NewzIntel.com

Category: Internet

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona man gets life in prison for kidnapping victim and sexually exploiting minors

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WICHITA, KAN. – An Arizona man was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting his victim at gunpoint as he transported her across state lines. A federal judge also sentenced the defendant to 95 years in prison for other related crimes, to be served concurrent with his life sentence.

    Martin Brandon Gillen, 27, of Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, one count of transportation for criminal sexual activity, one count of transportation of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.

    In late 2021, Martin Brandon Gillen began an online relationship with a minor female who was then 17 years of age. He persuaded her to take and send him sexually explicit images and videos which he kept and later used to threaten the victim. Over the course of the online relationship, Gillen repeatedly made violent threats against the victim. In March 2024, Gillen traveled to Illinois to pick up the victim then transported her across state lines, from Illinois to Missouri to Kansas. During this trip, Gillen sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions.

    Gillen and the victim were found in Kansas by officers with the Iola Police Department. In his possession, Gillen had a firearm, multiple magazines, and zip ties. Gillen admitted to officers that his cell phone contained child sexual abuse materials. Subsequent examination by law enforcement revealed hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse materials on his cell phone, as well as sexually explicit images of the female from when she was 17 years old. Agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) also found images of Gillen sexually abusing an unrelated 4-year-old child from Utah on the phone.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Iola Police Department, the New Baden, Illinois Police Department, and the Illinois State Police.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart prosecuted the case.

    Project Safe Childhood
    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit     https://www.justice.gov/psc.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woodbury Man Pleads Guilty in Child Sextortion Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. PAUL, Minn. – Timothy Lennard Gebhart, a Woodbury man, has pleaded guilty to the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material and for coercing minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.

    According to court documents, on multiple occasions between approximately July 10, 2021, and March 11, 2022, Timothy Lennard Gebhart, 38, coerced a 16-year-old child, Minor A, and a 14-year-old, Minor B, to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing pornographic videos. After obtaining the images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, Gebhart distributed the videos via computer and cellular phone. Gebhart then used the pornographic videos to extort money and other items of value from Minor A, threatening to damage the victim’s reputation by sending nude photos and videos to their family and friends.

    Gebhart pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today before Judge Jerry W. Blackwell to two counts of child pornography production, one count of child pornography distribution, and one count of interstate communication with the intent to extort. A sentencing hearing will take place at a later date.  Gebhart faces a mandatory minimum 15-year sentence.

    “Sextortion—threatening to share explicit images of a victim unless they comply with a predator’s demands—is abhorrent,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “All too often, our children become victims of these monstrous schemes.  My office will continue to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Woodbury Police Department, Greene County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Department, the Indiana State Police, and the FBI, with assistance from the Owatonna Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Classen is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered: 

    Section 1.  Purpose and Policy.  Despite pioneering self-government, the United States now fails to enforce basic and necessary election protections employed by modern, developed nations, as well as those still developing.  India and Brazil, for example, are tying voter identification to a biometric database, while the United States largely relies on self-attestation for citizenship.  In tabulating votes, Germany and Canada require use of paper ballots, counted in public by local officials, which substantially reduces the number of disputes as compared to the American patchwork of voting methods that can lead to basic chain-of-custody problems.  Further, while countries like Denmark and Sweden sensibly limit mail-in voting to those unable to vote in person and do not count late-arriving votes regardless of the date of postmark, many American elections now feature mass voting by mail, with many officials accepting ballots without postmarks or those received well after Election Day. 

    Free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic.  The right of American citizens to have their votes properly counted and tabulated, without illegal dilution, is vital to determining the rightful winner of an election.
    Under the Constitution, State governments must safeguard American elections in compliance with Federal laws that protect Americans’ voting rights and guard against dilution by illegal voting, discrimination, fraud, and other forms of malfeasance and error.  Yet the United States has not adequately enforced Federal election requirements that, for example, prohibit States from counting ballots received after Election Day or prohibit non-citizens from registering to vote.

    Federal law establishes a uniform Election Day across the Nation for Federal elections, 2 U.S.C. 7 and 3 U.S.C. 1.  It is the policy of my Administration to enforce those statutes and require that votes be cast and received by the election date established in law.  As the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit recently held in Republican National Committee v. Wetzel (2024), those statutes set “the day by which ballots must be both cast by voters and received by state officials.”  Yet numerous States fail to comply with those laws by counting ballots received after Election Day.  This is like allowing persons who arrive 3 days after Election Day, perhaps after a winner has been declared, to vote in person at a former voting precinct, which would be absurd.  

    Several Federal laws, including 18 U.S.C. 1015 and 611, prohibit foreign nationals from registering to vote or voting in Federal elections.  Yet States fail adequately to vet voters’ citizenship, and, in recent years, the Department of Justice has failed to prioritize and devote sufficient resources for enforcement of these provisions.  Even worse, the prior administration actively prevented States from removing aliens from their voter lists.  

    Additionally, Federal laws, such as the National Voter Registration Act (Public Law 103-31) and the Help America Vote Act (Public Law 107-252), require States to maintain an accurate and current Statewide list of every legally registered voter in the State.  And the Department of Homeland Security is required to share database information with States upon request so they can fulfill this duty.  See 8 U.S.C. 1373(c).  Maintaining accurate voter registration lists is a fundamental requirement in protecting voters from having their ballots voided or diluted by fraudulent votes. 
    Federal law, 52 U.S.C. 30121, prohibits foreign nationals from participating in Federal, State, or local elections by making any contributions or expenditures.  But foreign nationals and non-governmental organizations have taken advantage of loopholes in the law’s interpretation, spending millions of dollars through conduit contributions and ballot-initiative-related expenditures.  This type of foreign interference in our election process undermines the franchise and the right of American citizens to govern their Republic.  

    Above all, elections must be honest and worthy of the public trust.  That requires voting methods that produce a voter-verifiable paper record allowing voters to efficiently check their votes to protect against fraud or mistake.  Election-integrity standards must be modified accordingly.
    It is the policy of my Administration to enforce Federal law and to protect the integrity of our election process.

    Sec. 2.  Enforcing the Citizenship Requirement for Federal Elections.  To enforce the Federal prohibition on foreign nationals voting in Federal elections:

    (a)(i) Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Election Assistance Commission shall take appropriate action to require, in its national mail voter registration form issued under 52 U.S.C. 20508:

    (A)  documentary proof of United States citizenship, consistent with 52 U.S.C. 20508(b)(3); and

    (B)  a State or local official to record on the form the type of document that the applicant presented as documentary proof of United States citizenship, including the date of the document’s issuance, the date of the document’s expiration (if any), the office that issued the document, and any unique identification number associated with the document as required by the criteria in 52 U.S.C. 21083(a)(5)(A), while taking appropriate measures to ensure information security.

    (ii)  For purposes of subsection (a) of this section, “documentary proof of United States citizenship” shall include a copy of: 

    (A)  a United States passport; 

    (B)  an identification document compliant with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-13, Div. B) that indicates the applicant is a citizen of the United States; 

    (C)  an official military identification card that indicates the applicant is a citizen of the United States; or 

    (D)  a valid Federal or State government-issued photo identification if such identification indicates that the applicant is a United States citizen or if such identification is otherwise accompanied by proof of United States citizenship.

    (b)  To identify unqualified voters registered in the States:

    (i)    the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, consistent with applicable law, ensure that State and local officials have, without the requirement of the payment of a fee, access to appropriate systems for verifying the citizenship or immigration status of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered;

    (ii)   the Secretary of State shall take all lawful and appropriate action to make available information from relevant databases to State and local election officials engaged in verifying the citizenship of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered; and 

    (iii)  the Department of Homeland Security, in coordination with the DOGE Administrator, shall review each State’s publicly available voter registration list and available records concerning voter list maintenance activities as required by 52 U.S.C. 20507, alongside Federal immigration databases and State records requested, including through subpoena where necessary and authorized by law, for consistency with Federal requirements. 

    (c)  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, consistent with applicable law, provide to the Attorney General complete information on all foreign nationals who have indicated on any immigration form that they have registered or voted in a Federal, State, or local election, and shall also take all appropriate action to submit to relevant State or local election officials such information.

    (d)  The head of each Federal voter registration executive department or agency (agency) under the National Voter Registration Act, 52 U.S.C. 20506(a), shall assess citizenship prior to providing a Federal voter registration form to enrollees of public assistance programs.   

    (e)  The Attorney General shall prioritize enforcement of 18 U.S.C. 611 and 1015(f) and similar laws that restrict non-citizens from registering to vote or voting, including through use of:

    (i)    databases or information maintained by the Department of Homeland Security; 

    (ii)   State-issued identification records and driver license databases; and

    (iii)  similar records relating to citizenship.

    (f)  The Attorney General shall, consistent with applicable laws, coordinate with State attorneys general to assist with State-level review and prosecution of aliens unlawfully registered to vote or casting votes.

    Sec. 3.  Providing Other Assistance to States Verifying Eligibility.  To assist States in determining whether individuals are eligible to register and vote:

    (a)  The Commissioner of Social Security shall take all appropriate action to make available the Social Security Number Verification Service, the Death Master File, and any other Federal databases containing relevant information to all State and local election officials engaged in verifying the eligibility of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered.  In determining and taking such action, the Commissioner of Social Security shall ensure compliance with applicable privacy and data security laws and regulations. 

    (b)  The Attorney General shall ensure compliance with the requirements of 52 U.S.C. 20507(g).  

    (c)  The Attorney General shall take appropriate action with respect to States that fail to comply with the list maintenance requirements of the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America     Vote Act contained in 52 U.S.C. 20507 and 52 U.S.C. 21083.

    (d)  The Secretary of Defense shall update the Federal Post Card Application, pursuant to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C. 20301, to require:

    (i)   documentary proof of United States citizenship, as defined by section 2(a)(ii) of this order; and

    (ii)  proof of eligibility to vote in elections in the State in which the voter is attempting to vote.

    Sec. 4.  Improving the Election Assistance Commission.  
    (a)  The Election Assistance Commission shall, pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 21003(b)(3)and 21142(c) and consistent with applicable law, take all appropriate action to cease providing Federal funds to States that do not comply with the Federal laws set forth in 52 U.S.C. 21145, including the requirement in 52 U.S.C. 20505(a)(1) that States accept and use the national mail voter registration form issued pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 20508(a)(1), including any requirement for documentary proof of United States citizenship adopted pursuant to section 2(a)(ii) of this order.

    (b)(i) The Election Assistance Commission shall initiate appropriate action to amend the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 and issue other appropriate guidance establishing standards for voting systems to protect election integrity.  The amended guidelines and other guidance shall provide that voting systems should not use a ballot in which a vote is contained within a barcode or quick-response code in the vote counting process except where necessary to accommodate individuals with disabilities and should provide a voter-verifiable paper record to prevent fraud or mistake. 

    (ii)  Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Election Assistance Commission shall take appropriate action to review and, if appropriate, re-certify voting systems under the new standards established under subsection (b)(i) of this section, and to rescind all previous certifications of voting equipment based on prior standards.  

    (c)  Following an audit of Help America Vote Act fund expenditures conducted pursuant to 52 U.S.C. 21142, the Election Assistance Commission shall report any discrepancies or issues with an audited State’s certifications of compliance with Federal law to the Department of Justice for appropriate enforcement action.

    (d) The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, consistent with applicable law, shall in considering the provision of funding for State or local election offices or administrators through the Homeland Security Grant Programs, 6 U.S.C. 603 et seq., heavily prioritize compliance with the Voluntary Voting System Guidelines 2.0 developed by the Election Assistance Commission and completion of testing through the Voting System Test Labs accreditation process.

    Sec. 5.  Prosecuting Election Crimes.  To protect the franchise of American citizens and their right to participate in fair and honest elections:

    (a)  The Attorney General shall take all appropriate action to enter into information-sharing agreements, to the maximum extent possible, with the chief State election official or multi-member agency of each State.  These agreements shall aim to provide the Department of Justice with detailed information on all suspected violations of State and Federal election laws discovered by State officials, including information on individuals who: 

    (i)    registered or voted despite being ineligible or who registered multiple times; 

    (ii)   committed election fraud;

    (iii)  provided false information on voter registration or other election forms;

    (iv)   intimidated or threatened voters or election officials; or 

    (v)    otherwise engaged in unlawful conduct to interfere in the election process.

    (b)  To the extent that any States are unwilling to enter into such an information sharing agreement or refuse to cooperate in investigations and prosecutions of election crimes, the Attorney General shall: 

    (i)   prioritize enforcement of Federal election integrity laws in such States to ensure election integrity given the State’s demonstrated unwillingness to enter into an information-sharing agreement or to cooperate in investigations and prosecutions; and

    (ii)  review for potential withholding of grants and other funds that the Department awards and distributes, in the Department’s discretion, to State and local governments for law enforcement and other purposes, as consistent with applicable law.

    (c)  The Attorney General shall take all appropriate action to align the Department of Justice’s litigation positions with the purpose and policy of this order.

    Sec. 6.  Improving Security of Voting Systems.  To improve the security of all voting equipment and systems used to cast ballots, tabulate votes, and report results:

    (a)  The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall take all appropriate actions to the extent permitted by 42 U.S.C. 5195c and all other applicable law, so long as the Department of Homeland Security maintains the designation of election infrastructure as critical infrastructure, as defined by 42 U.S.C. 5195c(e), to prevent all non-citizens from being involved in the administration of any Federal election, including by accessing election equipment, ballots, or any other relevant materials used in the conduct of any Federal election.

    (b)  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall, in coordination with the Election Assistance Commission and to the maximum extent possible, review and report on the security of all electronic systems used in the voter registration and voting process.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, as the head of the designated Sector Risk Management Agency under 6 U.S.C. 652a, in coordination with the Election Assistance Commission, shall assess the security of all such systems to the extent they are connected to, or integrated into, the Internet and report on the risk of such systems being compromised through malicious software and unauthorized intrusions into the system.  

    Sec. 7.  Compliance with Federal Law Setting the National Election Day.  To achieve full compliance with the Federal laws that set the uniform day for appointing Presidential electors and electing members of Congress:

    (a)  The Attorney General shall take all necessary action to enforce 2 U.S.C. 7 and 3 U.S.C. 1 against States that violate these provisions by including absentee or mail-in ballots received after Election Day in the final tabulation of votes for the appointment of Presidential electors and the election of members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives.

    (b)  Consistent with 52 U.S.C. 21001(b) and other applicable law, the Election Assistance Commission shall condition any available funding to a State on that State’s compliance with the requirement in 52 U.S.C. 21081(a)(6) that each State adopt uniform and nondiscriminatory standards within that State that define what constitutes a vote and what will be counted as a vote, including that, as prescribed in 2 U.S.C. 7 and 3 U.S.C. 1, there be a uniform and nondiscriminatory ballot receipt deadline of Election Day for all methods of voting, excluding ballots cast in accordance with 52 U.S.C. 20301 et seq., after which no additional votes may be cast.  

    Sec. 8.  Preventing Foreign Interference and Unlawful Use of Federal Funds.  The Attorney General, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, shall prioritize enforcement of 52 U.S.C. 30121 and other appropriate laws to prevent foreign nationals from contributing or donating in United States elections.  The Attorney General shall likewise prioritize enforcement of 31 U.S.C. 1352, which prohibits lobbying by organizations or entities that have received any Federal funds.   

    Sec. 9.  Federal Actions to Address Executive Order 14019.  The heads of all agencies, and the Election Assistance Commission, shall cease all agency actions implementing Executive Order 14019 of March 7, 2021 (Promoting Access to Voting), which was revoked by Executive Order 14148 of on January 20, 2025 (Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions), and, within 90 days of the date of this order, submit to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, a report describing compliance with this order.

    Sec. 10.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any agency, person, or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its provisions to any other agencies, persons, or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

    Sec. 11.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    DONALD J. TRUMP

    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        March 25, 2025. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tech and Security – New Zealand Sextortion Threats Up 137%

    Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners

    Sextortion Scams More Threatening in 2025, Fueled by AI-Powered Attacks and Data Breaches

    AUCKLAND, 25 March 2025 – Sextortion scams are becoming more common – and more threatening – as cybercriminals exploit artificial intelligence (AI) and large-scale data breaches to develop highly convincing scams. A recent analysis by Avast, a leader in digital security and privacy and part of Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), found that in 2025 so far, the risk of being targeted with sextortion scams in the NZ has risen 137%.

    New Zealand is not alone: Avast researchers are seeing countries around the world being impacted by these highly manipulative scams. In the US, the likelihood of being targeted by sextortion scammers also increased 137% in the first few months of 2025. The UK and Australia’s risk rose 49% and 34% respectively. Avast also revealed the top 10 countries most vulnerable to these scams, with Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa, Italy, Australia, UAE, the UK, Switzerland and Czech Republic facing the highest risk ratios for sextortion in the last calendar year.

    New Threatening and Intrusive Tactics

    Criminals are refining their tactics, thanks to the help of AI and a wealth of personal data available from recent large-scale breaches. As the sophistication of AI increases, so do the explicit extortion emails scammers are sending. AI is being used by scammers to create ‘deepfake’ images, fake explicit photos created by superimposing a victim’s face onto another body, coupled with threatening messages to distribute them.

    Michal Salat, Threat Intelligence Director for Avast comments: “Our analysis reveals that sextortion victims frequently receive threatening messages claiming access to their private videos and images. These scams are made even more convincing with the use of stolen passwords from past data breaches, lending an alarming sense of credibility.”

    “Fear of exposure, especially when personal details appear accurate, often pressures victims into complying with ransom demands. However, we strongly advise against engaging with these scammers, no matter how real the threats may seem.”

    One of the latest techniques used by cybercriminals involves Google Maps and is designed to employ a more invasive and personalised approach that can really shock and intimidate their victims into complying with demands.

    Criminals – utilizing names, addresses, and emails readily available on the Dark Web due to data breaches – can create very targeted emails to victims containing fabricated footage and unsettling information and images of their real homes. Scammers will also claim to have gained access to victims’ devices to extort their victims by threatening to share sexual content or information about them. Cybersecurity experts at Avast have identified over 15,000 unique Bitcoin wallets associated with the Google Maps scam, though the scope of the operation is likely much larger.

    Avast experts emphasise the importance of proactive protection against sextortion scams and urge people to never engage with messages that could be from scammers. The following actions help to combat sextortion efforts:

    • Do not pay ransom demands or respond to threats.
    • Do not engage with these emails, texts or calls or open any associated PDF attachments.
    • Always report such crimes to the relevant cybercrime units including the NZ Police and Netsafe for support.
    • Use a reputable password manager to ensure unique passwords for all accounts and prevent reuse.
    • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to enhance account security.
    • Monitor your data for breaches by using dark web monitoring services, through products such as Avast Secure Identity, to be alerted when personal information is exposed so you can act quickly to help protect your accounts.
    • Do not panic – stay informed and take action to secure your accounts.

    As sextortion scams become more advanced, it is crucial for individuals to remain cautious and take steps to safeguard their digital privacy. Public awareness and vigilance remain critical in combating these threats.

    For more information, visit https://www.avast.com/

    About Avast
    Avast is a leader in digital security and privacy, and part of Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands. Avast protects hundreds of millions of users from online threats, for Mobile, PC or Mac and is top-ranked and certified by VB100, AV-Comparatives, AV-Test, SE Labs and others. Avast is a member of the Coalition Against Stalkerware, No More Ransom and Internet Watch Foundation. Learn more at Avast.com. Visit: www.avast.com.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Victims of Slavery & amp;Transatlantic Slave Trade & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Victims of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade
    Detained and Missing Staff
    Syria/Security Council
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    UN Interim Force In Lebanon
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Democratic Republic of the Congo / Mediation
    Burundi
    Sudan
    South Sudan
    Ukraine
    Myanmar
    Ecuador
    Child Mortality

    VICTIMS OF SLAVERY AND TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE
    Today is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The Secretary-General spoke at the General Assembly event to mark the Day and said that the transatlantic slave trade is an indelible stain on the conscience of humanity.
    Today, he said, we remember the women, children, and men forced to work in agonizing conditions, savagely punished, and deprived of their dignity and human rights, and we take strength in their resistance and demands for justice.
    The Secretary-General said the obscene profits derived from chattel slavery and the racist ideologies that underpinned the trade are still with us, and he urged everyone to play their part in building inclusive societies free from the evils of racism.

    DETAINED AND MISSING STAFF
    Today is the International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members. One hundred and one personnel were arrested or detained last year alone. In total, at least 52 of UN personnel are still in detention globally.
    In his message, the Secretary-General says we stand with all those detained, and with their families and loved ones, as we call for their immediate release and safe return.
    He urges governments to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel, and to continue pursuing accountability and justice for these crimes, while enhancing support and protection.
    And in a video message, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said that the rights of all U.N. staff must be fully respected.
    Out of the 52 detained colleagues, 23 as you know are arbitrarily detained in Yemen alone. Eight of those are from the Human Rights Office. “Their continued detention is a grave injustice,” Mr. Türk said.
    On this Day, the UN renews the calls for their immediate and unconditional release.

    SYRIA/SECURITY COUNCIL
    This morning at the Security Council, the UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, told Council members that Syria stands at a crossroads: either to return to violence or to overcome the conflict and revive the economy. To take the right path, Syria needs increased and continued international support, he said.
    For his part, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, said that we are making progress on the humanitarian front. We are now using more routes to deliver aid.
    He added that the reality is still grim. 16 million people – nearly three-quarters of the Syrian population – lack sufficient food, water, shelter, and medicine. We need to move with greater urgency, while we can – he said.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=25%20March%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8EmEq44Veo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oregon Man Indicted, Arrested for Transporting a Minor for Sexual Purposes

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    The FBI is seeking additional information.

    ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Oregon man was arrested by the FBI yesterday in Portland after a federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment this week charging him with transporting a minor with the intent to have the child engage in criminal sexual activity.

    According to court documents, in 2019, Steven Fox, 59, moved from Pendleton, Oregon, to Anchorage, Alaska. At some point that year, Fox allegedly presented himself as a long-lost “uncle” to a family with two minor daughters and began caring for the minors.

    Court documents further allege that in January 2020, Fox transported the minors from Alaska to Oregon. Fox started sexually abusing one of the minors, who was 9 years old, almost immediately after leaving Alaska.

    Fox is charged with one count of transportation of minors. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial court appearance today at 1:30 p.m. PDT before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon. If convicted, he faces between 10 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated this case as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Pendleton Police Department and FBI Portland Field Office. If anyone has information concerning Fox’s alleged actions, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Ivers and Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Oregon.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Registered Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – Steven Christopher Kelban, age 50, of Catonsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography.  Kelban was identified as a suspect in the trafficking of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), also called child pornography, during Baltimore County Police Department’s online investigation of the BitTorrent network.  

    The guilty plea was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Kelly O. Hayes, along with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Baltimore Field Office, Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger, and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

    According to his guilty plea, Kelban has two prior convictions for child pornography.  In 2015, Kelban was convicted of possession of obscene matter of persons under 17 in Shelby County, Alabama, and in 2016, he was convicted of distribution of child pornography in Baltimore County, Maryland. 

    As detailed in the plea agreement, on November 20, 2023, Kelban was released from imprisonment in Alabama and returned to Maryland.  He registered as a sex offender in Maryland on November 21, 2023, listing an address in Baltimore County, Maryland. 

    On November 28, 2023, the Baltimore County Police Department conducted an online investigation of the BitTorrent network to find offenders sharing child pornography.  His IP address was associated with a torrent that contained over 2000 files, including at least one file of suspected child pornography. Between 12:33 am and 1:38 am on November 28, 2023, investigators directly connected to the device and downloaded the torrent, and therefore each file was downloaded directly from the IP address.  The IP address for the device was connected to Kelban’s residence in Baltimore County, the same address that Kelban used when he registered as a sex offender a week prior.

    Kelban faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of 20 in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release.  U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett has scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2025, at 11 a.m.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.  For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended FBI and the BCPD for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Reema Sood, who is prosecuting the federal case.

    For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Electronics SA and Concentrix Open Business-to-Business Customer Centre in Johannesburg

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics SA, in partnership with Concentrix, a global provider of technology and services solutions, is proud to announce the opening of a new Business-to-Business (B2B) customer sales centre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg. This exciting collaboration aims to provide resellers with access to Samsung’s extensive range of innovative products and solutions, further strengthening the company’s B2B relationships across South Africa.
     
    The partnership saw the launch of a state-of-the-art customer centre, which began operations on 01 February 2025. Designed specifically for resellers, the facility focuses on serving the top 300 ICT suppliers (small businesses) and 100 retail independent companies, offering a range of products including home appliances, televisions, and monitors. The customer centre acts as a key resource for B2B clients, driving increased access to Samsung’s offerings and fostering deeper, more impactful relationships with its reseller network.
     
    “We’re excited to partner with Concentrix on this new venture, which will give B2B clients in South Africa the opportunity to directly engage with our products and services in a focused, tailored environment,” said Mike van Lier, Vice President of Consumer Electronics at Samsung South Africa. “This partnership not only allows us to expand our reach within the reseller community but also reinforces our commitment to providing top-notch, innovative solutions to businesses across the region.”
     

     
     
    Concentrix, renowned for delivering technology-driven, intelligence-fuelled business solutions, will play a critical role in managing operations at the centre. With a proven track record in driving success for global brands, Concentrix is well-positioned to ensure a seamless experience for Samsung’s B2B resellers.
     
    “We are thrilled to work with Samsung on this dynamic initiative. By providing resellers with greater access to Samsung’s products and solutions, we’re helping to create a more streamlined and efficient process for the B2B sector. This partnership will not only enhance the reseller experience but also foster long-lasting relationships that will benefit all stakeholders involved,” said Brandon Aitken at Concentrix.
     
    The customer centre’s focus on resellers ensures that Samsung can offer specialised support and identify potential issues early in the process, guaranteeing a smooth and responsive experience. This strategic partnership is expected to significantly enhance Samsung’s ability to provide consistent, ongoing support to its B2B clients and further expand its footprint in the market.
     
    The opening of the B2B customer centre marks another milestone in Samsung’s long-standing commitment to innovation, client-centric solutions, and strengthening partnerships across various business sectors. For more information, contact adminsam@concentrix.com.
     
    For more information on Samsung products, visit https://www.samsung.com/za/business/.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jessamine County Man Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Wilmore, Ky., man, Jason Horton, 43, was sentenced on Monday, by U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to 35 years in prison, for production of child pornography. 

    According to his plea agreement, in October 2023, law enforcement received a tip that Horton, a previously convicted sex offender, was using online platforms to engage in the sexual exploitation of minors.  Law enforcement obtained search warrants for Horton’s residence and electronic devices.  On Horton’s phone, it was revealed that he engaged in online conversations with minors in which he solicited them to produce sexually explicit images.  Horton specifically admitted to engaging in an online relationship with a 16-year-old victim, conducted primarily via Snapchat, and persuading her to create sexually explicit images which were transmitted to him via the internet.

    Horton also admitted that he was required to register as a sex offender at the time of this offense, due to a 2004 Kentucky conviction for rape and sodomy in the second degree.

    Under federal law, Horton must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.  Upon Horton’s release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Col. Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sherriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by HIS, Kentucky State Police, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    — END —

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woodford County Man Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant orchestrated a sextortion scheme to produce sexually explicit images of a minor

    LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Versailles, Ky., man, Austin David Stafford, 31, was sentenced on Friday to a total of 540 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Danny C. Reeves, for production of child pornography.

    The sentence is the result of two separate court cases against Stafford. According to his plea agreement from the first court case, Stafford and his co-defendant and girlfriend, Crystal Campbell, now deceased, used a minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating visual depictions of that conduct on two occasions, once at the couple’s trailer and once in an outdoor setting. Stafford’s Facebook records contained two instances of Stafford distributing the videos. 

    According to his plea agreement from the second court case, law enforcement was alerted to Stafford because of a minor victim’s father seeing a group message on Facebook Messenger that contained nude photos of the minor victim. An investigation revealed that Stafford was using a fake persona, “Craig Wright,” on social media to lure the minor victim into an online romance. Under this persona, he obtained intimate details and visual depictions of the minor victim. He then created additional fake personas and used the information that he had learned about the victim to extort and manipulate the minor victim. The “sextortion” scheme led the minor victim to send more sexually explicit visual depictions to Stafford and to engage in sexual acts with him. Eventually, Stafford communicated with James Campbell, 26, of Versailles, Ky., Stafford’s co-defendant, and on June 10, 2022, coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct with Campbell and film it, under the guise that one of his fake personas would hurt her family if she didn’t comply. Stafford admitted to orchestrating the sexual exchange with the victim and Campbell, and that Campbell knowingly and willingly aided and abetted the product of the June 10th series. 

    Campbell is scheduled to be sentenced on April 21, 2025. 

    Under federal law, Stafford must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 30 years. 

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence.

    The investigation was conducted by FBI and KSP. Hart Megibben, Commonwealth Attorney for the 53rd Judicial Circuit, and Assistant Commonwealth Attorney, Jon Fee, also provided significant assistance to the investigation and prosecution of Stafford’s second case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    – END –

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC DEX+ Becomes the First to Integrate with PumpSwap, the New Native DEX from pump.fun

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, has announced that MEXC DEX+ has become the first DEX aggregator to integrate with PumpSwap, the new native DEX from pump.fun. This integration marks an important step in the strategic partnership between MEXC and pump.fun, as well as the integration of centralized finance (CeFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi).

    MEXC has recently launched its innovative hybrid product, DEX+, which enables users to trade directly on DEXs through the MEXC App and website, giving users the ability to trade over 10,000 tokens available on Raydium and pump.fun. In addition, MEXC has kicked off a strategic partnership with pump.fun. With the integration of PumpSwap, DEX+ will support more assets in the Solana ecosystem, offering higher liquidity and earlier access to potential on-chain assets.

    pump.fun is the world’s leading crypto token launchpad where anyone can create their own token for free. Recently, pump.fun launched PumpSwap, its new native DEX, and MEXC DEX+ has become the first DEX aggregator to integrate with PumpSwap through this partnership. MEXC aims to provide a streamlined, accessible experience for the growing memecoin community, further solidifying its commitment to innovative solutions within the crypto space. Additionally, MEXC DEX+ will feature a trending assets leaderboard on pump.fun, showcasing top-performing assets from both its P2P market and external markets. Through DEX+, users will gain early access to a variety of trending assets.

    “With the launch of DEX+ and integration with PumpSwap, MEXC is not only meeting the growing demand for decentralized trading solutions but also paving the way for the future of trading by providing users with access to a broader array of assets and more opportunities in the ever-evolving cryptocurrency landscape. DEX+ is positioning itself as the go-to platform for users seeking both security and cutting-edge access to on-chain assets,” said Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC.

    Looking ahead, MEXC DEX+ will expand to include additional DEXs and blockchain networks and is set to play a pivotal role in the continued expansion of the DeFi and DEX ecosystems. As more users embrace decentralized trading, the convergence of CeFi and DeFi models will become increasingly crucial. Through DEX+, MEXC is at the forefront of this shift, offering users a seamless bridge between centralized and decentralized finance while enhancing the overall trading experience.

    To bring this vision to life and strengthen our commitment to innovative ecosystems, MEXC proudly introduces the “Rising Star” program, a new initiative designed to spotlight outstanding projects emerging from the DEX+ platform. Centered on community feedback, the program offers high-performing projects the unique opportunity to list on MEXC’s centralized exchange at no cost—bridging the gap between decentralized and centralized trading environments. For more details, please visit: https://www.mexc.com/rising-star

    About MEXC

    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto”. Serving over 34 million users across 170+ countries and regions, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, frequent 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.

    For more information, visit: MEXC Website｜X｜Telegram｜How to Sign Up on MEXC
    For media inquiries, please contact MEXC PR Manager Lucia Hu: lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    PR Manager
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b860f61d-4182-47dd-9412-2f0880d3bfbd

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Launches Bespoke AI Laundry Combo™, Innovative All-in-One Laundry Solution in South Africa

    Source: Samsung

     

     
     
    Samsung launches the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo to the South African Market. This washing machine is redefining laundry with AI Technology. The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo features advanced technology that learns and adapts to users’ laundry habits, providing personalised washing and drying cycles for optimal results. With its intuitive interface and smart connectivity, users can easily control and monitor their laundry from anywhere using the SmartThings app.
     
    Elevating the Laundry Experience at Home With AI
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is designed to increase space without compromising functionality. This all-in-one combo seamlessly integrates a washer and dryer into a single unit, providing a space-saving and efficient laundry solution with broad functionality. It performs as effectively as two separate machines while conserving valuable space, and more importantly eliminates the need to transfer laundry between a washing machine and a dryer after the wash cycle finishes.
     
    For users, this means they don’t have to keep checking the wash cycle’s progress in the attempt to prevent unpleasant odours and can use their time more flexibly. A key feature of the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is the AI Wash & Dry,[1] which sets a new standard for laundry efficiency. This advanced system uses a range of sensors to optimise both washing and drying for each load, freeing users from having to determine the optimal settings for each cycle.
     
    Upon sensing the weight of the laundry, it dispenses the right amount of water and detergent. It also detects the fabric and monitors the level of soiling during the cycle, adjusting wash time and detergent use accordingly. After the wash cycle, the technology optimises the drying process based on the weight and fabric [2] – ensuring excellent cleaning and drying results. With AI Wash & Dry, users benefit from a thorough, more efficient[3] and personalised laundry experience.
     
    Seamless, Efficient User Experiences
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo offers an enhanced user experience with the AI Home,[10]  an intuitive 7” wide LCD display that serves as a central control hub for laundry, and moreover the entire home. The wide display delivers substantial information about the laundry including cycle details, remaining amount of detergent and energy consumption. When showing cycles, the combo uses machine learning to remember user habits and recommend cycles[11] based on periodic and seasonal needs.[12]
     
    When the cycle is finished, it provides an energy and water consumption report that can be viewed on the 7-inch LCD display or the SmartThings App.[13] Additionally, users have clear view of the 3D Map View, which shows all connected appliances within the home and enables users to seamlessly monitor and control them.
     
    With Bespoke AI Laundry Combo you can now enjoy the updated Bixby[14] which comes with better understanding capabilities allowing for more responsive interaction than before. Through AI, Bixby can understand complicated and casual conversations – allowing users to give multi-intended, complex commands.[15]
     
    Upon using the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo , users can ask “What’s the weather like?” and then say: “Start the wash cycle and lower the living room temperature,” and have their requests finished in one sequence. Bixby provides support for Device Q&A as well, assisting users when they have questions about certain features on their appliances. When an error is displayed on the LCD display, users can ask directly what this means – instead of having to look through the user manual or search on their phones.
     
    Lastly, an exclusive offer for customers who purchase the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo in South Africa. For a limited time, customers can redeem a Galaxy Watch Ultra worth R9 999 when they buy the innovative all-in-one laundry solution. The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo offers seamless ease of use between the appliance and other Samsung devices. With the Samsung SmartThings app, users can control and monitor their laundry from anywhere, and now, with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, they can take their laundry experience to the next level. Users can naturally say: ‘Open the washing machine door’ to the watch and then get a prompt response and see the action carried out.
     
    Availability
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is available here: https://www.samsung.com/za/washers-and-dryers/washer-dryer-combo/wd8000dk-combo-all-in-one-combo-super-speed-18kg-gray-wd18db8995bzfa/. For more information on Samsung refrigerators and other home appliances, please visit www.samsung.com/za.
     
    [1]Detection and sensing capabilities are based on our deep learning models trained using predefined set of data and may yield inaccurate or incorrect results. New datasets may be introduced to our learning models from time to time to enhance its accuracy.[2]To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together.[3] Based on AI-based algorithm and internal testing using the AI Wash & Dry cycle on an IEC 8lb load. A turbidity sensor operates for all weights, while fabric sensing operates for 8lbs and under. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.[10] Does not mean all services available on the AI Home are AI or generate information or outcome using AI. AI Smart Dial, AI Wash & Dry, Voice enabled with Bixby accessible through the AI Home utilise AI-based algorithms, which be updated periodically to improve accuracy. AI-based algorithms may generate incomplete or incorrect information.[11] Messages with cycle suggestions are displayed on the control panel or a smartphone with the SmartThings App. Detection and sensing capabilities are based on our deep learning models trained using predefined set of data and may yield inaccurate or incorrect results. New datasets may be introduced to our learning models from time to time to enhance its accuracy.[12] Messages with cycle suggestions are displayed on the control panel or a smartphone with the SmartThings App.[13] The SmartThings App is available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.[14]Bixby is Samsung’s brand of Internet of Things (IoT) voice assistant. Bixby service availability may vary depending on country. Bixby recognises selected languages and certain accents/dialects. The user interface may change and differ by device. The availability of Bixby features and content providers may vary depending on the country/carrier/language/device model/OS version. A Samsung account log-in and data network connection (Wi-Fi or data network) are required. Users must agree to the update to use this function.[15] This function may produce inaccurate results and will be updated periodically to improve accuracy.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/ETHIOPIA – The Eparch of Adigrat: “We are trying to move forward as a Church in a context of total precariousness, with the risk of a new civil war”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 25 March 2025

    Internet

    Adigrat (Agenzia Fides) – The bloody civil war that ravaged Tigray between 2020 and 2022 is now compounded by an internal split within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), one of the two factions vying for control of the region. The fragile peace agreement signed in Pretoria in 2022 (see Fides, 7/8/2024) between the Addis Ababa government and representatives of the TPLF appears to have succumbed to a new wave of violence and disorder, with the growing risk of plunging northern Ethiopia back into civil war.On March 11, the rebel faction took control of Adigrat, a town on the border with Eritrea, and subsequently captured Adi-Gudem, located near the regional capital, Macallé, thus escalating an internal conflict within a larger conflict. For weeks, various media outlets have reported the imminent possibility of a new outbreak of violence, this time with the direct involvement of Eritrea.The bishop of the Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat, Tesfaselassie Medhin, confirmed this situation to Fides. “Instability in our region continues to persist, tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea are increasing, and the country could be engulfed in a very bloody confrontation. God forbid that the factions involved start a new war in Tigray, which has already suffered enormously.”“In general, internal politics in Tigray are not good,” Medhin continues. “The division between local politicians and the sudden interruption of USAID funding are severely penalizing millions of people. The impact on programs for the poor run by NGOs, religious organizations, and government agencies is devastating, and there is no exit strategy. Even the government agency Catholic Relief Services of Ethiopia, which provides emergency food aid, has seen its activities suspended. We have been informed that they will continue to operate with private funding, but only for smaller programs. We do not yet know what these will consist of,” explains the bishop.“For the rest, in a context of great anguish and suffering for our people, we are trying to move forward as a Church, to give hope to the people and be a sign of hope for them. We try to be at their side and work for healing from the trauma of the bloody conflicts of which they have been victims,” notes Medhin.The Eparch of Adigrat concludes his conversation with a thought for Pope Francis: “We pray for him. We are united in his suffering, but also in the joy that God has given us to have him as our pastor on the Chair of Peter.” (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 25/3/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Promotion Export of Products by Self-Help Groups

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 5:01PM by PIB Delhi

    As a marketing initiative under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) SARAS Aajeevika Mela is organised at national and state levels. An export pavilion was in place at SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2025 at Noida, Uttar Pradesh organised by the Ministry of Rural Development to showcase products of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) having export potential, with the primary goal of encouraging and promoting SHGs towards export of their products. Training sessions cum Workshops were conducted in this Mela for capacity building and generating export potential in SHGs, and to creating awareness.

    National Institute of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR) has conducted a national-level workshop in Delhi on 14th and 15th May 2024 to deliberate the scope of ‘Export Marketing of Handicraft and Handloom Products of SHGs’.

    Ministry of Textiles under Marketing component of National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), organized the following events to provide a marketing platform to artisans and promote export of handicrafts:

            (I) Domestic Marketing events including Gandhi Shilp Bazar/Fashion Show/Hiring of Stalls in events organized by other organizations/CDAP.

    (II) International Marketing Events in India & Abroad include:

    1. International Marketing Events.
    2. International Craft Exposure Programme.
    3. Buyer Seller Meet & Reverse Buyer Seller Meet.
    4. Fairs/Exhibitions/Events on Virtual Platforms.

    The Ministry has undertaken tie-ups with eCommerce Players for promotion of SHG products. In collaboration with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) a “SARAS Collection” has been created as a Store Front in GeM for marketing of SHG products. Also, Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been entered between Ministry and Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd., Amazon, Fashnear Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Meesho) and Jiomart respectively to allow the Self Help Groups (SHGs) producers including the artisans, weavers and craftsmen to access national markets through the Flipkart Samarth programme, Amazon Saheli initiative, Meesho and Jiomart for marketing of SHGs products. An e-Commerce platform (www.esaras.in) has also been launched by the Ministry for online marketing of SHG products. eSARAS is also live as a Seller Network Participant on ONDC. Curated products of women SHGs are available on 11 Apps of ONDC network i.e. Paytm, Mystore, Craftsvilla, Jagran, Snapdeal, Novopay, Easypay, Gonuclei, Rubaru, Mappls, Himira.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    MG/RN/KSR/4087

    (Release ID: 2114885) Visitor Counter : 28

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IMPACT OF AVALANCHES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 MAR 2025 1:44PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government is aware of the hazard of avalanches in the Himalayan regions, which poses significant risks to human lives and property. Avalanches are a recurring natural phenomenon/disaster in high-altitude areas such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh.

    The Government effectively deploys technologies for improved early warning and forecasting of Avalanches in the hazardous zones. Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is a national level agency for avalanche forecasting and is involved in the daily Operational Avalanche Forecasting for Defence users. Defence Geoinformatics Research Establishment (DGRE), Chandigarh under DRDO is also the nodal agency for studying and developing avalanche mitigation technologies. The methodologies include aerial reconnaissance/ ground surveys, which are further used as an input to prepare avalanche hazard maps. Regular operational avalanche warning is issued by DGRE to the Army and civilian population in the snow bound regions of north-west Himalayas.  Additionally, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) supplies six-hourly weather updates to enhance situational awareness.

    Automated weather stations and Doppler radars have been installed in vulnerable regions to improve forecasting capabilities.

    DGRE has installed 72 Snow Meteorological Observatories. Further, 45 Automated Weather Stations (AWS) are operational, 100 (AWS)  are under testing and 203 (AWS) are under installation. The data is regularly received from snow observatories at 3 hour intervals and at 1 hour interval from AWS at DGRE. This output and the expert opinion is used to draw avalanche forecast for different areas at least 24 hour in advance. DGRE has also developed its own Avalanche map indicating locations of potential avalanche sites located all over the Himalayas and is being used by Troops for their safe mobility in snow bound area. Engineering solutions are also being provided as per the user’s requirements. 

    DGRE has developed following technologies for accurate avalanche predictions to safeguard lives in snow bound regions of Himalaya:

    1. AI and ML (Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning) based avalanche forecast.
    2. Increased Automatic Weather Station (AWS) network and surface observatories for snow bound areas.
    3. Avalanche Engineering Control structures.
    4. Avalanche Early Warning Radars.
    5. Common Alert Protocol (CAP) compliant online APP for avalanche warning dissemination.
    6. Forecast dissemination using satellite based communication for last mile.
    7. Multi scale material properties simulation.
    8. Process based 3D – Snowpack Modelling for stability of slope.
    9. Light weight rigid structure for avalanche defence.
    10. InSAR based landslide warning technology.

    As informed by DGRE, in a first in India, Avalanche monitoring radar has been installed in North Sikkim. The system can detect avalanches within three seconds of trigger.

    National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), under the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES) provides the high resolution weather forecasts from their global, regional and ensemble prediction systems to DGRE on daily basis. DGRE uses NCMRWF model output to drive their mountain weather model and Avalanche forecast model. In addition during the winter season, NCMRWF shares the coupled model’s snow forecasts with DGRE. These snow and total precipitation forecasts are very useful for possible Avalanche forecasting at DGRE’s end.

    National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has released guidelines on Management of Landslides & Snow Avalanches in June 2009 to advise states on its response, preparedness and mitigation strategies. These guidelines have measures to reduce the impact of snow avalanches and early warning.

    Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) based Integrated Alert System’ has been initiated with an outlay of Rs. 454.65 Crore, for dissemination of geo targeted early warnings/alerts related to disasters to the citizens of India for all 36 States/UTs using various disseminating medium like SMS, Costal Sirens, Cell broadcast, Internet (RSS feed & Browser Notification), Satellite Receiver of GAGAN & NavIC etc., through integration of all alerting agencies, [IMD, Central Water Commission (CWC), Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), DGRE, Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Forest Survey of India (FSI)].

    Besides early warning and preparedness, the Government deploy advanced technologies for rescue operations in avalanche-affected areas. These technologies such as Drone-Based Intelligent Buried Object Detection  System  and  timely  deployment  of  Helicopters  enable  rapid

    response and efficient evacuation during emergencies. Similarly, the establishment of Disaster Management Control Rooms at the state and district levels ensures round-the-clock monitoring and coordination during rescue operations during Avalanche.

    This was stated by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

    ****

    RK/VV/ASH/RR/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2114752) Visitor Counter : 53

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Builders Program Accelerates Global Expansion, Hosted Over 60 Events Across 29 Countries

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange, and Web3 company, announced the global expansion of Bitget Builders through a series of offline engagements, educational programs, and strategic community upgrades. The Bitget Builders Program is a pivotal component of the Blockchain4Youth charity project, inviting crypto enthusiasts from various backgrounds to co-build the Bitget ecosystem while unlocking insights, event access, and growth opportunities.

    Since its inception in June 2023, Bitget Builders Global Tour has already made significant strides, hosting over 60 events across 29 countries to strengthen brand visibility and foster meaningful connections within the blockchain ecosystem. Recent successful events include the Bitget Academy meetups in European countries, which blended education, networking, and entertainment to empower participants with actionable insights into blockchain technologies. The global meetup also keeps expanding to North America, APAC, and other regions, equipping the young generation worldwide with tools to navigate the evolving Web3 landscape.

    The Bitget Builders Program provides opportunities for builders to engage in a variety of roles that align with their skills and interests, such as crypto trading support, branding and content creation, and community management. “Build Bitget with Vugar” events serve as a dialogue platform between Bitget’s leadership and its global community, where Bitget COO Vugar Usi Zade engages directly with global communities. These gatherings offer exclusive insights into Bitget’s vision, core values, and roadmap, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to transparency and user-centric growth.

    In a strategic move to bolster community engagement, Bitget has elevated community managers to official Bitget Builders, granting them insights, advanced resources and networking opportunities, to amplify their impact in local markets. Looking ahead, Bitget will launch a “Builder Training Camp,” providing specialized training and tools to equip Builders with the skills needed to thrive in the crypto industry.

    “Our offline initiatives and community-driven approach reflect Bitget’s dedication to fostering innovation and inclusivity,” said Vugar Usi Zade, COO of Bitget. “By empowering students, traders, and builders worldwide, we’re not only expanding our footprint in various regions, but also cultivating a global movement centered on blockchain education and collaboration.”

    As part of a broader effort under Bitget’s Blockchain4Youth initiative, the Bitget Builders program focuses on empowering young talents and driving mass adoption as well as technological advancement. By facilitating offline meetups and a global tour, Bitget has increased the sense of community and empowered builders to contribute actively to the program’s growth and innovation on a global scale.

    For more details on the Bitget Builders Program, users can visit here.

    About Bitget
    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, users can visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet
    For media inquiries, users can contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    Contact

    Simran Alphonso
    media@bitget.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Lists Particle Network (PARTI) with 150,000 USDT Prize Pool

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announced the listing of Particle Network (PARTI) on both spot and futures markets, scheduled for March 25, 2025 (UTC). The launch on MEXC will be accompanied by an exciting Airdrop+ rewards program totaling 150,000 USDT.

    Particle Network is the Layer 1 blockchain that powers chain abstraction, seamlessly unifying users and liquidity across Web3. By introducing Universal Accounts, the project provides a single account and unified balance across all chains, coordinated and secured by Particle Chain, ensuring a frictionless experience in the entire Web3 ecosystem.

    MEXC has prepared an exclusive Airdrop+ event to mark the Particle Network (PARTI) listing, offering substantial rewards for both new and existing users, from March 24, 2025, 12:00 – April 05, 2025, 10:00 (UTC):
    Benefit 1: Deposit and share 60,000 USDT (New user exclusive)
    Benefit 2: Spot Challenge — Trade to share 20,000 USDT (For all users)
    Benefit 3: Futures Challenge — Trade to share 50,000 USDT in Futures bonus (For all users)
    Benefit 4: Invite new users and share 20,000 USDT (For all users)

    MEXC has established itself as an industry leader by consistently providing users with early access to promising web3 projects. In 2024, MEXC introduced 2,376 new tokens, with 1,716 of those being initial listings. According to the latest TokenInsight report, MEXC leads the industry with the highest number of spot listings at 461 and the fastest listing speed. Additionally, the exchange consistently adds new tokens in bi-weekly cycles, showcasing its exceptional ability to quickly capture market trends.

    Looking ahead, MEXC will continue to enhance its platform, offering advantages such as low fees, deep liquidity, a wide selection of trending tokens, and daily airdrops. This reaffirms MEXC’s user-centric approach, providing traders with early access to high-potential projects, generous rewards, and an optimal trading experience.

    For full event details and participation rules, visit the event page.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 34 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday 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

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article about cryptocurrencies does not represent MEXC’s official stance or investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully evaluate market fluctuations, project fundamentals, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.
    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    PR Manager
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bcd5d255-ef2e-4eae-b8b5-d35ebce3134f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Announces Term Finance (TERM) Listing with 120,000 TERM and 109,000 USDT Prize Pools

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is pleased to announce that the Term Finance (TERM) will be listed on March 26, 2025 (UTC). To celebrate this listing, MEXC will launch a special Launchpool event featuring a 120,000 TERM token prize pool, providing new and existing users with exciting opportunities to earn rewards.

    The TERM token, which has a total supply of 100,000,000, serves as the utility token for Term Finance, a decentralized fixed-rate lending protocol. The platform utilizes on-chain auctions to enable loans, allowing users to lock in funding costs or secure fixed-rate returns with crypto-backed loans. It offers a transparent and competitive market-clearing rate for both borrowers and lenders. To learn more about the TERM token and its role within the Term Finance ecosystem, read the full article here.

    TERM Listing Celebration Events: Share 120,000 TERM and 109,000 USDT Bonus

    To celebrate the listing of Term Finance (TERM) on MEXC, the exchange is launching two exciting events, offering participants the chance to share 120,000 TERM and 109,000 USDT in bonuses.

    TERM Finance’s Launchpool event runs from March 24 to 26, 2025 (UTC). Participants can stake USDT, MX, or TERM tokens to earn from a prize pool of 120,000 TERM. TERM holders and new users are eligible to join the Launchpool. New users can access the exclusive 60,000 TERM staking pool, while all users can participate in the general pool by staking MX or TERM.

    The participation process is simple, with a low entry threshold. Simply sign up for a MEXC account, complete KYC, and deposit USDT, MX, or TERM into the Launchpool. Holding at least 25 MX unlocks additional benefits. New users must deposit funds after the event begins to be eligible for the USDT pool.

    Additionally, users can participate in the Airdrop+ event, which runs from March 24 to April 3, 2025 (UTC), offering a total prize pool of 109,000 USDT.

    MEXC has established itself as an industry leader by consistently providing users with early access to promising web3 projects. In 2024, MEXC introduced 2,376 new tokens, with 1,716 of those being initial listings. According to the latest TokenInsight report, MEXC leads the industry with the highest number of spot listings at 461 and the fastest listing speed. Additionally, the exchange consistently adds new tokens in bi-weekly cycles, showcasing its exceptional ability to quickly capture market trends.

    By prioritizing low-market-cap projects and quickly listing trending tokens, MEXC remains at the forefront of emerging market trends. With advantages such as low fees, deep liquidity, and daily airdrops, MEXC has become the platform of choice for an increasing number of cryptocurrency traders.

    For full event details and participation rules, visit the event page.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 34 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday 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

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    PR Manager
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b38ac5ca-9a78-495e-a8c2-90bd4c7618a7

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Türkiye: Attacks on protesters is a ‘blatant assault’ on freedom of expression

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Turkish authorities must end the use of unnecessary and indiscriminate force against peaceful protesters

    Amnesty has reviewed footage of police beating protesters with batons and kicking them when they are on the ground

    Social media companies must take immediate steps to ensure that the accounts of people critical of the Turkish government are restored

    ‘The indiscriminate use of pepper spray, tear gas and water cannon against peaceful protesters is deeply shocking’ – Agnès Callamard

    Amnesty International have called for Turkish authorities to end the use of unnecessary and indiscriminate force by security forces against peaceful demonstrators and to investigate unlawful acts of violence committed by police against protesters.

    The call comes following the extension of a blanket protest ban in three cities and as authorities confirm that 1,133 protesters have been detained since the overwhelmingly peaceful protests began on 19 March, following the detention of Istanbul mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu. It also comes amid reports of injuries, the throttling of social media and the detention of journalists covering the overwhelmingly peaceful protests in dawn raids.

    Commenting on the protests, Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:

    “The use of unnecessary and indiscriminate force by police against peaceful protesters in Türkiye must immediately stop.

    “Amnesty reviewed footage showing completely unwarranted police use of force against peaceful demonstrators with people beaten with batons and kicked when they were on the ground. “The indiscriminate use of pepper spray, tear gas and water cannon, against peaceful protesters is deeply shocking as is the police use of plastic bullets – sometimes fired at close range at the face and upper body – which have caused numerous injuries and even hospitalisations. These unlawful acts of violence must be investigated promptly and the perpetrators brought to justice.

    “The throttling of the Internet is a blatant assault on the right to freedom of expression. Authorities should refrain from resorting to such measures. Social media companies, namely X, must take immediate steps to ensure that the accounts of people critical of the Turkish government are restored.

    “It is crucial that Turkish authorities respect and protect the right to peaceful assembly, immediately lift the blanket protest bans and release all those unjustifiably and arbitrarily detained solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.”

    Dawn raids

    In a series of dawn raids on 24 March, at least eight journalists who had been reporting on the protests were detained from their homes. Internet users experienced bandwidth restrictions that lasted for 42 hours, restricting access to social media and news sites and more than 700 accounts of journalists, activists and opposition figures on Twitter/X have been blocked. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Türkiye: Unlawful and indiscriminate attacks on peaceful protesters must end and protest bans must be lifted immediately

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Turkish authorities must end the use of unnecessary and indiscriminate force by security forces against peaceful demonstrators and investigate unlawful acts of violence committed by police against protesters, said Amnesty International, as protests against the detention of Istanbul mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, intensify.

    The call comes following the extension of a blanket protest ban in three cities and as authorities confirm that 1,133 protesters have been detained  since protests began on 19 March. It also comes amid reports of injuries, the throttling of social media and the detention of journalists covering the overwhelmingly peaceful protests in dawn raids.

    “The use of unnecessary and indiscriminate force by police against peaceful protesters in Türkiye must immediately stop. Amnesty International has reviewed footage of numerous incidents and is urgently reminding Turkish authorities that they must adhere to international human rights law and standards when policing protests,” Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General, said:

    “Amnesty International reviewed footage showing completely unwarranted police use of force against peaceful demonstrators with people beaten with batons and kicked when they were on the ground. The indiscriminate use of pepper spray, tear gas and water cannon, against peaceful protesters is deeply shocking as is the police use of plastic bullets – sometimes fired at close range at the face and upper body – which have caused numerous injuries and even hospitalizations. These unlawful acts of violence must be investigated promptly and the perpetrators brought to justice.”

    The overwhelmingly peaceful demonstrations began in Istanbul following the imprisonment of Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key rival and vocal critic of Türkiye’s President Erdoğan. They have spread across much of the country, and have been met with unrelenting force.

    Amnesty reminds the Turkish authorities that the use of force by police must be strictly controlled. Tear gas and water cannon, for example, should never be used unless there is widespread and generalized violence against persons that cannot be contained by less harmful measures. Even where some participants engage in isolated acts of violence (i.e. using force that is likely to result in injury or death, or serious damage to property), this does not make the entire protest non-peaceful and can never justify the indiscriminate use of force by the police against all participants.

    In a series of dawn raids on 24 March, at least eight journalists who had been reporting on the protests were detained from their homes. Internet users experienced bandwidth reduction that lasted for 42 hours, restricting access to social media and news sites and more than 700 accounts of journalists, activists and opposition figures on Twitter/X have been blocked. 

    “The throttling of the Internet is a blatant assault on the right to freedom of expression. Authorities should refrain from resorting to such measures. Social media companies, namely X, must take immediate steps to ensure that the accounts of people critical of the Turkish government are restored,” said Agnès Callamard.

    “It is crucial that Turkish authorities respect and protect the right to peaceful assembly, immediately lift the blanket protest bans and release all those unjustifiably and arbitrarily detained detained solely for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest.”

    Background  

    Journalists detained this morning include Ali Onur Tosun, Bülent Kılıç, Zeynep Kuray, Yasin Akgül, Hayri Tunç, Kurtuluş Arı, Zişan Gür, Murat Kocabaş and Barış İnce.

    Following the detention order of Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor to detain more than 100 people, including Ekrem İmamoğlu, two prominent district mayors in Istanbul, on 23 March, 48 people were remanded in pretrial detention. 44 people were released with judicial control measures.  

    Ekrem İmamoğlu was remanded in pretrial detention under the law on combating criminal organizations for profit as well as on accusations of “bribery, embezzlement, unlawful acquisition of personal data and bid rigging.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: ABC arbitrage: 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press release – Paris, March 25, 2025 07:00AM

    ABC arbitrage

    2024 Results¹: €26.8 m (+63%)
    ROE 2024: 16.4% | Per share distribution 2024: €0.34

    The Board of Directors of ABC arbitrage, presided by the Chairman Dominique Ceolin, met on March 20, 2025 to approve the consolidated financial statements for year 2024¹. Key financial data are as follows:

    In millions of euros Dec. 31, 2024 IFRS Dec. 31, 2023 IFRS Dec. 31, 2022 IFRS
    Net revenues €51.2 m €39.3 m €61.2 m
    Net income €26.8 m €16.5 m €29.2 m
    Earnings per share (EPS) €0.45 €0.28 €0.49
    Return on equity (ROE) 16.4 % 10.6 % 18.0 %
    Equity €164 m €155 m €162 m
    • Context – The 2024 financial year showed, on average, volatility similar to that of 2023, significantly below its 10-year average. While the mergers & acquisitions sector experienced an increase in activity of approximately 15%, capital market operations carried out by issuers remain well below the levels observed prior to the onset of large-scale central bank interventions starting in 2015. Lastly, trading volumes by investors across global markets were comparable to those seen in 2023. These indicators, which remain key for the Group’s business activity, continue to be generally unfavourable, despite occasional spikes in volatility during the second half of the year. Among the more positive developments in the second semester, both the volumes and volatility of digital assets (such as Bitcoin) rose sharply in the final quarter of 2024.
    • Business Performance – The 2024 financial result is broadly in line with prevailing market conditions. The second half of the year showed a marked increase in the pace of activity compared with the second semester 2023, supported by a volatility environment that included some more favourable periods. Most of the growth in recurring trading income stems from structural progress in strategies launched under the “ABC 2022” plan, as well as encouraging developments in those introduced as part of the “Springboard 2025” plan. As a reminder, activity in digital assets resumed in March 2024 and benefited from the US presidential elections, contributing to the gains achieved over the year. On a more marginal basis, the positive trend in interest rates also led to an additional contribution of approximately €2 million to recurring operating income. The third-party asset management business remains well below the Group’s ambitions, with a total of €251 million in assets under management as of March 1, 2025. To address this situation, ABC arbitrage Asset Management, the Group’s asset management subsidiary, adapted its products in the second half of 2024 to maximise performance, even in adverse market conditions. Lastly, the 2024 net result includes an exceptional amount of €5.7 million, as explained in the Trading Update of 21 January.
    • Dividend Policy in 2024 – A quarterly distribution policy has been in place since 2019.
    • Interim dividend of €0.10 per share distributed in October 2024 and an interim dividend of €0.10 per share distributed in December 2024;
    • Interim dividend on 2024 results of €0.10 per share on 22 April 2025, with payment on 24 April 2025;
    • The Board plans to propose a final dividend of €0.04 per share at the Annual General Meeting;
    • The total distribution for the 2024 financial year would thus amount to €0.34 per share, representing a payout ratio (POR) of close to 80% of consolidated net income and a yield of 7.1% (based on the share price as of 31 December 2024);
    • The Board confirms its intention to distribute €0.10 per share in October and again in December 2025.
    • Outlook – With the 2024 financial year, ABC arbitrage marks 30 consecutive years of achieving an average return on equity (ROE) above 15%. In the first quarter of 2025, markets have been influenced by the change in the U.S. presidency. Notably since mid-February, in light of the new geopolitical, economic and military landscape, volatility has risen to levels close to its historical average. Despite assets under management remaining stable, the Group is benefiting both from the internal progress made in 2024 and from current market conditions. As a result, ABC arbitrage is recording a monthly activity pace in Q1 2025 that is above the 2024 average, by approximately 10%.

    In this final year of the “Springboard 2025” plan, the Group continues its strategic roadmap by maintaining its R&D investments in support of strategy diversification. At the beginning of the year, the combination of mounting global concerns and high valuations in certain sectors is significantly increasing the likelihood of sustained volatility. Should this environment persist, it would be favourable to the Group’s activities. However, central banks are expected to remain actively involved throughout 2025. This will naturally be taken into account in the development of the next strategic plan, which will begin in 2026 and be presented at the start of the next financial year. In the meantime, the current year provides the Group with an opportunity to pursue the commitments of the “Springboard 2025” plan and to consolidate the progress achieved in 2024.

    1. As of the date of this press release, the work of the financial auditors is being finalised.

    Internet – www.abc-arbitrage.com

    Relations actionnaires – actionnaires@abc-arbitrage.com

    Relations presse – VERBATEE / v.sabineu@verbatee.com

    EURONEXT Paris – Compartiment B
    ISIN – FR0004040608
    Reuters BITI.PA / Bloomberg ABCA FP

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: PNG ‘test ban’ blocks Facebook – governor Bird warns of tyranny risk

    By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent

    The Papua New Guinea government has admitted to using a technology that it says was “successfully tested” to block social media platforms, particularly Facebook, for much of the day yesterday.

    Police Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jr said the “test” was done under the framework of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2024, and sought to address the growing concerns over hate speech, misinformation, and other harmful content online.

    Tsiamalili did not specify what kind of tech was used, but said it was carried out in collaboration with the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA), and various internet service providers.

    “We are not attempting to suppress free speech or restrict our citizens from expressing their viewpoints,” Tsiamalili said.

    “However, the unchecked proliferation of fake news, hate speech, pornography, child exploitation, and incitement to violence on platforms such as Facebook is unacceptable.

    “These challenges increasingly threaten the safety, dignity, and well-being of our populace.”

    However, government agencies responsible for communications and ICT, including NICTA, said they were not aware.

    ‘Confidence relies on transparency’
    “Public confidence in our digital governance relies on transparency and consistency in how we approach online regulation,” NICTA chief executive Kilakupa Gulo-Vui said.

    “It is essential that all key stakeholders, including NICTA, law enforcement, telecommunications providers, and government agencies, collaborate closely to ensure that any actions taken are well-understood and properly executed.”

    He said that while maintaining national security was a priority, the balance between safety and digital freedom must be carefully managed.

    Gulo-Vui said NICTA would be addressing this matter with the Minister for ICT to ensure NICTA’s role continued to align with the government’s broader policy objectives, while fostering a cohesive and united approach to digital regulation.

    The Department of Information Communication and Technology (DICT) Secretary, Steven Matainaho, also stated his department was not aware of the test but added that the police have powers under the new domestic terrorism laws.

    Papua New Guinea’s recently introduced anti-terror laws are aimed at curbing both internal and external security threats.

    Critics warn of dictatorial control
    However, critics of the move say the test borders on dictatorial control.

    An observer of Monday’s events, Lucas Kiap, said the goal of combating hate speech and exploitation was commendable, but the approach risks paving way for authoritarian overreach.

    “Where is PNG headed? If the government continues down this path, it risks trading democracy for control,” he said.

    Many social media users, however, appeared to outdo the government, with many downloading and sharing Virtual Area Network (VPN) apps and continuing to post on Facebook.

    “Hello from Poland,” one user said.

    East Sepik Governor Allan Bird said today that the country’s anti-terrorism law could target anyone because “the definition of a terrorist is left to the Police Minister to decide”.

    ‘Designed to take away our freedoms’
    “During the debate on the anti-terrorism bill in Parliament, I pointed out that the law was too broad and it could be used against innocent people,” he wrote on Facebook.

    He said government MPs laughed at him and used their numbers to pass the bill.

    “Yesterday, the Police Minister used the Anti-terrorism Act to shut down Facebook. That was just a test, that was step one,” Governor Bird said.

    “There is no limit to the powers the Minister of Police can exercise under this new law. It is draconian law designed to take away our freedoms.

    “We are now heading into dangerous territory and everyone is powerless to stop this tyranny,” he added.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Lawrence County Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving and Possessing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Robert LaVair, age 19, of Louisville, New York, pled guilty today to receipt and possession of child pornography announced United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

    As part of his guilty plea, LaVair admitted that in January of 2024, he received numerous images and videos of child pornography by downloading them from the dark web.  In addition to child pornography obtained from the internet, LaVair also admitted that he possessed sexually explicit images and videos of a nine-year-old child that he produced while the child was sleeping. 

    A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the statute the defendant violated, the United States Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.  However, if Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes accepts the parties’ agreed-upon disposition at sentencing, scheduled for July 18, 2025, LaVair will receive a federal prison term of between 14 and 15 years to be followed by 15 years of post-release supervision. LaVair will also be required to pay restitution to the children whose images he received and possessed, and will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. 

    The case was investigated by HSI and the New York State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adrian S. LaRochelle and Benjamin Gillis as a part of Project Safe Childhood.

    Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Repeat Offender Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EL DORADO – A Smackover, Arkansas man was sentenced on March 19, 2025, to 180 months in prison without the possibility of parole for receiving child pornography.  The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing, which was held in the U.S. District Court in El Dorado.

    According to court documents, Eric David Ponder, age 46, used an online peer-to-peer program to download child pornography to two different electronic devices.  Ponder’s crime came to light when an Ozark Police detective discovered illegal online activity from Ponder’s use of the peer-to-peer program.  El Dorado Police detectives and agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation then served a search warrant at Ponder’s residence and discovered the two devices Ponder used to access and receive child pornography. 

    In 2014, Ponder was convicted for Distributing, Possessing, or Viewing Sexually Explicit Conduct Involving a Child in Benton County, Arkansas, and was sentenced to five years in the Arkansas Department of Correction.  Ponder was a registered sex offender when he committed the federal offense.

    Ponder was indicted by a Grand Jury in the Western District of Arkansas in March of 2024 and entered a plea of guilty in September of 2024.   

    U.S. Attorney Clay Fowlkes of the Western District of Arkansas made the announcement.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation, El Dorado Police Department, Ozark Police Department, and Smackover Police Department investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Still and Trent Daniels prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Goldsboro Gang Member Sentenced to 21 Years for Armed Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    RALEIGH, N.C. – A Goldsboro man was sentenced today to 258 months in prison for armed robbery. Fremandeus Connell Williams, age 45, pled guilty to interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence on December 20, 2024.

    According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Wilson Police Department (WPD) responded to a call of a robbery at the Hot Spot Internet Café Sweepstakes on Ward Boulevard in Wilson on December 7, 2021. The investigation revealed that Williams entered the establishment wearing a surgical mask and appeared to play a game machine. As a Hot Spot employee unlocked the office door to assist a customer in cashing out, Williams walked up behind the employee, placed the barrel of a firearm against the back of her head, and pushed her to the ground.  Williams then threatened the employee and said, “where’s the money and you better not lie, or I’ll kill you.” Williams stole $7,039 in cash from the register and counter drawers while the employee remained in the back corner of the office.  The incident was captured on video surveillance. Williams, a known member of the United Blood Nation gang, was arrested a few days later on December 10, 2021.

    The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP) initiative which is a collaborative effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, working with the community, to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, interagency coordination, and intelligence-led policing.

    Daniel Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III.  The WPD, Goldsboro Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leonard Champaign prosecuted the case.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-87-D-RJ-1.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oglala Man Sentenced to 17 and One Half Years in Federal Prison for Receiving Child Pornography

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    RAPID CITY – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Oglala, South Dakota, man following his conviction for two counts of Receipt of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on March 17, 2025.

    Johnathan Morrison, 34, was sentenced to eight years and nine months in federal prison on each count for a total of 210 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release on each count with the time to run concurrently, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Morrison was also ordered to pay $95 in restitution to the South Dakota Internet Crimes Investigation Fund and to forfeit his interest in a smartphone. He will also be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.

    A federal grand jury indicted Morrison in February of 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 8, 2025.

    In August 2023, Morrison solicited a 10-year old female to engage in sexually explicit conduct over social media. Shortly thereafter, an adult learned that Morrison had enticed the child and reported Morrison’s criminal actions to the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Morrison was immediately apprehended and arrested. His smartphone was seized as evidence. An extraction of his smartphone revealed that prior to August 2023, Morrison downloaded and installed multiple social media platforms, including KIK, Telegram, and Snapchat onto his cellular device. Through these platforms, Morrison solicited, sent, and received images and videos containing child pornography. Some of the images recovered involved prepubescent females engaged in sexual acts. Through his chats, investigators learned that Morrison had an interest in 10-14 year old females. The search also revealed that Morrison had made sexual advances to his girlfriend’s teenage daughter and that he had covertly photographed her over 130 times with his smartphone.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    This case was investigated by the FBI, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

    Morrison was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: CentralReach Joins Forces with Roper Technologies to Accelerate Outcomes for Individuals with Autism and IDDs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Fort Lauderdale, FL, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CentralReach, a leader in autism and IDD care software for applied behavior analysis (ABA), multidisciplinary therapy, and special education, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Roper Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: ROP) from global software investor Insight Partners. 

    Roper Technologies, a $60 billion public company headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, provides an autonomous operating model, allowing its businesses to continue operating independently while benefiting from Roper’s financial strength and strategic expertise. Roper chose to acquire CentralReach due to its talented team, industry-leading solutions, vital role in advancing care and outcomes for individuals with autism and IDD, and compelling business model. As part of this acquisition, CentralReach will continue to operate independently, maintaining its existing leadership, team, products, brands, and mission. 

    “Since joining CentralReach six years ago, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of Insight Partners, which has provided continuous financial and operational support for the significant investments we have made in product innovation and customer success. Through a combination of relentless execution and Insight’s support, we achieved exceptional organic growth over the past six years, which we supplemented through 14 strategic, roadmap-accelerating acquisitions,” said Chris Sullens, CEO of CentralReach. “As we entered our next phase of growth, I knew it was essential to find a partner who, like Insight Partners, shares our values and vision for tech-enabled autism and IDD care. Roper was that partner. With Roper’s long-term investment and commitment, CentralReach now has a permanent home where we can continue to scale, innovate, expand our impact, and continue to advance our mission in an even faster and more significant way than we have to date.” 

    Since 2018, CentralReach has grown from 20,000 users to over 200,000, investing significantly in product development and customer operations to take the originally envisioned product and turn it into one of the most intelligent, comprehensive, and performant platforms for providers and educators who serve individuals with autism and broader intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).  

    Richard Wells, Managing Director at Insight Partners, shared, “CentralReach has been a driving force in tech-enabled autism and IDD care, and it has been a privilege to support its journey over the past several years. Since our investment in 2018, we recognized the company’s immense potential – not only to become a market leader but also to empower providers and educators in unlocking potential for millions of individuals on the spectrum. Under Chris Sullens’ leadership, CentralReach has delivered on that vision. We are excited to see the company continue its growth and expanding its impact, now with the added strength of Roper.” 

    About CentralReach

    CentralReach is a leading provider of autism and IDD care software, providing a complete, end-to-end software and services platform that helps children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) – and those who serve them – unlock potential, achieve better outcomes, and live more independent lives. With its roots in Applied Behavior Analysis, the company is revolutionizing how the lifelong journey of autism and IDD care is enabled at home, school, and work with powerful and intuitive solutions purpose-built for each care setting. 

    Trusted by more than 200,000 professionals globally, CentralReach is committed to ongoing product advancement, market-leading industry expertise, world-class client satisfaction, and support of the autism and IDD community to propel autism and IDD care into a new era of excellence. For more information, please visit CentralReach.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

    About Insight Partners

    Insight Partners is a global software investor partnering with high-growth technology, software, and Internet startup and ScaleUp companies that are driving transformative change in their industries. As of September 30, 2024, the firm has over $90B in regulatory assets under management. Insight Partners has invested in more than 800 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO. Headquartered in New York City, Insight has offices in London, Tel Aviv, and the Bay Area. Insight’s mission is to find, fund, and work successfully with visionary executives, providing them with tailored, hands-on software expertise along their growth journey, from their first investment to IPO. For more information on Insight and all its investments, visit insightpartners.com or follow us on X @insightpartners. 

    About Roper Technologies

    Roper Technologies is a constituent of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000. Roper has a proven, long-term track record of compounding cash flow and shareholder value. The Company operates market leading businesses that design and develop vertical software and technology enabled products for a variety of defensible niche markets. Roper utilizes a disciplined, analytical, and process-driven approach to redeploy its excess capital toward high-quality acquisitions. Additional information about Roper is available on the Company’s website at www.ropertech.com. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: In a First, LNG Cargo Trade Indexed to Abaxx LNG Futures

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Abaxx Technologies Inc. (CBOE:ABXX)(OTCQX:ABXXF) (“Abaxx” or the “Company”), a financial software and market infrastructure company, majority shareholder of Abaxx Singapore Pte Ltd., the owner of Abaxx Commodity Exchange and Clearinghouse (individually, “Abaxx Exchange” and “Abaxx Clearing”), and producer of the SmarterMarkets™ Podcast, today announced the first over-the-counter (“OTC”) trade of an LNG cargo indexed to Abaxx LNG futures.

    Two Asia-based counterparties have agreed to trade an LNG cargo to be exported from the Gulf of Mexico (“GOM”) with the transaction price indexed to Abaxx GOM LNG futures. The adoption of Abaxx physically deliverable LNG futures as the price index for an OTC LNG cargo trade represents a significant milestone and advances their potential to become benchmarks in global LNG markets. On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Abaxx GOM LNG futures (May delivery) settled at $12.46/mmBtu¹, the Abaxx NWE LNG futures (May delivery) settled at $13.37/mmBtu, and the Abaxx NPA LNG Futures (May delivery) settled at $13.59/mmBtu.

    “This trade reflects the need for more precise LNG pricing as geopolitical shifts, including tariffs and trade disputes, continue to impact global commodities markets,” said Joe Raia, Chief Commercial Officer of Abaxx Exchange. “The use of Abaxx futures settlement prices for this high-value cargo gives the global LNG market confidence in the strength of our contracts and reinforces their role as a reliable tool for managing price risk with benchmarks that reflect real LNG market conditions more reliably than regional pipeline hubs or proxies.”

    About Abaxx Technologies Inc.

    Abaxx is building Smarter Markets — markets empowered by better financial technology and market infrastructure to address our biggest challenges, including the energy transition. In addition to developing and deploying financial technologies that make communication, trade, and transactions easier and more secure, Abaxx is the majority-owner of Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing, subsidiaries recognized by MAS as an RMO and ACH, respectively.

    Abaxx Exchange and Abaxx Clearing are a Singapore-based commodity futures exchange and clearinghouse, introducing centrally-cleared, physically deliverable commodities futures and derivatives to provide better price discovery and risk management tools for the commodities critical to our transition to a lower-carbon economy.

    For more information please visit abaxx.tech, abaxx.exchange and smartermarkets.media.

    For more information about this press release, please contact:
    Steve Fray, CFO
    Tel: +1 647 490 1590

    Media and Investor inquiries:
    Abaxx Technologies Inc.
    Investor Relations Team
    Tel: +1 647 490 1590
    E-mail: ir@abaxx.tech

    ¹“Million British thermal units”, a thermal unit of measurement for natural gas.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    This press release includes certain “forward-looking statements” which do not consist of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe Abaxx’s future plans, objectives, or goals, including words to the effect that Abaxx expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as “seeking”, “should”, “intend”, “predict”, “potential”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “estimates”, “may”, “could”, “would”, “will”, “continue”, “plan” or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Since forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to Abaxx, Abaxx does not provide any assurance that actual results will meet respective management expectations. Risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors involved with forward- looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

    Forward-looking information related to Abaxx in this press release includes, but is not limited to: Abaxx’s objectives, goals or future plans, introduction of new battery materials products; liquidity on Abaxx Exchange; the delivery of commodities subject to futures contracts; and the expected growth and positive impacts from global battery metal demand. Such factors impacting forward-looking information include, among others: risks relating to the global economic climate; dilution; Abaxx’s limited operating history; future capital needs and uncertainty of additional financing; the competitive nature of the industry; currency exchange risks; the need for Abaxx to manage its planned growth and expansion; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; the effect of government regulation and compliance on Abaxx and the industry; acquiring and maintaining regulatory approvals for Abaxx’s products and operations; the ability to list Abaxx’s securities on stock exchanges in a timely fashion or at all; network security risks; the ability of Abaxx to maintain properly working systems; reliance on key personnel; global economic and financial market deterioration impeding access to capital or increasing the cost of capital; and volatile securities markets impacting security pricing unrelated to operating performance. In addition, particular factors which could impact future results of the business of Abaxx include but are not limited to: operations in foreign jurisdictions; protection of intellectual property rights; contractual risk; third-party risk; clearinghouse risk; malicious actor risks; third-party software license risk; system failure risk; risk of technological change; dependence of technical infrastructure; changes in the price of commodities; capital market conditions; and restriction on labor and international travel and supply chains in addition to the risk factors identified in the Company’s most recent management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Abaxx has also assumed that no significant events occur outside of Abaxx’s normal course of business.

    Abaxx cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. In addition, although Abaxx has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. When relying on forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Abaxx has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraphs will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Abaxx as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Abaxx undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements and information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements and information. Cboe Canada does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EDUCATION FOR ALL

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 3:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of School Education and Literacy is implementing an integrated centrally sponsored scheme for School education- Samagra Shiksha. The scheme treats school education holistically, without segmentation from pre-primary to class XII in alignment with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to ensure that all children have access to quality education with an equitable and inclusive classroom environment which should take care of their diverse background, multilingual needs, different academic abilities and make them active participants in the learning process.

    Under Samagra Shiksha, financial assistance is provided to States and UTs for implementation of various provisions of Samagra Shiksha Scheme including  free uniform to eligible children at elementary level, free textbooks at elementary level, reimbursement under RTE Act, various qualitative components development of primers/textbooks for tribal language, teaching learning materials, transport/escort facility up to secondary level, special training for age appropriate admission of out of school children and residential as well as non-residential training for older children, seasonal hostels / residential camps, special training centers, age-appropriate residential and non-residential training, support to Out of School Children (16 to 19 years) for completion of education through NIOS/SIOS, Holistic Progress Card, bilingual teaching material and books.

    Further, financial assistance is also provided to the States and UTs for  opening/strengthening of new schools upto senior secondary level, construction of school buildings & additional classrooms, development/strengthening of school infrastructure in northern border areas under Vibrant Village Programme, setting up, up-gradation and running of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, setting up of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidyalayas, construction of hostels for PVTGs under PM-JANMAN, construction of hostels under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan for unsaturated ST population, strengthening of teacher education and strengthening of DIETs/BRCs/CRCs, provision of ICT and digital interventions.

    Under the student-oriented component for the children with special needs, financial assistance is provided for identification and assessment of children with special needs, aids and appliances, braille kits and books, appropriate teaching learning material and stipend to girl students with disability etc. It also has provisions for creation of differently-abled friendly infrastructure such as ramps, ramps with handrails and differently-abled friendly toilets for barrier free access in schools. Further, to improve the identification of CwSN, the Government has introduced the Prashast App for early screening and identification of CwSN in regular schools. Teacher capacity building programs are being undertaken under NISHTHA in hybrid mode to train general teachers to address the learning needs of CwSN.

    The New India Literacy Programme (NILP) popularly known as ULLAS – targets non-literates aged 15 years and above who have missed formal schooling and provide educational opportunities to them to make them literate. It is being implemented from FY 2022-23 to 2026-27. A dedicated ULLAS App has been created for registering learners and volunteer teachers. Till now, over 2.20 crore learners and more than 40 lakh volunteer teachers have registered on the app. The App also contains TLM in the form of ULLAS primers in all languages.

    The Scheme supports creation and strengthening of infrastructure like, School buildings, Additional Classrooms, Toilets, Drinking Water, Ramp and Handrails, electrifications, Boundary wall, Science labs, Library Rooms, Computer Rooms, and Major Repairs works as per state requirements.

    To bridge the gap between rural and urban areas in educational access, digital initiatives like ICT Labs, Smart Classrooms, PM e-Vidya including DIKSHA and SWAYAM PRABHA DTH-TV Channels are also being supported under the scheme.

    The annual plans are prepared by the States and UTs as per their requirements/ priority including creation/ strengthening of infrastructure, support to teachers’ salary etc. and same is reflected in their respective Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWP&B) Proposals. These plans are then appraised and approved by the Project Approval Board (PAB) in the Department of School Education & Literacy in consultation with the States and UTs as per the programmatic and financial norms of the scheme and physical and financial progress of the State for the interventions approved earlier.

    The information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

    *****

    MV/AK

    (Release ID: 2114376) Visitor Counter : 129

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Continuity and the spirit of an IT company”: what will the SHIFT of the St. Petersburg HSE be like?

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The School of Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science at the HSE in St. Petersburg has started 2025 with big changes: it is being transformed into SHIFT — the School of Informatics, Physics and Technology. VK is the key partner of the educational project. How students will study, what advantages does cooperation with a large technology company provide, and what awaits graduates of the new school — we tell you in our article.

    What is SHIFT?

    The School of Informatics, Physics and Technology is the successor to the Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in St. Petersburg. “The launch of the School of Informatics, Physics and Technology is a transition to a globally new concept. We are starting to build the faculty according to the model of an IT company: training will take place in conditions as close as possible to work in big tech. This approach will ensure seamless integration of graduates into the industry,” emphasizes Mikhail Mukhin, Dean of SHIFT.

    During the training, the role of practical training will increase significantly. The educational process will be built jointly with VK experts and other industrial partners of the School, while maintaining a strong academic base. As a result, students will receive a relevant set of skills and competencies, and bigtech will become a familiar environment for them.

    What specialties will SHIFT students master?

    SHIFT is five bachelor’s degree programs and the same number of master’s degree programs: four in IT and one in physics.

    Bachelor’s degree

    Applied data analysis and artificial intelligence Applied mathematics and informatics Computer technologies, systems and networks Programming and engineering of computer games Physics

    Master’s degree

    Machine learning and data analysis Design and development of high-load information systems UX analytics and information systems design Computational biology and bioinformatics Physics

    The flagship bachelor’s degree programs include new tracks: “Applied Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence” — RS (recommender systems), CV (computer vision), NLP (natural language processing), “Applied Mathematics and Computer Science” — high-load systems, industrial programming, tool development. The tracks are available in the third and fourth years.

    The master’s programs include elective tracks: “Machine learning and data analysis” – ML, advanced ML, “Design and development of high-load information systems” – software architecture, systems engineering, development management.

    At the end of the second year of the bachelor’s degree, students choose one of three tracks to study. Each semester has two or three fixed courses, and they choose the same number as part of the variable program.

    In the Master’s program, students also master compulsory basic disciplines, and half of the curriculum consists of elective subjects.

    “The technologies, knowledge and practical experience that we give to students will be in demand, no matter how the trends in the IT industry change. We give them both a strong base that allows them to develop in different directions, and practical skills that can be applied for further development in other areas,” explains Mikhail Mukhin.

    How will VK participate in the training of SHIFT students?

    VK is involved in creating educational programs in the field of artificial intelligence: recommender systems, computer vision, NLP (natural language processing). Students will be able to learn from the company’s cases, prove themselves in group projects, receive advice from experts, and (importantly) receive personalized scholarships.

    “We have big plans with VK not only to transform existing educational programs, but also to open project workshops. This is an important strategic partnership with a focus on the challenges facing businesses,” Mikhail Mukhin shares.

    What partners does SHIFT have besides VK?

    SHIFT develops cooperation with industry leaders. Among the latest important events: in September 2024, the HSE in St. Petersburg launched the educational program “Computer Technologies, Systems and Networks” with YADRO. In September 2025, a program on computer game development will start with “Lesta Igra”. Among the School’s important partners are 1C, BIOCAD, Gazprom Neft, Yandex and others. Experts conduct specializations and special courses, and also provide relevant cases, projects and tasks on which students learn.

    How is SHIFT similar to an IT company?

    Studying at SHIFT will be closer to the realities of a real IT company. For this purpose, it is planned to use different formats and approaches.

    Balance between academic completeness and practical orientation. Programs are created together with IT companies, leading experts in their field, and projects are close to real tasks.

    Organization of educational processes. During training, the Continuous Integration and Continuous Education approaches will be used. That is, all the knowledge that students receive in lectures is immediately applied in classes or projects. We will also integrate the Agile approach into training – when regular meetings are held, plans and tasks are discussed. Managers, curators and program directors will regularly communicate with students, and senior students will become mentors for first-year students and adapt them to life at the faculty, help them get involved in the educational process.

    Technologies in education: remote access and online broadcasting of all classes. Thanks to the project management system, students will work in an IT infrastructure that meets bigtech. The LCMS system will provide convenient access to educational content.

    Training takes place on real business problems in various laboratories: in the Engineering and Mathematics School of the Higher School of Economics and VK, the Laboratory of the Internet of Things and Cyber-Physical Systems YADRO, the 1C Project Center, the Laboratory of Bio- and Chemoinformatics, the HSE-Yandex Natural Language Laboratory, the Center for Machine Learning and Data Analysis, collaborating with Gazprom Neft, and the International Laboratory of Quantum Optoelectronics of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    Where will SHIFT students study?

    SHIFT will occupy part of the space of the new building of the Saint Petersburg Higher School of Economics — the Rope Workshop on Vasilievsky Island, a five-minute walk from the metro station. High-quality coworking spaces and comfortable seminar rooms will be set up here. Students from the first year will be able not only to work on cases of leading bigtech companies, but also to immerse themselves in the corporate culture of partners in branded spaces.

    Who is expected at SHIFT?

    SHIFT identifies personal characteristics that will indicate that undergraduate programs are suitable for an applicant:

    desire not just to learn how to apply technologies, but to understand the principles underlying the technologies; desire to develop. Students will have to study hard, and also devote a lot of time to homework and independent work. You need to be ready to constantly develop and grow; desire to achieve super results. Readiness to perceive training at SHIFT not as a process, but as a project with a high result; personal responsibility. SHIFT, like an IT company, has its own corporate culture, which is built on mutual respect and responsibility to students and colleagues.

    Graduates from non-core fields are also welcome to apply for Master’s programs. The main requirement is the readiness to master a new subject area and have high-quality basic training in mathematics and programming. During the studies, adaptation disciplines are provided to make up for non-core bachelor’s degrees. So the main personal characteristic here is motivation.

    What does studying at SHIFT give you?

    SHIFT graduates will have many advantages and skills:

    a relevant set of knowledge and competencies that allow you to be in demand on the labor market and successful in your career. All programs are developed with the participation of the School’s industrial partners, primarily VK; practical work in the infrastructure of IT companies and in the project approach paradigm; relevant work experience in big tech: projects, teachers, mentors, internships; mastering fundamental disciplines – deep knowledge in mathematics and programming; networking. The best graduates apply for middle, middle positions and in a short time become leading experts in the strongest leading IT companies in the country.

    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 –