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Category: Entertainment

  • MIL-Evening Report: Vancouver SUV attack exposes crowd management falldowns and casts a pall on Canada’s election

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ali Asgary, Professor, Disaster & Emergency Management, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies & Director, CIFAL York, York University, Canada

    A car attack at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver just two days before Canada’s federal election has killed at least 11 people and injured many more.

    The carnage along a street lined with food trucks took place shortly after one of the men vying to become Canada’s prime minister — New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh — attended the event. A shell-shocked Singh observed a moment of silence in Penticton, B.C., during another campaign stop the next day.

    A 30-year-old Vancouver resident has been arrested, but the motivation behind the attack is unknown.

    Vancouver police say the suspect has mental health issues and was known to police prior to the attack. Police also told a news conference there was no indication there was a need for extra policing at the festival, deeming it to have a “low threat level.”

    What goes into making that calculation, and is a public event ever truly low-risk?

    Vancouver police hold a news conference on the SUV attack. (CTV News)

    Difficulties of crowd management

    The Vancouver SUV attack is now classified as a crowd-related or mass gathering type of disaster. There have been cases of public vehicle-ramming attacks in Canada in the past, in particular the 2018 Toronto van attack that left 10 people dead.

    While it’s not yet known whether the Vancouver attack was targeted, there were clearly weaknesses in crowd management for such a large gathering. These types of attacks have been on the increase over the past decade and are now considered one of the prime threats to mass gatherings in public spaces and streets.

    Unfortunately, many mass gathering events do not allocate either sufficient resources or time for crowd management procedures, particularly those related to risk and emergency management.

    Organizing mass gathering events in public spaces should factor in different threats, including the potential for car ramming, and implement effective mitigation and preparedness measures.

    ‘Soft targets’

    Many public spaces where these events take place are vulnerable to car attacks. Evidence shows that mass gatherings are soft targets, meaning they’re easily accessible to large numbers of people and have limited security, protective and warning measures in place. Extreme precautions are needed to protect the public from such attacks so that they don’t become mass casualty events.

    Those in attendance should be aware that public spaces generally lack physical barriers, or the proper distribution of them, to resist car or vehicle attacks.

    While public awareness programs exist for other hazards such as flooding, earthquakes and extreme weather events, it’s now clear that such awareness and education are needed for mass public gatherings too.

    Police should be aware that relying on limited surveillance may not be sufficient to identify such threats at the scene. Vehicle access and traffic control should be in place throughout such events. Lack of warning systems to quickly inform the crowd about an ongoing attack further increases the impacts of vehicular attacks.

    Much of the focus on these types of events has been on the motivations of the attackers. Since a considerable number of vehicle-ramming attacks have been attributed to terrorism, communities or events with the perception of lower terrorism threats may not pay close enough attention to this type of threat.



    Read more:
    Toronto’s most recent car attack was a targeted crime, not a mass attack

    Impact on the election?

    Canadians aren’t likely to get many more details about the Vancouver attack until after voting day on Monday. Could the tragedy have an impact on the outcome of the federal election?

    Past and recent studies have drawn different conclusions about the impact of disasters on election results.

    According to what’s known as retrospective voting theory, voters judge governments on how they manage disasters, particularly highly publicized, tragic events, when casting their ballots. Voters can evaluate governments based on their handling of the disaster and the amount of effort they have put into minimizing risk.

    Some studies have found that local governments were rewarded after disaster events, including Calgary after the 2013 floods, several Italian municipal governments after earthquakes, local government officials in Brazil amid municipal drought declarations and civic elections in Japan after earthquakes, tsunamis and floods.



    Read more:
    Why Canada needs to dramatically update how it prepares for and manages emergencies

    Voters can and do punish or reward governments and elected politicians based on the effects of recent disasters on them and governments’ responses to them.

    But given how soon the Canadian election is being held after the disaster occurred — and the record number of voters who have already cast their ballots in advance polls — this tragedy isn’t likely to have a substantial impact.

    Hopefully, however, it will have an influence on how organizers, police and other authorities manage public crowds and events at a time when vehicle-ramming attacks are becoming a recurrent threat. Those elected this election should prioritize efforts to ensure communities can have safer mass gathering events.

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

    – ref. Vancouver SUV attack exposes crowd management falldowns and casts a pall on Canada’s election – https://theconversation.com/vancouver-suv-attack-exposes-crowd-management-falldowns-and-casts-a-pall-on-canadas-election-255395

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Vancouver SUV attack exposes crowd management falldowns and casts a pall on Canada’s election

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ali Asgary, Professor, Disaster & Emergency Management, Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies & Director, CIFAL York, York University, Canada

    A car attack at a Filipino street festival in Vancouver just two days before Canada’s federal election has killed at least 11 people and injured many more.

    The carnage along a street lined with food trucks took place shortly after one of the men vying to become Canada’s prime minister — New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh — attended the event. A shell-shocked Singh observed a moment of silence in Penticton, B.C., during another campaign stop the next day.

    A 30-year-old Vancouver resident has been arrested, but the motivation behind the attack is unknown.

    Vancouver police say the suspect has mental health issues and was known to police prior to the attack. Police also told a news conference there was no indication there was a need for extra policing at the festival, deeming it to have a “low threat level.”

    What goes into making that calculation, and is a public event ever truly low-risk?

    Vancouver police hold a news conference on the SUV attack. (CTV News)

    Difficulties of crowd management

    The Vancouver SUV attack is now classified as a crowd-related or mass gathering type of disaster. There have been cases of public vehicle-ramming attacks in Canada in the past, in particular the 2018 Toronto van attack that left 10 people dead.

    While it’s not yet known whether the Vancouver attack was targeted, there were clearly weaknesses in crowd management for such a large gathering. These types of attacks have been on the increase over the past decade and are now considered one of the prime threats to mass gatherings in public spaces and streets.

    Unfortunately, many mass gathering events do not allocate either sufficient resources or time for crowd management procedures, particularly those related to risk and emergency management.

    Organizing mass gathering events in public spaces should factor in different threats, including the potential for car ramming, and implement effective mitigation and preparedness measures.

    ‘Soft targets’

    Many public spaces where these events take place are vulnerable to car attacks. Evidence shows that mass gatherings are soft targets, meaning they’re easily accessible to large numbers of people and have limited security, protective and warning measures in place. Extreme precautions are needed to protect the public from such attacks so that they don’t become mass casualty events.

    Those in attendance should be aware that public spaces generally lack physical barriers, or the proper distribution of them, to resist car or vehicle attacks.

    While public awareness programs exist for other hazards such as flooding, earthquakes and extreme weather events, it’s now clear that such awareness and education are needed for mass public gatherings too.

    Police should be aware that relying on limited surveillance may not be sufficient to identify such threats at the scene. Vehicle access and traffic control should be in place throughout such events. Lack of warning systems to quickly inform the crowd about an ongoing attack further increases the impacts of vehicular attacks.

    Much of the focus on these types of events has been on the motivations of the attackers. Since a considerable number of vehicle-ramming attacks have been attributed to terrorism, communities or events with the perception of lower terrorism threats may not pay close enough attention to this type of threat.



    Read more:
    Toronto’s most recent car attack was a targeted crime, not a mass attack

    Impact on the election?

    Canadians aren’t likely to get many more details about the Vancouver attack until after voting day on Monday. Could the tragedy have an impact on the outcome of the federal election?

    Past and recent studies have drawn different conclusions about the impact of disasters on election results.

    According to what’s known as retrospective voting theory, voters judge governments on how they manage disasters, particularly highly publicized, tragic events, when casting their ballots. Voters can evaluate governments based on their handling of the disaster and the amount of effort they have put into minimizing risk.

    Some studies have found that local governments were rewarded after disaster events, including Calgary after the 2013 floods, several Italian municipal governments after earthquakes, local government officials in Brazil amid municipal drought declarations and civic elections in Japan after earthquakes, tsunamis and floods.



    Read more:
    Why Canada needs to dramatically update how it prepares for and manages emergencies

    Voters can and do punish or reward governments and elected politicians based on the effects of recent disasters on them and governments’ responses to them.

    But given how soon the Canadian election is being held after the disaster occurred — and the record number of voters who have already cast their ballots in advance polls — this tragedy isn’t likely to have a substantial impact.

    Hopefully, however, it will have an influence on how organizers, police and other authorities manage public crowds and events at a time when vehicle-ramming attacks are becoming a recurrent threat. Those elected this election should prioritize efforts to ensure communities can have safer mass gathering events.

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

    – ref. Vancouver SUV attack exposes crowd management falldowns and casts a pall on Canada’s election – https://theconversation.com/vancouver-suv-attack-exposes-crowd-management-falldowns-and-casts-a-pall-on-canadas-election-255395

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Missing mother Leonie Emery subject of a Cold Case episode

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Hunkin:

    Police investigating the disappearance of missing mother Leonie Emery in 2018 are encouraging people to watch Monday night’s Cold Case episode on TV One.

    Leonie who was just 25 years old when she disappeared without a trace seven years ago, leaving behind her four children and devastated whānau.

    Leonie was a free spirit who moved around regularly so her family were used to regular periods of no contact. She was reported missing to Police in 2019 but it’s believed she had not been seen or heard from for around a year prior to that.

    Investigators have undertaken extensive enquiries to understand Leonie’s last movements and what might have happened to her. Police have examined several possible scenarios but believe it is most likely that Leonie has been the victim of foul play.

    Leonie had been spending time in the Waikato but was last seen at a family member’s address in Papakura sometime in late January, early February 2018. Where did she go when she left and who was she with? These are some of the questions we need the public’s help with.

    The Cold Case episode will outline key elements of this investigation and we hope it will prompt someone to come forward with information which will help us get the answers Leonie’s whānau desperately want.

    We know there are people out there with key information Police need. Please tune in on Monday at 8:30pm to watch the episode.

    We urge anyone with information, no matter how small you might think it is to contact Police.

    If you can help, call 0800 COLD CASE (0800 2653 2273).

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: AI game-changer for timber manufacturing

    Source: Worksafe New Zealand

    AI-driven hazard detection is coming to timber manufacturing, thanks to a new agreement worth nearly half a million dollars between WorkSafe New Zealand and a major player in the wood processing industry.

    Claymark, New Zealand’s largest manufacturer and exporter of premium pine products, is putting $481,000 into a range of initiatives. It comes after a worker had two fingers amputated in a machine at Claymark’s Rotorua factory in February 2023.

    WorkSafe’s investigation found the machine was unguarded and there was an ineffective system for maintenance. Training and supervision of workers also fell short.

    WorkSafe has now accepted an enforceable undertaking (EU) from Claymark. An EU is a binding commitment to fund and resource comprehensive health and safety improvements. Claymark’s EU includes:

    • CCTV systems incorporating AI technology to indicate risks to workers’ health and safety in real time.
    • Offering up to 15 trials of the technology to other businesses in the wood manufacturing sector.
    • Microlearning and interactive displays in break rooms to upskill workers on health and safety.
    • Reparation to the victim.

    We are sharing details of the investment to coincide with World Day for Health and Safety at Work, which this year focuses on the impacts of digitalisation and artificial intelligence on workers’ health and safety.

    Workers in action at Claymark’s Vaughan Road factory in Rotorua.

    “We are looking forward to seeing Claymark pioneer its AI innovation to benefit the timber processing sector more broadly. Agreements like this are all about enacting positive improvements from an adverse event,” says WorkSafe’s Head of Regulatory Services, Tracey Conlon.

    “The initiatives align with WorkSafe’s priority plan for manufacturing, which is one of the most high-risk sectors for workers in Aotearoa. Unsafe machinery is a persistent problem in the sector, which businesses cannot overlook.”

    EUs are a way for WorkSafe to hold businesses accountable for health and safety breaches. WorkSafe monitors progress on the agreed commitments and can seek a court order enforcing them if they are not upheld. WorkSafe’s role is to influence businesses to meet their responsibilities and keep people healthy and safe.

    Read the Claymark decision document

    Find out about enforceable undertakings

    Statement from Claymark’s executive director Paul Pedersen

    At Claymark, the health, safety, and wellbeing of our people is our highest priority. An incident involving one of our team members has had a significant impact – both physically and emotionally. We acknowledge the effect this has had on the individual, their whānau, and our wider community, and we are committed to learning from this experience to ensure safer outcomes for everyone.

    Through our enforceable undertaking, we see a valuable opportunity to drive meaningful, people-focused change – both within Claymark and across the wood manufacturing sector.

    Our key initiatives include:

    • Engaging with local communities and schools in the towns where we operate to promote safe wood manufacturing practices and support safe, informed pathways into the industry.
    • Working alongside the Central North Island Wood Council (CNIWC) and other industry bodies to share our learnings and help build a stronger health and safety culture sector-wide.
    • Investing in our people through modern, online and interactive training modules, with flexible learning tailored to roles and responsibilities. We are also exploring the potential of AI to support smarter, more responsive safety systems and personalised learning experiences.

    This is about more than compliance – it’s about creating a workplace where our people feel informed, supported, and safe. Claymark is committed to continuous improvement and collaboration as we work towards a safer, stronger future for our people, our industry, and our communities.

    Statement from the injured worker

    On 27 February 2023, my life changed forever. While performing my job, I suffered an injury that resulted in the amputation of two fingers on my right hand. Since that day, I’ve undergone three surgeries to address the damage, and while recovery has been challenging, I remain hopeful about the possibility of prosthetic fingers in the future.

    Everyday tasks I once took for granted like writing, showering, even holding objects, now require patience and adaptation. Music, which has always been a passion of mine, has become a bittersweet pursuit; playing the guitar and trumpet now demands creativity and resilience as I relearn techniques with my altered hand.

    Throughout this journey, my wife, children, and wider whānau have been my rock. Their unwavering emotional support and practical help have carried me through the darkest moments of my recovery. I cannot overstate how grateful I am for their love and strength.

    I’m deeply appreciative of Claymark’s commitment to workplace safety improvements outlined in this agreement, many of which I’ve witnessed firsthand. At 51, retirement isn’t an option I’m ready to consider which is why I feel fortunate to continue contributing to Claymark’s team. While my path forward looks different than I once imagined, I’m determined to adapt and keep moving ahead, one day at a time.

    Media contacts

    For WorkSafe: media@worksafe.govt.nz

    For Claymark: walter@claymark.co.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why film and TV creators will still risk it all for the perfect long take shot

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kristian Ramsden, PhD Candidate, University of Adelaide

    Apple TV

    In the second episode of Apple TV’s The Studio (2025–) – a sharp satirical take on contemporary Hollywood – newly-appointed studio head Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) visits the set of one of his company’s film productions.

    He finds the crew anxiously attempting to pull off an extremely audacious and technically demanding shot known as a “oner”, or “long take”. Chaos ensues.

    But despite the difficulties associated with it, the long take has a long history and continues to be a promising creative choice in contemporary film and television.

    High stakes on the set

    The long take is a shot which captures a scene in a single, unbroken take.

