Category: Asia

MIL-OSI Security: CTG 73.6, RTN Dive Unit, ROKN UTC Conduct Diver Training during Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 [Image 1 of 10]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

Issued by: on

SATTAHIP, Thailand (March 3, 2025) U.S. Navy Diver 2nd Class Gabe Gaona, left, assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1-6 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6), inspects dive equipment with a Royal Thai Navy (RTN) diver, assigned to RTN Dive Unit, in preparation for a diving exercise as part of Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 in Thailand, March 3, 2025. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/ Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73) sustains the U.S. Navy’s maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

Date Taken: 03.03.2025

Date Posted: 03.17.2025 11:31

Photo ID: 8919832

VIRIN: 250303-N-ED646-1006

Resolution: 8640×5760

Size: 2.64 MB

Location: SATTAHIP, TH

Web Views: 0

Downloads: 0

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MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Iterate.ai’s Kevin Homer Named CRN Channel Chief Amid AI PC Partnership Success

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SAN JOSE, Calif. and DENVER, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Iterate.ai, whose AI platform enables enterprises to build production-ready applications and ready-to-use products for private AI requirements and the AI PC era, today announced that CRN has named Kevin Homer as a 2025 Channel Chief. The recognition comes as Iterate.ai expands its channel-first strategy, bringing secure and local AI processing capabilities to business through recent strategic partnerships with companies including Intel and TD SYNNEX. Iterate.ai’s channel program now has more than 50 partners, with plans to continue expanding rapidly this year.

Homer has led Iterate.ai’s channel-centric model by establishing partnerships that make Generate—Iterate’s privacy-first AI Assistant—available to over 25,000 resellers. Generate’s ability to process documents more than 1,000 pages locally on AI PCs, among its many other capabilities, positions partners to address growing business demands for secure AI deployment. Unlike cloud-dependent AI assistants, Generate’s proprietary Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) framework ensures sensitive data remains within organizational boundaries while eliminating cloud processing costs.

“The channel is ideal for what Iterate.ai brings to the market,” said Homer. “Through our recent deals with TD SYNNEX, Intel, and others, we’re empowering partners to drive revenue while delivering AI solutions that protect users’ sensitive data by running entirely on local AI PCs. This has created tremendous services opportunities for our partners as their customers seek more secure ways to leverage AI, while our partner portal and upcoming MDF program provide the resources needed to accelerate their growth.”

“Kevin’s vision for Iterate.ai in the channel aligns well with our product development and the emergence of AI PCs that demand secure AI deployments,” said Brian Sathianathan, CTO and co-founder of Iterate.ai. “His recognition by CRN validates our strategy of scaling through partners who can deliver complete, secure AI solutions for years to come.”

Homer brings 25 years of technology sales experience to Iterate.ai, having previously built successful channel programs at LogRhythm and Vericept. His CRN Channel Chief achievement adds to Iterate.ai’s industry recognition; the company has recently been recognized in Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators, named to the KM World AI 100, and had its Interplay-AppCoder LLM awarded the best AI and Machine Learning Model by InfoWorld.

About Iterate.ai

Iterate.ai is at the forefront of empowering businesses with state-of-the-art AI solutions, like Generate and its AI low code platform, Interplay. Interplay is cloud-agnostic and can run AI on the edge and in secure private environments. With six patents granted (including “drag-and-drop AI”) and nearly a dozen more pending, Iterate.ai’s platform offers corporate innovators a low-risk, speedy, and systematic way to scale in-house, near-term digital innovation initiatives. With its largest offices in San Jose, CA and Denver, CO, Iterate.ai has a global presence with other offices in North America (Texas, Washington, Arizona), Europe (Stockholm), and Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Singapore).

Contact

Kyle Peterson
kyle@clementpeterson.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e20a4206-0b49-4122-92ed-85343513d9eb

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Inspiro Wins Gold in 2025 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MANILA, Philippines, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inspiro, a global leader in digital customer experience (CX) and business process outsourcing (BPO), has been awarded the prestigious Gold Stevie® Award for its innovative Customer Experience Management Solution during the 19th Annual Stevie® Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Inspiro received the highest accolade for its AI-enabled analytics solution, Interactions by Inspiro, which transforms customer interaction data into actionable insights. This groundbreaking solution provides valuable intelligence to enhance agent performance and identify customer trends.

Additionally, Inspiro earned the Silver Stevie® Award in the “Contact Center or Customer Service Outsourcing Provider of the Year” category, showcasing its state-of-the-art digital transformation solutions. These solutions drive innovation in enhancing agent experiences, boosting customer satisfaction, and optimizing operational efficiencies.

The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service are the world’s top honors for customer service, contact center, business development, and sales professionals. The Stevie Awards organize nine of the world’s leading business award programs, including the prestigious American Business Awards® and International Business Awards®. This year, 176 professionals on seven specialized judging committees evaluated over 2,100 nominations from organizations spanning 45 nations and territories.

Stevie Awards president Maggie Miller stated, “The outstanding scores awarded to this year’s winners reflect the exceptional levels of achievement they demonstrate. We proudly join the judges and the entire Stevie Awards community in congratulating and celebrating the winners on their accomplishments.”

Yuji Hamamoto, President and CEO of Inspiro, commented, “We are deeply honored to be recognized by the Stevie Awards for our commitment to innovation. Three years ago, we embarked on a bold digital transformation initiative, creating cutting-edge solutions to elevate customer experiences, enhance workforce efficiency, and unlock new growth opportunities. This recognition solidifies our position as a leading force in the Philippine IT-BPM sector, driving a digitally connected future for our employees and clients.”

About Inspiro

Headquartered in the Philippines, Inspiro is a global leader in customer experience and business process outsourcing with decades of expertise in delivering value-driven CX solutions to industry-leading clients worldwide. Harnessing advanced technologies such as AI-powered analytics and digital transformation strategies, Inspiro is committed to enabling businesses to enhance customer engagement and achieve operational excellence.

Inspiro is owned by Altius Link, Inc., a synergistic partnership between KDDI Corporation and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. This new company combines KDDI Evolva and Relia’s expertise in contact centers, back-office operations, and information technology to create Japan’s largest contact center by sales value. Altius Link aims to become a leading digital BPO and trusted partner to companies globally. For more information, visit www.inspiro.com.

Contact:

Raymond Boholano
Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications
raymond.boholano@inspiro.com

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Philippines upgrade trade relationship through inaugural talks
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

UK and Philippines upgrade trade relationship through inaugural talks

UK and the Philippines today hold first Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) in London.
UK and the Philippines today held inaugural Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) talks in London aimed at boosting trade and investment

JETCO aims to realise potential for UK businesses to sell more to the Philippines, one of the fastest growing economies in Asia

News follows recent win for UK beef industry after Philippine ban on UK beef was lifted in addition to the lifting of a poultry ban with both worth a combined £80m over five years.

Ministers from the UK and the Philippines met in London today [Monday 17 March] for trade talks under the first Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting.

The Philippines is one of the fastest growing economies in Asia and has the second largest population in Southeast Asia, presenting huge opportunities for British businesses. The JETCO aims to upgrade our bilateral trade relationship, currently worth £2.8 billion annually.

At today’s meeting, Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander and Philippine Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty of the Department of Trade and Industry agreed to pursue closer cooperation and increased trade across sectors including infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture and technology.

They also committed to progressing work towards a government-to-government Financing Framework Partnership that will unlock up to £5 billion of potential financing from UK Export Finance (UKEF) to support the delivery of sustainable public infrastructure and improve access to UK expertise and technology in the Philippines.

Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander MP said:

Today’s talks signify an important new chapter in our trading relationship with the Philippines, one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

Deepening our trade with partners like the Philippines and showing that the UK is open for business in Asia is vital for this Government’s mission to deliver economic growth.

I look forward to working with the Philippines and to deliver trading opportunities that will benefit both our economies.

Agriculture is an important area for bilateral trade – the Philippines is the fourth largest export market for UK pork after the EU, US, and China.

Ministers highlighted investment opportunities in the Philippines for UK agricultural companies and promoted imports of UK meat in light of the recent removal of bans on beef and poultry exports from the UK, worth £80 million over five years.

The talks are part of the government’s mission to deliver economic growth as part of the Plan for Change.

The International Meat Trade Association (MTA) said:

MTA welcomes the inaugural JETCO between the UK & the Philippines which will deepen our trading relationship with an important partner.

We were delighted that last year the Philippines lifted the ban on UK poultry meat, as well as lifting the temporary ban on UK beef.

We hope the trade partnership between our countries can continue to grow from strength to strength.

Opportunities in offshore renewable energy featured heavily in discussions. In 2024, the UK was the largest single investor in the Philippines, driven mainly by investments in renewables.

Such opportunities for UK companies were enhanced in 2022 with the removal of foreign equity restrictions for renewable energy companies.

The JETCO also celebrated growing digital and tech trade and emphasised the UK’s commitment to supporting the Philippines in its economic development, including through the upcoming launch of an Export Handbook for Philippine businesses in the processed agrifood and fish sectors.

Background

The methodology for the valuation of market access barriers is published in a DBT analytical working paper. In some cases, estimates may have been sourced externally from industry.

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Published 17 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: India, Japan and UAE defy global deal downturn in early 2025, reveals GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

India, Japan and UAE defy global deal downturn in early 2025, reveals GlobalData

Posted in Business Fundamentals

The global deal landscape has slowed during the first two months of 2025, with overall deal volume dropping 9% compared to the same period last year. Europe has seen a sharp contraction, while India, Japan and the UAE have shown resilience despite the broader downturn, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “This decline is indicative of a challenging environment, influenced by factors such as geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures and macroeconomic conditions that have dampened deal-making sentiments.”

An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that all the deal types under the coverage, mergers & acquisitions (M&A), private equity and venture financing, registered decline in volume during January-February 2025 compared to January-February 2024.

M&A deal volume has seen a year-on-year (YoY) decrease of about 9% during January-February 2025, signaling a cautious approach from businesses that may be reevaluating their growth strategies amid the uncertainty.

Similarly, the number of private equity deals have contracted by about 3%, suggesting that investors are becoming more selective in their investments, possibly prioritizing quality over quantity in the current market conditions.

Venture financing deals have also taken a hit, with the YoY decline in volume pegged at about 9%, reflecting a tightening of capital availability for startups and emerging companies, which often rely on such funding to fuel innovation and growth.

Bose adds: “Even though the intensity varied widely but all the regions experienced subdued deal activity during the review period. Meanwhile, the trend remained a mixed bag among different countries with some showcasing improvement in deal volume while some experiencing decline.”

Europe has been particularly hard hit, with a staggering YoY decline of around 16%. This downturn is reflective of the ongoing economic challenges faced by the region, including energy crises and inflation, which have created an uncertain investment climate.

In contrast, North America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and African region have shown relative resilience, with modest declines of around 4%, 8% and 4%, respectively. Meanwhile South and Central America have experienced a contraction of around 13%.

The US, while still leading in deal volume, has seen a decline of around 3%. The UK and China, however, have faced more significant challenges, with decline of around 20% each. Notably, India, Japan and the UAE have bucked the trend and showcased improvement in deal activity during the review period.

Bose concludes: “While global deal activity slows, markets like India, Japan, and the UAE show resilience, driven by stable economies and demand for innovation. Going forward, we may see a more region-specific deal landscape, with investors focusing on growth opportunities in emerging markets while exercising caution in more uncertain economies.”

MIL OSI Economics –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Resource Management Week 2025: Advancing Sustainable Resource Governance for a Just Energy Transition

Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

As demand for critical mineral resources surges and energy transitions reshape economies, UNECE Resource Management Week 2025 is where global experts, policymakers and industry leaders will come together to shape the policies and strategies to support a more sustainable future for resource governance.

Strengthening Global Resource Governance with UNFC and UNRMS

As critical minerals become increasingly essential to the energy transition, the 16th Session of the Expert Group on Resource Management (24–28 March) will explore how to ensure transparent, sustainable, and responsible resource governance. Discussions will focus on the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and UN Resource Management System (UNRMS) and their role in securing supply while balancing environmental and social concerns and implementing UNFC under the EU Critical Raw Material Act. The International Centres of Excellence on Sustainable Resource Management in Central Asia, Mexico, Russian Federation and UK will share their national and regional priorities to deploy and disseminate UNFC and UNRMS.

The session will also feature the Geneva Dialogues on Mineral and Metal Resources, with a Joint UNEP and UNECE side event focused on circular economy solutions and responsible mining practices. Lectures will bring fresh insights, including a discussion led by the Norwegian Offshore Directorate’s Stig-Morten Knutsen on the potential of seabed minerals for energy and industry, addressing both opportunities and environmental risks. Other sessions will explore AI’s role in resource management and women’s leadership in resource management. The FutuRaM annual event on 26 March will highlight advancements in secondary raw materials (SRMs) management, showcasing two years of research on how urban mining and anthropogenic resources can strengthen supply chains. Experts will discuss how the latest Urban Mine Platform updates can support informed decision-making in resource management.

With competition for minerals intensifying, EGRM-16 will play a role in shaping policies that secure resources responsibly while advancing long-term sustainability goals.

Two Decades of Advancing Mine Safety, Methane Management, and Just Transition

As pressure mounts to curb methane emissions and phase out coal, UNECE’s Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane and Just Transition will mark its 20th session (24–25 March 2025) by unveiling new tools for methane abatement and discussing ways to integrate emission reductions into national climate targets (NDCs). With mine closures accelerating, experts will present business models from Poland and Spain that repurpose sites for clean energy. Just transition strategies in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will also highlight efforts to support coal-dependent communities. The session underscores the growing urgency to align mine safety, environmental goals, and economic resilience in the energy transition.

UNECE to Tackle Gas Sector’s Role in Energy Security and Climate Action

The 12th Session of the UNECE Group of Experts on Gas (GEG-12) will address the future of gas in a rapidly evolving landscape. Discussions will focus on biogases as alternatives to fossil fuels, hydrogen infrastructure, and resilience amid supply shocks. For the first time, Just Transition in the gas sector will be explored, alongside new methane reduction measures

Driving Partnerships for a Just and Sustainable Energy Transition

The UNECE Resource Management Week 2025 will also highlight collaborations with the European Commission, World Bank, and UNDP on methane reduction and hydrogen projects, as well as partnerships with the UN Country Teams and the Issue-Based Coalition on Environment and Climate Change to shape coherent just transition policies. With a focus on practical solutions and innovation, the event aims to accelerate the energy transition in a fair, inclusive, and sustainable way.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: CTG 73.6, RTN Dive Unit Commence Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 [Image 1 of 9]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

Issued by: on

SATTAHIP, Thailand (Feb. 24, 2025) Divers from the U.S. Navy, Royal Thai Navy (RTN), and Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1-6 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6), RTN Dive Unit, and ROK Navy Underwater Construction Team, pose for a group photo during Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 in Thailand, Feb. 24, 2025. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/ Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73) sustains the U.S. Navy’s maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

Date Taken: 02.24.2025

Date Posted: 03.17.2025 10:56

Photo ID: 8919742

VIRIN: 250224-N-ED646-1016

Resolution: 8000×5333

Size: 2.93 MB

Location: SATTAHIP, TH

Web Views: 1

Downloads: 0

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This work, CTG 73.6, RTN Dive Unit Commence Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 [Image 9 of 9], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE mourns Lee Shau-kee

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Chief Executive John Lee today expressed sorrow over the passing of entrepreneur Lee Shau-kee.

He said Lee Shau-kee was an outstanding business leader and entrepreneur who had made significant contributions to Hong Kong’s economic development as well as the city’s prosperity and stability.

Furthermore, the Chief Executive noted that the entrepreneur was also a highly respected philanthropist.

“He had made outstanding contributions to education and community service in the past decades, including his generous donations to a number of universities and tertiary institutions in Hong Kong and the Mainland, and his ardent support for the development of higher education and talent development.

“He had established the Lee Shau Kee Foundation and the Hong Kong Pei Hua Education Foundation, which promote education with special concern on the development of education and research in Chinese communities. He was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 2007.

“I express sorrow over the passing of Dr Lee and extend my deepest condolences to his family.”

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: CTG 73.6, RTN Dive Unit, ROKN UTC Conduct Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 [Image 8 of 12]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

Issued by: on

SATTAHIP, Thailand (Feb. 25, 2025) A Royal Thai Navy (RTN) diver, assigned to RTN Dive Unit, practices the Kerie Cable exothermic cutting method with U.S. Navy divers, assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1-6 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6), and Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy divers, assigned to ROK Navy Underwater Construction Team, during Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 in Thailand, Feb. 25, 2025. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/ Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73) sustains the U.S. Navy’s maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

Date Taken: 02.25.2025

Date Posted: 03.17.2025 11:07

Photo ID: 8919759

VIRIN: 250225-N-ED646-1403

Resolution: 8640×5760

Size: 2.87 MB

Location: SATTAHIP, TH

Web Views: 0

Downloads: 0

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This work, CTG 73.6, RTN Dive Unit, ROKN UTC Conduct Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 [Image 12 of 12], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: CTG 73.6, RTN Dive Unit, ROKN UTC Conduct Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 [Image 1 of 5]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

Issued by: on

SATTAHIP, Thailand (Feb. 26, 2025) U.S. Navy Divers, assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1-6 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6), prepare dive equipment prior to underwater exothermic cutting drills as part of Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 in Thailand, Feb. 26, 2025. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/ Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73) sustains the U.S. Navy’s maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

Date Taken: 02.26.2025

Date Posted: 03.17.2025 11:11

Photo ID: 8919787

VIRIN: 250226-N-ED646-1003

Resolution: 8640×5760

Size: 2.62 MB

Location: SATTAHIP, TH

Web Views: 0

Downloads: 0

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This work, CTG 73.6, RTN Dive Unit, ROKN UTC Conduct Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 [Image 5 of 5], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: CTG 73.6, RTN Dive Unit, ROKN UTC Conduct Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 [Image 4 of 5]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

Issued by: on

SATTAHIP, Thailand (Feb. 26, 2025) U.S. Navy Diver 1st Class Blake Goins, center left, assigned to Commander, Task Group 73.6/Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1-6 (CTG 73.6/MDSU 1-6), assists a Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy diver, assigned to ROK Navy Underwater Construction Team, with donning a diving mask prior to exothermic cutting drills as part of Joint Exercise Cobra Gold 2025 in Thailand, Feb. 26, 2025. Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/ Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73) sustains the U.S. Navy’s maritime forces and is responsible for all diving and salvage operations in the Western Pacific in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

Date Taken: 02.26.2025

Date Posted: 03.17.2025 11:11

Photo ID: 8919790

VIRIN: 250226-N-ED646-1190

Resolution: 8640×5760

Size: 2.63 MB

Location: SATTAHIP, TH

Web Views: 0

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MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Cyver Core Reports 50% Reduction in Pentest Reporting Time with Generative AI

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

AMSTERDAM, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cyver Core (Cyver BV) reports business results for cybersecurity teams leveraging automation with GenAI.

“Cyver Core delivered a Generative AI product to our users in 2024 and since then, we’ve seen significant results on time-savings, especially across enterprise teams. Reporting obligations are greatly reduced, freeing up skilled labor for value-added tasks and reducing the need for additional hires inside over-burdened teams,” said Luis Abreu, CEO of Cyver Core. “Those cost savings can’t be ignored in a world where the World Economic Forum predicts we have a shortage of some 4 million cybersecurity professionals.”

Cybersecurity teams are under more time pressure than ever
Today, the World Economic Forum suggests that there’s a global shortage of some 4 million cybersecurity professionals. 67% of organizations report a moderate-to-critical skills gap in cybersecurity. New threats like AI-driven attacks and the option to generate malware mean attacks have increased as much as 7x, leaving cybersecurity teams stretched. Attacks on open-source supply chains have also increased by as much as 700% over the last 3 years.

That’s further stretched by recent changes to global cybersecurity regulation, most notably the European Union’s NIS2 and Cyber Resilience Act, the US National Cybersecurity Strategy, and even the Singapore Operational Technology Cybersecurity Masterplan. Those regulations increase the burden for cybersecurity testing inside of organizations, especially critical infrastructure, while shifting personal responsibility to cybersecurity leads.

Much of what cybersecurity teams spend their time on is not cybersecurity
Despite the shortage in skilled labor, many cybersecurity teams still invest a significant portion of time into overhead work. One survey showed that 20-60% of pentest project time is spent on reporting. Cybersecurity professionals spend an average of 2-14 hours per cybersecurity assessment on reporting. With red teaming and threat-led pentesting, those timelines can increase by 35% or more.

Many of those reports are 100+ pages and must be further broken down as a second step to enable remediation and fixes. Inside organizations, cybersecurity teams spend 20%+ of their time manually managing findings.

Reducing time spent on overhead and reporting with GenAI
With Cyver Core’s generative AI solutions, that time expenditure drops by 85%. Where teams without Cyver Core report spending 50-70% of reporting time on copy paste, teams using Cyver Core reduce that to just 16-20%. Cyver Core’s generative AI product for pentest reporting writes custom descriptions, remediation information, and is able to generate drafts from lists of information. Using it, cybersecurity professionals report that time writing unique content goes from 20-70% of report time to 20%. In addition, the total time per report drops from 4-14 hours to 2-5 hours, saving 50% across even the most complex of reporting projects.

Those time savings are consistent across 50+ initial adopters, including multiple enterprise teams encompassing Fortune 100s. Across the full group, users saw an average 50% reduction in time-to-report, with 79% of cybersecurity teams saying they were able to complete more projects.

About Cyver Core
At Cyver Core, we deliver pentest report automation and pentest management through a cloud platform. With tools to automate overhead like reporting plus workflows and team management, Cyver Core is designed around the needs of pentest teams to take the focus off managing work and bring it back to cybersecurity and remediation.

Contact

Founder / CEO
Luis Abreu
Cyver BV
hello@cyver.io

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d9f575f-bf06-4957-9172-d7030b2d2f28

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches No KYC Crypto Trading, 100x Leverage, Double Deposit Bonus, and $50 Welcome Bonus

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.

What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

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

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

One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

With BexBack’s deposit bonus

BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

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

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

About BexBack?

BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

Why recommend BexBack?

No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

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The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Operation Take Back America Results in the Administrative Arrest of 81 Illegal Aliens, 25 of Whom Were Also Charged with Felony Criminal Offenses

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

Louisville, KY – During the week of March 10 through March 14, 2025, as part of Operation Take Back America, multiple federal law enforcement agencies in Kentucky worked together to repel the invasion of illegal immigration throughout the Commonwealth. The operation, coordinated out of Louisville, resulted in 81 administrative arrests of illegal aliens. Of the 81 illegal aliens arrested, 25 were also charged with immigration-related criminal offenses, including illegal reentry after deportation or removal, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of controlled substances. In the Western District of Kentucky, 53 illegal aliens were administratively arrested, with 18 being criminally charged.

The illegal aliens not charged criminally will be held in ICE custody, pending removal proceedings and potential deportation.

The arrests included illegal aliens from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, India and Palau.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, Sam Olson, Field Officer Director, Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Acting Special Agent in Charge A.J. Gibes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and U.S. Marshal Gary B. Burman of the Western District of Kentucky made the announcement.

“I commend the work of our federal law enforcement partners, prosecutors, and support personnel who worked tirelessly to make this operation a success,” stated U.S. Attorney Bennett. “The aggressive investigation and prosecution of those who violate immigration laws positively impacts the security of our communities and of the Nation.”

The following 18 illegal aliens were charged by indictment or criminal complaint in the Western District of Kentucky:

Moises Archaga-Garcia, age 46, a citizen of Honduras, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 10, 2025, Archaga-Garcia was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about July 30, 2003. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Luis Alberto Torres-Flores, age 35, a citizen of El Salvador, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 10, 2025, Torres-Flores was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about August 29, 2014. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Lorenzo Perez-Perez, age 33, a citizen of Guatemala, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 10, 2025, Perez-Perez was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about December 7, 2011, and January 21, 2016. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Aroldo Rodriguez-Navarro, age 40, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 10, 2025, Rodriguez-Navarro was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about August 25, 2009, and June 5, 2014. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Angel David Zuniga-Baca, age 35, a citizen of Honduras, was charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and reentry after deportation or removal. On or about October 12, 2024, Zuniga-Baca possessed a firearm in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. On or about March 10, 2025, Zuniga-Baca was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about November 16, 2009, and April 25, 2014. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison.

Ewin Cabrera-Cabrera, age 33, a citizen of Honduras, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 11, 2025, Cabrera-Cabrera was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about April 10, 2014, and February 7, 2013. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Roberto Cruz-Pacheco, age 34, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 11, 2025, Cruz-Pacheco was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about December 31, 2008. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Darwin Martinez-Figueroa, age 41, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 11, 2025, Martinez-Figueroa was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about May 17, 2014, and April 11, 2018. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Williams Josue Rodriguez-Calix, age 28, a citizen of Honduras, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 11, 2025, Rodriguez-Calix was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about December 12, 2018. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Jose Rodriguez, age 39, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 11, 2025, Rodriguez was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about December 1, 2011, and February 28, 2020. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Zoiber Hernandez-Dominguez, age 50, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. On or about December 16, 2024, Hernandez-Dominguez possessed a firearm in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Marcos Juarez-Morente, age 38 a citizen of Guatemala, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 13, 2025, Juarez-Morente was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about January 20, 2006, and May 19, 2006. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Esteban Perez-Cristostomo, age 45, a citizen of Guatemala, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 13, 2025, Perez-Cristostomo was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about January 21, 2010. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Ramiro Galeana-Arzate, age 28, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 14, 2025, Galeana-Arzate was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about December 4, 2020. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 2 years in prison.

Humberto Avila-Duran, age 54, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and reentry after deportation or removal. On or about March 14, 2025, Avila-Duran possessed a firearm in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. On the same day, Avila-Duran was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about January 21, 2011, March 3, 2011, March 8, 2011, August 14, 2012, May 9, 2014, May 13, 2014, and November 13, 2020. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison.

Humberto Avila-Murillo, age 28, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. On or about March 14, 2025, Avila-Murillo possessed a firearm in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

Edi Diaz-Lopez, age 30, a citizen of Mexico, was charged possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. On or about January 3, 2025, Diaz-Lopez possessed a firearm and methamphetamine with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

Alvaro Mandujano-Rodriguez, age 32, a citizen of Mexico, was charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and reentry after deportation or removal. On or about October 7, 2023, Mandujano-Rodriguez was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about November 29, 2025. On the same date, Mandujano-Rodriguez possessed two firearms in Jefferson County, Kentucky, with knowledge that he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. If convicted he faces a maximum sentence of 17 years in prison.

A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

There is no parole in the federal system.

The operation was coordinated by HSI Nashville and ICE/ERO Chicago. The cases are being investigated by the HSI, ICE/ERO, FBI, ATF, DEA, and USMS.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

###

MIL Security OSI –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Key advantages of investing in Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PUNE, India, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — India’s evolving consumption landscape offers opportunity to investors, thanks to a growing middle class and shifting consumer habits. The Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund stands as a gateway for those looking to capitalize on this surge. By strategically investing in key sectors poised for growth, this fund targets long-term potential gains driven by rising domestic consumption.

India’s consumption wave

The consumption boom in India is powered by a union of socio-economic changes. As more people enter the middle class with increased purchasing power, the demand for a diverse range of goods and services is expected to grow. This transformation is shaped by several trends:

Rising affluence: India is seeing a shift toward more affluent consumers, who are now prioritizing quality over quantity in their purchasing decisions. The demand for luxury and premium products is rapidly increasing, with people seeking value-added goods that improve their lifestyles.

Health and wellness: A growing focus on well-being has led to a rise in demand for health-centric products. Consumers are now more conscious about what they consume, choosing items that align with a health-conscious lifestyle, such as organic food, fitness-related products, and immunity-boosting supplements.

Convenience: Convenience-driven purchasing has skyrocketed, with online shopping, food delivery, and quick-service solutions gaining traction. Today’s consumers want easy and fast access to products, shifting the retail sector toward e-commerce and other digital platforms.

Broadening consumption horizons: India’s rural markets are registering growing demand and provide an opportunity for driving the consumption sector.

How the Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund taps into these trends

The Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund seeks to leverage these trends by investing in companies directly benefiting from India’s growing consumption sector. Here’s how it aligns with the evolving market:

Investing in high-growth sectors: The fund targets businesses that are positioned to capitalize on the changing consumer behaviour. By investing in emerging sectors, it taps into the rapid growth driven by rising disposable incomes and evolving consumer preferences.

Focused approach: Staying true to its theme, the fund focuses on sectors and companies directly impacted by increased consumption. This detailed and defined strategy ensures that every investment decision aligns with the broader goal of capturing growth in the consumption space.

Diverse market exposure: Unlike traditional funds that focus solely on large cap stocks, the Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund adopts a more flexible approach. It invests across the market cap spectrum, balancing the stability of established firms with the growth potential of mid and small cap companies.

Future-oriented investment philosophy: The fund focuses on long-term growth by identifying emerging trends and high-potential companies. This proactive approach ensures that the fund remains ahead of the curve and positions itself to benefit from the next wave of consumption-driven growth.

Who should consider this fund?

The Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund may be well-suited for a wide range of investors. Whether you are looking for high-growth potential or diversification in your existing portfolio, this fund offers several advantages:

Lumpsum investors: For those looking to make a one-time investment, the fund presents a unique opportunity to tap into India’s expanding consumption market.

Risk-tolerant investors: If you are open to higher risks in pursuit of returns, this fund aligns well with your objectives. The consumption sector has the potential for both high growth and volatility, making it suitable for those with a higher risk tolerance.

Tactical portfolio diversification: If you want to add depth and variety to your equity portfolio, this fund can be a way to diversify into a specific sector that shows tremendous growth potential. It complements broader investment strategies and enhances overall portfolio performance.

Long-term investors: The fund is a suitable option for those with a five-year or more investment horizon. By focusing on long-term growth, the fund allows investors to ride out market fluctuations while benefiting from the overall rise in consumption.

Enhancing your investment strategy

To optimize the potential of your investment, consider using tools like a monthly SIP calculator. This tool allows you to systematically invest small amounts over time, leveraging the power of compounding and making it easier to achieve your investment goals in the long run.

The Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund offers opportunity to invest in India’s dynamic consumption sector. With its focused investment strategy and forward-looking approach, it may benefit from the projected growth in domestic consumer demand. Whether you are a seasoned investor or just getting started, this fund provides the tools and strategy necessary to tap into the evolving consumption trends and build wealth for the future.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

This document should not be treated as endorsement of the views/opinions or as investment advice. This document should not be construed as a research report or a recommendation to buy or sell any security. This document is for information purpose only and should not be construed as a promise on minimum returns or safeguard of capital. This document alone is not sufficient and should not be used for the development or implementation of an investment strategy. The recipient should note and understand that the information provided above may not contain all the material aspects relevant for making an investment decision. Investors are advised to consult their own investment advisor before making any investment decision in light of their risk appetite, investment goals and horizon. This information is subject to change without any prior notice.

Bajaj Finserv Consumption Fund is an open ended equity scheme following consumption theme.

Contact Info:

Phone no.: 1800-3093900

Name: Gaurav Parmar

Email: gaurav.parmar@bajajamc.com

Organization: Bajaj Finserv Asset Management

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Bajaj Finserv Asset Management. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

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The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Washington Post’s turnaround on its opinion pages is returning journalism to its partisan roots − but without the principles

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joseph Jones, Assistant Professor of Media Ethics and Law at Reed College of Media, West Virginia University

Owner Jeff Bezos has made big changes to The Washington Post’s editorial pages. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Jeff Bezos, the world’s third-richest person and owner of The Washington Post, announced in February 2025 significant changes to the editorial pages of his Pulitzer-Prize winning newspaper.

The editorial section, also called the opinion section, is where editors and contributors with a deep and broad understanding of the latest news offer their analysis of the day’s issues. This content is distinct from the fact-based news reporting of the outlet’s everyday journalists.

Both kinds of content serve the public interest. Journalists report news to inform the public, while editors and opinion writers analyze and explain news, putting facts into a larger context to aid understanding.

At the Post, instead of news editors making independent decisions on what to write and the perspectives they should take, Bezos tweeted, “We are going to be writing every day in support and defense of two pillars: personal liberties and free markets. We’ll cover other topics too of course, but viewpoints opposing those pillars will be left to be published by others.”

Opinion and analysis in the Post was thus going to limit itself to one particular viewpoint.

As a journalism historian, I analyze how journalism has changed over time. Over the years, the purpose, practices and forms of journalism have evolved.

Bezos’ decision harks back to an earlier time when editors and owners were the same person, and newspapers offered a specific interpretation of the world, not just a neutral report.

Informed opinions and analysis

While editorial writers and opinion columnists offer their opinions, these views are still expected to be grounded in journalistic principles, building from verifiable facts and comprehensively considering context to offer well-reasoned analysis.

Many of today’s news editors and journalists stake their professional reputations on their obligation to truth, independent of special interests or particular ideologies. They pride themselves on reporting and explaining the news without fear or favor.

After Bezos’ announcement, editorial page editor and veteran journalist David Shipley resigned from his position. Shipley told his staff he was stepping down “after reflection on how I can best move forward in the profession that I love.”

Journalists and media critics from across the political spectrum read Bezos’ editorial policy change as going against the tradition of a paper that long prided itself on editorial independence in the name of public service. Historically, the newspaper’s opinion section offered a range of views on a variety of issues.

Limiting the newspaper’s opinion section to a single viewpoint, critics argue, doesn’t seem to align with the Post’s slogan, “Democracy Dies in Darkness,” as it stifles public discussion and purposefully turns off some of the lights.

Former Washington Post editor Marty Baron told the Guardian, “If you’re trying to advance the cause of democracy, then you allow for public debate, which is what democracy is all about.”

Putting all of this in historical context can help illuminate Bezos’ decision as well as the current state of American media.

A facsimile of a 1765 edition of The Pennsylvania Journal, focused on The Stamp Act, in which the British government imposed direct taxation upon the American Colonies.
The Print Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images

Opinionated early American journalism

At the nation’s founding, the very first newspapers were highly partisan, supporting and receiving much of their funding from particular political parties and government subsidies. Newspapers were small operations where editors, owners, writers and typesetters were usually all the same person.

As the country and its political direction were just forming, these editor-owners felt a public obligation and duty to stake out a clear political position. There were no standards of journalistic neutrality; editor-owners framed news reports, wrote columns and published other people’s opinions based on their own particular viewpoints.

Editors wrote passionately, using language that suggested the fate of the nation was at stake. They were also principled and willing to criticize their own parties if they thought it warranted. And because they were transparent about their views, readers responded by gravitating to their preferred newspapers. Consequently, the number of newspapers in the U.S. increased from 35 in 1783 to 1,200 by 1833. Historians have thus argued that the early United States was a “nation of newspaper readers.”

Unlike modern notions of journalistic impartiality, if a newspaper didn’t support a political party or remained neutral, it was dismissed by readers as either lacking morals or being too stupid to form an opinion.

As newspapers of the early republic developed from reporting recycled news from other sources to guiding public discussion, the editorial thus emerged as a short opinion essay separate from reports on local speeches or foreign news.

Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Fact-based journalism and informed analysis

For various reasons, the partisan press gave way to a journalism that attempted wider appeal. By 1900, many news outlets aimed for impartiality and neutrality.

By the 1920s, most journalists embraced the ideals of objectivity, the notion that journalists should only report facts.

Interestingly, this led to a growth in editorials, opinion columns and news analysis.

Opinion columns written by journalists provided interpretive frameworks for readers to understand the meaning of news events. One such journalist-commentator was Walter Lippmann (1889-1974), a political analyst who wrote a number of influential columns, including a piece infamously viewed as a catalyst for Japanese internment during World War II.

Such content provided journalists a means to show their independence from the powerful. Journalists could commit themselves to truth and verifiable facts while still asserting their independent role to contextualize news, explain its implications and guide the conversations necessary for democracy.

Research has shown that such opinion-based news content can influence what citizens and media outlets prioritize as important, as well as how policymakers approach certain issues.

Today, especially with the increase in partisan television, radio and internet outlets, there is no shortage of opinion-based news and analysis.

As long as people stay empathetic and open to others with different experiences, this is not inherently bad for democracy. Problems arise, however, when opinionated news outweighs fact-based reporting and people begin to mistrust all reporting they do not agree with, a psychological phenomenon known as confirmation bias.

In today’s digital world, everyone can broadcast or publish their opinion, whereas fact-based reporting takes time and resources. While news analysis and thoughtful opinion can generate important social conversations and help citizens understand news, too much opinion that isn’t grounded in facts can also lead to a general atmosphere of mistrust and suspicion. This spells trouble for the good-faith understanding, open dialogue and mutual trust so vital to democracy.

Profiting from polarization

Polling data suggests Americans are more divided than ever.

Perhaps Washington Post owner Bezos is simply responding to the public’s documented preference for partisanship over truth or to the profitability of partisan news.

But as a matter of context, there is a difference between the principled partisans of the early republic, the professional analysts of the 20th century, and an owner who demands his media outlet’s opinions should be limited to his preferences.

When he purchased The Washington Post in 2013, Bezos said the newspaper would not change and that “the paper’s duty will remain to its reader and not to the private interests of its owners.”

In this latest move, he has signaled that his private interest is a priority, at least for the editorial section. This limits the perspectives the Post-reading public can encounter and restricts the free marketplace of ideas. So when a Post journalist of 40 years wrote a column opposing Bezos’ editorial decision, her bosses refused to publish it.

Apparently, light criticism was not a “personal liberty” afforded a longtime employee. With her beloved employer not even willing to discuss the column – discussion being the cornerstone of deliberative democracy – the veteran journalist resigned.

In the current media environment, organizations and people who don’t participate in news production or share its values can purchase journalistic outlets and alter their standards and practices. As a result, principled journalists may decide to leave rather than compromise their mission of public service.

Ultimately, Bezos is being transparent. It is thus up to the American people to decide on the kind of journalism and pursuit of truth they desire. It’s worth noting that tens of thousands of canceled subscriptions have already begun to make that decision clear.

Joseph Jones does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Washington Post’s turnaround on its opinion pages is returning journalism to its partisan roots − but without the principles – https://theconversation.com/washington-posts-turnaround-on-its-opinion-pages-is-returning-journalism-to-its-partisan-roots-but-without-the-principles-251189

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s first term polarized teens’ views on racism and inequality

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Laura Wray-Lake, Professor of Social Welfare, University of California, Los Angeles

Teens who supported President Trump in 2016 became less aware of societal inequalities after the election. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

When asked about reactions to Donald Trump being president, a 16-year-old Black girl said, “I feel unsafe and not protected. The United States is supposed to be the land of the free but is really the land of racism.”

In contrast, a 16-year-old white girl said, “I think it’s OK … I do feel bad for minorities … I’m white however and come from a somewhat similar background so I will be alright.”

These two teenagers responded very differently to the racial climate created by Trump – during his first presidency. Research on adolescents during Trump’s first term takes on new relevance now that he is back in office.

As a scholar of adolescent development, I have studied U.S. teenagers for over two decades. When Trump took office in 2016, I was in the midst of leading a five-year study to understand how young people become civically engaged. My colleagues and I were tracking adolescents’ beliefs and behaviors over time, which gave us a unique opportunity to document changes after Trump was elected.

Focusing on 1,400 ninth through 12th graders, I hypothesized that adolescents would become more divided during Trump’s presidency, given the political divisions evident among adults in 2016. And, like other social scientists, my team and I did identify diverging worldviews about racism and inequalities among teenagers and increased discrimination.

Decades of research shows that adolescents are influenced in lasting ways by societal events and political shifts, such as the Great Depression, the Civil Rights Movement, the 9/11 terrorist attacks and changing presidential administrations. Likewise, the short-term impacts of Trump’s presidency identified by research may portend long-lasting effects for this generation of young people.

Diverging worldviews

In our study, young Trump supporters were more likely to be white and male and to have politically conservative parents, and less likely to be immigrants. Teenagers in our study who disapproved of Trump were more likely to be female and Latino, Black or Asian, to have politically liberal parents, and to have parents or grandparents who were immigrants. These groups were not just different demographically; they diverged in their worldviews about race and inequality over time.

Across Trump’s first year in office, young Trump supporters decreased their race consciousness – that is, their support for racial equity and inclusion declined. We measured race consciousness by whether high schoolers agreed with statements like “I show support for equal rights for people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds” and “I express concern about discrimination faced by racial and ethnic groups.”

Young Trump supporters also grew less aware of inequalities in society during this time frame, becoming less likely to endorse statements like “In America, certain groups have fewer chances to get ahead.”

Conversely, young Trump detractors increased their race consciousness and awareness of societal inequalities during this time. Another study that interviewed youth of color during Trump’s first presidency similarly found that adolescents critical of Trump developed deeper capacities to understand societal inequalities in response to Trump’s policies.

Did these divergent beliefs translate into different behaviors?

Interestingly, only young Trump supporters in our study became more likely to vote after Trump’s first election. This heightened interest in voting among young Trump supporters aligns with 2024’s election results. Although people ages 18-29 were more likely to support Kamala Harris than Donald Trump, the majority of white youth (54%) and young men (56%) who voted turned out to support Trump. The adolescents we surveyed in 2016 and 2017 are among this cohort of young voters in 2024.

Dozens of incidents of swastikas and other racist graffiti were reported in schools in Revere, Mass., between May and November 2018.
Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Increased discrimination

The divergent beliefs of Trump supporters and detractors may have implications for other behaviors in addition to voting.

After Trump’s first election, 28% of K-12 teachers reported witnessing increases in students’ derogatory remarks toward minority groups, especially in predominantly white schools. Students were emboldened to make bigoted statements about immigrants, Muslims and other groups. Researchers documented incidents of anti-Black racism and anti-transgender discrimination in schools.

Our study found that Latino youth experienced more discrimination after Trump was elected. Latino adolescents also expressed fears and anxieties due to Trump’s hostile immigration policies and rhetoric, and they attributed Trump’s stance to racism. Four psychologists who systematically reviewed the available research concluded that the first Trump presidency harmed Latino adolescents’ mental health.

These studies did not definitively attribute increased discrimination to actions of young Trump supporters. But young Trump supporters did become less concerned about discrimination and racial equity. And adult Trump supporters did endorse more racist and anti-immigrant attitudes and the use of political violence compared with other adults.

What about now?

Trump’s executive orders in 2025 have expanded the detention and deportation of immigrants, declared that gender is binary, and that diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives are illegal.

Based on how people responded in the early days of Trump’s first term, these orders may directly harm adolescents and embolden discrimination again. For example, immediately after the 2024 election, crisis calls from LGBTQ+ youth increased by 200%, and harassing texts were sent to Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ adolescents across 20 states.

The executive order to eliminate teaching on racial and gender equity from schools, if upheld, would limit adolescents’ opportunities to learn about racism, sexism and inequalities faced by different groups.

Adolescents’ awareness of and concerns about inequalities diverged during Trump’s first presidency based on their political views. Given the policy focus of Trump’s second term, I anticipate similar or greater divisions in young people’s racial attitudes and actions than my research revealed over the course of his first term.

Laura Wray-Lake received funding for research reported herein from the National Science Foundation and John Templeton Foundation. She is a registered Democrat.

– ref. Trump’s first term polarized teens’ views on racism and inequality – https://theconversation.com/trumps-first-term-polarized-teens-views-on-racism-and-inequality-249911

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: PIMCO Announces 2025 Managing Directors

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PIMCO, a global leader in active fixed income with deep expertise across public and private markets, is pleased to share the promotion of the officers of the firm to Managing Director.

“Our goal is to have a Managing Director group as a collective that represents broad skillsets and expertise across our business globally, and leaders who embody PIMCO’s core values and our commitment to integrity and excellence – the key elements of our culture”, said PIMCO Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Roman and PIMCO Group Chief Investment Officer Daniel Ivascyn.

The following officers have been promoted to Managing Director with these objectives in mind:

Ben Ensminger-Law
Mr. Ensminger-Law is a managing director and portfolio manager in the New York office. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2018, he was an analyst at Claren Road and previously worked at Citigroup in the U.S. and Asia. He began his career at MMC and has 24 years of investment experience. He holds an MBA from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University.

Esteban Burbano
Mr. Burbano is a managing director and fixed income strategist in the New York office. He joined PIMCO in 2009. Prior to joining PIMCO, Mr. Burbano was at Goldman Sachs and Bank of America. He has 21 years of investment experience and holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also received undergraduate degrees in economics and engineering.

Kirill Zavodov
Mr. Zavodov is a managing director and portfolio manager in the London office. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2020, he was a managing director in the merchant banking division of Goldman Sachs. He began his career at The Blackstone Group. He has 14 years of investment experience and holds a Ph.D. in financial economics from the University of Cambridge.

Rachit Jain
Mr. Jain is a managing director and portfolio manager in the London office. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2009, he was an assistant director in the principal trading group at Royal Bank of Scotland/ABN Amro. He has 17 years of investment experience and holds master’s and undergraduate degrees in mathematics and computing from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Delhi, India.

Sam Watkins
Mr. Watkins is a managing director and head of PIMCO’s business in Australia and New Zealand. Prior to joining PIMCO in 2022, he worked at Goldman Sachs. Previously, he worked at Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse, and Macquarie Bank in Australia. He has 24 years of investment and financial services experience and holds an undergraduate degree in agricultural economics from the University of Sydney.

DISCLOSURES

About PIMCO

PIMCO is a global leader in active fixed income with deep expertise across public and private markets. We invest our clients’ capital across a range of fixed income and credit opportunities, drawing upon our decades of experience navigating complex debt markets. Our flexible capital base and deep relationships with issuers have helped us become one of the world’s largest providers of traditional and nontraditional solutions for companies that need financing and investors who seek strong risk-adjusted returns.

Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of PIMCO’s sponsored investment products and separately managed accounts, general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax laws. Readers should carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only on the date at which such statements are made. PIMCO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

Contact:
Michael Reid
Global Head of Corporate Communications
Ph. 212-597-1301
Email: michael.reid@pimco.com

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Rapid7 Announces Global Capability Center in India

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rapid7, Inc., Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD), a leader in extended risk and threat detection, today announced plans for expansion in India, including the opening of a new Global Capability Center (GCC) in Pune to serve as an innovation hub and Security Operations Center (SOC). In addition, the company announced a series of in-region events to engage with government, education, and talent stakeholders on Rapid7’s commitment to enable customers to simplify security, take control of their attack surface, and confidently navigate a dynamic threat landscape.

The GCC will open in April 2025 with a focus on expanding Rapid7’s ability to provide seamless, 24×7 security operations coverage to their growing global customers worldwide. Hiring for the new office will prioritize building a team that drives product and service innovation in cyber operations, in addition to building the cybersecurity talent pipeline in the local market and fostering AI collaborations with corporations and academic institutions.

“Expanding into India is a critical step in accelerating Rapid7’s investments in security operations leadership and customer-centric innovation,” said Corey Thomas, chairman and CEO of Rapid7. “Innovation thrives when multi-dimensional teams come together to solve complex challenges, and this new hub strengthens our ability to deliver the most adaptive, predictive, and responsive cybersecurity solutions to customers worldwide. Establishing a Security Operations Center in Pune also enhances our ability to scale threat detection and response globally while connecting the exceptional technical talent in the region to impactful career opportunities. We are excited to grow a world-class team in India that will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cybersecurity.”

“Rapid7 is known for its high-performing teams that challenge boundaries and embrace rapid technological change, from generative AI and machine learning to cutting-edge security solutions,” said Swami Nathan, Rapid7 country manager, India. “I’m excited to lead this transformational journey in Pune, where every team member will have the opportunity to grow, drive meaningful impact for our customers, and help shape a more secure digital future.”

Rapid7 is at the forefront of global conversations on cyber and AI security policy and development of those business ecosystems and, following that tradition, Sabeen Malik, Rapid7’s vice president of global government affairs and public policy, will attend and participate on a panel at the Raisina Dialogue entitled “Concert of Oceans: Towards A Digital Indo-Pacific,” alongside Amit Shukla, Joint Secretary, Cyber Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs, India.

In May, Rapid7 will host three in-region Security Day events in Mumbai (May 8), Delhi (May 13), and Bangalore (May 15). These events will bring together leaders from top corporations, academic institutions, and government to explore the evolving cyber threat landscape, share insights from their cybersecurity journeys, and discover the latest advancements in Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM), Cyber Asset Attack Surface Management (CAASM), Attack Surface Management (ASM), and Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR). These events are open to Rapid7 customers, potential clients, and partners.

To learn more about Security Days visit https://www.rapid7.com/lp/2025-global-security-days/.

To learn more about joining the Rapid7 team in India visit https://careers.rapid7.com/rapid7-pune.

About Rapid7
Rapid7, Inc. (NASDAQ: RPD) is on a mission to create a safer digital world by making cybersecurity simpler and more accessible. We empower security professionals to manage a modern attack surface through our best-in-class technology, leading-edge research, and broad, strategic expertise. Rapid7’s comprehensive security solutions help more than 11,000 global customers unite cloud risk management with threat detection and response to reduce attack surfaces and eliminate threats with speed and precision. For more information, visit our website, check out our blog, or follow us on LinkedIn or X.

Rapid7 Media Relations
Alice Randall
Director, Global Corporate Communications
press@rapid7.com
(857) 216-7804

Rapid7 Investor Contact
Elizabeth Chwalk
Vice President, Investor Relations
investors@rapid7.com
(617) 865-4277

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Emmanuel Ojo, Associate Professor, University of the Witwatersrand

Global crises have shaped our world over the past two decades, affecting education systems everywhere. Higher education researcher Emmanuel Ojo has studied the impact of these disruptions on educational opportunities, particularly in southern Africa.

He looked at 5,511 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 to explore what the research suggests about making education systems more resilient. Here, he answers some questions about his review.

What are the global crises that have undermined education?

In my review I drew up a table documenting how multiple crises have disrupted education systems worldwide.

The cycle began with the 2000-2002 dot-com bubble collapse, which reduced education funding and slowed technological integration. This was followed by the 2001 terrorist attacks, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak (2002-2004), Iraq War (2003-2011), Indian Ocean tsunami (2004), and Hurricane Katrina (2005). The Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 2000, global food crisis (2007-2008), financial crisis (2007-2008), and European debt crisis (2010-2012) continued this pattern of disruption.

More recently, the Ebola epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine war have destabilised education systems. Meanwhile, the ongoing climate crisis creates challenges, particularly in southern Africa where environmental vulnerability is high.

Who suffers most, and in what ways?

Education has consistently been among the hardest-hit sectors globally. According to Unesco, the COVID pandemic alone affected more than 1.6 billion students worldwide.

But the impact is not distributed equally.

My research shows crises have put vulnerable populations at a further disadvantage through school closures, funding diversions, infrastructure destruction and student displacement. Quality and access decline most sharply for marginalised communities. Costs rise and mobility is restricted. Food insecurity during crises reduces attendance among the poorest students.

In southern Africa, the Covid-19 disruption highlighted existing divides. Privileged students continued learning online. Those in rural and informal settlements were completely cut off from education.

Climate change compounds these inequalities. Unicef highlights that climate disasters have a disproportionate impact on schooling for millions in low-income countries, where adaptive infrastructure is limited.

What’s at stake for southern Africa is the region’s development potential and social cohesion. The widening of educational divides threatens to create a generation with unequal opportunities and capabilities.

What makes southern African education systems fragile?

My review focused on the 16 countries of the Southern African Development Community, revealing what makes them vulnerable to crisis impacts.

Southern Africa’s geographic exposure to climate disasters combines with pre-existing economic inequalities. The region’s digital divide became starkly visible during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some students were excluded from learning by limited connectivity and unreliable electricity.

The region’s systems also rely on external funding. The Trump administration’s sudden foreign aid freeze was a shock to South Africa’s higher education sector. It has affected public health initiatives and university research programmes.

Research representation itself is unequal. Within the region, South African researchers dominate and other nations make only limited contributions. This creates blind spots in understanding context-specific challenges and solutions.

Each successive crisis deepens educational divides, making recovery increasingly difficult and costly. Weaker education systems make the region less able to respond to other development challenges, too.

How can southern Africa build education systems to withstand crises?

One striking finding from my review was the surge in educational research after the Covid-19 pandemic began – from 229 studies in 2019 to nearly double that in 2020, with continued rapid growth thereafter. This indicates growing recognition that education systems must be redesigned to withstand future disruptions, not merely recover from current ones.

Research points to a number of ways to do this:
- Strategic investment in educational infrastructure, particularly digital technologies, to ensure learning continuity.
- Equipping educators with skills to adapt teaching methods during emergencies.
- Innovative, context-appropriate teaching approaches that empower communities.
- Integration of indigenous knowledge systems into curricula, enhancing relevance, adaptability and community ownership.
- Interdisciplinary and cross-national research collaborations.
- Protection of education budgets, recognising education’s role in crisis recovery and long-term stability.
- Community engagement in education, ensuring interventions are culturally appropriate and widely accepted.
In my view, African philanthropists have a duty to provide the independent financial base that education systems need to withstand external funding fluctuations.

What’s the cost of doing nothing?

The economic and social costs of failing to build resilient education systems are profound and long-lasting. Each educational disruption creates negative effects that extend far beyond the crisis period.

When students miss critical learning periods, it reduces their chances in life. The World Bank estimates that learning losses from the Covid-19 pandemic alone could result in up to US$17 trillion in lost lifetime earnings for affected students globally.

Social costs are equally severe. Educational disruptions increase dropout rates, child marriage, early pregnancy, and youth unemployment. These outcomes create broader societal challenges that require costly interventions across multiple sectors.

Spending on educational resilience avoids those costs.

The question isn’t whether southern African nations can afford to invest in educational resilience, but whether they can afford not to.

The choices made today will determine whether education systems merely survive crises or make society better. Evidence-based policies and regional cooperation are essential for building education systems that can fulfil Southern Africa’s human potential.

– Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa
– https://theconversation.com/global-crises-have-hit-education-hard-24-years-of-research-offers-a-way-forward-for-southern-africa-251833

MIL OSI Africa –
March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Rescuing Nigeria: how to break the cycle of decline and bring progress

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Omano Edigheji, Associate Professor of Practice, University of Johannesburg

Nigeria has abundant human and natural resources but remains mired in underdevelopment. There are high levels of poverty, corruption, unemployment and inequality. The country is currently witnessing a rise in ethnic militias and terrorism, adding to the threats posed by armed herdsmen’s deadly clashes with rural communities over land.

The nation suffers from poor economic management and a political leadership that has failed to promote structural transformation of the economy and politics.

I am a political scientist with research specialisation in the political economy of development. In my view, Nigeria’s social, economic and political crises stem from the absence of a grouping of people who put the country’s interests first. I call this grouping a developmentalist coalition.

I argue that for Nigeria to realise its potential and forge a prosperous shared future, like-minded individuals motivated by the ideology of development nationalism must come together in a coalition.

Development nationalism refers to the commitment to advancing one’s country and ensuring its prosperity. This includes enhancing the capabilities of its people so they can reach their potential and contribute to national progress. Individuals like this put loyalty to their country above other identities or considerations.

This coalition must focus on enhancing the nation’s productive capacity and uplifting the well-being of its citizens. Together, they can break the cycle of underdevelopment and achieve lasting progress.

And this can be measured through the creation of a predictable governance structure characterised by the rule of law and the provision of essential public goods to citizens.

Read more: Book review: Nigeria has democracy but not development. How to fix it

Developmental nationalism

Developmentalist coalitions shape political and economic affairs in most developed nations. In China, Malaysia, Mauritius, South Korea, Singapore and other countries that have tried to catch up with advanced nations, developmental nationalism has played a significant role.

In some cases, a developmentalist elite creates its own political party. An example of this is the People’s Action Party founded by Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, and his colleagues. The Labour Party in Norway, a coalition mostly of workers and farmers, is another example.

In other instances, members of this elite join different political parties. When developmentalists are the dominant political elite, any party in power ensures that it upholds standards that reflect the core principles upon which the country is founded.

Developmental elites articulate values that define and bind their nations. They provide moral and political leadership, as Nelson Mandela did in South Africa.

Most of these elites want to have inclusive economic and political institutions that help them achieve their development objectives.

Read more: Calls to restructure Nigeria’s federal system are missing the point: the country needs good governance, not reform

Why Nigeria needs developmentalist coalitions

Since Nigeria became independent from Britain in 1960, most of those who have overseen the country’s political and economic landscape have not acted in a nationalistic or patriotic manner.

Instead, they have followed their self-interest and exploited the Nigerian state for personal gain.

As a result, the economy remains undiversified, with a small and declining manufacturing sector, thereby missing out on the potential for job creation.

Successive administrations in the last 26 years have allocated less funding to the education sector than the 26% of the national budget recommended by Unesco.

The political elite have not built an economy that will create decent jobs for the youth. Also, they have fostered an education system that produces graduates who do not have the skills to start enterprises.

Most young Nigerians are engaged in the informal sector, with its associated problems: unstable jobs, hazardous working conditions, and a lack of decent wages. Most youths are underemployed and in low value-added economic activities. This means Nigeria is missing out on the potential benefits of its youthful population.

About 70% of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million are under 30 years old, and 41% are younger than 15.

Political leaders have failed to create an environment that allows them to achieve their full potential.

In Nigeria, the issue is not the lack of individuals focused on development. These people exist across all segments of the Nigerian society, including government. The real problem is that they haven’t formed a coalition.

As a result, they cannot act collectively and cohesively to invest in Nigeria’s greatest asset: its people; and to promote industrialisation.

Now is the time to form the developmentalist coalition to change the governance and development trajectory of the country.

Read more: Is Nigeria in danger of a coup? What the country should do to avoid one – political analyst

What to do

In Nigeria, a broad-based coalition of developmentalist elites needs to be led by individuals with a clear vision for development and national cohesion.

Members of this coalition could establish a political party to contest elections, gain political power, and use their positions in government to develop the nation.

Party members must be disciplined and subordinate their personal ambitions to those of the party and the national interests. The party must not become an empire of powerful individuals: instead, its organs must be allowed to function.

Establishing this coalition is the way to end Nigeria’s endemic corruption and build a robust manufacturing sector and a thriving digital economy.

It also needs to promote agro-allied industry, investment in infrastructure, job creation and poverty reduction.

This coalition should aim to transform Nigeria’s democracy into a system where political parties and elected representatives genuinely serve the people.

– Rescuing Nigeria: how to break the cycle of decline and bring progress
– https://theconversation.com/rescuing-nigeria-how-to-break-the-cycle-of-decline-and-bring-progress-251639

MIL OSI Africa –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Emmanuel Ojo, Associate Professor, University of the Witwatersrand

Global crises have shaped our world over the past two decades, affecting education systems everywhere. Higher education researcher Emmanuel Ojo has studied the impact of these disruptions on educational opportunities, particularly in southern Africa.

He looked at 5,511 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 to explore what the research suggests about making education systems more resilient. Here, he answers some questions about his review.

What are the global crises that have undermined education?

In my review I drew up a table documenting how multiple crises have disrupted education systems worldwide.

The cycle began with the 2000-2002 dot-com bubble collapse, which reduced education funding and slowed technological integration. This was followed by the 2001 terrorist attacks, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak (2002-2004), Iraq War (2003-2011), Indian Ocean tsunami (2004), and Hurricane Katrina (2005). The Israeli-Palestinian conflict since 2000, global food crisis (2007-2008), financial crisis (2007-2008), and European debt crisis (2010-2012) continued this pattern of disruption.

More recently, the Ebola epidemic, COVID-19 pandemic, and Russia-Ukraine war have destabilised education systems. Meanwhile, the ongoing climate crisis creates challenges, particularly in southern Africa where environmental vulnerability is high.

Who suffers most, and in what ways?

Education has consistently been among the hardest-hit sectors globally. According to Unesco, the COVID pandemic alone affected more than 1.6 billion students worldwide.

But the impact is not distributed equally.

My research shows crises have put vulnerable populations at a further disadvantage through school closures, funding diversions, infrastructure destruction and student displacement. Quality and access decline most sharply for marginalised communities. Costs rise and mobility is restricted. Food insecurity during crises reduces attendance among the poorest students.

In southern Africa, the Covid-19 disruption highlighted existing divides. Privileged students continued learning online. Those in rural and informal settlements were completely cut off from education.

Climate change compounds these inequalities. Unicef highlights that climate disasters have a disproportionate impact on schooling for millions in low-income countries, where adaptive infrastructure is limited.

What’s at stake for southern Africa is the region’s development potential and social cohesion. The widening of educational divides threatens to create a generation with unequal opportunities and capabilities.

What makes southern African education systems fragile?

My review focused on the 16 countries of the Southern African Development Community, revealing what makes them vulnerable to crisis impacts.

Southern Africa’s geographic exposure to climate disasters combines with pre-existing economic inequalities. The region’s digital divide became starkly visible during the Covid-19 pandemic. Some students were excluded from learning by limited connectivity and unreliable electricity.

The region’s systems also rely on external funding. The Trump administration’s sudden foreign aid freeze was a shock to South Africa’s higher education sector. It has affected public health initiatives and university research programmes.

Research representation itself is unequal. Within the region, South African researchers dominate and other nations make only limited contributions. This creates blind spots in understanding context-specific challenges and solutions.

Each successive crisis deepens educational divides, making recovery increasingly difficult and costly. Weaker education systems make the region less able to respond to other development challenges, too.

How can southern Africa build education systems to withstand crises?

One striking finding from my review was the surge in educational research after the Covid-19 pandemic began – from 229 studies in 2019 to nearly double that in 2020, with continued rapid growth thereafter. This indicates growing recognition that education systems must be redesigned to withstand future disruptions, not merely recover from current ones.

Research points to a number of ways to do this:
- Strategic investment in educational infrastructure, particularly digital technologies, to ensure learning continuity.
- Equipping educators with skills to adapt teaching methods during emergencies.
- Innovative, context-appropriate teaching approaches that empower communities.
- Integration of indigenous knowledge systems into curricula, enhancing relevance, adaptability and community ownership.
- Interdisciplinary and cross-national research collaborations.
- Protection of education budgets, recognising education’s role in crisis recovery and long-term stability.
- Community engagement in education, ensuring interventions are culturally appropriate and widely accepted.
In my view, African philanthropists have a duty to provide the independent financial base that education systems need to withstand external funding fluctuations.

What’s the cost of doing nothing?

The economic and social costs of failing to build resilient education systems are profound and long-lasting. Each educational disruption creates negative effects that extend far beyond the crisis period.

When students miss critical learning periods, it reduces their chances in life. The World Bank estimates that learning losses from the Covid-19 pandemic alone could result in up to US$17 trillion in lost lifetime earnings for affected students globally.

Social costs are equally severe. Educational disruptions increase dropout rates, child marriage, early pregnancy, and youth unemployment. These outcomes create broader societal challenges that require costly interventions across multiple sectors.

Spending on educational resilience avoids those costs.

The question isn’t whether southern African nations can afford to invest in educational resilience, but whether they can afford not to.

The choices made today will determine whether education systems merely survive crises or make society better. Evidence-based policies and regional cooperation are essential for building education systems that can fulfil Southern Africa’s human potential.

Emmanuel Ojo receives funding from National Research Foundation (NRF).

– ref. Global crises have hit education hard: 24 years of research offers a way forward for southern Africa – https://theconversation.com/global-crises-have-hit-education-hard-24-years-of-research-offers-a-way-forward-for-southern-africa-251833
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Rescuing Nigeria: how to break the cycle of decline and bring progress

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Omano Edigheji, Associate Professor of Practice, University of Johannesburg

Nigeria has abundant human and natural resources but remains mired in underdevelopment. There are high levels of poverty, corruption, unemployment and inequality. The country is currently witnessing a rise in ethnic militias and terrorism, adding to the threats posed by armed herdsmen’s deadly clashes with rural communities over land.

The nation suffers from poor economic management and a political leadership that has failed to promote structural transformation of the economy and politics.

I am a political scientist with research specialisation in the political economy of development. In my view, Nigeria’s social, economic and political crises stem from the absence of a grouping of people who put the country’s interests first. I call this grouping a developmentalist coalition.

I argue that for Nigeria to realise its potential and forge a prosperous shared future, like-minded individuals motivated by the ideology of development nationalism must come together in a coalition.

Development nationalism refers to the commitment to advancing one’s country and ensuring its prosperity. This includes enhancing the capabilities of its people so they can reach their potential and contribute to national progress. Individuals like this put loyalty to their country above other identities or considerations.

This coalition must focus on enhancing the nation’s productive capacity and uplifting the well-being of its citizens. Together, they can break the cycle of underdevelopment and achieve lasting progress.

And this can be measured through the creation of a predictable governance structure characterised by the rule of law and the provision of essential public goods to citizens.

Read more:
Book review: Nigeria has democracy but not development. How to fix it

Developmental nationalism

Developmentalist coalitions shape political and economic affairs in most developed nations. In China, Malaysia, Mauritius, South Korea, Singapore and other countries that have tried to catch up with advanced nations, developmental nationalism has played a significant role.

In some cases, a developmentalist elite creates its own political party. An example of this is the People’s Action Party founded by Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, and his colleagues. The Labour Party in Norway, a coalition mostly of workers and farmers, is another example.

In other instances, members of this elite join different political parties. When developmentalists are the dominant political elite, any party in power ensures that it upholds standards that reflect the core principles upon which the country is founded.

Developmental elites articulate values that define and bind their nations. They provide moral and political leadership, as Nelson Mandela did in South Africa.

Most of these elites want to have inclusive economic and political institutions that help them achieve their development objectives.

Read more:
Calls to restructure Nigeria’s federal system are missing the point: the country needs good governance, not reform

Why Nigeria needs developmentalist coalitions

Since Nigeria became independent from Britain in 1960, most of those who have overseen the country’s political and economic landscape have not acted in a nationalistic or patriotic manner.

Instead, they have followed their self-interest and exploited the Nigerian state for personal gain.

As a result, the economy remains undiversified, with a small and declining manufacturing sector, thereby missing out on the potential for job creation.

Successive administrations in the last 26 years have allocated less funding to the education sector than the 26% of the national budget recommended by Unesco.

The political elite have not built an economy that will create decent jobs for the youth. Also, they have fostered an education system that produces graduates who do not have the skills to start enterprises.

Most young Nigerians are engaged in the informal sector, with its associated problems: unstable jobs, hazardous working conditions, and a lack of decent wages. Most youths are underemployed and in low value-added economic activities. This means Nigeria is missing out on the potential benefits of its youthful population.

About 70% of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million are under 30 years old, and 41% are younger than 15.

Political leaders have failed to create an environment that allows them to achieve their full potential.

In Nigeria, the issue is not the lack of individuals focused on development. These people exist across all segments of the Nigerian society, including government. The real problem is that they haven’t formed a coalition.

As a result, they cannot act collectively and cohesively to invest in Nigeria’s greatest asset: its people; and to promote industrialisation.

Now is the time to form the developmentalist coalition to change the governance and development trajectory of the country.

Read more:
Is Nigeria in danger of a coup? What the country should do to avoid one – political analyst

What to do

In Nigeria, a broad-based coalition of developmentalist elites needs to be led by individuals with a clear vision for development and national cohesion.

Members of this coalition could establish a political party to contest elections, gain political power, and use their positions in government to develop the nation.

Party members must be disciplined and subordinate their personal ambitions to those of the party and the national interests. The party must not become an empire of powerful individuals: instead, its organs must be allowed to function.

Establishing this coalition is the way to end Nigeria’s endemic corruption and build a robust manufacturing sector and a thriving digital economy.

It also needs to promote agro-allied industry, investment in infrastructure, job creation and poverty reduction.

This coalition should aim to transform Nigeria’s democracy into a system where political parties and elected representatives genuinely serve the people.

Omano Edigheji receives funding from organisation

Research Grant from The Ford Foundation

– ref. Rescuing Nigeria: how to break the cycle of decline and bring progress – https://theconversation.com/rescuing-nigeria-how-to-break-the-cycle-of-decline-and-bring-progress-251639

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Remembering China’s Empress Dowager Ling, a Buddhist who paved the way for future female rulers

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Stephanie Balkwill, Associate Professor of Asian Languages and Cultures, University of California, Los Angeles

In sixth-century China, a woman known to history as Empress Dowager Ling ruled over an empire called the Northern Wei. Historians do not know her birth name or in what year she was born, but they do know that she served as empress dowager between 515 and 528. As the spouse of a ruling emperor prior to his death, she retained the title of empress dowager in her widowhood.

She ruled on behalf of her young son, the heir to the throne; however, her regency was interrupted by a coup d’etat from 520 to 525. Although the empress dowager was expected to rule only as a regent, historical records indicate that she administered court in her own name. These same records also reveal that she adopted a personal pronoun – “zhen 朕,” otherwise known as the Chinese “royal we” – that was reserved for the exclusive use of the emperor.

In my recent book, “The Women Who Ruled China,” I offer an overview of these historical sources and records that document her life, including a translation of her biography retained in the official chronicle of the Northern Wei. Using these sources, I argue that even though the Empress Dowager’s rule was problematic and short – resulting in her assassination – she laid the foundation for other, more successful female rulers across medieval East Asia.

Capitalizing on different cultural traditions

In the late fifth century, the capital city of the Northern Wei was moved from its northern location in modern-day Datong, China, to its southern location in Luoyang, a city at the very heart of Han Chinese culture and history; however, the people who ruled the empire were not ethnically Han Chinese.

Known as the Taghbach, this group migrated south from the Mongolian steppe and ruled a multiethnic and multicultural empire from Luoyang, the world’s largest city and the former capital of the Eastern Han dynasty. The Northern Wei empire adopted laws, institutions and policies from both Taghbach and Han Chinese traditions.

This cultural hybridity enabled the empress dowager to rule directly: On one hand, the Chinese court system rooted in the Han dynasty had long included the position of empress dowager, even though none of the women who held it had ruled directly. On the other, Taghbach culture had no formal position of empress dowager prior to its adoption of court ranks in the Northern Wei, but it did have a long tradition of women in public life. These women served in the military and advised on political matters.

Multiple sources of evidence indicate that Taghbach women had a high degree of personal autonomy and political power, with no source suggesting otherwise.

A well-known story about Taghbach woman appears in the legend of Mulan, who is said to have dressed as a man so that she could serve in the military in place of her father. The Mulan legend is widely recounted in Chinese literature and inspired a fictional character in two Walt Disney movies based on the Chinese fable.

As a historian of gender in this period, I believe that the Mulan legend does not accurately depict Taghbach women. Instead, it is a Chinese story that emphasizes a form of gender transgression that makes sense only within Chinese and Confucian culture. Unlike Chinese culture, Taghbach culture had long known women warriors who could ride horses and shoot arrows without concealing their gender.

Empress Dowager Ling was not a warrior, but she embraced martial symbols of her own power that were available to women in Taghbach culture but not in Chinese culture. For example, she was an accomplished archer and famously drove her own horse cart, which was just as splendid and imposing as was the emperor’s cart.

In the Confucian culture of Han China, such actions were considered highly inappropriate for women, but Empress Dowager Ling carried them out while holding the Chinese title of empress dowager. Her rule, like her empire, was culturally hybrid. That blend of cultural traditions enabled her to take power in a way that neither Chinese nor Taghbach women had done before.

A Buddhist ruler

By the time of the reign of the Northern Wei empire, both Taghbah and Chinese cultures had become deeply familiar with Buddhism, a religion that they had inherited from India in a long process of cultural exchange along the Silk Road. The empire had integrated methods of Buddhist statecraft into its own forms of governance.

Simply put, what this meant was that the ruler of the empire legitimized his reign through Buddhism, portraying himself either as a Buddha or as a patron of Buddhists – their texts and institutions. This was a type of governance that was widely practiced in premodern East Asia.

The bodhisattva Maitreya, considered to be the Buddha of the future.
Rogers Fund, 1982/The Metropolitan Museum, New York

Even though Buddhist statecraft was widespread in the empress dowager’s time, she was the first woman to directly legitimate her independent rule through Buddhism. As a patron of Buddhism, she commissioned majestic Buddhist architecture. Perhaps seen by her populace as a Buddhist figure herself, she symbolized her co-rule with her son by using a Buddhist visual motif of two Buddhas sitting side by side, a representation that came to be known as the rule by “Two Sages,” meaning tandem rulers depicted in the guise of buddhas. The source for the image was the popular Buddhist text, the “Lotus Sūtra.”

She also attempted to put her own granddaughter on the throne after the death of her son. As I argue in my book, she did so by capitalizing on the idea that first her son, and then her granddaughter, were thought of as the bodhisattva Maitreya, a being of infinite compassion who is believed to be the future Buddha.

The empress dowager’s legacy

Empress Dowager Ling was largely unsuccessful in her bid for power. Her rule was short and contested. She was murdered, and her empire was toppled within 13 years of her rule. For five of those years, she was not in power because of a coup d’etat.

However, about 150 years after the assassination of the empress dowager, another woman would rise to rule China independently, this time taking the title of “emperor.” That woman is known as Empress Wu, or Emperor Wu Zhao, and she is undoubtedly the most famous woman in all of Chinese history. Numerous historical sources attest to her life, work and rule.

What those sources tell us, however, is that she ruled using the very same strategies as Empress Dowager Ling. Investing her own family heritage in distant links to the Taghbach, she also positioned herself as a “Two Sage” ruler alongside the emperor in precisely the same way that Empress Dowager Ling did. She was also able to successfully establish herself as the bodhisattva Maitreya by using Buddhist texts known to Empress Dowager Ling and her court.

She patronized the very same Buddhist structures as did Empress Dowager Ling, including the Buddhist caves at Longmen, just outside of Luoyang. However, she accomplished what Empress Dowager Ling could not – holding onto power successfully. I argue her success was possible because Empress Dowager Ling had paved the way.

Stephanie Balkwill does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Remembering China’s Empress Dowager Ling, a Buddhist who paved the way for future female rulers – https://theconversation.com/remembering-chinas-empress-dowager-ling-a-buddhist-who-paved-the-way-for-future-female-rulers-251132

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Silynxcom Successfully Completes Field Testing of Enhancing Drone Sound Awareness Technology

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Strategic Collaboration with a Military Customer in Asia Demonstrates Disruptive Drone Detection Technology, Expanding Global Market Penetration for Silynxcom’s High-Growth Defense Innovation

Netanya, Israel, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silynxcom Ltd. (NYSE American: SYNX) (“Silynxcom” or the “Company”), a manufacturer and developer of ruggedized tactical communication headset devices, today announced the successful completion of field trials for its innovative product, aimed at boosting situational awareness and safety for armored personnel carrier (“APC”) crews and other heavy military vehicles, with a military force in Asia and conducted in collaboration with a leading global defense contractor.

The trials demonstrated the Company’s innovative solution that addresses a critical challenge on modern battlefields: detecting the distinct and potentially life-threatening drone humming while simultaneously maintaining hearing protection in high-noise environments. Unlike conventional Active Noise Reduction (ANR) technology that can inadvertently block crucial acoustic threats, Silynxcom’s advanced new APC headset selectively amplifies critical environmental sounds while still providing essential hearing protection.

Military personnel operating APCs face the triple challenge of protecting their hearing from high-decibel engines and weapons noise, maintaining clear communication through intercom and radio systems, and detecting subtle but potentially lethal threats like approaching drones. We believe that Silynxcom’s technology effectively meets all these requirements during the trials.

“These successful trials with a new military customer in Asia represent an important strategic expansion for our drone detection technology beyond our initial deployment,” said Nir Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Silynxcom. “Our advanced auditory technology allows for both comprehensive hearing protection and the selective amplification of critical battlefield sounds, giving military personnel the situational awareness they need to identify and respond to emerging threats.”

The system’s compatibility with popular intercom and radio systems enables plug-and-play integration, allowing for seamless upgrading of existing equipment. This feature proved particularly valuable during these trials, where the technology was tested across different vehicle platforms and communication infrastructures.

About Silynxcom Ltd.

Silynxcom Ltd. develops, manufactures, markets, and sells ruggedized tactical communication headset devices as well as other communication accessories, all of which have been field-tested and combat-proven. The Company’s in-ear headset devices, or In-Ear Headsets, are used in combat, the battlefield, riot control, demonstrations, weapons training courses, and on the factory floor. The In-Ear Headsets seamlessly integrate with third party manufacturers of professional-grade ruggedized radios that are used by soldiers in combat or by police officers in leading military and law enforcements units. The Company’s In-Ear Headsets also fit tightly into the protective gear to enable users to speak and hear clearly and precisely while they are protected from the hazardous sounds of combat, riots or dangerous situations. The sleek, lightweight, In-Ear Headsets include active sound protection to eliminate unsafe sounds, while maintaining ambient environmental awareness, giving their customers 360° situational awareness. The Company works closely with its customers and seek to improve the functionality and quality of the Company’s products based on actual feedback from soldiers and police officers “in the field.” The Company sells its In-Ear Headsets and communication accessories directly to military forces, police and other law enforcement units. The Company also deals with specialized networks of local distributors in each locale in which it operates and has developed key strategic partnerships with radio equipment manufacturers.

Capital Markets & IR Contact

ARX | Capital Market Advisors
North American Equities Desk
ir@silynxcom.com

The MIL Network –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New gastroenteritis cases reported

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Centre for Health Protection today said it is investigating a cluster of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) symptoms among six secondary students who participated in an exchange tour to Xiamen last week.

The latest cluster involves 36 teachers and students from a Kwun Tong secondary school, who joined a Xiamen exchange tour between March 13 and 15.

On the second night of the tour, six students developed AGE symptoms – vomiting, diarrhoea and fever, from about 9pm to about 7am the next day. Five of them sought medical attention in Xiamen, and none required hospitalisation.

Preliminary epidemiological investigations revealed that all six students had not consumed any common food items other than the group meals, and had no other common exposure history in Hong Kong prior to their departure.

Hence, at this stage, the centre could not rule out the possibility that the cases were infected by consuming contaminated food.

It has notified the Mainland health authority of the epidemiological investigations and information about the restaurants concerned, in addition to collecting stool specimens from the patients for laboratory testing and notifying the Education Bureau of its assessment of the new cases.

The centre also gave an update of the three clusters of students participating in exchange tours to Shaoguan who developed gastroenteritis symptoms earlier.

Its follow-up investigation found that three more students developed gastroenteritis symptoms on March 7 and 9 respectively, bringing the total number of affected people to 55 teachers and students.

Among them, 16 have sought medical attention, and three have tested positive for norovirus. The centre will continue to work closely with the Guangdong authority and take necessary follow-up action.

In view of the recent high activity of norovirus, the centre has issued a letter to all schools in Hong Kong to provide health advice on the transmission, prevention and infection control of AGE.

It also organised an online meeting for the bureau and the exchange tours service contractors last week to provide health advice on the prevention of communicable diseases and food safety during trips.

Apart from the Mainland, there have been recent outbreaks of AGE in other popular travel destinations for Hong Kong citizens, such as Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan.

The centre reminds members of the public to remain vigilant and maintain personal, environmental and food hygiene at all times to minimise the risk of being infected while travelling.

Visit the centre’s website for information on viral gastroenteritis.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/MYANMAR – Banmaw, fire destroys St Patrick’s Cathedral

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

photo: www.ucanews.com

Banmaw (Agenzia Fides) – The Cathedral of Banmaw, a town in the state of Kachin, in Myanmar, was destroyed by fire on Sunday 16 March, on the eve of the feast of St Patrick, the Saint to whom it is dedicated.The Cathedral was allegedly set on fire during operations conducted in the area by soldiers of the SAC (State Administration Council), the military junta that currently holds power in Myanmar.The fire, according to testimonies sent to Fides, broke out at 4 in the afternoon on Sunday, 16th March. The priest’s house, the three-storey building that houses the diocesan offices and the high school had already been set on fire on 26 February.The diocese of Banmaw, established in 2006 and led by Bishop Raymond Sumlut Gam, borders China to the east and covers a largely mountainous area of 10,741 square kilometres. Before the current conflict situation it was inhabited by a civilian population of more than 407,000 (with more than 27,000 baptized Catholics), belonging to different ethnic groups. (PA/FB) (Agenzia Fides, 17/3/2025)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

March 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: New Collection Release: Pre-1901 Legal Documents of New Spain/Mexico

Source: US Global Legal Monitor

This month, the Law Library of Congress released Pre-1901 Legal Documents of New Spain/Mexico, a digital collection featuring approximately 300 items documenting the legal history of colonial Spanish America. The items date from the 16th to the 19th centuries and cover modern-day Mexico as well as the historical jurisdiction of New Spain, including territories that have since become part of the United States. Most items are from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Examples of titles of interest to students of U.S. history may include Ordinances, by Major-General Andrew Jackson, governor of the provinces of the Floridas… or Ynstrucciones y reglamentos de Yndias, which is a bound collection of documents relating to the Spanish colonies and features early colonial documents from California and Puerto Rico, among others. Yet another title contains a copy of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848), which led to the creation of several present-day western U.S. states and recognized the Rio Grande as the southern boundary between the United States and Mexico.

Older items of historical legal significance include the Cedulario de Puga, a compilation of royal provisions, degrees, instructions, and other legal texts published in Mexico in the 16th century by one of the earliest printers in Mexico, Pedro Ocharte. Another rare item, the Speculum Coniugiorum, is one of the earliest legal texts published in the Americas. It served as a handbook on marriage under the laws of the Catholic Church and provided detailed explanations of the matrimonial customs of the Aztec and Tarascan Indians of Mexico.

The Law Library encourages researchers, legal historians, and anyone interested in the colonial history of the Americas to explore this exciting new digital collection.

Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Clearing Union (ACU) Mechanism – Indo-Maldives trade

Source: Reserve Bank of India

RBI/2024-2025/125
A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 22

March 17, 2025

All Category-I Authorised Dealer Banks

Madam/ Sir

Asian Clearing Union (ACU) Mechanism – Indo-Maldives trade

Attention of Authorised Dealer Category – I (AD Category-I) banks is invited to Subclause (a)(ii) of Clause (I) of Sub regulation 2 of Regulations 3 of Foreign Exchange Management (Manner of Receipt and Payment) Regulations, 2023 in terms of which trade transactions between ACU member countries are to be routed through the ACU mechanism or as per the directions issued by the Reserve Bank of India.

2. In the wake of signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between RBI and Maldives Monetary Authority in November 2024 for establishing a framework to promote the use of local currencies i.e., Indian Rupee (INR) and Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) for bilateral transactions, it has been decided that India’s bilateral trade transactions with Maldives may also be settled in INR and/or MVR in addition to the ACU mechanism, as hitherto.

3. The above instructions shall come into force with immediate effect. AD Category-I banks may bring the contents of this circular to the notice of their constituents concerned.

4. The directions contained in this circular have been issued under sections 10(4) and 11(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 (42 of 1999) and are without prejudice to permissions / approvals, if any, required under any other law.

Yours faithfully,

(N. Senthil Kumar)
Chief General Manager

MIL OSI Economics –

March 18, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Web summit to be held in HK

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong and World Internet Conference (WIC) Secretary General Ren Xianliang announced today the launch of the WIC Asia-Pacific Summit 2025 in Hong Kong.

Under the theme “Integration of AI & Digital Technologies Shaping the Future – Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace”, the event will be staged at the Convention & Exhibition Centre on April 14 and 15.

For the first time, the WIC has designated Hong Kong to host the Asia-Pacific summit.

The bureau said the summit is expected to attract around 1,000 participants from the Mainland and overseas, including representatives from governments and enterprises, international organisations, leading corporations, experts and scholars.

Through exploring the latest trends in various technology areas, as well as in-depth exchanges of views and experiences, the event aims to enable all parties to seize the development opportunities brought about by digital and intelligent transformation, promoting high-quality development in innovation and technology (I&T), strengthening digital collaboration, and creating new momentum and new advantages for the development of the Asia-Pacific region.

At a press conference today, Prof Sun pointed out that the WIC choosing Hong Kong as the host affirms the city’s pivotal role of bridging China and the world as a dual platform, further strengthening its position as an international I&T centre.

The summit is expected to deepen regional co-operation in the I&T field, support Hong Kong’s development into an international I&T centre, and foster the development of the digital economy across the Asia-Pacific region, he added.

The event is organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and co-organised by the Innovation, Technology & Industry Bureau. In addition to the opening ceremony and the main forum on “The Future of Digital Intelligence”, there will be three sub-forums themed “Large Artificial Intelligence Models”, “Digital Finance” and “Digital Government & Smart Life”, where internationally renowned speakers will share their insights.

A government-enterprise dialogue session, a cybersecurity emergency response advanced training programme, and an information meeting on Practice Cases & Awards for Pioneering Science & Technology will also be held.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

March 18, 2025

Date Taken:	03.03.2025
Date Posted:	03.17.2025 11:31
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Location:	SATTAHIP, TH

Date Taken:	02.24.2025
Date Posted:	03.17.2025 10:56
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VIRIN:	250224-N-ED646-1016
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Date Taken:	02.25.2025
Date Posted:	03.17.2025 11:07
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Date Taken:	02.26.2025
Date Posted:	03.17.2025 11:11
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Informed opinions and analysis

Opinionated early American journalism

Fact-based journalism and informed analysis

Profiting from polarization

Diverging worldviews

Increased discrimination

What about now?

What are the global crises that have undermined education?

Who suffers most, and in what ways?

What makes southern African education systems fragile?

How can southern Africa build education systems to withstand crises?

What’s the cost of doing nothing?

Developmental nationalism

Why Nigeria needs developmentalist coalitions

What to do

What are the global crises that have undermined education?

Who suffers most, and in what ways?

What makes southern African education systems fragile?

How can southern Africa build education systems to withstand crises?

What’s the cost of doing nothing?

Developmental nationalism

Why Nigeria needs developmentalist coalitions

What to do

Capitalizing on different cultural traditions

A Buddhist ruler

The empress dowager’s legacy