Category: DJF

MIL-OSI Africa: HSRC calls on businesses to participate in innovation surveys

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), on behalf of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, is calling on South African businesses to participate in two of its business innovation surveys, starting on 5 June 2025, across all nine provinces.

The South African Business Innovation Survey (BIS) and the Agricultural Business Innovation Survey (AgriBIS) will gather crucial data on how firms in the industry, services, and agriculture sectors are innovating.

“In a dynamic and challenging economic landscape, with rising input costs, funding constraints, and shifts in global trade dynamics, understanding how, why, and when businesses do not innovate is ever more vital.

“The data intends to support evidence-based policymaking and at the same time allow businesses to benchmark their innovation activity and outputs relative to their industry,” a statement issued by the council said.

According to the Executive Head of the HSRC’s Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII), Dr Glenda Kruss, South Africa has not made significant progress in transforming the structure of its economy to sustainably generate higher incomes and wealth for all.

“Economists propose the need for building dynamic sectoral clusters, which can link skills development, build technological capabilities such as design, testing, and prototyping, and support firms to pool resources, create economies of scale, and develop markets.

“Understanding South African firms’ innovation and technological capabilities provides critical data to inform collective action, towards public and private investment that can promote our own dynamic sectoral clusters,” said Kruss.

Businesses will be contacted to find out information about what innovations took place during the period 2022–2024, how innovations occur at the firm level, and what can be done to enhance innovation and production capabilities.

Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s Chief Director for Science and Technology Investments, Kgomotso Matjila, leads the department’s team responsible for commissioning the surveys.

“To grow an inclusive economy in South Africa, that is also productive and competitive, we need to design and provide the right kinds of support to incentivise and stimulate innovation investments by firms. For this, our national innovation surveys are an essential source of evidence,” said Matjila.

Fieldwork for both surveys will be conducted by HSRC’s partner, Sigma Kairos Research and Consulting.

Their fieldworkers will contact business leaders and managers to complete the surveys online or via telephone interview.

The HSRC extends its sincere thanks in advance to the South African business community, as we all work together to expand innovative solutions to drive structural change and shape the future of South Africa’s economy. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Home Affairs takes Child Protection Outreach to KZN

Source: South Africa News Agency

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Home Affairs Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza is scheduled to take the 365 Days of Child Protection Outreach to Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal this weekend.

This as the Deputy Minster has adopted the MusaweNkosi home for orphaned and vulnerable children.

The Deputy Minister is also expected to support the Class of 2025 Mid-term Readiness Programme at Umdlamfe Secondary School in eSikhawini, Richards Bay, where he will handover Smart ID Cards to the learners.

Home Affairs officials recently visited Umdlamfe Secondary School and the MusaweNkosi home to assist children who wanted to apply for IDs and those requiring Late Registration of Birth for their rightful place on South Africa’s National Population Register and birth certificates.

Identity documents (IDs) are vital for learners’ admission to their life-changing school examinations.

“Children who will be receiving for the first time in their lives their own IDs and birth certificates, will be empowered to seek and enjoy protection from abuse and neglect, a deliverable of the 365 Days of Child Protection Campaign and will be enabled to access government and other services,” the Department of Home Affairs said in a statement.

“The Deputy Minister will donate Uninterrupted Power Supply units to the home to help improve living conditions ahead of the biting cold winter nights,” the department said.

READ | 2025 Child Protection Month: Let’s root out child abuse together

– SAnews.gov.za

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MIL OSI Africa –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: SIU secures preservation order to freeze Midstream Estate property

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has secured a preservation order from the Special Tribunal to freeze an immovable property located at Midstream Estate, in Gauteng.

This is pending the finalisation of civil proceedings into the alleged misuse of funds allocated by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC).

The order interdicts Israel Mathibe, Smart Safety PPE and any other party from selling, disposing, leasing, encumbering (including by granting rights of retention), transferring, donating or dealing in any manner whatsoever to the immovable property.

The SIU said their investigation revealed that funds intended for community projects, including agricultural development and old-age homes, were diverted to purchase the property through a network of non-profit companies (NPCs) and private entities.

SA Youth Movement NPC received R23 million for old age homes in rural provinces, but later paid R1.6 million to Smart Safety PPE, which contributed R1.6 million to the property purchase.

Malusi We Sizwe NPC received R13 million for an agricultural project in KwaZulu-Natal but transferred R896 980 to Trizaflo (Pty) Ltd, which then paid R2.1 million toward the property.

The property was registered under Smart Safety PPE, with Alfred Mzwakhe Sigudhla the then director of Smart Safety PPE, signing key transaction documents.

Sigudhla, who is cited in the Tribunal order, serves as the Chairperson of the SA Youth Movement NPC, which received R23 million from the NLC for old age homes in rural provinces.

He signed the grant agreement on 15 September 2017, and a diversion for an additional R7.5 million on 21 May 2019, despite a lack of proof of project delivery.

In October 2018, he signed as a Director of Smart Safety PPE in bank agreements and later remained an “interested party” on the company’s bank account after being replaced by another Director.

Additionally, he authorised payments amounting to R1.6 million from SA Youth Movement NPC to Smart Safety PPE, which were used to purchase the Midstream property, for which he signed the offer to purchase on 23 October 2019 on behalf of Smart Safety PPE.

“The order of the Special Tribunal is part of implementing SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover financial losses suffered by State institutions because of corruption or negligence.

“The order forms part of a broader investigation into corruption involving NLC grants intended for community development projects,” the SIU said.

The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations caused by corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Spaza Shop Support Fund information session to be held in Limpopo

Source: South Africa News Agency

Limpopo spaza shop owners will get an opportunity to learn more about how they can access financial and non-financial support from the Spaza Shop Support Fund at an interactive session at the George Phadagi Town Hall, in Thohoyandou, on Friday.

The session is part of a countrywide campaign aimed at creating awareness about the Spaza Shop Support Fund.

The campaign, which began in KwaZulu-Natal last month, is hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic) and the Department of Small Business Development (DSDB).

The R500 million fund was launched by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, and the Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, in Soweto, on 8 April 2025.

The national education and awareness campaign is being held in partnership with the Small Enterprise Development and Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), the agencies of the DSBD and the dtic, respectively, which will be responsible for administering the fund.

The interactive session with spaza owners in the Vhembe District Municipality will be an opportunity to learn more about how to apply for the fund and which requirements will they be expected to comply with.

According to Minister Tau, government is taking a concrete step to formalise and empower the informal sector with the fund.

Tau said supporting spaza shops would enable entrepreneurs, often women and young people, to participate fully in the economic process.

“These small businesses generate employment, drive local commerce, and channel much-needed income into communities that have long been underserved. Studies show that small businesses account for a significant portion of job creation in South Africa.

“By providing spaza shop owners with financial support, infrastructure upgrades, and essential business training, we are setting the stage for sustainable job creation,” Tau said.

Minister Ndabeni said the role played by Sedfa and NEF was truly appreciated and that the department believed this fund would go a long way in assisting shop owners that are registered and have operating permits.

“Our partnership ensures that spaza shop owners are not only funded but are also trained, mentored, and integrated into reliable supply chains. This is about building long-term sustainability for township retail,” Ndabeni said.

The aim of the fund is to support South African-owned township community convenience shops, including spaza shops, to increase their participation in the townships and rural areas’ retail trade sector and to provide critical financial and non-financial support to township businesses, including community convenience stores and spaza shops.

The fund also provides various types of support including the initial purchase of stock via delivery channel partners, upgrading of building infrastructure, systems, refrigeration, shelving and security, as well as training programmes which includes Point of Sale devices, business skills, digital literacy, credit health, food safety, business compliance.

The fund also seeks to bolster the broader supply chain by fostering partnerships with local manufacturers, black industrialists and wholesalers.

Through bulk purchasing arrangements and the promotion of locally produced goods, spaza shops will benefit from reduced costs and increased access to quality products. – SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Social Development provides feedback on Basic Income Support policy

Source: South Africa News Agency

The Department of Social Development is hard at work to ensure that there is basic income support for people between the ages of 18-59.

This was revealed at the sitting of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development on Wednesday. This as the department presented its progress in the development of the Basic Income Support Policy.

Work on the policy has been ongoing, with the first draft of the policy having been presented to the Social Protection, Community and Human Development Cluster Cabinet Committee (SPCHD) on 26 November 2024.

The committee directed that further consultations on the policy be held with internal stakeholders, focusing on affordability of the policy and linkages of its proposed beneficiaries with economic opportunities.

The department said an interdepartmental workshop was held to give effect to this directive. The workshop affirmed the need to link the policy’s beneficiaries to other employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

A follow up workshop will be held in June 2025, followed by bilateral engagements with the Presidency, the Department of Employment and Labour and National Treasury.

“Once the consultations are concluded, the department will approach the SPCHD Cabinet Committee again in the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, to request Cabinet to consider the revised policy, and if approved, publish it for public comments.

“In order to ensure stability during these consultations period, the department will consult National Treasury for the SRD [Social Relief of Distress] provision to be extended until the legislative process is complete, to ensure that its beneficiaries are protected from extreme poverty and vulnerability.

“The department, has for the interim, been granted an extension by the National Treasury to continue with this provision for the 2025/26 financial year,” the department explained.

Additionally, members of the portfolio committee were pleased that the Minister Sisisi Tolashe has delivered on her budget vote commitments to stabilise the department by filling executive posts.

Historical progress and ongoing consultations:
•    The Basic Income Grant (BIG) was first proposed in 1998, with a technical proposal drafted in 2002, which did not gain Cabinet approval.
•    In 2007, an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) and Inter-Departmental Task Team (IDTT) were established to explore comprehensive social security reforms.
•    In 2021 and 2022, an expert panel assessed the feasibility of Basic Income Support (BIS), considering its social and economic impact.
•    The department proposed that the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant be made permanent, with a phased approach to increase benefits progressively.
•    The proposed entry-level BIS grant should be set at the Lower Bound Poverty Line (LBPL), with long-term plans to eliminate poverty at the Upper Bound Poverty Line (UBPL).
•    Extensive stakeholder consultations across all provinces informed the development of the BIS draft policy proposal.
•    The Department had requested an extension of the SRD grant for an additional two years while finalising the BIS policy.A sub-team was established to assess the affordability of BIS, concluding that it was financially feasible based on economic modelling, though consensus with National Treasury was still pending.
•    The department had planned to submit the draft BIS policy to Cabinet for approval by October 2024 but required further consultation with internal stakeholders such as National Treasury.
•    The department, has for the interim, been granted an extension by the National Treasury to continue with this provision for the 2025/26 financial year.
•    The department is engaging with the Portfolio Committee in the 2025/26 financial year to finalise the policy framework.

– SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)’s 2024 Annual Report Highlights Record Trade Support, Empowering Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Economies and Expanding Global Impact
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, June 4, 2025/APO Group/ —

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Annual Report, titled “Reaching New Frontiers.” The report captures a landmark year showcasing a period of transformative growth, expanded geographic reach, record trade finance approvals, and strengthened commitments to sustainable and inclusive development across its Member Countries.

In 2024, ITFC demonstrated agility and resilience amidst persistent geopolitical and economic challenges, prioritizing trade finance, facilitation, and trade development to support member countries’ national development agendas.

Highlights from the 2024 Annual Report

Record Trade Finance Approvals
- In 2024, ITFC approved a total of US$ 7.3 billion in trade finance across 110 operations in 26 countries. Of this amount, US$ 6.7 billion was successfully disbursed
- Notably, 38% of the approved financing was directed toward Least Developed Member Countries (LDMCs), underscoring ITFC’s commitment to inclusive development
- Furthermore, 41% of the total portfolio, equivalent to US$ 3 billion, was allocated to non-energy sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and financial services
- ITFC successfully mobilized US$ 4.2 billion through Islamic syndications in 2024, representing 57% of its total trade finance approvals.
Accelerating Intra-OIC Trade
- A total of US$ 4.85 billion was dedicated to promoting trade among OIC member countries, marking a 6.5% increase compared to 2023
- These intra-OIC trade approvals accounted for 67% of ITFC’s total trade finance operations, reinforcing the Corporation’s role in fostering regional economic integration and cooperation
Strengthening the Private Sector
- In a continued effort to support private sector growth, ITFC provided US$ 1.2 billion in financing, reflecting a 14% increase over the previous year
- This support reached 47 financial institutions and included engagements with 19 new clients across Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia
Delivering on Food Security Commitments
- To address food insecurity, ITFC approved US$ 1.75 billion in financing for agriculture and food-related operations across 10 OIC countries
- Since the launch of the IsDB Group’s Food Security Response Program (FSRP) in 2022, ITFC has mobilized US$ 4.73 billion in food security financing, exceeding its initial commitment of US$ 4.5 billion.
- ITFC financing has helped Member Countries secure stable supplies of essential food commodities, reduce price volatility, and support agricultural resilience.
- In Tajikistan alone, ITFC’s food security financing contributed to reaching over 200,000 households—benefiting nearly 900,000 individuals—by ensuring access to staple goods such as wheat, sugar, and edible oil.
Sustainability Milestone
- ITFC launched its first Environmental and Social (E&S) Policy in October 2024
- The policy rollout included a 10-year E&S action plan, a 5-year carbon reduction strategy, and strengthened governance to embed ESG principles across all operations
The report also highlights that the Corporation was ranked at the top as Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner in global Islamic syndications by both Refinitiv and Bloomberg, a reflection of its global leadership and strong investor confidence.

Additionally, the 2024 Annual Report spotlights the achievements of ITFC’s flagship programs:
- The Arab Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program actively supported the development of regional value chains by hosting targeted B2B meetings and launching Africa’s first textile and leather standards program, paving the way for improved quality and competitiveness across the continent
- The Aid for Trade Initiative for the Arab States (AfTIAS 2.0) Program saw the implementation progress on 21 ongoing projects across Arab States, with a strategic focus on job creation, trade facilitation, and export development. These initiatives continue to empower local economies and enhance regional trade capacity
- Trade Connect Central Asia+ (TCCA+): ITFC advanced regional integration among six Central Asian countries through projects that promote agri-business development, investment attraction, and food security, strengthening economic ties and resilience in the region
- The Global SMEs Program expanded its footprint in West Africa and officially launched in Cameroon, enhancing access to trade finance and advisory services for small and medium-sized enterprises and fostering inclusive economic growth
In addition to its flagship programs, ITFC delivered a diverse range of integrated trade solutions and targeted interventions in 2024 that reflect its holistic development approach. Through tailored capacity-building programs, reverse linkage initiatives, and trade facilitation tools, ITFC addressed specific needs across sectors such as energy, agriculture, finance, and trade policy. Highlights include the Indonesian Coffee Export Development Program enhancing sustainable farming practices; capacity-building workshops on Islamic finance in Nigeria, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan; technical support to Togo and Mali’s electricity sectors; and the rollout of electronic Certificates of Origin to boost cross-border trade in West Africa.

With an eye on the future, ITFC remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the evolving priorities of its Member Countries. By driving innovation, strengthening strategic partnerships, and delivering high-impact trade finance solutions, the Corporation is poised to chart new frontiers and accelerate progress toward sustainable and inclusive development across the OIC region.

Read the full English version here- https://apo-opa.co/3T78A0R

Read the full Arabic version here- https://apo-opa.co/3FMasch

MIL OSI Africa –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: Why services can’t realistically be tariffed and shouldn’t be
Source: International Chamber of Commerce

Headline: Why services can’t realistically be tariffed and shouldn’t be

In today’s digital economy, cross-border services are essential to how businesses operate, grow and compete. But while goods have long been subject to customs tariffs, applying tariffs to services would be both impractical and create significant legal, operational, and economic risks.

This is because services are fundamentally different from goods, making them virtually unworkable to tax at borders. Unlike physical products that customs agents can see and inspect, services are intangible—think of things like consulting, software, or design work—that often cross borders digitally or through the movement of people, rather than in shipping containers.

This creates multiple challenges: there is no clear moment when a service ‘enters’ a country, no global classification system comparable to the Harmonized System for goods, and no consistent method to assess what should be taxed.

Even when governments try to tax cross-border services – such as digital services taxes (DSTs) or withholding regimes – they face legal challenges, high enforcement costs, and risks of international retaliation, as these approaches often violate established rules or conflict with trade and tax agreements.

In contrast, some countries have opted for a more neutral approach by applying VAT to cross-border services—treating domestic and foreign providers equally.

Beyond feasibility, there is also a strong economic argument to be made against tariffs on services. Services account for more than half of global trade on a value-added basis and are vital enablers of productivity, innovation, and inclusion. Imposing tariffs would raise costs, fragment global supply chains, and disproportionately harm MSMEs and developing economies that rely on affordable cross-border services to grow and compete, including legal advice, design, IT support and marketing.

Tariffs on services would also increase compliance burdens and administrative costs for governments, requiring entirely new systems to monitor digital transactions, register providers, and audit contracts.

Exporters would not be spared either: many countries are net exporters of services in areas like finance, education, and media. Tariff measures could trigger retaliation and reduce market access for these firms.

In short: services can’t realistically be tariffed – and they shouldn’t be. Instead, policymakers should:
- Reaffirm multilateral norms by supporting the continuation of the WTO E-Commerce Moratorium and rejecting tariffs on services.
- Avoid unilateral tariff-like measures — such as DSTs or withholding regimes —that risk legal conflict, trade retaliation, and fragmentation.
- Pursue multilateral cooperation through appropriate multilateral and regional bodies to develop common rules for the taxation of the digital economy.
MIL OSI Global Banks –
June 5, 2025
UAE partners with WHO to launch two-year initiative targeting child malnutrition crisis on Yemen’s Socotra Island

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The United Arab Emirates and the World Health Organization have launched a comprehensive humanitarian initiative to combat severe malnutrition affecting women and children on Yemen’s Socotra Island, where international health metrics indicate crisis-level conditions among the most vulnerable populations.

The Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for Humanitarian Works announced the two-year program as part of the strategic partnership between the UAE and WHO, targeting an island where acute malnutrition rates have reached alarming thresholds that demand immediate international intervention.

Global health reports indicate that Socotra Island’s Global Acute Malnutrition rate among children under five has reached 10.9 percent, with Severe Acute Malnutrition affecting 1.6 percent of this population. International health standards classify GAM rates between 10 and 14 percent as serious, while SAM rates above 1 percent are considered alarming, placing Socotra’s children in a critical health emergency.

Mohamed Haji Al Khouri, Director-General of the Foundation, emphasized that the initiative reflects the UAE’s global humanitarian responsibility rooted in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continued under President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s leadership. Al Khouri stated the program aims to effectively address food and health challenges through collaboration with WHO, focusing specifically on reducing maternal and child mortality caused by malnutrition.

The comprehensive action plan encompasses multiple strategic components designed to create lasting health improvements on the isolated island. The initiative will enhance maternal, infant, and child care services while improving emergency preparedness and response capabilities for potential epidemics. Healthcare infrastructure strengthening represents a core element, involving medical staff training, medication supplies, and establishment of emergency preparedness mechanisms.

Acting WHO Representative in Yemen Dr. Ferima Coulibaly-Zerbo described the partnership as reflecting a shared vision of building resilient health systems across Yemen. She emphasized that the collaboration with UAE and national authorities addresses urgent immediate needs while establishing foundations for long-term health security on Socotra Island.

The program extends beyond immediate relief measures to implement sustainable solutions for malnutrition prevention and food security assurance. Community awareness campaigns will complement medical interventions, while improved disease surveillance systems will enable more effective responses based on ongoing assessments and studies.

This initiative forms part of broader joint aid activities between the UAE and WHO throughout Yemen, designed to provide urgent food relief and prevent nutritional and health deterioration across various population groups. The partnership aims to construct stronger, more responsive and equitable health systems serving Socotra’s population while contributing to Yemen’s overall health resilience during its ongoing humanitarian crisis.

June 5, 2025
Centre to conduct population census-2027 in two phases, including caste enumeration

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the Population Census-2027 will be conducted in two phases, with the inclusion of caste enumeration, marking a significant step in India’s decennial census process. The reference date for the census is set for 00:00 hours on March 1, 2027, except for the Union Territory of Ladakh and the snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, where it will be 00:00 hours on October 1, 2026.

According to the ministry, a notification outlining the intent to conduct the census with these reference dates will be published in the official gazette on June 16, 2025, as per Section 3 of the Census Act, 1948. The census will be carried out under the provisions of the Census Act, 1948, and the Census Rules, 1990.

The last census, conducted in 2011, was also held in two phases: Phase I (House Listing) from April 1 to September 30, 2010, and Phase II (Population Enumeration) from February 9 to February 28, 2011, with a reference date of March 1, 2011. For snow-bound areas in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh, the census was conducted from September 11 to September 30, 2010, with a reference date of October 1, 2010.

The Census of India 2021 was initially planned in a similar two-phase format, with Phase I scheduled for April to September 2020 and Phase II in February 2021. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted preparations, leading to the postponement of the census despite completed groundwork in some states and Union Territories.

June 5, 2025
Discovery of wartime bombs prompts large-scale evacuation in Cologne, Germany

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Thousands of people were evacuated from central Cologne in western Germany on Wednesday following the discovery of three wartime bombs, in what the city authority called the largest such operation since the end of World War Two.

An evacuation zone with a radius of 1,000 metres (1,100 yards) was cleared from 8 a.m. (0600 GMT), impacting around 20,500 residents along with many workers and hotel guests in the city’s old town and Deutz district.

Three American bombs, each with impact fuses, were found during construction work on Monday in Deutz, a bustling area on the bank of the River Rhine.

Bomb disposal experts plan to disarm the ordnance later on Wednesday.

Unexploded bombs are often found in Germany, where many major cities sustained heavy damage during the war.

The evacuation area includes one hospital, two retirement homes, nine schools, and many hotels and museums.

“Everyone involved hopes that the defusing can be completed in the course of Wednesday. This is only possible if all those affected leave their homes or workplaces early and stay outside the evacuation area from the outset on that day,” the city authority said in a statement.

The measures caused major transport disruptions in the city of over a million people, with Germany’s national rail operator warning that many trains would be diverted or cancelled.

A stretch of the Rhine will be blocked off before the bomb disposal operation begins.

The Rhine, which runs from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea via Cologne, is one of Europe’s key waterways for the transportation of commodities such as grain and coal.

Private television station RTL, whose main office is located in the evacuation zone, interrupted its morning news programme.

“We have to leave,” the news anchor said, grabbing his bag as the lights were turned off

(Reuters)

June 5, 2025
Jitendra Singh calls for time-bound pension grievance redressal at 13th Pension Adalat

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Wednesday emphasized the urgent need for a time-bound redressal mechanism for pension-related grievances, aligning the initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s citizen-centric governance approach. Speaking at the 13th All India Pension Adalat in New Delhi, the Minister declared that “no retiree should have to chase their rights,” stressing that administrative efficiency and empathy must guide pension governance.

The event brought together pensioners, senior government officials, and departmental representatives from across India to address long-pending grievances. Dr. Singh highlighted the success of the Pension Adalat model, calling it one of the most effective and citizen-friendly reforms in recent years. He urged departments to move from reactive grievance handling to a proactive, technology-enabled, and compassionate approach, emphasizing a “whole-of-government” strategy to resolve issues efficiently.

Since the inception of the Pension Adalats in September 2017, 12 sessions have been held nationwide, addressing over 25,000 cases, with 18,157 grievances successfully resolved—a resolution rate of more than 71%. Citing this figure as a testament to the initiative’s success, Dr. Singh also shared moving stories of pensioners like Jasoda Devi, who received her dues after 36 years, and Anita Kanik Rani, who was granted ₹20 lakh in family pension arrears on the same day her case was heard.

At the Adalat, the Minister released a booklet titled “Brave Soldiers and Veer Naariyan”, showcasing success stories from the 12th Pension Adalat. The collection highlights resolved cases, particularly involving defence pensioners and widows of armed forces personnel. Dr. Singh noted that these narratives represent the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring dignity and justice for retired personnel, especially women and family pensioners.

This year’s Adalat centered around family pension issues, with a significant number of cases presented by women, either as claimants or recipients. Dr. Singh commended the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) for focusing on this critical and often overlooked area.

The Minister also stressed the importance of expanding digital access for pensioners unable to attend in person. Initiatives like CPENGRAMS (Centralized Pension Grievance Redress and Monitoring System), integrated portals, and real-time grievance dashboards were highlighted as key tools in making grievance redressal faster and more transparent.

Calling for stronger inter-departmental coordination, Dr. Singh urged officials to treat pensioners not just as beneficiaries, but as valued members of the administrative family. “Pension Adalats are not just forums for grievance resolution—they are indicators of administrative accountability and public trust,” he said.

As the Adalats become a regular feature of the governance calendar, they have emerged as a vital bridge between the government and retired central employees, defence personnel, and family pensioners. Dr. Singh concluded by calling for more citizen-centric innovations and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring senior citizens are treated with respect, care, and administrative urgency.

June 5, 2025
Pressure mounts on Netanyahu as opposition moves to dissolve parliament

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

A member of Israel’s right-wing coalition threatened to quit the cabinet on Wednesday and support an opposition motion to dissolve parliament tabled for next week, piling pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Latest opinion polls suggest that Netanyahu’s coalition would lose power if an election was held today, with many voters unhappy over the continued war in Gaza prompted by the attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel in October 2023.

United Torah Judaism, one of two ultra-Orthodox parties in the coalition, said it would withdraw from the government unless it secured last-minute concessions formalising an exemption for ultra-Orthodox men from military service.

The opposition party Yesh Atid, led by former prime minister Yair Lapid, put forward a parliamentary vote for next week to topple the government, even as the Israeli army continues battling Hamas in the Gaza Strip. It would require the support of 61 out of the 120 members of the parliament to succeed.

“This Knesset (parliament) is finished. It has nowhere to go,” Lapid said.

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has remained silent on the looming crisis.

A spokesperson for United Torah Judaism leader Yitzhak Goldknopf told Reuters the party would vote in favour of dissolving parliament unless exemption legislation was passed.

With a week until the vote, Netanyahu and his allies still have time to negotiate over an issue that has dogged the coalition for months.

A source close to the government said, on condition of anonymity, that negotiations within the coalition were continuing.

Netanyahu’s coalition of secular right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties holds an 8-seat majority in parliament. United Torah Judaism has 7 seats while its ally, Shas, the other ultra-Orthodox party, has 11.

BETTING ON A BLUFF

The coalition is sharply divided over whether young ultra-Orthodox men who are studying in religious seminaries should be exempt from mandatory military service.

Failing to pass an exemption risks a walkout by ultra-Orthodox lawmakers, while approving it could trigger a protest exit by secular parties.

Coalition member Ohad Tal of Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party criticized Goldknopf for threatening to trigger elections and called on the ultra-Orthodox lawmaker to resign.

He urged others to negotiate a new arrangement but that a blanket exemption from military service could no longer stand.

Former Knesset member Ofer Shelah said Netanyahu was likely betting the ultra-Orthodox lawmakers were bluffing, given the polls suggested they faced defeat in any early election.

In March, ultra-Orthodox lawmakers threatened to bring down the government over the same issue, but time passed without any action. Resentment over the informal exemption given to religious seminary students is growing and lawmakers from the ruling coalition and opposition ranks say it is no longer tenable.

Netanyahu won election in 2022 and does not have to return to the polls until 2026. Historically, few Israeli governments serve a full term.

He has faced widespread criticism for failing to prevent the surprise October 2023 Hamas attack that killed roughly 1,200 people, and is facing growing calls from protesters and families of hostages still held in Gaza to end the war to secure their release.

But some in his coalition say the war must continue until Hamas is eradicated.

Political analysts say that the ultra-Orthodox lawmakers could simply quit the government to protest their failure to secure concessions, without toppling the ruling coalition.

(Reuters)

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Sidhu meets with United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade Jonathan Reynolds

Source: Government of Canada News

June 4, 2025 – Paris, France – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, met with Jonathan Reynolds, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade and President of the Board of Trade, on the margins of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Ministerial Council Meeting in Paris, France.

Minister Sidhu and Secretary of State Reynolds discussed expanding trade and investment through the Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement. Minister Sidhu highlighted the importance of Canada continuing to work with the United Kingdom through forums such as the G7, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and with international organizations in support of the rules-based global trading system.

Minister Sidhu looks forward to continuing working with Secretary of State Reynolds on the Canada-UK trade relationship.

Associated links

MIL OSI Canada News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The atmosphere is getting thirstier and it’s making droughts worse – new study

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Solomon Gebrechorkos, Reserach Fellow in Climate Change Attribution, University of Oxford

luchschenF/Shutterstock

Droughts are becoming more severe and widespread across the globe. But it’s not just changing rainfall patterns that are to blame. The atmosphere is also getting thirstier.

In a new study published in Nature, my colleagues and I show that this rising “atmospheric thirst” – also known as atmospheric evaporative demand (AED) – is responsible for about 40% of the increase in drought severity over the last four decades (1981-2022).

Imagine rainfall as income and AED as spending. Even if your income (rainfall) stays the same, your balance goes into deficit if your spending (AED) increases. That’s exactly what’s happening with drought: the atmosphere is demanding more water than the land can afford to lose.

As the planet warms, this demand grows – drawing more moisture from soils, rivers, lakes, and even plants. With this growing thirst, droughts are getting more severe even where rain hasn’t significantly declined.

Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

The process of AED describes how much water the atmosphere wants from the surface. The hotter, sunnier, windier and drier the air is, the more water it requires – even if there isn’t less rain.

So even in places where rainfall hasn’t changed much, we’re still seeing worsening droughts. This thirstier atmosphere is drying things out faster and more intensely and introducing more stress when this water is not available.

Our new analysis reveals that AED doesn’t just make existing droughts worse – it expands the areas affected by drought. From 2018 to 2022, the global land area experiencing drought rose by 74%, and 58% of that expansion was due to increased AED.

Our study highlights that the year 2022 stood out as the most drought-stricken year in over four decades. More than 30% of the world’s land experienced moderate to extreme drought conditions. In both Europe and east Africa, the drought was especially severe in 2022 – this was driven largely by a sharp increase in AED, which intensified drying even where rainfall hadn’t dropped significantly.

Crop yields are severely affected by water stress.
Scott Book/Shutterstock

In Europe alone, widespread drying had major consequences: reduced river flows hindered hydropower generation, crop yields suffered due to water stress, plus many cities faced water shortages. This put unprecedented pressure on water supply, agriculture and energy sectors, threatening livelihoods and economic stability.

My team’s new research brings clarity to the dynamics of drought. We used high-quality global climate data, including temperature, wind speed, humidity and solar radiation – these are the key meteorological variables that influence how much water the atmosphere can draw from the land and vegetation. The team combined all these ingredients to measure AED – essentially, how “thirsty” the air is.

Then, using a widely recognised drought index that includes both rainfall and this atmospheric thirst, we could track when, where and why droughts are getting more severe. With this metric, we can calculate how much of that worsening is due to the atmosphere’s growing thirst.

The future implications of this increasing atmospheric thirst are huge, especially for regions already vulnerable to drought such as western and eastern Africa, western and south Australia, and the southwestern US where AED was responsible for more than 60% of drought severity over the past two decades.

Without factoring in AED during drought monitoring and planning, governments and communities may underestimate the true risk they face. With global temperatures expected to rise further, we can expect even more frequent and severe droughts. We need to prepare. That involves understanding and planning for this growing atmospheric thirst.

Driving drought

Knowing what is causing droughts in each specific location enables smarter climate adaptation. AED must be a central part of how we monitor, model and plan for drought.

Identifying the specific drivers of drought is essential for tailoring effective ways to cope with drought. If droughts are mainly due to declining rainfall, then the focus should be on water storage and conservation. But if AED is the main driver – as it is in many places now – then strategies must address evaporative loss (i.e. the amount of water lost from the surface and plants to the atmosphere) and plant water stress. This might involve planting drought-resistant crops, constructing irrigation systems that use water more efficiently, improving soil health or restoring habitats to keep moisture in the land.

As our research shows, rising AED – driven by global warming – is intensifying drought severity even where rainfall hasn’t declined. Ignoring it means underestimating risk.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

Solomon Gebrechorkos receives funding from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO; grant no. 201880) and the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC; grant no. NE/S017380/1).

– ref. The atmosphere is getting thirstier and it’s making droughts worse – new study – https://theconversation.com/the-atmosphere-is-getting-thirstier-and-its-making-droughts-worse-new-study-258022

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Tonko Reintroduces Sweeping Offshore Wind Bill
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Paul Tonko (Capital Region New York)

Tonko Reintroduces Sweeping Offshore Wind Bill

Amidst administration attacks on offshore wind development, Tonko’s bill would provide needed leasing and permitting certainty to support clean energy future

Washington, June 4, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) today reintroduced the Offshore Energy Modernization Act, legislation that provides a comprehensive blueprint to ensure the long-term viability and success of U.S. offshore wind development.

This introduction comes amidst an onslaught of attacks from the Trump administration on wind energy development. On day one, President Trump issued an executive order blocking all new approvals, permits, and funding for wind energy, both on and offshore — potentially putting thousands of jobs and billions in industry investments on the chopping block.

“Despite President Trump’s best efforts to tank clean energy development, offshore wind remains a massive boon and opportunity, not only for coastal regions, but across the nation — including New York’s Capital Region — in the form of good paying jobs, increased manufacturing, and development of critical components,” Congressman Tonko said. “Republicans are waking up to the benefits that wind energy presents. Robust federal leadership is needed to support long-term and responsible offshore wind development, support domestic supply chain, and drive American energy dominance. My Offshore Energy Modernization Act is the solution. I urge my colleagues join me in supporting this legislation to ensure we unlock the full potential of American offshore wind energy production and deployment.”

The Offshore Energy Modernization Act of 2025 is the first comprehensive federal legislation to support long-term and responsible offshore wind development in the United States. This bill:

Reforms the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to better reflect the realities of offshore wind development and provide long-term certainty for this emerging industry.

Facilitates timely and efficient permitting of offshore renewable energy projects by providing funding for early, frequent, and robust community engagement, including Tribal consultation.

Ensures that offshore renewable energy projects support good-paying, union jobs and a reliable, domestic supply chain.

Invests in marine and coastal habitat protection and compensates fishing interests that have been impacted by offshore wind development.

Establishes the Offshore Power Administration to provide Federal assistance to advance shared offshore transmission infrastructure.

Creates new Department of Energy grant and loan guarantee opportunities to support U.S. shipbuilding needed to construct offshore wind projects.

A fact-sheet of the Offshore Energy Modernization Act can be found HERE.

A section-by-section summary can be found HERE.
MIL OSI USA News –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: The EBA issues Opinions on two measures to address macroprudential risk following notifications by the Swedish FSA
Source: European Banking Authority

The EBA issues Opinions on two measures to address macroprudential risk following notifications by the Swedish FSA | European Banking Authority
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The EBA issues Opinions on two measures to address macroprudential risk following notifications by the Swedish FSA

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4 June 2025

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Opinion of the EBA on measures in accordance with Article 458 of CRR on CRE exposures in Sweden

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Opinion of the EBA on measures in accordance with Article 458 of CRR on RRE exposures in Sweden

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MIL OSI Europe News –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Cato T. Laurencin 2025 Wallace H. Coulter Lecturer at Pittcon

Source: US State of Connecticut

Laurencin’s presentation, Regenerative Engineering: The Frontier is Here, highlighted his work in regenerative engineering and how many scientific disciplines are being integrated and are blending to drive meaningful progress in clinical applications. He noted several regeneration engineering project areas that spotlight the work he and his team are doing that are having a substantial impact on human health. His work, which bridges advanced materials science, stem cell biology, physics, developmental biology, and clinical translation, is a testament to how interdisciplinary science is making measurable impact in medicine.

Pittcon is a dynamic, international conference and exposition on laboratory science, a venue for presenting the latest advances in analytical research and scientific instrumentation, and a platform for continuing education and science-enhancing opportunity. It is a confluence of brilliant minds, groundbreaking technologies, and the unrelenting pursuit of innovation in analytical science.

In an interview, conducted at Pittcon, with News Medical, one of the world’s leading open-access medical and life science hubs, Laurencin spoke about the importance of mentorship for the next generation of scientists, especially in regenerative engineering. He noted how deeply inspired he was by Dr. Robert Langer, at MIT, and decided to follow in his footsteps.

In his remarks, Laurencin talked about the honor of being the Coulter Lecturer at such a prestigious event as Pittcon. “I am truly honored on multiple levels. First, it is the Coulter-endowed lectureship, and I have always respected the Coulter Foundation. They were among the first to recognize that while great science and engineering are important, they are not enough—discoveries need to be translated into real-world impact,” said Laurencin. “I am also honored to be here at Pittcon, one of the largest gatherings of scientists in the world. Being invited as the keynote speaker is a privilege, and I look forward to staying engaged with Pittcon in the future. I am very impressed with the work that is being done here.”

Professor Sir Cato T. Laurencin is the University Professor at UConn and Albert and Wilda Van Dusen Distinguished Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at UConn School of Medicine, professor of Chemical Engineering, professor of Materials Science and Engineering, and professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Connecticut. He is the chief executive officer of The Cato T. Laurencin Institute for Regenerative Engineering, a cross-university institute named in his honor at the University of Connecticut. He is the first individual to receive the American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS) Mentor Award, the Beckman Award for Mentoring, and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Math, and Engineering Mentoring bestowed by President Obama. Nationally, the Society for Biomaterials established the Cato T. Laurencin, M.D., Ph.D. Travelling Fellow Award Program for undergraduates in his honor.

Laurencin received the 2023 Priestley Medal, the highest honor of the American Chemical Society and the Von Hippel Award, the highest honor of the Materials Research Society. He will receive the Dickson Prize for Medicine. Many of the Dickson Prize awardees have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize. Sir Cato Laurencin was bestowed Knight Commander of the Order of St. Lucia, under the auspices of King Charles III of England. He is recognized as the leading international figure in polymeric biomaterials chemistry and engineering who has made extraordinary scientific contributions and has had profound contributions to improving human health.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for machete attack – after being arrested with firearm

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A complex investigation by Met detectives has seen a man jailed over a brutal machete attack in Clapham, highlighting the Met’s commitment to cracking down on violence and relentlessly pursuing those who endanger the lives of others.

Nino-Tai Smith, 23 (20.02.2002), of Wandsworth Road, Nine Elms, was jailed for a total of eight years and 10 months at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, 4 June. This was reduced to seven years and three months after credit. He previously pleaded guilty on Tuesday, 4 March at the same court to charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

Smith drove a stolen Mercedes into his victim – a man aged 25 at the time – before attacking him with a machete. It is understood that assault was motivated by a gang rivalry.

When officers tracked Smith down, they also recovered a firearm. In connection with the firearm, Smith also pleaded guilty of possessing a firearm at Inner London Crown Court on Monday, 14 November, 2022. He was handed a five-year sentence for this offence, which he is serving concurrently with his most recent sentence.

Detective Inspector Jonathan Summers, who heads the Met’s Central South Gangs Unit, said: “Smith’s victim was left with severe, life-changing injuries and I’m proud of the investigation team’s efforts in bringing this violent offender to justice.

“Brilliant investigative work helped to paint a compelling picture of Smith’s guilt, and led him to plead guilty on the first day of trial.

“Senseless violence has no place on London’s streets, and I hope this case demonstrates our determination to pursue dangerous criminals who threaten the safety of our communities.”

On Thursday, 10 June, 2021, Smith drove a stolen Mercedes into his victim in Cedars Road, Clapham. He knocked him off his moped, before setting upon him with a machete. Smith made off, ultimately crashing the car in nearby Newby Street. He then discarded his machete and left on foot before police arrived at the scene.

Met officers provided emergency treatment to the victim at the scene and he was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service to receive lifesaving care.

Investigators then began making urgent enquiries to track down the perpetrator, following numerous lines of enquiry, establishing the Mercedes had been driven by Nino-Tai Smith.

Just two days after the incident, police tracked Smith down to the Patmore Estate in Battersea. Following a chase with officers – captured on body-worn video – he was detained and officers recovered an illegal firearm in a bag that Smith had discarded at the scene.

The investigation team spent months analysing complex phone data and evidence. This all added up to a damning case against Smith, who was shown to be an active participant in the assault after data showed he had been near the scene of the incident at the time.

DI Summers added: “This was a heinous, premeditated attack motivated by intergang rivalry. We will always seek to prosecute such matters – even when a victim is unable for whatever reason to support a prosecution.

“Neither intimidation nor any perceived code of silence will prevent us from relentlessly pursuing justice. The investigation team have worked tirelessly for years to achieve this amazing result, and I am again humbled by the investigators’ dedication, detective ability and professionalism.”

MIL Security OSI –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Moser RIver — RCMP arrests two women in Moser River following an altercation

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment has arrested two women in Moser River following a report of an altercation.

This morning, at approximately 1:10 a.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of an altercation at a home on Moser River North Rd. When officers arrived, six adults were located inside the residence; five of whom displayed signs of impairment.

While gathering information, one RCMP officer was assaulted by a 20-year-old woman from Halifax. During her arrest she assaulted a second officer.

Through the investigation, it was learned that a 19-year-old woman present in the home, who is also from Halifax, had lied about her identity and was currently wanted on a province-wide arrest warrant. She was safely arrested.

The 20-year-old woman was later released on conditions. She is scheduled to appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court on July 23, at 9:30 a.m., to face two counts of Assaulting a Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest and Mischief.

The 19-year-old woman was later released. She is scheduled to appear in court at a later date to face a charge of Obstructing a Peace Officer.

The investigation into an assault that occurred at the home between the persons present is ongoing.

File #: 25-78392

MIL Security OSI –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at the association between prescribed use of common psychiatric medications and the risk and progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

June 4, 2025

A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at the association between psychiatric medication use and the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression.

Prof Ammar Al-Chalabi, Professor of Neurology and Complex Disease Genetics, King’s College London (KCL), said:

“This is an interesting study, well carried out and leveraging the important Scandinavian health registers. There are two points to make:
1. The associated effect on the risk of disease is small except in the year immediately before diagnosis (when there are symptoms of ALS/MND already). At most it represents a 25% increase in relative risk, which for a condition with a 1 in 300 lifetime risk, is not a big change.
2. Association is not causation. That is especially important here. We already know that some of the genetic variants that nudge people towards schizophrenia for example, overlap with variants that nudge people towards ALS (the authors talk about this in the Introduction and cite the relevant paper). The same for other neuropsychiatric conditions – the authors do acknowledge this to some extent in the limitations section, when they talk about C9orf72. So it may not be use of the medication that increases ALS risk, but that the need for the medication is a signal that someone is already at increased genetic risk. Either interpretation fits the results.”
Dr Brian Dickie, Chief Scientist, MND Association (Motor Neurone Disease Association), said:

“The findings from this well performed but relatively small study are consistent with previous research from other investigators which indicates that ALS and schizophrenia may have some common genetic elements, and also with other research indicating increased cases of psychiatric illness amongst relatives of people diagnosed with ALS when compared with the general population. As people with psychiatric symptoms will more likely be prescribed relevant medication, these latest findings are not surprising in themselves.

“The authors correctly seek to avoid over-interpretation of the results, stressing they have identified “an association”. They therefore veer away from any implication that these medications can cause or exacerbate ALS. In order to drill down further into these findings, future studies will need to incorporate more genetic data, as this would help address a number of potential confounding factors.

“The most common genetic risk factor for ALS (a repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene) originated in Scandinavia and therefore is particularly prevalent within the Scandinavian population. It is also the most common genetic risk factor for frontotemporal dementia, as well as possibly other neurological conditions, so a study in the Swedish population will most likely have a higher proportion of people with this particular genetic form of the disease. Not only would higher use of psychiatric medication be likely, but this genetic form is also linked with faster progression and shorter survival, which could explain the association between psychiatric medication and more aggressive disease.

“A further potential factor linked to the higher prevalence of familial ALS in Scandinavia is that there may be much greater awareness of the genetic risk of ALS in families where a member has been diagnosed with ALS. Other family members may therefore exhibit anxiety and depression, especially as they start to approach the age at which their relatives were diagnosed.”

Comments provided by our friends at the Australian SMC:

Professor Bryce Vissel, Head of the Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine Program at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, said:

“Depression and anxiety are common conditions, while ALS is rare.

“Psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety are not unusual in people who are later diagnosed with MND or ALS. But because these mental health issues are so common — and ALS is so rare — having depression or anxiety does not mean you are likely to develop ALS.

“It’s far more likely that your symptoms are just what they seem. They should be treated for what they are, not feared as signs of something more serious — which is very uncommon.

“We should treat depression and anxiety as depression and as anxiety — not as a warning sign for ALS in most people.

“This study does not suggest the treatments cause ALS. Rather, it’s possible that early psychiatric symptoms — such as depression — are part of the disease itself. We call this a ‘prodrome’. That’s very different.”

Professor Anthony Hannan, researcher at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, said:

“This new research article in JAMA Network Open adds to the evidence linking some psychiatric conditions to ALS, the most common form of motor neuron disease (MND). It should be noted that this study only addresses correlation, not causation (‘cause and effect’).

“Considering that the psychiatric medications linked to MND have very diverse pharmacology (and mechanisms of action), it is extremely unlikely that each of these medications directly contributes to the risk of MND.

“What is more likely is that the findings reflect associations between psychiatric symptoms and risk of MND (independent of medication). This is consistent with previous studies, including those involving genetics, which link MND to frontotemporal dementia, a neurodegenerative disease where psychiatric symptoms are often prominent. It should be noted that the present study only involved 1057 ALS/MND patients (and a larger number of control subjects) in Sweden from 2015-2023.

“It will be important to follow up these findings with larger studies internationally, which also have comprehensive genetic profiling and other biomarkers (for both neurological and psychiatric disorders). Such future studies could inform new approaches to delay the onset of, and treat MND, and its associated neurological (and sometimes psychiatric) symptoms. Considering that this devastating disorder is currently incurable, and usually kills patients within a few years of diagnosis, any new approaches to help sufferers and their families are urgently needed.”

‘Use of Common Psychiatric Medications and Risk and Prognosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis’ by Charilaos Chourpiliadis et al. was published in JAMA Network Open at 16:00 UK time Wednesday 4 June 2025.

DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.14437

Declared interests

Dr Ammar Al-Chalabi: I know two of the authors well personally, Fang Fang and Caroline Ingre. In fact I am at a conference all week with Caroline. I consult for many pharmaceutical companies with the funds going to my research accounts at King’s, not to me personally. I am co-Director of the UK MND Research Institute.

Dr Brian Dickie: No CoI’s.

Professor Anthony Hannan: has not declared any conflicts of interest.

Professor Bryce Vissel: has not declared any conflicts of interest.
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Leads Relief Efforts as Monsoon Rains Damage Nearly 2,000 Shelters in Rohingya Camps

Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, 4 June 2025 – Days of intense monsoon rains and high winds have triggered landslides, floods, and widespread damage across the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, impacting nearly 16,000 people across 17 IOM-managed camps, injuring at least 14 and leaving many families in urgent need of assistance.

Over 1,900 shelters have been reported damaged, many of them beyond repair, while critical access routes have been blocked and drainage systems overwhelmed. Although the rains have eased off somewhat, intermittent downpours continue to complicate recovery efforts and risk further destruction.

“The scale of devastation caused by these early monsoon rains is alarming, especially in such a precarious setting where people are already extremely vulnerable,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “Our teams are working tirelessly alongside community volunteers and partners to ensure that families are safe, with adequate shelter and other vital support. We need to act now to make sure the situation doesn’t go from bad to worse.”

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in coordination with Bangladesh authorities and partners under the Inter-Sector Coordination Group (ISCG), has launched an emergency response. Over 1,400 community disaster management volunteers and 300 additional community responders have been deployed across the camps to support emergency relocations, rescue operations, and initial damage assessments.

Nearly 5,000 Rohingya refugees have been mobilized through cash-for-work activities to help clear fallen trees, unblock drainage channels, and restore access to essential facilities. Teams are also working to prevent further landslides by covering vulnerable slopes with tarpaulin. In total, over 13,500 square meters of slopes have been secured, dozens of fallen trees have been removed, and nearly 10,000 meters of drainage have been cleaned to reduce the risk of flooding.

Emergency shelter distributions are underway for affected families, including technical assistance for the repair and reconstruction of damaged homes, especially for those identified as extremely vulnerable. Shelter, water and sanitation facilities are also being assessed and repaired, while hot meals are being provided to displaced families sheltering in communal spaces.

IOM continues to coordinate closely with authorities and humanitarian actors to protect lives and restore safe access to services. As the monsoon season advances, slope stabilization, drainage clearance, and promoting awareness of disaster risk reduction will be key to achieving these aims.

For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Milestone for the Raising London Circuit Project
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

London Circuit east has reopened to vehicles in both directions.
In brief:
- London Circuit has reopened to motorists, between Constitution Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue
- Canberrans should note there is a new, raised intersection with Commonwealth Avenue, and new traffic lights.
- This article gives an overview of the project and outlines what is still to come.
The Raising London Circuit Project has reached a significant milestone.

London Circuit east has reopened to vehicles in both directions.

Motorists are now driving on the newly raised intersection at London Circuit, between Constitution Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.

Please be aware there are new traffic lights at this intersection.

Reopening the road has reduced traffic pressure on Constitution Avenue.

It has also eased peak-hour congestion on the eastern side of the city.

What does this mean for buses, pedestrians and cyclists?

Buses no longer need to detour around Vernon Circle. This makes bus trips more direct.

Pedestrians, cyclists and scooter-riders will also benefit. New accessible footpath links and dedicated cycle lanes will open in June.

[Story continues below]

Why raise London Circuit?

To create a level intersection with Commonwealth Avenue, London Circuit has been raised by six metres.

A raised London Circuit better connects the city with the lake. In doing so, it:
- improves active travel connections across the city
- creates more attractive and useable public spaces
- builds opportunities for diverse land use
- prepares the city for the extension of light rail.
What has happened so far?

Around 60,000 cubic metres of fill – primarily soil – was used to raise London Circuit to meet Commonwealth Avenue.

This came from a Barton construction site. This reuse of materials aligns with the project’s focus on sustainability.

In building the raised intersection, the works undertaken have included:
- removal, relocation and installation of utilities
- construction of embankments and side tracks to allow for traffic staging
- construction of new retaining walls
- installation of new streetlighting and traffic signals
- tree planting and landscaping.
How is this part of extending light rail?

A raised London Circuit is an important foundation for extending Canberra’s light rail.

It provides a level and more accessible intersection for pedestrians and active travellers in the area. This includes future light rail passengers.

Construction on Light Rail Project 2A is underway and will add three new light rail stops. These will be at:
- Edinburgh Avenue
- City south
- Commonwealth Park.
Light Rail Project 2B will follow, taking the light rail to Woden.

It is the largest transport infrastructure project in Canberra’s history.

It will deliver improved public transport for decades.

What else is happening in the city?

Construction continues on London Circuit.
- Finishing and landscape works on the Raising London Circuit project will continue on London Circuit between Constitution Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.
- London Circuit west remains closed to on-road traffic between Edinburgh Avenue and Northbourne Avenue.
- Sections of London Circuit east between Northbourne Avenue and Theatre Lane also remain closed to motorists and on-road cyclists.
- Weekend closures of Parkes Way will be in place in late June and early July as works get underway on Canberra’s first light rail bridge.
- Work is being completed in stages to minimise impact.
- Shared paths are in place for cyclists, pedestrians and other active travellers.
- There is signage to help you follow safe detours.
Stay up to date on travel impacts

You can find details on road changes and other impacts on the online construction impacts map.

Visit the Builtforcbr website to stay up to date on all travel impacts.

Read more like this:

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MIL OSI News –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Strong Chairs Homeland Hearing Focused on Mass Gathering Events

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)

WASHINGTON — Today, Representative Dale W. Strong (AL-05), Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, led a hearing entitled, “Mass Gathering Events: Assessing Security Coordination and Preparedness” as the U.S. gears up for a historic stretch of major international events.

The hearing assessed how state and local law enforcement and the private sector coordinate with the federal government for mass gathering events.

“By their very nature, mass gathering events draw large crowds in concentrated areas, making them attractive targets for malicious actors. Ensuring their safety requires complex coordination among federal, state, and local authorities – including law enforcement and emergency services. It also requires close collaboration with partners in the sports and entertainment industries,” said Representative Dale Strong.

The United States is entering an unprecedented period of hosting major international sporting events, including the 2025 Ryder Cup, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup, and 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The 2026 World Cup alone will include 78 matches played in 11 U.S. cities, drawing an anticipated 5 million fans from around the globe, and as many as 6 billion viewers watching online. Given these staggering figures, the focus on safety has never been more important.

The events will test the country’s ability to manage crowds, protect international visitors, and mitigate threats from terrorists and criminals. Effective security depends on strong coordination between federal, state, local, and private partners to protect people and infrastructure, prevent attacks, and manage crowds.

“I witnessed the scale of these challenges firsthand when I led a congressional delegation to New Orleans to survey security preparations for the Super Bowl following the New Year’s attack on Bourbon Street. That incident, and others like it, serve as stark reminders that terrorist threats persist and underscore our shared responsibility to safeguard such gatherings,” said Strong.

To meet these challenges, Congress and the White House have launched new efforts to strengthen event security. On March 7, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order Establishing the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026.

At the same time, the House Committee on Homeland Security formed its own bipartisan “Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States,” focused on special events such as the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and the United States’ 250^th Anniversary. Congressman Strong will serve as a member of this task force, which will work in coordination with its counterparts in the White House to ensure the United States demonstrates global leadership in its security practices.

“I applaud Vice Chairman McCaul, who will be chairing the task force, and Chairman Green for their leadership on this issue. I’m honored to have been selected to join the task force,” said Strong.

In advance of these high-profile events, the task force will visit select event sites, hold hearings, host roundtables, and release a final report on their findings as part of the Committee’s oversight of National Special Security Events (NSSEs) and major Special Event Assessment Rating (SEAR) events.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Strong Statement on House Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Advancing President Trump’s Agenda
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dale Strong (Alabama)

WASHINGTON — Representative Dale W. Strong (AL-05) issued the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to advance President Trump’s America First Agenda.

“This is not just legislation, it’s a promise kept to the American people. It’s pro-worker, pro-family, pro-growth—and it’s exactly what our country needs right now,” said Rep. Strong. “I’m proud to support President Trump’s promise to deliver historic tax relief and put money back in the pockets of American families, secure our southern border, strengthen our national security, and right-size wasteful government spending.”

Specifically, the bill:
- Secures and expands the doubled Child Tax Credit, benefiting nearly 90,000 hardworking North Alabama families
MIL OSI USA News –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Mining in Motion Summit Highlights Growing Support for Formalized Artisanal and Small-scale Mining Sector (ASM) Industry

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

ACCRA, Ghana, June 4, 2025/APO Group/ —

The second day of the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit highlighted global industry leaders advocating for greater formalization of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector (ASM). The event featured keynote presentations calling for increased cooperation between the ASM and large-scale operators to drive sustainable industry growth.

David Tait, CEO of the World Gold Council, emphasized the scale and importance of the ASM sector, which provides livelihoods for over 40 million people globally. However, he noted that the sector continues to face critical challenges, including illegal operations and environmental degradation.

“With rising global demand and gold prices, illegal mining is on the rise – fueling civil unrest, child labor and depriving governments of billions in revenue that could support development,” Tait stated. “There is a risk in slow policy responses. In 1990, ASM accounted for just 4% of global gold production; today, it represents over 20%.”

He commended Ghana for its various mechanisms such as the Ghana Gold Board in addressing illicit mining.

“Government leadership is a fundamental requirement,” he added.

He called for African markets to increase focus on the professionalization and formalization of ASM operations, increasing ASM access to legitimate financing, and the adoption of mercury-free processing methods.

He also highlighted the World Gold Council’s work with seven central banks, including several in Africa, to ensure gold purchases from ASM sources are channeled through legal frameworks. Additionally, the Council has developed a guide to foster effective collaboration between the ASM and LSM actors.

Representing Africa’s largest gold producer, Stewart Bailey, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer at AngloGold Ashanti, echoed the call for coexistence.

“ASM has been part of the value chain since we were incorporated. For many years our approach has been to co-exist with ASM wherever feasible,” noted Bailey.

AngloGold Ashanti is working with governments, NGOs and global organizations like the World Gold Council to support ASM operators in adopting mercury-free practices, upholding human rights, and promoting environmental rehabilitation, according to Bailey.

Allan Jorgensen, Head of Responsible Business Conduct at the OECD Centre, reinforced the importance of responsible mining practices.

“To unlock Africa’s potential, we must confront the challenges associated with gold as a driver of illicit activities,” Jorgensen said.

The OECD developed a Due Diligence Guidance, supported by governments and aligned with regulations like those of the London Bullion Market Association, to reduce environmental and social risks in gold supply chains.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Endangered North Carolina Frog Gets a Head Start
Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Endangered North Carolina Frog Gets a Head Start

Endangered North Carolina Frog Gets a Head Start
jejohnson6
Wed, 06/04/2025 – 10:54

KURE BEACH
Carolina gopher frog populations declining in the wild are getting a leg up through the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher (NCAFF) head starting initiative. Led by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), head starting is one focus of their Gopher Frog Conservation Plan with NCAFF and other partners. NCAFF is one of three Aquariums and a pier operated by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR).

The Aquarium implemented the initiative in 2011 to augment wild populations of these state endangered amphibians. The NCWRC team collects small portions of each egg mass and delivers them to the Aquarium team for care until frogs emerge. This year’s crop, now in tadpole stage, is from Southport near the Military Ocean Terminal at Sunny Point. Staff divided 444 tadpoles among 12 mesocosms, controlled small-scale ecosystems designed to mimic natural environments. The next step is to release the frogs to this same location.

HEADSTARTING

NCAFF aquarists suggested the plan after monitoring egg masses in Holly Shelter Game Land alongside NCWRC staff for several years. The number of frogs appeared low—as few as six to eight egg masses deposited in some years. Because of drought conditions, the pond had just enough water to stimulate the frogs to breed, but would not hold water long enough for the tadpoles to fully develop. Head starting gives them the right environment to go from tadpole to frog in their journey back into the wild.

“We have continued to receive great support for our head starting work through the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission for the Carolina Gopher Frog and we look forward to a successful release in the coming weeks,” said Ryan McAlarney, husbandry curator, NCAFF. “The conservation of this species is important to the mission of the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.”

HISTORY AND HABITAT

The gopher frog, Rana capito, requires both appropriate breeding ponds and upland terrestrial habitat. Breeding ponds must be large enough to retain water throughout the tadpole stage, but shallow enough to dry periodically, because the gopher frog does not tolerate fish. Additionally, these ponds must be relatively open canopy with plenty of grasses where gopher frogs deposit their egg masses and developing tadpoles feed.

POPULATION DECLINE

The gopher frog was once found in many ponds across the southeastern Coastal Plain, ranging from North Carolina through South Carolina and Georgia, across Florida and into Alabama. However, many of these wetlands, or the uplands they are associated with, are gone. Historically found in at least 23 populations in North Carolina among 53 ephemeral ponds, the species is now only found in seven populations, with only 14 of those historical ponds still being used by gopher frogs. Most of these ponds have been destroyed or altered significantly; for example, deepened and stocked with fish.
CALL TO ACTION

Service vehicles regularly to avoid leaking toxic fluid into waterways or wetlands.

Put bug spray on before you go into a wildlife habitat so that you don’t introduce it into the animal’s home.

Don’t touch frogs or toads. Their skin is very thin, and they can absorb anything from your skin, and it may be toxic to them.

Choose environmentally friendly pesticides and herbicides.

Drive extra carefully during and after spring rains, when amphibians are most likely to be crossing roads as they travel to breeding ponds.

###
About the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is just south of Kure Beach, a short drive from Wilmington on U.S. 421 and less than a mile from the Fort Fisher ferry terminal. The Aquarium is one of three Aquariums and a pier that make up the North Carolina Aquariums, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The mission of the Aquarium is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The Aquarium features a 235-000-gallon sand tiger shark habitat, an albino alligator, a bald eagle, a loggerhead sea turtle habitat and two families of mischievous Asian small-clawed otters.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $12.95 ages 13-61; $10.95 children ages 3-12; $11.95 seniors (62 and older) and military with valid identification; NC EBT card holders*: $3. Free admission for children 2 and younger and N.C. Aquarium Society members and N.C. Zoo members. *EBT rate is applicable to a maximum of four tickets.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
May 30, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Juneteenth Observances Set Across the State

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Juneteenth Observances Set Across the State

Juneteenth Observances Set Across the State
jejohnson6
Wed, 06/04/2025 – 10:49

To commemorate Juneteenth, numerous N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources sites across the state will feature events and tours throughout June.

Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”) marks the day in 1865 when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to announce that the Civil War had ended and ensure that all enslaved people were freed. It signifies the official end of slavery in the United States.

The North Carolina African American Heritage Commission is excited to share the 2025 Juneteenth Celebration Toolkit. The toolkit is an interactive slide deck that invites readers to learn about North Carolina’s unique liberation stories of African Americans.

The NCAAHC has partnered with two N.C. State Historic Sites — the N.C. State Capitol and Bennett Place — to share their sites’ Liberation Stories. To access and learn more about the toolkit, visit https://aahc.nc.gov/2025-juneteenth-toolkit.

The commission will host two events at the N.C. Freedom Park site in June.

The NCAAHC and the North Carolina State Capitol will host walking tours of the Capitol grounds and Freedom Park Saturday, June 14 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

On Saturday, June 21, the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission invites visitors to N.C. Freedom Park in downtown Raleigh to celebrate the inspiration and reflections of North Carolina’s African American history. Led by the dynamic vocalist and historian Mary D. Williams, the event will feature tables inviting attendees to explore Freedom Park and the valuable resources offered by the African American Heritage Commission, the State Library of North Carolina, and the State Archives of North Carolina.

For information about the commission’s June events, visit https://aahc.nc.gov/events.

For more information about Juneteenth, including how the holiday is being marked at sites across the state, visit the 2025 Juneteenth Event Calendar | NCAAHC.

DNCR Juneteenth Observances

North Carolina African American Heritage Commission
1 E. Edenton St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Voices of Freedom Walking Tour
June 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
On Saturday, June 14, in commemoration and honor of Juneteenth, the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission and the North Carolina State Capitol invite visitors to downtown Raleigh for walking tours of the Capitol grounds and Freedom Park. Tours will take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This new guided walking tour will connect the history of the Capitol to individuals highlighted in Freedom Park. Tour topics include the enslaved men whose skill and labor constructed the Capitol, the stories of the Civil Rights movement in downtown Raleigh, and the African Americans who fought for freedom across our state’s history. Participants have a chance to win a NCAAHC tote bag at the end of each tour. Register by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/voices-of-freedom-walking-tour-tickets-1355351806739. Contact: ncaahc@ncdcr.gov

Songs of Liberation at NC Freedom Park
218 N. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC 27601
June 21, 2-4 p.m.
NC Freedom Park celebrates the inspiration and reflections of North Carolina’s African American history. Led by the dynamic vocalist and historian Mary D. Williams, this incredible performance honors the ideals of NC Freedom Park. The event will also feature tables inviting attendees to explore NC Freedom Park and the valuable resources offered by the African American Heritage Commission, the State Library of North Carolina, and the State Archives of North Carolina. Contact: ncaahc@ncdcr.gov

North Carolina Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607
Open Stu: Proofs of Black Life
Friday, June 20, 6-11 p.m.
This Juneteenth weekend, join artists Derrick Beasley and Marcella Zigbuo Camara for Proofs of Black Life, a special edition of their ongoing community series, Open Stu.

Open Stu: Proofs of Black Life is an invitation to the North Carolina creative community to create archival memory that centers Blackness. With the NCMA’s current exhibition, The Time Is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure as a backdrop, attendees are invited to contribute to the expansive canon of Black cultural memory through portraiture and archiving. Childcare is available. Cash bar and refreshments. Contact: (919) 715-5923 or help@ncartmuseum.org

Historic Stagville
5828 Old Oxford Rd, Durham, NC 27712
Emancipation Tours at Stagville
Thursday, June 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.Each June, Historic Stagville offers special tours focused on Emancipation as part of the site’s commemoration of Juneteenth. This guided tour will highlight how enslaved people claimed their freedom at Stagville in 1865. Please call ahead for groups of 10 or more. Space may be limited in Juneteenth tours depending on guide availability. The event is free. Contact: (919) 620-0120, or stagville@dncr.nc.gov

Juneteenth at Stagville
5828 Old Oxford Rd, Durham, NC 27712
Thursday, June 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Visit Stagville for the site’s Juneteenth program to remember and celebrate freedom at one of the state’s largest plantations. Explore local history about slavery and emancipation in Piedmont, North Carolina. Visit the original slave quarters at Horton Grove to reflect and remember those who survived slavery. Discover real stories of African American families who witnessed emancipation. Stories of love, loss, family, and resistance illuminate the complex history of freedom in 1865. This year will be the 19th annual Juneteenth program at Historic Stagville. Free. Contact: (919) 620-0120, or stagville@dncr.nc.gov

Museum of the Albemarle
501 S. Water St., Elizabeth City, NC, 27909
Take It, Make It: Celebrate Freedom on Juneteenth
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Stop by and pick up a free Take It, Make It Packet to celebrate Juneteenth! You’ll find at-home activities, learning resources, and information about regional sites that explore the history of slavery and emancipation in northeastern North Carolina. Packets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Contact: Noah Janis, (252) 331-4032, or noah.janis@dncr.nc.gov

Lake Norman State Park
759 State Park Rd. Troutman, NC, 28166
StoryWalk©: Juneteenth for Mazie and Make your own Juneteenth Flag
June 1-30, All Day
The story walk is all month-long during park hours.Take a break from the heat and walk around inside the visitor center at Lake Norman State Park to read Floyd Cooper’s “Juneteenth for Mazie.” Visitors can also enjoy a make-your-own Juneteenth Flag craft station. Juneteenth-themed books will feature on a table display, to help celebrate our newest federal holiday. “Juneteenth for Mazie” was written and illustrated by Floyd Cooper and was published by Picture Window Books in 2015. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont. Contact: (704) 528-6350, or lake.norman@ncparks.gov

Jones Lake State Park
4117 N.C. 242 N., Elizabethtown, NC 28337
StoryWalk©: Juneteenth for Mazie and Make your own Juneteenth Bracelet
Thursday, June 19, 10-11 a.m.
Join park staff in celebrating Juneteenth with a StoryWalk reading of Floyd Cooper’s “Juneteenth for Mazie” and bracelet making. The StoryWalk will be up throughout the week for all to enjoy. There will be Juneteenth bracelet making starting at 10 a.m. Participants should meet at the Jones Lake State Park Visitor Center at 10 a.m.Juneteenth-themed books will be featured on a table display. “Juneteenth for Mazie” was written and illustrated by Floyd Cooper and was published by Picture Window Books in 2015.The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont. Contact: Monique Mckoy, monique.mckoy@ncparks.gov

Vance Birthplace
911 Reems Creek Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787
Summer Storytime
Saturday, June 21,10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Families with young children can enjoy stories themed around Juneteenth and the Fourth of July in the Vance house at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m. Try out fun crafts in the visitor center as well! This event is free and does not require registration in advance, but donations are accepted. Our storytimes will be held seasonally/quarterly. Children who attend multiple storytimes are eligible for fun, bookish prizes at our Christmas Storytime in December. Contact: vance@dncr.nc.gov, or (828) 645-6706.

About the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission
Created in 2008, the African American Heritage Commission is a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The commission works across the department to preserve, protect, and promote the state’s African American history, art, and culture for all people. Its endeavors include identifying heritage sites, compiling resources for educators, extending the work of national programs such as the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom Underground Railroad, and independent initiatives, including Oasis Spaces: Green Book Project African to Carolina, and much more. For additional information, please visit aahc.nc.gov

About the North Carolina State Capitol
The State Capitol’s mission is to preserve and interpret the history and function of the 1840 building and Union Square. It is within the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, and is located at One Edenton Street, Raleigh. For additional information, please call or visit historicsites.nc.gov/.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

May 30, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ‘Blue Whales’ exhibition opens at Museum of Natural Sciences June 21

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: ‘Blue Whales’ exhibition opens at Museum of Natural Sciences June 21

‘Blue Whales’ exhibition opens at Museum of Natural Sciences June 21
jejohnson6
Wed, 06/04/2025 – 10:58

Blue whales are BIG! How big are they? They can grow up to 110 feet long, weigh up to 400,000 pounds, and have a heart the size of a small car. Even their appetites are big: they can eat 16 tons of tiny, shrimp-like krill in a day. And their voices? Blue whale songs can travel 1,000 miles underwater and measure 190+ decibels. Dive into the details behind their mind-blowing biology and discover how these mammals became and remain our planet’s largest animals ever in “Blue Whales,” a new special exhibition opening at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences on June 21. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Visitors to “Blue Whales” will see the enormous skeleton of a recovered blue whale and the only blue whale heart model in the world, then discover how these giant creatures evolved from land to sea, how they became so giant and how they breathe. Or step into the exhibition’s Whale Sound Chamber and experience surround-sound whale calls, compare different whale songs, and learn how and what exactly whales are communicating.

Visitors will also learn about blue whales’ remarkable feeding behavior. Their enormous mouths contain rows of baleen — made of keratin like human nails or hair — that hang in “plates” from their upper jaw and act like a sieve. During feeding, blue whales open their mouths wide and engulf large volumes of water and krill, then push the water out of their mouth with their tongue while their baleen keeps the krill trapped inside. The exhibition even offers “License to Krill,” an exciting game of survival where visitors try to dodge dangerous obstacles and “dive deep” to capture and eat krill.

Despite their massive size, blue whales are very vulnerable, and their population is only a small fraction of what it was before commercial whaling significantly reduced their numbers during the early 1900s. This immersive exhibition provides insight into what caused the decline of blue whales, what’s being done to protect them, and how scientists are using DNA to unlock some of the secrets of these elusive creatures.

“Blue Whales” is produced and circulated by the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum), Toronto, Canada. Sponsored by Friends of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. After nine blue whales were trapped beneath sea ice and died off the coast of Newfoundland in 2014, researchers from ROM worked with community partners to recover two of the whales, one of which is featured in this exhibition.

“Blue Whales” runs through Jan. 11, 2026, and is offered in English and French.

Admission: Museum Members get in FREE. Join today at naturalsciences.org/membership. Non-member Adults $18, Children (3–12) $14. Tickets are available onsite at the Museum Box Office or online at naturalsciences.org/whales. Exhibition Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.); also open Mondays (May 26 – Sept. 1 only), 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.).

About the NC Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh (11 and 121 W. Jones St.) is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world. In addition to two downtown buildings showcasing seven floors of world-class exhibits, the Museum runs Prairie Ridge Ecostation, a 45-acre outdoor education and research facility in west Raleigh, as well as satellite facilities in Whiteville, Greenville and Grifton (Contentnea Creek). Our mission is to illuminate the natural world and inspire its conservation. Downtown Raleigh Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. General admission is free. For more information, visit www.naturalsciences.org.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

Jun 2, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Aquatic WILD Workshop Gets Educators Outside at NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Aquatic WILD Workshop Gets Educators Outside at NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Aquatic WILD Workshop Gets Educators Outside at NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
jejohnson6
Wed, 06/04/2025 – 10:30

PINE KNOLL SHORES

Formal and informal educators get ready for a bit of fun this summer during an interactive, hands-on, STEM workshop called Aquatic WILD on June 9 at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The Aquarium is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Any interested teachers, informal educators, and homeschool parents can sign up for Aquatic WILD workshop from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. June 9 at the Aquarium.

During the Aquatic WILD workshop, an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing wildlife, teachers will learn how to use the Aquatic WILD curriculum and activity guide, engage with other educators, and participate in WILD field investigations, STEM activities, outdoor activities, and connections to wildlife careers.

“We hope that teachers will be able to use the WILD guides to incorporate environmental and conservation education into their daily teaching and be able to connect their students with the wildlife around them,” said Michelle Van-Hove, NCAPKS educator.

All activities are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and North Carolina’s science, ELA, social studies, and math curriculums. Incorporating the curriculum in teachings will also help in WILD’s main goal of assisting students in developing awareness, responsible behavior, and constructive actions concerning wildlife and the environment.

To register, visit the website www.ncaquariums.com/pks-teachers.

About the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, N.C. 28512. The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Its mission is to inspire the appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments and animals. The Aquarium is under the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, please visit www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

Jun 3, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Summer Paint Night Series Starts June 11 at N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Summer Paint Night Series Starts June 11 at N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

Summer Paint Night Series Starts June 11 at N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
jejohnson6
Wed, 06/04/2025 – 10:26

PINE KNOLL SHORES

Splash into an underwater world of art during Family Paint Nights Under the Sea at N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The summer paint night series starts June 11 and ends Aug. 11 with a Sip and Paint. The Aquarium is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

During Family Paint Nights, paint a sea turtle June 11, a sea star June 18, a seahorse July 2, or octopus July 9 with your family, your friends, or for yourself. Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy while you make fin-tastic memories during this relaxing night of creating artwork.

Instructors will provide all painting supplies and guide you every step of the way. Family Paint Nights are held 6:30-8:30 p.m. in front of the 306,000-gallon Living Shipwreck habitat and are for ages 6 and up. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

On Aug. 11, for one night only the Aquarium will host a Sip and Paint for ages 21 and up where participants will paint a beach sunset scene. For this special paint night, bring your own beverage and favorite snacks. Event will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Family Paint Nights and Sip and Paints are limited-capacity events. Register and purchase tickets only online before the event. No ticket sales at the door. Visit the event page for more information and to register for individual paint nights. www.ncaquariums.com/paint-nights.

About the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, N.C. 28512. The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Its mission is to inspire the appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments and animals. The Aquarium is under the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, please visit www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.

About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.

Jun 3, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025