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Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI: Healthpeak Properties, Inc. (NYSE: DOC) President and CEO Scott Brinker Interviewed by Advisor Access

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Healthpeak Properties, Inc. (NYSE: DOC): A Leading Healthcare-Focused REIT

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Healthpeak Properties, Inc. (NYSE: DOC) is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) and S&P 500 company. Healthpeak owns, operates, and develops high-quality real estate focused on healthcare discovery and delivery. The company owns a national portfolio composed of 700 properties totaling nearly 50 million square feet.

    Advisor Access spoke with Scott Brinker, President and CEO of Healthpeak Properties.

    Advisor Access: Would you provide an overview of Healthpeak and explain its niche position among REITs?

    Scott Brinker: Healthpeak Properties is a leading healthcare-focused REIT with a nearly 50 million square foot portfolio spanning outpatient medical, life sciences, and senior housing. Our properties sit at the intersection of real estate and healthcare innovation…

    Click Here for the Healthpeak Properties Investor Presentation

    Click Here for the Healthpeak Company Overview

    Click Here to visit the Healthpeak Corporate Website

    AA: In 2024, Healthpeak completed a merger with Physicians Realty Trust. What are some of the benefits of this merger?

    SB: The merger was driven by a simple question: Are we stronger together than alone? A year later, the answer is a resounding yes.

    Financially, the merger has been a huge success. We exceeded our first-year synergy targets by more than 25%, and now expect total synergies north of $65 million…

    AA: Healthpeak recently announced a dividend increase at a time when many REITs face headwinds in an environment of higher interest rates and changing market conditions. What sets Healthpeak apart that makes this possible?

    SB: Our capital allocation decisions have put our portfolio, balance sheet, and liquidity in an enviable position…

    AA: How is Healthpeak positioned for long-term growth and value creation?

    SB: We’re aligned with powerful, long-term healthcare trends…

    AA: Do you have any final takeaways for our readers on Healthpeak?

    SB: At Healthpeak, we focus on delivering mission-critical, irreplaceable healthcare real estate…

    Click Here to Read the Complete Answers to these Questions and the Entire Article Online, including Disclosures

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: iPower and Borg Rise U.S. Enter Strategic Partnership to Expand Social Media Commerce

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — iPower Inc. (Nasdaq: IPW) (“iPower” or the “Company”), a tech and data-driven eCommerce service provider and online retailer, today announced a strategic partnership with Borg Rise U.S., a dynamic and fast-growing player in digital content and social media commerce. This partnership marks a key milestone in iPower’s strategy to expand its omnichannel presence through influencer-driven and content-based sales models across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

    Borg Rise U.S., with its strong network of content creators, livestreaming infrastructure, and experience in cross-border digital commerce, will collaborate with iPower to build and scale innovative social commerce campaigns. These campaigns will bridge content and conversion, enabling more direct, engaging, and high-converting consumer experiences.

    “We’re excited to team up with Borg Rise U.S. to unlock the potential of social-driven retail,” said Lawrence Tan, CEO of iPower. “This collaboration strengthens our ability to connect brands with audiences where they spend their time and attention—on social media—by turning inspiration into seamless purchasing.”

    Under this partnership, iPower and Borg Rise U.S. will work together to:

    • Co-develop influencer campaigns, live selling initiatives, and digital storefronts
    • Expand iPower’s SuperSuite service offerings into social commerce enablement
    • Leverage content performance data to enhance targeting and personalization
    • Onboard emerging brands and help them scale through creator ecosystems

    This strategic alliance is expected to further iPower’s mission to empower sellers and entrepreneurs with the tools, data, and distribution channels needed to thrive in today’s evolving digital retail landscape.

    About iPower Inc.

    iPower Inc. is a tech and data-driven online retailer, as well as a provider of value-added eCommerce services for third-party products and brands. iPower’s capabilities include a full spectrum of online channels, robust fulfillment capacity, a nationwide network of warehouses, competitive last-mile delivery partners, and a differentiated business intelligence platform. For more information, visit www.meetipower.com.

    About Borg Rise U.S.

    Borg Rise U.S. is a next-generation digital commerce company focused on livestreaming, influencer marketing, and cross-border social commerce. With strengths in content development, platform operations, and community-driven conversion, Borg Rise U.S. empowers brands to unlock growth through immersive digital experiences.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    All statements other than statements of historical fact in this press release 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 iPower 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. iPower undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although iPower 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 iPower 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 and performance in iPower’s most recent  Report on Form 10-K and in its other SEC filings.

    Investor Relations Contact
     IPW.IR@meetipower.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Housing Authority recognises outstanding estate management services contractors and frontline staff (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Housing Authority recognises outstanding estate management services contractors and frontline staff  
         The HA introduced a new award this year to recognise the significant contributions of outstanding frontline staff on combating tenancy abuse, in appreciation of their efforts in safeguarding this valuable housing resource.
     
         Officiating at the presentation ceremony, the Deputy Director of Housing (Estate Management), Mr Ricky Yeung, said, “Public housing resources are precious and should be allocated appropriately and rationally to those in genuine need of housing. The HA has been committed to combating tenancy abuse in public housing. We are encouraging services contractors to collaborate with us in safeguarding these housing resources.
     
         “We have implemented a reward mechanism in the service contractor evaluation system, whereby services contractors who perform well in combating tenancy abuse will receive additional points, enhancing their bidding and contracting opportunities. Indeed, the effectiveness of the assistance provided by frontline staff of services contractors to our colleagues in detecting cases has been significant, helping our work in combating tenancy abuse achieve the desired results.”
     
         The EMSC Awards in 2024 went to 17 services contractors providing property management, cleaning, security and car park operating services. Eight property services managers and 56 frontline staff members were also commended. The full list of awardees is in the Annex.  
         Currently, the management of more than half of the HA’s public rental housing estates is outsourced to property services contractors, and many major maintenance tasks in the HA estates are being supervised by them. By leveraging the private sector’s resources and experience in managing private properties, the HA seeks to continuously raise the quality of its estate management services and provide a pleasant living environment for its tenants.
    Issued at HKT 19:56

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 100 years ago, the Social Gospel movement pushed to improve workers’ lives – but also to promote its vision of Christian America

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Christina Littlefield, Associate Professor of Communication and Religion, Pepperdine University

    Immigrant children from Central Europe at a settlement house in St. Louis. Thomasa.nagel/Wikimedia Commons

    President Donald Trump has praised the Gilded Age, which he believes was a time of immense national prosperity thanks to tariffs, no income tax, and few regulations on business.

    Similar to today, the late 19th century was a time where a small group of men enjoyed immense wealth, privilege and power to shape the nation. It was a time of immense inequality, as factory and housing conditions crushed the lives of the poor.

    And it was a time of white Christian nationalism.

    In Northern cities, reformers saw the wealth gap, the plight of workers and the squalid conditions in tenements as undermining their vision of a Christian America. Fueled by faith, the Social Gospel movement worked to expand labor rights and improve living conditions at the turn of the 20th century.

    At the same time, many of these white Protestant activists believed their own culture and race to be superior, and this prejudice hindered their efforts. They often spouted anti-Catholic and anti-immigrant rhetoric, and mostly ignored Black workers’ plight.

    One of Jacob Riis’ many photographs of living conditions on New York’s Lower East Side.
    Bettmann via Getty Images

    Ever since the Puritans landed, white Christian nationalism has informed how many Protestants try to shape their country – a history I trace with church historian Richard T. Hughes in the book “Christian America and the Kingdom of God.” But Christian nationalism has taken dramatically different forms over time. The progressive Social Gospellers of a century ago are a particularly striking contrast to the conservative Christian right that has shaped U.S. politics for half a century, up to today.

    Guardians of a Christian nation

    There are many differences between Christian nationalism then and now. Like many conservative Christians today, however, the Social Gospellers believed that the United States was uniquely chosen and blessed by God, and called to be a Christian nation. They saw themselves as the rightful guardians of that mission. And though the country was still overwhelmingly Protestant, they feared they were losing influence.

    New research explored the history of the Bible – research that many Christians feared would undermine people’s trust in Scripture as the word of God, by emphasizing its human composition. New scientific ideas about the Earth’s creation and human evolution challenged their visions of an all-powerful, all-knowing God. Meanwhile, rapid industrialization and urbanization had created new social challenges, such as workers’ safety and living conditions, leading some to reject faith as irrelevant to their needs.

    Social Gospellers wanted to vindicate Christianity and show it was still relevant to modern life. But white leaders’ vision of what a Christian America should look like conflated their Protestant faith with their race and culture.

    Josiah Strong, for example, was a Congregationalist minister known for promoting factory safety. But he stoked fear of Catholic immigrants and endorsed the expansion of the U.S. as a benevolent empire. The Anglo-Saxon race “is destined to dispossess many weaker races, assimilate others, and mold the remainder,” Strong argued in his 1885 book, “Our Country.”

    Baptist reformer Walter Rauschenbusch.
    Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

    Another Social Gospel reformer, Northern Baptist theologian Walter Rauschenbusch, railed against unrestrained greed, political corruption, militarism and contempt between elites and the working class. But he shared the white supremacy of his age. God was favoring Germanic and Anglo-Saxon people, he claimed, to enact God’s purposes.

    “Other races are as dear to God as we and he may be holding them in reserve to carry His banner when we drop it,” he wrote in an undated article. But it was part of God’s plan, he believed, for Northern Europeans to “hold the larger part of the world’s wealth and power in the hollow of their hands and the larger share of the world’s intellectual and spiritual possessions in the hollow of their heads.”

    The ‘right’ kind of Christian

    Though many white Protestants felt threatened by the challenges of immigration, they were still a clear majority, and they presumed that most Americans would endorse applying Christian ethics to public policy and social reform.

    Jane Addams speaks to visitors in 1935 at Hull House, a settlement house in Chicago that she co-founded in 1889.
    National Archives via Wikimedia Commons

    What’s more, women gaining the right to vote in 1920 meant Social Gospel leaders expanded Protestants’ power at the ballot box. Many Social Gospel leaders embraced women’s suffrage because women were already leading supporters for their causes: For example, Frances Willard, who promoted temperance and workers’ rights; and Jane Addams, who ran a Christian “settlement house,” or community center, for the poor.

    But in another sense, demographics were not on their side. The U.S. might have been a very white and Christian country, but in some Social Gospellers’ minds, the era’s waves of immigrants were not the “right” kind of Christian: Northern European and Protestant. Immigration was shifting from Great Britain, Ireland and Germany to Russia, Poland, Hungary and Italy. While Protestants far outnumbered Catholics nationally, Strong wrote that they were double the Protestant population in major cities like New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.

    A Polish mother and her nine children waiting at Ellis Island.
    U.S. National Park Service

    Strong argued that Catholic immigrants were lazy, prone to alcoholism and criminal activity, and willing to sell their vote to corrupt city politicians. He claimed they would corrupt the morals of Anglo-Saxon Americans, and that if the Catholic population grew, it would undermine Protestants’ religious liberty.

    Nativist views like these led to the National Origins Act of 1924, which restricted the number of immigrants. Quotas for each country were based on the profile of the American population in 1890 – an attempt to maintain Protestant dominance against Catholic and Jewish immigration from Southern and Eastern Europe. That distrust also kept Social Gospellers from partnering with Roman Catholic leaders on shared concern for workers.

    Flourishing for all, or some?

    Still, when it came to workers’ basic needs, reformers cared deeply about improving circumstances for the “least of these.” The movement was strongly influenced by the biblical parable of the sheep and the goats: verses in the Book of Matthew where Jesus promotes feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, clothing the naked and visiting those in prison.

    Social Gospellers aimed to prove that Christianity could answer the social challenges caused by industrialization, urbanization and immigration. For the most part, they sought to use their privilege in ways that promoted the flourishing of all Americans, such as expanding labor rights and providing services to the poor through settlement houses.

    A photograph by Jacob Riis in a small New York City sweatshop in the 1880s.
    Bettmann via Getty Images

    In 1908, for example, the Federal Council of Churches adopted a 14-point statement called the “Social Creed,” affirming that churches should support reforms “to lift the crushing burdens of the poor, and to reduce the hardships and uphold the dignity of labor.” While some of the reforms they called for are taken for granted today — like one day off per week — other calls, like a living wage for all, are yet to be realized.

    Over the past half-century, the modern Christian right, too, has feared that its vision for the nation is eroding. Conservative churches have seen their influence drop as more Americans move away from organized religion and reject their rejection of LGBTQ+ people.

    I — along with other scholars — argue that these fears have helped fuel resurgent Christian nationalism today. Since merging with the tea party movement during the Obama administration, the Christian right has increasingly embraced an anti-immigration and anti-minority stance, fearing the loss of its own standing.

    Like the Social Gospellers of a century ago, the Christian nationalists of recent decades are wary of religious and racial change in their country. Yet the movement’s priorities – often focused around its vision of families, sex and gender – are starkly more limited than the broader quality-of-life issues that Social Gospellers addressed.

    Both groups desired an America rooted in biblical values. But each interpreted Scripture through its own lens, seeking to remake America in its own, white Protestant image.

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

    – ref. 100 years ago, the Social Gospel movement pushed to improve workers’ lives – but also to promote its vision of Christian America – https://theconversation.com/100-years-ago-the-social-gospel-movement-pushed-to-improve-workers-lives-but-also-to-promote-its-vision-of-christian-america-255216

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Overland AI Demonstrates Soldier-Led Autonomy Across Day and Night Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Overland AI’s fully autonomous tactical vehicles, ULTRA, were deployed across 15 live mission scenarios to comprehensively demonstrate end-to-end, Soldier-operated ground autonomy.

    ULTRA, Overland’s fully autonomous tactical vehicle, operating in dense forest and utilizing tree line for cover during mission scenarios at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

    Soldiers from the 555th, 36th, and 20th Engineer Brigades, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade, executed these 15 missions using two ULTRAs. They also leveraged Overland’s tactical C2 interface, OverWatch, to plan, execute, and adapt operations on the fly. From pre-operation vehicle checks, payload swaps and munition loading, to mission planning and execution in OverWatch, the experimentation event was conducted almost entirely by end users.

    “This was a particularly unique event,” said Chris Merz, who serves as the director of product at Overland AI. “Nearly every phase of the operation—from munition loading to software-based replanning—was in the hands of the Soldier. We saw real independence from the operator, not just in planning and execution, but in adapting tactics in real time.”

    ULTRA deploying smoke deception to confuse the enemy and create an element of surprise during a day mission in wooded terrain.

    Participating units were tasked with planning complex, multi-vehicle missions. Soldiers used ULTRA’s modular platform for kinetic and electronic warfare breaching, terrain shaping with XM204s, deception, obscuration, and delivery of third-party payloads, including uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities.

    Overland’s autonomy stack is highly adaptable in the field. Some operators re-tasked vehicles mid-mission in response to enemy activity and adjusted payload configurations under time pressure with little notice. Other operators, planning two simultaneous terrain-shaping missions with over 20 checkpoints and five tasks per vehicle, took less than three minutes to plan.

    A Soldier from the 555th Engineer Brigade plans a series of missions with ULTRAs using OverWatch, Overland’s intuitive, tactical command and control (C2) interface.

    “Our mission is to empower the Armed Forces to dominate any and all missions they need to accomplish,” said Byron Boots, co-founder and chief executive officer of Overland AI. “This wide-ranging event showed that Soldiers both trust our autonomous land systems and can leverage our versatile capability from start to finish.”

    Overland AI remains committed to advancing autonomous military technologies, having previously secured an $18.6 million contract with the U.S. Army and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to develop autonomy software for the Army’s Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) program. The company continues to support a range of U.S. military programs, including the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command.

    To learn more about Overland AI and see open roles, visit www.overland.ai.

    About Overland AI
    Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Overland AI is powering ground operations for modern defense. The company leverages over a decade of advanced research in robotics and machine learning, as well as a field-test forward ethos, to deliver advanced autonomy for unit commanders. Hazardous missions in austere and electronically denied environments demand that this technology is reliable and resilient. Overland AI’s SPARK autonomy upfit and OverDrive stack enable ground vehicles to navigate off-road without GPS or direct operator control. The company built its fully autonomous tactical vehicle, ULTRA, in-house by integrating SPARK and OverDrive into a modular and attritable platform that is currently in production. Overland AI developed OverWatch, its intuitive C2 interface, to provide commanders with the precise coordination of autonomous ground systems that is vital for complex missions to succeed. Overland AI has achieved the end-to-end integration of ground autonomy, from operator to effect, and is putting this capability into the hands of tactical operators today.

    Contact
    Cameron Langford
    overland@1stprinciples.io
    First Principles Communications

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4c78f70-5337-4777-8d58-eac07f095520

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8560475d-62de-410e-964c-1ab90f565c82

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ce6899f-1b9b-4a88-a201-7c62ea26c011

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxford Lane Capital Corp. Provides May 2025 Net Asset Value Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENWICH, Conn., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxford Lane Capital Corp. (NasdaqGS: OXLC) (NasdaqGS: OXLCP) (NasdaqGS: OXLCL) (NasdaqGS: OXLCO) (NasdaqGS: OXLCZ) (NasdaqGS: OXLCN) (NasdaqGS: OXLCI) (NasdaqGS: OXLCG) (the “Company”) today announced the following net asset value (“NAV”) estimate as of May 31, 2025.

    • Management’s unaudited estimate of the range of the NAV per share of our common stock as of May 31, 2025, is between $4.17 and $4.27. This estimate is not a comprehensive statement of our financial condition or results for the month ended May 31, 2025. This estimate did not undergo the Company’s typical quarter-end financial closing procedures and was not approved by the Company’s board of directors. We advise you that our NAV per share for the quarter ending June 30, 2025 may differ materially from this estimate, which is given only as of May 31, 2025.
    • As of May 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 481.6 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

    The fair value of the Company’s portfolio investments may be materially impacted after May 31, 2025 by circumstances and events that are not yet known. To the extent the Company’s portfolio investments are impacted by market volatility in the U.S. or worldwide, the Company may experience a material impact on its future net investment income, the fair value of its portfolio investments, its financial condition and the financial condition of its portfolio investments. Investing in our securities involves a number of significant risks. For a discussion of the additional risks applicable to an investment in our securities, please refer to the section titled “Risk Factors” in our prospectus and the section titled “Principal Risks” in our most recent annual report or semi-annual report, as applicable.

    The preliminary financial data included in this press release has been prepared by, and is the responsibility of, Oxford Lane Capital Corp.’s management. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has not audited, reviewed, compiled, or applied agreed-upon procedures with respect to the preliminary financial data. Accordingly, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP does not express an opinion or any other form of assurance with respect thereto.

    About Oxford Lane Capital Corp. 

    Oxford Lane Capital Corp. is a publicly-traded registered closed-end management investment company principally investing in debt and equity tranches of CLO vehicles. CLO investments may also include warehouse facilities, which are financing structures intended to aggregate loans that may be used to form the basis of a CLO vehicle.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “estimates” and similar expressions) should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. These factors are identified from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update such statements to reflect subsequent events, except as may be required by law.

    Contact:
    Bruce Rubin
    203-983-5280

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Laser Focused: Keith Barr Leads Orion’s Lunar Docking Efforts 

    Source: NASA

    Keith Barr was born only months before the historic Apollo 11 landing in 1969. While he was too young to witness that giant leap for mankind, the moment sparked a lifelong fascination that set him on a path to design technology that will carry astronauts farther into space than ever before. 
    Today, Barr serves as a chief engineer and Orion Docking Lidar Field Test lead at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. He spearheads the field testing of docking lidars for the Orion spacecraft, which will carry astronauts to the Moon on the Artemis III mission. These lidars are critical to enabling Orion to autonomously dock with the human landing system on Artemis III — the mission that will land astronauts near the Moon’s South Pole for the first time in history. 

    “The Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo missions are some of humanity’s greatest technical achievements,” he said. “To be part of the Artemis chapter is a profound honor.”  
    In recognition of his contributions, Barr was selected as a NASA Space Flight Awareness Honoree in 2025 for his exceptional dedication to astronaut safety and mission success. Established in 1963, NASA’s Space Flight Awareness Program celebrates individuals who play a vital role in supporting human spaceflight. The award is one of the highest honors presented to the agency’s workforce. 
    With a career spanning over 25 years at Lockheed Martin, Barr is now recognized as a renowned leader in lidar systems—technologies that use laser light to measure distances. He has led numerous lidar deployments and test programs across commercial aviation, wind energy, and military markets.  
    In 2019, Barr and his team began planning a multi-phase field campaign to validate Orion’s docking lidars under real-world conditions. They repurposed existing hardware, developed a drone-based simulation system, and conducted dynamic testing at Lockheed Martin facilities in Littleton, Colorado, and Santa Cruz, California. 
    In Littleton, the team conducted two phases of testing at the Space Operations Simulation Center, evaluating performance across distances ranging from 50 meters to docking. At the Santa Cruz facility, they began much farther out at 6,500 meters and tested down to 10 meters, just before the final docking phase. 
    Of all these efforts, Barr is especially proud of the ingenuity behind the Santa Cruz tests. To simulate a spacecraft docking scenario, he repurposed a lidar pointing gimbal and test trailer from previous projects and designed a drone-based test system with unprecedented accuracy.  
    “An often-overlooked portion of any field campaign is the measurement and understanding of truth,” he said. “The system I designed allowed us to record lidar and target positions with accuracy never before demonstrated in outdoor docking lidar testing.” 

    The test stand at the Santa Cruz Facility had once been used for Agena upper stage rockets—a key piece of hardware used during the Gemini program in the 1960s. “We found a Gemini-era sticker on the door of the test bunker—likely from the time of Gemini VIII, the first space docking completed by Neil Armstrong and David Scott,” Barr said. “This really brought it home to me that we are simply part of the continuing story.” 

    Barr spent more than two decades working on WindTracer—a ground-based Doppler wind lidar system used to measure wind speed and turbulence at airports, wind farms, and in atmospheric research. 
    The transition from WindTracer to Orion presented new challenges. “Moving onto a space program has a steep learning curve, but I have found success in this new arena and I have learned that I can adapt and I shouldn’t be nervous about the unknown,” he said. “Learning new technologies, applications, and skills keeps my career fun and exciting and I look forward to the next giant leap—whatever it is.” 

    Barr’s passion for flight moves in tandem with his pursuit of innovation. Over his career, he has flown over 1.6 million miles on commercial airlines. “I often joke that I’m on my fourth trip to the Moon and back—just in economy class,” he said.  
    Before specializing in lidar systems, Barr flew as a captain and assistant chief pilot at New England Airlines, operating small aircraft like the Piper Cherokee 6 and the Britten-Norman Islander.  
    He also worked at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, contributing to several NASA airborne missions aimed at unraveling the science behind global ozone depletion.  

    As Barr reflects on his journey, he hopes to pass along a sense of legacy to the Artemis Generation. “We are in the process of writing the next chapter of human space exploration history, and our actions, successes, and troubles will be studied and analyzed well into the future,” he said. “We all need to consider how our actions will shape history.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CAMBODIA – Catholics appeal to the United Nations: “Stop the massacre of innocents in Gaza”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Phnom Penh (Agenzia Fides) – “We, bishops, priests, men and women religious, and the faithful in Cambodia, ask the United Nations to intervene urgently to end the violence and bloodshed in the Gaza Strip, so that peace can prevail and people can live in dignity, with respect for human rights, in mutual love, and in tranquility,” reads an appeal released by the Apostolic Vicar of Phnom Penh, Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, on behalf of the Catholic community in Cambodia. The appeal is also joined by the Apostolic Prefects of Battambang and Kompong Cham, Bishop Enrique Figaredo and Bishop Pierre Hangly, who issue an “urgent appeal” for an end to the violence in the Strip. The appeal of the bishops, which Fides has received, was preceded by an interreligious event in which representatives of the Catholic community in Cambodia participated together with delegates from the Buddhist communities: the international symposium on the theme “Buddhists and Christians working together for peace through reconciliation and resilience” (see Fides, 27/5/2025).”This dialogue,” the bishops stated, “has demonstrated religious harmony in Cambodia as an exemplary model that we can proudly present to the world.” Referring to the International Day for the Rights of the Child, the bishops expressed concern about the ongoing violence in the Gaza Strip: “We cannot remain silent. How can we join together in the search for peace while the war continues, claiming the lives of tens of thousands of innocent people, especially children and infants?” they asked. The message recalls the “Massacre of the Innocents,” which Herod ordered according to the account in the Gospel of Matthew, and states: “Tragically and painfully, in 2025, we see history repeating itself in Gaza. Since 2023, approximately 18,000 children and infants have lost their lives in this war. Many families have lost fathers, mothers, and children; their homes have been destroyed by shelling.” Furthermore, “there is no access to education; people suffer from a lack of medical care, disabilities, and food shortages. Images of children, grandparents, and thousands of dying parents are shared daily on social media, causing great pain and sorrow for all of us,” the document states. In the face of so much violence, “the Catholic community in Cambodia thanks God for granting Cambodia religious harmony and guiding us to live in peace. But we cannot remain indifferent when we see how children and thousands of people suffer, how the injured and disabled die every day.” It continues: “We remember the year 1975, when the Khmer Rouge seized control of Phnom Penh and sealed Cambodia off from the world for three years, eight months, and 20 days. During this time, the international community remained silent and allowed more than 20% of the Cambodian population—approximately 2 million people—to die of starvation and mass murder. Under this regime, people were physically and psychologically tortured, separated from their families, and lived without family ties, in mutual distrust, and in extreme fear.” Back then, the bishops note, “there were no social media platforms like today. But today we have this social media, which allows us to witness the tragedy in Gaza every day. We must pray to God that peace will prevail.” “The Catholic community in Cambodia launches an urgent appeal, asking the United Nations to use all means to immediately end the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip” so that “more children and innocent people do not die, suffer pain, live in fear, become homeless, or suffer hunger because of this ongoing and bloody war.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 10/6/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/KENYA – Bishops demand “clarity on the death of Albert Ojwang in police custody”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – “We are deeply disturbed by the tragic and suspicious death of Albert Ojwang while in police custody. His death is not just a personal loss to his family, but a painful wound to our national conscience and a reminder of the urgent need for accountability in our justice system,” is what the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) expressed, demanding clarification on the death of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old teacher and influencer who died on June 8 while in pre-trial detention.Ojwang was arrested on June 6 at the family home in Kakot, Homa Bay County, following a social media post that allegedly defamed Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat. He was taken more than 350 kilometers to Nairobi Central Police Station and charged with violating a cybercrime law. On June 8, he was found unconscious in his cell during a routine check, apparently with head injuries. Police alleged he had committed suicide by repeatedly banging his head against a wall, and he was pronounced dead upon arrival at Mbagathi Hospital. However, the family’s lawyer reported that the body showed severe trauma, including head swelling, bruises, and bleeding from the nose and mouth, signs that do not match the official police account.Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an inquiry into his death. The Inspectorate General of Police has suspended six officers stationed at Nairobi Central Police Station as a precautionary measure while the exact circumstances of Ojwang’s death are investigated.” We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the late Albert Ojwang. We share in their grief and in the public’s rightful demand for truth and justice,” the episcopal statement continues.” We strongly support the directive by the Inspector General to interdict officers linked to this case and urge that investigations be swift, transparent, and free from interference. No one is above the law, and those found culpable must face full legal consequences,” the bishops add. Ojwang’s case comes amid a climate of growing social tension, following the Generation Z protests in 2024 (see Fides, 1/7/2024), which were harshly repressed by the authorities and left 60 dead.Furthermore, between 2020 and 2024, more than 100 deaths in custody were recorded, according to data from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which has intensified demands for profound reform of the police force. In this context, the bishops called on Kenyan youth to remain calm. “At this difficult time, we call upon all Kenyans, especially the youth, to remain calm, peaceful, and prayerful. Let us not be provoked into violence or division. Our strength is in our unity and our collective demand for justice through lawful means.” “We remind our institutions: the measure of any just society is how it treats the vulnerable. Let this not be another case swept under the rug. Let Albert Ojwang’s name not be added to a growing list of forgotten victims,” the prelates conclude.The Supreme Council of Muslims of Kenya has also requested a transparent investigation into the death of the young teacher, while calling on the population to remain calm. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 10/6/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Israeli gunfire kills 17 people near Gaza aid site, health officials say

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israeli gunfire killed at least 17 Palestinians and wounded dozens as thousands of displaced people approached an aid distribution site of a U.S.-backed humanitarian group in central Gaza on Tuesday, local health authorities said.

    Medics said the casualties were rushed at two hospitals, the Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, and the Al-Quds in Gaza City, in the north.

    The Israeli military said its forces fired warning shots at “suspects who were advancing in the area of Wadi Gaza and posed a threat to the troops.” It added that it was aware of reports that several were injured, but argued numbers released by local health authorities did not align with the information they collected.

    “The warning shots were fired hundreds of meters from the aid distribution site, prior to its opening hours and toward the suspects who posed a threat to the troops,” the military added.

    Last week it warned Palestinians not to approach routes leading to sites of the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. local time, describing these roads as closed military zones.

    There was no immediate GHF comment on Tuesday’s incident.

    The GHF began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May, overseeing a new model of aid distribution which the United Nations says is neither impartial nor neutral.

    Many Gazans say they have to walk for hours to reach the sites, meaning they have to start travelling well before dawn if they are to stand any chance of receiving food.

    While the GHF has said there have been no incidents at its so-called secure distribution sites, Palestinians seeking aid have described disorder, and access routes to the sites have been beset by chaos and deadly violence.

    “I went there at 2 a.m. hoping to get some food, on my way there, I saw people returning empty-handed, they said aid packages have run out in five minutes, this is insane and isn’t enough,” said Mohammad Abu Amr, 40, a father of two.

    “Dozens of thousands arrive from the central areas and from the northern areas too, some of them walked for over 20 km (12 miles), only to come back home with disappointment,” he told Reuters via a chat app. He said he heard the firing but did not see what happened.

    Later on Tuesday, local health authorities said an Israeli strike on a house in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza Strip killed eight people, taking Tuesday’s death toll to at least 25.

    The Israeli military said separately, it intercepted one rocket fired from northern Gaza towards Israeli territories, which signalled Hamas and other militant group remained able to fire the weapons despite Israeli devastation of their arsenal.

    Israel allowed limited U.N.-led operations to resume on May 19 after an 11-week blockade in the enclave of 2.3 million people, where experts have warned a famine looms. The U.N. has described the aid allowed into Gaza as “drop in the ocean.”

    Witnesses said at least 40 trucks carrying flour for U.N. warehouses were looted by desperate displaced Palestinians as well as thieves near Nabulsi roundabout along the coastal road in Gaza City.

    The war erupted after Hamas-led militants took 251 hostages and killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians, in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack, Israel’s single deadliest day.

    Israel’s military campaign has since killed more than 54,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to health authorities in Gaza, and flattened much of the coastal enclave.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Peter Kyle’s speech at London Tech Week 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Speech

    Peter Kyle’s speech at London Tech Week 2025

    A speech delivered by Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, Peter Kyle, at London Tech Week on Tuesday 11 June 2025.

    Last Thursday, I was in Salford for a CyberFirst event.

    Hundreds of girls from across Greater Manchester were there. 

    Some of them were busy playing e-sports, hidden behind VR goggles.

    Others were programming robots – or learning how to pitch a tech business.

    But all of them said the same thing.

    They were excited for the future they were starting to see. And what it meant for them

    What really struck me was their ambition, hope and sheer enthusiasm.

    It was as humbling as it was inspirational: but it made me think.

    In government, we spend so much time talking about risk.

    What happens if reform goes wrong?

    Who is responsible – and who do we hold to account?

    We often talk about making the state feel more like a start-up.

    Less slow and static.

    More agile and active.

    But we have unique obligations to our citizens that we simply cannot ignore.

    Duties to defend our national security and protect public health.

    To make our streets safer and borders stronger.

    It is understandable that these obligations might make us more cautious about change.

    But, when countries or institutions become preoccupied with avoiding risk, they risk resisting innovation.

    They might delay reform.

    They might grasp too tightly to the here and now…

    …and lose sight of the possibilities tomorrow could bring.

    When this happens, caution slides into complacency.

    Incrementalism gives way to inertia.

    Worrying about getting every aspect of change right becomes fear of change itself.

    And fearing the challenge of change is the fastest route for a great nation to become mired in stagnation.

    When I spoke at London Tech Week last year, that’s what I saw.

    Our citizens, they wanted change.

    The sector wanted change.

    But a refusal to face up to the risks change brings – or face down resistance to it…

    …meant that government after government were stuck with a model we all knew was failing.

    Suddenly, the real risk wasn’t trying something new. 

    It was doing nothing at all.

    People waited months for hospital appointments.

    Young people couldn’t find a good job in the town they called home.

    Businesses unable to innovate, unable to invest, or unable to grow.

    Stifled by a regulatory regime that was stuck in the past.

    Unsure about whether to waste time applying for government contracts – because they always seemed to favour the same old suspects.

    Undecided about whether to stay here in the UK – because they just couldn’t access the capital they needed to grow.

    Too often in the last decade, Britain felt like a country short on ambition, long on apathy.

    Where optimism shrank in the face of opposition.

    On this stage last year, I said it was time for a change.

    Time to seize the power of technology.

    And wield it to deliver us towards a better future. 

    That is exactly what we’ve done.

    I said we’d tear up planning rules.

    And we have, making it easier to build the infrastructure that powers our digital economy.

    I said we’d radically reform regulation.

    And we have, cutting the time it takes to get new products and services onto the market and into people’s hands.

    I said we’d design new digital tools with a streamlined state and make engaging with government easier than it’s ever been before.

    And we have, from a digital driving licence and an app that will put public services into people’s hands. 

    To a new tool that will digitise decades-old planning records in minutes, slashing the time it takes to make decisions and get millions of new homes built right across our country. 

    And a platform that lets people in the public sector rate and review tech products, saving over a billion by helping councils and schools get better deals faster.

    Now none of that has been without risk.

    In early trials, the government chatbot we built started speaking French.

    I’m relieved to tell you that, after a brief flirtation with life across the Channel, it’s firmly back on British soil.

    But – even if its identity crisis had lasted a little longer – how many people would rather we’d stopped at the first sign of trouble?

    What’s a bonjour here, an au revoir there….

    … compared to hours spent on hold, waiting to work out whether your benefit payment has been made and made on time?

    Trawling through webpage after webpage to work out what you need to do to start a business?

    Because our choice actually was a simple one.

    Towards a future that is bright, bold, but risky.

    Or back to more of the same: stagnation and a slow but certain slide into decline.

    Today, we find ourselves at another critical moment.

    The risks we take – and the investments we make – will determine the path our country follows in the decades to come.

    And we must once again seize the opportunities in front of us with courage and conviction.

    With a record £86 billion in funding for R&D, that is exactly what this government is doing.

    For the first time, our modern industrial strategy will include a dedicated digital and technologies sector plan.

    Building on our strengths in 6 technologies with the greatest potential for growth:

    From AI, advanced connectivity and cyber security…

    … right through to engineering biology, quantum, and semiconductors.

    Behind that plan is a very clear mission.

    To build a faster, fairer economy. A society that offers opportunities for all.

    One where we don’t settle for buying these technologies off the shelf.

    We make them here.

    And we use them to shape a better future for every citizen.

    Yesterday, the Prime Minister unveiled £1 billion in backing for our bid to increase our country’s compute power twentyfold by the end of the decade.

    Today, I can go further.

    A new partnership between my department, Imperial College and the World Economic Forum will see London host the new Centre for AI-Driven Innovation.

    This is the first World Economic Forum Global Centre to be based right here in Britain.

    Focused on accelerating the adoption of AI, it will ensure that we can embed AI across our economy and put it to work for working people.

    And this is just the start.

    Boston might be the birthplace of biotech.

    But – with Google DeepMind on one side and the Crick on the other – King’s Cross is emerging as a global powerhouse for AI-driven drug discovery.

    Today, we’re launching a new project, OpenBind, to create the world’s largest database explaining how drugs interact with the proteins they target.

    20 times bigger than all the data collected worldwide over the last half a century, OpenBind will provide an exceptionally detailed picture of how diseases work.

    And it could cut the cost of developing new treatments by up to £100 billion.

    The results for the health of our people, our nation and our economy could be revolutionary.

    As Demis Hassabis said himself, this is a brilliant initiative for UK science.

    But initiatives like this will only succeed if we can attract top global talent.  

    Our tech success story wouldn’t have been possible without brilliant people choosing time and time again to call Britain home. 

    In an ever more competitive world, we simply cannot afford to lose that status. 

    So, we’ll be introducing a new scheme to attract the brightest and best brains to Britain. 

    Today, I can announce that we’re working with Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) and Pillar to double Encode AI for Science Fellowships and get top AI talent from around the world working in UK labs. 

    We’re also launching Turing AI Global Fellowships, which will bring AI experts from across the world to the UK and support them to carry out cutting-edge research. 

    At the same time, we’re starting a national skills drive at home, giving over a million students the chance to start careers in AI.

    And creating a new generation of British leaders as our country enters the digital economic age.

    Leaders just like the young people I met in Salford.

    Talking to them about their hopes for the future, I couldn’t help but think about my own journey through education

    Struggling with dyslexia, my teachers didn’t see any potential in me. 

    I was held back in remedial classes, I left at 16 with no qualifications to my name.

    No sense of what the future would hold.

    It wasn’t until I got a job at the Body Shop.

    Until I met Anita Roddick.

    And she saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself.

    Sending me out to give speeches for her.

    That I got over my fear of public speaking.

    I then went to university.

    And my life began to change.

    I choose to tell that story.

    Not because I think it’s unique.

    I tell it because I think it’s all too common in this country.

    And I think it says something about what is at stake right here today.

    This government don’t take risks lightly.

    Nor do we pursue change for change’s sake.

    We choose the path of progressive change. To build a modern economy and opportunistic society.

    We do so because any alternative leaves Britain poorer, weaker, more vulnerable in a complex world.

    Less able to promote and protect our prosperity and security for all our citizens.

    In the last year, the work of progressive change has begun.

    But we will only succeed if you take risks, too.

    If you choose to join us in transforming Britain for the better.

    As the place you pick to build new data centres.

    Or train new AI models.

    The country you choose when you’re developing life-saving drugs.

    Or designing the next generation of chips.

    A bolder, brighter future for Britain is in our hands.

    We’ve spent the last year getting the foundations right.

    Now, it’s our opportunity to build.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: NANO Nuclear Appoints Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and 47th Governor of Texas Rick Perry as Chairman of its Executive Advisory Board

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, N.Y., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear energy and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced that it has appointed Rick Perry, former Governor of Texas and the United States Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019, as the Chairman of its Executive Advisory Board.

    NANO Nuclear has assembled a distinguished Executive Advisory Board comprised of high-level military, scientific and governmental experts, including former generals, members of Congress, and other U.S. and international figures. These leaders provide deep industry knowledge and important contacts to NANO Nuclear’s senior management. While each member of the Board covers a particular expertise mandate, Gov. Perry will serve as Chair of the Executive Advisory Board and lead its overall efforts to assist NANO Nuclear.

    “The United States has a distinguished legacy of nuclear‑energy innovation, and I’m confident NANO Nuclear will play an essential role in the next chapter,” said Rick Perry, Chairman of NANO Nuclear’s Executive Advisory Board. “As Secretary of Energy, I advocated for nuclear power because it offers an amazing prospect for a stable, safe, and efficient source of clean power. NANO Nuclear in particular is driving advancements in nuclear energy technology with its cutting edge microreactor designs and overall commercial strategy. I’m honored to join and lead NANO’s Executive Advisory Board, and I look forward to contributing my experience as this exciting company advances its vision to become a vertically integrated leader in the nuclear power sector.”

    “It is an incredible honor to welcome Governor Perry as Chairman of our Executive Advisory Board,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear. “He is a thoughtful and experienced leader, with an in-depth knowledge of U.S. energy infrastructure and a great understanding of America’s energy needs. His leadership will help guide our efforts to put the U.S. at the forefront of nuclear technology and drive the next wave of innovation, which is sorely needed as the energy demands continue to rise in support of cutting-edge artificial intelligence, datacenters and other energy intensive advancements. I am confident that his expertise will be instrumental in the near- and long-term success of our mission.”

    “Governor Perry’s record of public service and advocacy for nuclear energy align perfectly with our mission,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “The relationships he built during his decades in public service, including his tenure as U.S. Secretary of Energy, will be invaluable as we make progress towards the demonstration, construction, and licensing phases of our reactor programs and other nuclear technology. His acceptance of this position affirms the progress we’ve made and reinforces our position at the forefront of advanced reactor technology.”

    John Vonglis, NANO Nuclear’s Executive Director of Global Government Affairs, who served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and acting Director of ARPA-E under Gov. Perry when he was Secretary of Energy, added “I know first-hand the importance Secretary Perry places on endeavors focused on retaining America’s primacy in all sectors, but especially energy. His extensive wealth of experience will most certainly help propel NANO Nuclear to the next level, and I welcome the opportunity to again serve with this great leader.”

    Rick Perry has led a life of public service, starting in the United States Air Force and continuing over two decades in elected office. He served as the 14th Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019 in the first Trump administration. As Secretary of Energy, Perry worked to advance energy policies to promote American energy independence, notably backing nuclear power.

    Figure 1 – NANO Nuclear Appoints Former Secretary of Energy Rick Perry as Chairman of its Executive Advisory Board.

    Prior to his service as Secretary of Energy, Perry served as the 47th governor of the State of Texas. His political career began in 1985 as a representative for a rural West Texas district in the state House of Representatives, and beginning in 1990, he served two terms as Texas Commissioner of Agriculture. Perry twice sought the Republican nomination for president, running in 2012 and again in 2016.

    He attended Texas A&M University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1972. Between 1972 and 1977, Perry served in the United States Air Force, flying C‑130 tactical airlift aircraft in the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East; by the time of his discharge, he had attained the rank of captain.

    About NANO Nuclear Energy, Inc.

    NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is an advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

    Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include patented KRONOS MMR™ Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), “ZEUS”, a solid core battery reactor, and “ODIN”, a low-pressure coolant reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

    Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

    HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

    NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micronuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon’s surface.

    For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

    For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:

    Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
    Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

    PLEASE FOLLOW OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HERE:

    NANO Nuclear Energy LINKEDIN
    NANO Nuclear Energy YOUTUBE
    NANO Nuclear Energy X PLATFORM

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements relate to the anticipated benefits to NANO Nuclear of Gov. Perry joining as Chairman of the Company’s Executive Advisory Board. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) or related state or non-U.S. nuclear fuel licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complimentary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, including those associated with the enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23, 2025 presidential executive orders seeking to support nuclear energy, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated and rapidly evolving industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Canadian Utilities Limited to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Canadian Utilities Limited (TSX: CU; OTCQX: CDUAF), a diversified global energy infrastructure corporation, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Canadian Utilities Limited upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    Canadian Utilities Limited begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “CDUAF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    About Canadian Utilities Limited
    Canadian Utilities Limited and its subsidiary and affiliate companies have approximately 9,100 employees and assets of $24 billion. Canadian Utilities, an ATCO company, is a diversified global energy infrastructure corporation delivering essential services and innovative business solutions. ATCO Energy Systems delivers energy for an evolving world through its electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution, and international electricity operations segments. ATCO EnPower creates sustainable energy solutions in the areas of electricity generation, energy storage, industrial water and cleaner fuels. ATCO Australia develops, builds, owns and operates energy and infrastructure assets.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATSTM are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes ATCO Ltd. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced ATCO Ltd. (TSX: ACO.X; OTCQX: ACLLF), a global enterprise provider of essential services in the energy, logistics and transportation, shelter, and real estate industries, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. ATCO Ltd. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

    ATCO Ltd. begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol “ACLLF.” U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com.

    Upgrading to the OTCQX Market is an important step for companies seeking to provide transparent trading for their U.S. investors. For companies listed on a qualified international exchange, streamlined market standards enable them to utilize their home market reporting to make their information available in the U.S. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    About ATCO Ltd.
    As a global enterprise, ATCO Ltd. and its subsidiary and affiliate companies have approximately 21,000 employees and assets of $27 billion. ATCO is committed to future prosperity by working to meet the world’s essential energy, housing, security and transportation challenges. ATCO Structures designs, builds and delivers products to service the essential need for housing and shelter around the globe. ATCO Frontec provides operational support services to government, defence and commercial clients. ATCO Energy Systems delivers essential energy for an evolving world through its electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution, and international electricity operations. ATCO EnPower creates sustainable energy solutions in the areas of electricity generation, energy storage, industrial water and cleaner fuels. ATCO Australia develops, builds, owns and operates energy and infrastructure assets. ATCO Energy provides retail electricity and natural gas services, home maintenance services and professional home advice that bring exceptional comfort, peace of mind and freedom to homeowners and customers. ATCO also has investments in ports and transportation logistics, the processing and marketing of ash, retail food services and commercial real estate.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN, OTC Link NQB, and MOON ATS™ are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

    Media Contact:
    OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, media@otcmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • PM Modi highlights expansion of India’s sports infrastructure in last 11 years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted expansion of India’s sports infrastructure in the last 11 years.

    Responding to an article written by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, PM Modi shared on X, “Union Minister Shri @mansukhmandviya highlights how India’s sports infrastructure has expanded at an unprecedented scale in the last 11 years. With youth at its core, this transformation is propelling India towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse.”

    In his article, Mandaviya elaborated on how India is heading towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse.

    Mandaviya said on X, “Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi Ji, the last 11 years have witnessed a historic transformation in India’s sporting landscape, from world-class infrastructure development to athlete-centric decision making.”

    India’s sporting landscape has witnessed transformation over the past 11 years, driven by a series of flagship initiatives introduced under the Modi government. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been central to this progress, from developing grassroots infrastructure to nurturing Olympic medal hopefuls — ushering in a new era for Indian sports.

    Recognising sports as a powerful vehicle for empowerment and nation-building — especially in a country where nearly 65% of the population is youth — the government has raised sports ministry’s budget by 130.9%, from ₹1,643 crore in 2014–15 to ₹3,794 crore for 2025–26.

    Central to this transformation is the Khelo India programme, launched in 2016–17. With ₹1,000 crore allocated in the latest budget, it has supported the creation of over 1,000 training centres, approved 326 infrastructure projects, and nurtured nearly 2,845 athletes through coaching and financial assistance.

    India has also witnessed a remarkable surge in sporting achievements over the past 11 years, with Indian athletes delivering historic performances across major international competitions.

    At the Olympics, India went from winning just 2 medals at Rio 2016 to a record 7 medals at Tokyo 2020 and 6 at Paris 2024.

    The Paralympics marked an even more dramatic transformation. From just 4 medals in Rio 2016, India bagged 19 in Tokyo 2020 and a record-breaking 29 medals in Paris 2024, including 7 golds.

    India’s rise continued at the Asian Games, where the Hangzhou 2023 edition became historic with 107 medals from a record 655-member contingent. Similarly, at the Commonwealth Games, India consistently maintained strong performances, securing over 60 medals in each edition from 2014 to 2022.

    Indian athletes also made global headlines elsewhere—winning double gold at the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad, a gold in javelin at the World Athletics Championships 2023, and a historic Thomas Cup win in badminton in 2022. Shooters and para-table tennis players also delivered standout performances in global competitions.

    From village-level talent to international podiums, India’s sports ecosystem has become more inclusive, robust, and focused on performance. As the nation sets its sights on the 2036 Olympics and beyond, these efforts reflect a clear and ambitious vision: to establish India among the world’s top 10 sporting nations.

  • Lutnick says US-China trade talks going well on second day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Tuesday trade talks with China were going well as the two sides met for a second day in London, seeking a breakthrough on export controls that have threatened a fresh rupture between the superpowers.

    U.S. and Chinese officials are trying to get back on track after Washington accused Beijing of blocking exports of rare earth minerals that are critical to its economy, straining ties after they struck a preliminary deal in Geneva last month to step back from a full-blown trade embargo.

    White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said on Monday that the U.S. was ready to agree to lift export controls on some semiconductors in return for China speeding up the delivery of rare earths and magnets.

    “(Talks went on) all day yesterday, and I expect (them) all day today,” Lutnick told reporters. “They’re going well, and we’re spending lots of time together.”

    Trump’s shifting tariff policies have roiled global markets, sparked congestion and confusion in major ports, and cost companies tens of billions of dollars in lost sales and higher costs.

    But markets have made up much of the losses they endured after Trump unveiled his sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs in April, aided by the reset in Geneva between the world’s two biggest economies.

    The second round of U.S.-China talks, which followed a rare phone call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week, comes at a crucial time for both economies.

    Customs data published on Monday showed that China’s exports to the U.S. plunged 34.5% in May, the sharpest drop since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic.

    While the impact on U.S. inflation and its jobs market has so far been muted, tariffs have hammered U.S. business and household confidence and the dollar remains under pressure.

    DISCUSSING DISAGREEMENTS

    The talks have been led by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, with the Chinese contingent helmed by Vice Premier He Lifeng.

    The talks ran for almost seven hours on Monday and resumed just before 1000 GMT on Tuesday, with both sides expected to issue updates later in the day.

    The inclusion of Lutnick, whose agency oversees export controls for the U.S., is one indication of how central rare earths have become. He did not attend the Geneva talks, when the countries struck a 90-day deal to roll back some of the triple-digit tariffs they had placed on each other.

    China holds a near-monopoly on rare earth magnets, a crucial component in electric vehicle motors, and its decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets upended global supply chains and sparked alarm in boardrooms and factory floors around the world.

    Kelly Ann Shaw, a former White House trade adviser during Trump’s first term and now a trade partner at the Akin Gump law firm in Washington, said she expected China to reaffirm its commitment to lift retaliatory measures, including export restrictions, “plus some concessions on the U.S. side, with respect to export control measures over the past week or two”.

    But Shaw said she expected the U.S. to only agree to lift some new export curbs, not longstanding ones such as for advanced artificial intelligence chips.

    In May, the U.S. ordered a halt to shipments of semiconductor design software and chemicals and aviation equipment, revoking export licences that had been previously issued.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin appointed Vasily Kupyzin as CEO of the Territorial Development Fund

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Document

    Order dated June 9, 2025 No. 1510-r

    Vasily Kupyzin has been appointed the new CEO of the Territorial Development Fund (TDF). The order to this effect was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Ilshat Shagiakhmetov’s powers in this post have been terminated at his own request.

    Vasily Kupyzin was born in 1983. In 2005, he graduated with honors from the Academy of Economic Security of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

    He worked in various positions at the Federal Antimonopoly Service, the Ministry of Energy, and Rosneft and Transneft. Since October 2022, he has held the position of Deputy Head of the Secretariat of Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    Vasily Kupyzin’s term of office as the fund’s general director will be three years.

    The Territorial Development Fund was created in 2022. It combined the functions of two institutions: the Fund for the Protection of the Rights of Citizens – Participants in Shared Construction and the Fund for Assistance to the Reform of Housing and Public Utilities. The main areas of work of the FRT include the elimination of dilapidated housing, the protection of the rights of participants in shared construction, the development of the utilities sector, the restoration and renewal of the infrastructure of new regions.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Piyush Goyal deepens India–Switzerland trade ties, urges Swiss firms to invest under TEPA

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met with top Swiss business leaders in Bern on Monday to boost bilateral economic ties. The discussions, held under the framework of the recently signed Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), focused on expanding cooperation in innovation, technology transfer, and sustainable manufacturing.

    During his visit, Goyal interacted with senior leadership from some of Switzerland’s most prominent companies spanning sectors such as biotechnology, precision engineering, healthcare, defence, and emerging technologies. The Minister extended an open invitation for Swiss firms to expand their footprint in India, highlighting the vast potential of India’s rapidly growing economy, youthful talent base, and favorable investment climate.

    Reaffirming India’s commitment to enabling global business, Goyal assured Swiss companies of a transparent regulatory framework, a robust intellectual property rights regime, and investor-friendly policies. He urged businesses to view India not merely as a large consumer market, but as a strategic hub for manufacturing, innovation, and global value chain integration.

    Goyal chaired two sector-focused roundtable discussions with Swiss industry leaders. The first session spotlighted Biotech, Pharma, and Healthcare, while the second addressed Precision Engineering, Defence, and Emerging Technologies. Both events were hosted with support from the Indian Embassy in Switzerland and showcased India’s growing reputation as a destination for affordable innovation and scalable production.

    The Minister highlighted the role of the EFTA Desk at Invest India, set up to provide facilitation support and handholding to potential Swiss investors. He emphasized India’s openness to working towards regulatory harmonization and mutual recognition agreements, further smoothing the path for Swiss-Indian partnerships.

    Beyond business interactions, Goyal also met with members of the Switzerland Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). He praised the chapter for its efforts in promoting India’s professional excellence abroad and strengthening the India–Switzerland economic and professional networks.

    Swiss business leaders expressed robust confidence in India’s economic trajectory and its potential as a global innovation powerhouse. Commending India’s growing middle class, skilled workforce, and strong R&D capabilities, companies from a range of sectors voiced their intent to deepen engagement with India. Discussions touched on potential joint ventures, manufacturing localization, and co-development of high-tech solutions across fields such as cell sciences, cancer research, fibre optics, industrial automation, space technology, and cybersecurity.

    Many Swiss companies acknowledged India as a natural partner, describing the bilateral economic relationship as one of strategic alignment and long-term commitment. For them, India represents both a key market and a springboard for accessing international customers through integrated supply chains and co-created technologies.

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Launches Alpha Trading Zone, Ushering in New Era of Seamless On-Chain Asset Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has officially launched its Alpha Trading Zone, an innovative feature that seamlessly bridges centralized exchanges (CEX) with on-chain asset trading, offering users a convenient and efficient Web3 trading experience. To celebrate the launch, MEXC is introducing a special rewards event with exclusive benefits for users participating in Alpha Zone trading.

    MEXC Alpha Zone: Simplifying On-Chain Asset Trading

    With blockchain and DeFi rapidly evolving, users increasingly seek easy access to on-chain asset trading. To meet this demand, MEXC’s Alpha Trading Zone allows users to buy or sell on-chain assets including tokens on Solana and BNB Chain directly with their spot account assets such as USDT, eliminating the need for complex wallet management or cross-chain operations.

    The Alpha Trading Zone delivers four core advantages for users:

    • Seamless Trading Experience: Enables direct trading of on-chain tokens using Spot account assets without needing wallet management or cross-chain bridging.
    • Security and Efficiency: Powered by MEXC’s DEX+ technology, ensuring transparent pricing and secure execution of on-chain trades through system-managed addresses.
    • Multi-Chain Support: Supports trading across multiple blockchains including Solana, BNB Chain, TRX, and Base to meet diverse Web3 needs.
    • AI-Driven Token Selection: Utilizes AI to analyze real-time on-chain data daily, highlighting trending tokens and promising projects.

    Users can begin Alpha trading through three simple steps: log in to a MEXC account or register via the official MEXC website; navigate to the Alpha Zone from the MEXC homepage; select the desired on-chain asset trading pair and place orders using Spot account assets.

    Alpha Zone Launch Celebration Event

    MEXC is hosting a limited-time celebration event from June 10, 2025 – July 10, 2025. The event features four reward mechanisms:
    New User Reward: Qualified new users who join the event will receive a 20 USDT token airdrop, with a total prize pool limited to 50,000 USDT on a first-come, first-served basis.
    Leaderboard Reward: The top 1,000 qualified users by trading volume in the Alpha Zone will equally share a 20,000 USDT prize pool (20 USDT per person).
    Referral Reward: Invite friends to trade in the Alpha Zone and earn 10 USDT for each qualified referee.
    Points Reward: All users with over 100 USDT in Alpha Zone trading volume will receive 1.5x MEXC DEX+ Points for future DEX+ token airdrop redemptions.

    As a global leading cryptocurrency exchange, MEXC is committed to providing users with the most cutting-edge trading tools and premium service experiences. The successful launch of Alpha Zone further consolidates MEXC’s leadership position in the industry, and the platform will continue to deepen feature development to bring users more convenient and efficient trading solutions worldwide.

    To explore this innovative feature, users can log in to the MEXC official website and navigate to the Alpha Trading Zone from the homepage. For celebration event details and participation, please visit the event page.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, daily airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/097e837c-9066-4a1b-9b92-d29d7c7a2c3b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EWIA launches funding offering on Conda to drive solar business in Africa

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Raising capital for growth, expansion, and diversification
    • Tokenized participation certificate issuance
    • Geschäftsmodell mit dreifachem Impact

    Munich/Accra, 10 June, 2025 – EWIA Green Investments launched a new financing round today on the digital financing platform Conda (conda-capital.com). In order to raise additional equity capital for its growth strategy, the company is issuing tokenized participation certificates worth up to €2 million through a specially established special purpose vehicle (SPV). Since its founding in 2020, EWIA has become a major player in the commercial renewable energy segment in West Africa. Following the successful launch of solar financing and operation for commercial and industrial customers in Ghana, EWIA is now pushing ahead with expansion in Nigeria and Cameroon, as well as diversification into new business areas.

    “Power generation is too expensive and dirty in large parts of Africa, and blackouts are a daily occurrence,” says co-founder and managing director Ralph Schneider. ”EWIA is helping to meet Africa’s growing energy needs with clean, affordable, and reliable solar power.” In 2020, EWIA Green Investments launched in Ghana as a dedicated solar financier, helping medium-sized businesses transition from diesel generators to clean, cost-effective solar energy. By analyzing electricity demand and refinancing potential across various industries, EWIA designs tailored solar solutions that meet the specific needs of each client.Today, EWIA also installs PV systems in-house, acting as an EPC project developer responsible for engineering, procurement, and construction. A subsidiary builds solar-powered telecom towers for mobile network operators

    Triple Impact Investment

    “By transferring capital and know-how to sub-Saharan Africa, we help local businesses operate more successfully, become more competitive, and create jobs — all crucial factors for both the economic and social development of a continent with the youngest and fastest-growing population in the world,” says co-founder and managing director Timo Schäfer. “At the same time, we offer investors in Europe the opportunity to participate in the growth potential of this dynamic market.”

    With subsidiaries currently operating in three African countries, EWIA itself already employs 76 staff — including 31 women — in highly skilled roles with long-term career prospects.

    Financing growth

    With the acquisition of SunErgy GmbH in April, EWIA expanded into Cameroon, where it is electrifying entire villages. SunErgy has been licensed by the Republic of Cameroon to establish solar power supplies for 92 villages with approximately 600,000 people, as well as schools, health centers, and private and public companies in the southwestern region of the country. As part of the transaction, investment and asset manager KGAL acquired a stake in EWIA. At the same time, EWIA is pressing ahead with its expansion into the Nigerian market – the continent’s largest economy. Over the next five years, EWIA aims to expand its project portfolio to over €63 million and significantly increase its footprint in West Africa.

    Under the current offering, investors can subscribe to participation certificates in a special purpose vehicle that holds an interest in EWIA Green Investments GmbH for a minimum amount of €250 per share. The investment has no fixed term and is based on a company valuation of approximately €12.3 million.

    As with equity, investors participate in profits and in the development of the company’s value in proportion to their share equivalent. Detailed information is available at
    https://conda-capital.com/campaign/ewia-3-0-indirekte-beteiligung/.

    With the funds from the newly launched offering, EWIA aims to solidify its market position through scalable operations, a stronger team of skilled professionals, and the continued development of the EWIAFinance.de platform

    About EWIA Green Investments

    EWIA provides small and medium-sized businesses in Africa with access to clean solar energy and serves as a bridge builder to investors in Europe as well as for the transfer of technology know-how. Based in Munich, Germany, with operating entities in Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria, EWIA offers private and institutional investors access to attractive impact investments in the fight against climate change and for sustainable economic growth in Africa. Private investors can also invest specifically in solar projects via ewiafinance.de.

    With EWIA’s flexible full-service financing solution, companies in Africa have the opportunity to obtain solar power, financing, security and service from a single source. In the infrastructure sector, EWIA funds and constructs mobile phone communication masts and traffic monitoring systems and equips them with PV systems. www.ewiainvestments.com

    Contact for queries:

    EWIA Green Investments GmbH
    Ralph Schneider, CEO
    ralph.schneider@EWIAinvestments.com
    +49 162 1366 984

    Schwarz Financial Communication
    Frank Schwarz
    schwarz@schwarzfinancial.com
    +49 611 58029290

    Disclaimer: Not for publication in the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Africa, or any other jurisdiction outside the EU, and in particular in jurisdictions that prohibit the offering or sale of these instruments.

    Risk warning: The purchase of this investment involves significant risks, including the possibility of total loss. Please inform yourself thoroughly before investing and seek professional advice. Detailed explanations can be found at Conda Capital Market.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UKHSA urges travellers to take steps to avoid infection abroad

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    UKHSA urges travellers to take steps to avoid infection abroad

    Typhoid and paratyphoid cases reach record high while Malaria cases remain high despite small dip in cases.

    The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) provisional data shows an increase in travel-associated enteric fever cases (typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever cases) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with 702 cases in 2024, an 8% rise from 2023 (645 cases). This represents the highest number of cases recorded annually to date.

    Typhoid and paratyphoid fever are serious preventable illnesses caused by Salmonella bacteria, usually spread through contaminated food or water. In the UK, most cases of enteric fever are acquired abroad, commonly in regions with poor hygiene and sanitation. Previous surveillance has also highlighted a concerning rise in antibiotic-resistant typhoid in Pakistan, which reduces the effectiveness of commonly used antibiotics, impacting the response to treatment, and increasing the risk of complications. A free typhoid vaccination is available from GP surgeries for some travellers, though no vaccine exists for paratyphoid.

    Meanwhile, provisional data shows that imported malaria cases remain at concerning levels in the UK despite a slight decrease in diagnoses to 1,812 in 2024 from 2,106 in 2023. These figures significantly exceed the levels seen in recent years. Most cases were reported during peak summer travel months between July and October. Malaria is potentially fatal but almost entirely preventable when antimalarial tablets are taken correctly.

    There were fewer imported dengue cases reported in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with 65 cases in the first 3 months of 2025 compared to 254 cases in 2024, mostly linked to travel to Thailand, Brazil and Indonesia. Dengue cases have increased substantially globally over the past five years, with exceptionally high levels in 2023 and 2024, and the sustained transmission of dengue is an ongoing global health challenge.

    Dr Philip Veal, Consultant in Public Health at UKHSA, said:

    We are seeing high levels of infections such as malaria and typhoid in returning travellers. It is important that travellers remain alert and plan ahead of going abroad – even if you’re visiting friends and relatives abroad or it’s somewhere you visit often. The Travel Health Pro website has information on how to keep yourself and family healthy, including what vaccines to get, any important medication such as anti-malaria tablets, and how to avoid gastrointestinal infections such as typhoid and hepatitis A. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive there are special precautions you should take, so please speak to a healthcare professional before planning your trip.

    Dr Diana Ayoola Mabayoje, co-founder of African Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI), said: 

    Most UK malaria cases occur in Black African people returning from travel to Africa. Community engagement of the African Diaspora in malaria prevention is crucial to reduce imported malaria in the UK. The African Diaspora Malaria Initiative (ADMI) is leading this charge with our upcoming ‘Africans Against Malaria’ campaign. It will directly address the perceptions, beliefs, and behaviours that hinder malaria prevention uptake amongst the UK African diaspora and signpost where to obtain malaria chemoprophylaxis.  Our focus is on community engagement and outreach, and we will be targeting African communities in London ahead of summer travel.

    The Travel Health Pro website, supported by UKHSA, has information on health risks in countries across the world. It is a one-stop-shop for information to help people plan their trip abroad.

    Ideally travellers should consult their GP, practice nurse, pharmacist, or travel clinic at least 4 to 6 weeks before their trip for individual advice, travel vaccines and malaria prevention tablets, if relevant for their destination. Travellers who may be eligible for dengue vaccine should consult 3 to 4 months before travel. 

    In countries with insects that spread diseases like dengue, malaria or Zika virus infection, travellers can protect themselves by using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net where air conditioning is not available.    

    It is also important for travellers to:    

    • ensure your routine childhood vaccines are up to date
    • have any recommended travel related vaccines
    • stock up on necessary medications including malaria prevention tablets
    • get valid travel insurance to cover your entire trip and planned activities

    Along with typhoid, hepatitis A is another gastrointestinal infection that is spread through viral infection that affects the liver. The virus spreads through contaminated food or water, and through close contact with infected individuals. A hepatitis A vaccine is available from GPs and travel health clinics and is recommended for those visiting high-risk areas.

    To prevent the spread of hepatitis A, UKHSA recommends:

    • thorough handwashing – especially after using the toilet, changing nappies, helping children with toileting, and before preparing or eating food
    • regular cleaning of toilet seats and handles using standard household cleaning products

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spades in the ground for new Whitehill & Bordon Sainsbury’s store

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Spades in the ground for new Whitehill & Bordon Sainsbury’s store

    New supermarket expected to bring 75 jobs to the area and will open in summer 2026

    Robert Smith from DIO breaks ground alongside representatives from Sainsbury’s, Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company, Mildren Construction and Taylor Wimpey. Copyright: Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company.

    A new milestone has been marked in the ongoing regeneration of Whitehill & Bordon Town Centre with ground being broken on the new Sainsbury’s store.

    The start of work on the new 16,000 sq. store at Bordon, in Hampshire, is the latest step forward in the major redevelopment of the former Army site, which has already seen the delivery of 2,400 new homes by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and its development partners.

    The new supermarket is expected to bring around 75 jobs to the area and will welcome its first customers in summer 2026. The start of the project was celebrated by key stakeholders involved in the regeneration of Whitehill & Bordon, who were joined by members of the local community, dignitaries and local business owners for an official groundbreaking ceremony.

    The new supermarket will be the cornerstone of the emerging town centre, and the start of works marks a significant milestone for the regeneration project, the pace of which is accelerating due to a recently-formed local taskforce. Plans are rapidly progressing for the town’s new Health Hub and construction of this key town centre facility will follow the completion of Sainsbury’s. Meanwhile upgrades to dining and entertainment space The Shed have recently been completed, revitalising the longest standing feature of the new town centre. 

    Robert Smith, DIO Deputy Head of Major Disposals commented:

    The start of works on this new supermarket is an important moment in our plans to transform this site into a thriving new town centre. The regeneration of Whitehill & Bordon is a great example of how, through strong partnership working, we can make the best use of surplus public land to benefit local communities.

    James Child, Project Lead at The Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company, commented:

    We are absolutely delighted to get construction under way and welcome Sainsbury’s to Whitehill & Bordon. This is a significant milestone for the regeneration of the town centre and a lot of people have worked incredibly hard to get us to this point. Not only does this milestone mark the beginning of a busy and productive period of development for the town centre, it also brings the quality and convenience of a much-loved supermarket brand to the heart of our local community.

    Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Chief Property and Procurement Officer & MD of Smart Charge, commented:

    It’s fantastic to be celebrating the start of construction of our new Sainsbury’s supermarket at the heart of Whitehill & Bordon’s growing town centre. This is a really exciting moment for us and we look forward to working with everyone involved in this fantastic project to bring the new store to life in the coming months.

    Cllr Andy Tree, EHDC Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Whitehill & Bordon Area, and Leader of Whitehill Town Council, commented: 

    Having announced they were coming to Whitehill & Bordon in 2024, I am delighted to celebrate the start of the building work by taking part on the breaking ground ceremony. I look forward to welcoming Sainsbury’s to Whitehill & Bordon when the store opens, including the Argos click & collect. Fellow local residents want to see delivery of facilities and this is a very positive step forward. Thank you to all those who work behind the scenes who have driven this project to fruition.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: AI revolution to give teachers more time with pupils

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    AI revolution to give teachers more time with pupils

    Government driving forward AI tools to deliver excellence everywhere for every child, as part of Plan for Change

    Pupils across England will benefit from more face-to-face time with teachers as the government forges ahead with plans to harness the power of AI to deliver educational excellence.

    The Department for Education has today (June 10th) launched a package of measures to transform how schools use AI – including the first ever AI guidance for schools and colleges setting out how schools can safely and effectively use AI to transform the classroom experience for students.

    A recent survey showed 43% of teachers rate their AI confidence at just 3/10, with over 60% asking for help applying AI to planning and support tasks. Nearly all teachers wanted safety guidance and additional training.

    The comprehensive guidance delivers on this and gives teachers and leaders the confidence to power-up learning and swap wasted hours spent on admin for time spent inspiring our children – as part of our Plan for Change pledge to deliver an excellent education for every child.

    Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:

    We’re putting cutting-edge AI tools into the hands of our brilliant teachers to enhance how our children learn and develop – freeing teachers from paperwork so they can focus on what parents and pupils need most: inspiring teaching and personalised support.

    Our Plan for Change demands an excellent education for every child, and making all sure young people are benefitting from the latest technology is a vital step.

    By harnessing AI’s power to cut workloads, we’re revolutionising classrooms and driving high standards everywhere – breaking down barriers to opportunity so every child can achieve and thrive.

    Developed in partnership with education experts from the Chiltern Learning Trust and the Chartered College of Teaching, it sets out clear principles for AI use, with education standards and child safety at the fore. It makes clear that AI should be used to ensure learning remains teacher-led and that teachers should verify accuracy and protect personal data.

    For staff, AI can automate some tasks such as generic letters – giving them hours back to focus on personalised parent communications around children’s education progress and wellbeing.

    An additional £1 million of Contracts for Innovation funding will accelerate development of pioneering AI tools to help with marking and generating detailed, tailored feedback for individual students. Building on the successful AI Tools for Education programme announced last August, this investment will take the tools from the design stage into teachers’ hands – meaning world-first AI interventions are a step closer to being classroom-ready.

    Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

    These resources are a welcome source of support for education staff. AI has huge potential benefits for schools and children’s learning, but it is important that these are harnessed in the right way and any pitfalls avoided.

    Government investment in future testing and research is vital as staff need reliable sources of evaluation – supported with evidence – on the benefits, limitations and risks of AI tools and their potential uses.

    As part of this innovation drive, schools and colleges are being invited to become ‘test beds’ for evaluating promising EdTech products, creating an evidence base for technologies that genuinely improve both teaching quality and pupil outcomes.

    These innovations will redefine teaching as a profession, transforming it into a more appealing career choice by significantly reducing administrative workload. It will play a crucial role in attracting and retaining talented educators, accelerating progress toward the government’s pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers.

    Earlier this week the Prime Minister set out a package of digital and AI training opportunities as part of a new £187m TechFirst programme to bring digital skills and AI learning into classrooms and communities. This package will train up people of all ages and backgrounds for the tech careers of the future, including giving 1 million secondary school students yearly the chance to learn about technology and gain unprecedented access to skills training and career opportunities.

    These initiatives form a key element of the government’s ambitious Plan for Change, directly supporting the mission to break down barriers to opportunity by ensuring every child benefits from exceptional teaching.

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Debt Pressure Building Up for Canadian Businesses

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – Delinquencies climb, credit demand dips, and regional cracks deepen –

    Equifax® Canada Market Pulse — Q1 2025 Quarterly Business Credit Trends and Insights Report

    TORONTO, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — After a cautiously optimistic end to 2024, Canadian businesses seem to have entered 2025 with trepidation. According to the Equifax® Canada Q1 2025 Business Credit Trends and Insights Report, delinquencies are rising for businesses across the country and credit demand is slowing, while key sectors are showing early signs of distress — especially those tied closely to consumer trends, with delinquency rates not seen since 2009.

    The Canadian Small Business Health Index1, a benchmark of business credit health and business sentiment, dropped to 99.3 in Q1 2025, a 1.5 per cent decline from the previous quarter. While still slightly above its year-ago level, the dip signals a loss of momentum following gains made late last year.

    Alongside rising delinquencies, Equifax data shows a noticeable slowdown in credit demand, as fewer businesses applied for new credit in Q1 2025, a decline of six per cent when compared to the same time period in 2024. Lower new originations and growing balances could signal growing caution among small business owners, many of whom could be choosing to manage existing debt rather than take on new risk, even with interest rates easing and inflation stabilizing.

    “The Canadian Small Business Health Index shows that business sentiment is down three per cent in Q1 2025 compared to the previous quarter,” noted Jeff Brown, Head of Commercial Solutions at Equifax Canada. “The early months of 2025 are revealing the pressures the business landscape could be facing. Many businesses are caught in a squeeze from both slowing household consumption on one hand and growing business debt stress on the other.”

    Credit Warning Signs Widen
    In Q1 2025, over 309,000 businesses — 11.3 per cent of credit active businesses — missed at least one credit payment. This marks a 14.6 per cent year-over-year increase in business delinquencies and highlights the growing financial strain across sectors.

    _______________________________

    1 The Canadian Small Business Health Index provides a holistic view of Canadian business conditions by combining data collected by Equifax Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada, Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada.

    Accommodation & Food Services and Retail Sector Missing Payments
    The impact is particularly acute in Accommodation & Food Services, where missed payments jumped to 16.9 per cent, and in Retail Trade, where the rate hit 13.2 per cent. Both sectors are likely suffering from weak consumer spending, rising operating costs, and growing household debt levels. Average monthly consumer credit card spend2 per cardholder fell by 107 dollars during Q1, dropping to the lowest level since March 2022.

    “This seems to be a classic ripple effect,” said Brown. “Equifax data suggests when households pull back, restaurants, retailers and local service providers feel it first — and hardest. This can then travel up the supply chain, where everyone from manufacturers to transport companies feel its effects.”

    Businesses Prioritize Suppliers Over Lenders
    Delinquency trends suggest a shift in how businesses are managing limited cash flow. The 60+ day delinquency rate for financial trade (loans, lines of credit) rose from 3.0 per cent to 3.4 per cent, a 15.5 per cent increase year-over-year. In contrast, industrial trade delinquencies (typically money owed to suppliers) rose more modestly, from 5.5 per cent to 5.7 per cent.

    “Businesses are paying suppliers, but with little to spare, they may be missing banking obligation payments. This may signal that businesses are strategically recalibrating, with many businesses prioritizing supplier relationships to keep operations moving,” added Brown.

    Regional Flashpoints in PEI, Quebec, Ontario and British Colombia
    While delinquencies are rising nationwide, some provinces and industries are flashing red:

    • Ontario and British Columbia led the country in financial trade arrears, up 18.8 per cent and 19.9 per cent year-over-year, respectively.

    • Quebec and Prince Edward Island posted unusually sharp increases in industrial trade delinquencies, up 26.6 per cent and 15.9 per cent year-over-year, respectively, signaling localized stress in supplier-based credit relationships.


    Certain sectors are showing strain

    Sectors showing double-digit increases in year-over-year missed payments include Agriculture (+19.5 per cent), Transportation & Warehousing (+19.3 per cent), Real Estate (+17.0 per cent), Finance & Insurance (+16.4 per cent), and Manufacturing (+10.2 per cent).


    “Businesses across the country and across a variety of industries are showing increased vulnerabilities as broader economic uncertainty continues,” noted Brown. “Businesses will continue to need resilience and careful planning to navigate this economic environment.”

    _______________________________

    2 Average monthly consumer credit card spend comparisons have been adjusted for inflation.

    Province Analysis – 60+ days Delinquency Rates (Account Level)

    Province Delinquency Rate :
    Financial Trades
    (Q1 2025)    		 Delinquency Rate
    Change: Financial
    Trades
    (Q1 2025 vs. Q1
    2024)    		 Delinquency Rate:
    Industrial Trades
    (Q1 2025)    		 Delinquency Rate Change:
    Industrial Trades
    (Q1 2025 vs. Q1 2024)
    Ontario 3.71% 18.85% 5.63% 4.97%
    Quebec 3.49% 13.31% 4.59% 26.55%
    Nova Scotia 2.47% 1.06% 6.19% 8.05%
    New Brunswick 2.82% 5.17% 4.73% -6.22%
    PEI 2.37% 0.34% 4.45% 15.90%
    Newfoundland 2.71% -1.15% 4.90% -12.19%
    Eastern Region 3.58% 16.67% 5.21% 12.51%
    Alberta 3.49% 8.90% 7.07% -13.30%
    Manitoba 3.10% 16.43% 4.54% -1.60%
    Saskatchewan 2.79% -0.11% 6.47% 3.36%
    British Columbia 2.94% 19.93% 6.56% -10.66%
    Western Region 3.17% 13.00% 6.50% -9.74%
    Canada 3.44% 15.50% 5.69% 3.52%
             

    * Based on Equifax data for Q1 2025

    About Equifax
    At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by nearly 15,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.ca.

    Contact:

    Andrew Findlater
    SELECT Public Relations
    afindlater@selectpr.ca
    (647) 444-1197

    Angie Andich
    Equifax Canada Media Relations
    MediaRelationsCanada@equifax.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Announces It Will Forgive Failure to Depart Fines for Illegal Aliens who Self-Deport Through the CBP Home App

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Announces It Will Forgive Failure to Depart Fines for Illegal Aliens who Self-Deport Through the CBP Home App

    lass=”text-align-center”>With a free flight, $1,000 stipend, and forgiveness of fines, illegal aliens have no excuse to stay in the United States  
    WASHINGTON — Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced illegal aliens who self-deport through the CBP Home App will receive forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States (U

    S

    )

     Currently an illegal alien can be fined nearly $1,000 per day they do not depart after a final deportation order

    Additionally, an illegal alien can also be fined for failing to depart in a timely manner after a voluntary departure order

    DHS has issued over 9,000 fine notices to illegal aliens for a total of almost $3 billion

    In addition, DHS has made the CBP Home Mobile App more user friendly by eliminating certain steps and making it easier than ever for illegal aliens to self-deport

      
    “If you are here illegally, use the CBP Home App to take control of your departure and receive financial support to return home,” said Secretary Kristi Noem

    “If you don’t, you will be subjected to fines, arrest, deportation and will never be allowed to return

    If you are in this country illegally, self-deport NOW and preserve your opportunity to potentially return the legal, right way

    ”   
    Illegal aliens who use the CBP Home Mobile App to self-deport also receive cost-free travel and a $1,000 exit bonus, paid after their return is confirmed through the app

    Self-deportation is the safest and most cost-efficient way to leave the U

    S

    By self-deporting, illegal aliens take control of their departure and may preserve the opportunity to come back to the U

    S

    the right and legal way in the future

       
    CBP Home is available for free on any Apple or Android device via Apple’s App Store and Google Play, or directly from DHS

    gov

    For further information, visit DHS

    gov/CBPhome

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Redirecting development aid to Armenia – E-002160/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002160/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Barbara Bonte (PfE)

    Azerbaijan’s war of aggression against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh led to a mass exodus of Artsakh’s indigenous population to Armenia in 2023. That country did not have the resources to house the more than 100 000 refugees in the short term – one in 30 Armenians is a refugee from Artsakh – and provide an economic future.

    • 1.What funding has the Commission provided to help integrate the refugees from Artsakh in Armenia?
    • 2.Has the Commission redirected development aid funds for that purpose?
    • 3.What tangible impact has EU aid had on the problematic housing situation of refugees in Armenia?

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    Last updated: 10 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Kamal Kishore: We can celebrate success, but the real work starts now

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Last week the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction brought together an amazing, devoted community of disaster risk reduction practitioners from all around the world.

    Over the past four decades, since the early days of the Decade for Disaster Risk Reduction, this community has really stuck together. It’s a caring community: sensitive, solutions-oriented, increasingly inclusive.

    It’s fantastic that we can come together every few years to take stock of what we’re achieving, where we are falling short, and what we could do more of.

    Throughout the week they have shown us solutions from every corner of the world – from remote communities in Nepal to small island nations across the Pacific, Caribbean, and Indian Ocean, to flood- or drought-prone regions across the globe.

    There’s so much happening – and that is a real cause for optimism. It provides me with determination to do more.

    After reflecting on all that I’ve learnt, the discussions I’ve had and listened to, and the immense collection of experience, perspectives and wisdom that were assembled, I want to highlight three things:

    First: we are succeeding

    Disaster mortality is down 50% decade on decade.

    Over 130 countries have DRR strategies.

    That’s a scale of progress we haven’t seen in any other area of development practice. We are succeeding – and that’s rare.

    But success is fragile: Yes, fewer lives are lost – but the newer risks are shifting. Mortality risk from intensifying hazards like heatwaves, and low-frequency high-impact geophysical hazards such as earthquakes and tsunamis continues to be a cause for concern.

    We still have work to do on Target A – to reduce disaster mortality – and Target E – to put in place national and local DRR strategies.

    Strategies exist; but are they backed by funding? By legislation? Are their effects felt at local level? We must ask these tough questions – to ourselves, our communities, and our governments – so that we can find and fill the gaps.

    Success is not guaranteed to last. We need to consolidate our progress and remain alert. We have to do more.

    Second: we need to get serious about financing 

    This is the next leap: we – as DRR practitioners, as governments, as the international community – still need serious resourcing for disaster risk reduction.

    After 35 years, we still haven’t cracked this problem, and no country is immune. We need to ask, why?

    The evidence shows the value of DRR investments, but we need to make it more robust and granular, and framed in ways that can persuade potential financiers.

    In our quest for more resources, we must look at all sources: national budgets, private capital, insurance, climate finance, development aid. The investments benefit everyone, so the money must come from everywhere.

    But that raises an equally important question: how do we use this money? Do we have the systems to allocate it effectively? Very few countries have national infrastructure investment plans that are informed by risk data.

    Switzerland – our GP 2025 host – is a standout. The Swiss Government and private sector invest billions every year in disaster risk reduction and measuring outcomes. And the returns of this investment are clear: just last week, when the village of Blatten was obliterated by a landslide, triggered by glacial melting, nearly all the population, plus their livestock, were evacuated to safety thanks to early warnings and robust risk management.

    We must continue to focus on infrastructure investment planning. This Platform brought together finance ministers and planners from several countries— but let’s go further. Next time we should bring 70 finance ministers, and ask them: “What is your infrastructure investment strategy, and how is it risk-informed?”

    We must go even further, and take the discussion beyond top-level conversations, down to sector-by-sector planning, and ask, “where is the risk?”

    Our 2025 Global Assessment Report can help show where the risk is; now we need to translate those findings into strategic investments, at scale. Otherwise, our development gains will be continuously eroded.

    This next leap is also about mainstreaming risk-informed development — something we’ve talked about for two decades, but we still haven’t done enough. This means investing in humble infrastructure – homes, schools, hospitals – and not just in power, water, transport, and telecoms.

    During the GP we had a ministerial roundtable on school safety. We know how to make schools safer: in Nepal, after the 2015 earthquake, every one of the 150 retrofitted schools in Kathmandu Valley remained usable.

    And in doing all this, we must keep our promise to the Small Island Developing States, who are at the frontline of increasing climate disasters.

    Third: there is inspiration all around us

    My third point is about inspiration. What has been really inspiring at this Platform is the work of community groups, women’s groups, youth groups, local governments.

    The innovative work is happening at local levels. We need to capture and elevate these initiatives – not just to circulate in reports, but to give legitimacy, voice, and funding so these actions can be scaled.

    The future of disaster risk reduction is not just national. It’s in cities, towns, and villages.

    If we don’t reduce risk at the local level, we won’t succeed. Local actors are already taking action – they are not waiting for the UN or national governments. We must scale this work.

     

    Watch some examples of inspiring initiatives 

    To sum up: If we consolidate our progress – without taking it for granted; if we fast-track financing for DRR; and if we elevate local action, we will go far. In five years, we will be celebrating not just disaster risk reduction, but human flourishing.

    The slogan for the 2025 Global Platform has been ‘Every day counts: act for resilience today.’ We must all take that call to heart.

    The work starts now.

    We have the eight-point Geneva Call for Disaster Risk Reduction to guide us, outlined in the Global Platform Co-Chairs’ Summary.

    When asked how the Global Platform was, I say: I’ll tell you in six months – because the discussions and pledges made this week are only as good as the follow-up.

    Finally, I’d like to thank everyone who put in so much hard work that contributed to the success of the 2025 Global Platform: The Government of Switzerland and the Canton of Geneva for hosting, the Member States and ministers, UN partners, my UNDRR team, and most of all, the dedicated and tireless DRR community who joined us in Geneva and remotely.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 6th Pacific-France Summit – Intervention by New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs

    Source: New Zealand Government

    6th Pacific-France Summit
    Intervention by New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rt Hon Winston Peters
    Nice, France, Tuesday 10 June 2025
    Thank you, President Macron, for convening this meeting today, the sixth Pacific-France Summit. We were privileged to have also been at the second Pacific-France Summit, during the Presidency of Jacques Chirac, in Paris in 2006. Many of the issues raised two decades ago have been raised again today. 
    Our region faces unique threats to its security and stability. Humanitarian and environmental challenges and increasing geostrategic competition are bringing heightened complexity and risk. In this environment, it is important that we come together to share experiences and perspectives, and to find the best way forward as a region. 
    Working alongside likeminded partners like France is important and we recognise France’s long-standing commitment to the Pacific and the contribution it makes to regional stability. This includes the unique role France plays supporting the economic development and security of French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Wallis and Futuna. 
    We value working with France on humanitarian assistance and disaster response through the FRANZ mechanism, most recently used after the Vanuatu earthquake. We also welcome France joining New Zealand and Australia in supporting the Pacific Humanitarian Warehouse Programme, an important Pacific priority.   
    It is important that partners’ engagement with our region advances our region’s priorities, is consistent with established regional practices, and supports Pacific institutions – including the Forum as the preeminent regional body. This is the best way to support regional stability in the Pacific. 
    Over 60 percent of New Zealand’s development support goes toward Pacific priorities. This includes a pledge of NZ$20 million to the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF). This initiative is a clear priority for Pacific leaders. We encourage France to support the PRF and our officials would be entirely happy to share our thinking. 
    We welcome the important steps we, as a Forum, have taken this year to improve how our region engages with Forum Dialogue Partners. We hope these reforms, which will tier Partners according to their support for Pacific priorities, will be in place by the time leaders meet in Honiara, leading to even more productive exchanges with important partners such as France. 
    As partners engage with our region, it is important that they do so in a manner that is transparent and supportive of good governance. Not all partners take this approach. Some ask Pacific partners not to publish agreements or avoid the Forum Secretariat when organising regional engagements.  
    As we face external pushes into our region to coerce, cajole and constrain, we must stand together as a region – always remembering that we are strongest when we act collectively to confront security and strategic challenges.  
    The Forum plays a critical role in helping us to form a cohesive approach, resolve differences, bolster regional development and security, and use our collective voice to hold bigger countries to account.  
    We welcome France’s efforts to engage with the full Forum and Secretariat. Notwithstanding the longstanding Forum membership agreement that we engage as a complete group, not all partners have followed this model in recent meetings.  We encourage all to follow France’s example.  
    Our ability to come together in our uniquely Pacific way is one of our greatest assets. We welcome France’s engagement with the Forum Secretariat to organise this important meeting today.
    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales and Proximus consortium will enhancenthe resilience and efficiency of NATO’s Communications and Information Agency business network

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales and Proximus consortium will enhancenthe resilience and efficiency of NATO’s Communications and Information Agency business network

    • NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has awarded a contract to a consortium formed by Thales, a global leader in high technology, and Proximus, Belgium’s leading telecommunications provider.
    • This strategic partnership will operate and manage some key infrastructure elements for NCIA’s business network, ensuring enhanced resilience, security, and operational efficiency across five NCIA locations.

    The infrastructure will be supported using cloud based technology, providing NCIA’s personnel with highly secure and efficient access to essential IT services, facilitating real-time communication, collaboration and data management across multiple sites.

    This modernisation is an opportunity to enhance capacity, improve compatibility, and upgrade systems to ensure optimal performance.

    Under the terms of the contract, Thales and Proximus will deliver a fully managed service, providing:

    • infrastructure as a service (IaaS) on a certified and accredited cloud;
    • end-user devices as a service (DaaS) for personnel;
    • robust cybersecurity solutions, ensuring a highly secure digital environment;
    • advanced networking capabilities at NCIA sites for seamless connectivity;
    • comprehensive platform administration services;
    • scalable cloud services for secure storage and high-performance computing.

    Thales is providing a secure cloud infrastructure and a fully managed service, while Proximus is delivering a secure multi-domain laptop and is upgrading the Wi-Fi networks at The Hague and Braine L’Alleud, as well as enabling a high speed connection to their Cloud for 5,000 users at NCIA sites.

    “Together with Proximus, Thales reaffirms its commitment to strengthening NATO’s digital resilience, ensuring secure, high-performance and future-proof IT infrastructure to support the Alliance’s evolving needs. By outsourcing commodity services to trusted industry leaders, NCIA is taking a forward-looking approach that ensures a fully managed, secure, and scalable solution.” said Alex Bottero, VP Network and Infrastructure Systems, Thales.

    “This strategic project reflects our commitment to providing cutting-edge connectivity, mobility, and security solutions. We are proud that Proximus has been chosen for this large-scale project, which will enable NATO to strengthen its digital capabilities with a secure and scalable infrastructure. Thanks to our collaboration with Thales, we are confident that we will be able to meet NCIA’s needs and support its essential missions.” adds Anne-Sophie Lotgering, Enterprise Market Lead at Proximus.

    With stringent performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs) in place, this solution will guarantee high availability, security and operational stability for NCIA’s ecosystem.

    About Proximus Group

    Proximus Group (Euronext Brussels: PROX), is a provider of future-proof connectivity, IT and digital services, headquartered in Brussels. The Group is actively engaged in building a connected world that people trust, so society blooms.

    The Domestic segment is focused on providing state-of-the art telecommunications and IT services in the Benelux. In Belgium, core products and services are offered under the Proximus, Mobile Vikings and Scarlet brands for the residential market and Proximus NXT for the Enterprise market. The Group is also active in the Netherlands (Proximus NXT) and in Luxembourg (Tango and Proximus NXT).

    Proximus Global overarches the international activities of the Group, gathering the strengths of BICS, Telesign and Route Mobile. Encompassing the entire value chain from P2P Voice & Messaging and Mobility services to CPaaS and Digital Identity, Proximus Global is in a unique position to become a global digital communications leader.

    The Group has the ambition to build the #1 gigabit network for Belgium and plays a central role in creating inspiring digital ecosystems, while fostering an engaging culture and empowering ways of working. Building upon these strengths, Proximus aims to contribute to an inclusive and sustainable digital society, delight customers with an unrivalled experience and achieve profitable growth both locally and internationally to deliver long-term value for stakeholders.

    With 13,131 employees, imbued with Proximus’ Think Possible mindset and all engaged to offer a superior customer experience, the Group realized an underlying Group revenue of EUR 6,430 million end-2024.

    For more information, visit www.proximus.com & www.proximus.be.

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

    The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

    Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Christine Lagarde: Stemming the tide: safeguarding our ocean and economy

    Source: European Central Bank

    Speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco

    Monaco, 7 June 2025

    It is a pleasure to speak at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum.

    In his 1857 poem “Man and the Sea”, Charles Baudelaire explored the deep kinship between the ocean and humanity.[1] For Baudelaire, they were two forces drawn together by awe, fascination, and even conflict.

    Today, that dynamic has taken on a new and troubling dimension. We rely on the ocean for climate stability and economic prosperity, yet we are fuelling a climate crisis that threatens to undermine the very system we depend on. We cannot let that happen.

    Baudelaire described the sea as a “mirror” to the human soul. We now need to take a hard look in that mirror and ask ourselves: what can we do to stem the tide of this crisis, to safeguard our ocean and economy?

    This morning’s two panel discussions will go a long way towards answering that question. But I would like to take this opportunity to open the plenary session with a few thoughts – about what is at stake, and what stakeholders can do about it.

    The ocean’s importance for our climate and economy

    The ocean is home to 95% of the planet’s biosphere.[2] It spans environments as varied as sunlit coral reefs and pitch-black abyssal plains. And it supports an immense range of life, from countless microscopic organisms to the world’s largest animal, the blue whale.

    Given the ocean’s richness, it is worth preserving in its own right. But its value does not end there – the ocean also benefits humanity in two vital ways.

    First, it is one of the planet’s most powerful allies in the fight against climate change.

    The ocean helps to regulate global temperatures by absorbing vast amounts of heat and redistributing it through major currents like the Gulf Stream. It is also the world’s largest carbon sink, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and helping to slow global warming.

    The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change finds that the ocean has absorbed over 90% of the excess heat trapped in the earth’s system, as well as a third of the carbon dioxide that humans have emitted since the Industrial Revolution.[3]

    Second, a sustainable ocean serves as an important pillar supporting the global economy, providing for food security and economic opportunities.

    Marine ecosystems support over three billion people who rely on fish for at least 20% of their animal protein intake. Indeed, this dependency is more pronounced in some of the least-developed countries, where seafood provides most of the animal protein consumed.[4]

    These ecosystems also help sustain employment opportunities. More than 150 million jobs depend on the production, trade and consumption of ocean-based goods and services, according to the United Nations.[5] The ocean is also home to key natural resources, such as medicines and biofuels, which are vital for ongoing advances in healthcare and clean energy sectors.

    So, there is a great deal at stake in preserving the ocean’s health.

    The threat of climate change

    But today we are placing the sustainability of our ocean under extraordinary stress, with serious implications for both our climate and economy.

    Without the ocean’s capacity to absorb heat and carbon, we would have had to contend with a faster, even more dangerous pace of global warming. Yet there are now signs that this capacity is becoming strained.

    The last ten years were the ocean’s warmest on record. Warmer oceans are driving more frequent marine heatwaves, which damage ecosystems, and have been a major contributor to rising sea levels due to the thermal expansion of seawater. The rate at which the global mean sea level is rising has more than doubled over the past three decades.[6]

    On top of this, the ocean’s absorption of carbon dioxide is driving acidification.

    Combined with ocean warming, acidification is contributing to the bleaching and death of coral reefs, which are vital for supporting fisheries and protecting coastlines from storms. Since 2023 over 80% of the world’s coral reefs have been affected by bleaching.[7]

    We find ourselves in dangerous waters. Together, these changes could have profound consequences for the global economy.

    Food security may be undermined, potentially leading to more volatile prices, which is a concern for central banks tasked with safeguarding price stability. And if coastal areas become unliveable due to rising sea levels or frequent flooding, people may be forced to move. More than 600 million people around the world live in coastal areas that are less than ten metres above sea level.[8]

    Stemming the tide

    So, what can we do to stem the tide of these troubling developments? We may not be able to fully reverse the damage done, but we can work towards slowing its momentum, potentially even stopping it, by acting on two important fronts.

    First, we need to protect. That means cutting greenhouse gas emissions decisively and keeping the goals of the Paris Agreement within reach.

    If we succeed in doing so, we could limit sea level rise to around half a metre by the end of the century. That might not sound reassuring. But every tenth of a degree we avoid is a piece of coastline preserved, a reef protected or a storm surge weakened.

    We also need to protect the natural systems that shield us from floods. Nature-based solutions – for instance, restoring mangroves, marshes and coral reefs – offer powerful, cost-effective defences against extreme weather. Coral reefs alone can reduce wave energy by an average of 97% while supporting fisheries, tourism and coastal livelihoods.[9]

    The second front is just as important: we need to prepare.

    Whether we like it or not, climate-related risks are materialising. We need to adapt our infrastructure and economies to a more volatile world. That includes building sea walls and surge barriers and budgeting for resilience rather than reacting after disaster strikes.

    Make no mistake: adaptation will be costly. According to UN assessments, costs could run into the hundreds of billions of dollars globally each year by mid-century.[10] But the cost of inaction would be far higher. One study estimates that failing to keep global temperatures below two degrees above pre-industrial levels could lead to USD 14 trillion in global annual flood costs by 2100.[11]

    To meet this challenge, we need to catalyse finance for marine and coastal conservation – for instance, through innovative approaches that convert natural capital into financial capital.[12]

    This can be especially impactful for vulnerable countries with limited fiscal space. Above all, we must listen to the communities affected, treating their needs as a basis for our actions rather than an afterthought.

    Let me conclude.

    Baudelaire reminds us that the sea is a mirror of our own nature, which can either heal or harm.

    So, let us choose to heal. That means nurturing the ocean’s rich diversity and facilitating finance to support innovative adaptation measures that build more resilient communities and a stronger global economy.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –