nuclear reactor projects

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Rhea Desai, Post Doctoral Fellow, Department of Biology, McMaster University

    Urban Indigenous gathering for community well-being, showing the importance of interconnectedness in Indigenous Communities in Hamilton, Ont. in August 2021. This way of being must be reflected in nuclear projects to better work alongside Indigenous Peoples. (Michelle Webb)

    With climate change-fuelled natural disasters becoming more frequent and devastating for communities around the world, the need for cleaner energy solutions is more urgent than ever.

    When it comes to transitioning away from fossil fuels, much of the focus tends to be on solar, wind or hydroelectricity. However, small modular reactors (SMRs) are an emerging technology showing promise globally.

    SMRs are a specific type of nuclear reactor that, as the name suggests, are small in energy output and modular in their manufacturing. Provinces like New Brunswick, Alberta and Saskatchewan have made progress on strategic plans to make SMRs part of their provincial climate action plans.

    Unlike traditional nuclear reactors that generally produce more than 1,000 megawatts of electricity, SMRs are designed to produce as low as five megawatts. The modularity of such reactors allows for manufacturing off-site and installation at the desired location. This can decrease construction time, manufacturing costs and certain environmental costs associated with building on site.

    This means SMRs are more feasible for many off-grid communities that lack reliable access to electricity, many of which are Indigenous. In 2023, the Canada Energy regulator said there were 178 remote Indigenous and northern communities not connected to the North American electricity grid and natural gas infrastructure.

    In an effort to shift reliability from carbon-emitting resources to nuclear power, SMRs provide an exciting alternative, but implementation needs effective engagement with Indigenous communities to flourish.

    Small modular reactors (SMRs) could be relatively feasible way to generate power for many off-grid communities.
    (A. Vargas/IAEA)

    Engaging Indigenous communities

    Much of Canada’s electricity is already generated from low-carbon emission sources. However, there are still areas in northern Canada that are reliant on diesel, and therefore SMR plans are often aimed at providing electricity to these communities.

    While on paper, this might sound like the perfect solution, there’s a lot to consider about SMR siting from an environmental perspective in these remote communities. These considerations include but are not limited to potential locations, source term, refuelling and waste management.

    As research continues into the engineering and science behind SMR technology, meaningful community engagement with Indigenous communities is also required.

    Thoughtfully considered and integrated consultations are necessary to ensure projects respect treaties, land rights and the surrounding environment. Consultation is needed to understand the needs and goals of the community for creating an energy transition plan.

    In addition, incorporating traditional ecological knowledge in environmental risk assessments is vital. Ultimately, projects designed alongside Indigenous communities should strive for Indigenous sovereignty over growing infrastructure.

    Why community engagement is important

    Indigenous communities continue to face challenges as a result of colonization. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) seventh Call to Action highlights the need to eliminate educational and employment disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians.

    A direct way to address in terms of Canada’s nuclear landscape is to train members of those communities in technical roles related to the planning, deployment and sustained use of a nuclear facility. Specifically, training today’s Indigenous youth so they can fulfil these roles in their future careers.

    The TRC’s Call to Action 92 calls on Canada’s corporate sector to engage in meaningful consultation, respectful relationship-building and equitable access to training and education opportunities that will contribute to long-term benefits from any economic development projects.

    Through understanding the need for this relationship-building, there is a lot that western practices can learn from adopting Indigenous ways of knowing. Indigenous people have a long history of sustainable practices in their culture and traditions, and although western science now consider sustainable practices, it is not deeply woven into community and industrial initiatives.

    As nuclear projects advance in Canada, it’s vital to respect Indigenous knowledge through weaving with western science. Projects can adopt a Two-Eyed seeing approach. This refers to viewing a problem with one eye using an Indigenous knowledge perspective and the other with a western knowledge lens. There is much to learn from understanding the philosophy behind Indigenous ways of knowing that can be applied to protect the environment.

    Indigenous knowledge varies across Canada and comes with different insights, but a commonality is the teaching that all living things are interconnected and must be respected and cared for. This perspective is necessary for the future of nuclear projects to ensure the environment is sustained to support the biodiversity of regions throughout Canada.

    This informed approach of protecting the environment, together with an ecosystem approach that considers the uniqueness and interconectedness of each organism, will ultimately lead to improved nuclear policies and safety.

    The actions that institutions and private industry take today to build strong relationships with Indigenous communities and work towards an increasingly sustainable future will support already resilient communities so they can see growth well beyond the deployment of SMRs. A path to a cleaner future is in reach, but only if we walk beside Indigenous leaders, knowledge holders, community members and, especially, youth.

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

    – ref. Indigenous engagement is essential for small modular nuclear reactor projects – https://theconversation.com/indigenous-engagement-is-essential-for-small-modular-nuclear-reactor-projects-252134

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman Greene Leads Letter Urging Appropriations Committee to Codify DOGE Cuts and Slash Wasteful Federal Spending

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA, 14)

    Today, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE), led a letter to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole urging the committee to formally codify President Trump’s bold cost-cutting reforms into law through the FY26 appropriations process.

    The letter, co-signed by DOGE Committee members Reps. Tim Burchett (R-TN), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Brandon Gill (R-TX), Brian Jack (R-GA), and William Timmons (R-SC) calls on Congress to follow the Trump Administration’s lead in reducing wasteful federal spending and locking in historic savings identified through the work of DOGE & the DOGE Subcommittee.

    “President Trump is leading the greatest government efficiency overhaul in history, and it’s working. The DOGE Subcommittee has exposed massive waste, fraud, and abuse, and now Congress must act. We’re calling on appropriators to defund the left’s propaganda machines, slash aid to our enemies, and make these savings permanent,” said Chairwoman Greene.

    “The American people didn’t vote to fund abortion overseas, woke NGOs, or government-run media. They voted to end the waste and put America First.”

    The letter highlights nearly $9 billion in rescissions already proposed by the Administration and calls for deeper cuts across a range of programs, including foreign aid and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It also emphasizes the need to reduce bloated federal agency staffing levels, noting the success of the Administration in downsizing the bureaucracy through RIFs, early retirements, and contract terminations.

    The President’s budget would reduce non-defense discretionary spending by 23%, saving over $2 trillion over the next decade.

    “The DOGE Subcommittee has done its part to identify the waste, fraud, and abuse. Now it’s time for the Appropriations Committee to do theirs and write these cuts into law,” Greene added.

    Read the full letter to the House Appropriations Committee here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: NOV Delegation Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Amid Artificial Intelligence (AI) Push in African Energy Projects

    A high-level delegation from global energy services company NOV has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference – taking place on September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. With a focus on digitization, a wealth of knowledge in oilfield services and a dedication to balancing operational efficiency with sustainable development, NOV is well-positioned to lead dialogue around the future of energy development in Africa. Underscoring the company’s commitment to unlocking technology-driven solutions in Africa, the NOV delegation comprises Arthur Ename, Vice President, Business Development: Africa; Cobie Loper, Senior Vice President, Operators and Geographical Sales; Johann Jansen van Rensburg, Director: Sub-Saharan Africa; and Marien Ibiaho, Area Sales Manager: Europe & Africa. The delegation will participate in a variety of panel discussions and technical workshops, providing insight into innovative tools to unlock rapid, low-carbon growth in Africa.

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    With an extensive presence in Africa, NOV delivers a range of solutions for the continent’s oil and gas industry. Key markets include Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Congo, Angola, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt. The company’s cutting-edge technologies and services support clients to enhance operational efficiency while spearheading sustainable development, with its portfolio of capabilities ranging from drilling to well construction, completion and control to offshore rigs and platform repurposing to service and repair. With over 150 years’ experience and a global footprint, NOV represents a strong partner for African oil and gas projects.

    Looking ahead, NOV strives to consolidate its position as a leading energy service provider. In 2025, the company rolled out ChatGPT Enterprise – OpenAI’s most advanced generative AI platform – to advance AI-driven innovation. The enterprise has been deployed across its global workforce, putting cutting-edge tools in the hands of over 25,000 employees. For Africa, this technology will support energy projects by supporting decision-making, insights and innovation. Meanwhile, the company’s Drilling Beliefs & Analytics solution continues to gain traction globally and has been applied across 20 million feet of drilling operations in Africa, the Middle East, Europe and North America. This solution leverages AI to deliver real-time insights into critical well conditions during the drilling process.

    Beyond the oil and gas sector, the company also has extensive experience in emerging industries such as the energy transition. Capabilities include geothermal solutions, hydrogen solutions, lithium extraction, offshore and onshore wind, and more. With oil and gas as the focus, NOV offers a range of services that support operators reduce their emissions while scaling-up output. The company is also committed to local content and workforce development, with training initiatives, skills development programs and partnerships serving as a catalyst for capacity building in the markets in which is operates. By working closely with African partners, NOV is creating jobs, enhancing skills and empowering communities.

    “Now more than ever, Africa requires innovative solutions to enhance operational efficiency while reducing emissions across oil and gas projects. Companies such as NOV provide the technology and expertise to deliver these goals, and as such, play a prominent role in the industry. Looking ahead, as African countries look to scale-up operations and reduce their climate footprint, NOV’s solutions will continue supporting clients safely produce energy while minimizing environmental impact,” states Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President, African Energy Chamber.  

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in flood reduction capacity in Peterborough

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Peterborough, ON, June 19, 2025 — The new downtown flood reduction project in Peterborough, supported by an $11-million investment from the federal government, will replace an existing storm sewer and help improve water flow and drainage, significantly reducing the impact of extreme weather events for homes and businesses.

    A 2004 storm brought severe rainfall and caused significant flood damage to downtown Peterborough. It disrupted residential living conditions, caused lost income to local businesses, and created financial hardships for affected community members. As part of the City’s strategy to prevent future floods of this magnitude, a 100-year capacity sewer will replace the existing sewer along Charlotte Street from Park Street to Water Street. The project will also improve water flow and drainage from the street, significantly reducing the impact of extreme weather events.

    Investing in public infrastructure projects designed to mitigate current and future climate-related risks supports more resilient Canadian communities. Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • Dr. Jitendra Singh highlights 11 years of transformational growth in space, tech and innovation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a compelling address at the Economic Times Education Summit 2025, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the sweeping technological transformation that has permeated Indian society over the past 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The Minister, who holds charge of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and the Department of Space, said India is now witnessing an unprecedented wave of scientific advancement and innovation reaching into every household.

    Dr. Singh credited this shift to the creation of an enabling ecosystem that has nurtured talent across sectors. He pointed to “Operation Sindoor” as a landmark achievement that showcases India’s enhanced scientific capacity and defense readiness, particularly in countering drone and missile threats.

    “There was never a lack of talent in this country. What we lacked was an enabling environment to nurture it. PM Modi’s visionary leadership over the past decade has created that ecosystem,” said the Minister.

    He highlighted the impact of key reforms such as the opening up of the space and nuclear sectors, which he said have had a multiplier effect on diverse fields including agriculture, education, defence, disaster management, land records, and e-governance.

    Emphasizing India’s emergence as a global hub for aspirational youth, Dr. Singh said the nation is now defined by its scientific ambitions and technological confidence. “The rise of aspirations enabled by science and innovation is testimony to the Ease of Living as well as the Ease of Doing Research. Indians abroad today wear their identity with pride, and the world respects that,” he said.

    Reflecting on India’s economic journey, the Minister projected that the country’s continued ascent to becoming the fourth-largest economy and beyond would be driven by core sectors such as space, marine technology, and biotechnology. He drew special attention to the recently launched BIO-e3 Policy, which centers on Economy, Employment, and Environment, calling it a catalyst for a biotechnology revolution.

    Dr. Singh also spotlighted India’s achievements in healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the development of the world’s first DNA-based vaccine and the execution of the largest vaccination campaign globally.

    He lauded India’s rapid progress in space exploration, recalling the landmark Chandrayaan-3 mission that made India the first country to land on the Moon’s South Pole. Looking ahead, he said India’s participation in the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as Mission Pilot, marks a new chapter of international collaboration in space. This mission will feature Indian-developed biotechnology experiments focusing on space nutrition and self-sustaining life support systems using microgravity-compatible biotech kits.

    “These kits, conceptualized and validated by Indian scientists, will lay the foundation for long-duration human spaceflight research,” he stated.

    The Minister also projected robust growth for India’s space economy, estimating a rise from the current $8 billion to $44 billion in the coming years. He noted that India now has over 300 space startups, a remarkable leap from the single-digit count in 2014. Space medicine, he added, would be a key frontier in which India is already making strides.

    Highlighting the use of technology for citizen-centric governance, Dr. Singh cited innovations like face recognition technology for pension verification and the evolution of the CPGRAMS grievance redressal system, which now handles 26 lakh complaints annually, up from just 2 lakh in 2014.

    While acknowledging the growing role of artificial intelligence, Dr. Singh cautioned against over-reliance on AI-only models and advocated for a hybrid approach that integrates AI with human judgment to maintain empathy and integrity in governance.

    “India has matured into a nation where scientific research is not just academic—it’s strategic, secure, and sovereign,” he concluded.

  • Dr. Jitendra Singh highlights 11 years of transformational growth in space, tech and innovation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a compelling address at the Economic Times Education Summit 2025, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the sweeping technological transformation that has permeated Indian society over the past 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. The Minister, who holds charge of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and the Department of Space, said India is now witnessing an unprecedented wave of scientific advancement and innovation reaching into every household.

    Dr. Singh credited this shift to the creation of an enabling ecosystem that has nurtured talent across sectors. He pointed to “Operation Sindoor” as a landmark achievement that showcases India’s enhanced scientific capacity and defense readiness, particularly in countering drone and missile threats.

    “There was never a lack of talent in this country. What we lacked was an enabling environment to nurture it. PM Modi’s visionary leadership over the past decade has created that ecosystem,” said the Minister.

    He highlighted the impact of key reforms such as the opening up of the space and nuclear sectors, which he said have had a multiplier effect on diverse fields including agriculture, education, defence, disaster management, land records, and e-governance.

    Emphasizing India’s emergence as a global hub for aspirational youth, Dr. Singh said the nation is now defined by its scientific ambitions and technological confidence. “The rise of aspirations enabled by science and innovation is testimony to the Ease of Living as well as the Ease of Doing Research. Indians abroad today wear their identity with pride, and the world respects that,” he said.

    Reflecting on India’s economic journey, the Minister projected that the country’s continued ascent to becoming the fourth-largest economy and beyond would be driven by core sectors such as space, marine technology, and biotechnology. He drew special attention to the recently launched BIO-e3 Policy, which centers on Economy, Employment, and Environment, calling it a catalyst for a biotechnology revolution.

    Dr. Singh also spotlighted India’s achievements in healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the development of the world’s first DNA-based vaccine and the execution of the largest vaccination campaign globally.

    He lauded India’s rapid progress in space exploration, recalling the landmark Chandrayaan-3 mission that made India the first country to land on the Moon’s South Pole. Looking ahead, he said India’s participation in the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as Mission Pilot, marks a new chapter of international collaboration in space. This mission will feature Indian-developed biotechnology experiments focusing on space nutrition and self-sustaining life support systems using microgravity-compatible biotech kits.

    “These kits, conceptualized and validated by Indian scientists, will lay the foundation for long-duration human spaceflight research,” he stated.

    The Minister also projected robust growth for India’s space economy, estimating a rise from the current $8 billion to $44 billion in the coming years. He noted that India now has over 300 space startups, a remarkable leap from the single-digit count in 2014. Space medicine, he added, would be a key frontier in which India is already making strides.

    Highlighting the use of technology for citizen-centric governance, Dr. Singh cited innovations like face recognition technology for pension verification and the evolution of the CPGRAMS grievance redressal system, which now handles 26 lakh complaints annually, up from just 2 lakh in 2014.

    While acknowledging the growing role of artificial intelligence, Dr. Singh cautioned against over-reliance on AI-only models and advocated for a hybrid approach that integrates AI with human judgment to maintain empathy and integrity in governance.

    “India has matured into a nation where scientific research is not just academic—it’s strategic, secure, and sovereign,” he concluded.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NPC Standing Committee Chairman Calls on People’s Congresses to Advance Development, Reform

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HOHHOT, June 19 (Xinhua) — Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, has called for utilizing the powers of people’s congresses to advance socio-economic development and accomplish key reform tasks.

    Zhao Leji, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the call during an inspection and familiarization tour of North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region from June 16 to 19.

    During the trip, Zhao Leji visited urban communities and enterprises, where he interacted with legislators and members of the public, and inspected the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People’s Congress and the Arshan City People’s Congress.

    The Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee called on the legislative organs to strictly adhere to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party, conscientiously implement the requirements of the CPC Central Committee, and consistently advance legislative, supervisory and parliamentary work.

    In addition, Zhao Leji headed the NPC Standing Committee’s inspection team to verify compliance with the Forestry Code of the People’s Republic of China in Inner Mongolia.

    Noting that Inner Mongolia is the largest functional ecological zone in northern China in terms of area and the richest in species diversity, Zhao Leji stressed the importance of faithfully implementing the Forestry Code, sustainably preserving natural forests and artificial afforestation, and continuously increasing the total volume and quality of forest resources. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ceasefire is an urgent priority in resolving the conflict in the Middle East – Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) — A ceasefire is an urgent priority in resolving the conflict in the Middle East, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday.

    The Chinese leader made the corresponding statement in a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the conversation, the heads of the two states exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East.

    Xi Jinping outlined China’s principles and position, saying that the current situation in the Middle East is extremely dangerous, proving once again that the world is entering a new turbulent period of fundamental change.

    If the conflict continues to escalate, it will not only lead to increased losses for its participants, but will also cause serious damage to states throughout the region, the Chinese president warned.

    The use of force, Xi Jinping stressed, is not the right way to resolve international disputes and only increases hatred and exacerbates contradictions.

    The conflicting parties, especially Israel, must cease fire as soon as possible to stop the spiral of escalation and under no circumstances allow the war to spread beyond the region, the Chinese leader said.

    Xi said ensuring the safety of civilians is a top priority, adding that the red line of protecting civilians in armed conflicts should never be crossed and the indiscriminate use of force is unacceptable.

    The Chinese President called on the parties to the conflict to strictly adhere to international law, avoid causing harm to innocent civilians and facilitate the safe evacuation of third-country nationals.

    Launching dialogue and negotiations is the fundamental way to resolve the issue, and communication and dialogue are the right path to lasting peace, Xi Jinping is convinced.

    He called on relevant parties to remain firmly committed to finding a political solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and return the issue to the path of political settlement through dialogue and negotiations.

    The international community’s efforts to establish peace are indispensable, Xi Jinping noted, adding that without stability in the Middle East, world peace is unlikely.

    The Chinese President noted that the conflict between Israel and Iran has led to a sudden escalation of tensions in the Middle East and dealt a serious blow to global security.

    The international community, especially large countries with special influence on the parties to the conflict, should make efforts to cool the situation, rather than do the opposite, Xi stressed, calling on the UN Security Council to play a more active role in this regard.

    Xi Jinping said China is willing to continue to strengthen communication and coordination with all parties, pool their efforts, uphold justice and play a constructive role in restoring peace in the Middle East. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. jet skier fined $5,000 for intentionally approaching marine mammals too closely

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 19, 2025

    Port Hardy, BC – With the arrival of summer on Canada’s west coast, residents and tourists are planning to be out on the water. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) reminds everyone to follow the laws and guidelines about approaching marine mammals, which vary depending on the species.

    On May 22, 2025, in Campbell River Provincial Court, Stephen Michael White was fined $5,000 after being found guilty in November 2024 of violating Section 7(1) of the Marine Mammal Regulations. Mr. White was recorded speeding toward a pod of Pacific white-sided dolphins on his jet ski, coming within just a few feet while filming them on his cell phone – much closer than the 100 metre legal approach distance. The court determined his actions were negligent and reckless, leading to a six month ban from operating any motorized vessel on water. Additionally, Mr. White was prohibited from posting anything related with marine mammals on social media.

    Toothed whale species, including dolphins and killer whales, rely on echolocating – using sound to navigate their environment. Close encounters with a vessel can disrupt their natural behaviours and interfere with essential sound signals used for communication, foraging, and socialization. Such interactions also pose health and safety risks to both marine mammals and humans

    This case marks the first successful prosecution in Canada under the Marine Mammal Regulations’ approach distance provisions. The guilty verdict and court-ordered fine reinforce the importance of following marine mammal approach distance regulations to prevent disturbances.

    DFO protects and conserves marine resources and enforces the Fisheries Act. As part of DFO’s work to disrupt and prevent illegal activity, the Department asks the public for information on activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and regulations. Anyone with information can call the DFO Pacific Region’s toll-free violation reporting line at 1-800-465-4336, or email the details to DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Case Proposes Measure To Advance Energy Resiliency For Remote Island, Native Hawaiian and Tribal Communities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Congressman Ed Case (HI-01) today announced an effort to codify into law a federal program to expand energy resilience and reliability for some of the nation’s most vulnerable regions – isolated island, Native Hawaiian and Tribal communities – which often face common and unique energy obstacles including limited energy infrastructure, high costs of imported energy and vulnerability to natural disasters.

    “In Hawai‘i, which ranks as the state with the most expensive power in the nation, residential electricity rates average 34 cents per kilowatt, far exceeding the national average by threefold,” said Case. “My bill will ensure continued federal support for Hawaii’s effort to transition to clean, affordable energy sources in ways that address our unique challenges.”

    These unique energy resilience challenges in Hawai‘i, along with remote and Tribal areas, are the focus of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Transitions Initiative Project program. Since its inception, this program has partnered with over 25 Tribal, coastal, remote and island communities across the nation to help them secure reliable and affordable energy. Congressman Case has long supported this program through his assignment on the House Appropriations Committee.

    “Although the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project program has helped Hawai‘i and many other communities many across our great nation, it has never been formally codified,” said Case. “My bill, the Energy Transitions Initiative Authorization Act, will ensure this program can continue the technical assistance offered to remote, island and Tribal communities that is unique and accommodating to their expertise and deep knowledge of local challenges and solutions.”

    The Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project program provides customized technical and financial assistance to community projects aimed at accessing reliable and affordable power and increasing energy resilience. Specific community projects include solar power interconnection, analyzing wind energy potential, conducting wildfire preparedness, advancing weatherization retrofits and implementing microgrids and battery storage projects.

    In Hawai‘i, the Energy Transitions Initiative Partnership Project program has provided technical assistance to the City and County of Honolulu to conduct microgrid location analyses for regional hybrid microgrids and map designs.

    Because Hawai‘i is prone to severe weather conditions that have previously caused long-duration power outages, Hawai‘i has identified hybrid microgrids as one method to improve resilience. Microgrids are best suited to areas prone to prolonged outages during weather events, with clusters of customers and potential availability of renewable energy sources.

    The product of this partnership was a map identifying potential locations given a set of criteria that stakeholders prioritized in the areas of criticality, vulnerability and societal impact.

    ###

    Attachments:

    1. Copy of measure is here
    2. Copy of Case remarks on the measure is available here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE and the Government of the Tula Region have signed an agreement on strategic cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    On the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025, the Higher School of Economics and the Government of the Tula Region signed a cooperation agreement aimed at developing the region and improving the quality of life of its residents. The document was signed by HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov and Tula Region Governor Dmitry Milyaev.

    The agreement provides for the formation of a sustainable partnership between the university and the region with the aim of promoting the socio-economic development of the Tula region, strengthening human resources and expanding opportunities for self-realization and professional orientation of young people and the population.

    The parties intend to cooperate in the sphere of strategic planning and implementation of regional development programs, including in the field of education, training of specialists and advanced training of personnel. Particular attention in the framework of cooperation will be paid to the creation of conditions for equal access to quality education, including support for large families.

    The University and the Government also agreed to work together to improve the practical orientation of educational programs that take into account the current needs of the region, and to develop initiatives in the field of additional professional education.

    “We are pleased to sign a cooperation agreement with the Tula Region, a region that has supported various initiatives of the Higher School of Economics for many years. We will develop cooperation in a wide range of areas, including support for large families, primarily through programs for joint financing of education in universities for children from such families. I am confident that students from the Tula Region, having received access to quality education, will then return home to contribute to the development of their native region,” said Nikita Anisimov.

    “The Government of the Tula Region is entering a new phase of cooperation with the Higher School of Economics. We are starting a project of support for large families, which is important from a social point of view. We have agreed that children from large families in the region will study at the Higher School of Economics on preferential terms,” said Dmitry Milyaev.

    The signing of the agreement at SPIEF 2025 was an important step towards closer cooperation between HSE and the subjects of the Russian Federation interested in attracting intellectual resources to solve regional development problems.

    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 Canada: Construction Continues On Highways 2 and 13 Assiniboia Partnership Project

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 19, 2025

    Today, Highways Minister David Marit and the Town of Assiniboia celebrated the ongoing progress of a more than $10.6 million partnership project that will improve Highways 2 and 13, while strengthening the heart of the community.

    “Our provincial government is proud to play a role improving these key transportation arteries through Assiniboia, which is a service hub for the region,” Marit said. “These highways when completed will better support Saskatchewan’s export-based economy, local agriculture, tourism and businesses in the centre of town.”

    The 4.96 km project involves:

    • The rehabilitation and repaving of Highway 2 (also known as Empire Road and Centre Street) from Leeville Street to north of Highway 13, along with Highway 13 (also known as First Avenue West and First Avenue East) from Centre Street to Leeville Street.
    • Curb and sidewalk replacements along the route.

    “We are incredibly grateful for the investment in this vital infrastructure project,” Assiniboia Mayor Sharon Schauenberg said. “Improved roads mean safer travel, more efficient transportation, and long-term benefits for our residents and local economy.”

    The Ministry of Highways is investing more than $10.17 million toward the project. The Town of Assiniboia is investing up to $485,000.

    On-site project work began this spring and is expected to be completed this fall, pending weather.

    Motorists are reminded to obey all signage and flag persons in the area and to check the Highway Hotline at https://hotline.gov.sk.ca/ for construction updates before heading out.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: $1.1 Million to Support 29 Teacher Innovation and Support Fund Projects

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 19, 2025

    Today, the Government of Saskatchewan announced $1.1 million for 29 teacher-led projects through the Teacher Innovation and Support Fund.

    “I am pleased to see the ideas brought forward by teachers across our province and appreciate their commitment to advancing innovative projects in their schools,” Education Minister Everett Hindley said. “Our government is committed to a strong education sector that supports student success through ongoing collaboration.”

    Teachers, with support from their divisions, were invited to apply to the Teacher Innovation and Support Fund this spring to advance local ideas that assist in providing positive student and teacher experiences. The 29 projects receiving funding fall into the following themes: STEM/technology, student wellbeing, academic and culture/land-based learning/arts. 

    Saskatchewan’s 27 school divisions will receive a record $2.4 billion in school operating funding for the next school year, a record increase of $186.4 million. This includes $395 million for classroom supports as part of a multi-year funding agreement with all 27 school divisions.

    Applications to the Teacher Innovation and Support Fund will open again in fall 2025. Learn more about the projects that have been awarded, including this round of projects, at Teacher Innovation and Support Fund | PreK-12 Education, Early Learning and Schools | Government of Saskatchewan.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Statement: “Netanyahu Was Wrong in 2002. He Is Wrong Now.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders

    BURLINGTON, Vt., June 19 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) today released the following statement:

    In 2002, in testimony to Congress urging the United States to go to war in Iraq, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated: “There is no question whatsoever that Saddam is seeking… nuclear weapons…. If you take out Saddam’s regime, I guarantee you that it will have enormous positive reverberations.”  

    Netanyahu was wrong. Very wrong. The war in Iraq resulted in 4,492 U.S. military deaths, over 32,000 wounded, and a cost of roughly three trillion dollars. Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis also died as a result of that tragic war.

    Netanyahu was wrong regarding the war in Iraq. He is wrong now. We must not get involved in Netanyahu’s war against Iran.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province, BC Hydro launch pilot program to cut energy costs, support housing density

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    In a Canadian first, the Province and BC Hydro have launched a pioneering pilot project in Vancouver that has the potential to set new standards for supporting growing housing priorities and densification in Canada.

    Designed to support the transition from single-family homes to multi-unit residences, the initiative is exploring how full electrification – heating, cooling, EV charging and appliances – can be achieved without the need for more significant electrical service upgrades.

    “The potential for this innovative system shows what’s possible when we partner with local technology providers to make clean energy more accessible,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “We’re proud to support made-in-B.C. solutions that reduce emissions, strengthen our grid and lower energy costs for residents.”

    At the core of this project is a smart panel developed by Burnaby-based Evectrix, a key innovation supported through a $600,000 investment from the Province’s Innovative Clean Energy Fund and BC Hydro’s $700-million Energy Efficiency Plan. This device transforms a conventional breaker panel into a “smart hub” that manages real-time energy usage, in this case eliminating the need to upgrade from a 200-amp to a 400-amp service, even in an electrified six-unit development.

    This pilot project is Canada’s first to demonstrate:

    • all-suite electrification in a multi-unit residential building without requiring a significant service upgrade;
    • a smart panel integration with advanced thermostats for greater suite-level energy control; and
    • management of multiple non-EV electrical loads, such as hot water, ranges and dryers, through a single smart panel.

    Traditionally, densifying from single-family homes to duplexes, fourplexes and sixplexes has required significant electrical upgrades. This project explores a better path: the smart panel dynamically manages load at the suite level, helping avoid over-capacity while unlocking significant savings. The project is a scalable model for retrofitting and densification that could save thousands of dollars in infrastructure costs per project.

    Special permission was given from the City of Vancouver in order for the project to be installed at the location. Through the Consortium for Power Efficient Design, BC Hydro continues working with partners to advocate for changes to the Canadian Electrical Code, expanding the use of energy management systems like the one being explored through this project.

    “This technology pilot is a potential game-changer for accelerating clean-energy adoption in multi-unit housing,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “It not only supports our broader goal of building a more sustainable and efficient electricity system, but it also helps customers avoid the high costs of major electrical upgrades – making densification more accessible, affordable and practical.”

    Through its $700-million Energy Efficiency Plan, BC Hydro is significantly increasing investments in energy-saving tools, technologies, programs and rebates. These measures are expected to deliver 2,000 gigawatt hours in electricity savings – enough to power approximately 200,000 homes. The project, located on Vancouver’s Chestnut Street, is one of many innovative pilot programs now underway or in development, designed not only to reduce consumption today but to empower customers to manage their energy use more efficiently in the years ahead and save money.

    If this approach proves successful, it could set the stage for more customer-focused energy solutions that help households and businesses lower their bills, reduce emissions and take advantage of smarter, more responsive grid technologies. These efforts are part of BC Hydro’s long-term commitment to delivering value, reliability and sustainability to customers as energy needs evolve.

    Quotes:

    Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance and MLA for Vancouver-South Granville –

    “Advanced technology projects like the smart panel will help to create electricity systems that are efficient, resilient and responsive to people’s needs. We will continue to partner with local technology companies to help strengthen our grid and cut energy costs for British Columbians.”

    Kambiz Pishghadam Ghaeni, chief operating officer, Evectrix –

    “We’re proud to bring B.C.-made innovation to life through this first-of-its-kind, electrified six-townhouse project, proving that homeowners can electrify and decarbonize without the burden of costly service upgrades. With meaningful support from the Province and in close collaboration with the BC Hydro team, our intelligent load management technology is unlocking a scalable, affordable and future-ready path to electrify homes and multi-unit buildings throughout the province.” 

    Saul Schwebs, chief building official, City of Vancouver –  

    “The City of Vancouver is proud to support this project, which showcases innovative made-in-British Columbia technology. The City approved the use of this load management technology through a special permission pathway, illustrating our commitment to energy-efficient solutions.” 

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the Province’s plans to power B.C.’s potential, visit: https://www.bchydro.com/poweringpotential

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Xia Baolong meets patriotic groups

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong today met patriotic groups and representatives of higher education institutions in the city, and visited local cultural and tourism spots.

    In the morning, Mr Xia, in the company of Chief Executive John Lee and Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak, held an engagement session with patriotic groups dedicated to the nation and Hong Kong.

    The session was attended by representatives from political and community groups with an affection for the country and the city.

    In the afternoon, Mr Xia, accompanied by Mr Lee and Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin, attended another engagement session to exchange views with representatives of Hong Kong’s major higher education institutions, including chairmen of university councils and university presidents.

    Mr Xia then visited the Kai Tak Sports Park with Mr Lee, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki and Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, touring Kai Tak Stadium and Kai Tak Gallery.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Dakota Set to Welcome Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in 2026

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Monumental cultural destination to celebrate the life, legacy, and leadership of America’s 26th President

    North Dakota will mark the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026 with a milestone of its own: the grand opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library (TRPL) during Independence Day celebrations in early July. Set in the iconic Badlands near Medora, the Library will honor the influence of the 26th President of the United States by bringing his story to life in the same rugged landscape that helped shape his enduring ideals of leadership, conservation, and the American spirit.

    Perched on a bluff overlooking the Little Missouri River at the gateway to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, TRPL will enrich the western North Dakota experience. Designed by Snøhetta, the architectural firm behind the Oslo Opera House, TRPL is being built to meet the Living Building Challenge. This rigorous undertaking, achieved by only 35 buildings worldwide, means the TRPL will generate its own energy, treat its own water, and operate in harmony with nature.

    TRPL will serve as both a museum and a gateway to exploration, drawing on Roosevelt’s prolific writings, historical milestones, and lifelong devotion to the “strenuous life” to inspire generations through his legacy as the “Conservation President” and advocate for civic responsibility.

    “The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform how we tell the story of one of America’s most influential leaders,” said Sara Otte Coleman, Director of North Dakota Tourism. “Roosevelt’s time in North Dakota shaped his values and vision. This library will do the same for every visitor—sparking discovery, connection, and a deeper understanding of our shared history all within the beautiful badlands of North Dakota.”

    Inside TRPL, visitors won’t just learn about Theodore Roosevelt they will walk beside him. From beginning to end, the experience is a journey not just through Roosevelt’s life, but through the values that shaped America. It will feature interactive exhibits, immersive storytelling, and curated landscapes that reflect Roosevelt’s commitment to conservation, public service, and personal resilience. In addition to showcasing the former president’s achievements, the TRPL will highlight his deep ties to North Dakota, including his transformative years as a rancher in the Badlands following personal tragedy.

    TRPL is also partnering with Microsoft to develop a groundbreaking AI-powered digital platform that unifies Roosevelt’s archives from 33 collections across 18 institutions. This will make his writings, letters, and legacy easily searchable and accessible, enabling scholars, students, and storytellers worldwide to engage with Roosevelt’s story in new and meaningful ways.

    “We’re creating a People’s Presidential Library that welcomes everyone—physically, digitally, and emotionally.” said Ed O’Keefe, CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. “We are proud to open our doors in North Dakota, the very place that so profoundly shaped the indomitable spirit of Roosevelt. Our aspiration is for each visitor not merely to recall history’s echoes, but to step into it.”

    The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is expected to become a cornerstone of North Dakota’s tourism experience, spurring visitation, educational tourism, and community development. North Dakota Tourism is collaborating with the TRPL and partners statewide to create integrated travel experiences, themed road trips, and conservation-focused programming to celebrate the state’s deep connection to Theodore Roosevelt.

    For more information and ongoing updates, visit www.ndtourism.com/theodore-roosevelt-man-legend or www.trlibrary.com/.

    ###

    Editor’s Notes: Additional visual assets of Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library are available here with access code NDTRPL26. Media interested in visiting TRPL, may sign up for more information here: www.trlibrary.com/press/tours.

    Follow North Dakota Tourism on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TravelND, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/northdakotalegendary/ or on X at x.com/NorthDakota and get tips on what to see and do all year long.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims Juneteenth Day of Observance

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 19, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance” in the State of California.

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    PROCLAMATION

    July 4 is not the only day America celebrates its independence. Each year on June 19, we look back to this day in 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger led troops into Galveston, Texas, to announce the end of the Civil War and the insidious institution of slavery. Thousands of enslaved people in Texas, among the last to learn of their independence, were finally freed, more than two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

    Over the next several decades, Black Americans who journeyed out of the South in search of better lives brought Juneteenth celebrations with them. The thousands who settled in California, especially in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, taught our state that America’s struggle for freedom did not end in 1776 or 1865, but continues to this day.

    California is proud to recognize Juneteenth as an official state holiday, honoring the centuries of struggles and triumphs that have brought us to this moment. Misguided efforts to rewrite our nation’s history make our state’s commitment to confronting the dark chapters of our past all the more important, as we move forward in pursuit of a more perfect union.

    This Juneteenth, I urge all Californians to reflect on the ongoing cause of freedom for Black Americans – remembering that, though General Granger’s announcement in 1865 called for “absolute equality,” that vision was, and remains, far from complete. Let us celebrate how far we have come and take stock of how far we must go to truly realize our nation’s founding ideals.

    NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim June 19, 2025 as “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 27th day of May 2025.

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Liam McIlvanney is joining us for a seriously laid back discussion about crime fiction, academia and a few other matters – come along

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stephen Khan, Editor-in-Chief, The Conversation

    If you’re a professor of literature, writing a novel must be pretty easy, right? Or, hang on, maybe not. Perhaps all that knowledge, expertise and awareness of truly great writing makes putting yourself out there even harder?

    It’s a question I’ll ask of Liam McIlvanney of the University of Otago, New Zealand, on July 11 in a Q&A at Auld Hag, The Shoap in Islington, London. McIlvanney, an esteemed academic, is on a world tour to promote his latest work of crime fiction, The Good Father. Full transparency; McIlvanney and I both hail from Kilmarnock, in Ayrshire, Scotland, we’re good friends and share an addiction to following the (often mis-)fortunes of our home town’s storied football club. So, bits of all this may creep into the evening.

    That heritage has also informed the choice of venue, a Scottish cafe, deli and bakery, specialising in lorne sausage, well-fired rolls filled with Ayrshire bacon, and who knows, maybe even a Kilmarnock-style pie or two on the day. A big thank you goes out to Gregg Boyd and the Auld Hag team for making The Shoap available to us.

    Ok, so I’m biased, but I’ve read The Good Father already, and it’s a fantastic piece of work – a psychological thriller described by Val McDermid as “heart-stopping and heart-rending”. The plot charts the disappearance of a child from a beach and the psychological impact on a family desperate for answers. Liam’s previous novels such as The Heretic and The Quaker have received wide acclaim and landed numerous awards. His novels have earned a reputation for delivering a vivid portrait of Scottish life and culture in eloquent, often darkly humorous, prose.

    If the words, “crime fiction, literature, New Zealand and Scotland” catch your eye then do join us at 406 St John Street, Angel, Islington on July 11 for a late afternoon and early evening of seriously laid back discussion. Click here for free tickets. And if you are a long way from London, don’t worry, Liam is also speaking at a number of other venues in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand and, of course, Scotland. See below for a full list of dates.

    – ref. Liam McIlvanney is joining us for a seriously laid back discussion about crime fiction, academia and a few other matters – come along – https://theconversation.com/liam-mcilvanney-is-joining-us-for-a-seriously-laid-back-discussion-about-crime-fiction-academia-and-a-few-other-matters-come-along-259401

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Questions Army Leaders on Munitions Production, Drone Utilization and Funding Challenges

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) questioned Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George about the Army’s modernization initiative and its potential impact as well as the importance of stable funding and current and future drone capabilities at a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing.

    “I share your concerns with modernization. I share the concerns of many in Congress about the loss of the organic industrial base. Current events have made one thing clear: the commercial industrial base alone cannot meet our munitions demands. That’s why Congress has advocated for investing in Army-owned, organic industrial base facilities,” Boozman said.

    “It is – there are probably a couple of threats if we don’t figure out how to get scalable solutions together, we are going to put our Army in a bad position and that is absolutely one of them. I would be honored to work with you,” Driscoll stated.

    Boozman, along with Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04), has pushed back on the Army’s intentions to potentially downsize the Pine Bluff Arsenal rather than expand its operations to help meet munitions needs. The lawmakers subsequently called for detailed plans for the future of the Arsenal as a critical element of the defense industrial base.

    As a senior Appropriations Committee member, Boozman also questioned the effect temporary funding and authorities – in the form or continuing resolutions – has on military missions and commitments.

    “We wouldn’t be able to make some of the changes because it would be based on previous years. That would obviously be a detriment to us in the Army. We know the battlefield is constantly changing,” George responded.

    “Predictable funding is a virtuous concept that helps us in a lot of different ways. When we continue to have CRs, it makes our spending decisions and the downstream effect on our suppliers even more amplified,” Driscoll continued.

    The senator concluded by pressing for details on the Army’s plan to integrate and field mass small drone technology in light of recent drone attacks abroad, including Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web that successfully targeted Russia’s air fleet.

    “We need to produce – we’re producing very few drones stateside. We need to have [that] here in our organic industrial base. That’s certainly one area where there’s an intersection where we need to improve on,” George explained.

    Boozman previously discussed the threat of drone attacks on U.S. domestic military installations and assets with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) Supports Training of Field Officers to conduct Poliovirus Containment Activities in Ghana

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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    Ghana continues to make impressive strides in the fight against poliovirus, with the last confirmed case of Wild Poliovirus (WPV) recorded in 2008 and the most recent Variant Poliovirus (VDPV) detected in 2024. As the number of confirmed polio cases and detection of the virus in the environment decline steadily, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners remain committed in minimizing the risk of reintroduction of poliovirus. 

    On 5 June 2025, the Ghana Health Service, with funding and technical assistance from WHO, organized a training for field officers for a nationwide survey on poliovirus containment and risk assessment. The exercise was designed to ensure that biomedical laboratories handling poliovirus infectious or Potentially Infectious Materials (PIMs) are not inadvertently creating pathways for virus reintroduction.

    Participants at the orientation were trained on the use of the WHO Open Data Kit (ODK) toolkit for conducting surveys, assessing risks in biomedical laboratories, and supporting facilities to implement appropriate biosafety and decontamination measures in line with WHO’s containment guidelines (GAPIII and GAPIV). Discussions also covered survey methodologies, biosafety and biosecurity practices.

    Speaking at the training, Dr. Lawson Ahadzie, Chairman of the National Certification Committee on Polio Eradication, stressed the importance of following up with the recommendations of the survey.

    “We are in the final lap of polio eradication. What remains is ensuring that all possible sources of virus reintroduction—especially from laboratories—are identified and secured. This training equips field officers with the skills to do just that”, he said.

    Dr Raymond Dankoli, Global Polio Eradication Initiative Coordinator, highlighted the importance of the survey and implementation of findings. “This can also be seen as part of the general response measures to the confirmed Polio event in August 2024”, he added.

    The last PIMs Survey and national risk assessment in 2022 identified seven laboratories across the country storing Poliovirus Potentially Infectious Materials (PV PIMs).  These materials were classified as PIMs due to no laboratory investigations conducted. They were however securely contained within Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) laboratories, with stringent decontamination and waste management protocols. Additionally, 66 vaccine repositories across regional and district hospitals were found to contain Sabin/bOPV stocks for routine vaccination activities.

    Dr. Michael Adjabeng, Surveillance Officer with WHO Ghana, emphasized the need for the involvement of all stakeholders in the containment activities. “Ghana has come far, but the job isn’t finished. Containment is about responsibility. It’s about making sure we build upon progress made. This survey is a key part of that effort”, he stated. 

    Findings from the survey will be disseminated to key stakeholders, given the broader implications for containment and risk mitigation strategies.  This survey will help identify any PV PIMs present in biomedical laboratories and ensure their appropriate handling and disposal in accordance with WHO containment guidelines for a polio free world.

    – on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Ghana.

    MIL OSI Africa –