NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Community Learning Development career pathway opportunities

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council Adult and Youth Service has recently received CLD Standards Council developmental approval for 3 in house SCQF Level 6 qualifications.

    What is Community Learning Development (CLD) – CLD is the field of professional practice in Scotland which includes youth work, community based adult learning, family learning and community development. CLD practice enables people of all ages to identify their own individual and collective goals, to engage in learning and take action to bring about change for themselves and their communities. CLD is a key element of the education sector in Scotland.

    Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “The Highland Council is delighted to be the first local authority in Scotland to receive CLD Standard Council developmental learning opportunities approval at SCQF level 6.

    “Retention, development and expanding our local skilled ‘Workforce for the Future’ portfolio aligns with the Council’s ‘Our Future Highland Delivery Plan’, to enable growth in our own workforce and to help retain a skilled workforce across Highland as a key driver to developing the Highland economy and reducing depopulation.

    “Through learning, our career development pathway efforts across Highland will contribute to empowering people, individually and collectively, to make positive changes in their lives and in their communities and we look forward to delivering the Community Learning and Development SCQF level 6 courses in the near future.”

    What does this mean for CLD career pathways in Highland?

    The CLD Standards Council endorsement of the 3 qualifications, offers an opportunity for people to begin a career in Community Learning & Development (CLD), to develop and grow our own workforce across Highland, opening a pathway towards a professional CLD qualification. It is hoped that this opportunity builds on and strengthens the work of CLD in Highland and the essential role that CLD practitioners contribute across our Highland communities.

    The three courses available are as follows:

    • National Progression Award (NPD) Theory and approaches to Youth Work (SCQF Level 6) 
    • Professional Development Award (PDA) Introduction to Tutoring ESOL (SCQF Level 6) 
    • Professional Development Award (PDA) Adult Learning in Scotland: An Introduction (SCQF Level 6)

    2 Apr 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inverness, Beauly and Fortrose school builds approved

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Through the Highland Investment Plan a new generation of community facilities is being planned across the Highland Council area, changing the way council services are delivered through a new way of operating across the partnership.

    The Highland Investment Plan (HIP) confirms phase one of its capital funding allocation to enable a new school for Beauly Primary, and extensive refurbishment projects at Fortrose Academy, Charleston Academy, and Inverness High School.

    Approval for the allocation of funding for the first phase of proposed projects for 2024/25 to 2029/30, which will help improve local public facilities and sustain local communities was agreed at the meeting of The Highland Council on 27 March 2025.

    Housing & Property Committee Chair, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair said: “At the meeting of The Highland Council on Thursday 27 March 2025, Members agreed capital funding allocation for phase one of the Highland Investment Plan (HIP) for developing its Learning Estate.

    “The Highland Investment Plan is helping to tackle major capital challenges to deliver new schools and extension/refurbishment programmes to our ageing Learning Estate. The capital funding allocation agreed for prioritised phase one projects includes Beauly Primary, Charleston Academy, Fortrose Academy and Inverness High School. The HIP sits alongside the ongoing new school build for Tornagrain Primary school and replacement schools at Tain Campus and Nairn Academy supported by Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP). These projects are area specific and part of a wider pan Highland commitment to continue to develop and improve the learning environments for our young people, staff and wider community.”

    Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson added: “The Highland Investment Plan will see much needed improvements to our operational school estate which over time will support bringing the ageing school estate to a standard that will best support the educational needs of all our young people.

    “As Councillors who represent both our own Wards and also the wider Highland community, we are confident that the HIP delivered with phased methodology offers real tangible improvements for our young people and staff that will substantially improve their learning environments.”

    The Council’s Learning Estate Strategy (LES) aligns with the local priorities set out within the Highland Investment Plan (HIP) vision for developing the Highland learning estate. The Learning Estate Strategy provides the vision and methodology for creating spaces that will enhance and sustain communities across the Highlands. It will support children and young people through their learning journey from early years through to primary and secondary education, including delivering for Additional Support Needs and enhanced provisions to meet the needs of all learners.  This is not only important to equip our young people with skills for life and work, but also to develop the workforce for the future to grow the Highland economy and sustain our communities across the whole Council area.

    The full report can be accessed here (Item 5).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Positive news for Caithness as Councillors approve Highland Investment Plan projects

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    A new generation of community facilities is being planned for the Highlands.

    At a meeting of The Highland Council last week, elected members approved funding for the first phase of projects under the Highland Investments Plan banner which will improve public facilities and sustain local communities and population. 

    This ambitious £2.1 billion twenty-year Highland Investment Plan will bring benefits to services and communities across the whole of the Highlands. The money will be used to tackle major capital challenges including improving transport and roads,  schools and community facilities, depots and offices.

    Thurso has been selected as one of the priority locations for a Community POD (Point of Delivery) as part of a new Thurso High School development and the budget approved by members includes significant capital funding for the project.

    Community Points of Delivery will be places where a wide range of Council services, including education, can be delivered alongside other partner and community services as part of a future integrated operating model for partnership working.

    Council Leader, Councillor Raymond Bremner said: “I am delighted that capital funding has been agreed and plans can move forward. This is great news not just for Thurso but for the whole of Caithness.

    “The creation of a community POD within the new Thurso High School project is intended to create a campus that brings together primary and secondary education, early learning and childcare provision and other key community services, located on a single campus.

    Other projects in phase one include improvement to Council depots in Caithness and the re-surfacing of the all-weather pitch in Wick.”

    Community stakeholder events and public drop-in sessions have taken place over the last couple of months to gather feedback from members of the community.

    Options being considered are:

    • 3-18 Campus (1 Primary School): Thurso High, a combined primary school, Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) provision and Additional Support Needs (ASN) bases all located on one campus.
    • 3-18 Campus (2 Primary Schools): As above but with primary school provision split between the 3-18 campus and one other primary school located elsewhere and with revised catchment areas.
    • Separate Campuses (1 Primary School): As above but one combined primary school on a separate site from the High School.
    • Separate Campuses (2 Primary Schools): As above but two separate primary schools with revised catchment areas.

    Cllr Bremner added: “This ambitious investment plan will bring benefits to services and communities across the whole of the Highlands. The money will be used to tackle major capital challenges we face including improving transport and roads, our schools and community facilities, depots and offices.”

    A report following the Thurso placed-based review will be presented to Highland Councillors at their meeting in June. The report will identify outcomes of the review, including the preferred model for the community POD, which Councillors will consider.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Investment Plan will deliver two new schools for Skye

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    A new generation of community facilities is being planned across the Highland Council area to focus on how this investment will change the way council services are delivered through a new way of operating across the partnership.

    The Highland Investment Plan (HIP) confirms phase one of the capital funding allocation will enable a new school at Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye. This is in addition to the ongoing development of the new Broadford Primary School.

    Approval for the allocation of funding for the first phase of proposed projects for 2024/25 to 2029/30, which will help improve local public facilities and sustain local communities was agreed at the meeting of The Highland Council on 27 March 2025.

    Education Committee Chair and Local Area Committee Chair for Skye and Raasay, Cllr John Finlayson said: “I’m delighted that the Highland Investment Plan capital funding allocation for phase one has an additional five new school builds or extension/refurbishment projects across Highland and includes the much awaited and needed Dunvegan Primary School.

    “Subject to planning and contract award, the new Dunvegan Primary School construction work will look to commence in 2026 with a completion date of May/ June 2027. The school build is part of a masterplan investment that will change the way council services are delivered through a new collaborative operating model and will include new affordable housing and a sports pitch which are being developed in partnership with Lochalsh and Skye Housing Association and Dunvegan Community Trust. Road and enabling works for the different elements have already been completed.

    “These exciting developments sit alongside the plans for the new Broadford Primary School and a community sports pitch which are currently being progressed to design and tender stage, which will also bring much improved learning and community facilities to another area of Skye.

    “I would like to thank the Skye community, Stakeholders and Council Officers who have worked tirelessly with me and other Members over a number of years to get to this stage, they should be proud of their efforts to date, and they like I will be looking forward to the first phase of the Highland Investment Plan being delivered, with excitement and optimism.”

    The Council’s Learning Estate Strategy (LES) aligns with the local priorities set out within the Highland Investment Plan (HIP) vision for developing its learning estate. The Learning Estate Strategy provides the vision and methodology for creating spaces that will enhance and sustain communities across the Highlands. It will support children and young people through their learning journey from early years through to primary and secondary education, including delivering for Additional Support Needs and enhanced provisions to meet the needs of all learners.  This is not only important to equip our young people with skills for life and work, but also to develop the workforce for the future to grow the Highland economy and sustain our communities across the whole Council area.

    The full report can be accessed here (Item 5).

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to observational study about screentime, sleep and depression in adolescents

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    An observational study published in PLOS Global Mental Health looks at screentime, sleep and depression in adolescents. 

    Prof Ben Carter, Professor of Medical Statistics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, said:

    “The authors have used a pre-registered and hypothesis testing approach taking data from a previous randomised control trial which included 4810 Swedish adolescents from 55 schools aged 12 to 16. In this well set up secondary analysis where the authors apply causal inference to an observational cohort study, they found that in girls screentime displaced sleep and was associated with increased symptoms of depression over a nine-month period.

    “Sleep in the development of adolescents is essential. This study offers biologically plausible data that demonstrates the evidence for widely held views of the impact of displacement of screens and the impact on sleep and symptoms of depression. The authors show that typical screentime in this cohort was in excess of Sweden’s recommended maximum of two to three hours per day. This work supports the introduction of public health leadership and introduction of national recommendations on smartphone use during school evenings for children and adolescents. This would likely lead to collective action to empower parents and help adolescents improve their sleep and prevent daytime sleepiness.

    “Weaknesses include that screentime was defined as leisure time on the internet and they were not able to differentiate between the type of screen used and self-reported. The strengths of this work include that the participants were a sample of typical 12- to 16-year-olds from Europe, they applied causal inference with a directed acyclic graph to explain the causal pathways with a pre-registered a priori hypothesis.”

     

    Prof Chris Ferguson, Professor of Psychology, Stetson University, said:

    “Overall, I don’t find this article to be an impressive addition to our understanding of screen time.  The measures of screen time appear to be self-report, a method known for its unreliability.  The questions are crude and not validated, and likely to prompt hypothesis guessing among participants that could result in false positive results.  There appear to be no proper statistical controls for theoretically relevant variables such as family environment, which might have explained any correlation.  Nonetheless, the results from this study are remarkably weak.  There is no correlation between screen time and depression which would seem to be important as findings go, given how much angst there is about that topic.  Though billed as “longitudinal” the lag between the first and second time frames is probably too short to be meaningful.  Associations between screen time and sleep were weak, overall.  In conclusion, the data are correlational, not causal, of weak or (in the case of depression) null effects.  Unfortunately, the authors also use causal language, which is inappropriate for any correlation design, including longitudinal, particularly given the lack of appropriate statistical controls.  Ultimately, this study tells us very little about adolescent screen time, sleep, depression or anything else. With these limitations, I’d worry about making any firm conclusions which could concern parents or carers about screen use in adolescents without the evidence to back it up.”

    ‘Adolescents’ screen time displaces multiple sleep pathways and elevates depressive symptoms over twelve months’ by Sebastian Hökby et al. was published in PLOS Global Mental Health at 19:00 UK time April 2nd April. 

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0004262

    Declared interests

    Prof Ben Carter: No declarations.

    Prof Chris Ferguson: No declarations

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Islamic State used video to legitimise its caliphate

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Moign Khawaja, Lecturer, School of Law and Government, Dublin City University (DCU), Dublin City University

    The rise of the self-styled Islamic State (IS) has been described as an “accident of history” which took place as a result of the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003.

    The extremist organisation had existed as a mere “paper state” since its founding as the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) in October 2006. But the video release of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declaring himself the caliph on July 4 2014 marked a turning point in contemporary history.

    IS subsequently published hundreds of videos, some of which shocked the world with their graphic violence. Ideological enemies of the caliphate were executed by beheading or being burned alive.

    But while the violence mobilised global opposition to what the then-US president, Barack Obama, called IS’s “bankrupt” ideology, the group used video as its go-to medium for IS propaganda and recruitment.

    The group’s official videos, generally described as “slick” and “Hollywood-esque”, heavily emphasised two vital aspects of its identity: Islamic and state. The Islamic aspect of IS has been debated at length by scholars – especially the question of how much they had to do with Islam, if at all. But little research has been done to investigate the statehood claim made by IS.

    The fact IS termed itself as Islamic State, or ad-Dawlah al-Islāmiyah
    (الدولة الإسلامية) in Arabic, demonstrated its claim to be a state in the truest sense of the word – not just to citizens living in the territory it controlled, but to its supporters and enemies worldwide.

    IS also presented evidence of state-building activities in the form of official propaganda releases. These aimed not only to back up its statehood claims but to seek recognition from its subjects and supporters for the caliphate project.

    For our book, Islamic State, Media and Propaganda: Performances of the ‘Visual Caliphate’, we conducted an in-depth visual analysis of 374 official IS videos. These were published between the caliphate’s establishment in July 2014 and its dismantlement in July 2017, and collected from various online IS channels before their takedown in mid-2015, when Twitter started suspending thousands of pro-IS accounts en-masse.

    We looked at the videos IS produced through four different analyses.

    1. Population

    The population analysis reveals IS’s portrayal of itself as a vibrant Islamic society. IS depicted its people as a cohesive community living under shariah law, emphasising gendered roles and the Bay’ah citizenship agreement, which privileged Sunni Muslims while marginalising minorities.

    This analysis highlights the disproportionate portrayal of men as fighters and breadwinners. Women, meanwhile, were largely invisible on screen, confined to domestic roles as wives and mothers. Young boys were groomed as future fighters while girls were portrayed as “pearls of chastity” and trained to raise the next generation of the caliphate.

    Surprisingly, women did make a one-off appearance when they were shown fighting alongside men on the battlefield as the caliphate was on its last legs.

    2. Territory

    This analysis unravels three stages of IS’s expansionist territorial strategy. First, identify enemy targets and territory. Second, attack and defeat the enemy. Finally, project the victory to followers and opponents alike.

    The videos also show IS exercising sovereignty over its territory – aiming to legitimise its rule in the eyes of its subjects, and encourage global supporters to emigrate, join and defend IS.

    The group projected itself as a de facto sovereign state capable of capturing, controlling and defending its territory with the help of modern technology such as drones, maps and weaponry. It depicted any severe military setbacks it suffered as a divine test – and heavily downplayed their importance.

    3. Governance

    This showcases IS’s efforts to project itself as a modern state by documenting its governance practices, including law enforcement, public services and administration. IS presented itself as a revolutionary state that brought peace and security to a war-torn region.

    The governance mode of analysis highlights IS’s theatrical performances of its ability to run a state. Videos showed civil servants working in offices as well as civilians engaging with the state institutions they ran. They regularly featured state symbols such as the IS flag and its gold dinar currency.

    These displays of performative governance were made at a time when the caliphate was constantly pummelled by military operations conducted by both US- and Russia-led coalitions.

    Despite its strict Salafi identity (an orthodox Islamic movement that advocates a return to the practices and beliefs of the first three generations of Muslims), IS presented itself as a modern state by deploying tools such as its own branding, currency, infrastructure and taxation.

    4. Foreign policy

    IS interactions with other states and non-state actors were presented as foreign policy. It rejected the modern international system, which it deemed un-Islamic, and refused to seek recognition from the international community. Instead, IS engaged in “rebel diplomacy” with other jihadi groups. The aim was to co-opt them into its global network of affiliates.

    Our analysis reveals how IS used civilian casualties caused by coalition airstrikes to justify terror attacks abroad. It also selectively quoted Islamic texts to legitimise its actions, and took matters into its own hands when religious teachings did not fit its narrative.

    An example of this was the horrific burning alive of Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kasasbeh. According to a narrative attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, burning alive as a form of punishment is forbidden in Islam.

    Our research underscores IS’s unique status as a jihadi organisation that came close to establishing a de facto state. This was an unprecedented feat in contemporary history, and shows how IS’s theatrical performances of statehood were carefully scripted and staged. Jihadi-led violence has subsided across the Middle East and North Africa since the territorial collapse of IS in 2017.

    But it has risen in other regions of Asia and Africa, including Central Asia, East Africa and the Sahel region. So our findings can help in the understanding of how the blueprint of the caliphate might inspire and influence existing and future jihadi movements with statebuilding ambitions.

    Moign Khawaja received funding from the Irish Research Council as part of the IRC-Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Research Fellowship.

    – ref. How Islamic State used video to legitimise its caliphate – https://theconversation.com/how-islamic-state-used-video-to-legitimise-its-caliphate-252214

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five ways to improve net zero action – our new research highlights lessons from the past

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Karen Bickerstaff, Professor in Human Geography, University of Exeter

    Cycling is not only a way to reduce carbon emissions, it also has huge health benefits. LeManna/Shutterstock

    The current UK government and its recent predecessors have shown a reluctance to encourage and enable lifestyle changes that reduce our collective demand for energy.

    Fearing a backlash from voters, many UK politicians neglect key weapons in the fight to mitigate climate change. These include directing investment away from building roads to public transport, establishing reliable infrastructure for the charging and repair of electric vehicles, and making reduction of car travel a key priority for urban planners.

    As researchers focusing on how to accelerate climate action, we argue that shying away from changing the way we live is counterproductive. Conflict and disagreement are part of social change, but there are positive ways forward.

    The problems and, critically, the solutions have overwhelmingly been presented by UK governments as technological. But many of these technologies are still only in development.

    Practical use of nuclear fusion (the energy-generating mechanism that powers the sun), for example, has long been spoken of as “30 years away”. The efficacy of direct air capture (a set of technologies that extract CO₂ directly from the atmosphere) remains a matter of conjecture.

    Meanwhile, demand reduction and lifestyle changes – solutions we know make a difference – are being left in the background.

    In the run-up to the 2024 UK general election, we conducted a survey of almost 3,000 UK citizens – of which just over half (51%) expressed support for a net zero carbon emissions target. Given the apparent indifference or outright opposition of a substantial proportion of voters, it is not surprising that politicians seek to minimise objections to net zero policy by downplaying any suggestion of personal disruption.

    Our survey also asked about people’s willingness to make specific lifestyle changes (to home energy, diet and travel) for climate reasons. On average, 43% were already acting or firmly planning to do so. Another 28% said they might be prepared to make such changes in the future.

    Willingness to make climate-related lifestyle changes:

    This ties in with other research which indicates that people are open to significant changes in their lifestyle to support net zero, if the conditions are right. So, how can this potential for change be realised?

    The answer, we argue, lies in the recent past. Over the last year, as part of a social science taskforce on net zero, we looked back at a diverse range of case studies of societal change to draw lessons for future policy. We now propose that five key steps are needed for effective net zero action.

    1. Galvanise people

    When seeking to build support for contentious change, it is vital to identify issues that can galvanise people. These will often relate to other (non-net zero) benefits. For instance, “school streets” projects have been successful, where other traffic reduction policies have failed, because they emphasise the benefits to the health and wellbeing of children.

    Similarly, the rapid switch from coal heating to gas central heating in the 1960s and ’70s was partly connected to a popular movement for cleaner, “decent” homes.

    Identifying issues that unify people can galvanise support from local communities.
    Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

    2. Focus on fairness

    In our survey, just 37% of people saw a fairer society as a likely outcome of net zero actions, while 63% identified individual finances as a major challenge to achieving net zero. Regulation needs to establish a close connection between net zero measures and equity, so that no groups are unfairly burdened or advantaged. This requires an honest discussion about downsides and trade-offs.

    Measures that focus on cheaper bills, affordable devices, accessible transport and the alleviation of fuel poverty will build optimism. In the successful Danish transition to district heating from the mid-1970s, ensuring affordable and reliable energy was vital in gaining support, as was giving residents a say in decision-making.

    3. Make the policy process relatable

    We noticed that survey participants expressed a lot of cynicism and uncertainty about government action on net zero. Nearly half (46%) doubted that the net zero target was achievable, while most people (62%) had serious concerns about vested interests, under-resourced local authorities (59%), and a lack of government investment in infrastructure (59%).

    People also feel disconnected from decision-making. Many said they had little or no influence on climate policy (59%), and felt there was a lack of power in communities (51%).

    Local authorities, businesses, community groups and other third-sector organisations can help bridge these gaps between national government and everyday life. They should play a key role delivering net zero policies that fit with local needs and issues.

    When Denmark switched to district heating, the delegation of powers to municipal authorities was crucial in supporting community ownership models and empowering residents and community groups. Properly resourced local climate commissions – town- and city-wide groups that bring together local organisations and businesses – can provide an independent, trusted voice to help drive climate action at a local level.

    4. Listen to other people

    People need the chance to listen to and engage with each other. If they doubt their opinions and concerns are recognised, or if their worries are viewed as nothing more than obstacles, conflict becomes more likely.

    Proper dialogue through collaborations like climate citizens’ assemblies can improve understanding of different positions, aspirations and capabilities. Once legitimate concerns and unintended consequences have been identified, potential solutions can be explored.

    There is certainly support for this more interactive approach: 40% of people in our survey felt that affected communities should have a considerable influence on climate policies, alongside local authorities (40%) and elected MPs (42%).

    Without these ongoing conversations, projects can fail. A Dutch carbon capture and storage project, using a depleted gas field under the town of Barendrecht to store CO₂ from a nearby refinery, was cancelled in 2010 following intense local opposition. The government and industry had failed to get public engagement right from the start.

    5. Accept some opposition

    Change to net zero is going to be difficult, and no step the UK government takes will completely eliminate the possibility of disruption and conflict. In our survey, nearly a quarter of respondents were opposed to the UK net zero target. So, politicians need to be more robust and interventionist in making a positive case for net zero, recognising that not everyone is going to agree.

    However, there are grounds to be optimistic that action itself may help unlock support for net zero. Research that has followed school streets projects, for example, shows that once schemes are in place, support among residents and parents increases when anticipated problems (such as traffic displacement) do not materialise – and when the benefits, in terms of children walking and cycling more, become clear.


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

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Karen Bickerstaff receives funding from the Leverhulme Trust and ESRC.

    Alice Moseley receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council

    Patrick Devine-Wright receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

    – ref. Five ways to improve net zero action – our new research highlights lessons from the past – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-improve-net-zero-action-our-new-research-highlights-lessons-from-the-past-244195

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Energys Group Announces Closing of $10.125 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BILLINGSHURST, WEST SUSSEX, UNITED KINGDOM, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Energys Group Limited (NASDAQ: ENGS) (“Energys Group” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions provider for the built environment, today announced the closing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 2,250,000 ordinary shares (the “Ordinary Shares”) at a public offering price of US$4.50 per Ordinary Share, for total gross proceeds of US$10,125,000 before deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses. The Offering closed on April 2, 2025 and the Ordinary Shares began trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market on April 1, 2025, under the ticker symbol “ENGS.”

    The Company has granted the underwriters an option, within 45 days from the date of the prospectus, to purchase up to an additional 337,500 Ordinary Shares at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any.

    The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. American Trust Investment Services, Inc. (“American Trust”) acted as the representative of the underwriters for the Offering. Schlueter & Associates, P.C. acted as U.S. counsel to the Company, and DeMint Law, PLLC acted as U.S. counsel to American Trust, in connection with the Offering.

    The Company intends to use the proceeds from this Offering 1) to expand its operating network in the United Kingdom; 2) for inventory procurement; 3) to establish operating subsidiaries in the United States; 4) to identify and pursue merger and acquisition opportunities; 5) to expand research and development capabilities; 6) to repay certain bank borrowings; and 7) to use as general working capital.

    A registration statement relating to the Offering, as amended (File No. 333-275956), was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and was declared effective by the SEC on March 14, 2025.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    The Offering is being made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus related to the Offering may be obtained from American Trust, Attn: Syndicate Department, 1244 119th Street, Whiting, IN 46394, via email at ib@amtruinvest.com, or via telephone at (219) 473-5542. In addition, a copy of the final prospectus can be obtained via the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    About Energys Group

    Founded in 1998 as an energy conservation consultancy, Energys Group Limited (NASDAQ: ENGS) (“Energys Group” or the “Company”) has since transitioned into a vertically integrated energy efficiency and decarbonization solutions provider for the built environment. Serving organizations from both the private and public sectors, including schools, universities, hospitals and offices, primarily in the UK, the Company’s vision is to deliver innovative solutions that reduce carbon emissions, lower costs and support Net Zero agenda – alongside improving the wellbeing of building users within the built environment.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements other than statements of historical fact in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and in its other filings with the SEC.

    For more information, please contact:
    DLK Advisory
    Phone: +852-2857-7101
    Email: ir@dlkadvisory.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: France holds the presidency of the UN Security Council during the month of April 2025

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    Today, April 1, 2025, France takes over the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for a period of one month.

    The Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and, as a permanent member, France is committed to working with its partners to enable it to respond to current challenges and conflicts.

    France succeeds Denmark, which effectively assumed the presidency of the UNSC last month, and precedes Greece, which will take up this function in May, and the French presidency of the Council is therefore at the heart of a “European quarter” of the presidency of the Security Council, through which we mark, together, our commitment to effective multilateralism and respect for the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

    In the face of current challenges, the guiding principle of our presidency will be to make multilateral dialogue prevail over power relations.

    The war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine since February 2022, in defiance of the most fundamental principles of international law, will be at the heart of our mobilization, and France will continue its efforts in favour of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

    The situation in the Middle East will be the subject of a ministerial meeting at the end of the month, chaired by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, to which international and regional partners will be invited, which will illustrate France’s commitment to peace in that region, and will be part of the preparations for the international conference on the two-state solution co-organised in New York by France and Saudi Arabia.

    Given the seriousness of the ongoing conflicts, France will pay particular attention to the situation in the Great Lakes, those in Sudan and South Sudan, as well as in Haiti.

    The French presidency will also be at the initiative with meetings devoted to peacekeeping operations and the protection of humanitarian workers, two strong commitments to support those who, on the ground, provide assistance to vulnerable populations, and to ensure effective multilateralism, France will continue to demonstrate its commitment to the reform of the Security Council in order to improve its representativeness.

    Throughout its presidency, France will have as its sole compass its commitment to multilateralism, the United Nations system and respect for international law for the maintenance of international peace and security.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What these new landing barges can tell us about China’s plans to invade Taiwan

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Matthew Heaslip, Senior Lecturer in Naval History, University of Portsmouth

    How the Shuqiao barges may be used to ferry troops ashore. X (formerly Twitter)

    China’s intentions when it comes to Taiwan have been at the centre of intense discussion for years. Both mainland China and Taiwan claim to represent the “real” China after the Kuomintang nationalist party under Chiang Kai Shek retreated across the Taiwan Strait and established the Republic of China there in 1949. Ever since then, mainland China – the People’s Republic – has maintained a claim over Taiwan.

    But in recent years, Chinese leaders – including the current president, Xi Jinping – have talked of plans for “reunification” which would bring Taiwan and its population of 23 million under the control of Beijing. By force if necessary.

    Now, the recent appearance of a handful of odd-looking barges at a beach in Guangdong province in the People’s Republic may be a significant movement towards that unwelcome potential outcome.

    The Shuiqiao barges filmed in March 2025 working together to form a relocatable bridge – the name means “water bridge” – enable the transfer of vehicles, supplies and people between ship and shore, over shallow beaches and potential obstacles on to firm ground. Analysts have already pointed out that there is no obvious commercial role for such large vessels, so the most likely purpose is for landing armed forces during amphibious operations.

    All major navies maintain some form of amphibious capability. The UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary, for example, operates the UK’s three bay class landing ships, which are due to be replaced by six modern multi-role strike ships. What is particularly significant, however, is that the Shuiqiao offers capabilities along similar lines to the Mulberry harbours built for the D-Day Normandy landings.

    The specialised nature of these landing barges, with only one real purpose – to help land large numbers of military forces, stands in contrast with mainstream amphibious vessels. Bay class ships, for example, continue to be used for civilian evacuations, humanitarian aid, disaster relief and a wide range of military roles.

    That is a crucial distinction as amphibious operations present huge logistical challenges. D-Day required 850,000 troops, 485,000 tons of supplies and 153,000 vehicles to be landed safely over the first three weeks. Ports tend to be difficult to seize intact, as was demonstrated to great cost during the 1942 raid on Dieppe, so it is generally necessary to land armies over the invasion beaches.

    The ability to install temporary harbours, which is what the Shuiqiao bridges appear to provide, offers a means of quickly landing large forces from bigger ships to shore. That also reduces the number of specialised landing ships required, by enabling the use of commercial vessels for ferrying troops to those makeshift ports.

    Is an invasion of Taiwan imminent?

    What is of concern is that such specialised landing barges are not normally constructed until shortly before they are intended to be used. The Mulberry harbours went into production only a year before the Normandy landings. This is both to ensure they are in good working order when required, but also as they tend to offer little additional value and yet come at a significant price. In this present case, the nearest comparable civilian and military vessels cost hundreds of millions of dollars each.

    This does not mean that their appearance guarantees that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is imminent. At present there are reported to be three completed prototype landing barges ready for deployment and three under construction. This would offer one or two beach bridges, each an estimated 820 metres long.

    That would be of minimal value in a major invasion. The single US Navy Jlots modular floating pier in Gaza, for example, was only able to land 8,800 tonnes of aid in 20 days. While the Gaza effort was affected by bad weather, any Shuiqiao landing bridges would face much more dangerous wartime conditions. Three to six barges could also still plausibly be intended for disaster relief, even if does not seem a particularly cost-effective means of delivering aid.

    How the US Jlot floating pier works.

    But if the number of these barges continues to increase then the assumption must be that a major amphibious expedition is likely within the next decade. Historically, neither the UK, US or any other major power has maintained more than a handful of such highly specialised landing vessels, except for when they intended to use them. In the case of these barges the target may not necessarily be Taiwan – although it would be the most obvious target.

    Assuming that an invasion does not trigger a world war, it might still be unsuccessful. Despite years of preparation and near complete control of the sea and skies, the Normandy landings were incredibly perilous and at times looked at risk of defeat. Success came at great cost in lives, through great skill, and at times a little luck. More than 4,400 allied soldiers are believed to have died within the first 24 hours alone, with many more wounded.

    Furthermore, getting forces ashore is only part of the challenge. Taiwan’s geography is not suited to rapid movement inland and in similar historic cases that has led to significant additional casualties and delays.

    The battle of Anzio during the 1944 invasion of Italy, for example, registered tens of thousands of casualties as the allies struggled to break out of the beachhead. Likewise, at Gallipoli in 1915, repeated failures to move inland saw allied forces suffer hundreds of thousands of casualties only to eventually withdraw.

    As a historian who is fond of China, I can only hope that these prototypes will remain just that and this will join the list of other forgotten moments in world history. If not, then the conflicts we have seen since the cold war and even those of the past few years may look minor in comparison to what could be unleashed as a result of an invasion of Taiwan.

    Matthew Heaslip is a Visiting Fellow at the Royal Navy’s Strategic Studies Centre.

    – ref. What these new landing barges can tell us about China’s plans to invade Taiwan – https://theconversation.com/what-these-new-landing-barges-can-tell-us-about-chinas-plans-to-invade-taiwan-253044

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Hyrox: this challenging race could improve your strength, endurance and fitness – here’s the evidence

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nicola Robinson, Lecturer, Sport and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University

    People all over the world compete in this increasingly popular fitness race. Sandra Sev Jarocka/ Shutterstock

    Whether you’re an avid runner or frequently go to the gym, many fitness enthusiasts find they eventually get stuck in a routine – logging the same miles or doing the same workout over and over again.

    What if there were a way to challenge both endurance and strength at once with an effective, varied training routine?

    Welcome to Hyrox – the increasingly popular fitness race that blends endurance running and strength. Designed for everyday athletes and elite competitors alike, Hyrox offers an accessible yet competitive race format.

    By focusing on functional fitness, this workout provides a structured way for people to push their limits while training for a clear goal. It also comes with many physiological benefits regardless of your skill level – including strength, endurance and power.

    Hyrox is a fitness competition that started in Germany in 2017. They currently organise races worldwide.

    Athletes run 8km in total, but after each kilometre they must complete a functional fitness exercise. In a Hyrox race, the first exercise is 1,000m on a ski ergometer, followed by a 50m sled push, a 50m sled pull, 80m of burpee broad jumps, a 1,000m row, a 200m farmer’s carry, 100m walking sandbag lunges – finishing with 100 wall balls.

    A Hyrox race can be competed individually, in pairs, or in a team of four done in a relay-format. The difficulty of the race depends on your skill level. Athletes in the pro division work with heavier weights than the open division. Those competing as a pair split the stations but run together – adding teamwork to the race.

    The average finish time of a Hyrox race is 90 minutes – though this can vary depending on a person’s age, gender and fitness level. Elite racers will aim for a sub-60 time – with current world records set at around 50 minutes.

    A race of this duration and intensity puts serious physiological stress on the body – which requires a good level of overall fitness.

    Transitioning between runs and exercises causes the body to shift between different energy systems during Hyrox. The aerobic system uses oxygen to steadily fuel the muscles over a period of time. This is essential for the running segments. The anaerobic system, on the other hand, provides short bursts of energy without needing oxygen. This is crucial for the high-intensity exercise portions.

    Hyrox is extremely demanding on the body.
    Sandra Sev Jarocka/ Shutterstock

    The adrenaline and intensity of the race also means your endurance, explosive power and strength are put to the test simultaneously. Without adequate training and a race plan, this could leave you feeling fatigued towards the end of the race, which can affect your coordination and power.

    Hyrox training

    Because Hyrox is a new competition format, research on its training benefits is limited. But some early findings suggest that a successful race performance is linked to the amount of training a person puts in ahead of competition and their overall fitness levels. This aligns with what we know about endurance and strength-based training.

    The combination of running and intense exercises over a long duration challenges the body’s ability to use oxygen efficiently. Training for Hyrox can lead to improvements in the aerobic capacity or maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂ max), a measure of aerobic fitness.

    An improvement in VO₂max means your body can use oxygen more efficiently, allowing you to sustain higher intensities of exercise for longer periods of time. This improves endurance, helps you maintain speed throughout the race and contributes to overall cardiovascular health.

    Training for Hyrox requires a balanced approach of running, strength training and Hyrox-specific workouts. This training strategy is known as concurrent training. Research shows concurrent training has benefits for strength, muscular health and cardio-respiratory fitness in people of all ages.

    Regular long runs of 40-60 minutes at a low intensity help improve aerobic capacity as well. This allows your body to use oxygen more efficiently for sustained effort. Meanwhile, high-intensity interval runs – such as repeatedly running 400m to 1km with short rest periods of 30-60 seconds – improves your body’s anaerobic threshold. This means you can sustain higher intensities of exercise for longer before fatigue sets in.

    The functional stations require full-body strength and muscular endurance, which will be built up gradually as you train for a race. Once you’re more familiar with these exercises, you can begin practising them under fatigue. This is essential for both performance during a race and for preventing injuries.

    To maximise performance, a typical weekly training plan should prioritise endurance training over strength training to ensure you are well-prepared to finish a Hyrox race. For the best results, this structured approach should be followed for at least six weeks.

    Even without signing up for a race, Hyrox training can give you fitness benefits. You can modify the exercises and how much you run depending on your fitness level.

    An all-round Hyrox programme does not just improve functional fitness – it pushes athletes to new limits with a clear, goal-oriented training approach. Whether you’re an elite racer or just looking for a new fitness challenge, Hyrox offers a unique test of endurance and strength.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Hyrox: this challenging race could improve your strength, endurance and fitness – here’s the evidence – https://theconversation.com/hyrox-this-challenging-race-could-improve-your-strength-endurance-and-fitness-heres-the-evidence-249088

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Flies are masters of migration – it’s about time they got some credit

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Will Hawkes, Insect Migration Researcher, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter

    As I sprinted across the flower-rich meadow on the eastern coast of Cyprus, I could barely see my car. The air was full of tiny black dots, pelting like bullets past me. I hauled open the car door and breathed a sigh of relief once inside. I was surrounded by millions of flies, amid the most incredible migration event I have ever seen.

    The migration cameras my team and I use to monitor these insects counted nearly 6,000 flies per metre per minute. Being hit by a fly travelling over 25mph (helped by the wind) hurts enough to make you want shelter quickly.

    All of these flies had just travelled at least 60 miles (100km) across open sea from the Middle East to Cyprus. This journey forms part of their springtime migration towards northern Europe.

    Butterflies and dragonflies are well-known insect migrants, but not because they’re the most numerous. That title is given to the flies. I have studied all of the insects migrating through Cyprus and the Pyrenees on the France-Spain border. Flies make up nearly 90% of all migrants. Yet they have been consistently overlooked by scientists and their ecological contribution has been hugely underappreciated.

    My colleagues and I set out to change this. We have spent months collecting written sources that mentioned fly migration from anywhere in the world. Our findings, now published in Biological Reviews, could change our perception of flies forever. Previously, nobody really knew the extent to which flies migrated, yet they are the most numerous and most ecologically important of all terrestrial migrants.

    Fly migration has been part of written human history for millennia. In the book of Exodus, when the pharoah of Egypt didn’t let Moses’s people go, God sent a plague of flies to change his mind. Then God removed flies from the land until “not a fly remained”. This last biblical quote is key.

    If these flies had been misidentified mayflies coming out of the river Nile, which are known to amass in huge numbers, their exhausted bodies would have remained for days. Because they all disappeared without a trace, this suggests a huge migration of flies. Egypt is on an important fly migration route. So perhaps fly migration was significant enough to be the subject of divine intervention.

    Flies migrate to reproduce, moving to exploit seasonal food resources. All over the world, it’s mostly females that migrate. They have been recorded migrating through mountain passes high in the Himalayas, on ships hundreds of miles out to sea in the Gulf of Mexico and in their millions migrating through western Europe. Amazingly, while on fieldwork in the Maldives, I saw Forcipomyia midges use their soft foot hairs to stick to dragonfly wings to hitch a lift over the Indian Ocean.

    Vital roles

    Flies are so important to the planet and to us. No other group of terrestrial migrants (including vertebrates such as mammals) are as ecologically diverse as flies. More than half (62%) of all migrating flies, including hoverflies, are pollinators. Without them, food crop production would decline.

    As they migrate, flies transport and disperse pollen between flowers. This could help plants adapt to climate change by maintaining genetic diversity.

    Many migratory fly species (34%) are decomposers, ensuring the planet isn’t covered in rotting carcasses and animal dung. One study showed that the larvae of just 50 houseflies (Musca domestica), – the very ecologically similar and equally abundant autumn housefly Musca autumnalis migrate south through the Pyrenees in their millions – can decompose up to 444kg of pig manure.

    The ecological roles of flies are not all positive, though. My latest study shows that monoculture crops provide lots of food for some migratory fly species (18%) that have subsequently become crop pests. Some (16%) carry diseases, such as mosquitoes that migrate huge distances and bring diseases such as malaria.

    But migratory flies have an overwhelmingly positive impact on the planet. Hoverfly larvae eat trillions of aphids each year in southern England. Insect migration is already known to be the most important way that the nutrients plants need to grow are moved across the land and flies make up the majority of the insects that transport the nutrients.

    The movement and subsequent death of trillions of migrating flies, whose bodies contain elements, such as phosphorous and nitrogen which plants need to grow, could be vital to soil health of the soils too. Migratory birds have been noted feeding on and moving at the same time as migratory flies, perhaps using them as fuel for their journeys.

    We’re only just waking up to the significance of flies. Hopefully, it’s not too late to protect them. One German study found that the number of aphid-eating migratory hoverflies declined by 97% over the last 50 years. Fewer aphid-eating hoverflies means more crop-eating aphids and also fewer pollinators. So that’s a terrifying statistic that could have drastic consequences.

    A sunrise of hope exists, however. These brilliant migratory flies have so many young that if we improve landscape connectivity, reduce pesticide usage and provide suitable habitat, they can bounce back really quickly. We need these flies as much as we need the air we breathe. So next time you see a fly up against your window, open it and let it out. It has a long way to go and such important work to do.

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

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Will Hawkes receives funding from The Royal Society.

    – ref. Flies are masters of migration – it’s about time they got some credit – https://theconversation.com/flies-are-masters-of-migration-its-about-time-they-got-some-credit-253254

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Centrilogic Partners with CrewAI to Accelerate Multi-Agentic AI Adoption in Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Centrilogic, a global provider of IT transformation solutions, has entered a strategic partnership with CrewAI, the leading AI multi-agent platform. This partnership enables Centrilogic to offer a comprehensive suite of agentic AI solutions that empower businesses to build, deploy, and iterate on complex AI agents across a wide range of business functions, automate tasks, improve decision-making, and enhance operational efficiency. With this partnership, companies can work with Centrilogic to leverage AI and unlock greater value from existing systems and data, driving innovation and optimizing business outcomes.

    Through CrewAI’s Enterprise platform, Centrilogic can now help customers fully harness the power of agentic AI across the full application, data, and infrastructure stack. The platform’s intelligent agents automate complex tasks, integrate seamlessly with systems like CRM, ERP, and custom applications, and deliver actionable insights in real-time. This enables businesses to improve customer experiences, enhance sales and financial oversight, streamline operations, and achieve deeper insights into their data.

    “This partnership with CrewAI marks a pivotal moment in our journey to revolutionize how Canadian businesses leverage AI,” said Robert Offley, CEO of Centrilogic. “By integrating CrewAI’s multi-agentic platform into our service offerings, we are now equipped to deliver AI-powered solutions that will transform business operations at scale. We are excited to help our customers unlock new efficiencies, improve productivity, and innovate in ways that were previously impossible.”

    Additionally, Centrilogic’s platform-agnostic approach ensures that AI solutions can be deployed across a variety of multicloud environments, giving businesses the flexibility to use the best infrastructure for their needs while maintaining the security and scalability required for growth.

    “We are thrilled to be partnering with Centrilogic to accelerate the adoption of multi-agentic AI solutions in Canada,” said Joao Moura, CEO of CrewAI. “Companies of all sizes across Canada are launching AI agent use cases to production that drive both operational efficiency and value creation. Centrilogic’s deep experience in digital transformation for enterprises will help companies move more confidently and successfully.”

    As a long-time advocate for AI innovation in the Canadian market, Centrilogic continues to lead the way by sponsoring key events such as the Global AI Bootcamp and the Toronto DevOps User Group. The partnership with CrewAI marks the next step in Centrilogic’s mission to help Canadian businesses modernize operations, gain a competitive edge, and drive growth in the digital economy.

    Centrilogic is also a gold sponsor at CrewAI’s Enterprise AI Agent Week in New York, March 31–April 4, 2025.

    ABOUT CrewAI
    CrewAI is the leading AI multi-agent platform. Built to fully leverage LLM’s reasoning capabilities and allow agents to work together, CrewAI’s open-source framework and enterprise platform powers more than 10 million agents monthly and 150 customers. With CrewAI, organizations can easily deploy and manage AI agents to automate complex tasks with a fast speed to value across a wide range of use cases, from research and analysis to coding and reporting. For more information, visit https://www.crewai.com/.

    ABOUT CENTRILOGIC
    Centrilogic is a global provider of IT transformation solutions that empower organizations to realize their full digital potential. Armed with capabilities that span the stack – including multicloud management, application innovation, data & analytics, and IT advisory – Centrilogic delivers resilient end-to-end digital solutions that help companies reshape the role of their technology platforms as business-driving assets. With regional headquarters in Canada, USA, and the United Kingdom, Centrilogic delivers solutions to innovative companies worldwide. For more information, visit www.centrilogic.com.

    MEDIA CONTACT
    Matt Callahan

    VP, Marketing – Centrilogic

    pr@centrilogic.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Maximize productivity and ROI with Windows 365: New innovations now generally available

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Maximize productivity and ROI with Windows 365: New innovations now generally available

    In today’s dynamic work environment, businesses need robust solutions that support resilience and maximize return on investment (ROI). As organizations modernize their IT environments, they increasingly turn to cloud solutions like Windows 365 to enhance security and productivity, streamline IT management and ensure seamless connectivity.

    We are thrilled to announce the general availability of our latest innovations, designed to help businesses seamlessly adapt to modern work environments. Among these announcements is Windows 365 Link, the first purpose-built Cloud PC device that connects securely to Windows 365 in seconds, enabling organizations to boost productivity and improve IT efficiency; the new shared mode for Windows 365 Frontline expanding Cloud PC access to more users; and much more.

    We are pleased to also share the findings from a Forrester Consulting study highlighting the economic impact of such innovations in New Technology: The Projected Total Economic Impact of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, a 2025 study conducted by Forrester Consulting and commissioned by Microsoft to assess the benefits organizations can achieve with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop.

    Forrester Consulting projects economic gains with Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop

    The New Technology: The Projected Total Economic Impact of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop study projects a substantial ROI ranging from 94% to 217%, with a net present value (NPV) between $3.2 million and $7.4 million over three years for a composite organization with 2,000 employees. These significant figures underscore the value of adopting Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop for businesses looking to optimize their operations and enhance their digital workplace strategy. Key benefits for the composite organization include:

    1. Enhanced productivity: Employees and contractors using Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop save 6 to 12 minutes per day from avoided outages and improved latency compared to their previous environments.
    2. Cost savings: Organizations can reduce PC lifecycle management costs by implementing a bring-your-own-PC (BYOPC) program, avoiding the need to purchase, provision and maintain physical laptops. This approach was projected to save organizations between $1.1 million and $1.2 million over three years.
    3. Reduced IT infrastructure costs: By migrating to Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop, organizations can reduce costs associated with on-premises operations. The study found a projected saving ranging from $722,000 to $1.5 million over three years.
    4. Improved security: The study found that organizations relying on Microsoft-managed services can reduce the need for extensive on-premises security infrastructure and personnel, resulting in projected savings of $60,000 to $122,000 over three years.

    These findings demonstrate the transformative impact of Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop on businesses, providing a clear path to enhanced productivity, cost savings and improved security. To explore more insights, read the Total Economic Impact study conducted by Forrester Consulting at aka.ms/WCTEI2025info.

    Windows 365 Link: The first Cloud PC device for Windows 365

    At Microsoft Ignite 2024, we announced the preview of Windows 365 Link, the first Cloud PC device purpose-built by Microsoft to connect securely to Windows 365 in seconds. Over 100 organizations participated in the preview program and helped refine the experience. We’ve heard valuable feedback on how Windows 365 Link devices can help save both IT and end users valuable time. The devices can be set up in minutes, require minimal configuration and are familiar for IT to manage using Microsoft Intune. End users – particularly desk-based or frontline workers in shared workspaces – can efficiently sign in to access their Windows 365 Cloud PCs, work securely with responsive, high-fidelity experiences and leave no data on the local devices when they sign out.

    “We needed a purpose-built device on the shop floor that could fit our new, collaborative approach. Windows 365 Link devices were exactly the solution we envisioned to enable our workers to access their assets in the cloud.”

    – Roman Kleyn, Head of Workplace Design, Krones. Read the customer story.

    Windows 365 Link is now generally available for purchase with an MSRP of AUD639 in Australia, CAD519.99 in Canada, EUR419 in Germany, JPY56,800 in Japan, NZD739 in New Zealand, GBP349 in the United Kingdom and USD349.99 in the United States.

    To purchase Windows 365 Link, reach out to your Microsoft account team or select resellers:

    • In Australia: ASI Solutions, Data#3, SHI International Corp.
    • In Canada: Insight Canada Inc., SHI International Corp.
    • In Germany: Bechtle AG.
    • In Japan: Japan Business Systems, Inc.
    • In New Zealand: ASI Solutions.
    • In the United Kingdom: Ballicom, Bechtle Ltd., Phoenix Software, Ricoh UK, SHI International Corp.
    • In the United States: Insight Enterprises, SHI International Corp.

    For more information on getting started with Windows 365 Link, read the technical documentation.

    Windows 365 Frontline’s new shared mode: Expand Cloud PC access to a greater number of users

    Windows 365 Frontline helps organizations optimize costs and expand Cloud PC access by allowing one license to be shared by multiple users. Organizations can expand access to corporate data and applications to a greater number of employees, contractors or vendors with Windows 365 Frontline’s shared mode, now generally available. With shared mode, businesses can purchase Cloud PCs based on the number of active users needing access at any given time: one Windows 365 Frontline license provides access to one shared Cloud PC, which can be accessed by any number of users, one at a time.

    This new shared mode is designed for users needing occasional Cloud PC access, such as entering inventory information, sending or updating data in a line-of-business application, or using productivity tools. Users can sign in to complete tasks, access data and use applications from a familiar Windows desktop experience. When the user is finished with their session, their profile data is automatically deleted and the Cloud PC is made ready for the next user, enabling privacy and security. With Windows 365 Frontline, organizations can choose to provision Cloud PCs in shared mode or in dedicated mode, based on their needs. For more details, visit our Learn page or check out the new Quickstart guide.

    “Windows 365, and Windows 365 Frontline’s shared mode capabilities have been a great addition to our setup. In the past, we gave external users VPN access, but this frequently caused problems as they couldn’t install the software, or used non-compliant devices to access our environment. Now, we can deliver projects much faster, without the complexity of traditional setups or VPNs, and without compromising on quality or security. It’s especially helpful to provide users with temporary access, as needed. Both our teams and external users like the full experience and integration with Windows. It has definitely improved the way we collaborate. It’s a highly scalable solution, while keeping access secure.”

    – Dieter Kempeneers, Cloud Solutions Architect, Arxus

    To help simplify image management and enhance efficiency for Windows 365 Frontline shared mode, Windows Autopilot device preparation is now in public preview. This new capability empowers organizations to streamline their operational processes by allowing IT admins to easily define and install essential Microsoft Intune applications and scripts during provisioning.

    Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus: Supporting business continuity

    Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus, an advanced disaster recovery solution designed for users who require high disaster recovery performance in case of a regional outage, is now generally available. Similar to the recently announced Cross Region Disaster Recovery service, Disaster Recovery Plus replicates Cloud PC disk snapshots to an alternate, fully reserved region allowing businesses to maintain compliance and minimize downtime with ease. However, this new optional service offers enhanced features including shorter recovery point objective (RPO) within 60 minutes and recovery time objective (RTO) within 30 minutes*. With Windows 365 Disaster Recovery Plus, organizations get advanced disaster recovery capabilities while benefiting from the simplicity and control of Microsoft Intune. Find more details.

    *The time estimates reflect a performance goal but not a guaranteed time frame.

    Windows 365 migration API: Simplified migration

    To further support our customers in realizing the full value of Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, we are excited to introduce the new Windows 365 migration API, making it easier than ever for organizations to transition to Windows 365. To enable businesses to transition to Windows 365 more confidently and effortlessly, customers and partners will be able to use this API to create migration tools that take a snapshot of an existing virtual machine and easily import it into Windows 365 as a new Cloud PC. Stay tuned for updates on the migration API that will provide a more seamless and efficient migration experience.

    Windows App for Android: Expanded access across platforms

    Organizations can offer their employees more flexibility with Windows App – a simple, secured and user-friendly single access point to all Windows virtualization solutions, including Windows 365, Azure Virtual Desktop, Microsoft Dev Box, Remote Desktop and Remote Desktop Services. Windows App is now generally available on Android, making it accessible across all major platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS and web. Windows App makes it simple for users to connect to Windows on the device of their choice and has reached over 425 million usage hours across all platforms.

    This update brings new features to enhance the seamless and consistent experience that Windows App provides, including UX improvements to the Home screen, access to Government clouds and full support for Chrome OS. As organizations move towards passwordless authentication, we are excited to announce Windows App also fully supports passkeys, offering better security and user experience. Organizations can also expect new features coming soon that are exclusive to Windows App, like Teams Optimization on iOS and Android. Download Windows App in the Google Play Store or learn more by watching this video or visiting aka.ms/WindowsApp.

    Windows App will also be compatible and run seamlessly on Zebra mobile computers and tablets, giving workers access to a full Windows desktop when Zebra devices are on the go or docked in Workstation Connect cradles. This collaboration with Zebra Technologies furthers the expansion of Windows 365 Cloud PCs to enterprise Android users, providing flexibility and enhancing productivity. Read more about Windows App and Zebra.

    MAM Security updates: Boosted protection

    Mobile Application Management (MAM) support for Windows App on Android, including when using Microsoft Edge for Business on Windows, is now available. MAM allows organizations to manage and protect their data within an application without enrolling in device management, helping ensure that an employee’s personal data on the device is not accessed. With MAM integration, different redirection settings can now be applied based on user security group, operating system of the device, or whether the device is Intune managed or not. For organizations that have bring-your-own-device options, MAM support in Edge for Business on Windows offers tailored data protection to meet specific needs.

    Hotpatch updates for Windows clients help ensure your endpoints are protected

    Organizations using Windows 365 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise can take advantage of hotpatch updates to safeguard against the ever-evolving landscape of cyberattacks without disrupting the flow of work. Now generally available for Windows endpoints, these updates provide rapid protection against vulnerabilities consistent with the level of security of the monthly standard security updates; unlike the standard monthly updates, hotpatch updates do not require a computer restart so employees are able to work without interruption.

    To learn how to activate hotpatch updates and control how it works for you, visit https://aka.ms/HotpatchForWindows11Enterprise.

    Discover more in our new Microsoft Mechanics video: Windows 365 Essentials

    Our latest Microsoft Mechanics video, How to set up Windows 365 – the 2025 tutorial, is now live! Join Jeremy Chapman and Scott Manchester as they discuss Windows 365, including Cloud PC deployment guidance and a look at recently released security and management features.

    These updates reflect the ongoing Microsoft commitment to deliver a seamless and secure Windows experience across all platforms. As Windows 365 continues to evolve, we remain dedicated to empowering users to be productive and secure on any device, no matter where they are.

    Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for being a part of the journey to embrace the future of Windows at work.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New temporary library proposed at Davidson’s Mains Primary School

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Modular building will provide essential services for local community until longer-term solution is agreed.

    A new temporary library is being proposed at Davidson’s Mains Primary School, providing Blackhall Library’s key services while plans are developed for a long-term replacement for the previous building at Hillhouse Road.

    Blackhall Library has been closed since September 2023, following the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RACC).

    Options to replace the RAAC in the longer term are complex due to the extent of work required, the potential costs and the wider condition of the building. 

    The Council’s latest budget, agreed last month, includes a planned £15m to sustainably replace Blackhall Library.

    A 12-week community engagement exercise will open after the Easter break to consider options (including refurbishing the existing building, rebuilding it or relocating to another site) to help find the preferred longer-term solution.

    It is estimated it could take three to four years to deliver the final solution.

    A mobile library service has been provided since Blackhall Library’s closure, but the limited space means it isn’t possible to deliver the full range of library services that residents expect.

    The new temporary building is planned to open in the autumn, with construction works beginning in the summer break to avoid disruption to the school.

    It will include provision for both children’s and adult libraries alongside dedicated areas for teens, studying and a multi-purpose meeting space. The building will be fenced off from the rest of the school site with segregated access. Opening hours are still to be determined, but will be different from school hours to prevent congestion at the start and end of the school day.

    A number of improvements are also proposed at Davidson’s Mains Primary School as part of the scheme. These include improving the path outside the existing school gate and library site entrance to address concerns around congestion, cutting back hedges blocking the pavement opposite the school, and improving the junction crossing point either side of school entrances with a new continuous footway to make this safer for pedestrians. Parking restrictions immediately outside the school boundary will also be strengthened.

    Further improvements to the school and wider area are being considered and a working group involving the project team, the school management team and parent council representatives has been established for the duration of the project.

    Councillor Val Walker, Culture and Communities Convener, said:

    We know how important it is that people across Blackhall and Davidson’s Mains have access to quality local services in places that are convenient and accessible for them. That’s why we’re proposing a temporary library at Davidson’s Mains Primary School until a long term solution can be delivered. At the same time, we’re improving access around the school site to create a safer environment for everyone.

    We want to make sure the school and local community are involved in how the service is delivered and the types of activities that will take place at the replacement library. The school will be able to make use of the facility, and we hope that the closer relationship with the school will bring wider benefits for learning for all.

    We also want to ensure that the longer-term solution delivers the best possible outcome for everyone who uses these services, and we look forward to hearing from residents and people across the local community when we launch our consultation on the full replacement for Blackhall Library in the spring.

    The Council is submitting a Planning Application for the temporary facility. The working group, with the school and Parent Council representatives, will continue throughout the process of delivering the temporary library facility and associated improvements.

    Wider community engagement and consultation on the longer-term solution for the library will commence after the Easter break, with details to be published in due course.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Edinburgh joins Core Cities UK

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Edinburgh has become the 12th member of partnership-led organisation with a 30 year track record of implementing policy change across the UK.

    Edinburgh has joined Core Cities UK, becoming the organisation’s 12th member city, its third national capital, and expanding the UK-wide reach of the group as it prepares to celebrate its 30th birthday later this year.

    Edinburgh will join Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield to become a member of an organisation that has a 30 year track record of implementing policy change across the UK.

    Edinburgh is one of the most economically successful places in the country but, like other Core Cities, has areas of the city where overall health, earning potential and life expectancy fall well below national averages.

    The Scottish capital will play a key role in the group’s thinking around inclusive economic growth and other members hope to learn from its development of a tourism levy, which will come into effect in Edinburgh next Summer.

    Cllr Jane Meagher, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said:

    I’m delighted that we’ve joined Core Cities UK and look forward to sharing our knowledge, ideas and experiences with other member cities.

    Edinburgh continues to perform well as a place to live, work, visit and invest in, but we still face many of the same urban challenges as our partners. Growing populations are creating ever increasing demand for homes, public services and infrastructure, while many of our residents are struggling with the cost of living – meaning poverty, homelessness and economic inactivity remain the biggest challenges of our time.

    From my early discussions with the Chair and other member cities, it’s been clear how much we have in common – both in terms of these challenges, but also our priorities. I have no doubt that this collaboration will help us to solve our collective problems while growing more sustainably for the benefit of all of our residents.

    Cllr James Lewis, Chair of Core Cities UK and Leader of Leeds City Council, added:

    Edinburgh joining us is an historic moment for Core Cities and solidifies our position as the authoritative voice of urban Britain. We have always argued that cities have certain things in common, no matter which nation – either within the UK or abroad – they are situated in and we look forward to getting Edinburgh’s unique perspective on our policy discussions.

    Core Cities’ mission is to unlock the full potential of our great city regions to create a stronger, fairer economy and society. With the addition of Edinburgh, Core Cities will generate more than 25 per cent of the economy and will be home to more than 22 million people.

    Core Cities UK is a leading voice in policy around devolution and decentralisation and its reports with organisations including OECD and RSA are used as benchmarks within the sector. It also has strong private sector relationships with a variety of companies including Landsec and Lloyds Banking Group and works closely with the English Combined Authority Mayors as well as local Government in London.

    Founded by a number of English councils in 1995, it is headquartered in Manchester and will celebrate its 30th anniversary this summer.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: We must strengthen international commitments to protect aid workers: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    We must strengthen international commitments to protect aid workers: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

    We welcome this session on implementing UNSCR2730. 

    I think it is critical that the Council maintains momentum on the safety, security and well-being of aid workers. 

    And I pay tribute to those on the frontline and extend, again, my condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.

    In the first 3 months of 2025, the Aid Worker Security Database has already recorded 64 deaths, 36 injuries and 8 kidnappings. 

    The majority were local or national aid workers. 

    The most dangerous place to deliver humanitarian assistance is Gaza, with over 400 aid workers reportedly killed since the beginning of the conflict. 

    That is followed by Sudan and South Sudan. 

    We are also concerned about the aid workers detained by the Houthis in Yemen and call for their release. 

    And we stress the need for the safety of aid workers in Myanmar, who are bringing essential responses for the victims of the devastating earthquake.

    At the one-year anniversary of the attack on a World Central Kitchen convoy in Gaza, which killed seven aid workers, including three British citizens, we continue to call for the conclusion of the Military Advocate General’s consideration of the incident, including determining whether criminal proceedings should be initiated. 

    Tragically, just last week, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) reported that eight of its medics were killed in Gaza, alongside first responders and a UN aid worker. 

    We call for a thorough and swift investigation with meaningful accountability for those responsible. 

    PRCS medic Asaad Al-Nasasra is still missing and we call on Israel to support the search for him. 

    Three actions are essential.

    First, all parties to a conflict must comply with International Humanitarian Law. 

    This includes compliance with obligations relating to the passage of humanitarian supplies, equipment and personnel, and respecting and protecting aid workers. 

    States must investigate attacks on aid workers and hold perpetrators to account. 

    Effective, trusted deconfliction mechanisms must be set up and used.

    Second, we must strengthen international commitments to protect aid workers. 

    The UK is proud to be part of the Australian–led Ministers Group to develop a political declaration to galvanise collective action to protect aid workers. 

    And we encourage others to join and demonstrate unity to drive action beyond the Council that enhances protection for aid workers.

    Third, we must do all we can to support humanitarian organisations, including local organisations, to work safely. 

    Actors who play a fundamental role in aid worker safety face operational risks due to inadequate funding. 

    The UK supports organisations, such as the Aid Worker Security Database and INSO, who play a central role in aid worker security. 

    We urge others to consider supporting fundamental ‘enabler’ organisations.

    In conclusion, President, the UK remains steadfast in our commitment to allowing aid workers to do their job in safety and preventing violence against aid workers from becoming the new normal.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Another chance to win £1,000 off your Council Tax bill

    Source: City of Derby

    Derby residents are getting another chance to win £1000 off their Council Tax bill if they sign up for paperless billing.

    Five winners are now celebrating after their names were drawn at random from hundreds of successful entries in a recent prize draw that closed in February.

    Venkata Inguva from Mickleover won first prize of a £1000 off his Council Tax bill for the 2025/26 year. Four runner-up prizes of up to £500 went to Katrina Borrington of Huntingdon Green, Megan Gregory of Alvaston, Sam Inziria of Chellaston and Yasmin Ihugba of Chaddesden.

    Electronic billing is another way to receive your Council Tax bill. Instead of getting a paper bill in the post, you can view your bill online. Those who make the switch by 30 April 2025 will be entered in to a new prize draw.

    The first prize is £1000 off your Council Tax bill for the 2025/26 year.

    The Council’s secure online portal lets you check your Council Tax around the clock. Day or night, seven days a week, you can log in to view your bill, manage your Direct Debit, make a payment arrangement, or keep your contact details up to date.

    To be in with a chance to win, you need first to register for myAccount. As soon as your account is activated, you can select the electronic billing option.

    How to enter

    • Sign in or Register to myAccount
    • Select the option to “Manage Council Tax and Benefits”
    • Then select “Manage Your Services”
    • If you’re already subscribed to the Council Tax online service, choose “Show Account Details” then select the “Paperless Ebilling Sign Up” option.
    • If you haven’t subscribed to the Council Tax online service before, choose “Add Service” and then “Council Tax”. You will need to enter your 9-digit Council Tax reference number (you can find this on your Council Tax bill) and answer a few questions about your bill to confirm your identity.
    • Once you’ve linked your Council Tax account you’ll be asked “Would you like to go Paperless?” Follow the link to complete your e-billing sign up.
    • That’s it! If you’re already registered for Ebilling, you’re automatically entered!

    Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Cabinet Member for Digital and Organisational Transformation, said:

    I’d like to congratulate our winners. The previous prize draw helped to raise awareness that we’re a digital council and encouraged a significant number of residents sign up to eBilling. This will save time for them and keep costs down and reduce paper waste for us.

    I’m thrilled to confirm that we’re running the competition again so would encourage residents to sign up for eBilling now, if they haven’t already, to be in with a chance of winning £1000 off their Council Tax.

    Terms and Conditions apply.  See the prize draw details

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New research highlights transformative impact of internet connectivity in temporary accommodation

    Source: City of Coventry

    An evaluation report exploring the critical need for internet access for people living in temporary accommodation has been published today.

    It follows a pilot project delivered by the technology charity Jangala in partnership with Virgin Media O2, Coventry City Council’s #CovConnects initiative, and Good Things Foundation, which supported people living in temporary homes in Coventry with internet connectivity.

    The research highlights the impact that being online can have on emotional and mental wellbeing, personal empowerment, and access to essential services. For people living in temporary accommodation, connectivity can be poor quality or non-existent, despite a critical need to be online. Residents are penalised if they do not bid weekly for permanent housing but are often on low incomes and cannot install internet in their temporary homes.

    At the heart of the research is the role of Jangala’s Get Box, a portable internet connectivity device designed to provide reliable internet access to those who need it most. By swiftly enabling individuals in temporary accommodation to get online, Get Box plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide. It opens doors to essential services, learning opportunities, and vital social support networks, offering a lifeline to people facing unstable living conditions and a range of personal challenges. These include surviving domestic abuse, recent arrival to the UK and mental illness.

    Jackie* who is a survivor of domestic abuse explains:

    “If I didn’t have music I wouldn’t go to sleep at night. It’s made me feel, like, a little bit more comfortable. It calms me down as well. The Get Box has done a lot for me.”

    The initiative forms part of a broader programme funded by Virgin Media O2, which aims to distribute 5,000 Get Boxes across the UK. The programme has deployed more than 2,000 devices already to partners. Get Boxes are having a real and measurable impact in communities struggling with digital exclusion by offering a vital lifeline to connectivity when it is needed.

    The findings of the research emphasise the importance of increased data allowances in driving social impact and addresses the immediate connectivity needs of individuals. It also lays the groundwork for long-term positive change by demonstrating the far-reaching benefits of easy-to-use, scalable solutions in digital inclusion.

    Cllr Richard Brown, Cabinet Member for Strategic Finance and Resources at Coventry City Council said: “This project has been a real success and has made a huge difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents. I look forward to building on success mentioned in the report so we can continue to tackle the digital divide in Coventry and ensure that all our residents, regardless of background and circumstance, can get online and access the digital world.”
     

    Rich Thanki, Managing Director at Jangala said: “This research vividly highlights the critical role that internet access plays in so many aspects of welfare. We’re thrilled that our Get Box technology, with incredible support from VMO2 and Coventry Council, has been able to positively impact the lives of such a diverse range of digitally-excluded people.”

    Nicola Green, Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Virgin Media O2 said: “We’re proud that Virgin Media O2’s partnership with Jangala is providing a lifeline to people in need, helping them to get online and access essential online services from applying for accommodation to booking medical appointments or building their skills via online training course, and is helping them to stay in touch with loved ones.”

    Helen Milner OBE, Group CEO, Good Things Foundation, said  “Access to the internet is life-changing, providing a crucial link to essential services, education, and employment. Our partnership with Jangala, Virgin Media O2, and Coventry Council is helping ensure people in temporary accommodation are not left behind in the digital world. By providing reliable connectivity, we are giving individuals and families the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. Together we can help  fix the digital divide.”

    For more information, access the full research evaluation report here: https://www.janga.la/digital-lifelines

    *names have been changed to protect anonymity

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Teenager convicted of multiple terrorism offences

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has pleaded guilty to a number of terrorism offences linked to sharing terrorist material online following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

    Leo Walby, 19 (08.08.2005) of Swanley, Kent, pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey on 2 April to six counts of dissemination of terrorist material, contrary to section 2 of the Terrorism Act (TACT), 2006. He also pleaded guilty to one count of failing to disclose a password, after being served notice, contrary to section 53, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), 2000.

    Walby was arrested on 4 October, 2024, as part of a proactive investigation by officers from the Counter Terrorism Command. He was arrested at an address in Swanley, Kent and officers also carried out a search at the address and seized various digital devices.

    As the investigation progressed, officers found evidence that Walby had been sharing various posts sharing extreme Islamist-related terrorist material, including Daesh propaganda through various social media accounts he was controlling.

    Walby was charged on 5 October 2024, with six counts of disseminating terrorist material. As the investigation continued, officers also applied to the court for a ‘section 49 notice’ to compel Walby to provide them with a password to a cloud-based storage account he held.

    However, even after the notice was obtained from the court, Walby still refused to provide officers with the password, so he was subsequently charged with failing to provide the password, contrary to section 53, Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), 2000.

    Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “Our investigation found that Walby was sharing various pieces of terrorist material across a number of social media accounts he was controlling. This kind of content can be extremely harmful, so where we identify people like Walby who are responsible for this, then we will take action and he is now facing the very serious consequences of doing this.

    “I’d encourage anyone who comes across extremist or terrorist material online to report it to our specialist team who will review to determine whether further police action is necessary and appropriate.”

    Anyone who sees what they believe to be extremist or terrorist-related material can report it via www.gov.uk/ACT.

    After pleading guilty to the above offences, Walby was remanded in custody and is due to appear for sentencing at the Old Bailey on 9 May.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tech startup culture is not as innovative as founders may think

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Yeonsin Ahn, Professeur assistant, stratégie et politique d’entreprise, HEC Paris Business School

    Eric Yuan was not happy at Cisco Systems even though he was making a salary in the high six figures, working as vice president of engineering on the videoconferencing software Cisco WebEx.

    “I even did not want to go to the office to work,” Yuan told CNBC Make It in 2019.

    Yuan was unhappy with the culture at Cisco, where new ideas were often shut down and change was slow. When he suggested building a new, mobile-friendly video platform from scratch, the idea was rejected by Cisco’s leadership. Frustrated by the resistance to innovation, Yuan left the company in 2011 and founded Zoom, whose value increased astronomically during the Covid pandemic years as it became the go-to app for remote work.

    One might think that founders who, like Yuan, expressed unhappiness with their previous employers’ culture would establish new companies with very different values. However, we found that, on average, whether they want to or not, founders are likely to replicate the culture of their previous employer in their new venture.

    Founders come from somewhere

    Yuan’s story includes the idea that many people have of the lumbering tech giant versus the agile startup. Yet our research found that this distinction is actually not so clear.

    More than 50 percent of US tech startup founders have previous experience in other companies, often in giants like Google or Meta. The work culture of these huge organizations is not always so easy to shake off when entrepreneurs go on to start their own companies.

    In our research, we identified 30 different cultural elements of companies. These include cultures of work-life balance, teamwork, authority, innovation, and compensation-oriented vs customer-oriented culture, to name a few.

    Previous research has shown that startup founders transfer knowledge and technology from former jobs. We found empirical evidence that they also transfer work culture.

    Comparing organizational cultures of “parents”, “spawns” and “twins”

    In our research, we identified startup founders and used their LinkedIn profiles to find companies where they had previously worked. Our team applied natural language processing, namely Latent Dirichlet allocation topic modelling, to text on Glassdoor, a site that allows current and former employees to anonymously review companies. We used the processed reviews to characterize the cultures of “parent” companies and startup companies, or “spawns”. We also identified a match or “twin” for the spawn organization that had a similar size, product and number of years in business.

    Then, we compared the culture of each spawn startup to the culture of its parent organization, and the culture of each spawn’s “twin” to the culture of the same parent, in a given year. If a spawn was more similar to its parent than the twin was to the parent, this supported our hypothesis that founders tend to transfer their previous work cultures to their new ventures.

    And we found that there are three conditions that favour such a transfer.

    • Length of employment

    First, the longer years founders have been at an organization, the more likely they are to transfer its culture to their new startup, because they have become very familiar with that culture.

    • Congruency of culture

    The second condition is the congruency of culture, i.e., the degree to which culture is composed of elements that are consistent in their meanings, and hence, have internal compatibility.

    For example, in our data, there a cloud-based location services platform that has high congruency in its culture. The company has three highly salient cultural elements: it is adaptive, customer-oriented and demanding. These elements consistently point to a culture of customer responsiveness. Our data also includes an e-commerce clothing platform with two cultural elements – growth orientation and work-life balance – that are poorly aligned in their meanings, reducing the congruency of its culture.

    We found that the more internally congruent a parent organization’s culture is – and thus, the easier it is to understand and learn – the more likely it is that founders will transfer its elements to their new companies.

    • Typicality of culture

    Third, the more atypical an organization is – the more it stands out from others in its field – the more likely it is that its culture will be transferred to the startup.

    In an atypical culture, it is easy for employees to identify cultural elements, and to remember and incorporate them once they found a startup. Because an atypical culture draws a stronger boundary that distinguishes an organization from others, employees become more aware that the organization has chosen them and that they have chosen to work in it. This creates a cognitive attachment in the employee toward the organization, and also increases how well they learn its culture.

    In our study, each startup’s cultural atypicality was measured by calculating the cultural distances between all organizations within the same product category for a given year.

    It’s common for founders to describe their culture as distinctive or one-of-a-kind. However, we found that’s not necessarily the case. Founders tend to replicate the culture of their previous employers because they’re accustomed to that way of working.

    False perceptions?

    Many students tell me they’re drawn to more creative and innovative work environments – something they often associate with startups rather than traditional, established companies.

    But our research suggests this perception might not be entirely accurate.

    Job seekers looking for unique or forward-thinking cultures may be surprised to find that startup environments resemble those of larger tech companies more often than expected.

    And for founders – especially those who left previous roles because of frustrating workplace cultures – it can be a wake-up call to realize how easy it is to unintentionally recreate the very environments they may have hoped to avoid.

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

    – ref. Tech startup culture is not as innovative as founders may think – https://theconversation.com/tech-startup-culture-is-not-as-innovative-as-founders-may-think-243216

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Joins Graham, Colleagues to Introduce Hard-Hitting Russia Sanctions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

    WASHINGTON––U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and a bipartisan collection of more than three dozen other senators to introduce primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

    These sanctions would be imposed if Russia refuses to engage in good faith negotiations for a lasting peace with Ukraine or initiates another effort, including military invasion, that undermines the sovereignty of Ukraine after peace is negotiated. The legislation also imposes a 500 percent tariff on imported goods from countries that buy Russian oil, gas, uranium and other products.

    “In 1994, as part of the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine gave up approximately 1,700 nuclear weapons with a promise from the U.S., Russia and United Kingdom that Ukraine’s sovereignty would be honored in the future. This failed to deter Russian aggression. In 2014 and 2015, the Minsk agreements were reached to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but again, it did nothing to deter future aggression. In 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine once more, leading to deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions.

    “It is our hope that in 2025, President Trump and his team will achieve what has eluded the world in the past: ending Russian aggression against Ukraine permanently and ensuring the survivability of a free and democratic Ukraine. These sanctions against Russia are at the ready and will receive overwhelming bipartisan, bicameral support if presented to the Senate and House for a vote. 

    “We support an immediate ceasefire to secure a lasting, honorable peace,” the senators said.

    The sanctions are cosponsored by U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Katie Britt (R-AL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Todd Young (R-IN), Angus King (I-ME), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Curtis (R-UT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Peter Welch (D-VT), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Jon Husted (R-OH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), John Cornyn (R-TX), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), John Hoeven (R-ND), John Fetterman (D-PA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), James Lankford (R-OK), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Rick Scott (R-FL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jim Justice (R-WV), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Steve Daines (R-MT) and Jack Reed (D-RI).

    Click here for full text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “New partnership” between defence and private sector set to boost UK defence sector

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    “New partnership” between defence and private sector set to boost UK defence sector

    Major venture capitalists from across Europe can help unlock billions of pounds of private investment into UK technology and defence firms, as part of a “new partnership” between defence and private investors, the Defence Secretary has said today. 

    Defence Secretary John Healey at a table speaking with investors.

    • Influential investors convened in London to discuss future routes to defence financing.
    • Government’s record spending uplift and reforms will help unlock private-sector investment into UK defence, Defence Secretary said.
    • Defence “is an ethical investment” as Government set to back Britain’s high-growth companies with new innovation funding.
    • Comes alongside up to £250 million of Government investment into UK firm to help boost missile defence.

    In a first-of-its-kind meeting between venture capital firms and a UK Defence Secretary, John Healey MP spoke at a breakfast roundtable at Plural’s offices in central London. The meeting was convened by Plural co-founder Khaled Helioui, and Grace Cassy of Ten Eleven Ventures who has supported the development of the Strategic Defence Review as part of the Defence Review Team.

    In a changing world, with increasing threats and war in Europe, the group discussed how to incentivise greater private investment into defence and deep technology, to help deter Britain’s adversaries, secure the UK economy, protect the incomes of hard-working families up and down the country and support European security. 

    The Defence Secretary set out how the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War – with 2.5% of GDP spend by April 2027 and a commitment to hit 3% in the next Parliament – coupled with defence reforms, can unlock private sector investment into high-growth British firms – boosting jobs and delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by making defence an engine for growth across the UK. This includes:

    • A new ambition to unlock more private defence investment, supported by long-term certainty of rising Government defence investment over the next decade, alongside the new Government direct expenditure target for SMEs including start-ups and scale-ups to give high-growth companies more certainty and sight of future investment.

    • Turbocharging innovation with a new £400 million ringfenced budget for UK Defence Innovation, announced by the Chancellor last week, alongside a commitment to spend 10% of the MOD equipment budget on novel technologies.

    • Making clear that “defence is an ethical investment” in deterring conflict and preventing the huge human and economic costs caused by conflicts such as Ukraine. It comes as some funds look to renegotiated Limited Partner Agreements to better enable investment into defence.

    In a sign of the Government backing British firms with long-term public investment, the meeting comes as the Government confirms up to £250 million investment across the next six years with UK defence tech firm Roke – supporting around 150 jobs and delivering analysis, trials and technology development against ballistic and hypersonic missile threats.

    Roke – based in Hampshire and focused on innovation and AI development – have been awarded a contract up to six-years in length, known as Science and Technology Oriented Research and development in Missile defence (STORM). The framework streamlines crucial research into innovative technologies, helping enhance the UK’s ability to detect, identify, and defeat ballistic and hypersonic missile threats – work that is essential to safeguarding the UK and its allies. 

    Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said:

    In this new era of rising threats, national security isn’t just a military imperative. It’s the foundation for economic growth, securing Britain’s future and our Government’s Plan for Change.

    As Defence Secretary, I am determined to bring together investors, innovators and industry in a new partnership that drives British jobs and growth. We want to mobilise private investors to take a fresh look at defence, alongside the certainty of our Government’s record long-term uplift in defence spending.

    With countries across Europe facing new threats stepping up to take more responsibility for our continent’s defence is an ethical investment, and it’s good to see increasing numbers of private investors recognising that. There is no more important investment than in our European security.

    As a government we are determined to tackle any blockers which are preventing private finance from flowing into UK defence, which is why today’s landmark meeting is so important. 

    The Defence Secretary also said the government is bringing “a clear mandate to bring innovative technology to the frontline at speed and enable the defence sector to create high-growth British success stories that deliver investor returns and national security.”

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresh appeal following murder in Brixton

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of Troy Ramsundar in Brixton are continuing to appeal for information.

    Officers from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command leading the investigation into Troy’s murder have today released images of a distinctive backpack they are keen to locate.

    The backpack is a blue Herschel rucksack with brown strapping and a pink or orange striped lining. The backpack belonged to the suspect and we believe he may have discarded it in or around the vicinity of Brockwell Park.

    The suspect entered the park from the Brixton Water Lane entrance at 05:15hrs on Thursday, 20 March and left by the junction of Norwood Road and Dulwich Road after approximately 30 minutes.

    The suspect was wearing and may have also discarded:

    • Dark outer jacket
    • Light (possibly grey) hooded top
    • Dark face-mask
    • Dark trousers
    • Dark shiny shoes
    • Gloves (possibly red / brown)

    Detectives are also keen to speak to anyone who was at the bus stop on Brixton Road (bus stop Q) between 04:30hrs and 05:15hrs on Thursday, 20 March. This bus stop is served by the 2, 3, 196, 415, 432, N2 & N3 buses.

    Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “My team continue to support Troy’s family who are inconsolable and are trying to understand why he was killed.

    “While we are making significant progress in our investigation, we continue to appeal for anyone who witnessed this incident and particularly anyone who has information about the bag and its contents to contact us.

    “Did you see Troy that evening? We believe that he was selling packets of crisps in the area, including to people at the bus stop. This may seem like an insignificant detail but we are hoping it may jog people’s memories.

    “My team are working tirelessly to piece together the events that took place on the morning of Thursday, 20 March. They will be conducting a witness appeal at 04:00hrs tomorrow in Brixton Road on the two-week anniversary of Troy’s death.

    “Please speak to them and share any information you may have. Help us to provide Troy’s family with the answers they need.”

    Police were called at approximately 05:10hrs on Thursday, 20 March to reports of a man suffering a stab injury in Brixton Road SW9.

    Officers and London Ambulance Service attended but despite their efforts Troy, aged 34, sadly died at the scene.

    Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or message @MetCC on X giving the reference CAD843/20Mar. You can also provide information, or upload images and footage, through the online portal here .

    Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    + A man has been charged with Troy’s murder.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “A legacy offering real hope for Scotland” – Carla Denyer reflects on Patrick Harvie’s tenure as longest serving political leader in the UK

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    / by Green Party

    Responding to the news that Patrick Harvie is stepping down as Co-Leader of the Scottish Green Party, Carla Denyer MP, Co-Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, said,

    “Patrick’s legacy goes well beyond being the longest-serving political leader in the UK, or even being the leader who took Greens into government for the first time in the UK. His legacy will be marked every time a young person gets on public transport free of charge; with every renter who is able to keep a roof over their heads because of protections that Patrick secured; and with every kilowatt of clean renewable power that Scotland produces because of Green policies. These are real achievements to be proud of. A legacy offering real hope for Scotland.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Box reaches mega milestone with arrival of millionth visitor

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Millionth visitor Abi, and her daughters Rosa and Lilah, are welcomed at The Box by Councillor Jemima Laing

    A mother received an especially warm welcome when she arrived at The Box today with her two daughters to discover she was the millionth visitor to come through the doors since the museum and gallery opened.

    This is a huge milestone for The Box, which has gone from strength to strength since opening during the pandemic in 2020.

    Not only has it attracted the crowds from Plymouth and much further afield, The Box has also won an array of awards and attracted national media attention with its world-class temporary art programme, working with partners such as the Tate, National Portrait Gallery, The Hepworth, The National Gallery and The Whitworth.

    Councillor Jemima Laing, Deputy Leader of Council and Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, Culture and Communications, said: “I was so thrilled to welcome Abi and her daughters Rosa and Lilah to The Box this afternoon.

    “We talk about The Box being nationally known and locally loved and the fact that Abi and her family are regular visitors because there’s always things for her children to do and new things to see seems really fitting.

    “To anyone who hasn’t been to The Box yet can I extend an invitation to the best free cultural attraction in the Southwest. There really is something here for everyone – here’s to the next million!”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: IBCA Community Update, 2 April 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Correspondence

    IBCA Community Update, 2 April 2025

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s update that was circulated on 2 April 2025

    Documents

    IBCA Community Update, 2 April 2025

    HTML

    Details

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s update that was circulated on 2 April 2025.

    Updates to this page

    Published 2 April 2025

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Resurfacing marks final phase of Western Road improvements

    Source: City of Leicester

    THE final phase of maintenance and improvements to a residential road in Leicester’s West End will begin next week.

    Leicester City Council will begin work to resurface Western Road – between its junctions with Braunstone Gate and Paton Street – from Wednesday 9 April.

    The work will require the stretch of road to be closed to traffic for up to nine days while work is carried out. A short, well-signposted diversion will be place. Parking will also be suspended.

    Access to properties and businesses will be maintained for deliveries.

    Work will also be carried out at the junction of Western Road and Briton Street, where adjustments will be made to give priority to vehicles and cycles from Briton Street.

    This will be the final phase of a £700,000 scheme that has improved footpaths along the length of the road and removed dropped kerbs that cut across the pavement, but which no longer provide access to parking or loading areas. Carriageway drainage improvements have also been carried out.

    Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “The city’s road network needs regular maintenance and repairs to ensure it can cope with modern demands.

    “The work on Western Road will help improve a busy residential street and important local route to ensure it’s in good shape for years to come. This will benefit everyone who uses it.

    “The final phase of resurfacing will mean some disruption. While the road is closed for a few days, a clearly signposted diversion will be in place and the team will be working hard to keep disruption to a minimum.”

    The Western Road scheme is funded as part of the Connecting Leicester programme which is supported by the Department for Transport’s Transforming Cities Fund.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s video message at the Opening of the Global Disability Summit

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,

    H.E. Mr. Olaf Scholz, Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany,

    Mr. Nawaf Kabbara, Chair and President, International Disability Alliance,

    Excellencies, Dear friends,

    I am truly sorry that I could not join you in person today but it is a true honor to open this third Global Disability Summit.

    More than that, I want to thank you for your leadership and commitment to shape a more just world.

    Expanding hope and opportunities for people with disabilities is close to my heart – and that of the Secretary-General.

    It is a matter of dignity… of humanity… of human rights.

    It is a test of our common values.

    And it is also plain common sense.

    When persons with disabilities can fully participate in society, societies are stronger.

    When we unlock potential and recognize talents, economies and communities thrive.

    When we advance human rights, all of humanity moves forward.

    Disability rights are human rights – and everyone one wins when we make them real.

    And so I thank the International Disability Alliance and the Governments of Germany and Jordan for bringing us together.

    You are meeting at a crucial time – with the 5-year clock ticking on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

    I was involved in the shaping of that agenda – and saw firsthand how so many of you helped put the rights and hopes of persons with disabilities front and center.

    In doing so, you gave deeper meaning to the promise of leaving no one behind – and laid the foundation for the progress we strive to advance today.

    The Pact for the Future, adopted last year, reinforces that call for a more peaceful, inclusive, accessible and equitable world – with persons with disabilities a full and equal part of our shared effort to advance sustainable development, climate action and digital transformation.

    Yet today, we face a sobering truth.

    Progress is not just slow – in some cases, we are moving backward.

    The UN Disability and Development Report found that about 98 per cent of the SDG indicators for persons with disabilities are off track.

    This is far more than a statistic – it is a wake-up call.

    Persons with disabilities are being left behind.

    The world is failing them.

    We are seeing growing and stark inequalities across the board – with higher poverty, greater unemployment, deeper food and health insecurity and more limited access to digital technologies.

    Women, Indigenous Peoples, rural residents with disabilities, and persons with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities face even greater exclusion. 

    Not to mention those in humanitarian and emergency situations.

    In Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and elsewhere, countless civilians have sustained permanent injuries and deep psychological trauma.

    Children with disabilities are especially vulnerable.

    Gaza alone has the highest number of child amputees in modern history.

    Too often, persons with disabilities also face inaccessible evacuation routes, shelters, and services – an assault on their human rights and dignity.  

    Many are deprived of the assistive devices critical to their survival.

    When I think of people with disabilities in conflict, I think of people like Mai.

    Mai was a young Palestinian, and a proud employee of the United Nations, living and working in Gaza.

    Mai did not let her muscular dystrophy or her wheelchair confine her dreams. 

    She was a top student, became a software developer and devoted her skills to working on information technology for the United Nations. 

    When given the opportunity, she excelled – bringing skill and determination to all she did.

    Unfortunately, she was killed along with her family in November 2023. 

    Her story still weighs heavily on our hearts.

    I share it not only to honour her memory, but because it reminds us both of what is possible when barriers are removed – and of the terrible truth that persons with disabilities are often among the first casualties in conflict.

    Excellencies,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Despite the challenges, we have much to build upon. 

    The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has led to significant legislative progress worldwide.

    Yet, implementation is lagging.

    The problem is not always a lack of will, but a lack of resources.

    Nearly 90 per cent of developing countries have laws or policies protecting education for persons with disabilities – yet only about one-third of those countries have accessible schools.

    Meanwhile, almost half of all persons with disabilities in these countries face inaccessible transportation.

    Behind these figures are people. 

    Children shut out of classrooms. 

    Adults who cannot get to work. 

    Families denied essential services.

    This must change.

    And we must all be part of it.

    The United Nations is committed to leading by example.

    Our UN Disability Inclusion Strategy is striving to drive action across the system.

    We are working to strengthen institutional capacities, mainstream disability inclusion across our work, and expand employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

    At the country level, we are working to ensure that our cooperation frameworks with governments are fully inclusive of the needs and rights of persons with disabilities.

    And we are committed to supporting Member States turn global commitments into local progress – for and with persons with disabilities.

    This Summit presents opportunities to strengthen cooperation with all partners – and reaffirm the leadership of organizations of persons with disabilities.

    Development assistance for disability inclusion has been growing – but it is still far from enough.

    And in today’s troubling context, it is under increasing threat.

    So too, perversely, is the very concept of accessibility.

    Developed countries, in particular, have a responsibility to step up support.

    Now is the time to recommit to the 2030 Agenda by:

    Securing decent work and dignified livelihoods;

    Fostering inclusive education and career opportunities;

    Building accessible and affordable housing;

    Promoting equitable health systems;

    And harnessing technologies that enable autonomous living for all.

    That means investing in inclusive public institutions;

    Empowering representative organizations as full partners in policy and implementation;

    And integrating disability inclusion into national development plans – backed by clear targets and real funding.

    Dear friends,

    I know so many of you have spent years, even decades, breaking down barriers, and opening doors – for all of us.

    Let this Summit help drive that action forward.       

    As we look ahead to the Second World Summit for Social Development in Qatar and beyond, let’s together send a clear message:

    Inclusion is not optional.

    Rights are not negotiable.

    Accessibility is essential.

    Promises made must be promises kept.

    Let’s keep fighting for the inclusive, just, sustainable future for all that our world needs.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Iranian Company and Two Iranian Nationals Charged with Conspiring to Provide Material Support to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and for Scheme to Procure U.S. Technology for Iranian Drones

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

    CEO and Commercial Manager of Iranian Company Charged in Connection with Conspiracies to Provide Material Support, Violate Export Control Laws and Commit Money Laundering

    BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, a complaint was unsealed charging Iranian nationals Hossein Akbari and Reza Amidi, and an Iran-based Rah Roshd Company (“Rah Roshd”), with conspiring to procure U.S. parts for Iranian Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (“UAVs”), also known as drones, conspiring to provide material support to the IRGC, a designated foreign terrorist organization, and conspiring to commit money laundering.  Akbari is the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of Rah Roshd. Amidi is the company’s commercial manager and was previously the commercial manager of Qods Aviation Industries (“QAI”), an Iranian state-owned aerospace company.  They are both citizens of Iran and remain at large.

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges.

    “As alleged in the complaint, the defendants conspired to obtain U.S.-origin parts needed to manufacture drones for military use in Iran and send those parts to Iran in violation of export control laws,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “The charges filed today demonstrate the commitment by my Office and our law enforcement partners to dismantle illicit supply chains and prosecute those who unlawfully procure U.S. technology in support of a foreign terrorist organization.  The IRGC and Qods Aviation Industries have been core players in the Iranian military regime’s production of drones, which threaten the lives of civilians, U.S. personnel, and our country’s allies.  These charges should serve as a warning to those who violate U.S. export control laws and who unlawfully seek to aid Iran’s drone program.”

    Mr. Durham expressed his appreciation to the FBI and the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) for their work on the case.  Today, OFAC sanctioned Akbari, Rah Roshd, and other companies and individuals for their roles in the sanctions-evasion scheme described in the complaint.  OFAC previously sanctioned Amidi.

    “Today’s charges lay bare how U.S.-made technology ended up in the hands of the Iranian military to build attack drones,” stated Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.  “The Justice Department will continue to put maximum pressure on the Iranian regime. We will relentlessly dismantle illicit supply chains funneling American technology into the hands of Iran’s military and terrorist organizations and pursue those complicit in operations that threaten our country.”

    “Hossein Akbari and Reza Amidi allegedly engaged in a multi-year conspiracy to obtain U.S. technology for use in Iranian made drones in violation of export laws and to provide material support to the IRGC—a designated terrorist organization,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.  “The Iranian government has repeatedly demonstrated they are willing to violate the laws of our nation—this time utilizing dishonest businessmen who deliberately misrepresented themselves—in order to further their treacherous goals.  The FBI will continue to protect the national security and interests of the United States through vigorous enforcement of export control laws put in place to prevent sensitive U.S. technology from being obtained by hostile foreign governments.”

    As set forth in the complaint, Akbari and Amidi operate Rah Roshd, which procures and supplies advanced electronic, electro-optical, and security systems to the Government of Iran and designs, builds, and manufactures ground support systems for UAVs.  Akbari serves as the CEO and Managing Director of Rah Roshd, and Amidi serves as the Commercial Manager.  Rah Roshd’s clients include the IRGC and several Iranian state-owned aerospace companies and drone manufacturers, including QAI, Iran’s Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics (“MODAFL”), Shahed Aviation Industries Research Center (“SAIRC”), and Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group (SBIG).

    Between January 2020 and the present, Amidi and Akbari used Rah Roshd in furtherance of a scheme to evade U.S. sanctions and procure U.S.-origin parts for use in Iranian-manufactured UAVs, including the Mohajer-6 UAV.  At least one of those parts was manufactured by a Brooklyn, New York-based company (“Company-1”).  In September 2022, the Ukrainian Air Force shot down an Iranian-made Mohajer-6 drone used by the Russian military in Ukraine.  The drone recovered by the Ukrainian Air Force contained parts made by several U.S. companies, including Company-1.

    To facilitate their scheme, Amidi and Akbari falsely purported to represent companies other than Rah Roshd, including a company based in the United Arab Emirates (“Company-2”) and a company based in Belgium (“Company-3”).  The defendants used a “spoofed” email address with a misspelled version of Company-2’s name to communicate regarding the procurement of parts, including parts manufactured by U.S. companies.  The defendants also used various “front” or “shell” companies to pay for UAV parts and to obfuscate the true end destination and the true identities of the sanctioned end users, including QAI and the IRGC, which were acquiring U.S.-made parts through Rah Roshd.  Amidi and Akbari also used aliases to obfuscate their true identities in furtherance of the scheme.

    Additionally, the defendants conspired to provide material support to the IRGC by providing goods and services for the benefit of the IRGC’s military campaign. This included constructing military shelters, providing cameras and drone field hangers, and conspiring to procure drone parts as well as parts to operate drones, including “servo motors,” “pneumatic masts,” which are a component of the operation of the Mohajer-6 drone, and engines.  The investigation uncovered correspondence from the IRGC, signed by the head of the UAV Command for the IRGC’s Aerospace Force, thanking Rah Roshd for its work on behalf of the IRGC and praising Rah Roshd’s achievements in designing and manufacturing servo motors for defense equipment.  The letter included a quote from the Supreme Leader of Iran regarding the importance of self-sufficiency and domestic production to strengthen Iran’s economy and “disappoint the enemies of the Islamic Republic.”  The letter also noted continued efforts of Rah Roshd “in strengthening the defensive capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”  Both Amidi and Akbari possessed documents indicating that they had purchased servo motors for delivery to Iran, including a servo motor contained in the Mohajer-6 drone.  Akbari also emailed supply companies located in China and noted that he was purchasing parts for drones to be shipped to Iran.

    Finally, Amidi and Akbari conspired to commit money laundering.  They used at least three shell companies, all based in the United Arab Emirates, to pay a China-based company that sent invoices to Rah Roshd for the sale of motors.  Those payments were processed through U.S.-based correspondent bank accounts. The defendants also used two of these shell companies to pay a separate China-based company for the sale of pneumatic masts.

    Today’s actions were coordinated through the Justice and Commerce Departments’ Disruptive Technology Strike Force. The Disruptive Technology Strike Force is an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states.

    The charges in the complaint are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section.  Assistant United States  Attorneys Nina C. Gupta and Lindsey R. Oken are in charge of the prosecution with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Rebecca Roth, along with Trial Attorney Scott Claffee of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Trial Attorney Charles Kovats of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. 

    The Defendants:

    HOSSEIN AKBARI (also known as “Danial Yousef” and “Danial White”)
    Age: 63
    Iran

    REZA AMIDI (also known as “Ali Rahmani”)
    Age: 62
    Iran

    RAH ROSHD COMPANY
    Tehran, Iran

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-114

    MIL Security OSI –