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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung India Begins Pre Orders for Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 – The Most Advanced Galaxy Z series yet

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced that it has begun taking pre orders for the most advanced Galaxy Z series yet – Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7.
     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 brings together the best of Galaxy design, camera functionality and AI innovation in the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series to date. It delivers the premium performance and experience of an ultra-smartphone, while unlocking new levels of efficiency and productivity with a larger, more immersive display when unfolded.
     
    Thinnest, Lightest Galaxy Z Fold To Date
    Galaxy Z Fold7 is crafted for those who want the everyday portability and intuitive feel of a traditional smartphone, combined with the enhanced power and flexibility of a larger, unfolded display – all in one device. With its ultra-thin and light design and wider cover display, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers a seamless on-the-go experience that makes typing and browsing effortless when it is folded.
     

    At just 215 grams, Galaxy Z Fold7 is even lighter than Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    It is just 9 mm thick when folded and 4.2 mm thick when unfolded.
    The device comes with 5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x cover display, a wider screen with a new 21:9 aspect ratio.

     
    Most Expansive Screen on Galaxy Smartphone
    When unfolded, Galaxy Z Fold7 reveals an expansive screen that expands the workspace for editing, multitasking and immersive viewing – getting more out of Galaxy AI. The main display on Galaxy Z Fold7 is 11% larger than the previous generation, providing even more screen real estate for content editing and multitasking across multiple apps.
     

    The 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x main display offers ultra-rich contrast, true blacks and vibrant detail that makes everything pop — from movies to tabs open while multitasking.
    With Vision Booster and up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness, Galaxy Z Fold7 stays brilliantly visible even in direct sunlight.

     
    Looks Sleek, Built Tough
    From repeated folding to being tossed in a bag, it’s engineered for everyday durability and built to last longer, with a restructured hinge and foldable display.
     

    The Armor FlexHinge is thinner and lighter, thanks to an enhanced water droplet design and newly implemented multi-rail structure that reduces visible creasing and strengthens durability by evenly dispersing stress.
    The cover display is made with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 2, a new glass ceramic that has crystals intricately embedded within its glass matrix. This secures the screen’s durability and crack deflection capabilities and delivers protection in a remarkably thin form factor.
    Advanced Armor Aluminum in the frame and hinge housing increases strength and hardness by 10%.
    The main display is restructured to be thinner and lighter – yet stronger. This was achieved by implementing the Titanium plate layer. Additionally, Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) was increased to be 50% thicker, making the display tougher.

     
    The Most Powerful Processor Customized for Galaxy
    Under the hood, Galaxy Z Fold7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy delivers performance boosts of 41% in NPU, 38% in CPU, and 26% in GPU compared to the previous generation. This power fuels Galaxy Z Fold7’s ability to process more AI experiences on-device without compromise.
     
    Ultra 200MP Camera
    Galaxy Z Fold7 now brings the best of the Galaxy’s pro-grade camera experience to a foldable, combining advanced hardware with intelligent processing for consistently stunning results. AI-enhanced imaging automatically optimizes lighting, detail and realism, so photos and videos stay sharp and vivid.
     

    Featuring the first 200MP wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Z series, it captures 4x more detail, producing images that are 44% brighter.
    The 10MP 100° camera on the main display expands the frame, so when users unfold their phone, it’s easy to capture group selfies, valuable moments and more of the world in a single shot.
    Samsung’s next generation ProVisual Engine processes images faster, enabling every photo and video to be more crisp, vibrant and full of detail.
    With Night Video, intelligent motion detection now separates moving subjects from still backgrounds to reduce noise.
    10-bit HDR provides more color depth. The result is videos with richer color, deeper contrast and more lifelike detail, no matter the time of day.

     
    Ultra AI Experience
     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 harnesses the power of the foldable display to amplify the power and convenience of AI, delivering experiences that are instinctive, adaptive and effortlessly efficient. With the new One UI 8 that is context-aware and naturally responsive, optimized for Galaxy Z Fold7’s flexible format and expansive screen offer a more intuitive and immersive way to interact with AI. There’s less jumping between apps and screens and more frictionless creativity and productivity happening seamlessly in one place.
     

    Designed as a true multimodal agent, One UI 8 seamlessly combines large-screen multitasking with intelligent tools that understand what users’ type, say and even see. And, with an AI-powered camera and privacy built into every layer, Galaxy Z Fold7 becomes a smart and secure personal assistant, ready to help anytime, anywhere.
    Launching with the all-new One UI 8 on Android 16, Galaxy Z Fold7 debuts Samsung’s latest AI-powered platform on foldables, delivering the latest Android experience straight out of the box.
    Gemini Live is now enhanced with multimodal AI that understands what users see, say and do, making it possible to seamlessly type or speak contextual questions and get answers without having to toggle back and forth between apps.
    With Circle to Search, gaming tips appear exactly when and where you need them.
    With Galaxy AI Optimized for Large Screens, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers experiences that maximize the benefits of the expansive foldable display to boost productivity. AI Results View displays results from AI features in a separate Split View or in a Floating View, so the user’s original content remains unobstructed and visible. Users can be more efficient with Drag & Drop AI-generated content, including images and text, directly from Multi Window. With tools like Drawing Assist or Writing Assist, it’s easier than ever to move ideas and visuals, enabling a smoother creative process.
    Shots look flawless with Photo Assist, which moves, erases or enlarges objects and adjusts angles and fills in backgrounds with AI-powered precision. Users can seize vibrant expressions, including pet profiles with Portrait Studio and refine their photos using Galaxy’s enhanced Generative Edit. It offers proactive suggestions with the new Suggest Erases. Moreover, Side-by-Side Editing and Show Original enables real-time comparison of original images and edited versions on the large screen, making it easier to decide what to modify and what to keep. Audio Eraser has also been upgraded to be more intelligent and convenient.

     
    Galaxy Z Flip7 is a compact AI phone with multimodal capabilities, powered by a new FlexWindow. Small enough to slip into a pocket, yet powerful enough to deliver the handiest assistance, it melds Galaxy AI with a now edge-to-edge FlexWindow, a flagship level camera and an ultra-compact and iconic design. From intuitive voice AI to the best selfie capabilities, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability.
     

    The1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip, with edge-to-edge usability that enables users to see and do more on the cover screen.
    With 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both the main display and the FlexWindow, Galaxy Z Flip7 enables ultra-fluid scrolling, streaming and gaming. Plus, the FlexWindow gets an upgrade with Vision Booster, enhancing outdoor visibility so users can stay connected wherever they are.
    The main display is a 9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, built for an ultra-smooth, immersive experience.
    Weighing just 188 grams and measuring only 13.7mm when folded, Galaxy Z Flip7 is the slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet.
    The cover and back are protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2.
    The Armor FlexHinge is thinner than the hinge on the previous generation and features a restructured design and high-strength materials for smoother folds and long-lasting durability.
    A robust Armor Aluminum Frame provides a tough exterior for resilience.

     
    Power That Lasts Longer and Works Smarter
     
    While the Galaxy Z Flip7 has been slimmed down and refined throughout, it now features a bigger battery and an even bigger display – all in a more compact form.
     

    The 4,300mAh battery is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flipdelivering up to 31 hours of video play time on a single charge.
    The Galaxy Z Flip7 is powered by the latest 3nm processor, customized for Galaxy and fit for today’s lifestyle with an even more powerful CPU, GPU and NPU than Galaxy Z Flip6.
    Samsung DeX comes to a Galaxy Z Flip7 for the first time, enabling it to instantly transform into a handy workstation: users can flip it open, connect to a screen and instantly get PC-like tools for enhanced multitasking.
    Powered by the newest One UI 8 and Android 16 right out of the box, it delivers true multimodal AI experiences optimized for the Flip’s iconic design, with many tasks now able to be handled right from the cover screen.
    Gemini Live is now available directly on the FlexWindow, enabling users to search for information with their voice and complete tasks – hands-free. Users getting ready for an overseas trip can just tell Gemini what they need. It can pull up flight details from Samsung Wallet, set a reminder for when to leave for the airport and even find top-rated restaurants at the user’s destination. Plus, all this information can be stored in Samsung Notes for easy access later. It’s like having a personal assistant, right on the cover screen.
    With camera sharing on Gemini Live, getting real-time help is as easy as pointing the camera. Whether packing for a trip or choosing an outfit, users can simply show Gemini what they’re looking at. Ask questions like, “Which of these outfits is better for the weather in Seoul?” Gemini will respond, just like a helpful friend would.
    Now Bar shows real-time app activity, podcast progress and alerts right on the cover screen, and it’s now integrated with even more third-party apps. A quick glance at the FlexWindow lets users check on the ETA of their ride-share, see what song is playing, peek at the latest football scores, and so much more.
    Now Brief provides even more personalized daily updates including traffic, reminders, calendar events, and fitness summaries. Users can get personalized music and video recommendations based on subscriptions and interests, as well as easily access health and wellness data pulled from Samsung Health and Galaxy Watch.
    The FlexWindow’s clock adapts and stretches to compliment a user’s wallpaper, wrapping the font around faces or objects in the image to keep the time display clear. Whether it’s a close-up selfie or a scenic skyline, the lock screen ensures the clock remains visible without disrupting the image.

     
    A Pocket-Sized Selfie Studio
     
    Galaxy Z Flip7 brings flagship-level photography and Samsung’s best selfie camera yet with Samsung’s advanced ProVisual Engine.
     

    The dual rear camera system includes a 50MP Wide and a 12MP Ultra-Wide lens, delivering flagship-level clarity in any lighting, whether capturing scenic shots or snapping high-quality selfies directly from the cover screen.
    With Enhanced Nightography, users can capture vivid photos in low-light environments through improved lighting adjustments and the removal of noise and blurred frames.
    10-bit HDR provides richer color, deeper contrast and more life-like detail in video, no matter the time of day.
    Galaxy Z Flip7 takes selfies to the next level, right from the FlexWindow. Real-Time Filters now lets users preview and perfect FlexCam shots instantly. And with the new Zoom Slider, users can quickly zoom in or out with just a swipe- making it perfect for capturing a full outfit or fitting everyone into the frame for a flawless group selfie.
    With Dual Preview, the photographer and the subject can see the composition live on the FlexWindow, helping users nail the perfect shot on the first go.
    Everyday pet moments become eye-catching shots with Portrait Studio in Photo Assist whether featuring a playful cartoon style, a quirky fisheye look or a polished, professional finish.

     
    Bringing the foldable experience to even more users, Samsung also announced Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. Compact when folded and expansive when opened, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch Main Display for an immersive viewing experience. The 50MP FlexCam enables high-quality selfies and video in Flex Mode, letting users capture content hands-free, without even opening the device. Now Brief surfaces helpful updates – including weather, daily schedules and commute alerts – on the cover screen, in a layout optimized for Galaxy Z Flip7 FE’s compact form.
    Future-Ready Mobile Security
    As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalized AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure Wi-Fi. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.
    Availability, Price and Offers
     
    The Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 & Galaxy Z Flip7 FE will be available for pre-order starting today on Samsung.com, Amazon.in, Flipkart.com and all leading retail outlets across the country.
     

    Model
    Memory Storage
    Colors
    Price (INR)

    Galaxy Z Fold7
    12GB_256GB
    Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jet Black
    174,999

    12GB_512GB
    186,999

    16GB_1TB
    210,999

    Galaxy Z Flip7
    12GB_256GB
    Blue Shadow, Jet Black, Coral Red
    109,999

    12GB_512GB
    121,999

    Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
    8GB_128GB
    Black, White
    89,999

    8GB_256GB
    95,999

     
     
    Consumers buying the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 through Samsung.com will have an additional color option to choose from – Mint.
     
    Pre-Order Offers
     
    Customers pre-ordering the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 will receive Free Storage Upgrade worth INR 12,000. Customers pre-ordering the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE will receive Free Storage Upgrade worth INR 6,000. Additionally, up to 24-months No Cost EMI will be available for all the three models. Consumers can also pre-order on Samsung Live at https://www.samsung.com/in/live-offers/ starting today.
     
