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Category: Machine Learning

  • MIL-OSI USA: Markey Joins Senators Launching Probe Into DOGE’s Interference With Department of Education, Access to Federal Student Loan Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Musk’s Team May Have Obtained Access to Personal Information of Millions of Borrowers; Raises Concerns About Violations of the Law, Failure to Protect Sensitive Information
    “The millions of families who rely on ED to help them achieve the American Dream deserve answers about reports that an unelected billionaire and his team now have access to some of their most sensitive personal information.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington (February 7, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) joined Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and 13 of their colleagues in sending a letter to Acting Secretary of the Department of Education, Denise Carter, launching a probe into recent reports that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has infiltrated the Department of Education (ED) and that “DOGE staffers have gained access to federal student loan data, which includes personal information for millions of borrowers.”
    The letter was also signed by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).
    There are over 40 million federal student loan borrowers in the United States. ED’s student loan database contains millions of borrowers’ highly sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, marital status, and income data. 
    “This deeply troubling report raises questions about potential exposures of Americans’ private data, the abuse of this data by the Trump Administration, and whether officials who have access to the data may have violated the law or the federal government’s procedures for handling sensitive information,” wrote the senators.
    According to public reporting, “a handful of 19-to-24-year-old engineers linked to Musk’s companies, with unclear titles, could be bypassing regular security protocols” during DOGE’s infiltration of federal agencies. The senators also raised concerns that the access provided to DOGE-affiliated staff by the Department may violate the Privacy Act, which generally prohibits the disclosure of such information.
    “We are especially troubled by this reporting given President Trump’s stated pledge to abolish the Department,” concluded the lawmakers. “The millions of families who rely on ED to help them achieve the American Dream deserve answers about reports that an unelected billionaire and his team now have access to some of their most sensitive personal information.”
    Additional reporting suggests that DOGE has “fed sensitive data from across the Education Department into artificial intelligence software to probe the agency’s programs and spending.” The 16 senators requested answers from Acting Secretary Carter about DOGE’s access to federal student loan data and any other sensitive databases by February 13, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Blasts USAID for Obstructing Investigations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – After the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) repeatedly stonewalled her investigations, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) blasted the rogue agency’s history of obstruction and waste.
    Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Ernst detailed how USAID had misled, lied, and deceived Americans by blocking her extensive efforts to get answers into how tax dollars were spent at the agency.
    In the letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ernst outlined her experience beginning with how USAID falsely claimed aid data was classified.
    “However, after accepting the requested accommodations and waiting weeks for available SCIF space at USAID’s headquarters, my staff discovered the documents were not classified. The documents my staff reviewed, on their face, failed to comply with standard classifications protocols. Only after demanding to speak to your USAID Office of Security, my staff uncovered that this data was, in fact, unclassified. In a desperate attempt to limit congressional oversight of public information, USAID demonstrated intentional abuse of a system designed to keep our nation’s secret information secure,” wrote Ernst.
    Next, she explained how the agency attempted to mislead Congress about the true cost of aid hidden through Negotiated Indirect Cost Agreements (NICRA).
    “It was absurd that USAID failed to share NICRA rates on the grounds that the agency can refuse any congressional oversight unless they originate from a ‘committee of jurisdiction.’ Nevertheless, on April 24, 2023, former House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and I requested access to the NICRA data. After that, USAID finally allowed my staff to review,” Ernst continued.
    She concluded by illustrating USAID’s failures to use tax dollars responsibly.
    “In the wake of this series of significant misjudgments and oversight obstruction by USAID, it is of the utmost importance to conduct a full and independent analysis of the recipients of USAID assistance. Congress must pay particular attention to the activities of USAID’s implementing partners, including Chemonics, to verify whether USAID erred in selecting them to manage this funding,” Ernst concluded.
    Click here to view the letter.
    Background:
    While the full extent of waste at USAID remains shrouded in mystery, Senator Ernst exposed a series of jaw-dropping examples, including, sending Ukrainians to Paris Fashion Week, risky research in Wuhan, tourism in Lebanon, and much more.
    After being stonewalled, Ernst and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) launched an official congressional investigation to get answers in April 2023.
    In November 2023, Ernst began investigating USAID’s assistance to small businesses in Ukraine.
    In March 2024 she led a bipartisan effort to eliminate waste at the agency.
    In May 2024, USAID’s obstruction of her oversight efforts led Ernst to call for a probe of the agency’s implementing partners and recipients of aid by the Inspector General.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Launch Probe into DOGE’s Interference with Department of Education, Access to Federal Student Loan Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 07, 2025

    Musk’s Team May Have Obtained Access to Personal Information of Millions of Borrowers; Raises Concerns About Violations of the Law, Failure to Protect Sensitive Information

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today demanded an investigation into recent reports that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)  staffers have gained access to federal student loan data, which includes personal information for millions of borrowers.

    In a letter to Acting U.S. Education Department Secretary Denise Carter from Wyden, Merkley and 14 senate colleagues, they wrote, “This deeply troubling report raises questions about potential exposures of Americans’ private data, the abuse of this data by the Trump Administration, and whether officials who have access to the data may have violated the law or the federal government’s procedures for handling sensitive information.” 

    There are more than 40 million federal student loan borrowers in the United States. And the Education Department’s student loan database contains millions of borrowers’ highly sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, marital status, and income data. 

    According to public reporting, “a handful of 19-to-24-year-old engineers linked to Musk’s companies, with unclear titles, could be bypassing regular security protocols” during DOGE’s infiltration of federal agencies. The senators also raised concerns that the access provided to DOGE-affiliated staff by the Department may violate the Privacy Act, which generally prohibits the disclosure of such information.

    “We are especially troubled by this reporting given President Trump’s stated pledge to abolish the Department,” concluded the lawmakers, adding that the millions of families who rely on the department “to help them achieve the American Dream deserve answers about reports that an unelected billionaire and his team now have access to some of their most sensitive personal information.”

    Additional reporting suggests that DOGE has “fed sensitive data from across the Education Department into artificial intelligence software” in order to target programs or areas to cut off federal spending The 16 senators demanded answers from Carter about DOGE’s access to federal student loan data and any other sensitive databases by February 13, 2025.

    Wyden and Merkley signed the letter led by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), alongside additional signers Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.). 

    The letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Responsible Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence Critical, Speakers Say, as Economic and Social Council Concludes Its Coordination Segment

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Amid the fourth industrial revolution, responsible global governance of artificial intelligence (AI) is paramount, the Economic and Social Council heard today as speakers at its 2025 coordination segment explored the transformative potential of data, science, technology and innovation to advance sustainable development.

    The first of the four panel discussions held today — moderated by Mahlet Zeleke Redi, Focal Point of Global Youth Caucus on Decent Work and Sustainable Economies Major Group for Children and Youth — focused on “Creating employment and decent work opportunities for all”.

    It began with a fireside chat featuring José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and Cynthia Samuel-Olonjuwon, Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for the United Nations.

    Mr. Salazar-Xirinachs, spotlighting the challenge of job creation, said that in the era of technological and AI revolutions, one of the key drivers of investment flows to countries is not just cheap but skilled labour.  Therefore, he stressed, the quality of education and vocational training systems and the digital skills of the labour force are essential for people to get good jobs and for countries to thrive.

    Ms. Samuel-Olonjuwon underscored that prioritizing decent work for young people pays back “sustained and multifaceted dividends” for their families and nations.  Technological transformation is rapidly driving change in the world of work and beyond, she observed, adding that “skills have become a priority”.  Noting the importance of education, training and entrepreneurship for young businesses, she said that policy actions should be guided by the actual needs of young people and “put them in the driver seat”.

    The panel began with Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), who underscored — via video message — that “creating decent jobs is the core of our mission” to fight poverty and hunger worldwide.  While spotlighting AI’s massive opportunities — including to improve productivity and competitiveness — he underlined the need to “close the existing digital divides”.  More specifically, it is crucial to address the potential downsides of digitalization and automation, including the risk of job losses and shifting production away from developing countries, he stressed, pointing to UNIDO’s projects which equip young people and women in developing countries with technical skills for decent jobs.

    Abdulaziz M. Alwasil (Saudi Arabia), Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women on its sixty-ninth session, stressed that an inclusive society cannot be built without gender equality.  The empowerment of women and girls is paramount, he said, adding that in many countries, women and girls are deprived of equal access to economic opportunities and leadership roles.  “This undermines the resilience of societies,” he stated, underscoring the need to push for policy outcomes that are “not just ambitious in rhetoric but transformative in practice”.

    “We gather here at a moment of profound reckoning” — from the devastating impacts of conflict and rise of authoritarianism to the assaults on fundamental human rights, said Veronica Brown, Women’s Major Group Coordinator for the Women’s Environment and Development Organization.  Warning against forces that aim to roll back hard-won gains in gender equality, she observed:  “Gender equality is too often treated as an add-on rather than a prerequisite for sustainable development.”

    Echoing her concerns, Jemimah Njuki, Chief of the Economic Empowerment section at the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women), said the empowerment of women and girls is not just a moral imperative but a necessity for achieving all of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring a resilient economy.  Nevertheless, women face a 20 per cent gender pay gap and, in many countries, informal employment — where mostly women are to be found — is as high as 90 per cent.  Accordingly, she called for sustainable financing, ensuring that “gender equality remains at the heart of financial systems”.

    Georges-Simon Ulrich, Director General of the Federal Statistical Office of Switzerland and Chair of the Statistical Commission on its fifty-fifth session, speaking via videoconference, called for comprehensive data and statistical systems which permit evidence-based decision-making and detailed the Commission’s work towards supporting inclusive growth strategies and building resilient economies.

    The second panel, moderated by Quintin Chou-Lambert, Senior Adviser to the Under-Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Digital and Emerging Technologies, focused on “Harnessing data, science, technology and innovation to advance digital progress”.

    The fireside chat included Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, Chancellor of Nelson Mandela University, and Tomas Lamanauskas, Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

    Ms. Fraser-Moleketi said public administration is responsible for ensuring that AI is used to improve lives.  Governance frameworks must leverage scientific expertise to do this, she said, calling for targeted interventions to address the digital divide and technological exclusion.

    Mr. Lamanauskas said:  “Done right, [AI] can mitigate 5-10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030”, and highlighted the “AI for Good summit” which showcases responsible innovation and spotlights AI solutions for each SDG.  He also drew attention to the UN System White Paper on AI Governance, which identifies pre-existing instruments that could also cover AI, from broad ethics to sector-specific technical guidelines. 

    The panel began with Muhammadou M.O. Kah (Gambia), Chair of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development on its twenty-eighth session, who stressed that “when we establish transparent and consistent data governance frameworks, we create an environment of legal certainty that empowers innovators, businesses and consumers alike”.  It is also crucial to establish clear avenues for redress, he said, underscoring the importance of interoperability — “by aligning our legal and technical standards, we could create pathways for seamless data flows that enhance cooperation and facilitate the global exchange of ideas and best practices”.

    Next, Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE), highlighted its efforts to facilitate trade by streamlining trade-related processes and digitalizing the exchange of information.  ECE hosts the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business, which develops interoperable data exchange standards and policy recommendations, enabling seamless data exchange across systems, borders and value chains.  “Today, many products have AI embedded.  Ensuring their conformity and safety presents new challenges,” she said, adding that ECE has released guidance for regulatory compliance of products and services using embedded AI or other digital technologies.

    Julia Glidden, Group President of Ipsos Public Affairs, said that “it is easy to talk about sexy data-driven topics like GenAI, Edge Computing [and] geospatial intelligence”, but it is also essential to combine established technologies with sophisticated data analytics.  As an example, she said, her organization worked with Mondelez, a multinational food producer, to use data to understand cocoa farmers’ working conditions and economic growth.  Collecting reliable data meant reaching communities in remote areas, often traveling by foot, donkey and canoe to capture and transmit data from areas that often lack electricity, let alone Wi-Fi.  They did so “by using tablet devices enabled by Ipsos’s iField” technology, she added.

    Fernand Bale, Director of the Geographic and Digital Information Center of Côte d’Ivoire, said that because geospatial information integrates diverse data and scientific approaches, it “enables policymakers to process large amounts of data, thereby strengthening the interface between policy and science”.  Communities and Governments can use geospatial information and maps to visualize locations where critical infrastructure is needed, or areas affected by disasters, pollution or biodiversity loss.  By enhancing policies and capacities related to geospatial information, “we democratize access to data and knowledge”, he said.

    Moderated by Lok Bahadur Thapa (Nepal), Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council and co-facilitator of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, the sixth panel focused on “Financing and investment solutions for sustainable development in countries in special situations”.

    The speakers for the fireside chat were Jose Antonio Ocampo, Professor at the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University, and Robert Powell, Special Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    Mr. Ocampo noted that levelling the playing field is not enough for countries in special situations.  Debt and tax cooperation are “pressing problems”, he said, calling for interaction between regional and global institutions and urging the fulfilment of historical commitments for developing countries.  He observed that interaction with Governments and monitoring of graduating countries will uncover systemic inequalities on the ground. 

    Mr. Powell, stating that coordination and trust are critical for efficiency across the UN system, said that Member States in New York are responsible for ensuring that “messaging remains consistent”.  Noting that major financial reforms are already taking place, he spotlighted the Fund’s “historic” special drawing rights (SDRs) allocation of $650 billion and the creation of the Resilience and Sustainability Trust.

    The panel began with Rabab Fatima, High Representative for Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States, stressing that the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development must deliver a renewed global financing framework.

    For her part, Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), pointing to the term “countries in special situations”, observed that States’ perseverance and transformation potential make them “truly special”.  However, there is nothing “special” about small island developing States defaulting on their development to not default on their debt, she said, calling for maximizing the impact of development on technological progress.

    Mathew Gbonjubola, Co-Chair of the Committee of Experts on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, said that developing countries widely adopt the UN Model Double Taxation Convention.  The Committee also supports capacity-development activities and reviews standards — designed from the point of view of developed economies — through the prism of developing countries.  He added that giving the developing countries the ability to sit at the table in designing the world tax system is key.

    “Although Africa has integrated into the global financial system, its economies remain constrained by limited access to stable financing,” observed Claver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).  The continent’s debt exceeds $1 trillion, and its countries annually spend millions in debt servicing — “resources that could have been invested in other development priorities”, he noted.  Through the African High-Level Working Group, the Commission works to scale up bank financing and ensure better returns.

    “Over the past two days, we have witnessed the [Economic and Social Council] ecosystem in action, providing ideas and solutions on how to turbocharge implementation as we approach the 2030 deadline of the SDGs,” said Navid Hanif, Assistant Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, in his closing remarks.  Noting that this year’s coordination segment was the first since the adoption of the Pact for the Future, he said it has delivered “a clear call to strengthen coordination within the UN system, reduce duplication and address misalignment of partnerships”.

    Anatolio Ndong Mba (Equatorial Guinea), Vice-President of the Economic and Social Council and Chair of the Coordination Segment, said that this year’s meeting has demonstrated that political will can elevate international cooperation to new heights and deliver concrete solutions. “The coordination segment is not just about reflection; it is about action and charting the way forward”, he stated, urging those present to carry forward the momentum and translate discussions into action.  He added:  “We have a responsibility to the people we represent.  The time for bold and coordinated leadership cannot be postponed anymore.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Colleagues Launch Probe Into DOGE’s Interference with Department of Education, Access to Federal Student Loan Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Musk’s Team May Have Obtained Access to Personal Information of Millions of Borrowers; Raises Concerns About Violations of the Law, Failure to Protect Sensitive Information

    “The millions of families who rely on the Department of Education to help them achieve the American Dream deserve answers about reports that an unelected billionaire and his team now have access to some of their most sensitive personal information.”

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) joined U.S Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and a group of their colleagues in sending a letter to Acting Secretary of the Department of Education, Denise Carter, launching a probe into recent reports that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has infiltrated the Department of Education (ED) and that “DOGE staffers have gained access to federal student loan data, which includes personal information for millions of borrowers.”

    There are over 40 million federal student loan borrowers in the United States. ED’s student loan database contains millions of borrowers’ highly sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, marital status, and income data. 

    “This deeply troubling report raises questions about potential exposures of Americans’ private data, the abuse of this data by the Trump Administration, and whether officials who have access to the data may have violated the law or the federal government’s procedures for handling sensitive information,” wrote the senators.

    According to public reporting, “a handful of 19-to-24-year-old engineers linked to Musk’s companies, with unclear titles, could be bypassing regular security protocols” during DOGE’s infiltration of federal agencies. The senators also raised concerns that the access provided to DOGE-affiliated staff by the Department may violate the Privacy Act, which generally prohibits the disclosure of such information.

    “We are especially troubled by this reporting given President Trump’s stated pledge to abolish the Department,” concluded the lawmakers. “The millions of families who rely on ED to help them achieve the American Dream deserve answers about reports that an unelected billionaire and his team now have access to some of their most sensitive personal information.”

    Additional reporting suggests that DOGE has “fed sensitive data from across the Education Department into artificial intelligence software to probe the agency’s programs and spending.” The 16 senators requested answers from Acting Secretary Carter about DOGE’s access to federal student loan data and any other sensitive databases by February 13, 2025.

    In addition to Luján, Warren, and Schumer, the letter was joined by Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    The full text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons, colleagues demand answers from Trump administration over plans to lay off key defense and intelligence personnel

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Director of National Intelligence Lora Shiao to request answers about the Trump administration’s recent actions that have put our national security at risk by threatening and politicizing thousands of non-partisan jobs in the Department of Defense and intelligence community.
    In a new letter, the lawmakers expressed alarm that the administration’s actions are eroding the federal government’s merit-based civil service system—a system that has been in place for most of our nation’s history and has ensured positions are filled based on qualifications, not partisan political patronage. This poses significant risks to the Department of Defense and the intelligence community.
    The lawmakers wrote, “During the first week of his administration, President Trump issued several directives that appear intended to politicize and demoralize the federal workforce, and which, if implemented, will erode the federal government’s merit-based civil service system. The manner in which your departments and agencies have implemented these directives constitute a generational risk to the Department of Defense and the intelligence community. As a result, we strongly urge both of you to take immediate steps this week to insulate your national security workforce from the effects of this dangerous campaign.”
    Civilian federal employees play critical roles for our intelligence and national defense, from gathering intelligence to advancing military acquisitions. President Trump’s attempt to purge the federal workforce would result in the mass exodus of highly skilled workers, many of whom are sought after in other fields. Their swift departure will create a brain drain that would make the United States vulnerable to foreign threats.
    “More than 46,000 military spouses work for the Department of Defense, and civilians make up 80 percent of its financial management and audit staff. In testimony to Congress last year, the Department of Defense emphasized the need to increase civilian personnel in the areas of ‘cyber, data, artificial intelligence, coding, and software,’” the legislators wrote.
    They continued, “Intelligence community civilians are no less critical to protecting our nation. While much of their work is classified, these professionals provide analysis and warning on threats to the United States and its interests and risk their lives in secretive global operations that never see the light of day. In both communities, civilian personnel execute these missions cost-effectively, allowing the federal government to avoid more expensive contract personnel.”
    Last week, over 2 million civilian employees, including many in the Defense Department and intelligence community, received an email from the Office of Personnel Management presenting an offer to resign from their job by early February while keeping their pay and benefits through the end of September. As the deadline looms, questions about the program remain, including whether the program is legal, what money will be used for deferred compensation, and whether or not the Trump administration will follow through on its promise. 
    “Historically, your agencies have pursued analysis of important functions and issued decisive guidance prior to pursuing any workforce policies. In this instance, however, the Acting [Director] of National Intelligence has not promulgated any guidance to its workforce, creating anxiety and confusion among personnel looking for clarity. Meanwhile, the Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel & Readiness has embraced the deferred resignation program in a memorandum to its personnel without exempting critical functions,” the lawmakers wrote.
    The Trump administration’s federal hiring freeze and buyout offer impacts 3,948 federal civilian employees in Delaware, many of whom contribute to the safety of our nation and our communities.
    You can read the full letter here.
    Senator Coons is the Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Columbia, Hillsborough, and Sarasota Counties

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Columbia, Hillsborough, and Sarasota Counties

    FEMA Mitigation Experts Offer Rebuilding Advice in Columbia, Hillsborough, and Sarasota Counties

    TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As Floridians rebuild, survivors of Hurricanes Milton, Helene and Debby can get free advice on how to rebuild stronger and safer against storms. FEMA mitigation specialists will be available to answer questions and offer free home improvement tips and proven methods to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. This information is geared for do-it-yourself work and general contractors.Mitigation is an effort to reduce the loss of life and property damage by lessening the impact of a disaster through construction and remodeling best practices. An insurance specialist will be present to answer National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) questions. Disaster Survivor Assistance teams will be on hand to provide updates on FEMA applications and answer questions. FEMA specialists will be available from Feb. 10 through Feb. 22 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Monday – Friday and on Sat. from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET, at the following locations: Columbia County: The Home Depot, 215 SW Home Depot Dr, Lake City, FL 32025Hillsborough County: Lowe’s, 1515 E. Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511 (Feb. 10 through Feb. 15)Sarasota County: Lowe’s SW, 4020 Central Sarasota Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34238Stay in Touch with FEMAIt is important to let FEMA know about any changes to your contact information. You may update contact information or check on the status of your application by:Visiting DisasterAssistance.govCalling FEMA directly at 800-621-FEMA (3362)Using the FEMA appVisiting a Disaster Recovery Center. Go to FEMA.gov/DRC or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 32344”).For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene recovery information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
    connor.terzino
    Fri, 02/07/2025 – 20:06

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – D-BR Delegation meeting of 6 February 2025 – Delegation for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil

    Source: European Parliament

    The next meeting of the Delegation for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil (D-BR) took place:

    Thursday 6 February 2025, 15.00-17.00, Room SPAAK 4B1

    The main points of the agenda were:

    • Exchange of views on artificial intelligence regulations and digital diplomacy in the European Union and in Brazil;
    • Exchange of views on the situation of the bilateral relations between the European Union and Brazil;

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joines Legislation to help Expand Congressional Oversight of Foreign Assistance  

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    Legislation would require Director of Foreign Assistance to be confirmed by the Senate 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and their colleagues to introduce the Foreign Assistance Accountability and Oversight Act, legislation to expand congressional oversight of foreign assistance decision-making. The bill would require the State Department’s Director of Foreign Assistance to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate and for all foreign assistance funding provided to the State Department or U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to be used as directed within 90 days of its appropriation by Congress. The Director of Foreign Assistance is currently not confirmed by the Senate, and the Trump Administration has refused to publicly identify the individual currently occupying this powerful position. 
    “President Trump and Elon Musk—making wildly false and defamatory accusations— have made it clear that they could care less about the thousands of dedicated American aid workers and millions of people around the world who depend on USAID’s life-saving work. They are trying to destroy as much of USAID as they can get away with, and the fact that it’s illegal and unconstitutional is of no concern to them. We will not stand by while an agency that plays a unique and indispensable role in protecting U.S. interests and security is dismantled,” said Senator Welch. “This bill will strengthen our foreign assistance programs and help ensure that the will of Congress prevails.”  
    “Foreign assistance is not a handout. It is a critical part of our national security strategy and a key tool to keep Americans safe from disease, narcotics and instability. China has rapidly expanded its foreign assistance over the past decade, and would like nothing more than for the United States to retreat on the global stage. The Trump Administration’s recent attempts to destroy USAID and U.S. foreign assistance programs emboldens China, Russia, and Iran, makes Americans less safe, puts thousands of Americans out of work, and is already causing cause immense human suffering for millions of people around the world,” said Senator Kaine. “That’s why I’m introducing this bill to force congressional oversight of this lawless and damaging behavior.” 
    The legislation expresses the sense of Congress that foreign assistance is critical to U.S. national security, reiterates USAID’s status as a legally independent agency, specifies the exact authorities of the Office of Foreign Assistance, and creates an extra layer of review for personnel decisions within the Office of Foreign Assistance. 
    In addition to Sens. Welch and Kaine, the legislation was cosponsored by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patti Murray (D-Wash.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). 
    Read the full text of the bill.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Inaugural Event to Celebrate 75th Anniversary of the National Sample Survey (NSS) Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi – 7th February 2025

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 8:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India celebrated the 75th anniversary of the National Sample Surveys (NSS) with a special event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 7th February 2025. This milestone marks the start of a series of initiatives across the country, aimed at highlighting the vital role NSS data plays in evidence-based policymaking, raising awareness about the importance of data for nation-building, and engaging stakeholders from all walks of life.

    The event started with welcome address by Smt. Geeta Singh Rathore, Director General (NSS), followed by testimonials from eminent personalities, Dr. C. Rangarajan, Former RBI Governor, Dr. Rajiv Laxman Karandikar, National Statistical Commission (NSC) Chairman and Dr. S.P. Mukherji, Centenary Professor, University of Calcutta. A documentary was presented, highlighting the journey of NSS surveys over the past 75 years and its evolution.

    The event was inaugurated by Rao Inderjit Singh, Hon’ble MoS for Statistics & PI. In his inaugural speech, Hon’ble Minister, highlighted how crucial NSS has been in shaping India’s development through data-driven policymaking. He pointed out how NSS surveys have influenced key areas like employment, consumption, health, and education, driving critical policy decisions. He emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to advancing NSS, integrating new technologies, and ensuring it remains relevant in the years to come. The Minister also called for more innovation and collaboration within the statistical system for more inclusive, data-driven policy formulation.

    Shri Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, delivered an inspiring keynote address on celebrating NSS’s 75 years of impact on India’s growth. He emphasized the importance of data in driving informed policymaking and national progress. Shri Kant highlighted how NSS data has shaped India’s economic and social policies and called for continued innovation in the statistical field to keep data a powerful tool for growth, inclusivity, and competitiveness. He urged that innovation and adoption of new technologies will make India globally more relevant.

    In the opening remarks, Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary of MoSPI congratulated NSS for its role in providing the reliable data that drives India’s policymaking. He recognized the National Statistical Office (NSO) for its tireless efforts in improving data access and reducing delays in survey results. Dr. Garg highlighted the major initiatives of NSO, MoSPI, like generating monthly labour market indicators from PLFS and incorporating provision for providing data at district level. Also initiative of short duration surveys for catering the specific needs of various stakeholders was also emphasized.

    During the event, the Hon’ble Minister unveiled two Diamond Jubilee publications on the Journey of NSS 75 Years for Household/Enterprise Surveys.  These publications highlight the evolution of survey methodologies and are invaluable resources for researchers, policymakers, and academics. The event also recognized outstanding performers from the National Statistics Office (NSO) with the Karmayogi awards. A Nukkad Natak performed by the NSS team has given the glimpses of field work for NSS surveys

    After the inaugural session, the event featured expert-led discussions on two important topics. The first panel, titled “Future Ready Indian Statistical System for Viksit Bharat @ 2047,” was moderated by Dr. Dalip Singh, ADG, ESD, MoSPI with panelists: Prof. Chetan Ghate, Director, Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), Dr. Shalabh, Professor, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, IIT Kanpur, Ms. Aditi Chaubal, Associate Professor, IIT Bombay and Mr. Marcin Piatkowski, Program leader, Prosperity, The World Bank. The discussion tackled key issues like data gaps, the role of AI and Machine Learning in surveys, real-time data generation, and the need for stronger public-private sector partnerships. From the discussion it is emerged that NSS should adopt newer technologies in the field of survey and explore alternative data to leverage demographic dividend to achieve the target of Viksit Bharat.

    The second discussion, “The Importance of Alternative Data Sources in Shaping Economic Policies,” was moderated by Shri. Praveen Srivastava, Former Secretary & CSI, MoSPI with panelists Ms. Debjani Ghosh, Distinguished Fellow, NITI Aayog, Dr. Ashish Kumar, Former DG, MoSPI, Dr. Himanshu, Associate Professor, JNU, Prof. Abhiroop Mukhopadhyay, ISI, Delhi and Dr. Rajesh Shukla, MD&CEO, PRICE. The discussion explored the growing role of alternative data in policymaking and how it can be integrated into India’s national statistical system. The discussion emphasized the importance of creating a centralized architecture to integrate data from various stakeholders. It also highlighted the need to improve engagement with academic institutions and researchers. For better data utilization, the focus was on enhancing the interoperability of different data sources. Additionally, there was a suggestion to enrich the NSS (National Sample Survey) data by calibrating it with alternative data sources.

    Around 1200 participants attended the event, including policymakers, researchers, officers from State DES, NSS officers including field officials from across India and representatives from international organizations. The event truly showcased how crucial NSS data is to India’s statistical framework and its role in shaping the nation’s path toward becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    Suggestions and feedback are welcome at nssocpd.coord@mospi.gov.in

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cabinet Approves Continuation and Restructuring of Skill India Programme

    Source: Government of India

    Cabinet Approves Continuation and Restructuring of Skill India Programme

    Programme to Strengthen Workforce Development & Make skilling the backbone of country’s economic growth

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 8:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the continuation and restructuring of the Central Sector Scheme ‘Skill India Programme (SIP)’ till 2026 with an overlay outlay of Rs.8,800 crore from the period 2022-23 to 2025-26.

    This approval underscores the government’s commitment to building a skilled, future-ready workforce by integrating demand-driven, technology-enabled, and industry-aligned training across the country.

    Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0), the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS), and the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Scheme – the three key components, are now combined under the composite Central Sector Scheme of “Skill India Programme”.   These initiatives aim to provide structured skill development, on-the-job training, and community-based learning, ensuring that both urban and rural populations, including marginalized communities, have access to high-quality vocational education. Under the three flagships schemes of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, there are more than 2.27 Crore beneficiaries till date.

    Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0:

    PMKVY 4.0 scheme provides NSQF aligned skill development training through Short-Term Training (STT) including Special Projects (SP) and reskilling and upskilling through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) with its target beneficiary being 15-59 years of age. The Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0) has undergone transformational changes to make skill development training industry oriented, aligned with national priorities with increased accessibility. A key shift under the scheme is the integration of On-the-Job Training (OJT) within short-term skilling programs, ensuring that trainees gain real-world exposure and industry experience. To keep pace with evolving industry demands and advent of new age technology, 400+ new courses on AI, 5G technology, Cybersecurity, Green Hydrogen, Drone Technology, have been introduced, focusing on emerging technologies and future skills.

    The blended and flexible learning model now incorporates digital delivery, making training more flexible and scalable. To provide targeted, industry-relevant skills, enabling learners to upskill, reskill, and enhance employability in high-demand job roles, the program introduces micro-credential and National Occupational Standards (NoS)-based courses ranging from 7.5 to 30 hours.

    To maximize cross utilization of existing infrastructure and to expand access to quality training, Skill Hubs have been established across premier academic institutions, including IITs, NITs, and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs), Kendriya Vidyalayas, Sainik Schools, Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), PM Shri Schools, Toolrooms, NILET, CIPET etc. PMKVY 4.0 ensures industry-aligned training with curriculum available in multiple regional languages, making skilling more inclusive and accessible. Over 600 trainee and trainer handbooks have been translated into eight regional languages to enhance learning outcomes.

    To strengthen quality training and assessments, a national pool of one lakh assessors and trainers is being developed, ensuring standardization and expertise across training centers. Industry partnerships ensure access to employment opportunities through Recruit Train Deploy (RTD) training.

    Additionally, the scheme places a strong emphasis on international mobility, ensuring Indian workers are equipped with globally recognized skills. Ministry has Mobility Partnership Agreements (MMPAs) and MoUs with various countries and has conducted necessary sectorial skill gap studies. Under the scheme, enablement of training in domain skills, joint certifications, language proficiency, and soft skills have been initiated to enhance the international mobility opportunities for our workforce.

    Under PMKVY 4.0, a whole-of-government approach has been adopted to drive inter-ministerial convergence, ensuring the seamless execution of skilling initiatives across sectors. The scheme caters to the skilling components of various skill development and entrepreneurship schemes, maximizing impact and resource efficiency. Key collaborations include PM Vishwakarma under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, NAL JAL Mitra etc.

    To enhance efficiency, procedural changes have been introduced, including the realignment of the demand assessment strategy to better identify sectoral skill gaps and industry needs. A key reform in PMKVY 4.0 is the “Ease of Doing Business” approach, which has significantly reduced the compliance burden, making participation in the scheme more streamlined and efficient.

    PM National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS):

    The National Policy on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015 focuses on apprenticeship as one of the key components for creating skilled manpower in India. Apprenticeship training can play a major role for on-the-job vocational training where youth can acquire skills by working at actual workplace and earn some stipend, at the same time, to financially support himself. Apprenticeship is considered, globally as well, as the best model for skill acquisition and earning while learning.

    The Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) supports seamless transition from education to work, ensuring apprentices gain industry-specific skills through real-world exposure. To support both apprentices and establishments in India, 25% of the stipend, up to Rs.1,500 per month per apprentice, will be provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) during the training period, provided by the Central Government. The scheme is designed for individuals aged 14 to 35 years, ensuring inclusive access to skill development opportunities across various demographics.

    NAPS encourages apprenticeship opportunities in prevailing manufacturing including emerging fields such as AI, robotics, blockchain, green energy, and Industry 4.0 technologies. This aligns skilling initiatives with futuristic job markets and industry trend. The scheme also encourages enrolment of apprentices in small establishments especially Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and those located in the underserved areas such as aspirational districts and North-East Region.

    Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme:

    The Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) scheme is a community-centric skilling initiative designed to make vocational training accessible, flexible, and inclusive, particularly for women, rural youth, and economically disadvantaged groups and caters to the age group of 15 -45 years of age. By delivering low-cost, doorstep training with flexible schedules, JSS ensures that skilling opportunities reach those who need them the most, fostering both self-employment and wage-based livelihoods. Beyond skill development, the program plays a vital role in social empowerment, creating awareness on health, hygiene, financial literacy, gender equality, and education within communities JSS is linked with key initiatives of the Government like: PM JANMAN, Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS), etc. to promote inclusive skilling.

    Aligned with national frameworks, all certifications under the Skill India Program are mapped to the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and seamlessly integrated with DigiLocker and the National Credit Framework (NCrF), ensuring formal recognition of skills and enabling smooth transitions into employment and higher education.

    With the continuation of the Skill India Programme, the government seeks to reinforce its commitment to lifelong learning, recognizing the importance of continuous upskilling and reskilling in today’s rapidly changing employment landscape. The initiative will directly contribute to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, ensuring that workforce development policies remain aligned with economic and industrial trends.

    The Skill India Programme plays a crucial role in equipping India’s workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. By integrating industry-relevant training, emerging technologies, and international mobility initiatives, the program aims to create a highly skilled and competitive workforce. As a key driver of economic empowerment, Skill India contributes to employment generation, entrepreneurship, and productivity enhancement across sectors. The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) remains committed to strengthening vocational education, expanding apprenticeship opportunities, and fostering lifelong learning, ensuring that India’s workforce is future-ready and positioned as a global leader in skill-based employment.

    (For more details, visit: https://www.skillindiadigital.gov.in/home)

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Use of AI in agriculture

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:25PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government has employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to address various challenges in the agricultural sector to aid farmers. Some of the initiatives are given below:

    1. ‘Kisan e-Mitra’, an AI-powered chatbot, has been developed to assist farmers with responses to the queries about the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. This solution supports multiple languages and is evolving to assist with other government programs.
    2. National Pest Surveillance System, for tackling the loss of produce due to climate change, utilizes AI and Machine Learning to detect pest infestation in crop issues, enabling timely intervention for healthier crops.
    3. AI based analytics using field photographs for crop health assessment and crop health monitoring using Satellite, weather & soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crop.

    This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Chairs Meeting on Accelerating Aircraft Component Manufacturing in India

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Chairs Meeting on Accelerating Aircraft Component Manufacturing in India

    Unified National Roadmap to Propel India as a Global Aerospace Hub

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:25PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Civil Aviation Sh. Ram Mohan Naidu chaired a high-level meeting to review and advance aircraft component manufacturing in the country today. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Secretary Sh. V. Vualnam, AAI Chairman Sh. Vipin Kumar, DGCA Director General Sh. Faiz Ahmed and representatives from industry associations, OEMs, MROs, research institutes and various government departments. The discussions centered on strengthening domestic production and enhancing India’s global competitiveness in the field of aircraft component manufacturing.

    Fueled by strategic alliances with leading global aerospace firms and the growing demand for air travel, India’s aircraft component manufacturing sector is experiencing significant growth. Major international OEMs are progressively sourcing components from India, underscoring the exceptional quality and dependability of our domestic industry.

    The Union Minister while chairing the meeting stated, “Inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision for Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the aerospace sector, I can confidently state that we are already at a respectable position in the global civil aviation arena but our ambition now is to be in the lead. It is imperative that we build a comprehensive ecosystem—encompassing skill development, design, manufacturing, maintenance, certification, and knowledge sharing—through close collaboration among our ministries and departments with industry. India is well on its way to emerging as both a major hub for civil aviation and a center for aircraft component manufacturing. With our deep reservoir of talent and resources and by integrating valuable industry insights, we can chart a unified national roadmap that transforms these opportunities into concrete, strategic outcomes.”

    The Minister assured industry stakeholders of the government’s unwavering commitment to developing a comprehensive and inclusive roadmap. He articulated a dual-pronged strategy that aims to both expand the indigenous aircraft component manufacturing by utilizing the supply chain network of our MSMEs and simultaneously giving greater international market access to Indian component OEMs.

    Secretary, Sh. V. Vualnam remarked, “This meeting marks significant first step in a long journey. We are committed to organizing multiple such meetings regularly with all stakeholders, ensuring continuous feedback and assistance to drive the growth of this industry.” The meeting concluded on a positive note with all participants reaffirming their commitment to collaboration and strategic partnerships. Through a concerted effort focused on skill development, technology adoption and infrastructure enhancement, the ministry is committed to create a globally competitive aerospace ecosystem.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Comics Creator Championship

    Source: Government of India (2)

    WAVES Comics Creator Championship

    A Historic Platform for India’s Comic Talent

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

    A Historic Platform for India’s Comic Talent

    Introduction

    The Comic Creator Championship, a key event under the WAVES summit, is set to redefine India’s comic book industry. Divided into Amateur and Professional categories, the competition will unfold across three stages, offering a platform for both emerging and established creators to showcase their talent globally. In a historic move, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has partnered with the Indian Comics Association (ICA), marking the most significant collaboration among Indian comic book publishers in over three decades.

    The championship is part of the Create in India Challenges, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which has attracted over 70,000 registrations and launched 31 competitions to foster a thriving creative ecosystem. These challenges are a highlight of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a premier forum for industry leaders and innovators to shape the future of India’s Media and Entertainment sector, drive collaboration, promote trade, and position India as a global creative hub.

    Key Milestones in the Championship 

    On 29 January 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), in collaboration with the Indian Comics Association (ICA), announced the 76 semi-finalists of the WAVES Comics Creator Championship. Spanning 50 cities across 20 states and the National Capital Region, the selected creators reflect India’s diverse and thriving comic book culture. Among them, 40 are amateurs and 30 are professionals, with participants ranging from 10 to 49 years old. Additionally, six young artists received special mentions, underscoring the championship’s dedication to fostering talent at every level.  

    Comic Creator Championship – Overview

    The Comic Creator Championship will take participants through three phases, each designed to test their storytelling, artistic skills, and ability to reflect Indian themes and sensibilities. While the themes are diverse, every story must have an inherently Indian context. Participants can create their comics in either Hindi or English, with no language preference in the judging process. They can apply individually or in teams of up to two members.

    Phase 1: Foundation

    • Open to all entrants.
    • Create two mandatory pages based on one of the eight themes.
    • An optional cover page can be submitted but will not impact selection.

     

    Phase 2: Development

    • 100 participants from Phase 1 will advance.
    • Expand the story by adding three to four more pages.
    • Further develop characters, narrative, and artwork.

     

    Phase 3: Conclusion

    • 25 finalists from Phase 2 will proceed.
    • Complete the story with three to four final pages.
    • Refine artwork for a polished, engaging comic.

     

    By the end of the competition, each finalist will have a coherent 8–10 page comic, with or without a cover page. This process will highlight creators who can craft compelling narratives and high-quality artwork within the given themes and guidelines.

    Themes

    Participants, whether competing individually or as a team of two, must choose one of the following themes:

    1. Horror Comedy: Blend humour and horror to create a uniquely engaging comic.
    2. Era of Gen-Z India: Capture the lives, struggles, and aspirations of India’s Gen-Z through relatable storytelling.
    3. India in Space: Craft a thrilling narrative inspired by India’s space programme and the mysteries of the cosmos.
    4. Folktales Reimagined: Give a modern twist to ancient Indian folktales, merging tradition with innovation.
    5. Sport Legends: Celebrate India’s sporting icons and unforgettable moments through dynamic storytelling.
    6. Science Fiction: Take readers on a journey into speculative and futuristic worlds filled with adventure and discovery.
    7. Indian Tourism: Showcase India’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and heritage through visually compelling narratives.
    8. Indian Armed Forces: Honour the courage and sacrifices of India’s armed forces with powerful and respectful storytelling.

    Eligibility and Guidelines

    Category Definitions

    The Comics Creator Championship is open to both amateur and professional participants, with no age restrictions in either category.

    • Amateur – Individuals who have never published a comic (digitally or physically) through self-publishing or a third party. Posting a few comic strips or pages on social media as a hobby does not count as professional work unless it has a substantial following. Amateurs are typically those who do not earn a living from creating comics or artwork.
    • Professional – Individuals with at least one published comic, whether digital or physical, through any means. Artists who take commissions, have significant social media followings, or generate income from their artwork fall under this category.

     

    Art Style Guidelines

    AI-generated artwork will not be accepted. The competition is designed to celebrate original creativity, encouraging participants to experiment and express their artistic vision.

    The Comics Creator Championship welcomes diverse artistic expressions, including:

    • Colour and black-and-white (B&W) artwork
    • Manga and non-manga styles
    • Inked and non-inked illustrations
    • Digital artwork created using any software
    • Traditional hand-drawn artwork

    Judging Criteria

    Entries for the Comics Creator Championship will be evaluated based on five key aspects:

    • Originality: Fresh ideas, unique perspectives, and innovative concepts that bring something new to the table.

     

    • Creativity: Imaginative storytelling, engaging plot twists, and artistic expression that set the comic apart.

     

    • Writing: Engaging dialogue, well-developed characters, and a coherent narrative that captivates the reader.

     

    • Art: Technical skill, visual appeal, and effective storytelling through illustrations.

     

    • Impact: The ability to evoke emotions, resonate with readers, and leave a lasting impression.

     

    Awards and Recognition

     

    Professional Category

    Top 5 entries will be published in a WAVES comic anthology. Each winning participant/team will receive:

    • ₹1,00,000 cash prize
    • Opportunity to represent India at a prestigious event (subject to WAVES’ discretion).

    Amateur Category

    • Top 5 entries will be published in a WAVES comic anthology.
    • Each winning participant/team will receive a ₹60,000 cash prize.

     

    Additional Prizes

    • Top 100 participants (Phase 2) – Digital Certificate of Appreciation.
    • Top 25 participants (Phase 3) – Exclusive Goodie Bag.

    References:

    Click here to see in PDF:

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurates National IP Moot Court Competition

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurates National IP Moot Court Competition

    Students selected for international moot court competition to be sponsored by Centre: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi

    • Shri Goyal calls for strong AI regulatory framework to ensure ethical use and effective deployment
    • Competition to take place from 7th February 2025 to 9th February 2025, has prize money of Rs 3.25 lakh
    • Theme of the moot court competition is “Artificial Intelligence and Copyright”

     

    Students selected for an international moot court competition on International Property Rights (IPR) will be sponsored by The Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks (CGPDTM). This was stated by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal during his address at the inaugural ceremony of Vidhi Pragati: National IP Moot Court Competition, 2025 today in New Delhi.

    DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, in collaboration with Centre for Innovation, Intellectual Property, and Competition (CIIPC) and IPR Chair, National Law University Delhi is organising the Vidhi Pragati: National IP Moot Court Competition, 2025. This competition is designed for participants to increase their advocacy skills, work on contemporary legal issues, and gain comprehensive knowledge of Intellectual Property Laws, its enforcement, and the latest case laws.

    There is a need to create a robust regulatory framework with legal and policy assistance to withstand the unethical use of AI and also support effective deployment of modern technology, he said. Shri Goyal noted that Artificial Intelligence is as good as the person who utilises its potential. He stated that technology can become a tool but can never substitute the human mind.

    Speaking of the Moot Court Competition, the Minister highlighted the format’s practicality in helping the students refine their legal acumen and open their minds. He also noted that participation in this format will enable the scholars to become thinkers, thinkers into innovators and innovators into leaders.

    Shri Goyal highlighted that copyright and Artificial Intelligence is at the crossroads of an uncertain future. We can either ethically use AI to our advantage in regulating copyright or unethical means can be used to violate copyright protection. AI can either add to creativity or it can disrupt the authorship of genuine innovators and their rights, he said. Minister Goyal noted that the Government is planning to engage with experts and young minds for suggestions on changes in regulations to adapt with modern technology.  

    Elucidating on the innovation boost received in the Union Budget 2025, the Minister noted that 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) have been announced and Rs 20,000 crore announced as part of the Centre’s contribution in Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Fund. He also highlighted the Rs 10,000 crore announced in the Budget for the Fund of Funds for startups and entrepreneurs to boost innovation. Shri Goyal also mentioned the Government academic initiative, One Nation One Subscription, to provide country-wide access to scholarly research e-journals to students. He also spoke about the AI for Education fund of Rs 500 crore allotted in the Budget 2025 for the academia, government and the private sector to collaborate to promote innovation.  

    The Minister during his address suggested IPR to be made a mandatory subject in law colleges across the country. Law also needs to be understood by concepts of right and wrong in which AI can play an important role, he added.

    Justice Shri Prathiba M. Singh, Judge, High Court of Delhi and Shri Himani Pande, Additional Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) graced the event as guests of honor.

    The theme of the competition is “Artificial Intelligence and Copyright.” This theme is of paramount importance in today’s digital landscape, where the rapid advancement of AI technologies are fundamentally transforming the creative industries. As AI-generated content

    becomes increasingly prevalent, crucial questions arise regarding authorship, originality, and the extent of copyright protection. This competition aims to nurture young legal minds, promote innovative thinking in intellectual property law, and underscore the importance of adapting copyright regulations in the context of artificial intelligence advancements. This competition presents an opportunity for the participants to critically engage with the challenges and opportunities that AI presents to the realm of copyright.

    Scheduled to take place from 7th February 2025 to 9th February 2025, this premier event will witness participation from law schools across the nation, thus fostering a vibrant spirit of mooting and scholarly discourse. In anticipation of reassuring responses from across the law schools, a total of 26 teams are lined up to exhibit a battle of the best showcasing a sheer competitive spirit. With a prize pool of Rs. 3.25 lakh, this moot will sufficiently reward the investment of time and resources in the participation.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New milestone in indigenous development of gaseous detector important for mega science FAIR project in Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Researchers have developed an innovative technique using a radioactive source that can simplify the study of radiation effects on Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors, a crucial step in nuclear and particle physics experiments.

    Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detector are particle detectors used as tracking devices in high-energy physics experiments that utilizes a thin, perforated foil with a high electric field to amplify particles produced by ionizing radiation, allowing for precise detection of particles like muons by significantly multiplying the initial signal generated by the particle’s interaction with the gas within the detector.

    They are also strong candidates for diagnostic applications in medical technology because of their good position resolution. First introduced by Prof. Fabio Sauli in 1997, GEM detectors consist of a 50 μm thick Kapton foil, with 5 μm copper cladding on both sides.

    Despite their advantages, the inclusion of Kapton, a radiation-resistant polyimide film with excellent insulating properties, in the active volume makes these detectors sensitive to radiation-induced effects, particularly the charging-up of the dielectric medium. During operation, ionizing radiation deposits energy into the detector, initiating electron avalanche formation.

    This process results in charge accumulation on the Kapton foil, which in turn enhances the electric field within the GEM holes—the primary region for electron multiplication. This increase in the electric field boosts the detector’s gain and efficiency. Over time, a dynamic equilibrium is established, stabilizing the gain and ensuring consistent detector performance.

    India has the full responsibility of building all the GEM chambers that will be used in the future Compressed Baryonic Matter (CBM) experiment at FAIR and will be operated at very high radiation environment. For this, it is important to enhance the understanding of the charging-up effect in GEM detectors, a phenomenon that remains inadequately understood.

    Fig 1: Schematic of the charge accumulation on the Kapton foil inside GEM hole. The dynamical accumulation of the charges on the surface of the Kapton increases the electric field thence the gain of the chamber.

    To investigate this phenomenon, Dr. Saikat Biswas and his PhD student, Dr. Sayak Chatterjee along with the other collaborators from the Bose Institute, an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, conducted an in-depth investigation into the charging-up effect on the Kapton foil and its subsequent impact on detector performance.

    The team from Department of Physical Sciences at Bose Institute, developed a specialized experimental setup to study the charging-up effect in triple GEM detectors by studying its gain variation as a function of time.

    Analysis of the charging effect indicated that as either the detector gain (the ratio of the primary charges to the charges detected by the readout board) or irradiation rate increased, the charging-up time decreased significantly. This behavior was attributed to higher particle densities, which facilitated faster charge equilibrium within the GEM holes.

    Fig 2: (a) Variation of the normalized gain as a function of time fitted with a polynomial function to extract the charging-up time (p2) of a DM triple GEM chamber. (b) Variation of charging-up time of the DM triple GEM chambers as a function of the irradiation rates from a Fe-55 source at a fixed detector gain of ~ 5000.

    The findings from this study provide valuable insights for predicting behavioral changes in GEM detectors, critical components in high-rate experiments, when subjected to external radiation. These insights will inform design considerations and operational parameters for GEM chambers in radiation-intensive environments such as the CBM experiment at FAIR, Germany. These results are not only important for CBM experiment only but also for other high-rate experiments where GEM will be used.

    Fig 3: Variation of charging-up time of the DM & SM triple GEM chambers as a function of the gain of the chambers for different irradiation rates using the Fe-55 X-ray source.

     

    The researchers plan to extend their work to investigate the impact of GEM foil geometry on the charging-up effect and to explore behavioral changes under various types of irradiations, extending beyond the capabilities of laboratory setups. The studies published in the Journal of Instrumentation & Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A, are crucial milestones for indigenous gaseous detector development.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Advancing Mental Healthcare in India

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:26PM by PIB Delhi

    “India’s vision of good health implies not just being free of disease but to ensure wellness and welfare for everyone. The goal is to ensure physical, mental and social wellbeing.”

                                                                           Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

    What is Mental Health

    Mental health refers to an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how people think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects decision-making, stress management, and relationships. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

    Impact of Poor Mental Health

    • Impact on Productivity: Poor mental health leads to lower workplace performance, increased absenteeism, and reduced efficiency.
    • Social and Emotional Well-being: Mental well-being affects interpersonal relationships, self-confidence, and social interactions.
    • Economic Impact: According to WHO, mental disorders contribute significantly to the global burden of disease, and untreated conditions can lead to high economic costs.

    Mental Health Scenario in India

    • WHO Data Insight
      • India contributes to 18% of the global population. WHO estimates that the burden of mental health problems in India is 2443 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) per 10000 population; the age-adjusted suicide rate per 100000 population is 21.1. The economic loss due to mental health conditions, between 2012-2030, is estimated at USD 1.03 trillion.
    • Prevalence:
      • The National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 by NIMHANS found that 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders.
      • The lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in India is 13.7%.
      • National studies reveal that 15% of India’s adult population experiences mental health issues requiring intervention.
      • Urban areas have a higher prevalence (13.5%) compared to rural (6.9%).
    • Treatment Gap
      • 70% to 92% of people with mental disorders do not receive proper treatment due to lack of awareness, stigma, and shortage of professionals.
      • According to the Indian Journal of Psychiatry India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people, whereas WHO recommends at least 3 per 100,000.

    Insights from Economic Survey 2024-25

    Mental wellbeing is the ability to navigate life’s challenges and function productively. Recognising its importance, Economic Survey 2024-25 highlighted that Mental well-being encompasses all our mental-emotional, social, cognitive, and physical capabilities. This can also be construed as the mind’s composite health. It emphasised a whole of community approach to tackling mental health problems and stated that it is about time to find viable, impactful preventive strategies and interventions. India’s demographic dividend is riding on skills, education, physical health and, above all, mental health of its youth.

    The Economic Survey 2024-25 suggested:

    1. Enhance Mental Health Education in Schools: Early intervention strategies to address anxiety, stress, and behavioural issues in students.
    2. Improve Workplace Mental Health Policies: Address job stress, long working hours, and burnout.
    3. Expand Digital Mental Health Services: Strengthen Tele MANAS and integrate AI-based mental health solutions.

    Mental Health Infrastructure in India

    • As part of the National Mental Health Programme, in 2024, 25 Centres of Excellence were sanctioned set up to train more postgraduate students in mental health and provide advanced treatment.
    • 47 PG Departments in mental health have been established or upgraded in 19 government medical colleges. Mental health services are also being introduced in 22 newly established AIIMS.
    • 47 Government-Run Mental Hospitals including 3 Central Mental Health Institutions, viz. National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bengaluru, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam and Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi.
    • Integration of Mental Health Services in Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs)

    Under Ayushman Bharat, the government has upgraded more than 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. These HWCs provide:

    • Basic counselling and psychiatric medication at PHC levels.
    • Training for general physicians to handle mild-to-moderate mental health conditions.
    • Linkages to district hospitals for advanced psychiatric care.

    This initiative ensures that mental healthcare is available in both urban and rural areas, reducing dependence on specialized hospitals and making psychiatric care more community-centric.

    Policies and Schemes Undertaken by the Government of India

    National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) – 1982

    Recognizing the growing burden of mental disorders and the shortage of mental health services, India launched the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in 1982. The primary goal was to ensure that mental healthcare becomes an integral part of the general healthcare system, rather than being confined to specialized hospitals.

    Key components include:

    District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) was introduced under NMHP to expand community mental health services.

    • Covers 767 districts
    • Provides counselling, outpatient services, suicide prevention programs, and awareness initiatives.
    • 10-bedded inpatient mental health facilities at the district level.

    NIMHANS Act, 2012

    The NIMHANS Act, 2012, was a significant step towards enhancing mental health education and research in India. Under this act, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, was declared an Institute of National Importance. This recognition allowed NIMHANS to expand its academic and research capabilities, making it the premier institution for psychiatry, neuropsychology, and mental health sciences in India.

    The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

    The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act which replaced the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Act, 1995, expanded the definition of disability to include mental illness and introduced stronger legal protections for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. The Act aligns with India’s commitment to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and aims to ensure equality, dignity, and non-discrimination for persons with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions.

    National Mental Healthcare Act, 2017

    The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, was enacted to ensure the right to mental healthcare services, protect the dignity and rights of individuals with mental illness, and align India’s mental health laws with international standards, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Act replaced the Mental Health Act of 1987 and introduced several progressive changes to mental health care and services in India like the Right to affordable and quality mental healthcare services and the decriminalization of suicide in India.

    National Health Policy, 2017

    The National Health Policy (NHP), 2017 was a landmark that acknowledged mental health as a national health priority. This policy aimed to address mental health issues through a multi-pronged approach, integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare, strengthening human resources, and improving treatment accessibility.

    By placing mental health at the center of India’s healthcare framework, NHP 2017 aimed to bridge the treatment gap by making psychological services available at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) under Ayushman Bharat.

    iGOT-Diksha Collaboration for Mental Health Training

    The government has also collaborated with the iGOT-Diksha platform, a digital learning initiative in 2020, to train healthcare professionals, frontline workers, and community health volunteers in mental healthcare. This program focuses on:

    • Building capacity for mental health care at the grassroots level.
    • Equipping doctors and nurses with skills to diagnose and treat mental disorders.
    • Promoting mental health awareness in rural areas.

    Through iGOT-Diksha, India has expanded its mental health workforce, ensuring better early intervention strategies and community support mechanisms.

    National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS), 2022

    Launched on October 10, 2022, the National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) was a game-changer in India’s digital mental health infrastructure. Tele MANAS provides free, 24/7 mental health support to individuals through a national toll-free helpline (14416 / 1800-89-14416). Available in 20 Indian languages.

    As of February 7, 2025, the Tele MANAS helpline has handled over 1.81 million (18,27,951) calls since its launch in 2022, providing essential mental health support across India. There are 53 Tele MANAS Cells across various states, ensuring local access to mental health services. The program is supported by 23 Mentoring Institutes nationwide, along with 5 Regional Coordinating Centers, ensuring efficient service delivery and expert guidance in mental healthcare.

    Tele MANAS services include:

    • Immediate tele-counselling by trained professionals.
    • Referral support to psychiatrists for severe cases.
    • Mental health awareness campaigns via digital platforms.
    • Mobile-based mental health interventions, ensuring accessibility in rural and remote areas.

    Tele MANAS Mobile App & Video Consultation

    • The Tele MANAS App was launched in October 2024.
    • Offers self-care strategies, stress management tools, and direct access to mental health professionals.
    • Video consultation services introduced in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and J&K.

    WHO Recognition

    The World Health Organization (WHO) praised Tele MANAS as an effective and scalable mental health solution, making mental healthcare more inclusive and affordable.

    KIRAN Helpline Merged into Tele MANAS

    The KIRAN Helpline (1800-599-0019), initially launched in 2020, was merged into Tele MANAS in 2022 to enhance the efficiency of mental health support services. This transition streamlined mental health helpline operations, making it more accessible and better integrated with India’s healthcare system.

    During COVID-19, the government took crucial steps to support mental health. A 24/7 helpline provided nationwide psychosocial assistance, while health workers received online training through the iGOT-Diksha platform. Public awareness campaigns spread stress management strategies via media, and official guidelines and advisories were issued to promote mental well-being. These interventions played a vital role in addressing the psychological challenges of the pandemic.

    National Suicide Prevention Strategy, 2022

    The National Suicide Prevention Strategy (NSPS) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2022, with the goal of reducing suicide mortality by 10% by 2030. Recognizing suicide as a public health concern, the strategy focuses on early intervention, crisis management, and mental health promotion.

    Key components of NSPS include:

    • Mental health screenings for students in schools and colleges.
    • Establishing crisis helplines and psychological support centers.
    • Community awareness programs to break the stigma around mental illness and suicide.
    • Stronger implementation of workplace mental health programs.

    By focusing on high-risk populations, such as students, farmers, and young adults, the strategy ensures targeted intervention to prevent self-harm and improve overall well-being.

    Conclusion

    India has made notable progress in mental healthcare through policy reforms, digital initiatives like Tele MANAS and expanding access to services under programs such as NMHP, Ayushman Bharat HWCs, and the National Suicide Prevention Strategy. Moving forward, India must strengthen awareness campaigns, expand workforce training and invest in digital mental health solutions. A mentally healthier India is vital for individual well-being, economic growth, and national development, requiring a whole-of-society approach to make mental healthcare accessible, inclusive, and stigma-free.

    References

    Kindly find the pdf file 

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    Santosh Kumar / Sarla Meena / Vatsla Srivastava

    (Release ID: 2100706) Visitor Counter : 49

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Over 284 Crore Aadhaar Authentications in January 2025; 32% jump y-o-y sign of g͟rowth of digital economy with Aadhar playing an integral role in daily life

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Over 284 Crore Aadhaar Authentications in January 2025; 32% jump y-o-y sign of  g͟rowth of digital economy with Aadhar playing an integral role in daily life

    Aadhaar’s AI-powered Face Authentication becoming popular with 12 Crore transactions recorded in January in sectors spanning finance, health, telecommunications, etc.

    Union and State Departments embracing Aadhaar Face Authentication for swift delivery of citizen centric s ervices

    Expanding Digital Frontiers: Aadhaar e-KYC transactions cross 43 crore in January 2025

    Posted On: 07 FEB 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

    In January 2025, Aadhaar holders conducted more than 284 crore authentication transactions, highlighting the continued expansion of the digital economy in India. This significant number demonstrates the g͟rowth of digital economy in the country.

    The authentication transactions in January 2025 have recorded a growth of over 32% when compared with January 2024, when 214.8 crore such transactions were carried out.

    Growing adoption and utility of Aadhaar

    On an average over nine crore authentications are taking place every day. This shows the growing adoption and utility of Aadhaar in the daily lives of people. Nearly 550 entities are using Aadhaar authentication service.

    Aadhaar face authentication transactions too are getting good traction. In January, almost 12 crore Aadhaar face authentication transactions were carried out. Cumulatively, Face Authentication transaction numbers have crossed 102 crore, since it was first introduced in October 2021. Nearly 78 crore of the total face authentication transactions were recorded in the past 12 months alone.

    The AI/ML based face authentication solution, developed in house by the UIDAI, is being used across diverse sectors including finance, insurance, fintech, health and telecommunications. Several Government departments both at the centre and states are using it for smooth delivery of benefits to targeted beneficiaries.

    Crucial role of Aadhaar e-KYC servic

    Aadhaar e-KYC service continues to play an important role for banking and non-banking financial services by providing transparent and improved customer experience, and helping in ease of doing business.

    More than 43 crore eKYC transactions were carried out during January this year. By the end of January 2025, the cumulative number of Aadhaar e-KYC transactions gone past 2268 crore.

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    Dharmendra Tewari/ Kshitij Singha

    (Release ID: 2100685) Visitor Counter : 62

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – US restrictions on AI chip exports to EU Member States – P-000495/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000495/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kateřina Konečná (NI), Maria Zacharia (NI), Branislav Ondruš (NI), Monika Beňová (NI), Katarína Roth Neveďalová (NI), Ondřej Dostál (NI), Judita Laššáková (NI), Erik Kaliňák (NI), Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová (PfE)

    On 13 January 2025, the outgoing administration of the President of the United States Joe Biden announced restrictions on advanced AI chip exports to several countries, including the majority of the EU Member States, while excluding 10 other Member States from such restrictions. The Commission has not yet commented on whether this division of Member States into two categories undermines the European single market. Additionally, no potential solution was provided to address the potential shortage of advanced AI chips in several Member States. This is particularly striking since the US restrictions will affect a majority of EU Member States, including Greece and Luxembourg, which have been proposed among the locations for European AI factories.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider the division of its Member States into two categories with differing access to advanced AI chips from the United States to be in contradiction with the principles of the European single market?
    • 2.Is the Commission preparing alternatives in case of an inadequate supply of advanced AI chips from the United States, for example, by developing its own AI chip industry and diversifying its AI chip supply chains?

    Supporter[1]

    Submitted: 4.2.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Jana Nagyová (PfE)
    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – New framework contract for Frontex long-range drones – E-000420/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000420/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Özlem Demirel (The Left)

    Frontex has signed a new 184-million-euro framework contract for long-range drones, under which it has renewed a contract with Airbus to operate Heron 1 (from Israeli defence contractor IAI) in the Mediterranean. Bids under the tender were ranked. The company Leonardo also succeeded in the tender; in December, both bidders were invited to Frontex for a signing ceremony.

    • 1.As things stand, in what areas are the long-range drones to be deployed, and which governments have agreed to host them?
    • 2.What contribution is the company Leonardo expected to make, i.e. under what circumstances is it to receive active, specific assignments if Airbus fails to render the requested services?
    • 3.Aside from the technology specified in award decision OJ S 12/2025 of 17 January 2025, are there plans for the drones to also be equipped with a signals intelligence system (COMINT) to enable telephone locating too, or is this optional for the bidders?

    Submitted: 30.1.2025

    Last updated: 7 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Jason Esteves and Rep. Phil Olaleye to Host Press Conference Urging State Lawmakers to Invest in Georgia Public Schools

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (February 7, 2025)—On Monday, February 10, at 12:30 p.m., Sen. Jason Esteves (D–Atlanta) and Rep. Phil Olaleye (D–Atlanta) will hold a press conference alongside Georgia students and parents to announce their legislation to increase public education funding for K-12 students who live in poverty.

    EVENT DETAILS:                      

    • Date: Monday, February 10, 2025
    • Time: 12:30 p.m.
    • Where: Georgia State Capitol, South Steps, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA, 30334
    • This Event is Open to the Public.

    MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

    We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Self Inspection Secures $3 Million to Accelerate AI-Powered Vehicle Inspections for Car Loans and Fleet Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Self Inspection, an AI-powered platform for the $30 billion automotive inspections market, announced today that it closed a $3 million seed round. The round was co-led by Costanoa Ventures and DVx Ventures, with participation from Westlake Financial, one of the largest financial institutions for automotive loans.

    “Vehicle inspections are expensive, can take weeks to complete, and rely on outdated methods with a significant margin of error,” said Constantine Yaremtso, founder and CEO of Self Inspection. “Slow, inaccurate and expensive inspections create obstacles and a poor experience in millions of mobile transactions. Our tech completes inspections with greater speed, accuracy and customization, which can save financial institutions millions of dollars and speed up a sales process by weeks.”

    Millions of cars require inspection after a car rental, to be sold after a lease return, trade or repossession, or to create an accurate condition report to accelerate a sale. If one inspection is not done correctly or at all, it can result in arbitration when a car is sold (or increased rental fees), reversing transactions and costing thousands of dollars in expenses and time.

    Self Inspection provides standardized condition reports in minutes with increased real-time accuracy, a significant improvement compared to the current manual process. Key highlights from the company’s progress so far:

    • Avis, the third largest rental car provider in the U.S., uses it to facilitate rental inspections and car transactions. Alaska Rent A Car, Inc. an Avis Licensee, is the first state to fully deploy it.
    • CarOffer, a leading digital wholesale platform, part of CarGurus (CARG), uses Self Inspection as part of its vehicle appraisal process.
    • Westlake Financial, the largest privately held finance company in the automotive industry, handles over a million vehicle transactions annually and now exclusively relies on Self Inspection to deliver condition reports to dealers during trade-ins, re-marketing and repossession processes.

    Most inspections requiring an on-site visit can take days to weeks and often lack critical information like subtle defects, cost estimates, etc. Self Inspection’s AI-enhanced inspection platform quickly creates a detailed report of the entire vehicle, including exterior, interior, tires and mechanical components, with 99% accuracy based on advances in computer vision and AI models.

    “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Self Inspection team to bring this product to life. Westlake Financial is already integrating Self Inspection across our business units, and have seen significant value to detect and assess issues, as well as substantial savings that we can pass to our consumers,” said Ian Anderson, president of Westlake Financial. “We need to maintain accurate records of a vehicle’s condition to ensure correct valuations, manage risk effectively, prevent fraud and determine fair prices for our customers. Self Inspection allows us to streamline and standardize our processes, ensuring accurate vehicle assessments with precise, data-backed reports at scale.”

    Self Inspection is significantly more accurate than current photo-based models, which cannot effectively detect subtle defects or mechanical issues. In contrast, Self Inspection’s proprietary AI models are trained on one of the largest datasets of damaged vehicles to quickly detect and assess damage severity. This data is used to provide detailed cost estimates for repairs, resulting in one of the most thorough vehicle inspection reports available in the industry.

    “We are excited to support the Self Inspection team in their mission to transform the vehicle inspection industry through AI. The traditional vehicle inspection process is ripe for innovation, and Self Inspection’s solution addresses a critical need by providing accurate, efficient and scalable inspections,” said Karim Bousta, partner at DVx Ventures and automotive industry expert. “This technology not only streamlines operations for auto lenders, dealerships and rental companies but also sets a new benchmark for quality, reliability and a seamless digital experience in the $30 billion vehicle inspection market.”

    “Innovation that can modernize a massive traditional industry, like automotive, and solve a critical need through AI is poised for long-term growth,” said Greg Sands, managing partner at Costanoa Ventures. “Self Inspection built a reliable AI-powered vehicle inspection platform that ensures data-backed trust every time a vehicle changes hands. This will prove radically useful as the industry evolves.”

    Yaremtso, a Ukrainian immigrant, founded the company in 2021 with former leaders from Apple, NVIDIA and Coinbase who bring significant AI and automotive experience. Self Inspection plans to use the funds to expand its engineering team in both Ukraine and the U.S. to accelerate product development and enhance machine learning algorithms to optimize and expand use cases.

    For more information and to keep up with the latest news from Self Inspection and its traction in the automotive industry, visit https://www.selfinspection.com/.

    About Self Inspection
    Headquartered in San Diego, Self Inspection was founded in 2021 and is an AI-powered solution in the automotive industry dedicated to revolutionizing the $30 billion vehicle inspection industry. The platform leverages cutting-edge AI technology to deliver unparalleled accuracy and efficiency in vehicle inspections to cut costs and save time through automated, self-guided inspections. Founded by industry veterans with extensive experience in AI, software development and the automotive industry, the company is backed by Costanoa Ventures, DVx Ventures and Westlake Financial. For more information, visit https://www.selfinspection.com/.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9fd9346e-be1c-46e1-9c70-bb2c00af106b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Doechii’s Thom Browne look at the Grammys bridged street culture and luxury fashion

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Pierre-Yann Dolbec, Associate Professor of Marketing, Concordia University

    American rapper Doechii turned heads on the Grammy Awards red carpet on Feb. 2 in a striking Thom Browne ensemble: an off-the-shoulder corset suit dress with exaggerated hips, paired with a crisp white shirt and grey tie.

    The look was both classic and undeniably subversive — a fitting image for the transformation of the fashion world since the early 2000s. Not too long ago, the idea of a rap artist spotlighting a luxury tailor’s creation would have seemed jarring.

    Streetwear and high fashion once lived in separate worlds. Luxury brands sold exclusivity; haute couture, hand-stitched gowns and fine tailoring. Streetwear, on the other hand, was about authenticity and everyday life, with deep ties to subcultures around skateboarding and hip-hop.

    While designers at major high fashion houses occasionally took inspiration from street style in the 1990s and early 2000s — for instance, borrowing stylistic innovations from hip-hop and grunge — high fashion brands kept streetwear brands and designers at a distance.

    When Harlem designer Daniel R. Day — better known as Dapper Dan — repurposed Louis Vuitton and Gucci prints into custom streetwear pieces in the late 1980s, luxury labels sued him out of business. When Supreme used Louis Vuitton’s monogram on its skateboards in 2000, the fashion house hit them with a cease-and-desist order.

    Yet, Doechii’s four custom Thom Browne looks for the Grammys highlight how close hip-hop culture and high fashion now are.

    The birth of luxury streetwear

    The clear divide between streetwear and luxury fashion didn’t happen by accident. In the early 2010s, designers such as Virgil Abloh, Jerry Lorenzo and Shayne Oliver bridged the gap between streetwear and high fashion by pioneering what came to be known as “luxury streetwear.”

    This emerging style blended streetwear staples with luxury fashion production, values and beliefs. Designers crafted hoodies in Italy, integrated sneakers and tees into showstopping runway presentations. Like high fashion houses, they anchored their collections around artists and elevated conceptual work, transforming streetwear-inspired design into an art form.

    By mixing streetwear’s authenticity with high fashion exclusivity, brands like Fear of God, Hood by Air and Off-White gained the respect of luxury consumers and critics alike while retaining street culture’s cool factor.

    High fashion embraces streetwear

    By the mid-2010s, the same high-fashion elite that once kept streetwear at a distance began to see its commercial and cultural potential. Major fashion houses like Burberry and Dior experimented with limited-edition collaborations with streetwear designers, borrowing not just an aesthetic but also distribution tactics like “drops” — a limited, time-sensitive product release by fashion brands.

    The luxury streetwear shift came full circle when Gucci collaborated with Dapper Dan and when Louis Vuitton joined forces with Supreme in 2017. These collections sold out in hours and also served to draw in younger consumers initially uninterested by high fashion.

    Leading fashion houses started hiring luxury streetwear designers in top creative positions and, in some cases, acquiring established luxury streetwear brands.

    This strategy not only refreshed their brand image, but also expanded their appeal to new audiences. It reflected a broader culture shift where luxury is increasingly characterized by authenticity, shared community and pop culture relevance, rather than old-money status signals.

    These shifts opened the door for artists and figures from hip-hop and adjacent creative fields to take on prominent roles. Artists Rihanna, Frank Ocean and Kendrick Lamar have fronted high fashion campaigns, and rappers like A$AP Rocky and Travis Scott have walked the runway for high fashion houses and worked on high fashion collections, leading critics to claim that “rappers are fashion’s new royalty.”

    Doechii’s watershed moment

    The influence of streetwear on luxury was on full display at this year’s Grammys. When Doechii accepted her groundbreaking award — becoming only the third female artist to earn a Grammy for Best Rap Album — she wore another Thom Browne creation: a cropped, short-sleeved grey jacket with a tie, paired with dramatically structured and tiered balloon pants.

    Once considered an unlikely pairing, Doechii’s choice of a luxury label famed for its avant-garde suits reflected the dismantling of a boundary long separating high fashion from hip-hop culture.

    During her acceptance speech, Doechii addressed tearing down another boundary:

    “So many Black women out there that are watching me right now and I want to tell you … Don’t allow anybody to project any stereotypes on you, that tell you that you can’t be here, that you’re too dark or that you’re not smart enough or that you’re too dramatic or you’re too loud. You are exactly who you need to be, to be right where you are, and I am a testimony.”

    Her fashion choice and her message ran in parallel: just as her Thom Browne looks reflected a broader cultural shift, one in which a once-marginalized culture has claimed space at the pinnacle of luxury, her words underscored the continued need to break down societal barriers that have sidelined Black women.

    Tensions behind the scenes

    Despite the celebratory tone surrounding luxury’s embrace of streetwear, deeper tensions persist behind the scenes. The key question is not just about influence but about who wields control and reaps the financial benefits.

    Rather than merely adopting streetwear’s aesthetics, high fashion has strategically absorbed it, spotlighting select designers to project an image of inclusivity while ensuring that the status hierarchy remains intact.

    This process offers genuine opportunities for a few, but ultimately reinforces existing power dynamics, allowing luxury brands to appear progressive while maintaining their dominance and capturing the value created by the less powerful.

    As the fashion industry evolves, it must address issues of cultural appropriation and elite capture to and ensure that the voices behind these influential styles receive due recognition and compensation.

    But for consumers on the outside looking in, Doechii’s Grammys moment illustrates a power shift. High fashion, once sealed-off and hierarchical, has become more open, fluid and reflective of diverse backgrounds and artistic visions.

    Pierre-Yann Dolbec receives funding from Concordia University, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and the Fonds de Recherche du Québec.

    – ref. Doechii’s Thom Browne look at the Grammys bridged street culture and luxury fashion – https://theconversation.com/doechiis-thom-browne-look-at-the-grammys-bridged-street-culture-and-luxury-fashion-249334

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis, Kelly Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Non-Opioid Treatments

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  This week, Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) led the introduction of the Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (Alternatives to PAIN) Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide greater access to non-opioid treatments for pain management for seniors.

    “The opioid crisis continues to wreak havoc on families and communities across the country, including in North Carolina,” said Senator Tillis. “This bipartisan, pragmatic legislation will help prevent opioid addiction before it starts by leveling the playing field for non-opioid alternatives, ensuring seniors have uninterrupted access to non-opioid, non-addictive alternatives.”

    “Arizona seniors managing pain deserve real choices—not a system that steers them toward addictive opioids just because they’re the cheaper option,” said Senator Kelly. “By expanding affordable access to safer, non-opioid treatments, we’re helping prevent addiction and giving seniors better options for attending their health.” 

    “One way to prevent opioid addiction is by avoiding unnecessary exposure to prescription opioids,” said Chris Fox, Executive Director, Voices for Non–Opioid Choices. “To do so, providers and patients must have easy and equal access to non-opioid pain management options. Unfortunately, non-opioid approaches are all-too-often out of reach for many Americans due institutional preferences and economic incentives that lead to our reliance on opioids to treat pain. This results in millions of Americans developing a new, long-term opioid use pattern every year. The Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (“Alternatives to PAIN”) Act would ensure that non-opioid approaches are just as easily accessible as other medications. The legislation will go a long way towards ensuring that all Americans in all settings can access such approaches. It is a much needed step towards preventing opioid addiction in America and Voices for Non-Opioid Choices proudly supports and urges enactment of this critical legislation.” 

    Background:

    The Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (Alternatives to PAIN) Act is cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ted Budd (R-NC), Chris Coons (D-DE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jim Banks (R-IN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Mark Warner (D-VA). 

    The United States is facing a public health crisis caused by prescription drug addiction. Unfortunately, our country’s seniors are not immune to the worsening opioid epidemic. In 2021, 1.1 million seniors were diagnosed with an opioid use disorder, and 50,000 seniors experienced an opioid overdose-from prescription opioids, illicit opioids, or both. Tragically, the number of Americans aged 65 and older who died as the result of a natural or semisynthetic opioid overdose increased 63 percent between 2012 and 2020.

    Now, more than ever, we must prevent unnecessary opioids from becoming prevalent in medicine cabinets, homes, and communities. We can do this by increasing the use of non-opioids for pain management. Non-opioid treatments and therapies can be successful in replacing, delaying, or reducing the use of opioids which is why we believe it is necessary for Congress to advance policies that give practitioners and patients more access to these non-addictive treatments.

    The opioid epidemic is estimated to cost U.S. taxpayers $1.5 trillion every year. Too often, cost considerations incentivize Medicare Part D sponsors to employ utilization management practices intended to steer patients towards lowest cost options, which typically end up being generic opioids. This has resulted in opioid prescribing in Medicare Part D increasing over the past decade. In fact, Medicare Part D’s share of overall opioid prescriptions dispensed in the United States has increased 75 percent just since 2011. With several new opioid alternatives in the pipeline and others currently on the market, it is essential we encourage robust access to these therapies for Medicare Part D beneficiaries. 

    This bipartisan legislation would: 

    • Limit patient cost-sharing for patients receiving non-opioid based pain relief under Medicare Part D plans;
    • Prohibit the utilization of step therapy and prior authorization for these drugs; and
    • Encourage the continued dialogue between patients and their healthcare professionals about preferences in pain management choices.  

    This legislation builds on the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NO PAIN) Act, legislation supported by Senator Tillis that was signed into law in December 2022. The NO PAIN Act directed the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide separate Medicare reimbursement for non-opioid treatments used to manage pain in both the hospital outpatient department (HOPD) and the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) settings. Prior to the NO PAIN Act being signed into law, hospitals received the same payment from Medicare regardless of whether a physician prescribed an opioid or a non-opioid. As a result, hospitals relied on opioids, which are typically dispensed by a pharmacy after discharge at little or no cost to the hospital. 

    The Alternatives to Prevent Addiction in the Nation (Alternatives to PAIN) Act is supported by the following organizations:  Voices for Non-Opioid Choices, Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, American Addiction Recovery Coalition, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Psychological Association Services, Asheville Equine Therapy, A Better Life-Brianna’s Hope, A Voice in the Wilderness Empowerment Center, Blue Water Recovery & Outreach Center, CA Black Health Network, Center of Addiction & Faith, Chatham Drug Free, Clean Living Exceptional Alternative Recovery Residences (CLEARR), Danny’s Ride, Dove Recovery Center for Women, Elderly Advocates, Families of Addicts, Freedom Through Recovery, Georgia for Recovery, Hawaii Health and Harm Reduction Center, Healing On The Fly Inc, Hear Alex’s Story, Hep Free Hawaii, Hernando Community Coalition, Herren Project, Holistic Homes for Us, Hope Haven, Inclusive Recovery, InStep Indy, Iron Tribe Network, Jake’s Reach, Journey House Foundation, LITE Recovery Café, Lifeboat Addiction Services, Medicare Rights Center, Mental Health America, Mental Health America of Illinois, Metro Drug Coalition, Michigan Women Veterans Empowerment, National Association of Social Workers, National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Rural Health Association, National Safety Council, National Transitions of Care Coalition, Operation First Response, Inc, Operation PAR, Overdose Lifeline, Parrott Creek Child and Family Services, Partnership for A Healthy Iowa, Partnership to End Addiction, Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers Association, Pledge for Life Partnership, Positive Action Against Chemical Addiction, Inc. (PAACA), Prevention Action Alliance, Prevention Alliance of Tennessee, Psychophysiologic Disorders Association, PTSD Awareness Summit, REAL LIFE, Recovery Café- Ft. Wayne, Recovery Café- Muncie, Recovery Mobile Clinic, RetireSafe, Safe Haven Recovery Engagement Center, Salvage USA, Shatterproof, She Recovers Foundation, Sobar, Society for Opioid-Free Anesthesia, Society of Behavioral Medicine, South End – Roxbury Community Partnership, Stayin Alive 24 Coalition, Team Sharing, Inc., The Battle Within, U.S. VETS, VetPark’s A.T.V., Veterans National Recovery Center, Voices For Awareness, Warren Coalition, Warrior Path Home, West Warwick Prevention Coalition, Will Bright Foundation, Wyoming Valley Drug & Alcohol Services, and Young People in Recovery.

    Full text of the legislation is available HERE. 

    Additional statements of support are available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth to Oppose All Remaining Top-Level Cabinet Nominees Until Donald Trump Stops Illegal Power Grabs at the Expense of Middle-Class Americans and National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    February 06, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement announcing she will vote no on all remaining cabinet-level nominations until President Trump stops his relentless spree of illegal power grabs that are hurting middle-class Americans and endangering our national security:

    “I take the Senate’s advise and consent responsibility seriously and have always thoroughly considered the cabinet nominees of every President based on their individual merit, qualifications and ability to do the job. But until Donald Trump and unelected billionaire Elon Musk stop their relentless spree of illegal power grabs that are inflicting pain on the middle class and damaging our national security, I’ll be voting no on all remaining top-level cabinet nominees.

    “Despite running on a promise to lower costs and deliver for middle-class Americans, Donald Trump is instead putting the needs of the billionaire class above those he swore he’d look out for—effectively giving the keys to our government away to the richest man in the world who no one elected while he works to dismantle core agencies and programs that Americans depend on. It has become clear that I cannot trust the promises these nominees make—after all, Senator Rubio promised he wouldn’t come for USAID.

    “I already voted no on DOT Secretary Duffy and VA Secretary Collins after originally intending to support their nominations and I refuse to aid and abet these illegal and harmful power grabs by voting for any of this Administration’s remaining cabinet-level nominees.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Efficiency − or empire? How Elon Musk’s hostile takeover could end government as we know it

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Allison Stanger, Distinguished Endowed Professor, Middlebury

    Elon Musk, right, has moved to take the reins of the U.S. government. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

    Elon Musk’s role as the head of the Department of Government Efficiency, also known as DOGE, is on the surface a dramatic effort to overhaul the inefficiencies of federal bureaucracy. But beneath the rhetoric of cost-cutting and regulatory streamlining lies a troubling scenario.

    Musk has been appointed what is called a “special government employee” in charge of the White House office formerly known as the U.S. Digital Service, which was renamed the U.S. DOGE Service on the first day of President Donald Trump’s second term. The Musk team’s purported goals are to maximize efficiency and to eliminate waste and redundancy.

    That might sound like a bold move toward Silicon Valley-style innovation in governance. However, the deeper motivations driving Musk’s involvement are unlikely to be purely altruistic.

    Musk has an enormous corporate empire, ambitions in artificial intelligence, desire for financial power and a long-standing disdain for government oversight. His access to sensitive government systems and ability to restructure agencies, with the opaque decision-making guiding DOGE to date, have positioned Musk to extract unprecedented financial and strategic benefits for both himself and his companies, which include the electric car company Tesla and space transport company SpaceX.

    One historical parallel in particular is striking. In 1600, the British East India Company, a merchant shipping firm, began with exclusive rights to conduct trade in the Indian Ocean region before slowly acquiring quasi-governmental powers and ultimately ruling with an iron fist over British colonies in Asia, including most of what is now India. In 1677, the company gained the right to mint currency on behalf of the British crown.

    As I explain in my upcoming book “Who Elected Big Tech?” the U.S. is witnessing a similar pattern of a private company taking over government operations.

    Yet what took centuries in the colonial era is now unfolding at lightning speed in mere days through digital means. In the 21st century, data access and digital financial systems have replaced physical trading posts and private armies. Communications are the key to power now, rather than brute strength.

    A security officer blocks U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, right, from entering the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency headquarters on Feb. 6, 2025, in an effort to meet with DOGE staff.
    Al Drago/Getty Images

    The data pipeline

    Viewing Musk’s moves as a power grab becomes clearer when examining his corporate empire. He controls multiple companies that have federal contracts and are subject to government regulations. SpaceX and Tesla, as well as tunneling firm The Boring Company, the brain science company Neuralink, and artificial intelligence firm xAI all operate in markets where government oversight can make or break fortunes.

    In his new role, Musk can oversee – and potentially dismantle – the government agencies that have traditionally constrained his businesses. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has repeatedly investigated Tesla’s Autopilot system; the Securities and Exchange Commission has penalized Musk for market-moving tweets; environmental regulations have constrained SpaceX.

    Through DOGE, all these oversight mechanisms could be weakened or eliminated under the guise of efficiency.

    But the most catastrophic aspect of Musk’s leadership at DOGE is its unprecedented access to government data. DOGE employees reportedly have digital permission to see data in the U.S. government’s payment system, which includes bank account information, Social Security numbers and income tax documents. Reportedly, they have also seized the ability to alter the system’s software, data, transactions and records.

    Multiple media reports indicate that Musk’s staff have already made changes to the programs that process payments for Social Security beneficiaries and government contractors to make it easier to block payments and hide records of payments blocked, made or altered.

    But DOGE employees only need to be able to read the data to make copies of Americans’ most sensitive personal information.

    A federal court has ordered that not to happen – at least for now. Even so, funneling the data into Grok, Musk’s xAI-created artificial intelligence system, which is already connected with the Musk-owned X, formerly known as Twitter, would create an unparalleled capability for predicting economic shifts, identifying government vulnerabilities and modeling voter behavior.

    That’s an enormous and alarming amount of information and power for any one person to have.

    Candidate Donald Trump speaks at a key cryptocurrency industry conference in July 2024.
    AP Photo/Mark Humphrey

    Cryptocurrency coup?

    Like Trump himself and many of his closest advisers, Musk is also deeply involved in cryptocurrency. The parallel emergence of Trump’s own cryptocurrency and DOGE’s apparent alignment with the cryptocurrency known as Dogecoin suggests more than coincidence. I believe it points to a coordinated strategy for control of America’s money and economic policy, effectively placing the United States in entirely private hands.

    The genius – and danger – of this strategy lies in the fact that each step might appear justified in isolation: modernizing government systems, improving efficiency, updating payment infrastructure. But together, they create the scaffolding for transferring even more financial power to the already wealthy.

    Musk’s authoritarian tendencies, evident in his forceful management of X and his assertion that it was illegal to publish the names of people who work for him, suggest how he might wield his new powers. Companies critical of Musk could face unexpected audits; regulatory agencies scrutinizing his businesses could find their budgets slashed; allies could receive privileged access to government contracts.

    This isn’t speculation – it’s the logical extension of DOGE’s authority combined with Musk’s demonstrated behavior.

    Critics are calling Musk’s actions at DOGE a massive corporate coup. Others are simply calling it a coup. The protest movement is gaining momentum in Washington, D.C., and around the country, but it’s unlikely that street protests alone can stop what Musk is doing.

    Who can effectively investigate a group designed to dismantle oversight itself? The administration’s illegal firing of at least a dozen inspectors general before the Musk operation began suggests a deliberate strategy to eliminate government accountability. The Republican-led Congress, closely aligned with Trump, may not want to step in; but even if it did, Musk is moving far faster than Congress ever does.

    Destroy the republic, build a startup nation?

    Taken together, all of Musk’s and Trump’s moves lay the foundation for what cryptocurrency investor and entrepreneur Balaji Srinivasan calls “the network state.”

    The idea is that a virtual nation may form online before establishing any physical presence. Think of the network state like a tech startup company with its own cryptocurrency – instead of declaring independence and fighting for sovereignty, it first builds community and digital systems. By the time a Musk-aligned cryptocurrency gained official status, the underlying structure and relationships would already be in place, making alternatives impractical.

    Converting more of the world’s financial system into privately controlled cryptocurrencies would take power away from national governments, which must answer to their own people. Musk has already begun this effort, using his wealth and social media reach to engage in politics not only in the U.S. but also several European countries, including Germany.

    A nation governed by a cryptocurrency-based system would no longer be run by the people living in its territory but by those who could could afford to buy the digital currency. In this scenario, I am concerned that Musk, or the Communist Party of China, Russian President Vladimir Putin or AI-surveillance conglomerate Palantir, could render irrelevant Congress’ power over government spending and action. And along the way, it could remove the power to hold presidents accountable from Congress, the judiciary and American citizens.

    All of this obviously presents a thicket of conflict-of-interest problems that are wholly unprecedented in scope and scale.

    The question facing Americans, therefore, isn’t whether government needs modernization – it’s whether they’re willing to sacrifice democracy in pursuit of Musk’s version of efficiency. When we grant tech leaders direct control over government functions, we’re not just streamlining bureaucracy – we’re fundamentally altering the relationship between private power and public governance. I believe we’re undermining American national security, as well as the power of We, the People.

    The most dangerous inefficiency of all may be Americans’ delayed response to this crisis.

    Allison Stanger receives funding from the Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society, Harvard University

    – ref. Efficiency − or empire? How Elon Musk’s hostile takeover could end government as we know it – https://theconversation.com/efficiency-or-empire-how-elon-musks-hostile-takeover-could-end-government-as-we-know-it-249262

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE: Haivision Wins ISE Best in Show Award for Haivision Command 360 Video Wall Solution for Operation Centers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Haivision Systems Inc. (TSX: HAI), a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, today announces that the Haivision Command 360 video wall solution has won the AV Technology ‘Best in Show’ Award at ISE in Barcelona. This prestigious recognition highlights the groundbreaking impact of Command 360 in operation and command centers.

    Haivision Command 360: Powering Mission-Critical Decision-Making

    Haivision Command 360 is a complete video wall solution for situational awareness and real-time decision-making in mission-critical environments. By aggregating live video feeds, real-time analytics, and diverse data streams onto a secure, scalable video wall, Command 360 empowers defense, government, and public safety organizations to collaborate seamlessly and respond rapidly to critical situations. Its intuitive interface simplifies operations, enabling teams to access, manage, and control essential information with just a few clicks.

    “We are extremely honored to have won the ISE Best in Show Award for Haivision Command 360,” said Marcus Schioler, Vice President of Marketing at Haivision. “Haivision is a world leader in providing solutions that improve situational awareness and help organizations make better decisions in mission-critical situations. Winning this award at ISE is a recognition of our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

    Haivision Command 360 is part of Haivision’s mission-critical video ecosystem, helping aerospace, enterprise, government, military, and public safety organizations make informed decisions faster. Command 360 provides the following features and benefits to customers:

    • Display Any Content: Command 360 supports a wide range of content types, including live video feeds, TV channels, data dashboards, maps, web content, software applications, and more, ensuring access to critical information in real-time.
    • Centralized Management: The system features easy management of user permissions based on roles and responsibilities across multiple operation centers.
    • Defense-Grade Security: Command 360 adheres to strict government and industry standards to ensure security, reliability, and interoperability.
    • Use Safely from Anywhere: Secure remote access is critical when situations requiring attention develop at unpredictable times. Command 360 provides robust encryption and secure access controls to protect sensitive information and ensure data integrity, even for users accessing remotely.
    • User-Driven UI for Any Workflow: Command 360’s easy-to-use interface enables users of any technical proficiency to change input sources, customize layouts, and schedule system actions.
    • Total Device Control: The ultra-capable and intuitive Command 360 software integrates seamlessly with a wide range of applications, offering agnostic compatibility with multiple devices.
    • Remote Workstation Access with KVM: Integrated Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) control for direct interaction with displayed content from remote workstations, enhances operational flexibility and efficiency.

    For more information about Haivision Command 360, visit https://www.haivision.com/products/command-360-video-wall-software/.

    About Haivision

    Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision making. We provide high quality, low latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open sourced its award-winning SRT low latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. To learn more, visit Haivision at haivision.com.

    Jennifer Gazin
    514.334.5445 ext 8309
    jgazin@haivision.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Pushes Back on Trump’s Plan to Dismantle Education Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and her colleagues are pushing back on the Trump Administration’s reported plans to unilaterally dismantle the Department of Education and called out Elon Musk’s access to Americans’ most sensitive data, including at the Department of Education. Baldwin is calling on the acting Secretary of Education for answers on recent actions taken to put federal workers on administrative leave, coerce employees into leaving their jobs, provide access to students’ sensitive data, and illegally freeze vital funding. Wisconsin received approximately $630 million last fiscal year from the Department of Education to directly support school operations, pay teachers, and support students. If the Department of Education were to shutter, it could threaten this year’s funding and risk cuts programs, layoffs for teachers, and less funding for classrooms.
    “Over the course of two weeks, the Trump Administration issued sweeping executive orders and sought to broadly and illegally freeze federal financial assistance,” wrote Baldwin and the lawmakers. “Federal employees have been targeted, in some cases for simply following the law. Elon Musk is attempting to shut down the work of entire agencies while gaining access to some of the federal government’s most far reaching and sensitive data systems. Media reports indicate a similar effort may be underway at the Department of Education.”
    In their letter, they request information about access to the Department’s sensitive data and steps taken to safeguard it, communications and details regarding Department employees who have been placed on leave and confirmation that no awards have been blocked or terminated.
    “We will not stand by and allow this to happen to the nation’s students, parents, borrowers, educators, and communities. Congress created the Department to ensure all students in America have equal access to a high-quality education and that their civil rights are protected no matter their zip code,” continued the lawmakers. “We urge you to provide information on the steps the Department is taking to ensure the continuity of programs that Americans depend on, the ability of the Department to effectively administer programs for their intended purposes without waste, fraud and abuse, and the safeguards in place to protect student data privacy.”
    A full version of this letter is available here and below.
    Dear Acting Secretary Carter,
    We write with serious concerns about actions at the U.S. Department of Education (the Department), in light of the troubling developments across the federal government since January 20, 2025.
    Over the course of two weeks, the Trump Administration issued sweeping executive orders and sought to broadly and illegally freeze federal financial assistance. Federal employees have been targeted, in some cases for simply following the law. Elon Musk is attempting to shut down the work of entire agencies while gaining access to some of the federal government’s most far reaching and sensitive data systems.
    In just the last few days security officials at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) were put on leave after refusing non-government workers access to sensitive personnel information and classified systems. On Monday morning, USAID staff were told not to report to the agency and more than 600 employees were locked out of their computer systems and put on leave. Media reports indicate a similar effort may be underway at the Department of Education. Media reports are all we can rely on at this point because the Department has not shared any information on its plans with the authorizing Committees of jurisdiction responsible for establishing the Department, its organizational structure and programs; or the Committees on Appropriations responsible for funding it.
    The Department has been a target of President Trump and his unelected advisors since even prior to his inauguration. And recently, the Department has put workers on administrative leave for attending trainings promoted by former Secretary Betsy DeVos, once touted among results achieved by the Department, and coerced employees into leaving their jobs.6 Workers at the Department—like those across the government—have been made to fear their jobs will be reclassified so that they lose employment protections. Some staff from the entity referred to as the Department of Government Efficiency have reportedly gained access to internal Department data systems, including financial aid systems that include personally identifiable information on millions of students. These actions appear to be part of a broader plan to dismantle the federal government until it is unable to function and meet the needs of the American people.
    We will not stand by and allow the impact that dismantling the Department of Education would have on the nation’s students, parents, borrowers, educators, and communities. Congress created the Department to ensure all students in America have equal access to a high-quality education and that their civil rights are protected no matter their zip code. The Department is in the middle of implementing the FAFSA for the 2025-2026 school year and cannot afford any disruptions to that critical work. The Department also oversees vital federal aid programs that help students from low-income backgrounds, students with disabilities, student veterans, students experiencing homelessness, rural students, educators, and parents in need of childcare across the country. To further these activities, the Department maintains sensitive, personally identifiable information about these students and their families, which must be protected from people bent on ending these critical programs created over decades through bipartisan laws passed by Congress.
    We urge you to provide information on the steps the Department is taking to ensure the continuity of programs that Americans depend on, the ability of the Department to effectively administer programs for their intended purposes without waste, fraud and abuse, and the safeguards in place to protect student data privacy. We therefore request the following by Friday February 7th, 2025.
    Provide a list of all individuals, including their job titles and offices and whether they are federal government employees, who have been granted access to personally identifiable or sensitive information since January 20, 2025, the training provided to such individuals on the requirements for handling personally identifiable or sensitive information, the specific information to which they have they been granted access and the legal purpose to granting them access to that information, and whether students have been notified that their personally identifiable or sensitive information has been accessed.
    Provide an explanation of all steps the Department has taken to protect sensitive, personally identifiable data in the Department’s control, including but not limited to the National Student Loan Data System, the Common Origination and Disbursement System, and the FAFSA Processing System. a. Provide information on how those steps have been communicated to each individual with access to that data.
    Provide a list of all individuals placed on administrative leave or terminated from the Department since January 20, 2025, including their job title, duties and responsibilities, office, and the reason for the leave or termination.
    Provide all communications to Department employees who have been placed on administrative leave or terminated since January 20, 2025.
    Confirm that the Department has not frozen, paused, impeded, blocked, canceled, or terminated any awards or obligations since January 20, 2025 (other than the cancellation of training and service contracts announced in the Department’s January 23, 2025 Press Release).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Haivision Wins ISE Best in Show Award for Haivision Command 360 Video Wall Solution for Operation Centers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MONTREAL, Feb. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Haivision Systems Inc. (TSX: HAI), a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, today announces that the Haivision Command 360 video wall solution has won the AV Technology ‘Best in Show’ Award at ISE in Barcelona. This prestigious recognition highlights the groundbreaking impact of Command 360 in operation and command centers.

    Haivision Command 360: Powering Mission-Critical Decision-Making

    Haivision Command 360 is a complete video wall solution for situational awareness and real-time decision-making in mission-critical environments. By aggregating live video feeds, real-time analytics, and diverse data streams onto a secure, scalable video wall, Command 360 empowers defense, government, and public safety organizations to collaborate seamlessly and respond rapidly to critical situations. Its intuitive interface simplifies operations, enabling teams to access, manage, and control essential information with just a few clicks.

    “We are extremely honored to have won the ISE Best in Show Award for Haivision Command 360,” said Marcus Schioler, Vice President of Marketing at Haivision. “Haivision is a world leader in providing solutions that improve situational awareness and help organizations make better decisions in mission-critical situations. Winning this award at ISE is a recognition of our commitment to excellence and innovation.”

    Haivision Command 360 is part of Haivision’s mission-critical video ecosystem, helping aerospace, enterprise, government, military, and public safety organizations make informed decisions faster. Command 360 provides the following features and benefits to customers:

    • Display Any Content: Command 360 supports a wide range of content types, including live video feeds, TV channels, data dashboards, maps, web content, software applications, and more, ensuring access to critical information in real-time.
    • Centralized Management: The system features easy management of user permissions based on roles and responsibilities across multiple operation centers.
    • Defense-Grade Security: Command 360 adheres to strict government and industry standards to ensure security, reliability, and interoperability.
    • Use Safely from Anywhere: Secure remote access is critical when situations requiring attention develop at unpredictable times. Command 360 provides robust encryption and secure access controls to protect sensitive information and ensure data integrity, even for users accessing remotely.
    • User-Driven UI for Any Workflow: Command 360’s easy-to-use interface enables users of any technical proficiency to change input sources, customize layouts, and schedule system actions.
    • Total Device Control: The ultra-capable and intuitive Command 360 software integrates seamlessly with a wide range of applications, offering agnostic compatibility with multiple devices.
    • Remote Workstation Access with KVM: Integrated Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) control for direct interaction with displayed content from remote workstations, enhances operational flexibility and efficiency.

    For more information about Haivision Command 360, visit https://www.haivision.com/products/command-360-video-wall-software/.

    About Haivision

    Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision making. We provide high quality, low latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open sourced its award-winning SRT low latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. To learn more, visit Haivision at haivision.com.

    SEO Title: Haivision Command 360 Wins ISE Best in Show Award for Advancing Mission-Critical Operations

    Slug: haivision-command-360-ise-best-in-show-award

    Meta description: Haivision Command 360 has won the ISE Best in Show Award, recognizing its impact on situational awareness and real-time decision-making in mission-critical environments. Learn more about this award-winning video wall solution.

    Social

    #Haivision #Command360, a complete #videowall solution for situational awareness and real-time decision-making in mission-critical environments, wins Best in Show award at #ISE2025. Read more in the press release:

    Jennifer Gazin
    514.334.5445 ext 8309
    jgazin@haivision.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Shaheen Condemns Trump Actions as Deliberate Effort to Undermine Critical Functions of Government Over Lowering Costs for Granite Staters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) condemned Trump for undermining critical government functions instead of working to lower costs for Granite Staters like he promised during his campaign. Shaheen pointed to the President’s misguided tariff plan, chaotic effort to halt federal funding for grants and loans, the dismantling of U.S. foreign assistance and his enabling of billionaire Elon Musk to access Americans’ sensitive information at the U.S. Department of Treasury. You can read more here.

    The full article from the Union Leader is available here and below.

    Shaheen takes aim at Trump’s actions on spending, tariffs

    In some of her strongest language to date, U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen said President Donald Trump’s actions on spending, tariffs and shutting down foreign assistance programs appear to be a “deliberate effort to undermine the critical functions” of the federal government.

    Shaheen, a three-term senator whose term is up in 2026, said her office is receiving complaint calls at a level only met during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Many hold the view that Trump’s actions bear little resemblance to his focus as a presidential candidate, Shaheen said.

    “It is creating frustration and concern across the board. This is not what they signed up for,” Shaheen said during an interview. “When Donald Trump was campaigning, he was talking about addressing inflation, lowering costs for people on food, rent and prescriptions. None of that is in his agenda since he got inaugurated.”

    For his part, Trump said he told voters that Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, would be a trusted adviser on how to reduce federal spending by up to $2 trillion.

    Musk leads the new Department of Government Efficiency, whose employees got access to payroll information of the Department of Treasury and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

    “He should not have access to this. They are going into classified spaces without appropriate clearances,” said Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is dealing with the Department of Agriculture, rural development and Food and Drug Administration.

    Shaheen said Musk’s moves to close down USAID will collapse vital assistance to vulnerable people around the world and only invite U.S. adversaries to step in and try to control affairs in struggling countries.

    “In fact, there’s evidence that is already beginning to happen,” Shaheen said.

    Shaheen noted Musk seeks to reduce the size of a federal government that at one pivotal point rescued him with financial relief.

    “The irony is this guy would have been out of business but for the U.S. government bailing him out in Space X,” Shaheen said. “The fact he is trying to deny that kind of access and help to individuals and business that need it is just unacceptable and shameful.”

    Earlier Wednesday, Shaheen hosted a conference call with leaders of chambers of commerce and other regional officials who raised concerns about the proposed tariffs with Canada that are on a 30-day pause but have not been rescinded.

    “Their number one issue is the uncertainty and the chaos that is happening under this president’s very hand,” Shaheen said.

    U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander, D-N.H., signed on to a letter to Trump Wednesday, along with 60 House Democrats, calling for him to cancel any Canadian tariff plans.

    “These actions, this rhetoric has consequences that people are already seeing in their everyday lives,” Shaheen added.

    MIL OSI USA News –