Category: Natural Disasters

MIL-OSI Security: Dominican National Sentenced to 10 years on Drug Trafficking Charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

St. Thomas, USVI – Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Yeral Marrero Reynoso, 29, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 10 years’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute 75 kilograms of cocaine and three firearms.
According to court documents, on August 28, 2024, at approximately 2:30 p.m., while patrolling the area of Haulover Bay, St. John, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine (CBP-AMO) agents, along with Border Patrol (BP) agents, detected two males walking the beach trail towards the beach at Haulover Bay. One male was carrying an assault-style long gun. Minutes later, the males were observed carrying three black duffel bags up the trail towards a small parking area. A lone gray Acura RDX was then seen leaving the area. Federal agents, with the assistance of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), were able to locate the vehicle suspected of containing the two males seen walking the trail. The vehicle was stopped. Rivera Palmer was one of two occupants in the car who matched the description of the two men seen on the trail. As federal agents approached the vehicle, two assault-style rifles were seen on the rear passenger floorboard. A third firearm, a Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine, was found on the driver side floorboard. Neither of the two assault-style rifles had serial numbers. In the rear of the vehicle, agents recovered three duffle bags containing 61 brick-like packages containing approximately 75 kilograms of cocaine.
The investigation was conducted by CBP-AMO, BP, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of FBI and VIPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Payne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

MIL Security OSI –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Global: Urgent action needed as climate crisis leads to devastating new harms to human rights

Source: Amnesty International –

States must urgently deliver ambitious climate action by mapping out a just transition away from fossil fuels in all sectors to prevent even worse human rights harms around the world, Amnesty International said in a new briefing to mark the start of the Bonn Climate Conference which takes place between 16-26 June.

Despite the challenges posed by the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, increases in authoritarian practices globally and the growing environmental devastation of the escalating armed conflicts in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan and Ukraine, among others, it is not too late for states to find common ground and ramp up climate ambition for the planet and the rights of current and future generations.

In 2024, for the first time, the world breached the threshold of 1.5°C of global heating above pre-industrial levels. During the hottest year on record, wildfires ripped through Latin America, the Caribbean was hit by the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record, and parts of Central Europe were deluged with three months’ worth of rain in five days as the climate emergency worsened, driven by human activity and the continued burning of fossil fuels.

“The devastating new human rights harms resulting from climate change will escalate dramatically unless global heating is kept in check. More people will be driven deeper into poverty, lose their homes or suffer the effects of drought and food insecurity. Despite the deepening climate crisis, governments’ action to limit fossil fuel production and use has been wholly inadequate,” said Ann Harrison, Amnesty International’s Climate Justice Advisor.

“Governments are in thrall to fossil fuel companies which have sought to downplay climate harms and discredit climate science. States continue to provide subsidies to these companies, effectively incentivizing the continuation of the fossil fuel industry. Everyone has the right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment – but as the climate crisis intensifies, this right, and others, are under growing threat.”

Across the globe, unnatural disasters exacerbated by climate change, such as worsening droughts and severe floods, are damaging harvests and leading to food scarcity and water shortages, contributing to displacement, migration and conflict.

Protecting and listening to grassroots voices

Marginalized frontline and fence line communities that use fossil fuels the least continue to suffer some of the worst impacts of climate change. They include subsistence farmers, Indigenous Peoples and those living in low lying island states, threatened by rising sea levels and more powerful storms, or those living beside fossil fuel production and transport facilities.

For example, Pakistan contributes less than 1% of greenhouse gas emissions annually but is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate disasters. In a report published last month, Amnesty International documented how increasingly frequent floods and heatwaves are leading to preventable deaths, particularly among young children and older adults.

Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, those demanding action from the authorities are being harassed, stigmatized, attacked and criminalized. Around the world, environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) are risking their lives and liberty for defending their lands and communities’ right to a healthy environment, such as the Warriors for the Amazon in Ecuador.

“The voices, views, knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, frontline and fence line communities and human rights defenders must be incorporated into climate policies, plans and action.

Ann Harrison, Amnesty International’s Climate Justice Advisor

The conference is an opportunity to spotlight the situation in COP29 host Azerbaijan, where environmental human rights defender Anar Mammadli and journalist Nargiz Absalamova who reported on environmental issues remain behind bars. Other journalists who reported on the human rights situation including during COP29 were arrested afterwards in apparent reprisals. Brazil, the host of COP30, is one of the most dangerous countries for EHRDs, who face killings, violence, threats and stigmatization for their work.

“The voices, views, knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, frontline and fence line communities and human rights defenders must be incorporated into climate policies, plans and action,” said Ann Harrison.

“Once again, we have heard reports of limited badges and visa problems for those from the majority world wishing to attend the conference in Bonn. Nor are the COP Host Country Agreements – a key tool that must be strengthened to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for participants – available publicly as a matter of routine.”

Climate finance must be addressed

Amnesty International is also calling for states to tackle climate finance. Currently, lower-income countries are paying more in debt repayments than they are receiving as climate finance from high-income countries.

High income historically high emitting countries are most responsible for climate change, yet continue to shirk their obligations to provide climate finance to lower income countries to cut emissions and to help communities to adapt to climate change, as well as providing reparations for loss and damage, which could ease the burden in countries suffering climate harms.

“Taxing fossil fuel companies, corporate windfall profits and high net worth individuals, as well as ending subsidies and investments in fossil fuels and ending global tax abuses, could raise over USD 3 trillion per year which could go a huge way towards the cost of tackling climate change,” said Ann Harrison.

Huge changes need to be made

The Bonn Climate Conference is a key preparatory moment for the annual UN Climate Conference, which takes place as COP30 later this year in Brazil – a country that wants to publicly lead a message of global environmental protection. Yet, internally some of its institutions are taking actions contrary to this agenda, including requiring less stringent licensing for environmentally destructive projects and expanding fossil fuel production.

“If climate change is to be taken seriously and to keep global warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we need to see concrete progress with clear timelines towards massively scaled-up needs-based climate finance, particularly for adaptation and loss and damage, in the form of grants, not loans, with those most responsible for emissions contributing the most,” said Ann Harrison.

Amnesty International is calling for states commit to a full, fast, fair and funded fossil fuel phase out through just transitions across all sectors, without relying on risky and unproven technologies or offsets that do not lead to genuine emissions reductions. It is also calling for inclusive discussions around climate change, involving the people most affected by it, and ensuring they can meaningfully access these high-level negotiations without discrimination.

MIL OSI NGO –

June 16, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Samoan fashion designer fatally shot at Salt Lake City ‘no kings’ protest

RNZ Pacific

A renowned Samoan fashion designer was fatally shot at the “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) has confirmed.

Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, known as Afa Ah Loo, an “innocent bystander” at the protest, died despite efforts by paramedics to save his life, police said.

Ah Loo, a Utah resident, died at the hospital. The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.

The SLPCD said the incident began about 7.56pm local time when a sergeant assigned to the SLCPD Motor Squad reported hearing gunfire near 151 South State Street.

It said the sergeant and his squad were working to facilitate traffic and help to ensure public safety during a permitted demonstration that drew an estimated 10,000 participants.

“As panic spread throughout the area, hundreds of people ran for safety, hiding in parking garages, behind barriers, and going into nearby businesses.

“The first officers on scene notified SLCPD’s incident management team using their police radios.”

The SLCPD said officers quickly moved in to secure the scene and search for any active threats and found a man who had been shot and immediately began life-saving efforts.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the 39-year-old man who was killed, and with the many community members who were impacted by this traumatic incident,” Salt Lake City police chief Brian Redd said.

“When this shooting happened, the response of our officers and detectives was fast, brave, and highly coordinated. It speaks to the calibre of this great department and our law enforcement partners.”

Detectives working to thoroughly investigate
The SLCPD said about 8pm, members of its Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) and Gang Unit were flagged down near 102 South 200 East, where officers found a man crouching among a group of people with a gunshot wound.

The man is identified as 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who was dressed in all black clothing and wearing a black mask.

“As officers approached, community members pointed out a nearby firearm, which was described as an AR15-style rifle.

“Officers also located a gas mask, black clothing, and a backpack in close proximity. The items were collected and processed by the SLCPD Crime Lab.

“Paramedics took Gamboa to the hospital. Detectives later booked Gamboa into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a charge of murder.

Police said officers also detained two men who were wearing high-visibility neon green vests and carrying handguns.

Peacekeeping team
These men were apparently part of the event’s peacekeeping team.

According to the police, detectives learned during interviews that the two peacekeepers saw Gamboa move away from the crowd and move into a secluded area behind a wall — behavior they found suspicious.

“One of the peacekeepers told detectives he saw Gamboa pull out an AR15-style rifle from a backpack and begin manipulating it.

“The peacekeepers drew their firearms and ordered Gamboa to drop the weapon.

“Witnesses reported Gamboa instead lifted the rifle and began running toward the crowd gathered on State Street, holding the weapon in a firing position.

“In response, one of the peacekeepers fired three rounds. One round struck Gamboa, while another tragically wounded Mr Ah Loo.”

“Our detectives are now working to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Redd said.

“We will not allow this individual act to create fear in our community.”

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

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 16, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Samoan fashion designer fatally shot at Salt Lake City ‘no kings’ protest

RNZ Pacific

A renowned Samoan fashion designer was fatally shot at the “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City on Saturday, the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) has confirmed.

Arthur Folasa Ah Loo, known as Afa Ah Loo, an “innocent bystander” at the protest, died despite efforts by paramedics to save his life, police said.

Ah Loo, a Utah resident, died at the hospital. The Utah Office of the Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.

The SLPCD said the incident began about 7.56pm local time when a sergeant assigned to the SLCPD Motor Squad reported hearing gunfire near 151 South State Street.

It said the sergeant and his squad were working to facilitate traffic and help to ensure public safety during a permitted demonstration that drew an estimated 10,000 participants.

“As panic spread throughout the area, hundreds of people ran for safety, hiding in parking garages, behind barriers, and going into nearby businesses.

“The first officers on scene notified SLCPD’s incident management team using their police radios.”

The SLCPD said officers quickly moved in to secure the scene and search for any active threats and found a man who had been shot and immediately began life-saving efforts.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the 39-year-old man who was killed, and with the many community members who were impacted by this traumatic incident,” Salt Lake City police chief Brian Redd said.

“When this shooting happened, the response of our officers and detectives was fast, brave, and highly coordinated. It speaks to the calibre of this great department and our law enforcement partners.”

Detectives working to thoroughly investigate
The SLCPD said about 8pm, members of its Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) and Gang Unit were flagged down near 102 South 200 East, where officers found a man crouching among a group of people with a gunshot wound.

The man is identified as 24-year-old Arturo Gamboa, who was dressed in all black clothing and wearing a black mask.

“As officers approached, community members pointed out a nearby firearm, which was described as an AR15-style rifle.

“Officers also located a gas mask, black clothing, and a backpack in close proximity. The items were collected and processed by the SLCPD Crime Lab.

“Paramedics took Gamboa to the hospital. Detectives later booked Gamboa into the Salt Lake County Metro Jail on a charge of murder.

Police said officers also detained two men who were wearing high-visibility neon green vests and carrying handguns.

Peacekeeping team
These men were apparently part of the event’s peacekeeping team.

According to the police, detectives learned during interviews that the two peacekeepers saw Gamboa move away from the crowd and move into a secluded area behind a wall — behavior they found suspicious.

“One of the peacekeepers told detectives he saw Gamboa pull out an AR15-style rifle from a backpack and begin manipulating it.

“The peacekeepers drew their firearms and ordered Gamboa to drop the weapon.

“Witnesses reported Gamboa instead lifted the rifle and began running toward the crowd gathered on State Street, holding the weapon in a firing position.

“In response, one of the peacekeepers fired three rounds. One round struck Gamboa, while another tragically wounded Mr Ah Loo.”

“Our detectives are now working to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident,” Redd said.

“We will not allow this individual act to create fear in our community.”

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

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 16, 2025
Seeking unity, G7 meets amid escalating Ukraine, Middle East conflicts

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Leaders from the Group of Seven nations begin annual talks on Monday amid wars in Ukraine and the Middle East that add to global economic uncertainty, as host Canada tries to avoid a clash with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The G7 leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S., along with the European Union, are convening in the resort of Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies until Tuesday.

But beyond the serene and picturesque mountain setting, they confront challenges. The first five months of Trump’s second term upended foreign policy on Ukraine, raised anxiety over his closer ties to Russia and resulted in tariffs on U.S. allies.

With an escalating Israel-Iran conflict, which is spiking global oil prices, the summit in Canada is seen as a vital moment to try and restore a semblance of unity between democratic powerhouses.

“The most important goal will be for the world’s seven largest industrial nations to reach agreement and take action,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said before attending his first G7.

That will not be easy. After years of consensus, the traditional allies have scrambled to keep Trump engaged and maintain unity.

Canada has abandoned any effort to adopt an all-encompassing comprehensive communique to avert a repeat of a 2018 summit in Quebec, when Trump instructed the U.S. delegation to withdraw its approval of the final communique after leaving.

Instead, Ottawa has sought to get consensus for a chair’s statement that summarizes the key discussions and six other pre-negotiated declarations on issues such as migration, artificial intelligence and forest fires.

Talks on Monday will centre around the economy, advancing trade deals, and China.

Efforts to reach an agreement to lower the G7 price cap on Russian oil even if Trump decided to opt out have been complicated by the surge in oil prices since Israel launched strikes on Iran on June 12, two diplomatic sources said.

The escalation between the two regional foes is on the agenda, with diplomatic sources saying they hope to achieve at least a joint statement to urge restraint and a return to diplomacy.

“We are united. Nobody wants to see Iran get a nuclear weapon and everyone wants discussions and negotiations to restart,” France’s President Emmanuel Macron told reporters in Greenland on Sunday before travelling to Canada.

He added that given Israel’s dependence on U.S. weapons and munitions, Washington had the capacity to restart negotiations.

Trump said on Sunday many calls and meetings were taking place to broker peace.

RUSSIAN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

Highlighting the unease among some of Washington’s allies, Trump spoke on Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested the Russian leader could play a mediation role.

Macron dismissed the idea, arguing that Moscow could not be a negotiator because it had started an illegal war against Ukraine.

A European diplomat said Trump’s suggestion showed that Russia, despite being kicked out of the group in 2014 after annexing Crimea, was very much on U.S. minds.

“In the eyes of the U.S., there’s no condemnation for Ukraine; no peace without Russia; and now even credit for its mediation role with Iran. For Europeans, this will be a really tough G7,” the diplomat said.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will attend the summit on Tuesday. European officials said they hoped to use the meeting, and next week’s NATO summit, to convince Trump to toughen his stance on Putin.

“The G7 should have the objective for us to converge again, for Ukraine to get a ceasefire to lead to a robust and lasting peace, and in my view it’s a question of seeing whether President Trump is ready to put forward much tougher sanctions on Russia,” Macron said.

(Reuters)

June 16, 2025
Seeking unity, G7 meets amid escalating Ukraine, Middle East conflicts

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Leaders from the Group of Seven nations begin annual talks on Monday amid wars in Ukraine and the Middle East that add to global economic uncertainty, as host Canada tries to avoid a clash with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The G7 leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S., along with the European Union, are convening in the resort of Kananaskis in the Canadian Rockies until Tuesday.

But beyond the serene and picturesque mountain setting, they confront challenges. The first five months of Trump’s second term upended foreign policy on Ukraine, raised anxiety over his closer ties to Russia and resulted in tariffs on U.S. allies.

With an escalating Israel-Iran conflict, which is spiking global oil prices, the summit in Canada is seen as a vital moment to try and restore a semblance of unity between democratic powerhouses.

“The most important goal will be for the world’s seven largest industrial nations to reach agreement and take action,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said before attending his first G7.

That will not be easy. After years of consensus, the traditional allies have scrambled to keep Trump engaged and maintain unity.

Canada has abandoned any effort to adopt an all-encompassing comprehensive communique to avert a repeat of a 2018 summit in Quebec, when Trump instructed the U.S. delegation to withdraw its approval of the final communique after leaving.

Instead, Ottawa has sought to get consensus for a chair’s statement that summarizes the key discussions and six other pre-negotiated declarations on issues such as migration, artificial intelligence and forest fires.

Talks on Monday will centre around the economy, advancing trade deals, and China.

Efforts to reach an agreement to lower the G7 price cap on Russian oil even if Trump decided to opt out have been complicated by the surge in oil prices since Israel launched strikes on Iran on June 12, two diplomatic sources said.

The escalation between the two regional foes is on the agenda, with diplomatic sources saying they hope to achieve at least a joint statement to urge restraint and a return to diplomacy.

“We are united. Nobody wants to see Iran get a nuclear weapon and everyone wants discussions and negotiations to restart,” France’s President Emmanuel Macron told reporters in Greenland on Sunday before travelling to Canada.

He added that given Israel’s dependence on U.S. weapons and munitions, Washington had the capacity to restart negotiations.

Trump said on Sunday many calls and meetings were taking place to broker peace.

RUSSIAN ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

Highlighting the unease among some of Washington’s allies, Trump spoke on Saturday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and suggested the Russian leader could play a mediation role.

Macron dismissed the idea, arguing that Moscow could not be a negotiator because it had started an illegal war against Ukraine.

A European diplomat said Trump’s suggestion showed that Russia, despite being kicked out of the group in 2014 after annexing Crimea, was very much on U.S. minds.

“In the eyes of the U.S., there’s no condemnation for Ukraine; no peace without Russia; and now even credit for its mediation role with Iran. For Europeans, this will be a really tough G7,” the diplomat said.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will attend the summit on Tuesday. European officials said they hoped to use the meeting, and next week’s NATO summit, to convince Trump to toughen his stance on Putin.

“The G7 should have the objective for us to converge again, for Ukraine to get a ceasefire to lead to a robust and lasting peace, and in my view it’s a question of seeing whether President Trump is ready to put forward much tougher sanctions on Russia,” Macron said.

(Reuters)

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses to benefit from largest flood defence investment programme in history
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses to benefit from largest flood defence investment programme in history

Almost £8 billion to be invested in flood defences over the next decade
A photo of flood defences by the sea

The largest flooding programme in history will be announced by government this week, with a record £7.9 billion committed over ten years to protect hundreds of thousands of homes, small businesses, and vital infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding.

From high-performance flood barriers to nature-based solutions like wetland restoration, the programme will deliver long-term protection for communities and strengthen local economies – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change.

This comes as the government gears up to announcing its landmark Infrastructure Strategy – a targeted, long-term plan to invest in Britain. The Strategy focuses on ensuring every penny of taxpayer money spent delivers real returns for working people, through stronger local economies, better jobs and more resilient communities.

The new flooding programme is proof of that strategy in action. Every £1 spent on flood defences expected to prevent around £8 in economic damage, meaning significant savings for public services, such as the NHS and schools.

The major funding pledge will bolster the government’s mission of accelerating economic growth, by reducing the time and costs businesses face when recovering from floods and empowering them to invest in local areas.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed said:

Protecting citizens is the first duty of any Government. Yet we inherited crumbling flood defences in their worst condition on record – exposing thousands of homes.

Under the Plan for Change, this Government is taking urgent action with the largest flooding programme in our country’s history.

We will leave no stone unturned to protect our citizens.

Philip Duffy, chief executive at the Environment Agency, said:

As our changing climate continues to bring more extreme weather to the nation, it’s never been more vital to invest in new flood defences and repair our existing assets.

This long-term investment will be welcome news for businesses and homeowners, who have too often faced the destructive nature of flooding. Our priority will continue to be working with the government and local authorities to ensure as many properties are protected as possible.

The investment will also continue the government’s plans to protect cities and towns from the devastating impacts of floodings, including from Oxford to Portsmouth and up to Derby and Blackpool.

In the Spending Review, the Government also confirmed that £4.2 billion will be spent on the flooding programme over the next three years (2026/7 to 2028/9), which will be focused on both capital and resources such as building new defences and repairing and maintaining existing ones.

Alongside this, the Government launched a consultation on new proposals to introduce a simplified, more transparent approach to bid for government funding for flood defences. This will benefit councils that have less resource to commit to the application process and will ensure money is distributed more effectively across the country.

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)

Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Updates to this page

Published 16 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Johnson’s Jason Foster Recognized for New Technology Reporting Record

Source: NASA

Heading into a recent staff meeting for Johnson Space Center’s Business Development & Technology Integration Office, Jason Foster anticipated a typical agenda of team updates and discussion. He did not expect an announcement that he had been named a 2025 Rookie of the Year – Honorable Mention through the Federal Laboratory Consortium’s annual awards program.
Foster was one of only three technology transfer professionals across the federal government to be recognized in the Rookie of the Year category, which is open to early-career individuals with less than three years of experience. “It was definitely a surprise,” he said. “It was quite an honor, because it’s not only representing Johnson Space Center but also NASA.”

Foster is a licensing specialist and New Technology Report (NTR) specialist within Johnson’s Technology Transfer Office in Houston. That team works to ensure that innovations developed for aeronautics and space exploration are made broadly available to the public, maximizing their benefit to the nation. Foster’s role involves both capturing new technologies developed at Johnson and marketing and licensing those technologies to companies that would like to use and further develop them.
He describes much of his work as “technology hunting” – reaching out to branches, offices, and teams across Johnson to teach them about the Technology Transfer Office, NTRs, and the value of technology reporting for NASA and the public. “NTRs are the foundation that allows our office to do our job,” he said. “We need to know about a technology in order to transfer it.”

Foster’s efforts to streamline and strengthen the reporting and patenting of Johnson’s innovations led to his recognition by the consortium. His proactive outreach and relationship-building improved customer service and contributed to 158 NTRs in fiscal year 2024 – the highest number of NTRs disclosed by federal employees at any NASA center. Foster also proposed a three-month NTR sprint, during which he led a team of seven in an intensive exercise to identify and report new technologies. This initiative not only cleared a backlog of leads for the office, but also resulted in more than 120 previously undisclosed NTRs. “We are still using that process now as we continue processing NTRs,” Foster said. On top of those achievements, he helped secure the highest recorded number of license agreements with commercial entities in the center’s history, with 41 licenses executed in fiscal year 2024.
“I am very proud of my accomplishments, none of it would be possible without the open-mindedness and continuous support of my incredible team,” Foster said. “They have always provided a space to grow, and actively welcome innovation in our processes and workflows.”

A self-described “space nerd,” Foster said he always envisioned working at NASA, but not until much later in his career – ideally as an astronaut. He initially planned to pursue an astrophysics degree but discovered a passion for engineering and fused that with his love of space by studying aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical engineering instead. In his last semester of college at California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo, he landed a Universities Space Research Association internship at Johnson, supporting flight software development for crew exercise systems on the International Space Station and future exploration missions. “I got really involved in the Johnson Space Center team and the work, and I thought, what if I joined NASA now?”
He was hired as a licensing specialist on the Technology Transfer team under the JETS II Contract as an Amentum employee shortly after graduating and continually seeks new opportunities to expand his role and skillsets. “The more I can learn about anything NASA’s doing is incredible,” he said. “I found myself in this perfect position where literally my job is to learn everything there is to learn.”

Foster celebrates three years with NASA this July. In his time at the agency, he has learned the value of getting to know and understand your colleagues’ needs in order to help them. Before he meets with someone, he takes time to learn about the organization or team they are a part of, the work they are involved in, and what they might discuss. It is also important to determine how each person prefers to communicate and collaborate. “Doing your homework pays dividends,” Foster said. He has found that being as prepared as possible opens doors to more opportunities, and it helps to save valuable time for busy team members.

When he is not technology hunting, you might find Foster practicing the art of fire spinning. He picked up the hobby in college, joining a club that met at local beaches to practice spinning and capturing different geometric patterns through long exposure photos. “It was kind of a strange thing to get into, but it was really fun,” he said. His love of learning drives his interest in other activities as well. Gardening is a relatively new hobby inspired by a realization that he had never grown anything before.
“It’s a genuine joy, I think, coming across something with curiosity and wanting to learn from it,” he said. “I think it especially helps in my job, where your curiosity switch has to be on at least 90% of the time.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Acting Governor Luke Issues Emergency Proclamation Relating to Wildfires

Source: US State of Hawaii

Office of the Governor – News Release – Acting Governor Luke Issues Emergency Proclamation Relating to Wildfires

Posted on Jun 15, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA

SYLVIA LUKE
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
KE KEʻENA O KA HOPE KIAʻĀINA

EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION ISSUED RELATING TO WILDFIRES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 15, 2025

HONOLULU — Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, serving as acting governor, signed an Emergency Proclamation (EP) today at 6:08 p.m. in response to a brush fire fueled by strong winds around 9:54 a.m. on June 15 near mile markers 24 and 25 on Maui, in the Kahikinui area.

This 23rd proclamation is a supplement to the Emergency Proclamation issued on August 8, 2023, relating to wildfires in Lahaina, Kula and Kohala.

This proclamation authorizes the Adjutant General to activate the Hawai‘i National Guard to deploy state resources as needed to aid in fire suppression and protect public health and safety, property and natural resources.

It also suspends laws that might impede or delay the execution of emergency functions.

A copy of the executed EP is linked here and is posted on the Emergency Proclamations page on Governor Green’s website.

# # #

Media Contacts:
Erika Engle
Press Secretary
Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
Office: 808-586-0120
Email: [email protected]

Makana McClellan
Director of Communications
Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
Cell: 808-265-0083
Email: [email protected]

Shari Nishijima
Communications Director
Office of the Lieutenant Governor, State of Hawai‘i
Cell: 808-978-0867
Email: [email protected]

MIL OSI USA News –

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Thales and KNDS France unveil RAPIDFire Land, a land-based variant of the 40 mm RAPIDFire Naval defence system
Source: Thales Group

Headline: Thales and KNDS France unveil
RAPIDFire Land, a land-based variant of the 40 mm RAPIDFire Naval defence system

16 Jun 2025

Share this article
- RAPIDFire is a remotely operated artillery system co-developed by Thales and KNDS France. The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has awarded a contract for the production of 48 of these systems, and the first two RAPIDFire systems ordered earlier are now operational on board France’s new-generation fleet replenishment tankers.
- RAPIDFire can be installed on multiple platform types, and the land-based version will meet emerging operational requirements, in particular to protect sensitive sites from a wide range of threats including saturation attacks.
- The Airburst munition, which represents the cutting edge of air defence capabilities, is reaching an important milestone.
Full qualification of RAPIDFire system

The French defence procurement agency (DGA) has already ordered 14 RAPIDFire systems to equip French Navy vessels. Two systems have been installed on board the fleet replenishment tanker (BRF) Jacques Chevallier, which has completed two long-duration deployments, including several live fire exercises, with France’s carrier strike group. Two others were recently installed on France’s second BRF tanker Jacques Stosskopf ahead of an upcoming long-duration deployment. A fifth system will soon equip a new French Navy offshore patrol vessel.

The RAPIDFire system was qualified in early 2025 and can now be used with all existing 40CT munitions.

As the first remotely operated 40 mm system to incorporate the 40CT cannon, RAPIDFire provides a close-in self-defence capability to protect platforms against modern air and surface threats. It features state-of-the-art optronics jointly designed by Thales and KNDS France, and the new 40 mm cased telescoped munition technology developed by CTAI, a subsidiary of KNDS France.

This solution provides unmatched firepower, with a ready rack of up to 140 rounds, corresponding to dozens of target interceptions with no need to reload. The fire control system recalibrates its aim after every round fired to account for the target’s speed and direction of travel. RAPIDFire is designed to engage a broad range of threats – from ships to light aircraft, drones, loitering munitions and missiles – at ranges of up to 4 kilometres. Its 40 mm cannon is compatible with all telescoped munitions, including the A3B (Airburst) round, which is particularly effective against aerial threats.

A multi-platform system for land and naval forces

RAPIDFire’s underlying technology is versatile enough for the system to be adapted for various applications. A land-based version is now planned following discussions with the French Air and Space Force on the need to protect high-value assets at its air bases in France and during overseas deployments.

KNDS France and Thales are developing the land version of RAPIDFire in two configurations:
- Semi-mobile for site protection, with a 20-foot platform set up on the ground that can be readily moved and re-deployed to other locations.
- Mobile, with the 20-foot platform mounted on a vehicle to protect high-value assets in the theatre of operations.
A3B, the ideal munition for air defence

Leveraging the proven airburst technology of the GPR-AB-T round, the Anti Aerial Airburst (A3B) munition delivers a payload of tungsten subprojectiles with a directional (frontal) terminal effect, providing enhanced effectiveness against various types of aerial targets: drones, helicopters, light aircraft, fighter jets, low-end subsonic missiles and RAM (rocket, artillery, mortar) threats.

Development of the A3B munition is ongoing (currently at Technology Readiness Level 5), with full operational capability in anti-air mode expected in 2027. A contract modification was awarded in late 2024 for the development, production engineering, qualification and delivery of a first batch of 500 A3B munitions with the RAPIDFire system.

About Thales

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

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

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

About KNDS

KNDS is the result of a joint venture between Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Nexter, two of Europe’s leading manufacturers of military land systems, based in Germany and France.

KNDS has around 10,000 employees, with sales of €3.8 billion in 2024, an orderbook of around €23.5 billion and order intake of €11.2 billion.

Its product range includes tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery systems, weapon systems, ammunition, military bridges, information and command systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment, as well as customer services.

The creation of KNDS marks the beginning of the consolidation of the land defence systems industry in Europe. The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter strengthens the competitiveness and international positioning of both groups, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national armed forces. It also offers European and NATO customers the possibility of greater standardisation and interoperability for their defence equipment, with a reliable industrial base.

KNDS is headquartered in Amsterdam.
MIL OSI Economics –
June 16, 2025
Southwest Monsoon advances further; heavy rainfall expected in several regions: IMD

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported significant progress in the advancement of the Southwest Monsoon, with favourable conditions likely to push it further into more parts of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, the remaining areas of Vidarbha, and additional parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim within the next 24 hours.

Over the following two days, the monsoon is expected to spread into parts of West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, and east Uttar Pradesh.

The monsoon is currently active over the entire Konkan region, Central Maharashtra, parts of Gujarat, southwest Madhya Pradesh, and extended areas of Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim. The Northern Limit of Monsoon now stretches through key locations including Veraval, Bhavnagar, Vadodara, Khargone, Amravati, Durg, Chandbali, and Balurghat.

The IMD forecasts an active monsoon phase with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in south peninsular India and Konkan & Goa till June 16. Isolated areas may experience extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm.

In terms of temperatures, a 2–4°C drop in maximum temperatures is expected across Central India over the next 4–5 days, while no significant change is predicted for the rest of the country.

Weather forecast over Delhi-NCR during June 16-19

The weather forecast for Delhi-NCR from June 16 to 19 indicates generally to partly cloudy skies with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms expected each day. These weather events are likely to be accompanied by gusty winds, temporarily reaching speeds of up to 60 kmph, particularly during the evening and night hours.

Overall, the period will be marked by slightly cooler than usual temperatures and intermittent rainfall, bringing some relief from the summer heat.

The IMD continues to monitor the monsoon’s progression and advises local authorities and residents to stay updated with regional weather alerts.

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Need to support the Cyclades affected by the devastating floods and the island regions more broadly – E-001363/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

The mid-term review of the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) was concluded in 2024, reinforcing the EU budget in key priority areas. The Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve was increased by EUR 1.5 billion.

The Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction — RESTORE Regulation[1] allows for flexibility by Member States impacted by natural disasters to use cohesion policy funding for reconstruction and repair.

The Rural Development Regulation[2] was amended to introduce a new measure, providing support to affected farmers, foresters, and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

Member States could adjust their 2021-2027 cohesion policy programmes during their mid-term review[3], adding new priorities like enhancing water resilience.

Greece could benefit from these flexibilities once the regulation enters into force, including the financial incentives to implement these priorities rapidly and effectively.

The 2021-2027 cohesion policy programmes contribute EUR 1 billion to a national disaster risk management programme in Greece and EUR 10.5 million to a regional programme on climate-related risk management in Notio Aigaio[4].

The EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change can help the Cyclades and other islands test and deploy innovative solutions to build resilience to floods and other climate risks, as with Climate adaptation and resilience demonstrated in the Mediterranean region (CARDIMED) project[5].

Island regions face specific challenges, including suffering from extreme natural disasters that call for significant investments not only in post-disaster recovery but also in climate adaptation and resilience.

As announced in the communication ‘A modernised cohesion policy: the mid-term review’, the Commission will launch a consultation on the development of a Strategy for Islands to support them address their multi-faceted problems.
- [1] Regulation (EU) 2024/3236 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1057 and (EU) 2021/1058 as regards Regional Emergency Support to Reconstruction (RESTORE), entered into force on 24 December 2024, available at the following link https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3236/oj/eng.
- [2] Regulation (EU) 2024/3242 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2020/2220 as regards specific measures under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to provide additional assistance to Member States affected by natural disasters, available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R3242&qid=1746172978914.
- [3] On 1 April 2025 the Commission tabled a legislative proposal and accompanying Communication. Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1058 and (EU) 2021/1056 as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review, available at: regulation-proposal-mid-term-review-2025_en.pdf: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/communication/mid-term-review-2025/regulation-proposal-mid-term-review-2025_en.pdf; Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council A modernised Cohesion policy: The mid-term review, available at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0163.
- [4] Technical assistance, including under the ‘Cohesion for Transitions Community of Practice’ initiative, could support the implementation of the programmes facilitating the green transition and for studies.
- [5] Climate Resilience & NBS | Cardimed: https://www.cardimed-project.eu/.
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: EU hypocrisy fuelling suffering in Gaza

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

Brussels – The hypocrisy and inaction of the European Union and its Member States have allowed Israel to freely continue its massacre of Palestinians in Gaza with total impunity, said Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in a press conference in Brussels today. MSF calls for impartial needs-based aid to be facilitated into the Gaza Strip at scale, the protection of civilians, and the immediate restoration of a sustained ceasefire; European governments must act decisively to expedite this.

For more than 20 months, Israeli authorities and forces have inflicted a punishing campaign, including large-scale forced displacement, ethnic cleansing against Palestinians in Gaza. On a daily basis, our teams witness patterns consistent with genocide through deliberate actions by Israeli forces – including mass killings, the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure, and blockades choking off access to food, water, medicines, and other essential humanitarian supplies. Israel is systematically destroying the conditions necessary for Palestinian life. Gaza’s homes, hospitals, markets, water networks, roads, and power grids have been demolished, not by disregard but by design.

Children hold their empty pots at a community kitchen in northern Gaza, Palestine, February 2025.
Nour Alsaqqa/MSF

The European Union (EU) and European governments have the political, economic, and diplomatic means to exert real pressure on Israel to stop this assault and open Gaza’s border crossings to unhindered humanitarian aid. These are not theoretical instruments. They can be effectively mobilised in defence of international law and to protect civilians.

However, up to this point, the EU and its member states appear to have abdicated their political leadership to do so. Worse, recent statements European States have made, critical of how the war is being waged, highlights their hypocrisy as they continue to supply the weapons being used to kill, maim, and burn people who end up in our hospitals.

“The war in Gaza is one of the most egregious, deadly and ruthless wars waged on a people of our time,” says Christopher Lockyear, MSF Secretary General. “It is an orchestrated massacre of Palestinian people. It is purposeful ethnic cleansing.”

“Stopping this requires political courage, legal responsibility, and moral commitment,” says Lockyear. “The scale of suffering in Gaza demands more than empty rhetoric.”

Aid has been weaponised, used as leverage, conditioned, or blocked entirely. Since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation launched its activities on 27 May, as part of the US-Israeli scheme to instrumentalise aid, hundreds of Palestinians have been treated in hospitals, and scores have been killed, after being shot at these aid distribution sites while waiting to receive the basic necessities for survival.

“The imposed system of aid delivery is not only a failure, but it is dehumanising and dangerous,” says Lockyear. “It exposes thousands of Palestinians to unnecessary risks, leading to bloodshed that can be avoided if humanitarian organisations are allowed to provide aid impartially and safely, at the necessary scale that is so desperately need in Gaza.”

Today, Nasser hospital, southern Gaza’s main referral hospital for thousands of patients in the area, is barely able to continue working, due to repeated evacuation orders and movement restrictions on staff and patients. In recent weeks, MSF teams admitted over 500 patients requiring medical care to the hospital, while supporting the hospital’s medical staff to respond to repeated mass casualty influxes from constant bombings and attacks.

“Humanitarian organisations have set up makeshift hospitals to fill the gap, but they can in no way replace regular hospitals,” says Lockyear. “The remaining hospitals must be protected, and the entry of aid facilitated. Failure to do so will cost yet more lives.”

MSF, like many organisations, has repeatedly called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access, and respect for international humanitarian law – including the protection of medical staff and facilities.

Several governments continue to express concerns about the horrific situation in Gaza, but their statements that invoke concern with adherence to IHL are shrouded in hypocrisy as they continue to send the arms that kill and maim the children we treat.

“What people are experiencing in Gaza is beyond unbearable: it must stop now,” says Lockyear. “As this military onslaught against a besieged people rages on, the hypocrisy of EU states who speak but don’t act, is more obvious by the day.”

You could also be interested in

Gaza-Israel war

Nasser hospital, southern Gaza’s last lifeline, must be preserved

Press Release 5 Jun 2025

Gaza-Israel war

Dozens of Palestinians massacred at US-Israel backed food distribution sites

Press Release 1 Jun 2025

Gaza-Israel war

In Gaza, disastrous food distribution “confirmed that the US-Israel plan to instrumentalise aid is ineffective”

Statement 30 May 2025

MIL OSI NGO –

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Social Engineering 2.0: When artificial intelligence becomes the ultimate manipulator
Once the domain of elite spies and con artists, social engineering is now in the hands of anyone with an internet connection – and AI is the accomplice. Supercharged by generative tools and deepfake technology, today’s social engineering attacks are no longer sloppy phishing attempts. They’re targeted, psychologically precise, and frighteningly scalable.

Welcome to Social Engineering 2.0, where the manipulators don’t need to know you personally. Their AI already does.

Deception at machine levels

Social engineering works because it bypasses firewalls and technical defences. It attacks human trust. From fake bank alerts to long-lost Nigerian princes, these scams have traditionally relied on generic hooks and low-effort deceit. But that’s changed, and continues to.

“AI is augmenting and automating the way social engineering is carried out,” says Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. “Traditional phishing markers like spelling errors or bad grammar are a thing of the past. AI can mimic writing styles, generate emotionally resonant messages, and even recreate voices or faces (https://apo-opa.co/409nwPV) – all within minutes.”

The result? Cybercriminals now wield the capabilities of psychological profilers. By scraping publicly available data – from social media to company bios – AI can construct detailed personal dossiers. “Instead of one-size-fits-all lures, AI enables criminals to create bespoke attacks,” Collard explains. “It’s like giving every scammer access to their own digital intelligence agency.”

The new face of manipulation: Deepfakes

One of the most chilling evolutions of AI-powered deception is the rise of deepfakes – synthetic video and audio designed to impersonate real people. “There are documented cases where AI-generated voices have been used to impersonate CEOs and trick staff into wiring millions (https://apo-opa.co/4e4JBVv),” notes Collard.

In South Africa, a recent deepfake video circulating on WhatsApp featured a convincingly faked endorsement by FSCA Commissioner Unathi Kamlana promoting a fraudulent trading platform. Nedbank had to publicly distance itself from the scam (https://apo-opa.co/4e4JCJ3).

“We’ve seen deepfakes used in romance scams, political manipulation, even extortion,” says Collard. One emerging tactic involves simulating a child’s voice to convince a parent they’ve been kidnapped (https://apo-opa.co/3HY5WrR) – complete with background noise, sobs, and a fake abductor demanding money.

“It’s not just deception anymore,” Collard warns. “It’s psychological manipulation at scale.”

The Scattered Spider effect

One cybercrime group exemplifying this threat is Scattered Spider. Known for its fluency in English and deep understanding of Western corporate culture, this group specialises in highly convincing social engineering campaigns. “What makes them so effective,” notes Collard, “is their ability to sound legitimate, form quick rapport, and exploit internal processes – often tricking IT staff or help-desk agents.” Their human-centric approach, amplified by AI tools, such as using audio deepfakes to spoof victims’ voices for obtaining initial access, shows how the combination of cultural familiarity, psychological insight, and automation is redefining what cyber threats look like. It’s not just about technical access – it’s about trust, timing, and manipulation.

Social engineering at scale

What once required skilled con artists days or weeks of interaction – establishing trust, crafting believable pretexts, and subtly nudging behaviour – can now be done by AI in the blink of an eye. “AI has industrialised the tactics of social engineering,” says Collard. “It can perform psychological profiling, identify emotional triggers, and deliver personalised manipulation with unprecedented speed.”

The classic stages – reconnaissance, pretexting, rapport-building – are now automated, scalable, and tireless. Unlike human attackers, AI doesn’t get sloppy or fatigued; it learns, adapts, and improves with every interaction.

The biggest shift? “No one has to be a high-value target anymore,” Collard explains. “A receptionist, an HR intern, or a help-desk agent; all may hold the keys to the kingdom. It’s not about who you are – it’s about what access you have.”

Building cognitive resilience

In this new terrain, technical solutions alone won’t cut it. “Awareness has to go beyond ‘don’t click the link,’” says Collard. She advocates for building ‘digital mindfulness’ and ‘cognitive resilience’ – the ability to pause, interrogate context, and resist emotional triggers (https://apo-opa.co/3FF6Zwn).

This means:
- Training staff to recognise emotional manipulation, not just suspicious URLs.
- Running simulations using AI-generated lures, not outdated phishing templates.
- Rehearsing calm, deliberate decision-making under pressure, to counter panic-based manipulation.
Collard recommends unconventional tactics, too. “Ask HR interviewees to place their hand in front of their face during video calls – it can help spot deepfakes in hiring scams,” she says. Families and teams should also consider pre-agreed code words or secrets for emergency communications, in case AI-generated voices impersonate loved ones.

Defence in depth – human and machine

While attackers now have AI tools, so too do defenders. Behavioural analytics, real-time content scanning, and anomaly detection systems are evolving rapidly. But Collard warns: “Technology will never replace critical thinking. The organisations that win will be the ones combining human insight with machine precision.”

And with AI lures growing more persuasive, the question is no longer whether you’ll be targeted – but whether you’ll be prepared. “This is a race,” Collard concludes. “But I remain hopeful. If we invest in education, in critical thinking and digital mindfulness, in the discipline of questioning what we see and hear – we’ll have a fighting chance.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

MIL OSI Africa –
June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British Firework Championships returns with the ‘Champion of Champions’

Source: City of Plymouth

Plymouth Hoe will once again come alive with colour and excitement this summer as it hosts the British Firework Championships on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August.

Sponsored by Associated British Ports (ABP), the UK’s leading port operator, this year’s event promises to be even more spectacular, as six previous winners return to compete for the title of ‘Champion of Champions’.

The Young People’s Choice Award will also return for its third consecutive year, sponsored by Plymouth Citybus, giving care-experienced young people a chance to cast their vote for their favourite display, helping foster engagement and excitement across all age groups.

Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Events said: “We are really grateful for the support ABP Ports are providing for this event in their role as lead sponsor of the British Firework Championships, and we are very much looking forward to the crowning of a ‘Champion of Champions’ on Plymouth Hoe this summer as part of what is sure to be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some spectacular fireworks with friends and family alike.

“This partnership provides us with a great opportunity to celebrate our shared values and support Plymouth’s vibrant visitor economy and community events.”

Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager for Wales and the Southwest at ABP, the owners and operators of Millbay Docks, said: “We are proud to support the British Firework Championships as lead sponsor for the second consecutive year, with this landmark ‘Champion of Champions’ edition.

“As proud member of the Plymouth community, ABP is delighted to help bring this spectacular celebration to life on the Hoe and to help showcase what Britain’s Ocean City has to offer.”

The British Firework Championships will feature three stunning 10-minute displays each evening, beginning at 9.30pm, delivered by some of the most respected pyrotechnic companies in the UK.

Richard Stevens MBE, Managing Director at Plymouth Citybus, said, ‘Plymouth Citybus are proud to once again sponsor the Young People’s Choice Awards at this year’s British Firework Championships. The firework championships is a highlight of the year for us, and the fact that we are helping to support young people across the city makes it even more special. “

Starting at 2pm each day, visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, with a wide variety of fairground rides providing family fun well before the fireworks begin. The entertainment continues throughout the evening, with live music and performances taking place on the main stage from 5pm.

Street entertainers, including fire performers and stilt walkers, will also delight the crowds with walkabout shows, adding to the carnival feel. Food and drink vendors will offer a delicious selection to suit all tastes, ensuring visitors can make the most of the festivities throughout the day and into the night.

With two evenings of show-stopping fireworks, top-tier entertainment, and family-friendly fun, this year’s British Firework Championships is set to be a real summer highlight not just for Britain’s Ocean City, but for the whole of the South West.

For updates and travel/accessibility information: VisitPlymouth/British Firework Championships

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 16, 2025 Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on Jun 16, 2025

Updated: Mon Jun 16 08:57:03 UTC 2025

.

D4
Thu, Jun 19, 2025 – Fri, Jun 20, 2025
D7
Sun, Jun 22, 2025 – Mon, Jun 23, 2025

D5
Fri, Jun 20, 2025 – Sat, Jun 21, 2025
D8
Mon, Jun 23, 2025 – Tue, Jun 24, 2025

D6
Sat, Jun 21, 2025 – Sun, Jun 22, 2025
(All days are valid from 12 UTC – 12 UTC the following day)

Note: A severe weather area depicted in the Day 4-8 period indicates 15%, 30% or higher probability for severe thunderstorms within 25 miles of any point.

PREDICTABILITY TOO LOW is used to indicate severe storms may be possible based on some model scenarios. However, the location or occurrence of severe storms are in doubt due to: 1) large differences in the deterministic model solutions, 2) large spread in the ensemble guidance, and/or 3) minimal run-to-run continuity.

POTENTIAL TOO LOW means the threat for a regional area of organized severe storms appears unlikely (i.e., less than 15%) for the forecast day.

Forecast Discussion

ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL
ACUS48 KWNS 160855
SPC AC 160855

Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0355 AM CDT Mon Jun 16 2025

Valid 191200Z – 241200Z

…DISCUSSION…
…Thursday/Day 4 and Friday/Day 5…
A mid-level trough is forecast to move into the Northeast on
Thursday, as a cold front advances eastward into the central
Appalachians. Ahead of the front, a moist airmass will be in place.
Moderate instability is expected to develop ahead of the front
across the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic. As surface temperatures warm
during the day, scattered convective initiation will likely take
place along and ahead of the front. Moderate deep-layer shear and
steep low-level lapse rates should support a severe threat during
the afternoon, with the primary threat being damaging wind gusts.

On Friday, a mid-level ridge is forecast to move eastward across the
northern Plains. Beneath the ridge, a moist airmass will likely be
in place, and moderate instability is expected to develop within
this airmass. Ahead of the ridge, thunderstorm development will be
possible in the upper Mississippi Valley during the afternoon.
Although a severe threat may develop in areas that become moderately
unstable, there is some uncertainty concerning convective coverage
due to the presence of the ridge.

…Saturday/Day 6 to Monday/Day 8…
Mid-level heights are forecast to rise on Saturday and Sunday across
the eastern half of the nation, as a large area of high pressure
dominates. In the western U.S. over the weekend, a mid-level trough
is forecast to move northeastward from the Intermountain West into
the northern High Plains. Ahead of the trough, strong to severe
thunderstorms will be possible Saturday afternoon and evening across
parts of eastern Montana. In spite of the potential, there is still
spatial uncertainty concerning the timing of the trough. The severe
threat is expected to shift northeastward into Canada on Sunday.

On Monday, southwest mid-level flow is forecast over much of the
north-central U.S. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will be
possible over parts of the northern Plains and upper Mississippi
Valley. An isolated severe threat will again be possible, but there
is considerable uncertainty on any potential scenario.

..Broyles.. 06/16/2025

CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

MIL OSI USA News –

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 16, 2025 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

For best viewing experience, please enable browser JavaScript support.

Jun 16, 2025 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

Updated: Mon Jun 16 07:11:19 UTC 2025 (Print Version | | )

Probabilistic to Categorical Outlook Conversion Table

Forecast Discussion

SPC AC 160711

Day 3 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0211 AM CDT Mon Jun 16 2025

Valid 181200Z – 191200Z

…THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM PARTS OF THE
SOUTHERN PLAINS TO THE SOUTHERN GREAT LAKES…

…SUMMARY…
Scattered thunderstorms with severe wind gusts and hail are expected
on Wednesday from the southern Plains to the southern Great Lakes.

…Mid Mississippi Valley/Ohio Valley/Southern Great Lakes…
A mid-level shortwave trough is forecast to move eastward through
the Upper Midwest on Wednesday. At the surface, a low is forecast to
deepen and move northeastward into the western Great Lakes, as a
cold front advances eastward into the mid Mississippi Valley. Ahead
of the front, surface dewpoints in the lower to mid 70s F will
contribute to moderate instability across much of the airmass by
afternoon. Thunderstorms are expected to develop along and ahead of
the front, with several convective clusters moving eastward toward
the stronger instability during the late afternoon and early
evening.

Model forecasts suggest that the strongest instability will be
located over the mid Mississippi and lower Ohio Valleys, while the
strongest deep-layer shear will be located in the southern Great
Lakes. The disjointed nature of the pattern could mean that the
severe threat could remain relatively unfocused. The current
thinking is that a broad corridor with an isolated severe threat
will develop during the afternoon. Supercells with hail will be
possible. However, it appears convection may tend to organize into
lines, which would result in the greatest severe threat being wind
damage. The severe threat is expected to move eastward into the
lower Great Lakes and into part of the Ohio Valley by early to mid
evening.

…Southern Plains/Ozarks…
The southern extent of a mid-level shortwave trough is forecast to
move through the southern Plains on Wednesday. By afternoon, a cold
front is forecast to be located from western Oklahoma to western
Missouri. To the southeast of the front, surface dewpoints in the
upper 60s to lower 70s F will likely enable moderate instability to
develop across much of the moist airmass by afternoon. As surface
temperatures warm during the day, convective initiation should take
place along and near the front. Multiple convective clusters appear
likely to initiate and move toward an axis of moderate instability
during the afternoon. NAM forecast soundings at 21Z near the
instability axis in Oklahoma and Missouri have 0-6km shear in the 30
to 35 knot range with 700-500 mb lapse rates of 7.5 to 8 C/km.
Supercells with large hail will be possible. However, storm mode may
tend to favor multicell lines or clusters with wind-damage
potential. The severe threat is expected to continue into the
evening, with the overall threat moving southeastward.

..Broyles.. 06/16/2025

CLICK TO GET WUUS03 PTSDY3 PRODUCT

NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 3 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1930Z

Top/Latest Day 1 Outlook/Today’s Outlooks/Forecast Products/Home

MIL OSI USA News –

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 16, 2025 0600 UTC Day 2 Convective Outlook

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

SPC AC 160600

Day 2 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0100 AM CDT Mon Jun 16 2025

Valid 171200Z – 181200Z

…THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PARTS OF
KANSAS…

…SUMMARY…
Severe thunderstorms with large hail, wind damage and possibly a few
tornadoes are expected on Tuesday across parts of the central Plains
and lower to mid Missouri Valley. Outside of this area, marginally
severe storms will be possible across a large part of the central
U.S. Storms with isolated severe winds gusts may develop in parts of
the central Appalachians and Mid-Atlantic.

…Central Plains/Lower to Mid Missouri Valley…
A shortwave mid-level trough will move through the High Plains on
Tuesday, as an associated 40 to 50 knot jet streak translates
eastward into the central Plains. At the surface, a low will deepen
across the Texas Panhandle during the day, as a front stalls from
central Kansas northeastward into south-central Iowa. To the south
of the front, surface dewpoints in the upper 60s to lower 70s F will
contribute to moderate to strong instability by afternoon.
Destabilization and increasing low-level convergence along the front
will lead to convective initiation in the mid to late afternoon.
Scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected to develop near and
to the south the front, with storms moving slowly eastward during
the late afternoon and early evening.

NAM forecast soundings near the instability axis at 21Z on Tuesday
across central Kansas have MLCAPE peaking above 4000 J/kg in some
areas, with 700-500 mb lapse rates near 8 C/km. This, combined with
0-6 km shear around 40 knots, will support supercell development.
The more vigorous storms could produce hailstones greater than 2
inches in diameter. In addition, a 40 to 50 knot low-level jet is
forecast across south-central Kansas, which will create favorable
low-level shear for a tornado threat. It appears that a few
tornadoes will be possible with the more dominant supercells.
Supercells and short intense line segments will also be capable of
producing wind damage. The threat should persist into the mid to
late evening, as a large cluster of storms moves eastward across
central and eastern Kansas and through the lower to mid Missouri
Valley.

…Central High Plains…
A post-frontal airmass in the central and northern High Plains will
heat up on Tuesday, in the wake of a mid-level shortwave trough. As
temperatures increase during the day, convective initiation is
expected in the higher terrain. These storms will move into the
lower elevations during the afternoon, where pockets of moderate
instability are forecast. The HRRR is the most aggressive solution,
which appears to develop a line of organized storms, moving this
convection southeastward across the central High Plains Tuesday
afternoon. NAM forecast soundings along this corridor at 21Z have
0-6 km shear between 30 and 40 knots, with 700-500 lapse rates of 8
to 9 C/km. This environment should support a severe threat with the
more intense component of the line. Hail and damaging wind gusts
will be the primary threats.

…Central Appalachians/Mid-Atlantic…
A mid-level shortwave trough will move eastward across the central
Appalachians on Tuesday, as a lee trough develops in the
Mid-Atlantic states. Ahead of the trough, surface dewpoints in the
lower 70s F will contribute to moderate instability across much of
region. As surface temperatures warm, convection is expected to
develop in the higher terrain, with thunderstorms moving eastward
into the foothills of the Appalachians during the afternoon.
Moderate deep-layer shear and steep low-level lapse rates should be
sufficient for a marginal wind-damage threat.

..Broyles.. 06/16/2025

CLICK TO GET WUUS02 PTSDY2 PRODUCT

NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 2 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1730Z

MIL OSI USA News –

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SPC Jun 16, 2025 0600 UTC Day 1 Convective Outlook

Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

SPC AC 160559

Day 1 Convective Outlook
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1259 AM CDT Mon Jun 16 2025

Valid 161200Z – 171200Z

…THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS OVER PARTS OF
THE UPPER MIDWEST AND THE CENTRAL PLAINS…

…SUMMARY…
Scattered severe thunderstorms capable of producing severe gusts,
large hail, and perhaps a couple tornadoes are forecast today from
the north-central High Plains into the Upper Mississippi Valley.

…Synopsis…
Within a belt of zonal midlevel flow extending from the northern
Rockies/High Plains into the Upper MS Valley, a convectively
augmented midlevel impulse/MCV will track eastward across the
Dakotas into MN through the afternoon. In response to this feature,
a weak frontal-wave low will migrate eastward from the eastern
Dakotas into MN — along a surface boundary extending southwestward
through the central Plains. Farther west, an additional
low-amplitude impulse accompanied by strong westerly flow aloft will
emerge over the northern/central High Plains during the late
afternoon/early evening.

…Upper MS Valley into the central Plains…
Scattered thunderstorms should generally be focused along/ahead of
the frontal-wave low and remnant MCV as it moves into MN during the
afternoon, with additional trailing development possible along the
surface boundary into NE. Here, rich boundary-layer moisture and
modestly steep midlevel lapse rates will contribute to a strongly
unstable air mass, while the enhanced midlevel westerly flow yields
around 40 kt of effective shear. This should support a risk of a
couple supercells and organized clusters capable of producing large
hail, damaging winds, and a couple tornadoes.

…Southeast MT into the central High Plains…
As low-level lapse rates diurnally steepen amid
recycled/post-frontal boundary-layer moisture over the
northern/central High Plains, scattered thunderstorms should evolve
eastward from southeast MT/eastern WY into the central Plains —
aided by the emerging midlevel impulse. Upwards of 40-50 kt of
effective shear and steepening deep-layer lapse rates will favor
large hail and locally severe wind gusts with initial
discrete/semi-discrete supercell structures and organized clusters.
As these storms track east-southeastward into the evening,
additional storms may be developing farther south along the
southwestward-extending surface boundary over western/central
NE/northeastern CO/northwest KS. While the overall convective
evolution is unclear, current thinking is that multiple
opportunities for upscale growth into one or more MCSs will exist in
the NE/KS vicinity into the evening/overnight hours. A swath of
severe wind will be possible where this evolution occurs.

..Weinman/Leitman.. 06/16/2025

CLICK TO GET WUUS01 PTSDY1 PRODUCT

NOTE: THE NEXT DAY 1 OUTLOOK IS SCHEDULED BY 1300Z

MIL OSI USA News –

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets delegation led by Representative Bera, co-chair of US Congressional Taiwan Caucus

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Details
2025-06-13
President Lai meets delegation led by French National Assembly Taiwan Friendship Group Chair Marie-Noëlle Battistel
On the morning of June 12, President Lai Ching-te met a delegation led by Marie-Noëlle Battistel, chair of the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group. In remarks, President Lai thanked the National Assembly for its long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation and for upholding security in the Taiwan Strait, helping make France the first major country in the world to enact legislation to uphold freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. The president also said that exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and France are becoming more frequent, and that he hopes this visit by the Taiwan Friendship Group will inject new momentum into Taiwan-France relations and help build closer partnerships in the economy, trade, energy, and digital security. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: First, I would like to welcome Chair Battistel, who is once again leading a visiting delegation. Last year, Chair Battistel co-led a delegation to attend the inauguration ceremony for myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. This is her fourth visit, and first as chair of the Taiwan Friendship Group, which makes it especially meaningful. This delegation’s visit demonstrates strong support for Taiwan, and on behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to express my sincerest welcome and thanks. France is a pioneer in promoting free and democratic values. These are values that Taiwan cherishes and is working hard to defend. I want to express gratitude to the French Parliament for their long-term support for Taiwan’s international participation, and for upholding security in the Taiwan Strait. The French Parliament’s two chambers have continued to strongly support Taiwan, with the passage of a resolution supporting Taiwan’s participation in international organizations in 2021, as well as the passage of the seven-year Military Programming Law in 2023. This has made France the first major country in the world to enact legislation to uphold freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. Through it all, the Taiwan Friendship Group has played a key role, and I want to thank all of our distinguished guests for their efforts. Over the past few years, Taiwan and France have continued to deepen cooperation in areas including the economy, technology, culture, and sports. At the Choose France summit held in Paris last month, Taiwanese and French enterprises also announced they will launch cooperation in the semiconductor and satellite fields. The VivaTech startup exhibition, now being held in France, also has many Taiwanese vendors participating. Exchanges and cooperation between Taiwan and France, whether official or people-to-people, are becoming more and more frequent. I hope that this visit by the Taiwan Friendship Group will inject new momentum into Taiwan-France relations, building closer partnerships in the economy, trade, energy, and digital security. To address current geopolitical and economic challenges, Taiwan will continue to join forces with France and other like-minded countries to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and contribute our concerted efforts to global prosperity and development. Once again, I want to welcome our visitors to Taiwan. I hope to continue our joint efforts to create a more prosperous future for both Taiwan and France. Chair Battistel then delivered remarks, thanking President Lai for extending this invitation. Last year on May 20, she said, she and her delegation attended the presidential inauguration ceremony, so she was delighted to visit Taiwan once again with the French National Assembly’s Taiwan Friendship Group and bear witness to their friendship with Taiwan. Chair Battistel noted that this visit has given them an opportunity to strengthen Taiwan-France relations in areas including the economy, culture, the humanities, and diplomacy, and conduct exchanges with numerous heads of government agencies and research institutes. It has also been an opportunity, she said, to witness the importance of exchanges and cooperation with Taiwan in areas including energy, semiconductors, youth, and culture, and the impact created by important issues of mutual concern, including AI and disinformation, on the security of many countries. Chair Battistel praised Taiwan for its youth development efforts, and said that under the Taiwan Global Pathfinders Initiative, 30 Taiwanese young people have embarked on a visit to France, with itineraries including the United Nations Ocean Conference and the VivaTech exhibition, as well as the city of Toulouse, which is strategically important for the aerospace industry. Members of the group are also conducting exchanges at the French National Assembly, she said. Chair Battistel stated that the Taiwan-France partnership is growing closer, and that she hopes to continue to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation, as supporting peace for Taiwan supports peace around the world. The delegation also included Taiwan Friendship Group Vice Chair Éric Martineau, as well as National Assembly Committee on Foreign Affairs Vice Chair Laetitia Saint-Paul and Deputies Marie-José Allemand and Claudia Rouaux. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by French Office in Taipei Deputy Director Cléa Le Cardeur.

Details
2025-06-05
President Lai hosts state banquet for President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala
At noon on June 5, President Lai Ching-te hosted a state banquet at the Presidential Office for President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife. In his remarks, President Lai noted that Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process, and therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, must join hands in brotherhood and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. President Lai also expressed hope that both countries will work together and continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Once again, I would like to offer a warm welcome to President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado, who are leading this delegation to Taiwan. President Arévalo’s previous visit to Taiwan was 31 years ago. Back then, Taiwan did not have direct presidential elections, and the nation was continuing to make progress toward democratization. Today, 31 years later, Taiwan has conducted direct presidential elections eight times, with three transfers of power between political parties. On this visit, I am sure that President Arévalo will gain a deep appreciation for Taiwan’s free and democratic atmosphere. Taiwan and Guatemala have both undergone an arduous democratization process. A little over 200 years ago, the people of Guatemala took a stand against colonial oppression, seeking national dignity and the freedom of its people. Eighty-one years ago, President Arévalo’s father, Juan José Arévalo, became Guatemala’s first democratically elected president, establishing an important foundation for subsequent democratic development. Our two peoples have democracy in their blood. Both know the value of freedom and democracy and are willing to take a stand for those values. Therefore, in face of the continuous expansion of authoritarian influence, our two countries must join hands in brotherhood to respond to threats and challenges, and come together in solidarity to safeguard our hard-earned freedom and democracy. I hope that both countries will work together to continue to deepen various exchanges and cooperation, taking a friendship that has lasted over 90 years to new heights. I hope that on this visit, in addition to gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s political, economic, and social development, President Arévalo can also reacquaint himself with the democratic vitality and cultural diversity of Taiwan by sampling various gourmet delicacies and once again experiencing the beauty of our scenery and warmth of our people. Guatemala is a very beautiful country. In the future, I hope to have a chance to personally experience that beauty, explore Mayan civilization, and savor local Guatemalan coffee. In closing, I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip, and beautiful, unforgettable memories. May President Arévalo enjoy the best of health, and may the diplomatic friendship between our two countries endure. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, stating that at different times and by different means, the people of Taiwan and Guatemala have relentlessly sought to defend freedom and democracy. We share the same expectations, he said, and are walking the right path amid today’s complex international circumstances. President Arévalo stated that Taiwan and Guatemala are true democratic nations, where the government’s goal is to serve all the people. He noted that this is far from easy under current circumstances, as many authoritarian regimes use their long-term hold on power to safeguard the interests of select groups and neglect the wellbeing of the population as a whole. President Arévalo said that last week Guatemala commemorated the 40th anniversary of its constitution, which was enacted in 1985 and is Guatemala’s ultimate guide, setting the foundation for democracy and clearly outlining the path ahead. He said that over the past 40 years, Guatemala has continued to follow the democratic blueprint established by the constitution and end the civil war so that the nation could make the transition to real democracy. Although more than a few ambitious people have attempted to destroy that process from within, he noted, the people of Guatemala have never given up the pursuit of democracy as an ideal. President Arévalo stated that our two sides’ coming together here is due to such shared values as freedom and democracy as well as the idea of serving all the people. He underlined that the governments of both countries will continue to work hard and provide mutual support to smooth out each other’s path of democracy, freedom, and justice. President Arévalo emphasized that the government of Guatemala will always be Taiwan’s ally, and that he firmly believes Taiwan is Guatemala’s most reliable partner on the path of democracy and economic prosperity and development. The president said he hopes this visit will be the first step towards setting a new course for the governments and peoples of both countries. Also in attendance at the banquet were Guatemala Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martínez, Minister of the Economy Gabriela García, and Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.

Details
2025-06-05
President Lai welcomes President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala with military honors
On the morning of June 5, President Lai Ching-te welcomed with full military honors President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala and his wife, who are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. In remarks, President Lai noted that over the past few years, bilateral cooperation between Taiwan and Guatemala has grown closer and more diverse, and said that moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, we will continue to promote programs in line with international trends, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. The military honors ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the Entrance Hall of the Presidential Office. After a 21-gun salute and the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, President Lai and President Arévalo each delivered remarks. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: Today, President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado are leading a delegation of cabinet members visiting Taiwan for the first time, demonstrating the deep and enduring alliance between our nations. On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I want to extend my sincerest welcome. Last year, our two countries celebrated the 90th anniversary of diplomatic ties, providing mutual support all along the way. Especially over the past few years, bilateral cooperation has grown closer and more diverse. We have a long record of remarkable results, whether in terms of medicine and public health, education and culture, technological cooperation, or economic and trade exchanges. Moving forward, based on a foundation of mutual assistance for mutual benefit, Taiwan and Guatemala will continue to promote programs in line with international trends. We will continue to strengthen exchange and cooperation for young people, as well as scholarship programs, and actively cultivate high-tech and information and communications technology industry talent, spurring prosperity and development in both our nations. Although separated by a great distance, the peoples of both countries are closely connected by their ideals and values. I am confident that with President Arévalo’s support, bilateral exchanges and cooperation will become closer and more diverse, beginning a very promising new chapter. I wish the visiting delegation a smooth and successful trip. President Arévalo then delivered remarks, saying that on behalf of the government and people of Guatemala, he is honored to visit the Republic of China (Taiwan), this beautiful nation, and to receive full military honors, which reflects the mutual respect between our two nations as well as our solid friendship. Especially as this state visit comes as we celebrate 90 years of formal diplomatic ties, he said, he has brought the foreign minister, economics minister, private secretary to the president, and social communication secretary as members of his delegation, in the hope of our ties embarking on a new chapter. President Arévalo said that Guatemala-Taiwan ties have in recent years been growing steadily on a foundation of mutual understanding and cooperation, making significant progress, and that our peoples have also cultivated sincere friendships and cooperative relationships across many fields. Our nations are especially promoting public health, education, agricultural technology, and infrastructure, he said, key fields which are conducive to economic and social development. He expressed his hope that on such good foundations of the past, we can further strengthen our bilateral ties for the future. President Arévalo stated that through this state visit they not only want to reaffirm the good bilateral ties between our nations, but that they also hope to define a trajectory for the future of our cooperation in the direction of expanding economic cooperation, building economic and trade alliances, and facilitating investment to foster a Taiwan-Guatemala relationship that benefits both peoples. He then expressed gratitude to the people of Taiwan for helping Guatemala over the past 90 years and reaffirmed the unwavering support of Guatemala for the Republic of China (Taiwan). On the occasion of this visit, he said, he hopes to extend a friendly hand to the people of Taiwan, adding that he looks forward to our nations continuing to take major steps forward on the road of mutual assistance and prosperity. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.

Details
2025-06-03
President Lai confers decoration on President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands, hosts state banquet
At noon on June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, conferred a decoration upon President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and hosted a state banquet for President Heine and her husband at the Presidential Office. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations and speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. He also expressed hope for Taiwan and the Marshall Islands to work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges, and that together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. At the decoration ceremony, President Lai personally conferred the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon on President Heine before delivering remarks, a translation of which follows: The Marshall Islands was the first Pacific ally that I visited after taking office as president. When I arrived there, I was immediately drawn to its beautiful scenery. And I received a very warm welcome from the local people. This gesture showed the profound friendship between our two nations. I was truly touched. I also remember trying your nation’s special Bob Whisky for the first time. The flavor was as unique and impressive as the landscape of the Marshall Islands. In addition to welcoming our distinguished guests today, we also presented President Heine with the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to thank President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations, and for staunchly speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. Both I and the people of Taiwan are profoundly grateful to President Heine for her friendship and support. Over the past few years, cooperation between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands has grown ever closer. And this visit by our distinguished guests will allow our two countries to further expand areas of bilateral exchange. I have always believed that only through mutual assistance and trust can two countries build a longstanding and steadfast partnership. I once again convey my sincere aspiration that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges. Together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. In closing, I want to thank President Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. for leading this delegation to Taiwan, which deepens the foundations of our bilateral relationship. May our two nations enjoy a long and enduring friendship. President Heine then delivered remarks, stating that she felt especially privileged to receive the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and humbly accepted the honor with the utmost gratitude, humility, and deep responsibility. This is a deep responsibility, she said, because she understands that since its inception in 1933, this order has been bestowed upon a select few. She then thanked President Lai for this great honor. President Heine stated that the banquet was not just a celebration of our bilateral friendship, but a true reflection of the generosity of the Taiwan spirit and a testament to the enduring ties between our nations, founded on shared values and aspirations, including a respect for the rule of law, the preservation of human dignity, and a deep commitment to democracy. President Heine stated that the Taiwan-Marshall Islands partnership continues to evolve through practical cooperation and mutual support. In recent years, she said, our countries have worked hand in hand across a range of vital sectors, including the recent opening of the Majuro Hospital AI and Telehealth Center and the ongoing and successful Taiwan Health Center, various technical training and scholarship programs, and various climate change adaptation projects in renewable energy, coastal resilience, and sustainable agriculture. President Heine emphasized that the Marshall Islands continues to be a proud and vocal supporter of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other international organizations. Taiwan’s exclusion from these platforms, she said, is not only unjust, but is bad for the world, and the global community needs Taiwan’s voice and expertise. President Heine also expressed sincere appreciation to all of the Taiwanese friends who have contributed their efforts to deepening bilateral relations, including government officials, healthcare workers, teachers, engineers, and volunteers. The people of the Marshall Islands, she said, deeply appreciate and value everyone’s efforts and service. President Heine said that as we celebrate our partnership, let us look to the future with hope and determination, continue to work together, learn from one another, and support one another to champion a world where all nations can chart their own course based on peace and international law. Also attending the state banquet were Marshall Islands Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Finance David Paul, Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chairperson Joe Bejang, and Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Details
2025-06-03
President Lai and President Hilda C. Heine of Marshall Islands hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
On the morning of June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for her and her husband. The leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government and the Nitijela (parliament) of the Marshall Islands for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation and for voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. President Lai said that Taiwan looks forward to continuing to deepen its diplomatic partnership with the Marshall Islands and build an even closer cooperative relationship across a range of fields, engaging in mutual assistance for mutual benefits and helping each other achieve joint and prosperous development to yield even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I once again warmly welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and our guests to Taiwan. During my visit to the Marshall Islands last year, I said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands are truly a family. When Vice President Hsiao and I took office last year, President Heine led a delegation to Taiwan. It is now one year since our inauguration, and I am delighted to see President Heine once again, just as if I were seeing family arrive from afar. Through my visit to the Marshall Islands, I gained a profound sense of the friendship between the peoples of our two nations, well-demonstrated by bilateral exchanges in such areas as healthcare, agriculture, and education. And it is thanks to President Heine’s longstanding support for Taiwan that our countries have been able to further advance collaboration on even more issues, including women’s empowerment and climate change. In recent years, the geopolitical and economic landscape has changed rapidly. We look forward to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands continuing to deepen our partnership and build an even closer cooperative relationship. In just a few moments, President Heine and I will witness the signing of several documents, including a memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent, to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as sports, education, and transportation. Taiwan will take concrete action to work with the Marshall Islands and advance mutual prosperity and development, writing a new chapter in our diplomatic partnership. I would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the government and Nitijela of the Marshall Islands. In recent years, the Nitijela has passed annual resolutions backing Taiwan’s international participation, and President Heine and Marshallese cabinet members have been some of the strongest advocates for Taiwan’s international participation, voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Building on the pillars of democracy, peace, and prosperity, Taiwan will continue to work with the Marshall Islands and other like-minded countries to deepen our partnerships, engage in mutual assistance for mutual benefits, and help one another achieve joint and prosperous development. I have every confidence that the combined efforts of our two nations will yield even greater well-being for our peoples and see us make even more contributions to the world. President Heine then delivered remarks, and began by conveying warm greetings of iokwe from the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She said she was deeply honored to be in Taiwan for an official visit, and extended appreciation to President Lai and his government for their gracious invitation and warm welcome. President Heine stated that this year marks 27 years of diplomatic ties between our two nations, and that they are proud of this enduring friendship. This special and enduring relationship, she said, is grounded in our shared Austronesian heritage, and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. President Heine stated that Taiwan’s continued support has been invaluable to the people and national development of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, agriculture, and climate change. She also expressed deep appreciation to Taiwan for providing Marshallese students with opportunities to study in Taiwan, and for the care extended to Marshallese who travel here for medical treatment. President Heine also announced that she would be presenting a copy of a resolution by the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reiterating their appreciation for the support provided by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and calling on the United Nations to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system. She added that she looked forward to the bilateral discussions later that day, and to continuing the important work that both countries carry out together. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Heine witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Marshallese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft, marking the formal beginning of Taiwan-Marshall Islands air transport cooperation. The visiting delegation also included Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Finance David Paul, and Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chair Joe Bejang. They were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Details
2025-05-20
President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era. The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Two New World Bank Reports Offer Roadmap for Sierra Leone’s Sustainable Growth Amid Climate Threats
Download logo

The World Bank today launched the Sierra Leone Country Economic Memorandum (CEM) and the Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR), two core analytical reports that provide essential insights into the country’s economic and climate challenges, offering strategic pathways for sustainable growth and resiliencee.

“These reports provide a comprehensive roadmap for addressing the economic and climate challenges facing Sierra Leone,” said Abdu Muwonge, World Bank Country Manager for Sierra Leone. “While the Country Economic Memorandum highlights the interconnectedness of economic challenges and the need for ambitious reforms, the CCDR underscores the urgency of climate action. The World Bank is committed to supporting Sierra Leone in implementing these strategies to achieve inclusive growth and build resilience.”

The CEM analyzes Sierra Leone’s economic landscape, noting persistent poverty and lower GDP per capita growth compared to similar low-income countries despite the country’s rich resources. Key challenges to growth include macroeconomic instability, driven by lax fiscal and monetary policies, weak institutions, and poor governance, with fiscal deficits often exceeding targets due to spending overruns and weak oversight. High public debt limits private investment, while a small and uncompetitive private sector restricts diversification beyond the mining. Domestic firms face growth challenges due to limited access to credit, electricity, and land, compounded by a skills mismatch in the labor force.

To address these challenges, the report proposes a growth strategy focusing on mining, agriculture, agro-processing, and labor-intensive sectors, including:
- Restoring macroeconomic stability through fiscal consolidation and improved debt management.
- Recalibrating the role of the state by reevaluating state-owned enterprises and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Enabling the private sector by improving access to infrastructure, credit, and reducing barriers to foreign investment.
- Building human capital by enhancing education quality and aligning skills development with market demands.
“The CEM is a vital tool in understanding the economic challenges facing Sierra Leone. The country has the resources and potential for significant economic growth, and this report provides a roadmap for achieving sustainable development while creating jobs for its expanding work force,” said Smriti Seth, World Bank Senior Economist and a lead author of both reports.

The CCDR examines Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development prospects within the context of climate change, emphasizing impacts on agriculture, infrastructure, and the economy. Sierra Leone ranks among the 15 worst climate-affected economies, with projected temperature increases and erratic rainfall patterns threatening agriculture and infrastructure, potentially causing GDP losses of 9-10% by 2050. Economic impacts include declines in labor and crop productivity, as well as damage to capital stock from increased maintenance costs and flooding. Poverty and inequality are expected to worsen, with nearly 600,000 additional people pushed into poverty by 2050.

To build climate resilience and mitigate the threats, the report suggests three pathways:
- Developing green energy and sustainable cities through resilient infrastructure and renewable energy investments.
- Promoting climate-smart agriculture by enhancing policy frameworks and investing in climate-smart technologies.
- Strengthening social resilience by improving health infrastructure and expanding social protection systems.
Implementing these climate actions requires significant financial resources, with funding needed from domestic taxes, green private sector investments, and international support.

“The CCDR complements the CEM by showing that climate change is not only a threat to Sierra Leone’s development goals but also a powerful lens for identifying opportunities to build a more resilient and sustainable future by aligning growth strategies with climate priorities to safeguard long-term progress,” added Sabrina Haque, World Bank Environmental Specialist and a lead author of the CCDR.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

MIL OSI Africa –
June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) early warning report reveals worsening hunger in 13 hotspots: five with immediate risk of starvation

Download logo

A new joint UN report warns that people in five hunger hotspots around the world face extreme hunger and risk of starvation and death in the coming months unless there is urgent humanitarian action and a coordinated international effort to de-escalate conflict, stem displacement, and mount an urgent full-scale aid response.

The latest Hunger Hotspots report shows that Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali are hotspots of highest concern, with communities already facing famine, at risk of famine or confronted with catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity due to intensifying or persisting conflict, economic shocks, and natural hazards. The devastating crises are being exacerbated by growing access constraints and critical funding shortfalls.

The semi-annual Hunger Hotspots report is an early-warning and predictive analysis of deteriorating food crises for the next five months. Developed and published with financial support from the European Union through the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC), the latest edition projects a serious deterioration of acute food insecurity in 13 countries and territories – the world’s most critical hunger hotspots in the coming months.

In addition to hotspots of highest concern, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar and Nigeria are now hotspots of very high concern and require urgent attention to save lives and livelihoods. Other hotspots include Burkina Faso, Chad, Somalia, and Syria.

“This report makes it very clear: hunger today is not a distant threat – it is a daily emergency for millions,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said. “We must act now, and act together, to save lives and safeguard livelihoods. Protecting people’s farms and animals to ensure they can keep producing food where they are, even in the toughest and harshest conditions, is not just urgent – it is essential.”

“This report is a red alert. We know where hunger is rising and we know who is at risk,” said Cindy McCain, World Food Programme Executive Director. “We have the tools and experience to respond, but without funding and access, we cannot save lives. Urgent, sustained investment in food assistance and recovery support is crucial as the window to avert yet more devastating hunger is closing fast.”

Hotspots of highest concern

In Sudan, Famine was confirmed in 2024. Conditions are expected to persist due to the continuing conflict and ongoing displacement, particularly in the Greater Kordofan and Greater Darfur regions. Displacement is likely to increase further during the outlook period while humanitarian access remains restricted. The circumstances are driving the country towards the risk of partial economic collapse, with high inflation severely limiting food access. Around 24.6 million people were projected to face Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above) levels of acute food insecurity, including 637,000 people facing Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) through May 2025.

In Palestine, the likelihood of famine in the Gaza Strip is growing as large-scale military operations hinder the ability to deliver vital food and non-food humanitarian assistance. In addition to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip, high food prices coupled with exhausted livelihoods and a commercial blockade will accelerate an
economic collapse. The entire population in Gaza – 2.1 million people – is projected to face Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above) levels of acute food insecurity, with 470,000 projected to face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) through September 2025.

South Sudan faces compounding threats from political tensions, the risk of flooding, and economic challenges. Approximately 7.7 million people – or 57 percent of the population – are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) between April and July 2025, with 63,000 people projected to face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) levels of acute food insecurity. An IPC update released after the report’s finalization indicated Risk of Famine in two areas of the country and confirmed the bleak outlook.

In Haiti, record levels of gang violence and insecurity are displacing communities and crippling aid access. Over 8,400 internally displaced persons (IDPs) already facing Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) levels of acute food insecurity in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area by June 2025.

Meanwhile, in Mali, high grain prices and ongoing conflict are eroding the coping capacities of the most vulnerable households, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Around 2 600 people are at risk of Catastrophe (CH Phase 5) from June to August 2025 if assistance is not provided on time.

Additional hotspots and areas of improvement

In Myanmar, the impact of the recent major earthquake is likely to worsen the already dire food insecurity situation in the country, driven by escalating conflict, widespread displacement, severe access restrictions and high food prices.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been reintroduced to the hotspot list due to intensifying conflict.

In contrast, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have been removed from the Hunger Hotspots list. In East and Southern Africa, as well as in Niger, better climatic conditions for harvests and fewer weather extremes have eased food security pressures. Lebanon has also been delisted following reduced intensity of military operations. However, FAO and WFP warn that these gains remain fragile and could reverse quickly if shocks re-emerge.

A call for global solidarity

In multiple hotspots, aid delivery is significantly hampered by restricted humanitarian access due to insecurity, bureaucratic impediments, or physical isolation. At the same time, critical funding shortfalls are forcing reductions in food rations, limiting the reach of life-saving nutrition and agricultural interventions.

The Hunger Hotspots report highlights the importance of continued investments in early humanitarian action. Pre-emptive interventions save lives, reduce food gaps, and protect assets and livelihoods at a significantly lower cost than delayed humanitarian action.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

MIL OSI Africa –

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Global: Urgent action needed as climate crisis leads to devastating new harms to human rights

Download logo

States must urgently deliver ambitious climate action by mapping out a just transition away from fossil fuels in all sectors to prevent even worse human rights harms around the world, Amnesty International said in a new briefing to mark the start of the Bonn Climate Conference which takes place between 16-26 June.

Despite the challenges posed by the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, increases in authoritarian practices globally and the growing environmental devastation of the escalating armed conflicts in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan and Ukraine, among others, it is not too late for states to find common ground and ramp up climate ambition for the planet and the rights of current and future generations.

In 2024, for the first time, the world breached the threshold of 1.5°C of global heating above pre-industrial levels. During the hottest year on record, wildfires ripped through Latin America, the Caribbean was hit by the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record, and parts of Central Europe were deluged with three months’ worth of rain in five days as the climate emergency worsened, driven by human activity and the continued burning of fossil fuels.

“The devastating new human rights harms resulting from climate change will escalate dramatically unless global heating is kept in check. More people will be driven deeper into poverty, lose their homes or suffer the effects of drought and food insecurity. Despite the deepening climate crisis, governments’ action to limit fossil fuel production and use has been wholly inadequate,” said Ann Harrison, Amnesty International’s Climate Justice Advisor.

“Governments are in thrall to fossil fuel companies which have sought to downplay climate harms and discredit climate science. States continue to provide subsidies to these companies, effectively incentivizing the continuation of the fossil fuel industry. Everyone has the right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment – but as the climate crisis intensifies, this right, and others, are under growing threat.”

Across the globe, unnatural disasters exacerbated by climate change, such as worsening droughts and severe floods, are damaging harvests and leading to food scarcity and water shortages, contributing to displacement, migration and conflict.

Protecting and listening to grassroots voices

Marginalized frontline and fence line communities that use fossil fuels the least continue to suffer some of the worst impacts of climate change. They include subsistence farmers, Indigenous Peoples and those living in low lying island states, threatened by rising sea levels and more powerful storms, or those living beside fossil fuel production and transport facilities.

For example, Pakistan contributes less than 1% of greenhouse gas emissions annually but is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate disasters. In a report published last month, Amnesty International documented how increasingly frequent floods and heatwaves are leading to preventable deaths, particularly among young children and older adults.

Despite the urgency of the climate crisis, those demanding action from the authorities are being harassed, stigmatized, attacked and criminalized. Around the world, environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) are risking their lives and liberty for defending their lands and communities’ right to a healthy environment, such as the Warriors for the Amazon in Ecuador.

The conference is an opportunity to spotlight the situation in COP29 host Azerbaijan, where environmental human rights defender Anar Mammadli and journalist Nargiz Absalamova who reported on environmental issues remain behind bars. Other journalists who reported on the human rights situation including during COP29 were arrested afterwards in apparent reprisals. Brazil, the host of COP30, is one of the most dangerous countries for EHRDs, who face killings, violence, threats and stigmatization for their work.

“The voices, views, knowledge and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples, frontline and fence line communities and human rights defenders must be incorporated into climate policies, plans and action,” said Ann Harrison.

“Once again, we have heard reports of limited badges and visa problems for those from the majority world wishing to attend the conference in Bonn. Nor are the COP Host Country Agreements – a key tool that must be strengthened to ensure freedom of expression and peaceful assembly for participants – available publicly as a matter of routine.”

Climate finance must be addressed

Amnesty International is also calling for states to tackle climate finance. Currently, lower-income countries are paying more in debt repayments than they are receiving as climate finance from high-income countries.

High income historically high emitting countries are most responsible for climate change, yet continue to shirk their obligations to provide climate finance to lower income countries to cut emissions and to help communities to adapt to climate change, as well as providing reparations for loss and damage, which could ease the burden in countries suffering climate harms.

“Taxing fossil fuel companies, corporate windfall profits and high net worth individuals, as well as ending subsidies and investments in fossil fuels and ending global tax abuses, could raise over USD 3 trillion per year which could go a huge way towards the cost of tackling climate change,” said Ann Harrison.

Huge changes need to be made

The Bonn Climate Conference is a key preparatory moment for the annual UN Climate Conference, which takes place as COP30 later this year in Brazil – a country that wants to publicly lead a message of global environmental protection. Yet, internally some of its institutions are taking actions contrary to this agenda, including requiring less stringent licensing for environmentally destructive projects and expanding fossil fuel production.

“If climate change is to be taken seriously and to keep global warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, we need to see concrete progress with clear timelines towards massively scaled-up needs-based climate finance, particularly for adaptation and loss and damage, in the form of grants, not loans, with those most responsible for emissions contributing the most,” said Ann Harrison.

Amnesty International is calling for states commit to a full, fast, fair and funded fossil fuel phase out through just transitions across all sectors, without relying on risky and unproven technologies or offsets that do not lead to genuine emissions reductions. It is also calling for inclusive discussions around climate change, involving the people most affected by it, and ensuring they can meaningfully access these high-level negotiations without discrimination.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Amnesty International.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Coordinated raid of alleged illegal waste activity

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 16 Jun 2025

Open larger image

Queensland officer executing warrant in Forrest Lake

A compliance operation has seen the successful execution of 10 search warrants simultaneously for alleged illegal waste activity in Forest Lake.

Public reports to the Pollution Hotline alerted the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) to the suspicious activity.

Information indicated that several operators were acting illegally by receiving and handling waste without an Environmental Authority (EA), including vehicle wrecking and receiving scrap metal and construction waste including asbestos and end-of-life tyres.

An EA provides businesses with conditions they must comply with to manage environmental risks associated with their operations.

Unlicensed waste operators present significant environmental risks, not to mention unfairly undercutting lawful operators who are meeting their environmental obligations to protect our environment.

After comprehensive planning, on 10 June 2025, DETSI led an operation with the support of the Queensland Police Service, to collect evidence about alleged illegal activity.

Strong enforcement action will be taken against unlicensed activities, with fines of $16,690 for a company. DETSI also typically orders unlicensed operators to cease or reduce their operation to meet the permissible thresholds.

Executive Director at the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation Brad Wirth echoed the success of the operation.

“This is not the first successful compliance operation of its kind, and it certainly won’t be the last.

“It took a lot of preparation to orchestrate this operation; it is a complex project and the safety of our staff and those operating at the premises is our top priority.

“Improper waste handling can impact the environment through the release of contaminated water, increased fire risk and dust and noise nuisance impacts, which is why these activities must be licensed.

“Let this serve as a warning to waste operators who think they are above the law: it is not worth the risk.

“Enabling illegal activities to occur not only has detriment environmental impacts, but it is also unfair to operators who are complying with their environmental responsibilities – something we do not take lightly.

“We will continue to take strong compliance action against operators and individuals allegedly engaging in illegal activity.”

MIL OSI News –

June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI: Toobit Enhances Spot Trading Experience with New Price Precision Adjustment Feature
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Toobit, an award-winning global cryptocurrency exchange, today rolls out a new enhanced price precision feature in its mobile app, designed to deliver a more accurate and transparent trading experience for spot traders.

This improvement optimizes how prices are displayed, enabling users to view the most precise trading values in a market where every digit counts. For assets like PEPE/USDT, which regularly command a market capitalization of over $6 billion and see massive daily trading volumes, the ability to track micro-decimal price movements is critical. With this update, users can long-press the price field to reveal the fully expanded format for maximum clarity.

Toobit now displays ultra-accurate prices using {N} to represent consecutive zeros. Long press to see the full value.

“The enhanced price display allows users to view prices and matched orders with greater clarity and minimal rounding,” said Mike Williams, Chief Communication Officer at Toobit. “While prices have always been updated in real time, this update presents those values with the smallest possible increments. In a market where traders cite price precision as a critical factor for profitability, especially for high-volume assets, this feature ensures our users have a competitive edge.”

Key benefits of this new feature include:
- Higher accuracy: With tens of thousands of new tokens launching daily on blockchains like Solana, the market is flooded with low-priced assets. Improved decimal precision helps traders catch micro-movements and optimize their entries in this crowded field.
- More transparency: Traders can view the exact executed price and quantity without the ambiguity of rounding, preventing potential slippage.
- Better user experience: A clearer, more intuitive interface for the assets that constitute a significant and growing share of daily spot trading volume.
This feature is now live on the Toobit mobile app and currently supports spot trading pairs. More trading products will be integrated with this enhanced precision display in future updates.

With the meme coin market alone surpassing a $100 billion valuation in 2024 and projected to see continued significant growth, Toobit’s update is designed to deliver a more accurate and transparent trading experience for spot traders in this booming sector.

About Toobit

Toobit is where the future of crypto trading unfolds—an award-winning cryptocurrency derivatives exchange built for those who thrive exploring new frontiers. With deep liquidity and cutting-edge technology, Toobit empowers traders worldwide to navigate the digital asset markets with confidence. We offer a fair, secure, seamless, and transparent trading experience, ensuring every trade is an opportunity to discover what’s next.

For more information about Toobit, visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Instagram

Contact: Davin C.

Email: market@toobit.com

Website: www.toobit.com

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

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/526db66c-9a95-458b-b2ca-48d80d0457f4

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8d4a46a9-1b37-4fb8-8427-735057aa54ef

The MIL Network –
June 16, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: FAO and WFP early warning report reveals worsening hunger in 13 hotspots: five with immediate risk of starvation

Source: World Food Programme

WFP/Benjamin Anguandia. WFP delivered emergency food assistance to displaced families in Goma, DRC.

Photo credit

Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali remain hotspots of highest concern, and Democratic Republic of the Congo has returned as a hunger hotspot to watch

ROME – A new joint UN report warns that people in five hunger hotspots around the world face extreme hunger and risk of starvation and death in the coming months unless there is urgent humanitarian action and a coordinated international effort to de-escalate conflict, stem displacement, and mount an urgent full-scale aid response.

The latest Hunger Hotspots report shows that Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti and Mali are hotspots of highest concern, with communities already facing famine, at risk of famine or confronted with catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity due to intensifying or persisting conflict, economic shocks, and natural hazards. The devastating crises are being exacerbated by growing access constraints and critical funding shortfalls.

The semi-annual Hunger Hotspots report is an early-warning and predictive analysis of deteriorating food crises for the next five months. Developed and published with financial support from the European Union through the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC), the latest edition projects a serious deterioration of acute food insecurity in 13 countries and territories – the world’s most critical hunger hotspots in the coming months.

In addition to hotspots of highest concern, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar and Nigeria are now hotspots of very high concern and require urgent attention to save lives and livelihoods. Other hotspots include Burkina Faso, Chad, Somalia, and Syria.

“This report makes it very clear: hunger today is not a distant threat – it is a daily emergency for millions,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said. “We must act now, and act together, to save lives and safeguard livelihoods. Protecting people’s farms and animals to ensure they can keep producing food where they are, even in the toughest and harshest conditions, is not just urgent – it is essential.”

“This report is a red alert. We know where hunger is rising and we know who is at risk,” said Cindy McCain, World Food Programme Executive Director. “We have the tools and experience to respond, but without funding and access, we cannot save lives. Urgent, sustained investment in food assistance and recovery support is crucial as the window to avert yet more devastating hunger is closing fast.”

Hotspots of highest concern

In Sudan, Famine was confirmed in 2024. Conditions are expected to persist due to the continuing conflict and ongoing displacement, particularly in the Greater Kordofan and Greater Darfur regions. Displacement is likely to increase further during the outlook period while humanitarian access remains restricted. The circumstances are driving the country towards the risk of partial economic collapse, with high inflation severely limiting food access. Around 24.6 million people were projected to face Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above) levels of acute food insecurity, including 637,000 people facing Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) through May 2025.

In Palestine, the likelihood of famine in the Gaza Strip is growing as large-scale military operations hinder the ability to deliver vital food and non-food humanitarian assistance. In addition to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip, high food prices coupled with exhausted livelihoods and a commercial blockade will accelerate an
economic collapse. The entire population in Gaza – 2.1 million people – is projected to face Crisis or worse (IPC Phase 3 or above) levels of acute food insecurity, with 470,000 projected to face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) through September 2025.

South Sudan faces compounding threats from political tensions, the risk of flooding, and economic challenges. Approximately 7.7 million people – or 57 percent of the population – are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above) between April and July 2025, with 63,000 people projected to face Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) levels of acute food insecurity. An IPC update released after the report’s finalization indicated Risk of Famine in two areas of the country and confirmed the bleak outlook.

In Haiti, record levels of gang violence and insecurity are displacing communities and crippling aid access. Over 8,400 internally displaced persons (IDPs) already facing Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5) levels of acute food insecurity in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area by June 2025.

Meanwhile, in Mali, high grain prices and ongoing conflict are eroding the coping capacities of the most vulnerable households, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Around 2 600 people are at risk of Catastrophe (CH Phase 5) from June to August 2025 if assistance is not provided on time.

Additional hotspots and areas of improvement

In Myanmar, the impact of the recent major earthquake is likely to worsen the already dire food insecurity situation in the country, driven by escalating conflict, widespread displacement, severe access restrictions and high food prices.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been reintroduced to the hotspot list due to intensifying conflict.

In contrast, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have been removed from the Hunger Hotspots list. In East and Southern Africa, as well as in Niger, better climatic conditions for harvests and fewer weather extremes have eased food security pressures. Lebanon has also been delisted following reduced intensity of military operations. However, FAO and WFP warn that these gains remain fragile and could reverse quickly if shocks re-emerge.

A call for global solidarity

In multiple hotspots, aid delivery is significantly hampered by restricted humanitarian access due to insecurity, bureaucratic impediments, or physical isolation. At the same time, critical funding shortfalls are forcing reductions in food rations, limiting the reach of life-saving nutrition and agricultural interventions.

The Hunger Hotspots report highlights the importance of continued investments in early humanitarian action. Pre-emptive interventions save lives, reduce food gaps, and protect assets and livelihoods at a significantly lower cost than delayed humanitarian action.

# # #

Download the Hunger Hotspots Report here
More information about the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification scales
Broadcast quality footage available here

Note to Editors
The Hunger Hotspots report is part of a US and EU funded suite of analytical products produced under the Global Network Against Food Crises, to enhance and coordinate the generation and sharing of evidence-based information and analysis for preventing and addressing food crises.

This series also includes the recently published 2025 Global Report on Food Crises, which retroactively looks at the levels of acute food insecurity in 2024, in complement to the Hunger Hotspots which is a forward-looking early warning system that provides decision makers with information for planning and resource allocation.

About FAO

About WFP
The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

Follow us on X via @wfp_media.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

June 16, 2025
ISRO, Axiom Space coordinate ahead of June 19 launch of Ax-4 mission

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday said it is working closely with Axiom Space to refresh time-sensitive experimental specimens, following the rescheduling of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for June 19.

In a post on X, ISRO said: “@NASA, @Axiom_Space & @SpaceX are targeting no earlier than June 19 for the #Ax4 mission to the @Space_Station. Indian Principal Investigators & @isro are coordinating with @Axiom_Space to refresh time-sensitive experimental specimens. #Space #AxMission4 #ISRO #ISS.”

The Axiom-4 mission includes Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who will become the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh confirmed the new launch date in a June 14 post on X, saying: “Launch date of the Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station is, as of now, rescheduled for June 19, 2025.”

He added that the technical issues which caused the initial delay had been resolved: “The SpaceX team has confirmed that all the issues that led to the earlier postponement of the launch have been duly addressed.”

The delay was first announced by SpaceX on June 11, when the company cited a need for additional time to repair a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. “Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. Once complete – and pending Range availability – we will share a new launch date” SpaceX said on X.

The Ax-4 mission is Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut flight to the ISS. The Ax-4 crew includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary. According to Axiom, this will be the first government-sponsored human spaceflight for the three nations since the 1980s.

June 16, 2025
ISRO, Axiom Space coordinate ahead of June 19 launch of Ax-4 mission

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday said it is working closely with Axiom Space to refresh time-sensitive experimental specimens, following the rescheduling of the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) for June 19.

In a post on X, ISRO said: “@NASA, @Axiom_Space & @SpaceX are targeting no earlier than June 19 for the #Ax4 mission to the @Space_Station. Indian Principal Investigators & @isro are coordinating with @Axiom_Space to refresh time-sensitive experimental specimens. #Space #AxMission4 #ISRO #ISS.”

The Axiom-4 mission includes Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who will become the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh confirmed the new launch date in a June 14 post on X, saying: “Launch date of the Axiom-4 mission carrying Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station is, as of now, rescheduled for June 19, 2025.”

He added that the technical issues which caused the initial delay had been resolved: “The SpaceX team has confirmed that all the issues that led to the earlier postponement of the launch have been duly addressed.”

The delay was first announced by SpaceX on June 11, when the company cited a need for additional time to repair a liquid oxygen (LOx) leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. “Standing down from tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch of Ax-4 to the @Space_Station to allow additional time for SpaceX teams to repair the LOx leak identified during post-static fire booster inspections. Once complete – and pending Range availability – we will share a new launch date” SpaceX said on X.

The Ax-4 mission is Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut flight to the ISS. The Ax-4 crew includes astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary. According to Axiom, this will be the first government-sponsored human spaceflight for the three nations since the 1980s.

June 16, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Israelis ‘now realise’ what Palestinians and Lebanese have been suffering, says analyst

Asia Pacific Report

A Paris-based military and political analyst, Elijah Magnier, says he believes the hostilities between Israel and Iran will only get worse, but that Israeli support for the war may wane if the destruction continues.

“I think it’s going to continue escalating because we are just in the first days of the war that Israel declared on Iran,” he told Al Jazeera in an interview.

“And also the Israeli officials, the prime minister and the army, have all warned Israeli society that this war is going to be heavy and . . . the price is going to be extremely high.

“But the society that stands behind [Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu and supports the war on Iran did not expect this level of destruction because, since 1973, Israel has not waged a war on a country and never been attacked on this scale, right in the heart of Tel Aviv,” Magnier said.

“So now they are realising what the Palestinians have been suffering, what the Lebanese have been suffering, and they see the destruction in front of them — buildings in Tel Aviv, in Haifa destroyed, fire everywhere.

“The properties no longer exist. Eight people killed, 250 wounded in one day.

“That’s unheard of since a very long time in Israel. So, all that is not something that the Israeli society has been ready for,” added Magnier, veteran war correspondent and political analyst with more than 35 years of experience covering decades of war in the Middle East and North Africa.

Peters criticised over ‘craven’ statement
Meanwhile, in Auckland, the Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA) criticised New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters for “refusing to condemn Israel for its egregious war crimes of industrial-scale killing and mass starvation of civilians in Gaza”.

It also said that Peters had “outdone himself with the most craven of tweets on Israel’s massive attack on Iran”.

[embedded content]
Iran missiles strikes on Israel for third day in retaliation to the surprise attack. Video: Al Jazeera

Co-chair Maher Nazzal said in a statement that minister Peters had said he was “gravely concerned by the escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran” and that “all actors” must “prioritise de-escalation”.

But there was no mention of Israel as the aggressor and no condemnation of Israel’s attack launched in the middle of negotiations between Iran and the US on Iran’s nuclear programme, said Maher.

“It’s Mr Peters’ most obsequious tweet yet which leaves a cloud of shame hanging over the country.

“Appeasement of this rogue state, as our government and other Western countries have done over 20 months, have led Israel to believe it can attack any country it likes with absolute impunity.”

New Zealand is gravely concerned by the escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran. Any further retaliatory action significantly increases the risk of a regional war. This would have catastrophic consequences in the Middle East.

It is critical that all actors prioritise…

— Winston Peters (@NewZealandMFA) June 13, 2025

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 16, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Iran war: from the Middle East to America, history shows you cannot assassinate your way to peace

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matt Fitzpatrick, Professor in International History, Flinders University

In the late 1960s, the prevailing opinion among Israeli Shin Bet intelligence officers was that the key to defeating the Palestinian Liberation Organisation was to assassinate its then-leader Yasser Arafat.

The elimination of Arafat, the Shin Bet commander Yehuda Arbel wrote in his diary, was “a precondition to finding a solution to the Palestinian problem.”

For other, even more radical Israelis – such as the ultra-nationalist assassin Yigal Amir – the answer lay elsewhere. They sought the assassination of Israeli leaders such as Yitzak Rabin who wanted peace with the Palestinians.

Despite Rabin’s long personal history as a famed and often ruthless military commander in the 1948 and 1967 Arab-Israeli Wars, Amir stalked and shot Rabin dead in 1995. He believed Rabin had betrayed Israel by signing the Oslo Accords peace deal with Arafat.

It’s been 20 years since Arafat died as possibly the victim of polonium poisoning, and 30 years after the shooting of Rabin. Peace between Israelis and the Palestinians has never been further away.

What Amnesty International and a United Nations Special Committee have called genocidal attacks on Palestinians in Gaza have spilled over into Israeli attacks on the prominent leaders of its enemies in Lebanon and, most recently, Iran.

Since its attacks on Iran began on Friday, Israel has killed numerous military and intelligence leaders, including Iran’s intelligence chief, Mohammad Kazemi; the chief of the armed forces, Mohammad Bagheri; and the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami. At least nine Iranian nuclear scientists have also been killed.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly said:

We got their chief intelligence officer and his deputy in Tehran.

Iran, predictably, has responded with deadly missile attacks on Israel.

Far from having solved the issue of Middle East peace, assassinations continue to pour oil on the flames.

A long history of extra-judicial killings

Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman’s book Rise and Kill First argues assassinations have long sat at the heart of Israeli politics.

In the past 75 years, there have been more than 2,700 assassination operations undertaken by Israel. These have, in Bergman’s words, attempted to “stop history” and bypass “statesmanship and political discourse”.

This normalisation of assassinations has been codified in the Israeli expression of “mowing the grass”. This is, as historian Nadim Rouhana has shown, a metaphor for a politics of constant assassination. Enemy “leadership and military facilities must regularly be hit in order to keep them weak.”

The point is not to solve the underlying political questions at issue. Instead, this approach aims to sow fear, dissent and confusion among enemies.

Thousands of assassination operations have not, however, proved sufficient to resolve the long-running conflict between Israel, its neighbours and the Palestinians. The tactic itself is surely overdue for retirement.

Targeted assassinations elsewhere

Israel has been far from alone in this strategy of assassination and killing.

Former US President Barack Obama oversaw the extra-judicial killing of Osama Bin Laden, for instance.

After what Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch denounced as a flawed trial, former US President George W. Bush welcomed the hanging of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein as “an important milestone on Iraq’s course to becoming a democracy”.

Current US President Donald Trump oversaw the assassination of Iran’s leader of clandestine military operations, Qassem Soleimani, in 2020.

More recently, however, Trump appears to have baulked at granting Netanyahu permission to kill Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

And it’s worth noting the US Department of Justice last year brought charges against an Iranian man who said he’d been tasked with killing Trump.

Elsewhere, in Vladimir Putin’s Russia, it’s common for senior political and media opponents to be shot in the streets. Frequently they also “fall” out of high windows, are killed in plane crashes or succumb to mystery “illnesses”.

A poor record

Extra-judicial killings, however, have a poor record as a mechanism for solving political problems.

Cutting off the hydra’s head has generally led to its often immediate replacement by another equally or more ideologically committed person, as has already happened in Iran. Perhaps they too await the next round of “mowing the grass”.

But as the latest Israeli strikes in Iran and elsewhere show, solving the underlying issue is rarely the point.

In situations where finding a lasting negotiated settlement would mean painful concessions or strategic risks, assassinations prove simply too tempting. They circumvent the difficulties and complexities of diplomacy while avoiding the need to concede power or territory.

As many have concluded, however, assassinations have never killed resistance. They have never killed the ideas and experiences that give birth to resistance in the first place.

Nor have they offered lasting security to those who have ordered the lethal strike.

Enduring security requires that, at some point, someone grasp the nettle and look to the underlying issues.

The alternative is the continuation of the brutal pattern of strike and counter-strike for generations to come.

Matt Fitzpatrick receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

– ref. Iran war: from the Middle East to America, history shows you cannot assassinate your way to peace – https://theconversation.com/iran-war-from-the-middle-east-to-america-history-shows-you-cannot-assassinate-your-way-to-peace-259038

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 16, 2025