     

    Model Name
    Offers
    No Cost EMI

    Galaxy Z Fold7
    Benefits worth INR 12K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 12K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 256GB and get 512GB)

    Galaxy Z Flip7
    Benefits worth INR 12K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 12K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 256GB and get 512GB)

    Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
    Benefits worth INR 6K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 6K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 128GB and get 256GB)

     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung India Begins Pre Orders for Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 – The Most Advanced Galaxy Z series yet

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced that it has begun taking pre orders for the most advanced Galaxy Z series yet – Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7.
     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 brings together the best of Galaxy design, camera functionality and AI innovation in the thinnest and lightest Galaxy Z Fold series to date. It delivers the premium performance and experience of an ultra-smartphone, while unlocking new levels of efficiency and productivity with a larger, more immersive display when unfolded.
     
    Thinnest, Lightest Galaxy Z Fold To Date
    Galaxy Z Fold7 is crafted for those who want the everyday portability and intuitive feel of a traditional smartphone, combined with the enhanced power and flexibility of a larger, unfolded display – all in one device. With its ultra-thin and light design and wider cover display, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers a seamless on-the-go experience that makes typing and browsing effortless when it is folded.
     

    At just 215 grams, Galaxy Z Fold7 is even lighter than Galaxy S25 Ultra.
    It is just 9 mm thick when folded and 4.2 mm thick when unfolded.
    The device comes with 5-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x cover display, a wider screen with a new 21:9 aspect ratio.

     
    Most Expansive Screen on Galaxy Smartphone
    When unfolded, Galaxy Z Fold7 reveals an expansive screen that expands the workspace for editing, multitasking and immersive viewing – getting more out of Galaxy AI. The main display on Galaxy Z Fold7 is 11% larger than the previous generation, providing even more screen real estate for content editing and multitasking across multiple apps.
     

    The 8-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2x main display offers ultra-rich contrast, true blacks and vibrant detail that makes everything pop — from movies to tabs open while multitasking.
    With Vision Booster and up to 2,600 nits of peak brightness, Galaxy Z Fold7 stays brilliantly visible even in direct sunlight.

     
    Looks Sleek, Built Tough
    From repeated folding to being tossed in a bag, it’s engineered for everyday durability and built to last longer, with a restructured hinge and foldable display.
     

    The Armor FlexHinge is thinner and lighter, thanks to an enhanced water droplet design and newly implemented multi-rail structure that reduces visible creasing and strengthens durability by evenly dispersing stress.
    The cover display is made with Corning® Gorilla® Glass Ceramic 2, a new glass ceramic that has crystals intricately embedded within its glass matrix. This secures the screen’s durability and crack deflection capabilities and delivers protection in a remarkably thin form factor.
    Advanced Armor Aluminum in the frame and hinge housing increases strength and hardness by 10%.
    The main display is restructured to be thinner and lighter – yet stronger. This was achieved by implementing the Titanium plate layer. Additionally, Ultra-Thin Glass (UTG) was increased to be 50% thicker, making the display tougher.

     
    The Most Powerful Processor Customized for Galaxy
    Under the hood, Galaxy Z Fold7 is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy delivers performance boosts of 41% in NPU, 38% in CPU, and 26% in GPU compared to the previous generation. This power fuels Galaxy Z Fold7’s ability to process more AI experiences on-device without compromise.
     
    Ultra 200MP Camera
    Galaxy Z Fold7 now brings the best of the Galaxy’s pro-grade camera experience to a foldable, combining advanced hardware with intelligent processing for consistently stunning results. AI-enhanced imaging automatically optimizes lighting, detail and realism, so photos and videos stay sharp and vivid.
     

    Featuring the first 200MP wide-angle camera in the Galaxy Z series, it captures 4x more detail, producing images that are 44% brighter.
    The 10MP 100° camera on the main display expands the frame, so when users unfold their phone, it’s easy to capture group selfies, valuable moments and more of the world in a single shot.
    Samsung’s next generation ProVisual Engine processes images faster, enabling every photo and video to be more crisp, vibrant and full of detail.
    With Night Video, intelligent motion detection now separates moving subjects from still backgrounds to reduce noise.
    10-bit HDR provides more color depth. The result is videos with richer color, deeper contrast and more lifelike detail, no matter the time of day.

     
    Ultra AI Experience
     
    Galaxy Z Fold7 harnesses the power of the foldable display to amplify the power and convenience of AI, delivering experiences that are instinctive, adaptive and effortlessly efficient. With the new One UI 8 that is context-aware and naturally responsive, optimized for Galaxy Z Fold7’s flexible format and expansive screen offer a more intuitive and immersive way to interact with AI. There’s less jumping between apps and screens and more frictionless creativity and productivity happening seamlessly in one place.
     

    Designed as a true multimodal agent, One UI 8 seamlessly combines large-screen multitasking with intelligent tools that understand what users’ type, say and even see. And, with an AI-powered camera and privacy built into every layer, Galaxy Z Fold7 becomes a smart and secure personal assistant, ready to help anytime, anywhere.
    Launching with the all-new One UI 8 on Android 16, Galaxy Z Fold7 debuts Samsung’s latest AI-powered platform on foldables, delivering the latest Android experience straight out of the box.
    Gemini Live is now enhanced with multimodal AI that understands what users see, say and do, making it possible to seamlessly type or speak contextual questions and get answers without having to toggle back and forth between apps.
    With Circle to Search, gaming tips appear exactly when and where you need them.
    With Galaxy AI Optimized for Large Screens, Galaxy Z Fold7 delivers experiences that maximize the benefits of the expansive foldable display to boost productivity. AI Results View displays results from AI features in a separate Split View or in a Floating View, so the user’s original content remains unobstructed and visible. Users can be more efficient with Drag & Drop AI-generated content, including images and text, directly from Multi Window. With tools like Drawing Assist or Writing Assist, it’s easier than ever to move ideas and visuals, enabling a smoother creative process.
    Shots look flawless with Photo Assist, which moves, erases or enlarges objects and adjusts angles and fills in backgrounds with AI-powered precision. Users can seize vibrant expressions, including pet profiles with Portrait Studio and refine their photos using Galaxy’s enhanced Generative Edit. It offers proactive suggestions with the new Suggest Erases. Moreover, Side-by-Side Editing and Show Original enables real-time comparison of original images and edited versions on the large screen, making it easier to decide what to modify and what to keep. Audio Eraser has also been upgraded to be more intelligent and convenient.

     
    Galaxy Z Flip7 is a compact AI phone with multimodal capabilities, powered by a new FlexWindow. Small enough to slip into a pocket, yet powerful enough to deliver the handiest assistance, it melds Galaxy AI with a now edge-to-edge FlexWindow, a flagship level camera and an ultra-compact and iconic design. From intuitive voice AI to the best selfie capabilities, the Galaxy Z Flip7 is an intelligent pocket-sized companion built for seamless interaction and everyday reliability.
     

    The1-inch Super AMOLED FlexWindow is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flip, with edge-to-edge usability that enables users to see and do more on the cover screen.
    With 2,600 nits of peak brightness and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate on both the main display and the FlexWindow, Galaxy Z Flip7 enables ultra-fluid scrolling, streaming and gaming. Plus, the FlexWindow gets an upgrade with Vision Booster, enhancing outdoor visibility so users can stay connected wherever they are.
    The main display is a 9-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X, built for an ultra-smooth, immersive experience.
    Weighing just 188 grams and measuring only 13.7mm when folded, Galaxy Z Flip7 is the slimmest Galaxy Z Flip yet.
    The cover and back are protected by Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® 2.
    The Armor FlexHinge is thinner than the hinge on the previous generation and features a restructured design and high-strength materials for smoother folds and long-lasting durability.
    A robust Armor Aluminum Frame provides a tough exterior for resilience.

     
    Power That Lasts Longer and Works Smarter
     
    While the Galaxy Z Flip7 has been slimmed down and refined throughout, it now features a bigger battery and an even bigger display – all in a more compact form.
     

    The 4,300mAh battery is the largest ever on a Galaxy Z Flipdelivering up to 31 hours of video play time on a single charge.
    The Galaxy Z Flip7 is powered by the latest 3nm processor, customized for Galaxy and fit for today’s lifestyle with an even more powerful CPU, GPU and NPU than Galaxy Z Flip6.
    Samsung DeX comes to a Galaxy Z Flip7 for the first time, enabling it to instantly transform into a handy workstation: users can flip it open, connect to a screen and instantly get PC-like tools for enhanced multitasking.
    Powered by the newest One UI 8 and Android 16 right out of the box, it delivers true multimodal AI experiences optimized for the Flip’s iconic design, with many tasks now able to be handled right from the cover screen.
    Gemini Live is now available directly on the FlexWindow, enabling users to search for information with their voice and complete tasks – hands-free. Users getting ready for an overseas trip can just tell Gemini what they need. It can pull up flight details from Samsung Wallet, set a reminder for when to leave for the airport and even find top-rated restaurants at the user’s destination. Plus, all this information can be stored in Samsung Notes for easy access later. It’s like having a personal assistant, right on the cover screen.
    With camera sharing on Gemini Live, getting real-time help is as easy as pointing the camera. Whether packing for a trip or choosing an outfit, users can simply show Gemini what they’re looking at. Ask questions like, “Which of these outfits is better for the weather in Seoul?” Gemini will respond, just like a helpful friend would.
    Now Bar shows real-time app activity, podcast progress and alerts right on the cover screen, and it’s now integrated with even more third-party apps. A quick glance at the FlexWindow lets users check on the ETA of their ride-share, see what song is playing, peek at the latest football scores, and so much more.
    Now Brief provides even more personalized daily updates including traffic, reminders, calendar events, and fitness summaries. Users can get personalized music and video recommendations based on subscriptions and interests, as well as easily access health and wellness data pulled from Samsung Health and Galaxy Watch.
    The FlexWindow’s clock adapts and stretches to compliment a user’s wallpaper, wrapping the font around faces or objects in the image to keep the time display clear. Whether it’s a close-up selfie or a scenic skyline, the lock screen ensures the clock remains visible without disrupting the image.

     
    A Pocket-Sized Selfie Studio
     
    Galaxy Z Flip7 brings flagship-level photography and Samsung’s best selfie camera yet with Samsung’s advanced ProVisual Engine.
     

    The dual rear camera system includes a 50MP Wide and a 12MP Ultra-Wide lens, delivering flagship-level clarity in any lighting, whether capturing scenic shots or snapping high-quality selfies directly from the cover screen.
    With Enhanced Nightography, users can capture vivid photos in low-light environments through improved lighting adjustments and the removal of noise and blurred frames.
    10-bit HDR provides richer color, deeper contrast and more life-like detail in video, no matter the time of day.
    Galaxy Z Flip7 takes selfies to the next level, right from the FlexWindow. Real-Time Filters now lets users preview and perfect FlexCam shots instantly. And with the new Zoom Slider, users can quickly zoom in or out with just a swipe- making it perfect for capturing a full outfit or fitting everyone into the frame for a flawless group selfie.
    With Dual Preview, the photographer and the subject can see the composition live on the FlexWindow, helping users nail the perfect shot on the first go.
    Everyday pet moments become eye-catching shots with Portrait Studio in Photo Assist whether featuring a playful cartoon style, a quirky fisheye look or a polished, professional finish.

     
    Bringing the foldable experience to even more users, Samsung also announced Galaxy Z Flip7 FE. Compact when folded and expansive when opened, Galaxy Z Flip7 FE features a 6.7-inch Main Display for an immersive viewing experience. The 50MP FlexCam enables high-quality selfies and video in Flex Mode, letting users capture content hands-free, without even opening the device. Now Brief surfaces helpful updates – including weather, daily schedules and commute alerts – on the cover screen, in a layout optimized for Galaxy Z Flip7 FE’s compact form.
    Future-Ready Mobile Security
    As mobile experiences grow ever more intelligent and interconnected, Samsung is reinforcing the foundations that protect them – unveiling new protections for on-device AI, expanding cross-device threat detection and enhancing network security with quantum-resistant encryption. One UI 8 brings enhanced privacy to personalized AI experiences with the new Knox Enhanced Encrypted Protection (KEEP). KEEP creates encrypted, app-specific storage environments within the device’s secure storage area, ensuring each app can access only its own sensitive information and nothing more. With One UI 8, Samsung is advancing Knox Matrix to deliver more proactive and user-friendly protection across the Galaxy ecosystem. Furthermore, as part of its ongoing commitment to quantum-safe security, Samsung is integrating post-quantum cryptography into Secure Wi-Fi. This enhancement secures the key exchange process at the core of encrypted connections, helping ensure robust privacy even over public networks.
    Availability, Price and Offers
     
    The Galaxy Z Fold7, Galaxy Z Flip7 & Galaxy Z Flip7 FE will be available for pre-order starting today on Samsung.com, Amazon.in, Flipkart.com and all leading retail outlets across the country.
     

