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Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on the entry into force of the 2019 Hague Convention

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Authored article

    Statement on the entry into force of the 2019 Hague Convention

    Businesses will save time and money on repetitive legal action thanks to new international rules in force across the UK from 1 July 2025.

    I am delighted to confirm that, as of 1st July 2025, the Hague Convention of 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters – commonly known as ‘Hague 2019’ – has entered into force for the UK.  

    Hague 2019 means judgments from UK courts will be easily recognised and enforced in the courts of other countries that have signed up to the Convention, and vice versa.

    Hague 2019 aims to reduce court costs in international cases. It will promote access to justice for UK citizens as they live, work and do business across borders and drive economic growth for UK businesses by underpinning confidence in trade. 

    This is a big step in strengthening the UK’s cooperation with our international partners, particularly the EU.

    Hague 2019 marks the first new agreement to apply in this area of law between the UK and the EU since EU Exit.

    With a potentially global reach, there are already 30 Contracting Parties to Hague 2019 with several more soon to join.

    We look forward to applying the Convention with both current and future parties for the benefit of all our citizens and businesses.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DfE Update: 2 July 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Correspondence

    DfE Update: 2 July 2025

    Latest information and actions from the Department for Education about funding, assurance and resource management, for academies, local authorities and further education providers.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    DfE Update further education: 2 July 2025

    HTML

    DfE Update academies: 2 July 2025

    HTML

    DfE Update local authorities: 2 July 2025

    HTML

    Details

    Latest for further education

    Article Title
    Information Add apprentice details to the Apprenticeship Service account using ILR data
    Information Funding rules and guidance update for apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary
    Information Apprenticeship carry-in allocations for the 2025 to 2026 funding year
    Information Updated learning aim references for generation 2 T Levels
    Information Free courses for jobs allocations for the 2025 to 2026 funding year
    Reminder Deadline to submit post-16 subcontracting standard report
    Your feedback Tell us about your experience of our funding service
    Events and webinars Minister for Skills live event on post-16 education and skills development

    Latest information for academies

    Article Title
    Information Updated learning aim references for generation 2 T Levels
    Information Shorter teaching apprenticeships available from August 2025
    Your feedback Tell us about your experience of our funding service
    Events and webinars Get help buying for schools webinar
    Events and webinars Hiring supply teachers and agency workers for your school or trust webinar
    Events and webinars Academy Finance Professionals July Power Hour: Academy Trust Handbook
    Events and webinars Academies technical update 2025 to 2026
    Events and webinars School flooding solution

    Latest information for local authorities

    Article Title
    Information Apprenticeship carry-in allocations for the 2025 to 2026 funding year
    Information Add apprentice details to the Apprenticeship Service account using ILR data
    Information Funding rules and guidance update for apprenticeships care leavers’ bursary
    Information Shorter teaching apprenticeships available from August 2025
    Information Updated learning aim references for generation 2 T Levels
    Information Free courses for jobs allocations for the 2025 to 2026 funding year
    Reminder Deadline to submit post-16 subcontracting standard report
    Reminder Early years 2025 summer term data collection
    Your feedback Tell us about your experience of our funding service
    Events and webinars Get help buying for schools webinar
    Events and webinars Hiring supply teachers and agency workers for your school or trust webinar
    Events and webinars Minister for Skills live event on post-16 education and skills development

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 July 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wasserman Schultz Leads Florida Democrats in Condemnation of Everglades ICE Facility

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

    “We are seriously concerned about the future treatment of immigrants at this facility. It is also important that we uplift grave concerns over the environmental and tribal impacts of your decision.”

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) announced she led U.S. House of Representatives Florida Democratic Members to demand Governor Ron DeSantis abandon plans to build an ICE detention facility on sacred tribal land in the Everglades.

    “We strongly and unequivocally oppose the construction of a temporary immigration detention facility at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport site dubbed sarcastically as ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ in the heart of the Everglades,” said the Members. “We are seriously concerned about the future treatment of immigrants at this facility. It is also important that we uplift grave concerns over the environmental and tribal impacts of your decision.”

    Other signers include Reps. Darren Soto (FL-09), Lois Frankel (FL-27), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-21) Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Maxwell Frost (FL-10).

    The full letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public transport services to be strengthened to facilitate commute of outlying island residents amid ferry service adjustments on July 3

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Transport Department (TD) today (July 2) said that, in view of special marine transport measures and ferry service adjustments tomorrow morning (July 3), it has steered and strengthened relevant public transport services, including ferry, bus and the Tung Chung Line and Tuen Ma Line MTR services, to ease the passenger flow during peak hours. The TD urged members of the public, especially residents of outlying islands, to plan their trips in advance and allow sufficient time for commuting to work or school.
     
         From about 7.20am to 9.50am tomorrow, a total of nine outlying island ferry service routes will be suspended gradually, namely routes operating between Central and Cheung Chau, Mui Wo, Peng Chau, Yung Shue Wan, Sok Kwu Wan, Discovery Bay and Ma Wan; between Aberdeen and Yung Shue Wan via Pak Kok Tsuen; and between Aberdeen and Sok Kwu Wan (via Mo Tat).
     
    (1) Individual ferry route services to be strengthened in the morning
     
         To expedite the dispersal of passengers during peak hours, ferry operators will strengthen services on individual routes tomorrow morning, including:
     

    • Central – Cheung Chau: (from Cheung Chau) one additional ordinary ferry sailing at 7am, an additional fast ferry sailing at 7.15am, and advancing the sailing at 7.45am to 7.25am;
    • Central – Yung Shue Wan: (from Yung Shue Wan) one additional ferry sailing at 7.10am;
    • Central – Peng Chau: (from Peng Chau) one additional ferry sailing at 7.10am;
    • Mui Wo – Discovery Bay (via Peng Chau): two additional ferry sailings from Peng Chau to Discovery Bay at 7.30am and 8am;
    • Aberdeen – Sok Kwu Wan (via Mo Tat): (from Sok Kwu Wan) advancing the scheduled sailings to 5.40am and 6.50am; and
    • Ma Wan – Central: (from Ma Wan) advancing the sailing at 8am to 7.50am.

     
    (2) Free of charge special outlying island ferry services
     
         In addition, the operators will provide the following free special outlying island ferry service routes tomorrow morning, comprising eight round trips. Passengers can transfer to the MTR Tuen Ma Line or other road-based transport mode at Tsuen Wan West Station, or transfer to Residents’ Services at Discovery Bay to Tung Chung or Sunny Bay and other destinations:
     

    • Cheung Chau – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Cheung Chau at 7.40am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 8.40am;
    • Cheung Chau – Discovery Bay: departing from Cheung Chau at 8.15am and departing from Discovery Bay Ferry Pier at 8.55am;
    • Peng Chau – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Peng Chau at 8.40am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 9.20am;
    • Yung Shue Wan – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Yung Shue Wan at 8.40am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 9.30am;
    • Yung Shue Wan – Discovery Bay: departing from Yung Shue Wan at 8.30am and departing from Discovery Bay Ferry Pier at 9.10am;
    • Ma Wan – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Ma Wan at 8.10am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 8.30am; and
    • Discovery Bay – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Discovery Bay at 7.45am and 8.15am; and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 8.20am and 8.50am.

     
    (3) Bus services to be enhanced
     
         At the same time, operators will enhance bus services in Mui Wo, Ma Wan and Discovery Bay to ease the passenger flow, including:
     

    • Enhancing service between Mui Wo Pier and Tung Chung Station (New Lantao Bus route No. 3M);
    • Enhancing service between Ma Wan (Tung Wan Bus Terminus) and Tsing Yi Station (Residents’ Service route No. NR330);
    • Operating free bus service from Ma Wan to Central Ferry Pier No. 2;
    • Strengthening service between Discovery Bay/Discovery Bay North and Sunny Bay (Residents’ Service route No. DB03R/DB03RP);
    • Operating special service from Discovery Bay Kaito Ferry Pier (Nim Shue Wan Landing Steps) to Sunny Bay (Residents’ Service route No. DB03R special service);
    • Operating free bus service from Discovery Bay Kaito Ferry Pier (Nim Shue Wan Landing Steps) to Central Ferry Pier No. 3 to pick up kaito passengers from Peng Chau to Discovery Bay for urban areas; and
    • Operating free bus service from Discovery Bay to Central Ferry Pier No. 3 and Kowloon Station.

     
    (4) MTR services to be enhanced
     
         The MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) will strengthen services on the Tung Chung Line and Tuen Ma Line tomorrow. For the Tung Chung Line, special short-haul services will operate from Sunny Bay Station to Hong Kong Station around 8am during morning peak hours. Services between Hong Kong Station and Tsing Yi Station will be strengthened from around 8.30am to 9am. As for the Tuen Ma Line, spare trains will be on standby during morning peak hours, for taking passengers from Tsuen Wan West Station to Hong Kong Station via Nam Cheong Station of the Tung Chung Line if needed. The MTRCL will also deploy additional staff to busier stations to facilitate passenger flow and assist passengers.
     
         Details of the outlying island ferry service adjustments and special public transport service arrangements (including free special ferry services) are set out in the Annex.
     
         The TD has collaborated with the Islands District Office, the Tsuen Wan District Office, relevant District Services and Community Care Teams of Islands District and Tsuen Wan District, as well as ferry and road-based public transport operators over the past few days to enhance information dissemination through websites, mobile applications, notices at piers and onboard as well as district networks to inform passenger on the above arrangements.
     
         The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate round the clock to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services across the territory including districts concerned. Members of the public, especially residents of outlying islands, are urged to pay heed to the latest traffic news through radio and television broadcasts, the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk) and the HKeMobility mobile application.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CT DEEP Releases New Wildlife Action Plan with Support from UConn’s CAHNR

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    A group of researchers in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment provided critical support for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s latest Wildlife Action Plan.

    The UConn team was led by College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) faculty Chadwick Rittenhouse, associate professor in residence and associate department head; Tracy Rittenhouse, associate professor; and Ph.D. student Kathryn Bischoff ‘22 (CAHNR).

    This is the third Wildlife Action Plan that Connecticut, along with every other U.S. state, has released. The first report was released in 2005 following a federal requirement that states create a plan for wildlife conservation every 10 years. The plans identify animal species of greatest conservation need, their habitats, and the challenges they face. By identifying these priorities, states can better direct conservation, policy, and research. Funding for this planning effort was provided in part by State and Tribal Wildlife Grants, a program providing funding to states for biodiversity conservation.

    The Belted Kingfisher is one of over 1,000 species identified in the 2025 Connecticut Wildlife Action Plan as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN). SGCN include plants, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. (Paul J. Fusco/CT DEEP Wildlife Division)

    A draft of the plan was released last week and is open for public comment until July 27.

    During the public comment period, anyone can provide feedback on the list of species and habitats in need of conservation, the types of actions they would be most interested in taking in their community, or any other part of the plan.

    “That public review is a very important part of wildlife management and conservation,” Tracy Rittenhouse says. “There’s a long, long list of potential actions that can be taken, and hopefully some of those actions resonate with different people who can see that list and say, ‘I can do that’ or ‘my group, we can do this’.”

    DEEP and the UConn team worked closely with a diverse group of stakeholders in the state, including the Connecticut Audubon Society, the Nature Conservancy, land trusts, fish and game clubs, community groups like garden clubs, organizations based in urban areas, as well as municipal and town governments in developing the plan. The creation of this plan also included “Taxa teams” who contributed detailed knowledge about specific groups of animals – like mammals, amphibians, insects, or birds.

    “From UConn’s perspective, I really do value the relationship with the state agency and their willingness to partner with people who have the expertise, who have the abilities, who have that desire to contribute to conservation in the state,” Chadwick Rittenhouse says.

    Some of the concrete conservation actions in the plan include things like protecting land, vegetation management, habitat restoration efforts, increasing enforcement of existing protection laws, and continuing research and monitoring to learn more about high-priority species.

    Compared to the version released in 2015, the 2025 plan reflects the development of a greater understanding of not only which species are in greatest need of conservation, but where in the state they live. This is one of the key contributions the UConn team made to the plan, identifying “Conservation Opportunity Areas.”

    By identifying these areas, the plan can operate alongside local governments as they make decisions about planning and zoning, conservation groups that have their own maps, and highlight where education and engagement resources, like nature centers, could be added to better support conservation goals in these areas.

    “It’s bringing a whole bunch of ecological and social data together to prioritize all those different actions and plan where on the landscape different partners can take action,” Bischoff says.

    The UConn team is also developing a web-enabled plan with interactive resources for towns and community partners. This will include interactive maps and species profiles. It is scheduled to come out later this year.

    “There are a lot of people involved, and there’s a lot of motivation and goodwill to do things well for conservation in the state,” Chadwick Rittenhouse says. “We’re really optimistic that good things will come for wildlife and fisheries in the state through this effort.”

    This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision area focused on Fostering Sustainable Landscapes at the Urban-Rural Interface, and Advancing Adaptation and Resilience in a Changing Climate.

    Follow UConn CAHNR on social media

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Despite Ad Bans, Young Children Frequently See Junk Food Promotions on YouTube and YouTube Kids

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    There’s a new star in your child’s favorite YouTube videos: junk food. 

    Messages promoting candy, sugar-sweetened drinks, fast food, and sweet or salty snacks brands frequently appear during videos viewed by 3- to -8-year-olds on YouTube and YouTube Kids, according to a new paper from researchers at the UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health.  

    This is the first study to measure young (ages 3 to 8) children’s actual exposure to food brands while watching YouTube or YouTube Kids videos of their own choice on their own mobile devices. To mimic their typical video viewing habits, 101 children used their own mobile devices to watch videos on the YouTube platform of their choice, YouTube or YouTube Kids, for 30 minutes in their own homes. 

    The study’s findings, published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, found that 75% of 6- to 8-year-olds and 36% of 3- to 5-year-olds viewed promotions for unhealthy food and beverage brands, averaging 7 such messages during 30 minutes of video watching. Moreover, some 6- to 8-year-olds saw alcohol ads while watching YouTube videos.  

    The majority of food brand appearances (73%) promoted candy, sugar-sweetened drinks, fast food or other restaurants, and sweet or salty snacks. Healthy products (including water, plain milk, 100% juice) made up just 3% of appearances. Food and beverage brands appeared more often when children watched YouTube (60%) compared to YouTube Kids (36%). 

    “More than half of food brands in these videos came from companies that participate in the Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative, a U.S. food industry self-regulatory program,” says Jennifer Harris, Ph.D., Senior Research Advisor at the Rudd Center. “Despite these companies’ pledges to only advertise healthier choices to children, child-influencers frequently promoted their brands, including candy, sugary drinks and sweet and salty snacks.” 

    Children viewed food brand promotions while watching YouTube videos during video previews (i.e., thumbnails), accounting for 23% of brand appearances, and ads, accounting for 17%. However, more than 60% of food brand appearances were embedded within the video content. Lifestyle videos, primarily influencer videos, contributed 77% of these appearances and most (71%) showed the influencer or another character consuming or preparing to consume the product.

    The FTC has called on companies and social media influencers to discontinue these common stealth marketing practices that blur the line between entertainment and advertising, especially when aimed at young children. 

    “Very young children are being bombarded with unhealthy product promotion on YouTube and YouTube Kids, frequently embedded in their favorite videos as props or part of the storyline, which disguises persuasive intent,” says Frances Fleming-Milici, Ph.D., the study’s lead author and Director of Marketing Initiatives at the Rudd Center. “As children as young as age 3 spend more and more time on these platforms, policies must be enacted to protect them from this stealth marketing of products that harm their health.”  

    Currently, Google, YouTube’s parent company, bans food and beverage advertising on YouTube Kids and during “made-for-kids” videos (a subset of videos designated for children under age 13). However, over one-third of 3- to 8-year-olds who watched YouTube Kids, a channel specifically created for children, viewed food brand appearances embedded in videos and thumbnail images. Moreover, brand appearances in “made-for-kids” videos on the main YouTube platform contributed most of 3- to- 5-year-olds’ total branded food exposures. Therefore, watching YouTube Kids or “made-for-kids” videos does not protect children from exposure to stealth marketing promoting unhealthy food brands.

    In addition, not one video embedded with a food or beverage brand disclosed food company-sponsored content, as required by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

    To stay connected with the UConn Rudd Center’s work, you can follow them on social media and subscribe to their mailing list. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EBA consults on Draft Guidelines on the methodology to estimate and apply credit conversion factors under the Capital Requirements Regulation

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today launched a public consultation on its draft Guidelines on the methodology institutions shall apply for their own estimation and application of credit conversion factors (CCF) under the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR). The consultation runs until 15 October 2025.

    These Guidelines are a part of the IRB repair programme, are built on the now-stabilised CRR framework, and aim to provide institutions with clear and consistent expectations for Credit Conversion Factor (CCF) estimation.

    By leveraging on existing guidance, particularly through the Guidelines on the Probability of Default (PD) and Loss Given Default (LGD) estimation, the EBA aims to ensure alignment and coherence across key risk parameters in the IRB approach, thus promoting a harmonised and reliable modelling landscape.

    Much of the CCF guidance formalises existing expectations already in place for PD and LGD, ensuring consistency for institutions while enhancing clarity for CCF models. Recognising the relatively lower materiality and narrower scope of CCF compared to PD and LGD, the EBA aims to introduce with these new Guidelines simplified approaches where appropriate, to support the efficient implementation of risk sensitive methodologies without compromising prudence.

    The Consultation Paper includes a list of detailed questions on the proposed approaches to ensure that the EBA receives relevant feedback in order to provide meaningful guidelines to maintain robust internal models while reducing unnecessary complexity.

    Consultation process

    Responses to this consultation can be sent to the EBA by clicking on the “send your comments” button on the consultation page. Please note that the deadline for the submission of comments is 15 October 2025.

    A public hearing will take place via conference call on 3 September 2025 from 15:00 to 16:00 CET. The deadline for registration is the 29 August 2025, 16:00 CET.

    All contributions received will be published after the consultation closes, unless requested otherwise.

    Legal basis and next steps

    Under Article 182(5) of Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 amended by Regulation (EU) No 2024/1623, the EBA is mandated to provide guidance to specify the methodology institutions shall apply for the own estimation and application of CCFs, i.e. the IRB-CCF GL.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: ASM announces details of the Q2 2025 conference call and webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Almere, the Netherlands
    July 2, 2025

    ASM International N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: ASM) will report its second quarter 2025 financial results at approximately 6:00 p.m. CET on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

    ASM will host the quarterly earnings conference call and webcast on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. CET.

    Conference-call participants should pre-register using this link to receive the dial-in numbers, passcode and a personal PIN, which are required to access the conference call.

    A simultaneous audio webcast and replay will be accessible at this link.

    About ASM International

    ASM International N.V., headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries design and manufacture equipment and process solutions to produce semiconductor devices for wafer processing, and have facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. ASM International’s common stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: ASM). For more information, visit ASM’s website at www.asm.com.

    Contacts  
    Investor and media relations Investor relations
    Victor Bareño Valentina Fantigrossi
    T: +31 88 100 8500 T: +31 88 100 8502
    E: investor.relations@asm.com E: investor.relations@asm.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ASM announces details of the Q2 2025 conference call and webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Almere, the Netherlands
    July 2, 2025

    ASM International N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: ASM) will report its second quarter 2025 financial results at approximately 6:00 p.m. CET on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

    ASM will host the quarterly earnings conference call and webcast on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. CET.

    Conference-call participants should pre-register using this link to receive the dial-in numbers, passcode and a personal PIN, which are required to access the conference call.

    A simultaneous audio webcast and replay will be accessible at this link.

    About ASM International

    ASM International N.V., headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries design and manufacture equipment and process solutions to produce semiconductor devices for wafer processing, and have facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. ASM International’s common stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: ASM). For more information, visit ASM’s website at www.asm.com.

    Contacts  
    Investor and media relations Investor relations
    Victor Bareño Valentina Fantigrossi
    T: +31 88 100 8500 T: +31 88 100 8502
    E: investor.relations@asm.com E: investor.relations@asm.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ESET Research: Russia’s Gamaredon APT group unleashed spearphishing campaigns against Ukraine with an evolved toolset

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • In 2024, Gamaredon refocused exclusively on targeting Ukrainian governmental institutions.
    • The group significantly increased the scale and frequency of spearphishing campaigns, employing new delivery methods.
    • Gamaredon introduced six new malware tools, leveraging PowerShell and VBScript, designed primarily for stealth, persistence, and lateral movement.
    • Gamaredon operators managed to hide almost their entire C&C infrastructure behind Cloudflare tunnels.
    • Gamaredon increasingly relied on third-party services (Telegram, Telegraph, Cloudflare, Dropbox) to protect its C&C infrastructure.

    BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESET Research has released a white paper about Gamaredon’s updated cyberespionage toolset, new stealth-focused techniques, and aggressive spearphishing operations observed across the previous year. Gamaredon, attributed by the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) to the 18th Center of Information Security of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), has targeted Ukrainian governmental institutions since at least 2013. In 2024, Gamaredon exclusively attacked Ukrainian institutions. ESET’s latest research shows that the group remains highly active, consistently targeting Ukraine, but has notably adapted its tactics and tools. The group’s objective is cyberespionage aligned with Russian geopolitical interests. Last year, the group significantly increased the scale and frequency of spearphishing campaigns, employing new delivery methods, and one attack payload was used solely to spread Russian propaganda.

    Gamaredon’s spearphishing activities significantly intensified during the second half of 2024. Campaigns typically lasted one to five consecutive days, with emails containing malicious archives (RAR, ZIP, 7z) or XHTML files employing HTML smuggling techniques. These files delivered malicious HTA or LNK files that executed embedded VBScript downloaders, such as PteroSand. In October 2024, ESET observed a rare case where spearphishing emails included malicious hyperlinks instead of attachments – a deviation from Gamaredon’s usual tactics. Furthermore, Gamaredon introduced another novel technique: using malicious LNK files to execute PowerShell commands directly from Cloudflare-generated domains, bypassing some traditional detection mechanisms.

    Gamaredon’s toolset underwent several notable updates. While fewer new tools were introduced, substantial resources went into updating and improving existing tools. New tools were designed primarily for stealth, persistence, and lateral movement. Existing tools received major upgrades, including enhanced obfuscation, improved stealth tactics, and sophisticated methods for lateral movement and data exfiltration.

    “A particularly intriguing finding was the discovery in July 2024 of a unique ad hoc VBScript payload, delivered by Gamaredon downloaders. This payload had no espionage functionality; rather, its sole purpose was to automatically open a Telegram propaganda channel named Guardians of Odessa, which spreads pro-Russian messaging targeting the Odessa region,” says ESET researcher Zoltán Rusnák, who tracks Gamaredon’s activities.

    Additionally, throughout 2024, Gamaredon showed persistent dedication to evading network-based defenses. The group continued, albeit at a reduced scale, to leverage fast-flux DNS techniques, frequently rotating IP addresses behind its domains. Gamaredon increasingly relied on third-party services such as Telegram, Telegraph, Codeberg, Dropbox, and Cloudflare tunnels to obfuscate and dynamically distribute its C&C infrastructure.

    “Despite observable capacity limitations and abandoning older tools, Gamaredon remains a significant threat actor due to its continuous innovation, aggressive spearphishing campaigns, and persistent efforts to evade detections. As long as the Russia’s war against Ukraine continues, we anticipate that Gamaredon will persist in evolving its tactics and intensify its cyberespionage operations against Ukrainian institutions,” concludes Rusnák.

    For a more detailed analysis and technical breakdown of Gamaredon’s toolset, check out the latest ESET Research white paper, “Gamaredon in 2024: Cranking out spearphishing campaigns against Ukraine with an evolved toolset,” on WeLiveSecurity.com. Make sure to follow ESET Research on Twitter (today known as X), BlueSky, and Mastodon for the latest news from ESET Research.

    About ESET

    ESET® provides cutting-edge digital security to prevent attacks before they happen. By combining the power of AI and human expertise, ESET stays ahead of emerging global cyberthreats, both known and unknown — securing businesses, critical infrastructure, and individuals. Whether it’s endpoint, cloud, or mobile protection, our AI-native, cloud-first solutions and services remain highly effective and easy to use. ESET technology includes robust detection and response, ultra-secure encryption, and multifactor authentication. With 24/7 real-time defense and strong local support, we keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. The ever-evolving digital landscape demands a progressive approach to security: ESET is committed to world-class research and powerful threat intelligence, backed by R&D centers and a strong global partner network. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow our social media, podcasts and blogs.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaLota Backs Border Security Bill Requiring DHS to Report on Special Interest Aliens

    Source: US Representative Nick LaLota (NY-01)

    Washington, D.C. —  Congressman Nick LaLota (R‑Suffolk County) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 275 – Special Interest Alien Reporting Act of 2025, which requires the Department of Homeland Security to submit monthly reports to Congress detailing the number of foreign nationals who attempt to illegally cross the border while posing an elevated security threat, along with their most recent country of residence and the location of their encounter.

    “Americans deserve to know who is coming into our country—especially when national security is at stake,” said Rep. LaLota. “As a native New Yorker who was on Active Duty in the U.S. Navy during 9/11, I know that border security is about far more than immigration—it’s about public safety. This bill ensures Congress has the data it needs to hold agencies accountable, craft smarter policy, and protect our communities. The safety of Long Island families will always come first.”

    To read the full text of the bill, click HERE. 

    Background: 

    H.R. 275, the Special Interest Alien Reporting Act of 2025, would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish detailed monthly reports on encounters with “special interest aliens”—non-U.S. nationals flagged due to travel patterns or national security concerns. The reports must include the number of encounters, countries of origin or last residence, and where the encounter occurred—broken down by land, air, or sea ports of entry, between ports, or within the interior. The reporting would begin with the first full month after the bill becomes law and include a retrospective report covering January 20, 2021, through January 19, 2025. The intent is to enhance transparency and public awareness around national security-related immigration enforcement, addressing concerns that DHS has historically withheld or inconsistently disclosed this data.

    Supporters argue the bill will strengthen congressional oversight and improve public accountability by ensuring regular disclosure of how many special interest aliens are encountered and from where. Recent committee findings highlighted a sharp rise in encounters with individuals from countries like China, Iran, and Russia—including an increase in apprehensions of Chinese nationals from around 350 in FY2021 to nearly 38,000 in FY2024. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost of implementing the monthly reporting requirement to be less than $500,000 over five years.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaLota Backs Border Security Bill Requiring DHS to Report on Special Interest Aliens

    Source: US Representative Nick LaLota (NY-01)

    Washington, D.C. —  Congressman Nick LaLota (R‑Suffolk County) released the following statement after voting to pass H.R. 275 – Special Interest Alien Reporting Act of 2025, which requires the Department of Homeland Security to submit monthly reports to Congress detailing the number of foreign nationals who attempt to illegally cross the border while posing an elevated security threat, along with their most recent country of residence and the location of their encounter.

    “Americans deserve to know who is coming into our country—especially when national security is at stake,” said Rep. LaLota. “As a native New Yorker who was on Active Duty in the U.S. Navy during 9/11, I know that border security is about far more than immigration—it’s about public safety. This bill ensures Congress has the data it needs to hold agencies accountable, craft smarter policy, and protect our communities. The safety of Long Island families will always come first.”

    To read the full text of the bill, click HERE. 

    Background: 

    H.R. 275, the Special Interest Alien Reporting Act of 2025, would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish detailed monthly reports on encounters with “special interest aliens”—non-U.S. nationals flagged due to travel patterns or national security concerns. The reports must include the number of encounters, countries of origin or last residence, and where the encounter occurred—broken down by land, air, or sea ports of entry, between ports, or within the interior. The reporting would begin with the first full month after the bill becomes law and include a retrospective report covering January 20, 2021, through January 19, 2025. The intent is to enhance transparency and public awareness around national security-related immigration enforcement, addressing concerns that DHS has historically withheld or inconsistently disclosed this data.

    Supporters argue the bill will strengthen congressional oversight and improve public accountability by ensuring regular disclosure of how many special interest aliens are encountered and from where. Recent committee findings highlighted a sharp rise in encounters with individuals from countries like China, Iran, and Russia—including an increase in apprehensions of Chinese nationals from around 350 in FY2021 to nearly 38,000 in FY2024. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the cost of implementing the monthly reporting requirement to be less than $500,000 over five years.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Ugandan military helicopter crashes at Somalia’s Mogadishu airport, five dead

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A Ugandan military helicopter deployed with the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia crashed at Mogadishu airport on Wednesday, killing five passengers, a Ugandan military spokesperson said.

    Another three of the helicopter’s eight occupants survived the incident but with severe injuries and burns, said the spokesperson, Felix Kulayigye.

    The impact of the crash had caused munitions on board to detonate, destroying nearby structures and injuring three civilians, he said.

    The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) said in a statement earlier that “search and rescue operations are currently underway to retrieve the remaining crew and passengers”.

    The helicopter crash-landed at Mogadishu’s international airport just before touching down, AUSSOM said.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Somalia’s state-run SONNA news outlet reported that the helicopter was engulfed in flames after crashing.

    “We heard the blast and saw smoke and flames over a helicopter,” Farah Abdulle, who works at the airport, told Reuters. “The smoke entirely covered the helicopter.”

    AUSSOM has more than 11,000 personnel in Somalia to help the country’s military tackle Islamist group al Shabaab.

    The al Qaeda affiliated group has been fighting for nearly two decades to topple Somalia’s internationally recognised government and establish its own rule based on a strict interpretation of Sharia law.

    (Reuters)

  • Ugandan military helicopter crashes at Somalia’s Mogadishu airport, five dead

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A Ugandan military helicopter deployed with the African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia crashed at Mogadishu airport on Wednesday, killing five passengers, a Ugandan military spokesperson said.

    Another three of the helicopter’s eight occupants survived the incident but with severe injuries and burns, said the spokesperson, Felix Kulayigye.

    The impact of the crash had caused munitions on board to detonate, destroying nearby structures and injuring three civilians, he said.

    The African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) said in a statement earlier that “search and rescue operations are currently underway to retrieve the remaining crew and passengers”.

    The helicopter crash-landed at Mogadishu’s international airport just before touching down, AUSSOM said.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Somalia’s state-run SONNA news outlet reported that the helicopter was engulfed in flames after crashing.

    “We heard the blast and saw smoke and flames over a helicopter,” Farah Abdulle, who works at the airport, told Reuters. “The smoke entirely covered the helicopter.”

    AUSSOM has more than 11,000 personnel in Somalia to help the country’s military tackle Islamist group al Shabaab.

    The al Qaeda affiliated group has been fighting for nearly two decades to topple Somalia’s internationally recognised government and establish its own rule based on a strict interpretation of Sharia law.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Continuing Promise 2025 Mission Update: Ecuador

    Source: United States Navy

    The USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) is now scheduled to conduct its Continuing Promise 2025 mission stop in Manta, Ecuador from July 4-10, instead of the previously planned July 12-19. Adjusting the mission dates allows the USNS Comfort to maintain readiness to support U.S. Navy global operations while delivering important humanitarian assistance. The U.S. Navy is committed to working with Ecuador to promote public health, security, and prosperity.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Conference Holds Multi-stakeholder Round Table on Realizing Development-Oriented Sovereign Debt Architecture

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    The Conference holds its fifth multi-stakeholder round table this afternoon on “Realizing a development-oriented sovereign debt architecture”.

    Co-Chaired by Pedro Sánchez, President of Spain, and Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of Senegal, it will feature a special address by Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and a keynote address by Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel Prize Laureate. 

    Mahmoud Mohieldin, Special Envoy on Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, will moderate the discussion.

    Panelists will include:  Louis Paul Motaze, Minister for Finance of Cameroon; Michket Slama Khaldi, Minister for Finance of Tunisia; Ahmed Shide, Minister for Finance of Ethiopia; and Axel van Trotsenburg, Senior Managing Director of the World Bank Group.   

    Rémy Rioux, AFD CEO and Chairman of the Finance in Common Coalition, and Jay Collins, Vice-Chair of Citigroup, will be the discussants.

    …

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Emergency Loan Bad Credit Guaranteed Approval up to $5000– RadCred Launches $1,000 Quick Loan For Poor Credit Score

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Glendale, California, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RadCred, a leading fintech company, has launched a new platform offering emergency loans for bad credit borrowers with guaranteed approval. Unlike traditional banks, RadCred provides no credit check loans guaranteed approval, ensuring quick financial relief. With same-day funding up to $5,000, RadCred allows bad credit borrowers to access funds fast, making it the ideal solution for urgent loans for bad credit needs, such as medical bills, car repairs, or rent payments.

    RadCred focuses on income rather than credit scores, which means even individuals with poor credit can qualify for bad credit loans guaranteed approval. The brand offers personal loans for bad credit and guaranteed approval payday loans, ensuring that you can get the financial support you need without the hassle of traditional credit checks. With quick loans for bad credit and no credit check payday loans, RadCred provides fast, flexible financial solutions for those in urgent need of cash.

    What are No Credit Check Loans?

    No credit check loans are personal loans where the lender doesn’t perform a hard credit inquiry, so the borrower’s credit score isn’t affected. This makes them ideal for individuals with bad credit since traditional loans often require a good credit score. RadCred’s no credit check loans guaranteed approval focus on income and repayment ability, making funding more accessible. For those struggling with bad credit loans guaranteed approval, RadCred evaluates their financial situation rather than credit history. 

    Offering personal loans no credit check, RadCred ensures urgent loans for bad credit borrowers with same-day funding, providing quick relief without long approval processes.

    How RadCred Solves the Problem?

    RadCred addresses the challenges faced by bad credit borrowers who often struggle with rejections from traditional banks.RadCred provides a solution by offering instant loans for bad credit, which focuses on income rather than credit history. This approach makes it easier for individuals with low credit scores to qualify for the financial help they need.

    With emergency loan bad credit guaranteed approval, RadCred ensures that even borrowers with poor credit histories can access funds for urgent needs, such as medical expenses, car repairs, or rent payments. 

    RadCred also offers guaranteed approval payday loans with 1hr payday loans options, ensuring quick and convenient access to cash. This means that borrowers can receive funds on the same day they apply, giving them immediate financial relief without the hassle of a lengthy approval process. 

    Key Features of RadCred’s No Credit Check Loans

    RadCred offers several key features that make it the best option for borrowers seeking emergency loans for bad credit:

    • Guaranteed Approval: RadCred’s no credit check loans guaranteed approval are based on income, not credit score, allowing borrowers with poor credit histories to access funds easily.
    • No Hard Credit Check: Unlike traditional lenders, RadCred uses a soft credit check, which ensures that your credit score remains unaffected, providing peace of mind and allowing applicants to apply for no credit check payday loans.
    • Same-Day Funding: With same day payday loans, RadCred offers quick access to funds, transferring money into your account on the same day, making it ideal for urgent financial needs.
    • Flexible Loan Amounts: Borrow up to $5,000 with bad credit personal loans guaranteed approval. RadCred offers flexible loan amounts tailored to your financial needs, ensuring you can get the right amount of funding.
    • Transparent Terms: RadCred provides clear and upfront disclosure of APR, fees, and repayment terms, ensuring no hidden costs or surprises. This transparency allows borrowers to make informed decisions before accepting an offer.

    How to Get Guaranteed Approval for No Credit Check Loans?

    Applying for guaranteed approval payday loans with RadCred is a straightforward process:

    • Apply Online: Start by filling out a simple online application with your personal and financial details. RadCred’s user-friendly interface ensures the process is quick and easy.
    • Soft Credit Check: RadCred uses a soft credit check to evaluate your eligibility for no credit check loans guaranteed approval. This means your credit score won’t be impacted by the application process.
    • Receive Multiple Offers: Once your application is processed, RadCred connects you with a network of bad credit loan lenders offering personalized loan options based on your financial situation.
    • Choose Your Offer: Review the loan offers and select the one that best fits your needs, whether it’s personal loans no credit check or bad credit personal loans guaranteed approval.
    • Receive Funds: After accepting the offer, funds are quickly transferred to your account, often within the same day, giving you immediate access to the financial support you need.

    Eligibility for No Credit Check Loans

    To qualify for RadCred’s no credit check loans guaranteed approval, applicants must meet the following criteria:

    • Be at least 18 years old: You must be a legal adult to apply for a loan with RadCred.
    • Be a U.S. resident: RadCred only provides loans to U.S. residents with a valid address.
    • Have stable income: From employment, government benefits, or other reliable sources, you must demonstrate the ability to repay the loan. This is a key factor for bad credit loans guaranteed approval.
    • Have an active bank account: An active checking account is necessary for loan disbursement and repayment.

    RadCred offers emergency loan bad credit guaranteed approval based on your income and financial situation, not your credit score. This makes RadCred an accessible option for those who may have been denied by other institutions. 

    Why RadCred is the Ideal Choice for Bad Credit Borrowers?

    RadCred is the ideal platform for individuals seeking no credit check loans guaranteed approval. It offers several key benefits tailored to bad credit borrowers looking for urgent financial assistance:

    • Same-Day Funding: RadCred ensures quick access to funds, allowing borrowers to cover same day loans for bad credit expenses like medical bills, car repairs, or rent payments the same day.
    • No Hidden Fees: The platform provides transparent loan terms, with no surprises. Borrowers know exactly what to expect in terms of APR, fees, and repayment schedules.
    • Flexible Loan Terms: With RadCred, you can select the loan amount and repayment plan that best suit your financial situation, making it easier to manage your loan.
    • Trustworthy Network: RadCred partners exclusively with licensed, reputable bad credit loan lenders, ensuring ethical lending practices and a secure borrowing experience.
    • Safe & Secure: Advanced encryption technologies protect your personal and financial data, offering peace of mind while you apply for guaranteed approval payday loans.

    For bad credit loans guaranteed approval, RadCred stands out by focusing on income and repayment ability rather than credit scores, making it an accessible and trustworthy choice for those in need of immediate financial relief.

    Types of Emergency Loan Options Available at RadCred

    RadCred offers a variety of emergency loan options tailored to the needs of bad credit borrowers:

    • Same Day Payday Loans Online: For those in urgent need of cash, RadCred provides same day payday loans. These loans offer quick financial relief for small, emergency expenses such as car repairs or medical bills.
    • Bad Credit Payday Loans: Specifically designed for individuals with poor credit, bad credit payday loans guaranteed approval are based on income rather than credit score. This ensures fast approval and quick access to funds for immediate needs.
    • Installment Loans No Credit Check: For larger expenses, RadCred offers no credit check payday loans that provide more time to repay. These loans give borrowers a flexible repayment schedule, making it easier to manage larger amounts.
    • Emergency Loans Without Credit Checks: RadCred also provides emergency loans bad credit guaranteed approval options for urgent situations like medical expenses, home repairs, or other unexpected costs, allowing access to cash without the usual credit checks.

    With these options, RadCred ensures fast and accessible financial loans solutions, making it an ideal platform for those in need of quick cash.

    How RadCred’s No Credit Check Loans Compare to Traditional Loans

    Traditional bank loans have strict credit score requirements and lengthy approval processes, making them tough for bad credit borrowers. 

    RadCred, however, offers no credit check loans guaranteed approval, focusing on income and repayment ability rather than credit history. With same-day payday loans and personal loans for bad credit, RadCred ensures fast access to cash for urgent needs. Unlike banks, RadCred does not perform hard credit checks, making its loans more accessible. 

    This flexible approach provides a quick, reliable solution for those seeking financial relief, without the barriers typically imposed by traditional lenders.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q1: What is the maximum loan amount for no credit check loans?
    RadCred offers no credit check loans guaranteed approval ranging from $100 to $5,000, based on your income and repayment ability. The amount you can qualify for depends on your financial situation.

    Q2: How fast will I receive the money?
    RadCred provides same day payday loans, so once your loan is approved, the funds are usually transferred directly to your account within hours. This ensures quick access to cash, especially for urgent expenses like medical bills or car repairs.

    Q3: Will applying for a loan affect my credit score?
    No, applying for bad credit loans guaranteed approval through RadCred will not impact your credit score. RadCred uses a soft credit check, which means your credit score remains unaffected during the application process.

    Q4: Are there any hidden fees?
    There are no hidden fees with RadCred’s guaranteed approval payday loans or emergency loan bad credit guaranteed approval. All APRs, fees, and loan terms are clearly outlined before you accept the loan, ensuring full transparency.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, RadCred offers an accessible and fast solution for bad credit borrowers seeking emergency loan bad credit guaranteed approval. The platform’s focus on income, rather than credit scores, ensures that individuals with poor credit can secure the funds they need. Instant loans for bad credit provide a hassle-free way to access emergency funds, making RadCred an ideal choice for those in urgent financial need.

    With guaranteed approval payday loans and emergency loan bad credit guaranteed approval, RadCred is a trusted option for individuals seeking immediate relief. The platform’s transparency, speed, and focus on accessibility make it the top choice for borrowers needing fast financial support.

    Disclaimer

    RadCred offers loans based on income and ability to repay, not credit history. Loan approval is subject to meeting the lender’s eligibility criteria. All terms, including APR and fees, are clearly disclosed before accepting any loan. Loans are available only to U.S. residents aged 18 or older. RadCred does not guarantee approval for all applicants. Funds are provided through RadCred’s network of licensed lenders. Loan amounts and terms vary based on the borrower’s financial situation. Please review all loan details before proceeding.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Funding the end of extreme poverty through more taxes on the super rich | #FFD4

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    More taxes on the super wealthy is not a radical idea but a response to radical inequality in the world, says José Gilberto Scandiucci, Brazil’s Minister-Counsellor to the UN. Speaking at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, he points out that the world’s wealthiest people pay, on average, 0.3 per cent of their income in taxes.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dm7Y2GI4g0k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President of Ireland Meets Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Dublin, July 02, 2025

    HE President of the Republic of Ireland Michael Daniel Higgins met on Wednesday with HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.

    At the start of the meeting, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs conveyed the greetings of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to HE President of the Republic of Ireland, along with His Highness’s wishes of good health and happiness for His Excellency, and continued progress and prosperity for the people of Ireland.

    For his part, HE President of the Republic of Ireland expressed to HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs greetings to HH the Amir, wishing His Highness good health and happiness, and further development and growth for the Qatari people.

    Cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them were discussed during the meeting, in addition to the latest regional developments, as well as a number of topics of mutual interest.

    HE President of the Republic of Ireland expressed his country’s appreciation for the State of Qatar’s role in mediation and conflict resolution, and its ongoing efforts in supporting regional and international stability through peaceful and diplomatic means. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Norwegian Ambassador to the Republic of Seychelles Bids Farewell After a 3-Year Tenure

    The Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Vivianne Fock Tave received the outgoing Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr Gunnar Andrea Holm at Maison Quéau de Quinssy on Tuesday 01st July 2025.

    Principal Secretary Fock Tave thanked Ambassador Holm for the work done during his tour of duty, noting that the bilateral cooperation between Seychelles and the Kingdom of Norway has strengthened, namely in the fields of capacity building, climate change and maritime security through EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF).

    They touched on the issue of drug trafficking, whereby Norway is working alongside the UNODC on an information sharing mechanism with the Seychelles to help tackle this scourge.

    Plastic pollution was another issue addressed, with Norway being the co-chair of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution.

    Climate change, tourism and current international and regional issues were among the other topics broached by PS Fock Tave and Ambassador Holm during his farewell call.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Building local value through skills development at the Learning and Knowledge Development Facility (LKDF) Forum 2025


    Download logo

    The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), through its Learning and Knowledge Development Facility (LKDF) and with the support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), convened the LKDF Forum 2025 under the theme “Skills Development and Local Value Addition: Ensuring Sustainable Growth in Global Supply Chains.” The Forum took place both online and in-person at the World of Volvo in Gothenburg, Sweden. 

    Achieving sustainable, ethical supply chains requires transforming industrial processes, business relations, and workforce skills, with local value addition key to reducing dependency on external inputs and boosting resilience. For emerging markets, building local capabilities diversifies economies and creates jobs; for multinationals, localizing supply chains offers market growth, risk mitigation, and regulatory compliance. UNIDO’s Director General Gerd Müller opened the event by calling for greater investment in skills for responsible, future-oriented supply chains, declaring “To build competitive and resilient supply chains with more local value addition, more high value manufacturing and services, more market access, [and] more prosperity, skills development is absolutely key.” 

    Maria Tegborg, Acting Head of the Global Department of Sida, echoed this message, underscoring the role of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in bridging skills gaps and improving economic outcomes, stating “we must continue to invest in skills development to ensure that supply chains operate responsibly.”

    The Forum highlighted how localizing skills and competencies across value chains—particularly in manufacturing, energy, healthcare, and industrial processing—is key to enabling multinational corporations and developing countries to thrive.   

    UNIDO’s Virpi Stucki stressed the need for systemic approaches to workforce development, explaining that strong policy frameworks and transparent supply chains must support sustainable value addition. “When combined with strong policy direction and stakeholder engagement along the way, developing the labour force can be a continuing input into national benefit,” she noted.    

    Anchoring programs in local priorities and ambitions was also a recurring theme. Enabel’s Charlotte Vanstallen stressed, “It all starts, I think, with the local objective and the local focus and the [local] ambition… it cannot be mentioned enough.” Participants agreed that without a strong local perspective, initiatives risk being ineffective or unsustainable. Early engagement of local stakeholders and tailoring programs to community needs make efforts more demand-driven, effective, scalable, and foster stronger ownership and lasting impact. 

    The discussion recognized  the importance of soft skills, sustainability literacy, ESG compliance, and attention to the informal economy, which still represents the majority of employment in many parts of the world. In this context, Caterina Occhio, Economic Inclusion and ESG Advisor at UNIDO, emphasized the power of social procurement models to professionalize informal labour, raise compliance standards, and promote living wages—contributing to what she described as a “culture shift” for sustainable sourcing. 

    The Forum underscored the need for strong cross-sectoral partnerships to close the skills gap across supply chains. UNIDO’s Public-Private Development Partnerships (PPDP) were highlighted as an effective model for aligning vocational training and education with industry demands. By leveraging the strengths of both sectors, these partnerships foster targeted training programs that integrate technical skills with sustainability practices.   

    The Forum welcomed 37 in-person participants and 231 online attendees,  from public and private sectors, civil society, academia, and international organizations. Among the distinguished participants were representatives from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the European Commission, the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Volvo Group, Siemens Healthineers, Enabel, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Festo Didactic, and numerous Swedish and international companies representing a wide range of global value chains.   

    The first day of LKDF Forum 2025 concluded with a strong call to action: align national industrial policies with education and training reforms, strengthen cooperation at regional and global levels, and place local communities at the centre of development strategies. Participants were united in the view that sustainable industrialization will depend on holistic, inclusive, and partnership-based approaches to skills development and value addition.   

    The second day of the LKDF Forum 2025 featured a co-creation workshop facilitated by UNIDO’s LKDF team in partnership with the Volvo Group. Participants from public, private, and development sectors engaged in strategic discussions aimed at fostering actionable, cross-sector collaboration to strengthen skills ecosystems. This interactive session enabled meaningful exchanges and connections among attendees, laying the groundwork for future partnerships across industries and generating thirteen new PPDP project ideas. The day continued with a guided visit to the Volvo Trucks Experience Facility, where participants learned about Volvo’s history, explored the latest innovations in truck manufacturing, and even had the opportunity to test drive several vehicles. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN joins Farewell Dinner Hosted by UK Ambassador to ASEAN

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this evening attended a farewell dinner hosted by the Ambassador of the United Kingdom (UK) to ASEAN, H.E. Sarah Tiffin, in Jakarta. The two sides exchanged views on ways to further deepen ASEAN–UK cooperation, particularly in the leading up to the Fifth Anniversary of ASEAN–UK Dialogue Relations in 2026. Dr. Kao also conveyed his appreciation to Ambassador Tiffin for her dedication and efforts in strengthening ASEAN–UK ties during her tenure as the Ambassador of the UK to ASEAN.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN joins Farewell Dinner Hosted by UK Ambassador to ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Nigeria: 2025 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Nigeria

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    Nigeria has implemented major reforms over the last 2 years which have improved macroeconomic stability and enhanced resilience. The country successfully tapped the Eurobond market and earned a credit rating upgrade, pointing to improved confidence. Growth has been steady but too low in per-capita terms, and inflation remains high. Gains have yet to benefit all Nigerians. Food insecurity and poverty have risen. Half-way through its term, the government is now focused on raising growth, while adapting to the spillovers from the changing global environment.

    Subject: Anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), Crime, Currency markets, Exchange rates, Financial markets, Fiscal policy, Foreign exchange, Inflation, Oil prices, Oil production, Prices, Production, Public debt, Revenue mobilization

    Keywords: Anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), Currency markets, Exchange rates, Inflation, Oil prices, Oil production, Revenue administration, Revenue mobilization

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: EU and WFP enhance self-reliance and food security for refugees and host communities in Uganda

    Source: World Food Programme

    KAMPALA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution of EUR 5 million from the European Union (EU) to support income-generating activities to enhance self-reliance and food security for refugees and host communities in Uganda.

    Uganda hosts 1.9 million refugees and asylum seekers, making it the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa. The Government of Uganda’s national refugee policy allows refugees to work and move freely, but economic opportunities remain scarce in and around refugee settlements, meaning that humanitarian and development assistance are a lifeline for refugee families as they seek to build a self-reliant life in safety.

    “Empowering refugees in Uganda to become self-reliant has never been more important,” said Genevieve Chicoine, WFP’s Acting Country Director in Uganda. “This vital contribution from the European Union will enable WFP to support thousands of refugees and host communities with the skills they need to earn a living and put food on the table.”

    WFP supports 660,000 refugees in Uganda with cash transfers and in-kind food assistance, as well as programmes to increase self-reliance and improve the nutrition of mothers and their children. 

    This contribution from the EU will support the food security for 12,600 refugees in the Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements and 5,400 host community members. It includes training on best farming practices like regenerative agriculture, financial literacy skills for business management and resource growth, and nutrition assistance for pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

    “This partnership reflects a shift from delivering aid to delivering opportunity,” said Guillaume Chartrain, European Union Deputy Head of Delegation to Uganda. “Refugees and host communities are gaining the tools they need to shape their own futures. By investing in people’s skills and potential, we are supporting more stable, self-reliant communities—and that benefits everyone.” 

    This initiative is part of the European Union’s Action for Protection, Assistance and Durable Solutions for Displaced Populations in Sub-Saharan Africa (EUPADS), supporting efforts to address the root causes of displacement while reinforcing national policies for displaced people living in countries like Uganda.

    WFP’s food assistance programmes in Uganda are facing critical funding shortfalls. In May, the agency was forced to halt food assistance for nearly one million refugees and reduce food rations for others to an unprecedented low of 22 percent. 

    #                 #                  #

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

    The partnership between Uganda and the European Union is broad and is guided by mutual political, trade and development interests. The European Union is a key development partner of Uganda, supporting programmes that focus on green transition, the growth of sustainable and inclusive jobs and investment, as well as a stronger democratic governance that promotes social inclusion and human rights. The European Union together with its Member States is the world’s leading donor of humanitarian aid, including in Uganda. 

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media @wfp_uganda @wfp_africa @EUinUG

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The Republic of Korea supports food security for vulnerable communities in northern Mozambique

    Source: World Food Programme

    MAPUTO – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes generous contributions from the Republic of Korea for the second consecutive year, totalling US$ 7.6 million to improve food security for communities affected by multiple shocks in northern Mozambique.

    The contributions, comprising more than 5,000 metric tonnes of high-quality rice, will enable WFP to deliver life-saving food assistance to over 233,000 vulnerable people in Cabo Delgado Province.

    The Republic of Korea has been a key partner to WFP in Mozambique, providing critical support at a time marked by protracted internal conflict, recurring climate shocks, and growing funding gaps. During the 2024-2025 cyclone season, northern Mozambique was hit by three cyclones in as many months, affecting more than 1.4 million people — many of whom were already reeling from the effects of the ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado province.

    This generous contribution from the Republic of Korea will help prevent a further deterioration in food and nutrition security for the most vulnerable groups in the north.

    “This support comes at a crucial time — it’s more than a donation, it’s a lifeline that helps protect people’s dignity and restore hope in a region that has endured far too much,” said Antonella D’Aprile, WFP Country Director in Mozambique.” Thanks to the continued solidarity of the Republic of Korea, we can reach the most fragile communities in Cabo Delgado with food assistance.

    “This contribution reflects the strong partnership between the Republic of Korea and Mozambique, and our shared commitment to humanitarian values. In the face of conflict and climate shocks, it is essential to act with urgency and compassion. The ROK will continue to stand by Mozambique on the path to recovery and resilience,” referred Bok Won KANG, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Mozambique.

    The Republic of Korea has been a long-standing partner of WFP in Mozambique. Since 2019, it has contributed more than US$ 16.3 million to support the country’s most vulnerable populations with lifesaving assistance and restoration of livelihoods.

    ###

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

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media @wfp_mozambique

    Follow the Republic of Korea’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on X, formerly Twitter, via @MOFAkr_eng @mofa_kr.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 2 July 2025 Accelerating cervical cancer elimination through HPV Vaccination in Nepal

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Nepal, with an estimated 4 women dying each day. Yet, these deaths are preventable. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is a proven, safe and effective intervention to protect women and girls.

    To advance this life-saving effort, on World Cancer Day, 4 February 2025, Nepal took a monumental step toward cervical cancer elimination by launching a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign. This initiative aligns with Nepal’s commitment to the Global Strategy for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer, which aims to vaccinate 90% of girls by age 15.

    Nepal’s journey began nearly a decade ago with an HPV demonstration project in Chitwan and Kaski districts. The experience provided valuable insights into effectively delivering vaccines to adolescent girls.

    Girls showing their vaccination cards after receiving the HPV vaccine during a campaign in the Himalayan district of Mustang. Photo credit: ©WHO Nepal

    Accelerating change using the Delivery for Impact (DFI) approach

    In 2023, the WHO country office in Nepal became one of the early adopters of WHO’s Delivery for Impact approach, aimed at driving progress on priority health outcomes, including mobilizing action towards eliminating cervical cancer. The country team embarked on a Delivery Sprint, a time-bound, cohort-based initiative designed to accelerate measurable impact in health priority areas. Over 100 days, a multidisciplinary team within WHO Nepal, including experts in vaccination, noncommunicable diseases, health systems strengthening and planning – used the DFI approach to identify bottlenecks, set measurable targets and coordinate action. The impact cycle (Fig. 1) provided a clear framework to advance implementation.

    Figure 1: Impact cycle; Source: Implementation playbook, deliverying impact for health (adapted from the ‘Evidence Ecosystem for Impact Framework’ in Evidence, policy, impact: WHO guide for evidence-informed decision-making (2021).

    A comprehensive situational analysis and stakeholder engagement process led to the development of a robust Theory of Change, defining short- medium-, and long-term outcomes via identified solutions and WHO’s actions.

    Dr Binod Prasad Gupta, the focal point for the delivery sprint, explained how the Theory of Change served as the foundation to translate ambition into action.

    “The Theory of Change served as our strategic compass. It helped to bring national stakeholders together around a common goal and map the steps needed, from addressing vaccine hesitancy and ensuring supply chain readiness, from community trust-building to last-mile delivery – we turned a national plan into life-saving vaccinations for 1.4 million girls. By identifying key challenges and bottlenecks, it turned big ideas into real, coordinated action. That’s how the Delivery for Impact made a difference on the ground.”

    Dr Binod Prasad Gupta, WCO Nepal Focal Point, Delivery for Impact, 100 days of the Delivery Sprint

    GOAL: Cervical Cancer Eliminated in Nepal
    • Human resources (staff, resource persons/experts, trainers)
    • Funds (capacity development activities, guidelines/SOPs/strategies development, workshops)
    • Technical support (National, Regional and Global)
    • Advocacy, policy dialogue, resource mobilization
    • Strong organizations norms, collaboration & commitments
    • HPV vaccine introduction in the National Immunization program of Nepal
    • Development of proposals, policies and guidelines
    • Conduct capacity building training and orientation to health workers
    • Enhance R&D to document impact of HPV vaccine effectiveness in the country
    • Advocacy and mobilization of champions to raise awareness
    • Collaboration and partnership among stakeholders at all levels of resource mobilization, service execution and monitoring
    • HPV vaccine introduced in the EPI program of Nepal
    • National & sub-national guidelines/SOPs/standard/plans/mechanisms developed and implemented
    • Champions mobilized for raising awareness
    • Short-term outcome: 90% of the girls by aged 10–14 years vaccinated with HPV vaccine within 2 years of its introduction
    • Long-term outcome: Decreased morbidity and mortality attributed to cervical cancer

    In the process, the team committed to vaccinating 90% of the target group within two years, aiming to reduce cervical cancer-related morbidity and mortality over time.

    Achieving Remarkable Results

    From 4 to 18 February 2025, the HPV vaccination campaign targeted 1.56 million schoolgirls from grades 6 to 10, and out-of-school girls aged 10 to 14 years. Within two weeks, more than 1.46 million girls were vaccinated, covering an impressive 94% of the target group, surpassing the initial two-year target of 90%. WHO continues to work with the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) to reach the remaining 6%.

    “Vaccinating 1.4 million girls in just two weeks is a powerful testament to the Ministry of Health and Population’s leadership and commitment. This milestone reflects how the delivery action plan drives results through strong coordination and political will,”said Dr Balwinder Singh, Team Lead, Immunization Preventable Diseases (IPD) programme at WHO Nepal.

    This achievement builds on years of collaboration between WHO, the MoHP and development partners. Since the 2016/2017 HPV demonstration programme, WHO has been a dependable partner – supporting advocacy, planning, implementation, monitoring, and partner coordination, including applying for Gavi funding to ensure the successful national rollout of HPV vaccines.

    “WHO commends the Government of Nepal for this landmark achievement and remains committed to supporting sustained efforts in vaccination, screening, and treatment to eliminate cervical cancer.”

    Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal.

    Sustaining change

    WHO will continue working with the Government of Nepal to foster a culture of impact by regularly monitoring progress, documenting lessons and making timely adjustments. These efforts aim to sustain momentum and achieve the long-term goal of eliminating cervical cancer in Nepal.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s vice premier stresses high-quality development of manufacturing industry

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

    WUHAN, July 2 — Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has called for efforts to empower the manufacturing sector with science and technology, accelerate industrial innovation, and continue to promote the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry.

    Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in central China’s Hubei Province from Tuesday to Wednesday.

    He urged efforts to advance new industrialization and promote the high-end, intelligent, and green development of the manufacturing industry.

    The deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation should be vigorously promoted, and the in-depth integration of the digital economy with the real economy should be further advanced, he said.

    Efforts are needed to focus on smart manufacturing and accelerate the cultivation of vertical models in various industries, so as to transform artificial intelligence into new quality productive forces through its wide application in the manufacturing sector, Zhang said.

    Recently, some regions in China have been hit by heavy rain. The vice premier stressed that top priority should always be given to ensuring people’s lives and safety and minimizing casualties.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: How CPC is shaping China’s modernization roadmap through five-year plans

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

    As the Communist Party of China (CPC) celebrates the 104th anniversary of its founding this week, the Party’s signature five-year plans continue to serve as a roadmap for China’s modernization drive.

    This year, China is set to complete its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and is formulating the blueprint for the next one, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s long-term strategy for national rejuvenation.

    From transforming an agrarian society into the world’s second-largest economy to charting a path toward becoming a great modern socialist country in all respects by mid-century, these plans reflect the CPC’s enduring commitment to long-term strategic vision and collective prosperity.

    Through this cyclical yet ever-evolving roadmap, China sets strategic goals, defines government priorities, regulates business operations, and mobilizes national resources — all in pursuit of its overarching objective of building a modern socialist nation.

    The country’s first plan in 1953 marked its initial push toward industrialization with the establishment of the nation’s first major steel and automobile plants. Fast-forward to the 13th (2016-2020), and it saw the completion of the world’s largest high-speed rail network.

    “Five-year plans are to China’s development what construction drawings are to building a house,” said Ran Hao, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Central Committee. “It tells the government and society which ‘floor’ to focus on and which ‘road’ to build over the next five years, helping avoid a piecemeal approach.”

    A framework, not a dogma 

    Although China’s five-year plans include quantitative targets, such as the GDP growth goal, first introduced in the seventh five-year plan, it does not mean the CPC is running a centralized planned economy.

    “It’s not about the government dictating everything; rather, the plans set the direction and priorities,” Ran said.

    Since 2006, targets have been divided into two types: binding targets, which reflect government commitments, such as reducing energy consumption per unit of GDP, and anticipatory targets, which represent desired outcomes like GDP growth, to be pursued primarily through market mechanisms.

    In a break from tradition, the 14th Five-Year Plan did not set a quantitative target for GDP growth; instead, it described expected growth in broader terms, in part to emphasize quality over speed.

    “Five-year plans are suited to the Chinese mentality and the Chinese idea of thinking long-term,” said British scholar Martin Jacques. For millennia, Confucian classics have taught that those who plan ahead are more likely to succeed.

    China’s five-year plans set clear goals but give regions the leeway needed to tailor their own pathways. National plans are broad frameworks that guide local governments in creating their own action plans, explained Yin Jun, a researcher with the Peking University.

    At present, the CPC is drafting proposals for the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

    Observers said the upcoming plan will emphasize a future-oriented approach to global challenges, foster new quality productive forces, and strengthen the social safety net to improve public well-being.

    Planning with collective efforts 

    Given their far-reaching impact, China’s five-year plans are developed over several years, and informed by research, expert reviews, inter-agency coordination and public consultation. For example, work on the current 14th Five-Year Plan began as early as 2018.

    While drafting the five-year plan, the CPC highly values public inputs, which reflect society’s needs and help foster consensus. In 2020, for the first time, public advice was collected online, with suggestions like mutual-aid elderly care included in the final plan.

    Over three months that year, seven symposiums were held with the Party’s leader meeting with entrepreneurs, experts, local officials, and representatives from the grassroots level to listen to their suggestions.

    The combination of top-level planning with public participation continued this year. In May, major media platforms invited public feedback, and netizens proposed improvements such as enhancing rural express delivery infrastructure and installing elevators in older communities, among other ideas.

    An old saying from Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” offers insight into the success of China’s five-year plans: Triumph comes when the leaders and the people share the same goal.

    Impact beyond borders 

    China’s five-year plans not only guide national development but also offer opportunities for global investors.

    Madiyar Tukpatov, chairman of a public transport company in Astana, Kazakhstan, visited China earlier this year to research electric buses. His company began using Chinese electric buses in 2020 and plans to further integrate Chinese EV technology into Astana’s transport system.

    New energy vehicles (NEVs) have been developed as a strategic industry over several five-year plans. Their production and sales each exceeded 12.8 million units in 2024, maintaining China’s position as the global leader in this sector for 10 consecutive years. Chinese NEVs can be found in over 70 countries and regions.

    Benjamin Mgana, chief editor of foreign news at The Guardian newspaper in Tanzania, praised China’s approach to planning, saying it demonstrates that developing countries can create workable strategies based on their own realities, rather than copying Western models.

    Inspired by China’s success, a growing number of countries have adopted their own medium- to long-term strategies. Poland, Ethiopia and Tanzania have sought support from Chinese institutions to assist in their planning process.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How has U.S. energy use changed since 1776?

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    July 2, 2025

    In 2024, the United States consumed about 94 quadrillion British thermal units (quads) of energy, a 1% increase from 2023, according to our Monthly Energy Review. Fossil fuels—petroleum, natural gas, and coal—accounted for 82% of total U.S. energy consumption in 2024. Nonfossil fuel energy—from renewables and nuclear energy—accounted for the other 18%. Petroleum remained the most-consumed fuel in the United States, as it has been for the past 75 years, and nuclear energy consumption exceeded coal consumption for the first time ever.

    When the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, wood, a renewable energy source, was the largest source of energy in the United States. Used for heating, cooking, and lighting, wood remained the largest U.S. energy source until the late 1800s, when coal consumption became more common. Wood energy is still consumed, mainly by industrial lumber and paper plants that burn excess wood waste to generate electricity.

    Coal was the largest source of U.S. energy for about 65 years, from 1885 until 1950. Early uses of coal included many purposes that are no longer common, such as in stoves for home heating and in engines for trains and ships. Since the 1960s, nearly all coal consumed in the United States has been for electricity generation.

    Petroleum has been the most-consumed source of energy in the United States since 1950. Petroleum products such as motor gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and propane are commonly used across all sectors of the U.S. economy, from transportation to industrial chemicals and plastics.

    Natural gas is the second-largest source of U.S. energy consumption, as it has been most years since it surpassed coal in 1958. Natural gas was once considered a waste byproduct of crude oil production but now has become a common energy source for heating and electricity generation.

    Early use of water to power grist, lumber, and other milling operations is not well quantified and not included in our data, but such mills were common throughout early U.S. history. The first industrial use of hydropower to generate electricity in the United States was to power lamps at a chair factory in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1880. The world’s first hydroelectric power plant to sell electricity to the public opened on the Fox River near Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1882.

    Other forms of renewable energy did not become significant contributors to U.S. energy production until more recently. In 2016, biofuels—including the fuel ethanol mixed in motor gasoline—became the most-consumed U.S. renewable energy source.

    Electricity generation from some zero-carbon sources, such as wind and solar, has increased rapidly in recent years, while generation from others, such as hydropower and nuclear, has remained relatively flat. In 2022, U.S. energy consumption from renewable sources surpassed nuclear energy for the first time since 1984, and in 2023, renewables surpassed coal for the first time since around the early 1880s. The United States now consumes more energy from wind and solar sources individually than from hydropower.

    To compare different forms of energy, we convert to common units of heat, called British thermal units. Appendix A of our Monthly Energy Review has the conversion factors that we use for each energy source, and Appendix E explains how we convert noncombustible renewable energy sources.

    Principal contributor: Mickey Francis

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Distraction-Free Schools Website Launches

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today launched a website that provides resources for New York school districts as they prepare to implement bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones for the coming school year. The website, linked here, includes a policy FAQ, toolkit and examples that school districts can use to design their distraction-free policy, which must be published by August 1 as noted under State law. Many districts across the state have already developed and finalized distraction-free policies that benefit students, teachers, and parents — and by highlighting these new resources, Governor Hochul continues the State’s ongoing efforts to support all schools throughout the summer, in time for the 2025-26 school year.

    “School districts across New York are already showing us that bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions help deliver the best possible learning environments for our kids,” Governor Hochul said. “As we prepare for the coming school year, my team is continuing to provide the necessary resources and tools to ensure school districts finalize and publish their distraction-free policy by the August 1 deadline.”

    This new requirement will take place in the 2025-26 School Year and applies to all schools in public school districts, as well as charter schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Under this law, all school districts must publish their distraction-free policy by August 1, so it is visible to the district’s community of students, parents and other key stakeholders.

    Governor Hochul’s cellphone policy creates a statewide standard for distraction-free schools in New York including:

    • Prohibits unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods
    • Allows schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students
    • Secures $13.5 million in funding to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free
    • Requires schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary
    • Requires teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy
    • Prevents inequitable discipline

    Governor Hochul’s policy clarifies that students will have authorized access to simple cellphones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.

    Additionally, the Governor’s policy includes several exemptions to smartphone restrictions, including for students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition, where required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), for academic purposes, or for other legitimate purposes, such as translation, family caregiving and emergencies.

    State Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for providing financial and implementation resources to school districts as they draft their individual cellphone policies. We know how detrimental cellphone use is to students’ mental health, academic success, social interaction, and emotional stress. The Legislature has been a partner in these efforts, and as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I am confident these changes will make a meaningful change in the lives of our students, school staff, and our communities. I appreciate the Governor’s commitment to supporting our school districts, parents and children as they implement this new law, and I look forward to hearing from school districts and students about the results of these new policies.”

    Governor Hochul pursued this initiative after engaging in a statewide listening tour with teachers, parents, and students. Her report “More Learning, Less Scrolling: Creating Distraction-Free Schools” underscores the following:

    • Smartphones distract students and inhibit learning and creativity
    • Phone-free environments do not compromise student safety
    • Phone-free environments support the mental health of students and teachers
    • Open communication and direct guidance for all stakeholders is key for successful implementation
    • Schools must address any parent concerns about staying in contact with their children during the day
    • An effective distraction-free policy must focus on the entire school day, rather than solely on time in the classroom
    • Schools can strengthen their distraction-free environment by connecting more students with in-person engagement like clubs, sports, arts and other programming

    MIL OSI USA News –