    It’s a risky endeavour. While most film and TV production is constructed through the use of coverage – different shots edited together – the long take can’t hide behind the editing process. Every minute detail needs to be perfectly planned, executed and captured.

    As a result, the oner is often associated with big, ostentatious, showstopping set pieces that exemplify technical and directorial prowess. Think of the “Copacabana” sequence from Goodfellas (1990), or the opening scene of Children of Men (2006).

    The shot has gained a cultish type of reverence among film enthusiasts, with countless online articles and videos counting down the “best long takes in film history”.

    Yet the practice also has its detractors. Film critic A.A. Dowd’s recent article for The Ringer says that “to the unimpressed, oners often come across as an act of glorified self-glorification”.

    This dichotomy is also highlighted in The Studio, when one executive complains long takes are just directors showing off. Rogen’s character counters the oner is, in fact, “the ultimate cinematic achievement”.

    A theory of the long take

    The long take has existed in nearly every stage of film history – from silent films to sound, from Asian films to European, and from art-house to mainstream.

    The greatest advocate of the long take was arguably French film theorist André Bazin. In his piece The Evolution of Film Language, Bazin argued cinema’s greatest asset was its ability to capture reality – and the long take was central to his understanding of how film achieved that.

    For Bazin, editing “did not show us the event, but alluded to it”. To illustrate his point, he examines a scene from Robert Flaherty’s controversial silent documentary Nanook of the North (1922), in which a hunter patiently waits for his prey.

    The passage of time could have been suggested by editing but, as Bazin notes, Flaherty “confines himself to showing the actual waiting period”. If the act of editing creates a synthetic manipulation of space and time, then the long take does the opposite – bringing us closer to a true representation of reality. For Bazin, the length “is the very substance of the image”.

    The tradition of the long take – of showing “reality” – is perhaps most upheld in the world of art-house cinema. Directors such as Chantal Akerman, Béla Tarr, Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Tsai Ming-liang have used the long take to “de-dramatise” narrative, creating a deliberately slow pace to prompt audiences to contemplate aspects of existence traditional narratives usually ignore.

    Mainstream cinema also uses the long take to show “reality”, albeit in a different manner. Here, the long take has often been used as a mark of authenticity for the amazing feats of practical performers, whether this is the wild stunts or camera trickery of Buster Keaton, the balletic graces of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers or this white-knuckled fight scene from The Protector (2005), starring Thai martial artist Tony Jaa.

    However, our strong association between the oner and a distinct directorial vision likely began with Citizen Kane (1941). In this film, screen reality itself is manipulated, as director Orson Welles and cinematographer Gregg Toland liberated the camera to move as if it was its own player in the drama.

    In the below example, the camera starts outside, before reversing backwards through a window and two different rooms. The actors are constantly repositioning themselves around the camera for dramatic impetus, rather than for reality.

    Bazin would refer to this as “shooting in depth”. Subsequent auteurs also embraced this technique, including William Wyler, Max Ophüls, Stanley Kubrick and Steven Spielberg.

    Many viewed it as a chance to up the ante from Welles, something the director did himself with the remarkable opening sequence of his 1958 film Touch of Evil.

    The future of the long take

    There are far too many oners for me to list here, and they seem to only be increasing. It’s now common to see entire films seemingly shot in one take, such as Russian Ark (2002), Birdman (2014), 1917 (2019) and Boiling Point (2021), to name a few.

    Technological advancements have made the long take more achievable. Camera stabilisers enable greater freedom of movement, while digital camera tech allows us to record for longer durations.

    Furthermore, digital compositing has made it easier to fake the long take, such as in Birdman and 1917. Both of these films use multiple long takes that are strategically edited to look like a single shot. Impossible-to-see cuts may be hidden in dark moments, or through fast whip pans.

    Prestige television has also lifted the oner practice, with examples from shows such as Mr. Robot (2015-19), True Detective (2014–), The Bear (2022-), Severance (2022) and, of course, The Studio.

    But perhaps the most remarkable recent example comes from Netflix’s Adolescence (2025), a show in which four separate standalone episodes are all shot in a single long take.

    In the age of TikTok and shortening attention spans, it should strike us as positive to see a resurgence of the long take as a creative choice in so much contemporary film and TV.

    Kristian Ramsden receives funding, in the form of a research stipend, from The University of Adelaide.

    – ref. Why film and TV creators will still risk it all for the perfect long take shot – https://theconversation.com/why-film-and-tv-creators-will-still-risk-it-all-for-the-perfect-long-take-shot-254796

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Risk Strategies acquires GMC Advisors, LLC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOSTON, April 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Risk Strategies, a leading North American specialty insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firm, announced today that it has acquired GMC Advisors, LLC., based in Houston. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

    Headed by owner Greg Chubon, GMC Advisors is a specialist in commercial lines insurance products, with a focus on the construction and manufacturing industries, as well as companies in the energy sector. Founded in 2003, the firm has built a record of consistent growth propelled by specialty knowledge and a focus on helping middle-market companies in target industries.

    “It is great to add such deep industry expertise to our West Region as we continue to build out our national capabilities in key industries,” said Pat Roth, West Region Leader, Risk Strategies. “Our firm has built its success on the strength of its people and their specialty knowledge. Greg and his team bring additional expertise to Risk Strategies, and we’re excited to have them help drive our growth and meet evolving client needs.”

    In addition to construction and manufacturing, GMC Advisors counts clients among engineering, oil and gas, and petrochemical-related firms in the region. Chubon is a 37-year industry veteran who, prior to founding GMC Advisors, held a number of positions for regional and national brokerages including new business development.

    “Joining Risk Strategies is a fantastic opportunity to scale our specialty focus while retaining our high-touch client service philosophy,” said Chubon, Founder, GMC Advisors. “I’m excited to be able to offer new and expanded capabilities to our clients, as well as new career path opportunities for our people.”

    The acquisition of GMC Advisors adds to the broader specialty expertise cultivated by Risk Strategies in its West Region over the preceding decade. In 2016, for instance, Risk Strategies acquired Dallas-based McLaughlin Brunson Insurance Agency, a leading specialist in architects and engineers’ professional liability insurance. In 2020, it acquired Colorado-based Transport Risk Management, a leading specialist in aviation insurance. The 2021 acquisition of Fournier Group of Portland, Oregon brought expertise in the restaurant and hospitality industries, as well as aviation. Bringing in New Mexico-based Burke Insurance Group in 2022 brought deep expertise in construction surety bonds.

    About Risk Strategies

    Risk Strategies, part of Accession Risk Management Group, is a North American specialty brokerage firm offering comprehensive risk management services, property and casualty insurance and reinsurance placement, employee benefits, private client services, consulting services, and financial & wealth solutions. The 9th largest U.S. privately held broker, we advise businesses and personal clients, have access to all major insurance markets, and 30+ specialty industry and product line practices and experts in 200+ offices – Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Grand Cayman, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, Montreal, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, and Washington, DC. RiskStrategies.com

    Media Contact 
    Alana Bannan
    Senior Account Executive 
    (720) 400-8025
    Rsc@matternow.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Caitlin Johnstone: All the worst evils are happening right out In the open

    Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

    COMMENTARY: By Caitlin Johnstone

    Donald Trump is committing genocide for Israel after publicly admitting to being bought and owned by the Adelsons.

    All the worst shit happens right out in the open. You don’t need to come up with any elaborate conspiracy theories to see it. It’s right there, completely unhidden.

    It’s not hidden, it’s just spun. Disguised by the propaganda of the mass media which frame this holocaust as a war of defence in response to a terrorist attack while constantly diverting our attention to other far less significant issues.

    It says so much about the power of the imperial propaganda machine that Trump could openly admit to having been fully controlled by Adelson cash on the campaign trail, get elected, and then facilitate a blatant extermination campaign in Gaza while aggressively stomping out free speech that is critical of Israel throughout the United States  —  and somehow not have this be the main thing that everyone talks about all the time. It is only because our minds are being forcefully manipulated by the powerful at mass scale that this has been the case.


    All the worst evils . . .                         Video/Audio: Caitlin Johnstone

    The narrative spin is greatly aided by the fact that Trump isn’t doing much different from the previous president here. A public which has been indoctrinated from childhood into seeing everything in Democrat-vs-Republican binaries is conditioned to focus far more on the differences between the two parties than the similarities.

    But you can learn a whole lot more about real power and what’s actually going on in the world by paying less attention to how US presidents differ from each other, and more attention to the ways in which they are the same.

    The mass-scale psychological manipulation is so pervasive and ubiquitous that only a small minority are reacting to history’s first live-streamed genocide with an appropriate level of horror. If Americans could see what their government is doing in their name with fresh eyes and uncallused hearts, the nation’s capitol would be burnt to the ground within days.

    But because their vision is clouded by propaganda indoctrination they can’t see it, so they overlook what’s right in front of them while awaiting a gigantic Epstein bombshell or UFO disclosure or some other Big Reveal that never comes.

    Consider the possibility that the Big Reveal has already happened. That it’s been right here staring you in the face this entire time, but you haven’t noticed its significance because it has been constantly normalised for you throughout your life since you were small. That the truth behind all your most sparkly conspiracy theories could be published online tomorrow, and it still wouldn’t tell you as much about what your rulers are doing and how evil they are as what’s already happening in plain sight.

    This is the dystopia we were warned about. It’s not some ominous threat looming on the horizon. It’s here. We are being psychologically manipulated at mass scale into consenting to the most nightmarish atrocities imaginable.

    Children’s bodies are being shredded to bits right in front of us. And when you turn on the TV you see famous people laughing and making jokes with fake plastic grins, babbling about vapid nonsense. This is the dystopia. It isn’t on its way. It’s here.

    We don’t need a Big Reveal. If the Big Reveal happened next week, the public would be indoctrinated into overlooking and dismissing it by the imperial spin machine by the weekend. We don’t need new information, we need people to truly see the information that’s already here. To see it with eyes that are free from the cataracts of propaganda conditioning, with hearts that are free from the calluses of desensitisation.

    Waking the public up is less about whistleblowers, FOIA requests and investigative journalism at this point than it is about finding creative and artistic ways to get people noticing the information that’s already public.

    And the good news is that we can all help do this. We can all help our fellow members of the public to see what’s really happening with fresh eyes. Using our creativity, our humour, our insight and our compassion, we can find new ways every day to open a new pair of eyelids to the truth of our present circumstances.

    Our rulers do not have creativity. They do not have humour, insight or compassion. These are not tools that they have in their toolbox, and they have no weapons to counter them.

    All they have is manipulation, and manipulation only works if you don’t know it’s happening to you. Our task is to keep finding new and creative ways to help more people see and understand the ways in which they have been manipulated.

    Caitlin Johnstone is an Australian independent journalist and poet. Her articles include The UN Torture Report On Assange Is An Indictment Of Our Entire Society. She publishes a website and Caitlin’s Newsletter. This article is republished with permission.

    This article was first published on Café Pacific.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Distribution of “Our Home” USB devices and A4 folders

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Working Group on Patriotic Education (WGPE) under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee has produced USB devices containing the karaoke version of “Our Home” , the theme song of patriotic education, and A4 folders with messages of loving our country, Hong Kong and our community. They are being distributed to primary and secondary schools and students respectively starting from early October, so that patriotic education can be better integrated across campuses and into students’ daily studies and lives in an interesting and diversified manner.

    “Our Home” is performed by member of the Media Publicity Sub-group under the WGPE, Ms Cally Kwong, and produced by musician Alan Cheung. The key message encourages people to love their country as much as they love their families, as one can only have a family when they have a country. Each school will receive two USB devices. Teachers are welcome to use them during music classes or other school activities.

    The karaoke version can also be viewed at the following link: youtu.be/P5-TOHJUsp0?si=5tkZpaHx7BG5rGxC. For details, please refer to the press release: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202410/01/P2024093000426.htm.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Two Odia Talents to Shine at Waves 2025 Animation Film Competition Finals

    Source: Government of India

    Two Odia Talents to Shine at Waves 2025 Animation Film Competition Finals

    Bhagyashree Satpathy from Jajpur and Rishav Mohanty from Bhubaneswar to showcase their creative talent

    Posted On: 26 APR 2025 8:19PM by PIB Bhubaneshwar

     

     

    The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025), set to take place in Mumbai from May 1 to 4, will serve as a prestigious platform for India’s emerging creative talents. Among the 42 finalists selected from across the country for the Animation Filmmaker Competition under WAVES, two young talents from Odisha, Bhagyashree Satpathy of Jajpur and Rishav Mohanty of Bhubaneswar have made their mark.

     

    Bhagyashree Satpathy, a 22-year-old filmmaker and animation artist from Dharmasala, Jajpur, is currently pursuing her studies at the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. Deeply inspired by Indian mythology and regional folklore, Bhagyashree’s work reimagines traditional narratives with contemporary themes and a bold visual language. Her finalist project, “Pasa”, is a concept series that blends mythology with psychological drama, exploring manipulation, gender, and control. Bhagyashree has previously directed notable works such as Happy Birthday Tara and a documentary film based on Maa Kalijai of Chilika Lake, Odisha.

     

    Joining her is fellow NID Ahmedabad student, Rishav Mohanty from Bhubaneswar, who has earned his place in the finals with his animation documentary film titled “Khatti”. His work reflects a deep understanding of storytelling and visual narrative, highlighting the potential of animation as a medium for authentic and engaging documentation.

     

    At Waves 2025, the finalists will pitch their projects before an esteemed panel of international judges and top personalities from the global entertainment industry. The competition offers a significant opportunity: the top three winners will each receive a cash prize of ₹5 lakh. Moreover, the event underscores the immense economic potential of India’s animation and VFX industry, where a single animated feature film can generate employment for 100 to 300 professionals.

     

    WAVES 2025 not only seeks to celebrate India’s creative talents but also aims to encourage international collaborations and promote India as a global hub for animation and entertainment.

    With their unique storytelling styles and innovative concepts, Bhagyashree Satpathy and Rishav Mohanty are poised to make Odisha proud on the national stage.

     

     

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    P.S/Swadhin

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English rendering of PM’s address in the 121st Episode of ‘Mann ki Baat’ on 27.04.2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 27 APR 2025 11:47AM by PIB Delhi

    My dear countrymen, Namaskar. Today as I speak to you in ‘Mann Ki Baat’, there is a deep anguish in my heart. The terrorist incident that took place in Pahalgam on the 22nd of April has hurt every citizen of the country. Every Indian holds deep sympathies for the affected families. No matter which state one belongs to, no matter which language one speaks, one is feeling the pain of those who have lost their loved ones in this attack. I can feel that the blood of every Indian is on the boil after seeing the pictures of the terrorist attack. This attack in Pahalgam shows the desperation of the patrons of terrorism; displays their cowardice… at a time when peace was returning to Kashmir, there was a vibrancy in schools and colleges, construction work had gained unprecedented pace, democracy was getting stronger, the number of tourists was increasing at a record rate, people’s income was increasing, new opportunities were being created for the youth. The enemies of the country, the enemies of Jammu and Kashmir, did not like that. The terrorists and the masterminds of terror want Kashmir to be destroyed again and hence they executed such a big conspiracy. In this war against terrorism, the unity of the country, the solidarity of 140 crore Indians, is our biggest strength. This unity is the basis of our decisive fight against terrorism. We have to strengthen our resolve to face this challenge that has surfaced before the country. We have to demonstrate strong willpower as a nation. Today the world is watching, after this terrorist attack, the whole country is speaking in one voice.