    Model
    Memory Storage
    Colors
    Price (INR)

    Galaxy Z Fold7
    12GB_256GB
    Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow, Jet Black
    174,999

    12GB_512GB
    186,999

    16GB_1TB
    210,999

    Galaxy Z Flip7
    12GB_256GB
    Blue Shadow, Jet Black, Coral Red
    109,999

    12GB_512GB
    121,999

    Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
    8GB_128GB
    Black, White
    89,999

    8GB_256GB
    95,999

     
     
    Consumers buying the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 through Samsung.com will have an additional color option to choose from – Mint.
     
    Pre-Order Offers
     
    Customers pre-ordering the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 will receive Free Storage Upgrade worth INR 12,000. Customers pre-ordering the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE will receive Free Storage Upgrade worth INR 6,000. Additionally, up to 24-months No Cost EMI will be available for all the three models. Consumers can also pre-order on Samsung Live at https://www.samsung.com/in/live-offers/ starting today.
     
     

    Model Name
    Offers
    No Cost EMI

    Galaxy Z Fold7
    Benefits worth INR 12K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 12K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 256GB and get 512GB)

    Galaxy Z Flip7
    Benefits worth INR 12K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 12K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 256GB and get 512GB)

    Galaxy Z Flip7 FE
    Benefits worth INR 6K
    Up to 24 months

    INR 6K Storage Upgrade (Pre-order 128GB and get 256GB)

     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maryland Woman Charged with Tax Refund Fraud

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A federal grand jury in Baltimore, Maryland, returned an indictment, unsealed late last week, charging a Maryland woman with tax fraud, theft of government funds, and money laundering.

    The following is according to the indictment: between December 2019 and March 2020, Kendra Nicole Scarborough, of Oxon Hill, allegedly assisted with the preparation and filing of false tax returns in order to receive large refunds from the IRS to which she was not entitled. On those returns, Scarborough allegedly claimed nonexistent payments or withholdings and requested more than $1.1 million in refunds. As a result of one of the alleged false tax returns, the IRS issued refunds to Scarborough of more than $412,000.

    If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the money laundering charge, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the theft of government funds charge, and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each of the three charges of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Scarborough also faces a period of supervised release, monetary penalties, and restitution.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Assistant Chief Sarah Ranney and Trial Attorney Alexandra Fleszar of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Ukrainian baker rises above adversity

    Source: United Nations 2

    Ms. Honcharenko’s story, like her bread, has risen through layers of loss, resilience, and hope. Before 2014, she lived in Horlivka, in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, working as a doctor at a mine and raising four children with her husband, Dmytro. Life was stable, full of routine and love. 

    When the fighting in Donetsk broke out that year, the family had to leave everything behind and move to nearby Toretsk, which remained under the control of the Ukrainian government.

    “The first few months, I felt completely lost,” she recalled.  “Then I came across an ad for an entrepreneurship course. It asked: ‘What do you know best?’ And I immediately thought – crêpes! I used to make them all the time for my family.”

    © IOM/Anastasiia Rudnieva

    Hanna Honcharenko runs a bakery in Dnipro in eastern Ukraine,

    From that memory, a business was born. She bought a crêpe maker and a coffee machine and rented a tiny space. But it was baking bread that truly called to her.

    “Everyone in my family baked: my mother, my grandmother, but I was never very good at it. I failed again and again. Still, I kept trying. I knew that one day it would work.”

    It did. Today, Ms. Honcharenko’s bakery sells more than 20 types of bread.

    Oven dough

    In 2019, she received a grant from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) that allowed her to purchase a large oven – the heart of her business. It has baked bread through two cities, survived shelling, and been repaired and relocated.

    “When the full-scale war started, all I could think of was how to get the oven out,” she said. “Not money, not documents – the oven. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to start over again.”

    In 2022, Ms. Honcharenko’s and her family were forced to move again – this time to Dnipro. They packed their belongings, their dog, oven, and began again.

    A few weeks later, the bakery reopened.

    © Humanitarian Mission Proliska

    The Donetsk region of Ukraine has been heavily bombed during the war.

    “My son, who had never shown any interest in baking before, said: ‘I’ll bake with you.’ My daughter-in-law took over the counter and my husband renovated the premises. We did everything together. For us, a family business isn’t just a structure – it’s the heart of what we do.”

    Today, Ms. Honcharenko runs two bakeries in Dnipro – one managed by her and the other by her son. In 2023, IOM provided additional support to help her purchase new equipment for the second location. The assistance allowed the family to expand the business and create more job opportunities for other displaced people. 

    Rising star

    The menu includes more than 20 types of bread, cookies, croissants, nuts, cinnamon rolls, and her best-seller: the Donbas poppy seed roll, with three times more poppy seed than dough. “We always have queues for it,” she smiled. “Some recipes didn’t catch on in the new city, but others became iconic. I learn along with my customers.”

    Displaced people were her first customers in Dnipro.

    © IOM/Anastasiia Rudnieva

    The best-selling poppy seed roll, a special family recipe.

    “I wrote on social media: ‘You’re welcome to come for tea and a chat. Just stop by.’ And people did. They were scared and lonely, just like us. We supported each other. Later, Dnipro locals started coming too.”

    “I want to keep this feeling, no matter how much we grow,” she said. “I dream of hiring families: mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, siblings working side by side. Because family is a pillar of support. You can’t rely on anyone like you can rely on your family.”

    Her story is just one of many. Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, IOM has supported over 1,800 Ukrainian micro and small businesses with grants and consultancies to help them adapt to the challenges of a wartime economy. 

    IOM says it remains committed to standing with entrepreneurs across Ukraine, helping them rebuild, grow, and carry on despite the uncertainty.  

    Still, uncertainty lingers. she admits that she still gets scared, especially as attacks on Ukrainian cities continue to affect daily life and customer turnout.

    “When it’s loud at night, it’s quiet in the morning,” she said. “But we open anyway. Someone has to keep life going.” 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Very limited time to react’: Texas flash floods expose challenges in early warning

    Source: United Nations 2

    The UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said that the tragedy highlights growing global challenges around extreme rainfall, warning dissemination and community preparedness.

    Flash floods are the most lethal form of flooding, responsible for over 5,000 deaths annually and 85 per cent of all flood-related fatalities worldwide, according to WMO data, and result in economic losses of more than $50 billion annually.

    “Unlike slow-onset river floods, flash floods leave very limited time for reaction,” the agency said in a news release on Wednesday.

    “That makes accurate short-term forecasting and community preparedness essential.”

    One-day precipitation totals from NASA’s IMERG multi-satellite precipitation product show heavy rainfall over central Texas on July 4, 2025.

    Months of rains in hours

    Overnight 3 into 4 July, torrential rains – up to 46 centimetres (about 18 inches) in a matter of hours – sent a wall of water surging through Kerr County’s Guadalupe River basin at around 4 AM, catching many residents and vacationers off guard.

    The US National Weather Service issued timely alerts – including a flash flood watch more than 12 hours in advance, upgraded to a flash flood emergency about three hours before impact.

    The warnings were disseminated by Weather Radio, emergency management systems and television and radio stations, but many people, including hundreds of children at summer camps, were not reached in time.

    Floodwaters surged dramatically as the Guadalupe River rose nearly 8 metres (about 26 feet) in about 45 minutes.

    Among the hardest hit was the all-girls summer camp, Camp Mystic, along the river, where at least 27 campers and counsellors died, according to media reports. Texas state authorities report that more than 160 people remain missing.

    The disaster has triggered one of the largest search-and-rescue efforts in state history.

    More frequent and severe floods

    Flash floods are not new, but their frequency and intensity are increasing in many regions due to rapid urbanization, land-use change and a warming climate.

    “A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture and so this means that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent,” WMO said.

    The Texas disaster joins a string of recent catastrophic floods. In 2022, flash floods in Pakistan killed over 1,700 people and displaced millions. In 2024, floods in Europe, the Middle East and Africa saw $36 billion in economic damages.

    And just this week, a flash flood along the Nepalese-Chinese border swept away the main bridge linking the two countries.

    UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

    In September 2022, Pakistan was hit by devastating flooding which left large swathes of the country under water.

    Supporting countries

    To help countries predict such hazards, WMO operates the Flash Flood Guidance System, a real-time forecasting platform used in over 70 countries. It integrates satellite data, radar, and weather models to detect local flash flood threats and supports training programs to build national capacity.

    Beyond technology, the agency plays a convening role by building national capacity, certifying experts, and facilitating real-time coordination between forecasting agencies and disaster managers.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN warns of deepening health crisis in Gaza amid mass casualty incidents

    Source: United Nations 2

    Across the Gaza Strip, as people desperately search for food, mass casualty incidents are reported almost daily, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, told reporters at his regular briefing in New York.

    Hospitals, already under immense strain, are struggling to cope and lack of essential supplies – including fuel and medicines – is placing even greater pressure on overstretched teams.

    The war has also had a devastating impact on health workers. According to Gazan health authorities, more than 1,500 medical staff have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.

    Medical supplies arrive – but much more is needed

    The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 11 trucks carrying medical aid, including surgical supplies, assistive devices, orthopaedic instruments and other essential medical items, had entered the Strip on Tuesday.

    These supplies are set to be distributed to various health facilities across Gaza.

    “The health needs remain immense. Much more medical supplies are needed. We urgently call for the unimpeded entry of fuel, food, and health aid at scale into Gaza through all possible routes,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO General-Director, said in a post on social media.

    Mr. Dujarric echoed that message, calling for the opening of all crossings and corridors “to ensure the consistent, frequent and large-scale distribution of aid to people in need, wherever they are.”

    Disease risk rising

    Against the backdrop of access challenges, the spectre of deadly disease outbreaks is also rising.

    In northern Gaza, 10 water wells have stopped functioning due to lack of fuel, and another 25 are operating only partially and could soon shut down.

    “Shorter pumping hours, reduced water production and limited solid waste collection provide fertile ground for diseases to spread – especially among vulnerable people including children, older people and pregnant women,” Mr. Dujarric said.

    No hygiene items have entered Gaza since early March 2025, he noted, added that the ongoing shortage of cleaning and sanitation supplies is severely affecting health and impeding an effective medical response.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grothman Applauds Department of Labor’s Reversal of Harmful Rule Targeting Disability Employment Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah 6th District Wisconsin)

    Grothman Applauds Department of Labor’s Reversal of Harmful Rule Targeting Disability Employment Programs

    Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06) applauded the Department of Labor’s decision to withdraw its proposed rule of phasing out the use of 14(c) certificates, an action that would have jeopardized meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and threatened the future of Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs) nationwide. 

    On December 3, 2024, the Department of Labor announced its intent to phase out 14(c) certificates, a move that posed a devastating blow to individuals and families who rely on these certificates for functional employment. In response, Congressman Grothman introduced the Continuing Opportunities for People with Disabilities Act, standing up for the thousands of Americans whose jobs were at risk.  

    “I am grateful for the strong leadership shown by Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and her Department of Labor in reversing this devastating rule,” said Grothman. “This decision protects the right of individuals with disabilities to choose the employment opportunity that best fits their needs. The pride and purpose that comes from their work is inspiring and deserves our full support. 

    “I was proud to lead the charge against this proposal with my legislation and remain committed to preserving and expanding opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. After years of reckless, misguided policies under the Biden Administration, I am glad that we are finally restoring certainty in choice and dignity to some of the most hardworking individuals in our nation.” 

    Click HERE to view the Department of Labor’s official notice. 

    U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-Glenbeulah) proudly serves the people of Wisconsin’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Rio Grande Valley investigation results in Georgia woman sentenced for smuggling firearms into Mexico

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BROWNSVILLE, Texas — A Georgia woman was sentenced for smuggling several firearms and magazines hidden in a vehicle’s gas tank following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley.

    Mirna Luna, 38, was sentenced July 9 by U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. to a 46-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of trafficking of firearms. Luna pleaded guilty April 1.

    “Firearms trafficking poses a significant threat to public safety and national security,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Deputy Special Agent in Charge Mark Lippa. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and our commitment to preventing illegal weapons from reaching the hands of criminals and foreign terrorist organizations. HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle such smuggling operations.”

    According to court documents, Luna traveled from her Canton, Georgia, residence Dec. 15, 2024, and attempted to cross at the Brownsville/Matamoros Port of Entry into Mexico. Once there, authorities had referred her to secondary inspection where they discovered 17 firearms and 27 magazines hidden in the gas tank of the Nissan car she was driving. Luna claimed ownership of the car and admitted she is the only person who drives it. She does not have a license to export firearms and has not applied for one.

    She will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose Esquivel and Ana Cano from the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives shatters the church’s century-long effort to curate its own image

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brenton Griffin, Casual Lecturer and Tutor in History, Indigenous Studies, and Politics, Flinders University

    Hulu

    Reality TV series The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives follows a number of social media influencers from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who rose to prominence through social media, and particularly TikTok.

    The show is based in Utah, United States, where the church has its headquarters. But it stands in stark contrast with the stereotypical perception of Mormons – and especially Mormon women – the church has promoted for more than a century.

    Through its exploration of traditionally “taboo” topics such as sex, marital issues, mental illness and sexual abuse, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives clashes against the church’s carefully curated public image.

    Historical pariahs

    Historically, the church’s practice of polygamy placed it at odds with the mainstream sexual and familial norms of 19th century America.

    Polygamy had been practised by Mormons since at least the 1830s, and was officially announced as permissible by the church in 1852. The church now acknowledges its founder, Joseph Smith, married almost 40 women and teenage girls before his death in 1844.

    When Mormon missionaries began to proselytise throughout the world, newspapers criticised the practice, and Mormons were framed as sexual deviants and racialised “pariahs”. In other words, Mormons were presented as being racially different to the rest of white American society. This claim was even supported by doctors at the time.

    1904 Time cartoon by C.J. Rudd, captioned: ‘Mormon Elder Berry – out with his six year olds, who take after their mothers.’
    KUER/Religion of a Different Color: Mormonism and the Struggle for Whiteness’ (2017) by W. Paul Reeve.

    To Mormons, however, polygamy was a reintroduction of the correct form of marriage, and they pointed to biblical prophets to justify it.

    In 1862, the US congress passed a series of laws aimed at abolishing polygamy. This resulted in the arrest of church leaders and the confiscation of church-owned funds and properties in Utah.

    Then, in the 1870s, exposés written by former Mormons (particularly women) decried polygamy as evil, increasing hostility against Mormon leaders.

    Ann Eliza Webb Young, ex-wife of Mormon prophet Brigham Young, wrote the exposé ‘Wife No. 19, Or The Story of Life in Bondage’.
    Internet Archive Open Library

    In 1890, church leader Wilford Woodruff announced in a revelation known as the Manifesto that polygamy would cease. The Manifesto was accepted by most Mormons as the government’s harassment increased. However, breakaway groups called “fundamentalists” continued the practice.

    Today, Mormon scriptures continue to state polygamy is the correct form of marriage, and will exist in the afterlife.

    The stereotypical Mormon

    Since the ending of polygamy, the church has sought to establish itself as a moral equal to mainstream Christian norms, especially sexual norms. In 1995, it released a document titled Family: A Proclamation to the World which emphasised the view that heterosexual marriage and strict gender roles are divinely ordained.

    The 1995 official Mormon document, ‘The Family: A Proclamation to the World’.
    BYU Scholar Arcive

    As the church has grown, it has presented its members as model citizens of the nations they reside in.

    In doing so, it has promoted unique doctrines and practices, such as sexual abstinence before marriage, and a particular health code called the Word of Wisdom which bars alcohol, tea, coffee and tobacco.

    These doctrines, and existing stereotypes of Mormons, are examined in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

    Colliding perceptions

    The 2024 release of the series caused waves in the Latter-day Saints community, with a number of Mormon-focused publications condemning it.

    Before the show was released, the church published a general statement saying media portrayals of Mormons “often rely on sensationalism and inaccuracies that do not fairly and fully reflect the lives of our Church members”. It has yet to directly comment on the show.

    Nonetheless, the representation of Mormons in The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is problematic for the church, because it transgresses its highly curated image of Mormonism.

    As the influencers put it, there is a desire to push back against stereotypes around Mormonism, and particularly Mormon women. These stereotypes have been crystallised by the church to combat perceptions of Mormons as sexually abhorrent, due to past practices of polygamy.

    The women in the show wear clothing that would not cover “temple garments”, the mandatory Latter-day Saint undergarments which seek to impose sexual modesty.

    There is also a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgement that while the church prohibits stimulants such as tea, coffee and alcohol, Mormons within Utah and surrounds still consume other, somewhat surprising, substances. For instance, the use of ketamine in therapy is allowed when administered by a healthcare professional.

    The series also engages with topics considered taboo in the church, such as marital issues, mental health struggles and consensual sex. Even if these are being played up by the cast or producers, such discussions are lacking in broader Mormon circles.

    Importantly, there are admissions by some cast members, including one of the husbands, of being sexually abused as children. According to the cast members themselves, these disclosures are intended to empower viewers who may have had similar experiences.

    This is a powerful critique, because the Mormon church has come under intense scrutiny for its failure to properly respond to child sexual assault, both in the US and globally.

    The next steps

    The show is having a marked impact on perceptions of Mormonism, despite the church’s stance it doesn’t represent the beliefs and lifestyle of Mormons more broadly.

    For many viewers, it might be their introduction to the religion. This is concerning for adherents, and particularly for the church’s leadership.

    The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives reunion special aired earlier this month.
    Hulu

    There are internal tools the church could use against the show’s cast members, such as disciplinary councils or excommunication. But these would be ineffective since only about half the members consider themselves “faithful” Mormons.

    It’s interesting the church has yet to condemn the show. Perhaps maintaining an image of reluctant acceptance is more important, as in recent years the church has been criticised for overreach against its own members.

    In this case, the show would be an uncomfortable reality the church will just have to live with. Either way, the damage to the stereotypical Mormon image is done.

    The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is available to stream on Disney+.

    Brenton Griffin was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but is no longer a practising member of the church. His research is focused on the religion’s place in Australian and New Zealand popular culture, politics, and society from the 19th century to present.

    – ref. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives shatters the church’s century-long effort to curate its own image – https://theconversation.com/the-secret-lives-of-mormon-wives-shatters-the-churchs-century-long-effort-to-curate-its-own-image-260418

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Defence spending is like insurance – how will NZ pay the higher premiums?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stephen Hickson, Lecturer in Economics and Director, Business Taught Masters Programme, University of Canterbury

    Getty Images

    Defence spending is like insurance – you have to pay for it but you hope you never have to use it. And the higher the risk you face, the higher your premium will be.

    New Zealand has now committed to paying those higher defence insurance premiums. The government’s 2025 Defence Capability Plan, released in April, includes NZ$9 billion in extra funding over the next four years. That’s a sizable increase on a current annual budget of just under $5 billion.

    New Zealand is not alone, of course. Driven by geopolitical tensions and US President Donald Trump’s demand that other countries spend a higher proportion of their GDP on defence, global military spending rose for the tenth year in a row to US$2,718 billion in 2024, with huge increases in Europe and the Middle East.

    How much “insurance” a country should buy in the form of defence spending will vary. Too little, and it cannot respond when it needs to; too much, and resources are needlessly wasted. For New Zealand, it is a matter of finding the right balance.

    Economically, however, defence spending is more complicated than simply buying weapons and recruiting more personnel. There can be benefits beyond basic security considerations.

    One involves what economists call “technology spillovers”. Past innovations developed for military use – such as jet engines, GPS and the internet – often found important civilian applications.

    The challenge is to design defence investments to deliberately build skills and technologies with wider economic benefit: advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity or clean tech. New Zealand’s defence plan includes this kind of spending, including
    between $100 million and 300 million on cybersecurity.

    On the other hand, promises of new jobs from large projects are often overstated, with New Zealand’s best known example being the “Think Big” policy of the 1970s. Rather, there can be job substitution as people move from civilian roles into military ones.

    Guns and butter

    In the end, of course, increased defence spending must be funded – through higher taxes, more debt or reduced spending on other items. Higher GDP growth would make the expenditure more affordable, but even then we face the same tradeoffs. It’s not possible to have lower taxes and debt as well as higher government spending.

    Most of the expenditure set out in the defence plan will be on equipment. But any increase in the output of the defence industry will likely crowd out other consumer and investment goods.

    While clearly an extreme example, one only has to look at how defence spending rose during WWII. The increase in military output came at the expense of other goods, leading to shortages and rationing.

    New Zealand doesn’t face that scale of change, but there is still likely to be some shift in production from “butter to guns”. We might also see a shift in how businesses spend their research and development money, towards military and away from civilian applications.

    New Zealand does not have a large defence industry and will need to import much of the new equipment. This implies a need for higher exports to pay for those imports, meaning fewer goods for New Zealanders to consume.

    Costs and benefits

    Most countries are understandably reluctant to cut spending on health, education and other things voters care about in order to boost defence. Hence, governments can be tempted to label new expenditures as “defence” when it could otherwise be classified as “updated infrastructure”.

    Spending on dual-purpose capital works is likely to increase, therefore, with projects earmarked for defence more likely to be funded. The New Zealand defence plan already allows for housing, airfield and port facilities that can all have multiple uses.

    There are also ethical considerations. Many consumers prefer not to invest in the arms trade, but components used in weapons manufacture often have non-military uses as well.

    Similarly, many consumer items, such as phones, vehicles and food, can be purchased by the military but clearly have non-military uses. We may see more of the output of companies that also produce non-military items directed into defence.

    All of this can make it difficult to classify a company as a defence contractor, and may be challenging for large investors (such as superannuation funds) with ethical investment policies. At the same time, the cost of not investing in defence firms might also rise as demand for their products or services increases and they become better investments.

    Like people in general, countries prefer lower insurance premiums. But when risks increase, so too does the price of insurance. Voters will disagree on how much should be spent on defence, but that is largely a political question.

    What economics teaches us, however, is that if you want to reduce your insurance premium, then reduce your risk. And that is something easier said than done.

    Stephen Hickson 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. Defence spending is like insurance – how will NZ pay the higher premiums? – https://theconversation.com/defence-spending-is-like-insurance-how-will-nz-pay-the-higher-premiums-260399

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Where do giant volcanic eruptions come from? New study finds missing link to ‘blobs’ deep within Earth

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicolas Flament, Associate Professor and ARC Future Fellow, Environmental Futures, School of Science, University of Wollongong

    Volcanic eruptions at Earth’s surface have significant consequences. Smaller ones can scare tourists on Mount Etna or disrupt air traffic.

    Giant, large-scale eruptions can have more serious impacts. One such event contributed to the demise of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Giant volcanoes also triggered events that led to the largest mass dying on Earth, the Permian–Triassic extinction 252 million years ago).

    But what fuels a giant eruption, and how does it make its way to the surface from deep within the planet?

    In a new study published in Communications Earth and Environment, we show that columns of hot rock, which rise some 3,000 kilometres through Earth’s mantle and cause giant eruptions, are connected to continent-sized source regions we call BLOBS.

    Hidden blobs within Earth

    BLOBS are hot regions at the bottom of Earth’s mantle (between about 2,000km and 3,000km in depth) which might be composed of different material compared with the surrounding mantle rocks.

    Scientists have long known about these two hot regions under the Pacific Ocean and Africa. Geologist David Evans from Yale University suggested the acronym BLOBS, which stands for Big LOwer-mantle Basal Structures.

    These BLOBS have possibly existed for hundreds of millions of years. It is unclear whether they’re stationary or if they move around as part of mantle motion (called convection).



    Read more:
    Volcanoes, diamonds, and blobs: a billion-year history of Earth’s interior shows it’s more mobile than we thought

    Mantle plumes were the implicit link in previous studies relating BLOBS to giant volcanic eruptions. Their shape is a bit like a lollipop: the “stick” is the plume tail and the “candy” is the plume head.

    Connection between the deep mantle and Earth’s surface showing the relationship between BLOBS, mantle plumes and giant volcanic eruptions – not drawn to scale.

    Mantle plumes rise very slowly through the mantle because they transport hot solid rock, not melt or lava. At lower pressures in the uppermost 200km of Earth’s mantle, the solid rock melts, leading to eruptions.

    A long-sought relationship

    In our new study, we simulated mantle convection from 1 billion years ago and found that mantle plumes rise from moving BLOBS and can sometimes be gently tilted.

    Giant volcanic eruptions can be identified by the volume of volcanic rocks preserved at Earth’s surface. The ocean floor preserves detailed fingerprints of mantle plumes for the past 120 million years or so (there is not much seafloor older than that).

    Oceanic plateaus, such as the Ontong Java-Manihiki-Hikurangi plateau currently in the southwest Pacific Ocean, are linked to plume heads. In contrast, series of volcanoes such as the Hawaii-Emperor seamount chain and the Lord Howe seamount chain are linked to plume tails.

    We used statistics to show that the locations of past giant volcanic eruptions are significantly related to the mantle plumes predicted by our models. This is encouraging, as it suggests that the simulations predict mantle plumes in places and at times generally consistent with the geologic record.

    Model BLOBS, plume tails, and giant volcanic eruptions under the African hemisphere from 300 million years ago. BLOBS are coloured in dark red and plume tails are coloured by depth in yellow to orange tones, with warmer colours at greater depths. At the surface, the outlines of continental blocks are shown in transparent grey, and giant volcanic eruption locations are shown as green triangles.

    Are BLOBS fixed or mobile?

    We showed that the considered eruption locations fall either onto or close to the moving BLOBS predicted by our models. Eruption locations slightly outside moving BLOBS could be explained by plume tilting.

    We represented fixed BLOBS with 3D images of Earth’s interior, created using seismic waves from distant earthquakes (a technique called seismic tomography). One out of the four seismic tomographic models that we considered matched the locations of past giant volcanic eruptions, implying that the fixed BLOBS scenario cannot be ruled out for geologically recent times – the past 300 million years.

    One of the next steps for this research is to explore the chemical nature of BLOBS and plume conduits. We can do so with simulations that track the evolution of their composition.

    Our results suggest the deep Earth is dynamic. BLOBS, which are some 2,000km below Earth’s surface, move hundreds of kilometres over time, and are connected to Earth’s surface by mantle plumes that create giant eruptions.

    To take a step back and keep things in perspective: while deep Earth motions are significant over tens of millions of years, they are generally in the order of 1 centimetre per year. This means BLOBS shift at roughly the rate at which human hair grows.



    Read more:
    Where should we look for new metals that are critical for green energy technology? Volcanoes may point the way

    Nicolas Flament receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Anglo American and De Beers.

    Annalise Cucchiaro receives funding from the Australian Research Council, Anglo American and De Beers.

    – ref. Where do giant volcanic eruptions come from? New study finds missing link to ‘blobs’ deep within Earth – https://theconversation.com/where-do-giant-volcanic-eruptions-come-from-new-study-finds-missing-link-to-blobs-deep-within-earth-259804

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Earth’s ‘oldest’ impact crater is much younger than previously thought – new study

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aaron J. Cavosie, Senior Lecturer, School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Curtin University

    Outcrops of shocked rocks from the Miralga impact structure. Aaron Cavosie

    Ever been late because you misread a clock? Sometimes, the “clocks” geologists use to date events can also be misread. Unravelling Earth’s 4.5-billion-year history with rocks is tricky business.

    Case in point: the discovery of an ancient meteorite impact crater was recently reported in the remote Pilbara region of Western Australia. The original study, by a different group, made headlines with the claim the crater formed 3.5 billion years ago. If true, it would be Earth’s oldest by far.

    As it turns out, we’d also been investigating the same site. Our results are published in Science Advances today. While we agree that this is the site of an ancient meteorite impact, we have reached different conclusions about its age, size and significance.

    Let’s consider the claims made about this fascinating crater.

    One impact crater, two versions of events

    Planetary scientists search for ancient impacts to learn about Earth’s early formation. So far, nobody has found an impact crater older than the 2.23-billion-year-old Yarrabubba structure, also in Australia. (Some of the authors from both 2025 Pilbara studies were coauthors on the 2020 Yarrabubba study.)

    The new contender is located in an area called North Pole Dome. Despite the name, this isn’t where Santa lives. It’s an arid, hot, ochre-stained landscape.

    The sun sets on the arid landscape of North Pole Dome in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
    Alec Brenner

    The first report on the new crater claimed it formed 3.5 billion years ago, and was more than 100 kilometres in diameter. It was proposed that such a large impact might have played a role in forming continental crust in the Pilbara. More speculatively, the researchers also suggested it may have influenced early life.

    Our study concludes the impact actually happened much later, sometime after 2.7 billion years ago. This is at least 800 million years younger than the earlier estimate (and we think it’s probably even younger; more on that in a moment).

    We also determined the crater was much smaller – about 16km in diameter. In our view, this impact was too young and too small to have influenced continent formation or early life.

    So how could two studies arrive at such different findings?

    Subtle clues of an impact

    The originally circular crater is deeply eroded, leaving only subtle clues on the landscape. However, among the rust-coloured basalts are unique telltale signs of meteorite impact: shatter cones.

    Outcrop photo of shatter cones in basalt at the Miralga impact structure. The black pen cap is 5cm long.
    Alec Brenner

    Shatter cones are distinctive fossilised imprints of shock waves that have passed through rocks. Their unique conical shapes form under brief but immense pressure where a meteorite strikes Earth.

    Both studies found shatter cones, and agree the site is an ancient impact.

    This new crater also needed a name. We consulted the local Aboriginal people, the Nyamal, who shared the traditional name for this place and its people: Miralga. The “Miralga impact structure” name recognises this heritage.

    Determining the timing of the impact

    The impact age was estimated by field observations, as neither study found material likely to yield an impact age by radiometric dating – a method that uses measurements of radioactive isotopes.

    Both studies applied a geological principle called the law of superposition. This states that rock layers get deposited one on top of another over time, so rocks on top are younger than those below.

    Example of the law of superposition, known as Hutton’s unconformity, at Siccar Point Scotland. The gently dipping layered rocks at the top left were deposited onto – and are therefore younger than – the nearly vertical layered rocks at the bottom right.
    Anne Burgess/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    The first group found shatter cones within and below a sedimentary layer known to have been deposited 3.47 billion years ago, but no shatter cones in younger rocks above this layer. This meant the impact occurred during deposition of the sedimentary layer.

    Their observation seemed to be a “smoking gun” for an impact 3.47 billion years ago.

    As it turns out, there was more to the story.

    Our investigation found shatter cones in the same 3.47 billion-year-old rocks, but also in younger overlying rocks, including lavas known to have erupted 2.77 billion years ago.

    Outcrop of shatter cones in 2.77-billion-year-old basalt at the Miralga impact structure. These lavas are the youngest rocks in the area we found to have shatter cones. They have distinctive holes (vesicles) representing trapped gas bubbles. The pen is 15cm long.
    Aaron Cavosie

    The impact had to occur after the formation of the youngest rocks that contained shatter cones, meaning sometime after the 2.77-billion-year-old lavas.

    At the moment, we don’t know precisely how young the crater is. We can only constrain the impact to have occurred between 2.7 billion and 400 million years ago. We’re working on dating the impact by isotopic methods, but these results aren’t yet in.

    Smaller than originally thought

    We made the first map showing where shatter cones are found. There are many hundreds over an area 6km across. From this map and their orientations, we calculate the original crater was about 16km in diameter.

    A 16km crater is a far cry from the original estimate of more than 100km. It’s too small to have influenced the formation of continents or life. By the time of the impact, the Pilbara was already quite old.

    Artist’s depiction looking northwest across the Pilbara, over the 16km-wide Miralga crater. The crater is shown 3km above the modern land surface to account for the deep erosion that has since erased it. The crater size is based on the distribution of shatter cones (inset). The cones point up and back towards the original ‘ground zero’ of the impact. Maps produced using Google Earth Studio.
    Alec Brenner

    A new connection to Mars

    Science is a self-policing sport. Claims of discovery are based on data available at the time, but they often require modification based on new data or observations.

    While it’s not the world’s oldest, the Miralga impact is scientifically unique, as craters formed in basalt are rare. Most basalts there formed 3.47 billion years ago, making them the oldest shocked target rocks known.

    Prior to impact, these ancient basalts had been chemically altered by seawater. Sedimentary rocks nearby also contain the earliest well-established fossils on Earth. Such rocks likely covered much of early Earth and Mars.

    This makes the Miralga impact structure a playground for planetary scientists studying the cratered surface (and maybe early life) of Mars. It’s an easily accessible proving ground for Mars exploration instruments and imagery, right here on Earth.

    Aaron J. Cavosie receives or has received funding from the Australian Research Council, the US National Science Foundation, and NASA.

    Alec Brenner 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. Earth’s ‘oldest’ impact crater is much younger than previously thought – new study – https://theconversation.com/earths-oldest-impact-crater-is-much-younger-than-previously-thought-new-study-259803

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Donalds Leads Effort To Codify President Trump’s America First Energy Agenda Into Law

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL)

    Donalds Leads Effort To Codify President Trump’s America First Energy Agenda Into Law

    Washington, June 4, 2025

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) has introduced legislation to codify President Trump’s four, May 23, 2025, executive orders regarding the production and national security implications of domestic nuclear energy.

    H.R. 3667 – “The Strengthening American Nuclear Energy (SANE) Act” is the 15th piece of legislation introduced by Congressman Donalds during the 119th Congress and specifically codifies following executive orders: (1) Deploying Advanced Nuclear Reactor Technologies for National Security; (2) Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; (3) Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy; and (4) Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base.

    “In November, the American people granted us an unprecedented mandate to implement President Trump’s America First Agenda,” said Congressman Donalds (R-FL). “Now more than ever, it’s up to Congress to hold up our end of the bargain. Energy security is national security and it’s imperative that our nation re-asserts our dominance in the nuclear space.”

    Background:

    Statements in Support of the Executive Orders:

    • “This is a huge day for the nuclear industry. Mark this day on your calendar,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum at the signing of the executive orders. “This is going to turn the clock back on over 50 years of overregulation of an industry. American greatness has always come from innovation and we were very innovative. We led post-WWII in all things nuclear, but then, we’ve been stagnated. We choked it with overregulation. Today, Will is going to walk us through a series of four executive orders, each of these help attack separate issues that have held back this industry…but also a big change.”
    • “Energy security is national security. If we don’t have reliable energy for our basing, for our troops, whether forward-deployed or domestically, we’re vulnerable,” said Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the signing of the executive orders. “So by having small modular nuclear capabilities, which are rapidly being fielded, that we can use on our bases here and around the world, we’re creating an environment where if things happen elsewhere, the military can be relied-upon…Also, we’re including artificial intelligence in everything we do. If we don’t, we’re not fast enough, we’re not keeping up with adversaries. You need the energy to fuel it, nuclear is a huge part of that, modular or otherwise. So, we’re going to have the lights-on, and AI operating when others do not, faster than everybody else because of nuclear capabilities, so this is a big game change for us as well.”

    More:

    • Read legislative text of H.R. 3667 HERE.
    • See Congress.gov bill profile of H.R. 3667 HERE.
    • Watch explanation of first executive order HERE.
    • Watch explanation of second executive order HERE.
    • Watch explanation of third executive order HERE.
    • Watch explanation of fourth executive order HERE.
    • Watch Sec. Burgum’s remarks at signing ceremony HERE.
    • Watch Sec. Hegseth’s remarks at signing ceremony HERE.
    • See of H.R. 3667 social media summary graphics BELOW:


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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: We Must Close Digital Divide So Every Young Person Can Reach Their Full Potential, Says Secretary-General, in Message for Youth Skills Day

    Source: United Nations 4

    SG/SM/22723

    Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for World Youth Skills Day, observed on 15 July:

    On this World Youth Skills Day, we recognize that skills not just tools — they are engines of empowerment and opportunity.

    From traditional knowledge to creative arts to community leadership, a diverse range of skills enable young people to shape their futures and build more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable societies.

    This year’s theme rightly highlights the growing importance of digital and artificial intelligence (AI) skills.

    From basic digital literacy to advanced data science, these capabilities are ever more vital for young people to thrive in today’s world — and lead in tomorrow’s.

    But, opportunity must be universal.  We must close the digital divide — so that every young person — regardless of gender, geography or background — can reach their full potential.

    Digital education must be human-centred, nurturing not only technical ability, but also creativity, critical thinking and compassion.

    And as AI reshapes our world, young people must be seen not just as learners — but as co-creators of a fairer digital future.

    Let’s do our part to equip every young person with the skills for the digital age.

    For information media. Not an official record.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bean Recognized for Championing Seniors’ Rights

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—The 60 Plus American Association of Senior Citizens, a leading national advocate for older Americans, honored U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) with the prestigious Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award in recognition of his steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of senior citizens in Northeast Florida and across the nation. 

    “I’m honored to receive the Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award. In Washington, I’m working every day to ensure our incredible Northeast Florida seniors receive the care, support, and respect they’ve earned,” said Congressman Bean. “That means defending Medicare and Social Security, strengthening retirement security, and fighting for policies that protect seniors’ dignity and peace of mind. They’ve given so much to the Free State of Florida—and I owe it to them to deliver.”

    BACKGROUND

    The Guardian of Seniors’ Rights Award celebrates lawmakers who champion policies that safeguard Social Security and Medicare, fight inflation, reduce the tax burden on seniors, and expand access to quality health care and retirement security.

    As part of his continued advocacy, Congressman Bean proudly voted to advance a $6,000 tax deduction included in the One Big Beautiful Bill, aimed at improving the financial stability for older Americans. This provision represents a key step in helping seniors keep more of their hard-earned money and live with dignity in their retirement years.

    Congressman Bean was presented the award during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., by 60 Plus Founder and Chairman Jim Martin and President Saul Anuzis. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AS SENATE GOP MOVES TO RIP AWAY FUNDING FOR UPSTATE NY PUBLIC TV & RADIO, SCHUMER DEMANDS CONGRESS BLOCK TRUMP’S CLAW BACKS THAT WOULD HURT RURAL AREAS, EDUCATION, & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS IN EVERY…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Schumer Says The GOP Plan To Gut Funding Would Eliminate $45+ Million From Over A Dozen NY Public TV & Radio Stations That Provide Critical Services Like Emergency Weather Alerts, Educational Content For Children, Essential Coverage Of Rural Areas, That Otherwise Wouldn’t Exist & More

    Senate Republicans Are Preparing For A Vote On Trump’s Request To Claw Back Funding For The Corporation For Public Broadcasting– And Without It Locally-Owned PBS TV & NPR Stations In Every Region Of The State Could Face Major Cuts To Community Programs & Layoffs

    Schumer: We Must Protect NY’s Public TV & Radio

    As the Senate prepares to vote on Trump’s plan to claw back over $1 billion in federal funding for America’s public radio and television stations, which could devastate communities across Upstate NY, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today demanded the GOP block cuts that would hurt children, rural areas, and emergency preparedness in every corner of New York.

    Schumer said that the GOP plan to strip funding from America’s public broadcasting would decimate funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), which supports more than 1,500 locally-owned public radio and television stations including dozens in New York State. The senator broke down the impact of these cuts for Upstate NY public news outlets that receive funding from the CPB and vowed to lead the fight in the Senate against these alarming cuts.

    “Our public TV and radio stations are the glue that keep so many of our communities connected & informed across Upstate NY and targeting them for radical funding cuts hurts all of Upstate. PBS and NPR and others are more than stations, they are a public service networks providing life-saving emergency alerts, educational content to children, and so much more at no cost. But right now, the GOP’s devastating proposal to claw back federal funding for our public TV and radio stations could devastate these vital services ripping away millions leading to layoffs and cuts to beloved programs,” said Senator Schumer. “Like so many New Yorkers. my daughters grew up watching Sesame Street. I know the tremendous value public media provides. Rescinding this funding would take away the programming people love and isolate Upstate NY’s rural communities, jeopardizing their access to information they rely on every day. I will be leading the fight to save public media in the Senate and we need all New Yorkers and Americans to make their voices heard to protect this essential public service.”

    Funds for public broadcasting supports educational initiatives, rural areas, and disaster preparedness efforts across New York State. New York’s public TV and radio stations send emergency alerts during natural disasters, develop educational content, license music from local artists, and more. These services are critical for New York’s communities. For example, with more severe weather across the country, timely weather alerts can save lives. In addition, for children not enrolled in formal pre-school, educational programming from public television ensures they can access educational content regardless of their families’ ability to pay, and teachers use worksheets and videos in local classrooms.

    Below is a list of recipients in Upstate NY that received funding from CPB, according to the NYS Association for Public Broadcasting that would be at risk if the plan to defund public media were to become law with much of this funding making up a major percentage of these stations’ budgets:

    City-Region

    Recipient

    Amount

    Binghamton-Southern Tier

    WSKG

    $1,317,231

    Western NY

    Buffalo Toronto Public Media

    $2,014,441

    Albany

    WAMC

    $422,724

    Oswego

    WRVO

    $166,192

    Watertown

    WPBS

    $1,283,561

    North Country

    North Country Public Radio

    $396,951

    Geneva

    WEOS

    $109,401

    Jeffersonville

    Radio Catskill

    $289,350

    Plattsburgh

    Mountain Lake PBS

    $922,826

    Rochester-Finger Lakes

    WXXI

    $1,913,857

    Syracuse-Central NY

    WAER

    $154,962

    Syracuse-Central NY

    WCNY

    $1,267,218

    Troy

    WMHT

    $1,597,703

    Schumer broke down how these cuts will hurt every corner of Upstate NY:

    • In the Southern Tier, WSKG (NPR) receives approximately $1.3 million, more than a fifth of its total budget, from the CPB to cover its predominantly-rural 21-county region. WSKG’s services include beloved free educational programs that include student writing challenges, creative events for students, lesson plans and interactive classroom resources for NY teachers, and more.
    • In the North Country, North Country Public Radio (NPR) would lose approximately $315,000 each year, approximately 12% of its annual budget. This funding enables NCPR to cover news across the North Country. For many rural areas in the North Country, NCPR is the only local news outlet, which is especially important for receiving local updates and timely weather alerts. Mountain Lake PBS also receives nearly $1 million, making up about 35% of its annual budget. Mountain Lake PBS provides local news including life-saving emergency alerts to the Adirondacks and Champlain Valley that might not otherwise have local coverage and says cuts of this magnitude would threaten its existence.
    • In the Capital Region, WAMC (NPR) receives approximately $500,000 in support from CPB. The station is headquartered in Albany with 29 towers covering a region that reaches the North Country, Hudson Valley, and Central New York, and the Mohawk Valley. WAMC offers coverage every day of the year and reaches many rural areas that don’t otherwise have reliable internet coverage. WAMC also collaborates with 12 other public radio stations across the state to share resources and reporting to ensure local journalism is reaching as many people as possible.
    • In Western New York, WBFO (NPR) and BTPM, Buffalo Toronto Public Media (NPR) would lose approximately 15% of its annual budget. WBFO and BTPM stream educational shows for kids on topics including science and civics and offers how-to programming on cooking, home improvement, and more.
    • In the Rochester-Finger Lakes Region, WXXI (PBS) would lose approximately $2 million, roughly 16% of its total annual budget of $12.9 million. WXXI is one of the few remaining local news sources in the region and offers free local programs for civic engagement. Other local stations including WEOS in Geneva and WXXY in Houghton rely on WXXI-produced content to deliver local news to rural areas.
    • In Central New York, WCNY (PBS) receives over $1 million annually from CPB. Originally known as “The Education Station,” WCNY offers renowned educational services including Enterprise America, a hands-on learning center for middle and high school students to learn about entrepreneurship. WRVO (NPR) receives approximately $165,000 which accounts for approximately 8% of its annual operating budget. WRVO said it depends on federal grant funding to pay salaries for WRVO, including local journalists.
    • In the Hudson Valley, Radio Catskill could lose $170,000, nearly 25% of its annual budget if these cuts go through. Local organizations, events, and businesses in the Catskills community relies on Radio Catskill for emergency alerts, local news, and cultural programming.

    In New York State, dozens of recipients last year received more than $45 million in through the CPB, generating a significant local economic impact. According to NPR, the public broadcasting sector in New York supports nearly 4,000 jobs, including 1,125 direct positions, 1,271 indirect jobs through supply chain activity, and 1,321 induced jobs driven by household spending. This generated $122 million in direct labor income and added nearly $750 million to the state’s GDP. The public broadcasting sector also contributed an estimated $177.1 million in tax revenue, including $33 million in state taxes and nearly $116 million in federal taxes.

    The CPB distributes nearly 70 percent of its funding directly to more than 1,500 locally-owned public radio and television stations – many of which are NPR or PBS affiliates – with the remaining going to shared infrastructure and services that benefit all public TV and radio stations. According to Northwestern University, nearly 55 million Americans have limited to no access to local news. According to PBS, 60 percent of its audience lives in rural communities, and its programming reaches more children than any of the children’s TV networks in a year. If passed, the GOP proposal would further limit access to local news for communities who depend on information from their local radio and television stations for vital information and services, devastating local communities who would get hit first and hardest.

    Though historically funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has been approved with bipartisan support, the House GOP last month passed legislation at President Trump’s request that would claw back more than $1 billion in bipartisan federal investments in the CPB. Trump also issued an executive order stating no money from CPB can go to NPR, PBS, or their affiliates which is currently being challenged in court. Trump’s FY 2026 budget request completely eliminates federal funding and closeout CPB.

    Schumer and Senate Democrats will hold the Senate floor tonight to highlight why this bill would be devastating for New York and all of America.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Commemorative stamp released to mark 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Department of Posts, Government of India, has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Syama Prasad Mookerjee, a prominent educationist, statesman, and founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh. The unveiling ceremony was held at the Siri Fort Auditorium in the national capital, in the presence of senior government officials and distinguished guests.

    Organised by the Ministry of Culture, the event paid tribute to Mookerjee’s legacy through cultural performances, exhibitions, and a theatrical presentation. The stamp was formally released by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology Jitendra Singh. The first stamp album was presented by Col. Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, Chief Postmaster General of the Delhi Circle.

    The programme featured patriotic instrumental performances and a theatrical act by the National School of Drama. A short documentary film and an exhibition highlighting Mookerjee’s life and contributions added depth to the occasion.

    In their addresses, the dignitaries recalled Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s pivotal role in Indian education, industry, and constitutional development. His vision for national unity and inclusive growth, rooted in Indian civilisational values, was also underscored.

    Designed by Nenu Gupta, the commemorative stamp symbolises Mookerjee’s lifelong commitment to public service and intellectual leadership. Along with the stamp, a specially designed First Day Cover and Brochure were also launched.

    The commemorative stamp and related philatelic items are now available at Philatelic Bureaus across the country and can also be purchased online at www.epostoffice.gov.in.

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Working together to promote 4R practices to farmers

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Provincial Fire Ban Issued for Area Between Provincial Forest and Churchill River

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 9, 2025

    The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) has issued a fire ban effective at 8 a.m. on July 10, 2025, due to high fire activity and extreme fire risk. The ban encompasses the area north of the provincial forest boundary, up to the Churchill River. 

    The fire ban prohibits any open fires, controlled burns and fireworks in the designated boundary. This includes provincial parks, provincial recreation sites and the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District within the boundary. The ban does not include ATV/UTV restrictions at this time.

    “The extreme heat we have been experiencing means there is a need for everyone to take precautions and use extreme caution outdoors,” SPSA Vice-President of Operations Steve Roberts said. “Please be cautious if you are using ATVs/UTVs and report a fire if you see one.” 

    The SPSA encourages municipalities, rural municipalities and communities to continue to determine if fire bans are needed in their areas to prevent unwanted human-caused wildfires.

    A list of fire bans and restrictions in provincial parks and recreation sites can be found here.

    The SPSA has recently brought in assets from Quebec to assist with wildfire efforts. The two Quebec CL-415 aircraft and 100 wildfire personnel are currently assigned to the DITCH, PISEW, DORE and MUSKEG fires.

    As of 11:00 a.m., there are 65 active wildfires in Saskatchewan. Of those active fires, seven are categorized as contained, 13 are not contained, 29 are ongoing assessment and 16 are listed as protecting values.

    Four communities remain under an evacuation order: Resort Subdivision of Lac La Plonge, La Plonge Reserve, Northern Village of Beauval and Kinoosao. 

    A full list of evacuated communities can be found on the Active Evacuations webpage.

    Anyone who spots a wildfire can call 1-800-667-9660, dial 9-1-1 or contact their closest SPSA Forest Protection Area office.

    People can find an interactive fire ban map, frequently asked questions, fire risk maps and fire prevention tips at saskpublicsafety.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Assisting Flood Recovery Efforts in Texas

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that four New York State Police staff and three canines will deploy to Kerr County, Texas to support search efforts following devastating floods. This assistance was primarily deployed as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation’s all-hazards national mutual aid system. EMAC has been ratified by the U.S. Congress (PL 104-321) and is law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. EMAC’s Members can share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy and be reimbursed for mission-related costs.

    “Our hearts break for the tragic loss of life in Texas, and we are sending our prayers as they continue to heal and recover from this devastating flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State is committed to helping those in need, and I am grateful for our State Police personnel who will be assisting officials in Kerr County as they continue their search efforts.”

    Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “Disaster recovery requires an immense amount of resources and we are grateful to be able to answer the call to help when needed. New York is always prepared to support our neighbors in moments of need, and our thoughts are with the people of Texas.”

    New York State Superintendent Steven G. James said, “The New York State Police is proud to support the people of Texas during this difficult time. Our Troopers and canines are trained for exactly these types of missions, and we are honored to assist in the search and recovery efforts. Whether here at home or across the country, we stand ready to help when called.”

    New York State has a history of deploying resources to neighbors in need. In 2024, More than 200 emergency management staff members from numerous State agencies responded to calls for help in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October and November. Team members included staff from the National Guard, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, Thruway Authority, Agriculture and Markets, Office of Information Technology Services, New York City and Ulster and Montgomery counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta, Multistate Coalition File Motion to Block Trump Administration’s Unlawful Discontinuation of School Mental Health Grant Funding

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta yesterday, as part of a multistate coalition, filed a motion for preliminary injunction to block the U.S. Department of Education from unlawfully discontinuing grants awarded through Congressionally-established school mental health funding programs, including roughly $200 million awarded to local education agencies, county offices of education, and universities in California. The motion for preliminary injunction seeks to block the Trump Administration from implementing their non-continuation decision, and ensure grant funding continues to flow to grantees who received discontinuation letters irrespective of the performance and success of their projects.

    “The Trump Administration’s Department of Education should be focused on supporting the success and education of our students, but instead they are using flimsy and unlawful excuses to rip funding from projects that support the mental health and well-being of our students,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The loss of this funding would cause immense harm to California students, especially in our low-income and rural communities. That’s why we are back in court, fighting to ensure that our students have access to mental health programs that work. We’re asking the court to block the Trump Administration’s illegal actions while litigation continues.” 

    BACKGROUND: 

    On June 30, Attorney General Bonta joined a coalition of 16 states in suing the Trump Administration’s Department of Education over their unlawful decision to discontinue grants awarded through Congressionally-established school mental health funding programs. If allowed to stand, starting this fall, many states’ elementary and secondary schools will lose mental health services critical to students’ well-being, safety, and academic success. The Department had awarded this funding to the nation’s high-need, low-income, and rural schools pursuant to its Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program and its School-Based Mental Health Services Grant Program. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington seeks injunctive and declaratory relief to safeguard this critical funding, which fosters safe and supportive learning environments, and supports the well-being of our students. 

    Despite the success of these mental health programs, on or about April 29, 2025, the Department sent boilerplate notices to grantees, including state education agencies, local education agencies, and institutes of higher education, claiming that their grants conflicted with the Trump Administration’s priorities and would not be continued. The notices claimed the Department intends to reallocate funds based on new priorities of “merit, fairness, and excellence in education,” providing little to no insight into the basis for the discontinuance, while destroying projects years in the making. However, in the press, the Trump Administration admitted that it targeted Plaintiff States’ grants for their perceived diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, which the States argue is not a legal basis for discontinuation. In the lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the Trump Administration’s decision to discontinue funding through a vague boilerplate notice, without any mention of grantees’ performance, violates the Administrative Procedure Act and is an unconstitutional violation of the Spending Clause and Separation of Powers. 

    A copy of the motion for preliminary injunction is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville holds change of command ceremony

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/09/2025 04:45 PM EDT

    News Release  

    U.S. Coast Guard Southeast District PA Detachment Jacksonville
    Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville
    Office: 904-714-7606/7607
    After Hours: 786-393-4138
    PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

     

    07/09/2025 04:11 PM EDT

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The crew of Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville held a change of command ceremony, Wednesday, at the Jacksonville Public Library. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kawser Ahmed, Adjunct Professor at the Political Science department, University of Winnipeg

    This week, the RCMP arrested four men in Québec, alleging they were attempting to create an anti-government militia.

    The RCMP used the umbrella term “Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism” to categorize the suspects. Essentially, this means the RCMP alleges they share violent right-wing ideologies. Their arrests raise questions about whether Canada’s problem with right-wing extremism is getting worse.

    The group is accused of storing explosive devices, dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The RCMP seized all of it, and the four suspects are due to appear in Québec City court next week. Three are charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, along with weapon-possession offences.

    The suspects include active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, according to the RCMP. Given the allegations that they were planning terrorist attacks for an extremist militia, the inclusion of army personnel might not be surprising.

    But it could represent a stark manifestation of a deeply troubling and accelerating trend: the rise of violent right-wing extremism and anti-government or anti-authority radicalization within western democracies. This is a shift dramatically exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as many seized the opportunity to spread anti-government ideas based on restricted freedoms.

    Raphaël Lagacé, one of the suspects charged by the RCMP.
    (Instagram)

    Canada not immune to violent movements

    Canada often thinks it’s safe from violent movements, but it’s becoming more vulnerable. This is especially evident in places like Québec, where there has been ideological conflict in the past, including the massacre at a Québec mosque in January 2017.

    However, the threat is also clear on a national level.

    According to a Canadian intelligence report, far-right extremist groups actively recruit past and present members of the military and police.

    There’s also a long-running pattern of militia activity in North America. Activities in the United States show how dangerous it is when violent ideologies spread.

    This includes the nihilistic doctrine of accelerationism, which is a white-supremacist belief that the current state of society cannot be fixed and that the only way to repair it is to destroy and collapse the “system”.

    There are versions of accelerationism on both the right and left.

    The rise in right-wing extremism globally

    The charges in Québec shine a spotlight on the global trend of rising right-wing extremism that has been worsening since 2016.

    In the past decade, white supremacist, anti-government and militia groups have gained traction. That’s due in part to online echo chambers, growing political and social divisions and the rise and rapid spread of conspiracy theories.

    The U.S. is the best and most immediate example. Groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys are well-known, playing a significant role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. These groups are keen to recruit current and former military and law enforcement officers because they know how to handle weapons and use explosives.

    In 2023, the FBI repeatedly said domestic violent extremism continues to pose a threat, especially racially or ethnically motivated extremists and anti-government groups.

    Accelerationism is behind a lot of this violence. It underpins efforts to speed up the disintegration of society through targeted violence and technology, with the goal of starting a racial war or civil war to bring down liberal democratic institutions.

    The Base is an example of this trend. It’s a multinational, trans-border white supremacist network that supports violence to create chaos.

    But this is not just a North American problem. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, far-right members of the Ukrainian Azov Regiment reportedly drew western extremists to their cause, many of whom were looking for paramilitary training, possibly to use against their own governments.

    Canada: The Base, the ‘freedom convoy’

    This global tide doesn’t leave Canada out. The arrests in Québec are the most recent and concerning example.

    Patrik Mathews, a former Canadian Army reservist from Winnipeg, was involved in a well-known Canadian case that involved recruiting for The Base, as well as a plot to harm a journalist, Canadian investigative journalist Ryan Thorpe. His reports in the Winnipeg Free Press exposed Mathew’s membership in the The Base.

    Mathew fled to the U.S. in 2019. The FBI subsequently arrested him and charged him with gun-related crimes and taking part in a riot at a Virginia protest. Mathew is now serving a long prison sentence for his part in what the FBI called a “neo-Nazi plot to instigate a race war in the United States.”

    These examples clearly show how extremists work within national military systems to learn tactical capabilities.

    The so-called “freedom convoy” occupation of Ottawa in 2022 also showed troubling connections between radicalism and some parts of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Investigations found numerous active and former Army members were either actively involved with the convoy or donated a lot of money. Some were found to have posted extreme anti-government views online. Some Army members are also vulnerable to the right-wing ideologies of a “white-ethnostate” fuelled by political rhetoric and hate.

    All of this paints a bleak picture: extremist ideas are slowly taking hold in Canada as adherents aim to leverage military training to spread cynicism in democratic institutions. Previous studies back this up.

    Countering the threat

    To deal with this complicated and changing threat, we need a whole society, integrated approach that includes reliable top-down enforcement and monitoring and proactive, bottom-up societal resilience.

    To quickly disrupt and deter extremist groups, top-down actions are very important. To properly monitor, penetrate and break up violent extremist networks, law enforcement and security services like CSIS and the RCMP need more resources, updated laws and better co-ordination.

    It’s also important for the Canadian Armed Forces and other security-sensitive organizations to have better screening processes to find and purge those with extremist ideas.

    But law enforcement isn’t enough. For one, it could be seen as biased, which could lead to more radicalization. Bottom-up methods are just as important for long-term prevention.

    We need programs that provide teachers, social workers, community leaders and families with the tools they need to spot early signs of radicalization and do something about it in a positive way.



    Read more:
    How not to counter the radical right

    Dialogue, education

    It’s important to teach people how to think critically, read the news to fight false information and learn about civic duties that stress democratic principles and diversity. This is especially critical to fight against rising hate-motivated crimes.

    I am involved in a one such project. It’s called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM). We strive to build resilient communities by creating awareness and early detection of radicalism.

    Dialogue and education are paramount.

    Canada can’t afford to wait for a disaster to happen before acting. It can’t let its soldiers — those tasked with protecting Canadians and Canada’s security — get caught up in right-wing extremism. They are a source of national pride and should remain so.

    Kawser Ahmed has led a Public Safety project called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM)

    – ref. Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism – https://theconversation.com/charges-against-canadian-army-members-in-anti-government-terror-plot-raise-alarms-about-right-wing-extremism-260778

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kawser Ahmed, Adjunct Professor at the Political Science department, University of Winnipeg

    This week, the RCMP arrested four men in Québec, alleging they were attempting to create an anti-government militia.

    The RCMP used the umbrella term “Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism” to categorize the suspects. Essentially, this means the RCMP alleges they share violent right-wing ideologies. Their arrests raise questions about whether Canada’s problem with right-wing extremism is getting worse.

    The group is accused of storing explosive devices, dozens of firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition. The RCMP seized all of it, and the four suspects are due to appear in Québec City court next week. Three are charged with facilitating a terrorist activity, along with weapon-possession offences.

    The suspects include active members of the Canadian Armed Forces, according to the RCMP. Given the allegations that they were planning terrorist attacks for an extremist militia, the inclusion of army personnel might not be surprising.

    But it could represent a stark manifestation of a deeply troubling and accelerating trend: the rise of violent right-wing extremism and anti-government or anti-authority radicalization within western democracies. This is a shift dramatically exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic as many seized the opportunity to spread anti-government ideas based on restricted freedoms.

    Raphaël Lagacé, one of the suspects charged by the RCMP.
    (Instagram)

    Canada not immune to violent movements

    Canada often thinks it’s safe from violent movements, but it’s becoming more vulnerable. This is especially evident in places like Québec, where there has been ideological conflict in the past, including the massacre at a Québec mosque in January 2017.

    However, the threat is also clear on a national level.

    According to a Canadian intelligence report, far-right extremist groups actively recruit past and present members of the military and police.

    There’s also a long-running pattern of militia activity in North America. Activities in the United States show how dangerous it is when violent ideologies spread.

    This includes the nihilistic doctrine of accelerationism, which is a white-supremacist belief that the current state of society cannot be fixed and that the only way to repair it is to destroy and collapse the “system”.

    There are versions of accelerationism on both the right and left.

    The rise in right-wing extremism globally

    The charges in Québec shine a spotlight on the global trend of rising right-wing extremism that has been worsening since 2016.

    In the past decade, white supremacist, anti-government and militia groups have gained traction. That’s due in part to online echo chambers, growing political and social divisions and the rise and rapid spread of conspiracy theories.

    The U.S. is the best and most immediate example. Groups like the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys are well-known, playing a significant role in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. These groups are keen to recruit current and former military and law enforcement officers because they know how to handle weapons and use explosives.

    In 2023, the FBI repeatedly said domestic violent extremism continues to pose a threat, especially racially or ethnically motivated extremists and anti-government groups.

    Accelerationism is behind a lot of this violence. It underpins efforts to speed up the disintegration of society through targeted violence and technology, with the goal of starting a racial war or civil war to bring down liberal democratic institutions.

    The Base is an example of this trend. It’s a multinational, trans-border white supremacist network that supports violence to create chaos.

    But this is not just a North American problem. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, far-right members of the Ukrainian Azov Regiment reportedly drew western extremists to their cause, many of whom were looking for paramilitary training, possibly to use against their own governments.

    Canada: The Base, the ‘freedom convoy’

    This global tide doesn’t leave Canada out. The arrests in Québec are the most recent and concerning example.

    Patrik Mathews, a former Canadian Army reservist from Winnipeg, was involved in a well-known Canadian case that involved recruiting for The Base, as well as a plot to harm a journalist, Canadian investigative journalist Ryan Thorpe. His reports in the Winnipeg Free Press exposed Mathew’s membership in the The Base.

    Mathew fled to the U.S. in 2019. The FBI subsequently arrested him and charged him with gun-related crimes and taking part in a riot at a Virginia protest. Mathew is now serving a long prison sentence for his part in what the FBI called a “neo-Nazi plot to instigate a race war in the United States.”

    These examples clearly show how extremists work within national military systems to learn tactical capabilities.

    The so-called “freedom convoy” occupation of Ottawa in 2022 also showed troubling connections between radicalism and some parts of the Canadian Armed Forces.

    Investigations found numerous active and former Army members were either actively involved with the convoy or donated a lot of money. Some were found to have posted extreme anti-government views online. Some Army members are also vulnerable to the right-wing ideologies of a “white-ethnostate” fuelled by political rhetoric and hate.

    All of this paints a bleak picture: extremist ideas are slowly taking hold in Canada as adherents aim to leverage military training to spread cynicism in democratic institutions. Previous studies back this up.

    Countering the threat

    To deal with this complicated and changing threat, we need a whole society, integrated approach that includes reliable top-down enforcement and monitoring and proactive, bottom-up societal resilience.

    To quickly disrupt and deter extremist groups, top-down actions are very important. To properly monitor, penetrate and break up violent extremist networks, law enforcement and security services like CSIS and the RCMP need more resources, updated laws and better co-ordination.

    It’s also important for the Canadian Armed Forces and other security-sensitive organizations to have better screening processes to find and purge those with extremist ideas.

    But law enforcement isn’t enough. For one, it could be seen as biased, which could lead to more radicalization. Bottom-up methods are just as important for long-term prevention.

    We need programs that provide teachers, social workers, community leaders and families with the tools they need to spot early signs of radicalization and do something about it in a positive way.



    Read more:
    How not to counter the radical right

    Dialogue, education

    It’s important to teach people how to think critically, read the news to fight false information and learn about civic duties that stress democratic principles and diversity. This is especially critical to fight against rising hate-motivated crimes.

    I am involved in a one such project. It’s called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM). We strive to build resilient communities by creating awareness and early detection of radicalism.

    Dialogue and education are paramount.

    Canada can’t afford to wait for a disaster to happen before acting. It can’t let its soldiers — those tasked with protecting Canadians and Canada’s security — get caught up in right-wing extremism. They are a source of national pride and should remain so.

    Kawser Ahmed has led a Public Safety project called Extremism and Radicalization to Violence Prevention in Manitoba (ERIM)

    – ref. Charges against Canadian Army members in anti-government terror plot raise alarms about right-wing extremism – https://theconversation.com/charges-against-canadian-army-members-in-anti-government-terror-plot-raise-alarms-about-right-wing-extremism-260778

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: EU – US TRADE TALKS

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    The trade discussions between the EU and the US are moving forward, after
    President von der Leyen had a fruitful exchange with President Trump.
    The EU will stick to its principles, working in good faith and protecting European Industry and Consumers.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MHTOeqB_GUU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Putting Alberta at the centre of U.S. energy talks

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on release of public-events safety report

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Terry Yung, Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services, has released the following statement in response to the release of the report for the Commission of Inquiry into Community Events Safety in B.C.:

    “I want to recognize the victims, families and communities who have been impacted by the tragic violence that occurred on April 26, 2025, after the Lapu-Lapu Day Festival. We continue to grieve with you, and we are here today because your safety, and the safety of everyone in our province, comes first.

    “Immediately following the attack, we commissioned Christopher Hinkson, a former chief justice, to support local governments, event organizers and public-safety officials to provide clear, practical guidance to ensure community events are safe this summer and beyond.

    “Today, on July 9, 2025, those recommendations are being made public. I want to sincerely thank Commissioner Hinkson and his team for their swift and thoughtful work. Their findings reflect extensive consultation with communities, Indigenous event planners, law enforcement, municipalities and event organizers and offer clear, practical steps to strengthen security and safety at community events.

    “Most importantly, the report includes new tools that event organizers throughout B.C. can begin using right away, including an event safety plan template and a risk assessment framework. These resources reflect best practices drawn from research, and can be adapted to suit events, large and small, and in rural and urban and Indigenous communities.

    “The report notes that the vast majority of public events in B.C. are safe, well organized and widely enjoyed. While this report provides a strong foundation, there is more work to do. We must continue bringing people together, across sectors and governments, to share best practices, strengthen collaboration and build lasting systems of support.

    “We have received the report and are working through the details, but we accept the intent of the recommendations and are working on how best to act on them, including with other levels of government and event organizers. This is about keeping people safe, supporting healing and maintaining public confidence in the safety of community gatherings.

    “Everyone deserves to feel safe when celebrating with friends, neighbours, and loved ones. That’s the foundation of this work: continuing to strengthen our work together to keep people and communities safe.” 

    Learn More:

    To read the report of the Commission of Inquiry into Community Events Safety, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/about-bc-justice-system/inquiries/commission_of_inquiry_into_community_events_safety-report_20250626.pdf

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada funds technical assistance project in the Republic of Moldova

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 9, 2025 – Chișinău, Moldova – Global Affairs Canada

    Canada and the Republic of Moldova share deep-rooted values. With common goals of addressing climate change and advancing gender equality, the 2 countries are working together to build a greener and more-inclusive economy for all.

    Robert Oliphant, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced Canada’s support for the “Advancing Climate Resilience and Women’s Empowerment in Moldova” initiative on behalf of the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development).

    This $6.5-million technical assistance project is being carried out in partnership with the UN Development Programme and UN Women. It aims to enhance climate resilience and promote gender equality through economic support for rural women entrepreneurs in the agroforestry sector. Women in vulnerable communities will gain targeted and specialized skills in climate-smart agriculture and forestry, leadership, and business development through training.

    This announcement demonstrates Canada’s commitment to supporting the Republic of Moldova’s social and economic growth. Addressing barriers to education and finance in climate-smart sectors will ensure equitable access for women, strengthen community development and lead to a more sustainable global future.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan, Huffman Demand Answers on DOGE’s Unchecked Access to Sensitive DOI Data Amid Growing Security Concerns

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02) urged Department of Interior Secretary Burgum to revoke DOGE officials’ access to his agency’s critical technology systems and sensitive data.
    “We are deeply concerned by recent reports that you provided at least three DOGE-affiliated individuals—Tyler Hassen, Stephanie Holmes, and Katrine Trampe—with unfettered access to the IBC’s FPPS system,” the lawmakers wrote. “These reports indicate that you granted this access despite significant concerns expressed by senior career DOI officials, including the Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer, who raised alarms in a risk assessment memorandum. According to the memorandum, DOGE’s access requests were unprecedented and posed significant cybersecurity, operational, and legal risks–including potential violations of the Privacy Act of 1974, which may carry criminal penalties. Rather than addressing these concerns, you reportedly placed these officials on administrative leave and later terminated them.”
    In March, public reporting indicated that staffers affiliated with DOGE received access to critical technology systems at DOI. Secretary Burgum decided to grant unprecedented access to at least three DOGE officials against the objections of senior career staffers, who were summarily placed on administrative leave and later terminated. One of these systems is the Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS), which stores troves of sensitive personnel data and supports the payroll operations of more than 50 agencies.
    In the lawmakers’ letter, they warn about the major cybersecurity and privacy risks that access to systems including FPPS needlessly creates. They also call attention to the risk of imperiling the operations of dozens of agencies that rely on shared software systems built and maintained by DOI.
    “That level of access, reportedly exceeding even that of DOI’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), is
    deeply troubling. It creates exactly the kind of cybersecurity, operational, and privacy vulnerabilities that the experienced civil servants warned about in their risk assessment memo and sought to prevent. These individuals now have access that could allow, among other things, the exfiltration of data to unknown and unprotected destinations, the deletion of records and logs, the modification of system code or data, and the ability to grant the same capabilities to others,” the lawmakers warned.
    A copy of the letter sent today can be accessed HERE.
    This request builds on Trahan’s investigation into the Trump Administration’s unprecedented attempt to centralize Americans’ personal data, including information held by federal agencies like the Treasury Department and the National Labor Relations Board as well as state-held data used to administer benefits programs like SNAP and Medicaid. In March, Trahan announced that she will be introducing legislation to rewrite the Privacy Act for the first time since its passage in 1974.
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan, Huffman Demand Answers on DOGE’s Unchecked Access to Sensitive DOI Data Amid Growing Security Concerns

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) and House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (CA-02) urged Department of Interior Secretary Burgum to revoke DOGE officials’ access to his agency’s critical technology systems and sensitive data.
    “We are deeply concerned by recent reports that you provided at least three DOGE-affiliated individuals—Tyler Hassen, Stephanie Holmes, and Katrine Trampe—with unfettered access to the IBC’s FPPS system,” the lawmakers wrote. “These reports indicate that you granted this access despite significant concerns expressed by senior career DOI officials, including the Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer, who raised alarms in a risk assessment memorandum. According to the memorandum, DOGE’s access requests were unprecedented and posed significant cybersecurity, operational, and legal risks–including potential violations of the Privacy Act of 1974, which may carry criminal penalties. Rather than addressing these concerns, you reportedly placed these officials on administrative leave and later terminated them.”
    In March, public reporting indicated that staffers affiliated with DOGE received access to critical technology systems at DOI. Secretary Burgum decided to grant unprecedented access to at least three DOGE officials against the objections of senior career staffers, who were summarily placed on administrative leave and later terminated. One of these systems is the Federal Personnel and Payroll System (FPPS), which stores troves of sensitive personnel data and supports the payroll operations of more than 50 agencies.
    In the lawmakers’ letter, they warn about the major cybersecurity and privacy risks that access to systems including FPPS needlessly creates. They also call attention to the risk of imperiling the operations of dozens of agencies that rely on shared software systems built and maintained by DOI.
    “That level of access, reportedly exceeding even that of DOI’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), is
    deeply troubling. It creates exactly the kind of cybersecurity, operational, and privacy vulnerabilities that the experienced civil servants warned about in their risk assessment memo and sought to prevent. These individuals now have access that could allow, among other things, the exfiltration of data to unknown and unprotected destinations, the deletion of records and logs, the modification of system code or data, and the ability to grant the same capabilities to others,” the lawmakers warned.
    A copy of the letter sent today can be accessed HERE.
    This request builds on Trahan’s investigation into the Trump Administration’s unprecedented attempt to centralize Americans’ personal data, including information held by federal agencies like the Treasury Department and the National Labor Relations Board as well as state-held data used to administer benefits programs like SNAP and Medicaid. In March, Trahan announced that she will be introducing legislation to rewrite the Privacy Act for the first time since its passage in 1974.
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –