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Category: Natural Disasters

  • MIL-OSI Global: Unprecedented cuts to the National Science Foundation endanger research that improves economic growth, national security and your life

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul Bierman, Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, University of Vermont

    The National Science Foundation funds America’s next great innovations, including space-related research. Heritage Space/Heritage Images/Getty Images

    Look closely at your mobile phone or tablet. Touch-screen technology, speech recognition, digital sound recording and the internet were all developed using funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation.

    No matter where you live, NSF-supported research has also made your life safer. Engineering studies have reduced earthquake damage and fatalities through better building design. Improved hurricane and tornado forecasts reflect NSF investment in environmental monitoring and computer modeling of weather. NSF-supported resilience studies reduce risks and losses from wildfires.

    Using NSF funding, scientists have done research that amazes, entertains and enthralls. They have drilled through mile-thick ice sheets to understand the past, visited the wreck of the Titanic and captured images of deep space.

    NSF funding supports research to help minimize risk and harm from natural hazards, including wildfires.
    FEMA/Michael Mancino

    NSF investments have made America and American science great. At least 268 Nobel laureates received NSF grants during their careers. The foundation has partnered with agencies across the government since it was created, including those dealing with national security and space exploration. The Federal Reserve estimates that government-supported research from the NSF and other agencies has had a return on investment of 150% to 300% since 1950, meaning for every dollar U.S. taxpayers invested, they got back between $1.50 and $3.

    However, that funding is now at risk.

    Since January, layoffs, leadership resignations and a massive proposed reorganization have threatened the integrity and mission of the National Science Foundation. Hundreds of research grants have been terminated. The administration’s proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2026 would cut NSF’s funding by 55%, an unprecedented reduction that would end federal support for science research across a wide range of discipines.

    At my own geology lab, I have seen NSF grants catalyze research and the work of dozens of students who have collected data that’s now used to reduce risks from earthquakes, floods, landslides, erosion, sea-level rise and melting glaciers.

    I have also served on advisory committees and review panels for the NSF over the past 30 years and have seen the value the foundation produces for the American people.

    American science’s greatness stemmed from war

    In the 1940s, with the advent of nuclear weapons, the space race and the intensification of the Cold War, American science and engineering expertise became increasingly critical for national defense. At the time, most basic and applied research was done by the military.

    Vannevar Bush, an electrical engineer who oversaw military research efforts during World War II, including development of the atomic bomb, had a different idea.

    He articulated an expansive scientific vision for the United States in Science: The Endless Frontier. The report was a blueprint for an American research juggernaut grounded in the expertise of university faculty, staff and graduate students.

    The National Science Foundation funded some of the earliest weather equipment on satellites. The gold sphere is the Navy Vanguard (SLV-3) satellite, launched in 1958 to monitor cloud cover.
    Bettmann/Getty Images

    On May 10, 1950, after five years of debate and compromise, President Harry Truman signed legislation creating the National Science Foundation and putting Bush’s vision to work. Since then, the foundation has become the leading funder of basic research in the United States.

    NSF’s mandate, then as now, was to support basic research and spread funding for science across all 50 states. Expanding America’s scientific workforce was and remains integral to American prosperity. By 1952, the foundation was awarding merit fellowships to graduate and postdoctoral scientists from every state.

    There were compromises. Control of NSF rested with presidential appointees, disappointing Bush. He wanted scientists in charge to avoid political interference with the foundation’s research agenda.

    NSF funding matters to everyone, everywhere

    Today, American tax dollars supporting science go to every state in the union.

    The states with the most NSF grants awarded between 2011 and 2024 include several that voted Republican in the 2024 election – Texas, Florida, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania – and several that voted Democratic, including Massachusetts, New York, Virginia and Colorado.

    More than 1,800 public and private institutions, scattered across all 50 states, receive NSF funding. The grants pay the salaries of staff, faculty and students, boosting local employment and supporting college towns and cities. For states with major research universities, those grants add up to hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Even states with few universities each see tens of millions of dollars for research.

    As NSF grant recipients purchase lab supplies and services, those dollars support regional and national economies.

    When NSF budgets are cut and grants are terminated or never awarded, the harm trickles down and communities suffer. Initial NSF funding cuts are already rippling across the country, affecting both national and local economies in red, blue and purple states alike.

    An analysis of a February 2025 proposal that would cut about US$5.5 billion from National Institutes of Health grants estimated the ripple effect through college towns and supply chains would cost $6.1 billion in GDP, or total national productivity, and over 46,000 jobs.

    An uncertain future for American science

    America’s scientific research and training enterprise has enjoyed bipartisan support for decades. Yet, as NSF celebrates its 75th birthday, the future of American science is in doubt. Funding is increasingly uncertain, and politics is driving decisions, as Bush feared 80 years ago.

    A list of grants terminated by the Trump administration, collected both from government websites and scientists themselves, shows that by early May 2025, NSF had stopped funding more than 1,400 existing grants, totaling over a billion dollars of support for research, research training and education.

    Most terminated grants focused on education – the core of science, technology and engineering workforce development critical for supplying highly skilled workers to American companies. For example, NSF provided 1,000 fewer graduate student fellowships in 2025 than in the decade before − a 50% drop in support for America’s best science students.

    American scientists are responding to NSF’s downsizing in diverse ways. Some are pushing back by challenging grant terminations. Others are preparing to leave science or academia. Some are likely to move abroad, taking offers from other nations to recruit American experts. Science organizations and six prior heads of the NSF are calling on Congress to step up and maintain funding for science research and workforce development.

    If these losses continue, the next generation of American scientists will be fewer in number and less well prepared to address the needs of a population facing the threat of more extreme weather, future pandemics and the limits to growth imposed by finite natural resources and other planetary limits.

    Investing in science and engineering is an investment in America. Diminishing NSF and the science it supports will hurt the American economy and the lives of all Americans.

    Paul Bierman receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

    – ref. Unprecedented cuts to the National Science Foundation endanger research that improves economic growth, national security and your life – https://theconversation.com/unprecedented-cuts-to-the-national-science-foundation-endanger-research-that-improves-economic-growth-national-security-and-your-life-256556

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: East Preston — RCMP responds to vehicle-pedestrian collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment responded to a vehicle-pedestrian collision that occurred in East Preston.

    On May 13, at approximately 3:30 p.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, fire services, and EHS, responded to a report of a collision near the 2280 block of Hwy. 7. RCMP officers learned that a Honda Civic was travelling on the roadway when it struck a youth pedestrian that suddenly attempted to cross the roadway. The youth had been walking on the side of the road with a second youth moments prior to the impact.

    The youth pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to hospital by EHS.

    The driver of the Civic, a 48-year-old Lake Echo man, did not suffer physical injuries.

    File #: 25-67025

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: North America Drone Market Size Expected Reach $31 Billion By 2034 as Revenue Opportunities Jump

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The Drones-As-A Service market is expected to continue substantial growth in the coming years. The adoption of advanced technologies in drones, such as thermal imaging, gas detection, and loudspeakers, is increasing, particularly in public safety and emergency response. Drones equipped with these technologies are used extensively by fire departments, search and rescue teams, and law enforcement to manage disasters and enhance surveillance​. The primary reasons for the adoption of these technologies include the need for enhanced operational efficiency and safety in executing complex tasks such as infrastructure inspections, disaster management, and agricultural monitoring. The ability of drones to provide high-resolution imagery and real-time data is invaluable in these contexts, enabling better decision-making and resource allocation​. A report from Market.us projected that the North America Drone Market size is expected to be worth around USD 31,062.9 Million By 2034, from USD 11,445.1 Million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.The U.S. Drone market was estimated at USD 10,869.4 Million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2025 to 2034. The report said: “The primary reasons for the adoption of these technologies include the need for enhanced operational efficiency and safety in executing complex tasks such as infrastructure inspections, disaster management, and agricultural monitoring. The ability of drones to provide high-resolution imagery and real-time data is invaluable in these contexts, enabling better decision-making and resource allocation​.”   Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV).

    The Market.us report continued: “The North America drone market is characterized by a significant presence of small and medium-sized enterprises, with a considerable portion being small drone companies. This market is seeing growth in diversity with the entry of major tech companies like Alphabet and Intel. The integration of cutting-edge technologies by companies such as DJI, which recently introduced a LiDAR system for professional surveying, exemplifies the ongoing innovation within this sector. Several key drivers are propelling the North America drone market. Regulatory developments have played a crucial role, especially with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) updating rules to allow more extensive commercial drone operations, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights​. Additionally, technological advancements in drone hardware and software are enhancing their capabilities, making them more appealing for commercial applications​.” It concluded: “The US Drone Market is valued at approximately USD 10,869 Million in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 11,999 Million in 2025 to approximately USD 29,233.5 Million by 2034, projected at a CAGR of 10.4% from 2025 to 2034. The presence of supportive government policies and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations has facilitated controlled commercial drone operations, especially in areas such as logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection. Moreover, consistent investment by the U.S. Department of Defense in military drones has further strengthened the market.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Reports Nearly Double Revenue Year-Over-Year for the First Quarter of 2025 – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces financial results for the first quarter 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights:

    • Total revenues for the first quarter of 2025 were $1.13 million, up 92% compared to $591,379 for the first quarter of 2024 primarily due to acquisitions and organic growth.
    • ZenaTech’s new Drone as a Service or DaaS segment grew from completing two acquisitions of land survey drone servicing companies ─ Oregon-based Weddle Surveying and Florida-based KJM Land Surveying. The Company also signed five LOIs (Letter of Intent) for additional acquisitions during the quarter.
    • The company acquired Othership, a UK workplace management software company supporting its enterprise SaaS software segment, where it plans to leverage workplace AI and quantum computing productivity solutions targeting business and government customers.
    • The company made investments in longer term growth and in new segment development that caused general and administrative expenses to increase to $5.75 million in Q1 2025 versus about $0.7 million in Q1 of 2024. This primarily consisted of sales and marketing activities, new hires, professional services, and finance expenses.
    • ZenaTech made investments in its subsidiary ZenaDrone’s UAE manufacturing capabilities during the quarter, including hiring 35 new engineers and technicians. Also announced was the opening of a drone testing facility in Turkey for beyond-the-line-of-sight drone testing.
    • Drone product highlights in Q1 include finalizing the third-generation design and “production model” of the ZenaDrone 1000 drone that will enable the start of scaling up of production. The company also announced the IQ Square drone has moved from prototype to manufacturing stage.
    • The commence of work on a heavy-lift gas-powered ZD 1000 model for longer fight times for US defense applications took place during the quarter. Testing also commenced on a new high-density drone battery and a proprietary communications system for this drone.
    • The company reported that ZenaDrone is preparing for Green UAS followed by Blue UAS certification required to sell to the US Military. Additionally, it is reviewing and putting in place cybersecurity practices, documentation, and internal controls necessary to apply for this certification.
    • ZenaTech further expanded its Taiwan drone component manufacturer─ Spider Vision Sensors, adding additional engineering and business development staff. It also announced the first Blue UAS-certifiable drone sensors are under development.

    “The first quarter of 2025 was a very strong and encouraging start to the year as revenue nearly doubled, up 92% primarily due to acquisitions and organic growth across both our software and drone segments,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. “During the first quarter we launched our Drone as a Service or DaaS business segment with a vision to have a national footprint in the US and globally.”

    “Although expenses increased during the first quarter, these are investments intended to grow the company over the long-term, namely in marketing, manufacturing, product development and testing capacity, which we believe will yield future rewards.

