Category: Machine Learning

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: MONSOON FORECAST AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:43PM by PIB Delhi

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has adopted a new strategy for issuing monthly and seasonal operational forecasts for the southwest monsoon rainfall over the country based on both the statistical forecasting system and the newly developed Multi-Model Ensemble (MME) based forecasting system. The MME approach uses the coupled global climate models (CGCMs) from different global climate prediction and research centers, including IMD’s Monsoon Mission Climate Forecasting System (MMCFS) model. The MMCFS and MME forecasts are updated every month. This was to satisfy the demands from different users and Government authorities for the forecasts of the spatial distribution of monthly and seasonal rainfall along with the regionally averaged rainfall forecasts for better regional planning of activities.

    Since introducing the Statistical Ensemble Forecasting System (SEFS) in 2007 and implementing the MME approach in 2021 for seasonal forecasting, IMD operational forecast for the monsoon rainfall has shown noticeable improvement. For example, the average absolute forecast error in the forecasting of all India’s seasonal rainfall has reduced by about 21% during the recent 18 years (2007-2024) compared to the same number of  previous years (1989-2006), which indicates a highly successful forecast in recent years compared to previous years. The anomaly correlation between the observed and forecast ISMR during 2007-2023 was 0.55 compared to -0.21 during 1989-2006. It may be noted that IMD was able to correctly forecast the twin deficient monsoon years of 2014-2015, as well as the below-normal rainfall in 2023 and above-normal rainfall in 2024. These clearly indicate improvement made in the operational forecast system in the recent 18 years period compared to the earlier 18 years period. For 2025, the MME approach will continue to be used as this method introduced in 2021 has shown good skill in forecasting both the area-averaged rainfall at various geographical regions and spatial distribution of rainfall across the country at monthly as well as seasonal scales.

    To strengthen weather and climate services for the agriculture sector, the MoES has launched the Mission Mausam, which is envisaged to be a multi-faceted and transformative initiative to boost India’s weather and climate-related science, research, and services. The Mission is launched to make Bharat a weather-ready and climate-smart nation with the aim that no weather will go undetected and early warning for all. It will help monsoon-dependent agricultural regions, citizens, and last-mile users to tackle extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change in a better way.

    Further, the Mission’s focus includes improving the observations by augmenting various observational networks throughout the country to provide highly accurate and timely weather and climate information across temporal and spatial scales, capacity building, and awareness generation. Apart from physics-based numerical models, the Ministry is developing new methods based on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies for weather, climate, and ocean forecasting systems. And the formulation of collaborative research projects with academic institutions to share knowledge and develop innovative solutions for weather forecasting and climate modeling capabilities. Local user communities such as farmers/agricultural authorities, aviation authorities, power generation & distribution agencies, industries, health agencies, etc., are constantly involved/engaged, and periodic familiarization is imparted through user meet/stakeholder meet awareness programs, etc. The feedback is taken from the communities for the improvement of all-weather & climate services. Extensive use of local languages in forecast dissemination and regularly organizing workshops and awareness programs for community outreach is being undertaken.

    By strengthening the observational network will also help to observe the changes in long-term weather patterns compared to past years to assess the changes in the climate and take measures towards climate resilience.

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been using satellite technology extensively for weather monitoring and forecasting. This started with the use of photographs from Television Infrared Observation Satellites (TIROS-1) launched by the United States of America (USA) in April 1960. These photographs provided new information on cloud systems, including spiral formations associated with large storms, immediately proving their value to operational meteorologists. Over the years, IMD has embraced new developments in satellites and their applications, boosted through global coordination and support, such as geostationary satellites in 1974 and polar-orbiting satellites. With the advent of Indian National Satellites (INSAT) developed by the Space Research Organisation (ISRO) satellites in 1982, IMD has augmented satellite applications utilizing image and data products in collaboration with the ISRO. Currently, IMD is utilizing available international satellites, including European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and INSAT-3DR/3DS, as well as polar-orbiting satellites, including Oceansat-3 and Metop-B/C. The utilization of satellite data and products has improved nowcasting and severe weather along with timely detection of large-scale systems like monsoon circulation, cyclones, western disturbances, thunderstorms, etc. Above 90% of the data in the numerical models run by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is satellite-based. The assimilation of satellite data in the models has improved the accuracy in short to medium range forecasting by about 20% to 30%. Algorithms/tools developed by IMD/ISRO and other international institutes, such as EUMETSAT, like nowcast tools, RAPID, Dvorak technique, etc., have improved decision-making and forecasting. These data and products are proven to be useful for disaster preparedness. However, there are still gaps in detecting small-scale weather events, such as cloudbursts, thunderstorms, localized heavy rainfall, squalls, hail storms, etc., due to a lack of high-resolution data, products, and satellite-based tools. Considering this, IMD and ISRO are working together for the development of the INSAT-4 series with better sensors and resolution.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English Translation of Prime Minister’s Press Statement during the Joint Press Statement with the Prime Minister of Thailand

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:53PM by PIB Delhi

    Your Excellency, Prime Minister Shinawatra,

    Delegates from both countries,

    Friends from the media,

    Namaskar!

    Sawadee Krap!

    I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shinawatra for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to me.

    I express my deepest condolences on behalf of the people of India for the loss of life in the earthquake that occurred on March 28. We also wish for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.

    Friends,

    The age-old relations between India and Thailand are rooted in our deep cultural and spiritual ties. The spread of Buddhism has brought our people together.

    There have been exchanges of scholars from Ayutthaya to Nalanda. The story of Ramayana is deeply rooted in Thai folk lore. And, the influence of Sanskrit and Pali continues to resonate with our languages and traditions today.

    I am grateful to the Government of Thailand for releasing a special postage stamp based on the 18th century ‘Ramayana’ mural paintings as part of my visit.

    Prime Minister Shinawatra just gifted me a Tri-Pitaka. On behalf of India, the land of Buddha, I accept it with folded hands. Last year, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha were sent from India to Thailand. It is a matter of great pleasure that more than four million devotees got the opportunity to pay their tributes. I am extremely happy to announce that the Holy Relics found in Aravali, Gujarat in 1960 will also be sent to Thailand for an exposition.

    This year our old connection was also visible in the Mahakumbh in India. More than 600 Buddhist devotees from foreign countries, including Thailand, became part of this spiritual and cultural gathering. This event gave the message of global peace and harmony.

    Friends,

    Thailand holds a special place in India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and the Indo-Pacific vision. Today, we have decided to strengthen our ties into a strategic partnership. Also, we discussed establishing a ‘Strategic Dialogue’ between our security agencies.

    We thanked the Government of Thailand for their cooperation in facilitating the return of Indian victims of cybercrime. We have agreed that our agencies will collaborate closely to combat human trafficking and illegal migration.

    We have emphasized on cooperation in the fields of tourism, culture and education between Thailand and the North-Eastern states of India.

    We discussed growing mutual trade, investment, and business exchanges. Agreements have also been made to foster cooperation in the areas of MSME, handloom and handicrafts.

    We have decided to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, digital technology, e-vehicles, robotics, space, bio-technology and start-ups. In addition to enhancing physical connectivity, both the countries will work to boost FinTech connectivity.

    With the aim of promoting people-to-people exchanges, India has started offering free e-visa facilities to Thai tourists.

    Friends,

    ASEAN is the comprehensive strategic partner of India, and in this region, as neighbouring maritime countries, we have shared interests in regional peace, stability, and prosperity.

    India firmly supports ASEAN unity and ASEAN centrality. In the Indo-Pacific region, both countries advocate a free, open, inclusive and rule-based order.

    We believe in development and not expansionism. We welcome Thailand’s decision to co-lead the ‘Maritime Ecology’ Pillar of the ‘Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative.

    Friends,

    I am eager to participate in the BIMSTEC Summit tomorrow. Under Thailand’s chairmanship, this forum has gained new momentum towards regional cooperation. We congratulate the Prime Minister and his team for this achievement.

    Excellency,

    Once again, I thank you for this warm welcome and honour. I also express my gratitude for this gift of the Tri-Pitaka.

    Khop Khun Khap!

    DISCLAIMER – This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Raksha Mantri exhorts AMC to continue adopting latest technologies to provide quality health services to soldiers

    Source: Government of India

    Raksha Mantri exhorts AMC to continue adopting latest technologies to provide quality health services to soldiers  

    “Need to develop tech for both defence & civilian sectors, Civil-military convergence is crucial for overall development”

    INHS Asvini, Mumbai bags RM Trophy for best hospital in AFMS for 2024

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:58PM by PIB Delhi

    “The medical sector is going through a phase of technological transformation across the globe, and the Army Medical Corps (AMC) must continue adopting latest advancements to provide quality health services to our soldiers,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the 261stRaising Day celebrations of AMC at Army Hospital (Research & Referral), Delhi Cantt. on April 03, 2025.

    While Raksha Mantri acknowledged AMC’s efforts of adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and carrying out research in cutting-edge tech, he stressed on the need to stay abreast with evolving practices to achieve new breakthroughs in the field. He pitched for encouraging simulator-based training, wherein expertise in medical procedure is achieved through machine-based learning. He batted for additional research and training centres for the personnel to achieve this proficiency.

    Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted the need to develop dual-use technologies, which can prove to be beneficial to both defence and civilian sectors. Civil-military convergence in the field of defence technology is crucial for the overall development, he said, while commending AMC for working with academia such as ICMR, IITs & AIIMS and medical organisations of other countries. He also urged AMC to explore the possibility of training medical professionals of other developing and under-developed countries to increase India’s stature in the field of military diplomacy.

    Raksha Mantri appreciated the remarkable contribution of AMC in reforming the health sector – from infrastructure to services and policy making to implementation. He stated that AMC has strengthened the combat medical readiness of the Armed Forces by introducing Advanced Mobile Surgical Units and Rapid Response Medical teams. Indigenous Trauma Management System and AI-powered medical triage systems have improved emergency response time & patient care, he added.

    Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that the services of AMC are not limited to the serving soldiers, and they continuously strive for the well-being of the ex-servicemen and their families.

    Raksha Mantri made special mention of Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, the incumbent and first female Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), describing her as a shining example of the growing Nari Shakti in the military. “Under her leadership, not only are our doctors carrying out exceptional work, the participation of women has also increased,” he said. 

    On the occasion, Shri Rajnath Singh presented the Raksha Mantri Trophy in recognition of the outstanding performance in delivery of healthcare to Armed Forces personnel. The trophy for the best hospital in AFMS for 2024 was awarded to INHS Asvini, Mumbai, while the second-best hospital trophy was given to Command Hospital, Western Command, Chandimandir, Haryana. These awards stand as testimony to the AMC’s unwavering pursuit of excellence and patient care.

    The event was attended by senior dignitaries, including Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, DGAFMS Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin and other civil and military officials.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SUPPORT TO MSMEs EXPORTERS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has developed a support system towards export promotion by setting up 65 Export Facilitation Centres (EFCs) in its field offices namely, MSME Development and Facilitation Offices, MSME Technology Centres and MSME Testing Centres. These EFCs handhold the MSMEs by providing MSMEs with support in documentation, market access, financing, technology adoption and training. Ministry of MSME also implements the International Cooperation (IC) Scheme which provides assistance for Capacity Building of First Time Exporters (CBFTE). Under the CBFTE, reimbursement is provided to new Micro &Small Enterprises (MSE) exporters for costs incurred on Registration-cum-Membership Certification (RCMC) with EPCs, Export Insurance Premium and testing & quality certification for exports. (ii) The Market Development Assistance (MDA) component of IC Scheme provides assistance on reimbursement basis to the eligible Central / State Government organizations and Industry Associations to facilitate participation of MSMEs in international exhibitions and fairs held abroad; and for organizing international conference in India with the aim of technology upgradation, modernization, joint venture etc.

    MSME Champions Scheme with three sub schemes, MSME-Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme, MSME-Competitive (LEAN) Scheme and MSME-Innovative Scheme (Incubation, Design& IPR) is a holistic approach to unify, synergize and converge with various Schemes and interventions to enable MSMEs to become globally competitive.

    Other initiatives for helping MSMEs to grow their business globally include Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) and Market Access Initiative (MAI) which facilitates participation of Indian Exporters in exhibitions, buyer seller meets, fairs etc. Initiatives like Districts as Export hubs identify export potential, address bottlenecks and supports local exporters / manufacturers. The Trade Connect e Platform is an information and intermediation platform on international trade, which provides comprehensive services for both new and existing exporters.

    To support MSMEs in accessing global market, the Government has taken following measures:

    (i)    Ministry of MSME has set up a dedicated support system for export promotion by setting up 65 Export Facilitation Centres (EFCs). These EFCs support MSMEs by disseminating information on various Schemes and supports available for the MSMEs for enhancing their  exports,  in linking them with financial institutions such as NBFCs, new fintech start-ups etc, to avail credit at competitive rates etc. 

    (ii)   Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme aims to provide support to Micro, Small and Medium enterprises through increased access to technological upgradation, market and credit by strengthening of Central and State agencies.

    (iii)  The Trade Connect e-Platform is an information and intermediation platform on international trade, which provides comprehensive services for both new and existing exporters.

    This information was given by the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TRAI releases Pre-Consultation Paper on “Review of existing TRAI Regulations on Interconnection matters”

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:15PM by PIB Delhi

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has today released a Pre-Consultation Paper on “Review of existing TRAI Regulations on Interconnection matters” seeking inputs from stakeholders. 

    To facilitate this review, the Authority invites all stakeholders to participate in the pre-consultation process by submitting the issues, concerns and suggestions pertaining to the existing interconnection regulations to develop a futuristic and robust regulatory framework for interconnection.

    Written comments on the Pre-Consultation Paper are invited from stakeholders by 16th April 2025. Inputs/ Comments received from stakeholders would be analysed and examined to prepare a consultation paper on the subject

    The comments may be sent, preferably in electronic form at adv-nsl1@trai.gov.in. For any clarification / information Shri Sameer Gupta, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum & Licensing-I), TRAI may be contacted at Telephone Number +91-11-20907752.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: UPDATES ON THE SPACE APPLICATIONS CENTRE OF ISRO

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 5:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The genesis of the Centre dates back to 1966, with establishment of the Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES), by late Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai in Ahmedabad. In 1972, the different units of ISRO in Ahmedabad pursuing research in applications of space technology were merged to form Space Applications Centre (SAC). A unique experiment called the Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) was conducted by SAC/ISRO during 1975-76. Hailed as ‘the largest techno-social experiment in the world’, SITE demonstrated the potential of satellite technology as an effective mass communication media, aimed at socio-economic development of rural India.

    Space Applications Centre (SAC), is a major and unique multi–disciplinary research and development Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). SAC today stands high in each of its endeavour with its strong space research & development capabilities and continues to deliver world-class technologies and applications for various national, strategic, societal and technology demonstration missions of ISRO. These applications are in diverse areas and primarily meet the communication, navigation and remote sensing needs of the country. Located at Ahmedabad, SAC is spread across three campuses having multi-disciplinary activities apart from Delhi Earth Station (DES), which is located in New Delhi.

    SAC has state-of-the-art electronic and mechanical fabrication facilities, highly sophisticated payload integration, climatic & environmental test facilities, systems reliability area, image processing and analysis facilities and project management support group.

    SAC is the lead centre in the development of key payload technologies for Earth Observation, Communication, Navigation and Space Exploration. Further, the Centre also develops various applications that cater to various user ministries in the field of Agriculture, Meteorology, Fisheries, Oceanography, Environment, Forest, Railways, Urban development etc.

    The notable technologies that were developed by the Space Applications Centre for spacecraft payloads including S-Band SAR for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, C-Band and X-Band Microwave Radars for RISAT series, Lander/Rover Cameras, Ka Radar Altimeters, Hazard Detection and Avoidance  Sensors for Lunar Landing for Chandrayaan-3, demonstration of spectrum sensing, ADS-B, GNSS-R reflectometry, Pseudolite systems for RLV, High resolution Electro-optical payloads, Ka-band payload for high throughput satellites (50 Gbps), spread-spectrum modems for Gaganyaan crew communication system, Indian Atomic clock-Indian Rubidium Atomic Frequency Standard (IRAFS) for NavIC and Travelling Wave Tube Amplifiers (TWTA) for Communication satellites. Currently, a large number of payloads are under various stages of realization at SAC including, GSAT-7R, HRSAT Series, Resourcesat-3 series, Oceansat-3A, G20- Satellite, Indian Mauritius Joint Satellite (IMJS), GSAT-N3, IDRSS-2, payloads for Quantum Communication.

    Various downstream applications developed and demonstrated for users include National Drought Portal for Krishi-Decision Support System (DSS), application development for Yield Estimation System based on Technology (YES-Tech) program under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Geospatial Energy map portal of India, Sea Ice Advisories for polar expedition routes for National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), System for national scale Crop Yield Estimation, Very short range weather forecast, Value added Agro-Met products for Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS), Hybrid weather prediction system for customized station specific weather forecast (transferred to Bihar Mausam Sewa Kendra (BMSK) for operational use), Satellite and in situ based data assimilative technique for ocean wave forecasting (transferred to Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Hyderabad), High Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) methodology for using Doppler Weather Radars (DWR) data (transferred to India Meteorological Department (IMD), New Delhi), Satellite-based ocean drift model for search and rescue (transferred this application to National Operational Data Processing and analysis Centre (NODPAC)/ Indian Navy, Kochi), Monitoring of fishing boats with keel lengths <24m which is now being rolled-out nationally, Locomotive-mounted satcom terminals for tracking of trains for safety-of-life & train information, real-time aircraft tracking for aviation safety & fleet management, authentication geo-fixes for Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) – Aadhar enrolment operatives, Indus river-level monitoring system, high-accuracy NavIC receivers for e-tolling applications for National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

    SAC objectives are realized and met with a well-planned strategy for a sustained capacity building through skilled human resources, establishment of state-of-the-art facilities, industry and academia participation and international cooperation under a well-defined policy support of ISRO. SAC has been proactively enhancing and upgrading the skills and competencies of internal human resource through standard as well as tailored training and development programs. SAC has systematic capacity enhancement plans at individual level to meet the organizational objectives, which also includes non-training interventions such as conferences, seminars, workshops at national as well as international levels. Higher education in premier academic institutions is also a part of the capacity enhancement strategy.

    SAC has built a strong partnership with over 300 small, medium and large scale industries and commercial organizations specialized in various fields including RF, Digital, Optical, Microwave, Mechanical, Electrical, Antenna, Scientific software, specialized materials etc. are presently associated with SAC. SAC has a well-established academia partnership programs for research in the areas associated with space technology, space science and exploration including RESPOND, STC etc.

    SAC has state-of-the-art highly sophisticated payload integration laboratories, electronic & Mechanical fabrication facilities, environmental test facility, image processing, and analysis facilities.

    SAC has outlined a detailed technology roadmap, as a part of space vision 2047. It is envisioning a new paradigm of space borne observations for Earth system and Planetary studies with special emphasis on developing advanced Radars, LIDAR, Hyperspectral and Terahertz technologies with high quality analysis-ready data products and also advanced techniques for geophysical parameters retrieval and customised web-based solutions to meet various User requirements in the domain of Agriculture, Forestry, Coastal Zone Management, Meteorology, Fisheries, Urban Planning, Oceanography etc.

    SAC has defined roadmap for development of Quantum technologies including Space Based Quantum Communication, Quantum Sensing and Quantum computing.

    SAC has evolved roadmap for competitive & advanced Satellite Navigation (SATNAV) services and achieve larger penetration of NavIC applications across strategic, civilian and scientific domains; secure and self-reliant Satellite Communication (SATCOM) systems and applications; NavCom systems and applications for various Users all of which will be enabled by indigenous technology, products & services and propelled by Indian Industries/NGEs.

    SAC has defined roadmap for state-of-the art capability and self-reliance in design and development of crew centric systems for Human Space Programme and ensure crew safety through specific human-rated R&QA practices.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Artemis II Insignia Honors All

    Source: NASA

    The four astronauts who will be the first to fly to the Moon under NASA’s Artemis campaign have designed an emblem to represent their mission that references both their distant destination and the home they will return to. The crew unveiled their patch in this April 2, 2025, photo.
    The crew explained the patch’s symbolism, and its play on the abbreviation of Artemis II to AII, with the following description: The Artemis II test flight begins when a mighty team launches the first crew of the Artemis generation. This patch designates the mission as “AII,” signifying not only the second major flight of the Artemis campaign, but also an endeavor of discovery that seeks to explore for all and by all. Framed in Apollo 8’s famous Earthrise photo, the scene of the Earth and the Moon represents the dual nature of human spaceflight, both equally compelling: The Moon represents our exploration destination, focused on discovery of the unknown. The Earth represents home, focused on the perspective we gain when we look back at our shared planet and learn what it is to be uniquely human. The orbit around Earth highlights the ongoing exploration missions that have enabled Artemis to set sights on a long-term presence on the Moon and soon, Mars.
    Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialist Christina Koch from NASA, and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen from CSA (Canadian Space Agency), will venture around the Moon in 2026 on Artemis II. The 10-day flight will test NASA’s foundational human deep space exploration capabilities, the SLS rocket, Orion spacecraft, for the first time with astronauts. Through Artemis, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.
    Text credit: Brandi Dean, Courtney Beasley
    Image credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: University Student Research Challenge (USRC) Awards

    Source: NASA

    University Student Research Challenge (USRC) seeks to challenge students to propose new ideas/concepts that are relevant to NASA Aeronautics. USRC will provide students, from accredited U.S. colleges or universities, with grants for their projects and with the challenge of raising cost share funds through a crowdfunding campaign. The process of creating and implementing a crowdfunding campaign acts as a teaching accelerator – requiring students to act like entrepreneurs and raise awareness about their research among the public.
    The solicitation goal can be accomplished through project ideas such as advancing the design, developing technology or capabilities in support of aviation, by demonstrating a novel concept, or enabling advancement of aeronautics-related technologies.
    Eligibility: NASA funding is available to all accredited U.S. institutions of higher education (e.g. universities, four-year colleges, community colleges, or other two-year institutions). Students must be currently enrolled (part-time or full-time) at the institution. NASA has no set expectations as to the team size. The number of students participating in the investigation is to be determined by the scope of the project and the student Team Leader.
    The USRC solicitation is currently Closed with Proposals next due June 26, 2025. Please visit NSPIRES to receive alerts when more information is available.
    A USRC Q&A/Info Session and Proposal Workshop will be held May 12, 2025, at 2pm ET ahead of the USRC Submission deadline in June 2025. Join the Q&A
    Please email us at HQ-USRC@mail.nasa.gov if you have any questions or to schedule a 1 on 1.

    Context-Aware Cybersecurity for UAS Traffic Management (Texas A&M University)Developing, testing, and pursuing transition of an aviation-context-aware network authentication and segmentation function, which holistically manages cyber threats in future UAS traffic control systems.Student Team: Vishwam Raval (Team Lead), Michael Ades, Garett Haynes, Sarah Lee, Kevin Lei, Oscar Leon, McKenna Smith, Nhan Nick TruongFaculty Mentors: Jaewon Kim and Sandip RoySelected: 2025

    Reconnaissance and Emergency Aircraft for Critical Hurricane Relief (North Carolina State University)Developing and deploying advanced unmanned aerial systems designed to locate, communicate with, and deliver critical supplies to stranded individuals in the wake of natural disasters.Student Team: Tobias Hullette (Team Lead), Jose Vizcarrondo, Rishi Ghosh, Caleb Gobel, Lucas Nicol, Ajay Pandya, Paul Randolph, Hadie SabbahFaculty Mentor: Felix EwereSelected: 2025

    Design and Prototyping of a 9-phase Dual-Rotor Motor for Supersonic Electric Turbofan (Colorado School of Mines)Designing and prototyping a scaled-down 9-phase dual-rotor motor (DRM) for a supersonic electric turbofan.Student Team: Mahzad Gholamian (Team Lead), Garret Reader, Mykola Mazur, Mirali SeyedrezaeiFaculty Mentor: Omid BeikSelected: 2024

    Project F.I.R.E (Fire Intervention Retardant Expeller) (Cerritos Community College)Mitigating wildfires with drone released fire retardant pellets.Student Team: Angel Ortega Barrera (Team Lead), Larisa Mayoral, Paola Mayoral Jimenez, Jenny Rodriguez, Logan Stahl, Juan VillaFaculty Mentor: Janet McLarty-SchroederSelected: 2024

    Learning cooperative policies for adaptive human-drone teaming in shared airspace (Cornell University)Enabling new coordination and communication models for smoother, more efficient, and robust air traffic flow.Student Team: Mehrnaz Sabet (Team Lead), Aaron Babu, Marcus Lee, Joshua Park, Francis Pham, Owen Sorber, Roopak Srinivasan, Austin ZhaoFaculty Mentor: Sanjiban Choudhury, Susan FussellSelected: 2024Crowdfunding Website

    Investigation on Cryogenic Fluid Chill-Down Time for Supersonic Transport Usage (University of Washington, Seattle)Investigating reducing the boil-off of cryogenic fluids in pipes using vortex generators.Student Team: Ryan Fidelis (Team Lead), Alexander Ala, Kaleb ShawFaculty Mentor: Fiona Spencer, Robert BreidenthalSelected: 2024Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “Students win NASA grant to develop AI for safer aerial traffic“

    Clean Forever-Flying Drones: Utilizing Ocean Water for Hydrogen Extraction in Climate Monitoring (Purdue University)An ocean-based fueling station and a survey drone that can refuel in remote areas.Student Team: Holman Lau (Team Lead), Nikolai Baranov, Andrej Damjanov, Chloe Hardesty, Smit KapadiaFaculty Mentor: Li QiaoSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Intelligent drone for detection of people during emergency response operation (Louisiana State University and A&M College)Using machine learning algorithms for images and audio data, integrated with gas sensing for real-time detection of people on UAS.Student Team: Jones Essuman (Team Lead), Tonmoy Sarker, Samer TahboubFaculty Mentor: Xiangyu MengSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Advancing Aerospace Materials Design through High-Fidelity Computational Peridynamic Modeling and Modified SVET Validation of Corrosion Damage (California State University, Channel Islands)Modeling electrochemical corrosion nonlocally and combining efforts from bond-based and state-based theory.Student Team: Trent Ruiz (Team Lead), Isaac Cisneros, Curtis HauckFaculty Mentor: Cynthia FloresSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Swarm Micro UAVs for Area Mapping in GPS-denied Areas (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University)Using swarm robotics to map complex environments and harsh terrain with Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAVs)Student Team: Daniel Golan (Team Lead), Stanlie Cerda-Cruz, Kyle Fox, Bryan Gonzalez, Ethan ThomasFaculty Mentor: Sergey V. DrakunovSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “Student Research on Drone Swarm Mapping Selected to Compete at NASA Challenge“

    AeroFeathers—Feathered Airfoils Inspired by the Quiet Flight of Owls (Michigan Tech University)Creating new propeller blades and fixed wing design concepts that mimic the features of anowl feather and provide substantial noise reduction benefits.Student Team: William Johnston (Team Lead), Pulitha Godakawela Kankanamalage, Amulya Lomte, Maria Jose Carrillo Munoz, Brittany Wojciechowski, Laura Paige Nobles, Gabrielle MathewsFaculty Mentor: Bhisham SharmaSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Laser Energized Aerial Drone System (LEADS) for Sustained Sensing Applications (Michigan State University)Laser based, high-efficiency optical power transfer for UAV charging for sustained flight and monitoring.Student Team: Gavin Gardner (Team Lead), Ryan Atkinson, Brady Berg, Ross Davis, Gryson Gardner, Malachi Keener, Nicholas MichaelsFaculty Mentor: Woongkul LeeSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    LEADS team Website

    UAM Contingency Diagnosis Toolkit (Ohio State University)A UAM contingency diagnosis toolkit which that includes cognitive work requirements (CWRs) for human operators, information sharing requirements, and representational designs.Student Team: Connor Kannally (Team Lead), Izzy Furl, Luke McSherry, Abhinay PaladuguFaculty Mentor: Martijn IJtsmaSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    Project Website
    Web Article: “NASA Awards $80K to Ohio State students through University Research Challenge“

    Hybrid Quadplane Search and Rescue Missions (NC A&T University)An autonomous search and rescue quadplane UAS supported by an unmanned mobile landing platform/recharge station ground vehicle.Student Team: Luis Landivar Olmos (Team Lead), Dakota Price, Amilia Schimmel, Sean TisdaleFaculty Mentor: A. HomaifarSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website

    Drone Based Water Sampling and Quality Testing – Special Application in the Raritan River (Rutgers University, New Brunswick)An autonomous water sampling drone system.Student Team: Michael Leitner (Team Lead), Xavier Garay, Mohamed Haroun, Ruchit Jathania, Caleb Lippe, Zachary Smolder, Chi Hin TamFaculty Mentor: Onur BilgenSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    Project Website

    Development of a Low-Cost Open-Source Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Machine – Arc One (Case Western Reserve University)A small-scale, modular, low-cost, and open-source Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) platform.Student Team: Vishnushankar Viraliyur Ramasamy (Team Lead), Robert Carlstrom, Bathlomew Ebika, Jonathan Fu, Anthony Lino, Garrett TiengFaculty Mentor: John LewandowskiSelected: 2023Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “PhD student wins funding from NASA and develops multidisciplinary team of undergraduate students to build novel machine“

    Low Cost and Efficient eVTOL Platform Leveraging Opensource for Accessibility (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)Lowering the barrier of entry into eVTOL deployment and development with a low cost, efficient, and open source eVTOL platformStudent Team: Martin Arguelles-Perez (Team Lead), Benjamin Bishop, Isabella Laurito, Genaro Marcial Lorza, Eman YonisFaculty Mentor: Venkatesan MuthukumarSelected: 2022

    Applying Space-Based Estimation Techniques to Drones in GPS-Denied Environments (University Of Texas, Austin)Taking real-time inputs from flying drones and outputting an accurate state estimation with 3-D error ellipsoid visualizationStudent Team: James Mitchell Roberts (Team Lead), Lauren Byram, Melissa PiresFaculty Mentor: Adam NokesSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Project Website
    Web Article: “GPS-free Drone Tech Proposal Lands Undergrads Spot in NASA Challenge“

    Underwing Distributed Ducted Fan ‘FanFoil’ Concept for Transformational Aerodynamic and Aeroacoustic Performance (Texas Tech University, Lubbock)Novel highly under-cambered airfoils with electric ducted fans featuring ’samara’ maple seed inspired blades for eVTOL applicationStudent Team: Jack Hicks (Team Lead), Harrison Childre, Guilherme Fernandes, David Gould, Lorne Greene, Muhammad Waleed Saleem, Nathan ShapiroFaculty Mentor: Victor Maldonado Selected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Web Articles: “Improving Ducted-Fan eVTOL Efficiency” (AvWeek), “Sky Taxies“

    Urban Cargo Delivery Using eVTOL Aircrafts (University Of Illinois, Chicago)A bi-objective optimization formulation minimizing total run costs of a two-leg cargo delivery system and community noise exposure to eVTOL operationsStudent Team: Nahid Parvez Farazi (Team Lead), Amy Hofstra, Son NguyenFaculty Mentor: Bo ZouSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “PhD student awarded NASA grant to investigate urban cargo delivery systems“

    Congestion Aware Path Planning for Optimal UAS Traffic Management (University Of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign)A feasible, provably safe, and quantifiably optimal path planning framework considering fully autonomous UAVs in urban environmentsStudent Team: Minjun Sung (Team Lead), Christoph Aoun, Ivy Fei, Christophe Hiltebrandt-McIntosh, Sambhu Harimanas Karumanchi, Ran TaoFaculty Mentor: Naira HovakimyanSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “NASA funds UAV traffic management research“

    AeroZepp: Aerostat Enabled Drone Glider Delivery System / Whisper Ascent: Quiet Drone Delivery (University of Delaware)An aerostat enabled low-energy UAV payload delivery systemStudent Team: Wesley Connor (Team Lead), Abubakarr Bah, Karlens SenatusFaculty Mentor: Suresh AdvaniSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website

    Sustainable Transport Research Aircraft for Test Operation (STRATO) (Rutgers University, New Brunswick)An open source, efficiently driven, optimized Active Flow Control (AFC) enhanced control surface for UAV research platformsStudent Team: Daulton James (Team Lead), Jean Alvarez, Frederick Diaz, Michael Ferrell, Shriya Khera, Connor Magee, Roy Monge Hidalgo, Bertrand SmithFaculty Mentor: Edward DeMauroSelected: 2022Crowdfunding Website
    Web Articles: “SoE Students Eligible for NASA University Student Research Challenge Award“, “Senior Design Team Captures NASA Research Challenge“
    A recorded STRATO USRC Tech Talk

    Dronehook: A Novel Fixed-Wing Package Retrieval System (University Of Notre Dame)Envisioning a world where items can be retrieved from remote locations in a simple fashion from efficient fixed-wing UAVsStudent Team: Konrad Rozanski (Team Lead), Dillon Coffey, Bruce Smith, Nicholas OrrFaculty Mentor: Jane Cleland-HuangSelected: 2021Crowdfunding Website
    Web Article: “Notre Dame student team wins NASA research award for drone scoop and grab technology“

    Aerial Intra-city Delivery Electric Drones (AIDED) with High Payload Capacity (Michigan State University)A high-payload capacity delivery drone capable of safely latching and charging on electrified public transportation systemsStudent Team: Yuchen Wang (Team Lead), Hunter Carmack, Kindred Griffis, Luke Lewallen, Scott Newhard, Caroline Nicholas, Shukai Wang, Kyle WhiteFaculty Mentor: Woongkul LeeSelected: 2021AIDED Crowdfunding Website
    AIDED Project Website or Team Website
    Web Articles: “Spartan Engineers win NASA research award” and “NASA Aeronautics amplification“; “Ross Davis & Gavin Gardner on The Guy Gordon Show“; “MSU Students Create Delivery Drone for NASA“; “Student drone project flying high with help from NASA“
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk

    Robotic Fabrication Work Cell for Customizable Unmanned Aerial Systems (Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University)A robotic, multi-process work cell to autonomously fabricate topologically optimized UASs tailored for immediate application needsStudent Team: Tadeusz Kosmal (Team Lead), Kieran Beaumont, Om Bhavsar, Eric Link, James LoweFaculty Mentor: Christopher WilliamsSelected: 2021Crowdfunding Website
    RAV-FAB Project Website
    Web Articles: “Drones that fly away from a 3D printer: Undergraduates create science nonfiction” and “3D printing breaks out of the box / VTx / Virginia Tech“
    NASA VT USRC Web Article: “USRC Students Sees Success with Crowdfunding, NASA Grants“
    Publication: Hybrid additive robotic workcell for autonomous fabrication of mechatronic systems – A case study of drone fabrication – ScienceDirect
    Team Social Media: Instagram: @ravfab_vt; LinkedIn: @rav-fab; YouTube
    View RAV-FAB USRC Tech Talk #1 or USRC Tech Talk #2

    Real Time Quality Control in Additive Manufacturing Using In-Process Sensing and Machine Learning (Cornell University)A high-precision and low-cost intelligent sensor-based quality control technology for Additive ManufacturingStudent Team: Adrita Dass (Team Lead), Talia Turnham, Benjamin Steeper, Chenxi Tian, Siddharth Patel, Akula Sai Pratyush, Selina KirubakarFaculty Mentor: Atieh MoridiSelected: 2021Crowdfunding Website
    AMAS Project Website
    Web Article: “Students win NASA challenge with 3D-printer smart sensor“
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic

    AVIATA: Autonomous Vehicle Infinite Time Apparatus (University of California, Los Angeles)A drone swarm system capable of carrying a payload in the air indefinitelyStudent Team: Chirag Singh (Team Lead), Ziyi Peng, Bhrugu Mallajosyula, Willy Teav, David Thorne, James Tseng, Eric Wong, Axel Malahieude, Ryan Nemiroff, Yuchen Yao, Lisa FooFaculty Mentor: Jeff EldredgeSelected: 2020Crowdfunding Website
    AVIATA Project Website
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on AVIATA
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    Redundant Flight Control System for BVLOS UAV Operations (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University)A redundant flight control system as a “back-up” to the primary flight computer to enhance safety of sUASStudent Team: Robert Moore (Team Lead), Joseph Ayd, and Todd MartinFaculty Mentor: John RobbinsSelected: 2020Crowdfunding Website
    Web Articles: “NASA Web Article“; “Drone Innovation Top Embry-Riddle Entrepreneurship Competition“
    Follow the team’s progress at: https://www.facebook.com/Assured Autonomy
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    Multi-Mode Hybrid Unmanned Delivery System: Combining Fixed-Wing and Multi-Rotor Aircraft with Ground Vehicles (Rutgers University)Extending drone delivery distance with a multi-mode hybrid delivery systemStudent Team: Paul Wang (Team Lead), Nolan Angelia, Muhammet Ali GungorFaculty Mentor: Onur BilgenSelected: 2020Crowdfunding Website
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    AVIS: Active Vortex Inducing System for Flow Separation Control to Improve Airframe Efficiency (Georgia Institute of Technology)Use an array of vortex generators that can be adjusted throughout flight to increase wing efficiencyStudent Team: Michael Gamarnik (Team Lead), Shiva Khanna Yamamoto, Noah Mammen, Tommy Schrager, Bethe NewgentFaculty Mentor: Kelly GriendlingSelected: 2020Go to AVIS team site
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on AVIS
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021
    NASA Web Article

    Hybrid Airplanes – An Optimum and Modular Approach (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo)Model and test powertrain to maximize the efficiency of hybrid airplanesStudent Team: Nicholas Ogden (Team Lead), Joseph Shy, Brandon Bartlett, Ryker Bullis, Chino Cruz, Sara Entezar, Aaron Li, Zach YamauchiFaculty Mentor: Paulo IscoldSelected: 2019A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    ATLAS Air Transportation (South Dakota State University)A multipurpose, automated drone capable of comfortably lifting the weight of an average personStudent Team: Isaac Smithee (Team Lead), Wade Olson, Nicolas Runge, Ryan Twedt, Anthony Bachmeier, Matthew Berg, Sterling BergFaculty Mentors: Marco Ciarcia, Todd LetcherSelected: 2019A recorded USRC Tech Talk #1 and USRC Tech Talk #2 on ATLAS
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    Software-Defined GPS Augmentation Network for UAS Navigation (University Of Oklahoma, Norman)A novel solution of enhanced GPS navigation for unmanned aerial vehiclesStudent Team: Robert Rucker (Team Lead), Alex Zhang, Jakob Fusselman, Matthew GilliamMentors: Dr. Yan (Rockee) Zhang (Faculty Mentor), Dr Hernan Suarez (Team Technical Mentor)Faculty Mentors: Marco Ciarcia, Todd LetcherSelected: 2019Crowdfunding Website
    A recorded USRC Tech Talk on this topic
    The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    UAV Traffic Information Exchange Network (Purdue University)A blockchain-inspired secure, scalable, distributed, and efficient communication framework to support large scale UAV operationsStudent Team: Hsun Chao (Team Lead) and Apoorv MaheshwariFaculty Mentors: Daniel DeLaurentis (Faculty Mentor), Shashank TamaskarSelected: 2018Web Article: “Student-developed communication network for UAVs interests NASA“The recorded poster session at the TACP Showcase 2021

    University Student Research Challenge
    University Leadership Initiative
    University Innovation Project
    Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 109

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 109
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    210 PM CDT Thu Apr 3 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southern Arkansas
    Northern Louisiana
    Northwest Mississippi
    Northeast Texas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 210 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

    SUMMARY…As the atmosphere continues to destabilize, severe storms
    including supercells are expected to develop near a frontal boundary
    that extends generally southwest-northeast across the region. Any
    storms that develop near/south of the boundary could pose a tornado
    risk, aside from large hail and damaging winds.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 10 miles south of Tyler TX to 50
    miles north of Greenville MS. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 107…WW 108…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean
    storm motion vector 23035.

    …Guyer

    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 109
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    210 PM CDT Thu Apr 3 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southern Arkansas
    Northern Louisiana
    Northwest Mississippi
    Northeast Texas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 210 PM until
    1000 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes and a couple intense tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

    SUMMARY…As the atmosphere continues to destabilize, severe storms
    including supercells are expected to develop near a frontal boundary
    that extends generally southwest-northeast across the region. Any
    storms that develop near/south of the boundary could pose a tornado
    risk, aside from large hail and damaging winds.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 50 statute miles
    north and south of a line from 10 miles south of Tyler TX to 50
    miles north of Greenville MS. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 107…WW 108…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 550. Mean
    storm motion vector 23035.

    …Guyer

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW9
    WW 109 TORNADO AR LA MS TX 031910Z – 040300Z
    AXIS..50 STATUTE MILES NORTH AND SOUTH OF LINE..
    10S TYR/TYLER TX/ – 50N GLH/GREENVILLE MS/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 45NM N/S /35WSW GGG – 56NW SQS/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 550. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 23035.

    LAT…LON 32939540 34919098 33479098 31489540

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU9.

    Watch 109 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Mod (40%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (30%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Support for the digital transition for small and medium-sized enterprises (SΜΕs) in the EU – E-000097/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is deploying the InvestEU Innovation and Digitalisation Guarantee[1] — a pan-European instrument implemented by the European Investment Fund (EIF)[2] and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for digitalisation of their business models, supply chain management, business development, cybersecurity, training and upskilling .

    Equity support for start-ups in the area of EU’s digital transformation and independence is equally available under InvestEU[3].

    Under the Pact for Skills[4], the Commission supports the development of digital skills in SMEs. A large-scale partnership is governed by the European Digital SME Alliance[5] and other organisations that are either SMEs or support skills development in SMEs.

    Activities include matchmaking events to improve access to finance, analyses of skills bottlenecks and definition of key performance indicators.

    As digital skills are important for all industrial ecosystems, regular information activities and events ensure smooth dialogue and coordination across all sectors.

    The Commission is committed to enhancing the competitiveness and fostering the adoption of breakthrough technologies by SMEs by implementing several initiatives[6] not only to reduce the cost of accessing advanced technologies, but also to ensure that European SMEs can fully participate in the EU’s digital transformation.

    The Commission will shortly present a third Omnibus, including on small mid-caps and removal of paper requirements.

    • [1] https://www.eif.org/InvestEU/guarantee_products/index.htm
    • [2] https://www.eif.org/index.htm
    • [3] https://www.eif.org/InvestEU/equity_products/index.htm
    • [4] https://pact-for-skills.ec.europa.eu/about/industrial-ecosystems-and-partnerships/digital_en
    • [5] https://www.digitalsme.eu/
    • [6] European Digital Innovation Hubs; Artificial Intelligence Innovation Package; Digital Single Market Strategy etc.
    Last updated: 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The risk of polycrisis in the immediate future – E-001298/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001298/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sebastião Bugalho (PPE), Lídia Pereira (PPE), Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral (PPE), Sérgio Humberto (PPE), Paulo Cunha (PPE), Hélder Sousa Silva (PPE)

    A strong transatlantic alliance is crucial to address common challenges. It is in the interest of the EU and the United States that their relationship is preserved.

    However, the decision of the US administration to end the US development aid is an alarming one. In the last three months, 1.3 million displaced Ukrainians have lost financial support and shelter and 2.7 million no longer have access to medical assistance. In Africa, it is feared that the cuts to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) could lead to a migration crisis similar to that of 2015 in Syria. In Sudan, 25 million people are enduring acute food insecurity and at least 638 000 people are experiencing famine.

    We now risk facing a security crisis on the eastern front, the return of organised terrorism[1] and simultaneous health and migration crises, all converging in time and space.

    • 1.Has the Commission assessed the impact of USAID cuts? If so, how will the EU address the gap caused by this defunding?
    • 2.Are any partnerships with non-EU countries being considered to mitigate its effects?
    • 3.The debate on the US withdrawal mainly focuses on the defence aspect, but its impact is far-reaching. Is the Commission taking into account the scenario of simultaneous migration and health crises arising as a consequence?

    Submitted: 27.3.2025

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/12/16/fight-against-terrorism-and-violent-extremism-council-approves-conclusions-on-reinforcing-external-internal-links/.
    Last updated: 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Hungary’s ban on Pride – E-001277/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001277/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Diana Riba i Giner (Verts/ALE)

    The recent amendment to Hungary’s so-called ‘child protection’ law, which bans Pride marches and authorises police to use facial recognition technology to track participants, represents a serious challenge to EU law. This targeted attack on the LGBTIQ+ community is a direct and deliberate violation of fundamental EU principles. The right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights as a cornerstone of EU values. Additionally, the use of AI-driven surveillance to monitor individuals exercising their rights raises significant concerns regarding privacy, data protection and discrimination, directly conflicting with the EU AI Act and existing privacy regulations. This constitutes a discriminatory measure aimed at undermining the rights and dignity of LGBTIQ+ individuals.

    • 1.What immediate actions will the Commission take to address this clear breach of fundamental rights and ensure Hungary upholds its obligations under the EU Treaties?
    • 2.Given the systematic erosion of LGBTIQ+ rights in Hungary, will the Commission take legal steps to prevent further democratic backsliding and protect affected communities?

    Submitted: 26.3.2025

    Last updated: 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Hungary’s ban on pride marches – E-001276/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001276/2025
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Diana Riba i Giner (Verts/ALE)

    The recent amendment to Hungary’s so-called ‘child protection’ law, which bans pride marches and authorises police to use facial recognition technology to track participants, represents a serious challenge to EU law. This targeted attack on the LGBTIQ+ community is a direct and deliberate violation of fundamental EU principles. The right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights as a cornerstone of EU values. Additionally, the use of AI-driven surveillance to monitor individuals exercising their rights raises significant concerns regarding privacy, data protection and discrimination, directly conflicting with the EU AI Act and existing privacy regulations. This constitutes a discriminatory measure aimed at undermining the rights and dignity of LGBTIQ+ individuals.

    • 1.What immediate actions will the Council take to address this clear violation of fundamental rights and ensure that Hungary complies with its obligations under EU treaties?
    • 2.Given the ongoing erosion of LGBTIQ+ rights in Hungary, how does the Council plan to respond in order to prevent further democratic backsliding and protect affected communities?

    Submitted: 26.3.2025

    Last updated: 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-Evening Report: 1 trillion species, 3 billion years: how we used AI to trace the evolution of bacteria on Earth

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Woodcroft, Associate Professor of Microbial Informatics, Queensland University of Technology

    Association of two Cyanobacteria (Oscillatoria sp. and Chroococcus sp.). Ekky Ilham/Shutterstock

    There are roughly a trillion species of microorganisms on Earth – the vast majority of which are bacteria.

    Bacteria consist of a single cell. They do not have bones and are not like big animals that leave clear signs in the geological record, which thankful palaeontologists can study many millions of years later.

    This has made it very hard for scientists to establish a timeline of their early evolution. But with the help of machine learning, we have been able to fill in many of the details. Our new research, published today in Science, also reveals some bacteria developed the ability to use oxygen long before Earth became saturated with it roughly 2.4 billion years ago.

    A monumental event in Earth’s history

    About 4.2 billion years ago, the Moon formed. Violently. A Mars-size object collided with Earth, turning its surface into molten rock. If life existed before this cataclysm, it was probably destroyed.

    After that, the current ancestors of all living beings appeared: single-celled microbes. For the first 80% of life’s history, Earth was inhabited solely by these microbes.

    Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution, as evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky famously said in 1973. But how did the evolution of life proceed through the early history of Earth?

    Comparing DNA sequences from the wonderful diversity of life we see today can tell us how different groups relate to each other. For instance, we humans are more closely related to mushrooms than we are to apple trees. Likewise, such comparisons can tell us how different groups of bacteria are related to each other.

    But comparison of DNA sequences can only take us so far. DNA comparisons do not say when in Earth’s history evolutionary events took place. At one point in time, an organism reproduced two offspring. One of them gave rise to mushrooms, the other to humans (and lots of other species too).

    One thing geology teaches us about is the existence of another monumental event in the history of Earth, 2.4 billion years ago. At that time, the atmosphere of the Earth changed dramatically. A group of bacteria called the cyanobacteria invented a trick that would alter the story of life forever: photosynthesis.

    Harvesting energy from the sun powered their cells. But it also generated an inconvenient waste product, oxygen gas.

    Over the course of millions of years, oxygen in the atmosphere slowly accumulated. Before this “Great Oxidation Event”, Earth contained almost no oxygen, so life was not ready for it. In fact, to uninitiated bacteria, oxygen is a poisonous gas, and so its release into the atmosphere probably caused a mass extinction. The surviving bacteria either evolved to use oxygen, or retreated into the recesses of the planet where it doesn’t penetrate.

    The bacterial tree of life

    The Great Oxidation Event is especially interesting for us not only because of its impact in the history of life, but also because it can be given a clear date. We know it happened around 2.4 billion years ago – and we also know most bacteria that adapted to oxygen had to live after this event. We used this information to layer on dates to the bacterial tree of life.

    We started by training an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict whether a bacteria lives with oxygen or not from the genes it has. Many bacteria we see today use oxygen, such as cyanobacteria and others that live in the ocean. But many do not, such as the bacteria that live in our gut.

    As far as machine learning tasks go, this one was quite straightforward. The chemical power of oxygen markedly changes a bacteria’s genome because a cell’s metabolism becomes organised around oxygen use, and so there are many clues in the data.

    We then applied our machine learning models to predict which bacteria used oxygen in the past. This was possible because modern techniques allow us to estimate not only how the species we see today are related, but also which genes each ancestor carried in its genome.

    There are roughly one trillion species of microorganisms on Earth – the vast majority of which are bacteria.
    GSFC/NASA

    A surprising twist

    By using the planet-wide geological event of the Great Oxidation Event effectively as a “fossil” calibration point, our approach produced a detailed timeline of bacterial evolution.

    Combining results from geology, paleontology, phylogenetics and machine learning, we were able to refine the timing of bacterial evolution significantly.

    Our results also revealed a surprising twist: some bacterial lineages capable of using oxygen existed roughly 900 million years before the Great Oxidation Event. This suggests these bacteria evolved the ability to use oxygen even when atmospheric oxygen was scarce.

    Remarkably, our findings indicated that cyanobacteria actually evolved the ability to use oxygen before they developed photosynthesis.

    This framework not only reshapes our understanding of bacterial evolutionary history but also illustrates how life’s capabilities evolved in response to Earth’s changing environments.

    Ben Woodcroft receives funding from the ARC.

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

    ref. 1 trillion species, 3 billion years: how we used AI to trace the evolution of bacteria on Earth – https://theconversation.com/1-trillion-species-3-billion-years-how-we-used-ai-to-trace-the-evolution-of-bacteria-on-earth-253720

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Johnson, Blumenthal, Hawley Open Investigation into Meta for Alleged Collaboration with CCP

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – Yesterday, U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced an investigation into Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta) for its alleged work to censor and provide artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including surveillance software, for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In a letter sent yesterday to Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg, the senators demanded all records and communications pertaining to Meta’s operations within China, including the potential use of AI models developed by or in collaboration with the CCP. 
    Citing internal documents received by the subcommittee, “Facebook’s plan reportedly included more engagement with the CCP, and later included plans to partner with a Chinese company to build censorship tools and provide the CCP with user data. Further, Facebook’s censorship efforts on behalf of the CCP allegedly extended to dissidents outside of China, including in the United States,” the senators wrote.
    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Support Grows for President Trump’s America First Reciprocal Trade Plan

    Source: The White House

    One day after President Donald J. Trump announced a new chapter in American prosperity, support continues to roll in for his bold vision to reverse the decades of globalization that has decimated our industrial base.

    The support is bipartisan, with Democrat Rep. Jared Golden lauding President Trump’s plan: “I’m pleased the president is building his tariff agenda on the foundation of a universal 10 percent tariff like the one I proposed in the BUILT USA Act. This ring fence around the American economy is a good start to erasing our unsustainable trade deficits. I’m eager to work with the president to fix the broken ‘free trade’ system that made multinational corporations rich but ruined manufacturing communities across the country.”

    Here’s what else they’re saying:

    Coalition for a Prosperous America Chairman Zach Mottl: “A permanent, universal baseline tariff resets the global trade environment and finally addresses the destructive legacy of decades of misguided free-trade policies. President Trump’s decision to implement a baseline tariff is a game-changing shift that prioritizes American manufacturing, protects working-class jobs, and safeguards our economic security from adversaries like China. This is exactly the type of bold action America needs to restore its industrial leadership. Today’s action will deliver lasting benefits to the U.S. economy and working-class Americans, cementing President Trump’s legacy as one that ushered in a new Golden Age of American industrialization and prosperity.”

    National Cattlemen’s Beef Association SVP of Government Affairs Ethan Lane: “For too long, America’s family farmers and ranchers have been mistreated by certain trading partners around the world. President Trump is taking action to address numerous trade barriers that prevent consumers overseas from enjoying high-quality, wholesome American beef. NCBA will continue engaging with the White House to ensure fair treatment for America’s cattle producers around the world and optimize opportunities for exports abroad.”

    Steel Manufacturers Association President Philip K. Bell: “President Trump is a champion of the domestic steel industry, and his America First Trade Policy is designed to fight the unfair trade that has harmed American workers and weakened manufacturing in the United States. The recently reinvigorated 232 steel tariffs have already started creating American jobs and bolstering the domestic steel industry. President Trump is working to turn America into a manufacturing powerhouse and the steel tariffs are driving that movement. President Trump’s initial 232 steel tariffs and the historic tax cuts led to investments of nearly $20 billion by steel manufacturers in the United States. Since the revised tariffs took effect, Hyundai Steel announced a $5.8 billion steel mill in Louisiana, demonstrating that the tariffs are working to bring more steel investments and production to the United States. The domestic steel market is stronger when other nations are forced to compete on a level playing field. On a level playing field, American workers can outcompete anyone. We look forward to continuing working with President Trump and his administration to ensure a level playing field for Americans and a robust domestic steel industry that strengthens our national, economic and energy security.”

    Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul: “Today’s trade action prioritizes domestic manufacturers and America’s workers. These hardworking men and women have seen unfair trade cut the ground from beneath their feet for decades. They deserve a fighting chance. Our workers can out-compete anyone in the world, but they need a level playing field to do it. This trade reset is a necessary step in the right direction.”

    National Electrical Contractors Association CEO David Long: “President Trump has consistently prioritized policies that put the electrical industry as a priority, and we recognize his commitment to strengthening our nation’s economy. As these new tariffs take effect, we look forward to working with the Administration to ensure that electrical contractors and the entire electrical industry can continue powering America efficiently while navigating potential cost and supply chain challenges.”

    American Compass Chief Economist Oren Cass: “The new policies announced by President Trump today confirm the end of the disastrous WTO era and lay the groundwork for a new set of arrangements in the international economy that prioritize the national interest and the flourishing of the nation’s working families.”

    National Council of Textile Organizations CEO Kim Glas: “We strongly commend President Trump and his administration on their tariff reciprocity plan to finally begin rebalancing America’s trade positioning in markets at home and abroad. We want to thank President Trump on behalf of the U.S. textile industry and the 471,000 workers we employ.”

    Southern Shrimp Alliance Executive Director John Williams: “We’ve watched as multigenerational family businesses tie up their boats, unable to compete with foreign producers who play by a completely different set of rules. We are grateful for the Trump Administration’s actions today, which will preserve American jobs, food security, and our commitment to ethical production.”

    American Iron and Steel Institute President Kevin Dempsey: “AISI thanks President Trump for standing up for American workers by restoring fairness in international trade and addressing non-reciprocal trade relationships. American steel producers are all too familiar with the detrimental effects of unfair foreign trade practices on domestic industries and their workers. Driven by subsidies and other foreign government trade-distorting practices, global overcapacity in the steel industry reached 573 million metric tons in 2024 and has spurred high levels of exports of steel from countries like China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia that continue to produce steel in volumes that significantly exceed their domestic demand. These exports directly and indirectly injure steel producers in the U.S. and government action to address this unloading of steel overproduction on world markets is overdue.”

    Americans for Limited Government Executive Director Robert Romano: “Thank you, President Trump, for putting America first and finally once and for all levying the same tariffs on trade partners that they have levied mercilessly on the United States for decades. This was not an easy decision to make, but one that is long overdue with a record $1.2 trillion trade in goods deficit in 2024 after the failed rule of former President Joe Biden. … Under President Trump’s leadership, America will be the industrial and technology leader of the world, with commitments for hundreds of billions of investments in the United States. For countries that want to avoid the tariffs, it’s simple: Build in America. … Thank you again, President Trump, for your leadership in restoring reciprocity in trade and for having the courage that all of our other leaders have lacked.”

    American Petroleum Institute: “We welcome President Trump’s decision to exclude oil and natural gas from new tariffs, underscoring the complexity of integrated global energy markets and the importance of America’s role as a net energy exporter. We will continue working with the Trump administration on trade policies that support American energy dominance.”

    National Association of Home Builders Chairman Buddy Hughes: “NAHB is pleased President Trump recognized the importance of critical construction inputs for housing and chose to continue current exemptions for Canadian and Mexican products, with a specific exemption for lumber from any new tariffs at this time. NAHB will continue to work with the administration to find ways to increase domestic lumber production, reduce regulatory burdens, and create an environment that allows builders to increase our nation’s housing supply.”

    International Dairy Foods Association SVP of Trade and Workforce Policy Becky Rasdall Vargas: “The U.S. dairy industry exports more than $8 billion of high-quality dairy products every year to approximately 145 countries around the world. To meet growing global demand, dairy businesses have invested $8 billion in new processing capacity here in the United States—creating jobs, strengthening rural economies, and positioning America as the world’s leading dairy supplier. This growth depends on strong trade relationships and access to essential ingredients, finished goods, packaging, and equipment to provide Americans with safe, affordable, and nutritious dairy foods and beverages. IDFA supports the Trump Administration’s efforts to hold trading partners accountable and expand market access for U.S. dairy.”

    Bienvenido Empresarios: “As an organization committed to empowering Hispanic Americans and strengthening our nation’s future, Bienvenido supports policies that build a more resilient American economy, safeguard our communities, and reassert U.S. leadership on the global stage. President Trump’s emphasis on using economic leverage — including tariffs — reflects a broader strategy to counter China, confront the deadly fentanyl crisis, and bring critical industries back home. Now is a time for tough, decisive action when national security and American livelihoods are at stake. Our hope is that these measures lead to stronger enforcement, fairer trade, and long-term prosperity for all Americans.”

    America First Policy Institute: “Tariffs worked then—and they’ll work again. Under President Trump, tariffs brought back jobs, lowered inflation, and strengthened national security. It’s not just economic policy—it’s America First in action.”

    Author Batya Ungar-Sargon: “[President Trump] is saying we’re going to invest heavily in our middle class. We are no longer going to be a country in which our economy is an upward funnel of wealth from the hardest-working Americans into the pockets of the international global elites.”

    Fox Business Network’s Charles Payne: “President Trump ran on tariffs. What we just saw was a president who did what he said he was going to do … This system is unsustainable … Is our patriotism tied to Wall Street? Or should it be tied to our own personal ability to achieve the American Dream?”

    Republic Financial Chairman Nate Morris: “As someone who was raised by a proud autoworker – thank you President Trump for putting AMERICAN workers first again!”

    Commentator Geraldo Rivera: “The family did visit Japan… we did not see a single American car on the road in Tokyo — not a Caddy, not a Buick, not a Ford, not a Chevy… I have an innate sense that there’s something unfair going on… if they are screwing us, we got to tax them.”

    Commentator Bill O’Reilly: “We’ve been getting hosed since World War II by the trade imbalance … You can do what Biden and Obama did, which is just ignore it completely … The numbers are staggering, and the best part of Trump’s speech today was that he said that if you go to Japan or South Korea or China or Germany, you’re not going to see any American cars because they won’t let them in … Trump is right.”

    CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp: “America cannot afford to be taken advantage of any longer.  Even our friends and strategic allies have for too long assumed that the United States could absorb unfair treatment, including high tariffs on American goods.  We applaud the steps taken by President Trump today to defend American manufacturers not because we like higher taxes, but because we know that trade is only free when both sides follow similar rules.  What President Trump understands is that America needs to get back on track by improving our domestic competitiveness by cutting taxes and regulations AND we need to take on the globalists who believe Americans should not always have to take it in the chops.  Real respect begins with economic reciprocity.”

    Speaker Mike Johnson: “President Trump is sending a clear message with Liberation Day: America will not be exploited by unfair trade practices anymore. These tariffs restore fair and reciprocal trade and level the playing field for American workers and innovators. The President understands that FREE trade ONLY works when it’s FAIR!”

    Gov. Jeff Landry: “Pro Jobs. Pro Business. Pro America.”

    Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “President Trump is acting boldly to put America first. America needs fair and free trade. We can’t allow other countries to keep abusing our workers and job creators. It’s time we had a level playing field. I applaud President Trump’s 100% commitment to Made in America.”

    Sen. Jim Banks: “The decision by President Trump today to impose reciprocal tariffs will be so good for Indiana. … Those are the manufacturing jobs that President Trump is bringing back from overseas.”

    Sen. Bill Cassidy: “The president’s trade agenda can pave the way for stronger trade deals, fairer rules, and real results. I am excited to work with President Trump to make it happen. Louisiana’s workers and families deserve nothing less.”

    Sen. John Kennedy: “America is rich. We buy a lot of stuff. President Trump is saying that if you foreign businesses want to sell in America, then move your business here and hire American workers.”

    Sen. Roger Marshall: “President Donald Trump is fighting for long-term solutions to put America’s farmers and ranchers first.”

    Sen. Ashley Moody: “It’s liberation day in America! Today, @POTUS sent a message to the world that the era of America being taken advantage of is over.”

    Sen. Bernie Moreno: “President Trump is finally reversing their failed policies and fighting back for American workers.”

    Sen. Markwayne Mullin: “President Trump is going to charge foreign countries roughly half of what they *already* charge us to do business. Literally who can argue with this?”

    Sen. Pete Ricketts: “President Trump is delivering on his campaign promises to level the playing field and stand up for the American people. Reciprocal tariffs will ensure equal treatment for American businesses. @POTUS is working to reshore jobs lost overseas and secure our supply chains. He is working to open new markets for our nation’s agriculture products. He is demonstrating to foreign adversaries like China that we will no longer be taken advantage of.”

    Sen. Rick Scott: “The days of the U.S. being taken advantage of by other countries are OVER! Pres. Trump is making it clear that he will ALWAYS put American jobs, manufacturing and our economy first. As Americans, let’s stand with him and support one another by buying products MADE IN AMERICA.”

    Sen. Eric Schmitt: “President Trump is bringing America back. We won’t be ripped off by other countries anymore. We’re bringing back manufacturing, unleashing energy production, and paving the way for prosperity.”

    Sen. Tim Sheehy: “They tariff us at up to 50% of our exported ag products and then dump mass produced ag products into our market severely hurting our farmers and ranchers. It’s about time we have a level playing field for businesses.”

    Sen. Tommy Tuberville: “For too long, other countries have ripped us off with bad trade deals – resulting in American jobs and manufacturing moving overseas. But change is coming. The Golden Age of America’s economy is here. Happy Liberation Day.”

    House Majority Leader Steve Scalise: “The United States and American workers will no longer be ripped off by other countries with unfair trade practices. Thank you President Trump for putting America’s workers and innovators first with reciprocal tariffs that level the playing field and make trade FAIR.”

    House Majority Whip Tom Emmer: “For too long, foreign countries have taken advantage of us at the expense of American workers. President @realDonaldTrump says NO MORE.”

    House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain: “Tariffs work! @POTUS has proven tariffs are an effective tool in achieving economic and strategic objectives. The President’s long-term strategy will pay off.”

    Rep. Elise Stefanik: “I strongly support President Trump’s America First economic policies to strengthen American manufacturing and create millions of American jobs. For too long, Americans have suffered under unfair trade practices putting America Last. We will not allow other countries to take advantage of us and we must put America and the American worker first.”

    Rep. Jason Smith: “America shouldn’t reward countries that discriminate against American workers and manufacturers. On Liberation Day, President Trump is correcting this and demanding fair treatment for American producers.”

    Rep. Mark Alford: “The days of the United States being taken advantage of are OVER. Republicans are putting American workers FIRST.”

    Rep. Rick Allen: “@POTUS is undoing decades of unfair trade practices and putting American workers, businesses, and manufacturers FIRST. These reciprocal tariffs are simply leveling the playing field and will help ensure the U.S. is no longer on the losing end of global trade.”

    Rep. Jodey Arrington: “For too long, our leaders have allowed other nations to rip us off through numerous unfair trade practices resulting in suppressed wages, lost opportunities, and unrealized economic growth. Just as he did in his first term, President Trump is fighting to ensure an even playing field for our manufacturers, farmers, and workers so we can unleash American prosperity and Make America Great Again.”

    Rep. Brian Babin: “Trump’s tariffs aren’t starting a trade war—they’re ending one. For decades, other countries ripped off American workers with unfair tariffs and barriers. Now, we’re finally fighting back.”

    Rep. Andy Biggs: “Past administrations have allowed the United States to be ripped off by allies and adversaries alike. President Trump said “NO MORE!” The Art of the Deal.”

    Rep. Vern Buchanan: “For too long, unfair trade practices devastated America’s manufacturing base and stole millions of blue-collar jobs. It’s time to level the playing field and bring those jobs back. @POTUS is fighting for American workers.”

    Rep. Eli Crane: “America First policies are what the American people voted for.”

    Rep. Michael Cloud: “America-First means putting the American people first. We will no longer be taken advantage of as a nation and people.”

    Rep. Andrew Clyde: “For far too long, the U.S. has been ripped off by countries across the globe with unfair trade practices. Now, we’re finally leveling the playing field. THANK YOU, President Trump, for putting American workers and manufacturing FIRST.”

    Rep. Mike Collins: “This is fair. Whether it’s our military or economy, other countries have taken advantage of the U.S. for far too long. That time is over.”

    Rep. Byron Donalds: “For decades, a lot of these countries have built their economies on the back of the American economy … These nations have become, not just developing nations, they are now strong economies. And so, we have to have fair trade if we’re going to have free trade.”

    Rep. Chuck Edwards: “Many countries are taking advantage of the United States by imposing tariffs against us while we don’t have reciprocal tariffs against them. @POTUS has used tariffs to produce successful trade deals for us in his first term, and I support his plan to use them again to create a more level playing field and secure fairer trade deals for America. The quicker other countries agree to fairer trade deals, the quicker the tariffs can end.”

    Rep. Gabe Evans: “This admin puts America first from strengthening our economy & national security to prioritizing hard working Americans. Farmers in #CO08 have been disadvantaged in foreign trade deals & will benefit from reciprocal tariffs that promote FAIR & free trade.”

    Rep. Scott Franklin: “For years the US handcuffed itself and played nice while other countries imposed massive tariffs and took advantage of us. We’re done putting America last. @POTUS is leveling the playing field, ending trade imbalances and prioritizing American workers and manufacturing again!”

    Rep. Mike Flood: “Biden did nothing for four years on trade. Five years after Brexit, America doesn’t have a free trade deal with the UK. President @realDonaldTrump is rightsizing our trade relationships.”

    Rep. Russell Fry: “HAPPY LIBERATION DAY. Thanks to @POTUS, America is DONE being taken advantage of. A new era has begun.”

    Rep. Lance Gooden: “For decades, Washington allowed Texans to be ripped off by foreign countries. Those days are now over. @POTUS is committed to making America wealthy again!”

    Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene: “If you want to do business in America, you need to play by our rules. For too long, American businesses, big and small, have been ripped off by bad trade deals and unfair competition. President Trump is putting a stop to it. He’s standing up for our workers, our companies, and our consumers.”

    Rep. Abe Hamadeh: “The America First Republican party is the party of the working class, the forgotten men and women. On this Liberation Day, we further our commitment to them, that we will reshore our manufacturing, restore fair trade, and rebuild the greatest economy in the world.”

    Rep. Pat Harrigan: “If you want access to the most powerful economy in the world, treat us fairly. If not, don’t expect a free ride. That’s real leadership and @POTUS is delivering it!”

    Rep. Andy Harris: “President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs will put the American worker first and bring fairness back to international trade. America is being respected again.”

    Rep. Diana Harshbarger: “President Trump is bringing back the American Dream. Our taxpayers have been ripped off by foreign countries for far too long, but those days are over. President Trump is right to impose these reciprocal tariffs.”

    Rep. Clay Higgins: “.@POTUS’ trade agenda puts American industry and America first. I support the President’s action to protect our domestic producers.”

    Rep. Wesley Hunt: “Today, President Trump empowered the American middle class.  His policies on tariffs will bring automotive manufacturing back to America.”

    Rep. Morgan Luttrell: “President Trump is putting America First on trade—standing up to foreign adversaries, protecting American workers, and rebuilding our manufacturing base. The days of unfair trade deals and economic surrender are OVER.”

    Rep. Nicole Malliotakis: “Since President Trump has been elected, we’ve attracted $5 trillion in private investment, foreign & domestic companies have announced Made in USA manufacturing, countries have reduced tariffs or changed foreign policies. President Trump is sticking up for American workers & farmers, repatriating our supply chain and protecting our national security.”

    Rep. Addison McDowell: “My district was hit hard over the years by unfair trade deals. Finally, we have a President who wants to put the American worker FIRST.”

    Rep. Dan Meuser: “We have been treated unfairly. Free trade has become synonymous with unfair trade, and @POTUS is recognizing that… We needed a reckoning; we needed a correction. President Trump is bringing it.”

    Rep. Mary Miller: “America will no longer be taken advantage of! This is how you put America First.”

    Rep. John Moolenaar: “For far too long, the Chinese Communist Party has exploited America’s generosity, stolen our intellectual property, and undermined our workers. President Trump’s recent tariffs and the Restoring Trade Fairness Act, which I introduced earlier this year to revoke China’s permanent normal trade relations status, will finally put an end to this abuse—holding China accountable and protecting American jobs. For decades, we’ve accepted one-sided trade deals that hurt our industries while benefiting our adversaries. Trade deficits reflect that imbalance, but they also reveal something deeper: the strength of the American consumer. It’s time we stopped allowing that strength to be used against us and started putting American workers first.”

    Rep. Riley Moore: “For decades, foreign countries have enjoyed free access to the greatest consumer marketplace on the face of the planet, all while still charging our domestic producers hefty duties or imposing significant barriers to access their markets. Today that ends. President Trump is the only president in my lifetime to acknowledge how unfair trade has gutted the heartland and shipped countless jobs overseas. By finally reciprocating in-kind, we’ll force foreign competitors to the negotiating table, lower trade barriers, and ultimately create real free and fair trade across the board. I’m confident this move will boost our domestic manufacturing industry and fuel demand for American products across the globe.”

    Rep. Tim Moore: “President Trump is leveling the playing field for American workers and bringing back MADE IN AMERICA!”

    Rep. Troy Nehls: “President Trump’s reciprocal tariffs make it clear that our country will not be ripped off anymore. We are bringing back American manufacturing and putting America First.”

    Rep. Ralph Norman: “Happy LIBERATION Day … ✅Protect the American worker ✅Strengthen manufacturing ✅Reduce unfair trade practices … Our economy will be competitive again!!”

    Rep. Andy Ogles: “He’s resetting the negotiating table. He’s resetting the deck here to say, ‘You know what? For too long, you’ve taken advantage of our free market and you’ve literally leached jobs away from the American people … Let’s have a serious conversation and let’s do something that’s fair and mutually beneficial for both sides.’”

    Rep. Guy Reschenthaler: “I fully support President Trump’s critical efforts to right this generational wrong, bring manufacturing jobs home, and rejuvenate American working families. Made in America is back.”

    Rep. John Rutherford: “Tariffs help bring American jobs back home, incentivize buying American, AND put pressure on Canada and Mexico to stop the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants from their countries into ours. Even the Biden Admin kept or increased tariffs that President Trump imposed during his first presidency. Under Trump, inflation stayed around 2% and our GDP grew to 3%. Smart tariffs are a long-term investment in the American economy that are worth the short-term cost.”

    Rep. Adrian Smith: “Reducing trade barriers is necessary to ensuring American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, small businesses, and innovators can sell their products in other markets. President Trump has made it clear other countries can avoid tariffs by reducing or eliminating their existing barriers to U.S. products. Engagement on trade is vital to our economy and opportunity for U.S. workers. In his first term, President Trump proved robust engagement can be productive as he moved the ball down the field on several agreements with our top trade partners. To achieve economic stability, we must continue to fight to give our producers the chance to compete in a global marketplace.”

    Rep. Greg Steube: “What many fail to realize: Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are a long-overdue response to years of unfair trade policies against America. For decades, America has been ripped off by other countries who have repeatedly slapped tariffs on our goods, blocked our products, and flooded our markets with theirs. The numbers don’t lie–the rest of the world has profited at the expense of American workers and businesses. President Trump is finally putting America First by taking bold, necessary actions that past leaders wouldn’t take.”

    Rep. Marlin Stutzman: “If Australia doesn’t want our beef – WE DON’T WANT THEIRS! Thank you @POTUS for opening the door of fair treatment for America’s Cattlemen‼️”

    Rep. Tom Tiffany: “Gone are the days of America being taken advantage of by foreign countries. The American worker comes FIRST.”

    Rep. William Timmons: “President Trump’s tariffs are a necessary move to protect American workers and rebuild our economy. We are finally breaking free from decades of unfair trade deals that gutted our industries. These tariffs will bring jobs back to our districts, strengthen manufacturing, and ensure our children inherit a country that is not just a consumer, but a producer. Thank you, @POTUS.”

    Rep. Beth Van Duyne: “For far too long, the United States has been taken advantage of by our foreign trade partners. The American people re-elected President Trump to bring back truly fair trade with other countries. Reciprocal tariffs are a first step to have a level playing field for American products and to start bringing back manufacturing to our country!”

    Rep. Daniel Webster: “President @realDonaldTrump is delivering on his mandate to restore America’s economic strength. For too long, unfair trade deals have hollowed out our factories and shipped American jobs overseas. By standing up to bad actors like China and Venezuela and enforcing fair trade, President Trump is defending American industries and putting American workers first.”

    Rep. Tony Wied: “President Trump has made it clear with these reciprocal tariffs that we will no longer allow other countries to take advantage of us. His goal is simple: to bring jobs and manufacturing back to our country and open up foreign markets to American products. If companies want to avoid these tariffs, they will do business in the United States. I applaud the President for taking a stand against years of unfair trade practices and making sure we put American workers and consumers first. It’s time our foreign trading partners finally live up to their end of the bargain.”

    Rep. Roger Williams: “For too long, America Last policies have put the U.S. auto industry at a disadvantage. As a car dealer and small business owner, I support @POTUS’ Executive Order to increase competition, boost revenue, and bring back American jobs.”

    Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson: “I applaud President Trump’s actions today to reset global trade relations through the President’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariff plan. America is not only in a trade war, we’ve been in a trade war for years now. This trade war has resulted in historic trade deficits that continue to hurt our farmers. … I believe President Trump’s actions today will set the stage for the renegotiation of better trade deals that will benefit American farmers and all our domestic industries going forward and will also serve to spur more local production.”

    U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer: “Today, President Trump is taking urgent action to protect the national security and economy of the United States. The current lack of trade reciprocity, demonstrated by our chronic trade deficit, has weakened our economic and national security. After only 72 days in office, President Trump has prioritized swift action to bring reciprocity to our trade relations and reduce the trade deficit by leveling the playing field for American workers and manufacturers, reshoring American jobs, expanding our domestic manufacturing base, and ensuring our defense-industrial base is not dependent on foreign adversaries—all leading to stronger economic and national security.”

    Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick: “Today, the world starts taking us seriously. Our workforce will finally be treated fairly.”

    Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “President Trump signed the Declaration of Economic Independence for the American people. For decades, the trade status quo has allowed countries to leverage tariffs and unfair trade practices to get ahead at the expense of hardworking Americans. The President’s historic actions will level the playing field for American workers and usher in a new age of economic strength.”

    Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins: “FARMERS COME FIRST — @POTUS is leveling the playing field, ensuring American farmers and ranchers can compete globally again!”

    Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “Thank you, @POTUS! ‘Made in America’ is not just a tagline — it’s an economic and national security priority.”

    Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem: “For too long, America has been targeted by unfair trade practices that made our supply chain dependent on foreign adversaries, eroded our industrial base, and hurt American workers. This has gravely impacted our national security. President Trump’s strong action will help make America safe again. @DHS, primarily through @CBP, is ready to collect these new tariffs and put an end to unfair trade practices. Thank you President @realDonaldTrump for putting America FIRST.”

    Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer: “Promises made, promises kept”

    Secretary of Energy Chris Wright: “President Trump is a businessman; he’s a negotiator. The result of that has been and will continue to be improvements for the American people. We are in the midst of a negotiation, and he is fighting every day to make the cost-of-living conditions better for Americans.”

    Secretary of Education Linda McMahon: “At the White House this afternoon, we celebrated Liberation Day — setting our economy on the path of future prosperity for our children. Business owners, workers, and taxpayers have been waiting for strong economic leadership.

    @POTUS’ actions today prove we are done being taken advantage of in international trade.”

    Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum: “President Trump’s Liberation Day reciprocity plan is commonsense. If you tariff us, we’ll tariff you. This will strengthen our economy and make America wealthy again!”

    Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy: “Today is the day we will liberate ourselves from unfair trade practices and outdated ways of thinking. Tariffs are an important tool in the President’s toolbox to stop foreign countries from ripping us off, protect America’s workers, and restore U.S. manufacturing. I stand with @POTUS as he finally levels the playing field. Happy Liberation Day!”

    Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner: “For four years, Americans couldn’t afford groceries, let alone a house. This Liberation Day, @POTUS is bringing manufacturing and jobs back. President Trump is making the American Dream achievable again!”

    Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin: “Massive announcement by @POTUS today restoring U.S. dominance, cementing his America First vision, and Powering the Great American Comeback.”

    Small Business Administration Administrator Kelly Loeffler: “Small businesses will no longer be crushed by foreign governments and unfair trade deals. Instead, we will put American industry, workers, and strength FIRST. Thank you @POTUS for bringing back Made in America!”

    National Security Advisor Mike Waltz: “Economic security is national security. Thank you President Trump for putting America first.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Hawley Calls for ‘Liberty and Prosperity-Enhancing’ Future at Tech Conference 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Thursday, April 03, 2025

    Yesterday U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) joined startup founders, policy experts, journalists, and other thought leaders at the Little Tech Competition Summit in Washington D.C. The Senator spoke on Big Tech’s monopolistic tendencies and the future of artificial intelligence (AI) policy.
    “We’ve got to figure out a path forward that is liberty and prosperity-enhancing,” Senator Hawley said. “Where we can say–honestly–to the middle class in this country, this is going to be good for you and your family. Where we can say–honestly–to blue collar workers, this is going to be good for you and your family. It’s going to make you more prosperous, more free, [and] we’re going to protect your rights.” 
    During Tuesday’s Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing, Senator Hawley urged his colleagues to revisit the power of private lawsuits in order to rein in Big Tech. Senator Hawley has long voiced concerns about the power of Big Tech and Americans’ right to protect themselves from unfettered AI. In 2023, he introduced legislation to deny AI companies Section 230 immunity. 
    Watch Senator Hawley’s conversation here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Gillibrand And Schumer, Congressman Garbarino Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill To Establish A Memorial To Honor Individuals Who Died Of AIDS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Yesterday, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, and Congressman Andrew Garbarino reintroduced the Fire Island AIDS Memorial Establishment Act. The bipartisan bill would authorize The Pines Foundation to establish a memorial to honor Fire Island residents who died of AIDS. The memorial would also educate future generations about the AIDS epidemic and the impact that it had on the Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove communities. 

    “Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove have long been a home and safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community, and they were also at the center of the AIDS epidemic,” said Senator Gillibrand. “It is important that we remember those who we have lost, which is why I wrote the Fire Island AIDS Memorial Establishment Act. This community deserves to cement the memories of loved ones lost to one of the worst epidemics in the history of humankind and to acknowledge the caregivers and friends who mobilized to care for those in the Pines and Cherry Grove.”

    “Many New Yorkers in the Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove communities, treasured places of refuge for the LGBTQ+ community, were devastated by the AIDS epidemic,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to support this bill to create a memorial on Fire Island to commemorate the people who died of AIDS, honor the impacted communities, and to educate future generations.”

    “The Fire Island AIDS Memorial Act honors the lives lost in Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove during the AIDS epidemic and helps ensure future generations understand its lasting impact on the community,” said Rep. Garbarino. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation alongside Senator Gillibrand.”

    “Few communities on Earth were impacted as severely by the AIDS crisis than those on Fire Island. It is long overdue for us to memorialize the victims of this global tragedy and honor those who supported our communities during this excruciating crisis.  We are grateful to the elected officials and government agencies that are working hard to make this memorial a reality,” said Henry Robin, President, FIPPOA/The Pines Foundation.

    “The Fire Island Association is proud to support the establishment of the Fire Island AIDS Memorial as a lasting tribute to those we lost to the AIDS epidemic, and to the strength of the community that cared for them. Fire Island has long been a place of refuge, resilience, and remembrance, and this memorial will honor that legacy while educating future generations. As an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving Fire Island, we believe this initiative is a vital part of our shared history, ensuring that the stories of those affected are never forgotten. We are grateful to Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Garbarino for championing this important effort,” said Suzy Goldhirsch, president of the Fire Island Association.

    New York State was at the epicenter of the AIDS epidemic in the United States, and more than 139,000 New Yorkers diagnosed with AIDS have died as of June 2024. Members of the Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove communities began developing the proposal for the Fire Island AIDS Memorial in 2020 and have been dedicated to advancing the project ever since. Senator Gillibrand has worked with community members to help them get approval from the National Park Service (NPS) and is now championing legislation to establish the Fire Island AIDS Memorial within the Fire Island National Seashore.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cook, The Economic Outlook and Path of Policy

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Thank you, Dr. Ripoll. It is wonderful to be here at the University of Pittsburgh. I am honored to deliver the 2025 McKay Lecture in memory of Dr. Marion McKay, who led the economics department here for more than 30 years. I am especially humbled to have this opportunity, given the many significant contributors to the field of economics who have spoken in this series, including David Autor, Claudia Goldin, Bob Lucas, and Joe Stiglitz.1

    I have been looking forward to this lecture for many months, because researching, discussing, and teaching economics have long been my favorite activities. I have been a professor for much longer than I have been a member of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, which I joined three years ago. Today, I would like to discuss my outlook for the economy and my views on the path of monetary policy. For this speech, I will also offer recent historical context about how the economy arrived in its current position, take some time to review some concepts in economics, and, finally, discuss my approach to monetary policy at a time of increasing uncertainty.
    Over the past few years, the U.S. economy has grown at a strong pace, supported by resilient consumer spending. Currently, I see the economy as being in a solid position, though American households, businesses, and investors are reporting heightened levels of uncertainty about both the direction of government policy and the economy. For instance, the Beige Book, a Fed report that compiles anecdotal information on economic conditions gathered from around the country, had 45 mentions of “uncertainty.” That is the largest number of mentions of the word in the history of the Beige Book, up from 12 mentions a year ago. Consistent with elevated uncertainty, there are increasing signs that consumer spending and business investment are slowing. Inflation has come down considerably from its peak in 2022 but remains somewhat above the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target. The labor market appears to have stabilized, and there is a rough balance between available workers and the demand for labor. The unemployment rate remains low by historical standards.
    The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the Fed’s primary body for making monetary policy, raised interest rates sharply in 2022 and 2023 in response to elevated inflation. Then, amid progress on disinflation and a rebalancing labor market, last year my FOMC colleagues and I voted to make policy somewhat less restrictive. At our past two policy meetings, we held rates steady at 4.25 to 4.5 percent. Looking ahead, monetary policy will need to navigate the high degree of uncertainty about the economic outlook.
    Structure for PolicymakingI will discuss the elements of my economic outlook in more detail in a moment. But first let me tell you a bit about how I structure my thinking related to monetary policy and the economy. The starting point for that exercise is always the mandate given to the Federal Reserve by Congress, which has two goals: maximum employment and stable prices. Achieving those goals will result in the best economic outcomes for all Americans.
    So, when I say “maximum employment,” what do I mean? Maximum employment is the highest level of employment, or the lowest level of unemployment, the economy can sustain while maintaining a stable inflation rate. Unemployment has very painful consequences for individual workers and their families, including lower standards of living and greater incidence of poverty. In contrast, maintaining maximum employment for a sustained period results in many benefits and opportunities to families and communities that often had been left behind, including those in rural and urban communities and those with lower levels of education.
    More broadly, having ample job opportunities typically results in a larger and more prosperous economy. It allows workers, a vital resource in the economy, to be deployed most productively. Maximizing employment promotes business investment and the economy’s long-run growth potential. When people can enter the labor force and move to better and more productive positions, it fosters the development of more and better ideas and innovation.
    How about “stable prices?” Like former Fed Chair Alan Greenspan, I consider prices to be stable when shoppers and businesses do not have to worry about costs significantly rising or falling when making plans, such as whether to take out a loan or make an investment.2 Since 2012, the Fed has been explicit about the rate of inflation that constitutes price stability. An inflation rate of 2 percent over the longer run is most consistent with the Fed’s price-stability mandate. Price stability means avoiding prolonged periods of high inflation. We know that high inflation is particularly difficult on those who are least able to bear it. Moreover, high inflation may require a forceful monetary policy response, which can lead to bouts of higher unemployment. In contrast, price stability creates the conditions for a sustainable labor market.
    Economic Developments in the Pandemic PeriodWith the backdrop of the Fed’s dual-mandate goals, I would like to discuss the extraordinary developments that have occurred over the past five years, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reviewing that recent history is important context for understanding the current state of monetary policy. Before reviewing the data, it is important to recognize the tragic human suffering and loss of life the pandemic caused. That loss can never be fully described in numbers and charts. For today’s discussion, I will describe the economic implications, which were profound and will likely be studied for decades.
    When the global pandemic took hold in the spring of 2020, economies around the world shut down or sharply limited activity. This was especially true for in-person services, such as travel, dining out at restaurants, and trips to the barber shop or hair salon. I would like to turn your attention to the screen, where I will display some charts to better illustrate economic developments. In figure 1, you can see the sharp downturn in economic growth, followed by the subsequent recovery. At this time, it also became apparent that the economic effects of shutdowns in one part of the world were exacerbated by constrained supplies from other parts of the world. Global policymakers faced the common challenge of supporting incomes and limiting the negative effects of shutdowns, which, mercifully, were temporary. The initial policy response was largely uniform across developed economies. This generally included fiscal support from governments, particularly to help those most in need, although the magnitude differed across countries. Central banks set monetary policy with the aim to prevent a sharp financial and economic deterioration. Later, central banks extended accommodative policy to support the economic recovery. The Federal Reserve, specifically, cut its policy rate in the spring of 2020 to near zero and bought assets to support the flow of credit to households and businesses and to foster accommodative financial conditions. Establishing a low interest rate is intended to support spending and investment.
    At the onset of the pandemic, a very deep but short contraction of economic activity occurred. Millions of Americans lost their jobs, tens of thousands of school districts sent students and teachers home, factories closed because of outbreaks, and the supply of many goods was disrupted. People also adjusted consumption patterns, rotating toward purchases of goods. Americans who canceled vacation plans and gym memberships sought to buy televisions, exercise equipment, and other goods. Demand for goods rose rapidly, but supply chains were unable to adjust at the same speed. This contributed to a global surge in inflation. That surge was followed by a further upswing in prices after February 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine caused a shock to global supplies of commodities, including food and energy.
    At the start of 2022, inflation topped 6 percent, and by the middle of that year it reached a peak above 7 percent.3 With inflation unacceptably high, Fed policymakers turned toward tightening. Take a look at figure 2. You can see that from March 2022 to July 2023, the Fed raised its policy rate 5‑1/4 percentage points. Those higher interest rates helped restrain aggregate demand, and the forceful response helped keep long-term inflation expectations well anchored.
    The Fed’s policy actions occurred alongside increases in aggregate supply. Global trade flows recovered from disruptions, and the availability of manufacturing inputs returned to pre-pandemic levels. U.S. labor supply recovered significantly in 2022 and 2023, boosted by rebounds in labor force participation and immigration. Figure 3 shows the rebound in labor force participation. Notice that workers aged 25 to 54, the dark orange line, led that gain. In response to rising rents, construction of multifamily housing picked up, helping counter shortages of available homes in some areas. The combination of increased supply and policy restraint contributed to a significant slowing of inflation. Notably, inflation came down without a painful increase in unemployment. This was a historically unusual, but most welcome, result.
    Productivity GainsIn addition to increased supply and policy restraint, another factor allowed the U.S. economy to grow in recent years as inflation abated—a resurgence in productivity growth. Let’s look at figure 4. Data through the end of last year indicate that labor productivity has grown at a 2 percent annual rate since the end of 2019, surpassing its 1.5 percent growth rate over the previous 12 years. As a result, the level of productivity, the blue line, has been higher than expected given the pre-pandemic trend, the dashed orange line.
    Several forces likely supported productivity in recent years. New business formation in the U.S. has risen since the start of the pandemic. These newer firms are more likely to innovate and adopt new technologies and business processes, and this, in turn, can support productivity gains. As the economy reopened after pandemic shutdowns, workers took new jobs and moved to new locations, and the pace of job switching remained elevated for some time. That reallocation may have resulted in better and more productive matches between the skills of workers and their jobs, thus raising labor productivity.4 Labor shortages during the pandemic recovery also spurred businesses to invest in labor-saving technologies and to improve efficiency, which may have supplied at least a one-time boost to productivity.
    Looking ahead, investment in new technologies may continue to support productivity growth. Much of this investment has gone toward artificial intelligence (AI). As I have discussed in previous speeches, I see AI, and generative AI in particular, as likely to become a general purpose technology, similar to the printing press and computer, that will spread throughout the economy and spark downstream innovation as well as continue to improve over time.5 It holds the promise to increase the pace of idea generation, and each newly discovered idea could itself provide an incremental boost to productivity. In the longer run, I am optimistic about the potential for gains in total factor productivity growth from the growing integration of AI into business processes throughout the economy.
    Economic OutlookNow that I have reviewed the path of the economy over the past five years, I would like to present my near-term outlook for the economy in more detail. In the past year, overall economic activity and the labor market have been solid, while inflation has run somewhat above the Federal Reserve’s 2 percent target.
    InflationI will start with inflation, which you can see in figure 5. The most recent data show that inflation was 2.5 percent for the 12 months ending in February, as measured by the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, shown in blue. This is a marked shift down from the peak of 7.2 percent in June 2022. The dark orange line shows that core PCE prices—which exclude the volatile food and energy categories—increased 2.8 percent in February, down from a peak of 5.6 percent in February 2022. Economists pay careful attention to core prices, as they are typically a better indicator of underlying inflation and the path of future inflation.
    While the progress since 2022 has been notable, the decline in inflation over the past year has been slow and uneven. Prices for energy, including gasoline, have moderated. Food inflation has mostly stabilized over the past year, but it is still elevated for some grocery items. Let’s look at the components of core inflation in figure 6. You can see that housing services inflation, the dashed green line, remains high but has moderated steadily over the past two years, consistent with the past slowing in market rents.
    Since we are talking about housing and the cost of renting, let me say a word about the data we use at the Federal Reserve. Most of the data I have presented thus far are carefully collected, analyzed, and released by federal government agencies, like the Bureau of Economic Analysis which collects data on GDP. But we use a wide variety of sources, including series generated by the private sector. Market rents—the cost many of you pay for your apartment—is a good example. Where do you think we get information on rents? From some of the same websites you would use to find an apartment. We use high-frequency data series from sources like those as inputs into a model of rents on new leases in real time. This turns out to be helpful in the timely determination of where rents are, because they show up with a lag in official measures of inflation.
    Going back to figure 6, outside of housing, core services inflation, the dark orange line, has eased only a bit over the past year, held up by persistent inflation in restaurant meals, airline fares, and financial fees. Notably, goods prices outside of food and energy, the blue line, have increased recently after a period of decline associated with the resolution of pandemic-related supply disruptions. The recent rise in core goods prices may partly reflect sellers’ anticipation that tariff increases could raise the cost of supplies.
    Tariff increases typically result in an increase in the level of prices for the affected goods, which temporarily pushes up the overall inflation rate. But what matters for monetary policy would be a persistent boost to inflation. I am carefully watching various channels through which tariff effects could have more widespread implications for prices. Tariffs on steel and aluminum have already raised prices for those manufacturing inputs. As those cost increases work their way through the manufacturing process, they could boost prices of a range of goods over time. In the motor vehicle industry, those indirect effects, as well as direct tariffs on vehicles, could raise prices for new cars. That in turn could feed through to prices for used cars. And, as seen in recent years, higher prices for motor vehicles could, with a lag, raise costs for related services, such as rentals, insurance, and car repair.
    Inflation expectations are another channel through which tariffs could affect inflation over time. Figure 7 shows the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers inflation expectation readings. It shows a large increase in one-year inflation expectations, the blue line, which is consistent with the cost of tariffs being largely passed through to prices. Indeed, many respondents mentioned tariffs as the reason for that rise. Moreover, businesses, including contacts in the Beige Book, also report that they expect to pass on the costs of tariffs to their customers. More worrisome is the uptick in longer-term inflation expectations, the dark orange line, which may be influenced by tariff concerns or the slow pace of disinflation.
    However, I look at several measures of inflation expectations, including those derived from financial markets, shown in figure 8. Those measures show a significant rise in inflation compensation for this year, the blue line. However, reassuringly, there has been little increase in inflation compensation over the five years starting five years from now, the dark orange line. It will be important to watch closely those indicators of longer-term inflation expectations. If they were to rise substantially, it may become more difficult to keep actual inflation on a path back toward our 2 percent goal.
    Labor MarketNow let’s examine something I am sure some soon-to-be graduates here are monitoring: the labor market. Currently, the labor market does not appear to be a significant source of inflation pressure, as wage growth has continued to moderate. Looking at figure 9, you can see the Labor Department’s employment cost index report showed that wages and salaries for private-sector workers rose at a 3.6 percent annual rate in the fourth quarter. After rising during the post-pandemic recovery, wage growth has moved closer to a level consistent with moderate inflation. Moreover, the wage premium for job switchers over those staying in their jobs, a substantial contributor to wage growth early in the pandemic recovery, has largely disappeared, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Notably, wage gains continue to outpace inflation, consistent with other measures showing that the labor market remains in a solid position.
    After a long period of normalization that began in 2022, the labor market appears to have stabilized since last summer. While hiring has slowed, layoffs continue to be low overall. The unemployment rate, at 4.1 percent in February, remains historically low. Looking at figure 10, you can see that the rate has held in a narrow range between 3.9 and 4.2 percent for the past year. Economists sometimes call the unemployment rate the U-3 series, as it is one of several measures of labor market slack. Employers added 200,000 jobs per month in the three months through February, a solid pace of job creation, although it is down from its post-pandemic peaks. Recent data show the labor market to be balanced. Take a look at figure 11. It shows the number of available jobs is about equal to the number of available workers. You can see that is much different from 2022, when vacancies were high relative to people looking for work. We will learn more details about the labor market tomorrow, when the March jobs report is released.
    Looking beyond the headline labor market data, recent signals of softness have emerged and should be monitored. Figure 12 shows the number of workers with part-time jobs who want full-time jobs. Economists say these people are working “part time for economic reasons.” The February jobs data showed a pickup in the number of workers in this category. This group is part of a broader measure of unemployment and underemployment, called the U-6 series. In addition, one measure of confidence in the labor market is the rate at which workers voluntarily quit their jobs. Take a look at figure 13. The quits rate was very high in 2022, when workers expected to be able to easily find a new job with higher wages. Now you can see that the quits rate has fallen to a more normal level. Consistent with that, surveys show that workers’ perceptions of job availability have declined. Both measures are now below their levels from 2018 and 2019, before the pandemic, when the labor market was very strong.
    We are also beginning to see ripples from cuts to federal jobs and funding. These cuts have affected federal workers across the entire country. Also affected are government contractors and universities, who have announced layoffs or hiring freezes amid cuts and pauses in federal research grants. Although the number of layoffs so far has been modest, the news and uncertainty have raised concerns about job security for households and consumer demand for businesses, as is evident in the Michigan survey and the Beige Book. The Federal Reserve produces the Beige Book before every FOMC meeting, and it provides a timely, useful narrative about the economy from all 12 districts to accompany the multitude of data we receive prior to FOMC meetings. This is recommended reading for all econ majors and anyone else interested in economic activity throughout the country.
    Economic ActivityOverall, the U.S. economy entered the year in a solid position. Real GDP rose at a 2.4 percent annual rate in the fourth quarter of last year, extending a period of steady growth. Robust income growth and the wealth effect from several years of strong increases in asset prices boosted consumer outlays.
    Data show that personal consumption spending slowed in the first two months of this year. Although some of the reduction in spending may be due to unseasonably bad weather, consumers appear to have less of a financial cushion now than in recent years, and they are more pessimistic about their labor-market and income prospects.
    Businesses say that heightened uncertainty due to trade and other policies has hurt their plans for hiring and investment. Figure 14 shows a sizable increase in firms mentioning trade policy uncertainty on earnings calls in recent months. Some businesses, especially in construction, agriculture, senior care, and food services, are also concerned that a slowdown in immigration will reduce labor supply. In addition to survey data, businesses have expressed uncertainty in their forecasts, on earnings calls, and in other anecdotal reports.
    Currently, my baseline forecast is that U.S. economic growth will slow moderately this year, with the unemployment rate picking up a bit, while inflation progress will stall in the near term, in part because of tariffs and other policy changes. Elevated and rising uncertainty, however, means that I am very attentive to scenarios that could be quite different from my baseline. It is possible that new policies could prove to be minimally disruptive and consumer demand could remain resilient, and overall growth may be stronger than anticipated. However, I currently place more weight on scenarios where risks are skewed to the upside for inflation and to the downside for growth. Such scenarios, with higher initial inflation and slower growth, could pose challenges for monetary policy.
    Monetary Policy at a Time of UncertaintyNow that I have explained my economic outlook, I would like to explore an important question at this moment: How should monetary policy be conducted during a time of heightened uncertainty? I believe one useful guide is the framework on optimal monetary policy decision making under uncertainty described by former Fed Chair Ben Bernanke in 2007.6 He saw three areas of uncertainty relevant for policymakers:

    The current state of the economy.
    The structure of the economy.
    The way in which private agents form expectations about future economic developments and policy actions.

    Let us take those one by one.
    So how do I seek clarity on the current state of the economy? As I have said since I first joined the Federal Reserve Board nearly three years ago, I think it is important to look at a wide range of data in judging the economy. Certainly, the key monthly and quarterly economic data releases are the gold standard, but I also find useful information in real-time data, surveys, and contacts with participants in the economy.
    During the pandemic, the economic effects of widespread shutdowns were quickly seen in real-time data from unconventional sources, including Google mobility data, Open Table reservations, and social media metrics. More recently, the sharp rise in uncertainty—and some of the implications—can be seen in timely information from affected businesses. For instance, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia conducts a survey of manufacturing firms in its District. In figure 15, you can see that those firms report a significant rise so far this year in the prices they are paying for inputs and in the prices they expect to charge for their products. Turning to figure 16, those firms report that current manufacturing activity was boosted in January—the spike in the orange line—in part as firms built up inventories ahead of expected trade policy changes. Activity then slowed, and their expectations of future activity have eased as well.
    What about a second source of uncertainty—the structure of the economy? One aspect of that is how demand in the economy responds to changes in the Fed’s policy rate. A way of judging those changes is by looking at financial conditions more broadly. Among the data series that matter for decisions of consumers and businesses are mortgage rates, other long-term interest rates, equity prices, and the foreign exchange value of the dollar. Using those variables, Fed staff have constructed an index of overall financial conditions, called FCI-G. You can see that in figure 17. That index showed financial conditions easing notably (becoming a tailwind to GDP growth) in 2020 and into 2021 as the Fed eased policy in response to the economic fallout from the pandemic and then tightening sharply in 2022 along with higher Fed policy rates. Over the past two years, overall financial conditions have eased modestly amid a strong stock market and moderation in long-term interest rates as inflation came down. Currently, the FCI-G index shows financial conditions to be about neutral for GDP growth in the coming year.
    What about uncertainty related to how private agents form expectations about future economic developments and policy actions as a source of uncertainty? Currently, I believe this is the primary source of uncertainty. Even before yesterday’s larger than expected announcements on trade policy, businesses and consumers reported a high degree of uncertainty about current and future trade policy actions, and—as I discussed—surveys generally show increased expectations of inflation, at least for the coming year.
    What could be the effects of that uncertainty, and what should be the monetary policy response? Tariff-related price increases and rising inflation expectations could argue for maintaining a restrictive stance for longer to reduce the risk of unanchored inflation expectations. But these price increases also lower disposable personal income, which could lead to lower consumer spending. And the uncertainty related to tariffs, by stalling hiring and investment, could generate a negative growth impulse to the economy and a weaker labor market.
    Amid growing uncertainty and risks to both sides of our dual mandate, I believe it will be appropriate to maintain the policy rate at its current level while continuing to vigilantly monitor developments that could change the outlook.
    Monetary policy is still moderately restrictive, though less so than before our rate cuts last year, which totaled 1 percentage point. Over time, if uncertainty clears and we see further progress on inflation toward our 2 percent target, it will likely be appropriate to lower the policy rate to reduce the degree of monetary policy restriction. I could imagine scenarios where rates could be held at current levels longer or eased faster based on the evolution of inflation and unemployment. For now, we can afford to be patient but attentive. I believe that policy is well situated to respond to developments, and I am continuously updating my outlook as matters evolve.
    ConclusionAs I conclude, I will reiterate the economy has been through an extraordinary period, since the onset of the pandemic, that has posed significant challenges for monetary policymakers. It is encouraging that inflation has moderated, albeit to a rate above our 2 percent target, while the labor market and broader economy remain solid. It appears that the economy, for the moment, has entered a period of uncertainty. I will repeat that I believe that current monetary policy is well positioned to respond to coming economic developments, and I will be watching those developments carefully.
    Thank you again for hosting me here at Pitt. It has been an honor to deliver the McKay lecture, and I look forward to continuing our conversation.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text
    2. Alan Greenspan (1994), “Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the Congress,” testimony before the Subcommittee on Economic Growth and Credit Formation of the Committee on Banking, Finance and Urban Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives, February 22. Return to text
    3. This is the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index. Return to text
    4. See David Autor, Arindrajit Dube, and Annie McGrew (2023), “The Unexpected Compression: Competition at Work in the Low Wage Labor Market,” NBER Working Paper Series 31010 (Cambridge, Mass.: National Bureau of Economic Research, March; revised May 2024). Return to text
    5. See Lisa D. Cook (2024), “Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and the Path Ahead for Productivity,” speech delivered at “Technology-Enabled Disruption: Implications of AI, Big Data, and Remote Work,” a conference organized by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta, Boston, and Richmond, Atlanta, October 1; Lisa D. Cook (2024), “What Will Artificial Intelligence Mean for America’s Workers?” speech delivered at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, September 26. Return to text
    6. See Ben S. Bernanke (2007), “Monetary Policy under Uncertainty,” speech delivered at the 32nd Annual Economic Policy Conference, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (via videoconference), October 19. Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: BloFin Powers Up Platform Efficiency with Unified Trading Account Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BloFin is a global crypto trading platform built with a user-first mindset. It offers professional-grade trading tools, a seamless product experience, and a secure trading environment. BloFin is now enhancing its trading infrastructure with the platform-wide expansion of Unified Trading Account Mode. This strategic upgrade merges spot and futures trading into a streamlined structure. This marks a significant leap in trading efficiency, offering users a unified interface and a consolidated margin system for managing all market positions.

    Unified Trading Account Mode is now fully available for all sub-accounts. It allows users to trade spot and futures markets seamlessly, without switching between different account types or interfaces. This results in simplified asset management, faster trade execution, and enhanced control over trading activities. Moreover, the new Cross-Currency Margin Mode is currently in grey release and will be gradually rolled out to more users. This gradual transition will allow users to adapt smoothly while maintaining their trading habits and interface preferences. This move reflects BloFin’s long-term vision to build a secure, scalable, and user-focused trading environment that meets the evolving needs of both beginners and experienced futures traders.

    March–April Upgrades: BloFin Enhanced Unified Trading, Smarter Margin Mechanism, Strategy-Based Copy Bot, and Advanced Grid Trading for Perpetuals

    In March, BloFin upgraded its Unified Trading Interface to support seamless interaction between spot and perpetual, and optimized the Cross-Collateral Margin Formula for better capital efficiency. April saw the launch of Copy Bot for strategy-based copy trading and Perpetual Grid Trading for automated derivatives strategies. BloFin remains committed to continuous infrastructure upgrades and delivering an institutional-grade trading experience for advanced users.

    Learn more about Unified Mode and how to activate it within your sub-accounts on BloFin: https://support.blofin.com/hc/en-us/articles/11050152535311-Terms-of-Use-for-Unified-Trading-Account

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    About BloFin

    ​BloFin is a top-tier cryptocurrency exchange that specializes in futures trading. The platform offers 460+ USDT-M perpetual pairs, spot trading, copy trading, API access, unified account management, and advanced sub-account solutions. Committed to security and compliance, BloFin integrates Fireblocks and Chainalysis to ensure robust asset protection. By partnering with top affiliates, BloFin delivers scalable trading solutions, efficient fund management, and enhanced flexibility for professional traders. ​As the constant sponsor of TOKEN2049, BloFin continues to expand its global presence, reinforcing its position as the place “WHERE WHALES ARE MADE.” For more information, visit BloFin’s official website at https://www.blofin.com.

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    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/74946fcc-d32c-473b-89e3-fee2cc45e061

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Topline Financial Credit Union Promotes Alan Sonnenburg to Exectuive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAPLE GROVE, Minn., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based member-owned financial services cooperative, has promoted Alan Sonnenburg to Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer effective March 31, 2025.

    Sonnenburg joined TopLine in 2018 as the credit union’s Senior Vice President of Lending and Chief lending Officer, with more than 34 years of experience in the financial services industry. During his tenure at TopLine, Alan has been responsible for overseeing consumer lending, loan servicing and underwriting, indirect lending, mortgage services, business services, collections and training teams, and in his expanded role he will add retail branching and operation teams.

    “Alan is a highly talented financial services executive, and this is a well-deserved promotion,” said Mick Olson, President and CEO, TopLine Financial Credit Union. “He played a pivotal role in our 2019 technology conversions, improving and managing our lending operations, strategic planning, and currently assisting with merger activities with Anoka Hennepin Credit Union. His extensive industry experience, knowledge and collaborative approach will allow him to successfully take on this expanded role.”
    Alan is an active participant with the Credit Union Lending Council. He has served in various council roles within his local church; served as treasurer for a student group at Eastview High School, and had various leadership positions within youth sports for Eastview Athletic Association. Alan earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

    TopLine Financial Credit Union, a Twin Cities-based credit union, is Minnesota’s 9th largest credit union, with assets of over $1.1 billion and serves over 70,000 members. Established in 1935, the not-for-profit financial cooperative offers a complete line of financial services from its ten branch locations — in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Circle Pines, Coon Rapids, Forest Lake, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Francis and in St. Paul’s Como Park — as well as by phone and online at www.TopLinecu.com. Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or volunteers in Anoka, Benton, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Washington and Wright counties in Minnesota and their immediate family members, as well as employees and retirees of Anoka Hennepin School District #11, Anoka Technical College, Federal Premium Ammunition, Hoffman Enclosures, Inc., GRACO, Inc., and their subsidiaries. Visit us on our Facebook or Instagram. To learn more about the credit union’s foundation, visit www.TopLinecu.com/Foundation.

    CONTACT:
    Vicki Roscoe Erickson
    Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
    TopLine Financial Credit Union
    verickson@toplinecu.com
    763.391.0872

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c11b6164-a5c8-433a-b220-cb00707b606e

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis and Lieutenant Governor Primavera Celebrate Ute Day at the Colorado State Capitol

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Annual event honors the important relationship between the state of Colorado and the Ute Tribes

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis and Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera, Chair of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, hosted the annual Ute Day at the Capitol, a day to honor the two Tribes with tribal nations in Colorado, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and their sister Tribe, the Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray.

    “The relationship between the State and the Ute Tribes of Colorado is critical to ensuring that every Coloradan, especially members of tribal communities, can thrive. For generations, Colorado has had an open, productive, and beneficial relationship with tribal governments, and today, we celebrate those important connections and further strengthen our collaboration. I thank the tribal leaders and community members who traveled to the Capitol today to share experiences, collaborate on solutions, and continue our long legacy of respect and open dialogue,” said Governor Polis.

    “Ute Day at the Capitol is a powerful reminder of the enduring presence, culture, and contributions of the Ute Tribes,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “As Chair of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs, I am honored to join Tribal leaders in strengthening our government-to-government relationships. Together, we are building a future that honors our shared past while creating new opportunities for generations to come.”

    “This day provides a valuable opportunity to foster greater understanding and strengthen the bonds between our Tribe and the State of Colorado. We welcome the chance for all to learn more about our Tribe, sovereignty, rich culture, and our ongoing commitment to self-determination, as we cultivate a strong working relationship with the State for the benefit of all,” shared Chairman Melvin J. Baker of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.

    “We are honored and humbled to be recognized as the original inhabitants of the Rocky Mountains as the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, including all of our Ute people on April 3, 2025, in the State of Colorado for Ute Day,” said Chairman Manuel Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.

    The Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs serves as the official liaison between the State of Colorado, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. The relationship between the State of Colorado and sovereign Tribal governments is founded on a strong government-to-government relationship. The Commission, chaired by Lt. Governor Primavera, ensures direct contact and meaningful engagement with the Tribes and American Indian/Alaska Native communities statewide. The Commission is committed to facilitating communication between the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, the other 46 Historic Tribes of Colorado, American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities statewide, state agencies, and affiliated groups to positively impact the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native communities statewide.

    The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe is the Weenuche band of the Ute Nation of Indians. Based in Towaoc, the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation is a Sovereign Nation home to approximately 2,000 residents. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is composed of two bands, the Mouache and Caputa. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has approximately 1,400 tribal members and is based in Ignacio.

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: Virtu Financial to Host Conference Call Announcing First Quarter 2025 Results on Wednesday, April 23, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtu Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq:VIRT), a leading provider of global, multi-asset financial services that delivers liquidity and innovative, transparent products across the complete investment cycle to the global markets, will announce its results for the first quarter 2025 on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, before the US market open.

    Virtu will host a conference call to discuss the company’s financial results at 8:00 AM (EDT). A live webcast of the event will be available and archived on the Investor Relations section of the company’s website at https://ir.virtu.com/events-presentations. The call will be open to the public.

    About Virtu Financial, Inc.
    Virtu is a leading provider of financial services and products that leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver liquidity to the global markets and innovative, transparent trading solutions to its clients. Leveraging its global market making expertise and infrastructure, Virtu provides a robust product suite including offerings in execution, liquidity sourcing, analytics and broker-neutral, multi-dealer platforms in workflow technology. Virtu’s product offerings allow clients to trade on hundreds of venues across 50+ countries and in multiple asset classes, including global equities, ETFs, foreign exchange, futures, fixed income, cryptocurrency and myriad other commodities. In addition, Virtu’s integrated, multi-asset analytics platform provides a range of pre-, intra-, and post-trade services, data products and compliance tools that clients rely upon to invest, trade and manage risk across global markets.

    Contact:

    Investor Relations and Media Relations
    Andrew Smith
    investor_relations@virtu.com
    media@virtu.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada’s labour market is failing racialized immigrant women, requiring an urgent policy response

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Marshia Akbar, Director of the BMO Newcomer Workforce Integration Lab and Research Lead on Labour Migration at the CERC Migration and Integration Program at TMU, Toronto Metropolitan University

    Despite Canada’s commitment to gender equity through human rights legislation and policies, the country ranked eighth in gender pay disparity among 43 nations in 2018.

    While gender wage gaps affect all women, they are particularly pronounced for those from marginalized communities. A 2015 United Nations Human Rights report raised concerns about “the persisting inequalities between women and men” in Canada, highlighting the gender pay gap and its disproportionate impact on low-income, racialized and Indigenous women.

    Historical data reflects the persistence of these inequalities. The 2001 and 2016 censuses reveal that labour market inequalities in Canada have remained both gendered and racialized over the past two decades.

    Racialized immigrant women are among the most disadvantaged groups in Canada’s labour force. They experience higher unemployment rates and lower incomes than racialized men, non-racialized men and non-racialized women, regardless of whether they are immigrants or Canadian-born.

    Building on this evidence, my recent analysis of the 2021 census further illustrates the ongoing disparities racialized immigrant women face in the Canadian labour market — even among those with university education.

    A triple disadvantage

    As of 2021, immigrants comprised about 23 per cent of Canada’s population, with racialized women making up 36 per cent of all immigrants. Their presence plays a critical role in Canada’s demographic composition and economic growth.

    However, systemic barriers continue to limit their economic potential. Racialized immigrant women face a triple disadvantage due to their race, immigrant status and gender, making it harder for them to secure employment.

    Data from 2021 highlights these disparities. Racialized immigrant women aged 25 to 54 had the lowest labour force participation and employment rates, and the highest unemployment rates.

    The labour force participation rate measures the percentage of the working-age population that is either employed or actively seeking work, while the employment rate is the percentage of the working-age population that is employed.

    The labour force participation rate of racialized immigrant women was 77 per cent, the lowest among all immigrant groups. Their employment rate was 68 per cent, significantly lower than that of racialized immigrant men (82 per cent) and non-racialized immigrant women (74 per cent).

    Additionally, their unemployment rate reached 12 per cent, exceeding racialized immigrant men by seven percentage points and non-racialized immigrant women by three percentage points.

    In contrast, Canadian-born women face fewer employment disparities between racialized and non-racialized groups. This suggests that labour market barriers are particularly harsh for immigrant women of colour.

    Wage gaps reflect the triple disadvantage

    Wage disparities in Canada vary significantly across demographic lines, with immigrant women facing the greatest disadvantages.

    In 2020, racialized immigrant women aged 15 and over had the lowest median employment income of $30,400. Their earnings lagged behind racialized immigrant men, and non-racialized immigrant men and women.

    While higher education improves earnings, it does not eliminate these disparities.

    University-educated racialized immigrant women earned an average of $41,200 in 2020, compared to $57,200 for their male counterparts — a gender wage gap of 28 per cent.

    Additionally, they earned 19 per cent less than non-racialized immigrant women ($50,800) and 32 per cent less than non-racialized Canadian-born women ($60,400). This placed them at the bottom of the earnings hierarchy.

    These figures indicate that educational attainment alone is not enough to overcome the structural barriers that limit economic opportunities for racialized immigrant women. More deliberate actions are needed.

    The road ahead

    Despite initiatives like the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot, which the federal government launched in 2018 to support career advancement for racialized newcomer women, employment and wage disparities persist.

    Research has identified several structural factors that limit their access to meaningful economic opportunities. These barriers include gender biases, institutional racism, disproportionate caregiving responsibilities, the non-recognition of foreign credentials, gender gaps in skill development and job transitions, and occupational segregation.

    To address these challenges, future research should adopt a problem-solving approach to address the root causes. Simultaneously, a comprehensive policy response is needed to tackle the systemic barriers in the labour market.

    Targeted solutions are needed to help racialized immigrant women. Strengthening credential recognition, for instance, can help employers assess transferable skills across countries. Implementing equitable hiring practices and workplace integration policies are also essential.

    Digital technology and artificial intelligence can also help eliminate bias in hiring and job matching. Settlement programs should account for the intersecting identities of racialized immigrant women to provide tailored support.

    Most importantly, it’s crucial to recognize that ensuring equitable access to meaningful employment is not only vital for advancing gender and racial equity, but also essential for unlocking Canada’s full economic potential.

    Marshia Akbar receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    ref. Canada’s labour market is failing racialized immigrant women, requiring an urgent policy response – https://theconversation.com/canadas-labour-market-is-failing-racialized-immigrant-women-requiring-an-urgent-policy-response-251792

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Unveils New Refrigerator Line-up Equipped with Display Screens

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the global roll-out of its latest line-up of smart refrigerators, reinforcing the “Screens Everywhere” vision that was introduced at CES 2025.
     
    This expansion includes the introduction of the 9-inch AI Home screen[1] on a select range of Side by Side models that include the Bespoke AI Side by Side. The Samsung Family Hub 21,5’’ Side by Side refrigerator that comes with Display screen are able to keep your family connected anytime, anywhere. You can now share pictures, videos and drawings with Google photos², control your smart appliances and devices as well as get all the benefits of Alexa/Bixby built-in and quickly add items to your shopping list – all right from your Samsung smart fridge.
     
    “By offering a wide array of Side-by-Side refrigerator options across type and also screen sizes, we are expanding consumers’ choices in an effort to meet diverse household requirements,” says Jeong Seung Moon, EVP and Head of the R&D Team for Digital Appliances Business at Samsung Electronics. “Consumers can enjoy greater flexibility in choosing fridge designs, while benefiting from the AI-powered smart home experience that Samsung provides.”
     
    The Next Generation of Refrigeration
    With AI & SmartThings , you can now explore what’s possible with interconnected home appliances, from intelligent energy saving to convenient device control and seamless device continuity experience. AI Energy mode enables the fridge to anticipate usage to minimise air loss and runs a defrost cycle only when necessary to save an extra 15% of energy.
     
    Also, now you can get the best of both worlds with SpaceMax . Thin walls mean more space for food storage on the inside, while the outside size stays the same – all without compromising on performance. You really can get the best of both worlds. Make sure food is properly cooled – wherever it is. The All Around Cooling feature cools each compartment evenly from corner, so everything is kept at the right temperature. It continually checks the temperature and circulates cool air everywhere in the fridge through the vents on every shelf. The Auto Open Door features touch sensors on both sides, allowing you to open it with a light touch.
     
    The sensor lights are always on, making them easy to locate even in the dark and they emit a sound to alert you when the door opens. All these Side-by-Side fridges now come with the New High efficiency Digital Inverter compressor. The magnet poles of the rotor are sitting outside meaning at a lower speed of 1250 RPM, you are getting a higher energy efficiency rating (EER). The outer rotor design of the compressor allows it to generate less heat therefore saves energy.
     
    [1] A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required to access the AI Home, our network-based service, including apps, and other smart features available through your refrigerator. You may need to use a separate device e.g. your laptop/desktop or mobile device, to create/log into a Samsung Account. If you choose not to log-in, you will not be able to enjoy any features available on the AI Home, such as the services available on the SmartThings App and the phone call features. Recipe recommendations and Bixby accessible through the AI Home utilize AI (based on deep learning models, which may be updated periodically to improve accuracy). To access your AI recipe recommendations, click on the ‘Food’ service within the SmartThings App in the AI Home menu.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sports diplomacy – 4th “Relay Around the World” (3 Apr. 2025)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    Thanks to the joint efforts of the French diplomatic network, the Relay Around the World has become a key aspect of French sports diplomacy on the international stage. Each participating embassy or consulate is responsible for organizing an hour-long sports event from 9 to 10 a.m. (local time) before handing over to a post in the next time zone, so that the Relay lasts 24 hours, from New Zealand to Tahiti.

    The Paris 2024 Games showed just how much sport can build bridges and unite people, regardless of their origins, beliefs and opinions. The Relay Around the World symbolizes this will to bring us together around essential values (Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence; Paralympic values of determination, equality, inspiration and courage).

    In a divided world, we must encourage “the spirit of the Games” now more than ever, a spirit of fraternity, cohesion and inclusion.

    This year, once again, the Relay will promote sporting actions and cooperation undertaken by the French diplomatic network and all “Team France” all over the world. The enthusiasm for this Relay is emblematic of our collective ability to mobilize our staff, our expatriate communities, our network abroad and our local sporting ecosystems thanks to the momentum generated by the 2024 Paris Games and with a view to the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps.

    For example, our embassy in Singapore will bring together diplomats and students from the Institut Français for a football tournament; in Lebanon, the embassy will organize a multi-sports day with over 300 participants, including students from the French schools in Beirut and young people with disabilities; in Cuba, the embassy and the local federation will hold a day to introduce and promote rugby to about 100 students from schools in Havana.

    The Paris stage of the Relay will highlight France’s determination to host the world’s biggest sporting events. In the run-up to the Badminton World Championships in Paris this summer, the French Foreign Ministry will bring together the French Badminton Federation and several embassies for an awareness programme on the sport, which has 390 million players and 750 million fans around the world. Ministry staff will also partake in sporting activities (badminton, yoga, five-a-side football, walking, running) to show their commitment to a more united world through sport.

    In 2024, the Relay involved 138 embassies, consulates general and overseas territories, and a total of more than 20,000 participants.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Alaris Equity Partners Announces Timing of 2025 Q1 Financial Results, Conference Call and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE UNITED STATES.
    FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF UNITED STATES SECURITIES LAW.

    CALGARY, Alberta, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust (“Alaris” or the “Trust“) (TSX: AD.UN) is pleased to announce that it will release its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 following the closing of regular trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange Thursday, May 8, 2025. Alaris management will host a conference call at 9 am MT (11 am ET) the following day, Friday, May 9, 2025 to discuss the financial results and outlook for the Trust.

    Participants must register for the call using this link: Pre-registration to Q1 to receive the dial-in numbers and unique PIN to access the call seamlessly. It is recommended that you join 10 minutes prior to the event start (although you may register and dial in at any time during the call). Participants can access the webcast here: Q1 webcast. A replay of the webcast will be available two hours after the call and archived on the same web page for six months. Participants can also find the link on our website, stored under the “Investors” section – “Presentations and Events”, at www.alarisequitypartners.com.

    About Alaris

    The Trust, through its subsidiaries, invests in a diversified group of private businesses (“Private Company Partners“) primarily through structured equity. The primary goal of our structured equity investments is to deliver stable and predictable returns to our unitholders through both cash distributions and capital appreciation. This strategy is enhanced by common equity positions, which allow us to generate returns in alignment with the founders of our Private Company Partners.

    For further information please contact:

    Investor Relations
    P: (403) 260-1457
    ir@alarisequity.com

    Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust
    Suite 250, 333 24th Avenue S.W.
    Calgary, Alberta T2S 3E6
    www.alarisequitypartners.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: AI’s $4.8 trillion future: UN warns of widening digital divide without urgent action

    Source: United Nations 4

    Economic Development

    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on course to become a $4.8 trillion global market by 2033 – roughly the size of Germany’s economy – but unless urgent action is taken, its benefits may remain in the hands of a privileged few, a new UN report warns.  

    The Technology and Innovation Report 2025, released on Thursday by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), sounds the alarm on growing inequality in the AI landscape and lays out a roadmap for countries to harness AI’s potential. 

    The report shows that just 100 companies, mostly in the United States and China, are behind 40 per cent of the world’s private investment in research and development, highlighting a sharp concentration of power.

    At the same time, 118 countries – mostly from the Global South – are missing from global AI governance discussions altogether.

    UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan underlined the importance of stronger international cooperation to shift the focus “from technology to people,” and enable countries to co-create a global artificial intelligence framework”.

    A jobs revolution

    The report estimates that up to 40 percent of global jobs could be affected by AI.  

    While the technology brings new opportunities, especially through productivity gains and new industries, it also raises serious concerns about automation and job displacement – especially in economies where low-cost labour has been a competitive advantage.

    But it’s not all bad news. UNCTAD’s experts argue that AI is not just about replacing jobs – it can also create new industries and empower workers.

    If governments invest in reskilling, upskilling and workforce adaptation, they can ensure AI enhances employment opportunities rather than eliminate them.

    © ADB/Narendra Shrestha

    Students attend a computer class at a secondary school in Kailali, Nepal.

    How to prepare?

    To avoid being left behind, developing countries need to strengthen what UNCTAD calls the “three key leverage points”: infrastructure, data and skills.

    That means investing in fast, reliable internet connections and the computing power needed to store and process vast amounts of information.

    It also means ensuring access to diverse, high-quality datasets to train AI systems in ways that are effective and fair.  

    And crucially, it requires building education systems that equip people with the digital and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.

    Not just national: A global effort

    Beyond national policies, UNCTAD calls for stronger international collaboration to guide the development of artificial intelligence.

    The report proposes establishing a shared global facility to give all countries equitable access to computing power and AI tools.

    It also recommends creating a public disclosure framework for AI, similar to existing environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, to boost transparency and accountability.  

    “History has shown that while technological progress drives economic growth, it does not on its own ensure equitable income distribution or promote inclusive human development,” noted Ms. Grynspan, calling for people to be at the centre of the AI revolution.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI: BitMart to Host Seine & Crypto Connect — An Unmissable Paris Blockchain Week Afterparty on April 8

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mahe, Seychelles, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Paris Blockchain Week 2025 draws near, BitMart is excited to announce Seine & Crypto Connect, an exclusive afterparty hosted in collaboration with PaybisMetaEra, and other esteemed partners. The event will take place on April 8, 2025, from 7 PM to 11 PM CET at Les Jardins du Pont Neuf, a private waterfront venue along the iconic Seine River.

    Seine & Crypto Connect will bring together top leaders, investors, and innovators from the blockchain space for a night of strategic networking and high-level discussions. Co-hosted by Paybis, a leading cryptocurrency platform operating across the US, UK, and Europe; MetaEra, a pioneering Web3 news platform; and sponsored by Blockdaemon, the institutional gateway to Web3; and ZetaChain, a universal EVM-compatible Layer 1 bringing cross-chain interoperability to the blockchain ecosystem, this event will provide unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

    What to Expect at Seine & Crypto Connect:

    • Exclusive Venue – Guests will enjoy a private riverside reception, offering an elegant atmosphere and stunning views of Paris.
    • Gourmet Experience – Attendees will indulge in premium wines, artisanal cheese, and expertly crafted hors d’oeuvres, creating a sophisticated setting for networking.
    • Engaging Entertainment – A live DJ and ambient lighting will add to the immersive atmosphere, providing a lively backdrop for the evening.
    • High-Impact Networking – Attendees will connect with industry leaders, investors, and innovators shaping the future of Web3, Crypto, and Blockchain technology.
    • Exclusive Seine Cruise – A limited opportunity to board a 20-minute scenic tour along the Seine River directly from the venue, offering a unique Parisian experience.

    This exclusive event serves as an opportunity to engage with some of the most influential players in the blockchain and digital assets space, fostering collaboration and sparking meaningful conversations in a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

    To join the event, please RSVP here: https://lu.ma/a97zotmk

    Proudly Co-Hosted by:

    • Paybis – A leading cryptocurrency platform offering secure, compliant services across the US, UK, and Europe.
    • MetaEra – A Web3 news pioneer shaping the next wave of tech innovation.

    Sponsored by:

    • Blockdaemon – The institutional gateway to Web3, trusted by 400+ institutions and securing over $110B in digital assets.
    • ZetaChain – A universal EVM-compatible L1 bringing cross-chain interoperability to Solana, Bitcoin, and beyond. 

    Come for the innovation. Stay for the magic of Paris.

    About BitMart
    BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,700+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in crypto’s potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. To learn more about BitMart, visit their Website, follow their X (Twitter), or join their Telegram for updates, news, and promotions. Download BitMart App to trade anytime, anywhere.

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Thank you to everyone who defends our country”: HSE Academic Council meeting held at the Victory Museum

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Before the meeting, university veterans and members Academic Council laid wreaths and flowers at the sculpture group “Sorrow” in the Hall of Memory and Sorrow. In addition, they took part in the ceremony of transferring 185 stories of students and employees of the Higher School of Economics about their loved ones during the Great Patriotic War to the All-People’s Historical Project “Faces of Victory“.

    In memory of the defenders of the Fatherland

    The official ceremony of handing over the stories was opened by the General Director of the Victory Museum, Alexander Shkolnik. He recalled that the museum and the university had recently signed an agreement on partnership and cooperation. “After all, we are doing one big thing – raising new generations of real citizens of our country. And they can only be real when they know the history of their country, honor and remember its heroes,” he emphasized.

    Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Nikita Anisimov noted that those who have no past cannot be responsible for the future, and the university is responsible for the future. The transfer of stories of students and employees of the HSE about their heroic ancestors to the Faces of Victory project is the university’s contribution to perpetuating the memory of the defenders of the Fatherland.

    “We are grateful to the Victory Museum for the opportunity to pay tribute to the memory and say words of gratitude to the heroes who defended our country in difficult years, and also to hold the Academic Council of the Higher School of Economics here. And we are happy to hand over to the museum 185 stories collected by our students and staff as part of the Faces of Victory project. We are a young university, but many of the HSE students have something in their families that is connected with the Great Patriotic War, they have a story of their heroes. And I also want to say thank you to everyone who is defending our country now. Among them are students and staff of the Higher School of Economics. And their names, I am sure, will be on the next pages of the memorial materials that we are compiling today,” said Nikita Anisimov.

    The hero of one of these stories is the first rector of the Moscow Institute of Electronic Engineering (now Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics Yevgeny Armensky, who volunteered for the front after receiving his high school diploma and ended the war in Prague, was a member of the HSE. Nikita Anisimov noted that he created the glory of Russian engineering education and that it is important to remember this now, when it is being revived in Russia.

    Preservation of historical memory

    After the ceremonial meeting, the Academic Council met. The names of 11,695 Heroes of the Soviet Union are immortalized on the marble pylons of the Hall of Fame, where it was held, and a 10-meter figure of a victorious soldier is installed in the center.

    At the beginning of the meeting, Nikita Anisimov awarded honorary certificates to university veterans: Boris Gerenrot, professor Faculty of Law, and Vladimir Gavrilov, head of the rector’s secretariat from 1998 to 2000. Boris Gerenrot was 15 years old in 1941, he was called up to the front in 1944, and Vladimir Gavrilov survived the war as a child – he was driven away with his family to Germany, and his mother was shot before his eyes.

    The honorary guest of the Academic Council was the scientific director of the Russian Military Historical Society (RMHS) Mikhail Myagkov. He gave a report on the topic “Memory of the Liberators of Europe in the 21st Century”, emphasizing the role of the Soviet Union in the defeat of Nazi Germany.

    Mikhail Myagkov, in particular, said that in Prague, Marshal Konev lost control of the advanced units of the 1st Ukrainian Front for some time because the Praguers surrounded the soldiers and rocked them in their arms. More than 4 thousand monuments and memorials were erected in Europe, and, for example, 90% of the French considered the USSR’s role in the victory decisive, although France was liberated by the armies of the allies.

    Today, in Europe and the USA, the winners are considered to be primarily the British and Americans, history is falsified to suit politics, and American textbooks devote two lines to the Battle of Stalingrad. At the same time, Mikhail Myagkov emphasized, the decisive contribution of the USSR to the victory in the war is confirmed by indisputable facts and figures. On the Soviet-German front, 607 enemy divisions were destroyed, and on the Western front, only 176.

    The speaker answered questions from members of the Academic Council.

    Focus on technology leadership

    The second issue on the agenda of the Academic Council meeting was the participation of HSE in major federal projects and programs.

    Recently, the HSE team successfully defended the university development program before the Council for Support of Development Programs for Higher Education Organizations, taking second place among the participants of the Priority 2030 program. Vice-Rector Elena Odoevskaya presented a new model for implementing this program at the university, emphasizing that the emphasis in it is on technological leadership. In the near future, it is necessary to develop a KPI model for university departments to ensure their contribution to achieving the program’s target indicators.

    First Vice-Rector Leonid Gokhberg reported on the results of the work Center for Artificial Intelligence HSE University, created in 2021 following a large-scale competition. The most significant results: 31 publications at A* conferences and 23 articles in Q1 journals, 31 projects for industrial partners, 45 registered RIAs. More than 1,000 students have completed 34 AI courses created by the center. This year, the university applied for a new competition, the results of which will be announced soon.

    Vice-Rector Sergey Roshchin presented the main findings of the analytical report “The Position of HSE Graduates in the Russian Labor Market”. It notes HSE’s leading positions in terms of graduates’ salaries in most areas of training: IT, business informatics, economics, management, etc. Key employers for HSE graduates are leading bigtech and fintech companies.

    After the meeting, members of the Academic Council, accompanied by tour guides, visited the Victory Museum exhibitions “The Feat of the People” and “The Battle for Moscow. The First Victory.”

    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