    Friends, the anger that we the people of India feel, that anger is there in the whole world. After this terrorist attack, condolences are continuously pouring in from all over the world. Global leaders have called me up as well; written letters and sent messages too. Everyone has strongly condemned this heinous terrorist attack. They have expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. The whole world stands with 140 crore Indians in our fight against terrorism. I once again assure the affected families that they will get justice, and justice will be done. The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will be served with the harshest response.

    Friends, two days ago we lost the country’s great scientist Dr. K. Kasturirangan ji. Whenever I met Kasturirangan ji, we discussed topics like the talent of Indian youth, modern education, Space-Science. His contribution in lending newer heights to science, education and India’s Space Program shall always be remembered. ISRO attained a new identity under his leadership. The Space Programs that moved forward under his guidance gave global recognition to India’s efforts. Many of the satellites that India uses today were launched under the supervision of Dr. Kasturirangan.

    There was one more special facet to his personality, which the younger generation can learn from. He always accorded importance to innovation. The vision of learning, knowing and doing something new is very inspiring. Dr. K. Kasturirangan also played a major role in formulating the new National Education Policy of the country. Dr. Kasturirangan came up with the idea of ​​forward looking education according to the modern needs of the 21st century. His selfless service to the country and contribution to nation building will always be remembered. Very humbly, I pay my tribute to Dr. K. Kasturirangan.

    My dear countrymen, this month of April marks 50 years of the launch of the Aryabhatta Satellite. Today, when we look back and remember this journey of 50 years, we realize how far we have come. This flight of India’s dreams in space once commenced with just conviction. Some young scientists with the passion to do something for the nation … they neither had the modern resources like today, nor the access to world technology as such. If at all they had anything, it was talent, dedication, hard work and the passion to do something for the country. You must have seen pictures of our scientists carrying critical equipment themselves on bullock carts and bicycles. It is the result of that very dedication and spirit of service to the nation that so much has changed today. Today India has become a Global Space Power. We have created a record by launching 104 Satellites simultaneously. We have become the first country to reach the South Pole of the Moon.

    India has launched the Mars Orbiter Mission and we have reached pretty close to the Sun through the Aditya – L1 Mission. Today India is leading the most cost effective but successful Space Program in the entire world. Many countries of the world take help of ISRO for their Satellites and Space Missions. Friends, when we see a Satellite launch by ISRO, we are filled with pride. I had a similar feeling when I witnessed the launch of PSLV-C-23 in 2014. I was also present at the ISRO Center in Bengaluru during the landing of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019. At that time Chandrayaan failed to achieve the expected success, it was a very difficult time for the scientists. But I could see with my own eyes the patience of the scientists and their zeal to achieve something. And a few years later, the whole world too noticed how the same scientists made Chandrayaan-3 a success.

    Friends, now India has opened her Space Sector for the private sector as well. Today many youth are attaining new milestones in the field of Space Startups. 10 years ago, there was only one company, but today there are more than 325 Space Startups working in the country. The times to come are ushering in a lot of new possibilities in Space. India is going to scale new heights. The country is busy preparing for many important missions like Gaganyaan, SpaDeX and Chandrayaan-4. We are also working on the Venus Orbiter Mission and Mars Lander Mission. Our Space Scientists are going to fill the countrymen with new pride through their innovations.

    Friends, you certainly must have seen the horrific pictures of the earthquake that struck Myanmar last month. The earthquake caused huge devastation there… every breath, every moment was precious for the people trapped under the debris. That is why India immediately started Operation Brahma for our brothers and sisters in Myanmar. From Air Force aircraft to Navy ships, everything was sent to help Myanmar. The Indian team set up a field hospital there. A team of engineers helped in assessing the damage to important buildings and infrastructure. The Indian team supplied blankets, tents, sleeping bags, medicines, food items and many other things. During all of that, the Indian team also received a lot of appreciation from the people there.

    Friends, in this crisis, many heart-touching examples of courage, patience and ingenuity came to light. The Indian team rescued an elderly woman of more than 70 years of age who was buried under the debris for over 18 hours. Those who are watching ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on TV right now, you must be able to see the face of that elderly woman. The team from India provided every treatment facility, from stabilizing her oxygen level to treatment of fractures. When this elderly woman was discharged from the hospital, she expressed her gratitude to our team. She expressed that she had got a new life because of the Indian rescue team. Many people told our team that because of them they were able to locate their friends and relatives.

    Friends, after the earthquake, there was a possibility of many people being trapped in a monastery in Mandalay, Myanmar. Our team also carried out relief and rescue operations there, that resulted in them receiving a lot of blessings from Buddhist monks. We are very proud of all those who participated in Operation Brahma. We have our tradition, our values, the sentiment of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the whole world is one family. India’s readiness as the Vishwa-Mitra in times of crisis and India’s commitment to humanity is becoming the hallmark of our identity.

    Friends, I have come to know about an innovative effort of NRIs in Ethiopia, Africa. Indians living in Ethiopia have taken the initiative to send children who are suffering from heart disease since birth to India for treatment. Many such children are also being helped financially by Indian families. If the family of a child is unable to come to India on account of lack of money, our Indian brothers and sisters are making arrangements for that too. The effort is to ensure that every needy child of Ethiopia suffering from a serious ailment receives better treatment. This noble work of NRIs is being appreciated a lot in Ethiopia. You know that medical facilities are constantly improving in India. Citizens of other countries are also benefitting from that.

    Friends, just a few days ago, India has also sent a large quantity of vaccine for the people of Afghanistan. These vaccines will be useful in preventing dangerous diseases like Rabies, Tetanus, Hepatitis B and Influenza. This week, on Nepal’s request, India has sent a large consignment of medicines and vaccines there. This will ensure better treatment for patients of thalassemia and sickle cell disease. Whenever it comes to serving humanity, India has always been at the forefront and will always be at the forefront in every such need in the future as well.

    Friends, we were just referring to Disaster Management and the most important thing in dealing with any natural disaster is your alertness. You can now get help in this alertness from a special APP on your mobile. This APP can save you from getting trapped in any natural disaster and its name too is ‘Sachet’. The ‘Sachet APP’ has been developed by India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Be it flood, cyclone, land-slide, tsunami, forest fire, avalanche, storm, hurricane or lightning, ‘Sachet APP’ tries to keep you informed and protected in every way. Through this APP, you can receive updates related to the weather department. The special thing is that ‘Sachet APP’ also provides a lot of information in regional languages. You too should take advantage of this APP and share your experiences with us.

    My dear countrymen, today we see India’s talent being appreciated all over the world. India’s youth has changed the world’s view towards India and the interest of the youth of any country shows what the future of the country would be like. Today, India’s youth is moving towards science, technology and innovation. Even in those regions, which were earlier known for backwardness and other factors, the youth have set examples that give us new confidence. A Science Centre at Dantewada in Chhattisgarh is drawing everyone’s attention these days. Until some time ago, Dantewada was known only for violence and unrest, but now, the Science Centre there has become a new ray of hope for children and their parents. Children are enjoying going to this Science Centre. They are now learning everything from making new machines to technology.

    Through making new machines and using technology, they are learning to make new products now. They have got the opportunity to learn about 3D printers and robotic cars as well as other innovative things. Some time ago, I also inaugurated Science Galleries at Gujarat Science City. These galleries provide a glimpse of the potential of modern science, and how much science can do for us. I have been informed that the children there are very excited about these galleries. This growing attraction towards science and innovation will surely take India to new heights.

    My dear countrymen, the biggest strength of our country is our 140 crore citizens, their capability, their will power. And when crores of people join a campaign together, its impact is huge. An example of this is ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ – this campaign is in the name of the mother who gave birth to us and it is also for Mother Earth who ensconces us in her lap. Friends, On the 5th of June, on ‘World Environment Day’, this campaign is completing one year. During this one year, under this campaign, more than 140 crore trees have been planted in the name of the mother across the country. Observing this initiative of India, people outside the country have also planted trees in the name of their mother. You too should become a part of this campaign, so that on completion of one year, you can be proud of your participation.

    Friends, all of us know that trees provide coolness… we get relief from heat in the shade of trees. But recently I came across another news related to this which caught my attention. During the last few years, more than 70 lakh trees have been planted in Ahmedabad city of Gujarat. These trees have increased the green area in Ahmedabad to a great extent. Along with that, the number of water bodies has also increased here due to the construction of the River Front on the Sabarmati river and reconstruction of some lakes like Kankaria lake. Now news reports say that in the last few years, Ahmedabad has become one of the major cities fighting against global warming.

    The people there are also feeling this change; the coolness in the environment. The trees planted in Ahmedabad are becoming the reason of bringing myriad shades of happiness there. I again urge all of you to plant trees to maintain the health of the earth, to deal with the challenges of climate change, and to secure the future of your children. ‘Ek Ped – Maa Ke Naam’.

    Friends, there is an old saying ‘where there is a will there is a way’. When we decide to do something new, we certainly reach our destination. You must have eaten a lot of apples grown in the mountains. But, if I ask you whether you have tasted the apples of Karnataka, you will be surprised. Usually, we think that apples are grown only in the mountains. But Shri Shail Teli ji, who lives in Bagalkot, Karnataka, has grown apples in the plains. In his Kulali village, apple trees have started bearing fruits even in temperatures above 35 degrees. Actually since, Shri Shail Teli was fond of farming, so he tried apple farming as well and he attained success in it. Today, a lot of apples grow on the trees planted by him and he is earning a good income by selling them.

    Friends, now that we are talking about apples, you must have heard the name of Kinnauri apple. Saffron production has started in Kinnaur, famous for apples. Generally, saffron cultivation was little in Himachal, but now it has commenced in the beautiful Sangla valley of Kinnaur. One such example is Wayanad in Kerala.

    Success has been achieved in growing saffron there as well. And in Wayanad, this saffron is not being grown in any field or soil; rather with the help of the Aeroponics Technique. Something astonishingly similar has happened with the production of litchi. We had been hearing that litchi grows in Bihar, West Bengal or Jharkhand. But now litchi is being grown in South India and Rajasthan as well. Thiru Veera Arasu of Tamil Nadu used to cultivate coffee. He planted litchi trees in Kodaikanal and after 7 years of hard work, those trees have started bearing fruit. The success in growing litchi has inspired other farmers in the area. Jitendra Singh Ranawat has succeeded in growing litchi in Rajasthan. All these examples are very inspiring. If we decide to do something new and persist despite difficulties, even the impossible can be made possible.

    My dear countrymen, today is the last Sunday of April. The month of May is beginning in a few days. I will take you around 108 years back from today. The year 1917… these two months of April and May… a unique battle for independence was being fought in the country. The atrocities of the British were at their peak. The exploitation of the poor, the deprived and the farmers had crossed inhuman levels. On the fertile land of Bihar, the British were forcing the farmers to grow indigo. The farmers’ fields were becoming barren due to indigo cultivation, but the British government was least concerned. In such a situation, Gandhiji reached Champaran in Bihar in 1917.

    The farmers told Gandhiji – “our land is dying, we are not getting food grains to eat.” The pain of lakhs of farmers made a resolve come up in Gandhiji’s mind. From there the historic Satyagraha of Champaran started. ‘Champaran Satyagraha’ was the first big experiment by Bapu in India. The entire British rule was shaken by Bapu’s Satyagraha. The British had to suspend the law that forced farmers to cultivate indigo. This was a victory that infused new confidence in the freedom struggle. All of you must be aware that another son of Bihar also contributed a lot to this Satyagraha, who became the first President of the country after independence. The great personality was – Dr. Rajendra Prasad. He also wrote a book on the ‘Champaran Satyagraha’ – ‘Satyagraha in Champaran’… every young person should read this book. Brothers and sisters, many more indelible chapters of the freedom struggle are associated with April itself. Gandhiji’s ‘Dandi March’ culminated on the 6th of April itself. This March which commenced on the 12th of March and continued for 24 days had shaken the British. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre took place in April itself. The marks of this blood stained history are still present on the soil of Punjab.

    Friends, in a few days, on the 10th of May, the anniversary of the first freedom struggle would also be there. The spark that arose in that first battle for freedom, later became a torch for millions of freedom fighters.

    On the 26th of April, we observed the death anniversary of the great hero of the 1857 revolution, Babu Veer Kunwar Singh. The entire country derives inspiration from this great freedom fighter of Bihar. We have to keep alive the immortal inspirations of lakhs of such freedom fighters. The energy we receive from them provides renewed strength to our resolve of Amritkaal.

    Friends, in this long journey of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, you have formed an intimate relationship with this programme. The achievements that the countrymen want to share with others are conveyed to the people through ‘Mann Ki Baat’. Next month, we will again meet and talk about the diversity, glorious traditions and new achievements of the country. We will learn about people who are bringing about a change in the society with their dedication and spirit of service. As always, keep sending us your thoughts and suggestions. Thank you, Namaskar.

    *****

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: BECIL Successfully Organizes ‘India: A Bird’s Eye View Challenge’ under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

    Source: Government of India

    BECIL Successfully Organizes ‘India: A Bird’s Eye View Challenge’ under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

    Finalists of ‘India: A Bird’s Eye View Challenge’ Shortlisted for Felicitation at WAVES 2025

    Posted On: 26 APR 2025 6:30PM by PIB Mumbai

     

    :Mumbai, 26th, April, 2025

    Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL), a Mini Ratna Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, was entrusted with organizing and managing the India: A Bird’s Eye View Challenge.

    The challenge invited participants to submit 2–3 minute aerial videos highlighting India’s beauty, diverse landscapes, heritage, culture, innovation, progress and transformation through compelling drone cinematography. To promote inclusive participation, the challenge featured two categories:

    1) Open Category: Open to all Indian citizens, including filmmakers, students, hobbyists, professionals, and drone enthusiasts.

    2) Drone Didi Category: Exclusively for women trained under initiatives like the Namo Drone Didi Scheme, aimed at empowering women in rural and semi-urban areas through drone training.

    To ensure widespread awareness and encourage participation, BECIL implemented a comprehensive national media campaign that combined both traditional and digital outreach methods. The campaign involved institutional visits and seminars at drone academies, media institutes and universities across India, along with live interactions with students and drone trainees to generate grassroots-level engagement. A dedicated online portal was launched to facilitate seamless registration and video submission. Additionally, strategic email campaigns targeted media schools, drone training centers and civil society networks to expand the campaign’s digital footprint. Social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn were actively leveraged through tailored content to build sustained interest in the challenge. Complementing the digital efforts, printed materials including posters and pamphlets were distributed.

    The challenge received an overwhelming 1,324 registrations, including 382 entries from Drone Didi participants, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for drone videography as a storytelling medium. Entries poured in from across India—from the Himalayan valleys of Himachal Pradesh to the cultural corridors of Uttar Pradesh, the plains of Bihar, the innovation hubs of Gujarat and Karnataka, and the coastal stretches of Tamil Nadu—making this a true pan-India celebration of creativity and progress.

    All entries were meticulously reviewed by a distinguished jury panel comprising:

    • Mr. Piyush Shah – Cinematographer, Producer, Writer, and Sound Designer
    • Mr.R.V. Ramani – National Award-winning Filmmaker & Documentary Cinematographer
    • Mr. Arun Varma – Acclaimed Cinematographer in Indian Cinema

    Following a rigorous evaluation process, five finalists from each category were shortlisted, along with four entries under a Special Category for Social Representation:

    These shortlisted entries will be showcased at WAVES 2025, and the winners will be declared and felicitated during a grand ceremony at the summit.

    For more information and updates, visit: www.becil.com

    About WAVES

    The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

    Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

    Have questions? Find answers here  

    Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

    Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ20: Strengthening Physical Education and Arts Education in schools

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ20: Strengthening Physical Education and Arts Education in schools 
         It has been reported that according to the figures from the Education Bureau, a total of 31 suspected fatal student suicide cases were recorded from January to November last year, which was the highest in the past five years, and even represented an increase of more than one-fold as compared to the 14 cases in the whole year of 2018. There are views that while robust Physical Education (PE) and Arts Education (AE) are conducive to the physical and mental health of primary and secondary students, there is still much room for improvement in PE and AE locally. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether the relevant government departments will review the overall effectiveness of local PE and AE; if so, of the details (including the method and mechanism of the review, as well as the specific timetable); if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) whether the relevant government departments will conduct a survey based on the situation of all students in Hong Kong to make an analysis of the number of PE and AE lessons as well as the time for extra-curricular activities needed in a week for most students in order to relieve their stress and enable them to keep a healthy body, and based on the outcome of the analysis, set indicators for implementation in all schools in Hong Kong; if not, of the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) as it is learnt that the Education Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality has put into practice since January 1 this year the Implementation Opinions of Shenzhen on Strengthening and Improving the Work on Physical Exercise in Schools, which proposes that schools offering compulsory education should provide one PE lesson per day, while senior secondary schools (including secondary vocational schools) should provide three PE lessons per week, and that PE activities during recess in primary and secondary schools should last no less than 30 minutes per day, whether the relevant government departments will consider drawing reference from the practices in the Shenzhen Municipality and require schools to provide one PE lesson per day and incorporate activities such as physical activities between lessons, and require that activities between lessons should last no less than 30 minutes, so as to increase the time students spend on exercise every day?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The Education Bureau (EDB) has attached great importance to students’ physical and mental well-being. Establishing a healthy lifestyle is one of the seven learning goals of the school curriculum and relevant learning elements have been integrated into some subjects. The EDB has all along been committed to supporting schools in the promotion of school Physical Education (PE) and Arts Education (AE) through the life-wide learning approach, including providing curriculum guides, developing learning and teaching resources, offering training for teachers, and organising territory-wide physical and aesthetic learning activities or assisting schools in flexibly arranging activities, fully supporting schools in planning and implementing PE and AE within and beyond the classroom. The EDB’s strategies to support schools in the implementation of PE and AE and the related details are set out in Paper No. CB(4)123/2024(03) 
         Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Stanley Ng is as follows:
     
    (1) and (2) In terms of curriculum, schools have to plan their PE and AE curricula according to the requirements in the respective curriculum guides, including the provision of PE, Music and Visual Arts lessons, taking into account their school contexts as well as the needs, interests and abilities of students, etc. Currently, primary and secondary schools should arrange at least two PE lessons per week (i.e. approximately 80 minutes per week) for students, while those taking the PE elective subject for the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education have the opportunity to learn sports theory and engage in sports training for around 250 hours in total. As for AE, the Music and Visual Arts subjects are generally offered in schools. The respective curriculum guides of the two subjects specify that schools must arrange for students no less than 9 per cent of the lesson time (primary level), 8 per cent to 10 per cent of the lesson time (junior secondary level), 250 hours (as senior secondary elective subjects) and no less than 10 per cent of the lesson time at the senior secondary level for Other Learning Experiences related to arts. The EDB will review the implementation of the curriculum from time to time and update the relevant content in a timely manner to facilitate the development of school PE and AE through a life-wide learning approach. 
     
         The EDB announced the updated Primary Education Curriculum Guide in September 2022. Schools are encouraged to make good use of flexible lesson time and organise students’ learning time within and beyond the classroom, thereby enriching their diverse learning experiences and promoting a balanced development. The EDB has also issued the circular titled “Developing an Active and Healthy Lifestyle Through Promoting Physical Activities” (Note 1) in February, 2024 to provide strategies, specific recommendations as well as information on relevant curriculum resources and support measures to schools, and guide students to integrate the habit of exercising into daily lives beyond PE lessons.
     
         On the other hand, the EDB has been supporting or organising major PE and AE student activities to allow students with different talents and interests to unleash their potential. For instance, the EDB subsidises organisations such as the Schools Sports Federation of Hong Kong, China and the Hong Kong Schools Music and Speech Association to organise various primary and secondary inter-school sports competitions, music festival, speech festival and dance festival every year, among others. The EDB has also launched the “Active Students, Active People” Campaign (also known as “ASAP” Campaign) and MVPA60 (Note 2) Award Scheme to encourage students to develop a habit of regular participation in physical activities as soon as possible. Moreover, the EDB has been collaborating with various departments, tertiary institutions, organisations and groups to promote a variety of PE and AE activities. For instance, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s (LCSD) School Sports Programme and iSmart Fitness Scheme have been well-received by schools, allowing students of primary, secondary and special schools in Hong Kong to participate regularly in diverse sports activities during leisure time, fostering a sporting culture on school campuses, developing an active and healthy lifestyle, enhancing the standard of sports performance among students, and helping identify student athletes with potential for further training. The scheme on A Journey on Learning the Arts for Senior Secondary Students launched by the EDB and supported by the LCSD and various arts groups aims at encouraging secondary school students to participate in and appreciate arts programmes in authentic contexts outside the classroom, including performances of Chinese and Western music, Chinese operas, dramas and dances as well as visual arts exhibitions and film shows. Some of these programmes also include activities such as guided tours or seminars.
     
         Different departments of the EDB regularly review the implementation and effectiveness of the PE and AE curricula in schools through inspections, curriculum visits and school visits, looking into aspects including whether the PE and AE curriculum guides have been implemented effectively with a view to helping students acquire relevant knowledge, generic skills, values and attitudes, and providing feedback to schools in a timely manner.
     
         Schools are generally making good use of in-house and external resources to arrange school PE and AE activities for students within and beyond the classroom according to their interests and abilities. For instance, having regard to school contexts, a variety of PE and AE activities may be arranged for students before morning assemblies, during recess or lunch break, and after school hours; organising PE and AE-related extra-curricular activities; conducting sports days, swimming galas, music competitions, school team and orchestra trainings; arranging students to participate in various off-campus PE and AE competitions and art appreciation, to increase opportunities for students to engage in PE and AE activities.
     
         Rather than setting hard indicators, schools are currently allowed to plan the learning and teaching within and beyond the classroom flexibly according to their own circumstances so that schools can better cater for learner diversity and facilitate students’ development needs as a whole. Such arrangement has been running smoothly and is widely supported by the educator sector.
     
         On the other hand, to promote mental health in schools in a more comprehensive and systematic manner, the EDB has recently launched the 4Rs Mental Health Charter (the Charter) in April. It calls for all schools to join the Charter, thereby working together to set practical and feasible goals and take concrete actions to promote students’ physical and psychological health. The 4Rs in the Charter cover four elements and objectives for promoting mental health, including “Rest”, helping students cultivate healthy habits from an early age as well as including having enough rest, adequate sleep and leisure activities; and “Relaxation”, teaching students to take the time to relax, take care of their mental health and practise self-compassion, as well as encouraging them to do more exercise, such as arranging morning exercises/exercises between lessons for students, providing appropriate sports equipment for students to use, and participating in different activities under the EDB’s ASAP Campaign, to cultivate the habit of regular exercise among students. We firmly believe that schools participating in the Charter, through implementing various measures and organising activities for the promotion of student mental health, will help students develop healthy living habits, provide more opportunities for them to relax and reduce stress, help them build positive interpersonal relationships, and enhance their well-being and resilience, thereby enhancing an overall healthy culture in schools. 
     
    (3) The education systems, curriculum frameworks, teaching and assessment policies in different regions are developed based on factors such as their unique social culture, background, physical environment, history and economy. In formulating the PE curriculum in Hong Kong, the EDB and the Curriculum Development Council have taken into account students’ development needs as a whole and have sought to balance the diverse expectations of Hong Kong society regarding student learning. Currently, primary and secondary schools are providing at least two PE lessons per week for students in accordance with the curriculum guides and, through a wide range of physical activities, foster students’ interest in sports, develop their motor skills and improve their physical fitness. These initiatives aim to develop students’ habit of doing regular exercise and cultivate their positive values and attitudes.
     
         To effectively increase students’ physical activity level, offering subject lessons alone is not adequate. In fact, many schools currently make arrangements for students to participate in different types and levels of physical activities within and beyond the classroom apart from PE lessons by, for example, arranging morning exercise/exercise between class periods before, during and after school, and setting up an exercise corner during recess/lunch break. The EDB has issued the EDBC No. 5/2024 titled “Developing an Active and Healthy Lifestyle Through Promoting Physical Activities” in February 2024 to provide strategies, specific recommendations as well as information on relevant curriculum resources and support measures to schools to help increase students’ physical activity level, with a view to achieving the World Health Organization’s recommendation that children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 should accumulate at least an average of 60 minutes daily of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activities (i.e. MVPA60) across the week as well as the direction for the development of the PE curriculum. Besides, in line with the development of the PE curriculum, the EDB provides a one-off grant of $150,000 (Note 3) for each public sector school and schools under the Direct Subsidy Scheme in the 2023/24 school year. Schools may deploy the grant to organise or subsidise students to participate in diversified PE activities, purchase or upgrade PE/sports equipment in schools, etc, to create a better sports ambience and further promote MVPA60, thereby increasing the daily exercise time of students and helping them develop a healthy lifestyle.
     
    Note 1:     applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/EDBC/EDBC24005E.pdfNote 2: An accumulation of at least an average of 60 minutes daily of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activities across the week
    Note 3:     applications.edb.gov.hk/circular/upload/EDBCM/EDBCM24073e.pdfIssued at HKT 12:25

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SRFTI Film “A Doll Made Up of Clay” Makes Historic Cannes 2025 Entry

    Source: Government of India

    SRFTI Film “A Doll Made Up of Clay” Makes Historic Cannes 2025 Entry

    23-Minute Experimental Film Highlights Cross-Border Collaboration and Global Storytelling Excellence

    Posted On: 26 APR 2025 6:24PM by PIB Delhi

    In a moment of pride for Indian cinema, “A Doll Made Up of Clay”, a student film by the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), has achieved official selection in the prestigious La Cinef section at the 78th Festival de Cannes 2025. As the only Indian entry in this category, the film marks a significant milestone in India’s cinematic education journey.

    About Film

    Driven by ambition, a young Nigerian athlete sells his father’s land to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer in India. However, a career-ending injury leaves him disillusioned and stranded in an unfamiliar country. Through physical pain, emotional trauma, and an identity crisis, he reconnects with the spiritual traditions of his ancestors, finding redemption and meaning. A Doll Made Up of Clay is a powerful exploration of displacement, loss, and cultural resilience.

    This 23-minute experimental film, produced under SRFTI’s Producing for Film and Television (PFT) department, showcases cross-border collaboration. Produced by Sahil Manoj Ingle, a PFT student, and directed by Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay, an Ethiopian student under the ICCR African Scholarship, the film underscores SRFTI’s dedication to global cinematic innovation.

    Receiving an invitation to compete in La Cinef at Cannes, the film highlights emerging talent from top global film schools. The festival takes place in France this May.

     Dreams, Resilience and Global Recognition

    Prof. Sukanta Majumdar (Dean, SRFTI) highlighted that  “Any cinematic expressions of our students, when recognized on a prestigious global platform, make us feel reassured. This is a huge moment of pride for us, and we are very proud of our students. I wish them the very best for the competition.”

    “This project is a shared vision across continents—a story that transcends borders. The Cannes selection is a dream realized and proof of global thinking within SRFTI’s walls,” said producer Sahil Manoj Ingle.

    Director Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay added, “This deeply personal story speaks to the journey of dreamers who navigate new challenges, reshaping who they are. Cannes celebrates resilience and untold stories.”

    Global Collaboration:

     The film’s cast and crew represent an exceptional international effort:

     

    • Producer: Sahil Manoj Ingle
    • Writer & Director: Kokob Gebrehaweria Tesfay (Ethiopia)
    • DOP: Vinod Kumar
    • Editor: Haru – Mahmud Abu Naser (Bangladesh)
    • Sound Design: Soham Pal
    • Music Composer: Himangshu Saikih
    • Executive Producer: Uma Kumari & Rohit Kodere
    • Line Producer: Avinash Shankar Rhurve
    • Lead Actor: Ibrahim Ahmed (Nigeria)
    • Casts: Geeta Doshi, Ibrahim Ahmed, Rwitban Acharya

     

    About SRFTI

    Founded in 1995, SRFTI is named after the legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, continuing it’s legacy of empowering new generations of storytellers through excellence in film education.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith

    (Release ID: 2124574) Visitor Counter : 52

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Innovation meets opportunity at E China’s Anhui tech fair

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

    Innovation meets opportunity at E China’s Anhui tech fair

    Updated: April 27, 2025 09:02 Xinhua
    This photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows a flying vehicle displayed at the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province. Starting on Saturday and covering a total exhibition area of 20,000 square meters, the fair has attracted over 2,000 enterprises and nearly 200 universities. Six exhibition zones have been set up to showcase the latest scientific and technological achievements from around the world. Ten cooperation matchmaking events, including roadshows and trade activities, will also be held to promote the commercialization of scientific and technological projects. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A child visits the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors experience XR movie at the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A child rides on a robot at the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on April 26, 2025 shows an aircraft displayed at the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People watch a data-driven robot specialized in chemistry during the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A child tries a cockpit simulator at the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A robot plays the piano at the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Visitors try a multi-language AI display screen at the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Children try VR equipment at the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A signing ceremony for representative projects of scientific and technological achievement commercialization is held during the opening ceremony of the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People visit the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    People participate in the opening ceremony of the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A robot plays the piano at the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Children experience a smart cockpit at the 3rd China (Anhui) Science and Technology Innovation Achievement Transformation Fair in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province, April 26, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: World Intellectual Property Day, 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION
           More than 200 years ago, our Founding Fathers recognized the profound importance of intellectual property, enshrining government-granted legal protections in the Constitution to safeguard American innovation.  On World Intellectual Property Day, we renew our resolve to protect and secure the creative triumphs of American inventors and artists as they work to pull the future into the present and turn their dreams into our reality.     Americans have always been leaders in the realms of technology and ideas — and under my Administration, we are driving innovation in every sector, including emerging digital technologies like artificial intelligence.  I recently signed an Executive Order on Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence to slash red tape and ensure our continued leadership in this and other critical industries like automation, blockchain, data analytics, and cybersecurity.     For this reason, I established the Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, which is bringing together the best and brightest to shape the United States’ innovation policy and ensure our continued technological leadership.  My Administration will not waver in protecting and securing emerging, next-generation technologies that will drive progress and growth in the 21st century.     My Administration is taking strong action to protect the promise of American innovation.  For too long, our adversaries and allies alike have sapped our strength and exploited American advancements.  Through the strategic use of tariffs, we are recentering our trade policy and securing stronger intellectual property protections in new and existing trade deals.  Just as we protect our physical property, we will not tolerate the theft of our intellectual property, and we will defend our businesses and people from those who are seeking to steal American jobs and wealth.     As President Calvin Coolidge once said in an immortal maxim that remains true to this day, “The business of America is business.”  Our economy is the greatest in the world because we, more than any other country, incentivize individuals to dream big, take risks, and make the impossible possible.  Through our promotion and protection of intellectual property, we are empowering musicians, writers, authors, scientists, and inventors to focus on what they do best.     The future of our great Nation depends on the continued safeguarding of our intellectual property, which fuels economic growth, technological progress, and global competitiveness.  This World Intellectual Property Day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting the innovative spirit that continues to make America great.     NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 26, 2025, as World Intellectual Property Day.  I encourage Americans to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our creators and inventors and the contributions they have made and will continue making to our country.     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Homage paid to Pope Francis at NZ street theatre rally for Palestine

    Asia Pacific Report

    Activists for Palestine paid homage to Pope Francis in Aotearoa New Zealand today for his humility, care for marginalised in the world, and his courageous solidarity with the besieged people of Gaza at a street theatre rally just hours before his funeral in Rome.

    He was remembered and thanked for his daily calls of concern to Gaza and his final public blessing last Sunday — the day before he died — calling for a ceasefire in Israel’s genocidal war on the Palestinian enclave.

    Several speakers thanked the late Pope for his humanitarian concerns and spiritual leadership at the vigil in Auckland’s “Palestinian Corner” in Te Komititanga Square, beside the Britomart transport hub, as other rallies were held across New Zealand over the weekend.

    “Last November, Pope Francis said that what is happening in Gaza was not a war. It was cruelty,” said Catholic deacon Chris Sullivan. “Because Israel is always claiming it is a war. But it isn’t a war, it’s just cruelty.”

    During the last 18 months of his life, Pope Francis had a daily ritual — he called Gaza’s only Catholic church to see how people were coping with the “cruel” onslaught.

    Deacon Sullivan said the people of the church in Gaza “have been attacked by Israeli rockets, Israeli shells, and Israeli snipers, and a number of people have been killed as a result of that.”

    In his Easter message before dying, Pope Francis said: “I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”

    ‘We lost the best man’
    Also speaking at today’s rally, Dr Abdallah Gouda said: “We lost the best man. He was talking about Palestine and he was working to stop this genocide.

    “Pope Francis; as a Palestinian, as a Palestinian from Gaza, and as a Moslem, thank you Pope Francis. Thank you. And we will never, never forget you.

    “As we will always talk about you, the man who called every night to talk to the Palestinians, and he asked, ‘what do you eat’. And he talked to leaders around the world to stop this genocide.”


    Pope Francis called Gaza’s Catholic parish every night.   Video: AJ+

    In Rome, the coffin of Pope Francis made its way through the city from the Vatican after the funeral to reach Santa Maria Maggiore basilica for a private burial ceremony.

    It arrived at the basilica after an imposing funeral ceremony at St Peter’s Square.

    The Vatican said that more than 250,000 people attended the open-air service that was held under clear blue skies

    Dozens of foreign dignitaries, including heads of state, were also in attendance.

    Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re eulogised Pope Francis as a pontiff who knew how to communicate to the “least among us” and urged people to build bridges and not walls.

    In Auckland at the “guerrilla theatre” event, several highly publicised examples of recent human rights violations and war crimes in Gaza were recreated in several skits with “actors” taking part from the crowd.

    Palestinian Dr Faiez Idais role played the kidnapping of courageous Kamal Adwan Hospital medical director Dr Hussam Abu Safiya by the Israeli military last December and his detention and torture in captivity since.

    Palestinian Dr Faiez Idais (hooded) during his role play for courageous Kamal Adwan Hospital medical director Dr Hussam Abu Safiya held prisoner by Israeli forces since December 2024. Image: APR

    Another Palestinian, Samer Almalalha, role played Columbia University student leader Mahmoud Khalil, who is also Palestinian and is a US permanent resident with an American wife and child.

    Khalil was seized by ICE agents from his university apartment without a warrant and abducted to a remote immigration prison in Louisiana but the courts have blocked his deportation in a high profile case.

    He is one of at least 300 students who have been captured ICE agents for criticising Israel and its genocide.

    A one-and-a-half-year-old child holds a “peace for all children” in Gaza placard at today’s rally. Image: APR

    The skits included a condemnation of the US corporation Starbucks, the world’s leading coffee roaster and retailer, with mock blood being kicked over fake bodies on the plaza.

    The backlash against the brand has caused heavy losses and 100 outlets in Malaysia have been forced to shut down.

    Singers and musicians Hone Fowler, who was also MC, Brenda Liddiard and Mark Laurent — including their dedicated “Make Peace Today” inspired by Jesus’ “Blessed are the peacemakers” — also lifted the spirits of the crowd.

    Protesters call for an end to the genocide in Palestine, both in Gaza and the West Bank. Image: APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos UK 2025: JACKBIT Rated As Top UK Casino Site

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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    How To Join Jackbit – The Best Online Casino In UK

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    Best Online Casino Games At JACKBIT – Top Picks For UK Players

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    These games, with high RTPs and engaging features, make JACKBIT a favorite at the best casino UK platforms.

    Best UK Online Casino Payment Methods

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    Responsible Gambling at UK Casinos Online – Prioritizing Player Well-Being

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    Winning Strategies At JACKBIT – Tips For Success

    Maximizing your success at JACKBIT, the best online casino UK, involves smart strategies tailored to its unique features. Here are expert tips to enhance your gaming experience:

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    JACKBIT Conclusion: The Best Online Casino UK

    After evaluating numerous UK casino sites, JACKBIT emerges as the best online casino UK for 2025. Its no KYC policy, instant crypto payouts, 7,000+ games, and no-wager bonuses set it apart. While not UKGC-regulated, its Curacao license, SSL encryption, and responsible gambling tools ensure a secure, rewarding experience. From slots to sports betting, JACKBIT caters to all UK players, making it the ultimate best casino UK.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN JACKBIT

    FAQ: Best Online Casino UK – JACKBIT

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      JACKBIT, licensed in Curacao, is accessible to UK players but not UKGC-regulated. Players should verify local laws to ensure compliance before joining.
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      Yes, new players get 30% rakeback and 100 free spins with no wagering, boosting their start at JACKBIT.
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      Slots, table games, live dealers, and a sportsbook with 140+ sports offer diverse options for UK players.
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      Yes, 24/7 live chat in English and other languages provides prompt, reliable assistance for all inquiries.
    • Does JACKBIT offer responsible gambling tools?
      Yes, deposit limits, session reminders, and self-exclusion options promote safe, responsible gaming for UK players.

    Email: support@jackbit.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the Jackbit. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Ensure compliance with local gambling laws. The publisher is not liable for losses or consequences from using this information.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on objective evaluation.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/44a272fd-3055-44b6-a3dc-a649b2557bdb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sols 4520-4521: Prinzregententorte

    Source: NASA

    Written by Scott VanBommel, Planetary Scientist at Washington University
    Earth planning date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
    I will start this blog with an apology, an apology because I suspect, by the end of this post, you, the reader, may have a craving for chocolate, or cake, or both. While we saw hints of it in the previous workspace, as captured by Susanne’s blog, today’s workspace featured prominent laminations throughout Curiosity’s sightlines, which presented the science team with the challenge of finding a safe place to utilize APXS (and MAHLI). Perhaps it was because of Easter last weekend, perhaps I needed an early lunch — whatever the cause, I could not shake the visual parallels between the rocks in our workspace, as captured in this blog’s image, and a many-layered-cake such as a Prinzregententorte.
    The rover planners rose to the technical challenge, as they always do, and were ultimately able to find a safe area to place APXS on the top of the rock that is prominent just above and left of the center of today’s image. Combined with a green-light from SRAP, Curiosity now had its (cakey) target and could APXS it too. 
    Tosol’s APXS and MAHLI target, “Hale Telescope,” is named after the famous landmark located north-northwest of San Diego, California. I, for one, was not familiar with the history of this landmark, including how groundbreaking it was at the time of its development and commissioning through the 1920s, ‘30s, and ‘40s.
    Curiosity’s plan tosol started with APXS and MAHLI of Hale Telescope. These activities were complemented by Mastcam images of “Puerto Suelo” and “Potrero Seco,” as well as long-distance imaging by ChemCam of “Torote Bowl,” nearly 1 kilometer (about 0.6 miles) away. Curiosity also imaged and conducted compositional analyses of the layered target “Fan Palm,” slightly offset from Hale Telescope, with LIBS. Our intrepid rover then completed a drive of about 23 meters (about 75 feet) in preparation for the three-sol weekend plan. 
    On the second sol of the current plan, Curiosity acquired Navcam images and a suprahorizon movie. The highlight of the second sol, however, arguably was an upgraded version of the AEGIS (Autonomous Exploration for Gathering Increased Science) activity where the rover will autonomously determine its own target to analyze with ChemCam while awaiting further instructions from Earth. The software upgrade will allow Curiosity’s team to know what target the rover chose to observe in time for us to make the weekend plan, even though the observation itself won’t happen on Mars until later.
    Mars continues to offer stories written in stone, and like all good stories, the richness lies in the voices layered within. Or chocolate. The data aren’t down yet.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Levin and Toy Manufacturer Reveal Tariff’s Consequences on the Cost of Living and Local Jobs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Levin (CA-49)

    April 24, 2025

    Rep. Levin discusses the impact of tariffs

    Watch full press conference here

    Carlsbad, CA—Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) held a press conference with The Op Games, a toy manufacturing company based in Carlsbad, to sound the alarm on the impact of the Trump Administration’s tariffs on small businesses, consumer prices, and the cost of living.

    “Trump’s tariffs are nothing more than a hidden tax on everyday goods,” said Rep. Mike Levin. “Other countries aren’t paying these costs—California families and companies like The?Op?Games are. When prices rise, demand drops, revenue dries up, and jobs disappear. I’m calling on the President to lift these reckless tariffs and negotiate smart, targeted agreements that punish bad actors, not American consumers.”

    The?Op?Games—maker of fan-favorite versions of Clue, Monopoly, and Telestrations—sources about 80% of its production in Asia. Management estimates the import taxes could double manufacturing costs and push retail prices out of reach for many households.

    Additionally, tariffs directly unravel supply chains both at home and abroad, making it costlier for manufacturers to source goods and creating a domino effect that punishes consumers. This drives up costs for everything from board games to groceries, electronics and cars. In February, Rep. Levin wrote to President Trump urging him to rethink the policy, warning it hurts more than it helps. In response to President Trump’s across-the-board tariff taxes in April, Rep. Levin cosponsored the Prevent Tariff Abuse Act, which would limit the President’s ability to impose sweeping tariffs unilaterally. Tariff powers belong with Congress – not one individual who can implement them unilaterally and wreak havoc on the U.S. economy.

    “Creating joy, laughter and lifetime memories through board games is at the essence of what we do at The OP. Board games are among the very few forms of highly affordable entertainment still available to families. For less than the price of parking at a concert or sporting event, The OP can deliver to consumers endless hour of fun. Tariffs of 145% will make it impossible to maintain this low-price option we provide consumers,” said Dane Chapin, CEO of The Op Games.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: Just 72 Hours Left to Join XploraDEX Presale, As XPL Token Distribution Nears Completion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ZURICH, Switzerland, April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The final countdown is officially on. With just 72 hours remaining in the XploraDEX presale and the $XPL token distribution nearly complete, the window to join one of the XRP Ledger’s most transformative DeFi launches is rapidly closing.

    Buy $XPL Token Now

    XploraDEX is pioneering the next phase of decentralized finance on XRPL with the first AI-powered DEX, offering advanced trading automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent execution built directly into the heart of a lightning-fast blockchain.

    As token distribution nears its conclusion, thousands of early investors have already received their $XPL tokens. On-chain metrics confirm surging wallet activity, while community conversations across Telegram and X (Twitter) are dominated by excitement and urgency.

    What You Need to Know:

    • $XPL tokens are actively being distributed to eligible presale participants
    • Only 72 days remain before the presale officially ends
    • More than 76% of tokens have already been allocated
    • Post-distribution utility includes AI dashboards, staking, governance, and launchpad access

    For those who act now, there’s still time to lock in $XPL at presale pricing before listings go live on XRPL-based DEXs. Once the presale ends, entry will be determined entirely by the market.

    Purchase $XPL on Presale

    By joining now, investors gain:

    • First access to AI-enhanced trading tools
    • Early participation in staking pools and liquidity programs
    • Governance privileges in the XploraDEX protocol
    • Trading fee discounts and launchpad advantages

    XploraDEX has attracted attention not just for its vision—but for its execution. While many projects delay rollout, XploraDEX has delivered:

    • A fully functioning distribution process
    • A growing and engaged community
    • A development roadmap already in motion

    The buzz is everywhere. Influencers are signaling urgency. Crypto media is watching closely. And $XPL holders are already positioning themselves for what’s next.

    Participate in $XPL Presale

    If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, this is your final opportunity. The platform is launching. The token is live. And the presale is closing in 72 hours.

    Join $XPL Presale While You Still Can: https://sale.xploradex.io

    Follow the Final Countdown: Twitter | Telegram

    Contact:
    Oliver Muller
    oliver@xploradex.io
    contact@xploradex.io

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the XploraDEX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/13ae6302-20c2-459a-ae54-d307b53a43b5

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Owhata

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Police can confirm one person has died following a crash in Owhata overnight.

    The two-vehicle crash on the corner of Te Ngae Road and Tennyson Drive was reported at about 9:10pm.

    One person died at the scene. A second person received serious injuries.

    Police would like to speak with anybody who witnessed the crash. This includes any dashcam or CCTV footage around the area.

    If you have any information, please contact Police via 105, either online or over the phone.

    Please reference file number 250426/9296.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: XenDex Surpasses 10% Presale Allocation Within Hours of Launch

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XenDex the first cross-chain decentralized exchange on the XRP Ledger, offering AI-assisted copy trading, non-custodial lending and borrowing, and seamless interoperability across blockchain networks is currently registering a huge token sale on the XRP ledger.

    Within just six hours of presale launch, the XenDex presale has filled over 10% of its soft cap, signaling early momentum and notable participation from high-net-worth crypto investors. Whale activity continues to push the presale toward its next milestone as XRP holders position themselves for what many now see as the DeFi breakout project of the Ripple ecosystem.

    Buy XDX Now at It’s Lowest Price

    The native utility token, $XDX, is rapidly gaining traction as one of the most in-demand assets on XRPL. With the presale soft cap nearly reached and capital flowing in from both whales and retail investors, $XDX is establishing itself as a top-tier DeFi token poised for aggressive growth.

    This wave of investor confidence is fueled by XenDex’s unique value proposition, combining cutting-edge AI tools with traditional DeFi functionality, all built natively on one of the fastest, most scalable blockchain networks in the world.

    What is the buzz around XenDex?

    Unlike other DEXs on XRPL, XenDex delivers a full suite of next-gen features:

    • AI-powered copy trading and project vetting tools
    • Non-custodial lending and borrowing protocols
    • Cross-chain trading capabilities
    • DAO governance, staking, and access to exclusive token listing

    XenDex is building a trusted DEX, giving $XDX holders priority access to the next waves of XRPL innovation.

    Purchase Buy $XDX On Presale

    Still Time to Join, But Not for Long

    With strong early traction, the XenDex presale is progressing quickly. Early adopters stand to benefit from staking rewards, voting rights, and priority access to future project launches. As the XRP ETF launch approaches and $XDX demand accelerates, entry points will only get tighter.

    How to Join the $XDX Presale

    1. Purchase XRP via trusted exchanges (Binance, Coinbase, etc.)
    2. Send XRP to a non-custodial wallet (e.g., Xaman)
    3. Visit: https://xendex.net/presale and contribute

    Tokens will be airdropped automatically to participants after the presale ends.

    Participate in XDX Presale

    Know more about XenDex below:

    Website: https://xendex.net
    Presale: https://xendex.net/presale
    Telegram: https://t.me/xendexcommunity
    Twitter/X: https://x.com/xendex_xrp
    Docs: https://xdxdocs.gitbook.io

    Contact:
    Frank Richards
    Frank@xendex.net

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0f4624a0-16f4-4a12-9644-1aaa2937fa42

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Hashdex AG: Preliminary announcement of the publication of financial reports according to Articles 114, 115, and 117 of the WpHG (the German Securities Act)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Zurich, April 25, 2025 – Hashdex AG, a leading global crypto-focused investing company, today announced the preliminary publication of financial reports according to Articles 114, 115, and 117 of the WpHG (the German Securities Act).

    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

    Hashdex AG hereby announces that the following financial reports shall be disclosed:

    Report Type: Annual financial report | IFRS-EU accounting standards
    Language: English
    Date of disclosure: April 30, 2025
    Address: www.hashdex.com.br/en-EU/document-center

    Report Type: Annual financial report | Swiss GAAP accounting standards
    Language: English
    Date of disclosure: April 30, 2025
    Address: www.hashdex.com.br/en-EU/document-center

    Report Type: Annual financial report | German GAAP accounting standards
    Language: English
    Date of disclosure: April 30, 2025
    Address: www.hashdex.com.br/en-EU/document-center

    Company: Hashdex AG
                      Baarerstrasse 112
                      6300 Zug

                      Switzerland

    Website: www.hashdex.com.br/en-EU

    About Hashdex
    Hashdex is a global pioneer in crypto asset management. Hashdex invites innovative investors to join the emerging crypto economy. Hashdex’s mission is to provide educational resources and best-in-class products that advance its efforts to help build pathways by opening the crypto ecosystem to the world. The firm co-developed the Nasdaq Crypto Index™ (NCI™) with Nasdaq to provide global investors with a reliable benchmark for the crypto asset class. In 2021, Hashdex introduced the world’s first crypto ETFs and other innovative products, enabling over 215,000 investors to simply and securely add crypto to their portfolios. The firm’s total AUM across its range of products is more than $1.2 billion as of April 23, 2025. For more information visit www.hashdex.com or follow Hashdex on X or LinkedIn.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of Vice-President’s Address at Conference of Vice-Chancellors of State, Central and Private Universities of Tamil Nadu in Udhagamandalam

    Source: Government of India

    Thiru R.N. Ravi, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, Thiru Dr. Pawan Kumar Singh, Director, Indian Institute of Management, Tiruchirapalli, Thiru R. Kirlosh Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Tamil Nadu. Dignitaries, Vice Chancellors and Distinguished audience present in the hall.

    We are having access to this discourse through LIVE coverage by Sansad TV. So, what is being transacted here is not limited to those present here, it will resonate not only to Vice-Chancellors but to all who are stakeholders in the rise of this nation, in improving the academic environment in the country.

    A while ago, we observed silence. I join the nation in expressing profound grief and outrage at the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, that claimed innocent lives. It is a grim reminder that terrorism is a global menace to be addressed by humanity in unison.

    Bharat is the world’s most peace-loving nation and our civilisational ethos, reflected in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam is getting global resonance. Our visionary leadership in the shape of a Prime Minister who is in his third term is our greatest assurance that the nation’s rise cannot be handicapped by any situations- internal or external. 

    But we all must bear in mind that National Interest is supreme. This was echoed by no one else than Dr. B.R. Ambedkar while imparting his final address to the Constituent Assembly. We therefore have to take a resolve to always keep Nation First. National interest cannot be intertwined with partisan interest, it has to be uppermost. This cannot be subservient to any interest political, personal, or for a group. It was with this spirit that we observed silence. 

    Distinguished audience, I owe my present position only to education, was extremely fortunate to get a scholarship and good education. And I therefore realise the importance of good education. One that can cut into inequities. Can bring about dignity, can contribute to rise of the nation and therefore Hon’ble Governor, It is an absolute honour and privilege as also profound responsibility to share thoughts with those, the Vice-Chancellors, the academicians, the administrators in the field of education who shape those who are destined to shape our nation. That is our youth, our youth demographic dividend, is the envy of the world. It is contributing that is making a great difference.  

    I must commend the Hon’ble Governor Thiru R.N. Ravi for his very thoughtful initiative taken by him in 2022 to have ‘Conference of Vice-Chancellors’. The present one is one such in the series. 

    I have no doubt the deliberations will be very fruitful because when deliberations take place. Dialogue takes place, when there is sharing of thoughts, sharing of problems- Resolutions emerge. Issues that require to be addressed we get a way out. But I must commend Governor Ravi for another reason, he is doing this because it is his constitutional ordainment. 

    He has taken oath under the Indian Constitution, under Article 159. His oath as that of the Hon’ble President is very significant. The oath he has taken as Governor is to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law”. By his oath he is further enjoined, to devote to the service and well-being of the people of Tamil Nadu. By organising such events which are extremely relevant to the field of education, Governor Ravi is vindicating his oath. 

    Distinguished audience, Education is the most impactful transformative agent of change, and you all are aware the only constant is change, and change must be soothing to society, must be meaningful to society, must give order to society, respect to every individual. The citizen must pride himself or herself in the system in which he or she lives. 

    We need to nurture our education ecosystem in the backdrop of our historical legacy, Gurukul ! The Gurukul concept is sublime. A facet of service to society by Guru. There was free access to those who had earned knowledge, education. The Guru in Gurukul took everyone under his fold, as part of that family. That is our legacy, that calls for revival.

    No one knows better than the people here and the people listening to me all over the country and some will come to know of it through print media and social media. I assert, Accessibility and affordability of education is vital but what is more significant in a world that is changing very fast. Accessibility and affordability has to be of quality education. Fortunately, in our country it is emerging as a national priority. Only quality education system for all can be transformative. The people here and people watching it are the prime motivators.

    Time for your category, Distinguished audience to fire on all cylinders to bring about much needed change in education which can gain momentum with pro-active affirmative stance of Vice Chancellors, and others who are stakeholders by virtue of being in governance, political executive and bureaucracy.

    Such Conferences and Congregations are crucibles of thought, policy, and purpose. And the thoughts are nurtured here, policies evolved. There is a purposeful definition of brainstorming sessions that catalyse the change we all need. I have no hesitation in indicating to you, this is a contemporaneous imperative need and essential. We need to focus on it as our supreme priority. These are also occasions for collective reflection, self-audit, soothingly auditing each other. Trying to monetize each other’s experience, Also, occasions for introspection, and then re-imagination to lay a blueprint for future, give direction to education in Bharat that is emerging as a world power. Never have we seen the might of the Indian Prime Minister being acclaimed by world leaders in countries, political sagacity within the country and outside have given Indians, Bharatiya a new respect. We are a nation to reckon with because Bharat stands for peace and welfare of all. Growth for all. Such interactions also help us to be in sync with emerging global trends. We can’t be an island in ourselves. We have to see what is happening in other parts of the world and we also have to take notice of global trends and needs. We have to define our trajectory of growth as also of the world which we did centuries ago. 

    I am particularly elated that Tamil Nadu is taking a lead in this matter. Tamil Nadu is a land of vibrant learning centers, those learning centers must be our North star now. Tamil Nadu has been home to such widely accoladed learning centers like Kanchipuram and Ennayiram that attracted thousands of students from all over Bharat. I see these conferences as crucibles of ideation that will rekindle the spirit of Kanchipuram and bring back the glory of Ennayiram .

    We must take pride that it was in Tamil Nadu, Madras University was established in 1857. Modern education was exemplified in this land, and University then and now has leadership in science, law, and liberal education and is reckoned as a prestigious Institution throughout the country.

    Distinguished audience, Research and Development is now quintessential to progress. We can no longer depend on to gain from research elsewhere. We have to be on our own strength, our educational Institutions particularly Universities, IIMs, IITs, Institutes of excellence in science and otherwise have to be laboratories of research and innovation.

    Our institutions must transform themselves from credential outfits into crucibles of innovation and character. We cannot reduce our Institutions just to hand out degrees. A degree from a university must be a potent power in the hand of a degree holder that can help him or her to fully exploit his or her potential and realize his/her talent and ambition. 

    I must express my one concern to this very distinguished audience, Research must correlate to much needed solutions. Research must be authentic and not just surface scratching or assimilation. You understand much better than I do, Research for the sake of research is no research.  

    A research paper must magnetically attract others as a solution provider. Research must be beyond self. 

    For leapfrogging to the education that our next generations would require; we would require a larger convergence of thought leaders and all stakeholders. This conference is a step in that direction. Those present and those not present all are gainers, a compulsive system sometimes comes in the way but as I indicated it is momentary. I cannot visualise anyone in the country whose heart does not pursue national growth. I have no doubt the benefits will be there and therefore Hon’ble Governor this conference series you started in 2022 is a well taken step in the right direction.

    A sense of gratitude to Hon’ble Governor’s farsightedness, At the heart of India’s great institutions of the past, there were visionary leaders, or what we call modern day Vice Chancellors. The Vice-Chancellors of today are enormously talented, they are no less visionaries, they are giving everything which they can. They might face uphill tasks, difficult terrain or air pockets but I believe in their power to transform. They are worthy academicians who have the capacity to bring about results. They represent and epitomise the Kulapatis we had once. 

    I urge everyone in governance at the center and the state to believe in the institution of Vice-Chancellor and ensure they can perform undeterred by ordinary situations. 

    Today, we face formidable challenges: rapid technological disruption, it is far more severe than Industrial revolutions we had, A paradigm shift is taking place every moment. It is difficult to keep pace. The global order on this count is becoming increasingly complex .

    Every facet of life is being affected, and it is therefore in the lap of Universities ably led on the front foot by Vice-Chancellors to act as stewards of India’s academic landscape. More the challenges, the more formidable, we must rise as impregnable not only to overcome them but also to deliver results for the nation and the world.

    One challenge which the Vice-Chancellors must be facing is faculty. Faculty availability, faculty retention and sometimes faculty attrition. I would appeal to all of you to engage in sharing with one another. Use technology. Don’t be an island in yourself, it is not a time to be stand-alone because this challenge has to be fixed, we have no time. 

    As I indicated, I emphasize, we have well passed the era of stand-alone Institutions. It can’t be IITs, IIMs. The Stand-alone era of Institutions is already behind us. There is now need of convergence of various verticals to give

    institutions cutting edge. Multi-disciplinary approach across academic pursuits is the only answer. Share your faculty talent virtually, technologically and otherwise also. That will have two fold purposes while giving it, you will be receiving also.

    The winds of innovation and change must have free passage in educational institutions. Evolve a mechanism, there has to be a tolerance for varying ideas. Intolerance to a thought defines democracy the wrong way. The nectar of University is that a solo voice that has an opinion different from the majority is heard with defiance by engaging in discourse not by being judgmental. 

    I appeal from this very important platform, Industry, business, commerce and corporates must channelise their CSR funds to handhold Universities liberally fund Research and Innovation. There is a great need for the emergence of Greenfield Institutions because new areas have come up suddenly – Disruptive Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain. They require a new kind of mindset, Space, Oceanography- new areas are emerging. Growth in those areas can be sustained only when you get to these sectors with skilled minds, trained minds. 

    The more fundamental question which we all are aware of, and that is we must go back to cultural roots of education also. It is multi-dimensional. We should, and why we should not, Our Institutions should reclaim the glory of the past. On this count I would share some concerns, Universities, Institutions of excellence and higher learning must assume the role as spaces of free thought and fearless ideation. 

    Ideation is very vital; A concept emerges out of ideation. Execution is not difficult. Ideation requires brain-storming, exchange of various opinions and the challenges we face to day—climate change, artificial intelligence, sustainability— they require interdisciplinary thinking and also ethical reasoning.

    It is only in our Universities that we can go back to our Vedic knowledge, our civilisational wealth— A gold mine when it comes to ethics, innovation. 

    We must foster campuses where intellectual risk is encouraged. Risk is required. A failure is not a failure you must impart to your students. A failure is a myth. A failure is a stepping stone to success. We must believe in discovery, innovation and encourage people to engage in that activity.

    In this rapidly shifting global landscape, Universities must not be passive observers but active change-makers. You have to catalyse the change you need, and the change you need is the change society needs. Our curriculum must be designed to prepare students not just to respond to change, but to lead the change. To define the trajectory of the change, to see the change which we need, not the change that overtakes us. 

    Our administrative structures must be a guiding principle to others. That is an attention not given for too long. Education must be distanced just from giving credentials and degrees. No, it must be purposive, it must serve societal causes, and therefore there must be partnership with all stakeholders– the government, the industry, the society, the NGOs and it must be beyond transactional purposes. It must be guided by the sole spirit to serve the nation. This collaborative approach is long overdue, I am sure you will bestow attention to this. 

    Distinguished Vice-Chancellors, your leadership must enable faculty and students to act not merely as recipients of institutional policy—but as co-creators of the future. We must promote high-impact, high-risk research that tackles real-world problems.

    We must incentivize collaborations between universities, industries, and international partners. Fortunately, the present Government has shown a lot of focus on this but above all, we must reintegrate research with teaching. Our ancient model did not separate inquiry from instruction. We must return to that integrated spirit.

    Today’s Bharat is different, we never imagined we would be in this shape. Exponential economic upsurge, Infrastructural phenomenal growth, technological penetration, global reputation, system of hope and possibility. When this is the landscape we must find a way for the ambitions of our youth to be satisfied. Right now there is a mechanism, and I wish it is disseminated extensively in a revolutionary manner.

    From startups to space tech, from health innovation to green energy, from blue economy to space economy, the opportunity basket is wider than ever before. It is continually getting enlarged, but our youth is in silos. They are not aware of these opportunities and that is why we have mushroom growth of coaching classes. Every newspaper is having their advertisements. Please make our youth aware of the golden opportunities they have. 

    Let me indicate one aspect, the International Monetary Fund, and I know the shift that has taken place. In 1990, I was a Union Minister, I knew the stance of the IMF then, I know the stance of the IMF now. IMF says, India is a global destination of investment and opportunity. We need to tell our youth this accommodation is not for govt jobs, it is for the opportunities that are in the basket for youth. We therefore need a paradigm shift, distinguished Vice-Chancellors, A paradigm shift from our youth job seeking to job creations.

    Now is the time for Bharat to create innovators and job givers. That transformation requires a Saarthi. Lord Krishna was Saarthi in Mahabharata. Our Vice-Chancellors are Saarthis. They have to bring about by navigation into the mindset of our youth that avail the opportunities. Benefit from the ecosystem of hope and possibility. You can realise your talent and potential because the government has affirmative policies, and for this the Vice-Chancellors are required to be proactive and if I may say so in absolute overdrive. 

    It is concerning, and the government has done much to come out of it. The mindset continues to be influenced by colonial remnants. Western narratives have distorted, diluting our achievements. We must neutralise them. Our Universities must become guardians of our cultural pride. They must reflect our civilisational confidence. Imagine which country can boast of such uniqueness, civilisational wealth, and India reminds the world every moment what peace is. What is inclusivity? India is a symbol of inclusivity which globally must be emulated. 

    Our universities must become guardians of cultural pride and civilizational confidence. We must create dedicated centres for the rigorous study of India’s scientific, philosophical, and artistic contributions. For that decolonization drive to fructify all those who are here and listen to this need to lead.  We cannot be in captivity of calibration from outside, we do not know how they calibrate, what agenda they have in calibration? They often turn Nelson’s eye to the impeccable, sustainable, growth trajectory of this country which continuously is getting on a high gradient and to do this the government has taken a great initiative. After 3 decades, taking into consideration inputs from the widest spectrum of stakeholders, there was an evolution of the National Education Policy. This policy aligns with our civilisational ethos. It encourages multidisciplinary learning, values Indian languages, and envisions education as the development of the whole person—not just employability.

    The most significant aspect of NEP is that it allows students to learn in their mother tongue. Neither Buddha nor Pythagoras were thinking in English. Yet, they both arrived at this wonderful theorem in their own mother tongue. And we still continue to cling to this? 

    Contrary to the Constitutional spirit, I don’t want to go much into that, you can study. I have no doubt that as Governor, West Bengal I was closely associated with the evolution of NEP. It is game changing, it is transformative, It is hand holding them, giving them latitude but my problem is that those in academic institutions are not fully aware of this policy. I beseech you all and the faculty and directors wherever they are to please do a thorough study of National Education Policy to realize its real intent and purpose so that we reap the harvest of it.

    From this platform I wish to indicate, NEP is not Government policy. It is a policy for the nation, and therefore I appeal, it is time for all to adopt it, understand it, execute it and reap the fruits. I need to indicate one more aspect, Our languages, their richness and depth are our pride and legacy. This aspect amplifies the fullness and uniqueness of Bharat. Go to any country and you will not find what we have here. Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Bangla and other languages are goldmine of literature and knowledge. These have national and global footprints.

    Educational institutions have to nurture this treasure. Tamil has the distinction of being the first language to be accorded the prestige of being the classical language. This well-deserved recognition was imparted in 2004. Which means things started changing in regimes. Today, eleven such languages are recognized as classical languages in India, and classical languages are those which have rich culture, knowledge, literature, depth. Let me just indicate the eleven language because I had the privilege as Chairman, Rajya Sabha to declare to Rajya Sabha that Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali were recently given the status of classical languages, but earlier we had as I said, Tamil, Sanskrit, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia. Go all over the world, we are matchless, we have to realise our power, our potential. We should not be carried away by insignificant aspects. I don’t want to dilate much because for me this is a pure education aspect. Those present are as important to me as those spread all over the country and getting to know about it by LIVE broadcast of Sansad TV but we have realised that if our students study in their own language, the results are not arithmetic, they are geometrical. They blossom and therefore this focus has come from the government, and must be disseminated.

    There is one more aspect where educational institutions need to focus: alumni engagement. Alumni Associations, on a number of platforms I have addressed this issue. If you look at the global scenario, Alumni associations sustain the reputation of their Alma mater. Alumni Associations create a corpus which is in billions. One such Institution has a corpus of more than 50 billion USD. 

    Let us make a beginning, let us generate a spirit in every student who has been associated with Institution, make fiscal contribution. Quantum thereof is not important. It generates a different kind of connection because you become stakeholders in your alma mater’s growth. Structured robust alumni engagement frameworks across institutions will be game changer and would be transformative. Just imagine if we had confederations of alumni associations from institutions like IITs, IIMs, or AIIMS. We will have such a think tank. We will have a human resource reservoir that can help evolve policies. Why should we deprive ourselves of this? Take initiatives. I am sure you will start working on corpus culture and alumni associations.

    Respected Vice Chancellors, we stand at a momentous crossroads. Behind us lies a legacy of greatness and interruption. I say interruption because 1300 years ago we had Nalanda, it was blossoming, it was set on fire. Fire consumed precious books and continued for days. 

    Ahead of us, the path is unwritten—but rich with possibility.  Let us build institutions worthy of our civilizational past and capable of meeting the future with wisdom and strength. Let us build institutions that transform our universities into sanctuaries of timeless knowledge and laboratories of timeless innovation. The intellectual revitalization of Bharat is the highest category of renaissance, and that renaissance is awaiting Bharat. It is awaiting actions at your end. Make Bharat super academic power, that means it will be a global research resource. It is not a dream; it is a destination. Achievable like Viksit Bharat. If we could traverse our economy from fragile 5 to big five and now on way to big 3. Nothing stops us from making Bharat Vishwaguru. 

    Once again, I would like to impart a suggestion to Governor Ravi, certain things must not be taken emotively, those who could not make it must be having a situation. We must be understanding, we must appreciate everybody’s presence, we must appreciate everybody’s absence also. I am grateful for the patience you have shown.

    Thank you so much. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Bazaar unveils Its First-Ever ‘Top Selects’ Lineup Showcasing 15 Projects in 9 Languages

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 APR 2025 4:10PM by PIB Mumbai

    India occupies a dominant position in Media & Entertainment sector with talents spread across different geographies of the country, creating compelling contents through its rich cultural heritage. The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), to be held from 1st to 4th May in Mumbai, is poised to become one of the landmarks in the Media and Entertainment sector. The summit will promote India as one stop destination for content creation, Investment destination and leverage ‘Create in India’ opportunities as well as for global outreach.

    WAVES Bazaar is the premier global marketplace for the media and entertainment industry, a dynamic platform designed to foster connection, collaboration, and growth. It offers filmmakers and industry professionals the opportunity to engage with buyers, sellers, and a wide range of projects and profiles, while also showcasing their skills and expanding their professional network.

    The Viewing Room is a dedicated physical platform set up at Waves Bazaar, taking place from May 1st to 4th, 2025. It serves as a space for showcasing recently completed films and projects in Post Production from around the world. These films are actively seeking opportunities for film festivals, global sales, distribution partnerships, and finishing funds.

    Designed for film programmers, distributors, world sales agents, investors and other industry professionals, the Viewing Room offers a secure environment where delegates attending Waves Bazaar can watch these films, access detailed project information, and connect directly with filmmakers through our specialized Viewing Room Software.

    For the first ever WAVES Bazaar, a total 100 films from 8 countries namely India, Sri Lanka, USA, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Germany, Mauritius and UAE will be available to watch in the Viewing Room Library. The overall lineup includes 18 titles of NFDC produced and co-produced films and adds 8 restored classics from the National Film Archive of India (NFAI). It also includes 19 student projects from Film & Television Institute of India (FTII, Pune) and Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI, Kolkata)

    These 15 Projects selected for the WAVES Bazaar Top Selects Section from the Viewing Room includes 9 Feature projects, 2 documentaries, 2 Short films and 2 Web-Series which will pitch their films to producers, sales agents, distributors, festival programmers and potential investors in an open pitching session during WAVES Bazaar at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai on 2nd May, 2025.

    WAVES Bazaar Top Selects 2025

    1. The Wage Collector | Tamil | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Infant Soosai | Producer – Bagavathi Perumal

    1. Putul | Hindi | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Radheshyam Pipalwa | Producer – Sharad Mittal

    1. Doosra Byaah ( Levir) | Haryanvi,Hindi | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Bhagat Singh Saini | Producer – Parveen Saini

    1. Pankhudiyaan (Petals in the Wind) | Hindi | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Abdul Aziz | Producer – Abdul Aziz, Jyotsana Rajpurohit

    1. Khidki Gaav (If on a Winter’s Night) | Malayalam | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Sanju Surendran | Producer – Dr. Surendran M N

    1. Suchana – The Beginning | Bangla | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Pausali Sengupta | Producer – Avinanda Sengupta

    1. Swaha In the Name of Fire | Magahi | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Abhilash Sharma | Producer – Vikash Sharma

    1. Gotipua – Beyond Borders | English ,Hindi,Odia  | India | Documentary Feature

    Director & Producer – Chintan Parekh

    1. From India | English | USA | Documentary Short

    Director & Producer – Mandar Apte

    1. Third Floor | Hindi | India | Short Film

    Director – Amandeep Singh | Producer – Amandeep Singh

    1. Jahaan | Hindi | India | Fiction Short

    Director & Producer – Rahul Shetty

    1. Planet India | English,Hindi | India | TV Show

    Director – Colin Butfield | Producer – Tamseel Hussain

    1. Bharti Aur Bibo | Hindi | India | Animation Web-Series/TV

    Director – Sneha Ravishankar | Producer – National Film Development Corporation &

    Puppetica Media Pvt. Ltd

    1. Achappa’s Album (Grampa’s Album) | Malayalam | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Deepti Pillay Sivan | Producer – National Film Development Corporation

    1. Duniya Na Mane (The Unexpected) | Hindi | India | Fiction Feature

    Director & Producer – V. Shantaram

     

    About WAVES

    The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

    Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

    Have questions? Find answers here  

    Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

    Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

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    Follow us on social media:  @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs interdepartmental working group meeting on festival arrangements (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (April 25) chaired a meeting of the interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements to holistically co-ordinate and steer the preparatory work of various government departments for welcoming visitors to Hong Kong during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan; the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk, and representatives from other relevant government departments also attended. 

         Mr Chan said, “We estimate a notable increase in visitor arrivals during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will make good preparations for receiving visitors, as well as maintaining close liaison with relevant organisations and the travel trade to prepare well for crowd management, information dissemination and arrangements of public transportation and boundary control points (BCPs), with a view to responding promptly to various kinds of emergencies and ensure the smooth operation of various aspects in receiving visitors and offering a high-quality experience to them.”

    Estimated visitor flow and preparatory work 

         According to the Immigration Department (ImmD)’s estimate, around 5.71 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during this year’s Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland (i.e. from May 1 to 5), among which 4.90 million passengers will pass through land control points.

         The ImmD estimates that the peak period of outbound passengers using land BCPs is expected to be May 3 (Saturday) with around 590 000 passengers; whilst the peak period of inbound passengers using land BCPs is expected to be May 5 (Monday) with around 580 000 passengers. Passengers are advised to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The busy times at BCPs are available on the ImmD website at www.immd.gov.hk. Furthermore, residents and passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land BCP at any time or place via the Immigration mobile app. They can then plan their trips effectively and save time queuing at control points. 

         In terms of Mainland inbound visitors, it is estimated that around 840 000 passengers will visit Hong Kong via various sea, land and air control points during the five-day Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. Compared with last year’s Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland and this year’s Chinese New Year Golden Week of the Mainland, the daily average visitor arrivals are expected to increase by 10 per cent and 13 per cent respectively. Major tourist spots have formulated special arrangements to handle the estimated increase of people flows. The Hong Kong community is expected to become more vibrant and highly patronised during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, bringing opportunities to various sectors.

    The Travel Industry Authority (TIA) has also reminded travel agents receiving Mainland inbound tour groups to adopt appropriate diversion measures to enable proper management of visitor flows and tour buses, with a view to offering a pleasant travel experience to visitors. In addition, District Offices will closely monitor the flow of visitors within their respective districts and notify relevant departments having regard to the actual circumstances with a view to strengthening management of the relevant spots.

    Co-ordinate control points, traffic and public transport facilities

         Relevant departments have minimised leave for frontline officers to enable flexible deployment of manpower and operation of additional counters and channels, with a view to diverting passenger and vehicular flows. The Inter-departmental Joint Command Centre set up by the Police, the ImmD, the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED), and other relevant departments will be activated from May 1 (Thursday) to May 5 (Monday) to monitor the real-time situations at various control points. The Joint Command Centre will maintain close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanisms, and take timely contingency actions as necessary to flexibly deploy manpower at BCPs to ensure smooth operation of the land control points. 

         For transport arrangements, the Transport Department (TD) has co-ordinated with relevant operators to enhance transportation services connecting various BCPs, including increasing the frequency of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) shuttle bus (Gold Bus) to less than one minute during peak hours, and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) to about two minutes at its highest frequency, as well as increasing the quota of cross-boundary coaches to strengthen services; and formulating a contingency plan by providing a dedicated passage for public transport vehicles at the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang Port and the Shenzhen Bay Port when necessary to ensure smooth public transport services. In addition, Zhuhai’s traffic management department will also arrange a dedicated lane at the HZMB for the use of the Gold Bus, cross-boundary coaches and large vehicles when necessary. Regarding local public transport services, the TD has approached various public transport operators proactively to enhance their capacity, and reserve sufficient vehicles and manpower to meet the travel needs of visitors. The MTR Corporation Limited will enhance the train services of the East Rail Line between Admiralty and Lo Wu/Lok Ma Chau at different times from May 1 to May 5 to provide convenience for the travelling public and visitors. During these periods, the train frequencies to and from Lok Ma Chau will increase to approximately every 7.5 to 10 minutes, while services to Lo Wu will be enhanced to approximately every five minutes. The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the TD will continue to operate 24 hours a day to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services in all districts, BCPs, and major stations across Hong Kong, and take prompt measures to address service demands and disseminate the latest traffic updates through various channels. 

    Protection of visitors

         The TIA will conduct inspections in districts where relatively more registered shops for inbound tour groups are located during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland, and offer assistance to visitors and tourist guides to protect inbound tour group visitors’ rights. Additionally, the Police will continue to step up enforcement actions against any illegal acts of taxi drivers including overcharging and refusing hires. The C&ED will also step up inspections of shops serving visitors to combat unfair trade practices. 

    Weather forecast

         It is expected that the weather will be hot from May 1 to May 4 with sunny periods apart from isolated showers. The weather may become more unstable, with more showers towards the latter part of the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. The chances of being affected by tropical cyclones are relatively low. The above forecast is a preliminary assessment, and the Hong Kong Observatory will update the forecast depending on the latest change in weather. 

    Information dissemination

         To assist visitors in planning their itineraries, the Government will strengthen information dissemination including the latest inbound visitor arrivals, the situation at various BCPs, transport arrangements, latest weather forecasts, etc to enable residents and visitors to plan their itineraries according to the latest situation.

         The Hong Kong Tourism Board has also launched a dedicated webpage (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/plan/traveller-info/goldenweek-special-info.html ) to consolidate useful information during the Labour Day Golden Week of the Mainland. The webpage includes information about the opening hours of major sightseeing attractions, public transportation, boundary-crossing services, and other events during the period, including the drone show at the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade to enable residents and visitors to plan their itineraries more conveniently.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Announces 2025 Women of Excellence Award Winners

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. –Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the winners of the Second Annual Women of Excellence Awards. The awards recognize outstanding women or women’s organizations residing, studying, working, or serving Virginia’s Fourth District that have made a profound impact on the district and have meaningfully contributed to their communities. 

    “I am excited to recognize the work these incredible women have done to make Virginia’s Fourth District a better place,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Women shaped our Commonwealth — and our nation — from the beginning, even when they have gone unseen and unnoticed. This year’s award recipients uplift our communities every day. They inspire me and remind us all that women can achieve.”

    Businesswoman of the Year – Monica Mueller

    Monica Mueller is Chief Strategy Officer of Softensity, a leading provider of software development and IT consulting services. As Softensity’s EVP, she spent five years transforming multiple departments, leveraging technology to streamline operations and improve performance.

    Non-Profit of the Year – Little Hands VA

    Little Hands Virginia’s mission is to ensure children in Central Virginia have essentials from birth to improve outcomes for life. They support families by providing items, like diapers, pack n’ plays for safe sleep, and strollers, to children newborn to three years old in need in Central Virginia.

    The Women of Impact in Education Award – Kayla Diaz

    Kayla Diaz is a Spanish-language interpreter for Colonial Heights Public Schools. While serving as a family resource coordinator at Colonial Heights Public Schools, she successfully advocated for the creation of a dedicated interpreter position translating conversations between school staff and families with developing English skills.        

    Women in Action Volunteer Award – Fatima Smith

    Fatima M. Smith is the founder of FMS Speaks, LLC, a platform through which she facilitates crucial conversations within institutions, government, and educational settings. She has committed herself to interpersonal violence prevention, child advocacy and more.

    The Dr. Gladys West Women in STEM Award – Pamela Bingham

    Pamela R. Bingham is a “social impact” environmental engineer and currently the Operations Manager for The Health, Environmental, and Economic Justice Lab in the University of Maryland School of Public Health.

    Law and Government Champion Award – Gray Montrose

    Gray Montrose is currently the Deputy Director of Land Conservation with the Capital Region Land Conservancy, a nonprofit land trust currently stewarding over fifteen thousand acres of priority forest, farm, and park land in central Virginia. Her role involves providing legal counsel to the organization and providing critical support to the development of new projects.

    Media and Communications Champion Award – Claudia Massey

    Claudia R. Massey is the co-founder of Patience for Patients, LLC, a non-medical homecare agency that provides personal care and companionship services to the geriatric population. She is a columnist for Diva Dynasty Magazine, a best-selling author, a radio host, and a TV host at Preach the Word Worldwide Network where she serves as their brand ambassador.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boy jailed for murdering a boy in Islington

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A 17-year-old boy has been jailed for life for murdering teenager Deshaun James-Tuitt.

    The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons was previously found guilty on Wednesday, 5 February following a trial at the Old Bailey.

    On Friday, 25 April, a judge at the same court jailed the teenager for life, with a minimum term of 15 years in prison.

    Just before 21:00hrs on Thursday, 4 August 2022, officers encountered the victim in Highbury Fields, Islington. He ran towards them, saying: “Officer, I’ve been stabbed.”

    Despite the efforts of emergency services to save him, Deshaun, 15 died in hospital later that night.

    On the night he died, Deshaun had been at a birthday celebration at Highbury Fields with a large group of friends.

    The defendant – then aged 15 – travelled with a group of boys to the park on public transport. He wore a face covering, and was armed with a knife. His journey was documented on CCTV footage obtained by investigating officers.

    The defendant was seen robbing people in the park, resulting in an argument between him and Deshaun. The boy then stabbed Deshaun before running from the scene. A murder investigation was launched within Met Police’s Specialist Crime Command.

    Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said:

    “We carried out extensive CCTV enquiries in a bid to identify the youth who had travelled to Highbury Fields that night. Identifying him was a long and complex task.”

    “The boy was arrested on Wednesday, 10 August, 2022. A mobile phone was forensically downloaded and investigators recovered a chat from 8 August 2022, where he spoke of stabbing ‘Huntz’ – Deshaun’s nickname.

    DCI Yorke added: “The boy denied stabbing Deshaun, but it was clear that he had travelled to Highbury Fields that night, with a covered face, armed and looking for trouble.

    “There is no verdict that can give Deshaun back to his family. I sincerely hope that they find some comfort in today’s verdicts – my thoughts are with them.”

    The maternal side of Deshaun’s family said: “He [the victim] was my firstborn, and he would have been 18 years old. All my friends that I went to school with have their firstborn children – except me. To the person involved in the stabbing and taking his life: he didn’t deserve to die like that. I had a mental breakdown, and I will never be able to get over this.

    “I want you to know that Deshaun was a son, a brother, a grandson, a great grandson, a nephew and a cousin to so many on both sides of the family, so I want you to realise that he was a valuable member of our family. We won’t forgive or forget.

    “Deshaun, you can now rest in peace. Hopefully, justice will be served. Not only is Deshaun’s life lost, they who have done the crime will serve the time.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel CEO Andy Ross Harnesses Media Appearance on NBC-TV West Palm Beach Affiliate to Amplify Growth Strategy, Propel Brand Expansion and Launch American Rebel Light Beer in Florida

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    From Song to Strategy: American Rebel’s CEO Andy Ross Shares the Brand’s Journey with Sunshine Spotlight Host Fiona Daghir Detailing the Journey of America’s Patriotic Brand to Becoming the Next Great American Success Story.

    West Palm Beach, FL, April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), is pleased to share its CEO Andy Ross’ TV interview on the NBC-TV affiliate in West Palm Beach, Florida – WPTV. Sunshine Spotlight host Fiona Daghir (instagram.com/fionadaghir) and Andy share the American Rebel origin story of how Andy’s song “American Rebel,” which appeared on Andy’s 2013 album Time to Fight, became the blueprint for the creation of American Rebel – America’s Patriotic Brand.

    “I had incorporated music into my TV show Maximum Archery World Tour as early as 2010 and the song ‘American Rebel’ was my way of summing up my core values and way of life. When I shared the song and video cut with entrepreneur and businessman Corey Lambrecht, Corey said ‘that’s your brand. You need to build your brand around American Rebel and use this patriotic anthem as your mission and values statement.’ I had just had a similar conversation with my record producer Doug Grau. Doug had said that music artists needed to find other ways to monetize their music due to the file sharing phenomenon of the early 2000s. Corey and Doug both helped me start American Rebel in 2015 and we haven’t looked back. I wanted to see American Rebel beer, American Rebel motor oil, American Rebel grills, American Rebel tools. I want Susie to go up to mom and say ‘Mom, what’s Dad want for Father’s Day and she says honey, anything with American Rebel on it.’ We’re a lifestyle brand. Our first products were concealed carry backpacks and jackets, and then we launched American Rebel safes. In February 2022 we uplisted to NASDAQ under the AREB symbol and then we acquired our OEM safe manufacturer Champion Safe (championsafe.com). Champion has been around since 1999, and they manufacture and market our American Rebel safes in addition to their Champion and Superior brands. When an opportunity in the beer market presented itself, we decided to launch America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer, and the response has been amazing. Customers love what we stand for and they love the beer. American Rebel Light Beer is a premium domestic light lager with no corn syrup or rice extract to sweeten the beer like our competition. We use all natural ingredients. This produces a fuller flavored beer while still hitting the light beer profile – 100 calories and 3.2 carbs. People will gravitate to the marketing; but they’ll only continue as customers if they love the liquid.”

    NBC WPTV interview can be found here: click here for interview

    About American Rebel Light Beer

    Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a premium domestic light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebel.com and americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit americanrebelbeer.com/investor-relations.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com

    American Rebel Beverages, LLC
    Todd Porter, President
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of marketing outreach efforts, actual placement timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Company Contact:
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com 
    info@americanrebel.com

    Media Contact:
    Matt Sheldon
    Matt@PrecisionPR.co

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ReversingLabs Delivers Most Comprehensive Support for CycloneDX xBOM

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ReversingLabs (RL), the trusted name in file and software security, today announced the launch of leading support for eXtended Bill of Materials (xBOM) capabilities with Spectra Assure™. Available now, these new features include the Cryptographic Bill of Materials (CBOM), Software-as-a-Service Bill of Materials (SaaSBOM), and Machine Learning Bill of Materials (ML-BOM), marking an industry first for fully compiled commercial software. This innovation provides both software producers and enterprise buyers with unprecedented visibility into the components, services, and risks hidden within today’s increasingly complex software ecosystems.

    First-to-Market for Most Comprehensive Support for CycloneDX
    OWASP CycloneDX is a full-stack Bill of Materials (BOM) standard that provides advanced supply chain capabilities for cyber risk reduction. CycloneDX is an international standard ratified by Ecma International as ECMA-424.

    “CycloneDX elevates traditional SBOMs into a truly extensible, machine‑readable framework that captures critical supply chain metadata,” said Steve Springett, Chair of OWASP CycloneDX and Ecma TC54. “ReversingLabs Spectra Assure takes full advantage of these advanced specification features to deliver deep transparency and empower organizations to drive targeted risk reduction efforts.”

    With the evolution of software supply chain security, traditional ingredient-only SBOMs lack context and do little to address emerging risks. The Spectra Assure SAFE report includes the most comprehensive SBOM and risk assessment of an application to identify malware, tampering, suspicious behaviors, and more. With expanded xBOM support, Spectra Assure now offers comprehensive inventories with actionable security assessments for cryptographic assets, SaaS dependencies, and machine learning models. Producers are further empowered with the ability to edit SBOM components and declare SaaS services and ML models. The ability to go beyond the SBOM is critical as businesses increasingly face challenges such as quantum computing threats, interconnected cloud services, and AI-driven vulnerabilities.

    The new xBOM capabilities include the CBOM, ML-BOM, SaaSBOM, and the ability to declare and edit xBOM data.

    “ReversingLabs is proud to lead the charge in redefining software transparency with our xBOM capabilities,” said Tomislav Peričin, Chief Software Architect and co-founder at RL. “By offering an unparalleled view into cryptographic assets, SaaS dependencies, and machine learning models, we empower our customers with the visibility and context to build and buy software with confidence.”

    Prepares Businesses for AI and Quantum Computing Threats
    As software becomes more intelligent and interconnected, organizations must go beyond traditional SBOMs to meet escalating transparency demands. The xBOM capabilities offered by Spectra Assure enable businesses to:

    • Prepare for Quantum Computing Threats: CBOM provides insight into cryptographic assets that could be exploited by quantum computing advancements.
    • Understand SaaS Dependencies: SaaSBOM ensures visibility into external services that software relies on, reducing risks from third-party integrations.
    • Gain AI Supply Chain Visibility: ML-BOM identifies potentially malicious open-source models before they can be integrated into your products or deployed into your organization.

    Enables Regulatory Compliance
    Support for these new xBOM capabilities will help both software producers and their enterprise buyers adhere to increasingly strict compliance mandates. These include:

    • NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF): ML-BOM helps assess, manage, and mitigate risks throughout the AI lifecycle.
    • EU AI Act: ML-BOM enables compliance with strict risk-based obligations for AI systems in high-impact sectors.
    • ISO/IEC 42001 – ML-BOM helps with the first international standard for AI management systems, covering governance, transparency, and operational controls.
    • NIST 1800 38b – CBOM facilitates the Post-Quantum Readiness through cryptographic discovery.
    • EU Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA): Enables proprietary software from ICT third-party service providers to be properly analyzed prior to deployment.
    • EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA): Enable software manufacturers to generate the most comprehensive SBOM/xBOM.

    Replaces the Inherent Trust Model and Manual Questionnaires
    Traditionally, enterprise buyers have been relatively powerless when it comes to software supply chain security. Despite the fact that it is their responsibility to ensure the security of the software they bring into their organization, they have lacked any real control mechanism. Instead, they have relied on an inherent trust model that leans on security questionnaires and incomplete visibility into software components, associated services, and now AI, ML, and cryptographic components.

    With Spectra Assure, they can source this information without relying on their vendor. The Spectra Assure SAFE report provides a complete xBOM along with any critical risks – without the need for source code.

    Eliminates Friction of Software Supply Chain Security and Acquisition
    The lack of transparency into software components and risk slows the purchase and deployment of software, impacting both software producers and buyers.

    “Our xBOM support represents a new dimension of transparency for software. With xBOM, publishers can declare, and consumers can verify, software safety claims. This is a game changer for the software industry,” continued Peričin. “As a software vendor, I’m all too familiar with questionnaires and spreadsheets requested by security and procurement teams, which provide no real visibility into the real risk of an application. xBOM support expands Spectra Assure’s ability to quickly provide all the critical analysis and insights, eliminating the need for filling out questionnaires and time-consuming back and forth.”

    Additional Information
    For more information about the new xBOM capabilities in ReversingLabs Spectra Assure click here, schedule a demo, attend our webinar Beyond the SBOM: Welcome CycloneDX xBOM or meet with us at RSAC 2025, April 28 – May 1, 2025, San Francisco, Moscone Center, Booth N-4428.

    About ReversingLabs
    ReversingLabs is the trusted name in file and software security. We provide the modern cybersecurity platform to verify and deliver safe binaries. Trusted by the Fortune 500 and leading cybersecurity vendors, RL Spectra Core powers the software supply chain and file security insights, tracking over 422 billion searchable files with the ability to deconstruct full software binaries in seconds to minutes. Only ReversingLabs provides that final exam to determine whether a single file or full software binary presents a risk to your organization and your customers.

    Media Contact
    Doug Fraim
    Guyer Group
    Doug@Guyergroup.com

    The MIL Network –