    “We believe that this quarter’s performance demonstrates that our strategy to disrupt legacy businesses like land surveys via a DaaS business model is on track. Our momentum is strong, and we are well positioned to expand our range of drone services with a pipeline of over 20 acquisitions over the next 12 months,” concluded Dr. Passley.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) Expands Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) Exterior Building Power Washing to Dubai Tapping into a Global Drone Cleaning Services Market Growing to USD 13 Billion by 2030 – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, announced it is expanding its United Arab Emirates (UAE) presence by establishing a new office to sell Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) offerings based in Dubai. Initially this office will focus on delivering drone-powered cleaning services for building exteriors using the IQ Square drone tethered to a water pipe and electrical cord. The company is currently obtaining a permit from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority to begin power wash testing and operations. Supporting this expansion, ZenaTech will hire two business development managers and up to four additional drone pilots, with drones supplied from its subsidiary ZenaDrone which has a manufacturing hub in nearby Sharjah.

    The global drone power washing market falls under a broader drone cleaning services market category that was valued at approximately USD 4.36 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 13.2 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of almost 17% according to market analyst Valuates Reports , fueled by increasing demand for safe, efficient and cost-effective maintenance solutions.

    “With rising demand for tech-enabled and efficient maintenance solutions, whether for power washing buildings, renewable energy assets, or public spaces, we believe AI-powered drones will bring new safety standards, cost-efficiency, and greater environmental sustainability to maintenance tasks. UAE’s openness to innovative technology makes it an ideal launchpad for these DaaS solutions that we hope to expand to all seven emirates in addition to the US and Europe,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 and provides a corporate update.

    Recent Operational Highlights:

    • Announced the expansion of our multi-domain Family of Systems with a new line of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). This strategic move marks Red Cat’s official entry into the rapidly evolving maritime autonomy market and reinforces its position as a provider of comprehensive, interoperable unmanned systems for air, land, and sea operations.
    • Expanded our Red Cat Futures Industry Consortium to include Palantir and Palladyne to boost AI capabilities in contested environments, including visual navigation.
    • Introducing Black Widow™ and Edge 130 drones to the Latin American market at LAAD 2025 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in April 2025.
    • Introduced our Black Widow™ short-range reconnaissance drone and Edge 130 Tricopter to the Middle East market at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Feb 17-21, 2025.
    • Introduced Black Widow™ to the Asia Pacific Market at the AISSE conference in Putrajaya, Malaysia in January 2025.
    • Announced that the Black Widow drone and FlightWave Edge 130 were included on the list of 23 platforms and 14 unique components and capabilities selected as winners of the Blue UAS Refresh. The platforms will undergo National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) verification and cyber security review with the ultimate goal of joining the Blue UAS List.
    • Partnered with Palantir to deploy Warp Speed, Palantir’s manufacturing OS. This collaboration will transform our supply and manufacturing operations with Palantir’s AI enabled monitoring, process flow enhancement and comprehensive data analysis. Palantir’s Warp Speed will optimize Red Cat’s production and streamline its supply chain, change management, and quality assurance, ultimately reducing costs and improving margins.

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), a leading provider of advanced drone and aerial imaging solutions, recently announced the sale of 20 high-performance RedEdge-P cameras to Wingtra, a global leader in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone surveying technology.

    This transaction strengthens the partnership between AgEagle and Wingtra, combining AgEagle’s advanced camera technology with Wingtra’s innovative drone platforms to deliver unparalleled aerial mapping and surveying solutions. The cameras are designed for precision agriculture and environmental monitoring, water management, and geospatial applications, and support Wingtra’s ability to provide high-quality data collection for its customers worldwide.

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO), an award-winning, industry-leading drone solutions and systems developer, recently announced its first quarter financial results. Key Financial and Operational Highlights for Q1 2025:

    • Revenue for the first quarter of 2025 was $1,547,715 which represents a 16% year over year increase. Product sales of $1,541,811 were up 24.5% over the same period last year.  
    • Gross profit for Q1 2025 was $310,088 up 10.7% from $280,011 for the same period last year. Gross margin percentage for Q1 2025 was 20.0% compared to 21.1% in Q1 2024. Gross profit would have been $271,422 and gross margin would have been 17.5%, not including a one-time non-cash recovery of a write down of inventory of $38,666. The decrease is due to the sales mix of the products sold.  
    • The comprehensive loss for the period of $3,433,712 includes non-cash changes comprised of a positive change in fair value derivative of $157,830, a recovery of a write down of inventory of $38,666, and an impairment gain on notes receivable of $25,951 and would otherwise be a comprehensive loss of $3,656,159 vs an adjusted comprehensive loss of $3,559,976 for the same period last year. Contributors to the slight year-over-year increase are increased research and development, office and miscellaneous, professional fees, share based payments, and wages offset by change in derivative liability.

    AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV) recently announced a new contract with the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) to modernize the Netherlands’ Puma™ UAS fleet with expanded capabilities for enhanced situational awareness and operational effectiveness.

    Under the contract, the Dutch MoD is modernizing its Puma 3 AE UAS fleet with advanced capabilities that empower forces to carry out mission-critical operations autonomously and securely—even in GPS-denied and contested environments. Upgrades will boost survivability, strengthen communications and add the option for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) to maximize operational agility. Deliveries are underway, with the upgraded systems set for rapid deployment at the squad and platoon levels.

    Additionally, the Netherlands is expanding its UAS portfolio with the acquisition of Puma LE, which delivers extended endurance and range. Both Puma 3 AE and Puma LE provide scalable ISR capabilities for tactical formations and civilian missions.

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    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Statement by IOM Spokesperson on Escalating Violence and Risk of Displacement of Civilians in Tripoli

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Geneva/ Tripoli, 15 May 2025 – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is alarmed by the recent escalation of violence in Tripoli. We are also concerned by the mobilization of armed groups in surrounding regions. There is a severe risk of mass displacement and danger to civilians.

    IOM joins other UN partners in calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of civilians in accordance with International Humanitarian Law. We welcome reports of a ceasefire and urge that it be fully and unconditionally respected to safeguard the rights and dignity of all those in the affected areas.

    IOM continues working with partners to support humanitarian access to all vulnerable groups, including migrants. We are monitoring possible displacement trends and stand ready to support should needs arise.

     

    For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 15, 2025 Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Day 4-8 Severe Weather Outlook Issued on May 15, 2025

    Updated: Thu May 15 09:01:03 UTC 2025

     .

    D4
    Sun, May 18, 2025 – Mon, May 19, 2025
    D7
    Wed, May 21, 2025 – Thu, May 22, 2025

    D5
    Mon, May 19, 2025 – Tue, May 20, 2025
    D8
    Thu, May 22, 2025 – Fri, May 23, 2025

    D6
    Tue, May 20, 2025 – Wed, May 21, 2025
    (All days are valid from 12 UTC – 12 UTC the following day)

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

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

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

     Forecast Discussion

    ZCZC SPCSWOD48 ALL
    ACUS48 KWNS 150858
    SPC AC 150858

    Day 4-8 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0358 AM CDT Thu May 15 2025

    Valid 181200Z – 231200Z

    …DISCUSSION…
    Medium-range guidance indicates that the persistent, prominent
    mid/upper ridging across the mid-latitude and subtropical eastern
    Pacific will become suppressed late this coming weekend into early
    next week, before breaking down through the remainder of this
    period. As it does, amplified downstream troughing is forecast to
    emerge from the Intermountain West. Sunday, this may commence
    gradually, with one significant lead short wave perturbation
    pivoting north-northeast of the southern Rockies, accompanied by
    cyclogenesis across eastern Colorado, as an upstream perturbation
    continues to dig toward the Four Corners region. It appears that
    this trailing perturbation will then pivot across the southern
    Rockies through the central/southern Great Plains by late Monday,
    perhaps accompanied by renewed cyclogenesis across the Texas
    Panhandle into central Great Plains.

    Both days, the dryline and warm front may provide focus for
    organized severe convective development, including supercells, in
    the presence of strong deep-layer shear and thermodynamic profiles
    characterized by steep lapse rates and sizable CAPE. It appears
    that a substantive risk for strong to severe thunderstorms will
    persist into at least Tuesday, within a broadening warm sector as
    the cyclone and associated mid-level troughing shift a bit more
    rapidly eastward across the middle Mississippi Valley.

    Convective potential becomes more unclear Wednesday into Thursday as
    the cyclone likely weakens and synoptic developments become more
    uncertain across the East.

    ..Kerr.. 05/15/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS48 PTSD48 PRODUCT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC May 15, 2025 0730 UTC Day 3 Severe Thunderstorm Outlook

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    SPC AC 150729

    Day 3 Convective Outlook
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    0229 AM CDT Thu May 15 2025

    Valid 171200Z – 181200Z

    …THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS SATURDAY ACROSS
    PARTS OF EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA…EASTERN VIRGINIA…CENTRAL AND
    EASTERN MARYLAND…DELAWARE…SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA…CENTRAL
    AND SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY AND LATE SATURDAY INTO SATURDAY NIGHT ACROSS
    PARTS OF WEST CENTRAL THROUGH NORTH CENTRAL TEXAS…EASTERN OKLAHOMA
    AND SOUTHWESTERN INTO CENTRAL ARKANSAS…

    …SUMMARY…
    Severe thunderstorms are possible Saturday across parts of the Mid
    Atlantic, and late Saturday into Saturday night across parts of the
    southeastern Great Plains.

    …Discussion…
    Downstream of a persistent, prominent mid-level ridge across the
    southern mid-latitude and subtropical eastern Pacific, models
    indicate that large-scale troughing will continue to dig inland of
    the Pacific coast through this period. It appears that this will
    include one notable embedded smaller-scale perturbation digging
    across the Sierra Nevada, toward the Four Corners, and a trailing
    perturbation digging across the Pacific Northwest coast.

    Farther downstream, it appears that one or two more modest short
    wave impulses, within a belt of westerlies emanating from the
    subtropical eastern Pacific, may accelerate across the northern
    Mexican Plateau through the southern Great Plains and lower
    Mississippi Valley, around the northwestern periphery of broad
    mid/upper ridging centered over the Gulf Basin. To the north of
    this ridge, large-scale ridging within the mid-latitude westerlies
    is forecast to overspread much of the interior U.S., with a remnant
    downstream cyclone and associated troughing progressing across parts
    of the Northeast and Mid Atlantic.

    In lower levels, models generally indicate that a significant cold
    front will advance southeast of the lower Great Lakes and Ohio
    Valley, while stalling across parts of the Mid South into central
    Great Plains. However, this is likely to be preceded by a weaker
    front, largely driven or reinforced by outflow from Friday/Friday
    night convection.

    …Mid Atlantic…
    Strong convectively augmented westerly lower/mid-tropospheric flow
    (in excess of 50 kt in the 850-700 mb layer) is likely to spread
    east of the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains, coincident with the
    convective outflow boundary by early Saturday. The extent and
    intensity of continuing convective development along the gust front
    at the outset of the period remains unclear. However, if the severe
    storm cluster from Friday night does not maintain strength with a
    continuing risk for severe wind gusts into and across the Mid
    Atlantic early Saturday, it is possible that destabilization ahead
    of the surface boundary could become sufficient for considerable
    re-intensification of thunderstorm activity along it, before it
    advances offshore.

    …Southeastern Great Plains…
    Beneath steep lower/mid-tropospheric lapse rates, models indicate
    that seasonably moist air will maintain a reservoir of large CAPE
    along and south of the initial pre-frontal wind shift/convective
    outflow, roughly across the Ark-La-Texas, and east of a sharpening
    dryline, across western North Texas toward the Del Rio TX area by
    late afternoon. Aided by forcing for ascent and strengthening
    westerly mid/upper flow associated with the subtropical
    perturbations, isolated to scattered supercells may initiate and
    propagate off the retreating dryline by late afternoon. Other
    strong to severe thunderstorm development is possible, aided by
    forcing for ascent associated with warm advection, where mid-level
    inhibition will be weaker along and north of the initial pre-frontal
    wind shift, and perhaps near the surface front across northern
    Oklahoma into north central Arkansas.

    ..Kerr.. 05/15/2025

    CLICK TO GET WUUS03 PTSDY3 PRODUCT

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cerence to Participate in Two Upcoming Investor Conferences

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BURLINGTON, Mass., May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) (“Cerence AI”), a global leader pioneering conversational AI-powered user experiences, today announced that the company will participate in two upcoming investor conferences.

    On Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 10:50 a.m. ET, Tony Rodriquez, the Company’s CFO, will participate in a fireside chat at the TD Cowen 53rd Annual Technology, Media and Telecom Conference.

    On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. ET, Mr. Rodriquez will participate in a fireside chat at the Evercore ISI Global Automotive OEM, Dealer & Supplier Conference.

    Live webcasts of the events will be available on the Company’s website at www.cerence.ai under the “Investors” section. Replays of the webcasts will be available for 90 days after the events.

    To learn more about Cerence AI, visit www.cerence.ai, and follow the company on LinkedIn.

    About Cerence Inc.
    Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) is a global industry leader in creating intuitive, seamless, AI-powered experiences across automotive and transportation. Leveraging decades of innovation and expertise in voice, generative AI, and large language models, Cerence powers integrated experiences that create safer, more connected, and more enjoyable journeys for drivers and passengers alike. With more than 500 million cars shipped with Cerence technology, the company partners with leading automakers, transportation OEMs, and technology companies to advance the next generation of user experiences. Cerence is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with operations globally and a worldwide team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. For more information, visit www.cerence.ai.

    The MIL Network –

  • Israeli military strikes kill scores in Gaza, medics say

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israeli military strikes killed at least 60 people in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, Palestinian medics said, as the United States and Arab mediators pushed for a ceasefire deal and U.S. President Donald Trump visited the Middle East.

    Most of the victims, including women and children, were killed in Khan Younis in southern Gaza in airstrikes that hit homes and tents, they said.

    The dead included local journalist Hassan Samour, who worked for the Hamas-run Aqsa radio station and was killed along with 11 family members when their home was struck, the medics said.

    There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which has intensified its offensive in Gaza as it tries to eradicate Hamas in retaliation for the deadly attacks the Palestinian militant group carried out on Israel in 2023.

    Hamas said in a statement that Israel was making a “desperate attempt to negotiate under cover of fire” as indirect ceasefire talks take place between Israel and Hamas, involving Trump envoys and Qatar and Egyptian mediators in Doha.

    Israel carried out the latest strikes on the day Palestinians commemorate the “Nakba”, or catastrophe, when hundreds of thousands of people fled or were forced to flee their hometowns and villages during the 1948 Middle East war that gave birth to the state of Israel.

    With most of the 2.3 million people in Gaza internally displaced, some residents of the tiny enclave say suffering is greater now than at the time of the Nakba.

    “What we are experiencing now is even worse than the Nakba of 1948,” said Ahmed Hamad, a Palestinian in Gaza City who has been displaced multiple times.

    “The truth is, we live in a constant state of violence and displacement. Wherever we go, we face attacks. Death surrounds us everywhere.”

    ESCALATING VIOLENCE

    Palestinian health officials say the Israeli attacks have escalated since Trump started a visit on Tuesday to the Gulf states of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates that many Palestinians had hoped he would use to push for a truce.

    The latest strikes follow attacks on Gaza on Wednesday that killed at least 80 people, local health officials said.

    Little has come of new indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas led by Trump’s envoys and Qatar and Egyptian mediators in Doha.

    Hamas says it is ready to free all the remaining hostages it is holding in Gaza in return for an end to the war, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prefers interim truces, saying the war can only end once Hamas is eradicated.

    “At a time when mediators are exerting intensive efforts to put the negotiation back on the right track, the Zionist occupation (Israel) responds to those efforts by military pressure on innocent civilians,” the group said in a statement.

    “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants an open-ended war and he doesn’t care about the fate of his hostages,” it said.

    Israel invaded Gaza in retaliation for the Hamas-led attack on southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken as hostages to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 52,900 Palestinians, according to local health officials. It has left Gaza on the brink of famine, aid groups and international agencies say.

    A U.S.-backed humanitarian organisation will start work in Gaza by the end of May under an aid distribution plan, but has asked Israel to let the United Nations and others resume deliveries to Palestinians now until it is set up.

    No humanitarian assistance has been delivered to Gaza since March 2, and a global hunger monitor has warned that half a million people face starvation in Gaza.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan: UK Statement, May 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Report by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan: UK Statement, May 2025

    Ambassador Holland welcomes the work of the OSCE Office amid a challenging financial backdrop.

    Thank you Mr Chair.    

    First, I would like to welcome Ambassador Karttunen to the Permanent Council. Thank you to you and your team for your report, and for your informative presentation.    

    Chair, the United Kingdom has continued to build our relationship with Uzbekistan and is committed to supporting the government in carrying out its wide-ranging reforms. Last year our governments signed a joint declaration covering all aspects of the bilateral relationship, and this year we have signed an agreement on expanding our cooperation on Critical Minerals. We look forward to further cooperation in the coming years.   

    We welcome the close cooperation between the Government of Uzbekistan and the Project Coordinator and commend the Project Coordinator’s work across the three dimensions.     

    In the first dimension, we welcome the work the Project Coordinator is doing on border security. We were pleased to be able to support this effort by facilitating training for the Customs Committee of Uzbekistan last year by Surrey Police aimed at strengthening the capacity of Uzbek instructors to effectively use dogs in detecting drugs, cash, and firearms.    

    In the second dimension, we commend the work of the Project Coordinator on climate change and water management, and we are proud donors to the OSCE project on “strengthening responses to security risks from climate change in Central Asia”. We recognise the particular vulnerabilities Central Asian states have to climate change and its consequences. That is why we are funding a regional programme to improve Central Asia’s resilience and sovereignty by strengthening regional cooperation on water and energy to deliver low carbon and climate resilient growth.    

    And in the third dimension, we note the positive steps taken – as identified by ODIHR and the RFoM – in the draft information code.  These include a ban on censorship and media monopolisation, and the requirement for free access to and use of information for everyone without discrimination. We encourage the Government of Uzbekistan to address concerns raised about concentrating media regulation under the government rather than an independent regulatory body, and the broad grounds for restricting content and suspending media activities.    

    In closing, let me thank you Ambassador Karttunen and your dedicated team in Uzbekistan for their efforts in upholding the principles of the OSCE and ensuring your important work continues – particularly in light of the considerable challenges caused by the continued non-agreement of the Unified Budget.     

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb: Lord Speaker’s Corner | House of Lords | Episode 28

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Jenny Jones, Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb, speaks about why she is campaigning on topics including salmon farming and water company pollution in the latest episode of Lord Speaker’s Corner.

    ‘We’ve seen water companies polluting our waterways, our beaches, our lovely fishing streams… our chalk streams that are very rare and precious. And yet, we still can’t stop them doing it.’

    Baroness Jones is one of two Green members of the House of Lords alongside Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle. In this episode, she speaks to Lord McFall of Alcluith about why she campaigns on a wide range of topics.

    ‘People carry on eating salmon, even though the way they’re produced in salmon farms is absolutely horrifying. It is the lice. The fish in the farm suffer, quite often die in their pens because the lice have eaten so far into their flesh. Wild Atlantic salmon going past these fish farms can get poisoned by the toxic stuff, all the antibiotics and so on, coming off the farm fish.’

    Baroness Jones describes how members initially questioned the Green link to various issues when she first joined the Lords but how that has now changed. She explains ‘I had to explain to people everything is about the environment. If you build the wrong houses in the wrong place, then it’s a disaster for future flooding, and so on.’

    Baroness Jones also shares how she came to the Lords after training as an archaeologist and later serving as a London Assembly Member and Deputy Mayor.

    See more from the series https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/house-of-lords-podcast/

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament #LordSpeakersCorner #LordsMembers

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3eq5ZLEeSU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitdeer Reports Unaudited Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) (“Bitdeer” or the “Company”), a world-leading technology company for Bitcoin mining, today released its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    Q1 2025 Financial Highlights
    All amounts compared to Q1 2024 unless otherwise noted

    • Total revenue was US$70.1 million vs. US$119.5 million.
    • Cost of revenue was US$73.4 million vs. US$85.4 million.
    • Gross profit was negative US$3.2 million vs. positive US$34.1 million.
    • Net income was US$409.5 million vs. US$0.6 million.
    • Adjusted EBITDA1 was negative US$56.1 million, vs. positive US$27.32 million.
    • Cash and cash equivalents were US$215.6 million as of March 31, 2025.
    • Crypto balance: US$131.1 million as of March 31, 2025.

    Management Commentary

    “This quarter marked the continued execution of our SEALMINER roadmap,” said Matt Kong, Chief Business Officer at Bitdeer. “We have energized 3.7 EH/s and 0.5 EH/s of SEALMINER A1 and SEALMINER A2, respectively, bringing our self-mining hashrate to 12.4 EH/s by the end of April. With our SEALMINER mining rigs quickly coming off the production line and ample global power capacity available, we expect to achieve rapid growth in our self-mining hashrate towards our 40 EH/s target by October 2025. Looking ahead, our R&D efforts are now focused on our SEALMINER A4 project, for which we are targeting an unprecedent chip efficiency of approximately 5 J/TH at the chip level. We believe this new chip design will revolutionize the way Bitcoin mining ASICs are made in the future and tape-out is on track for Q4 2025. We believe SEALMINER A4, along with our 3rd generation chip, will position Bitdeer as the leading supplier of the world’s most energy efficient mining rigs.”

    Mr. Kong concluded, “On the energy front, construction of our global power infrastructure remains on schedule. We expect to have nearly 1.6 GW of available global power capacity by the end of Q2 2025 and 1.8 GW by year-end. As part of our HPC/AI initiative, we engaged Northland Capital Markets in March to serve as our financial advisor for the development of our HPC/AI data center strategy. We have advanced our discussions with development partners and potential end users regarding selected large-scale sites in the U.S. targeted for HPC and AI cloud infrastructure.”

    Operational Summary

    Metrics Three Months Ended Mar 31
      2025 2024
    Total hash rate under management (EH/s) 24.2 22.5
    – Proprietary hash rate 12.1 8.4
    – Self-mining 11.5 6.7
    – Cloud Hash Rate – 1.7
    – Delivered but not yet hashing 0.6 –
    – Hosting 12.1 14.1
    Mining rigs under management 175,000 226,000
    – Self-owned 97,000 86,000
    – Hosted 78,000 140,000
    Bitcoin mined (self-mining only) 350 911
    Bitcoins held 1,156 58
    Total power usage (MWh) 881,000 1,361,000
    Average cost of electricity ($/MWh) 48 43
    Average miner efficiency (J/TH) 29.0 31.7
     

    Power Infrastructure Summary (as of April 30, 2025)

    Site / Location Capacity (MW) Status Timing3
    Electrical capacity      
    – Rockdale, Texas 563 Online Completed
    – Knoxville, Tennessee 86 Online Completed
    – Wenatchee, Washington 13 Online Completed
    – Molde, Norway 84 Online Completed
    – Tydal, Norway 120 Online Completed
    – Gedu, Bhutan 100 Online Completed
    – Jigmeling, Bhutan 132 Online Completed
    Total electrical capacity 1,098    
    Pipeline capacity      
    – Tydal, Norway Phase 2 105 In progress Q2 2025
    – Massillon, Ohio 221 In progress Q3-Q4 2025
    – Clarington, Ohio Phase 1 266 Paused TBD
    – Clarington, Ohio Phase 2 304 Pending approval TBD
    – Jigmeling, Bhutan 368 In progress Q2 2025
    – Rockdale, Texas 179 In planning Estimate 2026
    – Alberta, Canada 99 In planning Q4 2026
    – Oromia Region, Ethiopia 50 In planning Q4 2025
    Total pipeline capacity 1,592    
    Total global electrical capacity 2,690    
     

    Financial MD&A
    All variances are current quarter compared to the same quarter last year. All figures in this section are rounded4.

    Q1 2025 High-Level P&L and Disaggregated Revenue Details:

    US $ in millions Three Months Ended
      March 31, 2025 Dec 31, 2024 March 31, 2024
    Total revenue 70.1 69.0 119.5
    Cost of revenue (73.4) (63.9) (85.4)
    Gross profit/(loss) (3.2) 5.1 34.1
    Net profit/(loss) 409.5 (531.9) 0.6
    Adjusted EBITDA (56.1) (3.8) 27.32
    Cash and cash equivalents 215.6 476.3 118.5
    US $ in millions Three Months Ended Mar 31, 2025
    Business lines Self-Mining Cloud Hash Rate General Hosting Membership Hosting Sales of SEALMINERs
    Revenue 37.2 0.1 9.6 16.3 4.1
    Cost of revenue          
     – Electricity cost in operating mining rigs (24.0) – (6.8) (11.4) –
     – Depreciation and SBC expenses (13.7) (0.1) (1.5) (2.6) –
     – Cost of products sold – – – – (3.3)
     – Other cash costs (3.4) – (0.9) (1.5) –
    Total cost of revenue (41.0) (0.1) (9.1) (15.4) (3.3)
    Gross profit/(loss) (3.8) – 0.5 0.9 0.8
    US $ in millions Three Months Ended Mar 31, 2024
    Business lines Self-Mining Cloud Hash Rate General Hosting Membership Hosting Sales of SEALMINERs
    Revenue 48.4 18.1 29.0 19.5 –
    Cost of revenue          
     – Electricity cost in operating mining rigs (26.2) (5.3) (14.0) (13.1) –
     – Depreciation and SBC expenses (8.7) (3.2) (3.0) (2.0) –
     – Other cash costs (2.7) (1.0) (1.6) (1.1) –
    Total cost of revenue (37.6) (9.6) (18.6) (16.2) –
    Gross profit 10.8 8.5 10.3 3.2 –
     

    Q1 2025 Management’s Discussion and Analysis (compared to Q1 2024)

    Revenue

    • Total revenue was US$70.1 million vs. US$119.5 million.
    • Self-mining revenue was US$37.2 million vs. US$48.4 million, primarily due to the effect of the April 2024 halving and higher global network hashrate, partially offset by the increase in the average self-mining hashrate for the quarter by 44.8% to 9.7 EH/s from 6.7 EH/s last year and higher year-over-year Bitcoin prices.
    • Cloud Hash Rate revenue was US$0.1 million vs. US$18.1 million. The decline was primarily due to expiration of long-term Cloud Hashrate contracts and subsequent reallocation of nearly all machines to self-mining operations by the end of 2024.
    • General Hosting revenue was US$9.6 million vs. US$29.0 million. The decline was primarily due to the expiration of certain hosting customer contracts as well as the removal of older and less efficient machines by other hosting customers following the April 2024 halving as a result of reduced mining economics.
    • Membership Hosting revenue was US$16.3 million vs. US$19.5 million. Similar to general hosting, the decline was primarily driven by customers scaling down operations for older and less efficient rigs following the April 2024 halving as a result of reduced mining economics.
    • SEALMINER sales revenue was US$4.1 million.

    Cost of Revenue

    • Cost of revenue was US$73.4 million vs US$85.4 million. The decrease was primarily driven by lower power usage from hosted mining rigs, partially offset by the increase in costs of SEALMINERs sold to customers and depreciation expenses for SEALMINER launched in our datacenters during Q1 2025.

    Gross Profit and Margin

    • Gross profit was negative US$3.2 million vs. positive US$34.1 million.
    • Gross margin was -4.6% vs. 28.6%.

    Operating Expenses

    • The sum of the operating expenses below was US$75.8 million vs. US$37.8 million.
      • Selling expenses were US$1.4 million vs. US$1.7 million, about flat year-over-year.
      • General and administrative expenses were US$15.4 million vs. US$15.0 million, about flat year-over-year.
      • Research and development expenses were US$59.0 million vs. US$21.2 million, primarily due to higher R&D costs related to the one-off development and tape out costs of SEAL03 chip, higher engineering costs related to the Company’s ASIC development roadmap, and non-cash amortization expenses of intangible assets related to the acquisition of FreeChain in Q4 2024.

    Other Net Gain

    • Other net gain was US$503.1 million primarily due to the non-cash, fair value changes of derivative liabilities, which were the US$448.7 million of gain on fair value changes for the convertible notes issued in August 2024 and November 2024 and the US$58.4 million of gain on fair value changes for the Tether warrants. 

    Net Income

    • Net income was US$409.5 million vs. US$0.6 million.

    Adjusted Profit / (Loss) (Non-IFRS)5

    • Adjusted loss was US$89.8 million vs. adjusted profit of US$9.72 million. The change was primarily due to the year-over-year revenue decline, lower gross profit margins and higher R&D expenses as described above.

    Adjusted EBITDA (Non-IFRS)

    • Adjusted EBITDA was negative US$56.1 million vs. positive US$27.32 million. The decrease was primarily due to the year-over-year revenue decline, lower gross profit margins as a result of the halving and higher R&D expenses as described above.

    Cash Flows

    • Net cash used in operating activities was US$284.0 million, primarily driven by working capital payments to suppliers for SEALMINER mass production.
    • Net cash used in investing activities was US$73.6 million, which included US$45.7 million of capital expenditures for infrastructure construction and mining rigs, US$18.2 million for the purchase of cryptocurrencies, US$21.9 million to acquire the site and gas-fired power project in Alberta, and US$12.3 million of proceeds from disposal of cryptocurrencies from principal business.
    • Net cash generated from financing activities was US$94.9 million, primarily driven by US$118.4 million net proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares and partially offset by US$21.0 million used for share repurchases.

    Capex

    • 2025 power and datacenter infrastructure capex lowered to be in the range of US$260 to US$290 million from prior guidance of US$340 to US$370 million primarily due to the pause of bitcoin-mining infrastructure construction at Bitdeer’s Clarington, Ohio site due to advancing discussions with development partners and potential end users for HPC/AI. This updated range includes reported infrastructure capex in Q1.

    Balance Sheet
    As of March 31, 2025 unless stated otherwise (compared to December 31, 2024)

    • US$215.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, US$131.1 million in cryptocurrencies and US$215.4 million in borrowing.
    • US$381.7 million prepayments and other assets, up from US$310.2 million. Change primarily driven by advanced payments to suppliers for SEALMINER mass volume production.
    • US$153.7 million inventories, up from US$64.9 million. Increase driven by wafers, chips, WIP and finished SEALMINER inventory.
    • US$256.8 million derivative liabilities mainly due to the issuance of warrants to Tether, and convertible senior notes issued in August 2024 and November 2024.

    Further information regarding the Company’s first quarter 2025 financial and operations results can be found on the SEC’s website https://sec.gov and the Company’s Investor Relations website https://ir.bitdeer.com.

    About Bitdeer Technologies Group
    Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for Bitcoin mining. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive Bitcoin mining solutions for its customers. The Company handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, datacenter design and construction, equipment management and daily operations. The Company also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed datacenters in the United States, Norway, and Bhutan. To learn more, please visit https://ir.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @ Bitdeer Group.

    Investors and others should note that Bitdeer may announce material information using its website and/or on its accounts on social media platforms, including X, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Therefore, Bitdeer encourages investors and others to review the information it posts on the social media and other communication channels listed on its website.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “look forward to,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important factors in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward- looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.

    BITDEER GROUP UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
           
      As of March 31,   As of December 31,
    (US $ in thousands) 2025   2024
    ASSETS      
    Current assets      
    Cash and cash equivalents 215,642     476,270  
    Restricted cash 12,107     9,144  
    Cryptocurrencies 131,144     77,537  
    Trade receivables 10,263     9,627  
    Amounts due from a related party 15,810     15,512  
    Prepayments and other assets 335,071     291,929  
    Inventories 153,740     64,888  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 4,540     4,540  
    Total current assets  878,317     949,447  
           
    Non-current assets      
    Restricted cash 5,906     8,212  
    Prepayments and other assets 46,652     18,244  
    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 35,428     37,981  
    Mining rigs 101,581     67,324  
    Right-of-use assets 75,338     69,273  
    Property, plant and equipment 302,210     251,377  
    Investment properties 30,529     30,723  
    Intangible assets 78,303     83,235  
    Goodwill 35,818     35,818  
    Deferred tax assets 8,543     6,220  
    Total non-current assets  720,308     608,407  
    TOTAL ASSETS  1,598,625     1,557,854  
           
    LIABILITIES      
    Current liabilities      
    Trade payables 50,729     31,471  
    Other payables and accruals 38,098     40,617  
    Amounts due to a related party 7,788     8,747  
    Income tax payables 2,437     2,729  
    Derivative liabilities 256,775     763,939  
    Deferred revenue 61,016     39,029  
    Borrowings 215,436     208,127  
    Lease liabilities 6,895     5,460  
    Total current liabilities  639,174     1,100,119  
           
    Non-current liabilities      
    Other payables and accruals 1,786     1,650  
    Deferred revenue 68,449     90,200  
    Lease liabilities 78,846     72,673  
    Deferred tax liabilities 15,721     16,614  
    Total non-current liabilities 164,802     181,137  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES  803,976     1,281,256  
           
    NET ASSETS  794,649     276,598  
           
    EQUITY      
    Share capital *   *
    Treasury equity (181,065 )   (160,926 )
    Accumulated deficit (239,531 )   (649,004 )
    Reserves 1,215,245     1,086,528  
    TOTAL EQUITY 794,649     276,598  
     

    * Amount less than US$1,000

    BITDEER GROUP UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
           
       Three months ended March 31, 
    (US $ in thousands) 2025   2024
           
    Revenue 70,128     119,506  
    Cost of revenue (73,353 )   (85,375 )
    Gross profit / (loss) (3,225 )   34,131  
    Selling expenses (1,393 )   (1,690 )
    General and administrative expenses (15,389 )   (14,969 )
    Research and development expenses (59,014 )   (21,164 )
    Other operating income / (expenses) (7,789 )   1,746  
    Other net gain 503,050     2,447  
    Profit from operations 416,240     501  
    Finance income / (expenses) (9,343 )   151  
    Profit before taxation 406,897     652  
    Income tax benefit / (expenses) 2,576     (46 )
    Profit for the period 409,473     606  
    Other comprehensive income      
    Income for the period 409,473     606  
    Other comprehensive income for the period    
    Item that may be reclassified to profit or loss      
    Exchange differences on translation of financial statements 166     32  
    Other comprehensive income for the period, net of tax 166     32  
    Total comprehensive income for the period 409,639     638  
           
    Earnings / (loss) per share (in US$)      
    Basic 2.15     0.01  
    Diluted (0.37 )   0.01  
    Weighted average number of shares outstanding (thousand shares)
    Basic 190,199     114,843  
    Diluted 228,561     117,041  
               
    BITDEER GROUP UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
           
      Three months ended March 31,
    (US $ in thousands) 2025   2024
           
    Cash flows from operating activities      
    Cash used in operating activities: (280,889 )   (132,867 )
    Interest paid on leases (702 )   (652 )
    Interest paid on borrowings (4,493 )   (465 )
    Interest received 2,724     1,813  
    Income tax paid (628 )   –  
    Net cash used in operating activities  (283,988 )   (132,171 )
           
    Cash flows from investing activities      
    Purchase of property, plant and equipment, investment properties and intangible assets (44,770 )   (29,615 )
    Purchase of mining rigs (955 )   (1,560 )
    Purchase of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (132 )   (992 )
    Purchase of cryptocurrencies (18,159 )   –  
    Proceeds from disposal of cryptocurrencies 12,283     90,380  
    Cash paid for the site and gas-fired power project in Alberta, Canada (21,870 )   –  
    Net cash generated from / (used in) investing activities  (73,603 )   58,213  
           
    Cash flows from financing activities      
    Capital element of lease rentals paid (1,942 )   (1,338 )
    Proceeds from issuance of shares for exercise of share rewards 530     37  
    Proceeds from issuance of ordinary shares, net of transaction costs 118,403     49,931  
    Payment for the future issuance cost –     (303 )
    Acquisition of treasury shares (21,010 )   –  
    Payment for transaction costs in connection with convertible senior notes (1,119 )   –  
    Net cash generated from financing activities  94,862     48,327  
           
    Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents  (262,729 )   (25,631 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period 476,270     144,729  
    Effect of movements in exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents held 2,101     (637 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 215,642     118,461  
     

    Use of Non-IFRS Financial Measures
    In evaluating the Company’s business, the Company considers and uses non-IFRS measures, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted profit / (loss), as supplemental measures to review and assess its operating performance. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, further adjusted to exclude share-based payment expenses under IFRS 2, changes in fair value of derivative liabilities, and changes in fair value of cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables, and defines adjusted profit/(loss) as profit/(loss) adjusted to exclude share-based payment expenses under IFRS 2, changes in fair value of derivative liabilities, and changes in fair value of cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables.

    The Company presents these non-IFRS financial measures because they are used by its management to evaluate its operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company also believes that the use of these non-IFRS measures facilitate investors’ assessment of its operating performance. These measures are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. As a result, investors should not consider these measures in isolation from, or as a substitute analysis for, the Company’s profit or loss for the periods, as determined in accordance with IFRS. The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling these non-IFRS financial measures to the nearest IFRS performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating its performance. The Company encourages investors to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

    The following table presents a reconciliation of profit/(loss) for the relevant period to adjusted EBITDA and adjusted profit/ (loss), for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

    BITDEER GROUP UNAUDITED NON-IFRS ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED PROFIT / (LOSS) RECONCILIATION
           
      Three months ended March 31,
    (US $ in thousands) 2025   2024
    Adjusted EBITDA      
    Profit for the period 409,473     606  
    Add：      
    Depreciation and amortization 25,387     18,187  
    Income tax (benefit) / expenses (2,576 )   46  
    Interest (income) / expense, net 10,880     (608 )
    Share-based payment expenses 10,404     7,803  
    Changes in fair value of derivative liabilities (507,162 )   –  
    Changes in fair value of cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables (2,551 )   1,305  
    Total of Adjusted EBITDA (56,145 )   27,3392  
           
    Adjusted Profit / (loss)      
    Profit for the period 409,473     606  
    Add：      
    Share-based payment expenses 10,404     7,803  
    Changes in fair value of derivative liabilities (507,162 )   –  
    Changes in fair value of cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables (2,551 )   1,305  
    Total of Adjusted Profit / (loss) (89,836 )   9,7142  
     

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations
    Yujia Zhai
    Orange Group
    bitdeerIR@orangegroupadvisors.com

    Public Relations
    Nishant Sharma
    BlocksBridge Consulting
    bitdeer@blocksbridge.com

    ____________________________
    1     “Adjusted EBITDA” is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, further adjusted to exclude share-based payment expenses under IFRS 2, changes in fair value of derivative liabilities, and changes in fair value of cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables.
    2 During the current period, we revised definition of our previously reported non-IFRS Adjusted Profit and Adjusted EBITDA and recast the prior period for comparability. This revision, which resulted in a US$1.3 million revision to Q1 2024 metrics, reflects non-cash fair value changes in cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables as they do not represent normal operating expenses (or income) necessary to operate our business.
    3 Indicative timing. All timing references are to calendar quarters and years.
    4 Figures may not add due to rounding.
    5 “Adjusted profit/(loss)” is defined as profit/(loss) adjusted to exclude share-based payment expenses under IFRS 2, changes in fair value of derivative liabilities, and changes in fair value of cryptocurrency-settled receivables and payables.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: OEUK news Record increase in offshore wind capacity critical to Clean Power 2030 goal, says OEUK report 15 May 2025

    Source: Offshore Energy UK

    Headline: OEUK news

    Record increase in offshore wind capacity critical to Clean Power 2030 goal, says OEUK report

    15 May 2025

    In its 2025 Offshore Wind Insight, Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) warns that without action to address price inflation, capital cost and UK supply chain competitiveness, the UK will fail to meet the government’s Clean Power 2030 (CP30) target of between 43 and 51 GW of installed offshore wind capacity.

    The UK has the capacity to become a major exporter of wind energy, but if it is to meet CP2030 objectives the September wind allocation round (AR7) will have to be the biggest ever with more than 8GW of new licences awarded.

    As the halt to Hornsea 4 wind farm last week shows, cost inflation, finance costs and market outlook make investment in offshore wind all the more challenging, putting additional pressure on CP30 delivery.

    North Sea oil and gas have provided the primary source of energy for more than 50 years and the UK will continue to need homegrown oil and gas as part of an integrated energy mix for years to come alongside the build out of renewables. As the focus on decarbonising the economy gains momentum, electricity is expected to dominate the future low carbon energy mix. Much of this will be generated by offshore wind installations fixed to the seabed as well as floating offshore wind (FOW) structures but unless the pace of change quickens, the UK stands to achieve only 35GW by 2030, short of the CP30 target.

    In 2024, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) published the Clean Power 2030 (CP30) report, setting out recommendations to the UK government on the design of a clean power grid by 2030. With a goal to accelerate progress to net zero by eliminating emissions that currently come from electricity generation, CP30 also aims to ensure that heating, transport and industry sectors are powered by electricity.

    The plan sees a huge build out of renewables including 43-50 Gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind, 27-29 GW of onshore wind, and 45-47 GW of solar power. Noting all renewables play important roles in delivering a clean power grid, whereby Britain will generate enough clean power to meet 95% of total annual electricity demand by 2030, NESO highlighted the critical role of offshore wind.

    OEUK’s Wind & Renewables Manager, Thibaut Cheret says:

    “Meeting the government’s 2030 target of 43 and 51 GW of installed offshore wind capacity means securing £15bn of private investment in offshore wind each and every year between now and 2030. The government’s next Contract for Difference auction in Allocation Round 7 (AR7), which incentivises new low carbon electricity generating projects, will need to secure historic levels of renewable energy procurement. AR7 needs to clear a record 8.4GW of offshore wind capacity to maintain the course toward CP30.”

    “With the flexibility to supply oil and gas installations or the national grid, Floating Offshore Wind (FOW) will become a critical tool for delivering CP30 and beyond. Offshore wind leasing rounds released by Innovation and Targeted Oil and Gas (INTOG) under the auspices of Crown Estate Scotland are helping decarbonise offshore oil and gas production whilst accelerating deployment of the first floating offshore wind project at commercial scale.

    “As Floating Offshore Wind projects will have access to windier areas in deeper waters around the UK, it is set to become the growth engine beyond 2030 with investment in FOW likely to overtake fixed-bottom wind in 2033. More than 50 years oil and gas experience means that our UK supply chain is well equipped to capture a sizeable stake of the floating wind market, but a significant portion of the spend required is beyond the reach of many UK companies, which highlights the need for strategic investment in innovation, skills and infrastructure. Getting this right means the UK can become a market leader in wind power generation and play a major part in delivering a homegrown energy transition.”

    Wind power remains a key component of the UK’s energy system, its share for UK’s electricity amounting to 29.5% in 2024. Of that, offshore wind contributed 17.2% of total electricity generation. Its ability to outperform onshore wind generation relative to installed capacity is down to newer, larger turbines installed off the coast of Britain, where wind speeds are often stronger for longer and efficiency is likely to be higher. This makes offshore wind one of the most attractive of the renewable energy technologies.

    Key report recommendations:

    • Development plans should be front-loaded to meet CP 2030 – The UK is not on track to meet CP 2030 target so Allocation Round 7 (AR7) needs to be the most ambitious auction round yet. It will need to secure 8.4 GW of new offshore wind capacity if the UK is to stay on course for CP30.
    • Timely delivery of transmission infrastructure will be essential– Rebuilding the National Grid electricity transmission grid will be a massive task. A grid investment programme of £58bn will be required to support 50 GW offshore wind by 2030.
    • Investment in UK energy should be to the long-term benefit of the UK economy– £65bn will be invested in UK offshore wind over the next five years – this has the potential to transform the growth outlook for the UK. The forthcoming UK industrial strategy should make developing a competitive homegrown energy supply chain equipped to make the most of these opportunities one of its key objectives.
    • Energy security is as important as a predominantly renewables-based power system-There should be a focus on homegrown energy, making the most of UK resources. There will be a continued role for gas-fired power generation to balance the grid. This should see the progressive deployment of gas with CCS and in due course hydrogen-fuelled power generation. Interconnectivity will help. A North Sea integrated grid can save £37bn/yr and cut wholesale prices by a fifth and would avoid system duplication.

    Share this article

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fires Erupt in North American Forests

    Source: NASA

    Wildland fires broke out in forests along the Manitoba-Ontario border in Canada and in northern Minnesota in the United States in May 2025. Several blazes grew rapidly in size amid hot, dry, and windy conditions in the region.
    Smoke from multiple fires drifted hundreds of kilometers across northern forests on the afternoon of May 13, when the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this image. Some of the largest fires seen here started the previous day and had expanded rapidly by the time this image was acquired. For comparison, the right image shows the same area in false color (MODIS bands 7-2-1) to help distinguish smoke (cyan blue) from clouds (white). Bright red-orange indicates visible fire fronts.
    Large smoke plumes billowed from blazes near Lac du Bonnet in eastern Manitoba. One fire close to the rural municipality burned thousands of hectares and threatened infrastructure. Another one, to the northeast near Nopiming Provincial Park, exhibited “extremely volatile fire behavior” on May 13, officials said, and grew to 100,000 hectares (250,000 acres). Authorities closed multiple provincial parks due to the fires and issued evacuation orders for several communities in both Manitoba and Ontario.
    In the U.S., multiple fires broke out in northern Minnesota on May 11 and 12. The two largest, Camp House and Jenkins Creek, had burned a combined 7,600 hectares (18,800 acres) about 65 kilometers (40 miles) north of Duluth as of May 13. In and around the town of Brimson, they destroyed more than 100 structures and damaged bridges and roadways, according to news reports.
    Unseasonably hot and dry conditions elevated fire risk in the region. Winnipeg, Manitoba, reached 35.2 degrees Celsius (95.4 degrees Fahrenheit) on May 12, topping the previous daily high temperature record set in 1958. Duluth, Minnesota, saw a high temperature of 30°C (86°F) that day, also a new record. Eighty of Minnesota’s 87 counties were under a Red Flag Warning due to the extreme fire danger on May 12.
    April and May are typically busy months for wildland fires in the state, said Patty Thielen, forestry director for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in a briefing. However, she noted, the area already burned statewide in 2025 is roughly triple the amount burned in an average year.
    NASA Earth Observatory image by Michala Garrison, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Victims and escalation of urban violence due to the misuse and spread of illegal weapons in European cities – E-001789/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001789/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)

    The recent shootings in European cities, such as those in Sicily[1], Brussels[2] and elsewhere in the continent, have caused civilian casualties and confirm an upsurge in urban violence linked to the spread of illegal firearms. There are, it is estimated, over 35 million unregistered weapons in circulation in Europe[3]many held by young people and criminal groups.

    The new ‘Protect EU’ strategy cites firearms as a key factor in the rise of violence and commits to proposing common criminal law standards on illicit gun running[4]. The EU Council has also adopted new rules to improve traceability, enhance customs cooperation and make the weapons trade safer³.

    Law enforcement go hand-in -hand with a strategy to promote a cultural shift towards civilian disarmament and combat the subculture of armed violence.

    As part of the Internal Security Fund, the Commission has launched a specific call for projects to combat illicit weapons trafficking[5].

    Can the Commission therefore say:

    • 1.Whether it can it provide updated data on the illegal circulation of firearms in Europe?
    • 2.Whether it plans to allocate new resources to improve preventive measures and law enforcement, particularly in the most vulnerable urban areas[6], by supporting local authorities and law enforcement agencies in disarmament and youth prevention programmes?

    Submitted: 2.5.2025

    • [1] https://www.ansa.it/sito/notizie/cronaca/2025/04/27/sparatoria-a-monreale-tre-morti-fermato-un-19enne_315f73cd-3cab-4fdb-b123-bb84ccc5b403.html.
    • [2] https://www.ansa.it/europa/notizie/rubriche/altrenews/2025/04/17/nuova-sparatoria-a-bruxelles-in-area-segnata-da-guerra-tra-gang_62a9f373-4fbf-4984-be53-ff74a0ae2317.html.
    • [3] These figures are for 2017.
    • [4] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/internal-security/organised-crime-and-human-trafficking/trafficking-firearms_en.
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/isf/wp-call/2023-2025/call-fiche_isf-2024-tf2-ag-protect_en.pdf.
    • [6] Siap, the Italian police union, recently stated that there are actual lawless urban ‘no-go zones’ where the availability of weapons is both a symptom and a cause of a deep-rooted social crisis.
    Last updated: 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Continued needs-based humanitarian funding in line with the humanitarian principles – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    How to make the case for continued needs-based humanitarian funding in line with the humanitarian principles Exchange of views with Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council

    On 20 May the Committee will exchange views with Mr Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council on how to make the case for continued needs-based humanitarian funding in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. This debate takes place in a context where the legitimacy and principled nature of global humanitarian action is increasingly under fire and the humanitarian funding gap is growing due to decreasing donor contributions.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Islands District Office co-ordinates interdepartmental drill on emergency response to flooding in Tai O  
    The IsDO, the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), the Drainage Services Department, the Social Welfare Department, the Housing Department, the Civil Engineering and Development Department, the Civil Aid Service, the Tai O Rural Committee, the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council, the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Tai O Community Work Office, the Hong Kong Red Cross and the Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College participated in the drill. The drill simulated an actual situation with unexpected elements to increase the difficulty. Participating departments and organisations were required to carry out rescue tasks immediately under unexpected circumstances, posing challenges to and strengthening their response capabilities.

         According to the emergency response plan, when the HKO forecasts that the sea level at Tai O would rise to 3.3 metres above Chart Datum or more in the coming few hours, the emergency response plan for severe flooding in Tai O will be fully activated. The HKO will issue an alert to relevant government departments, organisations, Tai O resident representatives and fishermen representatives by SMS. Upon receipt of the alert, the IsDO will activate an emergency co-ordination centre at the Tai O Rural Committee Office, jointly set up by government departments and non-governmental organisations. The emergency co-ordination centre will co-ordinate any necessary evacuation, rescue and emergency relief efforts for Tai O.
     
    Upon receipt of the HKO’s alert, resident representatives and fishermen representatives in Tai O will also help disseminate the information to residents to enable them to stay vigilant and take refuge in safe locations if necessary. In addition, temporary shelters at the Tai O Rural Committee Office, the Hong Kong Young Women’s Christian Association Tai O Community Work Office and the Buddhist Fat Ho Memorial College, and the Transit Centre situated at Lung Tin Estate will be opened for residents in need.
    Issued at HKT 17:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK welcomes talks in Istanbul and calls on Kremlin to end the bloodshed: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UK welcomes talks in Istanbul and calls on Kremlin to end the bloodshed: UK statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Holland welcomes talks in Istanbul and urges Russia to end the bloodshed in Ukraine and show it is serious about peace or face further sanctions.

    Thank you, Mr Chair. 

    Ukraine has agreed, in-principle, to a full and unconditional ceasefire. Because only when missiles and drones stop, and the deaths of innocent civilians end, can discussions towards a just and lasting peace begin.

    Last weekend the UK, the US and our European partners reiterated our call on Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire now, as Ukraine has done, and create the space for talks.

    Rather than seize this opportunity, Russia continues to stall. Instead of an unconditional ceasefire, they have again moved the goal posts, calling for talks to resolve the conflict’s so-called ‘root causes’. This is code for maximalist demands which would deny Ukraine its sovereignty and territorial integrity and do not meaningfully shift the dial.

    We welcome today’s talks and thank Türkiye for agreeing to host them. We call on Russia to engage in good faith in the US-led peace efforts. In keeping with his commitment to ending this war, President Zelenskyy has agreed to direct talks with President Putin, an offer which we now know has been rebuffed. We commend President Zelenskyy for this decision.

    Mr Chair, last week we saw another supposed three-day ‘ceasefire’ from Russia. Just like the truce at Easter, this was a smokescreen intended to portray Russia as the party of peace.

    In reality, Russia’s death and destruction continued. According to the Ukrainian authorities, there were over 700 Russian violations between midnight and midday last Thursday alone. Aerial bombings killed at least three civilians in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Sumy.

    And Russia ramped up its attacks in the days after this ‘ceasefire’ just as it did at Easter. At least six civilians have been killed and dozens more injured. Civilian infrastructure has been destroyed in Odesa and elsewhere in Ukraine.

    The gulf between the Russian state’s words and its actions could not be wider. But the urgency is real. April was the deadliest month in Ukraine for child casualties since June 2022. Normal lives, homes and families destroyed.

    We will not stand by while the Kremlin delays and denies. The UK and our allies are prepared to impose further sanctions if Russia fails to demonstrate that it is serious about peace. And we will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.

    Now, more than ever, Russia must heed the world’s call and agree to end the bloodshed.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 May 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • J&K: Three terrorists killed in Awantipora under Operation Nader

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Nader area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Awantipora, the Indian Army said on Thursday.

    “Three hardcore terrorists have been eliminated in the ongoing operation at Nader, Awantipora. The identity of the terrorists is being ascertained”, the Chinar Corps said in a post on X.

    https://x.com/ChinarcorpsIA/status/1922921351259513177

    Earlier on Thursday, security forces launched a joint anti-terror operation in the Nader area of Tral, Awantipora, based on special intelligence input. The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF were involved in the operation

    The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps confirmed the operation in a post on the social media platform X. “On 15 May 2025, based on specific intelligence input from an agency, a Cordon & Search Operation was launched at Nader, Tral, Awantipora. Upon being challenged, terrorists opened heavy fire. A fierce gunfight ensued. The operation is in progress.”

    On Tuesday, three terrorists — including a local commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy outfit The Resistance Front (LeT/TRF) — were killed in an encounter in Shopian. The operation, carried out by the Army along with J&K Police and the CRPF, led to the recovery of AK-series rifles, grenades, and a large cache of ammunition.

     

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New £1.8m sports pitch and pavilion completed at Banbridge High School

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    John Donnelly from the Education Authority, Katy Feeney, Principal of Banbridge High School and Gavin Boyd, Chair of Sport NI join the Lord Mayor of ABC Borough Cllr Sarah Duffy, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and ABC Council Chief Executive Roger Wilson at the official opening of the new 3G sports pitch and pavilion.

    A new £1.8m 3G sports pitch and pavilion which will benefit pupils and the local community has opened at Banbridge High School.

    Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons joined Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough, Councillor Sarah Duffy in officially opening the impressive facility which includes a full size 3G synthetic pitch complete with floodlighting, fencing and a changing pavilion.

    The sports pitch will be operated on a dual-use basis; Banbridge High School using the pitch during the day and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council managing the facility for community use in the evenings and weekends.

    The project is funded through £1.6m investment from ABC Council and Department for Communities through the Your School Your Club initiative, with funding of £225,000 distributed through Sport NI.

    Lord Mayor, Councillor Sarah Duffy said: “This is a very positive day for everyone at Banbridge High School and also the local community who can avail of this excellent facility. Sport and exercise are so important and as a council we are delighted to be a part of this innovative partnership which is helping people stay active and healthy.”

    Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “This new pitch and changing pavilion are welcome additions to Banbridge High School, benefitting not only the pupils but sports teams in the wider community. I am keen to see young people participating in a range of sports and I am determined that school and grassroots venues are modernised and available to more teams and groups for training and matches.  Your School Your Club has the potential to transform school sports facilities and I hope more schools will take inspiration from Banbridge High School.”

    A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said: “We would like to thank ABC Council, Sport Northern Ireland and Banbridge High School for their vision, support and significant investment.  We look forward to seeing this partnership thrive and have no doubt that this facility will become a hub of sporting excellence and physical well-being.”

    Richard Archibald, Interim CEO, Sport NI said: “Sport has the power to change lives and access to good sports facilities is vital to create more opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport and physical activity. We are delighted to have supported this new facility at Banbridge High School through our Your School Your Club programme which will benefit both the school and the wider community.”

    Principal of Banbridge High School, Mrs Katy Feeney said: “I am thrilled at the opening of our new 3G pitch, a state-of-the-art facility that will significantly enhance our sports programmes and provide our students with unparalleled opportunities for physical development, activity and teamwork.

    “In addition to benefiting our students, the 3G pitch will also serve the local community. As a school, this will allow us to strengthen our ties with the community and create a vibrant, active hub for everyone to enjoy. I would like to thank all those who have made this a reality.”

    The 3G pitch and pavilion was designed by AECOM and the work was successfully completed by Haffey Sports Grounds Ltd.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crow Votes No on Reckless Republican Budget Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), member of the House Armed Services Committee and Ranking Member of the Intelligence and Special Operations Subcommittee, issued the following statement after voting against the Republican reconciliation package in Committee. 

    In a statement, Congressman Crow said:

    “I’m not giving $150 billion to the Defense Department until they fire incompetent leadership like Secretary Hegseth and work with us to reform inefficiencies.

    “Republicans in Congress would rather throw money at an already bloated and inefficient system than work with us to reform a system they acknowledge needs fixing. What makes this worse is this cash giveaway can only be paid for by stealing health care from millions of Americans by cutting Medicaid.

    “I’m a hard no.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing reports improved water quality in 2024

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

    Beijing’s 2024 water ecology report shows continued improvement in river and lake health. After years of restoration, the city’s major rivers are turning from murky, algae-dominated systems to clearer ecosystems filled with aquatic plants, signaling a shift toward greater stability and biodiversity.

    Last year, 87.6% of monitored rivers and lakes in Beijing were rated healthy, up 4.6 percentage points from 2023. The city’s water health index reached 86.95, marking a 22.9% improvement compared with 2012 levels.

    Improved water management and targeted ecological flows in key rivers like the Yongding and Chaobai helped to sustain water levels and restore ecosystems. Groundwater overuse zones have been resolved, polluted water bodies have been cleaned, and rivers hit by major floods in 2023 have continued to recover.

    From March to June last year, 118 rivers saw flowing water, stretching over 2,910 kilometers, or 23 kilometers more than the previous year. In total, Beijing has 425 rivers, 50 lakes, and 80 reservoirs covering 416 square kilometers.

    Once dominated by algae due to high nutrient levels, rivers now support more submerged and emergent plants. These “underwater forests” absorb excess nutrients and help suppress algae growth, improving clarity and ecological balance.

    As water ecosystems improved, biodiversity thrived. In 2024, surveys recorded 459 species of phytoplankton, 461 zooplankton, 238 benthic invertebrates, 93 aquatic plant species, and 74 fish species.

    Rare animals such as the Oriental stork, red-crowned crane, and freshwater jellyfish have been spotted in local waters. A new fish species, Cobitis beijingensis, was also discovered.

    Despite making progress, Beijing’s water ecosystems remain fragile due to limited natural runoff and poor water circulation in some lakes, according to an official of the Beijing Water Authority.

    The municipal water authority plans to deepen collaboration across districts and departments, promote near-natural restoration methods, optimize water distribution, and continue improving disaster prevention, conservation, and water quality – paving the way for a healthier and more beautiful Beijing, said the official.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Holidays boost household spending in April, but consumer rebound remains sluggish – CBA

    Source: Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)

    A soft consumer and global uncertainty have led to a downgrade to GDP expectations, with additional interest rate cuts needed to improve spending momentum.

    The CommBank Household Spending Insights (HSI) Index rose 0.2 per cent in April, a very modest lift following a soft first quarter of spending in 2025. (ref. https://www.commbankresearch.com.au/apex/researcharticleviewv2?id=a0NDo000000wOzu )

    Seven of the twelve HSI categories recorded spending growth for the month, led by Insurance (+1.6 per cent), Hospitality (+1.4 per cent) and Communications & Digital (+0.7 per cent). The increase seen in hospitality spending was likely driven by the Easter-Anzac Day ‘super holiday’ period. April also featured the lead-up to the Federal election, recovery from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and newly announced tariffs by the Trump administration.

    Spending on Utilities fell 2.0 per cent in the month, the largest decline across all categories, with decreases seen in electricity, gas, water and council services. Transport (-0.8 per cent), Education (-0.7 per cent) and Household Services (-0.7 per cent) also declined.

    “Another soft month for household spending reinforces our view that a slower than expected consumer recovery is unfolding. This trend, along with global economic uncertainty, led us to recently downgrade our Australian GDP forecast for 2025,” said CBA Senior Economist, Belinda Allen.

    “While moderating inflation, February’s RBA rate cut and lower utility and petrol bills are improving purchasing power, households clearly remain deliberate with their spending choices. The recent pause of additional tariffs between the U.S. and China could improve sentiment going forward, however we expect it will take additional interest rates cuts to improve momentum in consumer spending.

    “We maintain our call for the RBA to cut rates by 25 basis points next week , with a forecast end of year cash rate of 3.35 per cent.”  

    The annual rate of spending across home ownership status saw a surprising shift in April – renters have typically recorded the weakest spending over the past two years however this has now switched with renters leading annual growth in spending (+2.4 per cent), followed by those with a mortgage (2.2 per cent) and outright homeowners most sluggish (+0.7 per cent).

    “Renters in particular have increased discretionary spending which suggests that while consumers are making cutbacks in some areas, many are still making trade-offs and allocating a share of their wallet to areas like hospitality and recreation and more so in April given the additional public holidays,” commented Ms Allen.

    Queensland recorded the strongest household spending growth in April of the states and territories, rising 0.8 per cent following a rebound from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred in March, when the state posted the softest growth of all states at just 0.2 per cent.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • Indian forces launch Operation Nader against terrorists in Tral, heavy firing exchanged

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Security forces on Thursday launched a joint anti-terror operation in the Nader area of Tral, Awantipora, based on special intelligence input. The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF were involved in the operation

    The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps confirmed the operation in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “On 15 May 2025, based on specific intelligence input from an agency, a Cordon & Search Operation was launched at Nader, Tral, Awantipora. Upon being challenged, terrorists opened heavy fire. A fierce gunfight ensued. The operation is in progress.”

    On Tuesday, three terrorists — including a local commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba and its proxy outfit The Resistance Front (LeT/TRF) — were killed in an encounter in Shopian. The operation, carried out by the Army along with J&K Police and the CRPF, led to the recovery of AK-series rifles, grenades, and a large cache of ammunition.

    The Indian Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information also confirmed the Shopian encounter, saying that it was launched based on inputs about terrorist presence in Keller Forest.

    India’s ongoing operations build on the success of Operation Sindoor, which involved precise strikes that destroyed terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Over 100 terror operatives were neutralized at key locations, including Bahawalpur, the stronghold of Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Muridke, a prominent training site for Lashkar-e-Taiba.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-Evening Report: Trump signed plenty of contracts in the Middle East, but he’s no closer to the two ‘deals’ he really wants

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shahram Akbarzadeh, Convenor, Middle East Studies Forum (MESF), and Deputy Director (International), Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation, Deakin University

    US President Donald Trump’s visit to Arab states in the Middle East this week generated plenty of multibillion-dollar deals. He said more than US$1 trillion (A$1.5 trillion) worth of deals had been signed with Saudi Arabia alone, though the real total is likely much lower than that.

    Qatar also placed an order for 210 Boeing aircraft, a deal worth a reported US$96 billion (A$149 billion). Trump will no doubt present these transactions as a major success for US industry.

    The trip also helped counter concerns about US disengagement from the Middle East. For more than a decade, local elites have viewed Washington’s attention as shifting away from the region.

    This trip was a reaffirmation of the importance of the Middle East – in particular the Gulf region – to US foreign policy. This is an important signal to send to Middle Eastern leaders who are dealing with competing interests from China and, to a lesser extent, Russia.

    And from a political standpoint, Trump’s lifting of sanctions on Syria and meeting with the former rebel, now president, Ahmed al-Sharaa was very significant – both symbolically and practically.

    Until recently, al-Sharaa was listed by the United States as a terrorist with a US$10 million (A$15 million) bounty on his head. However, when his forces removed dictator Bashar al-Assad from power in December, he was cautiously welcomed by many in the international community.

    The US had invested considerable resources in removing Assad from power, so his fall was cause for celebration, even if it came at the hands of forces the US had deemed terrorists.

    This rapid turn-around is dizzying. In practice, the removal of sanctions on Syria opens the doors to foreign investment in the reconstruction of the country following a long civil war.

    It also offers an opportunity for Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as Turkey, to expand their influence in Syria at the expense of Iran.

    For a leader who styles himself a deal-maker, these can all be considered successful outcomes from a three-day trip.

    However, Trump avoided wading into the far more delicate diplomatic and political negotiations needed to end Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and find common ground with Iran on its nuclear program.

    No solution in sight for the Palestinians

    Trump skirted the ongoing tragedy in Gaza and offered no plans for a diplomatic solution to the war, which drags on with no end in sight.

    The president did note his desire to see a normalisation of relations between Arab states and Israel, without acknowledging the key stumbling block.

    While Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates have no love for Hamas, the Gaza war and the misery inflicted on the Palestinians have made it impossible for them to overlook the issue. They cannot simply leapfrog Gaza to normalise relations with Israel.

    In his first term, Trump hoped the Palestinian issue could be pushed aside to achieve normalisation of relations between Arab states and Israel. This was partially achieved with the Abraham Accords, which saw the UAE and three other Muslim-majority nations normalise relations with Israel.

    Trump no doubt believed the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreed to just before his inauguration would stick – he promised as much during the US election campaign.

    But after Israel unilaterally broke the ceasefire in March, vowing to press on with its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, he’s learned the hard way the Palestinian question cannot easily be solved or brushed under the carpet.

    The Palestinian aspiration for statehood needs to be addressed as an indispensable step towards a lasting peace and regional stability.

    It was telling that Trump did not stop in Israel this week. One former Israeli diplomat says it’s a sign Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lost his leverage with Trump.

    There’s nothing that Netanyahu has that Trump wants, needs or [that he] can give him, as opposed to, say, the Saudis, the Qataris, [or] the Emiratis.

    More harsh rhetoric for Iran

    Trump also had no new details or initiatives to announce on the Iran nuclear talks, beyond his desire to “make a deal” and his repeat of past threats.

    At least four rounds of talks have been held between Iran and the United States since early April. While both sides are positive about the prospects, the US administration seems divided on the intended outcome.

    The US Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have called for the complete dismantling of Iran’s capacity to enrich uranium as a sure safeguard against the potential weaponisation of the nuclear program.

    Trump himself, however, has been less categorical. Though he has called for the “total dismantlement” of Iran’s nuclear program, he has also said he’s undecided if Iran should be allowed to continue a civilian enrichment program.

    Iran’s capacity to enrich uranium, albeit under international monitoring, is a red line for the authorities in Tehran – they won’t give this up.

    The gap between Iran and the US appears to have widened this week following Trump’s attack on Iran as the “most destructive force” in the Middle East. The Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi called Trump’s remarks “pure deception”, and pointed to US support for Israel as the source of instability in the region.

    None of this has advanced the prospects of a nuclear deal. And though his visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE was marked by pomp and ceremony, he’ll leave no closer to solving two protracted challenges than when he arrived.

    Shahram Akbarzadeh receives funding from Australian Research Council. He is affiliated with the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, a non-profit research centre in Doha, Qatar.

    – ref. Trump signed plenty of contracts in the Middle East, but he’s no closer to the two ‘deals’ he really wants – https://theconversation.com/trump-signed-plenty-of-contracts-in-the-middle-east-but-hes-no-closer-to-the-two-deals-he-really-wants-256778

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Marlborough south moves to open fire season

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand will return the Marlborough South area to an open fire season from 8am on Friday, 16 May, until further notice.

    An open fire season means people can light outdoor fires without a permit approved by Fire and Emergency.

    All Department of Conservation land will remain in a restricted season. In a restricted season, people need a permit to light an outdoor fire approved by Fire and Emergency.

    The Marlborough North area is already in an open fire season.

    Nelson Marlborough Group Manager Chris Hayles says there is now less risk of fire across the region.

    “Although no fire permit is required it is still the responsibility of the person lighting the fire to ensure it is done so safely.

    “Fires need to be kept to a manageable size and smoke drift should not be a hazard for motorists.

    “Always visit www.checkitsalright.nz before lighting and avoid lighting fires during or ahead of strong winds.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Winslow hay bale fire update #1

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand was alerted to a large fire involving hay bales in Winslow, Ashburton around 11.30pm last night.
    Incident Controller Carrie Swanson says that at its peak, the fire was fought by 11 fire crews and additional support staff.
    “Thanks to the hard mahi of our crews, no other structures were damaged besides the two hay sheds,” she says.
    “The fire was contained to this property, and no others are currently threatened.
    “The fire began to decrease in size around midday today, but it is large and deep-seated, and will take some time to cool and extinguish completely.”
    Crews will continue to work on the fire overnight and into the next few days, Carrie Swanson says.
    “Don’t be alarmed if you see smoke in the area, as this is to be expected,” she says.
    “If you’re in the vicinity and are concerned, stay inside and keep doors and windows closed.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Consumer NZ finds some car insurance premiums have almost doubled since 2023

    Source: Consumer NZ

    Car insurance premiums have surged in the past 2 years but switching providers could save you hundreds of dollars, says Consumer NZ.

    Vanessa Pratley, investigative writer at Consumer NZ, says its annual car insurance survey found premiums have increased by as much as 46% since 2023.  

    Pratley points to inflation and extreme weather events as factors driving up the cost of insurance across the board, but another contributing factor is your age and life stage.

    “Every insurer will base its premiums on risk. How much you pay will depend on things like whether you live in a flood-prone area, the car you drive, and even your age and gender.  

    “And because not all insurers are equal – which is to say they use their own risk assessments – you might be more or less of a risk to one provider or another.

    “You can switch insurance providers any time (though there might be cancellation fees), and that could potentially reward you with hundreds of dollars in annual savings.”

    Toot if your premium’s up!

    Consumer’s survey found young males will pay more in car insurance premiums than older people or young females. And older females could pay more than older males – depending on the insurer.  

    “When we compared the costs for four different age brackets across nine insurance providers, we found annual savings ranged quite significantly – between $481 and $1,296.

    “Since 2023, the lowest median increase was just 0.6% for a family of four living in Auckland, and the highest median increase was 46% for young males living in Christchurch.

    “If the cost to insure your car is stressing you out right now, don’t cancel your cover or drop down to third-party – shop around and see what savings you could make first.”

    Switch to a lane you can afford

    Other than switching providers, Pratley explains some policies may look similar but cover very different things.

    “‘Standard’ cover with one insurer will be an optional extra with another insurer.

    “You might find your insurance policy includes towing expenses or key replacements as part of its standard offering. But if you very rarely park in the city and never lose your keys, you might be paying more than you need.

    “Take the time to compare what’s on offer and consider whether switching plans or providers would get you back to a policy you can afford.”

    Get a steer on satisfaction

    As well as crunching the numbers on the cost of car insurance premiums, Consumer surveys car insurance customers about how satisfied they are with their current provider.  

    “No one takes out insurance cover for fun. It’s an important financial safety net, for example, if you accidentally swing your car into a parked Tesla. If the right protection isn’t in place for you, you could find yourself in a real pickle.

    “The experience you get from your insurance provider, especially how they treat you, should be an important consideration, too. We’re pleased to announce that FMG and MAS received Consumer’s People’s Choice award for car insurance this year.”

    To help New Zealanders independently compare insurance providers’ cover, our team has crunched the details on comprehensive car insurance policies: https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-fhddkjk-ijjdkdttjk-j/

     

    Notes

    We got quotes from nine companies for comprehensive car insurance for four profiles. More information about our methodology, and the paywalled results, are available on our website: Car insurance – compare policies: https://consumernz.cmail19.com/t/i-l-fhddkjk-ijjdkdttjk-t/

     

     

    About Consumer

    Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget ‘25 needs to prioritise a thriving and resilient Pacific region – World Vision

    Source: World Vision

    World Vision New Zealand is urging the government to prioritise Pacific prosperity and resilience with strong investment in climate finance and foreign aid as part of Budget ’25.

    The aid agency’s National Director, Grant Bayldon, says in challenging geopolitical times, it is vital the government invests in the Pacific region to ensure it is strong and thriving.  

    He says Pacific nations are among the most vulnerable to climate shocks, and New Zealand needs to stand in solidarity with our neighbours.

    “These are tough economic times for New Zealand and many other countries, but climate finance is a cornerstone of effective development, ensuring that communities can respond to climate shocks, build resilience, and secure the rights of future generations.

    “New Zealand has a leadership role to play and that requires us to step up and support our Pacific neighbours in the face of a changing climate, growing poverty, and changing geo-political alliances.

    Bayldon says it’s more important than ever before to invest in the children of the Pacific and to support Pacific communities with education, nutrition, healthcare and the tools to combat climate change.

    “Half of the Pacific’s population are children. We know that every dollar invested in child-related programming yields exceptional returns, which will help to make Pacific communities stronger.

    “That’s a fantastic return on investment for our region and for New Zealanders who will partner with, and deliver many of these projects,” Bayldon says.

    He says this year’s Budget is particularly important because New Zealand will need to decide how much it will invest in climate finance under the United Nations Convention on Climate Change.

    New Zealand committed NZ$1.3 billion in climate finance between 2022 – 2025, but at last year’s COP29 climate conference agreed that developed nations together should contribute more (at least US$300 billion per year) in future to help low-income countries transition to clean energy and adapt to climate change.

    Bayldon says it’s incumbent on the Government to increase its climate finance commitment in Budget ’25.

    “We know that climate change is the great existential crisis of our time, and it is without doubt a humanitarian crisis in which children bear the brunt of suffering.  Every cyclone, every flood, and every village lost to rising sea levels means more children going without food, a home, and an education.

    “Our commitment to climate finance will help Pacific children and communities to become more resilient in the face of a changing climate,” he says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Vale Kerry Murphy PSM AFSM

    Source:

    Former CFA Board Chair and long-time volunteer Kerry Murphy PSM AFSM was farewelled today by family, friends, colleagues and brigade members at a memorial service at Mt Macedon Fire Brigade.

    Kerry had been a CFA member for 52 years and was honoured for a lifetime of public service, dedication and achievement not only within this organisation, but by the broader community.

    His memorial service, attended by CFA members who he mentored and supported over many decades, heard of his skill as a strategic thinker and problem solver.

    Colleagues recalled his leadership as brigade captain during the Ash Wednesday fires of 1983 when he protected the township of Mt Macedon, and in providing a calming presence during the recovery phase. He held many roles within CFA and continued to provide guidance to members across the organisation throughout his long career as a volunteer.

    Kerry’s role as CFA’s Board Chair from 2007 to 2012, and his commitment to representing the voice of the volunteer in the organisation, were recognised and highlighted, particularly in the aftermath of the 2009 fires, overseeing CFA as it implemented the changes required to improve the response to future fires.

    His honours included the Public Service Medal, Australian Fire Services Medal, Centenary Medal, National Medal and CFA Life Membership.

    Speakers reflected that Kerry’s legacy was of someone who was regarded as a caring, trusted and deeply respected friend who had left a mark on all who met him.

    At the conclusion of today’s service, CFA members formed a guard of honour outside the Mt Macedon Station to farewell Kerry Murphy for a final time.

    Submitted by CFA News

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Summer Family Cine Fest to take families on fantastical cinematic adventures (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Film Programmes Office (FPO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will present the Summer Family Cine Fest (SFCF) from July 12 to August 16, offering over 40 fun-filled film screenings at the Hong Kong Film Archive, Hong Kong City Hall, the Hong Kong Science Museum, the Hong Kong Space Museum (HKSpM) and the North District Town Hall. The programme is one of the highlights of the International Arts Carnival (IAC).
     
         The Feature Films section features 15 works. Blending animation and live action, “Diplodocus” (2024) tells the story of a cute little comic dinosaur, which, in order to save itself and its family, must help its creator regain his confidence to create. In the animated film “Into the Wonderwoods” (2024), while on the way to visit his grandmother, 10-year-old Angelo is accidentally left behind in the wild. With his imagination and courage, he embarks on a solo journey while braving monsters and demons in the forest.
     
         In “Fox and Hare Save the Forest” (2024), a selfish beaver causes a flood in the forest, and other animals bravely come together to save their home. “Tummy Tom and the Lost Teddy Bear” (2024) follows a cat on an adventurous journey to find its favourite cuddle toy bear. In “Benjamin Bat” (2024), a little bat named Benjamin is bullied by his brothers for loving singing and becoming friends with a bat’s sworn enemy, a bird. For himself and his friend, he needs to muster his courage to stand up against the odds. A cute penguin in “Thelma’s Perfect Birthday” (2024) accidentally travels from the Land of Ice to the warm Great Forest and learns the meaning of growth through this whimsical journey.
     
         “Buffalo Kids” (2024) from Spain tells the story of two young siblings and their disabled new friend teaming up to battle wits and strength against outlaws of the Wild West in a thrilling adventure of courage and inclusion. Starting from the parents of a young boy building a sailboat in their home garden, “A Boat in the Garden” (2024) tells a story of perseverance and dedication of a family of three in the pursuit of dreams.
     
         The Swedish film “The Pinchers’ High Voltage Heist” (2023) delivers a comedic portrayal of a quirky family of thieves and their hilarious lives together. In the award-winning “Coco Farm” (2023), three youngsters strive to build a business guided by conscience. In “Lampo, The Travelling Dog” (2023), a social media-famous dog and a sick girl cross paths at a train station, leading to a heartwarming tale of mutual care between human and canine. “Greetings from Mars” (2024) tells the story of how Tom turns his passion for space exploration into strength when his mother has to travel a long way away.
     
         The SFCF also features three sports-themed films. “King Richard” (2021) depicts the parenting story of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams’ father and coach, who meticulously guided them to success. Lead actor Will Smith won Best Actor awards at the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards and British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards for his performance. “Lioness” (2023) follows a South American migrant girl in the Netherlands pursuing her dream of becoming a football player in a strange land. “The Hill” (2023) delivers a passionate and inspiring true story of a baseball prodigy overcoming adversity despite suffering from a degenerative spinal condition.
     
         In addition, the FPO will co-organise with the HKSpM to present the dome show, “The Great Solar System Adventure!” (2024), at the Space Theatre of the HKSpM. Audiences will be guided through an exhilarating journey across the solar system. After the screenings, audiences will be invited to join a post-screening activity at the HKSpM Lecture Hall to make Mars paper models and learn about the major discoveries of various Mars exploration missions. This activity will be conducted in Cantonese.
     
         Veteran dubbing artists Yip Ka-man and Kinson Lai will perform live Cantonese dubbing for “Thelma’s Perfect Birthday”, “Benjamin Bat” and “Into the Wonderwoods” with no subtitles. “The Great Solar System Adventure!” is in Cantonese, with English available through the headphone system, with no subtitles. Other films will feature Chinese and English subtitles.
     
         Apart from the feature films, the FPO has hand-picked 20 animated short films from around the world to present three World Animation & Shorts programmes, titled “All About Love”, “Is That OK?” and “Craving For Food!”. Professional actor and drama tutor Man Jai (Raymond Chan) will host an introduction in Cantonese for the programmes.
     
         The FPO will also present a two-day event titled Summer of Light: Cinematic Adventure at Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre on July 12 and 13. The event consists of free activities and ticketed workshops for the public to participate. Details will be available in early June on the FPO website www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp.
     
         Tickets are priced at $88 and will be available from tomorrow (May 16) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2734 2900 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/fp/en/listing.html?id=75.
     
         For details of other IAC programmes, please visit the website www.hkiac.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –