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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM VIKAS Scheme Focuses on Upliftment of Minority Communities

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 4:33PM by PIB Delhi

    The Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Minority Affairs which converges five erstwhile schemes viz. ‘Seekho Aur Kamao’, ‘Nai Manzil’, ‘Nai Roshni’ and ‘USTTAD’ & ‘Hamari Dharohar’ schemes and focuses on upliftment of six notified minority communities through the following:

    1. Skilling and Training (Non-traditional and traditional)
    2. Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship
    3. Education (through National Institute of Open Schooling)
    4. Infrastructure Development (through Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram)

    The scheme also provisions to facilitate credit linkages by connecting beneficiaries with loan programs offered by the National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation (NMDFC).

    Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) is a knowledge partner of the Ministry under the PM VIKAS scheme to extend support to artisans trained under traditional training components of the scheme in terms of (i) providing marketing linkages; (ii) development of related Course Module content for training; (iii) provide brand positioning & visual merchandizing to the artisan products; (iv) organise awareness program during Ministry’s events/exhibition; (v) mobilise artisans for formation of producer group companies; etc.

    Under the PM VIKAS Scheme, the implementing partners are to ensure placement of 75 per cent of total candidates trained under NSQF aligned skill programs.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today

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    SS/ISA

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Minority Affairs Ministry Supports Artisans Through Organisation of Lok Samvardhan Parvs under PM VIKAS Scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 4:32PM by PIB Delhi

    Under the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM VIKAS) Scheme, the Ministry of Minority Affairs supports the artisans from across India through organisation of Lok Samvardhan Parvs to showcase and market their traditional arts/crafts, which enable them to connect with national and international buyers, understand current market trends, and explore new business opportunities. During organisation of such parvs, specialised lectures/ seminars/ live workshops on a wide range of topics covering market linkages, loan facilities, various government schemes for the artisanal entrepreneurs, etc. were also arranged to educate participating artisans/ entrepreneurs. This exposure is intended to ensure sustainable livelihoods and enhance economic prospects for participating artisans/craftsperson.

    As part of the programme, the Ministry supported artisans from across India to showcase their traditional crafts in home decor, fashion, textiles, gifts, furniture and many other crafts at Bharat Tex 2025. Participation of artisans/craftsperson in such events is expected to enhance their market access, boost income, and drive economic growth by connecting them with national and international buyers and designers. This exposure not only expands their trade opportunities but also empowers them with knowledge of global trends, sustainable practices, and contemporary designs, making their craft more competitive. Additionally, it encourages cultural preservation, encourages youth and women’s participation, and strengthens the artisanal ecosystem, positioning traditional crafts as a key contributor to India’s global trade footprint.

    This information was given by the Union Minister of Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today

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    SS/ISA

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NCM to Host Conference of State Minorities Commissions Focusing on Education, Inclusion, and Empowerment of Minorities

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 4:31PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) is set to host a pivotal Conference of State Minorities Commissions on 25th March, 2025, focusing on education, inclusion, and empowerment of minorities in India. The event will bring together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for ensuring equitable opportunities and welfare for minority communities. 

    Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Shri George Kurian, will grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour, inaugurating the conference with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. NCM Chairman, Shri Iqbal Singh Lalpura, will set the tone for the discussions with his address, followed by insightful sessions featuring distinguished panellists. 

    The conference will feature two key technical sessions: 

    • Education: Ensuring Access and Support to Minorities: Addressing challenges and solutions for inclusive education. 
    • Minority Inclusion and Welfare: Exploring the government’s role in fostering empowerment and development. 

    The Chief Guest, Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, will address the gathering underscoring the Government’s commitment to minority welfare. The event will conclude with an open-house discussion on challenges faced by State Minority Commissions, followed by the valedictory address by Shri Iqbal Singh Lalpura. 

    This conference promises to be a significant platform for dialogue, policy recommendations, and collaborative efforts toward an inclusive and empowered future for India’s minority communities.

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    SS/ISA

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Vice-President’s address to the Sixth Batch of Participants of the Rajya Sabha Internship Programme (RSIP-I) (Excerpts)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 4:06PM by PIB Delhi

    Boys and girls, I welcome you to the sixth batch. We have had so far five batches and we have been benefited by youth of the country participating in these internships to the extent of 142 so you, a group of 34, will join the group of 142.

    I strongly urge you to be in connect with the group all your life. There is a platform that will help you connect with them and members of the group are diversified as is your group. In terms of educational qualifications, in terms of gender, in terms of regional commitments, in terms of mother tongue but one thing is very common, spirit of nationalism is throbbing in the hearts of all.

    This is a unique opportunity, you are not going to be taught anything here, you will be inspired and motivated to self-learn. Your stay here in this internship is with a very laudable purpose. India is mother of democracy, largest democracy, most functional democracy, the only constitutional democracy that is at the village level, at the municipal level, at the district level, at the state level, and at the central level. Other countries have democracies but if you examine our election to Panchayat, our election to Municipality, our election to Zila Parishad or Panchayat Samiti is held under Election Commission, which is under the Constitution.

    They have the same structure, and Constitution was amended for it, part IX and part IXA of the Constitution. If you will read, you will find two Schedules 11 and 12, which give the areas of operation of Panchayati Raj institutions and Municipal institutions. As you are aware, there is a commission, Finance Commission. The job of the Finance Commission is to divide funds between the Union and the States. Similarly, there is a fund at the Panchayat and Municipal level, where funds are divisible between the State government funds, Panchayat institutions and Municipalities so Panchayat and Municipalities are institutions of self-governance.

    Now, your primary purpose is to handhold the public representative. You will have to equip yourself with parliamentary procedure, about working of Parliament, role of Members of Parliament and once you are given a lead, you have to learn on your own.

    Our country is governed first by constitutional provisions. You will have the occasion to see the Constitution signed by the Members of the Constitutional Assembly so go to the root of the matter. Try to get to micro level, try to find out that what changes have taken place in the Constitution and changes in the Constitution is the sole prerogative of Parliament but there are some changes where Parliament alone is not sufficient to endorse constitutional amendment. It has to be endorsed by 50% of State Legislatures but when it comes to amendment of the Constitution, Parliament is the repository of it, in some cases alongside State Legislatures and the final arbiter, the final authority, no intervention from any agency whatsoever is permissible with respect to constitutional amendment, but with respect to the laws made by Parliament or state legislatures, the courts have a role. The role is of judicial review and judicial review is to see if the law is in accord with constitutional provisions.

    You would have seen recently that in one state there is an indication that they will make reservation for contracts that is in the domain of business to a particular community, a religious denomination. Now look at the constitutional provisions. Does our Constitution allow any reservation on religious considerations? Find out what Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had said, and you will be enlightened that there can be no reservation on religious considerations. That is something you have to go into it, deep into it.

    Remember, the Constitution provides for hand-holding mechanism, affirmative mechanism and that is for scheduled caste, scheduled tribe, and socially and educationally backward classes, so when I was a Member of Parliament in 1989, the government of the day of which I was a part, as a Minister, promulgated what came to be known as Mandal Commission Report applicability. This was challenged in the Supreme Court after the government of which I was part had collapsed, a government collapses means it did not complete its term.

    The next government came and the next government granted further reservation to economic weaker sections. Both were challenged in the Indra Sawhney case, and nine judges of the Supreme Court, boys and girls, dealt with that judgement. The Mandal reservation, the affirmative hand-holding policy which is sanctified under Articles 14, 15 and 16, was upheld by the majority but reservation on account of economic backwardness, economy being a criteria, was struck down as unconstitutional.

    Now the question immediately arises, how come we have reservation now based on economic criteria? Because then the route was not taken through the Constitution. This time the route was taken by the government through Constitution. First the provision in the Constitution was amended, and economic criteria was made a basis, and that is why the courts upheld it. So you have to be very discerning about what you face. You can’t guide yourself immediately by perception. You have to move with a thought process.

    It is after a long gap, long gap of centuries, that we are in a state of hope and possibility. There was a time when India’s contribution to global trade was nearly one-third. There was a time when India was reckoned as Vishwaguru. There was a time when you had Nalanda but 1300 years ago, Nalanda was set on fire. The fire was there for several days. Lakhs of books were destroyed, and then followed foreign regime, reckless, brutal, destroying our culture, destroying our religious places. So was the blatant retributive approach that they destroyed our religious places and had their own. Then we were ruled by the British.

    But now there is an atmosphere of hope and possibility. Now, an ecosystem where every young boy and girl can aspire to exploit talent, potential, realise dreams and aspirations. I would urge all of you as interns, please find out the basket of opportunities that for the youth is growing up, enlarging day by day. Find out India’s development in deep sea, India’s development on the surface of sea, deep ground, on the ground, in the sky and space. We are making a huge mark. There are avenues in all these areas, Blue Economy, Space Economy, we have to have a share of it and therefore, you all will have to be messengers of the change for youth that come out of your silos.

    Youth in the country at the moment is in a silo, limited view, Government job, Private job but now things have changed. You can experiment if India is home to unicorns, startups. It is by boys and girls from tier two cities, from villages, from tier three cities. Affirmative governance, innovative schemes, financial assistance enable you. Just think one thing, if global institutions, International Monetary Fund says that India is a hot spot, a destination which is favourite for investment and opportunity, surely, it is not for Government jobs.

    The change that has taken place is, there was a time with global institutions, Indian mind was not there. Now, there is no global institution without Indian mind dominating. Girls are far ahead of it at a global level. You have to today realise that you are lucky to be living in times where India is focal centre of the world on account of economy that is performing around 8% annually.

    India is no longer a Nation with a potential, India is on a nation on progress. The development is unstoppable, incremental. A developed nation objective is no longer a dream, it’s our destination but it will be wishful thinking if as youth, you do not contribute because you are the serious stakeholders in governance in future, and therefore, you have to change the mindset of people. You have to define citizen’s attitude, you have to persuade everyone around that fundamental rights are fine, but we must first carry out fundamental duties. You’ll be surprised to know that most people are neither aware of fundamental duties nor they are aware of our rich culture, Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas. I don’t want to pose a question to you, but my experience is most people have not even seen physically Vedas. I’m sure steps will be taken to give you a book that will enlighten you about Vedas, the one which was circulated at my directive to all the Members of Parliament by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

    You have to be positive in your approach. Just imagine a country like ours, where to change the lives of people, to pick them up. 800 million people and more are getting free ration from April 1, 2020 and look at some perverted mind, they say, oh, over 800 million people are poor. They can’t feed on their own, therefore, are feeding them. I lament their negativity. I lament their perversion. They’re hand-holding them. When you go to an airport, most people walk, but there is a skeletal force and there is horizontal movement mechanism also. That is not that you are disabled, it helps you improve your proficiency.

    We have to believe in certain things which you must learn and that is countries in the world are developed. We will be developed. Our target is 2047 when India celebrates centenary of independence, and it can be earlier also, but which country in the world, number is only two, three that of civilisational depth of thousands of years. The countries that are developed, their history is 300 years, 400 years. We are that rich so we have to nurture our civilisational values while promoting indigenous development and the challenges are emanating every day because of social media also. People allow us to be calibrated by others, why? We as a Nation, we are what we are.

    Now, we have ongoing debates, when I told you about reservation in contracts to a religious denomination. Violating equality, violating level-playing field and outraging constitutional prescriptions. Therefore, we must always work that we iconize our heroes. Can we iconize our invaders, destroyers, those who engaged in reckless brutalisation of our civilisational values? Every young boy and girl has power individually, also collectively to thwart these menacing, sinister trends.

    I am sometimes amazed. How can we have public disorder? How can we have disruption of normal working? How can we have reprehensible spectacles of public property being set to fire? And if these people are visited with consequences in exemplary manner, after all, a building has to be raised to the ground only by mechanised method. Call it bulldozer then this is different hour. A bulldozer if it carries out a lawful command, is an accessory of law, not against the rule of law. We have to create national climate, national fervour that we will always keep Nation first. Partisan, economic, personal interest can never be a premise, a justifiable ground to compromise your nationalism. You must in this society move ahead by persuasion, positivity, and propriety.

    We have become so impatient, so intolerant, we don’t want to listen to the other person. We believe in ourselves being always right. We are judgemental that we alone are right and others are wrong. Democracy is all about expression and dialogue, you have a right of expression, your right of expression cannot be thwarted. If it is thwarted, or you are in fear before you speak the truth, or your point of view. Governance is not democracy but what use is expression when you don’t allow the other person to say anything contrary? And therefore dialogue is essential. Dialogue is nectar of democracy, dialogue is human interactive session. It has been reflected in our culture Vedas, as Anantavada, anyone who believes in one way traffic of expression leads to authoritarianism. It is dialogue that rationalises expression.

    Second, if you believe only you alone being right, you become victim of aham and ahankar. Human genius is aplenty. It is not in the captivity of any position, of anyone, a parliamentarian, a bureaucrat, or a judge. Every individual is gifted, and India abounds in this.

    Most of us are always in some kind of a mental tussle. We want autonomy of thought process. How do we dress? How do we eat? How do we practise? But this autonomy is not incompatible to accountability. These two are complementary, if I have a religion, and I wish to profess my religion, the religion professing has to be there as a private affair. It can’t be on a public street, or a public space like a railway station or airport, or even a flight because when you are at these places, you are bound by rules, rules of the game as they say. There has to be rule-based regime in every working and therefore, to converge, to demonstrate, it is a right to create an unsettled situation. Young minds have to change the mindset of others and work in that direction.

    Time has come when we must nurture our culture, One Nation, One Culture. No civilisation in the world is as inclusive as Bharat, no civilisation. We have never believed in confrontation, never in adversarial stance but what we find is, even political temperature is very high in the country. We quickly take irretrievable, confrontational, positioning on issues. We are the only way out in dialogue. You will have the occasion to go through what happened in the Constituent Assembly. It happened in 18 sessions, a little less than three years- two years, 11 months and few days.

    You will be surprised, they dealt with very divisive issues of language, of reservation. Very divisive, contentious issues, but there was no disruption. There was no disturbance, there were no placards, there was no shouting. All in a spirit of cooperation, coordination, convergence and that is why consensual approach is fundamental to evolution of democratic values.

    India is recognised in the world as a great power because of you boys and girls. Our demographic dividend, it is envy of the world and you have to perform. You have to neutralise racism, negativity. There is effort in the nation and outside to run us down but you must always realise India’s rise is for global stability. India’s rise is for global peace and youth alone can bring big change. I’m sure you all will work in that direction.

    You will have the occasion to get a real intellectual feast of experienced minds; but most of it will have to be self-learning. Use every moment with inquisitiveness, self-learning, what you can add more every day. Write a diary daily. Pose good questions to one another also. I will have the occasion to interact with you at completion and that I will organise at Vice-President’s House.

    I have indicated and you will have the occasion to ask searching questions. Let me give you two, three poses, you’ll be surprised. There are 12 nominated members in Rajya Sabha. They vote for the Vice-President, they don’t vote for the President. Surprised! 12 nominated Members of Rajya Sabha vote for the Vice-President.

    Now the reasoning given is that the President appoints him, that situation arose earlier but there has been a constitutional change, which was not earlier. That the President is bound 100% by the advice of Council of Ministers s       o the fact is the President doesn’t appoint as such. He goes by the advice of the Council of Ministers then why the distinction? Second, if an MLA has to vote for the President, which he does, there is secrecy of ballot but if the same MLA has to vote for a Member of Rajya Sabha, like two of them here on my right, he has to show his vote to his party boss. Why? Just think about it. These things must be in your mind.

    You must find out how many members were there in the Constituent Assembly to begin with. With the partition, how many went? Who are those six who did not sign, or could not sign? You have to think deeply why the country started celebration of Constitution Day. It was not earlier. It was started 10 years back. Why did a decision was taken to have Samvidhan Hatya Diwas? Why? Because you boys and girls are not aware that the nation was plunged in darkness in 1975. Lakhs of people were put in jail. The glorious rights of democracy, one of which being the right to approach the court, access to judiciary was availed. Nine high courts decided citizens have that right. Supreme Court declined and said two things. One, during emergency, you have no fundamental rights so people languished in jail and who languished in jail, they later on became Prime Ministers. So Chaudhary Charan Singh became a Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee became Prime Minister, Chandra Shekharji became Prime Minister, to just name a few but it happened.

    Then how long will Emergency last? It was decided by the court as long as the executive wants. So we were plunged in darkness. You are not aware and therefore to remind you, that why do we have Constitution at the House. If you will find out other things also, get to the deep of it. Parakram Diwas, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, we had forgotten him. Birsa Munda, Janjatiya Diwas, we had forgotten him. Many like him.

    Therefore we have rediscovered our real heroes, who should have been well sung but either they were not well sung, or unsung, or forgotten because culture is something, history is something that has to inspire and motivate us. Do we have a box where we can put suggestions? We have a portal. 

    I am initiating a new mechanism, a box will be put, where during the day without revealing your identity, you can make any suggestion and I will look into that on a daily basis.

    Best of luck. Enjoy your day.

    ****

    JK

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Kabaddi World Cup ends in spectacular style in city

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Sell out crowds packed into WV Active Aldersley on Saturday and Sunday to watch the semi finals and finals of the competition which was being hosted outside of Asia for the first time ever.

    England, Scotland and Wales were involved in the action as well as tournament favourites India who ended up winning both the men’s and women’s competitions.

    The finals brought a week of action to a close, with Wolverhampton joining Coventry, Birmingham and Walsall in hosting the competition across the region.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Resident Services, said the event had been a triumph for Wolverhampton and West Midlands.

    He said: “There’s only one word to describe the Kabaddi World Cup and that is ‘wow’.

    “From start to finish the event has been a triumph for everyone involved. It’s been a celebration of different cultures and communities and its legacy will be the impact on local school children and everyone who had the chance to experience it first hand.

    “Wolverhampton has had fantastic exposure on TV with the whole world watching and it has been brilliant to see what we have achieved together as a city.”

    The first match on finals day was a feisty affair between Wales and Scotland for the men’s third place, with Scotland coming out as the winners 67-56. 

    The women’s final then followed with a match between India and England in which India were crowned champions, with a dominant display throughout and a scoreline of 57-34.

    The men’s final was the last game and an entertaining affair with India starting strong but then with England putting up a real fight in the second half to close the gap in the scoreline, the match finishing 44-41.

    The event was then capped off by the closing ceremony which saw the first, second and third placed nations collect their medals and India lift the World Cup for both their men’s and women’s teams.  

    British Kababbi League Chief Executive Prem Singh said: “We are honoured to have played a role in this historic moment – hosting the first Kabaddi World Cup outside of Asia.

    “The positive impact of this tournament has been evident through the incredible support from our community, fans filling the venues, engaging across social media and tuning in via broadcasters around the world. We hope this event has contributed to the sport’s long term legacy and helped showcase Kabaddi’s power to bring unite and inspire people.”

    The tournament was supported by £500,000 of funding support from the UK Government’s Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Radix Recognized in the 2025 Verdantix APM Buyers Guide for Shaping Asset-Intensive Industries with Operational Value

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Radix, a global leader in Asset Performance Management (APM), has been recognized in the 2025 Verdantix APM Buyers Guide, highlighting its robust expertise in enhancing operational value for Asset-Intensive Industries. This recognition underscores Radix’s longstanding commitment to assisting clients in overcoming operational challenges through strategic cost reductions, streamlined operations, improved safety, and extending asset longevity.

    Kiran Darmasseelane, Senior Analyst at Verdantix, said: “Industrial organizations are increasing spend on consulting services for industrial maintenance and operations over the next 12 months, with the Verdantix report expecting the IAM digital services market to reach $2.5 billion by 2025. Radix is seizing on this growing trend by leveraging strong partnerships with AVEVA and Cognite to deliver comprehensive APM and industrial data management services. With a proven track record in bespoke integrations, predictive models, digital twins, multi-site deployments, and navigating complex change management challenges, Radix helps firms in high-risk environments, such as pipelines, FPSOs, and power plants, reduce costs, improve asset integrity, enhance reliability, and achieve regulatory and decarbonization goals.”

    The Verdantix report emphasizes Radix’s extensive experience in delivering digital asset management solutions to high-risk industries, including pipelines, floating production storage and offloading (FPSOs) units, and power plants. Radix’s capabilities have consistently enabled customers to enhance reliability, reduce operational costs, strengthen asset integrity, and meet stringent regulatory and sustainability objectives.

    Alex Clausbruch, CEO of Radix North America, said: “APM for many of our customers is vital to their goals of achieving operational excellence. Here at Radix, we enjoy the unique challenges that we can solve for our customers. As a result, they continue to trust our work and come back for more services as we continue to help customers not just in North America, but globally. It is an honor to be mentioned with a stamp of approval by Verdantix. We look forward to helping other asset intensive companies scale.”

    The Verdantix 2024 survey indicates that 84% of industrial firms intend to boost maintenance budgets, and 46% plan digital transformations for plant operations within the next year. This growing trend has led businesses to increasingly partner with industrial asset management (IAM) technology providers to modernize maintenance strategies effectively. Verdantix’s annual asset management report highlights 12 leading IAM implementation providers, offering valuable insights for executives addressing asset maintenance challenges and guiding them in forming successful asset management partnerships and strategies.

    Flavio Guimaraes, Chief Practices & Alliances Officer, Radix, said: “As we continue to grow our portfolio at Radix, I am proud of our entire company and everything we have been building in the past 15 years, and we are also honored for being recognized by Verdantix. This auspicious acknowledgement shows the value of our expertise and the trust our customers have in Radix; highlighting our work in the market in Asset Performance Management.”

    The full report is available online for Radix clients and corporate customers at www.radixeng.com.

    About Radix

    Founded in 2010, Radix is a privately held global technology solutions company providing consulting, engineering, operations technology, and data and software technology solutions.

    Radix combines key capabilities and practices to empower customers to thrive along their digital transformation journey. Radix provides technology-based, data-driven solutions to industrial and non-industrial companies worldwide. Radix has experience leading projects in more than 30 countries and has more than 1,700+ employees around the globe, with North American headquarters in Houston, Texas, main headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, additional offices in Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte, and a presence in Singapore and Amsterdam. To learn more, visit www.radixeng.com.

    For more information:
    Citalouise Geiggar, Ph.D.
    citalouise.geiggar@radixeng.com
    Radix

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bc2f9128-6a35-4f3a-8bd7-23a61fd383a2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Don’t cut the aid’: Insecurity worsens for stateless Rohingya, says UNHCR’s Grandi

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Migrants and Refugees

    The plight of Myanmar’s ethnic Rohingya is intensifying almost eight years since hundreds of thousands fled persecution and sought shelter in Bangladesh, the UN said on Monday, in an appeal for $934.5 million to help them.

    In a joint appeal, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, and the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) urged all countries to step up to support the displaced Rohingya – the world’s largest stateless population.

    A ‘frightening’ place

    The humanitarian situation in Cox’s Bazar – home to around one million Rohingya in Bangladesh – has worsened.

    “This is not a place where people want to live,” said IOM Director-General Amy Pope. “It’s frightening. If you are a young woman, you do not leave your tent at night.”

    Cross-border recruitment into terrorist organizations has risen sharply, while job opportunities have remained scarce and insecurity has spiked, humanitarians say.

    Families are weighing options and many are choosing to migrate illegally in search of safety and a better life on the outside, the agencies warned.

    Refugee city of one million people

    The Bangladesh authorities – together with the UN and other relief agencies – are “basically running a city of more than a million people in one of the most vulnerable areas in the world”, said UNHCR’s High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, at the launch of a Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya and host communities.  

    Echoing that message, IOM’s Ms. Pope warned that the crisis could spill out globally if States do not renew their efforts.  

    Amid the 2017 Rohingya exodus from Rakhine state in Myanmar, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein described the crisis as a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing”.

    Today, conditions in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar – which sprung up in a matter of days – have deteriorated further – and conflict in Myanmar sparked by a military coup in 2021 mean that it is too dangerous for the Rohingya to return.

    Terror link

    If nations do not step up to provide Rohingya with alternatives to dependency on international aid, “we will see young people choose crime or terrorism as an alternative when they have no future”, Ms. Pope warned.  

    “We’ll see young, young people, girls, sexually abused will see people have children at very young ages, will see a culture disappear.”

    “The short-term solution is don’t cut the aid,” Ms. Pope continued, reminding States of the need to push for a political outcome that will addresses longstanding inequality and discrimination against Rohingya in Myanmar.

    Soundcloud

    Putting the issue back on the map

    Mr. Grandi said he hoped the plan would put the issue “back on the map”, as global interest has declined in recent years.

    “It’s not just the suffering of the people, but also the space that gets created for violence, for extremists, for criminal groups, for onward boat movements, to other countries in Southeast Asia,” Mr. Grandi explained. 

    Further arrivals and births have further crowded Cox’s Bazar, strained resources for host communities and mounted pressure on the Bangladeshi authorities.  

    “I say this to my development partners – this is no time to leave the market,” said Dr. Khalilur Rahman, High Representative on the Rohingya Crisis and Priority Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh.

    Dr. Rahman called on countries to seize the opportunity to reinvest political will in stabilizing Rakhine state, to “plant a seed of peace” in a troubled region and turn the crisis into a “win”.

    “Behind each statement, there are people, and there are people who have languished for a long eight years to go back, people who have suffered untold miseries, and still have their hopes up,” the official said. “So, let’s not disappoint them.”

    Filling the vacuum

    Priorities include addressing food security to maintaining distributions of liquid gas, meaning refugees won’t need to cut down trees, damaging the environment, Mr. Grandi said.

    The UNHCR chief noted that young people were pleading for work opportunities to give their lives more meaning, while they wait in limbo to return home. One in three Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh is aged between 10 and 24.

    Hostilities must cease

    Fighting must stop for refugees to go home, the agency chiefs said, with Dr. Rahman of the Bangladeshi Government echoing that message. 

    “What we need to promote is peaceful coexistence between communities in Rakhine State,” Mr. Grandi said. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE San Franciso and partners take transnational criminal off the streets in California

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    SAN FRANCISCO — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Gurdev Singh, 23, an Indian national and criminal alien, March 12 in French Camp, California, as part of a targeted criminal enforcement action.

    “ICE welcomes partnerships between federal and local law enforcement,” said ERO San Francisco acting Field Office Director Polly Kaiser. “Leveraging professionalism, dedication to public safety, and combined investigative resources saves lives and makes not only the U.S. a safer nation, but those from which criminal aliens come.”

    Singh illegally entered the United States at an unknown location or date without admission or parole by U.S. immigration authorities. Singh was encountered by the U.S. Border Patrol near Lukeville, Arizona, Sept. 2, 2023, and was released on his own recognizance with a notice to appear before an immigration judge.

    Singh was later identified as a person known to be associated with transnational criminal organizations and further investigation showed Singh was known to carry firearms illegally and was actively engaged in criminal activity in both the U.S. and abroad.

    The California Highway Patrol arrested Singh March 6 for carrying a loaded firearm in public, not being the registered owner of a loaded firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle and child endangerment. An additional seven guns in Singh’s residence and two in a car located on the property were located with a subsequent search warrant.

    ICE discovered Singh was in the custody of the San Joaquin Sheriff’s Office and lodged a detainer request on March 12, but the sheriff’s office was unable to honor that request. ICE took Singh into custody without incident at 11 p.m. that evening upon his release from San Joaquin County Jail. Singh will remain in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members, or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form. For more information, visit www.ice.gov or follow @EROSanFrancisco on X.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WESTMORELAND COUNTY – Department of Human Services, IUP to Announce Health Care Collaboration to Train Future Physicians in Clinical Setting at Torrance State Hospital

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 25, 2025 – Torrance, PA

    ADVISORY – WESTMORELAND COUNTY – Department of Human Services, IUP to Announce Health Care Collaboration to Train Future Physicians in Clinical Setting at Torrance State Hospital

    DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh will join leadership from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) to announce IUP’s College of Osteopathic Medicine at Torrance State Hospital.

    Torrance State Hospital is a DHS facility that provides inpatient services for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness in a supportive and restorative environment. This partnership with IUP will educate and train future osteopathic physicians in a clinical setting at Torrance State Hospital while also addressing the urgent need for health care professionals in rural and underserved communities.

    Governor Josh Shapiro is committed to maintaining rural access to quality health care and his 2025-26 budget proposal makes critical investments that support the health care workforce and address barriers to access for Pennsylvanians in rural communities.

    WHAT:
    DHS, IUP to announce partnership for IUP’s College of Osteopathic Medicine at Torrance State Hospital

    WHEN:
    Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 1:30 PM

    WHERE:
    Greizman Classroom #2, Torrance State Hospital, 121 Longview Drive Torrance, PA 15779

    MEDIA RSVP:
    Media should email ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov with the name and media outlet for the reporter who will be in attendance. Attendees will require identification to enter the hospital.

    MEDIA CONTACT:
    Brandon Cwalina, DHS – ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Announces Plans to Extradite Three Tren de Aragua Members, Who Have Been Declared Alien Enemies, Wanted by Chile for Homicide and Kidnapping Offenses

    Source: US State of California

    Earlier today, the United States declared three members of Tren de Aragua (TdA) Alien Enemies and announced plans to extradite them to Chile, where they are wanted for violent crimes including homicide, kidnapping for ransom, and other offenses.

    TdA is a foreign terrorist organization with thousands of members, many of whom have unlawfully entered the United States to commit brutal crimes, including murder, kidnapping, extortion, and human and drug trafficking. Three known TdA members, Adrian Rafael Gamez Finol, Miguel Oyola Jimenez, and Edgar Javier Benitez Rubio, illegally entered the United States after allegedly committing horrific crimes in Chile.  Recognizing the grave threat that TdA poses to the nations it infiltrates, Chile has asked the United States to help return these men to Chile to face justice. Today, the Department of Justice announced that it will take swift action to grant these requests and send these Alien Enemies to Chile.   

    “These three Tren de Aragua members pose a grave risk to the public safety and national security of the United States, just as they allegedly did in Chile,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Based on their membership in TdA, they have been declared Alien Enemies. We will not tolerate violent illegal aliens in our country. The Justice Department is taking every step within the bounds of the law to ensure these individuals are promptly sent to Chile to face justice for their abhorrent crimes. In fact, we would have already removed these violent gang members to Chile to face justice were it not for the nationwide injunction imposed by a single judge in Washington D.C., which we are challenging today in the D.C. Circuit,” he added.  “We hope common sense and justice will prevail.”

    The three TdA members are:

    • Adrian Rafael Gamez Finol, also known as Rafael Enrique Gamez Salas, 38, a dual Venezuelan and Colombian citizen, is wanted in Chile for extortion, kidnapping resulting in homicide, kidnapping for extortion, unjustified firearm discharge, and criminal association. Gamez Finol was removed from the United States to Venezuela in August 2023, and allegedly subsequently illegally re-entered the United States. On Feb. 18, Gamez Finol was indicted in the Southern District of Texas for illegally reentering the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. Gamez Finol is currently in Texas county prison serving a sentence for human smuggling;
    • Miguel Oyola Jimenez, 37, a dual Venezuelan and Ecuadorian citizen, is wanted in Chile for two counts of kidnapping for ransom. Oyola Jimenez is currently in federal custody in the Western District of Washington, having been arrested on a provisional arrest request submitted by Chilean authorities seeking his return to Chile to stand trial on the kidnapping charges; and
    • Edgar Javier Benitez Rubio, 37, a Venezuelan citizen, is wanted in Chile for kidnapping with homicide, kidnapping for ransom, and criminal association. Benitez Rubio is in immigration custody in the Southern District of Indiana, pending removal.

    The Justice Department will work expeditiously to return these Alien Enemies to Chile to face justice.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Announces Plans to Extradite Three Tren de Aragua Members, Who Have Been Declared Alien Enemies, Wanted by Chile for Homicide and Kidnapping Offenses

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Earlier today, the United States declared three members of Tren de Aragua (TdA) Alien Enemies and announced plans to extradite them to Chile, where they are wanted for violent crimes including homicide, kidnapping for ransom, and other offenses.

    TdA is a foreign terrorist organization with thousands of members, many of whom have unlawfully entered the United States to commit brutal crimes, including murder, kidnapping, extortion, and human and drug trafficking. Three known TdA members, Adrian Rafael Gamez Finol, Miguel Oyola Jimenez, and Edgar Javier Benitez Rubio, illegally entered the United States after allegedly committing horrific crimes in Chile.  Recognizing the grave threat that TdA poses to the nations it infiltrates, Chile has asked the United States to help return these men to Chile to face justice. Today, the Department of Justice announced that it will take swift action to grant these requests and send these Alien Enemies to Chile.   

    “These three Tren de Aragua members pose a grave risk to the public safety and national security of the United States, just as they allegedly did in Chile,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Based on their membership in TdA, they have been declared Alien Enemies. We will not tolerate violent illegal aliens in our country. The Justice Department is taking every step within the bounds of the law to ensure these individuals are promptly sent to Chile to face justice for their abhorrent crimes. In fact, we would have already removed these violent gang members to Chile to face justice were it not for the nationwide injunction imposed by a single judge in Washington D.C., which we are challenging today in the D.C. Circuit,” he added.  “We hope common sense and justice will prevail.”

    The three TdA members are:

    • Adrian Rafael Gamez Finol, also known as Rafael Enrique Gamez Salas, 38, a dual Venezuelan and Colombian citizen, is wanted in Chile for extortion, kidnapping resulting in homicide, kidnapping for extortion, unjustified firearm discharge, and criminal association. Gamez Finol was removed from the United States to Venezuela in August 2023, and allegedly subsequently illegally re-entered the United States. On Feb. 18, Gamez Finol was indicted in the Southern District of Texas for illegally reentering the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. Gamez Finol is currently in Texas county prison serving a sentence for human smuggling;
    • Miguel Oyola Jimenez, 37, a dual Venezuelan and Ecuadorian citizen, is wanted in Chile for two counts of kidnapping for ransom. Oyola Jimenez is currently in federal custody in the Western District of Washington, having been arrested on a provisional arrest request submitted by Chilean authorities seeking his return to Chile to stand trial on the kidnapping charges; and
    • Edgar Javier Benitez Rubio, 37, a Venezuelan citizen, is wanted in Chile for kidnapping with homicide, kidnapping for ransom, and criminal association. Benitez Rubio is in immigration custody in the Southern District of Indiana, pending removal.

    The Justice Department will work expeditiously to return these Alien Enemies to Chile to face justice.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Washakie Man Sentenced to 29 Years of Imprisonment for Second-Degree Murder

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Conrad Troy Tillman, 38, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 348 months and 23 days in federal prison with five years of supervised release for second-degree murder. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on March 21, 2025, in Casper. The federal sentence considered the fact Tillman had been serving a related tribal sentence for nearly a year. The court also ordered Tillman to pay $6,998.10 in restitution and a $100 special assessment.

    On April 14, 2024, the Wind River Police Department was dispatched to a vehicle located on Highway 287 within the Wind River Indian Reservation. The 911 call indicated that a man had shot his wife. According to court documents and witness testimony, Tillman, his wife, and their adolescent daughter were traveling on Highway 287 when an argument ensued between the couple. It culminated in Tillman firing a semi-automatic pistol, striking his wife in the head, and killing her. Tillman flagged down a passing motorist to call 911. EMS and law enforcement officers arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.

    The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    Case No. 24-CR-00086

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: Navigating the Rising Tide: Transformational Adaptation for Resilient Atoll Nations

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Short-term responses, while necessary for immediate relief, are insufficient to address the deep-rooted and long-term challenges faced by these countries. As sea-levels continue to rise and coastal inundation intensifies, a shift to more transformational adaptation strategies will be necessary.

    Transformational adaptation strategies will leverage an understanding of current and future climate risks (which is a function of hazards, exposure, and vulnerabilities) to identify and prioritize sustainable, integrated, and sequenced adaptation investments across sectors, ensuring long-term resilience and preventing maladaptation.

    Transformational adaptation concept example of an atoll island. 
    Source: Asian Development Bank. Illustration by Lucas Kukler.  

    Transformational adaptation requires holistic strategies that integrate the latest understanding of science, inclusive governance approaches, local cultural and traditional knowledge, and innovative financing mechanisms. This could include a combination of measures such as improved land use and settlement planning, land reclamation, resilient infrastructures, strengthening building designs, developing green skills, relocation policies, integrated water resources management approaches, improved disaster preparedness, and nature-based solutions.

    Resources needed for implementing transformational adaptation strategies are greater than currently available. Equally important is the approach to identify the funding and financing of adaptation investments—how investments are identified, prioritized, financed, and maintained. This will differ significantly from business-as-usual practices. 

    For example, the Republic of Marshall Islands “survival plan”, National Adaptation Plan, estimates that protecting all of its atolls to withstand sea level rise would result in costs increasing up to $35 billion for a 2-meter sea level rise from $5 billion for a 0.5-meter sea level rise—equivalent to 125 times and 17.8 times of the country’s GDP in 2023 pegged at $0.28 billion, respectively.

    Transformational adaptation strategies will also require longer preparation and implementation lead times than investments typically supported under the usual decision making and financing cycles—which means long-term commitment and programmatic approaches for financing. It will also need to promote enabling factors and policy actions to address the underlying drivers of vulnerability, such as land tenure.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump silences the Voice of America: end of a propaganda machine or void for China and Russia to fill?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Valerie A. Cooper, Lecturer in Media and Communication, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

    Getty Images

    Of all the contradictions and ironies of Donald Trump’s second presidency so far, perhaps the most surprising has been his shutting down the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) for being “radical propaganda”.

    Critics have long accused the agency – and its affiliated outlets such as Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia – of being a propaganda arm of US foreign policy.

    But to the current president, the USAGM has become a promoter of anti-American ideas and agendas – including allegedly suppressing stories critical of Iran, sympathetically covering the issue of “white privilege” and bowing to pressure from China.

    Propaganda is clearly in the eye of the beholder. The Moscow Times reported Russian officials were elated by the demise of the “purely propagandistic” outlets, while China’s Global Times celebrated the closure of a “lie factory”.

    Meanwhile, the European Commission hailed USAGM outlets as a “beacon of truth, democracy and hope”. All of which might have left the average person understandably confused: Voice of America? Wasn’t that the US propaganda outlet from World War II?

    Well, yes. But the reality of USAGM and similar state-sponsored global media outlets is more complex – as are the implications of the US agency’s demise.

    Public service or state propaganda?

    The USAGM is one of several international public service media outlets based in western democracies. Others include Australia’s ABC International, the BBC World Service, CBC/Radio-Canada, France Médias Monde, NHK-World Japan, Deutsche Welle in Germany and SRG SSR in Switzerland.

    Part of the Public Media Alliance, they are similar to national public service media, largely funded by taxpayers to uphold democratic ideals of universal access to news and information.

    Unlike national public media, however, they might not be consumed – or even known – by domestic audiences. Rather, they typically provide news to countries without reliable independent media due to censorship or state-run media monopolies.

    The USAGM, for example, provides news in 63 languages to more than 100 countries. It has been credited with bringing attention to issues such as protests against COVID-19 lockdowns in China and women’s struggles for equal rights in Iran.

    On the other hand, the independence of USAGM outlets has been questioned often, particularly as they are required to share government-mandated editorials.

    Voice of America has been criticised for its focus on perceived ideological adversaries such as Russia and Iran. And my own research has found it perpetuates stereotypes and the neglect of African nations in its news coverage.

    Leaving a void

    Ultimately, these global media outlets wouldn’t exist if there weren’t benefits for the governments that fund them. Sharing stories and perspectives that support or promote certain values and policies is an effective form of “public diplomacy”.

    Yet these international media outlets differ from state-controlled media models because of editorial systems that protect them from government interference.

    The Voice of America’s “firewall”, for instance, “prohibits interference by any US government official in the objective, independent reporting of news”. Such protections allow journalists to report on their own governments more objectively.

    In contrast, outlets such as China Media Group (CMG), RT from Russia, and PressTV from Iran also reach a global audience in a range of languages. But they do this through direct government involvement. CMG subsidiary CCTV+, for example, states it is “committed to telling China’s story to the rest of the world”.

    Though RT states it is an autonomous media outlet, research has found the Russian government oversees hiring editors, imposing narrative angles, and rejecting stories.

    A Voice of America staffer protests outside the Washington DC offices on March 17 2025, after employees were placed on administrative leave.
    Getty Images

    Other voices get louder

    The biggest concern for western democracies is that these other state-run media outlets will fill the void the USAGM leaves behind – including in the Pacific.

    Russia, China and Iran are increasing funding for their state-run news outlets, with China having spent more than US$6.6 billion over 13 years on its global media outlets. China Media Group is already one of the largest media conglomerates in the world, providing news content to more than 130 countries in 44 languages.

    And China has already filled media gaps left by western democracies: after the ABC stopped broadcasting Radio Australia in the Pacific, China Radio International took over its frequencies.

    Worryingly, the differences between outlets such as Voice of America and more overtly state-run outlets aren’t immediately clear to audiences, as government ownership isn’t advertised.

    An Australian senator even had to apologise recently after speaking with PressTV, saying she didn’t know the news outlet was affiliated with the Iranian government, or that it had been sanctioned in Australia.

    Switched off

    Trump’s move to dismantle the USAGM doesn’t come as a complete surprise, however. As the authors of Capturing News, Capturing Democracy: Trump and the Voice of America described, the first Trump administration failed in its attempts to remove the firewall and install loyalists.

    This perhaps explains why Trump has resorted to more drastic measures this time. And, as with many of the current administration’s legally dubious actions, there has been resistance.

    The American Foreign Service Association says it will challenge the dismantling of the USAGM, while the Czech Republic is seeking EU support to keep Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty on the air.

    But for many of the agency’s journalists, contractors, broadcasting partners and audiences, it may be too late. Last week the New York Times reported some Voice of America broadcasts had already been replaced by music.

    Valerie A. Cooper 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. Trump silences the Voice of America: end of a propaganda machine or void for China and Russia to fill? – https://theconversation.com/trump-silences-the-voice-of-america-end-of-a-propaganda-machine-or-void-for-china-and-russia-to-fill-252901

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: HMCS Ottawa returns from Operations HORIZON and NEON

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    March 24, 2025 – Esquimalt, B.C. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa returned to its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, having completed its five-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region under Operations HORIZON and NEON.

    As part of Operation HORIZON, HMCS Ottawa and its crew conducted multinational exercises and maneuvers with Japan, the United States, the Republic of Korea, France, Australia, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. They participated in discussions on Women, Peace, and Security and conducted a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with the Philippines, held a port visit in Cambodia offering important first aid training to Cambodian forces, and participated in the French-led carrier strike group Exercise LA PEROUSE led by the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle.

    During Operation NEON, HMCS Ottawa’s crew identified and reported five vessels of interest—vessels that have, or are suspected of having, engaged in activity contrary to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) imposed sanctions against North Korea.

    Canada’s routine presence in the Indo-Pacific region demonstrates our commitment to supporting peace, security, and stability in the region. The most recent actions and international engagements executed by the crew of HMCS Ottawa have shown Canada to be a reliable and capable international security partner.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: East of Empire: partitioning of India and Palestine unleashed the violent conflict that continues today

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Erin O’Halloran, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge

    What can Indian and Pakistani press archives, government records and memoirs tell us about the Middle East of the 1920s and ’30s, when Britain’s empire was in its twilight years? What did the dissolution of the Ottoman empire, the movement for Egyptian independence, or the crisis in British Mandate Palestine have to do with the decision to partition India?

    How did Muhammad Ali Jinnah go from being a secular young man appalled by Indian interference in the Ottoman Caliphate crisis to the moving spirit behind the demand for Pakistan – a new Islamic nation which, he claimed, would be capable of defending Muslims abroad?

    These are the kinds of questions that kept me awake at night for years. The result of that insomnia is my new book, East of Empire: Egypt, India, and the World Between the Wars.

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

    My focus is the quarter-century which immediately preceded the end of empire in India-Pakistan and Palestine-Israel. Both countries were partitioned along ethnic lines – the former by the British and the latter by the UN – resulting in catastrophic bloodshed and the forced displacement of millions.

    These partitions took place barely six months apart, between 1947 and 1948. They remain at the heart of horrific state violence on both continents, not to mention intergenerational trauma and rancorous historical debate.

    For much of the period my book deals with, from 1919 until the mid-1930s, the division of territory between religious or ethnic blocs would have been difficult for most people living in the Middle East and South Asia to fathom. There were no obvious frontiers that could be drawn between local communities. Particularly in cities and towns, neighbours of different ethnicities and faiths lived cheek by jowl.

    In fact, it was precisely during this time, between the first and second world wars, that Egyptians and Indians came to think of their movements for self-determination as shared across communal divides.

    Artists, politicians, activists and intellectuals described a thick and flexible web of interconnections – some spiritual or linguistic, others cultural and geopolitical – which together made up something called the sharq, orient, or “east”. This was said to transcend all kinds of barriers, depending on who you asked – creed, language, ethnicity, nation, gender and class, for starters.

    Many historians writing about this period have picked up this “easternism” for closer inspection – only to swiftly place it back down again. They argue it is too vague, amorphous and internally contradictory to be of much use as an analytical category. They are not wrong. Between the 1920s and ’40s, there were many (perhaps even countless) visions of the east in circulation.

    There was the east of orientalists – foreign, exotic and “other”. There was the anti-colonial east, a geography of allies in the battle against foreign domination. Then there was the spiritual east, often contrasted with the materialist west. There was the Islamic east, a region populated largely (though never exclusively) by Muslims. There was also the cosmopolitan east, a rich tapestry of cultures bound together by commerce and exchange of ideas. Finally, there was the strategic east, a geopolitical bloc or bulwark that might counter other constellations of power.

    It is important to underscore that none of these concepts were mutually exclusive. Instead, proponents of easternism tended to connect several “kinds” of eastern ideas together into a personally appealing hybrid.

    Thus in his memoir, Sultan Mahomed Shah, Aga Khan III, revisited his long-cherished dream of an eastern bloc of Muslim nations, serving as both a moral compass to the world and a healthy check on the power of Europe and the United States.

    For the Egyptian feminist Huda Shaarawi, the east was unapologetically anticolonial. In the pages of her magazine, l’Egyptienne, it was frequently ancient and exotic – but also, crucially, a stage upon which women from many cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds would together forge the future in their own image.

    Given the dizzying array of potential easts, it was never what academics would call a coherent ideology. But this did not prevent it from being a highly prominent feature of both political debate and action in Egypt, India and the broader Arab-Asian region throughout the interwar period.

    Beginning in the 1920s and deep into the ’30s, various eastern visions flowed in and out of alignment with one another as headlines changed, alliances evolved, and priorities shifted. With the onset of war in Europe in 1939, however, the stakes of these ideological differences began to spike.

    Subjected to the unrelenting pressure of war, the many strands of easternism began to splinter, putting paid to the more fluid and open-ended possibilities that had animated preceding decades.

    In their stead emerged postwar ideologies with sharper edges, hardened national frontiers, and – following years of globally cataclysmic violence – little faith in the pacifist and humanist ideals of a bygone era. This almost chemical transformation is the backdrop against which votes affirmed the partitions of India and Palestine in 1947.

    Here, then, is the story told in East of Empire: how visions of a transnational, fluid and nonconformist east shaped the interwar politics of India and Egypt, and why these visions gave way to a more rigid, militant nationalism by the end of the second world war.

    The book revisits a near-forgotten chapter in the rise of anticolonialism and the end of the British empire across the Middle East and South Asia. And it explains the conditions under which these bold and optimistic visions buckled – unleashing torrents of violence we have yet to staunch, almost 80 years later.

    Erin O’Halloran has received funding from the British Academy and UK Research & Innovation.

    – ref. East of Empire: partitioning of India and Palestine unleashed the violent conflict that continues today – https://theconversation.com/east-of-empire-partitioning-of-india-and-palestine-unleashed-the-violent-conflict-that-continues-today-251338

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev: The state of the Far East economy and the security of the state as a whole depend on technological development

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The issues of technological development of the Far East and preparations for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 were discussed at a meeting of the Council of the Far Eastern Federal District, which was held with the participation of the heads of regions under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister – Plenipotentiary Representative of the President in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev.

    “Technological development is acute today. The state of the economy and the security of the state as a whole depend on this. This week, the head of state, speaking at the Congress of the RSPP, noted that, according to the Ministry of Finance of Russia, more than 28 thousand sanctions were introduced against Russian companies and individuals. It is important to understand that sanctions are not just temporary restrictions. Their main goal is to weaken the economy of the state. That is why we must strive with technological independence in all directions with all our means. Already today we have positive changes. In almost all regions, drones gather, including civil purposes, in Yakutia, electric motorcycles are produced, in the Khabarovsk Territory – Baggi. Of course, these results were achieved, among other things, thanks to the action of the “Patriotic“ mechanism ”. The construction of an innovative scientific and technological center on the island of Russian is underway, and these are, in turn, the prospects for the development of such areas as biomedicine, information technology. Created the Vostok Venture Foundation. Highly technologies are being introduced, atomic stations of low power are built. Literally, literally, literally. Literally. Literally. The other day, in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, for the first time, flying tests of the Superjate 100 aircraft were carried out with the domestic PD-8 engine. This is an important step towards technological independence. The economic development and safety of the macroregion and the country as a whole depends on the quality and speed of its solution, ”Yuri Trutnev opened the discussion.

    Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko reported on the scientific and technological development of the island region. On behalf of the head of state, the construction of the international-level campus “SakhalinTech” is underway on Sakhalin. This year, the first stage of the campus will be commissioned – a student town for 1.5 thousand people, and in 2026 – a scientific and educational center. Construction is proceeding at an accelerated pace. In parallel with the construction, the university is being transformed into “University 4.0”. An advanced engineering school has been opened in the region. An electrical engineering laboratory operates on the basis of the SKB SAMI academic institute. An oil and gas chemical analytical laboratory is being created. A hydrogen cluster is being formed, where projects are already being implemented. The first stage of the Oil and Gas Industrial Park has been launched. A research and production center for the development of unmanned systems, accredited by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, has been created on Sakhalin. A unified Far Eastern unmanned airline, Aurora BAS, was created on the basis of the Far Eastern airline Aurora. An aviation training center for manned and unmanned aircraft was opened. Eight more such training grounds will be created in the near future.

    “It is important for us not only to develop the gas chemical cluster and the Vostochny Cosmodrome, the construction of which is proceeding according to schedule, but also everything related to the use of modern technologies. The implementation of such projects is facilitated by the regime of advanced development territories. Now we are planning to create an industrial park, the residents of which will, among other things, be engaged in deep processing of polymers. We are discussing the construction of a plant for the production of mineral fertilizers in the industrial park. The enterprise will be important not only for the agriculture of the Far East, it will be focused on exports to China and, as a result, will affect the development of the logistics industry,” said Vasily Orlov, Governor of the Amur Region.

    “Vitus Bering Kamchatka State University has been participating in the Priority 2030 program for the third year. As part of it, we are rebooting the university, making it a university of entrepreneurs – with an emphasis on the expedition component and interaction with leading research centers in Russia. Specific projects have been launched with a number of leading Russian universities. Projects with practical implementation in the field of geothermal energy are being developed, including low-power geothermal stations. We are currently launching one of these projects for testing in Kamchatka, which is called a natural laboratory. We want to offer a unique format of a floating university, when leading researchers gather on a ship, study the features of aquatic biological resources, the dynamics of water temperature and salinity of the ocean, and generally outline the prospects for ocean research. Particular attention is paid to projects that help our victory. Thanks to the Patriotic Priority Development Area, we have launched the production of unmanned aerial vehicles. We are consistently increasing the depth of localization, moving from simple assembly to development,” said Kamchatka Krai Governor Vladimir Solodov.

    The preparations for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War were discussed. “This is a special holiday for our entire country, our citizens. There is not a single family that was not affected by that war. The significance of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War for the fate of Russia is difficult to overestimate. Attempts are currently being made to falsify history, to diminish the significance of the feat of our ancestors. An important task for us is for the younger generation to know and remember the history of their country, their native region. The head of state has also declared this year the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. Now our children, like their fathers and grandfathers, heroically and selflessly defend their homeland and their families. May 9 is a special holiday for every family in our country. As part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the district, we have planned about 450 different events, including five events to be held abroad. Victory parades are planned in all regions. It is also important to ensure the safety of mass events. I ask all governors and representatives of law enforcement agencies to take this issue extremely seriously,” noted Yuri Trutnev.

    The holding of ceremonial events and Victory parades in Khabarovsk and Vladivostok was considered. This year, Khabarovsk will host two anniversary Victory parades – on May 9 and September 3. The parade in September will be dedicated to the defeat of militarist Japan and the end of World War II. Primorsky Krai is preparing for the Victory Parade in Vladivostok in cooperation with the Pacific Fleet. The Immortal Regiment procession will take place in the capital of Primorye. An extensive program will be organized for residents and guests of the Far Eastern capital with a festive concert, thematic local sites, exhibitions, interactive activities, photo zones, and master classes. In Vladivostok, the key event on May 9 will be the holding of the “Victory Streets” campaign. Thematic banners and stands with photographs of veterans of the Great Patriotic War will be placed on the Tsarevich Embankment. An exhibition of captured equipment from the special military operation zone will be organized. And on September 3, a series of festive events are planned in Vladivostok on the territory of Primorsky Krai, including a large festive concert on the central square of Vladivostok, “Vladivostok Seasons”.

    The progress of creating a museum on Shumshu dedicated to the Kuril landing operation, the last major battle of the USSR against militarist Japan, was separately considered. During the Great Patriotic War, Shumshu Island was the northern stronghold of Japanese troops on the Kuril Islands and was considered impregnable. The landing of Soviet paratroopers on Shumshu became a decisive event during the entire Kuril landing operation. “We are preparing an open-air museum. This is a bright page in the heroism of our soldiers, and we must support this memory. This initiative was supported by the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. Our task is simply to implement it. We will try to ensure that the first events on Shumshu dedicated to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War take place on May 9,” said Yuri Trutnev.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why wild swimming is better for your mental wellbeing than open-air pools

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lewis Elliott, Senior Lecturer in Environment and Human Health, University of Exeter

    jax10289/Shutterstock

    On Perranporth beach in Cornwall, UK, a local outdoor swimming group called the Perranporth Bluetits is out in force. This group are determined to make the most of another chilly day as they plunge into the Atlantic for a dip. They emerge smiling. Their camaraderie and collective sense of achievement is clear to see.

    Invigorating experiences like these have motivated community groups and the voluntary sector to begin to design “blue care” programmes connecting people with the water, and sometimes even more formalised prescriptions of “bluespace” activities from doctors or health professionals.

    I, admittedly, stay drier than the Perranporth Bluetits. But my interest in open water swimming and its health benefits has motivated me and a team of researchers to look into these experiences. Previous research shows that open-water swimming and similar activities can be therapeutic.

    But might certain swimming activities be particularly beneficial for mental wellbeing? With an international team of environmental psychologists, I have carried out the biggest survey of open-water swimmers to date, looking at data from across the globe. Our recent study, published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, outlines the mental wellbeing benefits of wild swimming, and suggests that satisfying psychological needs might underlie this.

    Perranporth beach, Cornwall, UK.
    Robert Harding Video/Shutterstock

    As part of the EU-funded BlueHealth project, we surveyed around 20,000 adults in 19 countries across Europe, the US, Hong Kong, Australia and Canada about their interactions with blue spaces (outdoor aquatic environments) and their health and wellbeing. One thousand two hundred of these people reported swimming on their most recent visit to a blue space – some in open-air pools, others in more natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers and the sea.

    Any kind of outdoor swimming was associated with a wellbeing boost. However, wild swimming seemed to deliver significant benefits. Our study suggests that the key to this effect lies in experiencing feelings of autonomy and competence – freedom and mastery over the swimmer’s environment – two factors that are strongly linked to wellbeing.

    Surprisingly though, social connection did not play as big a role in these mental wellbeing effects as we had expected, despite the proliferation of community swimming groups like the Perranporth Bluetits. At least in this international sample, personal achievement seemed to be more influential than community bonding.

    There was another surprising nuance too. More skilled swimmers, drawn to adventurous and riskier locations, sometimes reported higher anxiety levels. This suggests that while wild swimming can be deeply rewarding, it may also push people into situations that challenge their comfort zones. As other research has noted, such challenging situations can be part of the appeal.

    The findings extend previous research on open-water swimming by showing wellbeing benefits across an international sample of adults, the mechanisms by which these benefits come about and the magnitude of difference between natural waters and man-made outdoor pools. So, should we all be jumping in and prescribing such experiences for a mental health lift?

    The research does not quite support that yet. We need to be realistic about some of the other challenges our oceans face in providing such experiences. Alongside ever-present risks such as drowning, polluted waters pose infection risks, something that any swimmer has to carefully negotiate to embrace their hobby.

    Nonetheless, our results support investigations into prescribing nature to improve certain health conditions. This is something that the UK government is prepared to spend millions on. Osteoarthritis, muscle pain, inflammation, stress, immune function and sleep quality are just some of the other touted benefits of cold-water immersion.

    Perhaps the main takeaway though is in how wild swimming delivers its mental wellbeing benefits – essentially through enhanced feelings of freedom. Perhaps, in a world of growing external pressures, this is the reason wild swimming is becoming so popular.

    Swimming, sailing, even just building a sandcastle – the ocean benefits our physical and mental wellbeing. Curious about how a strong coastal connection helps drive marine conservation, scientists are diving in to investigate the power of blue health.

    This article is part of a series, Vitamin Sea, exploring how the ocean can be enhanced by our interaction with it.

    Lewis Elliott received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 666773.

    – ref. Why wild swimming is better for your mental wellbeing than open-air pools – https://theconversation.com/why-wild-swimming-is-better-for-your-mental-wellbeing-than-open-air-pools-251971

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: EMGS Receives Contract Related to Previously Announced Letter of Award for Survey in India

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Reference is made to the stock exchange notification published by Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA (“EMGS” or the “Company”) on 15 January 2025 wherein EMGS announced that the Company had received a Letter of Award for a CSEM survey in India.

    The Company is pleased to announce that the final contract has now been signed. Under the signed contract, the final contract value remains approximately USD 10 million, i.e. in accordance with the expectation under the Letter of Award.  


    Contact
    Anders Eimstad, CFO, +47 948 25 836

    This information is published in accordance with the Norwegian Securities Trading Act § 5-12.

    About EMGS
    EMGS, the marine EM market leader, uses its proprietary electromagnetic (EM) technology to support oil and gas companies in their search for offshore hydrocarbons. EMGS supports each stage in the workflow, from survey design and data acquisition to processing and interpretation. The Company’s services enable the integration of EM data with seismic and other geophysical and geological information to give explorationists a clearer and more complete understanding of the subsurface. This improves exploration efficiency and reduces risks and the finding costs per barrel. CSEM technology can also be used to detect the presence of marine mineral deposits (primarily Seabed Massive Sulphides) and EMGS believes that the technology can also be used to estimate the mineral content of such deposits. The Company is undertaking early-stage initiatives to position itself in this future market.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Dakota Delegation Reintroduces Legislation To Empower Greater Development Of State-Owned Energy Resources

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)
    WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer and Representative Julie Fedorchak today announced they have reintroduced the North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act, bicameral legislation to enable greater development of state-owned lands and minerals. Specifically, the bill would authorize the State of North Dakota to relinquish state-owned lands and minerals contained within the Tribal Reservations to the U.S. Department of the Interior and, in exchange, receive federal land and minerals of equal value within North Dakota. The delegation secured Senate passage of the legislation last Congress, a critical step that will help streamline the bill’s advancement in the 119th Congress.
    “Energy development on state and federally-held lands not only plays a critical role in supporting economic growth and our nation’s energy security, but it produces significant revenue to help fund education, infrastructure and a wide range of priorities,” said Senator Hoeven, a member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. “Through equal-value exchanges, our legislation would help the State of North Dakota and Native American Tribes reduce the fragmentation of their minerals and surface acres, easing the development of these important resources and unlocking their potential for the benefit of North Dakotans and tribal members.”
    “Our Trust Lands Completion Act is a win-win-win solution for North Dakota, tribes, and the federal government,” said Senator Cramer. “It’s proof not every transaction in Washington requires a loser. This will restore tribal land ownership and go a long way toward simplifying energy and resource development to generate more revenue for education in the state. It’s time to pass this bill.”
    “This legislation is a commonsense solution to a longstanding problem,” said Representative Fedorchak. “By allowing North Dakota to exchange fragmented state-owned lands within Tribal Reservations for federal lands of equal value, we’re unlocking new opportunities for responsible energy development while ensuring tribes have greater control over their own lands. It’s a win-win for North Dakota—empowering our state to better utilize its resources and cut through bureaucratic barriers that have held back development for too long.”
    “This legislation will promote more productive trust lands to enhance North Dakota K-12 education funding, while also providing North Dakota Tribes with the opportunity to further consolidate lands within their reservations. I look forward to working with our delegation to build on the success we achieved last Congress where it unanimously passed the United States Senate,” said Joseph Heringer, North Dakota Trust Lands Commissioner.
    “We were glad to help shape how the draft bill would restore some Reservation land previously taken from us,” said Mark Fox, Chairman of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. “We support its introduction and look forward to working closely with our congressional delegation and the Congress to ensure the preservation of our treaty rights to land and minerals on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.”
    Currently, North Dakota holds more than 130,000 acres of minerals and over 31,000 surface acres within Tribal Reservations alone, which are largely unavailable for development. At the same time, existing federal laws do not adequately allow for the state and federal government to exchange land and minerals. This leaves surface and mineral rights within the Tribal Reservations fragmented, while limiting the state’s ability to generate revenue from the land and minerals it owns. The North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act would resolve this issue by allowing equal value transactions between North Dakota and the Interior Department to exchange land and mineral rights, thereby:
    Enabling North Dakota to access the lands and minerals that were promised upon statehood to fund education and other public purposes.
    Providing Tribes greater ownership over the lands within their reservation boundaries.
    Valuations conducted under this legislation would be determined by the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions and the Uniform Standards for Professional Appraisal Practice. Valid existing rights will be respected in these transactions and there will be no impact on any Indian treaty rights or to the National Grasslands. The full text and a summary of the legislation can be found here and here, respectively.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Giorgia Meloni’s government is still supporting Ukraine and backing NATO. Italy’s aerospace and defence sectors help explain why

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Jean-Pierre Darnis, Full professor at the University of Côte d’Azur, director of the master’s programme in “France-Italy Relations”. Associate fellow at the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS, Paris) and adjunct professor at LUISS University (Rome), Université Côte d’Azur

    US President Donald Trump’s pivot toward Russia amid its war in Ukraine has collided with the stance of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, which has always shown unwavering support for Kyiv as well as loyalty to Washington. When Trump came to power, Meloni wanted to appear connected to his administration, hoping to play the role of a bridge with Europe while France and Germany were in unfavourable political cycles. Trump’s pivot led to a revival of France’s role in Europe, while Germany emerged from its electoral period with its likely next chancellor, Friedrich Merz, calling for European defence’s “independence from the USA”.

    Meloni’s position is not only weakening within the European context, where France, Germany and the UK play leading roles, but also in Italian politics, as US policy has created rifts within the three-part governing coalition. Meloni’s party, Fratelli d’Italia, supports Ukraine and Europe, as does Forza Italia. But the leader of Lega, Matteo Salvini, has come to embody Trumpism in Italy, taking an openly pro-Russian position and opposing European rearmament. If a break with Lega were to occur, it could call into question the viability of the government, as it would no longer hold an absolute majority in parliament.

    Anti-French rhetoric

    For her part, Meloni always tends to push back against any “European-only” defence solution proposed by France. This position is a way for Italy to avoid facing the fact that NATO has weakened. It also reactivates an anti-French rhetoric that is a classic refrain among Italian nationalists. Salvini has recently accused French President Emmanuel Macron of being “crazy” and calling for Europe to prepare for nuclear war.

    However, Macron has not made any significant missteps toward Italy. Since the first informal emergency meeting in Paris after Trump’s policy shift toward Ukraine (a gathering that included the UK, Germany, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain and Poland), the Italian government has always been involved. Moreover, Macron’s policy convergence with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has dulled criticisms, because Rome is traditionally close to London.

    Both Meloni’s government and the opposition have put forward complicated if not unrealistic proposals for the war in Ukraine, such as a UN peacekeeping mission after a ceasefire, and repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to NATO. In terms of public opinion, a poll published in mid-February – two weeks before Trump scolded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a White House visit – found that 69 percent of Italians “are favourable toward a common European army”.

    There is also a growing debate in Italy on nuclear deterrence. This issue had been taboo until now, with Italy benefitting from an arrangement in which US nuclear bombs are stored in bases on Italian soil. While Germany and Poland have expressed interest in an expansion of the French nuclear umbrella, Italian media and policymakers are also beginning to discuss it. The discussion may reflect doubts about US reliability within NATO, including Washington’s commitment to the alliance treaty’s Article 5, which holds that “an armed attack” on one member “shall be considered an attack against them all”.



    À lire aussi :
    French nuclear deterrence for Europe: how effective could it be against Russia?

    Defence ties to Europe

    There are also significant signals coming from Italian industry. While, in recent months, the Italian government appeared to want to use the telecommunications services of Starlink, the satellite network created by Elon Musk, for its defence needs, a contract no longer seems to be on the agenda. Musk’s fluctuating stance about the Starlink service provided to Kyiv, as well as the US decision that temporarily cut aid to Ukraine, introduced questions about reliability. This explains how, in just a few weeks, the French company Eutelsat, which owns the OneWeb constellation, has seen a resurgence of interest, as many countries assess its services as alternatives to Starlink. Following this turmoil, the Italian company Leonardo recently announced that it is planning to launch a constellation of 18 telecommunications satellites for defence purposes.

    These developments also tie into Italy’s industrial position in aerospace and defence, because Leonardo and Fincantieri, another large, publicly owned company, do not limit their markets to the Italian armed forces. As part of a European strategy, Leonardo concluded an agreement with the German company Rheinmetall in 2024 to jointly produce battle tanks, and recently announced an agreement with the Turkish company Baykar to produce drones. Leonardo is part-owner, along with French defence company Thales, of Telespazio and of Thales Alenia Space, and is also in discussions with Airbus to form a European satellite production group. In the missile sector, Leonardo’s participation in European joint venture MBDA allowed Italy and France to produce the SAMP/T anti-missile system, which could lead to further developments for the European missile-defence network. In shipbuilding, Fincantieri has expressed interest in merging its activities with the German group Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems. And in aircraft, Italy is participating in the Global Air Combat Programme, which includes the UK and Japan in the production of fighter jets. These examples show that Italian aerospace and defence development is intrinsically linked to European collaborations and export markets.

    Both in terms of industrial interests and politics, Italy is firmly anchored in the European camp. The positive stance that the Meloni government took toward Washington does not mean Rome is considering an alternative to EU affiliation. Italy is also facing continuous cyberattacks from Russian groups, which feeds a clear threat perception. The prime minister has stressed her differences with France and the UK during the recent European security summits, but while Italy may be reluctant to deploy peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, it cannot distance itself too much from the future defence architecture of Europe.

    Jean-Pierre Darnis ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Giorgia Meloni’s government is still supporting Ukraine and backing NATO. Italy’s aerospace and defence sectors help explain why – https://theconversation.com/giorgia-melonis-government-is-still-supporting-ukraine-and-backing-nato-italys-aerospace-and-defence-sectors-help-explain-why-252683

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Probe requested over falling lamp

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Department of Health has requested that the Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Tsuen Wan submit an investigation report after an examination lamp fell in a treatment room at the hospital last night.

     

    The hospital reported that the lamp, in a treatment room at the hospital’s Urgent Care Centre, fell suddenly while a staff member was trying to adjust it. The lamp struck the staff member and a doctor who had just finished treating a patient.

     

    Neither of the two suffered major injuries and they did not require hospitalisation. The patient was not injured.

     

    Following the incident, the hospital suspended use of the room and asked the lamp supplier to immediately inspect all examination lamps in the hospital of the same Polaris® 50 model.

     

    As a precautionary measure, the hospital has also requested the supplier, Draeger Hong Kong, to inspect all other lights on its premises manufactured by them.

     

    The department said it will carefully assess the findings of the investigation and the measures taken by the hospital in response to the incident, and will take appropriate follow-up actions to protect patient safety and prevent similar incidents.

     

    The department has also been in contact with Draeger Hong Kong to learn more about the incident. It requested them in writing today to notify affected customers and take follow-up action.

     

    The department said it will notify stakeholders, including the Hospital Authority, all private hospitals, licensed private healthcare facilities and relevant medical professional bodies, about the incident, and request that they contact Draeger Hong Kong as soon as possible if they are using Polaris® 50 lamps.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed More than 90 Border-Related Cases This Week

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed more than 90 border-related cases this week, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, deported alien found in the United States, and importation of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).

    In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.

    A sample of border-related arrests this week, includes:

    • Mexican nationals Eleazar Mozqueda Simental and Manuel Antonio Mozqueda Simental were arrested and charged on March 20, 2025, in connection with a maritime smuggling incident. They were accused of illegally transporting 14 undocumented immigrants from Mexico, Vietnam and China – all of whom were forced to wear large black trash bags over their heads and bodies during the four-hour trip. They were brought into the United States on a panga boat traveling at high speed across rough seas. According to interviews with the undocumented immigrants on the boat, at one point, the panga caught air, broke apart and capsized, sending terrified passengers into the water. The passengers, including a deaf/mute woman, were rescued.
    • Mexican national Osvaldo Reyes-Virgen was arrested on March 17, 2025, by San Diego- based U.S. Border Patrol agents and charged after he was found in the United States hiding behind brush near Imperial Beach after agents observed a jet ski traveling north.  Reyes-Virgen was previously deported on March 6, 2025, after entering the United States illegally.
    • On March 17, 2025, Sarah Beth Schatz, a United States citizen, was arrested and charged with alien smuggling after she was caught attempting to smuggle two citizens of China into the United States in the trunk of the vehicle she was driving.  The two Chinese citizens she was arrested with admitted that they are citizens of China without lawful documents allowing them to enter the United States and that they were going to pay $30,000 and $15,000 if successfully smuggled into the United States.
    • Joshua Nicolas Sanchez Lopez, a Mexican citizen, was arrested on March 15, 2025, when he attempted to cross into the U.S. from Mexico at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry on drug importation charges. According to a federal complaint, he was the driver and registered owner of a vehicle where Customs and Border Protection officials found 108 packages consisting of over 100 pounds of methamphetamine, 22 pounds of fentanyl, and more than four pounds of heroin hidden in the doors, quarters panels, and seats of his vehicle.
    • On March 16, 2025, Baudelio Escalante-Orozco, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested after he was found by San Diego-based U.S. Border Patrol Agents attempting to hide in brush seven miles north of the U.S./Mexico International Boundary Line and charged with being a deported alien found in the United States.  He is currently on probation in the District of Oregon for the same crime.   

    Federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community.

    The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Risch, Blumenthal Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Deliver Combat-Injured Veterans Full Military Benefits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) led reintroduction, along with Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), of S. 1032, the Major Richard Star Act.  This bipartisan legislation would provide combat-injured veteran retirees their full benefits.

    “The Major Richard Star Act corrects a severe injustice for combat-wounded veterans,” said Crapo.  “The support for this correction is clear.  Though the namesake of our legislation is no longer with us, I continue to press for its passage on behalf of the more than 50,000 veterans, including hundreds in Idaho, who stand to benefit.” 

    “Our veterans made significant sacrifices for our freedoms. Penalizing their retirement benefits due to injuries they incurred during their honorable service to our country is unacceptable,” said Risch.  “The Major Richard Star Act protects the entirety of veterans’ earned benefits and give our nation’s heroes the respect they deserve.”

    “This measure corrects one of the deepest injustices in our present veterans’ disability system,” said Blumenthal.  “It is unacceptable that tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans are denied the full military benefits they earned.  Our bipartisan bill will right this longstanding injustice and finally provide these military retirees who have already sacrificed so much their full VA disability and Defense Department retirement payments.”

    Currently, only veterans with disability ratings above 50 percent and more than 20 years of service are eligible to receive the full amount of their U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) retirement and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments, leaving behind more than 50,000 combat-injured military retirees, including hundreds in Idaho.  The Major Richard Star Act would fix this unjust policy for retired combat veterans—providing them full VA disability and DOD retirement payments earned by their service.

    The bipartisan legislation is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star, a decorated war veteran who was forced to medically retire due to his combat-related injuries.  Major Star sadly lost his battle with cancer on February 13, 2021. S. 1032 has 43 bipartisan co-sponsors.

    Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-Florida) and Raul Ruiz (D-California) introduced companion legislation, with 185 bipartisan co-sponsors, in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    The bipartisan effort to provide combat-injured veterans their due benefits is supported by the Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), American GI Forum, The American Legion, American Military Society, American Veterans (AMVETS), Armed Forces Retiree Association, Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), Association of Military Surgeons of the United States  (AMSUS), Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Association of the United States Navy (AUSN), Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), Burn Pits 360, Chief Warrant Officers Association of the US Coast Guard (CWOA), Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service, Inc. (COA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), Heroes Athletic Association, Gold Star Wives of America (GSW), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV), K9s for Warriors, Marine Corps League (MCL), Marine Corps Reserve Association (MCRA), Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America (MCA), Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Mission Roll Call, National Defense Committee, National Military Family Association (NMFA), Naval Enlisted Reserve Association (NERA), Non-Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), Operation First Response, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Quality of Life Foundation, Reserve Organization of America (ROA), Stronghold Freedom Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), The Independence Fund (TIF), United States Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA), USCG Chief Petty Officers Association (CPOA), VetsFirst/United Spinal Association, Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Paw Project and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNAIDS chief warns of ‘real surge’ in deaths unless US restores funding

    Source: United Nations 2

    Health

    Amid continuing uncertainty about the impact of deep US funding cuts to humanitarian work worldwide, the head of the UN agency coordinating the fight against HIV-AIDS warned that an addition 6.3 million people will die in the next four years, unless support is reinstated.

    “We will see a …real surge in this disease – [we] will see it come back and we see people dying the way we saw them in the 90s and in 2000s,” said Winnie Byanyima, UNAIDS Executive Director, pointing to a “tenfold increase” from the 600,000 AIDS-related deaths recorded globally in 2023.

    “We also expect an additional 8.7 million new infections. At the last count, there were 1.3 million new infections globally (in) 2023”.

    Speaking in Geneva, Ms. Byanyima noted that the funding freeze announced by the White House on 20 January was due to end next month, after a 90-day review.

    “We have not heard of other governments pledging to fill the gap,” she told journalists.

    Already, drop-in centres where HIV patients can pick up the anti-retroviral medicines they need are not reopening, “for fear that this might not be consistent with the new guidelines”, she maintained.

    “This sudden withdrawal of US funding has led (to) shutting down of many clinics, laying off of thousands of health workers, these are nurses, doctors, lab technicians, pharmacy workers…it’s a lot.”

    Focus on Africa

    Focusing on Africa – where the east and south of the continent share 53 per cent of the global HIV burden – Ms. Byanyima warned that closing down “all of a sudden drop-in centres for girls and young women will be disastrous, because more than 60 per cent of new infections – amongst young – new infections on the continent are amongst girls and young women”.

    Speaking to UN News earlier this month, the head of the UNAIDS office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Susan Kasedde, said there were still major questions over the extent and scope of cuts due to be made to US PEPFAR initiative programmes, which began in 2003 to prevent and contain HIV infections – the presidency’s emergency plan which has saved an estimated 26 million lives.

    There are currently around 520,000 people living with HIV in the DRC, including 300,000 women and 50,000 children. The epidemic continues to grow, as the number of new infections is almost double the number of deaths linked to the disease.

    PEPFAR’s expected contribution for the 2025 fiscal year was due to be $105 million, and it aims to provide treatment half of the population living with HIV in the DRC – some 209,000 people.

    “This means that we currently have 440,000 people living with HIV who are on treatment. Thanks to this treatment, they are alive”, said Ms. Kasedde.

    “And then treatment cannot work without operational capacity, treatment cannot be provided if there is not a proper-functioning supply chain”, she stressed, pointing out that the response to HIV in the DRC involve largely interdependent programmes which reinforce each other.

    Global impact of cuts

    Several other UN agencies that are heavily reliant on US funding have also warned that the cut in support – in addition to chronic under-investment in humanitarian work globally – is already having a serious impact on the communities they serve.

    On Friday, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said that thousands have been left without lifesaving aid in the war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    The UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) also announced that funding cuts have severe repercussions for vulnerable migrant communities, exacerbating humanitarian crises and undermining essential support systems for displaced populations.

    Together with IOM, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned last Friday that that the liquidity crunch has jeopardized lifesaving work, including progress in reducing child mortality, which has fallen by 60 per cent since 1990.

    “It is reasonable for the United States to want to reduce its funding – over time. But the sudden withdrawal of lifesaving support is having a devastating impact across countries, particularly Africa, but even in Asia and Latin America,” said UNAIDS’ Ms. Byanyima.

    “We urge for a reconsideration and an urgent restoration of services – of life-saving services.”

    Presidential appeal

    And in a direct appeal to President Donald Trump, the UNAIDS chief noted that just as President George W Bush had introduced the groundbreaking PEPFAR initiative, the new White House incumbent could also be part of the “prevention revolution”, involving injectable HIV injections that are required just twice a year to provide protection.

    “The deal is that an American company is enabled to produce and to license generics across the regions to produce millions and roll out this injectable to those who really need it,” she insisted.

    According to UNAIDS, approximately 40 million people globally live with HIV, based on 2023 data. Of this number, some 1.3 million became newly infected with HIV in the same year and 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and Japan support Angola to strengthen food and water security in drought stricken areas

    Source: World Food Programme

    LUANDA, Angola — The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of US$ 2 million from the Government of Japan to support over 27,000 people affected by drought in southern Angola. This funding will enhance the food and water security while strengthening the resilience of smallholder farmers through Japanese agricultural technology innovations.

    In collaboration with the Government of Angola, WFP will scale up efforts to promote sustainable access to water, boost agricultural production, and improve the livelihoods of communities impacted by a prolonged drought and the El Niño event in Huíla and Cunene provinces. Through this initiative, WFP will provide solar-powered water supply and small-scale irrigation systems, skills training, and technical assistance to strengthen local value chains and create economic opportunities for smallholder farmers.

    WFP will also partner with a Japanese technology company, leveraging its expertise and innovative solutions to help unlock the country’s agricultural potential and advance national development priorities. 

    “WFP’s collaboration with the Government of Japan and the Japanese private sector has the potential to become a game-changer for Angola’s agriculture sector,” said José Ferrão, WFP Head of Office in Angola. “By combining WFP’s deep field presence and knowledge of the local context and Japan’s cutting-edge technology, this project will empower communities facing climate shocks to build long-term food and water security.”

    This generous contribution comes from a new initiative dedicated to sustainable socioeconomic development in Africa, in the lead-up to the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) to be held in Yokohama, Japan in August 2025.

    “The project supported by this new initiative and implemented in collaboration with WFP and NEC Corporation will be presented at TICAD9 as a model of co-created innovative solutions with Africa,” said Toru Suzuki, the Japanese Ambassador to Angola. 

    “It also contributes to Japan’s Country Development Cooperation Policy for Angola, which is aligned with the National Development Plan (2023-2027), that identifies the agriculture sector as a driver to promote food security and economic diversification and accelerating sustainable development.”

    WFP has been complementing the Government’s drought response efforts by delivering specialised nutrition support and food vouchers to families with malnourished children, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls. WFP also trains and mentors health facility staff and community health workers to conduct nutrition screenings and deliver programmes to address moderate acute malnutrition and improve maternal and child health outcomes. 

    #                    #                       #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

    Follow WFP on X via @wfp_media, @wfp_SAfrica

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Jury Convicts Arapahoe Man of Abusive Sexual Contact

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

    Kendall Joseph Moss III, 35, of Arapahoe Wyoming, was convicted by a federal jury on March 20, of abusive sexual contact with a minor. The trial lasted four days and was held before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl in Casper. 

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, an investigation began in connection with a minor witness’s disclosure to a student advocate and school resource officer at her elementary school of sexual abuse by the defendant in 2021. Dr. Gail S. Goodman, PH.D., a Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis testified at trial on the dynamics of child sexual abuse, including that victims often delay disclosing the sexual abuse or make piecemeal disclosures of the abuse over time. The victim was interviewed twice over two years and provided more details of the sexual abuse in her second interview. The defendant made statements to law enforcement indicating the victim was not lying in her allegations against him. The jury’s verdict found the defendant guilty of touching the minor victim in her genital area over her clothing with the intent of sexual gratification.

    Sentencing has been set for June 10, 2025. Moss faces a term of any number of years up to life in prison with no less than five years and no more than life of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

    The Bureau of Indian Affairs Wind River Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    Case No. 24-CR-00165

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI Releases Revised Priority Sector Lending Guidelines

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Reserve Bank of India has issued the revised guidelines on Priority Sector Lending (PSL) today after a comprehensive review of existing provisions taking into account feedback from stakeholders. The new guidelines which come into effect from April 01, 2025, include the following major changes:

    1. enhancement of several loan limits, including housing loans for enhanced PSL coverage,

    2. broadening of the purposes based on which loans may be classified under ‘Renewable Energy’,

    3. revision of overall PSL target for UCBs to 60 per cent of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent of Off-Balance Sheet Exposures (CEOBSE), whichever is higher.

    4. expansion of the list of eligible borrowers under the category of ‘Weaker Sections’, along with removal of the existing cap on loans by UCBs to individual women beneficiaries.

    The enhanced coverage of the revised guidelines is expected to facilitate better targeting of bank credit to the priority sectors of the economy.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2450

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Galaxy A26 5G, Samsung’s Most Affordable AI-Powered Smartphone, Launches in India Starting at Just INR 22999  

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, continues to push the boundaries of AI democratisation with the launch of Galaxy A26 5G, its most affordable smartphone with the power of AI. Crafted for a seamless experience, Galaxy A26 5G delivers a balance of style, durability, performance, and innovation, making it a perfect choice for everyday use.
     
    AWESOME INTELLIGENCE
    Samsung brings Awesome Intelligence to Galaxy A26 5G, making everyday tasks smarter and easier. The Intelligent AI Suite enhances user experience with features like Circle to Search with Google, AI Select, Object Eraser, My Filters and more.
     
    Circle to Search with Google – a fan-favourite on Galaxy A series devices last year – now goes beyond just images, allowing users to identify songs, discover information, and take instant actions with minimal effort. With the latest upgrades, users can now get even more done on their phone. Circle to Search with Google will quickly recognize phone numbers, email addresses and URLs on the screen, so that users can take actions with minimal effort.
     
    Galaxy A26 5G also comes with the Object Eraser which allows users to remove unwanted objects from photos. Users can manually or automatically select objects to erase, achieving a cleaner, more polished final image with just a few taps.
     
    AI Select intuitively understands the context by enabling instant search and extraction of information with a single click. My Filters enables users to create their personalised filters. This innovative function allows users to capture the look and feel of their preferred photos by mimicking their colours and styles and instantly applying them to new images. Each custom filter is conveniently saved in the Camera app for easy access in future projects, allowing for a more personalized and creative photography experience.
     
    AWESOME DESIGN AND DISPLAY
    Galaxy A26 5G stands out with its premium glass back appearance in four stylish colours—Peach, Mint, White, and Black—allowing users to express their personality through its expressive design. The larger 6.7-inch Super AMOLED display enhances viewing experiences with a 120Hz refresh rate. The device is also thinner than its predecessor, measuring just 7.7mm in thickness, making it sleek and easy to hold.
     
    AWESOME PERFORMANCE
    At the heart of Galaxy A26 5G is the Exynos 1380 processor, ensuring seamless multitasking, enhanced gaming, and smooth everyday performance. The vapour chamber is now 3.7 times larger as compared to the last generation, which keeps the device running efficiently even during intense gameplay. Backed by a 5000mAh battery with 25W fast charge support, Galaxy A26 5G provides all-day power to keep up with your lifestyle.
     
    AWESOME CAMERA
    Photography enthusiasts will love the flagship 50MP OIS Main Camera, which captures crisp, blur-free images. The 8MP Ultra-Wide Camera is perfect for expansive landscapes, while the 2MP Macro Camera enables detailed close-up shots. A 13MP Front Camera ensures high-quality selfies, and helps capture sharp, steady images.
     
    AWESOME DURABILITY
    Galaxy A26 5G sets a new benchmark for durability in its segment, and is designed to withstand everyday challenges while ensuring long-term reliability. The Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ offers superior scratch and drop resistance, providing enhanced protection against accidental bumps and falls. The IP67 water and dust resistance rating ensures added peace of mind, making Galaxy A26 5G resilient against spills, splashes, and dust exposure.
     
    The Galaxy A26 5G is built to last with segment-leading 6 years of OS upgrades and 6 years of security updates, ensuring users benefit from the latest software advancements and robust security protections for years to come. By combining a durable build with future-ready software support, Samsung reinforces its position as a brand that prioritizes long-term value and reliability for consumers.
     
    AWESOME SECURITY AND PRIVACY
    Samsung is also taking security and privacy to the next level with the integration of One UI 7.0 on Galaxy A series for the first time. The Samsung Knox Vault adds an extra, fortified layer of protection, ensuring users have complete control over their data with enhanced transparency and security settings. With features like Theft Detection and Knox Matrix, users can manage and customize their security preferences effortlessly.
     
    AWESOME PROPOSITION
    Designed to offer a premium experience at an accessible price point, Galaxy A26 5G is now available at an incredible price of INR 22999* starting today on Samsung.com, Samsung Exclusive Stores, leading online platforms, and retail stores across the country. Galaxy A26 5G comes with 8GB RAM in two storage options – 128GB and 256GB, both of which are expandable up to 2TB via microSD, providing ample space for all content.
     
    Variant
    Original Price
    Net Effective Price
    Colours
    Offers
    8GB/256GB
    INR 27999
    INR 25999
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Awesome Peach, Awesome Mint, Awesome White and Awesome Black
    Primary Offer:
    *INR 2000 Bank Cashback (HDFC and SBI)
     
    Additional Offer:
    Samsung Care+: 1 year Screen Protection at just INR 1699
    ₹999
     
     
    Up to 12 months No Cost EMI
    8GB/128GB
    INR 24999
    INR 22999
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 1.5 million-year-old bone tools discovered in Tanzania rewrite the history of human evolution

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jackson K Njau, Associate professor, Indiana University

    The ancestors of humans started making tools about 3.3 million years ago. First they made them out of stone, then they switched to bone as a raw material. Until recently, the earliest clear evidence of bone tool making was from sites in Europe, dated to 400,000 years ago. But archaeologists have now found and dated bone tools in Tanzania that are a million years older.

    The tools are made from the bones of large animals like hippos and elephants, and have been deliberately shaped to make them useful for butchering large carcasses.

    The discovery of bone implements that are the oldest ever found, by far, casts light on human evolution. It shows that our hominin ancestors were able to think about and make this technology a lot earlier than anyone realised.

    I am a scientist who co-directs a multidisciplinary research project team at the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, focusing on hominin evolution. Our project’s main goal has been to investigate the changes in hominin technology and behaviour that happened between 1.66 million and 1.4 million years ago.

    We’re interested in this time period because it marks a pivotal change in human technology, from the rudimentary stone knives and cores of the Oldowan culture to the more advanced crafted stone handaxes of the Acheulean culture.

    We found the Olduvai bone tools in 2018 and recently described them in the journal Nature. They show that by 1.5 million years ago, our ancestors (Homo erectus) had already developed the cognitive abilities required to transfer skills from making stone tools to making bone tools.

    This leap in human history was a game-changer because it allowed early hominins to overcome survival challenges in landscapes where suitable stone materials were scarce.

    Tools at Olduvai

    Olduvai Gorge is a Unesco World Heritage site. It became well known in 1959 through the pioneering work of palaeontologists Louis and Mary Leakey, whose discoveries of early human remains reshaped our understanding of human evolution. The site offers an unparalleled window into human history, spanning nearly 2 million years.

    Read more: Finds in Tanzania’s Olduvai Gorge reveal how ancient humans adapted to change

    Aside from fossilised bones, it has yielded the most detailed record of stone tool cultures in the world. It has documented the evolution from the simple chopping tools and stone knives of the Oldowan industry (about 2 million years ago) to the more advanced Acheulean tools (1.7 million years ago), such as handaxes, cleavers, picks and spheroids and then on – through arrowheads, points and blades (about 200,000 years ago) to the micro-blades of the Later Stone Age (about 17,000 years ago).

    All these tools provide a glimpse into the ingenuity and cultural advancements of our early ancestors.

    And now the picture has new detail.

    Our team uncovered 27 ancient bone tools during excavations at the T69 Complex, FLK West site at Olduvai. We know how old they are because we found them securely embedded underground where they had been left 1.5 million years ago, along with thousands of stone artefacts and fossilised bones. We dated them using geochronological techniques.

    Reopening of Trench 69 at Olduvai Gorge in 2020. After each field season, archaeological trenches are backfilled. Photo: J.K. Njau, Author provided (no reuse)

    Unlike stone, bone shafts crack and break in a way that allows the systematic production of elongated, well-shaped artifacts. Flaking them by hitting them with another object – a process called knapping – results in pointed tools that would be ideal for butchering, chopping and other tasks.

    The knapped tools we found were made from large shaft fragments that came from the limb bones of elephants and hippos, and were found at hippo butchery sites. Hominins likely brought elephant bones to the site on a regular basis, and obtained limb bones from butchered hippos at the site itself.

    What Homo erectus knew

    The find shows that 1.5 million years ago, Homo erectus could apply knapping skills to bone. Homo erectus, regarded as the evolutionary successor to the smaller-brained Homo habilis, left a lasting imprint on history. Its fossils, found at Olduvai, offer a glimpse into a span of about a million years, stretching from 1.5 million to roughly 500,000 years ago.

    Now we know that these hominins not only understood the physical properties of bones but also knew about skeletal anatomy. They could identify and select bones suitable for flaking. And they knew which animals had skeletons large enough to craft reliable tools after the animals’ death.

    Read more: Large mammals shaped the evolution of humans: here’s why it happened in Africa

    We don’t know exactly why they chose bones as a raw material. It may have been that suitable stone material was scarce, or they recognised that bones provided a better grip and were more durable.

    Fossil extraction and preparation is conducted at Olduvai Gorge field labs. Here, Naibo Mesi and Agustino Songita work on one of the bone tools from Trench 69 Complex. Photo: R. Peters., Author provided (no reuse)

    Why haven’t such old bone tools been found before? The answer is likely that they are destroyed by weathering, abrasion from water transport, trampling and scavenger activity. Organic materials don’t always get time to fossilise. Also, analysts were not used to looking for bone tools among fossils.

    This discovery will likely encourage researchers to pay closer attention to the subtle signs of bone knapping in fossil assemblages. This way we will learn more about the evolution of human technology and behaviour.

    – 1.5 million-year-old bone tools discovered in Tanzania rewrite the history of human evolution
    – https://theconversation.com/1-5-million-year-old-bone-tools-discovered-in-tanzania-rewrite-the-history-of-human-evolution-251826

    MIL OSI Africa –