Category: Asia Pacific

MIL-OSI Security: Former Calumet Township Trustee Sentenced for Wire Fraud

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HAMMOND – Kimberly Robinson, age 57, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to a single count of wire fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

Robinson was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay $11,200 in restitution. Robinson had previously resigned her position as Calumet Township Trustee.

According to documents in the case, Robinson served as the elected Calumet Township Trustee from 2015 to 2024. The Calumet Township Trustee’s Office is a local governmental entity whose primary mission is to provide public assistance to individuals and families in need. In her position as Trustee, Robinson illegally used approximately $11,200 of Township assistance funds, to pay rent for her own personal residence from funds that were meant to be disbursed to aid people in need.

Robinson pled guilty pursuant to a plea agreement to resolve the criminal charges. By resigning and entering into a plea agreement before being indicted, Robinson demonstrated that she accepted responsibility for her criminal conduct

The public is reminded it may contact the United States Attorney’s Office at (usainn.pctips@usdoj.gov) or the FBI in Merrillville, Indiana at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) if they have information to report related to public corruption within the Northern District of Indiana.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin F. Wolff and Philip C. Benson.

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Press freedom linked to greater financial stability, finds global study

Source: The Conversation – UK – By George Kladakis, Lecturer in Finance, University of St Andrews

Press freedom is widely considered to be a cornerstone of democracy. It brings accountability, transparency and access to reliable information.

But beyond its democratic role, press freedom is also a vital part of a stable economy. Research has shown that it acts as a kind of financial watchdog, ensuring balance and accuracy.

In doing so, an independent press strengthens the resilience of financial institutions. And our research suggests that higher levels of press freedom can also be linked to greater financial stability and lower “systemic risk” – where something bad happening at one company can trigger wider instability or even industry collapse – in the banking sector.

Using data from 47 countries, we found that an independent press brings greater scrutiny of banking executives. Another benefit is a better flow of information around the financial markets, making the whole system more efficient.

Countries with higher levels of press freedom are also more likely to foster corporate and political cultures that are free from the sort of corruption which could jeopardise the stability of the banking sector. All of these advantages are most pronounced during economic downturns or banking crises.

And even outside times of crisis, we can see the positive effects by looking at basic financial indicators in countries with high and low press freedom levels. Countries with consistently high levels of press freedom such as Norway, Sweden or Estonia, for example, have far fewer non-performing (unrepaid) loans than countries with low levels of press freedom such as Pakistan, Greece or Russia.

But a free press and a stable banking industry are by no means the norm.

Recent data from the campaign group Reporters Without Borders highlights a worrying decline in media autonomy. It reports that 135 out of 180 countries now have press freedom levels classified as “problematic”, “difficult” or “very serious”.

This trend extends to advanced economies such as Japan (70th, down from 68th in 2023), Italy (46th, down from 41st), and the US (55th, down from 45th).

And it looks like the world’s largest economy could slip down the rankings even further. Although President Trump signed an executive order aimed at “restoring freedom of speech”, he has also explicitly threatened to revoke broadcast licenses, investigate critical media and jail journalists who protect confidential sources.

In February 2025, White House officials even informed one US news agency that its journalists would be barred from entering the Oval Office until it stopped using the geographic term “Gulf of Mexico” instead of Trump’s preferred “Gulf of America”.

But the Trump effect is not limited to the US. A recent aid freeze by his administration has cut billions in funding for independent media outlets across more than 30 countries, including Ukraine, Afghanistan and Iran.

Press test

Notable declines in press freedom have also been observed in politically volatile regions such as Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and central Asia, where authoritarian regimes continue to tighten their grip on the media.

The survey from Reporters Without Borders suggests that governments across the world are failing to protect journalism, with a marked trend of declining press freedom.

In 2014, 13% of countries enjoyed a “good” degree of press freedom, but this figure dropped to 7% by 2021 and then to just 4.4% in 2022. Conversely, the share of countries in the lowest classifications has risen dramatically. A decade ago, 8% were considered “difficult”, now that figure is 24%. The number of those with a “very serious” situation has gone from 8% to 17% in the same period.

Read more:
White House spat with AP over ‘Gulf of America’ ignites fears for press freedom in second Trump era

Of course, there are outliers in the global picture. China, for example, has limited press freedom but a very stable banking sector that has been highly resilient to external shocks in the past. But the country is run by an authoritarian regime that helps to shield its banks from those kinds of risks.

Elsewhere though, the decline in press freedom threatens not just democratic principles and political transparency, but also the operation of financial markets. Safeguarding that freedom is a critical basis of economic resilience and stability.

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

– ref. Press freedom linked to greater financial stability, finds global study – https://theconversation.com/press-freedom-linked-to-greater-financial-stability-finds-global-study-248207

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: White Lotus hotels target gen Z travellers – but luxury resorts don’t reflect their travel habits

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ross Bennett-Cook, PhD Candidate in the Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University

American-British actor, Sam Nivola, in the season three finale of The White Lotus. Fabio Lovino / HBO

HBO’s hit television series, The White Lotus, is as renowned for its stunning hotels and filming locations as it is for its mixture of unsettling, hilarious and sultry storylines.

Set in fictional five-star “White Lotus” resorts, fans quickly learned the true locations of the luxury hotels. Each season has been set in a different destination – Hawaii, Sicily and, most recently, Thailand – and every resort has seen a surge in interest since featuring on the show. This has been labelled the “White Lotus effect”.

Four Seasons Hotels, the actual brand behind the resorts, said the original White Lotus in Hawaii saw a 386% increase in availability checks after appearing on the show. And Hotels.com reported a 40% spike in booking interest for the filming location in Koh Samui, Thailand, following the release of the season three trailer.

Four Seasons says the show’s popularity among gen Z and millennials is introducing a new market to their hotels. According to the company’s internal research, 71% of millennials who watch the show and are aware of Four Seasons have expressed a strong likelihood of visiting the featured properties.

Younger age groups are key targets for Four Seasons, which is keen to attract the next generation of luxury travellers. But do luxury resorts really represent the travel habits of young people?

According to a 2023 survey by consultancy firm Deloitte, young people have been hit particularly hard by the rising cost of living. Many are losing hope of owning a home and even starting a family. It has been widely reported that younger generations are worse off than their parents.

With property ownership out of reach, many young people seem more willing to splurge on travel than save for an uncertain future. According to a 2017 poll by Realty Mogul, a real estate crowdfunding platform, almost half of young people aged 18 to 34 would prioritise travelling over buying a home. This compared to just 26% of those aged 45 and over.

But gen Z generally aren’t as interested in five-star resorts as they are in five-star experiences. Many travellers from this age group opt to spend big on once-in-a-lifetime activities rather than splash out on luxury accommodation. According to a 2022 YouGov poll, over one-third of young people say they’d pick a standard three-star or below hotel, making this the most popular accommodation option.

However, the European Travel Commission has found that this generation embraces mixing budget and luxury options when they can. For example, they may use budget airlines to reach their destination so they can spend a little more elsewhere. According to the same YouGov poll, luxury hotels and resorts still rank among gen Z’s top three travel accommodations.

Four Seasons properties have provided the setting for the first three seasons of The White Lotus.
Todamo / Shutterstock

For many gen Z travellers, the journey is also just as important as the destination – and the impact they leave behind matters, too. Research by Booking.com reveals that over half (52%) of gen Z travellers say the environmental impact of tourism on a destination influences their travel choices. Even more (63%) would consider avoiding a destination altogether if they knew it was threatened by overtourism.

Many of these values may not align with the opulence typically associated with luxury travel. On the Hawaiian island of Maui, the setting for season one of The White Lotus, local opposition towards tourism erupted after deadly wildfires swept across the island in 2023 – the most deadly wildfire event in recent US history.

While locals faced heavy restrictions due to water scarcity, the island’s hotels and resorts were allowed to maintain vast golf courses, lush gardens and pools and welcomed up to 8,000 tourists a day.

Thousands signed petitions to delay the return of mass tourism to the islands. And community groups held what was called a 24 hour “fish-in” protest to prevent tourists from using the popular Kāʻanapali Beach, a long stretch of pristine coastline where several high-end resorts are located.

Protesters said their aim was to bring attention to the displacement of locals made homeless due to the wildfires and unable to find permanent housing due to short-term holiday rentals taking priority.

Leaders have long worried the islands are losing their culture as the cost of housing fuels an exodus of native Hawaiian residents. The 2022 census revealed that more native Hawaiians live outside of Hawaii than within.

Luxury travel reimagined

Gen Z may well be the next generation of luxury travellers. In 2017, millennials and gen Z consumers were responsible for 32% of sales in the global personal luxury goods market. This figure was forecast to increase to 45% by 2025.

But luxury travel must change to cater to the tastes and interests of younger generations. These people largely crave unique, shareable and story-worthy travel – not just comfort, but connection. For this new generation of luxury travellers, a remote glamping trip under the stars, or an off-grid adventure with experienced locals, may be more attractive than the traditional luxury resort.

Some brands are already making changes. In 2024, the Hyatt Hotels group introduced its “Be More Here” brand initiative, a collection of bespoke guest activities with a focus on wellness and experience.

And the latest addition to the Maldives’ luxury resort portfolio, Six Senses, has an ethos centred on sustainability. Its resorts have an onsite environmental learning space, and offer immersive marine conservation experiences and sustainability tours to guests.

As young people navigate a complex future, their travel choices reflect a deeper desire: not just to see the world, but to engage with it responsibly and thoughtfully, and gain something meaningful from it.

Ross Bennett-Cook 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. White Lotus hotels target gen Z travellers – but luxury resorts don’t reflect their travel habits – https://theconversation.com/white-lotus-hotels-target-gen-z-travellers-but-luxury-resorts-dont-reflect-their-travel-habits-252242

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Earth’s oceans once turned green – and they could change again

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Cédric M. John, Professor and Head of Data Science for the Environment and Sustainability, Queen Mary University of London

Were Earth’s oceans once green? 100Y Design/Shutterstock

Nearly three fourths of Earth is covered by oceans, making the planet look like a pale blue dot from space. But Japanese researchers have made a compelling case that Earth’s oceans were once green, in a study published in Nature.

The reason Earth’s oceans may have looked different in the ancient past is to do with their chemistry and the evolution of photosynthesis. As a geology undergraduate student, I was taught about the importance of a type of rock deposit known as the banded iron formation in recording the planet’s history.

Banded iron formations were deposited in the Archean and Paleoproterozoic eons, roughly between 3.8 and 1.8 billion years ago. Life back then was confined to one cell organisms in the oceans. The continents were a barren landscape of grey, brown and black rocks and sediments.

Rain falling on continental rocks dissolved iron which was then carried to the oceans by rivers. Other sources of iron were volcanoes on the ocean floor. This iron will become important later.

Cross section of banded iron formation in Karijini National park, in the Hamersley Range, Western Australia.
Hans Wismeijer/Shutterstock

The Archaean eon was a time when Earth’s atmosphere and ocean were devoid of gaseous oxygen, but also when the first organisms to generate energy from sunlight evolved. These organisms used anaerobic photosynthesis, meaning they can do photosynthesis in the absence of oxygen.

It triggered important changes as a byproduct of anaerobic photosynthesis is oxygen gas. Oxygen gas bound to iron in seawater. Oxygen only existed as a gas in the atmosphere once the seawater iron could neutralise no more oxygen.

Eventually, early photosynthesis led to the “great oxidation event”, a major ecological turning point that made complex life on Earth possible. It marked the transition from a largely oxygen free Earth to one with large amounts of oxygen in the ocean and atmosphere.

The “bands” of different colours in banded iron formations record this shift with an alternation between deposits of iron deposited in the absence of oxygen and red oxidised iron.

The case for green oceans

The recent paper’s case for green oceans in the Archaean eon starts with an observation: waters around the Japanese volcanic island of Iwo Jima have a greenish hue linked to a form of oxidised iron – Fe(III). Blue-green algae thrive in the green waters surrounding the island.

Despite their name, blue-green algae are primitive bacteria and not true algae. In the Archaean eon, the ancestors of modern blue-green algae evolved alongside other bacteria that use ferrous iron instead of water as the source of electrons for photosynthesis. This points to high levels of iron in the ocean.

The ocean around Iwo Jima has a greenish hue.
Phan Lee McCaskill/US Navy

Photosynthetic organisms use pigments (mostly chlorophyll) in their cells to transform CO₂ into sugars using the energy of the sun. Chlorophyll gives plants their green colour. Blue-green algae are peculiar because they carry the common chlorophyll pigment, but also a second pigment called phycoerythrobilin (PEB).

In their paper, the researchers found that genetically engineered modern blue-green algae with PEB grow better in green waters. Although chlorophyll is great for photosynthesis in the spectra of light visible to us, PEB seems to be superior in green-light conditions.

Before the rise of photosynthesis and oxygen, Earth’s oceans contained dissolved reduced iron (iron deposited in the absence of oxygen). Oxygen released by the rise of photosynthesis in the Archean eon then led to oxidised iron in seawater. The paper’s computer simulations also found oxygen released by early photosynthesis led to a high enough concentration of oxidised iron particles to turn the surface water green.

Once all iron in the ocean was oxidised, free oxygen (0₂) existed in Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. So a major implication of the study is that pale-green dot worlds viewed from space are good candidates planets to harbour early photosynthetic life.

The changes in ocean chemistry were gradual. The Archaean period lasted 1.5 billion years. This is more than half of Earth’s history. By comparison, the entire history of the rise and evolution of complex life represents about an eighth of Earth’s history.

Almost certainly, the colour of the oceans changed gradually during this period and potentially oscillated. This could explain why blue-green algae evolved both forms of photosynthetic pigments. Chlorophyll is best for white light which is the type of sunlight we have today. Taking advantage of green and white light would have been an evolutionary advantage.

Could oceans change colour again?

The lesson from the recent Japanese paper is that the colour of our oceans are linked to water chemistry and the influence of life. We can imagine different ocean colours without borrowing too much from science fiction.

Purple oceans would be possible on Earth if the levels of sulphur were high. This could be linked to intense volcanic activity and low oxygen content in the atmosphere, which would lead to the dominance of purple sulphur bacteria.

Red oceans are also theoretically possible under intense tropical climates when red oxidised iron forms from the decay of rocks on the land and is carried to the oceans by rivers or winds. Or if a type of algae linked to “red tides” came to dominate the surface oceans.

These red algae are common in areas with intense concentration of fertiliser such as nitrogen. In the modern oceans, this tends to happen in coastline close to sewers.

As our sun ages, it will first become brighter leading to increased surface evaporation and intense UV light. This may favour purple sulphur bacteria living in deep waters without oxygen.

It will lead to more purple, brown, or green hues in coastal or stratified areas, with less deep blue colour in water as phytoplankton decline. Eventually, oceans will evaporate completely as the sun expands to encompass the orbit of Earth.

At geological timescales nothing is permanent and changes in the colour of our oceans are therefore inevitable.

Cedric John receives funding from the UKRI.

– ref. Earth’s oceans once turned green – and they could change again – https://theconversation.com/earths-oceans-once-turned-green-and-they-could-change-again-253460

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 10, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Europe tops global ranking of dynamic and sustainable cities – here’s why
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Pascual Berrone, Head of Strategic Management Department and Chair of Sustainability and Business Strategy, IESE Business School (Universidad de Navarra)

London, New York and Paris have been named the world’s most dynamic and liveable cities. This is according to a new ranking of global cities that highlights Europe’s ability to balance sustainability and growth in its urban centres.

The IESE Cities in Motion index looks at 183 cities in 92 countries, and ranks them in nine key areas: human capital, social cohesion, economy, governance, environment, mobility and transportation, urban planning, international profile and technology. It’s different from other indices in that it takes into account so many metrics – more than 100 – on everything from ease of starting a business to number of museums and art galleries, internet speed and commute times.

The idea is to systematically gauge what makes a city the sort of place where people want to live and work. This is important not just for the quality of life of habitual residents, but also because location is vital for attracting global talent, especially among younger generations.

What makes the winners?

The top 10 cities in the 2025 edition were London, New York, Paris, Tokyo, Berlin, Washington DC, Copenhagen, Oslo, Singapore and San Francisco.

The top three all do particularly well in human capital, which includes features like educational and cultural institutions. They also score highly on international profile, which looks at indicators of global interest, such as the number of airport passengers and hotels.

Beyond those two areas, London cements its status as a global hub of high-level innovation and development, also standing out for governance and urban planning. The UK capital is somewhat weaker in social cohesion, where it came 20th, though not nearly as bad as second-place New York, which ranked 127th out of 183 cities in this category – among the lowest of developed countries. New York does, however, stand out for its economic performance, and does very well in mobility and transportation.

Paris, meanwhile, performs well across many metrics, including urban planning as well as international profile and human capital.

What Europe gets right

We’ve been calculating the index for a decade now, and European cities consistently perform well. This year, five of the top 10 cities – London, Paris, Berlin, Copenhagen and Oslo – are European.

We adjust the index on a regular basis in order to make sure that we’re measuring what’s relevant. For example, this year we introduced new metrics on women’s leadership, renewable energy sources and green spaces, as well as on availability of coworking spaces.

There’s no single reason behind Europe’s success, but there are patterns. Its large global metropolises, such as London and Paris, offer advanced technology, international communities and diversified economies in services, technology and finance. They have generally stable political systems and reasonable urban planning, along with advanced public and private transport options. However, while highly diverse, they also suffer from income inequalities.

In addition to these mega cities, Europe is home to a large number of sustainable and culturally vibrant cities of many sizes. All the Spanish cities included in the index (10 in total, including Madrid and Barcelona) are part of this cluster.

These are mature economies that prioritise sustainability over rapid growth, seeking to balance liveability and stability. They also have steady political systems, a commitment to green policies and urban planning strategies that give weight to sustainable infrastructure that enhances liveability.

They do well in social cohesion, with high levels of integration and relatively low levels of inequality. In terms of technology, they are steady adopters but they are not, for the most part, trailblazing innovators.

It’s also interesting to note the performance of North American cities, which show that economic might and technological prowess don’t always translate into more liveable metropolises. US cities dominate the economic dimension – eight of the top 10 in economic performance are American – but there’s not a single American city in the top 10 for social cohesion or environment. They do well in our ranking – New York, Washington, San Francisco, Chicago and Boston are all in the top 20 – as would be expected of high-income cities, but their performance in different areas varies widely.

Meanwhile, developing countries continue to struggle to break into the top ranks. In Latin America, the highest-ranked city is Santiago (89th), followed by Buenos Aires (117th) and Mexico City (118th). In Africa, Cape Town (156th) is the top-ranked city. At the very bottom of the ranking are Lagos, Lahore and Karachi.

Recommendations for cities

In this tenth edition, we are starting to see greater homogeneity of cities, suggesting that urban planners are learning how to confront similar social, economic and geopolitical challenges. Here are some of our recommendations for how they can improve further:
- Adaptive and participatory planning: Cities should adopt an approach to planning that is both inclusive and adaptive. This means actively engaging residents, businesses and organisations in identifying priorities, and establishing mechanisms to respond to unexpected developments.
- Sustainability as a core principle: A commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation in urban planning is key. Cities should pursue policies that reduce carbon emissions, such as adopting renewable energy. Their strategies must also factor in environmental impact and preparedness for extreme climate events, such as wildfires or floods.
- Economic and social resilience: To address economic inequalities and a lack of social cohesion, cities should implement policies that foster economic equity, such as incentives for small businesses and job training programs that improve access to employment. They should also develop community support networks that strengthen social ties and promote the integration of vulnerable groups.
- Inclusive technology: To close the digital divide, cities should develop a robust technological infrastructure that ensures connectivity across all urban areas and provides digital skills training for residents. Open data platforms that enhance transparency and encourage citizen participation can play a key role in this.
- International cooperation: Cities should actively participate in international networks to foster mutual learning and best practices, and to collaborate on joint projects.
- Continuous measurement: Metrics are essential, both to track progress and to benchmark against other cities with similar characteristics. While cities should develop their own performance dashboards with relevant indicators, our index can serve as an initial framework for identifying key dimensions and the most important indicators.
Las personas firmantes no son asalariadas, ni consultoras, ni poseen acciones, ni reciben financiación de ninguna compañía u organización que pueda obtener beneficio de este artículo, y han declarado carecer de vínculos relevantes más allá del cargo académico citado anteriormente.

– ref. Europe tops global ranking of dynamic and sustainable cities – here’s why – https://theconversation.com/europe-tops-global-ranking-of-dynamic-and-sustainable-cities-heres-why-253887
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, 35 Senators Introduce Bicameral Legislation To Guarantee Union Rights For Public Workers

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

April 09, 2025

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 35 of their Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, bicameral legislation to guarantee the right of public sector employees to organize, act concertedly, and bargain collectively in states that currently do not afford these basic protections. This comes at a critical time, after President Trump’s recent executive order ended collective bargaining for over a million federal workers.
“Trump has already stripped hundreds of thousands of federal workers of their collective bargaining rights, and even more public sector workers could be next. Unions built the middle class, and they’re still the best tool for workers to fight for better pay and fair treatment. This legislation would make sure our teachers, firefighters, and more than a million Americans who serve their communities have a seat at the negotiating table,” said Murphy.
“The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act ensures that teachers, nurses, child welfare workers, firefighters, and so many others who serve our communities are afforded the same right to join a union as workers in the private sector,” said Blumenthal. “All workers deserve the free and unhindered opportunity to organize and collectively bargain for better pay, benefits, and working conditions.”
The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would establish baseline federal protections to ensure all public service workers can join a union and negotiate workplace conditions—regardless of state law. Unlike private sector workers, there is currently no federal law protecting the freedom of public sector workers to join a union and collectively bargain for fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions.
Specifically, this bill would set a minimum nationwide standard of collective bargaining rights that states must provide, including allowing public service workers to join together and have a voice on the job to improve both working conditions and the communities in which they live and work. The legislation gives public service workers the freedom to:
Join together in a union selected by a majority of employees;
Collectively bargain over wages, hours and terms and conditions of employment;
Access dispute resolution mechanisms;
Use voluntary payroll deduction for union dues;
Engage in concerted activities related to collective bargaining and mutual aid;
Have their union be free from requirements to hold rigged recertification elections; and
File suit in court to enforce their labor rights.
U.S. Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also cosponsored the legislation.
The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is endorsed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the Communications Workers of America (CWA); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); AFL-CIO; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE); International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); International Union of Police Associations (IUPA); International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT); Laborer’s International Union of North America (LiUNA); National Education Association (NEA); National Nurses United; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Transport Workers Union of America (TWU); UNITE HERE!; United Autoworkers; United Steelworkers (USW).
Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Meeks, Neal, Larsen Introduce Resolution to Force Vote on Trump Tariffs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Gregory W Meeks (5th District of New York)

Washington, DC – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Richard E. Neal, Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Committee, and Rick Larsen, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, today introduced a privileged resolution to terminate President Trump’s abuse of “emergency” authorities to impose sweeping tariffs on U.S. imports.

The Resolution would end Trump’s declared national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), an authority he is using to levy a blanket 10% tariff on all imports, along with additional massive tariffs on dozens of key U.S. trading partners. Under the National Emergencies Act, a privileged resolution to terminate the emergency must be acted upon within 15 calendar days, otherwise, it must be brought for a vote to the House floor.

The resolution is cosponsored by 23 additional Representatives. A PDF of the measure can be found here.

“By implementing these tariffs, Trump has now imposed the largest and most regressive tax in modern history, sent the stock market into its worst plunge since COVID, and is risking a global recession. These tariffs are nothing more than a sales tax on American families, driving up prices on everything from groceries to cars. The average American household will pay $5,000 more per year for everyday necessities, while Trump and Republicans push tax cuts for their MAGA billionaire donors.

“Today we’ve introduced a resolution that will force a vote on the floor of the House to terminate the authorities Trump has abused to unilaterally implement these tariffs. There is no national emergency justification to the President’s trade war. We are not at war with the EU or with allies in the Americas and Africa, with Southeast Asia, with Japan or with Israel, which is facing higher tariffs than adversaries like Iran. This is economic sabotage dressed up as policy.

“Republicans can’t keep ducking the vote on these taxes. It is time they take a vote and show their constituents whether or not they support the ‘economic pain’ President Trump is inflicting on American families,” said the Ranking Members.

Additional cosponsors include: Suzan K. DelBene (WA01), Joaquin Castro (TX20), Greg Stanton (AZ04), William R. Keating (MA09), Gerald E. Connolly (VA11), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (VA08), Mikie Sherrill (NJ11), Sean Casten (IL06), Jimmy Panetta (CA19), Sam T. Liccardo (CA16), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL20), Jim Costa (CA21), George Latimer (NY16), Dina Titus (NV01), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA37), Sarah McBride (DE-at Large), Julie Johnson (TX32), Pramila Jayapal (WA07), Bradley Scott Schneider (IL10), Johnny Olszewski Jr. (MD02), Gabe Amo (RI01), Kweisi Mfume (MD07), Ami Bera (CA06)

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MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Larsen, Meeks, Neal Introduce Resolution to Force Vote on Trump Tariffs

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

Washington, DC – Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Richard E. Neal, Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Committee, and Rick Larsen, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, today introduced a privileged resolution to terminate President Trump’s abuse of “emergency” authorities to impose sweeping tariffs on U.S. imports.

The Resolution would end Trump’s declared national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), an authority he is using to levy a blanket 10% tariff on all imports, along with additional massive tariffs on dozens of key U.S. trading partners. Under the National Emergencies Act, a privileged resolution to terminate the emergency must be acted upon within 15 calendar days, otherwise, it must be brought for a vote to the House floor.

The resolution is cosponsored by 23 additional Representatives. A PDF of the measure can be found here.

“By implementing these tariffs, Trump has now imposed the largest and most regressive tax in modern history, sent the stock market into its worst plunge since COVID, and is risking a global recession. These tariffs are nothing more than a sales tax on American families, driving up prices on everything from groceries to cars. The average American household will pay $5,000 more per year for everyday necessities, while Trump and Republicans push tax cuts for their MAGA billionaire donors.

“Today we’ve introduced a resolution that will force a vote on the floor of the House to terminate the authorities Trump has abused to unilaterally implement these tariffs. There is no national emergency justification to the President’s trade war. We are not at war with the EU or with allies in the Americas and Africa, with Southeast Asia, with Japan or with Israel, which is facing higher tariffs than adversaries like Iran. This is economic sabotage dressed up as policy.

“Republicans can’t keep ducking the vote on these taxes. It is time they take a vote and show their constituents whether or not they support the ‘economic pain’ President Trump is inflicting on American families,” said the Ranking Members.

Additional cosponsors include: Suzan K. DelBene (WA01), Joaquin Castro (TX20), Greg Stanton (AZ04), William R. Keating (MA09), Gerald E. Connolly (VA11), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (VA08), Mikie Sherrill (NJ11), Sean Casten (IL06), Jimmy Panetta (CA19), Sam T. Liccardo (CA16), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL20), Jim Costa (CA21), George Latimer (NY16), Dina Titus (NV01), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA37), Sarah McBride (DE-at Large), Julie Johnson (TX32), Pramila Jayapal (WA07), Bradley Scott Schneider (IL10), Johnny Olszewski Jr. (MD02), Gabe Amo (RI01), Kweisi Mfume (MD07), Ami Bera (CA06)

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Pingree Leads 86 Lawmakers in Demanding Restoration of Manufacturing Funding
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

Today, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Sarah McBride (D-Del.) led more than 80 of their House colleagues in calling on the Trump-Vance Administration to reverse its abrupt and harmful decision to eliminate federal funding for Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) centers in ten states—including Maine.

In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Acting Under Secretary Craig Burkhardt, Pingree and her colleagues pressed the administration to restore MEP funding that Congress already authorized and appropriated. These centers provide small and mid-sized manufacturers with the tools they need to modernize, grow, and compete in a global economy—supporting good-paying jobs and local economies across the country.

“Given the Trump Administration’s goals to revive and advance American manufacturing, we believe funding MEP centers remains essential. If we want to build at home, we must equip American manufacturers of all sizes with the tools, funding, and technology to compete and thrive,” Pingree and her colleagues wrote.

“Simply put, to manufacture at home we must support American manufacturers. Denying American workers and small businesses from the resources they need to develop their talents, modernize their operations, and grow their business is counterproductive,” the lawmakers continued. “At a time when we must harness the power of technology to be effective and competitive producers, we must continue to fund MEPs and provide American businesses with the tools they need. We call on the Administration to reverse course, renew funding for the ten MEP centers that lapsed April 1st, and continue to support the MEP program to advance American manufacturing.”

The full text of the letter is available here and copied below.

The Maine MEP has a direct and powerful impact on Maine’s economy. In 2024 alone, Maine MEP supported $60.5 million in new investments, generated $95.5 million in new and retained sales, and helped create and retain more than 1,100 manufacturing jobs. Eliminating federal funding and access to the national MEP network threatens Maine MEP’s ability to continue delivering these critical services.

Congress recently appropriated $175 million for the MEP program through the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025, maintaining the levels enacted in FY2024. Despite this, on April 1st, the Department of Commerce informed MEP centers in Delaware and nine other states that it would not renew their funding—circumventing both the intent of Congress and the statutory guardrails on transferring or impounding funds.

Since 1988, MEP centers have worked with over 150,000 manufacturers and helped create and retain more than 1.6 million jobs. Every federal dollar invested in the program generates more than $27 in new client investment and nearly $25 in new sales growth for small manufacturers.

The letter also asks the administration to clarify whether it plans to shutter the entire MEP program and demands transparency around the decision-making process, including whether any impact assessments or stakeholder consultations were conducted.

+++

Dear Secretary Lutnick and Acting Under Secretary Burkhardt,

We are writing to express support for continued funding of the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program. Recently, MEP centers in Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming, were notified by the U.S. Department of Commerce that it would not renew their funding — despite Congress authorizing and appropriating funding for this purpose.Given the Trump Administration’s goals to revive and advance American manufacturing, we believe funding MEP centers remains essential. If we want to build at home, we must equip American manufacturers of all sizes with the tools, funding, and technology to compete and thrive.

The Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership was established by Congress in 1988 in response to a growing concern over the loss of manufacturing jobs and a decline in industrial productivity. A public-private partnership, MEPs continue to evolve and to provide U.S. manufacturers with timely and dynamic support. Today there are 51 centers across the United States. This robust network provides small and medium-sized manufacturers with the tools, training, and expertise they need to improve their processes, increase their manufacturing capacity, and bolster their workforce development, cybersecurity, technology adoption, and supply chain management activities.

Since 1988, MEPs have worked with more than 154,000 manufacturers and helped create and retain more than 1.6 million jobs. The network has over 1,440 trusted advisors and experts across 460 MEP Center service locations nationwide. MEPs have also helped create $148.7 billion in sales and $31.6 billion in cost savings. Furthermore, the return on investment for American taxpayers is indisputable – for every federal dollar invested in FY 2023, MEP generated more than $27 in new client investment and nearly $25 in new sales growth for small and medium-sized manufacturers.

The Administration has talked about bringing manufacturing and supply chains back to the United States. To reach this goal, it is crucial that decision-makers have access to accurate information about supply chain dynamics across the country. Through the Supply Chain Optimization Intelligence Network, authorized by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act, the MEP program has collected insightful data and nurtured relationships to help the Commerce Department make strategic decisions affecting the supply chain. The MEP program also uses this information to help small and medium-sized companies respond to supply chain shocks from regional and global events, like severe weather events or fluctuations in trade.

Finally, the Administration cited a refocus on “agency science and technology priorities” as the reason for the funding cuts. It is crucial that MEPs remain funded to ensure this very priority is met. Through MEP, small and medium-sized manufacturers have access to the MEP-Assisted Technology and Technical resource (MATTR) Program. This program provides small and medium-sized manufacturers with access to “laboratory’s core scientific and engineering capabilities, in advanced manufacturing technology, collaborative robotics, additive manufacturing, materials design and characterization, nanotechnology, information and communications technology, quantum information, biosciences, industrial standards, cybersecurity, and other fields.” This effort is proven to move the results of science and technology out of the lab and into use to the benefit of the U.S. economy.

Simply put, to manufacture at home we must support American manufacturers. Denying American workers and small businesses from the resources they need to develop their talents, modernize their operations, and grow their business is counterproductive. At a time when we must harness the power of technology to be effective and competitive producers, we must continue to fund MEPs and provide American businesses with the tools they need. We call on the Administration to reverse course, renew funding for the ten MEP centers that lapsed April 1st, and continue to support the MEP program to advance American manufacturing.

As the Administration continues to evaluate funding for MEPs across the country, we ask that you provide the following information:
- Has the Administration assessed how closing the MEP centers will affect small and medium-sized manufacturers across the 10 states, including those in rural communities? If so, please provide the analysis.
- Is the Administration planning to shutter the entire MEP program? If so, has the Administration assessed how ending the MEP program will affect small and medium-sized manufacturers across the country, including those in rural communities? If so, please provide the analysis.
- In making this decision, has the Administration consulted with the MEP centers, the MEP advisory committee, businesses who use these centers, or other relevant stakeholders? If so, please elaborate.
We request your prompt and detailed response to the questions outlined above no later than April 11, 2025.

Sincerely,

###

MIL OSI USA News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Trump Follows Baldwin’s Lead to Crack Down on China, Close Trade Loophole for Fentanyl, Counterfeit Goods

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) released the following statement after President Donald Trump announced his administration will close a trade loophole for China and Hong Kong that allows illegal substances and counterfeit goods to enter the country, a fix that she has championed for years. Currently, small-dollar imports with a value of less than $800 are allowed into the U.S. duty-free and with little customs scrutiny. However, this loophole has been abused by countries like China that are sending hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of products into the U.S. market, undermining U.S. manufacturers and retailers, and letting illicit substances into our communities. Senator Baldwin has led on this issue, introducing the bipartisan De Minimis Reciprocity Act in 2023 to close this loophole by excluding countries like China from using the de minimis channel.
“There is a whole lot of Donald Trump’s reckless trade policy that is wrong and will only jack up costs for working families, but on this, President Trump and I agree. I am glad the President is following my lead to close this loophole that undercuts our Wisconsin manufacturers and allows deadly drugs onto our streets,” said Senator Baldwin. “I have fought to close this loophole for years to keep our families safe and stand up for Wisconsin workers, and I’ll continue to push Donald Trump to tackle the fentanyl epidemic, level the playing field for our businesses, and give Wisconsin workers a fair shot.”
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), more than 1.36 billion packages came into the U.S. under the de minimis rule that lacks customs scrutiny in Fiscal Year 2024.
Senator Baldwin has long championed closing or amending the de minimis loophole to protect Wisconsin families and businesses. Senators Baldwin and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) lead the De Minimis Reciprocity Act to close the de minimis loophole by excluding untrustworthy countries like China from using the de minimis channel. The bipartisan legislation would also require more information on every package entering the U.S. and use the revenue proceeds to establish a fund for reshoring industry from China. Senator Baldwin also leads the Ensure Accountability in the De Minimis Act with former Senator Mike Braun (R-IN), bipartisan legislation to give clarity for what kind of small-dollar products and packages can enter the country through the expedited process that has minimal customs scrutiny.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Seeks to Protect Consumers from High Overdraft Fees

Source: US State of New York

EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 22 other attorneys general sent a letter to the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives and the House Financial Services Committee urging the House to vote against a resolution that would overturn the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) 2024 rule limiting overdraft fees imposed by the country’s largest banks. The rule prevents big banks from charging excessive overdraft fees that can hurt their customers’ credit and sometimes lead to account closures.

“Overturning this rule will only do one thing: help big banks profit at your expense,” said Attorney General James. “Accidentally overdrawing your checking account by a few dollars shouldn’t result in an outrageous fee. The CFPB took action to protect consumers from outrageous overdraft fees, and Congress should do the same. At a time when working families are struggling to make ends meet, our leaders should be protecting Americans’ wallets, not empowering big banks to charge junk fees.”

House Joint Resolution 59 would overturn a 2024 rule issued by the CFPB that applies only to banks with over $10 billion in assets. The rule imposes reasonable limits on the overdraft fees these big banks may charge when customers overdraw their accounts. Nevertheless, late last month, the Senate narrowly passed its version of the resolution overturning the CFPB’s rule by a vote of 52-48, with Republican Senator Josh Hawley joining Senate Democrats to vote against it.

The average overdraft fee imposed by banks is about $35 and is usually significantly larger than the overdraft itself. Overdraft fees are also a major profit center for banks, accounting for about $5.8 billion in revenue in 2023. As Attorney General James and the coalition state in their letter, under the CFPB’s rule, if banks intend to continue profiting from such fees, they must treat them as interest on a loan, which is what they effectively are. Given that most overdraft fees are paid back in less than three days, a typical fee of $35 on an average overdraft of $26 is the equivalent of an annual interest rate of 16,000 percent.

As Attorney General James and the coalition argue in the letter, the CFPB’s rule plays a valuable role in protecting bank customers from excessive and often unexpected charges that can sometimes lead to involuntary account closures, damaging customers’ credit and even driving them out of the banking system altogether. In addition, excessive overdraft fees are unnecessary. As Attorney General James and the coalition point out in the letter, many banks – including Citigroup, Capital One, and Ally Bank – have already eliminated overdraft fees while still providing the convenience of overdraft protection.

Joining Attorney General James in sending this letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection also joined the coalition.

Attorney General James is a national leader in protecting consumers. In January 2025, Attorney General James secured more than $1 million from Netspend corporation, a provider of reloadable debit and payroll cards, based in part on the wide range of illegal fees Netspend charged its customers. In August 2024, Attorney General James sued predatory lender Acima for misleading consumers about the cost of its financing, including usurious “rental” fees. In April 2024, Attorney General James led a group of 17 state attorneys general in drafting a comment in support of passing the CFPB overdraft rule that is now threatened with reversal. In February 2024, Attorney General James obtained a $77 million judgment against three merchant cash advance companies and their principals for charging usurious interest rates and undisclosed fees. In January 2024, Attorney General James, along with the CFPB and six other state attorneys general, sued a debt relief company and its affiliates and principals in connection with a scam to trick consumers into paying exorbitant fees while providing nearly no useful services in return. In April 2022, Attorney General James led a coalition of 18 state attorneys general to call on the CEOs of JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo to eliminate all overdraft fees on consumer bank accounts.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta to the U.S. House of Representatives: Protect American Consumers from Predatory Overdraft Fees
Source: US State of California

Why would we help the big banks at the expense of working people?

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined 23 attorneys general in sending a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives urging policymakers to reject an effort to overturn a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule that would protect American consumers from predatory overdraft fees. If allowed to take effect, this rule will limit overdraft fees to $5 and will save Americans struggling with high prices billions of dollars each year by preventing the largest banks from exploiting consumers in order to rake in profits. Last month, Attorney General Bonta issued a statement after the Senate voted to overturn this rule.

“High overdraft fees serve no purpose other than to help the wealthy get wealthier, while American families who are already struggling get poorer. Banks aren’t shy about how these fees pad their wallets: a big bank CEO named his yacht Overdraft,” said Attorney General Bonta. “President Trump has promised to make life for Americans affordable — allowing expensive overdraft fees would do the complete and total opposite. Americans are counting on their elected leaders to protect them. My fellow attorneys general and I urge the House, the last line of defense, to protect its constituents’ wallets by voting “no” on the Resolution and preserving the CFPB’s overdraft rule.”

The largest U.S. banks generate billions of dollars in profits by charging burdensome fees whenever customers overdraft their accounts. In 2023, banks generated $5.8 billion in revenue from overdraft fees. These fees average around $35 for each overdraft — and are applied even where the overdraft is minimal. For example, many consumers have reported paying overdraft charges of over $30 after purchasing a $5 cup of coffee. Overdraft fees are effectively extremely high-interest loans. Most overdrafts are less than $26 and are repaid within three days. That means overdraft protection with a typical $35 fee amounts to a loan with a 16,000% APR.

Banks can manipulate the timing of deposits and withdrawals to maximize fees, charging customers even when they have enough money for an approved transaction. By creating significant barriers to maintaining a positive account balance, overdraft fees can contribute to involuntary account closures, thereby driving consumers out of the banking system altogether and damaging their credit.

In submitting today’s letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

Attorney General Bonta has been an outspoken advocate of the CFPB and its essential work protecting for American consumers and their financial future.
- In February, Attorney General Bonta filed amicus briefs (here and here) in lawsuits challenging the Trump Administration’s efforts to dismantle the CFPB, arguing that the shuttering of the agency would cause catastrophic and irreparable harm to consumers nationwide.
- In April 2024, Attorney General Bonta supported a rule that would close a regulatory loophole that enables banks to extract billions of dollars from consumers by charging overdraft fees without adequately disclosing basic credit terms.
- In February 2024, Attorney General Bonta warned smaller banks and credit unions that overdraft fees disproportionally penalize lower-income consumers and consumers of color and may violate consumer protection laws.
A copy of the letter can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Next generation computer chips could process data at the speed of light – new research

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Demosthenes Koutsogeorgis, Associate Professor of Photonic Technologies, School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University

3dartists / Shutterstock

Electronic microchips are at the heart of the modern world. They’re found in our laptops, our smartphones, our cars and our household appliances. For years, manufacturers have been making them more powerful and efficient, which increases the performance of our electronic devices.

But that trend is now faltering because of the increased cost and complexity of manufacturing chips, as well as performance limits set by the laws of physics. This is happening just as there’s a need for increased computing power because of the boom in artificial intelligence (AI).

An alternative to the electronic microchips we currently use are photonic chips. These use light instead of electricity to achieve higher performance. However, photonic chips have not yet taken off due to a number of hurdles. Now, two papers published in Nature address some of these roadblocks, offering essential stepping stones to achieving the computing power required by complex artificial intelligence systems.

By using light (photons) instead of electricity (electrons) for the transport and processing of information, photonic computing promises higher speeds and greater bandwidths with greater efficiency. This is because it does not suffer from the loss of electrical current due to a phenomenon known as resistance, as well as unwanted heat loss from electrical components.

Photonic computing is also particularly suited for performing what are known as matrix multiplications – mathematical operations that are fundamental to AI.

Those are some of the benefits. The challenges, however, are not trivial. In the past, the performance of photonic chips has generally been studied in isolation. But because of the dominance of electronics in modern technology, photonic hardware will need to be integrated with those electronic systems.

However, converting photons into electrical signals can slow down processing times since light operates at higher speeds. Photonic computing is also based around analogue operations rather than digital ones. This can reduce precision and limit the type of computing tasks that can be carried out.

It’s also difficult to scale them up from small prototypes because large-scale photonic circuits cannot currently be fabricated with sufficient accuracy. Photonic computing will require its own software and algorithms, compounding the challenges of integration and compatibility with other technology.

Photonic chips would need to be integrated with electronic hardware.
IM Imagery / Shutterstock

The two new papers in Nature address many of these hurdles. Bo Peng, from Singapore-based company Lightelligence, and colleagues demonstrate a new type of processor for photonic computing called a Photonic Arithmetic Computing Engine (Pace). This processor has a low latency, which means that there is a minimal delay between an input or command and the corresponding response or action by the computer.

The large-scale Pace processor, which has more than 16,000 photonic components, can solve difficult computing tasks, demonstrating the feasibility of the system for real world applications. The processor shows how integration of photonic and electronic hardware, accuracy, and the need for different software and algorithms can be resolved. It also demonstrates that the technology can be scaled up.

This marks a significant development, despite some speed limitations of the current hardware.

In a separate paper, Nicholas Harris, from California-based company Lightmatter, and colleagues describe a photonic processor that was able to run two AI systems with accuracy similar to those of conventional electronic processors. The authors demonstrated the effectiveness of their photonic processor through generating Shakespeare-like text, accurately classifying movie reviews and playing classic Atari computer games such as Pac-Man.

The platform is also potentially scalable, though in this case limitations of the materials and engineering used curtailed one measure of the processor’s speed and its overall computational capabilities.

Both teams suggest that their photonic systems can be part of scalable next generation hardware that can support the use of AI. This would finally make photonics viable, though further refinements will be needed. These will involve the use of more effective materials or designs.

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

– ref. Next generation computer chips could process data at the speed of light – new research – https://theconversation.com/next-generation-computer-chips-could-process-data-at-the-speed-of-light-new-research-254104

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 10, 2025

MIL-OSI: Correction: Information Relating to the Total Number of Voting Rights and Shares Forming the Share Capital

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Bernin, on April 9, 2025

INFORMATION RELATING TO THE TOTAL NUMBER
OF VOTING RIGHTS AND SHARES
FORMING THE SHARE CAPITAL

(Article L. 233-8 II of the French Commercial Code
and article 223-16 of the General Regulation of the French financial markets authority (AMF))

This declaration cancels and replaces the previous one dated April 4, 2025

Corporate name and address of the company: SOITEC
Parc Technologique des Fontaines – Chemin des Franques
38190 Bernin (FRANCE)

Statement date	Total number of shares forming the share capital	Total number of voting rights
03/31/2025	35,726,462⁽¹⁾	Number of theoretical (gross) voting rights ⁽²⁾: 45,641,575
03/31/2025	35,726,462⁽¹⁾	Number of exercisable (net) voting rights ⁽³⁾: 45,567,342

35,726,462 ordinary shares of €2.00 par value each, listed on the Euronext Paris regulated market under ISIN code FR0013227113 and the mnemonic “SOI”.

The total number of theoretical voting rights (or “gross” voting rights) is used as the basis for calculating the crossing of shareholding thresholds. In accordance with article 223-11 of the General Regulation of the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers – AMF), this number is calculated on the basis of all shares to which single or double voting rights are attached, including shares without voting rights (for example, treasury shares, liquidity contract, etc.).

The total number of exercisable voting rights (or “net” voting rights) is calculated after taking into account the number of shares entitled to double voting rights, and after deduction of the shares without voting rights (for example, treasury shares, liquidity contract, etc.).

# # #

About Soitec

Soitec (Euronext – Tech Leaders), a world leader in innovative semiconductor materials, has been developing cutting-edge products delivering both technological performance and energy efficiency for over 30 years. From its global headquarters in France, Soitec is expanding internationally with its unique solutions, and generated sales of 1 billion Euros in fiscal year 2023-2024. Soitec occupies a key position in the semiconductor value chain, serving three main strategic markets: Mobile Communications, Automotive and Industrial, and Edge and Cloud AI. The company relies on the talent and diversity of its 2,300 employees, representing 50 different nationalities, working at its sites in Europe, the United States and Asia. Soitec has registered over 4,000 patents.
Soitec, SmartSiC™ and Smart Cut™ are registered trademarks of Soitec.

For more information visit our Website and follow us on LinkedIn and X

# # #

Attachment

DDV March 2025 EN_9 April 2025

The MIL Network –

April 10, 2025

MIL-OSI: Energys Group Signs Memorandum of Understanding to Acquire 49% Interest in Energy Services Company Operating in Hong Kong

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BILLINGSHURST, WEST SUSSEX, UNITED KINGDOM, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Energys Group Limited (NASDAQ: ENGS) (“Energys Group” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions provider for the built environment, today announced that it has entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to acquire a 49% equity interest in Energys Spectrum Limited (the “Target Company”), a Hong Kong-based energy-saving technologies and services provider.

The Target Company specializes in providing end-to-end retrofitting solutions aimed at reducing energy consumption, carbon emissions, and operating costs for both public and private sector clients. As the exclusive licensee of Energys Group in Hong Kong and Macau, the Target Company actively promotes the Energys brand by procuring products and solutions from the Company’s wholly-owned operating subsidiary and recommending them to its clients.

The MOU is non-binding and remains subject to the negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement and customary closing conditions. The consideration for the shares to be purchased by the Company will be determined with reference to the valuation of the shares as determined by a professional valuator to be engaged by the Company, and is subject to negotiation between the parties. Among other conditions, the acquisition of the shares is contingent on (i) the Company and the Target Company having agreed on the purchase price for the shares; and (ii) the Company being satisfied with the results of its due diligence review of the Target Company’s financial position and business condition.

The Company has paid a refundable deposit of US$5.5 million, which will be applied towards the purchase price of the shares, unless it is forfeited due to the Company not having fulfilled its obligations under the MOU. The MOU provides that the acquisition is to be consummated no later than December 31, 2025.

Upon completion, the acquisition is expected to further strengthen the Company’s presence and competitiveness in the Hong Kong and Macau markets, while securing higher margins from product and solution sales to the Target Company.

Michael Lau, Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer of Energys Group Limited, commented, “We are delighted to have reached an MOU with our key partner in Hong Kong. If the acquisition is completed, it is expected to further strengthen Energys’ brand profile in the regional market. It is also expected to generate a financial return through increasing product adoption and expanding margins as a result of value chain consolidation and streamlined operations. We hope that this will be the first of many acquisitions, and we will continue to accelerate regional decarbonization efforts while driving shareholders’ return.”

About Energys Group

Founded in 1998 as an energy conservation consultancy, Energys Group has since transitioned into a vertically integrated energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions provider for the built environment. Serving organizations from both the private and public sectors, including schools, universities, hospitals, and offices, primarily in the UK, the Company’s vision is to deliver innovative solutions that reduce carbon emissions, lower costs, and support the Net Zero agenda – alongside improving the wellbeing of building users within the built environment.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to,” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.

For more information, please contact:
DLK Advisory
Phone: +852-2857-7101
Email: ir@dlkadvisory.com

The MIL Network –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Trust-Building ‘Fundamental to Fostering Stable, Prosperous Future for All Communities in Kosovo’, Special Representative Tells Security Council

Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

Several Members Debate Future of UN Mission, Urge European Union Maintain Objective, Neutral Position between Pristina, Belgrade

The Security Council met today to consider the role of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, with some members advocating for its restructuring or gradual drawdown, while others emphasized its ongoing relevance in supporting regional stability and facilitating dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

“Trust-building remains fundamental to fostering a stable and prosperous future for all communities in Kosovo,” said Caroline Ziadeh, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), as she introduced the Secretary-General’s latest report on the Mission (document S/2025/200) covering developments from 16 September 2024 to 15 March 2025.

UNMIK was established in 1999 through Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) to provide an interim civilian administration, following a brutal conflict in the Western Balkans and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) military intervention. It now primarily focuses on political monitoring, facilitating intercommunal dialogue and regularly reporting to the Council, particularly on issues affecting peace and stability.

“Despite the continued challenges which reflect a sense of lack of confidence in institutions and concerns over intercommunal relations, UNMIK stands steadfast in its commitment to bridging divides,” the Special Representative said, detailing the Mission’s initiatives to promote interethnic dialogue and countering divisive narratives to “address the trust deficit”, including the Barabar Centre, which hosted more than 100 events.

She welcomed the peaceful holding of a recent election in Kosovo, expressing hope for the timely formation of the next Government. However, she went on to voice concern about the closures of Serbia-run institutions there, and the consequences they are having on economic and social rights, especially for persons in vulnerable situations. “UNMIK will continue to closely monitor their impacts,” she said, reiterating her call to refrain from unilateral actions and urge outstanding issues to be discussed constructively and in good faith within the European Union-facilitated dialogue.

She also voiced alarm over the destruction of religious symbols, most recently an attack on the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as violence and security incidents in northern Kosovo.

Serbia, Kosovo Trade Accusations

Marko Đjurić, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia, underscored the need to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of internationally recognized States, including his own. “I believe that today — whether we want to admit it or not — we are all aware of the consequences of the precedent set in 2008 by the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo,” he said, noting that — since 2008, “we have seen an increasing number of situations questioning statuses of various regions, provinces, territories of sovereign countries, members of this Organization”. He added: “In fact, in the aftermath of the Kosovo precedent, this very Security Council has been overwhelmed with dealing with the consequences thereof.”

He then turned to Pristina’s actions to “systematically dismantle institutions of Serbs throughout Kosovo and Metohija”; to hold elections in which conditions for Serb participation “were anything but free or fair”; and to initiate a “widespread campaign of persecution against prominent Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija for their participation in protests in late 2022”. He underscored: “What [Albin] Kurti is doing to the Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija is not an act of care for citizens — it is targeted, deliberate and systematic ethnic revanchism.” He added that, while Serbia will always support dialogue, “we must not forget that the ‘di’ in ‘dialogue’ stands for participation of two sides”. Against these backdrops, “UNMIK’s role is not only relevant, it is indispensable”, he stressed.

Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz of Kosovo then recalled the NATO intervention on 24 March 1999 “to stop a genocide in Europe”. Now, 26 years later, she said that “the republic of Kosova is a true example of how international intervention against genocide, with sustained international support, has enabled the flourishing of a full European and Western democracy”. However, she said that “Serbia has not changed very much — it continues trying to destabilize our democracy”. It does this not only through rhetoric, but concrete, violent actions. On that, she spotlighted an armed incursion in 2023 led by Milan Radoičić — “a man publicly known to be linked to Serbia’s political leadership”.

This, she stressed, was an “act of open aggression against a neighbouring country, carried out by a military group with military training, equipment and logistics from Serbia”. She also pointed to the November 2024 use of “military-grade explosives” against the Ibër-Lepenc canal. “The objective was unmistakable, designed to terrorize our population, disrupt daily life and cause widespread harm,” she stressed. Calling on Serbia to fully cooperate with international investigations and hand over Mr. Radoičić, she also called on UNMIK to “finally address the reality on the ground: Serbia’s current regime continues to undermine peace — not only in Kosova, but throughout the region”. She added that — given the current state of Kosova’s development — “UNMIK no longer serves a purpose that justifies its continued presence”.

European Union’s Role

“The future of the Western Balkans is in our European Union,” said the bloc’s representative, speaking in his capacity as observer, welcoming that Belgrade and Pristina reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue facilitated by the Union and the process of normalizing their relations — essential conditions for the parties to join the European Union. He urged both sides not to risk losing this opportunity.

However, the Russian Federation’s delegate questioned the European Union’s role as an “honest broker”. Brussels ignores the tragedy of anti-Serb ethnic cleansing in Kosovo and encourages Pristina to continue oppressing the Serbian population. “The [European Union] mediation has completely failed,” he said, also warning against continued deliveries of military products to Kosovo from NATO countries in violation of resolution 1244 (1999). “Given the lack of progress in the settlement, the international community’s attention to Kosovo should not wane,” he said, rejecting any attempt to reduce the frequency or changing the format, of Council meetings on Kosovo. He also opposed reducing UNMIK’s budget and personnel.

China’s delegate also called on the European Union to maintain an objective, neutral position, underscoring the need for the United Nations and the Security Council to maintain their attention on the Kosovo issue and respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Serbia. Greece’s delegate supported the continuation of UNMIK’s mandate “as necessary”, arguing that its coordination with the NATO-led peacekeeping force and the European Union rule of law mission in Kosovo is vital for achieving long-lasting peace and stability in the region. Similarly, Panama’s representative said that UNMIK and the European missions on the ground remain crucial for progress towards peacebuilding in the region.

The representative of France, Council President for April, spoke in his national capacity to state that the Mission’s mandate is “linked to the normalization of Serbia and Kosovo”. He therefore expressed support for the Mission’s extension.

Calls to Draw Down UN Kosovo Mission

However, “the time to draw down UNMIK has arrived”, the representative of the United States said, recommending that the Mission transfer its functions to other UN agencies on the ground so the process towards ultimately terminating the Mission is deliberate and gradual, rather than sudden. Washington, D.C., is committed to rooting out unnecessary spending in international organizations. “UNMIK is a peacekeeping mission without peacekeepers, with 81 per cent of its budget going to staff salaries,” he pointed out. Future meetings on UNMIK should be held in a closed format to foster a more candid and less performative discussion. These briefings should be further reduced to annual meetings, he added.

The United Kingdom is “a long-standing friend of Kosovo”, said its representative, expressing its support for Kosovo’s statehood, Euro-Atlantic aspirations and an inclusive and multiethnic democracy. Welcoming Kenya’s recent recognition of Kosovo, he encouraged other States to do so if they haven’t. With conditions on the ground that existed in 1999 now unrecognizable, “it is time for the Council to review UNMIK’s role and responsibilities to ensure it can continue to effectively support security, stability and human rights in Kosovo in a way that reflects the world of 2025”, he added. On that, the Republic of Korea’s delegate said that a “more streamlined division of roles” between UNMIK and partners “could enhance overall effectiveness”.

The representative of Denmark said that 10,000 Danish soldiers have served in Kosovo since 1999. She also emphasized that Denmark was among the first countries to recognize Kosovo as an independent State, adding: “We fully support its European path and integration in the international system.” Concurring, the representative of Sierra Leone stated that accession to the European Union is the “most viable route” for Kosovo’s development.

The representative of Slovenia welcomed the “peaceful, competitive and inclusive” parliamentary elections held in Kosovo in February as a “positive step forward in strengthening Kosovo’s democratic credentials”. He also highlighted the role of youth: “If for no one else, it is for Kosovo’s youth that things need to start moving forward.” The representative of Guyana welcomed a new election law designed to promote transparency and greater representation for women, but expressed concern over “reports of harsh rhetoric — including hate speech — and attempts to politicize key institutions”.

Caution against Unilateral Actions

The representative of Algeria underscored: “Maintaining peace and security in Kosovo is critical to avoid any escalation of tensions.” It is therefore important, he stressed, to refrain from any steps that could lead to escalation — “including unilateral actions that affect the socioeconomic situation of non-majority communities”. Pakistan’s delegate welcomed the European Union’s continued efforts to facilitate dialogue, calling on Belgrade and Pristina to “demonstrate their sincere commitment to the political process”, fulfil their obligations under relevant agreements and “refrain from unilateral actions that could escalate tensions”.

“Lasting stability requires not only patience and sustained commitment but also the wisdom to choose diplomatic engagement over unilateral measures,” stressed Somalia’s representative.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill Fights to Rein In Trump’s Tariff Powers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

WASHINGTON, DC — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11), alongside top House Democrats, introduced legislation that will end President Trump’s abuse of “emergency” trade authorities, which he is using to impose sweeping tariffs that are crashing the economy and increasing costs by almost $4,000 for New Jersey families.

The legislation would end Trump’s declared national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), an authority he is using to levy a blanket 10% tariff on all imports, along with additional massive tariffs on dozens of key U.S. allies such as the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan. The IEEPA is designed to allow presidents to impose financial sanctions on hostile foreign powers that pose a direct and immediate threat to the United States, not impose tariffs on critical U.S. allies without congressional oversight.

“Trump’s tariffs are the largest tax hike on New Jersey families since the 1960s — and they are already putting pressure on families’ budgets, jeopardizing retirement savings for hardworking Americans, and driving our economy towards a recession. Trump does not care, because he and billionaires like Elon Musk are able to line their own pockets with tax cuts paid for by hardworking New Jersey families. I’m fighting back — by reasserting Congress’s tariff authority, which will rein in Trump’s decision to declare a national emergency on a whim in order to implement his massive tax hike on the American people,” said Rep. Sherrill.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI: Ageas publishes its 2024 reports
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Ageas publishes its 2024 reports

Ageas has today released its 2024 Annual Reporting, including the Report of the Board of Directors, the Ageas Consolidated Financial Statements, and the 2024 Statutory Accounts of ageas SA/NV. The reporting was prepared for the first time in accordance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the associated European Sustainability Reporting Standards.

The reports as well as additional information on the Group’s 2024 performance, highlighting the accomplishments of Ageas’s businesses and expanding on the conclusion of its strategic plan Impact24 are available on the Ageas website: ageas.com/en/annual-report-2024

The annual results for 2024 were published on February 27, 2025.

Ageas is a listed international insurance Group with a heritage spanning 200 years. It offers Retail and Business customers Life and Non-Life insurance products designed to suit their specific needs, today and tomorrow. As one of Europe’s larger insurance companies, Ageas concentrates its activities in Europe and Asia, which together make up the major part of the global insurance market. It operates successful insurance businesses in Belgium, the UK, Portugal, Türkiye, China, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and the Philippines through a combination of wholly owned subsidiaries and long term partnerships with strong financial institutions and key distributors. Ageas ranks among the market leaders in the countries in which it operates. It represents a staff force of about 50,000 people and reported annual inflows of more than EUR 18.5 billion in 2024.

Attachment
- Pdf version of the press release
The MIL Network –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Wild meat is eaten by millions, but puts billions at risk – how to manage the trade

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Delia Grace, Professor Food Safety Systems at the Natural Resources Institute (UK) and contributing scientist ILRI, International Livestock Research Institute

One of the most pressing issues of our time is the wild meat trade. Why? Because it’s consumed by millions and puts billions at risk from emerging diseases. It provides food and income for some of the poorest and most remote communities in Africa and Asia, yet over-exploitation makes ecosystems unstable and threatens the destruction of endangered species.

In Africa, wild meat hunting is driven mostly by protein and meat scarcity (“the poor man’s meat”). In some regions, like east and south-east Asia, it can be found in restaurants, offered as high-priced exotic delicacies (“the rich man’s status”).

But consuming wild meat also poses great dangers and challenges. The global wild meat trade can drive biodiversity loss, fuel illegal markets and spread diseases. The wildlife trade and so-called wet markets, where wild animals and wild meat are often sold, are conducive to the emergence of diseases, such as Ebola and HIV, which can be transmitted from animals to people.

These issues are the focus of a recently released landmark study. It takes a new approach to analysing wild animal exploitation: it focuses on consumption and consumers rather than wild animals or hunting communities.

Most previous studies on wild meat have been by people who want to stop it, with a handful on its livelihood and nutrition benefits to poor people. Our study, with its focus on consumption, allows us to balance conservation, community development, animal welfare and plague prevention.

We are specialists in livestock and sustainable development and authors of the report. We worked for over a year to analyse and synthesise wild meat trade with a focus on hotspots in Africa and Asia.

We argue that, because the wild meat trade is here for the foreseeable future, policymakers and implementers should be looking at: better management of the global wild meat trade, reducing and managing the farming of wild animals, and providing alternatives to consumption of wild meat by poor people.

We must find a way to balance the benefits and risks of wild meat consumption in a way that protects human health, wildlife welfare, and our environment.

Importance of wild meat trade

Drawing on previous studies and a systematic literature review, our report found that the global trade in wild meat is extensive. Annual revenues range from US$1 billion in Africa to US$8-11 billion from illegal trade in south-east Asia to US$74 billion from wildlife farming in China.

The volume of wild meat consumed is also significant – and often much higher than that of livestock meat. On average, African foragers consume 38kg of wild meat and farmers 16kg per year. The average annual livestock meat consumption per person in Africa is about 16.7kg.

We found that in at least 60 countries wildlife and wild-caught fish contribute at least 20% of the animal protein in rural household diets. Where poverty is high, wildlife abundant, and affordable domesticated meat and access to markets scarce, many households turn to hunting wild animals.

Not being harvested sustainably

Unlike domesticated meat, which comes from just 20 or so animal species, the wild meat trade involves hundreds of species. In Africa about 500 species are hunted, in south-east Asia about 300.

Current rates of extraction of wild meat are unsustainable, except for some small and fast-reproducing species such as rodents. Ungulates (hoofed animals) generally tend to be the most frequently hunted, followed by large rodents and primates. Near human settlements, larger bodied animals have over time tended to be hunted out and replaced by smaller species (such as duikers and large rodents), which reproduce at faster rates and thus are more sustainably hunted.

The illegal trade in wild meat is increasingly moving online, with Asia as both a major supplier and consumer. Smuggling intensifies hunting pressure, as wildlife is harvested not only for local needs but also for global markets. There is some evidence of declining extraction rates due to over-hunting, resulting in “empty forests”. While bans can reduce hunting, they may also drive the trade underground.

Climate change is already driving an increase wild meat extraction by making it harder to grow plants and farm animals. Studies show that in some critical ecosystems, such as the Serengeti in Tanzania, there are rapid declines in wildlife linked to climate change and land-use change.

Addressing the wild meat challenge

Moving away from wild meat practices in poorer countries presents a complex challenge.

Replacing wild protein sources with commercially raised livestock can be prohibitively expensive for low-income households and governments alike. Moreover, it’s estimated that increased livestock production to replace the loss of wild meat could increase deforestation and require some 124,000km² of additional agricultural land.

Some solutions do exist – but these depend on the context.

Where wild animal hunting is prevalent, such as the forest margins in Africa and Asia, alternative protein sources could reduce the demand for wild meat by providing sustainable and culturally accepted protein sources. Examples are cane rats, Nile tilapia and African catfish in west and central Africa, cavies (guinea pigs) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and bamboo rats in south-east Asia. High-reproducing “mini livestock”, such as rabbits, cane rats, cavies, capybara and giant African snails, can provide household meat in a relatively short period. However, attempts to promote alternative animals have met with little success. We suggest paying people not to hunt or subsidising alternative meat may be more effective and feasible.

Hundreds of thousands rely on hunting wild animals. Rather than criminalising hunters or trying to turn them into farmers in unsuitable lands, it may make more sense to pay them not to hunt by giving them free or subsidised livestock meat, which they may prefer.

Promoting disgust triggered by wild meat can be a promising channel, too, for changing consumption behaviours. Societies often, and sometimes quickly, shift from finding “different” meats appealing to finding them appalling. In the UK, for example, offal was eaten by the poor before becoming a fashion-food for the English gentry during the early modern period. Behavioural science can be harnessed to nudge these mind shifts in the right direction.

This study provides new insights into the wild meat trade. Deeply embedded in human culture, hunting wild animals is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. However, sustainable practices can balance human and ecosystem health and wildlife conservation, ensuring a future where both people and nature thrive.

– Wild meat is eaten by millions, but puts billions at risk – how to manage the trade
– https://theconversation.com/wild-meat-is-eaten-by-millions-but-puts-billions-at-risk-how-to-manage-the-trade-252226

MIL OSI Africa –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the ASEAN Finance Ministers’ Retreat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today attended the ASEAN Finance Ministers (AFMM) Retreat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With the theme “Prospering Regional Development and Competitiveness among ASEAN Member States,” the Retreat discussed various issues on addressing external economic challenges, trade cooperation, and promoting local currency bond markets.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends the ASEAN Finance Ministers’ Retreat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Permanent Representative of Myanmar to ASEAN via videoconference

Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today held an online meeting with the Permanent Representative of Myanmar to ASEAN, H.E. Ambassador Aung Myo Myint. They discussed, among other things, the proposed formation of a Tripartite Core Group as an ASEAN-led mechanism in the urgent humanitarian relief and recovery efforts, following the powerful earthquake in Myanmar, on 28 March 2025.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Permanent Representative of Myanmar to ASEAN via videoconference appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Wild meat is eaten by millions, but puts billions at risk – how to manage the trade

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Delia Grace, Professor Food Safety Systems at the Natural Resources Institute (UK) and contributing scientist ILRI, International Livestock Research Institute

One of the most pressing issues of our time is the wild meat trade. Why? Because it’s consumed by millions and puts billions at risk from emerging diseases. It provides food and income for some of the poorest and most remote communities in Africa and Asia, yet over-exploitation makes ecosystems unstable and threatens the destruction of endangered species.

In Africa, wild meat hunting is driven mostly by protein and meat scarcity (“the poor man’s meat”). In some regions, like east and south-east Asia, it can be found in restaurants, offered as high-priced exotic delicacies (“the rich man’s status”).

But consuming wild meat also poses great dangers and challenges. The global wild meat trade can drive biodiversity loss, fuel illegal markets and spread diseases. The wildlife trade and so-called wet markets, where wild animals and wild meat are often sold, are conducive to the emergence of diseases, such as Ebola and HIV, which can be transmitted from animals to people.

These issues are the focus of a recently released landmark study. It takes a new approach to analysing wild animal exploitation: it focuses on consumption and consumers rather than wild animals or hunting communities.

Most previous studies on wild meat have been by people who want to stop it, with a handful on its livelihood and nutrition benefits to poor people. Our study, with its focus on consumption, allows us to balance conservation, community development, animal welfare and plague prevention.

We are specialists in livestock and sustainable development and authors of the report. We worked for over a year to analyse and synthesise wild meat trade with a focus on hotspots in Africa and Asia.

We argue that, because the wild meat trade is here for the foreseeable future, policymakers and implementers should be looking at: better management of the global wild meat trade, reducing and managing the farming of wild animals, and providing alternatives to consumption of wild meat by poor people.

We must find a way to balance the benefits and risks of wild meat consumption in a way that protects human health, wildlife welfare, and our environment.

Importance of wild meat trade

Drawing on previous studies and a systematic literature review, our report found that the global trade in wild meat is extensive. Annual revenues range from US$1 billion in Africa to US$8-11 billion from illegal trade in south-east Asia to US$74 billion from wildlife farming in China.

The volume of wild meat consumed is also significant – and often much higher than that of livestock meat. On average, African foragers consume 38kg of wild meat and farmers 16kg per year. The average annual livestock meat consumption per person in Africa is about 16.7kg.

We found that in at least 60 countries wildlife and wild-caught fish contribute at least 20% of the animal protein in rural household diets. Where poverty is high, wildlife abundant, and affordable domesticated meat and access to markets scarce, many households turn to hunting wild animals.

Not being harvested sustainably

Unlike domesticated meat, which comes from just 20 or so animal species, the wild meat trade involves hundreds of species. In Africa about 500 species are hunted, in south-east Asia about 300.

Current rates of extraction of wild meat are unsustainable, except for some small and fast-reproducing species such as rodents. Ungulates (hoofed animals) generally tend to be the most frequently hunted, followed by large rodents and primates. Near human settlements, larger bodied animals have over time tended to be hunted out and replaced by smaller species (such as duikers and large rodents), which reproduce at faster rates and thus are more sustainably hunted.

The illegal trade in wild meat is increasingly moving online, with Asia as both a major supplier and consumer. Smuggling intensifies hunting pressure, as wildlife is harvested not only for local needs but also for global markets. There is some evidence of declining extraction rates due to over-hunting, resulting in “empty forests”. While bans can reduce hunting, they may also drive the trade underground.

Climate change is already driving an increase wild meat extraction by making it harder to grow plants and farm animals. Studies show that in some critical ecosystems, such as the Serengeti in Tanzania, there are rapid declines in wildlife linked to climate change and land-use change.

Addressing the wild meat challenge

Moving away from wild meat practices in poorer countries presents a complex challenge.

Replacing wild protein sources with commercially raised livestock can be prohibitively expensive for low-income households and governments alike. Moreover, it’s estimated that increased livestock production to replace the loss of wild meat could increase deforestation and require some 124,000km² of additional agricultural land.

Some solutions do exist – but these depend on the context.

Where wild animal hunting is prevalent, such as the forest margins in Africa and Asia, alternative protein sources could reduce the demand for wild meat by providing sustainable and culturally accepted protein sources. Examples are cane rats, Nile tilapia and African catfish in west and central Africa, cavies (guinea pigs) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and bamboo rats in south-east Asia. High-reproducing “mini livestock”, such as rabbits, cane rats, cavies, capybara and giant African snails, can provide household meat in a relatively short period. However, attempts to promote alternative animals have met with little success. We suggest paying people not to hunt or subsidising alternative meat may be more effective and feasible.

Hundreds of thousands rely on hunting wild animals. Rather than criminalising hunters or trying to turn them into farmers in unsuitable lands, it may make more sense to pay them not to hunt by giving them free or subsidised livestock meat, which they may prefer.

Promoting disgust triggered by wild meat can be a promising channel, too, for changing consumption behaviours. Societies often, and sometimes quickly, shift from finding “different” meats appealing to finding them appalling. In the UK, for example, offal was eaten by the poor before becoming a fashion-food for the English gentry during the early modern period. Behavioural science can be harnessed to nudge these mind shifts in the right direction.

This study provides new insights into the wild meat trade. Deeply embedded in human culture, hunting wild animals is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. However, sustainable practices can balance human and ecosystem health and wildlife conservation, ensuring a future where both people and nature thrive.

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

– ref. Wild meat is eaten by millions, but puts billions at risk – how to manage the trade – https://theconversation.com/wild-meat-is-eaten-by-millions-but-puts-billions-at-risk-how-to-manage-the-trade-252226

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Changing the Eurocentric narrative about the history of science – why multiculturalism matters

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Karen K. Christensen-Dalsgaard, Assistant Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, MacEwan University

An illustration by the medieval Islamic scholar Abu Rayhan al-Biruni depicting the phases of the moon in relation to the Sun. (Wikimedia Commons)

The medieval Islamic mathematician, astronomer and physicist Ibn al Haytham (965 – c. 1040) lived in Cairo, Egypt, during the Islamic golden Age and is considered the father of optics.
(Wikimedia Commons), CC BY

In the 11th century in Cairo, the foundations for modern science were laid through the detention of an innocent man.

The mathematician Abu Ali al-Hasan Ibn al-Haytham had been tasked with regulating the flow of the Nile, but when he saw the river that had shaped 4,000 years of human civilization, the hubris of the task became all too obvious.

To avoid the wrath of the Fatimid caliph in Egypt, Ibn al-Haytham supposedly feigned madness and was placed under house arrest, giving him time to focus on optics.

In doing so, he developed a scientific method based on controlled, reproducible experiments and mathematics. This would not only change humanity’s understanding of optics and how our eyes actually see, but also later lay the foundations for empirical science in Europe.

When I started teaching the history of biology, the importance of this pivotal period of scientific history was often diminished in western analysis of science history. Studying the contributions of non-western scholars has shown me what history can teach us about the value of multiculturalism.

A video from The Smithsonian explaining Ibn al-Haytham’s experiments with light.

Read more:
Explainer: what Western civilisation owes to Islamic cultures

A Eurocentric version of history

The story typically told in the West is that science was invented in ancient Greece and then, following close to a millennium of intellectual darkness, developed in Western Europe over the past 500 years.

Other cultures might have contributed a clever trick here or there, like inventing paper or creating our modern number system, but science as we know it was developed almost entirely by white men. As such it becomes a story of superiority, one that demands gratitude.

The scars of this way of thinking are all over our geopolitical landscape. It shapes how many western leaders interact with other cultures, apparently entitling them to share their intellectual authority without needing to listen to others. It is a mindset that belittles other civilizations and led to centuries of colonial violence.

This Eurocentric version of scientific history omits some of the most important events that shaped modern thinking. Science was not developed so much by individuals but by a highly complex global process that brought together ideas, lived experiences and approaches from all major civilizations.

The Plimpton 322 clay tablet, with each row of the table relating to a Pythagorean triple, is believed to have been written in Babylonia around 1800 BCE, around 1,000 years before the Greek mathematician Pythagoras was born.
(Wikimedia Commons)

Read more:
What was the first thing scientists discovered? A historian makes the case for Babylonian astronomy

Ancient Greek scholarship, for instance, was indeed instrumental in developing science, but it was not inherently western. The Greek empire spanned much of the Mediterranean region and the Black Sea. Scholars travelled extensively, and the centres of scholarship drifted over time from Ionia in present-day Turkey, for example, to Athens to Alexandria in Egypt.

Greek natural philosophy was influenced by the mathematical and astronomical achievements of the Babylonians and the medical traditions of the Egyptians. Later, Alexandrian scholars made great advances in human anatomy when they overcame the Greek aversion to dissections, likely because of Egyptian influences. Natural philosophy was born from the merger of these scholarly traditions.

Read more:
Why are algorithms called algorithms? A brief history of the Persian polymath you’ve likely never heard of

Importance of testing ideas

Similarly, Ibn al-Haytham was one of thousands of scholars who, during the golden age of Islam, were engaged in the immense task of translating, combining and developing the world’s knowledge into great encyclopedic texts. They admired Indian and Chinese scholarship and technology but revered the ancient Greeks.

While the Greeks had an impressive greatness of mind, they had largely shunned the idea of experiments and believed that developing instruments was the job of slaves.

Many Arab scholars, on the other hand, emphasized the importance of experimentally testing ideas and developed scientific and surgical instruments that allowed for significant advances.

The opening page from Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine.
(Yale University Medical Historical Library)

Arguably, Arab scholars built the foundations for modern science by developing a method for controlled experimentation and applying it to Greek scholarship combined with knowledge and technologies from all accessible parts of the world.

Later, Latin translations of the Arabic texts would allow science to grow in the West from the intellectual ashes of medieval Catholicism. Texts like Ibn Sina’s Qānūn fī al-ṭibb (Canon of medicine) would become standard textbooks throughout Europe for hundreds of years.

Ibn Al-Haytham inspired scholars like Roger Bacon to work toward European implementation of the scientific method. This would ultimately lead to Europe’s scientific revolution.

Read more:
Avicenna: the Persian polymath who shaped modern science, medicine and philosophy

Importance of intercultural exchange

Great civilizations existed all over the world in the beginning of the 16th century, in Africa, the Middle East, the Americas and East Asia. Most had scholarship that was superior to the West’s in at least some respects. Arguably, the most valuable thing Europeans took from the rest of the world was knowledge.

The first vaccine, for instance, was based on variolation techniques developed in China, India and the Islamic world. People were inoculated against smallpox by blowing powdered scabs up their noses or rubbing pus into shallow cuts.

Europeans believed that diseases were caused by bad air (miasma) and so did not initially trust this technique. It only became widespread in Europe and North America after English aristocrat Lady Montagu saw its efficacy firsthand in Constantinople in the early 18th century and advocated that it be tested in England.

A vaccine developed by English physician Edward Jenner 80 years later was simply the well-known variolation technique made much safer by inoculating with cowpox instead.

The importance of intercultural exchanges should not be surprising. Scientific data and observations are ideally objective, but the questions we ask and the conclusions we draw will always be subjective, shaped by our prior knowledge, beliefs and past experiences. Different cultures can help each other see beyond their inherent biases and grow beyond the intellectual constraints of individual approaches.

In her book, Braiding Sweetgrass, Potawatomi botanist and writer Robin Wall Kimmerer gives a beautiful example of this in the context of how Indigenous approaches can inform modern science.

One of Canada’s greatest gifts is our diversity. Here, cultures from across the world come together, forming a multiplicity of minds that is well positioned to solve the problems of our world. However, this only has value if we can connect and learn from each other. When we advocate for a diversity of ideas in curricula, both nationally and abroad, we are promoting a future built on the knowledge of people and cultures from around the world.

There is nothing more intimately personal than the thoughts in your head, and yet you did not conceive them. They are a continuation of knowledge and ideas that for thousands of years have travelled the globe, shaped by countless minds from all civilizations. In a time of seemingly growing division, that is a thought that ought to bring us all together.

Karen K. Christensen-Dalsgaard 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. Changing the Eurocentric narrative about the history of science – why multiculturalism matters – https://theconversation.com/changing-the-eurocentric-narrative-about-the-history-of-science-why-multiculturalism-matters-252884

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim’s Bipartisan Uyghur Policy Act Passes Committee
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

Washington, DC – Today, the House Foreign Affairs Committee passed the Uyghur Policy Act (H.R. 2635), led by Rep. Young Kim (CA-40), Rep. Ami Bera (CA- 06), chairwoman and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, as well as Committee Ranking Member Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY-05), to help the United States take concrete steps to support Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities subject to unthinkable atrocities by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Watch Rep. Kim speak in support of the bill in today’s markup HERE.

This bipartisan bill would create a comprehensive, multilateral strategy to raise international awareness of the persecution of Uyghurs at home and abroad, direct the State Department to effectively respond to human rights abuses in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and push back on CCP efforts to silence Uyghur voices.

The Uyghur Policy Act would:
- Coordinate U.S. Efforts by designating the Secretary of State to oversee Uyghur human rights-related policies and programs that preserve Uyghurs’ ethnic, religious, cultural, and linguistic identities.
- Empower human rights advocates working on behalf of Uyghurs and minorities persecuted by the CCP.
- Force the CCP to End Crackdowns against Uyghurs by increasing accountability to human rights organizations and developing a strategy to close detention facilities and political reeducation camps.
- Support the Uyghur Diaspora by addressing transnational repression and creating reporting mechanisms for Uyghur victims.
The Uyghur Policy Act passed the House in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner in the 117^th and 118^th Congresses.

“Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang are victims of the CCP’s genocidal campaign and subject to silencing, detention, torture, and brainwashing simply because of their identity. By staying silent, we become complicit,” said Rep. Young Kim, Chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific. “The Uyghur Policy Act provides the U.S. with the necessary tools to defend the basic human rights and unique identities of those facing inhumane treatment. I thank my House Foreign Affairs Committee for supporting this effort, and I will relentlessly stand against the CCP’s abuses and push for freedom and human rights around the world.”

“The PRC’s ongoing repression of Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang is a moral outrage that demands a clear and coordinated international response,” said Representative Ami Bera (CA-06). “The Uyghur Policy Act sends a strong, bipartisan message that the United States stands against genocide, forced labor and transnational repression. I am proud to support this legislation, which strengthens our ability to hold the PRC accountable and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to human rights. America must continue to lead with our values — standing up for religious freedom, cultural identity and the dignity of all people.”

“America must be vocal about human rights everywhere. This bill will help hold Beijing accountable for its genocide in Xinjiang and ensure that the United States is supporting Uyghurs and other minorities who face PRC atrocities at home and repression abroad,” said Ranking Member Meeks.

“The Uyghur Policy Act enhances the United States’ ability to confront the CCP’s genocide in the Uyghur region and address transnational repression beyond China’s borders. It is a strategic necessity that supports Uyghurs globally while challenging the international community to uphold the values it claims to defend. We are especially moved that the bill names Dr. Gulshan Abbas, my innocent sister, whose unjust imprisonment, along with that of countless others, exemplifies the repression this legislation seeks to end.” – Rushan Abbas, Founder and Executive Director, Campaign for Uyghurs.

“Congresswoman Young Kim’s bill is a beacon of hope for Uyghurs. Our people are suffering unbearable torments under a deliberate genocide,” said Omer Kanat, executive director of the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP). “We urge the Congress to move quickly to pass the Uyghur Policy Act into law.”

“Now more than ever it is critical to provide tools and guidance for the United States government to take effective action in coordination with allies to address this ongoing genocide. The provisions of this legislation are a powerful framework to do just that and we are thankful for Congresswoman Kim’s dedicated leadership on these issues,” said Julie Millsap, Government Relations Manager, No Business With Genocide

“Without leadership from the United States on the Uyghur issue, and in particular on the issue of access to detention facilities and the release of prisoners, it is very difficult for the international community to make progress on a wide breadth of human rights-related concerns. We appreciate this legislation as a means of advancing efforts in support of a global rules-based order which respects the dignity of each and every person and thank Congresswoman Kim for her leadership. We encourage policymakers to move the bill through committee swiftly and hope to see it passed into law soon,” said Emily Upson, Program Coordinator, Wild Pigeon Collective

“This vital legislation ensures that the plight of the Uyghur people remains a priority in U.S. foreign policy. As American Muslims, we cannot turn a blind eye to such grave injustice. As President of the American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, I commend Congresswoman Young Kim for her steadfast leadership in reintroducing the Uyghur Policy Act. This is a meaningful step toward accountability and justice, and we strongly urge bipartisan support for its swift passage,” said Anila Ali, President, American Muslim and Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council.

MIL OSI USA News –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Now is the time to generate growth together with India
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Press release

Now is the time to generate growth together with India

£400m of trade and investment wins from UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue set to boost the British economy.
£400m of trade and investment wins set to boost the British economy and deliver economic growth and security for working people.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces joint statement unlocking cooperation across a range of business sectors.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Minister Sitharaman bring together key business leaders from both the UK and India to drive economic growth.

£400m of trade and investment wins are set to boost the British economy and deliver economic growth and security for working people as the government vows to back British business through uncertain global times.

Today (Wednesday 09 April), the Chancellor took part in the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD), marking a significant moment in unlocking opportunities as the two countries look to strengthen economic ties and secure a Free Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty.

Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said:

In a changing world, it is imperative we go further and faster to kickstart economic growth. We have listened to British businesses, which is why we’re negotiating trade deals with countries across the world, including India, so we can support them and put more money in people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.

Our relationship with India is longstanding and broad and I am delighted with the progress made throughout this dialogue to develop it further.

Today’s EFD was Chancellor Reeves’ first with India. It saw the signing of a joint statement unlocking cooperation across a range of business sectors, including defence, financial services, education and development, and strengthened governmental collaboration across growth, economic resilience and international financial issues.

The government is working to make Britain the best country in the world to do business, already bringing in more stability, offering an open trading economy and creating the right conditions for investment.

At the London Stock Exchange today, the Chancellor and her Indian counterpart set out plans to generate growth, improve our Financial Services ties and deepen policy cooperation on the UK Industrial Strategy, tax, sustainable finance and illicit finance.

The total commercial package from this dialogue is made up of new announcements worth £128m in export deals and investments, as well as recent deals worth £271m. This includes:

Paytm, India’s largest digital payment app, announced plans to invest in the UK to accelerate access to affordable digital payments and credit for small businesses.

Barclays Bank PLC India announced on 18 March a further capital injection of over £210M into its Indian operations, affirming its long-term commitment to India. This capital investment will grow its businesses across the Investment and Private Banking in India.

HSBC Bank will expand its presence from the current 14 cities to 34 cities in India. This significant expansion will enable the bank to cover approximately 95% of India’s wealth market, reinforcing their commitment to India. 

Standard Chartered Bank today announced that it has shifted to larger office premises at GIFT City, reinforcing its long-term commitment to India’s premier international financial services hub.

Mphasis, an Indian tech business, are setting up a quantum centre of excellence in London and exploring an office in Nottingham which will support 100 jobs.

British International Investment Plc (BII) is committing $10m to the agritech start up, Grow Indigo, to pilot an innovative carbon credit programme to promote regenerative agricultural practices in India. 

WNS, a global digital-led business transformation services company founded in India with a $2.7bn market cap, will expand their London HQ presence with a new office and open a state-of-the-art AI design hub to expand the UK’s AI and digital talent pool to drive growth and create jobs.

Revolut announced that they are gearing up for launch in India later this year, following authorisation this week from Reserve Bank of India.

UK firm Wise announces plans to open a new office in Hyderabad, India as part of broader mission to transform the trillion-pound international money movement market.

Prudential’s announcement of launching their first fully owned global services hub in Bengaluru and third joint venture in India establishing a standalone health insurance business.

British International Investment invest $15m investment in vehicle dedicated to investing in India based on inclusion-focused early-stage companies.

The UK welcomes India paving the way to allow Indian companies to list internationally and exploring listing at the London Stock Exchange. The India-UK Financial Partnership published its report ‘Catalysing Bilateral Growth: Connecting India and the UK’s Equity Capital Markets report’. The report aims to lay the foundation for advancing capital account connectivity and strengthening confidence in both markets and will be presented following the EFD.

Coventry University announced today that it is set to become the first English university to be granted a licence to open a campus in India, as UK universities are being granted licences to open a campus in India’s new GIFT city. And the London School of Economics announced that Tata Trusts is continuing its enduring partnership with LSE by awarding a Corpus Grant to support scholarships for Indian students at the School.

Agreement for both sides to continue excellent collaboration as co-chairs of the G20’s Framework Working Group and to work closely together to promote discussion and build consensus around responses to risks to the global macroeconomic outlook.

New ambitions set for joint investments in green enterprises, tech start-ups and climate adaptation building on the success of the UK-India Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF).

Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds and Minister Sitharaman also today hosted a business roundtable, bringing together key leaders from the financial and professional business services sectors including Tide, HSBC, Aviva, Vodafone, WNS, and Mizuho International. Attendees recognised the strength of the economic relationship between the UK and India, as well as the opportunity for closer collaboration – including through an ambitious trade deal.

Areas for collaboration on defence were also identified, as both sides looked forward to the finalisation of the India-UK Defence Industrial Roadmap, set to strengthen ties between industrial sectors and integrate supply chains.

Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds said:

I was delighted to meet with Minister Sitharaman, hear from businesses, and discuss how we can strengthen the strong economic bonds between our two nations.

Both the UK and India are committed to delivering economic growth and giving businesses the confidence and stability they need to expand.

That is why we are continuing to negotiate towards an ambitious trade deal that unlocks opportunities both at home and abroad for British businesses and supports our Plan for Change.

The UK and India have strong economic, cultural, and education links, with India being a key trading partner for the UK with over £40bn worth of UK-India trade last year alone. The UK’s long-standing programme of EFDs with India is the critical forum to deliver continuous economic gains over time.

The EFD follows a recent visit to Delhi by Jonathan Reynolds, the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, which relaunched UK-India trade negotiations.

Keshav R. Murugesh, Group CEO, WNS said:

The UK and India stand as natural partners, and this re-energized trade and investment relationship marks a pivotal stride in our already strong alliance. The potential before us is immense. By formalizing our collaboration in pioneering fields like AI, we will not only fuel innovation and generate high-skilled jobs in both our nations, but also solidify our joint leadership in this transformative era. This is indeed a thrilling chapter for the UK-India partnership.

Bill Winters, Group Chief Executive, Standard Chartered said:

In the face of global developments, it is imperative that we think creatively and act in partnership. The UK and India’s focus on strengthening financial ties and deepening cooperation between our governments, regulators, industry leaders and experts, plays an important role in driving economic progress, setting global benchmarks for stability and innovation and paving the way for greater trade and investment in both countries.

The Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alastair King,

We had a highly constructive discussion with Hon. Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and The Rt. Hon. Jonathan Reynolds, joined by leaders from across the financial services sector. There is a strong, shared commitment to deepen our economic partnership and drive greater prosperity—particularly in key areas such as green finance, infrastructure investment, and fintech.

Global trade is entering a new era, where strategic alliances and trade agreements are more crucial than ever. As we look ahead to the UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue and continue FTA negotiations, our focus remains on sustaining momentum and delivering tangible outcomes in the months to come.”

David Schwimmer, CEO, LSEG said:

LSEG is honoured to host the 13th UK-India Economic and Financial Dialogue at the London Stock Exchange as part of our continued support for initiatives that promote collaboration and connectivity between UK and Indian financial markets. Through deepened partnership, the governments and regulators from both countries can help to build an environment which delivers real benefits to their financial markets and economies.

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Published 9 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI: BexBack: Double Your Deposit, Get $50 Bonus, and Trade with 100x Leverage – No KYC Required!

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, April 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin continues to trade below $85,000 and analysts predict that the crypto market will remain volatile, holding spot positions may not generate short-term profits. Recent economic shifts, including policy announcements such as President Trump’s tariff decisions, have brought some stabilization, but the volatility remains. For investors seeking to maximize returns in these uncertain times, BexBack Exchange offers a powerful solution. With 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and a $50 welcome bonus for new users, BexBack empowers traders to seize market opportunities. And with no KYC requirements, it provides a seamless and efficient way to trade.

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Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

Suppose the Bitcoin price is $60,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

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With BexBack’s deposit bonus

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Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

About BexBack?

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Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack.The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

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The MIL Network –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Swain County Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Cold Case Murder in Indian Country

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Ernest D. Pheasant, Sr., 47, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), was sentenced to life in prison today for the 2013 murder of Marie Walkingstick Pheasant, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

“For over a decade, Marie’s family has endured the pain of losing their loved one without justice. Today, that changed,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “Ernest Pheasant will pay for his heinous crime by spending the rest of his life behind bars. While nothing can undo the family’s loss, I hope this sentence brings them a measure of justice. My Office remains committed to pursuing cases involving missing or murdered indigenous persons no matter how much time has passed.”

“While nothing can undo the pain caused by this tragic crime, we hope that this sentence helps to provide closure to the family and friends of Marie Walkingstick Pheasant,” said Marcelino Toersbijns, Chief of the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU). “This case is emblematic of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis impacting tribal communities across the country and highlights the importance of the MMU’s mission of analyzing and solving missing, murdered and human trafficking cases involving American Indians and Alaska Natives.”

According to filed documents and information presented in court, on December 29, 2013, the body of Marie Walkingstick Pheasant was discovered inside a burned-out vehicle parked near Big Cove Road within the Qualla Boundary in the Western District of North Carolina. Investigators determined that the vehicle had been intentionally set on fire. An autopsy revealed that Marie died from stab wounds to the neck and abdomen. DNA retrieved from a baseball cap found near the vehicle was linked to the defendant, who was Marie’s estranged husband.

On April 7, 2022, following a review of unsolved homicides in the region, the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Missing and Murdered Unit opened a full interagency investigation into the case. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Pheasant killed Marie at their home, then transferred her body to the car, drove it to Big Cove Road, and set it on fire. On August 16, 2024, Pheasant pleaded guilty to first degree murder for killing Marie willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with premeditation.

The MMU began as the Cold Case task force, part of Operation Lady Justice, a multi-agency effort established by President Trump’s administration in 2019 to enhance the operation of the criminal justice system and address the staggering number of missing and murdered American Indian and Alaska Natives in tribal communities.

Today’s sentence is the result of the joint investigation conducted by the MMU, the FBI in North Carolina, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Cherokee Indian Police Department, and the EBCI Office of the Tribal Prosecutor.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex M. Scott of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.

Operation Not Forgotten

On Tuesday, the Justice Department announced a surge in FBI resources across the country to address unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country, including crimes relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons. As part of Operation Not Forgotten, 60 FBI personnel will be sent to Field Offices to support investigations of Indian Country violent crimes. The FBI will be assisted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit and will use the latest forensic evidence processing tools to solve cases and hold perpetrators accountable. U.S. Attorney’s Offices will aggressively prosecute case referrals.

“Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high. By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with US Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands – and Operation Not Forgotten ensures a surge in resources to locate violent offenders on tribal lands and find those who have gone missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

“Violent crime continues to disproportionately impact communities in Indian Country,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “Dedicating additional resources to reduce violent criminal activity in Tribal communities and solve cases of missing or murdered indigenous persons sends a clear message: No victim will be forgotten, and no crime will go unpunished.”

Scott Davis, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Interior, exercising the delegated authority of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, said, “We appreciate the partnership of the Department of Justice and the FBI in addressing these crimes. This announcement reinforces our commitment to Indian Country and our dedication to collaborating with federal, state, and tribal agencies to ensure justice for American Indian and Alaska Native victims while holding offenders accountable.”

Indian Country faces persistent levels of crime and victimization. At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, FBI’s Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations.

Operation Not Forgotten renews efforts begun during President Trump’s first term under E.O. 13898, Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives. This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to over 500 cases in the past two years. Combined, these operations resulted in the recovery of 10 child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints.

Operation Not Forgotten also expands upon the resources deployed in recent years to address cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. The effort will be supported by the Department’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and coordinators in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United States to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered indigenous people.

MIL Security OSI –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Hungary’s exit from the International Criminal Court is a sign of the times

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michal Ovadek, Lecturer in European Institutions, Politics and Policy, UCL

After deciding to flout an international arrest warrant against Benjamin Netanyahu, Hungary has become the first European country to announce plans to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC). This comes after president Viktor Orbán hosted Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite the ICC issuing an arrest warrant for him in relation to war crimes in Gaza.

As a member of the ICC, Hungary is supposed to turn in anyone subject to such a warrant if they enter its territory. Instead, Orbán rolled out the red carpet.

Following the visit, a senior government official confirmed Hungary’s intention to leave the court. It will be some time before we know if it will see through on the threat because it takes at least a year to leave once a formal written notification has been sent but the signal itself is a landmark moment.

Hungary’s open repudiation of an important part of international law is further evidence of the tectonic shifts taking place in international relations.

Throughout most of the 1990s and early 2000s, much of western foreign policy was focused on creating institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving the liberal international consensus that emerged at the end of the cold war. The creation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the ICC were two of the most concrete manifestations of this ethos.

Both represent attempts to bring legal and judicial formality to international politics. Unlike its two ad-hoc antecedents – the international criminal tribunals for Yugoslavia and Rwanda – the ICC is a permanent court of justice. It is tasked with overseeing the criminal trials of people accused of involvement in serious crimes, such as genocide.

Even at the height of its popularity, the idea that international relations should be subject to more rules and enforcement by courts had its fair share of sceptics and detractors, especially among countries whose interests and power could be most severely curtailed by an effective international justice system.

The US, Russia and Israel had originally signed but did not ratify the Rome statute underpinning the ICC – and subsequently withdrew their signatures – while China and India never even signed the treaty.

European countries generally (and EU member states specifically) were always among the most supportive of the ICC. The continent has experience with perhaps the most important experiment in international criminal justice, the Nuremberg trials of Nazi crimes. This legacy has continued to feed European support for holding those responsible for aggression and atrocities to account by means of criminal justice.

Countries like Hungary, emerging from behind the iron curtain in the 1990s, were no exception. There was no ideological or practical reason to oppose the creation of the ICC.

If anything, countries hoping to join the EU saw it as beneficial to endorse the court. Other than Belarus and Azerbaijan, every European country has ratified the Rome statute, and none has left – until now.

The rise of kleptocratic authoritarianism in Hungary means its exit from the ICC should not be particularly surprising. Inside the EU, Hungary has consistently acted as a Trojan horse for the interests of authoritarian governments, most notably Russia, China and Serbia.

Its break with the values and principles that are supposed to be at the heart of the EU project goes substantially beyond support for international institutions and justice.

Consensus crumbles

But the broader international environment has also become less favourable to legalisation and judicialisation. Countries that previously feigned commitment to international law have become outright pariahs. The most obvious example is of course Russia, which is waging a war of aggression against Ukraine – a crime under the Rome statute.

More importantly, though, the US is increasingly turning its back on international rules. It is dismantling many of the international institutions it worked hard to establish.

Although Donald Trump might be wreaking the most havoc, the US already effectively pulled the plug on the WTO’s judicial appeals system under Barack Obama. Last year Joe Biden’s administration came close to imposing sanctions on the ICC for issuing an arrest warrant for Israeli officials, including Netanyahu.

Taken together, these developments leave the EU and a handful of other countries increasingly isolated in backing the ICC and other elements of the so-called “rules-based international order”. And while Hungary’s exit deals yet another blow, it’s not clear how deeply committed other EU member states are either.

Germany’s chancellor Friedrich Merz promised he would find a way to make it possible for Netanyahu to visit his country despite the outstanding ICC arrest warrant.

Hungary’s open defiance of its obligation to arrest Netanyahu has placed it in company of countries that wear their noncompliance with international law as a badge of honour. The experience of one of them is particularly educational.

When Omar Al-Bashir, the then president of Sudan, wanted for crimes against humanity, visited South Africa in June 2015, he was allowed to attend a summit and subsequently leave the country despite court orders to arrest him. Fast forward a decade and South Africa is spearheading the international legal campaign against Israel’s atrocities in Palestine.

Netanyahu would almost certainly be arrested in South Africa today, as well as in a host of other African and Muslim countries which had vehemently protested the arrest warrant against Al-Bashir in the past. Effective international rules and enforcement require consistent and credible support from a broad coalition of states – the ICC is increasingly short on both.

Michal Ovadek 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. Hungary’s exit from the International Criminal Court is a sign of the times – https://theconversation.com/hungarys-exit-from-the-international-criminal-court-is-a-sign-of-the-times-254129

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Further imposition of tariff rejected

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong disapproval of and discontent with the US’ further imposition of the so-called reciprocal tariff.

Starting May 2, the US will eliminate the duty-free de minimis treatment for covered goods from Hong Kong as well as increase the tariff for mail containing goods to the US.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the US no longer upholds free trade, arbitrarily undermining the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO) jointly established by the international community, seriously impeding the multilateral trading system and globalisation process, and disrupting the global supply chain, adding that its measures are bullying and unreasonable.

It pointed out that the US’ imposition of the so-called reciprocal tariff against Hong Kong that has never implemented any tariffs is totally illogical and ungrounded, fully showing that it is a bullying act for suppressing its competitors.

The US will eliminate the duty-free de minimis treatment for postal items despatched from Hong Kong to the US from May 2, and has been continuously changing its policies unilaterally, causing a lot of confusion and inconvenience to the public.

For sending items to the US, the Hong Kong public should be prepared to pay exorbitant fees due to the US’ unreasonable and bullying acts.

Hongkong Post will definitely not collect any so-called tariffs on behalf of the US authorities. For now, Hongkong Post will temporarily maintain postal services to the US and announce later the temporary suspension arrangement for postal services to the US.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said it will continue to closely monitor and assess any unilateral measures of the US that are inconsistent with fair trade and take actions to defend Hong Kong’s legitimate interests, including filing a complaint in accordance with the WTO dispute settlement mechanism.

Meanwhile, it will maintain close liaison with the business community to jointly respond to the unreasonable coercion of the US.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

April 10, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Experience a taste of France in Canberra

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Flute is one of Canberra’s French-style cafes. Image: VisitCanberra

If the 2024 Olympic Games have you wishing you were in Paris enjoying everything France has to offer, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get your French fix here in Canberra!

From visiting a delicious French café, to pretending you’re cycling in the Tour de France, find some French inspiration right here.

Visit a French café

Canberra is home to many French cafes that will serve you up a French macaroon, eclair and more! Dive headfirst into sweet treats from the following venues:

Dine at a French Restaurant

Feeling a bit fancy? Enjoy various French meals and dishes at one of Canberra’s French-inspired restaurants. You may still be in Canberra but your taste buds will take a trip to France.

Learn French

Bonjour, au revoir, merci. Did you know over 30 per cent of English words come from the French language? Even if you aren’t planning a trip to France, learning a new language can challenge your mind and even enhance your memory and problem-solving skills.

Alliance Francaise has a French course for all levels and ages. You can book for a one-on-one class, young learners or adult classes all with different levels and experiences.

Canberra Institute of Technology also provides French language courses and will teach you speaking, listening, reading and writing. You’ll learn the basics of French as well as appropriate sociocultural knowledge and sensitivity.

Head to a French art exhibition

Gauguin’s World: Tōna Iho, Tōna Ao is on display at the National Gallery of Australia from 29 June 2024 until 7 October 2024. Explore French Post-Impressionist Paul Gauguin’s art and controversial legacy through talks, programs, films and his collection of works, plus artwork from contemporary artists from the Pacific.

The Alliance Francaise also has a gallery of its own. French, Francophiles and Australian artists alike are invited to display their work on the Alliance’s exhibition rooms.

Enrol in a French cooking class

Learn to whip up delicious French cuisine in the comfort of your own home. You can learn online or in person and wow your friends and family at your next dinner party.

The French Cooking Academy allows you to boost your kitchen skills right at home. You’ll learn about iconic French flavours, authentic recipes and upskill your cooking.

Make your own Tour de France

The Tour de France is iconic in France and would be a great way to see the country, but unfortunately in Canberra you need to watch from afar. Instead, why not create your own Tour de France right here and explore Canberra by bike? There are many bike paths throughout the city with tracks available for beginners all the way to advanced cyclists.

Catch Olympic fever at the AIS

No Paris? No problem. Head over to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Arena for the full Olympic experience. The AIS will host two watch parties for the Olympic Games, where visitors are invited to relax on a bean bag and watch the Games on the big screens. You can also head along to the AIS Visitor Centre to watch the Channel 9 broadcast of the Games. It will be screening until 11 September.

For more information, read the Our Canberra story.

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MIL OSI News –

April 10, 2025

Category: Asia Pacific

Press test

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The case for green oceans

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What Europe gets right

Recommendations for cities

Several Members Debate Future of UN Mission, Urge European Union Maintain Objective, Neutral Position between Pristina, Belgrade

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European Union’s Role

Calls to Draw Down UN Kosovo Mission

Caution against Unilateral Actions

Importance of wild meat trade

Not being harvested sustainably

Addressing the wild meat challenge

Importance of wild meat trade

Not being harvested sustainably

Addressing the wild meat challenge

A Eurocentric version of history

Importance of testing ideas

Importance of intercultural exchange

Now is the time to generate growth together with India

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Updates to this page

Consensus crumbles

Visit a French café

Dine at a French Restaurant

Learn French

Head to a French art exhibition

Enrol in a French cooking class

Make your own Tour de France

Catch Olympic fever at the AIS