Category: Natural Disasters

MIL-OSI Global: Governors are leading the fight against climate change and deforestation around the world, filling a void left by presidents

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mary Nichols, Distinguished Counsel for the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, University of California, Los Angeles

Forests like the Amazon play vital roles in balancing the environment, from storing carbon to releasing oxygen. Silvestre Garcia-IntuitivoFilms/Stone/Getty Images

When the annual U.N. climate conference descends on the small Brazilian rainforest city of Belém in November 2025, it will be tempting to focus on the drama and disunity among major nations. Only 21 countries had even submitted their updated plans for managing climate change by the 2025 deadline required under the Paris Agreement. The U.S. is pulling out of the agreement altogether.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping and the likely absence of – or potential stonewalling by – a U.S. delegation will take up much of the oxygen in the negotiating hall.

You can tune them out.

Trust me, I’ve been there. As chair of the California Air Resources Board for nearly 20 years, I attended the annual conferences from Bali in 2007 to Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, in 2023. That included the exhilarating success in 2015, when nearly 200 nations committed to keep global warming in check by signing the Paris Agreement.

In recent years, however, the real progress has been outside the rooms where the official U.N. negotiations are held, not inside. In these meetings, the leaders of states and provinces talk about what they are doing to reduce greenhouse gases and prepare for worsening climate disasters. Many bilateral and multilateral agreements have sprung up like mushrooms from these side conversations.

This week, for example, the leaders of several state-level governments are meeting in Brazil to discuss ways to protect tropical rainforests that restore ecosystems while creating jobs and boosting local economies.

What states and provinces are doing now

The real action in 2025 will come from the leaders of states and provinces, places like Pastaza, Ecuador; Acre and Pará, Brazil; and East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

While some national political leaders are backing off their climate commitments, these subnational governments know they have to live with increasing fires, floods and deadly heat waves. So, they’re stepping up and sharing advice for what works.

State, province and local governments often have jurisdiction over energy generation, land-use planning, housing policies and waste management, all of which play a role in increasing or reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Their leaders have been finding ways to use that authority to reduce deforestation, increase the use of renewable energy and cap and cut greenhouse gas emissions that are pushing the planet toward dangerous tipping points. They have teamed up to link carbon markets and share knowledge in many areas.

In the U.S., governors are working together in the U.S. Climate Alliance to fill the vacuum left by the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle U.S. climate policies and programs. Despite intense pressure from fossil fuel industry lobbyists, the governors of 22 states and two territories are creating policies that take steps to reduce emissions from buildings, power generation and transportation. Together, they represent more than half the U.S. population and nearly 60% of its economy.

Tactics for fighting deforestation

In Ecuador, provinces like Morona Santiago, Pastaza, and Zamora Chinchipe are designing management and financing partnerships with Indigenous territories for protecting more than 4 million hectares of forests through a unique collaboration called the Plataforma Amazonica.

Brazilian states, including Mato Grosso, have been using remote-sensing technologies to crack down on illegal land clearing, while states like Amapá and Amazonas are developing community-engaged bioeconomy plans – think increased jobs through sustainable local fisheries and producing super fruits like acaí. Acre, Pará and Tocantins have programs that allow communities to sell carbon credits for forest preservation to companies.

Global Forest Watch uses satellite data to track forest cover change. Green shows areas with at least 30% forest cover in 2000. Pink is forest loss from 2003-2023. Blue is forest gain from 2000 to 2020.
Global Forest Watch, CC BY

States in Mexico, including Jalisco, Yucatán and Oaxaca, have developed sustainable supply chain certification programs to help reduce deforestation. Programs like these can increase the economic value in some of foods and beverages, from avocados to honey to agave for tequila.

There are real signs of success: Deforestation has dropped significantly in Indonesia compared with previous decades, thanks in large part to provincially led sustainable forest management efforts. In East Kalimantan, officials have been pursuing policy reforms and working with plantation and forestry companies to reduce forests destruction to protect habitat for orangutans.

It’s no wonder that philanthropic and business leaders from many sectors are turning to state and provincial policymakers, rather than national governments. These subnational governments have the ability to take timely and effective action.

Working together to find solutions

Backing many of these efforts to slow deforestation is the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force, which California’s then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger helped launch in 2008. It is the world’s only subnational governmental network dedicated to protecting forests, reducing emissions and making people’s lives better across the tropics.

Today, the task force includes 43 states and provinces from 11 countries. They cover more than one-third of the world’s tropical forests. That includes all of Brazil’s Legal Amazon region, more than 85% of the Peruvian Amazon, 65% of Mexico’s tropical forests and over 60% of Indonesia’s forests.

From a purely environmental perspective, subnational governments and governors must balance competing interests that do not always align with environmentalists’ ideals. Pará state, for example, is building an 8-mile (13 kilometer) road to ease traffic that cuts through rainforest. California’s investments in its Lithium Valley, where lithium used to make batteries is being extracted near the Salton Sea, may result in economic benefits within California and the U.S., while also generating potential environmental risks to air and water quality.

Each governor has to balance the needs of farmers, ranchers and other industries with protecting the forests and other ecosystems, but those in the task force are finding pragmatic solutions.

Pará State Gov. Helder Barbalho arrives for the Amazon Summit in August 2023. Eight South American countries agreed to launch an alliance to fight deforestation in the Amazon at the meeting.
Evaristo SA / AFP via Getty Images

The week of May 19-23, 2025, two dozen or more subnational leaders from Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Indonesia and elsewhere are gathering in Rio Branco, Brazil, for a conference on protecting tropical rainforests. They’ll also be ironing out some important details for developing what they call a “new forest economy” for protecting and restoring ecosystems while creating jobs and boosting economies.

Protecting tropical forest habitat while also creating jobs and economic opportunities is not easy. In 2023, data show the planet was losing rainforest equivalent to 10 soccer fields a minute, and had lost more than 7% since 2000.

But states and cities are taking big steps while many national governments can’t even agree on which direction to head. It’s time to pay attention more to the states.

Mary Nichols is affiliated with the Emmett Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, which cosponsors the Governors’ Climate and Forests Task Force.

– ref. Governors are leading the fight against climate change and deforestation around the world, filling a void left by presidents – https://theconversation.com/governors-are-leading-the-fight-against-climate-change-and-deforestation-around-the-world-filling-a-void-left-by-presidents-256988

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Bergman Supports Whitmer’s Request for Presidential Disaster Declaration Following Devastating March Ice Storm

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

This week, Rep. Jack Bergman expressed his full support for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration in response to the devastating ice storm that struck Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula in March.

In a letter to President Donald J. Trump, Rep. Jack Bergman urged the President to swiftly approve the disaster declaration to provide urgently needed federal support and ensure the full recovery of impacted communities across Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

The letter stated in part, “I write to offer my full support for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s May 16, 2025, request for a Major Disaster Declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) in response to the severe ice storm that struck Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula from March 28-30, 2025.”

“I firmly believe the severity and scope of this storm exceed the ability of the State of Michigan and local governments to respond without federal support. I respectfully urge you to approve Governor Whitmer’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration without delay. The people of Northern Michigan are among the toughest and most resilient in our Nation, but they should not be left to shoulder the burden of this disaster alone.”

The storm brought historic levels of freezing rain across thirteen counties – Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Kalkaska, and Mackinac. The resulting ice caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, knocking out power and heat for tens of thousands of residents. In the hardest-hit areas, outages persisted for more than two weeks.

Rep. Bergman commended the rapid and coordinated response by local emergency personnel, volunteers, the Michigan National Guard, and thousands of utility workers.

“These men and women worked around the clock in freezing, hazardous conditions to clear debris, conduct wellness checks, restore communications, deliver food and medical supplies, and reconnect entire communities to critical services.”

“While no lives were lost to the storm, the absence of fatalities should not be viewed as a reflection of the storm’s intensity – it is rather a testament to the tireless and heroic efforts of all those who responded when their communities needed them the most,” said Bergman.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: East St. Louis woman sentenced to 11 years in prison for federal gun charge

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. district judge sentenced an East St. Louis woman to 11 years’ imprisonment after she used a stolen firearm to threaten a victim.

Cierra S. Whitley, 36, pleaded guilty in January to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Following her term of imprisonment, she will serve three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) investigated a double homicide that occurred in East St. Louis between Aug. 11-12, 2023. During that investigation, they seized a 9mm firearm that was used to kill both victims. During police interviews, Whitley admitted to possessing the firearm as a convicted felon and brandishing it to threaten one of the victims.

“PSEG’s double homicide investigation led to Cierra Whitley’s conviction for possessing the stolen firearm that was used to murder two people,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Her 11-year sentence rightly punishes her for this violent crime and demonstrates our ongoing battle against criminals who endanger our communities.”

“This 11-year sentence of a convicted felon found guilty once again of breaking the law is evidence of ISP’s commitment to making communities safer,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group special agents will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to reduce and prevent crime, while holding those who break the law accountable.”

“A convicted felon in possession of a stolen firearm- and brazenly brandishing it- are a danger to the community. Such individuals and acts need to be dealt with swiftly,” said ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Amon.” Through great partnerships with ISP and the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Illinois, Cierra Whitley and others like her who challenge the rule of law, will be held accountable for their actions.”

Whitley was previously convicted of a felony and therefore unable to legally possess firearms.

Illinois State Police led the investigation, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ali Burns and Laura Reppert prosecuted the case.

MIL Security OSI –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: The Changing Economics of Forestry in a Hotter, Wetter South

Source: US Geological Survey

Fire in the western U.S. poses one of the greatest threats to human and ecological communities alike. In fact, fire management is the largest single expenditure of land management funds on federal lands. Now, climate change is altering wildfire patterns. Climate change in the West is creating warmer and drier conditions, resulting in an increase in the amount of dead vegetation available to fuel f

Learn More

MIL OSI USA News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: 1 in 5 Gazans face starvation. Can the law force Israel to act?

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University

As Israel continues to pound Gaza with airstrikes, killing scores of people a day, the two-month ceasefire that brought a halt to the violence earlier this year feels like a distant memory.

Israel’s overall military and political objective in Gaza hasn’t changed after 19 months of war: it is still seeking the absolute defeat of Hamas and return of the remaining Israeli hostages.

But it is unclear how Hamas will ever be militarily defeated unless there is a complete and unconditional surrender and the laying down of all arms. This appears unlikely, despite the success of Israel’s so-called “decapitation strategy” targeting the Hamas leadership.

And Hamas continues to hold an estimated 57 Israeli hostages in Gaza, of which up to 24 are believed to still be alive. The group is insisting on guarantees that Israel will end the war before releasing any more hostages.

An ongoing blockade for 18 years

Israel announced Sunday it will allow a “basic” amount of food to enter Gaza after a nearly three-month blockade of the strip. It was not clear when or how the aid would resume amid “extensive” new ground operations the military said Sunday it had also just begun.

Israel first imposed a land, sea and air blockade of Gaza in 2007 after Hamas came to power. These restrictions have severely limited the movement of people and vehicles across the border, as well as the amount of food, medicine and other goods that have been permitted to go into and out of Gaza.

These controls increased significantly after Hamas’ attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. They’ve been maintained at heightened levels ever since.

The January ceasefire temporarily increased the flow of food, medical aid and other support into Gaza. However, this came to an end in early March when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cut off aid again to pressure Hamas to extend the ceasefire and release more hostages. Hostilities resumed soon after.

The United Nations’ humanitarian efforts in Gaza have now come to a “near-standstill”. On May 13, Tom Fletcher, the UN emergency relief coordinator, addressed the UN Security Council, stating:

For more than 10 weeks, nothing has entered Gaza – no food, medicine, water or tents. […] Every single one of the 2.1 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip face the risk of famine. One in five faces starvation.

Israel denies there are food shortages in Gaza. It has said it wouldn’t permit any trucks to enter the strip until a new system is in place to prevent Hamas from siphoning supplies.

International law is clear

Both the 1949 Geneva Conventions and customary international law make clear:

The use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare is prohibited.

In addition, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) makes starvation of civilians a war crime.

Under international humanitarian law, Fletcher noted, Israel has the responsibility to ensure aid reaches people in territory it occupies. However, Israel’s method of distributing aid, he said, “makes aid conditional on political and military aims” and “makes starvation a bargaining chip”.

What have the courts found?

International courts have not ignored Israel’s obligations on this front.

In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Hamas leader Mohammed Deif (one of the masterminds of the October 7 attack), in addition to Netanyahu and former Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

In relation Netanyahu and Gallant, the ICC’s pre-trial chamber found:

there are reasonable grounds to believe that both individuals intentionally and knowingly deprived the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies.

As Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute, there is no obligation on the government to act on the arrest warrants. Both men remain free to travel as long as they do not enter the territory of a Rome Statute party. (Even then, their arrest is not guaranteed.)

The ICC warrants will remain in effect unless withdrawn by the court. The arrest in March of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte highlighted that while ICC investigations may take time, those accused of crimes can eventually be brought before the court to face justice.

This is especially so if there is a change in political leadership in a country that allows an arrest to go ahead.

Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing another case in which South Africa alleges Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinian population in Gaza.

The case began with high-profile hearings last year when the court issued provisional measures, or orders, requiring Israel to refrain from engaging in any genocidal acts.

The most recent of those orders, issued last May, called on Israel to immediately halt its offensive in Rafah (in southern Gaza) and maintain the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to allow “unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance”.

These orders remain in effect. Yet, Rafah today is a “no-go zone” that Gazans have been ordered to evacuate. And Israel’s blockade of the strip and restrictions on aid and food entering the territory have clearly been in defiance of the court.

Late last month, the ICJ began hearings to form an opinion on Israel’s duties to allow aid to enter Gaza. Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, criticised the ICJ’s hearings as “another attempt to politicise and abuse the legal process in order to persecute Israel”.

The court’s advisory opinion on this issue is not expected for several months. A final decision on South Africa’s broader case may take years.

So, what can be done?

Reflecting on the situation in Gaza, Fletcher observed at the UN:

This degradation of international law is corrosive and infectious. It is undermining decades of progress on rules to protect civilians from inhumanity and the violent and lawless among us who act with impunity. Humanity, the law and reason must prevail.

Yet, while the Security Council continues to have the situation in Gaza under review, it has proven incapable of acting decisively because of US support for Israel.

The Biden Administration was prepared to use its veto power to block binding Security Council resolutions forcing Israel to respond to the humanitarian crisis. The Trump Administration would no doubt do the same.

However, as Duterte’s arrest shows, international law sometimes does result in action. The finding by another UN body last week that Russia was responsible for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014 is another case in point.

As the Dutch foreign minister pointed out in that case, the finding sends a message that “states cannot violate international law with impunity”.

Donald Rothwell receives funding from Australian Research Council

– ref. 1 in 5 Gazans face starvation. Can the law force Israel to act? – https://theconversation.com/1-in-5-gazans-face-starvation-can-the-law-force-israel-to-act-256695

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Third man arrested as part of investigation into suspected arsons

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A third man has been arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks in north London.

A 34-year-old [C] was arrested this morning, Monday, 19 May, in the Chelsea area, SW3, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

He has been taken into custody.

On Saturday, 17 May, a 26-year-old man [B] was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

He is currently still in police custody after a warrant of further detention was obtained at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.

The arrests relate to three incidents – a vehicle fire in NW5 on 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of 12 May.

All have connections with a high-profile public figure, and therefore officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have led the investigation into the fires.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

We would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

+ A 21-year-old man [A] has already been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life and appeared in court.

MIL Security OSI –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Dan Goldman’s Statement on the Trump Administration Effectively Legalizing Machine Guns Nationwide

Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

“Nearly 40 years ago, Congress passed a federal ban on the sale of machine guns, recognizing that the risk these weapons of war pose to our communities is unacceptably high. Last Friday, the Trump administration effectively lifted that ban and legalized machine guns across the United States.

“By allowing the sale and civilian use of Forced Trigger Resets (FTR), Donald Trump has given any gun-owner the ability to turn their AR-15 into a fully automatic weapon capable of firing 400 rounds a minute.

“Machine guns are designed for free-fire military combat zones, not for streets, schools, and communities across America. Unleashing them on our communities will supercharge an already devastating gun violence crisis.

“Approximately 125 Americans will be killed by guns today, and 12 of them will be children. It is every elected official’s duty to work to reduce that number and keep their communities safe, not further endanger the American people out of fealty to gun manufacturers seeking to drive up profits at the public’s expense.

“I call on so-called moderate Republicans to finally put commonsense gun safety legislation on the floor. Do not sit idly by while your president endangers the American people you swore an oath to protect.”

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Dingell, Beyer, Buchanan Recognize Endangered Species Day

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)

Representatives Debbie Dingell (MI-06) and Don Beyer (VA-08), co-chairs of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Caucus, along with Vern Buchanan (FL-16), introduced a resolution recognizing Friday, May 16 as Endangered Species Day. The resolution highlights the strong role that the ESA has played in safeguarding America’s imperiled species and the need to prioritize conservation efforts to address the biodiversity crisis impacting plants and wildlife worldwide.

The critical protections in the Endangered Species Act are currently at risk due to a Trump Administration proposal to rescind the definition of “harm” under the law. The proposed rule change would prohibit only actions that directly hurt or kill actual animals, but not the habitats they rely on. We know that habitat loss and destruction are the leading causes of species decline and extinction. If finalized, this change would be devastating to already fragile species and put currently healthy ones at risk.

“For more than five decades, the Endangered Species Act has been our most effective tool to protect America’s imperiled wildlife, preventing the extinction of some of our most beloved animals like the bald eagle, grizzly bear, and Florida manatee,” said Dingell. “Healthier wildlife populations mean healthier ecosystems, which results in stronger shorelines, less intense wildfires, better water quality, and fewer pests, among many other positive impacts. As the United States continues to face an unprecedented and worsening biodiversity crisis, and the critical protections of the ESA are under attack, we must fight harder than ever to defend them.”

“When the Trump-Musk-Vance Administration wrongly and carelessly fired probationary federal workers, the ESA programs based here in the Northern Virginia office lost species expert biologists with important state and community relationships critical to recovery goals. They lost people who were working to make the endangered species consultation process more efficient so infrastructure projects could move forward in ways that helped protect vulnerable wildlife.” said Beyer. “The ESA is currently working to protect and recover more than 2,000 species of plants and animals, all crucial to maintaining our country’s rich biodiversity and natural heritage. Cutting the core, dependable investment of the federal government’s staff time, expertise, and dollars could have devastating impacts, including breaking up longstanding public-private partnerships. It’s on all of us who support the ESA to support those that work, often silently, to keep the Endangered Species Act alive and properly functioning! I thank my colleagues, Reps. Dingell and Buchanan for helping champion this fight with me.”

In the United States and around the world, more than 2,300 species are recognized as at risk of extinction now or in the foreseeable future, and many more are experiencing declines in populations and future viability. Many scientists categorize our planet’s current biodiversity crisis as the sixth mass extinction event, with plant and wildlife species across the globe facing heightened risk of extinction that is largely driven by human activity.

Dingell has long worked to protect endangered species across America, fighting to prevent the rollback of the critical safeguards in the Endangered Species Act under the previous Trump Administration.

View the full text of the resolution here. Learn more about the ESA Caucus here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Island’s planning future to be decided at key council meeting 19 May 2025 Island’s planning future to be decided at key council meeting

Source: Aisle of Wight

A major decision on the future of the Island’s development strategy will be made at an Extraordinary Full Council meeting on Wednesday, 28 May.

At the heart of the meeting will be the future of the Island Planning Strategy (IPS) — a document that will shape development and land use across the Island for years to come.

Councillors will be asked to choose between two options: to continue with the current IPS and seek government approval, or to withdraw the plan and begin work on a new version from scratch.

The newly released report outlines the implications of both routes.

Should the council opt to proceed with the current IPS, it would need to make a number of changes requested by government-appointed Planning Inspectors would need to be made.

This path would see the Island’s annual housing target rise to 703 new homes. Alternatively, withdrawing the plan would mean starting afresh, using a higher baseline figure of 1,104 homes per year — a figure set by national policy.

The IPS doesn’t just deal with housing numbers. It also includes a wide range of policies covering vital local issues such as coastal erosion, flood risk, affordable housing, and design standards — all of which are of great importance to Island communities.

While the report recommends continuing with the current plan, the final decision rests with elected councillors at the Extraordinary Full Council meeting.

The IPS was originally submitted to government in October 2024, with public examination hearings held earlier this year. These hearings, led by Planning Inspectors, assessed whether the plan aligns with national planning policy.

This decision comes at a time of considerable uncertainty, with national planning rules in flux and wider discussions ongoing around local government devolution. The outcome of the 28 May meeting will need to be communicated to the Planning Inspectors by 9 June.

Further explanatory videos are expected to be made available shortly on the council’s official Facebook page.

Photo: Getty Images

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The rise of psychedelic capitalism: Work harder and be happy about it?

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Kevin Walby, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, University of Winnipeg

Once stigmatized and outlawed, psychedelics are moving from the counterculture to the mainstream. From Prince Harry’s use of psilocybin to National Football League quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ adventures with ayahuasca, our media is awash with accounts of their professed benefits.

Hundreds of universities around the world are now engaging in psychedelic research. And psychedelic legalization initiatives are taking hold.

Psychedelics are becoming big business. Just as private capital flooded the cannabis sector years ago, a psychedelic gold rush is underway.

Wealthy entrepreneurs are investing in the psychedelic industry while biotechnology start-ups are raising capital and running clinical trials on novel psychedelic molecules. Venture capitalists are eyeing the prospects of a new lucrative mass market.

The authors of this article have a new book out: ‘Psychedelic Capitalism’ published by Fernwood.
(Fernwood)

Three causes for concern

To date, most debates about psychedelics have offered little critical analysis of their relationship to the political economy of modern capitalism and broader power structures. In our new book Psychedelic Capitalism, we make three central claims about the so-called psychedelic renaissance.

First, the medicalization of psychedelics is likely to restrict access and reinforce existing health and social inequalities.

Second, the corporatization of psychedelics will enable economic elites to dominate the market while appropriating the vast reservoir of knowledge built up by Indigenous communities, public institutions and underground researchers.

And third, rather than representing progressive drug reform, the limited legalization of select psychedelics for medical use will help to entrench and sustain the drug war and the criminalization of most drug use.

Ignoring community knowledge

Across North America, we’re seeing a medicalization of psychedelics, where a range of problems are presented as treatable by these substances. This is happening in a way that boosts corporate control of the process and pushes aside community and Indigenous knowledge.

We have seen this scenario play out in Australia. Substances such as psilocybin and MDMA are legally available, but only through a doctor’s prescription and at great financial cost — raising questions about equity, access and who these therapies are for.

Framing psychedelics as pharmaceutical commodities and individualized health-care solutions reinforces the prohibitionist narrative that these substances are unsuitable for use outside of the medical context. This narrative shifts attention away from how medicalized use might perpetuate a neoliberal ideology — locating mental “disorder” within an individual, rather than addressing more systemic causes such as poverty, inequality and social exclusion.

It also disregards centuries of traditions created by Indigenous community use, as well as the values of the psychedelic underground.

A system built on expensive individual therapy, medically trained gatekeepers and hyper-controlled clinical access is not the model that most advocates have envisioned.

A pill-only model for productivity and happiness

The foundations of psychedelic capitalism were largely created by public innovation at the public’s expense and are now in the process of being taken over by private capital.

Psychedelic conferences increasingly resemble corporate trade shows. The psychedelic tourism industry continues to expand and cater to elite clients. For-profit companies like Mind Medicine and Compass Pathways are eliminating psychotherapy from their treatment protocols and embracing a “pill-only” model favoured by Big Pharma.

Psychedelics, including microdosing and psychedelic-assisted therapy, are marketed as a way for the general population to extract more work out of their already overworked lives, and to be happy about it in the process.

Companies are competing to capture intellectual property to harness profits from existing compounds and erect legal barriers around new chemicals and their applications.

The for-profit ketamine industry already offers a glimpse into the future of corporatized psychedelic therapy. This includes a lack of attention to risks, deceitful marketing and little consideration to therapeutic care.

There has been a surge of new patent applications (and granted patents) in the U.S. on substances such as psilocybin, LSD, DMT, 5-MeO DMT and mescaline that seek to secure exclusivity, monopolize supply chains and privatize knowledge that already exists in the public domain.

Psychedelics have been swept up into the well-rehearsed capitalist playbook where private players are fabricating exclusionary rights over what are ultimately the products of collective human struggle and intellectual achievement.

Medical legalization of psychedelics

The medicalized approach to psychedelic mainstreaming also connects to drug law and policy.

Across North America, the biomedical approach is the main influence on drug law and the primary avenue for psychedelic access in most jurisdictions. This approach is widely supported by psychedelic capitalists who have a financial stake in medical legalization and want to limit legal access to anything outside of the medical-pharma frame.

In the United States, places like Oregon and Colorado have more holistic legal models that include elements of community control to prevent corporate capture. But most state initiatives remain limited in scope and are centred around medicalized therapy, particularly for military veterans. Even in Oregon, which has been lauded for its progressive drug policies, there has been an unmistakable drift toward medicalization.

Canada’s cannabis industry exemplifies how processes of legalization can become intertwined with the interests of corporate-dominated industries.

As Michael Devillaer, professor of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences and author of Buzz Kill (2024), has explained, the cannabis industry has prioritized profit maximization, product promotion and increased consumption at the expense of public health concerns.

What is best for public interest?

As the medical legalization of psychedelics deepens, we are likely to see the intensification of criminal penalties for recreational and other uses.

In fact, police seizures of psychedelics like psilocybin in the U.S. have increased in recent years. Global arrests for the transportation of compounds such as ayahuasca, iboga and peyote have also increased.

These problems are likely to be exacerbated by systems of bifurcated scheduling, where a drug product is placed in a different class from the active ingredient or substance.

For example, if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were to approve psilocybin for depression or MDMA for PTSD, it is likely that only FDA-approved medicinal psilocybin and MDMA products would be rescheduled, while the substances themselves would continue to be prosecuted as restricted narcotics.

It is in the public interest to move beyond a myopic focus on medical legalization to a more open, decriminalized model of public access. An approach like this would not only mitigate the threats associated with corporate capture, it would also reduce the harms associated with criminalization and the war on drugs.

Community-controlled decriminalization is a better path to mainstreaming psychedelics than relinquishing power to the medical industry and pharmaceutical cartels that provide monopolized services to primarily affluent customers.

And treating drug use and dependence as a public health issue and incentivizing harm reduction and support services for at-risk populations would go a long way to mitigating the tragedies of the drug war.

Kevin Walby receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

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

– ref. The rise of psychedelic capitalism: Work harder and be happy about it? – https://theconversation.com/the-rise-of-psychedelic-capitalism-work-harder-and-be-happy-about-it-253003

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces indictments against additional defendants for trafficking fentanyl and other drugs in the “Devil in Disguise” investigationRead More

Source: US State of South Carolina

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that additional South Carolina State Grand Jury indictments were unsealed today in the narcotics trafficking investigation known as “Devil in Disguise.” To date, ten indictments have been issued in five counties against 108 defendants on over 380 narcotics and related charges. This investigation has primarily focused on fentanyl trafficking and associated overdoses.

“These new State Grand Jury indictments are the result of the hard work of law enforcement, prosecutors, and staff from many jurisdictions,” Attorney General Wilson said. “We will continue to aggressively fight drug traffickers with every resource we have. Soon, we’ll also have a new tool to charge fentanyl traffickers if their drugs kill someone, thanks to the fentanyl-induced homicide bill just passed by the legislature, which we’ve been working to get for three years,” he added.

According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Greenville County had 278 drug-related overdose deaths in 2022, most of which were related to fentanyl trafficking. In response to the growing number of overdose deaths, the Greenville County Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) began an investigation to fight this problem. The DEU then coordinated with resources from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Department of Homeland Security. A South Carolina State Grand Jury investigation marshalling these and other combined resources has been proceeding since August 2023, resulting in the indictments unsealed from January 2024 through today. Under the South Carolina State Grand Jury, law enforcement and prosecutors have used traditional and advanced law enforcement techniques to move the investigations forward.

Mexican cartel organizations provide multiple major sources of supply for cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Cartels would have members of their organization already within the United States fly to different locations to distribute shipments of cocaine, ultimately resulting in hundreds of kilograms being trafficked into South Carolina. Mexican cartels would coordinate with members of their organization who are in prison in the United States to have large loads of fentanyl smuggled into the US, then have other members of the organization transport the drugs to South Carolina. Fentanyl is being used to adulterate heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other illegal drugs.

To date, the Devil in Disguise investigation, through controlled purchases and seizures, has recovered over 44 kilograms of cocaine, 4 kilograms of fentanyl, and 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, among other drugs. The investigation has also seized over $1,000,000 cash in alleged narcotics proceeds, as well as multiple firearms, including assault rifles. The investigation has revealed that members of the various conspiracies have historically moved more than 540 kilograms of fentanyl since January of 2020, along with historical trafficking of approximately 850 kilograms of cocaine and 500 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Previously in this investigation, the State Grand Jury has indicted alleged fentanyl dealers for murder, accessory before the fact to murder, and conspiracy to commit murder for their alleged role in distributing fentanyl to victims who died from resulting overdoses. Other charges brought to date as a result of this investigation include trafficking in fentanyl, trafficking in methamphetamine, trafficking heroin, trafficking cocaine, money laundering, and illegal possession of a weapon, as well as possession, possession with intent to distribute, and distribution charges for the various narcotics involved. Both Attorney General Wilson and Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General Creighton Waters thanked all the agencies for their dedicated efforts in the Devil in Disguise investigation.

Bond hearings for some of the newer defendants will occur on Monday, May 19, 2025, before the Honorable Heath P. Taylor at the Richland County Courthouse.

The case was investigated by the South Carolina State Grand Jury, which was assisted in this case by a partnership of the Attorney General’s State Grand Jury Division, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Thirteenth Circuit Solicitor Walt Wilkins’ Office, the United States Attorney’s Office, the United States Department of Homeland Security, the Greenville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit, South Carolina National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Pickens County Coroner’s Office, Easley Police Department, Pickens Police Department, Greenville Police Department, Travelers Rest Police Department, Greer Police Department, Mauldin Police Department, and the Fountain Inn Police Department.

The cases will be prosecuted by State Grand Jury Section Chief Attorney S. Creighton Waters, as well as Assistant Attorney General Jennifer McKellar, Assistant Attorney General Jason Anders, and Assistant Attorney General Walt Whitmire.

Attorney General Wilson stressed that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: War epic ‘Dong Ji Island’ promoted at Cannes

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

A 17-minute promo of “Dong Ji Island” was screened on May 14 at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, offering audiences a preview of the upcoming war epic.

The first still released from “Dong Ji Island.” [Photo courtesy of Seventh Art Pictures]

Co-directed by Guan Hu and Fei Zhenxiang, and starring Zhu Yilong, Wu Lei and Ni Ni, the film is based on real events during the Second World War in 1942. It follows Chinese fishermen who embark on a perilous journey to rescue British prisoners of war held by the Japanese army aboard the Lisbon Maru, saving 384 POWs after the ship was torpedoed and sunk by a U.S. submarine.

The film’s release also commemorates the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Producers said this transnational story of humanity showcases the universal values of compassion and courage displayed by Chinese fishermen during wartime, which will surely resonate with global audiences.

This forgotten chapter of history was revealed in last year’s acclaimed documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru” directed by Fang Li. Now, “Dong Ji Island” brings the story to life as a feature film with an $80 million budget. The production’s massive scale created unprecedented challenges in Chinese cinema, involving replica sets built on an actual island location, open-sea filming and a full-scale reconstruction of the Lisbon Maru. Directors Guan and Fei led the creative team through six years of preparation and 200 days of filming.

The Chinese poster for “Dong Ji Island.” [Image courtesy of Seventh Art Pictures]

Set for summer release in China, Seventh Art Pictures is launching international sales at Cannes for “Dong Ji Island.” Director Guan Hu is no stranger to global recognition, having won the Un Certain Regard prize at Cannes last year for “Black Dog.” His film “The Eight Hundred,” released in 2020, became that year’s highest-grossing live-action film worldwide.

The 17 minutes of footage was screened at the Palais at the Marche du Film in Cannes. Bloggers attending the event noted that the film’s quality exceeded expectations, praising its stunning visual effects, underwater sequences and inspirational plot. They also highlighted the actors’ captivating performances.

The film’s actors transformed themselves for their roles, undergoing intense strength and aquatic training amid the island’s harsh conditions. Their weathered appearances mirror the fishermen’s rugged spirit, and they mastered various boat handling techniques — helping to bring the heroic maritime rescue to life. Meanwhile, the production team meticulously reconstructed 1940s Dongji Island through historical research, replicating everything from coarse cloth vests to the Lisbon Maru incident using archives and survivor accounts, guaranteeing historical precision.

At a film tourism event on May 15 during Cannes, producer Liang Jing revealed: “Local fishermen supported us tremendously during production, assisting us through typhoons and numerous challenges. Audiences will be amazed by what they see on screen.”

Liang noted that Dongji Island became a popular destination after last year’s documentary “The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru,” but she believes the release of “Dong Ji Island” will bring even greater attention and tourism. “It’s truly a worthwhile destination,” she said. “The sunrise is breathtakingly beautiful.”

A new international Cannes poster for “Dong Ji Island.” [Image courtesy of Seventh Art Pictures]

The film’s official Weibo account simultaneously released an international poster for Cannes captioned: “Crimes sank with the colossal warship, but some salvaged humanity and truth. Coming summer 2025 — ‘Dong Ji Island’.”

MIL OSI China News –

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How aid cuts could make vulnerable communities even less resilient to climate change

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kalle Hirvonen, Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Insitute; Research Fellow, UNU-WIDER, United Nations University

An irrigation project in Mozambique. Marcos Villalta / Save the Children, CC BY-NC-ND

As global temperatures rise and climate-related disasters become more frequent, the need to adapt is rapidly increasing. That need for adaptation – from adjusting farming practices to diversifying livelihoods and strengthening infrastructure – is most acute in vulnerable low- and middle-income countries such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Haiti and Vietnam.

Despite contributing a negligible share of historical global greenhouse gas emissions, these countries are facing the brunt of climate change. Yet as the demand for long-term resilience grows, international aid priorities are shifting in the opposite direction.

Over the past three years, several major rich countries have substantially cut their development aid budgets. Remaining funds have been redirected towards emergency relief.

This shift could undermine the climate finance commitments made by wealthy countries to mobilise US$300 billion (£228 billion) a year for climate action in the most vulnerable low- and middle-income countries by 2035.

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Emergency aid, while vital for saving lives during crises such as droughts and floods, is reactive by nature. It arrives only after disaster has struck, often with a substantial delay.

By contrast, climate adaptation is proactive. It focuses on anticipating future risks and helping communities prepare for changing environments.

A key part of this is supporting transitions away from sectors like crop agriculture that are particularly vulnerable to climate-related shocks. In some cases, adapting to a changing climate may also require helping families move safely — turning relocation into a choice rather than a last resort.

In Ethiopia, one of the world’s most drought-prone countries, a US government-funded food security programme aimed to strengthen resilience by offering livelihood training, organising savings groups and providing a US$200 lump sum to poor rural households. Research shows that this programme improved food security and protected assets during periods of drought.

Livestock farming in the Somali region of Ethiopia which was severely affected by droughts in 2011.
Malini Morzaria/EUECHO, CC BY-NC-ND

In Nicaragua, families who received cash transfers alongside vocational training or investment grants were better protected against drought shocks than those relying on cash alone. These households could supplement farming with other income sources. This made them less vulnerable to drought-related losses and helped stabilise their earnings throughout the year.

These schemes are known as “cash-plus programmes”. They help create the conditions for households to adapt and thrive. But when climate and environmental shocks overwhelm the resilience of local communities, relocation may still become the only viable option.

That’s why proactive adaptation efforts need to be scaled up and broadened — not only to meet immediate needs but to support longer-term transitions. This includes investing in sustainable livelihoods through diversified income sources, skills training and, when necessary, enabling safe and voluntary relocation.

Some pilot interventions that supported seasonal rural-to-urban migration have shown what’s possible. In Bangladesh, a small migration subsidy of just US$8.50 helped the participating poor farm households affected by seasonal famine cover travel costs.

Migration for temporary work increased by 22%, and families back home experienced improvements in food security. With even modest support, people were able to access job opportunities in cities and strengthen their resilience.

Programmes that make it easier for people to choose to move from rural areas to cities could help families move with dignity rather than in desperation. However, scaling up such initiatives successfully remains a challenge, requiring strong political commitment and effective governance.

Climate relocation

Without proactive planning and support, migration often happens out of necessity rather than choice. This kind of displacement typically occurs within national borders rather than across continents — contrary to popular narratives.

In fact, 59% of the world’s forcibly displaced population live within their own country. By the end of 2023, a record 75.9 million people across 116 countries were internally displaced — a 51% increase over the previous five years, driven in part by climate change.

A family leave their home in Oklahoma, US, as a result of the 1930s dust bowl disaster.
Dorothea Lange/Library of Congress, Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information.

History provides sobering lessons about relocation triggered by environmental collapse. In the 1930s, a severe drought and dust storms struck the Great Plains in the US, creating the “dust bowl”. This devastated farmland and forced millions of people to leave their homes, as economic hardship became widespread and the land so degraded that crops wouldn’t grow.

Today, similar patterns loom as droughts, floods and rising seas threaten livelihoods around the world. Small island states such as Tuvalu face existential threats from rising sea levels, with entire communities at risk of being displaced.

These mounting threats underscore a hard truth: the window for effective climate adaptation is rapidly closing. As climate disruptions intensify, the case for long-term investment in resilience has never been clearer. Without proactive adaptation, the cycle of crisis and response will only deepen.

Societies can adapt, but doing so takes foresight, investment and courage. In the face of escalating climate risks, bold, forward-looking policies are not a luxury — they are a necessity. By supporting longer-term strategies, rich-country governments and aid charities can enable vulnerable communities to withstand, adapt and, when necessary, move with dignity.

Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

Kalle Hirvonen’s recent and ongoing research has been funded by the CGIAR Trust Fund (https://www.cgiar.org/funders/), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

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

– ref. How aid cuts could make vulnerable communities even less resilient to climate change – https://theconversation.com/how-aid-cuts-could-make-vulnerable-communities-even-less-resilient-to-climate-change-255358

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 20, 2025
IMD issues alerts for heavy rainfall and heatwave across India

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather advisory forecasting intense rainfall over several regions of the country and heatwave conditions in parts of northwest India.

According to the IMD, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected along the west coast—including Karnataka, Konkan & Goa, and Kerala—as well as adjoining areas of Peninsular India between May 19 and 25. Karnataka is likely to witness extremely heavy downpours on May 20 and 21, while the Konkan region may experience similar conditions on May 21.

The northeastern states and parts of eastern India are also expected to receive significant rainfall. Heavy to very heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning are likely over Northeast India and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim during the next four days.

Meanwhile, the IMD has warned of heatwave conditions in parts of Rajasthan and Haryana. West Rajasthan is expected to reel under extreme heat from May 19 to 23, while Haryana and East Rajasthan may experience heatwave conditions from May 19 to 21.

The IMD has advised residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions against both intense rainfall and high temperatures.

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Offset project to protect purple-necked rock-wallabies
Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 19 May 2025

Open larger image

A purple-necked rock wallaby

The Queensland Government will help safeguard populations of purple-necked rock-wallabies through a $364,000 offset program that will improve crucial habitat in the state’s northwest.

The four-year offset project will fund environmental improvements on Chidna Station, which is a 26,000-hectare pastoral lease property around 130 kilometres north of Mount Isa.

Chidna Station features rugged, rough country of breathtaking beauty that provides ideal habitat for the purple-necked rock wallaby along with other threatened species.

The offset project will be a collaboration between the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation and environmental management group Conservation Partners.

Conservation Partners have developed a strategic management plan for the purple-necked rock-wallabies, and will focus on the following pivotal actions:
- Fire Break Maintenance – Fire breaks can help contain and reduce the impacts of bushfires.
- Prescribed Burning – Planned burns will foster habitat diversity and promote growth of plant species that purple-necked rock-wallabies browse upon.
- Fire Scar Mapping – High-resolution mapping and analysis of historical data will evaluate the success of fire management strategies for purple-necked rock-wallaby habitat.
- Population monitoring – Surveys will evaluate the effects of fire management strategies on purple-necked rock-wallaby population dynamics.
Acting Deputy Director General Environment and Heritage Policy and Programs Kahil Lloyd said the Queensland Government is committed to protecting and conserving our populations of threatened species.

“This collaborative offset project represents a significant step forward in boosting populations of an at-risk species on privately-owned land,” Mr Lloyd said.

“I’d like to thank the landholder at Chidna Station for their dedication to conservation and protecting the natural and cultural values of their property.

“Conservation Partners have vast experience in habitat and species management and through this project will build upon the exceptional work of the department’s threatened species unit.

“Our Offsets Framework is just one of the ways that we are making a difference to our threatened species.”

Conservation Partners Chief Executive Steve Murphy said the organisation works closely with private landholders to conserve Queensland’s threatened species.

“Conservation Partners works on stations in western Queensland, the Gulf and Cape York Peninsula, and many cattle stations have important conservation values,” he said.

“Over the next four years we will work with Indigenous landowner Brussie Spreadborough to improve fire patterns on Chidna Station, mainly using aerial prescribed burning.

“We’ll also closely monitor the impact on Purple-necked Rock-wallabies as well as Chidna’s other endangered wildlife populations, such as Carpentarian Grasswrens and Gouldian Finches.”

Brussie Spreadborough said the partnership with Conservation Partners is a win-win situation.

“Working with Conservation Partners means that I can concentrate on cattle, while also having a hand in good conservation work that looks after the native wildlife that lives on my place,” he said.

MIL OSI News –
May 20, 2025
Sunflowers emerge as symbols of sustainability and agricultural value

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Sunflowers, long admired for their striking golden petals and towering height, are gaining renewed recognition not just for their beauty, but for their growing importance in agriculture, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. Native to North America, sunflowers have been cultivated for thousands of years, and today they are celebrated as much for their utility as for their vibrant appearance.

Traditionally associated with positivity and admiration, sunflowers are now being acknowledged as essential contributors to global ecological and agricultural systems. One of their most remarkable traits is heliotropism, the ability of young flower heads to follow the sun’s path across the sky. Mature heads typically face east, optimizing exposure to morning sunlight. Each flower’s central disk is composed of hundreds to thousands of tiny florets, each capable of developing into a seed, while the surrounding yellow petals serve to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Easy to cultivate and tolerant of drought, sunflowers thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soils, making them a favored crop among farmers and gardeners. The seeds are harvested for various uses. Sunflower oil, known for its light flavor and health benefits, is a popular cooking oil rich in healthy fats, protein, and nutrients. The seeds are consumed directly as snacks or used in bird feed, while the remaining meal from oil extraction serves as a protein-rich livestock feed.

Beyond the kitchen and the farm, sunflowers are increasingly important in sustainable energy research, with sunflower oil being explored for its potential in biodiesel production. Environmentally, the plant plays a key role in soil improvement through its deep root system and has shown promise in phytoremediation, the process of extracting toxic substances from polluted soil. Additionally, sunflowers help sustain pollinator populations, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem health.

May 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Introducing The Conversation and the BBC’s Secrets of the Sea – my journey to meet six marine scientists pioneering ocean solutions

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anna Turns, Senior Environment Editor

Senior environment editor Anna Turns with BBC radio producer Jo Loosemore CC BY-NC-ND

After a long drive to Godrevy lighthouse near St Ives in Cornwall, the wind is blowing and the waves are crashing. I’m here with BBC radio producer Jo Loosemore, on a roadtrip to meet some of the marine scientists researching how ocean health is vital to our future.

As we squeeze between crevices in the cliffs to shelter from the elements at Godrevy beach, I interview Ed Gasson, a glaciologist at the University of Exeter. His story is full of surprises.

Jo Loosemore with Anna Turns on Godrevy beach.
Ed Gasson, CC BY-NC-ND

This corner of north Cornwall is one I have visited many times, usually on bright, sunny days during weekend getaways or family holidays. I’ve gazed at the lighthouse, enjoyed spotting seals on the rocks beneath, and sat with both icecream and binoculars in hand on the benches by the coast path.

But I had never looked closely at these cliffs below, until now. And I could never have guessed that this coastline had any connections to the ice age, the Antarctic or sea-level rise.

In a collaboration between The Conversation and BBC South West, Secrets of the Sea is a new series that showcases local stories with global significance. World experts based across Devon and Cornwall are at the forefront of marine research into seaweeds and seagrass, seabed restoration and offshore shellfish farming.

Prepping to record inside the National Maritime Museum of Cornwall.
Jo Loosemore, CC BY-NC-ND

From the rocky foreshore in Torquay to the mussel-covered pontoons of Plymouth harbour, I’ve been speaking to scientists about their work, their passions and the potential for our oceans to hold the key to climate resilience. Healthier seas mean our planet will be much better able to weather the stormy seas of the climate crisis.

Each of the six radio programmes and accompanying articles delves into a different aspect of our oceans. Through 19th-century archives, in tiny test tubes on a lab bench, or inside a walk-in fridge full of marine fungi, this series explores creative ways to study ocean health. So, join me on BBC Sounds and here at The Conversation to go beneath the waves with a sense of wonder – and optimism.

Listen to a mini-series of four short episodes on BBC Radio Devon from May 20-23 here. The full six-part series will air weekly from May 23 at 8.30pm on BBC Radio Devon and BBC Radio Cornwall.

Local science, global stories.

In collaboration with the BBC, Anna Turns travels around the West Country coastline to meet ocean experts making exciting discoveries beneath the waves.

This article is part of a series, Secrets of the Sea, exploring how marine scientists are developing climate solutions.

– ref. Introducing The Conversation and the BBC’s Secrets of the Sea – my journey to meet six marine scientists pioneering ocean solutions – https://theconversation.com/introducing-the-conversation-and-the-bbcs-secrets-of-the-sea-my-journey-to-meet-six-marine-scientists-pioneering-ocean-solutions-249981

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 19, 2025
Sikkim Cricket Ground shines bright with historic floodlight installation

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (2)

span class=”fadeinm1hgl8″>In a landmark moment for sports in the region, the Sikkim Cricket Ground in Mining witnessed the inauguration of high-mast LED floodlights on the evening of May 18. This significant upgrade, marked by a grand ceremony, was led by Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

With this state-of-the-art lighting system in place, the venue is now equipped to host day-night matches and high-definition live broadcasts, ushering in a new era for cricket in the state.

The Rs 12.2 crore project, fully funded by the Government of Sikkim, was executed by the Sikkim Cricket Association (SICA). Work commenced in December 2024 and was completed by April 18. The system features four 44-meter-high masts, each bearing 64 high-powered LED floodlights, totaling 256 units. With each light operating at 1.2 kW, the setup delivers an impressive 2800 lux illumination at the pitch, well above the standard required for televised matches.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Justice Biswanath Somadder, Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, the Chief Administrator-cum-Cabinet Secretary, and senior government officials.

SICA President Tika Subba expressed heartfelt gratitude to the state government and the BCCI for their support.

“Thanks to the government and the BCCI, this long-cherished dream has come true,” he said, also acknowledging the past challenges posed by inadequate lighting that often disrupted match schedules and gameplay quality.

To mark the occasion, a friendly match was played between the SICA President XI and the Chief Secretary XI. Batting first, the Chief Secretary XI posted 121/9 in 20 overs. In reply, the SICA President XI chased down the target in 19.4 overs, securing a five-wicket win.

The newly installed floodlights meet international standards and come with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty. They promise low maintenance and high efficiency, paving the way for Sikkim’s emergence on the national cricketing map.

In a noteworthy announcement, Chief Minister Tamang revealed that preparations are underway for a possible visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.“The Sikkim government has received confirmation regarding PM Modi’s visit. Several meetings have taken place… May 29 is the tentative date, though it is yet to be confirmed,” he said.

(With inputs from ANI)

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Education Secretary gives keynote speech at Education World Forum

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Speech

Education Secretary gives keynote speech at Education World Forum

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s speech on the use of EdTech to improve opportunity in education at the Education World Forum.

Hello everyone, and thank you all for being here.

It’s wonderful to see everyone together in the same place – the biggest gathering of education ministers anywhere in the world!

And what a fitting location. Just next door is the Methodist Central Hall, where almost 80 years ago the United Nations General Assembly met for the first time.

And we also sit in the shadow of Westminster Abbey, a place which marks the memories of so many inspirational figures, men and women who still light up our classrooms centuries on.

Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Charles Darwin are all buried there.

Jane Austen and the three Brontë sisters each have a plaque – next to the statue of William Shakespeare.

And close by lies the grave of Charles Dickens, whose stories I grew up reading, whose characters I loved.

Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Pip and his great expectations.

The abandoned children of Victorian London, held back, time and again, by the tough luck of a bad start.

I was always drawn to Dickens because he was never afraid to confront social injustice.

The daily, grinding poverty that kept opportunity out of the reach of millions.

There’s been plenty of progress since those darker days.

And thankfully, London looks very different today.

But much of the inequality, the injustice remains.

Opportunity still lies beyond the grasp of too many people – here in this country and around the world too.

We have so far to go on our journey to cut the link between background and success.

That’s our job as education leaders, to give not just some children but all children the opportunity to succeed, regardless of background, to make that old dream new again for each generation.

There are well over a hundred countries and territories represented here today. Well over a hundred different education systems. Well over a hundred different sets of challenges.

But we can come together around one common cause. Opportunity.

That’s what education is all about. Opportunity for all children – to learn, to discover, to go on and live a good life.

So that every child knows, deep down in their bones, that success belongs to them.

That’s my mission for the children of this country, it’s the mission of our government. Because background shouldn’t mean destiny.

But the barriers we face are huge – here in the UK and across the globe.

250 million children still out of school around the world.

70% of children in low- and middle-income countries unable to read at the end of their basic education.

A pandemic that saw schools all over the world close their gates, classrooms empty, playgrounds silent, a global generation of children falling behind.

Challenges of this scale demand the fresh solutions of the future, not the stale systems of the past.

We must squeeze every last drop of value out of every last pound of funding.

And technology will lead the way.

The opportunities of EdTech are huge. It’s a wave of innovation that can lift the learning of billions.

But to be clear about what technology can do, first we need to be clear what it cannot do.

It can’t replace great teachers.

They are the heart, they are the soul of every school.

That was true 500 years ago. It’ll be true in 500 more.

Education is a deeply human gift, given by one generation to the next.

Opportunity passed from one generation to the next.

But EdTech can take that gift and make it stronger, spread it further, share it with more children.

It can be the radical force that brings the very best education into every city, every town, every village, every school, every classroom in the world.

It can help us to reach learners who might otherwise be left out – because they have a disability, their parents are poor, they don’t speak a certain language, or simply because they’re a girl.

EdTech can help us tear down those barriers.

Here in this country, we’re using it to free up teachers time to spend more time teaching.

For children that means more attention, higher standards, better life chances.

For teachers – less paperwork, lower stress, fewer drains on their valuable time.

My department is continuing to support Oak National Academy, an online hub of resources for teachers, whose AI lesson assistant is helping teachers to plan personalised lessons in minutes.

Making the most of teacher time is one of the challenges we all face.

Another is attendance – getting children back in the classroom, especially since covid.

Our response is rooted in our world-class data, where schools can use an interactive dashboard to drive early intervention.

And it’s working. We’ve lost 3 million fewer days to absence this year than last.

And now we’re using AI to go further and faster.

Just last week we launched a brand new AI-powered tool, which we think is amongst the first of its kind in the world.

Every mainstream school in the country can access reports right now to benchmark their attendance against 20 similar schools.

They highlight what schools are doing well, and where they need targeted intervention and support.

That’s the kind of cutting-edge insight schools need to get attendance moving.

But, despite its huge power, we know that AI isn’t a magic wand.

EdTech can light up the next century of education – and I believe it will – but there are no guarantees.

So getting AI on the right track now is the most important challenge for global education in a generation.

And we have far to go to deliver the scale of progress that I know is possible.

Our evidence-base is too narrow, too shallow, too concentrated in certain parts of the world, too focused on certain parts of the system.

More research is needed; better research is needed.

On impact.

On value.

On sustainability.

And on safety.

We need to come together to grow a global, collective consensus – a suite of effective tools, built on top-class evidence.

That’s how, together, we can make sure EdTech and AI deliver the very best learning for children.

And on this the UK will lead the way.

This government’s EdTech hub – led by our Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office – brings together research and policy organisations working to bridge the EdTech evidence gap.

The Hub is here to support and empower government leaders, giving you the evidence that you need to roll out and scale up EdTech effectively and responsibly.

The Hub is leading, and the UK is funding, the AI Observatory and Action Lab – supporting leaders in low- and middle-income countries to use AI in education.

And we are continuing the change here at home with our new Content Store Project.

We’re pooling a vast range of high-quality content – from curriculum guidance to teaching resources, from lessons plans to anonymised pupil work.

And we’re making it available to AI companies to train their tools – so that they can generate top quality content for use in our classrooms.

And we’re putting AI to work in a way that’s most useful for teachers, and most beneficial for students.

But now we want to go further, to share our expertise, to work with our partners around the world to grow that collective consensus.

So I am delighted to announce today that we are funding the development of global guidelines for generative AI in education.

Working closely with partners at the OECD, we are shaping the global consensus on how generative AI can be deployed safely and effectively to boost education around the world.

But everyone here today will know that guidelines are only ever as good as their implementation.

Because what really matters is firm action in our classrooms, not abstract promises on a page.

That’s why today I can announce that the UK will host an international summit on generative AI in education in 2026.

Education leaders from around the world will come together to implement these guidelines – for the benefit of our children, young people and learners the world over.

And we’ll continue to build the evidence base at home too.

So I’m pleased to announce today that my department is investing more than a million pounds to test the Edtech we’re using in schools and colleges.

Working with the Open Innovation Team, we’ll be engaging the sector to understand what works.

We’ll look at how tools, including AI, can improve things like staff workload, pupil outcomes and inclusivity.

Evidence must be at the heart of all we do, on EdTech and right across education.

Here in the UK, we’re lucky to have the Education Endowment Foundation.

The Foundation is at the forefront of research on how children learn.

And my officials work hand in hand with their experts to make sure all our policies and programmes are driven by the very best evidence.

We need to be at the top of our game.

We’ve spoken about the challenges specific to education, but there are wider global challenges, that spill into our schools and colleges.

Growing economic uncertainty, shifting labour markets, the flood of disinformation around social media.

These are shared challenges that demand shared solutions.

Solutions powered by technology, backed by evidence.

But collaboration is key. We can’t do this alone.

Learning from each other, sharing evidence, sharing data.

The UK is here to convene, to accelerate and to celebrate all that is best in global education.

And in the coming months we’ll publish our refreshed International Education Strategy.

At its heart will be collaboration.

Building partnerships that are meaningful, partnerships that matter, partnerships that, above all else, make a difference in the lives of the people we serve.

That’s what sets apart those men and women whom we remember in Westminster Abbey. They made a difference in people’s lives.

The scientists and engineers, the poets and playwrights, the doctors and nurses.

Most of their deeds were done and dusted centuries ago. But their legacy lives on.

EdTech is now bringing the wonders of the Abbey to a whole new generation of children.

From the Anglo-Saxons to the Tudors, from the majesty of coronations to the drudgery of everyday medieval life.

Abbey experts run virtual classrooms and virtual tours for schools unable to visit in person – so that every child can learn about this building which has been at the heart of our national life for a thousand years.

So that no child has to miss out.

That’s what EdTech is all about, what education is all about, opportunity for all of our children.

Because let’s not forget, this is for them.

For every child, for every young person, for every adult around the world who deserves the opportunity to learn.

That’s why we have to get this right.

That’s why so many of you have come here today from so far away.

And that’s why I am so thankful that you have.

Because together I know that we can make a difference.

So it gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the Education World Forum 2025.

And I look forward to working together with you as we build stronger, bolder, better education together.

Thank you.

DfE media enquiries

Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

Updates to this page

Published 19 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Toyooka City (Hyogo Prefecture)

Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

Mission Toyooka City is a city located in the northern part of Hyogo Prefecture (Tajima region). It is under the jurisdiction of the Tajima Prefectural Bureau. It is the central city of the northern part of the prefecture and the Tajima region that forms the Toyooka metropolitan area, and is the largest city in Hyogo Prefecture in terms of area.

May 23, 1925 (Taisho 14) – The Kita-Tajima earthquake (Kita-Tajima Great Earthquake) caused damage to Toyooka Town, Kinosaki Town, Kinosaki Town, and Minato Village in Kinosaki County. In particular, about 1,500 houses on the main street of Toyooka Town were completely burned down.

The 1925 North Tajima earthquake created severe damage in Toyooka, with official government reports, indicating that there were 428 fatalities, 1,016 injuries, 7,863 buildings destroyed, and 45,659 houses damaged by collapse or fire.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Terrorists use food as a weapon: how Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab exploit hunger

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Simone Papale, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Parma

Over the last decade, there has been growing international focus on the role of food in conflict, particularly in Africa. The continent has seen an increase in jihadist terrorism in several regions.

Violence, like that exercised by terrorist organisations, is linked with food security conditions, causing a vicious circle of hunger and conflict.

Terrorism generates food disruptions. It undermines production systems and supply routes.

At the same time, growing food shortages intensify tensions and competition over essential resources at the margins of vulnerable societies. This increases the risk of mobilisation into violence.

We are researchers in international security and contemporary warfare. In a recent article, we explored the role of food in Africa’s terrorist insurgencies. We focused on Boko Haram in Nigeria and Al-Shabaab in Somalia.

We show how food is not only a driver or victim of violence. It is also central to how terrorist groups fight, govern and survive.

Terrorists use food as a tool to challenge national authorities and increase their followers. In parallel, they exploit food insecurity to control communities and confront counter-terrorism forces, pushing the state out of contested areas.

Read more: How crime is closely linked to Al-Shabaab’s survival strategy

This has major implications. The use of food as a weapon worsens humanitarian conditions. It causes the displacement of people in vulnerable settings. As a result, it sets in motion dangerous mechanisms of instability that can even undermine militants themselves, reducing their resources and operational capabilities.

State responses need to address these challenges and promote more comprehensive approaches to counter terrorism.

Weaponising supplies

Since the late 2000s, Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab have engaged African security forces in a strenuous fight. Both groups have sought to overthrow local governments and establish their power.

They have expanded their networks in regions where food security is low. These are Nigeria’s Borno State and southern Somalia.

These areas have witnessed historical frictions between the population and government authorities. Local communities have lamented socioeconomic marginalisation, shortages of essential resources and high levels of unemployment.

Both Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab have sought to capitalise on inequalities to gain appeal among aggrieved populations, seeking to replace the state in the delivery of essential resources.

Read more: Nigeria’s growing security crisis: 6 essential reads

Boko Haram militants have reportedly provided supplies, such as biscuits, rice and spaghetti, to marginalised villages. As a Borno State resident put it, the militants have shown “love and concern” while addressing local needs.

Al-Shabaab has resorted to similar practices to win the hearts and minds of southern Somalis and enlarge its pool of recruits. The group has supplied struggling communities with meals and goods, and promoted local agricultural activities.

In parallel to these activities, both terrorist groups have adopted more aggressive measures to counter the advance of anti-terrorism forces. They have used food denial to punish civilian insubordination and cooperation with the state, relying on starvation tactics.

Boko Haram has systematically targeted food infrastructures. The group has burned crops, banned farming and fishing activities, and even poisoned water sources. This has happened particularly in places where militants suspected collusion between communities and national authorities.

Likewise, Al-Shabaab has interrupted trade routes. It has destroyed food imports to isolate southern Somali villages controlled by security forces and deprive them of popular support. During Somalia’s 2011–2012 famine, Al-Shabaab militants blocked humanitarian agencies. This was aimed at preventing the distribution of food aid to curb western influence in territories under their control.

The repercussions

The use of food as a weapon has had major repercussions in Borno State and southern Somalia. It is a primary cause of the deterioration of food security in these regions over the last 15 years.

Attacks on food resources and infrastructure have disrupted supply routes. They have pushed people to abandon their crops and pastures. This has decreased the production and availability of essential goods.

As a result, humanitarian conditions have worsened, local economies have weakened and displacement flows have intensified.

This has had detrimental effects for Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab, depriving militants of key assets to sustain their activities and attract new recruits.

The two terrorist groups have become victims of the emergencies they have helped generate. They have increasingly struggled to supply nourishment for their troops and supporters. Consequently, they have witnessed a growing number of defections motivated by unsustainable conditions.

Reports highlight increasing cases of jihadists surrendering to security forces while requesting food.

To address these challenges, Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab have intensified raids on villages, looting goods and livestock.

Read more: What drives Al-Shabaab in Somalia: foreign forces out, Sharia law in and overthrow the government

However, growing frictions with the population have undermined the groups’ operational capabilities, even opening up new fronts of resistance.

Boko Haram has been forced to transfer part of its resources and operations to the Lake Chad area. The group has intensified incursions to capture food in Nigeria’s neighbouring countries.

In Somalia, tensions with farming and pastoralist communities have led to the creation of militias mobilising against Al-Shabaab.

What next

The relocation of Boko Haram’s operations and the mobilisation of communities against Al-Shabaab have not eradicated the terrorist threat. However, these events further highlight food as a crucial factor shaping insurgencies.

African and international authorities need to tackle the dynamics of food weaponisation. They need to refine their approach to enhance local resilience, addressing the inequalities that insurgents exploit.

– Terrorists use food as a weapon: how Boko Haram and Al-Shabaab exploit hunger
– https://theconversation.com/terrorists-use-food-as-a-weapon-how-boko-haram-and-al-shabaab-exploit-hunger-256162

MIL OSI Africa –

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Yemen: US air strike that has left dozens of migrants dead must be investigated

Source: Amnesty International –

A US air strike on a migrant detention centre in Sa’ada, north-western Yemen on 28 April killed and injured dozens of migrants and must be investigated as a violation of international humanitarian law, said Amnesty International today, amid reports that hundreds of people have been killed and injured as a result of US air strikes on Yemen since March 2025.

According to satellite imagery analysis, the US attacks carried out on Sa’ada prison compound struck the migrant detention centre and another building on the site.

Amnesty International spoke with three individuals who work with African migrant and refugee communities in Yemen. Two of them, who had visited the migrant detention centre as well as two nearby hospitals, and their morgues in the aftermath of the air strike, confirmed witnessing evidence of a high number of casualties. The organization also analysed satellite imagery and video footage of horrific scenes showing migrants’ bodies strewn across rubble and rescuers trying to pull badly wounded survivors from the debris.

“The US attacked a well-known detention facility where the Huthis have been detaining migrants who had no means to take shelter. The major loss of civilian life in this attack raises serious concerns about whether the US complied with its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the rules on distinction and precautions,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

“The US must conduct a prompt, independent and transparent investigation into this air strike and into any other air strikes that have resulted in civilian casualties as well as those where the rules of international humanitarian law may have been violated.”

The major loss of civilian life in this attack raises serious concerns about whether the US complied with its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the rules on distinction and precautions,

Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General

Witnesses who visited the Republican hospital and al Talh General hospital in Sa’ada, told Amnesty International they saw more than two dozen Ethiopian migrants who sustained injuries including severe amputations and fractures. They also said that the morgues at the hospitals ran out of space to receive dead bodies, so casualties received from the air strike had to be stacked outside. The ICRC, whose staff were at the site in the immediate aftermath of the attack, also confirmed in a statement a high number of casualties, many of whom were migrants.

Under international humanitarian law attacking forces have an obligation to do everything feasible to distinguish between military and civilian targets, to verify whether their intended target is a military objective and to cancel an attack if there is doubt. When attacking a military objective, parties to a conflict must also take all feasible precautions to minimise harm to civilians in the vicinity.

If civilian harm is found to have occurred, victims and their families should receive full reparation for violations of international humanitarian law. Furthermore, if investigations find that there were direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects or indiscriminate attacks striking military targets and civilians without distinction and which killed or injured civilians, they should be investigated and treated as violations of internation law and potential war crimes.

Amnesty International’s arms experts analysed photos of the remnants of the weapons used in the attack and identified fragments of at least two 250 pound precision-guided GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs. US Central Command did not announce the target of the attack but a US defense official said they were assessing “claims” of civilian casualties in the strike, and conducting “our battle-damage assessment”. This assessment, including any conclusions related to civilian harm and efforts to respond to it, should promptly be made public.

Satellite imagery showing Sa’ada prison compound before the US air strike © 2025 Planet Labs PBC

Satellite imagery showing the site after the US air strike © 2025 Planet Labs PBC

The US should have known Sa’ada prison was a detention facility, that has been used for years by the Huthis to detain migrants and that it was regularly visited by ICRC. They should also have known that any aerial attack could result in significant civilian harm.

Amnesty also recalls that another detention facility within the same Sa’ada prison compound was hit by a Saudi-led coalition air strike on 21 January 2022, using a US-made precision guided munition, killing more than 90 detainees and injuring dozens. According to satellite imagery, since that strike in 2022 the Huthi de facto authorities have constructed additional buildings at that location, one of which was also struck on 28 April.

Amnesty International was unable to conclusively identify a legitimate military target within the Sa’ada prison compound. Restrictions by the Huthi de facto authorities on independent investigations, including access to the second location struck on 28 April, limit our ability to fully investigate the attack, or to rule out the possibility that there were military objectives within the prison compound. Any attack that fails to distinguish between civilians and civilian objects on the one hand, and legitimate military targets on the other, even within the same compound, constitutes an indiscriminate attack and a violation of international humanitarian law.

‘Shock and horror on their faces’

Amnesty International analysed dozens of videos and photos published by Huthi al Masira TV channel in addition to seven videos privately shared by one witness. This digital evidence showing bodies scattered in the rubble points to dozens of civilian migrant deaths and injuries in the air strike on the detention centre.

The Huthi-run Ministry of Interior stated that, at the time of the attack, the detention facility was holding 115 African migrant detainees, of whom 68 were killed and 47 were injured. If this number of casualties proves accurate, it would be the worst case of civilian harm in a single incident by the US military since an air strike in Mosul, Iraq in 2017.

Amnesty International could not independently verify the death toll, nor speak to survivors or medical workers, due to the Huthis’ ongoing crackdown on civic space. Huthi officials have issued several statements and directives prohibiting people from sharing names, photos, or any information related to the US air strikes’ casualties on social media and other public platforms. Multiple people said they were afraid to speak out of fear of reprisal. In recent years, aid workers, journalists and activists have been detained by the Huthis and accused of espionage.

Despite this, Amnesty International was able to speak, on condition of anonymity, with three individuals working with African migrant and refugee communities who said that all the migrant detainees held at this detention centre were Ethiopian, with the exception of one Eritrean.

One witness said he saw 25 injured migrants in the Republican hospital and nine in Al Talh General hospital in Sa’ada: “They suffered from different fractures and bruises. Some were in critical condition and two had amputated legs… The morgue in the Republican hospital was overwhelmed and there was no place left for tens of corpses that were still left outside the morgue for the second day.”

Another witness who visited both hospitals and spoke to dozens of the injured Ethiopian migrants said:

“They told me they were sleeping when they were hit with the first missile at around 4 a.m. in the morning (…) They said they woke up to find dismembered bodies around them. You could see the shock and horror on their faces. Some were still unable to speak because of the trauma.”

On 27 April, a day before the attack, US Central Command announced it had struck over 800 targets in Yemen since 15 March and that they were intentionally limiting disclosing information about their operations for reasons of operational security.

US Congress should ensure ongoing efforts to mitigate civilian harm

Critical systems put in place in recent years building on work started under the first Trump Administration to reduce and better respond to civilian harm caused by US lethal actions abroad are under threat by the current Trump Administration. News outlets have reported that programs at the Defense Department focused on civilian harm mitigation and response are being gutted, and that the US President has rolled back constraints on commanders authorizing certain types of air strikes and special operations. It has also been reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired the top military lawyers responsible for ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law in military operations.

“At a time when the US appears to be shrinking efforts aimed at reducing civilian harm by US lethal actions, the US Congress should play its oversight role and demand information on investigations to date on these strikes. Congress must further ensure that civilian harm mitigation and response mechanisms remain intact and robustly respond to this and other recent incidents,” said Agnès Callamard.

Background

Between November 2023 and January 2025, Huthi armed forces have targeted at least 74 commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, which they claimed were linked to Israel, the USA or the UK.

US President Joe Biden began air strikes against the Huthis in 2024. The new wave of US strikes under the Trump Administration started on 15 March 2025 after the Huthis announced on 11 March that they would resume attacks on Israeli ships passing through the Red and Arabian seas in response to Israel blocking aid into the occupied Gaza Strip.

Since 15 March, the Huthis have launched missiles and drones at the USS Harry S. Truman, an aircraft carrier stationed in the Red Sea. They have also resumed their attacks on Israel, striking near Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport on 4 May. Israel retaliated in May with air strikes including on Hodeidah port and Sana’a airport.

On 6 May, the US announced it was ending its military campaign against the Huthis in Yemen.

MIL OSI NGO –

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Attack on a civil Freedom Flotilla vessel in international waters – E-001867/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001867/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Mimmo Lucano (The Left)

On 1 May 2025, a Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessel bound for Gaza, with approximately 30 activists and humanitarian aid on board, was attacked by a drone while it was in international waters, close to Malta’s exclusive economic zone, according to consistent sources.

The attack caused a fire on board and the crew put out an SOS. Although it was the closest coastal state, Malta did not provide immediate relief – a unit from Cyprus intervened later. The vessel, which was sailing under the flag of Palau, was carrying civilian goods for the Palestinian population.

This episode raises serious concerns about compliance with the international law of the sea, the duty to render assistance at sea and the protection of civilian missions in the context of conflict.

In the light of the above:

1.Has the Commission been officially informed of the attack and has it discussed the matter with the Maltese and Cypriot authorities?

2.Will it call for an independent investigation to clarify what actually happened and who was responsible?

3.Taking account of EU standards and international conventions, what practical steps will the Commission take to ensure that European civilian humanitarian missions are protected in international waters?

Submitted: 8.5.2025
Last updated: 19 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Ethiopia Unveils Strategic Initiative to Green Its Financial System and Drive Sustainable Investment
Source: European Investment Bank

EIB
- EIB Greening Financial Systems Programme to work with the National Bank of Ethiopia and Commercial banks to enhance technical understanding of climate risks, enhance climate finance and develop Ethiopian green taxonomy
- Ethiopia latest country to join pioneering climate resilience initiative backed by Germany
The Greening Financial Systems Programme was officially launched in Ethiopia today by Ethiopian and international partners at the Ethiopia Finance Forum.

This transformative initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of Ethiopia’s financial sector to climate change by embedding climate risk into regulatory frameworks, advancing climate-related disclosures, and supporting the financing of sustainable projects across the country.

The National Bank of Ethiopia: Driving the green finance agenda

At the heart of this initiative is the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE), which is spearheading efforts to integrate climate considerations into the core of the financial sector. Recognizing the growing risks climate change poses to financial stability, the NBE is undertaking a strategic reform to align Ethiopia’s financial system with national climate objectives and international sustainability standards.

Demonstrating its strong institutional commitment, the NBE has established a high-level internal oversight and coordination team to guide the implementation, monitor progress, and ensure effective follow-up of the GFS Programme. This team brings together senior experts from across the Bank to oversee integration of climate risk considerations into supervisory frameworks and to coordinate with stakeholders on the development of green finance tools.

The GFS Programme will support the NBE in:
- Integrating climate-related financial risks into its supervisory and regulatory frameworks.
- Enhancing climate risk management capabilities across the financial sector.
- Developing a climate risk disclosure and reporting framework aligned with international best practices.
- Strengthening institutional capacity through tailored training programs and technical support.
- Coordinating the development of a National Green Taxonomy that will guide financial institutions and investors on what constitutes environmentally sustainable economic activities.
“The financial sector has a critical role to play in mobilising the significant finance required for Ethiopia’s transition to a climate-resilient, green economy. The Greening Financial Systems initiative will enhance our capacity to guide the sector in adapting to a changing climate and unlocking green investment opportunities,” said H.E. Mamo E. Mihretu, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia.

The technical assistance agreements were signed during the forum by Mr. Solomon Desta, Vice Governor for Financial Institutions at the National Bank of Ethiopia, and Ms. Leyla Traoré, Head of the EIB Representation to Ethiopia and the African Union. The event was attended by the German Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, the EU Ambassador to Ethiopia, and representatives from the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia.

The EIB is delighted to welcome Ethiopia to the Greening Financial Systems Programme. By supporting the National Bank of Ethiopia, we are building an enabling environment that will unlock vital climate action and green investments, contributing to Ethiopia’s ambitious climate goals,” said Ambroise Fayolle, Vice President of the European Investment Bank.

Funded by Germany through the International Climate Initiative (IKI), and implemented by the EIB, the GFS Programme in Ethiopia forms part of a broader international initiative that also includes Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Kenya, Nigeria, North Macedonia, and Rwanda.

Strengthening financial institutions for climate resilience

Beyond regulatory enhancements, the programme also supports Ethiopian commercial banks and financial institutions to build green finance capabilities. This includes:
- Developing green lending portfolios.
- Improving internal climate risk assessments.
- Introducing climate-sensitive credit evaluation frameworks.
- Facilitating access to green finance instruments and capacity-building workshops.
By complementing the regulatory improvements led by the NBE, this support aims to mobilize private finance for environmentally sustainable investments, helping banks identify viable green projects and reduce exposure to climate-related risks.

Laying the foundation for a national green taxonomy

A key priority under the NBE’s leadership is the development of Ethiopia’s first National Green Taxonomy, a classification system that will define which economic activities and investments are considered sustainable and climate aligned. The taxonomy will:
- Provide clarity and consistency in green investment classification.
- Serve as a reference for financial institutions, regulators, and investors.
- Support the alignment of domestic practices with international ESG and sustainability standards.
This process will be accompanied by consultations with stakeholders and the preparation of reporting guidelines for the taxonomy’s application across the financial sector.

Ethiopia is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with growing risks from extreme weather, drought, and food insecurity. These risks pose serious threats to the economy and the stability of the financial system.

The National Bank of Ethiopia’s proactive leadership and institutional commitment—in collaboration with the EIB and international partners—underscores a bold national effort to build climate resilience. Through the GFS Programme, Ethiopia is positioning its financial system to not only manage risks but also seize green investment opportunities that contribute to long-term, sustainable economic growth.

“Germany is proud to support Ethiopia’s efforts to green its financial system through the International Climate Initiative. The IKI Fund is one of the key instruments of the German Federal Government for international climate action to support strategies for countries that seek to achieve the green transformation. Strengthening financial resilience and unlocking green investment is crucial for Ethiopia’s sustainable future.” said H.E. Jens Hanefeld, German Ambassador to Ethiopia.

This programme underscores the close partnership between the European Union and Ethiopia in addressing the urgent challenge of climate change. By strengthening the financial sector’s capacity to manage climate risks and finance green projects, we are jointly advancing sustainable development and building resilience,” added H.E. Mrs. Sofie From-Emmesberger, EU Ambassador to Ethiopia.

Background information

About EIB Global

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.

EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 — around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

http://twitter.com/EIB

https://www.linkedin.com/company/eib-global/

More information about the Greening Financial Systems (GFS) technical assistance programme is here.

Ethiopia Unveils Strategic Initiative to Green Its Financial System and Drive Sustainable Investment
Ethiopia Unveils Strategic Initiative to Green Its Financial System and Drive Sustainable Investment
©EIB
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Ethiopia Unveils Strategic Initiative to Green Its Financial System and Drive Sustainable Investment
Ethiopia Unveils Strategic Initiative to Green Its Financial System and Drive Sustainable Investment
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MIL OSI Europe News –
May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Unity, Leadership & Vision Urged at Crucial Moment for Arab World – UN Chief | Press Conference

Source: United Nations (Video News)

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent action from Arab leaders to address what he described as a “crucial time” for the region, urging unity, vision, and concrete solutions to longstanding crises.

“I am pleased to be in Baghdad once again, this time for this Summit of the League of Arab States in a crucial moment for the region,” Guterres told reporters in Baghdad today (17 May). He said, “The ground is moving under our feet in this region. But the tectonic shifts are not a force of nature. The problems of violence and volatility are the results of concrete choices of people. And the solutions are also in the hands of decisionmakers.”

Addressing ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, Guterres said, “We know the people of the Arab world demand and deserve a better future.” He highlighted the situations in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, urging respect for ceasefires, inclusive political transitions, and peace efforts. “People in every corner of the Arab world… seek the same as those anywhere – a future of justice, dignity, human rights, security, peace and hope.”

Guterres placed particular emphasis on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, describing it as central to the region’s “unrealized hope.” He reiterated support for a two-State solution: “Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, with Jerusalem as the capital of both States – is not just a vision. It is a necessity.”

“The situation for Palestinians is beyond description … beyond atrocious … and beyond inhumane,” he said. “A policy of siege and starvation makes a mockery of international law. The blockade against humanitarian aid must end immediately.”

Closing his remarks, the Secretary-General urged decisive leadership: “This is a moment for moral clarity and concrete action. The choices ahead will shape the region for years to come. We can and must rise to this moment with courage, unity, and vision. I am convinced that the Arab world has the strength, the wisdom, and the opportunity to lead the way toward peace, dignity, and a future worthy of all its people.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBQkG-XqxmM

MIL OSI Video –

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI: Ryoko Pro Reviews: An In Depth Evaluation Of Ryoko Pro WiFi After Testing
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

KEARNY, N.J., May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In today’s hyper-connected world, losing internet access feels like losing a lifeline. Whether you’re closing deals from a beachside café, sharing vacation moments instantly with loved ones, or navigating unfamiliar streets in a foreign country, reliable internet isn’t just convenient, it’s what we ought to have.

Some days back, traveling to another country comes with the hassles of getting a new Sim Card and it will become useless immediately when you leave that country and you keep buying. Many things are becoming possible though many people are unaware of this device that is changing the way it will connect to the Internet anywhere in the world.

Meet “Ryoko Pro”, the ultimate solution, the pocket-sized solution to your connectivity challenges, and the most secure. This innovative portable hotspot delivers lightning-fast 4G LTE internet anywhere across 100+ countries, without the headache of roaming fees or complicated contracts. It comes with a Sim Card with 500MB global data so you can turn on and start using it. It doesn’t end there, it also comes with Ads blocking technology that eliminates any annoying pop up.

Imagine the freedom: seamlessly joining video calls from remote locations, streaming your favorite shows during lengthy commutes, in a new country, or uploading content on-the-go without hunting for highly vulnerable public WiFi or draining your phone’s battery.

Ryoko Pro isn’t just another gadget, it’s peace of mind in a world where staying connected means staying relevant. With the ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and an impressive 8-hour battery life, it adapts to your digital lifestyle rather than restricting it.

Trusted by global travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads alike, Ryoko pro has transformed connectivity from an uncertainty to a guarantee. Why compromise on your connection when excellence fits in your pocket?

Stay connected. Stay productive. Here is my honest review of Ryoko Pro after a one month trial.

Key Highlights (Ryoko Pro Reviews)
- No Contracts
- No Roaming Fees Worldwide
- Fast Internet Connection
- Connect 10 Devices
- Fits in Your Pocket
- Simple to Use
- USB Charging
- Long-Lasting Battery
- Ads Blocking
- Comes with a 500MB global data
Ryoko Pro Explained

Ryoko Pro represents the evolution of portable internet connectivity, engineered specifically for our increasingly mobile and digital lifestyles. Unlike traditional hotspot solutions that come with geographical limitations or exorbitant roaming fees, Ryoko Pro has reimagined connectivity from the ground up.

At its core, it uses advanced technology to track and automatically connect to the strongest available network tower in over 100 plus countries, worldwide. Through strategic partnerships with leading global network providers, the device seamlessly transitions between networks as you travel, ensuring you never experience the frustration of dropped connections or unavailable service or tempted to use an unknown public WiFi.

The technology behind Ryoko Pro is both sophisticated and user-friendly. When powered on, it immediately scans available networks in your vicinity, selecting the optimal connection based on signal strength and stability. This intelligent network selection happens continuously in the background, allowing you to focus on your activities rather than managing connection settings.

What truly distinguishes the Ryoko Pro Portable WiFi from the rest is its commitment to hassle-free connectivity. There are no complicated contracts to navigate, no surprise roaming fees to discover on your bill, and no technical expertise required to operate the device. Simply power it on, connect your devices through the intuitive interface, and enjoy high-speed internet access wherever your adventures or business take you.

The device operates on advanced 4G LTE technology, delivering impressive speeds up to 150Mbps that support everything from basic browsing to bandwidth-intensive applications like video conferencing or streaming services. With multi-device capability that supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, Ryoko Pro effectively creates your personal internet bubble that travels with you.

For travelers, remote workers, digital nomads, and anyone who values reliable connectivity without borders, Ryoko Pro eliminates the uncertainty of internet access. It transforms connectivity from a location-dependent variable into a constant companion, empowering users to stay connected, productive, and engaged regardless of geographical location.

CHECK!!! Order Ryoko Pro Portable WiFi From The Official Website At Discounted Price

Specifications (Ryoko Pro Reviews)

Color: Sleek and modern design with a black and silver finish

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz)

Network: Supports up to 10 devices simultaneously

Speed: Download speeds up to 150 Mbps, upload speeds up to 50 Mbps

Battery Life: More than 8 hours of continuous use

Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery

Power Input: USB-C (5V/2A)

Security: WPA2 encryption, built-in firewall

Operating System: Proprietary OS

Firmware Updates: Automatic firmware updates to ensure latest security patches and features.

Features Of Ryoko Pro (Ryoko Pro Reviews)

Ryoko Pro combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design to deliver a comprehensive connectivity solution. Let’s explore the extensive feature set that positions this device as a market leader in portable internet solutions.

Advanced Connectivity Technology: At the heart of Ryoko WiFi lies its advanced 4G LTE technology, engineered to deliver consistent high-speed internet access across diverse global locations. The device achieves impressive download speeds of up to 150Mbps, enabling seamless performance for bandwidth-intensive activities like HD video streaming, large file transfers, and real-time collaborative work. The integrated high-gain antenna significantly enhances signal reception, allowing the device to maintain stable connections even in areas with weaker network coverage.

Ryoko Pro’s intelligent network selection algorithm continuously monitors available networks, automatically switching to the strongest and most reliable connection without user intervention. This sophisticated background process ensures you always experience optimal performance without needing to manually adjust settings as you change locations.

Advanced Security Measures: The device employs WPA2 encryption, a widely accepted and highly secure encryption protocol, to safeguard users’ online activities and prevent unauthorized network access. Additionally, the Ryoko Pro features a built-in firewall that blocks malicious traffic and prevents hackers from accessing your device.

Global Coverage Without Boundaries: Perhaps, the most revolutionary aspect of Ryoko Pro is its expansive global coverage network spanning more than 100 countries. Through strategic partnerships with leading telecommunications providers worldwide, Ryoko delivers truly borderless connectivity. The device automatically detects and connects to local networks as you travel, eliminating the need for different SIM cards or complicated international plans.

This global coverage comes without the traditional burden of roaming fees or country-specific limitations. Whether you’re conducting business in Tokyo, vacationing in Barcelona, or working remotely from a beach in Thailand, Ryoko Pro maintains consistent performance without accumulating excessive charges or requiring complicated setup procedures between destinations.

Multi Device Management and Security: Ryoko Pro sophisticated hardware configuration supports simultaneous connection of up to 10 devices without compromising performance. The intelligent bandwidth management system allocates resources efficiently between connected devices, preventing any single connection from monopolizing available bandwidth and ensuring a smooth experience for all users.

Security remains paramount in the Ryoko ecosystem, with enterprise-grade encryption protocols protecting your data transmission. Using WPA2 security standards along with additional proprietary security measures to create a secure connection bubble around your digital activities. Users can further customize security settings through the intuitive management interface, including guest network creation with limited access permissions.

Optimized Battery Performance: Understanding the importance of reliable power for travelers and remote workers, Ryoko Pro features a high-capacity 3500mAh lithium-polymer battery optimized for extended usage. Under typical conditions, the device delivers approximately 8 hours of continuous connectivity on a single charge sufficient for a full workday or long-distance travel.

The intelligent power management system incorporates adaptive usage modes that automatically adjust power consumption based on connected devices and activity levels. When idle or during periods of lower demand, Ryoko Pro automatically transitions to power-saving mode, extending battery life without compromising availability.

The USB-C fast charging capability significantly reduces downtime, with the device reaching approximately 80% capacity in just 45 minutes. For extended trips away from power sources, it is also compatible with standard portable power banks, making it truly adaptable to diverse usage scenarios.

User-Friendly Design and Experience: The physical design of Ryoko Pro exemplifies the perfect balance between functionality and portability. With dimensions comparable to a credit card (though slightly thicker), the device easily fits into pockets, purses, or laptop bags without adding significant bulk or weight. The durable exterior housing protects internal components while maintaining an elegant, professional aesthetic suitable for business environments.

User interaction has been simplified to an intuitive one-button operation for basic functions, while the companion mobile application provides deeper control over advanced settings. The app’s clean interface allows users to monitor data usage, manage connected devices, adjust security settings, and receive notifications about system performance without technical complexity.

The device’s small but informative LED display provides essential status information at a glance, including battery level, signal strength, and connected device count. This thoughtful integration of physical and digital interfaces ensures that users of all technical proficiency levels can effectively manage their connectivity experience.

Flexible Usage Plans: Understanding that connectivity needs vary widely between users, Ryoko Pro offers flexible data plans without contractual obligations. Users can select from pay-as-you-go options ideal for occasional travelers, monthly recurring plans for regular users, or customized enterprise solutions for business teams.

The transparency in pricing structure eliminates surprising charges, with clear data allocation and straightforward renewal processes. Unused data on certain plans rolls over to the following month, ensuring customers receive maximum value from their investment. Additionally, the accompanying app provides real-time data usage statistics and customizable alerts when approaching predetermined thresholds, putting users in complete control of their connectivity expenses.

Through this comprehensive feature set, Ryoko Pro addresses virtually every pain point in the portable connectivity landscape, delivering a solution that adapts to users’ needs rather than forcing users to adapt to technological limitations.

Don’t Miss!!! Place Your Order Today On The Official Product Sales Page

Benefits Of Ryoko Pro

Ryoko Pro delivers substantial benefits that extend far beyond basic internet connectivity, fundamentally transforming how users interact with the digital world while traveling or working remotely.

Unprecedented Freedom and Flexibility

The most immediate benefit of Ryoko Pro is the liberation from geographical connectivity constraints. Users experience unprecedented freedom to work, communicate, and consume content from virtually anywhere without sacrificing connection quality. This location independence empowers professionals to redefine their workplace boundaries, enables travelers to maintain productivity during transit, and allows digital nomads to establish operations from remote or exotic locations without connectivity concerns.

The absence of contracts creates financial flexibility previously unavailable in the connectivity market. Users can adjust their plans based on changing travel schedules or usage requirements without incurring penalties or navigating complicated cancellation procedures. This pay-for-what-you-need approach eliminates wasteful spending on unused services during periods of lower mobility.

Enhanced Productivity and Reliability

Productivity receives a significant boost through consistent, reliable internet access regardless of location. The frustration and time wastage associated with hunting for public WiFi, dealing with spotty hotel connections, or configuring different connectivity solutions for each destination are eliminated. This connectivity continuity maintains workflow momentum and ensures deadline-sensitive projects remain on track even during intensive travel periods.

The multi-device capability transforms Ryoko Pro into a mobile office hub, allowing simultaneous connection of laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other IoT devices. Team members traveling together can share a single connection while maintaining individual productivity, and families can keep multiple devices connected without competing for bandwidth or accumulating charges across separate devices.

Financial Advantages Through Smart Design

Significant financial benefits emerge through the elimination of international roaming charges, which can quickly accumulate to hundreds or even thousands of dollars during global travel. Ryoko Pro predictable pricing structure protects users from bill shock while maintaining premium connectivity quality.

For businesses, Ryoko Pro represents an excellent return on investment by eliminating productivity losses caused by connectivity issues during business travel. The ability to maintain seamless communication with clients, access cloud-based resources, and participate in virtual meetings from any location directly impacts revenue generation and operational efficiency.

Security and Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most valuable yet intangible benefit is the peace of mind that comes from securing your digital activities. Public WiFi networks represent significant security vulnerabilities, potentially exposing sensitive data to malicious actors. Ryoko Pro creates a secure, private connection that protects confidential communications, financial transactions, and proprietary information while working in public spaces, substantially reducing cybersecurity risks associated with mobile work.

Pros (Ryoko Pro Reviews)

Ryoko Pro strengths extend across multiple dimensions, delivering advantages that position it as the premier solution for portable connectivity needs.

The most compelling advantage is the seamless global coverage spanning over 100 countries without roaming fees. Unlike smartphone hotspots that incur substantial international charges, Ryoko maintains consistent pricing regardless of location, eliminating surprise charges on your monthly statement.

Performance reliability distinguishes Ryoko Pro from alternatives, with dedicated hardware specifically engineered for connectivity tasks. This specialized design delivers superior signal reception, more stable connections, and better performance than smartphone hotspots that struggle with simultaneous data transmission and reception tasks.

Battery efficiency represents another significant advantage. While activating your smartphone’s hotspot function dramatically accelerates battery depletion, Ryoko optimized power management, delivers 8 hours of continuous connectivity without impacting your primary communication device’s availability.

The multi-device capability creates exceptional value, supporting up to 10 simultaneous connections without performance degradation. This transforms the Ryoko Pro from an individual solution to a comprehensive connectivity hub for families, small teams, or multi-device users.

From a security perspective, Ryoko Pro implements enterprise-grade encryption that substantially outperforms public WiFi options, protecting sensitive data from potential interception. Combined with the intuitive interface requiring minimal technical knowledge, it delivers sophisticated connectivity benefits with remarkable user-friendliness.

Who Needs Ryoko Pro?

Ryoko Pro serves diverse audiences united by their need for reliable, secure connectivity beyond traditional infrastructure limitations.

Business travelers form a core user base, relying on Ryoko Pro to maintain productivity during international trips. For these professionals, the ability to join video conferences, access cloud resources, and respond to time-sensitive communications from airports, hotels, or client locations represents significant professional value.

Digital nomads and remote workers embrace it as essential equipment enabling their location-independent lifestyle. By providing consistent connectivity from beach destinations, mountain retreats, or foreign cities, Ryoko Pro Portable WiFi removes the geographical restrictions that typically limit remote work options.

Frequent international travelers appreciate its ability to eliminate roaming charges while providing immediate connectivity upon landing in new destinations. The simplicity of having one solution that works across multiple countries removes the complexity of navigating different local SIM cards or connectivity options.

Families traveling together benefit from Ryoko Pro multi-device support, creating a connectivity hub that keeps everyone online without purchasing separate international data plans for each family member’s device.

Event coordinators and field professionals working in locations with unreliable infrastructure utilize it as backup connectivity, ensuring critical operations continue regardless of local network conditions.

Students studying abroad find Ryoko Pro invaluable for maintaining academic continuity while navigating new environments, accessing course materials and submission portals without dependence on variable campus networks.

Why Is Ryoko Pro Recommended?

Industry experts and seasoned travelers consistently recommend Ryoko Pro on its exceptional performance metrics and thoughtful user-centered design that addresses common connectivity pain points.

The recommendation strength stems from its comprehensive approach to global connectivity that eliminates the traditional compromises users face. While other solutions might excel in specific aspects, some offering good domestic coverage, others providing acceptable international options, Ryoko Pro delivers excellence across all critical dimensions including coverage breadth, connection stability, security implementation, and user experience.

Performance testing under diverse conditions demonstrates its technical superiority, maintaining consistent speeds even in challenging environments where competing products struggle to establish reliable connections. The engineering precision evident in signal acquisition and retention capabilities reflects the product’s focused development as a dedicated connectivity solution rather than an afterthought feature.

Customer satisfaction metrics further reinforce the recommendation. Based On Verified Ryoko Pro Reviews, thousands of buyers were reporting transformative improvements in their travel and remote work experiences. The remarkably low return rate during the 30-day guarantee period indicates the product consistently meets or exceeds buyer expectations.

For professionals whose productivity and effectiveness depend on reliable connectivity, Ryoko Pro represents not merely a purchase but an investment in operational consistency. The device’s reasonable acquisition cost combined with transparent usage plans delivers exceptional value when measured against the productivity losses prevented through consistent connectivity.

Ryoko Pro Reviews From Other Users

“As a consultant visiting clients across Asia and Europe monthly, Ryoko Pro has literally transformed my productivity. I’m connected the moment I land no more hunting for SIM cards or paying ridiculous hotel WiFi fees. The battery lasts my entire workday, and I’ve connected my laptop, tablet, and phone simultaneously without any speed issues. Best investment for my business in years!”…….James K.

“Our family of five used Ryoko Pro throughout our three-week European vacation. Everyone stayed connected without fighting over who gets to use the hotel WiFi. The kids could stream, I could post vacation photos instantly, and my husband managed work emergencies seamlessly. Worth every penny”…..Stephanie L.

“I run my entire freelance design business using Ryoko Pro while traveling through South America. The connection is stable enough for video client meetings even from remote locations. No more stressing about finding cafés with decent WiFi before deadlines. Complete game-changer for digital nomads!” – Miguel R.

Prices Of Ryoko Pro Portable WiFi And Where To Buy

Ryoko Pro can be gotten from the official website at the following prices:

One unit of Ryoko Pro costs $89
Two units of Ryoko Pro costs $138
Three units of Ryoko Pro costs $177
Four units of Ryoko Pro costs $220

Concluding Remarks On Ryoko Pro Review

As our world increasingly embraces remote work, digital nomadism, and global connectivity, solutions like Ryoko Pro transition from luxury to necessity. What distinguishes this device in the crowded connectivity marketplace is its unwavering focus on eliminating the compromises traditionally associated with mobile internet access.

Truly, Ryoko Pro represents the convergence of sophisticated technology with intuitive design principles creating a product that delivers technical excellence without imposing complexity on the user. This balance is remarkably difficult to achieve, yet Ryoko pro accomplishes it with apparent effortlessness.

Perhaps, most significantly, Ryoko Pro provides something increasingly precious in our digital existence: certainty. The certainty that your presentation will upload, your video call won’t drop, your critical email will send regardless of where your journey takes you. This reliability fundamentally alters how users approach both work and leisure travel, removing connectivity anxiety from the equation.

As remote work continues reshaping professional landscapes and international travel resumes its upward trajectory, the demand for seamless connectivity solutions will only intensify. Ryoko pro has positioned itself at the forefront of this evolution, not merely meeting current requirements but anticipating tomorrow’s connectivity needs.

For those who value freedom, reliability, and simplicity in their digital existence, Ryoko Pro isn’t just a connectivity solution, it’s an essential companion for modern life. Currently, it is available on the official website at around $90 per Unit. Buy it if you are completely Thrilled.

Media Details:

Project Name: Ryoko Pro
Address: 78 John Miller Way, Kearny, New Jersey 07032, United States
Media Contact: John Allen
Website: https://Ryokorouter.com
Email: j_allen@getryoko.com
Phone: +1 (917) 555-2746

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.

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The MIL Network –
May 19, 2025
Trump to speak to Putin on end to war in Ukraine as Europeans demand ceasefire

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday about peace in Ukraine as European leaders demanded that the Kremlin accept an immediate ceasefire to halt the region’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.

Putin sent thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering the gravest confrontation between Russia and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

Trump, who says he wants to be remembered as a peacemaker, has repeatedly called for an end to the “bloodbath” of Ukraine, which his administration casts as a proxy war between the United States and Russia.

Under pressure from Trump, delegates from the warring countries met last week in Istanbul for the first time since March 2022, after Putin proposed direct talks and Europeans and Ukraine demanded an immediate ceasefire.

“The subjects of the call will be stopping the ‘bloodbath’ that is killing, on average, more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social website.

“Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end.”

Trump, who said that progress on peace was unlikely until he and Putin get together, said he would speak to Putin at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (1400 GMT) on Monday. The Kremlin said preparations for a call were underway.

Trump, whose administration has made clear that Russia could face additional sanctions if it does not take peace talks seriously, said he would also speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and various members of NATO.

Putin, whose forces control a fifth of Ukraine and are advancing, has stood firm on his conditions for ending the war, despite public and private pressure from Trump and repeated warnings from European powers.

On Sunday, Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the start of the war.

Ukraine’s intelligence service said it also believed Moscow intended to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile on Sunday, though there was no confirmation from Russia.

In June 2024, Putin said Ukraine must officially drop its NATO ambitions and withdraw its troops from the entire territory of the four Ukrainian regions Russia claims.

On Sunday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine with leaders of the United States, Italy, France and Germany, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

“Tomorrow, President Putin must show he wants peace by accepting the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by President Trump and backed by Ukraine and Europe,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on X after Sunday’s call.

Putin is wary of a ceasefire and says fighting cannot be paused until a number of crucial conditions are worked out or clarified.

European leaders say Putin is not serious about peace, though they fear Trump and he may force a punitive peace deal that will leave Ukraine essentially shorn of a fifth of its territory and lacking a strong security guarantee against possible future attack from Russia.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, Western European leaders and Ukraine cast the invasion as an imperial-style land grab and repeatedly vowed to defeat Russian forces which they say could one day attack NATO, a claim denied by Moscow.

Putin casts the war as a watershed moment in Moscow’s relations with the West, which he says humiliated Russia after the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union by enlarging NATO and encroaching on what he considers Moscow’s sphere of influence, including Ukraine.

(Reuters)

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stoke-on-Trent to weed out illegal cannabis grows in zero-tolerance crackdown

Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

Weed them out graphic

Published: Monday, 19th May 2025

Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police are teaming up in a major new crackdown on illegal cannabis grows in the city.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police are teaming up in a major new crackdown on illegal cannabis grows in the city.

The joint operation will target cannabis grows in council properties, privately rented homes and empty commercial buildings to combat the negative impact the drug has on our communities.

Action will be taken against council tenants, private landlords and their tenants, and owners of commercial buildings when a cannabis grow is found.

Private landlords who knowingly allow cannabis grows in their properties could face criminal charges, while council tenants will see their tenancies terminated.

To encourage private building owners and landlords to make sure buildings are in legal use – as well as encouraging regeneration of the city’s empty properties – charges on empty homes are now applicable and can be up to a 300% premium.

The crackdown will build on the existing police Operation Levidrome, which has seen more than 21 significant cannabis grows detected in the city in the last three months.

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We are committed to tackling this issue – and it starts with the property owners.

“Criminal gangs are targeting empty buildings to set up dangerous grow which create fire risks and other hazards.

“We need to keep drugs out of our communities and out of the hands of children.

“We won’t stand by while illegal activity threatens the safety of our residents.

“If you see, smell or hear something suspicious: grass a grow!!! Together we will weed them out.”

Stoke North Local Policing Team Inspector Victoria Ison said: “We’re determined to continue working with our partners in the city to rid the area of organised crime, including the gangs responsible for cannabis cultivation.

“We’re acting proactively to identify, dismantle and disrupt cannabis grows in Stoke-on-Trent, and we welcome the city council’s clampdown on tenancy rules to ensure that grows are more easily identified.

“Working in partnership with the local authority helps us act strongly against those responsible for harm in local communities. By working together, we have arrested more than 260 people suspected of high-harm offences in the city under our Making Great Places initiative.

“Officers are continuing to act on the concerns of local people and businesses as robustly as possible in Stoke-on-Trent.”

Over the coming months, council housing teams will carry out proactive inspections of high-risk properties, particularly those standing empty. More information about how to spot and report cannabis farms can be found at: https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/police-forces/staffordshire-police/areas/staffordshire-police/campaigns/2021/cannabis-farms/

The campaign will also work to help aide the reduction in anti-social behaviour across the city.

For any other concerns relating to anti-social behaviour (ASB), report through to the ASB Team on 01782 234234, complete the online form at www.stoke.gov.uk or email asb@stoke.gov.uk

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

For information on charges for Empty Homes, visit: www.stoke.gov.uk/emptyandsecondhomes

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 19, 2025
Russia launches war’s largest drone attack ahead of Putin-Trump call

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Russia launched on Sunday its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the start of the war, destroying homes and killing at least one woman a day before U.S. President Donald Trump is due to discuss a proposed ceasefire with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine’s intelligence service said it also believed Moscow intended to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile later on Sunday as an attempt to intimidate the West. There was no immediate response from Moscow to the accusation.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, straining to restore ties with Washington after a disastrous February White House visit, met Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday on the sidelines of Pope Leo’s inauguration.

Zelenskiy said the meeting was “good” and released pictures of Ukrainian and U.S. officials sitting outside at a round table and smiling. Ukrainian media said the meeting lasted 40 minutes.

“I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible,” said Zelenskiy, who also met the new pope.

Ukraine and Russia held their first face-to-face talks in more than three years on Friday, under pressure from Trump to agree to a ceasefire in a war he has pledged to bring to a quick end. The foes agreed to swap 1,000 prisoners each but failed to agree a truce, after Moscow presented conditions that a member of Ukraine’s delegation called “non-starters”.

The leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Poland planned to speak to Trump before the U.S. and Russian presidents speak on Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. The four European leaders jointly visited Kyiv last week and have been calling for Trump to back new sanctions on Russia.

Asked if it was time to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that was up to Trump.

“I think we will see what happens when both sides get to the table,” he told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” programme.

“President Trump has made it very clear, that if President Putin does not negotiate in good faith, that the United States will not hesitate to up the Russia sanctions along with our European partners.”

After a night of air alerts, Ukraine’s air force said that as of 8 a.m. on Sunday Russia had launched 273 drones at Ukrainian cities, more than the previous record Moscow had set in February on the war’s third anniversary.

‘I COULD HEAR THE DRONE’

In the ruins of her family home in the Obukhiv region west of Kyiv, Natalia Piven, 44, recounted how she squeezed into a cellar with her son after an air raid warning, just in time to survive a first wave of drones.

They then ran out to a bomb shelter at a kindergarten, before another wave of drones bore down on the village. Their house was completely destroyed. A 28-year-old woman who lived next door was killed. Ukrainian authorities said three other people were injured, including a four-year-old child.

“I cannot get over it. I simply cannot. I could clearly hear the drone flying right towards my house,” Piven told Reuters.

Trump has shifted U.S. rhetoric from supporting Ukraine towards accepting some of Moscow’s narrative about the war that Putin launched in 2022. But Kyiv and its European allies are working hard to persuade Trump that it is Moscow that is holding up a truce now.

Zelenskiy has said he would accept Trump’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire of at least 30 days with no conditions. Moscow says it would consider a ceasefire but only if conditions are met, including a halt in arms supplies to Kyiv.

It also says any peace talks must address the “root causes” of the conflict, including its demands that Ukraine cede territory, be disarmed and accept neutral status. Kyiv says that would amount to capitulation and leave it defenceless.

(Reuters)

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni’s telephone conversation with President Trump, Prime Minister Starmer, President Macron and Chancellor Merz

Source: Government of Italy (English)

The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, had a telephone conversation late yesterday evening with the President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, together with the leaders of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, of France, Emmanuel Macron, and of Germany, Friedrich Merz, for consultations prior to the announced call that President Trump will have today with President Putin.

President Meloni first of all reiterated Italy’s support, together with European and Western partners, for President Trump’s efforts for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, stressing the importance of an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

Lastly, President Meloni expressed her appreciation for the willingness Ukraine has once again shown with regard to dialogue, and reaffirmed the hope that Moscow will seriously engage, through direct leader-to-leader contact, in negotiations that can lead to peace.

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 19, 2025